《The Ocean Lord Is Unusually Powerful》 Chapter 1 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Welcome to the Lord of Glory. This is a paradise for the strong and a hell for the weak. Each player will become a lord, building their own territory, collecting resources, establishing trade relations, and leading their armies to conquer all directions. Each lord will have one chance to draw from the initial recruitment camp for their army and be randomly assigned territory and some initial resources. There is no absolute fairness, so make good use of everything you have. Obscurity or fame, death as dust or eternal transformation, all depends on a single thought Ji Chen sat on the wide, white beach, staring blankly into the distance. As he watched the exit button disappear from the menu bar, he felt a complex mix of emotions. To understand why, we need to go back to just over ten minutes ago. Filled with excitement, he entered the new game Lord of Glory, intending to have a good time playing this game for lords that claimed to have a billion beta testers. But what he didnt expect was that he couldnt choose to log out of the game once he entered. At the same time, he heard a mechanical female voice in his ear. Become a lord, draw your army, recruit troops It took him a while to snap out of his daze. His mood was slightly complicated. If he understood correctly, the game had probably merged with reality, or he had transmigrated into the game. But regardless of which possibility it was, it meant that he could not go back. Although this seemed a little unbelievable, it was difficult for people to react in time. However, since things had already turned out this way, he could only smile and raise his middle finger to face reality. However, after the initial confusion and helplessness, he was surprised to find that this wasnt something he couldnt accept. On the contrary, he was starting to feel a sense of happiness. After all, it was just a game, and life was like a game, wasnt it? Playing was always fun, regardless of where it was. Besides, he was already living alone, so there was nothing to hold him back. Moreover, this world looked much more interesting. Images of various fantasy creatures, armies attacking, and lords living in the game trailer slowly flashed through his mind. The anticipation and excitement in his heart slowly emerged. He would lead thousands of troops, conquer land and enemies, and become eternal. Things that were difficult to achieve in the past could perhaps be achieved in this world. Since Ive already entered this world, I cant change or go back. So, why dont I abandon the past and welcome a new life? At the very least, I have to live a more exciting life than before. The players are all at the same starting line, so I cant fall behind. Its time to take action. Every minute and second in the early stages of the game is precious! Ji Chen nodded firmly. He shook off all the messy thoughts in his mind and stood up to pat the sand off his butt. He began to observe his surroundings carefully. In front of him was an endless sea. The blue waves rippled, and the water and sky were one color. A flock of seagulls flew leisurely in the distance, against the backdrop of the clear blue sky. The sound of the tide washing the fine sand created a rhythmic melody, while the salty sea breeze blew across his face, offering a sense of relief. To his left and right, the long white beach extended as far as the eye could see, eventually meeting the black cliffs looming in the distance. In the distance, a two-masted sailboat lay half-tilted and stranded between the reefs, its wooden frame damaged and weathered by the elements. Most of it was submerged in water, giving it a desolate appearance. Looks like Ive landed near the seaside. The scenery is pretty good. Ji Chen turned around and gazed upon the lush forest with its verdant branches and leaves. As he pondered where his territory might be located in this new world, an arrow suddenly appeared before him, pointing towards a small forest path. [Your territory (54 meters away)] Ji Chen realized that his territory was located in the jungle, not too far from the beach. However, he didnt immediately head towards it. Instead, he opened the menu bar again to explore his other options. Aside from the missing logout button, he noticed that there were other options available in the menu bar. For example, the personal interface, territory interface, and so on. Ji Chen observed that the other options in the menu bar, besides the personal interface, were grayed out. He speculated that this might be due to not having entered his territory yet. The opening option that I chose when I entered the game should be in my personal panel He thought for a moment and opened his personal interface. A light screen suddenly appeared in front of him. [Name: Ji Chen] [Level: 1 (0%/100%)] [Identity: Ocean Lord] [Main Class: Warrior (Apprentice)] [Sub-profession: Fisherman (Novice [Proficiency:0/100] [Lords Talent: Seas Favor I (Blue talent, can evolve into a rare talent, favored by the Ocean Mother. The concept of its use is relatively broad. The current clear use is:(1) It is easier to obtain the gifts of the ocean. (2) When the troops under your command are near the ocean, their stamina and recovery speed will increase by 30%)] [Territory Name: Nameless Village (changeable)] [Territory Level: Level 1 Village] [Military recruitment camp: None (the initial military recruitment camp selection opportunity has not been used)] [Item: Worn fishing rod (1-star treasure)] Upon entering the game, Ji Chen had only been able to choose his main and secondary professions. The rest of his attributes, such as his identity, talent, and descent location, were randomly assigned by the system. A glimmer of joy flickered in his eyes as he reviewed his Lords talent. It was the Seas Favor, a blue talent. Could this be a rare and evolvable talent, he wondered. Having played many games, he naturally understood the meaning of rare and evolvable. Ji Chen couldnt believe his luck at having randomly drawn such a powerful talent. He was thrilled to discover that its effects seemed to be compatible with his sub-profession of Fisherman. As he looked down at his interface, he realized that he had yet to draw the military recruitment camp. He couldnt help but wonder what kind of troops he would be able to recruit with it. The moment he had such thoughts, the light screen in front of him suddenly changed. An ordinary wheel appeared on the screen, divided into twelve white squares, with the needle fixed upwards. A notification sounded in his ear. [Ding ~ We have detected that you are a Sea Lord. Placing Sea Troops.] As soon as the system finished speaking, twelve rays of light suddenly appeared from the edge of the light beam. They circled around a few times before drilling into the wheel like swallows returning to their nests. As the grid of the wheel changed, some black shadows of the army appeared. Ji Chen widened his eyes to try to see what kind of soldier was in the grid. However, other than a large number of blurry black shadows, it was difficult to see what kind of soldier it was. He took a deep breath and knew that it was time to test his character and luck again. With a single thought, the wheel on the screen began to turn on its own. After several quick rotations, the wheel gradually slowed down and landed on one of the squares. The wheel disappeared, and a chubby shadow emerged. Ding~ You have drawn River Murloc (2 stars, first rank). Ji Chens mouth twitched slightly. He had only drawn a first-rank troop. In Glory of the Lord, troops were generally divided into seven ranks, ranging from first to seventh rank, with each rank consisting of 1 to 9 stars. Meanwhile, the River Murlocs level was only 2-star Tier 1. which was not only the lowest rank but also one of the weakest troops even among the first-rank troops. Those with high emotional intelligence would say, At least Im higher than the 1-star first-rank troops. Those with low emotional intelligence would say, Im second to last. Despite having drawn a rare talent, Ji Chen had only managed to draw a low-ranking Murloc. As the mechanical female voice had said, there was no absolute fairness in the game. Ji Chen sighed softly and closed the light screen. Without further ado, he followed the arrow and quickly walked into the jungle path. After walking for more than fifty meters, the scenery suddenly opened up before him. A clearing appeared in front of him. Several tall wooden houses stood in the clearing, and more than forty villagers dressed in rough clothes were gathered in the middle. Each of them had a look of expectation as if waiting for someone. These villagers are in my territory, could they be my subjects? Ji Chen thought to himself as he walked towards them. As expected, when these villagers saw him, their eyes lit up and they excitedly came to him, kneeling down before him with a loud thud. %&#!@ Ji Chen couldnt help but furrow his brows, feeling confused. These villagers were speaking a language that Ji Chen had never heard before. Their pronunciation and intonation were very different from what he was used to. As he was feeling a little lost, he noticed that the words they were saying seemed to be slowly changing. Gradually, he began to understand some of the words they were using. At first, he only understood a few simple words, but then he began to grasp short phrases. Eventually, he was able to connect the sentences together and understand everything they were saying as clearly as if it were his mother tongue. The villagers were pleading, Great Lord of Glory, please save us! Chapter 2 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Chapter 2: How to Break the Starting Point of the Island, Territory Panel Oh my god, what the deity said was true, a true lord of glory has appeared! Lord, please lead us to survive here! Our Lord, with your arrival, good times are coming! These words entered his ears one by one. Ji Chens eyes showed realization. As if he had been struck by lightning, he suddenly understood the language. It should be a newcomers privilege to help them quickly grasp the common language of this world. And these villagers should also be the same kind of new player privilege. Looking at these ragged, skinny villagers, their faces were filled with lingering worries and anxieties, and their speech was full of excitement and awe. In the face of Ji Chens arrival, they looked both happy and a little afraid. Faced with more than forty pairs of hopeful eyes, Ji Chen felt slightly moved. Be Quiet, he said calmly. As soon as he finished speaking. The villagers immediately closed their mouths and looked at him eagerly. I ask, you answer, understand? Yes, respected Lord of Glory! The villagers nodded in unison like school children answering a teachers question. Satisfied with their response, Ji Chen continued, My first question is, what do you mean by the term Lord of Glory? The villagers looked at each other in confusion, then a slightly bolder young man gathered the courage to speak up. In half a month ago, the gods told us that today a Glory Lord will come, they possess some incredible power. Ji Chen nodded lightly. This answer wasnt really a problem, as the games promotion clearly stated that players would play as a lord in the game. And the Glory Lord is the given identity, allowing players to legitimately take over the territory. Very well, now the second question, what is this place? Whats worth noticing around here? With the first question as a preface, the villagers were less afraid and restrained. They also seemed to feel that Ji Chen was actually easy to get along with, so they quickly answered the second question. We dont know exactly where this is. A month ago, our ship was caught in a storm and was stranded here after the ship was damaged. We only know that this is an island. Upon hearing their answer, Ji Chens brow furrowed. This place was actually an island? He initially thought that this place was just close to the seaside, but it turned out to be on an island surrounded by the sea! This could be difficult. Starting on an island was difficult, the middle stage was difficult, and the later stage was also difficult! Not to mention the deadly issues of food and fresh water. External transportation, tsunami disasters, land resources, and so on. In his impression, islands were often associated with death. But fortunately, the villagers following words made him feel a little relieved. However, when we went out to search for food earlier, we found that this island is quite large. We walked for a long time and didnt reach the other end. There are also many wild beasts in the jungle. In the north of the territory, there is a stream where we get our freshwater. Before you arrived, there seemed to be a mysterious force in this open space that kept the beasts and monsters away Ji Chens spirits were lifted. Elemental Perception! Beasts, streams, mysterious powers. According to what they said, the size of this island should not be small, at least enough to form an ecosystem that can accommodate wild beasts. Moreover, looking around, the surrounding forests are very dense, and there are plenty of resources such as wood. Wild beasts dont approach this open space, which is probably also a condition given to newbies to prevent players from being attacked as soon as they land and die immediately. At this point, Jichen also remembered the stranded ship he saw on the beach earlier, which should be the ship mentioned by these villagers. It seemsthe situation isnt so bad? He pondered for a moment and continued to ask, Tell me your names and skills. If they wanted to survive on the island, it was necessary to make use of everyones strengths and abilities. So, asking about their specialties was still necessary. Through two rounds of questioning, the villagers had already formed a vague understanding. That is, Ji Chen was easy to get along with. Upon hearing his words, someone quickly took the lead and spoke up. Alan, Im a beginner blacksmith Rui Si, Im a beginner tailor Sake, I have no specialty or skill Wilus, I have some experience in managing internal affairs One by one, the villagers spoke out their names and skills. There were blacksmiths, tailors, and also some who didnt have any skills at all. When Ji Chen heard that someone had experience in domestic management, his eyes lit up. He asked out loud. Where is Wilus? Honorable Lord of Glory, your humble Wilus is here. A middle-aged man with a proper appearance took a step forward and bowed respectfully. Ji Chens interest was piqued. Not only did he look decent, but he also knew how to bow. He looked a little different from the other villagers. You said you have some experience in internal affairs management? Yes, my lord. The middle-aged man nodded respectfully and replied, I used to be the butler of a nobleman, assisting in managing the affairs of the nobles territory. But after the nobleman died in battle, I left and ended up here after surviving a shipwreck while seeking a livelihood. Ji Chen nodded with admiration in his eyes. Upon hearing such a well-organized answer, he knew that Wilus was not an ordinary person. So he had an idea and tried to check his attribute panel. [Wilus] [Race: Human] [Level: 4] [Skill: Internal Affairs Management (green skill, has a certain level of internal affairs management ability, more than enough for an undeveloped territory)] Frugality (White skill, good at food management, can reduce food consumption speed by 10%) [Remark: Wilus was once a butler of a nobleman. He has a certain level of internal management skills.] It looked pretty good. There was a green skill and a white skill. Among such a group of villagers in distress, he could be considered a talent. When it came to talents, it was natural to make use of them. Ji Chen nodded in understanding and said without much hesitation. Wilus, I now appoint you as the internal affairs officer of the territory. You will assist me in managing the affairs of the territory. The rest will listen to your orders and maintain the normal operation of the territory. Wilus was stunned. Surprise appeared in his eyes, and his expression became slightly excited. He then bowed again, with an even more respectful expression on his face. I will assist you with all my heart, my lord, he said. Nodding slightly, Ji Chen said, Now, you will take over the task of counting the number of villagers and their skills. Yes, my lord, said Villus, who had just taken over as the new manager. He quickly completed the count and reported back to Ji Chen. There were a total of 42 villagers. Among them were three novice blacksmiths and two novice tailors. There were also six villagers with novice fishermen and novice shipbuilder skills, who knew how to make small fishing boats and catch fish, which was one of the compensations given at the beginning of the game for starting on a difficult island. The others did not have any skills. However, among the 42 players, almost a quarter of them had skills, which could be considered a talent pool. According to further inquiries, it was discovered that these villagers, after experiencing a shipwreck and being stranded on this island, found this natural clearing in the forest and built a few simple stilted wooden houses to live in. The slightly larger stilted wooden house in the middle was built as the lords mansion after they received news a few days ago that a glory lord was coming. However, judging by their disheveled and hungry appearance, they probably havent been doing well here. After gaining a preliminary understanding of the villagers, the territory panel in the menu bar also lit up and can now be accessed. Ji Chen pondered and opened the territory panel. [Nameless Village (Modifiable)] (Natural removal of beasts and monsters within 7 days) [Overlord: Ji Chen] [Level: Level 1 village (100 prosperity points required to upgrade to the next level, 1000 units of wood, fiber, and clay consumed)] [Prosperity: 48/100] [Popular sentiment: 50 (Normal)] [Citizens: Humans (42)] [Territory building: Level 1 lords mansion, simple residential house (5), simple tool room (1)] [City defense works: None] [Military recruitment camp: River Murloc (level one, 2 stars)] [Territory size: 100 x 100 (m)] [Territory Resources: Wood (500 units), stone (500 units), fiber (500 units), clay (500 units), crude iron (500 units)] [Food Storage: Wheat-based rations (84 units)] [Territory Protection: Gift of the Sea (The subjects and soldiers can catch more fish in the sea, and their sense of direction and swimming in the sea will be greatly improved)] [Territory specialty: Precious jungle wood (4-star specialty), Premium coffee beans (4-star specialty)] [Territory Special Building: Jungle Plantation (Not yet constructed)] Chapter 3 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The screen displays a dazzling array of territory attributes. Some of the attributes were new to him, while others he had already learned from the game information. For example, in the territory resources, the five basic resources of wood, stone, fiber, clay, and crude iron are the most important in Glory Lord. They have great significance in both recruiting troops and constructing the territory. The setting of prosperity is determined by factors such as population, building construction, and troop situations. It can only be upgraded when a certain value is reached. The rest of the information could only be slowly explored later. His attention returned to the top of the screen. Seeing that the territory was still called Unnamed Village, he thought about what name would be better. After some thought, he had an idea. He would call it the Crown of the Ocean. Since the territory was on an island surrounded by an endless sea, he decided to build it into a dazzling crown in the ocean. The territorys name is the Crown of the Ocean! he announced. As expected of the wise lord, the name is pleasing to the ear! praised the villagers. Under the leadership of the lord, the Ocean Crown will surely become a powerful territory! Upon hearing this, the villagers immediately started flattering. Alright, alright, this lord knows. Already fully immersed in the role of a lord, Ji Chen coughed lightly a few times and continued, Wilus. My lord, please give your orders. Now, lead them to cut down the trees and vines around this clearing and collect wood and fiber. Then, try to widen the road to the water source and beach. Be careful not to leave the territory and prevent attacks from beasts and monsters. Cutting down trees is the first step to becoming rich. Following by building roads after clearing the trees. The panel shows that the territory is 100100, but this clearing looks like its only about 5050, with most of the territory submerged in the jungle, with a very small usable area. These trees not only hinder movement but also hinder progress. Chopping down trees can also yield resources. Yes, sir! Upon hearing his command, the villagers immediately followed Wilus and respectfully complied. They walked to the tool shed and picked up their tools, immediately starting to work. Watching them working hard, Jian Chen nodded with satisfaction. He thought he would win his mens hearts by feeding them more good food that night. With this thought in mind, he did not waste any time. He walked to an empty space beside the lords residence and took out the core of the military recruitment camp from his spatial backpack. The Overlords initial space backpack only had a maximum of 10 slots, and each slot was 1x1x1 (meters) in size. Items larger than this space could not be put in. There were only two things in the backpack now. One was the core of the River Murloc Military Recruitment Camp, and the other was a fishing rod. Ji Chen took out the core of the military recruitment camp. The core of the military recruitment camp was not big. It was just a glass ball the size of a fist, and inside it was a lifelike merman. Ding ~ Do you want to build the River Murloc Military Recruiting Camp (Level 1, 2 stars)? Yes. The core of the military recruitment camp flew into the ground, and the soil trembled slightly. A Murloc statue suddenly broke out of the ground in the middle, surrounded by a shallow pool. The pool water rippled, looking like an ordinary little pond landscape. Ji Chen had a thought in mind and check its stats panel. A screen of light suddenly appeared before his eyes. [River Murloc Statue] [Level: Level 1, 2 stars] [Type of soldier recruited: River Murloc (level one, 2 stars)] [Number of recruits per week: 14] [Current Recruited]: 21 [Recruitment Consumption: 4 units of wood, 4 units of fiber, 4 units of clay.] [Recruit] As expected of a level 1 2-star soldier. The resources consumed for recruitment were really low. Recruiting one would only require a total of 12 units of resources, and 21 of them would not even require 100 units of resources. The territory was not peaceful. There were wild beasts and monsters. It was a time when they urgently needed combat power. He did not hesitate and chose to recruit them all immediately. Recruit! After pressing the button. The resources of wood, fiber, and clay in the territory were reduced by 84 units each. The Murloc army recruitment camp in front of him also began to glow slightly. The water in the pool rippled and gradually became turbid. A circular shadow appeared in the shallow pool. Thump ~ A semi-circular wave suddenly appeared on the waters surface. A light blue fishs head instantly jumped out of the water, followed by the fishs body. Finally, the entire Murloc jumped out of the pool. It stood by the pool in a daze, its body still dripping water to the ground. Croak! Then, the next Murloc, followed by 21 Murlocs jumped out of the water. Croak croak croak! They crowded around the pool, listening to the croaking. Looking at the scene, he couldnt help but widen his eyes. He couldnt understand how such a large Murloc could emerge from such a shallow pool. According to the information, the setting for recruiting these units was very strange. The unit recruitment camp was like a signal receiver, summoning the wandering souls from another dimension, and then using resources to forge their bodies, thus completing the recruitment. As for how to summon the souls, he didnt understand. It was said to be quantum mechanics. Ji Chen gazed at it. The River Murlocs were just as ugly and perhaps even uglier than he had imagined. They had four limbs like humans, but were much shorter, only about 1.3 meters tall. Their limbs looked as if they were randomly stuck to their bodies, short and comical. A large, bloated salted fish head was directly attached to their round and plump bodies, and a row of ferocious thorn-like spines grew on their backs. Their bodies were covered in light blue, very slippery scales, with fins of various sizes on their limbs, and their legs were completely webbed. The round fish head had a pair of protruding dead fish eyes, reflecting a strange light, looking incredibly stupid. Their weapons were even more unbearable, just a bunch of bone sticks stripped from some creature, making the whole fish look like a weakling. Damn it! This unit was too ugly. With a glimmer of hope, he opened their interface. [River Murloc] [Race: Murloc] [Level: 1] [Level: Level 1, 2 stars] [Skill: Murloc Body (White skill, body covered in fish scales and sticky liquid, can deflect attacks to a certain extent)] Diving (White skill. When moving in the water, it can reduce the movement when swimming) [Military characteristic: Cowardly (Murlocs are timid by nature. When they encounter strong enemies and danger, they may be afraid and even run away.] Ji Chen let out a sigh. Okay, he shouldnt have had some unrealistic ideas and expectations. No wonder it was a 2-star level 1 unit. Not only in appearance but also in strength, it was 100% worthy of its level. Just when he was feeling a bit depressed about those stupid river-Murlocs. Suddenly a prompt popped up. Detected that you already have an army, military talent tree system activated. Military talent tree? At the top of the menu, a new option appeared prominently. Clicking on the option, a light screen flashed out. Above is a branching tree-like diagram, with sections extending. [River Murloc (Level 1, 2-star)] [Unlocked node A-1: Murloc Body (White Skill Green Skill)][Consumes 200 units of wood, 100 units of clay] [Unlocked node B-1: Diving (White skill Green skill) Consumes 200 units of fiber, 100 units of clay.] [Unlocked node C-1: Bone Spear Equipment (new white skill)][Requires 300 units of thick iron] [Unlocked node D-1: Cowardly (Military characteristic weakened/enhanced) [Requires 500 units of wood, 500 units of fiber] [Advanced: After unlocking nodes A-1, B-1, C-1, and D-1, it can be upgraded to a second-tier 1-star soldier.] [Unlocking any node can increase star level or level.] Could this be his cheat? It seemed to be a very powerful tool. According to the information available, in Lord of Glory, the skills and ranks of units were relatively fixed, and in most cases could not be increased or enhanced. Yet here he was, able to directly improve the units skill level by consuming resources, adding new skills and changing unit characteristics, and even advancing to a higher level. Coach! Id like to report someone for cheating! Oh, wait, that person was me? Well then, no problem! Chapter 4 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen suppressed his excitement. He scrolled down the military talent tree. He found that other than these four nodes, the rest of the talent tree was shrouded in a layer of fog. He could not see the nodes further behind. After pondering for a moment, he decided to unlock the node for the River Murloc immediately. There was no other reason. The River Murlocs were really too weak. If he brought them out to fight monsters, they might be killed instead. The River Murlocs were really too weak. If he brought them out to fight monsters, they might be killed instead. Losing their troops was secondary. It would not be worth it if they lost their lives. He opened the territory interface and looked at the basic resources he had. Apart from the Stones, he had already used up a portion of the rest of the materials while recruiting the River Murlocs. Now, he had four nodes to unlock. However, he could not unlock node D-1 because it required too many resources. There was not enough wood and iron. Now, he could only unlock the first three nodes and try his best to increase the strength of the Murlocs. Without hesitation, Ji Chens fingers swiftly tapped and unlocked each node, one after another. Consumed 200 units of wood and 100 units of clay to unlock node A-1. Consumed 200 units of fiber and 100 units of clay to unlock node B-1. Consumed 300 units of crude iron to unlock node C-1. The River Murloc has met the requirements for advancement. Do you wish to proceed? Yes. River Murloc (Level 1, 2 stars) has advanced to River Murloc (Level 1, 8 stars). The shape of the River Murlocs in front of him had undergone some visible changes. The scales on his body became even and thicker, like the armor of ancient soldiers. The spines on their back were also much more orderly, giving them a faint streamlined sense. The large bone club in his hand had also turned into sharp bone spears, looking rather sharp and sturdy. And those dead fisheyes, hmmIt was still a very iconic dead fish eye. It was a racial characteristic, after all. Well, he didnt really mind this. As long as he was strong enough, it was fine. He checked their interface again. [River Murloc] [Level: 1] [Level: Level 1, 8 stars] [Skill: Murloc Body (Green characteristic, neat fish scales, and sticky body, can deflect attacks to a certain extent, increases a certain degree of defense)] Diving (Green characteristic, when moving in the water, it can reduce the movement when swimming and increase the swimming speed) Bone Spear Equipment (White characteristic, uses a sturdy bone spear as a weapon, with higher lethality) [Military characteristic: Cowardly (Murlocs are timid by nature. When they encounter strong enemies and danger, they may be afraid and even run away.] The original two skills had been upgraded from white to green, and there was also a new white skill. After unlocking the first three nodes, the River Murloc advanced from Level 1 2-Star to Level 1 8-Star. As long as he unlocked the D-1 node, he could truly become a tier 2 soldier. The level of the army was very important. Other than representing the strength of the army, it also represented the upper limit of the upgrade. Tier 1 soldiers could only be upgraded to level 9 at most, while tier 2 soldiers could be upgraded to level 19, and so on. With every level up, the strength of the army would increase by a little. Although there was no definite change in attributes, the difference in strength was real. The higher the level, the greater the difference in strength between different levels of soldiers. After unlocking the three nodes. The fog on these three lines on the military talent tree dissipated a little, revealing more nodes at the back, but unlocking them required more resources. Ji Chen closed the talent tree panel and turned to look at the military recruitment camp. [River Murloc Statue] [Level: Level 1, 8 stars] [Type of soldier recruited: River Murloc (level one, 8 stars)] [Number of recruits per week: 14] [Current Recruited]: 0 [Recruitment cost: 15 units of wood, 15 units of fiber, 15 units of clay.] [Recruit] Not bad. It seemed that the talent tree had been lit up, and even the military recruitment camp itself would change. The advanced Murlocs were clearly very excited. They could feel the changes in their bodies, and they all looked at Ji Chen with admiration as they croaked. Croak? Croak! Croak ~ Croak! Croak ~ He looked at the murlocs dead fisheyes and had a thought. As a lord, he seemed to be able to understand the language of these Murlocs. What were they saying? Great Salted Fish Lord? Damn it. Im the man who wants to become the Lord of the Sea, so what the hell is the Salted Fish Lord? He told the Murlocs to wait outside. Ji Chen, who was in a good mood, leisurely walked into the Lords Manor. Although it was called the lords manor, it was just a slightly larger, simple, high-legged wooden house. The wooden floor was elevated half a meter from the ground, with a wooden step in front of it. The roof was made of straw boards composed of fiber. This type of structure was well-suited for the humid and hot jungle environment, as it provided ample ventilation and helped to keep the interior relatively dry. There were basic beds and furnishings inside, and while it wasnt luxurious, it was sufficient for comfortable living. After taking a casual look inside, he walked out to check the Lords Manors interface. [Lords Manor] [Level: Level 1] [Area: 1015 (m)] [Effect: 1. Slightly speeds up the recovery of energy and physical strength. 2. Slightly increases the labor efficiency of the subjects.] In Lord of Glory , the classification of buildings and construction in the territory was very strict. The territory was divided into seven levels: Village, Town, Nation City, Domain City, Giant City, Capital City, and King City. Each major level was further divided into five minor levels, ranging from Level 1 to Level 5. Every time he leveled up, he could expand the size of his territory. He could also spend a certain amount of resources to expand a piece of land that was separated from his territory. If the player wanted to, they could create a Territory in the shape of an Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Cannon. Then, he looked at the other buildings in the territory. Other than the lords manor, there were only two types of buildings in the territory: simple dormitories and tool rooms. [Simple Dormitory (Tall Wooden House)] [Level: Level 1 (300 units of wood, 300 units of fiber, 300 units of clay required to upgrade to level 2)] [Area: 810 (m)] [Living capacity: 7[Comfortable]~10[Congested] [Effect: 1. Slightly speeds up the recovery of energy and physical strength. 2. Reduces the desire to give birth. 3. Long-term residence reduces labor enthusiasm.] There were a total of five such simple residences, which could accommodate 42 residents. There were also a few empty spaces. Among the three effects, the last two negative effects were worth noting. It seemed that they couldnt live in such a simple house for a long time. Otherwise, these residents wouldnt work hard. How could he exploit them Ahem, how could he let them live a good life? With him providing food, the citizens would not go hungry. The population was a valuable resource, necessary for construction, planting, and resource collection. Without enough people, nothing could be accomplished. Furthermore, on this isolated island, replenishing the population was a major challenge, so it was important to value these citizens. Chapter 5 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen went to the tool room. [Tool room] [Level: Level 1 (400 units of wood, 400 units of stone, 400 units of fiber, 400 units of thick iron needed to upgrade to intermediate)] [Area: 86] [Maximum capacity: 6] 1. Able to make tools. 2. Increases tool-making efficiency by 5%. Although this tool room was not big, it was well-equipped. It could make all kinds of tools, including but not limited to axes, saws, hoes, fishing nets, pottery, and so on. Looking at all these tools, Ji Chen suddenly remembered that he had a fishing rod in his backpack. With a quick thought, the fishing rod appeared in his hand. This fishing rod looked like it had been used for some time. The handle at the end was a little worn, but it also made it very comfortable to hold. It gave him a feeling of having used it for many years. Ji Chen stared at the fishing rod. The information on the fishing rods interface popped up before his eyes. [Worn Fishing Rod] [Level: 1-star treasure] [Effect: Increases the chance of catching precious fish from the water.] [A good fishing rod passed down from my ancestors. It seems to have gathered the resentment of many fishermen who have obtained nothing ] When he saw the last column, he subconsciously smiled. Being on a deserted island, there were plenty of opportunities for fishing. He wondered what kind of wonderful chemical reaction would occur between his Lords talent and the Seas Favor. Ji Chen put away the fishing rod and looked around. The villagers had already started gathering wood, and the Murlocs had been summoned to help with finding food. Originally, there wasnt much food in the territory, and with the additional twenty-one Murlocs to feed, food resource was likely to be depleted in less than two days. Therefore, finding food was urgent. But before setting off to search, he wanted to see the current status of the others. Ji Chen clicked on the menu bar, and the option for the chat channel was also highlighted. He clicked on the channel. The chat channel was divided into two sub-channels: the World Main channel and the Kingdom/Region chat channel, as well as a forum channel. The forum channel is similar to a forum where players can exchange strategies. However, the game had just started, so there was not much valuable strategy and information on it. Ji Chen directly opened the World Main channel. A large number of chat messages immediately appeared, densely packed, making him dizzy. He took a closer look. At this time, the people speaking in the channel could be divided into several types. Those who had yet to accept reality were still panicking. Those who had already accepted reality and were planning to make grand plans. Those who were venting their emotions because they had drawn trash or powerful military recruitment camps. There were also people who saw that their troops gain enough experience to level and were busy boasting. And so on. Seeing so many players talking on the world channel, Ji Chen felt a little relieved. With so many people entering the game world together, he didnt feel like he was alone. It was that kind of feeling: Im not okay if Im the only unlucky one, but if were all unlucky together, its okay! Ji Chen also noticed the age distribution of the players. They were basically in the prime of their youth. This was probably because in Lord of Glory, the game was only allowed to be played by young players who could withstand the mental pressure of a holographic game, under the reason that only young people had the necessary nerves to handle it. Therefore, the players who appeared here were basically in their prime. There were no children or old people. After taking a casual look. Ji Chen closed the World Channel and opened the Kingdom Channel. However, he was soon confused. No one spoke in the kingdom channel. It was empty. What was going on? Was it stuck, or did the message not appear? The world channel was so lively, so why was there no one in the Kingdom channel? He looked puzzled. Could it be that there is no kingdom present in this place? Did it belong to some ungoverned island? If there was no one in the Kingdom channel, then there should be someone in the regional channel, right? With that in mind, he opened the regional channel. But he was puzzled again. No one was speaking on the regional channel, and it was as empty as his wallet. Ji Chens eyebrows furrowed. His face suddenly changed. He thought of a possibility. Damn it, could it be that there is no other player in this region except him? This guess was like a bolt from the blue, leaving him shocked. It should be noted that there is no trading system, trading market, or exchange in Lord of Glory! Players need to trade goods face to face if they want to trade with each other. Whats even scarier is that his territory is located on an island in the boundless ocean. No one is speaking on the regional channel, which means that in the early stages, he cannot trade with other players and must develop on his own. This starting point is almost unreachable. After a moment of doubting his life, Ji Chen rubbed his chin and began to think, with a hint of brightness in his eyes. Being alone in a region doesnt seem like a purely bad thing? In this world without laws, where players rely solely on their flexible moral standards, at least in the early stages, there is no need to worry about the threat of other players. Moreover, there were no players nearby, so he could easily occupy the resources of the entire area. This way, the development of the territory would be several times faster. The premise was that the resources would not be too scarce. Soon, Ji Chen noticed the benefits and adjusted his mood. He became more active in his thinking. Although there was no need to worry about threats from other players in the early stages, they would have to leave the island eventually. Currently, the area around the territory was all ocean. In the future, if they wanted to leave the island, they would need transportation such as ships to find the mainland or other islands. Thinking of this, Ji Chen clenched his fist. He remembered that the villagers had previously mentioned that they had encountered a shipwreck and were forced to stay here because their ship had run aground on a distant reef. The ship was stranded in a nearby rocky area. Now, he could go check the situation of that ship. If the ship could still be repaired, then there was no need to worry too much about being stuck here. The initiative was in his hands! Without hesitation, Ji Chen, who was eager to check on the ships condition, immediately set off with the River Murlocs. He walked back to the beach along the same path he had taken before. As soon as he arrived, the scorching sun beat down on him and the warm sand clung to his boots. The salty sea breeze blew in once again, and in the distance, the sea and sky merged into one. Seagulls flocked together, fish leaped out of the water, and the sun glistened on the surface of the sea. The view was refreshing. From this perspective, a person could monopolize this wonderful sea view at all times, free of charge. After clearing the trees between the territory and the beach, wouldnt the houses in the territory have a natural sea view? Not only that, the entire island was his own! After identifying the direction, he led the Murlocs towards the ship. Caw, caw, caw!! Caw, caw, caw! Croak As soon as they came into contact with the seawater, the River Murlocs became excited and kept shouting. The Murlocs chaotic cries were automatically translated into Ji Chens ears. Ah! Its the sea! The sea! Its all water! In the end, Ji Chen couldnt take their noise anymore and gave them a smack on their heads, silencing them all. He was a man with twenty-one fish following him. He walked along the soft white sand and stepped on the ebb and flow of the sea. The ship was stranded not far away, and it took them about ten minutes to get close. Chapter 6 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The damage to the ship is much more severe than he imagined. Not only have the two masts in the front and back been broken into two pieces, but even the sails hanging on them have only a little bit left connected to the hull. This half-submerged ship looks like it has collided head-on with a reef. There are several large holes in the hull, and the body is covered with long and narrow cracks, which have broken directly from the middle of the ship. Judging by the degree of distortion of the hull, it is estimated that even the keel has been broken. Not to mention repairs, it is estimated that it can only be scrapped for recycling. Before Ji Chen could even feel disappointed, there suddenly came a strange noise from the damaged ship, which made him instantly alert. He immediately became vigilant. Soon, hideous tentacles extended out of the black hole, and pairs of red eyes appeared. Ding ~ You have entered combat mode. Morale assessment in progress. The Lord of your side leads the army, morale +10. Close to the ocean, morale +3. Number Suppression, Morale +5. Level Suppression, Morale +5. The level disadvantage, morale -5. [Troop characteristics: Cowardly, morale -15.] The morale of our River Murlocs is at 53 points. We have entered an advantageous state. Ji Chens expression froze, and he felt happy. Morale was one of the components of the battle system in the Lord of Glory. Morale was in a balanced state when it was 50 points. If it was higher than 50 points, it would enter an advantageous state, and if it was lower than 50 points, it would enter a disadvantageous state. The former would increase the combat strength and will of the troops, while the latter would cause a decrease. For example, if morale was lower than 10 points, they would flee. If it was higher than 90 points, they would attack crazily without caring about casualties. Morale was determined by the number, quality, environment, and characteristics of the troops. However, the cowardly behavior of the Murlocs actually caused a direct reduction in morale by 15 points, almost bringing it down to 50 points. It was simply demoralizing. When he came back to his senses, the ferocious tentacles that had extended from the hull had already reached out, and even the monsters hidden inside had revealed their heads. Ten tentacled monsters that were half the size of a human scrambled to crawl out of the hole. These monsters had eight thick tentacles with suckers on the inside, each lined with thin, triangular teeth. The tentacles were connected to a huge head in the middle, which had a ferocious mouthpart facing downwards. Two round eyes grew at the base of each tentacle where they met the head. At this moment, they seemed to have smelled the scent of food. They widened their bell-like eyes and crawled out of the holes in the hull. [Shallow Water Octopus] [Level: 2] [Rank: Level 1, 3 stars] [Skill: Tentacle Bind (White Skill: Binds enemies with its tentacles and attacks with sharp teeth) Ink Spray (White Skill: Sprays ink from its mouth to obstruct the enemys vision) [Military characteristic: Bind (likes to bind enemies with tentacles)] [Do you want to get Asian Bind?] *Asian Bind is a meme in the game League of Legends where champion Maokai used his ability to root and bind the enemy champion, Vayne. As he watched the ten-headed octopus monsters crawling towards him, Ji Chen was not afraid, but rather excited. After being strengthened, the River Murlocs had reached as high as 8-star level one, completely overwhelming these octopuses in rank. In his eyes, these octopuses were all walking food! Salted Murlocs, charge! Were eating teppanyaki octopus tonight! Caw caw caw caw!!! Upon receiving the order, the Murlocs morale skyrocketed. Their eyes were determined (with dead fish eyes) and their expressions were excited (at the prospect of food) as they charged forward. They outnumbered the enemy almost two to one (using their numerical advantage), and they were led by the great Salted Fish King (who had their backs). How could they possibly lose against these ugly octopus monsters? Ji Chen shouted and then immediately crouched behind a reef to watch from the sidelines. It was better to leave such a dangerous matter to the Murlocs. A gentleman doesnt stand under a dangerous wall. The Murlocs and the octopus monsters began to fight. The leading Shallow Water Octopus waved its two tentacles and wrapped them around a Murloc. They wanted to use their binding technique, which they were most proud of, to bind these dead salted fish so that they could have a full meal. However, when the tentacle touched the Murloc, it slid to the side due to the mucus on the Murlocs body. Seeing this, the dead mermans eyes flashed with pride and arrogance. This was a precious liquid bestowed upon them by the great Salted Fish King. How could these octopus monsters destroy it? Take my Salted Fish Thrust! The Murloc waved its short limbs, picked up the bone spear, and thrust it forward. Splat~ The sharpened spear tip easily pierced through one of the octopuss tentacles without any resistance, exiting from the other side. The injured octopus began to frantically struggle. Its remaining seven tentacles waved in unison and clung to the Murlocs head like a face-hugger. The sharp teeth on the suckers inside the tentacles began to squirm, biting into the scales like a grinder, trying to break through them and pierce into the flesh. However, for some reason, the sharp teeth that could easily break through the Murlocs scales in the past could now only leave shallow marks. Feeling something sharp invading its body, the Murloc became completely furious. These damn octopuses usually enjoyed eating Murlocs, and now they were taking revenge! While the Shallow Water Octopus frantically dug holes, the Murloc stabbed the bone spear in their hand into the octopuss head. In an instant, blue blood seeped out of the wound. Splat ~ The bone spear was pulled out, and blue blood gushed out of the wound like water. A fishy smell spread and even the sea breeze couldnt disperse it. The Shallow Water Octopus, whose head had been severely injured, became tired and the binding strength was not as strong as before. Its mouthpart contracted and expanded, spraying out a large amount of ink, hitting the Murloc in the face and splashing everywhere, causing chaos. The fatally injured octopus struggled weakly, and the strength of its tentacles gradually weakened. After being pierced through the head again, it fell weakly to the ground. Although the Shallow Water Octopus was proficient in eighteen types of binding techniques, it was helpless and couldnt cause effective damage to the Murlocs. It was also outnumbered. The defeat was only a matter of time. Surrounded by multiple Murlocs, the Shallow Water Octopuses fell one after another. The blue blood dyed the reef blue and was washed away by the seawater. The shallow water octopuses had all turned into dead octopuses in just a few minutes, and the Murlocs were all alive. They raised their bone spears and began to croak happily. Ding ~ The battle has ended. You have obtained a glorious victory. No deaths, +20% extra experience. [You have received 24 EXP. Current EXP: 24%/100%.] [Your River Murloc has gained 24 EXP. Current EXP: 24%/100%] Upon receiving the system notification, Ji Chen, who had been watching the battle from behind the reef, heaved a sigh of relief and walked out with a smile on his face. After unlocking the node, the strength of the strengthened Murlocs significantly increased. This only made Ji Chen even more eager for the military talent tree, as even Murlocs with very low initial strength and potential could grow into powerful military types. Walking in front of the Murlocs, Ji Chen spoke to them in an excited tone, his face full of praise. You guys did a great job! Who says that the Murlocs should be hunted by other creatures? The world changes, and the Murlocs will rise! I will lead you to become a powerful marine military force! Let those species that once looked down on you feel inferior! Upon hearing his words, the Murlocs became excited and placed their bone spears on the ground, kneeling and bowing to him. Their enthusiastic murmurings continued without pause. Long live the great Salted Fish Lord! With the Salted Fish Lords arrival, the blue sky and calm sea are guaranteed! Ding~ Your speech has greatly inspired the Murlocs, and their initial morale will increase by an additional 15 points in the next battle. So, did this mean that he have to give a motivational speech before and after every battle just to counteract the negative effect of the Murlocs cowardly trait? This is the power of language! (Strikes a tactical pose) Chapter 7 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chens victory in his first battle and his ability to use words to raise the morale of the Murlocs put him in a good mood. He waved his hand, ignoring the octopus corpse on the ground for the time being, and led the Murlocs into the cabin through the hole. Sunlight shone into the cabin through the holes and cracks in the hull, illuminating the half of the cabin that was filled with water due to the tilt of the ship. The Shallow Water Octopuses were resting in the water, and there were a few pale skeletons floating around, possibly the unlucky ones who had fallen at the hands of the octopuses. This ship is already beyond repair, but there may still be something left inside, Ji Chen thought to himself. He had four Murlocs guard him while he sent the other ten to search the cabin and deck. Soon, the scattered Murlocs found some supplies. In the cabin on the upper deck, there were ten well-sealed dry rations that had not been soaked in seawater. Each barrel of dry rations weighed about twenty-five kilograms. Each unit of food was equivalent to one catty. These 10 buckets of rations were equivalent to 250 units of food. In addition, those Shallow Water Octopuses could also be used as food. He estimated that he wouldnt have to worry about food for the time being, having found the most urgently needed supplies on his first expedition. Ji Chens mood improved significantly, and even the silly-looking Murlocs appeared much cuter to him. He placed the ten buckets of rations into his inventory. Guagua Guagua! He thought about returning to his territory. A Murloc ran over. Ji Chen first looked at it in confusion, then a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes. The Murloc meant: Theres a strange treasure chest over there! Treasure chests, as the name implied, were chests that could open treasures. In Lord of Glory , treasure chests would randomly spawn anywhere. The level of treasure chests ranged from 1 to 7 stars. The higher the level, the easier it was to get good items. Among the treasures that Ji Chen hoped to find were the core of the military recruitment camp, resources, and more. As the Murloc led him around the cabin, they arrived at a triangular space created by the collapse of half the deck. There, a metallic treasure chest with specks of starlight caught Ji Chens attention, resting quietly in the gap like a sleeping virgin. [Unlocked Treasure Chest] [Level: 1 star] [There seems to be something inside.] [Will the Goddess of Luck pay attention to you?] Ji Chen heaved a sigh of relief. Then, he became slightly excited again. Nice! It was an unlocked treasure chest! In terms of setting, the treasure chest was a product of rules, or rather, a product of divine power. Therefore, if the treasure chest was locked, it would require a key of the same level to open it. Otherwise, it would not be able to be opened even with a cannonball. As for what kind of divine power and rules It must have something to do with our beloved Goddess of Luck. Thats right! In the world of the Lord of Glory, there were gods. Originally, this was just a game setting, but now, it was as if the game had merged with reality, so Ji Chen guessed that gods probably existed. Other than gods, there were also various powerful fantasy races in this world. For example, the elves who were never absent, the burly beasts, the undead and dead spirits who were beaten down all year round, and so on. There were also the legendary Titans, Dragons, and Fairies. In front of the players was a world with many races, flourishing races, and filled with all kinds of magical life. Therefore, if he sincerely prayed to the gods, he might really attract their attention. Ji Chens eyes were filled with anticipation as he excitedly rubbed his hands together. Ji Chen was full of anticipation, excitedly rubbing his hands. Lady Luck, give me an original Swarovski! Im willing to hug your old, big, white legs! Ding ~ You have opened a 1-star treasure chest. Obtained a tool for collecting resources with one click. With a hint of curiosity, Ji Chen checked it out. [One-click resource collection tool] [Level: 1 star] [Effect: Able to clear and collect resources from a 252510 (m) block in the territory.] [Usage: 2] Good stuff! With this item, he could clear out the forest that was in the way of the territory, free up space for living and construction, and collect a wave of resources at the same time! Luck was on his side. It seemed that praying to the Goddess of Luck was effective. Next time, he could try praying to the Goddess of Knowledge, the Goddess of Order, the Goddess of War, and so on, to see which one was more useful. He had a very flexible belief system, and would believe in whichever worked best! Ji Chen put it away happily and looked at the opened treasure chest. He waved his hand. Ding ~ You have received a 1-star treasure chest (Empty). After opening it, the Rule Force and Divine Power on the treasure chest would dissipate, leaving only the original material of the treasure chest. The material of the treasure chest could be broken down into a rare resource-Star Metal. He was a thrifty person, so he naturally wouldnt let it go. Even if each of them only had 10 units, every little one makes a mickle! Ji Chen nodded in satisfaction as he looked at the Murloc who had brought him to find the treasure chest. You all did a great job this time! Keep it up! Ji Chen praised the Murlocs, and they responded with excited croaks. Even their lifeless eyes seemed to show a strange expression of happiness. After searching the entire broken ship and confirming that there was nothing useful left behind. He left the cabin. Just as he was thinking of getting the Murlocs to bring the octopuss corpse with them and return triumphantly, he saw a group of blue-skinned two-meter-long lizards feasting on the octopus corpses. It was probably attracted by the blood of the octopus flowing into the ocean. [Sea Lizard] [Level: 2] [Level: Level 1, 5 stars] Sharp Fangs (White skill, the crisscrossed fangs can break through part of the scales) Germ Bite (White skill. When biting an enemy, you can inject germs into the enemy to infect them) [Military characteristic: Pathogen (the whole body is filled with all kinds of germs and parasites)] [I dare to bite you, but do you dare to bite me?] There were as many as twenty-five level one five-star sea lizards. However, Ji Chen didnt show a hint of fear on his face. It must be known that aside from a slight numerical disadvantage, the Murlocs were superior to the lizards in every other aspect! As expected, the Morale Judgement immediately appeared. Ding ~ You have entered combat mode. Morale assessment in progress. The Lord of your side leads the army, morale +10. Close to the ocean, morale +3. Number disadvantage, morale -2. Level Suppression, Morale +4. The level disadvantage, morale -5. [Troop characteristic: Cowardly, morale -15.] Additional +15 to speech morale. The morale of our River Murlocs is at 60 points. We have entered an advantageous state. The Murlocs were furious when they saw the sea lizards eating their food. Even though they were at a slight disadvantage in terms of numbers, their morale was still very high. At Ji Chens command, they immediately rushed over. The sharp bone spears in their hands stabbed out bravely, leaving wounds on the sea lizards. Some even pierced into the heads, killing them in one blow. The sharp teeth of the sea lizards could only slightly break through the scales of the Murlocs, but could not cause real fatal injuries. The bone spears of the Murlocs could pierce through their skin without any obstruction, causing great damage. Due to the difference in strength between the two, the Murloc killed seven or eight sea lizards on the spot in just a few minutes. As the battle progressed, the morale of the sea lizards quickly fell below 10 points, and they began to flee into the sea. Chase after them! Kill them all! Chapter 8 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In Ji Chens eyes, this group of sea lizards fleeing into the ocean was like dung beetles crawling out of their holes to look for dung! One had to know that the Murlocs were good swimmers. While their fish fins may not be very agile on land, they are like ten engines in the water. Their bodies are all designed for swimming, much stronger than these quadrupedal reptiles. The Murlocs jumped into the sea one after another, causing a spray of water as they kicked their powerful tails and chased after the fleeing sea lizards. A bloodstain suddenly appeared on the surface of the sea not far away. A few minutes later, the Murlocs returned with the corpses of the sea lizards. Ding ~ The battle has ended. You have obtained a glorious victory. No deaths, +20% extra experience Winning against overwhelming odds grants a 20% bonus experience reward. Enemy routing grants a 20% bonus experience reward. [You have received 56 experience points. Current experience: 80%/100%.] [Your River Murloc has gained 56 EXP. Current EXP: 80%/100%.] The Murlocs returned victorious. Although they were injured, none of them died. Moreover, these minor injuries were quickly healing under the effects of the Lords talent, Seas Favor. Even if they come back later, they would have fully recovered! Bump ~ The sea lizards corpses were thrown on the beach, piling up into a small mountain. Originally, the ten-headed octopus had already been eaten by the sea lizards, three of them to be exact, and two others had been gnawed on, leaving behind tooth marks. Sea lizards were full of bacteria, making anything they bit into inedible. Helpless, Ji Chen had to give these two octopuses to the Murlocs to eat. The Murlocs were omnivorous creatures. They could easily handle even spoiled or rotten meat. In addition to these two octopuses, the twenty-five sea lizards that were full of parasites could also serve as food for the Murlocs. In these two battles, Ji Chen also saw the advantages of the Murlocs. Apart from their natural cowardice, they were above average in other aspects. Not only could they fight on land, but they were also very agile in the water. They also had an indiscriminate diet, able to eat anything, which made them easy to feed. Considering the terrain of the sea island, its best to cultivate amphibious units like the Murlocs for future battles. Not only can they explore the island, but they can also be deployed for ocean exploration later on, without any waste. Watching the excited Murlocs, Ji Chen secretly determined the general direction for the future development of his army. Then, as usual, he gave a post-battle speech, granting a buff of +10 initial morale for the next battle. Pick up these octopuses and sea lizards, were going back. Croak, croak, croak! The Murlocs cheered and quickly carried the octopus corpses and dragged the sea lizard corpses, triumphantly returning. When the residents of the Ocean Crown saw Ji Chen return with a group of Murlocs carrying large octopuses, they exclaimed in surprise. The Lord has returned! Thats those octopus monsters that took over our ships? The Lord with the Murlocs killed them all! And there were some big blue lizards too! The residents all widened their eyes, watching as the Murlocs laid the octopuses on the ground one by one. Then they saw Ji Chen wave his hand, and ten barrels of heavy dry rations appeared on the ground. Their eyes became even more reverent and respectful when they looked at Ji Chen. The person who could provide food was a good being. The person who could protect them was a lord. The person who could provide food and protect them was a father. The residents bowed sincerely and gratefully said, Lord, thank you for killing those octopus monsters and avenging our companions. Ji Chen nodded slightly with his hands behind his back. The skeletons in the cabin were probably the remains of their companions. You are my subjects now, and these things are nothing. If you want to thank me, just work harder and create more value for the territory. He said calmly. Yes! We will definitely remember your instructions. Seeing the shortage of food greatly eased in just a few hours, the residents felt that their future life had become more secure and they became more diligent in their work. Wilus directed them to move the dry rations and edible octopuses and processed the octopuses. Some were made into jerky to extend their shelf life, while others were cooked with dry rations as todays food. As for the spoiled octopuses and sea lizards, they were simply processed and saved. Just as the residents were about to continue logging, Ji Chen stopped them and asked them to gather in an open space in the forest. The residents were very obedient, and less than a few hours after taking over the territory, Ji Chen had established a certain authority with food. He took out the resource collection tool and selected the northern part of the territory, a relatively flat forest, as the effective range. It can be used twice. The effective range is 502510 (meters). In an instant. A large patch of forest on the northern side of the territory suddenly disappeared. Leaves and branches that were only left with the crown of the tree fell off one by one. There were also wooden stakes and some plant roots left on the ground. Even the large rocks that were pressing down on the ground were directly cut open. The surface was very smooth as if it had been cut directly from the spatial plane. Seeing this scene, the residents were dumbfounded and rubbed their eyes in disbelief. Oh my god, am I seeing things? The trees disappeared in an instant. Is this the power of the Lord of Glory? This is unbelievable! Even the experienced Wilus couldnt help but be dumbstruck. Even the nobles he had served in the past did not have such magical power. Not only could Ji Chen control the chaotic Murlocs, but he could also make a forest disappear out of thin air. Only the power bestowed by the gods could do this! He looked at Ji Chen with even more reverence. Ding! The one-click resource collection tool has been successfully used. A total of 1860 units of wood, 1190 units of fiber, and 230 units of stone have been collected. Ji Chen was in a good mood when he saw a large number of resources coming into his account. With this batch of resources, he had 2076 units of wood and 1406 units of fiber. Now, there were enough resources to unlock the Murloc D-1 node and make up for its most obvious shortcoming. Consumed 500 units of wood, 500 units of fiber, unlocked node D-1. River Murloc (Level 1, 8-star) has advanced to River Murloc (Level 2, 1-star). Level cap increased to Level 19. After unlocking the D-1 node, the appearance of the Murloc did not change much, but the description on the interface changed a little. [Military characteristic: Be cautious (when encountering strong enemies and danger, you will be more cautious)] Although the characteristic had not been completely enhanced, it was undoubtedly much better than before. Ji Chen looked at the remaining resources on his interface. There were still 1576 units of wood and 906 units of fiber left. Since theres so much wood and fiber now, we can start civil construction. At least build more residential houses. As someone who loves the people like his own children, I, Ji Chen, cannot let so many residents be crammed into just a few small houses. Chapter 9 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation With that thought in mind, Ji Chen opened the territory panel. Other than checking the territorys situation, the territory panel could also open the construction panel. The construction panel showed many buildings that could be built. For example, simple residences and simple docks. The former required 100 units of wood, fiber, and clay to build. The latter required 300 units of wood and 300 units of stone, which could be used to dock small fishing boats. He pondered for a moment and decided to build two simple houses first. He entered the construction interface. The scenery in front of him suddenly shifted to a third-person perspective, as if he had ascended into the air. The entire territory was right in front of him, and he could twist his perspective at will like in a simulation game. In the dense forests open space, the residents appeared as small as ants as they worked diligently at the edge of the open space, wielding their tools to cut down trees. The houses standing in the open space were reduced to the size of wooden blocks. The lords residence was located on the west side of the open space, the Murloc recruitment camp was below the lords residence, and the simple residential houses and tool rooms were on the east side. He turned around with interest and found himself standing in front of the lords residence. Feeling curious, he pulled out the two building phantoms of the simple residences and placed them next to the existing ones. As in a management game, a hammer appeared on the building phantoms, indicating the urgent need for construction. Interesting. As expected of a Lord gameEh? What is this? Just as Ji Chen was about to exit, he suddenly discovered something strange about the construction interface. Right now, his viewpoint was suspended in mid-air. He had complete control over the perspective, able to adjust it in any direction and zoom in or out to a certain degree. He could focus on the smallest details of the buildings, or take in the entirety of the territory at once. With a slight adjustment of his angle and field of vision, he widened his view and lowered it, allowing him to not only see the entire territory but also glimpse something deep in the forest beyond. There was a waterfall in the mountains in the northeast, a gray stone forest in the north, and a dilapidated stone building complex covered in vines and weeds on the western edge. It seems like theres more to this island than just forests. Ill have to make time to explore those areas, Ji Chen thought to himself before exiting the interface and returning to reality. Just then, Wilus approached him and reported, My lord, the octopuses are almost fully decomposed. Five octopuses can produce about 200 units of meat. In addition to the 10 barrels of dry rations and the 80 units of dry rations stored in the territory, there are a total of 530 units of food. After receiving the report from Wilus, he seemed to relax a bit knowing that the pressing issue of food shortage was no longer a concern. Having arrived on the island in a state of distress and experiencing the bitter days of scarcity in both clothing and food, he knew the principle of not panicking when there was food available. Ji Chen nodded slightly as he considered the information. 530 units of food equated to 530 pounds, enough to feed over 40 people in the territory for two weeks. If they were frugal, they could even make it last for more than half a month. This calculation didnt include the two octopuses and twenty-five sea lizard corpses that could only be consumed by the Murlocs. With just a few hours of effort, the food crisis in the territory had been alleviated. He muttered to himself for a moment, contemplating the situation, then issued a command. Very good. Get a few people to build two simple houses now. This way, we wont have to squeeze together. In addition, organize manpower to clear the stumps and gravel on the open space in the north. That place will be used for construction in the future. Wilus bowed and replied respectfully. Yes, as you wish. After dismissing Wilus, Ji Chen took a seat on the wooden steps in front of the lords residence and opened the chat channel. It was just as lively as before, with a plethora of messages from inexperienced players. Is anyone near the Grey Swamp in the Western Continent? Looking to trade stones and crude iron. Looking for team members! The bandit camp at the southeast foot of the Green Mountain Range in the Northern Continent is short of one soldier. Must be at least a four-star level one. This desert start is brutal! No resources, no water, no wood, no food. The unruly people in the territory are on the brink of rebellion! Am I worse off? The start of the snowy mountain is painfully cold, and the surroundings are filled with Snow Ogres and Snow Wolves. My snowman army is just a snack for them. F*ck! I started on an island with no fresh water or food. Luckily, its not far from the mainland, so I can take a boat to trade resources. Luckily, I randomly acquired a good soldier Speaking of soldiers, let me make it clear that Im not someone who like animals that look like a human, but I randomly acquired a rabbit girl soldier and I find her so cute. I really want to Humans shouldnt, at least not in that way. He can try, at least. Top of Form Seeing that the idiotic players had already started to form teams, trade resources, and talk about life. Some of them even had cute beast women accompanying them. Meanwhile, he was on an island whose name he did not even know, fighting with a group of Murlocs. Ji Chen instantly felt a sense of envy and emptiness. There were also some players who started from islands, but the islands they were on were closer to the mainland. Unlike him, who was surrounded by an endless ocean and could not even see the shadow of land. He opened the forum. Compared to when he had just landed, there were already quite a number of posts. He browsed through it with interest. One of the posts caught his attention. [About the division of heroes] In the Lord of Glory, there is a special type of soldier apart from the ordinary soldiers, and that is the hero unit. Some heroes excel in combat while others excel in internal affairs, among other areas. However, both types of heroes are highly beneficial to a players development. They are valuable resources that must be pursued! Hero units and military units are divided into different levels. They are, from low to high: White Normal Level, Green Elite Level, and Blue Excellent Level. Im not sure about higher levels. It seems that there is a chance for a hero unit to appear among the natives, but whether or not they can be recruited depends on the players own abilities. The post below replied: If you dont understand, then ask. Why does the OP know so much? The original poster replied: I am not talented, but shortly after arriving, I accidentally subjugated a white normal-level hero who happened to be a cute girl named Oni-chan. I didnt feel jealous at all for subjugating a hero on the first day, really. Nor am I jealous. Are you here to fish for compliments? Ill take your luck with a spear! So, heroes exist too!? As he read on, Ji Chen suddenly felt like crying quietly. Where could he find a hero on this damn island!? He didnt even have a single person other than the residents he was given at the beginning. Let alone heroes. The only talented person he had was Wilus. After reading the forum for over ten minutes, Ji Chen obtained some useful information and closed the chat channel. He looked up at the sky. At this moment, it was already past the hottest part of the day and had entered the warm afternoon. The orange sunlight filtering through the treetops created patches of light on the ground, which caught Ji Chens attention. He had an idea. Why not go fishing? Chapter 10 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen gained a wealth of knowledge through his exposure to the information explosion era, including the art of fishing. He understood that timing was key when it came to fishing. Typically, the best times for fishing were during the early morning or late afternoon to early evening, as the water temperature was just right for fish to be actively looking for food. However, certain times of the day, such as noon, were not ideal for fishing due to the unfavorable water temperature. At this time, the sun was beating down, causing the temperature of the shallow waters to rise. The fish sought refuge in the deeper waters or stayed in their nests to avoid the heat, making it difficult to catch any fish. It was highly likely to come back empty-handed during this time of the day. Seeing that it was about to enter the prime time for fishing in the afternoon, Ji Chen took some octopus meat as bait and called the Murlocs to the beach. He was looking for a suitable fishing spot. In the end, he chose the reefs near the stranded ship. The depth here was suitable, and there were often small fish around the reef, which would easily attract big fish. Moreover, it was not far from the territory. It was a good place for fishing! He took out his fishing rod, hung some bait on it, and cast it with all his might. Then, he settled into a patient and meditative state, resembling that of an experienced angler, waiting for a willing fish to bite the bait. The sea breeze blew gently. As he waited patiently, the world became quiet. It was as if he could only hear the rhythmic sound of the tide. This was Ji Chens first time fishing in this world, and he felt a bit nervous. However, with the boost from his fishing rod and the dual effects of his lord talent, he didnt have to wait long for the sea to give him something. The bobber floating on the water suddenly sank, and a force was transmitted through the fishing line to his hand. Got something! And its not light! Ji Chens face lit up. He quickly grabbed the fishing rod and pulled it up. Ding! Your sub-profession Fishermans proficiency has increased by 1 point. Along with the hook, a glass bottle was pulled out of the water. The fishing rod happened to hook onto the soft cork stopper of a glass bottle, inside of which was a bulging cloth bag. [Bag containing coins] [Remarks]: Seems to contain some coins? Congratulations! You have obtained 22 Aureus gold coins. Curiously, he picked up one of the coins. The coin was entirely golden, with a mans head imprinted on it. Hmm not as handsome as him. He had seen some players discussing the currency system of this world on the forums before. The two most widely used currencies in this world were the Aureus gold coin in his hand and the Kels silver coin. The former had a higher value, and the exchange rate between the two was 1:10. From a certain perspective, the currency could also be considered a resource that could be used to trade with the natives for other resources. Ji Chen was in a good mood after catching a real gold coin on his first fishing rod. He couldnt help but think, I must be a natural at fishing. With a smirk, he stowed the gold coins in his backpack and cast his line once more. This time, it only took about 20 seconds before he felt a tug on the line. With practiced ease, he reeled in the catch to take a look. To his surprise, it was a glass bottle containing a rolled-up parchment inside. The notification chimed, Ding ~ You have obtained a 2-Star Treasure: Edwards treasure map. 2-star treasure? Treasure map? He immediately perked up and focused his eyes to check. [Treasure Map] [Level: 2 stars] [Effect: Records the location of the treasure buried by a great pirate named Edward.] [Do you want my treasure? Go find it! I put all my treasures there] The location of an unknown island was marked on the waterproof parchment map, and a red circle was drawn in the center of the island. Even though the location on the map was very vague, Ji Chen had a feeling that if he wanted to go there, he would definitely be able to find it. The thought was peculiar, yet undeniably certain. This treasure map could only be used in the future. He didnt even have a decent ship now. How could he cross the vast sea to find the treasure? However, it was still a good harvest. He put it away with a smile, but a thought crossed his mind. Money and treasure maps are great, but they can only be used after we leave the island. I wonder if I can catch something that can be used now? A gentle sea breeze suddenly blew from the depths of the sea. He could not help but squint his eyes and enjoy the gentle breeze. He took a deep breath and threw the hook again. This time, it took a bit longer than the previous catches. It took a full five minutes before he felt a tug on the hook. Ding ~ You have obtained an unknown piece of clothing. Ji Chens face contorted in disgust as he saw a pair of pink lace panties hanging from the hook. Who would be so careless as to throw such trash into the ocean? Didnt they realize that preserving the ocean was everyones responsibility? Despite his frustration, Ji Chen couldnt help but notice that the style of the panties was surprisingly fashionable. It made him wonder if the natives of this world had a sense of fun and fashion. He picked up the item with disdain and threw it aside. Seeing this scene, the Murloc lying idle on the beach suddenly lit up with interest. With a splash, he cast the rod again, and upon seeing what was on the hook, a smile spread across his face. This time, he finally caught something useful. It was a blueprint for a building! [Building Blueprint: Resource Detection Tower] [Level: Special] [Effect: Able to detect the nearest resource point in the territory.] [Usage: 3/3 times per week] [Resources required for construction: 500 units of wood, 500 units of stone] [Area: 55 (m)] In Lord of Glory, there were various resource points in the wilderness that could provide a stable source of resources. These resource points were classified into five levels based on the quality of resources they provided, ranging from Level 1 to Level 5. Additionally, the resources were also classified based on the size of their reserves, ranging from miniature to giant. For instance, a Level 1 resource point could be a crude iron mine that produced crude iron or a clay mine that produced ordinary clay. These Level 1 resource points provided resources such as crude iron and clay. Higher-level resource points, like the copper mine that produced Level 2 copper ore resources or the crystal mine that produced Level 3 crystals, could provide significant benefits to building the territory or upgrading the military talent tree if obtained. Todays luck seemed to be on his side, and Ji Chen was determined to capitalize on it by making a few more casts. For the rest of the afternoon, he sat on the reef and pulled his fishing rod continuously, resulting in a bountiful catch. As the sun descended halfway down the sea level, Ji Chen finally put down his fishing rod. He began to tally up his gains for the day. Aside from the gold coins, treasure maps, and building blueprints, he had previously found, he also had two new catches from his latest fishing session. These included 12 Aureus gold coins, 35 Kels silver coins, an ordinary bone that appeared to be human, a decomposing sea snake carcass, a resource bag, and a bottle of colorless liquid. Disregarding the bone and the rotting corpse, he picked up the resource bag and inspected its contents. [Small Resource Bag] [Effect: After use, you can obtain 200 units of wood, stone, fiber, clay, and coarse iron.] He opened the resource bag and obtained a total of 1000 units of resources, which was always useful to have. Then he examined the bottle of colorless liquid, initially thinking it was just an ordinary bottle. However, when he saw its attributes, he was surprised. [Cupids Potion] [Level: Special] [Effect: Can forcefully increase the favorability of an intelligent creature to 100 points.] Love God? Anything that had anything to do with the gods was something extraordinary. This was an ironclad rule in The Lord of Glory. And this potion could actually forcefully increase the favorability of intelligent creatures to 100 points. The effect was so domineering that it was simply indescribable. If a dragon hatchling appears, could I use it to tame one? he thought excitedly. What a profitable catch! It seemed that the Lords talent of Seas Favor was much more powerful than he had imagined. He could even fish up things related to gods! Ji Chen smirked and put it in his backpack. As the sky darkened, he decided to pack up his fishing gear and head back. But suddenly, he felt that something was off. Wait a minute, wasnt I here to fish? He had caught a lot of miscellaneous items, but why hadnt he caught a single fish? Wasnt this considered leaving empty-handed? Chapter 11 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation There was a slight stiffness in Ji Chens body as he thought of this. After thinking for a moment, he looked at the Murloc beside him and frowned. One of the Murloc actually tied the pink pantie to the tip of the spear. Under the envious gazes of the other Murlocs, it raised the spear high and waved it like a general. Ji Chen was stunned by the scene. When he came back to his senses, he slapped the Murlocs head with a big bag to stop the perverted behavior. Four of you stay. The rest of you go into the water and catch some fish. Upon hearing the order, the Murlocs, who had their fun interrupted, immediately became excited and jumped into the water one by one. Ji Chen had a stubborn look on his face. As long as he could bring back some fish, he wouldnt be considered leaving empty-handed! Murlocs were indeed good swimmers and disappeared instantly under the water. According to the connection between the lord and the troops, he could sense that they had already rushed into the water and were spreading out to search for fish. Watching the Murlocs swim effortlessly as though the water was the place where they belonged, he nodded in agreement. In fact, there was no need to worry too much about food with the Murlocs around. Wasnt catching fish in the sea a simple matter for this type of unit? After more than ten minutes, the Murlocs returned one after another, each trident holding several sea fish, each weighing an estimated three to four pounds. In the end, they obtained about 240 units of food, which was even more than what they had obtained from killing octopuses. His evaluation of the Murlocs increased a little. Looking at the silly Murlocs, they were quite talented in catching fish. He packed up his things and returned to the territory with his fishing harvest. When the residents saw the fish on the Murlocs spear, they cheered again. His gaze toward the Murlocs softened. After setting up the projection of the Resource Detection Tower, Ji Chen immediately instructed Wilus to gather manpower to begin construction. He had to finish it by tomorrow. The setting sun on the surface of the sea fell to the sea level, and the last trace of orange sunlight disappeared completely. Night finally fell. However, in the jungle of the island, the clearing was brightly lit. People sat around the campfire, eating large chunks of octopus meat and holding warm fish soup with softened dry food in it. Everyone looks relaxed and smiling sincerely. Even without any seasonings, they still felt that this meal was extremely delicious. After enduring hunger and cold on the island for over half a month, they truly appreciated the sumptuous feast provided by the great Feudal Lord. In their hearts, they made a solemn oath to work even harder for the Feudal Lord. Ding ~ Because of sufficient food, the peoples sentiment in the territory has increased by 10 points. The labor efficiency of the residents has increased by 10%. Ji Chen was momentarily stunned but then shook his head with a smile. These people were so easily satisfied. Just a little bit of food made them so grateful, unlike some who would almost cry from their first bite. The Murlocs on the other side were a completely different story. Each of them fiercely grabbed a piece of the sea lizards corpse. Not only were they eating in big mouthfuls, but they were also croaking, singing, and dancing happily. The Murlocs had their own fair share of happiness. Jin Chen also ate an octopus tentacle. It must be said that the shallow-water octopuses had little combat strength, but the meat was truly delicious. The chewy texture and juicy flavor filled his mouth after eating it. As for the fish caught by the Murlocs, it was unknown what species they were, but they were natural and free of pollution. The fish had a milky fragrance and melted in the mouth, ten times more delicious than the so-called large yellow croakers. In the past, he would never have dared to dream of such delicious food. Satisfied and full, Ji Chen walked into the lords manor. However, he noticed that Wilus had brought along a young blonde girl who looked quite eye-catching, with freshly washed hair. Sir, may I present this young lady to you? Wilus bowed respectfully and asked. Ji Chens interest was piqued upon hearing this. The next day. Ji Chen stepped out of the lords manor feeling rejuvenated, with the golden-haired girl trailing behind him. You did a great job last night. Your massage skills are impressive, and Im quite satisfied, he praised her. The girl beamed with joy and gratitude, bowing her head and saying, Im happy to be of service. Please let me know if I can assist you further. Sure, come by tonight for another massage, he replied. Ji Chen sighed as the girl departed. Being a lord is so dull, he muttered to himself. After completing overtime work on the Resource Detection Tower, located in the open space above the manor, he summoned the Murlocs and made his way to the tower to activate the weeks first resource detection opportunity. A beam of golden light shot out from the top of the tower, visible only to him, flying northeast and halting about a kilometer away from the territory, forming a pale golden pillar of light several meters tall. That was most likely the location of the first resource point. Eh? Why does that place seem to be near the waterfall in the mountain that I saw yesterday? Thats good. Ill explore that place today. In order to make the most of his time, Ji Chen utilized all three resource detection opportunities, resulting in three golden pillars of light shooting into the sky, indicating the location of each resource point. The closest point was near the mountain waterfall, while the other two were situated two kilometers north and three kilometers east of the territory respectively. After considering his options, Ji Chen decided to start with the closest point and brought along 21 Murlocs. They followed the narrow path used by the residents to access the river in the north, which was considerably narrower than the path leading to the beach, with its widest part measuring less than three meters and featuring numerous twists and turns. This was the first time Ji Chen had truly experienced the wonders of this terrain. Both sides of the path were filled with dense trees and ferns. Vines wound around the trees and hung down from the branches. Everything was green. The trees were green, the vines were green, the low vegetation was green, and even the rocks were covered in green moss. He took a deep breath, and his nose was filled with a fresh smell. However, what followed was a slightly moist sensation, making his skin feel a little sticky. The road under his feet was not easy to walk on. The wet mud made him feel very uncomfortable every time he stepped on it. His boots were soon stained with thick mud. Ji Chen grumbled as he trudged through the difficult forest. Eventually, they reached the river where the villagers fetched their daily water. The river flowed from east to west, disappearing around a distant bend in the jungle. Upstream was the waterfall, which was the source of the river. Ji Chen was pleased with this discovery. By following the river upstream, they could avoid the effort of hacking their way through the dense jungle. Even without the rivers guidance, they could still follow the pale golden pillar of light in the sky to stay on course. They walked briskly along the flat riverbank towards the waterfall, making good time. Ten minutes later, the river made a sharp turn to the north and flowed straight towards a waterfall that was more than 20 meters tall. The waterfall cascaded into a deep impact pool below. The river flowed down from upstream, forming the waterfall in this area with a significant height difference. The combination of the waterfall, surrounding vegetation, and sky created a breathtakingly beautiful sight. As Ji Chen approached, he noticed the vague figure of a person standing beside the pool. This immediately put him on guard. He cautiously moved closer to the river and took cover behind a large rock by the waters edge. Peering out from behind the rock, he observed the scene before him in the dim light. To his surprise, he saw thirty to forty hideous, hunchbacked humanoid creatures with eyes as big as copper bells playing in the water and bathing at the edge of the pool under the waterfall. Ji Chens expression twisted with disgust as he witnessed the clear pool turning muddy and dirty. The filth spreading downstream along the river was revolting. The humanoid creatures, with their hunchbacked and hideous appearance, were playing and bathing in the water. Ji Chen realized that the water they received downstream was probably the bathwater of these creatures, which made him feel even more disgusted and nauseous. Chapter 12 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen was dissatisfied as he reviewed their stats. [Cave Miner] [Level: 3] [Rank: Level 1, 7 stars] [Skills: Dark Vision (green skill, provides excellent night vision and clear surroundings in the dark), Ore Scent (green skill, can accurately detect the scent of various ores)] [Troop Characteristics: Grass on the Wall (when the number of troops exceeds that of the enemy, morale increases greatly. When the numbers are fewer than the enemys, morale decreases greatly)] [I love mining!] They were only level 1 soldiers with 7 stars, and their skills were all non-combat related. Individually, they were no match for the Murlocs in terms of combat power. However, their numbers were significant. With 39 soldiers, they outnumbered the Murlocs by almost twice the amount. Coupled with their military characteristics, if they swarmed up to attack, they might cause a lot of damage to the Murlocs. If it was possible, he wanted to get rid of them without any damage. He looked at the cave miners who were brazenly bathing by the pool. Ji Chen suddenly had an idea. He turned around and spoke softly to the Murlocs. You guys quietly dive into the river and swim upstream. While the enemy is bathing, drag them into the pool and drown or stab them to death. Remember, attack at the same time and drag down as many enemies as possible at once. Use a stealthy approach, and dont make any loud sound. After receiving the order, the Murlocs nodded and tiptoed underground, diving upstream. In order to maximize their chances of success, he didnt leave even a single Murloc guard behind and sent all of them. The Murlocs skill in Diving played a huge role. They swam from the river into the pool and approached their targets slowly and deliberately, without stirring up any water or making any movements that would alert the cave miners, who were happily rubbing themselves. They had no idea that danger was closing in on them. Its so happy to take a shower Ah- Splash~ Water splashed as the Murlocs broke through the surface of the water and dragged the cave miners into the pool. Some of the miners were caught off guard and pulled towards the center of the pool, sinking into the water. Others were dragged to the deeper part of the pool by the Murlocs and impaled by bone spears. Blood instantly dyed the pool red. In total, 16 cave miners were killed or drowned in the ambush, but five Murlocs lost their grip, allowing their targets to climb ashore and escape. The remaining cave miners who were not attacked were so frightened that they ran to the shore and picked up their pickaxes to rescue their companions. However, they encountered the Murlocs who had already come ashore and were covered in blood. Ding ~ You have entered combat mode. Morale assessment in progress The morale of our River Murlocs is at 68 points. We have entered an advantageous state. Other than the slight loss of morale due to the slight suppression of numbers, the other aspects of the Murlocs increased morale. At this moment, he was not afraid of the Cave Miners. When the Cave Miners saw that there were fewer Murlocs than them, their morale was boosted. They rushed forward, cursing, wanting to avenge their dead companions. They did not believe they would be defeated because they had more units on their side. They had to kill these despicable Murlocs who were hiding in the water! Two minutes later. Ding ~ The battle has ended. The enemy has surrendered. You have won a glorious victory. No deaths, +20% extra experience. Defeating a large number of opponents with fewer opponents +20% additional experience reward. Enemy surrenders +20% extra experience. [You have received 120 EXP. You have leveled up (12). Current EXP is [20%/100%].] [Your River Murloc has leveled up (12). Current EXP is [20%/100%]].] The notification sounded, and a comfortable heat flowed through his body. He felt like he was reborn. His vision appeared clearer, and his body had become lighter and stronger. It was as if the impurities in his body had been expelled. Sensing the changes in his body, Ji Chen exhaled heavily. With a relaxed look on his face, he walked towards the pool where the battle had ended. Please spare us, sir! We are willing to surrender to you! The remaining 18 miners knelt on the ground and begged for mercy. Ji Chen was expressionless as he paced in front of them with his hands behind his back. His tone was cold. What use do you think I have for keeping you? Would it not be a waste of resources? The Cave Miner immediately became anxious. We can find our own food. We dont need you to provide us with food! And we can mine! Ji Chens heart skipped a beat, but his expression didnt change. Mining? Are there any mines nearby? Of course! There is a mine not far from this waterfall. We are mining there! The Cave Miners eyes darted around as he said flatteringly, Of course, that mine now belongs to you, my lord! These cave miners were tactful. He had no intention of killing them in the first place. Now, he could subdue them to mine for him. Ji Chens expression did not change. He replied in a nasal voice, Then take me there now. When the miners heard this, they immediately heaved a sigh of relief and began to lead the way. As one of the miners led the way, he bowed and said, Sir, this way please. He was like a guide in a movie. They followed the path that the miners had cleared through the jungle and soon arrived at the nearby mine, which was the first resource point. The mine was situated at the base of a small mountain, and a dark mining cave was visible. Wooden supports were used to reinforce the rocky walls, and the interior was dimly lit. A pile of rust-red ores was stored in a straw shed outside the mine, and several straw huts were built nearby to store the tools. [Coagulate Iron Mine] [Scale: Miniature] [Level: 1] [Main production resource: Heavy iron] [By-product produced: Stone [Production is one-fifth of the main resources] [Storage: 3200/3500 units] [Maximum weekly production: 700 units] [Weekly Personnel Production: 50 units/person] The reserves of the crude iron mine were still small. Ji Chen didnt feel disappointed despite the underwhelming resource point. He knew that resource points in close proximity or with low danger levels were typically low-level with limited reserves, as per the rules of Lord of Glory. The high-level resource points, on the other hand, were guarded by stronger field troops and located in perilous areas, making it difficult to exploit them. The mini crude iron mine they found was capable of producing 700 units of crude iron per week, with each person contributing 50 units. It could also generate a small amount of stone. This meant that only 14 people were required to maximize production, leaving four out of the 18 cave miners with no work. Unfortunately, Ji Chen didnt have any other mines to put them to work, so they would have to continue mining here. Fortunately, the territory provided food, so they didnt have to search for it themselves. Ji Chen acknowledged his humanity and felt a responsibility to take care of the miners. Denying them food and making them perform laborious work would be nothing short of exploitative capitalist behavior. After securing the mine, he proceeded to the straw shed and gestured for the cave miners to hand over the ores they had extracted. Ding! You have received 300 units of crude iron. After warning the cave miners not to bathe in the waterfall pool in the future. Ji Chen led the Murlocs to the second resource point. There were no shortcuts this time. The second resource point was situated deep within a dense forest, requiring them to hack their way through thistles, thorns, and shrubs that were half their height. It took them half an hour of arduous trekking to finally reach the pale golden pillar of light that indicated the location of the second resource point. Chapter 13 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In an open area within the forest, there was an oval-shaped pit that plunged about ten meters deep. Around twenty red beetles, each about one meter in length, were resting within the pit, their red carapaces nearly blending in with the reddish-brown soil. The location indicated by the pale golden pillar of light was situated within a nearby cave beside the pit. [Clay Mine] [Scale: Small] [Level: 1] [Main production resource: Clay] [By-product: None] [Storage: 17500/17500 units] [Maximum weekly production: 2100 units] [Weekly Personnel Production: 50 units/person] Ji Chen was delighted. A small clay mine! The weekly output was as high as 2100 units! Moreover, there was no loss of reserves at all. It was enough to mine at full horsepower for more than eight weeks. After the resource points were emptied, the lord could choose two operations to recover the resources. One was to temporarily close the resource point for a period of time and wait for the resources to slowly recover. The other was to lower the level of the resource points and continue collecting them. Shrinking a resource point through downgrading led to its gradual reduction in size, for instance, a medium-sized point would be transformed into a small-sized point, and a small-sized one would become miniature-sized, and so on. Nonetheless, once it reached the miniature size, it could not shrink further, and the depleted resource reserves remained irretrievable. This method allowed for maximum resource extraction from a point, but it was also exploitative. The red beetles present in the pit were most likely guarding the clay mine. Abruptly, the attribute screen began to flicker. [Clay Beetle] [Level: 4] [Level: Level 2, 1 star] [Skill: Hardshell (green skill, eating soil all year round to absorb a large number of minerals, causing its shell to harden and become quite strong)] Turtle Shrinking (Green skill, retract limbs into the shell, greatly increasing defense) Bash (White skill, can use a pair of short claws to clamp the enemy, causing crushing damage) [Military characteristic: Slow movement (absorbing too many minerals causes its shell to be heavy and its movement to be slow)] [Did you eat dirt today? I have a mine at home. Lets eat together.] These beetles were wrapped in a hard shell, like a tortoise shell formation that was airtight and extremely difficult to attack. With the Murlocs bone spear, it probably wouldnt even be able to break through the defense. What should he do? Ji Chen rubbed his chin and pondered. When he saw the word slow on the beetles panel, he had some ideas. Then he would attack their defense with their own weapons! Since their movements were slow, he had more room for maneuver. Twenty-one Murlocs arrived at the pit from the other side of the slope and swaggered to the front of the Clay Beetle. Following the actions he taught, they began to taunt, including but not limited to, wiggling their buttocks, throwing stones, hurling dirt, and making ambiguous mocking sounds. Witnessing the scene, even the Clay Beetle, who was of a different species, was filled with rage. His head heated up as he stretched his tiny legs and began to move forward. However, their heavy carapaces made every step seem painfully slow, and their speed was only marginally faster than that of a snail. As shut-in beetles who remained underground all year round, they only emerged to feed on soil and slept when they were full. It didnt take long for them to feel the weight of gravity and the futility of the chase. Glancing at the repulsive Murlocs who were constantly taunting but couldnt catch up to them, the Clay Beetle made a decision. Rather than waste precious energy chasing after the enemy, he retreated into his shell. He realized that it was better to eat two more mouthfuls of soil instead. After all, he couldnt break their shells, so it was futile to fight back. That was it. Ji Chen, who was observing the battle from the sidelines, was both shocked and dismayed by the Clay Beetles pitiful display. Despite this, he found himself filled with a sense of elation upon realizing the opportunity at hand. Quickly, flip them over! The Lords orders were absolute. Upon hearing this, the Murlocs rushed towards their designated targets. However, the Clay Beetle remained indifferent to this scene, choosing instead to retreat into its shell and observe the Murlocs. The Murlocs formed groups of three and approached the beetles side. Placing a stone on the ground, they inserted the bone spear into the gap between the beetles shell and the earth, securing it on the stone. With a pull of the spears tail, the once immobile beetle was lifted slightly. The Murlocs, their dead fisheyes wide with excitement, exerted all their strength to raise a little at a time until it was flipped upside down. The beetle was left dumbfounded by the sudden change in its world. It struggled to move its short legs but found itself pinned down by the very shell that had previously provided a sense of safety and protection. It was now a heavy weight pressing down on it. Despite their struggling, the beetles were unable to flip themselves back over. Clay Beetle: You guys are such babies! The Murlocs followed suit and flipped each of the twenty clay beetles onto their backs, allowing them to bask in the warmth of the sun. They then proceeded to stab their soft underbellies with bone spears. Amidst the pitiful cries of the beetles, the system prompt quietly sounded. Ding ~ The battle has ended. You have obtained a glorious victory You have received 100 experience points. Current experience is [40%/100%]. [You have gained control of the small clay mine.] Ji Chen walked down the pit with a smile. He looked at the already dead Clay Beetle with disdain. This was what he called using a lever! Knowledge was power! After a thorough examination, he found that aside from their hard shells, the flesh of these clay beetles was also brightly colored, translucent, and had a white-to-red hue. A thought occurred to him, It looked like it could be used as food. You can eat it after removing the head. The protein is five times that of beef! he suddenly remembered. With this in mind, he instructed the Murlocs to perform a simple treatment on the beetles, removing the heavy shell and useless head, and preserving only the fleshy body parts. He then packed the beetle corpses into his backpack, one by one, until he had collected sixteen. Ding ~ Your backpack is full. If you put more items in, you will be punished by the weight penalty. Ji Chen was stunned. A weight punishment? He took two steps, but immediately felt the weight of his backpack dragging him down, slowing his movements. After some experimentation, he discovered the limits of the weight penalty system: as long as the total number of items in the backpack did not exceed 10 slots, there would be no penalty for movement speed. However, once the number of slots exceeded 10, the player would begin to suffer penalties. At 11 slots, the speed reduction was 10%, increasing to 20% at 12 slots, and so on. Once the backpack was full, with 20 items in it, the player could no longer add any more items and their speed would be reduced to zero. This limitation was designed to restrict players from carrying an excessive amount of items, forcing them to prioritize and strategize when it comes to inventory management. Without the weight penalty system, players would likely stuff all their belongings into their backpacks for the sake of safety. However, this restriction forced Ji Chen to abandon his plan of exploring all three resource points in one trip. He called the Murlocs to collect the beetle corpses and began to make their way back to his territory via the path they had cleared earlier. As they returned, the residents of the territory marveled at the sight of the beetle corpses. Ji Chen handed them over to Wilus for further processing and cutting. After a brief rest, he led the Murlocs out once again, this time towards the third resource point. Although it was the furthest away, located about three kilometers to the east and slightly north of the territory, they could reach it from the beach. Along the way, they passed by the stranded boat and the reef where they had fished the day before. Without stopping, Ji Chen pushed forward with the Murlocs in tow. Chapter 14 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation As Ji Chen walked past the stranded boat, he came across a long stretch of beach. At the end of the beach, a black cliff gradually rose up. This cliff was a small corner on the east side of the island, where the waves became turbulent and slammed fiercely against the bottom of the cliff. Climbing up the black cliff, Ji Chen was stunned by what he saw. Apart from the breathtaking sea view, he also discovered something else C not just one, but three islands! This was not an isolated island, but an archipelago! Due to the terrain and dense trees, his view was limited to the side of the beach that faced the ocean. However, after climbing the cliff, his sight extended into the distance. His vision surpassed the tall trees and steep cliffs, revealing a curved line on the right side of the main island. The islands were gradually decreasing in size as they went further out. The distance between the islands and the main island was not far, mostly within a few hundred meters. Ji Chen noticed two islands at the end, linked by a crystal-clear light yellow beach with water so shallow that one could see the bottom. During low tide at night, it was even possible to walk across. It was as if there was a huge hand that arranged the four islands in such a manner. It could be said to be divine workmanship! In addition to discovering the other islands, Ji Chen also caught a glimpse of the interior of the main island. The island was elevated in the northeast and lower in the southwest. On the highest point of the northeast side, there was a rugged mountain range with a towering peak that extended into the clouds. A snow-white waterfall cascaded from the peak of the mountain, resembling a silver river as it flowed down the rugged terrain. In front of the mountain was an open and flat valley with few trees and green grass. The terrain sloped from the northeast to the southwest. Behind the valley lay a vast jungle that extended all the way to the territory, covering almost half of the entire island. Near the northwest side of the island, there was an extremely tall forest of giant trees that looked like redwoods. Even if he stood on the cliff, his vision could not penetrate the forest of giant trees and see further. Perhaps there were more islands behind the forest. Ji Chen let out a breath and came back to his senses. This main island was much bigger than he had imagined. However, this was even better. A larger area meant more room for development. At least he did not have to worry about land problems in the future. He remembered the scene in front of him and continued to move forward with the Murlocs. Climbing down the cliff, the pale golden pillar of light that represented the third resource point was not far away. After passing through a small rocky beach, a fish farm appeared in the direction of the ocean. Unlike the previous fish farm, this one was radiating with a shimmering golden light. [Bass Fishing Ground] [Scale: Small] [Level: 1] [Main Resource: Ordinary Bass] [By-product produced: Golden Bass (2-star specialty) [One-fifth of the main resource] [Storage: 17500/17500 tails] [Maximum weekly production: 2100 tails] [Weekly Personnel Production: 210/person] This was a resource point that could produce rare by-products! In addition to producing crude iron, the crude iron mine would also produce a small amount of stone. Besides producing ordinary bass, this Bass Farm could also produce 2-star specialty Golden Bass! This resource point had the potential to produce rare by-products, but the chance of this happening was described on the official website as rare, random, and uncontrollable. The level of rarity was evident from this description. At that moment, he was also reminded of the two 4-star specialties in his territory C the precious jungle wood and the premium coffee beans C and the 2-star specialty that he just obtained. Together, these rare resources could become the main exports of his territory in the future. Once trade routes were established, he could sell these specialties to the mainland or other islands and reap a fortune. He could already envision a future where his island was prosperous and wealthy, with endless streams of gold and silver flowing towards him. With these few valuable specialties, he was confident that he could build a thriving and successful territory in no time. Occupying resource points by traveling across mountains and rivers is not a loss, its actually profitable! Ji Chen thought happily. To reach this fishery, the territory had to traverse a beach, a cliff, and a rocky beach, making land transportation inconvenient. However, with a small fishing boat or other sea vehicles, it would be much more convenient to bypass the cliff and arrive from the sea. After exploring all three resource points, he obtained significant gains. Just as he was in a good mood and was about to occupy the fishery The Murloc suddenly became alert. Their dead fisheyes looked in the direction of the ocean. Beetles with tentacles and extremely flat bodies climbed onto the beach, densely packed together. At first glance, there were at least a hundred of them. [Beard Trilobites] [Level: 1] [Level: Level 1, 1 star] [Skill: Carapace Defense (possesses a layer of horny defense on its carapace, providing weak protection).] [Military characteristic: Evolution stagnation (no matter how the external environment changes, the trilobites will not change much)] [Raise the middle finger to the world] These trilobites were probably the guardians of this fishery. However, it was only 1-star level one, which was even weaker than the Murlocs before they were strengthened. They were like experience babies. Ji Chens interest instantly waned, and he casually let the Murlocs finish them off. Ding ~ The battle has ended. You have obtained a glorious victory You have received 50 experience points. Current experience is [50%/100%]. He examined their bodies and shook his head in disappointment. These trilobites were not only weak, but they did not even have much meat on their bodies. They were simply useless. After occupying the Bass Fishery, he returned to his territory. While on the way back, he contemplated the recent events. It dawned on him that the Murlocs attack power might not be sufficient to deal with certain monsters. Their sharpened bone spears were effective against enemies without armor and thin skin, but creatures like the clay beetles, which had a sturdy armor and were fast-moving, posed a significant challenge. I can continue unlocking the Murlocs nodes and further improving their strength, especially their attack ability, he thought on the way back. Alternatively, I could search for a new military recruitment camp and develop a new army. When he returned to the territory, he called Wilus over. Sir, the beetles you brought back have been processed. Their meat content is very high, with each beetle yielding 50 to 60 units of food. We obtained about 1100 units of food from the twenty beetle carcasses, which were processed as per your instructions. Some of them are currently being dried into jerky. Thanks to your leadership, the food shortage crisis in the territory has been resolved, Wilus said respectfully. Your subjects are all impressed with your strength and wisdom. We are fortunate to have a wise lord like you. Ji Chen couldnt help but smile. This Wilus was good at everything, but he liked to tell the truth. Alright, I have a mission for you. I found a fish farm about three kilometers east of the territory. You should organize people to build a simple dock and get the craftsmen to make small fishing boats. The fishery can provide a stable source of food for the territory. In addition, send some people to work in the newly discovered clay mine. The four cave miners in the crude iron mine will also be sent to the clay mine. Quickly allocate manpower and start collecting resources. Yes, as you wish. Wilus bowed in response and said with a slightly hesitant expression, Sir, there are still many wild beasts in the forest near the territory. Im afraid that the residents might be attacked on their way to work. You dont need to worry about that. Soon, I will lead the army to clear out the dangers lurking in the jungle. I understand. After delegating tasks to Wilus, Ji Chen examined the available resources in his territory. Wood and stone were reserved for the construction of the simple dock, leaving 1276 units and 630 units respectively. The inventory showed 906 units of fiber and 600 units of crude iron, but the amount of clay was less, only 216 units. Nevertheless, once the small clay mine was operational, it would provide a steady supply of clay resources. He nonchalantly accessed the military talent tree. Chapter 15 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation [River Murloc (Tier 2, 1-star)] [Unlock node A-2: Murloc Body (Green Skill Blue Skill)] [Requires 600 units of wood, 300 units of clay] [Unlock node B-2: Diving (Green Skill Blue Skill) Consumes 600 units of fiber, 300 units of clay.] [Unlock node C-2: Iron Fork Equipment (White Skill Green Skill)] [Requires 600 units of thick iron] [Unlock node D-2: Careful (Military characteristic weakened/enhanced)] [Requires 1200 units of wood, 1200 units of fiber.] [Unlocking any node can increase star level or level.] Ji Chen gasped as he hissed in surprise. He had initially thought that with the abundance of resources he had acquired, he would have enough to unlock more nodes. However, he had not expected that the resources required for the second round of nodes would be several times higher than the first round. The number of resources required for node D-2, in particular, was staggering, with four digits that made his head spin. This feeling was like confidently bringing a new 2D girlfriend to a figurine shop and asking the shop assistant to bring a high-end figurine, only to find that the price of a high-end figurine was five figures. It was embarrassing. Pushing aside any awkwardness he felt, he examined the four nodes and found that only C-2 had sufficient resources for unlocking. The C-2 node would enhance the murlocs weapons, allowing them to deal more damage, much like the upgrade from a big bone club to a bone spear. It was precisely what he needed, and he tapped the screen without hesitation. Consumed 600 units of crude iron to unlock node C-2. River Murloc (Tier 2, 1-star) has advanced to River Murloc (Tier 2, 3-star). Advancing to two-star in one node was still in line with his psychological expectations. The bone spear in the Murlocs hand also changed. In a flash of bright light, the weapon transformed into an iron fork with three sharp iron prongs, clearly designed for stabbing. Naturally, it would not be a problem to deal with enemies like the Clay Beetles. Ji Chens attention was drawn to the residents who had returned from logging after closing the military talent tree. He noticed the wood they were carrying, one brown and the other a deep shade of purple-red with intricate and exotic patterns on the surface. The red markings looked like blood, giving the wood a unique and captivating beauty. Where did you find this purple-red wood? Reporting to my lord, they were all cut down from the edge of the open space. There are such trees everywhere. Ji Chen had them put down the purple-red wood and began to examine it. [Jungle Wood (Purple Blood Wood)] [Level: 4-star specialty] [Usage: Making furniture, wood ornaments, utensils, etc.] [The precious wood loved by the nobles. They all flaunted their furniture made of purple-blood wood.] Ah, so this was one of the territorys 4-star precious jungle trees, no wonder it looked so appealing. The description in the last column reminded him of the expensive wooden furniture that people were crazy about. A single set of such furniture could easily cost hundreds of thousands of yuan, and they were always in high demand. Looking around, Ji Chen felt a surge of excitement. The nearby forest was dense with an abundance of trees, it was as if they grew like hairs on an ox. He realized that he was standing next to a mountain of gold! Just then, he noticed that all the buildings in the territory were constructed using jungle wood. Oh my god! Using precious wood as ordinary construction materials was simply a waste of heavenly resources. It was too extravagant! Didnt that mean that he had been sleeping on a mountain of gold for the past two days? Ji Chen quickly ordered his subjects to separate the regular wood from the precious jungle wood, feeling his heartache at the thought of the wasted resources. Ordinary wood would serve as a basic resource, while the precious wood would be stored and sold to the natives when an opportunity presented itself in the future. Apart from the 4-star precious jungle wood, the territory also had another 4-star specialty: premium coffee beans. Ji Chen conducted a thorough search and discovered a coffee forest on the western edge of the jungle. The forest contained twenty-five wild coffee trees, their branches adorned with immature red coffee beans. [Fine Coffee Tree] [Level: Special] [Status: Immature] [Usage: Generates 4-star specialty premium coffee beans] [Effect: Consuming and using premium coffee beans can greatly increase mana recovery speed and can slowly increase the upper limit of mana for a long time.] [Production: 2 units/week] 25 wild coffee trees in the territorys coffee forest could produce a total of 50 units per week, which may not be much for ordinary food, but for premium coffee beans with special effects, it was a significant amount. Furthermore, Ji Chen planned to make it a luxury brand, selling one unit per unit, specializing in the upper-class nobles and spellcasters market. As long as the quality was good enough, coupled with proper publicity. Even a single unit could be sold for a sky-high price! But that was not all. It should be noted that the special building in the territory was a jungle plantation! [Territory Special Building] [Jungle Plantation] [Level: Special] [Construction cost: 1000 units of wood, 1000 units of stone] [Area: 50 x 50 (m)] [Effect: Able to plant jungle crops and increase their yield] As long as they made good use of the jungle plantation, they could further increase the production of coffee trees! As Ji Chen gazed at the coffee trees before him, his expression turned serious. He immediately ordered Wilus to organize a wooden fence around the area to prevent monsters or animals from destroying it. He also prohibited the residents from picking and destroying it. In addition, the surrounding trees and vegetation were also left intact to maintain the original ecological environment of these wild coffee trees. Once the forest was depleted, they could construct a jungle plantation and begin mass cultivating coffee trees. Then, he could profit without having to lift a finger. After attending to these tasks, Ji Chen led the Murlocs to clear out the neighboring forest. They would drive the wild beasts out of the territorys safe range, leaving behind harmless herbivores. With the discovery of the bass fishery that could provide a steady supply of food and the sufficient storage of food in the territory, there was no longer a need to constantly hunt for food like before. The new plan was to domesticate and raise wild beasts and animals, and only hunt them when necessary in the future. Otherwise, if they overdid it and destroyed the ecological balance of the island, there would be no animals to eat in the future. During the sweeping process, Ji Chen discovered some wild spices that were brought back to the territory to be used as seasonings. As night fell, he returned with a small portion of the prey that put up a fight and the spices. Amidst the cheers of the residents, they began to cook tonights food. Dinner was fresh worm meat and fish soup. After adding appropriate spices, the original freshness of high-quality ingredients was completely stimulated. The entire open space was filled with an extremely rich meaty fragrance. Upon tasting the seasoning, the flavor immediately transported him back to his pre-island days. Chapter 16 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After eating and drinking to their fill. Ji Chen returned to the Lords manor and began a day of entertainment. As the sun had set and night fell, numerous players had returned to their territories to rest, just like him. Therefore, the chat channel was especially lively. These people must be reincarnated hungry ghosts! They consume 200 units of food in a single day. And to make matters worse, I can neither reprimand nor discipline them. The peoples satisfaction levels have dropped to an all-time low of 30. If it drops any further, there might be a revolt! My dwarves are starving! Despite their small stature, their appetite is enormous C three times that of an average person. They didnt even leave a scrap of food behind; they ate everything! At last, I managed to capture a mini logging farm resource point today. Now, I can finally access some wood. How marvelous! Do you still plan on occupying the lumber mill? Arent there trees all around? Oh, maybe youre just another unlucky guy in the desert, haha! Why are there so many tier 2 and tier 3 monsters around my territory? Im just a tier 1, 5-star soldier, and Im about to die. I dont even have the resources to recruit them You might not believe it, but Ive been taken in by a native lady from a nearby city. Shes willing to use a large number of resources to support me. Do you think I should accept Is she beautiful? Is she fair? Is she young? Nah, shes around the same age as my mum. Go for it, what are you afraid of! Youll save 20 years of struggling! The players who were called idiots were actually quite entertaining. People from all over the world shared their stories about them, which helped him expand his knowledge. He also had a rough understanding of the problems the players were facing. Food, monsters, resources, and troops. In his eyes, these four problems were closely related. With a powerful army, they could fight monsters and occupy resource points. After occupying a resource point, they could obtain resources, recruit troops, and continue to hunt monsters. After killing the monsters, they could obtain food to a certain extent to support the territory. It formed a dynamic cycle. Some players did not have resources, and even if they had powerful troops, they could not recruit them. Some players lacked food and could not operate their territories at all. Ji Chen thought about his current situation. There was no shortage of food for the time being. He also had a few resource points and some resources. What they lacked now was an even stronger army. The places where it is easier to produce the core of the military recruitment camp are often dangerous areas or the wilderness far away from the territory. In addition, the treasure chest may also produce the core of the military recruitment camp, but the treasure chest is also likely to appear in the wild. In the end, we still have to actively explore the wilderness. Maybe we can try fishing to see if we can catch the core of the recruitment camp. He made up his mind. The next morning. Ji Chen watched as the blonde girl walked out of the door, shaking her voluptuous buttocks. He sighed at the indulgent lifestyle of the lord. In just two short days, his steel-like willpower had been corroded to such a state. How despicable! He got up, put on his clothes, and brought the Murlocs to the beach. The fishing session in the morning started. He sat on the reef and looked into the distance with his fishing rod. The ocean scenery today was also very good. Below him was the undulating blue sea water, and above him was the cloudless blue sky. A huge whale floated up from the sea in the distance. The hole on its head spewed out water that soared into the sky, bringing with it a rainbow. A group of white-winged seagulls circled around the whale, trying to pick up some leftovers from its mouth. Ji Chen thought about the future. Perhaps he could tame a whale as a mount and ride him across the ocean. Less than a minute after the pole was thrown, the float suddenly sank. Crash~ With a splash, a fat fish weighing at least four pounds was thrown ashore. It was fluttering on the sand, looking very lively. He took a look and estimated that it weighed about three and a half pounds after removing the internal organs. Todays fishing session proved to be fruitful, and it was a promising start! Ji Chen managed to catch several fish one after the other. As the sun slowly rose, it was almost time to wrap up the fishing session. The residents had brought their wicker baskets to collect the fish, which were filled to the brim. On average, each fish weighed around four pounds, with some weighing as much as six to seven pounds. The catch this time was truly abundant, and Ji Chen couldnt help but feel astonished. The previous fishing trip had only yielded some unwanted items, so why was he now able to catch so many high-quality fish? Did the fish sense his previous disappointment and come to make amends? As the sun rose higher in the sky, Ji Chen pondered over the unexpected turn of events. Ji Chen muttered to himself, Just one more and then well go explore the island. I need some extra strength for the last catch. He cast his fishing rod into the water, aiming for a spot seven to eight meters away. This time, it took longer for a fish to take the bait. The float remained motionless, and the water surface was still. Ji Chen, who had been feeling confident until now, suddenly felt a sense of doubt and uncertainty. Was this what it was like for normal fishermen? Was his luck as a fisherman fading away just like that? Unconsciously, it was as if someone had pressed the pause button. The sea breeze suddenly stopped blowing, and the air gradually became stuffy. Other than the sound of the surging sea, the sea was quiet. The sun was high up in the sky, and time passed by minute by minute. There was still no movement from the fishing hook. Despite the difficult fishing conditions, Ji Chen refused to give up. He was determined to catch the last fish of the day, no matter how long it took. He sat on the reef with a stubbornness that seemed almost monk-like. Even the pesky white-winged seagulls circling above and trying to steal fish from his basket didnt distract him. For Ji Chen, it was no longer just about catching fish; it was a test of his own stubbornness and determination. After two long hours, the sun was beating down on him, and his thirst was becoming unbearable. Yet his eyes remained bright and focused, as he continued to wait for that final catch. He had a premonition. The big one was coming! A soft breeze swept across the boundless sea, brushing against his face like a whisper from another world, causing his hair to tremble. He caught a whiff of an incredibly sweet fragrance in the air. Suddenly, the float that had remained still for a long time sank rapidly. The force behind it was so strong and swift that it felt like something heavy was tugging on it. Ji Chens face lit up with excitement as he thought that the big catch had finally arrived. However, his expression quickly changed as an enormous pulling force surged from the direction of the hook, nearly dragging him into the water. The fishing rod in his hand immediately bent into a half-moon shape, and the fishing line tightened, sticking tightly to the rod. Oh my god! Did he catch a shark? This was no longer the strength of an ordinary fish. It was at least the strength of a small shark. Ji Chen gritted his teeth and held the fishing rod with all his might. His feet were firmly planted in the grooves of the reef, and his body had become slightly stronger since reaching Level 2. Otherwise, he would have been dragged into the water by the enormous pulling force. As the struggle continued, the fishing rod bent more and more, making a creaking sound under the heavy load. Ji Chen could only pray that the fishing rod, which had gathered the resentment of many fishermen, would last until the last moment. Luckily, despite emitting an ear-piercing squeak, the high-quality fishing rod held up without breaking. As expected of a 1-star treasure! After a few minutes of stalemate. Ji Chen was elated to find that the fishs strength had dwindled, indicating that it was getting tired. This was the perfect opportunity to catch it! He used his remaining strength to jump off the reef and landed on the beach. He then started to slowly pull the fish towards the shore. Just as he thought, the fish on the other side of the hook probably really did not have any strength left. The strength of its struggle gradually weakened. The fish that had been below the surface of the water slowly appeared. However, when he saw the appearance of this fish. Ji Chen was stunned, his eyes filled with shock. He subconsciously loosened his grip on the fishing rod, unable to believe what he was seeing. The creature lying on the beach had a fishs lower body and a humans upper body! Chapter 17 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation This creature had long been known throughout the world. The mermaid, a creature that often appeared in fairy tales, was considered a fantasy creature on Earth. However, it was clear that they existed in this world, as one was lying on the beach in front of Ji Chen. He took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart, and signaled for the Murlocs to come closer. The mermaid lying on the beach had a stunning light blue caudal fin that was wide and beautifully curved. It was divided into two parts from the middle and curled along a graceful arc. The fishs body was covered in tiny, shimmering scales that sparkled in the sunlight, reflecting a spectrum of colors. It was a beautiful and powerful creature, neither strange nor fragile. Ji Chens gaze then shifted upwards to the upper part of the creatures body. Unlike what was depicted in fairy tales, the upper body wasnt covered in shells or starfish. Instead, a blue, tight-fitting material tightly wrapped around the creatures body, covering most of it. The fair skin exposed from her collarbone extended all the way to her stunning face, which was slightly furrowed as if she was unconscious. Her fin-like blue ears were slightly open, and her silver hair was scattered on the beach and washed by the tide. The fishing hook happened to hook the mermaids tail, and he had dragged her to shore against her will, making her hair a little messy. As a result, the mermaid was now facing the sea, with her head towards the water and her tail towards the land. There were deep marks left on the beach from the pulling, which looked very unsightly. But none of this mattered. Ji Chens eyes narrowed as he checked her stats. [Alice (Hero)] [Race: Siren] [Level: 4] [Current Level: Blue (Excellent)] [Potential: Red (Inherited Level)] [Skill: Song of Temptation (Blue skill, can use beautiful and seductive singing to confuse the enemy, causing them to fall into a state of absent-mindedness and hallucination)] Song of War (Blue skill, can use singing to encourage allies, increasing attack speed and movement speed by 30%, greatly reducing pain) Ocean Aristocrat (Green Skill, Siren is a magical noble of the ocean. When in the ocean, she will receive a certain bonus, increasing mana recovery speed and stamina recovery speed by 30%) [Military characteristic: Siren bloodline (has a certain suppression effect on all sea races with inferior bloodlines, the effect depends on the race)] [This is an immature Siren.] [Do you want to hear me sing?] The sound of his gasp could be heard. He couldnt believe it. The mermaid was a hero! And not just any hero, she was of blue excellent grade! There were three grades C white normal grade, green elite grade, and blue excellent grade. Ji Chen was familiar with the latter and knew that it represented the highest potential a hero could reach. But what about the red inherited level? Could it be an even rarer and more powerful level? Upon examining her skills, he found that she had two blue skills and one green skill. It was clear that she was a formidable magical support hero. He noticed the stark contrast between the Murlocs cowardice and the Sirens evident strength. When he turned to look at the surrounding Murlocs, he saw that they were trembling with fear and unease despite the Siren being unconscious. He realized that the Sirens bloodline was still overpowering even in its weakened state, and a thought began to form in his mind. I must get her! While he wasnt sure how he caught such a big fish in the coastal waters, he recognized that this was a chance he couldnt pass up. But how should he subdue her? At this moment, the Sirens unconscious face showed a slight relaxation of her furrowed brows, and her tightly closed eyes trembled slightly, as if she were about to wake up. Seeing this, Ji Chen immediately became anxious. Once she woke up, she would probably leave immediately or even attack them. He was too anxious to even think about subduing her without causing any harm. It was possible that he might even see blood. But then an idea flashed in his mind, and his eyes lit up. He quickly pulled out a bottle of liquid from his backpack. [Cupids Potion] [Level: Special] [Effect: Can forcefully increase the favorability of an intelligent creature to 100 points.] This item could come in handy! The Sirens eyelids started to tremble more frequently. Ji Chen couldnt care less and immediately leaned over. He pulled out the cork, lifted the Sirens head, and poured it into her mouth. At this moment, she finally opened her eyes slowly. When the pitiful little Siren opened her eyes, she was forced to drink some strange liquid. Her sapphire-like eyes were wide open, filled with panic and confusion. Before she could struggle. Ahem Ahem Alice wiped the liquid from the corner of her mouth and looked at the human in front of her angrily. Ahem What is this human doing? I should punish him properly Huh? Why do I feel like hes so close to me, like hes something important? Gradually, the anger in Alices eyes subsided, and she was at a loss. After Ji Chen fed Siren the potion, he immediately retreated a few meters and carefully observed her reaction. If anything went wrong, they would immediately run away with the Murlocs. However, as he looked into Sirens eyes, the anger he saw slowly transformed into doubt, then confusion, intimacy, and finally nostalgia. He got it right! Ding ~ Cupids Potion has been successfully used. Alice (Hero)s favorability towards you has increased to 100. Glancing at the system notification that had arrived late, Ji Chen slowly approached it. There was a gentle look on his face. Hello, my name is Ji Chen, the lord of this place. Welcome. Beautiful lady, may I ask for your name? Alice looked flustered and at a loss. Her face was flushed, as if she was an ordinary human girl in love. I My name is Alice. Nice to meet you, Lord. Ji Chen felt even more confident when he saw this. He immediately made up his mind and went straight to the point. What a nice nameAs you have heard, I am a lord. As he spoke, he looked troubled. But the territory has just started and lacks heroes who can help me lead the army. So, Alice, can you stay and help me? The straightforward statement would have been a bold move under normal circumstances. But with Alices favorability raised to the maximum, their relationship had shifted beyond the realm of logic. So when Ji Chens words reached her ears, they automatically transformed into something else entirely. He wants me to stay. Im in his heart! Without a second thought, Alices face lit up with joy as she readily agreed, Im willing to stay. Thats wonderful! Ding! Siren: Alice (Hero) has pledged allegiance to you. [Detected that you have a hero. Military talent tree (hero) activated.] Ji Chens heart trembled. Could he upgrade heroes through the military talent tree? As soon as this thought appeared, he shook his head and asked himself. Why not? At the end of the day, heroes were essentially soldiers. It was just that they were more special and powerful existences. But in the end, it was still a military type. He calmed down and looked at Alices tail. A trace of hesitation flashed in his eyes. But Alice, your tail My lord, dont worry. Sirens have the ability to transform into human legs, Alice said with a gentle smile. With a wave of her small hand, her beautiful tail blurred and turned into a pair of long legs that were as straight as ivory. The thick fluorescent film, which was like a tight-fitting suit, automatically extended to his thighs. Then we can move on the ground. But Alice, can you stay on land for a long time? Although its a little uncomfortable on land, for Sirens, theres not much difference between moving in the ocean and on land as long as theres water nearby. Ji Chen nodded. There were no more questions. Although Alices tail had turned into legs, she still looked a little uncomfortable. She could only be supported by him and brought back to the territory. Chapter 18 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The residents were taken aback when Ji Chen arrived with a stunning girl who had fins on her ears. They couldnt believe that a living person had suddenly appeared on this isolated and uninhabited island. When they found out that Alice was a Siren and a hero, their surprise grew even more. They had all heard of the sea demon with an enchanting singing voice that resided in the ocean. These demons resembled humans and were incredibly beautiful. They were notorious for using their songs to lure ships to their demise, causing them to crash into rocks and sink. And that kind of sea demon was called Siren. His Lordship was actually able to subdue a legendary Siren? The people held even more reverence and respect for Ji Chen after he had brought Alice back. Despite being shocked by Alices appearance and abilities, they acknowledged that it was a testament to the Feudal Lords power to be able to subdue her. Now, the people were constantly praising him and attributing all good things to him. If the food was delicious, it was His Lordships credit; if the journey to work was smooth, it was also His Lordships credit. They had become flatterers who praised him endlessly. This was brought by their lord! Praise the lord! When someone found a Kels silver coin on the beach. It must be the lord protecting us! Praise the lord! This was just one of many instances of such praise. Unknowingly, the popularity of the territory had increased to 70 points, resulting in an additional 20% increase in labor efficiency. The residents efficiency and enthusiasm for work had become remarkable. Ji Chen handed over the basket of fish he caught to his subjects to deal with. Then, he immediately ordered the tailor to sew a set of womens clothing for Alice. Once Alices tail had transformed into legs, she had a pair of bare feet that resembled smooth jade. She didnt wear any shoes, and although the tight-fitting, thick membrane covering her body acted as a cover, it still looked a bit peculiar on land, almost like high-end sexy clothing. Therefore, it was more appropriate for her to wear human clothing. After helping Alice get accustomed to walking on her legs, Ji Chen opened up the military talent tree. A new interface for the heros talent tree appeared. He clicked on it and saw Alices talent tree. [Siren: Alice (Hero)] [Unlock node A-1: Song of Temptation (Blue skill Purple skill)] [Consumes 3200 units of wood, 3200 units of clay, and 800 units of Mithril.] [Unlock node B-1: Song of War (blue skill purple skill) Consumes 3200 units of fiber, 3200 units of clay, and 800 units of Mithril.] [Unlock Point C-1: Ocean Aristocrat (Green Skill Blue Skill)] [Requires 1600 units of crude iron, and 400 units of Mithril.] [Unlock node D-1: Sirens Body (new green skill)] [Requires 800 units of thick iron] [Unlock node E-1: Siren bloodline (Military characteristic weakened/enhanced)] [Requires 1600 units of crystals, 1600 units of Mithril] After unlocking nodes, A-1, B-1, C-1, C-2, D-1, and E-1, you can advance to a Purple Rare Hero. When he saw the number of resources required to unlock the node, the corners of his mouth twitched crazily. Even unlocking a green skill required 800 units of crude iron, not to mention other resources that could easily reach thousands of units and required rare Mithril resources. This confirmed his suspicion that heroes were indeed expensive to maintain. Now, he only had one word to describe himself. Poor! However, the information on the bottom of the column made him nod in understanding. It was revealed that the next level after blue excellent was the purple rare level, and Alices potential, the red inheritance level, was evidently higher than the purple rare level. As Alice was added to the military talent tree, Ji Chens mind began to race. If the level of a hero could be increased, could the military technology tree increase the upper limit of a heros potential when it reached its maximum level? The idea made him feel excited. The military talent tree was truly a cheat! My Lord, did you think of something happy? When he came back to his senses, he found Alice staggering to the front. She tilted her head cutely, her eyes filled with curiosity. Ji Chen supported her with one hand and stroked her silver hair with a chuckle. Looking at Alices sapphire-like eyes, he suddenly wondered why it wasnt red. This thought only flashed across his mind. Its fine. You stay in the territory first. Im going out for a while. As he spoke, he shouted for Wilus to send two female subjects to help Alice get used to walking on her feet. Ji Chen led the Murlocs out of the territory and headed towards the raw iron mine resource point. After a journey of over ten minutes, he reached the mine entrance and heard a tinkling sound emanating from inside. Accompanied by the shouts and singing of the cave miners. Hey! If we dont work hard today, well eat lizards tomorrow! Yo hey! If we work harder today, well eat sea fish tomorrow! Who gave us food? The great lord! Who protects us? The glorious lord! For the lord! We must work harder in mining! Yo hey yo yo! As he heard the mournful sounds emanating from within, Ji Chens expression soured. What the hell was this song? He shook his head and decided not to interrupt them. Although they had used brute force to make the cave miners submit, it seemed their loyalty was still intact. Ill toss in a few extra pieces of meat for tonights meal, he thought to himself before heading to the clay mine. There, he found four more cave miners and several residents busy excavating clay. However, the small clay mines, with only 42 positions, were not as productive as the 14 mini crude iron mines which were all full. Only half of the positions were occupied by 21 workers, resulting in a production capacity of only half. The remaining residents were either engaged in tool and clothing making, house building, or fishing boat construction. They simply couldnt spare any manpower. Wilus had already done his best in deploying the workforce, but as the saying goes, a clever housewife cant cook a meal without rice. No matter how much manpower they allocated, they couldnt solve the current issue of extreme labor shortage. This was the biggest flaw that the territory had exposed. Ji Chen felt a headache coming on as well, but there was nothing he could do. His territory was on an island, surrounded by a vast ocean. For example, Other players usually increase their population by absorbing refugees or hiring residents from nearby settlements. However, such methods were not viable on this island. Ji Chen could only focus on improving his troops strength, exploring the wilderness, and developing the shipbuilding industry to build a ship capable of crossing the ocean. He understood that progress would be slow, but he still held on to the hope that one day, another ship full of people would land on this island. He finished patrolling the three resource points and led the Murlocs to patrol the territory. They chased away wild beasts and eliminated wild monsters nearby as they patrolled. Unknowingly, they left the vicinity of the territory and ventured deep into the forest, eventually arriving near the gray stone forest. It was one of the three places he had seen before, approximately three to four kilometers away from the territory. Ji Chen pushed aside the dense vegetation and looked outside. A dozen meters tall, irregular gray stone pillars stood in the vast shallow water. Small trees and weeds grew out of the cracks in the stone pillars, and moss and vines clung to them. In the center of this shallow stone forest was a beach in the middle of the lake. On the beach stood a strange stone building. Ji Chens eyes widened with surprise as he stared at the building for a moment. He realized that it was a neutral recruitment camp, as mentioned in the game information. These camps randomly appeared in the wilderness and couldnt be moved, but they offered powerful soldiers to players who defeated the guardian soldiers and occupied them. He had never expected to find one in this location! As the camera turned slightly, he noticed a box glimmering with starlight in front of a rock in the middle of the lake. Another treasure chest? Good things do come in pairs! Ji Chen made up his mind to claim both rewards, but first he needed to deal with the guardian soldiers lounging around the lake. Chapter 19 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation There were about forty ugly creatures with fangs in their mouths. They werent muscular, but they were very skinny. They held iron spears in their hands and had short spears hanging on their backs. There were also dolls made of skulls and vines hanging on them. [Shallow Water Troll] [Level: 5] [Level: Level 2, 4-star] [Skill: Berserk (green skill, increases attack speed and movement speed after being attacked, ignores pain, the effect lasts until the end of the battle)] Poison (Green skill, smears poison on the weapon, causing the enemy to suffer poison damage) Spear Throw (White skill, hurling a short spear to cause intense penetrating damage) [Military characteristic: Voodoo (Shallow Water Trolls believe in voodoo)] [I want to make you into a voodoo doll!] Ji Chens eyelids twitched. There were as many as 40 Tier 2, 5-Star, and Level 5 Trolls! In an instant, a wave of pressure assaulted him. Without much hesitation, Ji Chen left the treasure chest and the neutral recruitment camp with the Murlocs. He planned to come back and claim them later. As he was leaving, he couldnt resist making a threatening remark, Humph, Ill bring Alice here tomorrow. Ill kill all of you then! They retraced their steps and resumed their sweep through the jungle. After two days of cleaning and sweeping, the wild beasts and monsters within a kilometer of the territory were almost cleared. Ji Chen instructed the Murlocs to take care of the last python in a group of snakes, and when it was done, he turned to them and saw that they were all stunned. The system notification sounded. Ding ~ The battle has ended. You have obtained a glorious victory. [You have received 50 EXP. You have leveled up (23). Current EXP is [5%/100%].] [Your River Murloc has leveled up (23). Current EXP is [5%/100%].] Ji Chen took a deep breath as he felt his body grow stronger. If his bodys overall strength was 1 when he first entered the game, it was now 1.2. His strength, stamina, speed, and other aspects had all improved a lot. He felt that his body was better than ever. Not only that, but he also felt that his vitality was much stronger than before as if he had endless strength. It seemed that the level was not just a numerical value. The digital representation of the game also represented the increase in vitality and strength. If he could reach level 30, level 40, or even higher, he might become as strong as Superman. It was not impossible for him to live to 150. Let the Murlocs carry some edible prey back to the territory. The residents cheered again. Compared to the first day, the territory had become more prosperous. He opened the territory panel with interest. [Crown of the Ocean] (Eliminate the invasion of wild beasts and monsters within 7 days. Time remaining: 3 days 6 hours 24 minutes) [Overlord: Ji Chen] [Level: Level 1 village (100 prosperity points required to upgrade to the next level, 1000 units of wood, fiber, and clay consumed)] [Prosperity: 727/100] [Popular sentiment: 71 (support)] [Citizens: Humans (42), Cave Miners (18)] [Territory buildings: Level 1 lords residence, simple residential house (7), simple tool room (1), resource detection tower (1), simple dock (1)] [Occupy resource points: Level 1 crude iron mine (mini), Level 1 clay mine (small), Level 1 bass fishery (small)] [City defense works: None] [Military recruitment camp: Murloc statue (level 2, 3 stars)] [Number of troops: River Murlocs (21)] [Hero: Siren: Alice (blue excellent)] [Territory size: 100 x 100 (m)] [Territory Resources: Wood (1330 units), stone (630 units), fiber (906 units), clay (216 units), crude iron (100 units)] [Food Storage: Dry Food (308 units), Meat (528 units)] [Territory Protection: Gift of the Sea (The subjects and soldiers can catch more fish in the sea, and their sense of direction and swimming in the sea will be greatly improved)] [Territory Specialties: Precious Jungle Wood (4-star specialty), Fine Coffee Bean (4-star specialty), Golden Bass (2-star specialty)] [Territory Special Building: Jungle Plantation (Not yet built)] His Prosperity had already reached 727 points, exceeding the 627 points required for a Level 1 village! Ji Chen was surprised, but he soon realized what was going on. In the past few days, he had subdued the Cave Miners, occupied three resource points, and built many buildings. Just by obtaining Alice, a Blue Excellent Hero, he could obtain a considerable amount of prosperity. Moreover, the 71 points of popular support were also one of the reasons why he had obtained so much prosperity. The territory might not have a lot of fish and meat now, but at least they did not have to worry about food and drink for the time being. Moreover, there were no wild beasts or monsters around. Therefore, the morale of the people naturally lifted. He was already quite satisfied with this development speed. On a broken island, it could develop to this extent in three days. It was enough. He didnt need to do more. In contrast, many other territories and players were still struggling with basic needs like food and clothing. So, it was impressive that Ji Chen had achieved such progress in the early stages of the island. The next morning. After Ji Chen had a simple breakfast, he went to the empty space next to the lords residence. A new pond that was four to five meters deep had been built there yesterday. Alice lived in the pool for the time being. The moment he arrived, a black shadow swiftly surfaced, causing water to splash everywhere. The Siren girls beautiful fishtail swayed gently as she propped herself up on the edge of the pool, extending her hand to him with a joyful expression. With a smile, Ji Chen lifted her out of the pool and felt the delicate touch of her transformed legs in his hands. Todays mission was clear: head to the Gray Stone Forest, defeat the Shallow Water Trolls, and occupy the Neutral Military Recruitment Camp. Alice had adapted to walking on land after a day of practice and was now able to move freely. With Alices participation in the battle, he had absolute confidence in capturing that place! They trudged through the jungle. Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the stone forest. The trolls were either sitting around and talking to each other or lying lazily on the beach to bask in the sun. They had no idea that a disaster was about to befall them. Ji Chen waved his hand, and the Murlocs charged at the giant demons that were resting there. Ding ~ You have entered combat mode. Morale assessment in progress. The Lord of your side leads the army, morale +10. Number disadvantage, morale -10. Level disadvantage, morale -2. Level disadvantage, morale -3. Hero Commander, Morale +15. The morale of our River Murlocs is at 60 points. We have entered an advantageous state. Hero leadership was indeed different. It directly increased morale by 15 points and forcefully reversed the disadvantage in many aspects! The Trolls became aware of the Murlocs charging towards them and responded with angry roars, grabbing their spears and preparing to take down the audacious attackers. A great battle was about to break out. Ji Chen looked at Alice. Alice, please. The Siren girl gave him a sweet smile, then turned to look at the Troll with an extremely cold and indifferent gaze. It was as if they were just some inferior creatures that were not worth mentioning. Her cherry-red lips parted slightly. An indescribably beautiful song slowly sounded, gently echoing in the stone forest. He felt some tranquil images in his mind as if in a dream. Chapter 20 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation It felt like being cradled in a mothers embrace, enveloped in a sense of security. It was akin to a long-awaited reunion with loved ones, filling him with joy and warmth. It was like the soothing comfort and warmth of lying on a vast field basking under the gentle spring sun. [Song of Temptation (Blue skill, can use beautiful and seductive singing to confuse the enemy, causing them to fall into a state of absent-mindedness)] In a mere moment, the Shallow Water Trolls went from fierce and menacing to completely stunned. Their eyes lost all their life as their attacking movements slowed to a crawl, their faces taking on a look of obsession and happiness as if they were witnessing something truly beautiful. They ignored the Murlocs that had already rushed in front of them. The Murlocs were not affected at all, and they stabbed the pitchforks into the trolls bodies without any hindrance. Stab~ The piercing sound of weapons entering flesh echoed continuously, accompanying the clean and sharp song that carried a murderous aura. Despite the numerous wounds on their bodies, the Shallow Water Trolls remained entranced and unable to free themselves. Even in death, their eyes were filled with bliss. As the gentle singing ceased, the ground was already littered with the corpses of Trolls. The green shallow water was dyed red, and a thick smell of blood filled the air, rushing straight to his nose. After a long time, Ji Chen finally came back to his senses. His eyes were filled with shock. The scene was shocking, too terrifying to comprehend. To watch the enemy die in such a beautiful and warm manner seemed almost romantic, but seeing it first-hand sent shivers down their spines. The Siren was truly a noble of the sea. With this ability alone, she could easily be considered a hero. Ji Chens admiration for Alice grew stronger. With Alice by his side, he had no worries about not being able to conquer and rule the entire island. Ding ~ The battle has ended. You have won a glorious victory. None injured +40% extra experience. Defeating a large number of opponents with fewer opponents +20% extra experience. Overwhelming victory +40% extra experience. [You have received 600 experience points. Current experience is [80%/100%].] The intensity of this battle had filled up 60% of his experience bar, nearly reaching the maximum experience for this level. It was truly overwhelming. Once the battle was over, the coldness in Alices eyes dissipated and she began to proudly take credit like a child. My Lord, I did well, right? Ji Chen smiled and gently stroked her hair. You did well. Youre amazing. Alices eyes formed a crescent shape, like the moon. Next, it was time to collect the spoils of war. He waded through the shallow water and came to the beach in the middle of the lake. He first walked to the treasure chest. The chest was glowing with stars, and it looked even more beautiful than the treasure chest he had seen on the stranded ship. [Unlock Treasure Chest] [Level: 3 stars] [There seems to be something good inside.] [Will the Goddess of Luck notice you?] 3 stars! It was definitely better than the last treasure chest! Last time, he had only gotten a resource collection tool. What would he get this time? Ji Chen opened it with a hint of anticipation. Goddess of Luck! If you dont give me something good, Ill believe in other goddesses! You have opened a 3-star treasure chest. Obtained The Crown of Omniscience (3-star treasure). [The Crown of Omniscience] [Level: 3-star treasure (single)] [Effect: Activate the full-view map.] Greatly increases the users field of vision in the wild [You need a map that can cheat.] A 3-star treasure! The effect was simply awesome! Currently, he planned to use not only the hack for upgrading troops, but also the hack for X-ray vision! Ji Chen placed the Crown of Omniscience under the head equipment slot. In the next second, a circular light screen map appeared in front of him, showing the surrounding terrain from a birds eye view. At the center of the map was a green dot in the shape of a water droplet, representing himself. There were some circular green dots surrounding it, representing the Murlocs. The green triangle that represented Alice was right next to him. Some of the beasts and monsters in the nearby forest appeared as red dots on his map. Some remained stationary, while others were moving slowly. Ji Chen smacked his lips in surprise. Wasnt this a radar made for human? He calculated that the Omniscience Map covered an area of about one kilometer around him, displaying a circular field of view with a diameter of two kilometers. It could track allies and even hostile targets such as monsters and wild beasts within this range. Additionally, it could provide information on the terrain and buildings within a certain distance, as if they were playing an action-adventure game. The Goddess of Luck had truly favored him this time, gifting him with an item that could be considered a divine artifact in the dense forest. With it, he no longer had to worry about sudden attacks from wild beasts and monsters. The actual effect of using it could even surpass that of a 4-star or 5-star treasure. Obtaining this item alone was worth the entire trip. It was a bloody profit! He shifted his focus to the neutral recruitment camp situated at the center of the beach. With the massive number of trolls guarding it, it couldnt be just any ordinary army recruitment camp, could it? He took a closer look. [Naga Warrior Altar] [Level: Level 2, 5 stars] [Type of soldier recruited: Naga Warrior (Level 2, 5-star)] [Number of recruits per week: 14] [Current Recruited]: 14 [Recruitment cost: 30 units of wood, 30 units of fiber, 30 units of clay.] [Click to recruit] Ji Chen felt extremely happy to see that he had recruited a Tier 2 5-star Naga Warrior. Since Nagas and Murlocs were both aquatic creatures, they were very suitable for the islands terrain. He was worried that the neutral recruitment camp might only offer land or sea units, which would not be as valuable to him. He immediately claimed it and clicked on recruit. With a soft sound. The altar-shaped Naga Warrior recruitment camp in front of him trembled slightly, and the patterns in the center of the altar emitted a green light. The green light wiggled and gradually formed into tall and sturdy figures. His face and body slowly became clearer. Its head was a combination of human and dragon features, with fins protruding on either side. Its body had two powerful scaly arms with sharp, half-meter long bone blades on the back of each hand. The upper half of its body resembled that of a human and extended down to its waist, where it transformed into a snake-like body. Unlike Alices delicate and beautiful scales, the scales of these creatures were thick and wide like those of a generals armor, indicating strong defensive capabilities. His gaze was cold and cruel, and he stood there like a ruthless executioner. [Naga Warrior] [Level: 1] [Level: Level 2, 5 stars] [Skill: Bloodthirsty frenzy (green skill, once it smells blood it will become frenzied and attack wildly).] Nagas Body (Green characteristic. Large and thick scales provide considerable defense, ignoring some damage) Bloodline Regeneration (Green characteristic. The meagre bloodline of the Great Flood Dragon gives it a certain regeneration ability. Other than the head, heart, and other core parts, all parts can be regenerated) [Military characteristic: Out of control (once a Naga smells blood, it will lose control to a certain extent and even ignore orders to attack the enemy crazily)] [Im the Northwest King of Assassins!] His eyes lit up. Chapter 21 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation It was so powerful and terrifying! It was already at Tier 2, 5 stars even without any equipment, and had three powerful green skills. After upgrading it with the military talent tree, wouldnt it become even more godlike? This was also his second type of army, making up for the shortcomings of the territorys army. If Murlocs were light infantry, good at sneaking and ambush, then Naga Warriors were heavy infantry, good at frontal combat. Each had its own advantages and disadvantages. Apart from its slightly unusual unit characteristics, Ji Chen was very satisfied with the Naga Warrior. Returning to the treasure chest, he collected its contents and obtained 30 units of star iron. After confirming that there was nothing left behind, he left with the Murlocs, Alice, and the newly acquired Naga Warrior. With the Omniscience Map, Ji Chen now felt at home in the jungle. No monster or beast within a radius of 1 kilometer could escape his sight. He could precisely locate his prey hidden in the jungle as if he was cheating. The targets hid in the vegetation, up in the treetops, and even buried in the ground, but none could escape his grasp. The River Murlocs and Naga Warriors, aided by Alices terrifying singing voice, caused a bloody storm in the jungle, killing every target in their way. The forest was thrown into chaos. The remaining beasts and monsters that had been hiding nearby all this time fled the forest in panic, afraid that they would be found by the terrifying upright ape in the next second. For a moment, the forest was unprecedentedly quiet. Half a day later, Ji Chen looked at the map in front of him and couldnt help but frown. Eh? There were so many wild beasts and monsters before, so why were there only a few left now? Did I kill them all? Forget it. Its almost time anyway. Lets call it a day. Thinking about it, he closed the map and walked towards the territory. After a few steps, he suddenly stopped. He looked at a tree not far away. There was an obvious cross mark on the bark of the tree. Everyone, be on alert! Ji Chen walked over cautiously and crouched down to examine it. The cross-shaped marking appeared fresh, with two clean, straight scratches that looked as if they were made by a knife. It was unlikely that the Murlocs or Nagas weapons could have caused such marks by accident. Ji Chen surveyed the area, noting that they were approximately three to four kilometers away from their territory, deep in the forest. Even he and his companions had not been to this area before. According to what the residents had said, they had not reached such a deep place before. This trace should not have been left behind by the residents. Therefore, he ruled out the possibility that they were the ones who left it behind. After eliminating all the possible factors, he came to a conclusion. His gaze turned solemn. There were people on this island! There was a high chance that it was not a player, but a native! Ji Chens discovery of the cross mark on the tree was confirmed when he found the same mark on two nearby trees, along with the remains of a bonfire. This was great news for the territory that was lacking labor. If we found the gathering place of the aborigines and directly kidnapped them he coughed, I mean, if we politely invited them over, we could build a rich and beautiful territory together! But where would the natives on this island gather? Ji Chen considered the factors that usually determined a gathering place: flat terrain, sufficient water sources, convenient transportation, and nearby food sources. Possible locations included the mountains in the northeast, the valley in front of the mountains, or even areas he had not explored yet, such as behind the giant forest or other sub-islands. These locations appeared to be the most probable ones. It looked like he would need to widen his search range in the future. That morning, he planned to bring these natives into the territory to provide an additional labor force. With this idea in mind, he made his way back to the territory. .. The next morning. Ji Chen and Alice were sitting in the lords mansion, leisurely having breakfast. Due to someones perverse taste, Alice was currently wearing a specially made human girls outfit, which made her look very slim and beautiful. If any player were to see her, they would definitely recognize it as clothing from Blue Star, the JK uniform. My Lord, is this what human females usually wear every day? I feel a bit strange in this outfit Alices face turned slightly red as she tugged on the hem of her skirt, feeling a bit exposed. She feared that even a gust of wind could blow her skirt up at any moment. Before, she didnt pay much attention to her clothing as she had her protective layer, but after interacting with humans and being exposed to their culture, she started to notice certain things. Ji Chen replied with a serious expression, Yes, its what young human girls wear. Dont you think its pretty? The outfit is very pretty, Alice pouted. But why is it different from the clothing worn by human females outside? Well its called a girls outfit, so naturally, its different from what older women wear. Ding! Alices blue eyes looked at Ji Chen, who seemed a little guilty, with a hint of suspicion. But she didnt say anything. After all, she also liked this beautiful outfit. Seeing that Alice didnt ask any further questions, Ji Chen breathed a sigh of relief. Its good that he managed to fool her. Wearing a JK outfit was like a treasure for a girl! However, he still secretly thought of wanting to get a pair of stockings for Alice from the tailor. He liked both black and white ones. But what material should the stockings be made of? How about silk cloth produced from silkworm? It seems that in the future, he should also pay attention to whether such materials exist when exploring outside. Just as he was lost in thought, a sudden commotion outside broke the silence, as if a villager was panicking. My lord! Something bad has happened! A moment later, Wilus knocked on the door with an anxious expression. My Lord, the water in the river has been polluted. He closed the chat channel and frowned slightly. Pollution? Could it be that the cave miners were bathing in the pool again? If that was the case, he would have to teach them a lesson. Whats the situation like now? Reporting to my lord, when I arrived at the river, the water had turned completely red. The water has turned red? He saw the grave expression on Wilus face. Ji Chens expression became serious as he set aside his half-eaten breakfast and led Alice and the others to the scene of the incident. As they passed through a narrow forest path, they were met with a river that was already red in color. Upon looking upstream, they saw that the rivers red water was flowing continuously from the source, as if someone was pouring jars of dye into it. It was unknown what the river was contaminated with, but it was certainly not safe to drink. This river, which was less than five to six meters wide, was currently the only water source in the territory. If the issue wasnt resolved soon, the territory might face a freshwater crisis. The water retorting system alone would not be able to sustain dozens of people in the territory. Chapter 22 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation At this moment, the Naga warrior beside him suddenly became slightly restless. His cold eyes were stained with a trace of blood red, revealing a murderous intent. [Military characteristic: Out of control (once a Naga smells blood, it will lose control to a certain extent and even ignore orders to attack the enemy crazily)] The characteristics of the Naga Warriors had been triggered! Ji Chen frowned slightly, but he quickly reacted. Could it beThe river was polluted by blood? How much blood must have been spilled to turn the entire river red? Ji Chen realized the severity of the situation, and his expression gradually turned grave. He quickly made the decision to follow the river upstream and investigate the situation at the waterfall pool. As expected, the previously clear green pond was now dyed red. Even the clear waterfall had turned into a red one. In the northeast direction of the territory, the waterfall pool was the farthest he had been to in the past few days. He had not explored further places. They only knew that the further northeast they went, the higher the terrain. If they kept going, they would eventually reach the mountains northeast of the main island. Could it be that something strange had happened in the mountains? He had only explored less than one-tenth of the entire island. The rest of the island was still a mystery to him. My Lord, whats wrong? Alices sapphire-like eyes were filled with worry as she looked at Ji Chen, who was frowning. Im fine. He shook his head. Something must have happened upstream. Lets go and take a look now. Alice nodded gently, raised her head, and patted her chest confidently. No matter what happens, leave it to me! Ji Chen smiled. With Alices mesmerizing singing voice and the assistance of the powerful Naga Warrior, there was no monster that couldnt be dealt with. Ji Chen simply had to charge through and slash his way to victory. In an instant, his confidence swelled. They went around the waterfall from the forest on the side and continued to advance by the river above. Compared to downstream, the river widened above the waterfall, and the forest on both sides of the river thinned out. The water was also even redder, and he could even detect the faint smell of blood. He surveyed the distance to the river, It seems like were getting closer to the site of the incident. After half an hour, Ji Chen leaned against a rock and gazed up at the river, two to three hundred meters away, with a look of astonishment in his eyes. Dozens of dog-headed creatures with scales and tails were slaughtering a large number of animals by the riverbank. The fresh blood of the animals flowed into the river, dyeing the flowing water red in an instant. So it was this group of dog-headed creatures that caused the river to turn red! A moment of realization flashed in his mind, and he continued to observe. These dog-headed creatures appeared to have a certain level of civilization. In addition to the bone knives stained with blood, they also held sharpened obsidian spears and wore coverings made of animal skins and fibers, like early humans in the primitive stages of civilization. Could the traces he found in the jungle yesterday have been left by them? However, the next scene made Ji Chen doubt this idea. He saw several dog-headed creatures waiting for a deer to finish bleeding before eagerly cutting a piece of meat with their bone knives and stuffing it into their mouths to chew on. Blood flowed down from their mouths, giving off a savage and bloody appearance. However, the presence of remains of bonfires in the jungle suggested that the indigenous people who had left the tracks knew how to use fire. But these dog-headed creatures drank blood and ate meat raw, indicating that they had not reached that level of civilization yet. [Goblin] [Level: 6] [Level: Level 2, 3-star] [Skill: Bloodline power (green skill, has a trace of extremely weak dragon bloodline, has good strength)] Night Vision (Green skill, has good night vision, can walk freely in dark caves) Trap (Green skill, knows how to make all kinds of traps) [Military characteristic: Cunning and treacherous (Goblins are cunning by nature and will not easily submit to other creatures)] [Oh, the great dragon, please bestow upon the Goblins a drop of bloodline!] Its level was the same as the Murlocs, at the level of Tier 2, 3-star. However, there were at least 70 to 80 of them at a glance, which was much more than the Murlocs and Naga Warriors combined. But he was not worried at all. As long as the strength difference wasnt too great and the number wasnt overwhelming, they could be defeated. With Alices singing voice, no monster was unbeatable. Were the Goblins native to this island? Ji Chen pondered this as he observed them. Rather than immediately attacking and killing the group of kobolds, he instructed the Naga Warrior and Alice to hide on the side while he brought out the Murlocs openly. The Goblins quickly discovered his existence and barked in alarm, their faces full of vigilance. Ji Chen walked over slowly with a kind look on his face. Hello, my name is Its that damned human! Kill him! Skin him alive! Human meat is delicious! Before he could finish his sentence, the eyes of the Goblins in front of him suddenly turned red as they said angrily. Without giving him a chance to speak, they all rushed over with their weapons. Ji Chens face turned cold. He had originally thought about trying to subdue these dog-headed creatures, just like the cave miners, since the territory was currently in dire need of labor. But now, it seemed that he had to win a battle first before he could convince them. Persuasion through reasoning! Alice! A beautiful and alluring singing voice came from the nearby jungle. An extremely beautiful and alluring song came from the forest beside him. In an instant, these Goblins fell into a daze, and illusions appeared in front of their eyes. Their behavior was even worse than the trolls. Drool dripped from the corners of their mouths, as if they were hallucinating about some delicious food. The Murlocs rushed forward the moment the song sounded, killing the Goblins who did not resist as if they were cutting melons and vegetables. As soon as only half of the goblins remained, Ji Chen signaled Alice to stop singing. As the enchanting melody faded away, the goblins slowly returned to their senses. They licked their lips, reminiscing about how they had made all the creatures on the island submit to them, even creating an illusion of a great existence. However, in the next moment, their expressions turned to horror. Less than half of their comrades were still standing! The rest of them were lying on the ground, with a strange smile on their lips, but their bodies were riddled with holes and their blood was almost drained. Human, what have you done?! What just happened?! Ji Chen stood with his hands behind his back and glanced at them coldly. Ill give you two choices now. One is to submit, and the other is to die. Which one do you choose? The Goblins were extremely shocked by what had just happened and looked at each other. Seeing that Ji Chen was so close to them, they didnt dare to attack recklessly, afraid that they would become corpses on the ground the next time they woke up. Finally, the Goblins bowed their heads and half-knelt on the ground, speaking in a tone of utmost respect. We are willing to submit to you, great human. But from a hidden angle, a glimpse of cunning and hatred flickered in their lowered eyes. Ji Chen saw them kneel down to show their submission and nodded gently. He casually opened the territory panel, but when he saw the column of subjects. His expression turned cold again. There were only humans and cave miners in the column of residents. There were no Goblins at all. In other words, these Goblins were pretending to submit. He realized that he had made a mistake in his approach. In the past, he had used force and killing to make the cave miners submit to him. But now, even though he saw that the Goblins were not easy to submit, he still thought that he could use the same method. The result was clear. This method would not work on the Goblins. Since there was no value in subduing them, the only path left was to slaughter them. Chapter 23 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen coldly spat out a few words. Kill them. With the command given, the Murlocs rushed forward without hesitation. Seeing this, the Goblins understood that their pretense of submission had been exposed and they no longer tried to conceal their true intentions. They bared their teeth and shouted with bloodshot eyes. Vile humans, do you still think you can make us, the noble bloodline, submit? Kill the humans and these ugly Murlocs! Increase the food supply for our tribe! Before they could make a move, the nearby jungle suddenly trembled. The towering and robust Naga Warriors writhed their powerful serpent bodies, charging into the Goblins from the side like war chariots. With a sudden swing of their sharp bone blades on their bulky arms, the Goblins scales, which could only offer a pitiful defense, shattered with a resounding crack, their bodies were torn apart completely. Swinging his saber again, a massive Goblins head fell to the ground and rolled aside. The Naga Warriors possessed formidable strength, wielding their two bone blades with ferocious power. Even when hitting the Goblins with the back of their blades, their bones shattered like rag dolls, sending them flying. Although the difference between the two was only 2 stars, their combat power was on a completely different level. The Naga Warriors were born for battle, with their bodies covered in strong muscles and fierce weapons. On the other hand, the Goblins were not skilled in combat and usually relied on traps to catch their prey. In a direct confrontation, they were no match. In an instant, they were scattered and defeated, unable to resist. Their obsidian spears were easily cut through by the bone blades, raining blood and flesh. Even the sharp tip of the obsidian spear could only pierce through the snake scales and then get stuck in the strong muscles, and the Naga Warriors would easily swing their blades and cut off the Goblins arms, which would then fly up high before landing. The blood splattered into the river, mixing with the blood of the animals. At this moment, Alice walked out of the jungle, and with a slight opening of her red lips, she mercilessly presented a funeral song of death. These Goblins fell into an endless illusion again, smiled happily, and stopped resisting. They died in a moment of happiness. Ji Chen wasnt affected at all. He simply enjoyed the beauty of the song. But in the next moment, the melodious and beautiful song suddenly changed its tone and rhythm, becoming trembling. It sounded like war drums, iron weapons clashing, stormy waves, and surging undercurrents. He felt the blood in his entire body boil in an instant, making him have the urge to personally go up and kill. He took a deep breath and looked at the battlefield again. This song that sounded like the rhythm of war was Alices second skill, Song of War. [Song of War (Blue skill, can use singing to motivate allies, increasing attack speed and movement speed by 30%, greatly reducing pain)] The singing voice caused the eyes of the Murlocs to turn red, and their attack speed increased a bit. Even their dull and lifeless dead fisheyes showed a hint of killing intent. As for the Naga Warriors, they swung their blades with great enthusiasm, fully demonstrating what it meant to be the Northwestern Chopping King. * Northwest Chopping King is a Chinese slang term used to describe someone who is very skilled in chopping things, especially with a knife or a cleaver. (Translator note) Perhaps the intense pain caused one of the Goblins, who was lost in the illusion, to briefly awaken. Its eyes widened, and it let out a hoarse and desperate roar. Human, our race will come to avenge us! They will destroy your territory, plunder your people, and turn you into jerky Ah! The next second, the Goblin was cut into two by the Naga Warrior who was blinded with rage. In just a few minutes, all of the remaining Kobolds were completely wiped out. Ding ~ The battle has ended. You have obtained a glorious victory [You have received 800 EXP. You have leveled up (34). Current EXP: (38%/100%)] River Murloc leveled up (34), Naga Warrior leveled up (12). [Siren: Alice (Hero) has leveled up (45)] After the battle ended, almost all the troops present had leveled up. After upgrading, the troops would receive a 10-minute BUFF that could greatly increase their recovery ability. Some of the injuries that the Murlocs and Nagas had suffered in the battle were recovering at a fast pace. Ji Chen slowly walked into the battlefield, which was filled with broken limbs and tainted blood. His expression did not change. He had witnessed similar scenes in many battles before, so he was used to it. But at this moment, he caught the scent of blood and even felt his cells quivering slightly. It made him wonder if he belonged to the chaotic evil alignment. Ji Chen narrowed his eyes as he looked at the corpses of the Goblins on the ground. Did the Goblin mention that their tribe would seek revenge? It seemed that this group of Goblins was just a hunting party, and there was another tribe of Goblins somewhere on this island. It appeared that this tribe was quite large. Ji Chen silently recorded the information about the Goblin tribe in his notebook. Since they had already become enemies, they would have to resolve the conflict and fight for resources on the island. Either he or the Goblin would have to be eliminated. The Goblin tribe had to be wiped out completely, not a single one left! This was a war of races and interests, and only through complete extermination could it be put to an end. He came back to his senses. He turned his attention to the animal carcasses that had been drained of blood. These were all obtained by the Goblins, but now they were his spoils of war. He counted the number. There were a total of forty-six animals, big and small. The small ones weighed around ten pounds, such as the small musk deer. The big ones weighed up to two hundred and fifty to sixty pounds, like the wild boar, and after removing the internal organs and bones, there were still two hundred units of food left. Ji Chen did a rough calculation and estimated that there were about 3,000 units of food in total. In addition to food, the fur of these animals was also an excellent material. After being processed, it could be used as a material for sewing clothes. The spoils from this raid were quite satisfying. It made him consider raiding the Goblins. After all, why waste time hunting when one could simply steal what they needed? Getting something for free is always a good deal. He asked the Murlocs and Nagas to dig a pit and bury the corpses of the Goblins. Then, he cleaned up the bloodstains at the scene. After having the Murlocs and Naga dig a pit, they buried the corpses of the Goblins and cleaned up the bloodstains at the scene. Since this place wasnt far from the territory, it could prevent other Goblin tribes from finding the location of the territory based on these traces. After finishing the clean up, they returned with a full load of prey of all sizes. Wilus gazed at the Murlocs and Naga Warriors, who were each carrying prey on their backs. His eyes had become desensitized to the sight. Since the arrival of the Feudal Lord, food had become the most undervalued commodity in the territory. It may be difficult to believe, but the most commonly produced tool by the residents were wooden racks used for drying meat. In the open space on the north side of the territory, rows of wooden shelves were placed, with strips of dried meat hanging from them, in the process of being dried. At first glance, it gave a sense of security. The Crown of the Ocean was abundant in terms of food, and the animals they brought back would be sufficient to feed them for several months. They might have to worry about the problem of constipation caused by eating too much meat. This made Wilus couldnt help but sigh. From the days of going hungry to now having meat freedom, it had only been a few days. And all of this was brought by the great Feudal Lord. Like other residents, Wilus had also begun to develop a blind admiration and trust in Ji Chen. He believed that he possessed incredible power, Ding ~ Territorys popular sentiment increased by 3 points. Current popular sentiment is 74 points. The labor efficiency of the residents has increased by 24% Chapter 24 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen, who was planning the construction of his territory, saw the system notification. He paused for a moment but was not surprised. The notification of increased support from the people had appeared frequently in the past few days. Most of the time, it would appear when he brought food back to the territory. However, as the food supply increased, the increase in support gradually decreased. This time, even though they brought back thousands of units of food, only a few points were added. This meant that the residents were no longer solely concerned with the survival factor of food. If Ji Chen wanted to further increase the morale of the people, he had to satisfy their other needs such as clothing, housing, and even luxury goods like specialties. This made him feel like he was playing a simulation business game where he needed to constantly satisfy the harsh needs of the unruly people in order to increase their satisfaction and let them continue to work well. Otherwise, not only would the satisfaction level not increase, but it would also decrease, even lower than before. However, there are many differences. In those business simulation games, they generally cant do anything to those unruly people. They could only bite the bullet and endure to meet their requirements. He had absolute power here, and if the residents were not satisfied with their needs being met and failed to work properly, he could make them work in the dark and dismal mines until death. He would teach them the meaning of being loved by a feudal lord. Besides being a person who loved his people like his own children, he could also be a Class A war criminal. Ji Chen looked at the drawings on the table, stroking his chin in thought. In these past few days, by working hard to expand the available area of the territory instead of wantonly destroying trees, the open space has greatly increased. Following Wiluss suggestion, they mainly expanded towards the east, west, and north directions, while leaving the jungle facing the sea intact, only slightly widening the path leading to the beach. This could effectively use the trees to block the salty sea breeze and extend the lifespan of wooden buildings. In addition, the ship that was stuck on the reef was being dismantled. Although the keels and masts were completely damaged, there were still some structures that could be reused. These were being dismantled and preserved for future shipbuilding. Ji Chen understood building a ship capable of crossing the ocean would take years, as it required a significant amount of time to prepare the materials. With the limited labor force in the territory, this time could be extended indefinitely. Nonetheless, escaping the island was already a significant accomplishment. However, he wondered if the Murlocs or Naga would be able to transport him across the ocean to become the Pirate King of the Four Seas. The River Murlocs and Naga Warriors, who were leisurely eating dried sea lizards outside, suddenly trembled at the same time and looked left and right in surprise. They had a strange feeling of being targeted. After roughly determining the plan for the future development of the territory, Ji Chen stretched lazily. He recalled the encounter with the Goblin hunting team earlier. From what they said, it could be inferred that, besides the Goblin tribe, there should be some human natives on this island, and the two groups were in a hostile state. When the Goblins saw Ji Chen, they mistook him for one of the natives, which led to a series of unfortunate events. As for those human natives, Ji Chen would definitely find a way to subjugate them in the future. As for the Goblins, their inherent hostility towards humans made it almost impossible to subjugate them. Furthermore, he couldnt let such a naturally hostile race coexist with humans on such a small island. Someone might ask, why couldnt he use the unit tech tree to change the Goblins inherent hostility? That was a good question! The Goblins allegiance was only superficial, and they wouldnt actually fall under the jurisdiction of the territory. This was because there was no mention of their talent tree in the unit talent tree. After a while, he found himself in a strange loop. To truly subjugate the Goblins, he needed to change their unit attributes. To change the unit attributes of the Goblins, he needed to truly subjugate them. It was an unsolvable loop. Just like the age-old question of whether the chicken or the egg came first. As for subjugating the human natives and exterminating the Goblins, he planned to start dealing with them once the beginners phase was over. He cleared his mind and left the Lords Mansion. Along the way, the subjects immediately stopped what they were doing and bowed respectfully to him. After strolling around the territory, Ji Chen, who was immersed in the sound of people greeting him everywhere, was in a good mood. He took Alice and walked towards the beach, intending to enjoy the sea breeze. As he walked on the beach barefoot, he let the cool sea water wash over his feet. Alice followed him like a little girl, stepping on the waves with her jade-like feet and playing in the water happily. Unconsciously, the small waves wet their clothes, making the fabric on Alices chest slightly transparent, giving a slightly awkward feeling. Ji Chen glanced at her unconsciously. Then he sighed in his heart. Why didnt he feel awkward when Alice appeared on the beach before, with only a thick membrane wrapped around her body? But now, with clothes on, even if they were only slightly wet, he felt a strange awkwardness. What was the reason? After a while, he suddenly realized. Ah, its not the clothes or Alice that are awkward. Its my dirty mind! I am guilty! I need to reflect! Ji Chen walked, and his mind was abnormally active. Hiss- As he walked, his right foot suddenly felt a pain. Limping down to take a look, he saw a blunt metal angle buried in the sand, which he had just stepped on. Whats this? Ji Chen endured the soreness of his foot and tried to take a closer look. [Small Random Resource Box] [Effect: After use, you can obtain 1400 units of wood, stone, fiber, clay, and crude iron.] Huh? It was a random resource box. It was probably washed here by the sea and buried under the sand. He had even stepped on it. Was this luck good or bad? My Lord, are you alright? Does your foot hurt? Sir, are you okay? Does your foot hurt? Turning around, Ji Chen saw Alice kneeling beside him, allowing the seawater to wet her skirt, her eyes filled with concern like the color of the sea. He felt a warmness in his heart and touched her hair. Im fine, I just stepped on something. Theres a resource box down here, lets dig it out. Ji Chen didnt feel like going back to the territory to get tools, so he just picked up two stones from the beach and started digging with Alice. The sand was so soft that even with just stones, they could easily dig out large amounts of it. After some hard work, the two of them quickly dug out the main part of the resource box. He activated it. Ding ~ You have unlocked the Random Resource Box. Randomly selecting resources You received 1400 units of clay. Clay? The unexpected clay, which amounts to 1400 units, is equivalent to the production of a fully staffed small clay mine for four days, which is a decent amount. With this resource, he can now focus on one important task: upgrading the territory. Chapter 25 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation To upgrade the Level 1 Village to Level 2, 1000 units of wood, fiber, and clay were required. At present, the wood and fiber resources had already been secured, and with the acquisition of 1400 units of clay, the clay reserves had also reached 1616 units, fulfilling the upgrade requirements. Aside from resources, the village also needed to accumulate 100 Prosperity Points to advance to Level 2, but there was no need to worry about that. The territorys prosperity had already surpassed the required amount, standing at 735 points, more than sufficient to proceed to Level 2. He opened the territory panel and started to level up. With that, each of the three resources lost 1000 units. The words Level 1 Village had also become Level 2 Village. There werent any special effects, just a normal refresh. The original 100100 territory area became 200200, completely covering the wild coffee trees. Now, the territory was only a few meters away from the northern river, and the southern edge was already touching the sea. The construction of the previously impossible simple dock due to the limited size of the territory could now commence. At this moment, the system notification finally arrived. Ding ~ Your territory has leveled up successfully (Level 1 Village Level 2 Village). Ding ~ The territory ranking board has been opened. You can check it in the menu bar. Rankings? Ji Chen opened the menu curiously. The territory ranking options lit up. [Territory Rankings] [Checking your ranking ] [62876. Ji Chen Level 2 Village (735 Prosperity)] The player ranking of over 60,000 may not be considered high. However, there were more than a billion players! Your ranking has surpassed 99.9937124% of players! However, what puzzles him is that despite occupying three resource points, having the peoples support, and having a strong army with a blue excellent-grade hero, he only has 735 Prosperity Points. Meanwhile, those territories ranked higher with over a thousand Prosperity Points, how did they achieve it? Did they have abundant resources or powerful troops? This doubt drove him to open the forum channel. He searched for the keyword how to obtain prosperity points. A large number of posts came up, and the ones with high likes were at the top. He carefully read through all of them, and suddenly realized something. The calculation of prosperity was based on the population, construction, military situation, and other factors. Heroic units could increase prosperity by a considerable amount, and ordinary residents could also increase prosperity by a certain amount. The biggest problem was the number of residents. He only had a few dozen residents, while the players had hundreds or even thousands of residents. Even if a resident only provided 1 point of prosperity, he could use the number of people to pile up the prosperity and win by quantity. Upon reading this, his mood became somewhat complicated. There was nothing he could do about being born on an island, which put him at a disadvantage in terms of prosperity points calculation. In addition, some players resorted to some unconventional methods to boost their prosperity points. For instance, some players constructed hundreds of simple huts that only required minimal resources but provided three prosperity points each. This method allowed players with abundant wood and fiber resources to easily accumulate prosperity points. Moreover, some players traded for a large number of recruitment cores for tier-one one-star undead or necrotic units, which allowed them to amass a large army with minimal resources. Even the weakest unit, such as a small skeleton, contributed a small amount of prosperity points, and the points quickly added up when there were a large number of units. These unconventional methods were just a few examples of the players creativity and ingenuity. It was truly amazing to see players brainstorming ideas, similar to Kennedys open-mindedness and willingness to break from convention. It seems that his loss was not due to lack of strength, but rather due to clever tricks and strategies. However, Ji Chen had no intention of replicating these sneaky tactics. There were no rewards for reaching the top of the leaderboard, and it would only draw unwanted attention. Only a fool would risk everything to climb the leaderboard. Besides, as his territory developed, his ranking would naturally improve. He would just let things happen naturally. He knew very well that survival was about persistence. But seeing those valuable and comprehensive posts on the forum still made him sigh with admiration. Players were truly a group of creative and imaginative beings, capable of finding safe and useful paths and effective methods even in this world of crisis. Especially those selfless players who contributed their own strategies and methods on the forum, sharing what they had learned from their own experience, meant that they would reduce their own benefits. It was truly a selfless dedication. Ji Chen knew that he could not do that. But he had gained useful information several times from the forum, which made him feel somewhat motivated. Why not contribute to everyone with useful posts as well? He immediately made up his mind. Create forum anonymous name: Islander. Create new post: Research on the current level and potential division of heroes. After writing the post quickly, Ji Chen was satisfied and posted it on the forum. He did not care if anyone replied and closed the forum. After upgrading the territory level, there was no urgent matter at hand. But as the saying goes, Eat, sleep, and hunt monsters. Ji Chen, who had nothing better to do, once again led the Murlocs, Nagas, and Alice into the forest. Relying on the power of the Omniscient Crown, he once again swept through the nearby forest. Some beasts and monsters who secretly returned to the jungle, feeling that it had become somewhat safer, were once again met with a deadly fate. On this day, the wails and screams of these creatures once again lingered over the jungle. Those who survived were finally scared out of their wits and fled to even farther places with their tails between their legs. .. On the other side of the island. In a cluster of straw houses, inside the largest one. Chief! The hunting team led by Eagle has returned. They said that recently, many beasts have run out from the southern jungle, including powerful beasts like Sabertooth Tigers and Panthers. Uh-huh? So do they know the reason? the elderly chief sitting in the first seat asked. Its not clear yet, but Eagle said that those beasts seem to be in a panic as if they are being chased by something even more powerful. Something more powerful? Could it be those filthy Goblins? the elderly chief pondered for a moment. That jungle is our hunting ground. In any case, we must figure out what happened there. Let Panther investigate. He is the fastest and most experienced warrior in our tribe. Even if there is danger, he can sense it. Let him go and see what happened there. Yes! But what if its the Goblins? The elderly chief fell silent for a moment. If its the Goblins, we can only temporarily avoid them. Many of our warriors were injured or killed in the last battle in the valley, and the next generation of warriors has not yet grown up. Dragons wisdom tells me that temporary tolerance is the right choice for survival. I understand. Ill go now. Chapter 26 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Holding the belief that he does not manage what others post, Jichen was unaware that his post had caused a small stir on the forum and channel. Have you guys seen the post by this expert named Islander? Its the one titled An Exploration of Heros Current Rank and Potential Classification. The title even sounds like an academic paper Ive definitely seen it. I didnt know that hero ranks go from white Common to green Elite, blue Excellent, purple Rare, and red Legacy. So far, there are already five levels! Theres also an explanation about potential. So heroes can be upgraded through growth to increase their level? But why are both the level and potential of my hero white? Probably because it can only go up to white, so everyone is white. That hurts, man Do you think this master can add the last two hero levels? Will he have a red heritage-level hero? Or a hero with the potential to reach the red heritage level? Theres a good chance of that. The red heritage level I admit Im jealous. Im also jealous! Im feeling so sour But the name Islander is a bit strange .. When Ji Chen woke up, he saw the comments under his forum post, and his mood was somewhat complicated. Those silly players had analyzed his situation to some extent based on the information he had provided, but he didnt really care. Anyway, the forum name was fake, and no one could know his real identity. Besides, he was the only player on the island, so revealing some unimportant information was irrelevant. He looked outside. He didnt know when, but it had started to drizzle outside. The raindrops fell continuously on the roof, flowing down the thatched eaves and splashing into the mud. A mist rose from the surrounding jungle, creating an enchanting scenery. If he remembered correctly, this should be the first rain since he arrived here. It came suddenly. Outside, Willus was directing the villagers to frantically collect the dried meat hanging on the wooden frames. If the dried meat got wet in the rain, its shelf life would be greatly reduced. Ji Chen put on a waterproof thatched coat and walked outside. In the open space at the side, the River Murloc and the Naga Warrior stood in the rain, allowing the rain to fall on them, enjoying it. Alice was not in the pool. After using the Omniscient Crown, Jichen found her represented by a green triangular dot on the nearby beach. She was probably playing around. As for Alice, he was quite tolerant and allowed her to roam freely around the territory if there was nothing important. Looking at the hazy sky, Jichen put on a waterproof thatched cloak and decided to gather the army to go out and explore the map. However, he quickly rushed back with a look of disbelief on his face. Because the rain was getting heavier. As time passed, the weather became more and more violent. Dark clouds gathered in the sky, and the clouds flickered with dazzling lightning. Rumble! The sound of thunder rang out like a signal. In the next second, the storm suddenly fell. The sea breeze gradually rose, and the treetops shook violently. Waves of wind swept over the beach. The residents ran back to their houses and tidied up their wet clothes. At this moment, the thick trees on the side of the beach did a decent job of blocking the wind. However, even with their shelter, the tall wooden houses in the territory were still being buffeted by the gusts, emitting creaking sounds. This was one of the disadvantages of being too close to the sea. The weather on the island changed rapidly and violently, and there would often be sudden storms. If they were unlucky, they might even be attacked by a tsunami. Ji Chen returned to the Lords manor and gloomily watched the storm outside. This rain is really damn heavy. In this kind of stormy weather, he wouldnt be worried if he were living in a reinforced concrete building, but now he lives in these high-raised wooden houses that are mainly built to dispel dampness and stuffiness, so hes a little nervous. Hes afraid that the roof will be blown away by the strong wind. But perhaps due to the design of the buildings in the territory, besides the creaking sounds, there was no other abnormality with the wooden houses. Listening to the patter of rain outside and the whistling wind blowing through the window cracks, Ji Chens heart slowly became calm. He was lost in thought. At a time like this, it would be nice to have some soda and potato chips. If only he could have a top-of-the-line computer that can play all 3A games. Maybe he should make a wish to Lady Luck? Just as he was lost in thought, the door of the lords mansion was gently pushed open, and a little head poked in from outside. It was Alice. Perhaps she was caught off guard by the heavy rain, the rain dripped down her silver hair, and soon a puddle of water gathered on the wooden floor. My Lord, may I come in? Alice asked with a pair of eyes peeking in, speaking carefully, like a child who had accidentally fallen into a ditch and soaked her clothes while playing. She was afraid of being scolded when she returned home. Ji Chen smiled warmly at her. Come in quickly. Its very windy outside. Upon hearing his tone, Alices expression instantly brightened up. She happily walked in and closed the door behind her, with her bare feet soaked in the rainwater. Her JK uniform, tailored specifically for her, was undoubtedly already soaked through, clinging softly to her body and accentuating her beautiful curves. The water glistened off her white skin. As for her boots that were made for her? She had no idea where they went. After changing into a clean set of clothes in the dressing room, Alice sat at the table and began to eat the hot fish that was served. What? Did anyone ask whether Sirens eat fish? Initially, Alice didnt like to eat fish because she found it too fishy and slimy, with a texture that was nauseating. However, ever since she tried human-cooked fish, she couldnt help but fall in love with it. Steamed, braised, grilled, stewed C she loved them all and ate more than anyone else. As Ji Chen listened to the sound of Alice enjoying her fish, his mouth began to water and he joined in the feast. Out at sea, black clouds extended as far as the eye could see. The dark waves surged and roared, whipped up by violent winds. The turbulent sea posed a challenge for the two ships in tandem, with their three masts swaying perilously. One could easily imagine them capsizing under the weight of the towering waves at any moment. The decks were constantly drenched by tremendous waves that almost engulfed the ships in foam, yet they somehow managed to resurface each time. The sailors on both ships were pale, but they never stopped their busy work. It was the only thing they could do, even if they felt the ship might be capsized by the waves at any moment. On the leading ship, the captain with a beard held the steering wheel tightly, his eyes wide open as he skillfully steered towards a less tumultuous part of the sea, attempting to lessen the pressure of the waves on the ships hull. Why did the captain have to steer the ship himself? Because everyone else, including the first mate, second mate, and helmsman, had fallen into the sea, leaving him as the only one with the most experience in steering. Despite his expertise, the bearded captain couldnt afford to be complacent. He had encountered such treacherous sea conditions only a few times in his life, and a single mistake could lead to the ships destruction and loss of life. In the cockpit, beside him, there was also a portly man cursing and swearing, using every curse word he knew. Chapter 27 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Damn it! This is the worst weather Ive seen in my ten years of business at sea. If I can make it back alive this time, I swear Ill never run a long-distance route again! No matter how much money they offer me! Raymond clung tightly to a support pole with both hands and feet, trying to keep his chubby body against it, cursing and swearing. Hearing this, the bearded captain, who was controlling the steering wheel, still had the energy to tease him. Ive heard you say this many times, but every time youre gone for half a month and then come to me to set sail again. This ship, the White Sands Princess, was brought Raymonds face immediately fell, and he began to curse, Shut up, Sebastian! Focus on steering the ship and dont let it capsize! If we can get these goods back to the Guild, itll be enough for you and me to stay on shore for five years! The bearded captain shrugged and didnt argue. Facing the towering waves in front of him, his face was calm. But there was a hint of something in his eyes, showing that he was concerned not just about the storm, but something else entirely. In the cabin, there was a mix of Raymonds swearing and prayers. On the turbulent sea, the bearded captain used his superb skills to guide the ship through another dangerous wave. But a shadow floated over his calm face as he said, The Elizabeth may not be able to make it past this wave. Raymond was stunned, his face falling once again as he resumed cursing. After being blessed by the priests of the Bright Church in the Eastern Continent, the Elizabeth was loaded with sacrificial vessels that the religious aristocrats in the Western Continent love the most. I bought twelve large crates for 3,128 Aureus coins per crate thanks to my connections, but instead of making a profit, I lost a huge sum! Damn it As expected, the Elizabeth following behind was struggling to move forward with its broken front mast and damaged hull. It was taking on water, losing power, and experiencing severe casualties. As it approached the halfway point of the towering wave, the wave lifted the ship and toppled it over, disappearing into the dark foam. The sailors on the Princess of White Sands watched in horror. Before they could mourn their losses, a powerful lightning bolt cut through the dark sky, illuminating the world with thunder and light. Under the black clouds several miles away, a shadow emerged, hugging the surface of the sea like a ghost, seeking its prey. There was a hideous black skull scribbled on the sail, which meant that it was a pirate ship. In a flash. In the moment of brilliance, the lookout on the mast suddenly widened their pupils and screamed desperately, Theyve caught upC Everyone heard it: the sailors, the guards, the bearded captain, and Raymond. The next second, they all showed a hint of panic on their faces. Damn it, why are these pirates so persistent? Cant one ship satisfy their appetite? Raymond gritted his teeth, feeling heartbroken. Before departure, the entire fleet had three merchant ships fully loaded with goods returning to the western continent. Everyone was having a good time on board, eating hotpot and singing songs. Suddenly, they were ambushed by pirates! How could these heavy merchant ships match the speed of fast pirate ships? The last ship in the fleet was caught up and the brutal pirates killed everyone on board, taking away the goods and the ship. They thought it was over, but the pirates greed exceeded their imagination. The pursuit continued, and the Elizabeth suffered a lot of damage as a result, foreshadowing its sinking. No one had anticipated that the pirates would be so crazy as to chase after them despite the terrible sea conditions. Was money worth more than their lives? Raymond cursed the pirates ancestors ferociously. Soon, the spotters terrified cry could be heard once again. Theyre getting closer and closer to us! Sebastian, for gods sake, speed up! Those pirates are about to catch up with us! The bearded captain sighed and said somewhat helplessly, You should know that this is a cargo ship loaded with goods, and no matter how skilled I am, I cant make it go faster than a pirate ship. What should we do if they catch up with us? Those pirates kill without blinking! No one will survive if they catch up! Then we can only pray to the sea god Raymonds face turned pale. Pray to the sea god? Isnt that just waiting to die! In the midst of the panic, Raymonds eyes suddenly became calm as he pointed to the waterproof nautical chart attached to the cabin wall. Where are we now? Do we have enough time to go to a certain place? The bearded captain was puzzled but immediately replied, We have now reached the sea area north of the Stormy Sea. There are no islands nearby to anchor at, and the nearest port on the continent is at least ten days away by sea. If you want to buy time and pray for support from the kingdoms patrol navy fleet, then you can give up now. No, no, no, I mean that. Raymonds eyes were brighter than ever. What? The Stormy Sea. What? The usually calm captain was shocked, and a hint of fear flashed in his eyes. Are you crazy? The Stormy Sea is a taboo among the taboos in this ocean. It is unheard of for anyone to come out of there alive! I heard that the Stormy Sea is always stormy with winds and rain, and the waves are as high as hundreds of meters. No ship can survive in such sea conditions. Even the bravest and most experienced adventurer captains dare not claim to explore that sea area. If were just smashed by the waves, thats one thing, but if we encounter anything strange, it could be disastrous. The bearded captains voice echoed slowly and fearfully in the cabin. Compared to Raymond, the captain who had spent half his life floating on the sea had a deeper understanding and greater reverence for the vast ocean. For people like them who relied on the sea to survive, the bad weather and sea conditions in the eyes of ordinary people and the ferocious pirates were only the most common level of danger. The dangers of the sea and the vicious pirates were not the only things to be feared. There were some truly bizarre and horrifying things lurking in the depths of the ocean. Enormous, unknown sea creatures, islands shrouded in thick fog, mysterious beings capable of driving people insane with their sounds alone, psionic portals leading to the Lost Realm, ancient relics of Evil Gods lost to time, and tentacled monsters that could engulf the world Encountering any of these horrors would not result in an easy death. No one in their right mind would want to come face to face with such things. I dont care about that. I only know that if this continues, my head will be used as a urinal by the pirates! Tell me, if we enter the Stormy Sea Area, can we get rid of the pirates? The bearded captain gripped the helm tightly, listening to the constant sound of the distress signal outside, his forehead bulging with blue veins. After a long time, he gritted his teeth as if he had made up his mind. Perhaps, unlike you, pirates may be greedy but they also value their lives. If they see us heading into the storm, they shouldnt chase us anymore! Raymonds face lit up. Then what are we waiting for? Hurry up and turn around the corner! For the sake of survival and wealth, we are heading towards the Stormy Sea! If I can escape this time and return to the mainland, Ill propose to Dory when I get back! You fool, shut the hell up and dont say these things at such a critical moment! The sound of the bearded captains angry voice and Raymonds excited shouts could be heard coming from the cabin. Chapter 28 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen pushed open the wooden door and took a peek outside. The rain had finally ceased. It had been a relentless downpour throughout the night, accompanied by thunder and lightning. But now, everything was calm and peaceful. The locals were busy cleaning up the debris left behind by the storm, mending their damaged houses, and heading to the resource point to resume their work. After a short period of rest, the whole territory was back in action. My Lord Alices gentle voice came from behind. She had just woken up and was rubbing her eyes while looking outside in a daze. Despite her groggy expression from just waking up, her alluring appearance was still noticeable. The shoulder strap of her garment hung loosely on her arm, revealing a generous expanse of unblemished skin. Due to the internal storm, Alice did not return to the pool to rest last night. Instead, she stayed in the lords mansion. On such a stormy night, a man and a woman were alone in a room. The atmosphere was naturally a little ambiguous. With a full 100 favorable impression points, it was not difficult for him to do something to Alice. However, there was a problem. Whenever he looked at her beautiful face, her eyes were full of childlike fondness and admiration for him. He wouldnt bear to hurt someone who looked at him as though he was the most admirable and important person. Ji Chen admitted that he couldnt do it. He wasnt the kind of creature who thought with his lower body. Moreover, Alice was not a pure human, but a legitimate Siren that even seafarers who make a living on the ocean feared. Her true form was that of a mermaid, with a large tail, beautiful scales, and pointed ears. As these thoughts crossed his mind, the small flame burning inside Ji Chen quickly extinguished, as he adopted a wise and prudent demeanor. He knew that he should not, or at least he wasnt ready to take such action yet. My Lord, whats wrong? As he came to his senses, Alice was already standing in front of him, so close that he could almost smell the faint fragrance emanating from her body. She lowered her head slightly, revealing a patch of snowy white that caught his eye. Ji Chen cleared his throat and avoided eye contact before saying, Im fine. Lets go out. Its the start of a new week. In this game, a week held significant importance, and it signified several new opportunities. The Resource Detection Tower had refreshed its scanning chance, which allowed the exploration of three new resource points. The military recruitment camp had also started a new wave of recruitment, and the novice period was over, meaning that the territory would no longer protect itself from wild beasts and monster attacks. Today, he could also collect the weeks resource points. Every Monday, a new pile of work would await him, but Ji Chen did not feel impatient. He considered this a battle rather than work. As he took a deep breath of the fresh post-rain air, he felt ready for the new week. Ji Chen began by using the Omniscient Crown to survey the territory within a 1-kilometer radius. He discovered only a few red dots in the sea towards the beach, indicating small sharks. However, there were no abnormalities in the jungle in the other three directions, and there werent even many red dots. This suggested that the crazy sweep a few days ago had been effective, and he didnt need to leave behind troops to guard the territory for the time being. Arriving at the Murloc statue, he found that recruiting a River Murloc now required more resources after unlocking the nodes twice before. To recruit 14 of them, he needed 350 units of wood, fiber, and clay. As soon as the new Murloc appeared in the territory, chaos ensued with their croaking, and the old Murlocs emotional expressions and languages filled Ji Chens ears. Croak! Croak! However, Ji Chen quickly suppressed them. He continued to head to the Resource Detection Tower and used up all three of his scouting opportunities. Three golden lights flew above the forest and turned into pillars of light at three locations. The locations of these three resource points were slightly further away than the previous weeks three. As the Resource Detection Tower was used to detect the nearest resource points to the territory, the detected resource points would gradually become farther and farther away from the territory with each use over time. Before setting off to explore the new resource point, he first went to the crude iron mine and the clay mine to collect the resource output that was one day less this week. The mini crude iron mine collected about 600 units of crude iron, while the small clay mine only collected about 900 units of clay and 180 units of by-product stone due to its capacity being only half. A week passed, and the neutral recruitment camp for the Naga Warriors refreshed. Similarly, the 14 Naga Warriors consumed a total of 420 units of wood, fiber, and clay. After a round of recruitment, the wood and fiber that the people had painstakingly cut down for many days had almost been exhausted, leaving only a single digit number of resources. However, it was all worth it. The army was the most important existence in this game. Looking at the twenty-eight Naga Warriors and thirty-five River Murlocs behind him, Ji Chens heart swelled. He had worked hard this week to get this! In the future, his military strength would only increase in numbers and become stronger. After recruiting the troops, he set off without stopping. After a long journey, they arrived at the first new resource point. This was a concave-shaped stone mountain. In front of the green stone wall, there were some stones piled up in the open. [Quarry] [Scale: Small] [Level: 1] [Main resource produced: Stone] [By-product: Limestone (1/5 of the main resource)] [Storage: 17500/17500 units] [Maximum weekly production: 2100 units] [Weekly Personnel Production: 50 units/person] It was a small quarry! Ji Chen was delighted at first, but then he couldnt help but sigh. It was useless to give him such a quarry now. The territory simply did not have enough labor to excavate. Now, the population problem had become a worry for him. After Im done with these things, I have to start looking for the natives. If this continues, itll be too wasteful to have resource points but not mine them. His gaze shifted. He frowned slightly. Why was there no guardian monster in this quarry? He opened the Omniscient Map. The map showed that there were more than 20 red dots in the mine, but to the naked eye, they were just a pile of stones. Could it beThe monster was hiding in the pile of stones? He focused his gaze on the pile of stones. As expected, the monsters interface appeared. [Stone Puppet] [Level: 8] [Level: Level 2, 8 stars] [Skill: Stone body (blue skill, the stone body has strong physical defense)] Rock Bash (Blue skill, uses the rock body as a weapon. Heavy blows can easily cause impact and stun effects) Throwing Rocks (Green Skill, Throwing Rocks at Enemies) Stone Swallowing Revival (Green Skill, Able to Swallow Stones to Repair Body) [Military characteristic: Elemental creation (increases resistance to spiritual spells by 50%)] Good heavens. Level 8 Tier 2 Stone Puppet. There were two blue skills, one for Stacking Armor and the other for Control. Looking at the stone puppets sleeping soundly in the pile of stones, Ji Chen didnt have the confidence to defeat them. Because of the characteristics of the army, Alice could not control them properly, and their sandbag-sized fists were dangerous threats once they broke free from Alices control. Furthermore, he was unsure if the weapons of the River Murlocs and Naga Warriors could penetrate their defenses. Thus, he decided to skip this resource point for now, knowing that the quarry they had just occupied was empty due to a lack of manpower. As the saying goes, a wise man judges the situation and knows when to advance or retreat. He planned to deal with the stone puppets when the conditions were favorable, but for now, he decided to let them be and led his army to the next resource point without hesitation. Chapter 29 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation [Lumberyard] [Scale: Miniature] [Level: 1] [Main production resource: Wood] [By-product: None] When Ji Chen arrived at the second new resource point, he was greeted by the attribute panel. As he looked around the dense forest, then to the lumberyard in front of him, he couldnt help but question his life choices. Why build a logging yard in such a densely forested area? It was almost like using a flashlight in the sun. It was yet another resource point with almost no value, and coming up empty-handed from two consecutive resource points left him feeling a little strange. Perhaps all the good luck he had last week had been used up already. It was like going from a European king to an African one. He hoped that the third resource point would bring him some surprises, preferably a high-level resource point such as a mithril or crystal mine. However, the third resource point was in the opposite direction from the previous two, leaving Ji Chen and his army to return to their territory. As he arrived, he saw Wilus pacing anxiously around the clearing. What happened? My Lord, someone is here! Who is it? Did the Goblins discover their territory? Wilus shook his head frantically and pointed towards the northeast. Someone is approaching from outside the island! Theres a boat docked near the beach of the Bass Fishery! Ji Chen looked at him incredulously. Really? The residents who went to the Bass Fishery saw it Ji Chen wasted no time and immediately called all the troops, leading them towards the Bass Fish Farm. Upon confirming the arrival of the ship, he felt a burst of joy. Finally, a ship had arrived! He had almost given up hope that this archipelago was isolated from the rest of the world. However, his joy was quickly replaced by pondering. He started thinking about the ships origin, who was on board, and their purpose for coming. Were they hostile? Could he win with his current military strength if they were? Were they here to occupy the archipelago? Ji Chens heart sank at the thought of it. Although the Goblins and human aborigines lived here before him, he had already claimed the entire archipelago as his private territory. In addition, whether the archipelago belonged to Ji Chen, the Goblins, or the indigenous humans was irrelevant. It was not meant for this group of outsiders to claim. Any attempt to invade this place would be considered an act of hostility towards him. A wave of mixed emotions coursed through his heart. When he regained his composure, he realized that he was not far from the Bass Fishery. Ji Chen took cover in the forest and observed surreptitiously. In the distance, a two-masted sailboat was anchored peacefully on the sea. A few small boats were shuttling between the sailboat and the shore, carrying supplies. Some of them had already set up camp on the other side of the shore, indicating that they were planning to stay. Soon, he noticed several guards armed with weapons. [Merchant Ship Guard] [Level: 4] [Level: Level 2, 1 star] [Skill: Formation coordination (green skill, when there are many guards nearby, they can form a formation, increasing combat power)] Weapon Proficiency (Green Skill, Proficient Weapon Use) [Military characteristic: Loyalty (The guards of the merchant ship are loyal to the consul. They will not surrender, betray, or yield.)] [This job is really difficult.] Merchant guards? It turned out to be a merchant ship, but why did they come to this island? Was it possible that this boat, like the one belonging to his subjects, had also been wrecked? He looked at the merchant ship that had already lowered its anchor and raised its sail. The draft was very deep, indicating that there was a lot of cargo inside. He could see that the deck was in a mess as if something had happened. However, it looked intact on the outside, with only a small portion of it damaged. Other than the caravan guards, there was also a type of combat unit called the armed sailors. However, they were only level 1, 8-star, and their combat power was much lower than the guards. There were about 20 to 30 guards and 50 to 60 armed sailors. Other than these armed forces, there were also some craftsmen, managers, and so on. After observing for a while, Ji Chen had a rough idea of the strength of this caravan. They were weak. He could easily get rid of them and seize the ship without much effort. If these people were not a caravan, he would have sent Alice and the army to attack without hesitation. No matter what, he had to seize the ship first. However, after seeing that it was a merchant ship, his thoughts changed. The ship was already anchored in the coastal waters. With the high mobility of the Murlocs and Naga warriors in the water, these people would definitely not be able to return to the ship in time, nor would they be able to sail away in one piece. Perhaps he could get in touch with them first? Ji Chen nodded to himself. Waving his hand, he ordered the Murlocs to dive into the sea from the other side of the beach and swim to the vicinity of the merchant ship to hide, ready to board the ship at any time. He led the Naga Warriors and swaggered towards the caravan. Seeing them, the caravan members were shocked. Even their hands stopped moving as if they had seen the most unbelievable thing in the world. Their brains spun wildly, and there was only one thought left in their minds. Where did this person come from? In the tent, Raymond was leisurely eating breakfast and drinking fruit wine, celebrating his narrow escape. The day before, they had been forced to navigate the treacherous Stormy Sea to evade their pursuers. Just as the rumors said, the outer area of this sea area could be described as stormy. The terrifying waves almost smashed the ship into pieces on the sea surface. However, after a difficult voyage, the sea suddenly became calm, and the sky became clear and sunny. It was as if they had come to some resort. After sailing for several tens of nautical miles, they were pleasantly surprised to discover an archipelago with multiple islands. Although Raymond didnt understand why such a beautiful archipelago could exist in the stormy sea that scared people outside, he was not bothered by it. In fact, he was overjoyed by the discovery. This was because having an island meant that they could temporarily rest on land, replenish their fresh water, and repair the damaged merchant ships. Didnt he say that he could survive in this sea area? Sebastian even mocked him! Raymond was already imagining how he would share his clever decision with the rest of the group when they returned. He felt proud of himself and thought of how he could present it as the wise and correct choice he made at the critical moment. The idea of unveiling the mysterious veil of the Stormy Sea filled him with excitement. Your Excellency, the Consul! Raymonds daydreams of a prosperous future were abruptly shattered by the panicked arrival of the merchant groups workers, causing him to frown and curse in frustration. Why are you yelling? Cant you see Im having breakfast? If you keep this up, Ill throw you onto this island, Raymond scolded the panicked workers. The waiter from the merchant team arrived out of breath and with a dry throat, saying, Your Excellency, someone has arrived! Raymonds face turned pale, and he sat up immediately. His mouth was trembling. Did the pirates catch up to us? Then what are we waiting for? Hurry up and pack up and leave. It wasnt the pirates. The merchant was stunned. Then why the hell did you say someone has arrived? Im going to beat you to death today! Its someone from the island! The person said hes the lord of this archipelago. Raymond, who was rolling up his sleeves, was stunned. There were people on this island? Was this a joke? This was the Stormy Sea! Wasnt it said that no one has ever successfully reached here? After a brief moment of shock, Raymond surprised the workers of the merchant group with his unexpected agility as he swiftly dashed out of the tent. Outside the camp, Ji Chen stood solemnly with a line of Naga warriors behind him, emitting a terrifying aura. In front of them were guards and armed sailors who had already drawn their weapons. The two sides formed an opposing stance. However, it was evident that the guards and sailors of the merchant group were very guilty, and their eyes were filled with fear and apprehension. Chapter 30 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Amidst this tense atmosphere, a man that looked like a barrel with legs came running out of the camp and made his way through the crowd to the front. Although he was also shocked to see Ji Chen and the Naga warriors, he seemed to handle the situation better than the others. [Raymond] [Race: Human] [Level: 5] [Skill: Trade Scent (blue skill, has a very keen business sense, can find any opportunity to make money)] Persuasion (Blue skill, eloquent, able to use clever language to convince others) Luck (White skill, sometimes able to survive) [Remark: Consul of the Chamber of Commerce, has good business talent.] This fat guy was called Raymond. It seemed that he was the captain of this merchant ship. Ji Chen planned to strike first. He narrowed his eyes and said in an extremely unfriendly tone. I am the ruler of this archipelago and your intrusion is a great provocation to me. Although I dont know how you came here, I have the right to kill you all on the spot for trespassing without permission, a crime that even the Sea God cant forgive. But I am a merciful person and willing to give you a chance to explain. I suggest you provide a reasonable explanation now, or face my wrath. Ji Chen didnt hesitate to take the moral high ground and confront Raymond. The intimidating Naga warriors standing behind him raised their bone blades and hissed threateningly, adding to the pressure. Raymond was caught off guard and felt uneasy under the weight of their words as expected. The sight of the fierce Naga warriors made him break out in a cold sweat. He never imagined there would be a lord ruling over an island in the Stormy Sea. Due to his preconceptions, Raymond didnt question Ji Chens claims and was too afraid to do so. The menacing snake-tailed warriors glared at them like hungry tigers, leaving Raymond with the sense that it was best not to provoke them. Raymond spoke sincerely and apologetically, carefully choosing his words. Respected lord, please accept my sincere apologies on behalf of the crew of the White Sand Princess for our disrespectful behavior. Please allow us to explain our situation to you. Ji Chens expression softened slightly at his humble tone. Raymond continued, We had no intention of trespassing into your territory. We were actually fleeing from pirates who were chasing us. We had no choice but to seek refuge here in order to save our lives. After some explanation, Ji Chen finally understood the origins of this merchant ship and this group of people. The White Sand Princess, anchored on the sea surface, belonged to the Hanseatic League of the Western Continent. It was a long-distance merchant ship that sailed on the intercontinental route. Raymond was the consul of this merchant ship, which was returning from the Eastern Continent to the Western Continent when it was attacked by pirates. To escape the pirates pursuit, they had no choice but to seek refuge in this area and inadvertently discovered this archipelago. After hearing Raymonds explanation, Ji Chen was able to gather some important information. He learned about the Mid-Earth Ocean and the Stormy Sea, with the former being an ocean on earth, much like the Mediterranean Sea on Earth. The Mid-Earth Ocean had many islands and well-developed sea routes, which made it attractive to merchants and, consequently, pirates. On the other hand, the Stormy Sea Region was a forbidden area due to its extremely bad storms all year round. Even if it was far away from the sea route, no one dared to enter it because most ships that entered had already sunk, except for the White Sand Princess. Ji Chen couldnt help but complain to himself about the location of his territory. While he was mentally prepared for it, he likened it to the Bermuda Triangle on Earth, which was not a good thing. Moreover, it was far away from the sea route. If this merchant ship had not been chased by pirates and accidentally came here, he would probably never see anyone else alive in his life. It was because of this that he had to seize this merchant ship. Otherwise, when this caravan left, everything would return to its original point. It would be unknown when the next ship would arrive. Malice rose in his heart, but his expression did not change. Raymond naturally didnt know what Ji Chen was thinking. After a round of persuasion, he saw that Ji Chen was still indifferent and thought that he couldnt convince him with words. He gritted his teeth and said. Your Excellency, once again, I would like to express my sincere apologies. In order to express our apologies, we are willing to make a certain amount of compensation. Upon hearing this, Ji Chen revealed a slightly interested expression. Raymond waved his hand and ordered a few sailors to bring out two wooden boxes from the camp and respectfully presented them. [The chest with gold coins] [Storage: Aureus gold coins (350)] [The box with the silver coins] [Storage: Kels silver coins (1000)] Were they giving him money? That was something he love. Although Ji Chen didnt know the exact value of these coins or what they could buy, judging from the fat mans pained expression, they must be worth something. Ji Chen nodded lightly and took the coins casually. After accepting the apology and compensation, Ji Chen couldnt continue to maintain a stern face. His expression softened a bit and he said lightly, Since you have shown sincerity and didnt intend to intrude, I wont pursue your responsibility any further. However, you can only stay near this mudflat and cannot enter other areas without permission. Otherwise, you will be treated as intruders. Raymond expressed his gratitude, Your Excellency, thank you for your understanding. We have a small request. Due to the pursuit of pirates and the storm, we lost a lot of food and water supplies. Can we purchase some from you? Ji Chen thought to himself that they had an abundance of food and water in their territory and even considered showing them some of their specialties the next day. Very well. I will bring food and water tomorrow. After cautioning Raymond and his crew to stay within the beach area, Ji Chen departed with his Naga warriors, and their brief encounter came to an end. Back in the jungle, Ji Chen was lost in thought as he considered the details of his plan to seize the ship. Raymond and his crew needed to repair their ship and were short on supplies, so they would likely stay on the island for a while. This gave Ji Chen time to carefully plan his attack. The main problem was the snatching of the ship. Alices singing could control those on the shore, but it wouldnt work on the guards and sailors on the ship. If they saw what was happening, they might immediately sail away. If they tried to seize the ship by force, they might damage it beyond repair or worse, cause it to sink. To avoid this, Ji Chen decided to wait for a dark and windy night to directly attack the merchant ship. This way, he would have absolute control over the situation. To be safe, he also had half of his Murlocs lurking in the waters near the ship, ready to destroy the hull if they tried to leave by force. The other half will hide in the jungle to monitor Raymond and the others, making sure they couldnt wander around and become aware of their surroundings on the island. Chapter 31 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Aside from forcibly seizing the ship, Ji Chen had also considered other methods of obtaining a vessel to leave the island. For example, he could try to purchase a ship from Raymond and the Hanseatic League or convince the League to open a new sea route that connects with the outside world. However, he eventually rejected all of these methods because they all carried a certain level of risk. The former option had the possibility of Raymond not fulfilling the mission and failing to return due to fear of the storm, which would bring them back to square one. As for the latter option, it was better to rely on oneself than to rely on others, as the saying goes. Only by owning their own ship could they not be controlled by others. After careful consideration, he decided that seizing the ship was the most direct, straightforward, and safest option. Ji Chen felt that he had left the lawful society and had become a corrupted feudal lord, with all kinds of powerful, murderous, and unethical ideas arising in his mind. He couldnt help but reflect on his transformation from an innocent youth to the person he had become. When he first arrived and saw his 40-odd subjects treating him with respect, he felt as if he had the power to kill them all in his hands. From that moment on, something inside him had been quietly released, causing him to sigh. He was no longer the same person he used to be, but every youth undergoes a transformation and growth at some point in their life, whether it be due to a major change or something that occurs unknowingly or overnight. In the tent, Raymond looked at his dwindling pile of money with a pained expression, feeling his heart bleed. He never expected to be defeated after escaping the pursuit of the pirates. No one could have predicted that this archipelago in the Stormy Sea Region was actually under the rule of a powerful lord. Raymond, who had been in the business for ten years, had a keen eye for strength. He could tell that the snake and dragon hybrid warriors were much stronger than the guards and sailors of their merchant group. In other words, they could easily infiltrate and kill them without much difficulty. Therefore, under such circumstances, he offered a sincere apology for forgiveness. Fortunately, the outcome was not too bad. At least they gained the initial goodwill of the lord and could replenish their food and water supplies here. As long as they could repair the merchant ship, they could load it up with goods and make a lot of money! Aside from the injured wallet, everything seemed to be going well. As he pondered, Raymonds confidence returned. Those pirates probably didnt expect the Stormy Sea Region to be so calm and peaceful, let alone that there was an archipelago here. They must still be afraid of the storm and dare not approach, hahahaha! At the territory. Sir, youre back. Hows the situation over there? Wilus greeted Ji Chen at the door and asked respectfully. It was a merchant ship that ended up here by accident. Theyre all on the beach near the Bass Fishery. Tell the people not to go to the bass fishery for the next few days and stop the fishing work for the bass temporarily. Also, go prepare some food and water. I need them tomorrow. Originally, he had no intention of sending food and water over since he knew that they would fall out with them in a few days. Moreover, it wouldnt take long before they returned to his hands after receiving the supplies. However, upon reflection, it was better to pretend to send over the supplies in order to avoid alerting the enemy and letting them sense the danger in advance. Understood. I will follow your orders. Ji Chen nodded gently. Just as he was about to take a break, he noticed a yellow dot appearing on the Omniscient map in front of him. The dot was slowly moving towards the territory. He knew that monsters and beasts appeared as red dots, and allies as green dots, but he was unsure about the yellow dots. Could they represent neutral entities? He immediately thought of the group of human aborigines and wondered if it could be them. Observing the yellow trajectory, it seemed like they were searching for something, but they didnt seem to know the exact location of the territory. He pondered over why they would suddenly send people to the forest. Rubbing his chin, he speculated that it could be because he had been relentlessly sweeping through the jungle that all the monsters and wild beasts had fled, thus making it easier for the humans to explore the area. Perhaps this group of human aborigines had noticed the abnormal phenomenon here, so they sent people over to check on the situation. Well, this guess was reasonable. Before he could locate them, they had unexpectedly appeared at his doorstep! This had spared him the effort of searching for them. All he had to do was capture the person who had come to investigate and make them lead the way. The yellow color on the map was approaching the territory. Ji Chen brought Alice and the Naga Warrior and rushed straight towards him. After receiving the order from the leader, Panther immediately set off for the forest to see what had happened here that made so many wild beasts and monsters flee in panic. This forest was located at the bottom of the valley and was one of the hunting grounds of the tribe. Every once in a while, when the wild beasts and animals here grew up, they would come here regularly to hunt. Panther looked at the forest where the birds were chirping non-stop, but there were not many wild beasts and animals. He could not help but frown. It had been 200 sun cycles since their last hunt, but the wild beasts and animals here were sparse. Their numbers had greatly decreased as if they had been ruthlessly swept away. Seeing this scene, Panther thought of the Goblins living in the cave and gritted his teeth in frustration. It must be those disgusting Goblins who did this! They did not value the resources in the jungle and hunted indiscriminately. It was only a matter of time before they wiped out all the creatures on the island. What would they eat then? Were they going to survive only on fish from the sea? If it werent for the fast reproduction rate of the Goblins, the tribe would have wiped them out already. Shaking his head to get rid of the distracting thoughts in his mind, Panther continued to move forward quietly, vigilantly observing his surroundings. However, the deeper they went, the quieter the surroundings became. Even the chirping of the birds had disappeared. All that was left was a sharp insect cry. He felt that something was wrong. He could smell danger. The hair on the back of his neck stood up. Danger! Without hesitation, Panther turned around and ran. But it was too late. As he was about to run away, he was suddenly struck by a beautiful voice that left him stunned and caused him to collapse on the ground, completely entranced. After a moment, Ji Chen and the Naga warriors arrived at the scene and found a native human lying on the ground with a dazed look on his face, wearing a smug smile. Did this brat think he could run away? It was impossible to evade his tracking, no matter how cautious and vigilant one was. His sharp eyes could detect any movement or direction. On the map, the human aborigine resembled a lost little animal, unwittingly stepping into their encirclement with each passing moment. By the time he realized his mistake, it was already too late to make an escape. Chapter 32 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen gazed at the native human lying on the ground with curiosity. Like the Goblins, his was clothed in animal skins and fiber. his skin was wheat-colored and his body and face were covered in a layer of green liquid. His weapons consisted of a sharpened bone dagger at the waist and a simple wooden bow on the back. He appeared to be a native. Ji Chen had a notion that these natives lived on islands surrounded by the sea, traveled in canoes, believed in peculiar beliefs, and some even practiced cannibalism. However, he was not too surprised. To be able to fight evenly with the group of Goblins and look like noobs fighting each other, their level of civilization was naturally not that high. With a wave of his hand, he instructed a Naga warrior to carry the native on his shoulder and bring him back to the territory. He placed the native on the empty ground. The residents were surprised to see Ji Chen bring back a man dressed in simple animal skin. When they heard that he was a native of the island, they started discussing in surprise. They had been here for more than a month, but they had not found any natives at all. They thought that there were only wild beasts and monsters on this island. Perhaps it was because of the chaotic discussion of the people, the native lying on the ground slowly woke up. Upon opening his eyes, he found himself surrounded by a large group of strangers, causing him to immediately feel frightened and crawl back on his hands and feet. After a few steps, he bumped into a hard object and looked up to see a snake-bodied monster staring down at him with a cold, predatory gaze. Aaaah-! The native subconsciously cried out in fear. Her voice was almost louder and sharper than Alices singing. After a while, the young native finally calmed down and stood in front of Ji Chen timidly. Perhaps it was the games settings, but the native language was also the common language. Ji Chen looked at him kindly. I ask, you answer. Understand? The native hurriedly nodded. Whats your name? Panther The name sounded like a primitive tribe. Why are you approaching my territory? The leader said that all the wild beasts in this forest have escaped. He thought that something had happened here, so he called me here to investigate. The native stood up straight and answered truthfully. His appearance was so obedient that it made ones heart ache. However, it was also possible that the ferocious Naga warriors surrounding him had caused him to become like this. Then can you take me to your tribe? I cant. The natives face turned red as he gritted his teeth. Ji Chen couldnt help but laugh. Im not looking for trouble with your tribe. I want to invite you to join my territory. I met the Goblins. They should have a grudge against you, right? Those Goblins have been the enemy of our tribe for generations. The native gritted his teeth and said, We cant wait to kill them all and use them as fertilizer for the land! Well, thats perfect. Ji Chen snapped his fingers. Ill help you get rid of the Goblins. In exchange, you have to submit to me. The native opened his mouth in surprise, but he didnt say anything. Killing the Goblins had always been the goal of the tribe, but did this man in gorgeous clothes really have the strength to kill that many Goblins? He looked around at the tall and strong Naga warriors with cruel eyes and believed him. Im just a small warrior in the tribe. I cant make such an important decision. The native shook his head. We need to let the leader decide. Ji Chen didnt make things difficult for him. Once again, Ji Chen instructed him to deliver these words to his tribal leader before letting him go. He couldnt treat this human native the same way he treated the Goblins. Releasing him was also a friendly signal. Watching the native agilely dart into the jungle, Ji Chen pondered and quietly followed him. This native was very agile and cautious, familiar with the jungle, and constantly moving through complex terrain, showing a good sense of counter-surveillance. If it were an ordinary person, they would probably have lost track of him long ago. However, what the native could not have imagined was that Ji Chen was using a map hack, and no matter how he took detours or moved forward, Ji Chen could see it all clearly. Ten minutes later, Ji Chen came to a stop with a frown. The yellow dot representing the natives was now two hundred meters ahead, but when he looked closer, he saw that there was no one there in the open lowland. Nonetheless, the yellow dot was still moving, changing directions rapidly and even coming as close as a few dozen meters from him. T his left him feeling confused. Was he invisible, in the heavens, or was his map damaged? Despite his efforts, he couldnt locate the natives and could only watch as the yellow dot disappeared at the edge of the map. Ji Chen studied the map, deep in thought as he tried to recall any unusual occurrences that had happened before. A moment later, Ji Chen suddenly raised his head and recalled what happened a minute or two ago. He realized that the native had stopped at a certain spot for dozens of seconds, which seemed suspicious to him. He quickly returned to the spot and saw only rocks and lush vegetation around. There was nothing worth paying attention to at a glance. As he looked up, he saw the lush canopy and the blue sky. When he looked down, he saw rocks and vegetation. Wait, rocks? After pondering, he asked the Naga warriors to move these medium-sized stones. One by one, the rocks were moved, revealing the moist soil and insects living underneath. As they lifted a slab of stone, a small hole was exposed. It was so small that only one person could enter, and the sound of flowing water could be heard emanating from within. A rattan ladder was stuck at the entrance of the cave, leading to a karst cave below. Ji Chen finally understood that the natives had escaped through the cave. He had previously discovered many underground caves in the forest, which were like blood vessels, connecting the entire forest. Since the natives had lived in the area for countless years, they were familiar with the direction of these karst caves and used them as escape routes. As expected, the natives were clever and have many options or contingency plans to avoid danger or difficulty. Ji Chen smiled and shook his head, deciding not to continue the pursuit. He replaced the stone and clapped his hands before heading back to his territory. Continuing to chase might have been futile, as he had already gained a considerable harvest. He had shown his goodwill towards the human natives, and now he needed to wait for their response. If it doesnt work, some tough measures can be implemented. At that time, he could say: Native, you dont want your people to be slaughtered, do you? Of course, if he could subdue them peacefully, it would be the best result. After all, Ji Chen was not a bloodthirsty killer. At most, he would force them to mine and give them a beating if they didnt obtain the designated ores. He thought of applying the same strategy to the Goblins, so forcing them to submit wasnt necessary. He believed that by confiscating the Goblins weapons and monitoring them, they could be coerced to work in the mines. They wouldnt be provided with food unless they mined the ores, and their stubbornness wouldnt save them from hunger. Could the Goblins withstand hunger with their stubbornness? Vaguely, an unimagined path unfolded before him. Ah, this was not called evil capitalism! Its only considered that way when applied to humans, but it didnt count for Goblins. Chapter 33 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen had been dealing with various matters throughout the day, causing him to run around and be distracted. It was only now that he finally made his way towards the third resource point. The third resource point was the furthest, located in the less explored west side of the forest. Compared to the jungle on the east side of the territory, the jungle on the west side was more undeveloped and primal. Once he entered, it felt like being transported to the Amazon jungle, with walking becoming a difficult task. All around him was a thick tangle of vegetation and towering trees, with plants growing tall in their quest for sunlight, forming a dense, impenetrable canopy that blocked out most of the suns rays. The terrain forced all the water on the island to converge here, and the resulting network of rivers snaked through the landscape, making it much more humid than other parts of the island. This place could be better described as a rainforest rather than a mere jungle. Ding ~ The battle has ended. You have obtained a glorious victory. You have received 80 experience points. A stream was stained red with the blood of over ten crocodiles, adding a tinge of blood to the already damp scent. Ji Chen looked at the map and nodded. The third resource point was not far ahead. He should be able to see it after passing through a bush. Closing the map, he did not delay for even a moment. He commanded the Naga Warriors to use their bone blades to split the bushes and open a path in the forest. Soon, he saw a faint golden pillar of light shooting straight down through the dense canopy. The beam of light hit a cliff with dense vines and landed on a rock bed in the middle of the shallow water. On the bedrock, the silver-white ore embedded in the grayish-brown rock gleamed like a silver coin, emitting a peculiar light. [Mithril Mine] [Scale: Miniature] [Level: 3] [Main Resource: Mithril] [By-product produced: Stone [Production is one-fifth of the main resources] [Storage: 3500/3500 units] [Maximum weekly production: 700 units] [Weekly Personnel Production: 50 units/person] Ji Chen was stunned. Oh my god! Ji Chen realized that he had stumbled upon a Mithril mine, a Level 3 resource that was quite famous in the Western Fantasy World and often associated with magic. Mithril equipment was believed to restrain all sorts of magic and even a small piece of it was worth thousands of gold. However, in Lord of Glory, it seemed that Mithril was not as magical and was only worth thousands of gold. Nonetheless, it was still a rare resource, and the value of this miniature Mithril mine was comparable to a dozen ordinary resource points of the same scale. More importantly, the resources needed to unlock the node of Alices military talent tree included Mithril. With no depletion in reserves, this Mithril mine could provide enough Mithril resources for Alice to advance to Purple Rare. However, what kind of army could possibly guard such a valuable resource point? Ji Chens eyes widened as he surveyed the mine. With the aid of the Omniscient Map, he swiftly detected something unusual. Toads that were almost half the size of a human were lurking in the water, revealing only a pair of protruding eyes. Their green skin almost merged with the green water. [Demon Frog] [Level: 7] [Level: Level 2, 5 stars] [Skill: Acid Spray (blue skill, able to spray high-concentration corrosive acid)] Poisonous Skin (Green Skill, the skin will secrete poisonous bodily fluids) Tongue Roll (Green skill, can use the tongue to stick to the prey and pull it into the mouth to swallow) [Military characteristic: Strong hind legs (Demon Frogs strong leg muscles give them extremely strong jumping ability)] [Waiting for something to fall into my lap, willing to take the bait.] There were twenty-three Demon Frogs in the water, each one a tier 2, 5-star, level 7 monster with powerful skills. They were not creatures to be trifled with by ordinary people. However, Ji Chen was not an ordinary person, and with Alices singing ability, they were no match for him. As long as the Demon Frogs could hear, they would fall under the spell of Alices song and enter into an illusion, where they were easy to defeat. As Ji Chen was preparing for Alice to sing, he caught a glimpse of the Omniscient Map from the corner of his eye. To his surprise, a cluster of red dots had appeared on the west side of the map. They were moving in an orderly formation at a moderate pace, almost as if they were conducting a reconnaissance mission. Ji Chen felt a wave of alarm wash over him. After a brief moment of hesitation, he signaled Alice and the Naga Warrior to take cover behind the thick vegetation. Meanwhile, on the map, the red dots continued to advance steadily towards their location. Ji Chen strained his ears and heard the rustling of plants as well as some muffled voices coming from the forest A human? Ji Chen hid behind the dense vegetation and looked over. Gradually, the voices grew louder and more distinct, making it easier to distinguish the words being spoken. The jungle on this island is too lush. If those people are really hiding here, it will be really difficult to find them. If it wasnt for Bosss orders, I wouldnt have come to this run-down place. Its been half a day and I havent seen a single person. Isnt that right? Arent we wasting our efforts? When the ships are repaired, we can sail around these islands. If those merchants actually come here, theyll surely spot their sunken ships. Theyll have no choice but to surrender if they want to survive. Uh, I dont think thats possible either, because Boss has never left anyone alive. Youre right. Forty people emerged from the jungle. They were dressed in very light clothing, with their chests and arms exposed, and their bodies adorned with decorations that had no clear meaning, giving off a flashy and flamboyant vibe. However, they held curved knives or carried iron crossbows in their hands, and their cold and cruel gaze, along with their powerful and martial physique, revealed a hint of ferocity. [Elite Pirates] [Level: 8] [Level: Level 2, 4-star] [Skill: Pirate technique (blue skill, walking on the ship as if it was flat ground, can greatly overcome the negative effects of sea combat, and is excellent in water)] Bloodthirst (Green Skill, becomes more vicious after being injured, will not hesitate to exchange injuries) Nautical Skills (Green skill, possesses a certain level of nautical skills, can also be a sailor when necessary) [Military characteristic: Pirate plunder (When robbing ships at sea, combat power increases by 20%, morale fixed +15 points)] [Money or your life? Sorry, I wont be leaving either for you.] Pirates? Could they be the pirates who were chasing Raymond and the others? Ji Chen realized that the tier 2 4-star pirates were much stronger than the merchant guards and armed sailors, which explained why they had to escape into the Stormy Sea when chased by them. It was thanks to these pirates that he met Raymond and the others. However, he was puzzled as the Stormy Sea Area was known as a forbidden land of death due to constant storms and huge waves. How did Raymond and the pirates successfully enter? How could anyone enter the forbidden Stormy Sea Area so easily, as if it were as accessible as a public bus? Ji Chen cursed under his breath. Ji Chens face brightened as he saw the pirates approaching the Mithril Mine by hacking their way through the dense vegetation, and also noticed the Demon Frogs lurking in the water. He realized that there would be an entertaining spectacle to witness soon. A moment later, the pirates ecstatic voices suddenly sounded. Look, what are those glowing things? Its Mithril! Theres actually a Mithril mine here. Were rich! Chapter 34 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The pirates looked greedily at the Mithril mine on the rock bed. If we can dig out all the Mithril ore, well definitely be able to sell it for more money than the goods on that merchant ship. What a pleasant surprise! Yes, lets hurry back and report to Boss Report what? The more people who know, the more we have to split the money. Lets keep it all for ourselves! And so, the pirates put on a performance in front of Ji Chen, demonstrating how to keep secrets from their boss and how to divide the spoils amongst themselves. He let out a sigh, realizing that this group of pirates had a clear lack of conscience. If he were their leader, their deceitful actions would surely have angered him to no end. After distributing the loot, it appeared that their focus had shifted towards the Mithril ore, leaving them unaware of the Demon Frog lurking in the water. Ji Chen waded through the shallow water, approaching the Mithril and causing ripples to form on the surface. The Demon Frog, sensing the disturbance, slowly opened its eyes. Its bulging belly suddenly contracted, and from its open mouth shot a stream of acid like an arrow, hitting one of the defenseless pirates who were unaware of its presence. The pirates were caught off guard and took the full impact of the acid stream. The acid stained their exposed skin, and the sound of sizzling corrosion was sudden and intense. The strong acid immediately ate away their skin and a large chunk of flesh. Ah! There are monsters in the water! As the pirates scrambled out of the shallow water, four badly mutilated corpses floated to the surface. These were the unfortunate ones who had been corroded by the acid. Ji Chen couldnt help but smile at the sight. As expected, these greedy pirates, willing to risk their lives for a merchant ship, could not resist the allure of rare resources like mithril and let their guard down. Even he had to rely on the map to discover this group of Demon Frogs with hidden colors, let alone these pirates. Returning to the shore, the pirates regrouped and finally became smarter. They stood at a safe distance and fired their crossbows. The bolts pierced through the air and killed four or five of the Demon Frogs in an instant. Seeing their companions dying one by one, the remaining Demon Frogs widened their eyes and jumped forward with their hind legs stretched. They drew an arc in the air and landed among the group of pirates. The pirates discarded their crossbows and drew their curved swords to hack away. With the advantage in numbers, they managed to kill six or seven of the Demon Frogs in a flash, but suddenly, several excited pirates stiffened and fell to the ground. Upon closer inspection, their lips had turned purple. Theres poison in these toads bodies! The pirates immediately retreated in panic. After a flurry of counterattacks, the Demon Frogs all collapsed to the ground. However, there were less than 30 pirates standing. We finally got rid of these disgusting toads. They killed so many of our comrades. One of the pirates slashed the Demon Frogs corpse a few more times as if he was venting his anger. But with fewer people, we get more money. Not bad. Other pirates were quite happy. Ji Chen, who had watched the entire process, sneered and had no patience to continue watching. This group of pirates had completed their task, and it was time for him to make his appearance. Alice. A beautiful song sounded, echoing in the forest. The pirates, who had just emerged victorious from the battle and were basking in their dreams of riches, had slipped into a state of stupor. The Naga Warrior roared and waved his ferocious bone blade as he rushed out. He slashed crazily, and pieces of broken limbs flew into the sky. A few minutes later. Ding ~ The battle has ended. You have obtained a glorious victory [You have received 700 EXP. Current EXP is Level 4[68%/100%]] Naga Warrior has leveled up (23). Current EXP is Level 3[2%/100%]. Looking at the lifeless bodies of the pirates lying on the ground, he felt a sense of satisfaction. By eliminating these poisonous Demon Frogs, the pirates had met a deserving end. He had also effortlessly gained control of the Mithril Mine. After allowing the Naga Warriors to clean up the battlefield, Ji Chens mind began to race with new ideas. Previously, his plan had been to seize the White Sand Princess, but now that he had learned of the presence of the pirates and their ship, he was reconsidering his options. According to what he had heard from the pirates, their ship was currently anchored near the coast and undergoing repairs due to the recent storm, just like the merchant ships. This new information sparked a different thought in Ji Chens mind: was it better to seize the pirate ship instead? Unlike Raymonds merchant ship, Ji Chen didnt feel any guilt about robbing the pirates. In fact, he saw it as a matter of justice. Furthermore, he recognized that the prosperity of his territory was dependent on the natives who had been farming there for generations. Raymond had the backing of a Chamber of Commerce, and establishing a relationship with him could provide an opportunity to use the Chambers influence to establish a regular sea route between his territory and the mainland. As the old saying goes, to get rich, first build roads. In the context of the ocean, building roads meant constructing sea routes. With a steady flow of merchant ships, the necessary resources and population could be brought to the archipelago for its development. His previous plan was to seize Raymonds merchant ship, but circumstances had changed. Today, he decided to target the pirate ship instead. He would uphold justice and give those pirates a taste of their own medicine! However, the first thing to do was to confirm the location of the pirate ship. After cleaning up the battlefield, they followed the direction where the pirates came from and groped their way forward. After trekking several kilometers to the west in the jungle, they finally reached the other side of the main island. The scene before his eyes suddenly became clear. In front of him was an endless sea. Two small rowing boats were parked on the nearby beach, likely used by the pirates for landing. Judging by their size, it seemed that only a small group of pirates, perhaps the 40th pirate and a few others, were sent ashore using them. Ji Chen looked at the sea in the distance. A black pirate ship was anchored on the surface of the sea. Some pirates were repairing the slightly damaged hull. Unlike the merchant ships that had only two masts, this pirate ship had three masts, two at the back and one at the front. More sails meant greater power and combat effectiveness. Moreover, there was a horn wrapped in metal at the bow of the ship, which interpreted the aesthetics of violence. The more Ji Chen gazed upon the pirate ship, the greater his satisfaction grew as he began to envision it as his very own. Time was of the essence, as any delay could result in unforeseeable changes. If the pirates sent to the island failed to return, those on the pirate ship would undoubtedly take notice. Thus, he decided to take action that very night, taking advantage of the cover of darkness to quickly seize this powerful pirate vessel. This would allow him to move forward with his plans with peace of mind. With a wave of his hand, he led Alice and the Naga Warrior back to the beach near the Bass Fishery. Raymond and the others kept their promise and stayed obediently on the beach. Seeing this, he felt at ease, recalling the Murlocs lurking in the shadows. Tonights battle for the ship would require him to mobilize all of his troops. Chapter 35 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation As the evening crept in, the sky became shrouded in clouds, and the moonlight faded into a dim glow. The surroundings appeared pitch-black, with the surface of the sea appearing as a dark abyss in the distance. Ji Chen couldnt be more delighted C it seemed like the heavens were on his side. The cover of the dark night provided the perfect chance for a successful night raid. The pirates on the ship grew suspicious when they saw that the members who were sent ashore had not returned. They began to suspect that something had gone wrong and sent more men to guard the ship. In the distance, they could faintly make out flickering flames on the ship, adding to their unease. A pirate stood on the watchtower on the mast, looking down at the island. But what he did not expect was that under the dark and calm water, dozens of Murlocs and Naga warriors were quietly approaching. Although there were no ladders to climb, the Murlocs and Naga Warriors had their own unique boarding techniques. They would first dive into the water, and then use their strength to swim downstream. When they had gathered enough momentum, they would swim up in a U-shape, propelling themselves onto the deck of the pirate ship. The Murlocs and Naga warriors sprang out of the water with the agility of sharks, like predators hunting their prey on the surface. With their unique boarding techniques, they swam downstream to accumulate enough energy before swimming up in a U-shape to launch themselves several meters into the air and land on the bow deck. The impact of their landing made a dull sound, alerting the nearby patrolling pirates. The sound of cloth being torn could be heard. Ah! Enemies! The screams echoed throughout the night. The pirate ship suddenly became lively, and the lights were lit. Pirates on the deck hastily grabbed their oil lamps and rushed towards the source of the sound. However, they were suddenly startled by the sound of the sea surging beside the ship. Crash ~ Under the dim moonlight, the Murlocs rushed out of the water one after another, catching them off guard. For a moment, the pirates suffered heavy losses. Ji Chens plan involved having a group of Murlocs and Naga warriors board the ship at the bow to draw the pirates attention, while the rest would ambush from the water and catch them off-guard. Despite the lower level of the Murlocs, their sneak attack advantage allowed them to kill one pirate with each fork. The number of pirates was significant, with some patrolling the first deck while others were sleeping in the cabins below. Upon hearing the commotion on the first deck, they all rushed up with their weapons. The number of pirates was much larger than that of the Murlocs and Naga warriors combined. After they reacted, they gradually formed a suppressive force with their numerical advantage and strength that was not weaker than the Naga warriors. At the same time, the dark clouds in the sky quietly dispersed, and the moonlight shone on the sea. The originally dim deck instantly lit up, allowing the pirates to instantly see the enemy clearly. Without the advantage of the dark environment, the Murlocs and Naga warriors suffered even greater defeat. Outnumbered, they sustained numerous deep wounds, some visible down to the bone. At this moment., the surface of the sea rippled once again, and a beautiful figure emerged from the water. Alices silver locks cascaded down her waist and shoulders, glistening like a precious pearl under the moonlight. Her serene eyes remained unwavering, giving her an ethereal appearance akin to that of a legendary sea goddess. And as the tranquil night enveloped them, her voice carried on the wind, resonating far and wide. Its power had also reached its maximum. The sweet melody of Alices singing drifted into the ears of the pirates engaged in combat with the Murlocs and Naga warriors. Their minds and muscles gradually relaxed, and their desire to fight weakened. They became dazed and unfocused. However, the same music had the opposite effect on the Murlocs and Naga warriors, who suddenly gained a surge of strength. They fiercely swung their weapons and swiftly dispatched the pirates in front of them, turning the tide of the battle in their favor. The pirates on the deck were killed one by one, and their blood dyed the floor red. When the singing stopped, the pirates on the deck could no longer be seen. Hearing the screams outside, the remaining pirates cowered in fear in the cabins below, not daring to stick their heads out. Seeing that the situation of the battle had been decided, Ji Chen took off his clothes, revealing his arms, and swam towards the pirate ship. With the support of the territory buff, his swimming skills had been greatly improved. On the calm sea, swimming a few kilometers was not a big problem with sufficient physical strength. The Murlocs lowered the net on the side of the ship and let him board the deck. Observing the blood-stained corpses of the pirates lying on the deck, and the wounded Murlocs and Naga warriors, Ji Chen furrowed his brows. However, it was not because of the gory scene before him, but due to the fact that the battle had not gone as well as he had hoped. In simple terms, it had been an ugly and messy battle. The Naga warriors were no longer the swift and powerful fighters they had been in the past, able to defeat their enemies with ease. If it had not been for Alices assistance, the casualties might have been much higher. The reason for this was largely due to the level and rank of the combatants. Although the Naga Warrior was one star higher than the pirates, its level was five levels lower. This resulted in its actual strength being slightly weaker. If not for the element of surprise and the morale boost it provided, the Naga warriors would have been at an even greater disadvantage in the fight. It seems that I have to prepare to improve the strength of the Naga Warriors. Its not a good idea to keep them running naked like this. Ji Chen shook his head to clear his thoughts and made his way towards the stairs leading to the lower level of the pirate ship. Despite the carnage on deck, he knew that there were still plenty of pirates hiding below. If they werent dealt with, there was no way they could fully take over the ship. Alice also climbed onto the deck from the sea and came to the side, asking softly. My Lord, do you need my help? Ji Chen was about to give Alice a nod of approval, but he hesitated for a moment and shook his head, signaling for her not to speak. He had come up with a new idea. As they approached the stairway, the end of it was shrouded in complete darkness. He knew that the remaining pirates were hiding in the blind spots below, ready to attack at any moment. Ji Chen decided to try a new tactic and use his words to subdue them. I know youre down there, hiding in the dark and trying to fight back. But Im telling you very clearly that these actions are meaningless. If youre smart enough, youll realize that I can easily kill you with the song of the Siren. Ji Chens tone was confident and certain. A few seconds later, the voices of the pirates came from below. We dont seem to have any enmity with you, why are you attacking us? Hmph, you trespassed into my territory without permission. Its already merciful of me not to kill you on the spot. They were speechless. Who the hell would know that this archipelago had a lord? If they had known that there was such a powerful lord and a terrifying creature like the Siren, they would never have come to the island. This was great. Before they could find the merchant ship, they would have to die here. Also, hadnt he already started killing? The deck was full of pirate corpses, the kind that was completely dead! The pirates complained in their hearts. Ji Chen heard the silence below and said calmly. But I am a merciful person. I can give you a chance to atone for your sins. If you choose to submit to me and work for me, then you can live. Otherwise, there will only be one outcome, death! He paused for a moment before adding, Oh, no, you can also choose to work in the dark mine to atone for your sins. As for the time limit for atonement, 80 years is about it. You can only eat porridge every day. Of course, Im not a bad person after all. Ill give you the chance to choose between the two. Wasnt this even worse? Working in the mine for 80 years, wasnt that just working until they died of old age? Moreover, they could only eat one meal a day. This seemed even worse than death to them. The pirates looked at him as if he was a demon. The pirates in the dark cabin exchanged fearful glances towards the man above. Ji Chen pondered about the situation below when suddenly a prompt sound echoed through the cabin. Chapter 36 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ding ~ The battle has ended. The enemy has surrendered. You have won a glorious victory. You have leveled up (45). Your current EXP is 5[54%/100%]. At the dark staircase, pirates walked out with their hands clasped on their heads. Seeing this scene, Ji Chens mouth curved into a smile. The effect of his verbal therapy was good. At the same time, he didnt forget to open the territory panel to check if these pirates had really surrendered. Under the military category, there was a new entry C Elite Pirates, followed by the number 80. The talent tree for elite pirates also appeared on the military talent tree. After reading it, he felt completely relieved. He waved his hand, signaling for the Murlocs and Naga warriors to approach. The pirates looked fearfully at Alice, who was standing beside them with a cold face. They would never forget the strange singing they had heard during the battle just now, which almost made them lose themselves in endless illusions. Only the legendary siren could make such a song. The pirates carefully approached Ji Chen and spoke respectfully. My Lord, we are willing to submit to you. You will be glad for the decision you made today. So, we dont have to go mining? One of the pirates asked cautiously. Of course not, I have other uses for you, Ji Chen said with a smile as he patted the pirates shoulder. Then, Ji Chen suddenly had a confused expression and asked, Wheres your previous captain? The previous captain? The pirates pointed to a body on the deck, which was dressed in gaudy clothes but was not entirely visible. He died in the first wave of the Lords sneak attack. Ji Chen thought, How unlucky for him. But then he had a realization, Well, Ill take over your ship now. Dont worry, Ill take good care of it. A refreshing sea breeze blew on his face, causing Ji Chen to shiver slightly before taking a deep breath. It was as if all the pressure had been released from his body. He felt relieved, knowing that he finally had a ship of his own, one that could sail across the ocean and no longer keep him trapped on this island! As soon as he realized that he was stranded on an isolated island, the mental pressure started to mount day by day. He was worried that he might be trapped on the island forever, cut off from the rest of the world. After all, a real man should live under the open sky and not be confined to an island for an extended period of time. The resources of an island would never suffice to support the development of his territory. Sooner or later, he would have to venture out, conquer new lands, plunder resources, and explore forbidden territories. This pirate ship would be the starting point of everything! It was because of this foresight that he spent so much effort to persuade the remaining islands to surrender and submit. These pirates roamed the seas, and to be able to track Raymond and the others into the stormy waters meant that they must have some skill in navigation, which was worth his persuasion. In addition, a three-masted pirate ship required a team of skilled personnel to operate it, unlike a small fishing boat that could be navigated by a single person. The ship needed a helmsman to control the steering wheel, a sail hand to control the ropes, an observer, a navigator, a sailor, a craftsman, and several other specialists. If they planned to equip the ship with cannons in the future, they would also require cannoneers and individuals to carry the shells. Without a crew of at least a hundred people, it would be extremely challenging to operate this vessel effectively. Thus, these pirates who had remained on board were the essential crew members of this ship. As for the Murlocs and Naga Warriors, they could fight and kill, but they could not do things like sailing. Ji Chen was in an unprecedentedly good mood. He even wanted to laugh out loud. However, for the sake of the lords dignity, he had to endure it. Whats the extent of the damage on this ship? And how long will it take to repair? Ji Chen inquired. When we were passing through the storm outside the Stormy Sea, the hull and mast were damaged. It will take about six to seven days to repair it before it can meet the conditions for long-distance sailing. Ji Chen stroked his chin, lost in thought. It dawned on him that there were only six or seven days left before the start of the next week. Time was running out. He needed to hasten the exploration of the main island and the other smaller islands and deal with the native tribes and Goblins before it was too late. There was a lot on his plate, and he realized that life was going to be difficult. Ji Chen sighed and shook his head. He looked up at the moon. It was already late at night. He had to go back to rest since he had to meet Raymond and the others tomorrow. After instructing the pirates to repair the ship as soon as possible, he brought a small group of pirates back to the territory. The next morning, Ji Chen brought food and water to the camp. That fatty, Raymond, had been waiting here for a long time. When he saw Ji Chen, his eyes immediately lit up and he welcomed Ji Chen warmly. Your Excellency, youre finally here. Ive been waiting Pirates? Just as Raymond was about to say something nice, he noticed more than ten subdued pirates from the previous night following behind Ji Chen. Confused, his eyes gradually showed fear as he realized he had unknowingly entered a den of thieves. Ji Chen noticed the fattys expression and understood his misunderstanding. He spoke indifferently, Do you know that youve lured the pirates in? If I hadnt intervened in time, that pirate ship would have sunk your vessel here. Raymond reacted immediately, thanking him for his intervention. But he still asked with some doubt. What about these pirates? Ji Chen said lightly, They felt my wisdom and strength, so they voluntarily surrendered to me. Voluntarily? Did these ruthless pirates surrender and submit to Ji Chen? Perhaps he won them over with some convincing or persuasive reason? Raymond secretly scoffed, but his face showed a look of admiration. Ji Chen looked at the merchant ship anchored on the sea and asked curiously, What kind of goods are you carrying on this ship? It seems to be quite heavily loaded. They are all specialties from the Eastern Continent, answered Raymond nonchalantly, but his eyes sparkled when he noticed Ji Chens curious expression. Would you like to take a look and see what they are? Alright, lead the way. Upon realizing that there might be a business opportunity, Raymond promptly summoned a few sailors to fetch a small boat. Since they had merchandise to sell, who else could they sell it to but him? Selling it there could also help save space and weight. The sailor rowed the small boat quickly to the shore and ferried Ji Chen and Raymond to the merchant ship without delay. Raymond eagerly led him to the stairs on the second deck, promising, Your Excellency, I have high-quality goods here. You will surely be pleased when you see them. He then asked the guard to open the door as he spoke. The sunlight shone into the slightly dark interior of the room along the stairs. On both sides of this deck, there were wooden prisons. Inside the wooden prison were female slaves in ragged clothes. Their eyes were filled with fear and helplessness as they shivered in the corner. Ji Chen frowned. Is this the specialty of the East Continent that you mentioned? Raymond chuckled. Yes, I bought these female slaves from slave owners in the Eastern Continent. Dont you think they look quite unique? Ji Chen looked over and nodded in agreement. These women were indeed different. Their fair skin and exotic features were eye-catching. If one of them were to wear a thin veil, they could easily pass as a woman from a desert tribe. It seemed that Raymonds business ventures were quite extensive, including the buying and selling of slaves. As he looked at the frightened slaves, a thought crossed Ji Chens mind. Chapter 37 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Why are there only female slaves? They all come from the Eastern Continent. The nobles from the Western Continent have a taste for this kind of exotic female slave, and the profit from transporting them is greater than ordinary slaves. Raymond cleared his throat and winked. Your Excellency, You could also buy a few for yourself, even if you have no use for them, theyre still nice to look at He emphasized the word use. It appeared that this big-eyed, thick-eyebrowed fatty knew about the use of female slaves. Although these female slaves were indeed quite beautiful and had good figures, Ji Chen was not interested in buying them. He couldnt possibly buy them just to have them sit around and do nothing. The territory doesnt need any decorations. What he needed were people who could work. These weak female slaves could not be used for mining or logging! Raymond noticed Ji Chens frown and assumed that he was concerned about the quality of the slaves. He quickly clarified, Dont worry, sir. These female slaves are all very innocent. Besides their appearance, each of them possesses a unique skill. Oh? Ji Chens curiosity was piqued. If they had a valuable skill, he could potentially purchase them. While there were no male slaves capable of working, female slaves with skills were also valuable assets. What skills do they have? Can you introduce them to me? Leave it to me, Raymond replied, patting his chest. He enthusiastically introduced each one, like a salesman. The female slave with particularly fair skin possesses knitting skills, while the one with big breasts has expertise in sewing Ji Chen nodded in agreement as Raymond introduced each female slave. He realized that besides miners and lumberjacks, his territory also required more tailors and weavers. Raymond raised his hand, showing five fingers after introducing the last slave. The price for these twenty female slaves is around twenty-five Aureus gold coins each, Raymond explained. However, if you take them all at once, you only need to pay 95% of the price. And since the food and water you provide are worth around 25 Aureus gold coins, you only need to pay 90% of the total price! Ji Chen silently nodded his head. A 10% discount was a good deal, and it meant he could purchase the twenty female slaves for 450 Aureus gold coins. He glanced at his backpack and recalled how he had caught a substantial amount of Aureus gold coins and Kels silver coins while fishing at the beach a few days prior. In total, he obtained 89 gold coins and 105 silver coins. Along with the 350 gold coins and 1000 silver coins gifted by Raymond yesterday, he now had a total of 439 gold coins and 1105 silver coins. Knowing that 1105 Kels silver coins could be converted to 11.05 gold coins with a ratio of 1:100, he calculated that he had exactly enough to make the purchase. Ill take all of them, he declared without hesitation. Raymond expressed his pleasure, Your Excellency is really decisive Before he could finish speaking, Raymond saw Ji Chen take out two wooden boxes, each containing a large pile of gold coins and silver coins. Raymond was excited to see the shiny appearance of the coins, but he soon became stunned. He recognized the boxes and realized that they were the ones he had sent out yesterday. Ji Chen noticed Raymonds expression and asked, Whats wrong? Is there a problem? Raymond forced a smile and replied, No, theres no problem. The fatty wanted to cry but had no tears. In the end, he took the two boxes of coins with an aggrieved expression. This was the first time he felt like he had made a loss even though he had successfully sold the goods. Ji Chen looked at the twenty female slaves in front of him and nodded in satisfaction. Their skills mainly revolved around weaving and sewing, which would elevate the clothing standard of the territory with their participation. They boarded the boat and returned to the shore. Raymond looked at the female slaves beside him and said with a bow. Your Excellency, we will stay here for a few more days until the ship is repaired, and we will need to trouble you for some time. Of course, its not a problem, Ji Chen replied with a smile. Weve already established a friendship between us, so its no big deal. Raymond was stunned for a moment before he laughed. Thats right, were already friends! After a few more polite words, Ji Chen bid farewell to Raymond and headed back to his territory with his army and the newly acquired female slaves. The sight of Ji Chen returning with twenty fair-skinned women didnt surprise the residents too much. After all, he had brought back Sirens and natives before. When Wilus saw those women with shackles, he was taken aback. Remove their shackles and let them integrate into the territory as soon as possible. They can join the workforce, ordered Ji Chen. Understood, my lord, replied Wilus. Alright, go ahead. Ji Chen dismissed him with a wave of his hand and walked into the Lords Mansion to sit down and have a drink of water. A yellow dot suddenly appeared on the Omniscient map. He was surprised, but a hint of joy appeared on his brow. He hurriedly walked out, and as expected, a few minutes later, an agile figure appeared at the edge of the forest. It was the native called Panther that he had caught and released yesterday. Ji Chen tasked the native to communicate his intention to their leader, assuring them that if they helped him defeat the Goblin tribe, they would become part of his territory. As he saw the native approach him again, Ji Chen couldnt help but feel hopeful. The native looked around fearfully at the Naga warrior guarding the area, then approached Ji Chen with a serious expression. Our Chief has agreed to your terms. If you really destroy the Goblin tribe, then we will swear to the Great Being and our entire tribe will submit to you! Ding! Quest: [Enemies of Generations] has been activated. Mission Details: Destroy the Goblin Tribe on the island. Mission result: Obtain the allegiance of the native tribe. A notification sounded. Ji Chen smiled with a sense of understanding. The Goblins on the island had no other option but to face their demise. He was set on getting the native tribe. However, he had only encountered the Goblins once and was still unaware of their whereabouts. As their enemies for generations, the natives might have some information that could be of use. The native quickly replied. The Goblins nest is located in the mountains. They inhabit damp and cold caves with complex terrains and are skilled in setting traps. Many warriors of our tribe have lost their lives in their traps, the native explained. In addition, the Goblins have a high fertility rate, and their population is very large. They prefer to hide in the dark and launch surprise attacks. After a moment of hesitation, the native continued, They also control the passage to the Holy Mountain and have stolen the treasure of that great being. My lord, you must be cautious. Holy Mountain? A Great Being? Ji Chen was curious. This native had already mentioned the great being many times. Was this native tribes belief in a great existence just a hollow faith, or was it something like a totem? Where is the Holy Mountain you mentioned? Also, what is a Great Being? Pointing towards the mountain peak in the northeast, the native said, That is the Holy Mountain, where the Great Being resides. According to the elders of the tribe, there is a legend that this Great Being once ruled over the island and all living creatures submitted to its power. It was said to be extremely powerful, beautiful, and even capable of killing sea beasts with ease. Those Goblins often boast that they have the bloodline of that Great Being in their bodies. Goblin bloodline? A frown creased Ji Chens forehead as he remembered the introduction of the Goblins. His heart began to quiver. O great dragon, I beseech you to bestow a trace of the Goblins bloodline! Damn it, that so-called Great Being couldnt be a dragon, right? Chapter 38 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation He was considering the image of the Western dragon, which had an affinity for shiny objects, abducted princesses from human kingdoms, had a strong fondness for money, and was highly lustful. It was also known for creating various new species. As someone who frequently visited Western Fantasy worlds, dragons were always a standard for measuring combat power. To the natives and Goblins, dragons were considered immensely powerful beings. From the looks of it, those Goblins might really contain a trace of dragon bloodline. After all, in many worlds, the Goblins were one of the famous races created by dragons. Ji Chen wondered how the dragon got in there However, was there really a dragon on this island? Was this its territory? Ji Chen asked worriedly. Have you seen it with your own eyes? The native shook his head, I havent seen it, and according to the records passed down by the tribe, the last time it was seen was over 9,000 suns ago. In the eyes of the native tribes, a day was equivalent to one solar hour, and more than 9,000 solar hours were equivalent to more than 20 years. It seemed that the dragon had left this place for a long time. There was a high chance that it would not return. This made him heave a sigh of relief. Ji Chen realized that a dragon was beyond his current level of combat capability. The army would suffer major losses from just one breath attack, making it an unpredictable and dangerous situation. If the dragon was still around, it would be best to avoid it. After some consideration, he had someone take the native away to be entertained while he focused on planning his strategy against the Goblin tribe. The number of Goblin tribes is numerous, even a hunting team has dozens of people, and they should not be underestimated even if they are only at the level of Tier 2 and 3 stars. To counter this, he decided to gather all the pirates under his command. With 80 elite pirates at tier 2-4 stars, he had a considerable force at his disposal. Currently, his army consisted of 35 Level 4 River Murlocs, 28 Level 3 Naga Warriors, and 80 Level 8 elite pirates, totaling 143. However, in terms of level, they still did not have much of an advantage over the Level 6 Goblins. Therefore, before engaging in the battle, he planned to first level up his troops to gain a strategic advantage. Lets go to the left side of the territorys jungle which hasnt been thoroughly explored yet and explore while leveling up. Come to think of it, the ruined structures we saw before seem to be deep in the left jungle. Lets explore that last place too. Once the direction was determined, Ji Chen prepared enough supplies and set out with his army. The ruined structures were located some distance above the Mithril mine and were similarly surrounded by dense vegetation. It took him two hours to clear a path and finally reach the ruined structures. In the dense forest, a group of buildings covered by countless vines and plants appeared in front of them. Although the entire stone building complex was already in ruins, the faint outline of the building hidden in the leaves still made Ji Chen stop and sigh. He found a spot with sparse vegetation and entered. This stone building complex was in the southwest of the main island, coincidentally at the junction of many rivers. Therefore, there were many streams of water around them. They weaved through the entire building complex, giving the place the feeling of Venice. Under the silence of the surrounding birds, the scenery was not bad. However, Ji Chen didnt let his guard down. He looked at the Omniscient map as he advanced. Soon, he found a group of red dots near the core area. There were a lot of them, about seventy to eighty of them. He walked a little closer. At the center of the complex was a building that looked like a temple. Beside the temple, on the trees that were growing wildly, on the broken stone pillars. There was a large group of extremely strong chimpanzees, and this seemed to be their territory. [Blackback Gorilla] [Level: 8] [Level: Level 2, 8 stars] [Skill: Muscle Strength (blue skill, Blackback Gorilla has extremely strong strength)] Hard Fist (Blue skill, fist bone is extremely hard, able to resist sharp swords) Berserk (Green skill. Once injured, the player will enter a berserk state, greatly increasing all attributes) [Military characteristic: Bear grudges (once attacked, it will remember the attacker until the attacker is killed)] [We dont have Mount Tai here.] Tier 2 8-star, level 8, and almost 80 in number. Their strength surpassed any of his soldiers, and even with the combined efforts of the Murlocs, Naga warriors, and pirates, victory was not guaranteed. Of course, this was under the assumption that Alice did not take part in the battle. At this moment, the chimpanzee also discovered their group of intruders and rushed over with its teeth bared. Ding ~ You have entered combat mode. Morale assessment in progress Our overall morale is at 51 points. Weve entered an advantageous state. Ji Chens expression changed slightly. The morale was only at 51 points? However, without any hesitation, he raised his arm and shouted. All the troops rushed forward, giving full play to their numerical advantage. The two sides soon collided. The initial confrontation was far from successful. The Black Gorillas were incredibly strong with bulging muscles and powerful fists. Despite lacking any tactics, their sheer strength alone was enough to suppress the pirates, who quickly became injured and retreated while vomiting blood. The Murlocs nearly lost half its life with just one punch, and only the Naga Warriors were barely able to resist with their bone blades, but even they struggled. Ji Chen didnt need to say anything further before Alice stepped in, singing a war song and joining the battle. The impassioned song sounded, raising the morale of their troops, and their combat strength instantly increased by a large margin. It greatly narrowed the gap in strength between the two sides. With the advantage in numbers, they gradually maintained the front line and caused a lot of damage to the Black Gorillas. However, the injured Black Gorillas immediately entered a berserk state. Unlike the soldiers they had seen in the past, they had a certain level of intelligence. Soon, he saw Ji Chen and Alice standing at the back. Immediately, a group of over ten Black Gorillas leaped onto a nearby tree and started following the trunk and vines to swing over to their side, baring their teeth as they approached. Ji Chens eyebrows twitched, fearing the danger of the decapitation tactic. The Black Gorillas were attacking from the side, leaping over the front line with the help of vines. Without hesitation, he ordered Alice to launch another attack. This time, it was the Song of Temptation. The sound of Alices song filled the air, causing the swinging gorillas to lose their focus and fall to the ground like dumplings dropping into a boiling pot. They landed on the ground with a loud thud. A few Naga warriors who rushed back raised their swords and quickly killed them all. Alices singing boosted the morale of their troops and weakened the mental state of the Black Gorillas. This allowed Ji Chens army to attack without any hesitation, causing severe injuries to the Black Gorillas and leading to their quick defeat. The tide of the battle changed dramatically in favor of Ji Chens troops. However, Ji Chen also noticed a problem. The strength of Alices song was weakened against higher-level monsters. For instance, the tier 2 3-star Goblin was easily affected by it, but the tier 2 8-star Black Gorilla only became dazed, and the effect was greatly reduced. If they faced tier 3 or tier 4 enemies in the future, the impact of her singing would be further reduced. Alices singing is not invincible. To maximize Alices ability and gain the advantage in battle, her blue skill needs to be upgraded to purple or even higher. With this thought, the battle came to an end. Chapter 39 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ding ~ The battle has ended. You have obtained a glorious victory No deaths +20%. Defeating a large number of opponents with fewer opponents +20%. Level suppression +20%. [You have received 2100 EXP. You have leveled up (56). Current EXP is Level 6[5%/100%]] River Murloc leveled up (45), Naga Warrior leveled up (34). [Siren: Alice (Hero) has leveled up (56)] Upon hearing the system notification, Ji Chen walked towards the center of the battlefield. They arrived in front of the temple-like building. The temple was the core of the entire building complex. The outline of the building under the dense vegetation was full of mystery. In the center of the temple, there was a square lightwell about 20-30 meters long and wide. There was a circle of stone stairs on the walls of the lightwell, winding down until they disappeared into the water of the well. The well water was very murky and it was difficult to see how deep it was. Ji Chen summoned a few Murlocs and asked them to jump into the lightwell to see if there were any monsters or things hidden. A few Murlocs jumped into the water and dove deeper. After a few minutes, they surfaced and returned to the ground. They danced and gestured to express what they saw. The bottom is very deep, about 30 times our height. There are also many narrow waterways on the wall that lead to unknown places. We saw a lot of shiny silver metal, a transparent ball, and a box at the bottom. Silver shiny metal? A transparent ball? Box? Ji Chen immediately thought of Kels silver coins, the core of the military recruitment camp, and the treasure chest. Then why didnt you bring them back? The Murlocs were obviously stunned by this question. Reacting quickly, he gathered the other Murlocs and they dove down into the water together. The quicker swimmers were the first to return with the initial harvest: a few silver coins and a crystal ball. The crystal ball was the heart of a military recruitment camp. Ji Chen picked it up and examined it carefully. In the crystal clear crystal ball, a lifelike creature with wings and pointed ears was frozen, holding a blue wand in its hand. From the appearance, it should be a magic-based military unit. Compared to the brute-force melee units, magic-based units, which only need to wave their wands to use powerful spells, are obviously more favored and appreciated. Now he already has three types of melee troops: the River Murloc, the Naga Warrior, and the Elite Pirate. Based on the line-up, they need a type of soldier that can deal long-range damage, and it would be best if it had magic damage. This core of the military recruitment camp could not have come at a better time. He checked the cores interface. [Sea Elf Recruiting Camp Core] [Usage: Can generate a sea elf recruitment camp] [Recruit: Sea elf (level 1, 2 stars)] Ji Chen paused and thought for a moment. He realized that the level of the Sea Elf was unusually low for a magical class, equivalent to the starting level of a River Murloc who had not unlocked any nodes. Magical classes were typically considered to be powerful existences of the same level, and their levels tended to be higher than those of other classes. Ji Chen couldnt help but wonder if there was something unusual about the Sea Elfs level. With doubts, he opened the introduction panel of the sea elves. [Sea Elf] [Level: 1] [Level: Level 1, 2 stars] [Skill: Water Arrow (White skill, fire a small water arrow with slight magic damage)] Ocean Casting (White skill, spell power increases by 5% when near the ocean) [Military characteristic: Energy body (no need to eat, only need to absorb free magic energy to maintain survival)] [Im very weak Please dont kill me] Ji Chen fell silent, realizing that the Sea Elves attack method was simply shooting small water arrows. Apart from not requiring food, there was nothing particularly remarkable about it. Therefore, the evaluation given by the system was very accurate. A Tier 1 2-star unit would have been treated as trash if they were in the hands of other players. However, in his hands, through the cheat of the military talent tree, he might be able to make them glow with vitality and become a powerful military. Even a weak soldier like the River Murlocs could easily be of use after being strengthened. Ji Chen put the core into his backpack and watched as the Murloc transported the Kels silver coins back and forth. The silver coins quickly accumulated on the ground, their glint was a pleasing sight. Ji Chen had a rough idea of the purchasing power of gold coins and silver coins from his previous transactions with Raymond and from posts by other players. For instance, one silver coin could buy five units of dry rations, and five silver coins could buy one unit of ordinary meat. Five gold coins could buy a decent chainmail, and fifty gold coins could buy a qualified warhorse. This was the general price range. Raymonds compensation of 350 gold coins and 1000 silver coins was equivalent to the value of seven warhorses and two pieces of chainmail. So, it seemed that the fatty had considerable financial resources. Then again, a merchant group with three merchant ships was no ordinary merchant, after all. An hour later, the Murlocs had finally managed to haul all the silver coins from the bottom of the well. The round ground was now formed into a small mountain of silver. After counting, there were a total of 10,400 silver coins, which seemed like a lot, but in reality, it wasnt much. It was equivalent to 104 gold coins, which could only buy two warhorses. However, the female slaves that they had captured earlier were quite expensive. Each of them was worth half a warhorse. Ji Chen couldnt help but wonder if it was worth using them as tailors and weavers, or if he should sell them instead. He fell into deep thought. Other than the silver coins, there was also a treasure chest. Because only the Lord could open the treasure chest, the Murlocs could not bring it up. He had no choice but to take action personally. The approximate depth of this well, according to the Murlocs, was about 30 times their own height. Murlocs were around 1.3-1.4 meters. So, it was roughly 40 meters deep. According to the Blue Star standard, a depth of forty meters is generally difficult to handle for non-professional divers. However, with the protection of the territory, this difficulty is not significant. Ji Chen took off his clothes, took a deep breath, and jumped straight into the water. Under the guidance and protection of more than a dozen Naga warriors and Murlocs, he swam towards the depths. The water was turbid and visibility decreased as they descended, with less than three meters of clarity. It would have been easy to get lost without the guidance of the Murlocs. After half a minute, they reached the bottom and he saw the treasure chest. Even in the water, the treasure chest was still emitting dazzling starlight, like the stars in the sky. [The locked treasure chest] [Level: 4 stars] [There seems to be something inside.] [Will the Goddess of Luck pay attention to you?] Tsk! It was actually a locked treasure chest. Now, he had to find another 4-star treasure chest key. The treasure chest was covered by the power of the rules and could not be moved before it was opened. This meant that he could only leave the treasure chest here and come back to open it later. Ji Chen felt a wave of disappointment wash over him and shifted his attention to the surroundings. He looked at the narrow waterways leading to other places, which were only half a meter wide and high, making them inaccessible to anyone but the Murlocs. He signaled for two Murlocs to go and investigate. But before they could return, Ji Chen decided to float up to the surface himself. Although his swimming ability had improved a lot, he was still within the range of human beings and could not stay in the water for a long time like the Murlocs and Naga Warriors. A few seconds after they came ashore, he saw two Murlocs coming up to the surface. The water channel is connected to the surrounding rivers. That explained why the lightwell was filled with water. The loot from this expedition was satisfactory. The military recruitment camp core alone was worth thousands of silver coins, not to mention the locked four-star treasure chest they obtained. It was definitely a great haul. There was no other area of interest to explore in the building complex, so Ji Chen didnt hesitate to give the order to leave with his army. Chapter 40 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen and his army left the stone buildings and ventured into the jungle to hunt wild monsters. The jungle, which he had not ravaged before, was densely populated with monsters, but none of them had witnessed the terror of his upright ape form. He opened the map, searched for targets, and went on a killing spree. A large number of monsters were killed by him, and they became experience points on his experience bar. Ding ~ The battle has ended. You have obtained a glorious victory [You have received 600 EXP. Current EXP is Level 6[58%/100%].] After a day of non-stop fighting, every soldier had improved a lot. His level had risen to level 6, and his experience bar was already halfway through. The River Murloc had leveled up by two levels, reaching Level 7. Because the Naga Warriors level was originally low, it directly rose by 3 levels and reached level 7. The pirates had leveled up by one and reached level 9, which was the highest level among all the troops at the moment. Alice, being a hero, had a higher leveling difficulty compared to regular soldiers. Despite this, she managed to level up to level 7. In terms of level, his current military strength was no longer inferior to the Goblins. He had a considerable advantage in terms of rank and level. As long as he recruited and upgraded the new Sea Elf unit after returning, he could start considering taking action against the Goblins. As the sky grew dark, Ji Chen halted his killing spree and returned to his territory with a bounty of edible meat. The residents were hard at work C some were cutting down trees, some were sewing, and some were constructing houses. Despite the modest size of the population and the rudimentary nature of the structures, the entire territory exuded a lively and vibrant energy. Ji Chen was convinced that his territory would continue to thrive and grow, with its population and size expanding in the future. Starting as a small village, he aimed to develop it into a small-scale town, and eventually into a state city by the sea, with the potential to become a famous regional city. He hadnt forgotten his original goal when he named the territory, to turn it into a bright crown and a pearl of the ocean. With this in mind, Ji Chen was in a good mood as he approached the Murloc statue. He took out the core of the Sea Elf Recruitment Camp from his backpack and planted it in the soil just as before. Ding ~ The core of the Sea Elf Recruiting Camp has been successfully built. The ground trembled slightly, and a coral fountain suddenly appeared in the open space beside the Murloc statue. The fountain consisted of vividly colored corals, with a tiny jet of water shooting out from the center and cascading down the layers of corals, creating a dazzling display of colors that changed with each coral. This recruitment camp was impressive, but unfortunately, the soldiers it produced were not of high quality. [Sea Elf Fountain] [Level: Level 1, 2 stars] [Type of soldier recruited: Sea elf (level one, 2 stars)] [Number of recruits per week: 14] [Current Recruited]: 14 [Recruitment cost: 5 units of wood, 5 units of fiber, 5 units of clay.] [Click to recruit] Instead of enhancing it first, Ji Chen chose to recruit the Sea Elves immediately. This was because the resources needed for recruitment were relatively small before unlocking the node, but they would increase greatly after the enhancement. Therefore, recruiting before strengthening was a small trick to save resources. After pressing the recruitment button, the calm water of the fountain suddenly increased in volume and shot straight into the air. The water then condensed into balls and broke open, revealing 30-centimeter-long Sea Elves with delicate and cute porcelain doll-like appearances. They had dark blue wings on their backs that flapped slightly, and they held small staffs made of water. One by one, they flew in front of him and greeted him in a childish voice. My Lord, the Sea Elves team greets you! My Lord, what is this place My Lord Despite their chattering, their voices did not come across as noisy. In fact, it was more reminiscent of a group of children singing in kindergarten. It was much more pleasant to the ear than the noisy croaking of the river Murlocs. The River Murloc was speechless. Ji Chen smiled and poked the Sea Elfs little face with his finger. It was soft like a bun. Although these little fellows were not very strong, their cute appearances were very likable. After teasing them a little, he opened the military talent tree and flipped to the page of the sea elves. [Sea Elf (Tier 1, 2-Star)] [Unlock node A-1: Water Arrow (white skill green skill)] [Requires 100 units of wood, 200 units of clay.] [Unlock node B-1: Son of the Ocean (White skill Green skill)] [Requires 100 units of wood, 200 units of clay.] [Unlock node C-1: Explosive casting (new white skill)] [Requires 300 units of thick iron] [Unlock node D-1: Mana Body (Military characteristic weakened/enhanced) [Consumes 300 units of thick iron, 200 units of clay] [Unlocking any node can increase star level or rank.] They were such cute troops, so he had to level them up to the max. Consumed 100 units of wood and 200 units of clay to unlock node A-1. Consumed 100 units of wood and 200 units of clay to unlock node B-1. Consumed 300 units of crude iron to unlock node C-1. Consumed 300 units of crude iron and 200 units of clay to unlock node D-1. The resources that the territory had just accumulated were all gone with every click. The sea elves were surrounded by a light blue light. After the light dissipated, they looked even cuter and more intelligent. [Sea Elf] [Level: 1] [Level: Level 2, 3-star] [Skill: Condensed Water Arrow (green skill, condensed mana to shoot water arrows with good magic damage)] Son of the Ocean (Green Skill, Magic Power increases by 15% when near the ocean) Explosion Casting (White skill, can cause spells to explode and cause splash damage) [Military characteristic: Energy body (no need to eat, only need to absorb the wandering magic energy to maintain survival, and increase mana recovery speed by 10%)] [Im a little weakPlease dont hit me] Hmm, with this enhancement, the interface looked much better. In particular, their attack power had increased by a lot. Ji Chen nonchalantly picked up a Sea Elf and instructed her to shoot Water Arrows at a tree located in the distance. My Lord, I am willing to serve you! The Sea Elf gave a serious nod and lifted her staff. After a slight chant, a blue water arrow shot out. Pa- Boom! The Water Arrow struck the tree trunk with a piercing effect, causing an explosion that shattered the trunk into pieces, sending a mixture of water and wood chips flying in all directions. The power was impressive, and if it had hit a living body, blood, and flesh would have flown everywhere. Ji Chen grinned at the sight of the destroyed tree and felt confident that the Goblins would have a taste of the Sea Elves magic. Chapter 41 - Chapter 41: Underground Kingdom Chapter 41: Underground Kingdom Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The next day, Ji Chen led the entire army and rushed to the location where they had encountered the Kobold hunting squad. He planned to follow the river to the mountains to find the Kobolds nest. As the terrain gradually became higher, the field of vision also became wider. He stood on a rock and looked around. Beneath his feet was a lush forest, and behind him was a boundless ocean. From this height, he could see merchant ships docked on the east side of the main island. Ji Chen looked at the mountainous area with jagged rocks and lush trees to the north, wondering where the Kobolds nest would be. .. To begin, a thorough analysis was required. Firstly, it became apparent that water was an essential element for the sustenance of most creatures, including the Kobolds. Thus, in order to support their population, it was necessary for the Kobold nest to be situated near a water source such as a river or a pool. Secondly, the survival of such a large-scale group depended on access to an abundant food supply. Therefore, it could be inferred that the location of the nest would not be far from a reliable food source. After carefully considering and listing these conditions, a clear outcome emerged. He did not know. There were countless places in the entire mountainous region that met these conditions. Determining the specific water sources within the vast mountain area proved to be challenging, making it impossible to come to a conclusive decision. Additionally, due to the relatively small size of the main island, identifying the precise location of the food source posed an even greater difficulty. As analysis yielded no results, there was only one course of action left. Ji Chen turned his gaze towards the native beside him, who happened to be one of the few individuals in their tribe who had discovered the cave where the Kobolds resided. Lead the way. This native possessed knowledge of the caves entrance and would now guide the way. Without uttering a word, the native silently took the lead. They quickly passed through a forest and came to an ordinary cliff. The native pointed at the vines on the cliff. Theres an entrance to the cave inside. Ji Chen nodded and gestured for the Murloc to come forward. With wild strikes of the Murlocs pitchfork, the vines were forcefully torn apart, revealing an ominous dark cave. The cave inclined downward and was enveloped in darkness, its depths shrouded from view. As he gestured, the Murlocs led the way, venturing into the cave. They were followed by the pirates and sea pixies, who illuminated the surroundings with their torches. Soon, Ji Chen, Alice, and the natives found themselves encircled by Naga warriors. Upon entering the cave, an instant wave of coolness washed over Ji Chen, creating a stark contrast to the outside temperature. The cave exuded a high level of humidity, and water droplets continuously dripped from the rocky walls, pooling on the ground and transforming it into muddy terrain. They soon discovered something. Several meters away from the cave entrance, on the muddy ground, a fresh set of Kobold footprints caught their attention. These footprints extended all the way into the depths of the cave, indicating recent Kobold activity. Ji Chen was delighted. Since there were relatively new Kobold footprints here, it meant that there were Kobolds coming in and out of this entrance recently. In other words, this entrance was likely to lead to the Kobolds nest in the depths of the cave. With this discovery, they didnt waste any time and immediately went deeper. Ji Chen was also constantly paying attention to the changes in the Omniscience map. While the map had a horizontal detection range of 1 kilometer, its vertical detection capabilities were limited, spanning only about 10 meters both above and below. Consequently, in areas with intricate terrain, it was possible that the approaching Kobolds might not be detected by the map. After walking down for dozens of meters, the Murloc in front suddenly stopped and gave an early warning. Croak! It meant: Theres a trap. Ji Chen wasnt surprised. Kobolds werent particularly strong, but they were very good at using traps to kill and capture prey. Therefore, it was not strange for them to set up some traps outside their nests to defend against the enemy. After letting the pirates who were more agile destroy the traps, the group continued to move forward. In the next ten minutes or so, they also encountered several traps one after another, but they were all detected by the Murlocs with good night vision and destroyed them one by one. Thus far, their journey had been devoid of any casualties, yet they had been unable to uncover any traces of the Kobolds. After covering a distance of approximately two to three hundred meters, they encountered a fork in the path, with options branching off in different directions. Deciding to divide based on gender, he opted for the left path. The group resumed their progress. After advancing for another two to three hundred meters, a sudden appearance of a red dot at the edge of the map caught their attention. Ji Chen instinctively knew that his decision had been correct. Without any hesitation, he swiftly led his army towards the target, preparing to launch an attack. Upon hearing the commotion, the Kobolds swiftly reacted, growing alert and mobilizing a group to confront the intruders. The two opposing forces soon converged within a cave, with a width of about six to seven meters. True to the saying, when enemies meet, hostility flares and both sides locked eyes with a ferocious intensity. There was no room for restraint, and the battle erupted instantaneously. The Kobold-headed warriors charged forward, wielding an assortment of obsidian weapons, their furious barks echoing through the air. However, their advance was met with a barrage of magical attacks. T he newly arrived Sea Pixies brandished their staffs, conjuring water arrows that rained down upon the Kobolds, striking them with precision. The initial impact of the water arrow pierced through the Kobolds scales, finding its mark within their flesh. Following this penetration, the water arrow detonated with explosive force, sending water cascading in all directions. The mixture of water, blood, and minced meat created a macabre scene, staining the already damp cave with a sinister touch. Merely the first volley of 14 Explosive Water Arrows resulted in the demise and injury of nearly 20 Kobolds. Seizing the opportunity presented by the chaos caused by the water arrows, the Murlocs and pirates at the forefront swiftly surged into the ranks of the enemy. The wave of Kobolds was comparatively small, unable to withstand the onslaught, and was swiftly overwhelmed by the combined might of the Murlocs and pirates. Ding ~ The battle has ended You have received 200 experience points Witnessing the lifeless bodies strewn across the ground, Ji Chens resolve remained unwavering. With a commanding wave of his hand, he urged his troops to press forward. It was evident that they were heading in the right direction, and by relentlessly pushing deeper into the cave, they would inevitably reach the Kobold nest. The echoes of the battle cry within the cave alerted numerous Kobolds to the intrusion, prompting them to converge in groups. However, they encountered Ji Chen and his companions, radiating a palpable aura of determination and bloodlust. Without exception, the Kobolds met their demise at their hands. As they advanced, a trail of corpses formed, stretching from the cave entrance to its uncharted depths. Observing the Kobolds being defeated one after another, like punching a pack of dogs with no chance of retreat, the remaining Kobolds grew wary. They gathered together, realizing that something was not right. By this point, they had finally grasped the overwhelming power of their invaders. If the situation persisted, it was likely that the Kobolds would face extinction. Noticing the dwindling numbers of incoming Kobolds, Ji Chen also vaguely perceived this change. However, it aligned perfectly with his intentions. His plan was to allow the Kobolds to gather in one place, enabling him to annihilate them in a single decisive strike. With his current military strength, he held a significant advantage over the Kobolds. While he had no fear of engaging them directly, his concern lay in the possibility of the Kobolds dispersing and attempting to escape. That would require additional effort akin to chasing after mosquitoes. The group had already ventured several meters deep underground. The surrounding caves were dense and intricate, bearing signs of Kobold activity throughout. Each cave served a different purpose: some were used for food storage, some for habitation with grass bedding, some for rituals and sacrifices, and others acted as warehouses for their belongings. The Kobolds utilized the natural caves in the vicinity, expanding and developing them into an impressive underground kingdom. The caves held unknown quantities of valuable resources. .. However, what caught Ji Chen off guard was The surprising revelation was that this underground cave system was connected to a small mineral vein.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 42 - Chapter 42: Mineral Veins, Dragon Veins, and Kobolds Chapter 42: Mineral Veins, Dragon Veins, and Kobolds Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Along the way, Ji Chen had already discovered many mineral resource points. Among them, there were not only basic resource points such as crude iron mines and quarries but also copper mines that produced level 2 copper resources and iron mines that yielded level 2 refined iron resources. Furthermore, there were not only small-scale mines but also a considerable number of medium-sized ones. It seemed that the Kobolds had not tapped into the technology of smelting iron and copper, as most of these mines were still abundant with reserves and had been largely abandoned. These Kobolds are sitting on a gold mine without even realizing it! Ji Chen gazed towards the deeper parts of the cave, a fiery determination burning in his eyes. Could there be more mineral resource points in the deeper areas? Perhaps even advanced resources like Mithril or Crystals? .. In a large hall deep within the cave, a multitude of Kobolds had gathered together, armed and vigilant as they kept watch on the outside. Every single Kobold was aware that their tribe was facing an imminent catastrophe today. A human, leading a powerful army, entered their cave and killed many of their tribe members. The gathered Kobolds barked and communicated with each other, attempting to discuss a way to eradicate the human invaders. Despicable humans! How dare they invade the sacred caves of the noble Kobolds? We must kill him and devour him to vent our anger! But the human army is too strong. We ordinary Kobolds are no match for them. Dont be afraid! We still have a group of Dragon Vein Kobolds, perhaps they can stand against them. Yes, and besides, we obtained a powerful treasure stolen from the great entity. It should be able to drive them out. Upon hearing this, the eyes of many Kobolds lit up with excitement. The power of that treasure was incomparably powerful. That human definitely could not withstand it! Just as they were barking excitedly Boom! Water arrows were shot in from the cave outside, and the violent explosions blew the Kobolds in front of them into pieces. Instantly, panic and chaos gripped the other Kobolds. In the next moment, dozens of torches were thrown inside, illuminating the cave with flickering flames, causing their pupils to involuntarily dilate. Amidst the dancing firelight, a group of Murlocs and pirates rushed in. Following them were Naga warriors and Sea Pixies. Among the Naga warriors, Ji Chen revealed his presence. Observing the spacious hall filled with numerous Kobolds, a hint of delight appeared on his face. Oh, so youve all gathered here. Saves me the trouble of searching for you. Its just perfect. Ill take care of all of you at once. Witnessing his confident demeanor, the Kobolds immediately barked furiously with anger. Despicable human, you will suffer the wrath of the Kobolds! As they spoke, a group of particularly tall and strong Kobolds walked out from between them. Adorned with thick layers of scales and wielding a massive obsidian battle-axe, the Dragon Vein Kobolds exhibited extraordinary combat prowess. Ji Chen narrowed his eyes and examined their profiles. [Dragon Vein Kobolds] [Level]: 9 [Tier]: Second Tier, 8 stars [Skills]: Veins Power (blue skill, possesses an impressive strength due to having more dragon Veins) Dragon Scale Armor (blue skill, enhanced defense from the revitalization of their Veins) Veins Resistance (green skill, possesses resistance against various mental spells) Night Vision (green skill, excellent ability to see in the darkness, freely navigating through dark caves) [Unit Traits]: Cunning and deceitful (Kobolds are naturally cunning and not easily subjugated by other creatures) [Oh, great dragon, we implore you to bestow more Veins upon the Kobolds! ] Ji Chens eyebrows twitched slightly. The Dragon Veins Kobold whose Veins had been revived was actually a tier 2 8-star? It had two blue skills C one for attack and one for defense. This was really troublesome. Not only were the Dragon Vein Kobolds at a higher tier, but their level also reached an imposing level 9, putting additional pressure on Ji Chen. The only aspect where there was no suppression was their numbers. This squad of Dragon Vein Kobolds consisted of only thirty individuals, which wasnt a significant quantity. However, what troubled Ji Chen the most was that due to their bloodline, they possessed a certain resistance to mental spells. This meant that Alices singing may not have 100% control over them. It could be said that the Dragon Veins Kobolds were currently the most formidable and challenging monster unit Ji Chen had encountered. Ding C You have entered combat mode. Morale assessment in progress. The Lord of your side leads the army, morale +10. Number disadvantage, morale -10. Level Suppression, Morale -5. Level disadvantage, morale -5. Hero Commander, Morale +15. Dark environment, morale -10. Our overall morale is at 45 points. We are at a disadvantage. Misfortunes never came alone. This was the first time he had encountered a battle with morale below 50 points. There were at least 500 to 600 Kobolds here, almost four times their number. Kill these despicable creatures! Kill all humans! The Kobolds surged forward like a tide. At the front were 30 Dragon Veins Kobolds. Ji Chen didnt dare to be careless in the face of such a powerful army. He immediately ordered the Murlocs and Pirates to dodge and deal with the other ordinary Kobolds, and let the Naga Warriors take over. The Naga Warriors eyes were bloodshot. It wiggled its snake tail and charged forward like a chariot, waving the bone blades in its arms. Thump! The clash between the bone blade and the obsidian giant axes was sudden and fierce, creating a jarring collision sound. In an instant, the bone blade, which had effortlessly dispatched ordinary Kobolds before, now bore a deep, gaping wound. It was a daunting prospect, as just twenty more strikes would likely sever it into two pieces, blades and serpent combined. Struggling to withstand the ferocious axe swings of the dragon-vein Kobold, the Naga warrior found it immensely challenging to hold his ground. Witnessing this, Ji Chen swiftly commanded Alice to step in and alleviate their pressure. Before long, a blend of gentle beauty and trembling resonance echoed through the air in the form of a song. Because the cave was relatively sealed, the terrifying song continued to echo here, and its power actually increased by several times. The ordinary Kobolds were stunned almost instantly, allowing the Murlocs and pirates to slash at them, leaving corpses everywhere. As for the Dragon Veins Kobolds, they were inevitably affected. Their attack speed was visibly slower. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Naga Warriors eyes flashed red. He quickly swung his bone blade and ruthlessly hit the scales of the Dragon Veins Kobold. Crack. The dragon-vein Kobolds sturdy scales were split open by a small crack. Stimulated by the pain, the dragon-vein Kobold regained some mental clarity and let out a furious roar. The enormous axe in its hand descended with force. A louder cracking sound echoed. .. To everyones astonishment, the Naga warriors bone blade shattered abruptly under this strike, leaving a deep wound on the serpents body from the sharp axe edge. Just as they were about to deliver another blow, several water arrows shot towards them in anger. The physical defense of the dragon-vein Kobold, provided by its robust scales, proved formidable. However, when faced with magical attacks, its defensive effectiveness was considerably weak. In an instant, the water arrows exploded, creating several bloody holes, causing blood to flow profusely. Upon witnessing this scene, Ji Chen couldnt help but breathe a sigh of relief. If magical attacks couldnt inflict effective damage on them, then what was the point of this fight? Fortunately, they had the sea pixies; otherwise, they would have been defeated long ago. The battle continued fiercely.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 43 - Chapter 43: Mysterious Treasure, Evil Desires Chapter 43: Mysterious Treasure, Evil Desires Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Seeing that the spell attack was quite effective. Ji Chen commanded the Sea Pixies to focus their fire and suppress them. Soon, a few Dragon Veins Kobolds were heavily injured and died. Whether it was the ordinary Kobolds or the Dragon Veins Kobolds, their numbers were slowly decreasing. Ding C The battle situation has changed. Our morale has increased to 51 points. We have entered an advantageous state. But at this time, Alices singing also stopped. He turned around and saw that her face was a little pale. Alices Song of Temptation and Song of War were essentially spells. .. Since it was a spell, it would definitely consume mana. Although there was no direct numerical display of the level of mana, looking at her current appearance, her mana had already been exhausted. Sir, I Alices throat was a little dry. Upon seeing this, Ji Chen quickly said, You should rest for now. The tide of this battle has turned in our favor. On the battlefield, as the number of dragon-vein Kobolds decreased, the Naga warrior found himself in a nearly two-to-one advantage. Although he couldnt directly kill them, he managed to restrain them to some extent. As long as the sea pixies continued to unleash a barrage of water arrows, it was only a matter of time before they would slay the Kobolds. Ji Chen felt that the battle had already stabilized. However, the Kobolds, who had lost the suppression of the enchanting song, suddenly became agitated and began howling madly. He noticed that one of the Kobolds, who was surrounded, raised a blood-red bead. A sense of caution and foreboding suddenly filled his heart. Shouting desperately at the Murlocs and pirates, he exclaimed, Stop that Kobold! Upon hearing his command, the Murlocs and pirates charged at the Kobold as if possessed. But it was already too late. The blood-red bead trembled slightly, and a ring of bloody light instantly rippled outward, engulfing all the Kobolds in its wake. Ding! The Kobold has entered Berserk Mode. All attributes will be increased by 30%. Lasts for 5 minutes before entering Weakened Mode. The Kobolds entered a berserk state, their eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging all over their bodies, blood vessels congested, and wisps of white breath escaping their noses. At this moment, their character panels underwent some changes. [Kobold] [Level]: 6 [Tier]: Tier 2, 5 stars (Duration: 5 minutes) [Dragon-Vein Kobold] [Level]: 9 [Tier]: Tier 2, 9 stars (Duration: 5 minutes) Damn it! Ji Chen cursed inwardly. Could he still win this battle? The Kobolds, resembling creatures on steroids, surged forward in madness. All he could see were blood-red eyes staring back at him. After entering a berserk state, the ordinary Kobolds strength was not much different from the Murlocs and Pirates. They even relied on their huge numerical advantage to firmly suppress them. The Dragon Veins Kobolds that had entered a berserk state were even more powerful now. Like a tireless machine, the giant axe kept hacking, causing great pressure and threat to the Naga warrior. Under such circumstances, casualties were inevitable. The four Murlocs were attacked by the Kobolds multiple times. Their scales shattered and they died on the spot. The three Naga Warriors were hit in the head by the berserk Dragon Veins Kobolds. Even if they had the ability to regenerate, they could not recover from such fatal injuries. Blood splattered on the spot. The other troops also suffered varying degrees of injuries and were forced to retreat. After 5 minutes, the Kobold ended its Berserk. Ten Murlocs and eight Naga warriors had fallen to the ground. Ji Chens eyes were burning with anger as he watched this scene. These were his soldiers! It was the first time he experienced casualties among his troops, and the losses were significant. It pained him deeply. He looked up at the Kobolds now weakened and filled with resolve. Killing them off just like that would be too easy for them. He wanted to enslave these Kobolds, forcing them to mine in the mines forever! Kill all the dragon-vein Kobolds! The Naga warrior, who had been suppressed for a full five minutes, held his breath and swung his weapon, slaughtering the remaining dragon-vein Kobolds. Seeing their mightiest dragon-vein Kobold fall dead. The other Kobolds quickly lost their will to fight, and their morale dropped by 10 points. In front of him, there was only a group of trembling Kobolds who had completely gained the upper hand. Ding C The battle has ended. The enemy has lost the will to fight. You have received 5800 experience points. You have leveled up (6->7) Ignoring the terrified Kobolds, Ji Chen had the Murlocs pick up the blood-red orbs that had fallen to the ground. This bead could actually make the Kobolds enter a berserk state. It must be a treasure. [Berserk Blood Bead] [Level: 2-star treasure (group)] [Effect: After use, allies within 100 meters will enter a berserk state that lasts for 5 minutes. All attributes will increase by 30%. After 5 minutes, they will enter a weakened state that lasts for 30 minutes.] [Cooldown Time: 3 hours] This bloodthirsty bead called the Rampage Blood Orb is a group treasure, as the name suggests, it has an effect on the entire group. On the other hand, the Crown of Omniscience only works on an individual, making it a single-target treasure. Being able to trigger a five-minute berserk state, perhaps it could be used as a trump card. Putting away the Rampage Blood Orb, Ji Chen glared coldly at the Kobolds. Where did you obtain this bead from? The Kobolds looked at each other, and due to fear, quickly spoke up. We found it in the lair of that great being on the mountaintop. It was that colossal dragon again. A lair? So, there was an abandoned dragons lair on the mountaintop? That was quite a pleasant surprise. Since these Kobolds were able to find such a treasure there, perhaps there were other things inside the dragons lair. He should find an opportunity to explore it as well. Ji Chens mind sparked with curiosity as he added exploring the dragons lair to his agenda. Next, he had to deal with this group of Kobolds. As he had considered before, simply killing them would be a waste. With such a large number of Kobolds, they were valuable living labor, enough to fill all the resource points. He could use them at will without any regard for human rights issues. .. After this battle, which had terrified the Kobold tribe to the core, the threat had basically been eliminated. Other than some areas that had yet to be explored, the entire main island was basically under his control. After obtaining the allegiance of the native tribes, the entire main island will be under his absolute rule. He temporarily locked these Kobolds in a few caves and guarded them strictly. Next, it was time to collect the spoils of war. These Kobolds had lived on the island for countless years and were very wealthy. In this underground cave, even they themselves didnt know how many things were hidden. One by one, the abandoned and idle caves were explored and cleared out. A large quantity of resources were continuously transported to their front, bringing a sense of joy to Ji Chen, despite the loss of significant forces. The work of tallying the resources proceeded fervently. He led a small group of soldiers and ventured towards the deepest part of the caves. That place was the core of the entire underground kingdom. As he walked out of the connecting passage, he saw some eggs placed in a pile of straw. These eggs could hatch into Kobold hatchlings. Kobolds were oviparous creatures, and their breeding capacity was incredibly strong. They could lay 10 to 20 eggs in a year, with a high survival rate for the hatchlings. With sufficient food, they also grew at a terrifyingly fast rate. This helped explain why native tribes with higher levels of civilization than Kobolds ended up being pushed into a corner of the island. The speed at which they killed couldnt even match the speed at which they reproduced. As Ji Chen looked at those Kobold eggs, a twisted and wicked expression appeared on his face. He contemplated the possibility of taming these young Kobolds, nurturing them from their youth to maturity, and ultimately cultivating a team of Kobolds that would be unwaveringly loyal to him. With their continuous reproduction and the strengthening of their race, he would have an inexhaustible supply of Kobolds at his disposal. The idea seemed promising, albeit with an unsettling resemblance to capitalist ideals. Yet, he couldnt ignore the cruel reality of this world. If he failed to defeat the Kobolds, his people would likely fall into slavery under their rule. Only by becoming stronger could he secure a perpetual victory.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 44 - Chapter 44: Native Tribe, Aspiring Hero Chapter 44: Native Tribe, Aspiring Hero Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Gathering resources and searching for scattered Kobolds required a considerable amount of time. Hence, Ji Chen decided to leave the pirates behind. He instructed them to inventory the resources and keep watch over the Kobolds while he led the Murlocs, Naga warriors, and Sea Pixies to depart. Their objective was to seek the allegiance of the native tribe. The reason for bringing such a substantial force was simple. Although the system had assigned them a mission, there was no guarantee that the indigenous tribes submission was genuine. There was a possibility that they intended to exploit Ji Chens strength to severely weaken the Kobold tribe, effectively using him as a pawn in their own schemes. Therefore, bringing such a substantial force along was also a precautionary measure. Where intimidation was needed, they would intimidate; where killing was necessary, they would kill. The indigenous tribesperson, who had been following Ji Chen closely, witnessed the entire process of him conquering the Kobold tribe. .. Seeing the Kobolds who had once pushed their tribe into retreat being rendered weak and insignificant in Ji Chens hands, to the point of trembling in fear and groveling at his feet, stirred up tumultuous waves of astonishment and reverence within them. Not long after the battle concluded, the tribesperson spoke up voluntarily. Sir, allow me to guide you to our tribe. The group emerged from the damp, dark cave. Leaving the mountainous region behind, they proceeded westward and entered the central valley area of the island. A broad river flowed westward, creating a flat river valley plain on both sides. Lush green grass covered the land, while trees were sparsely scattered. Many animals found their habitat in this area. Observing the fertile and level terrain, an idea quickly formed in Ji Chens mind. Could they cultivate something here? Although the territory currently had sufficient food, there were still many animals and wild beasts on the island, and there were also many wild fish in the sea. However, all of these resources fell under the category of hunting. Hunting inherently involved uncertainty and instability, as there was always the possibility of resources depleting one day. If they could have cultivated lands similar to a sea bass fishery, where stable food production was possible, it would be ideal. Ji Chen followed the native tribesperson through the river valley plain, taking a cursory glance at the surroundings before entering the northwest direction into the jungle. For him, this jungle was an entirely unfamiliar territory. The native tribesperson did not pause, leading the way confidently towards the northwest. After approximately forty minutes of advancement The dense forest came to an abrupt stop, and the scene before his eyes suddenly became clear. The dense jungle abruptly gave way, revealing a vast expanse in front of them. What lay before their eyes was a forest of enormous trees that grew in several meters of deep seawater. Like towering statues, these colossal trees reached hundreds of meters in height and required more than ten people to fully encircle them. Their grandeur was undeniable. And it was beneath these gigantic trees that the indigenous tribe resided. What astonished Ji Chen was the unique living environment of the indigenous people. Between the giant trees, they had constructed floating thatched houses, secured to the trees with ropes made from vines. Using wood, vines, and fibers, they created waterways that allowed them to freely navigate between the thatched houses and the land. Due to the dense canopy of the enormous trees, rainwater couldnt penetrate, providing a natural shelter from wind and rain. This novel way of dwelling instantly captivated him. As he observed, a large group of indigenous people emerged from various directions, led by an elderly woman adorned with shamanic decorations and gray hair. They approached Ji Chen. The native called Panther followed beside him. The old woman took a step forward and led the other natives to bow respectfully. Honorable lord, welcome to our tribe. We have already learned from Panther that you have conquered the Kobold tribe. We will keep our promise and become your subjects. Ji Chen nodded slightly and got them to stand up. Ding ~ Quest: [Enemies of Generations] completed. Ding! The native tribe has chosen to pledge allegiance to you! A screen flashed before his eyes. With a thought, the territory panel appeared in front of him. In the column of subjects, the number of humans changed from 62 to 472. This meant that there was a total of 410 people in this native tribe. Although their numbers couldnt compare to the Kobolds, the fact that they were all humans gave them an advantage. This influx of people multiplied the population of the territory several times over. With their addition, the territory would enter a period of rapid development. Just as Ji Chen felt delighted, he suddenly caught sight of a section in the panel displaying attributes. [Hero]: Siren: Alice (blue superior rank), Human: Panther (aspiring hero) Aspiring hero? Panther? Was it referring to the indigenous person named Panther? Ji Chen was greatly surprised. At first, he thought that he was just an ordinary warrior, but he did not expect him to be an aspiring hero. The meaning of an aspiring hero was very simple. It was someone who had the qualifications to become a hero but had not yet become a hero. Because he had not become a hero, the word hero did not appear on the interface. Because he hadnt become a hero, the word hero wouldnt appear on the panel. Only when a player gained their allegiance could they see the designation of aspiring hero. This setup introduced a lot of uncertainty. For example, among a group of refugees encountered by players in the early stages, there might be an aspiring hero, but they wouldnt know. Perhaps due to insufficient food in the territory, the player would drive them away. However, recruiting an aspiring hero was much easier compared to recruiting a full-fledged hero. So, recruiting an aspiring hero depended on the players discerning eye. But it was evident that Ji Chen was the type of player who lacked such discernment. However, considering that the native person was captured without much effort in the first place and hadnt demonstrated any outstanding abilities aside from exceptional agility and nimbleness, it was difficult to judge. Ji Chens interest was piqued, and he discreetly opened the panel to view the information. [Panther (Aspiring Hero)] [Race]: Human [Level]: 6 [Current Tier]: None [Potential]: Green (Elite Tier) [Skills]: Danger Intuition (Green skill, exhibits mystical sensing abilities towards danger) Hunting Perception (Green skill, possesses keen perception towards prey, able to track relentlessly using various information) Primitive Bloodline (Green skill, exceptional bloodline resulting in agile agility and decent combat prowess) [Unit Characteristics]: Primitive Belief (Once loyal, will never betray and carry out orders 100%) [This is an aspiring hero with green elite-tier potential] At first glance, Ji Chen instantly determined that he had found the candidate to become the captain of the pirate ship. .. What did pirates do? They sailed the vast seas in search of ships to plunder. And didnt the hunting perception skill come in handy for that? What did pirates fear? They feared being hunted down by official forces, such as the kingdoms navy. And didnt the danger intuition have its role in such situations? Both danger intuition and hunting perception were perfect skills for the pirate profession. He was practically made to become a pirate. From that moment on, Ji Chen would make this young man become a captain under the future Pirate King of the Middle Seas. If you work hard, I will find you ten wives, Ji Chen said in his head. Panther, who was standing at the side, suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. He looked left and right in bewilderment. Wait, the Kobolds had been conquered. Could it be that there was still some danger? Ji Chen asked with a smile. His attention was once again drawn to the thatched cottages floating on the water. Why do you live on the water? Isnt it safer on land? The tribe leader explained. The giant tree can block the wind, rain, and sunlight so that we wont be affected by the storm. Besides providing a refuge from the dangers on land, Kobolds, and most beasts and monsters are greatly fearful of water. Ji Chen nodded in understanding. He then pointed to some water gardens floating on the surface, cultivating a certain type of crop. What are these water gardens cultivating? Ji Chen knew about water gardens, as it was a planting method that many civilizations had attempted. It involved using mud, soil, wood, fibers, and other materials to create a garden that could float on the waters surface, utilizing the surrounding water sources for irrigation. However, typically, water gardens were built on freshwater sources. But here, in this vast forest of giant trees, the shallow waters were directly connected to the ocean, and the water was salty. Could crops be irrigated with seawater? That was impossible, absolutely impossible.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 45 - Chapter 45: Sea Rice, Mineral Resource Points Chapter 45: Sea Rice, Mineral Resource Points Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation But reality told Ji Chen that these crops with green tassels were really watered with seawater. [Sea Rice] [Level: Special] [Status: Immature] [Usage: Generates ordinary grain rice] [Production: 1000 units/mu] [Maturity period: February] .. [Survive by watering with seawater.] What kind of Immortal Sea Rice was this? In just 2 months, a round of harvest could be obtained, yielding 1000 units per acre. Whats even more astounding is that it can thrive solely on seawater! Its incredibly mind-boggling, beyond imagination. Such remarkable phenomena can only exist in a fantastical world. With this calculation, each acre can produce a staggering 12,000 units of food per year. And if natural fertilizers or similar additives are introduced, the yield could soar to unimaginable heights. After a brief moment of astonishment, a wave of ecstatic delight swept over. With this kind of sea rice, wouldnt he have another stable source of food? This was of strategic importance to the territory, which currently relied mainly on hunting for food. Moreover, it was very likely that this sea rice alone could feed the vast majority of the population. Can you expand the planting area of this sea rice? Of course, as long as theres a suitable environment. Hearing this, Ji Chen was delighted and waved his hand. Now, Ill give you the first mission. Youll have to find a suitable place to plant the sea rice on the island. You can tell Wilus if you need any resources. If you encounter monsters that are difficult to defeat, you can come to me directly. My only request is to start the large-scale planting of sea rice as soon as possible! The tribal leader bowed respectfully again. We will follow your will. Ji Chen nodded. As for this tribe, he planned to divide them into batches and move them to the territory one after another. In addition to the need for labor, the natives and the original residents also needed a certain amount of time to integrate. The natives had no objections to his decision. Originally, they lived here to avoid the wind and rain and defend against the attacks of wild beasts, monsters, and Kobolds. Now that the Kobolds had been conquered and they had been provided with stronger protection and sufficient food, there was no reason to oppose anymore. And so As the sun set, the first batch of tribal natives accompanied Ji Chen on their return journey to the territory. Their mode of transportation was different from when they had arrived. They paddled in their own canoes, skirting along the western and southern coastlines of the main island, swiftly arriving back at the sandy beach at the entrance of the territory. With these canoes, the natives were able to avoid the Kobolds on the island and travel between nearby islands. The natives also told him an important piece of information. Apart from the main island and the three secondary islands on the right, there were three smaller islands on the northwest side of the forest. In other words, this archipelago had a total of seven islands. The main island was in the middle, and the other islands were distributed in the shape of a crescent moon. That was why they called this archipelago. New Moon Islands. On the three islands to the left, there were probably plenty of resources waiting to be discovered. However, it was already late in the day, and Ji Chen didnt think it was appropriate to explore them now. He had to postpone the exploration of the other islands to a later date. The next day. He once again headed to the Kobold cave. The harvest here had almost been completely accounted for. First were the Kobold laborers. He searched through the entire cave, capturing the Kobolds scattered in other caves. After a thorough count, there were a total of 640 surviving Kobolds in the entire Kobold tribe. This was the number remaining after he had already killed a significant number of them. Originally, there must have been over a thousand. This wave of Kobolds brought a considerable amount of labor to the territory. Based on all the discovered resource points, this wave of Kobolds could fully utilize them without any half-filled situations. However, the Kobolds had something to say. A few years ago, they had been attacked by a group of powerful monsters in the ocean. More than half of their clansmen had died, and less than one-tenth of them had survived. This surprised Ji Chen even more. After more than half of them died a few years ago, there were more than a thousand of them in a few years? A few years ago, after losing more than half of their numbers, they multiplied to over a thousand in just a few years? These Kobolds really know how to reproduce, even surpassing humans. At this rate of reproduction, in a few more years, there might be thousands of them. If not restrained, they would likely devour all the resources on this island in no time. As for the powerful monsters they mentioned, Ji Chen guessed they were probably some kind of marine creature. He didnt pay too much attention to it. In this world, powerful creatures were abundant, especially in the vast and mysterious ocean. The existence of powerful marine races was not surprising at all. As for these Kobolds, they would be assigned to various resource points according to the demand, replacing the residents in laborious resource extraction work. The excess Kobolds would be sent to the jungle to cut down trees, continuously expanding the usable area of the territory. Some female Kobolds would be left behind to incubate Kobold eggs. After dealing with the Kobolds fate, the next issue was resources. As the former dominators of the island, the Kobolds naturally possessed abundant wealth, with various resources filling their caves. After a thorough count, among the five primary resources, there were 4,000 units of crude iron and 4,000 units of clay. Because the Kobolds did not have the habit of using fire, they did not have much wood stored, only 3000 units. However, there was a huge pile of fibers, a total of 4500 units. They were probably used to make nests. Stone resources were the most abundant. They were basically the by-products of the Kobolds digging caves. There was a total of 8000 units, which was equivalent to the weekly output of a medium-sized quarry. With so many resources, Ji Chen naturally accepted all of them with a smile and had them all moved back to his territory. A considerable portion of these resources would be used to upgrade the army. The encounter with the Dragon Vein Kobolds had served as a wake-up call for Ji Chen, highlighting the limitations he faced. Even the strongest Naga warrior seemed comparatively weak, not to mention the murlocs. With the acquisition of numerous resources this time, he had to focus on leveling up properly. .. And now, the most exciting part awaited himthe discovery of the mineral resource points connected throughout the cave. After conducting a thorough assessment, the findings were as follows: There were three crude iron mines, one of them being a mini-sized mine while the other two were small in scale. Additionally, there were two stone quarries, one classified as small and the other as medium. Compared to small resource points, medium-sized resource points had more reserves and a longer mining cycle. [Quarry] [Scale: Medium I [Level: 1] [Main resource produced: Stone] [By-product: None] [Storage: 105000/105000 units] [Maximum weekly production: 8400 units] [Weekly Personnel Production: 50 units/person] There were also two small clay mines, bringing the total number of small mines to three, including the previous one. Additionally, there were two copper mines and two refined iron mines, both of which were small in size. Since Ji Chen didnt have an immediate use for these resources, he set them aside as reserves. However, what excited Ji Chen the most was the discovery of a miniature Mithril mine. And to his delight, it was fully stocked! With this new addition, he now had two mini Mithril mines that could produce 1400 units of Mithril every week, resulting in a total production of 7000 units. If a resource like the Mithril mine were located outside the cave, even on a small scale, it would undoubtedly trigger conflicts among players and natives. Yet, Ji Chen now possessed two such mines. With more Mithril mines, the production of Mithril could be further increased, and Alices growth and strength could be accelerated. Alice was an essential asset in the territory, providing high-end combat capabilities. By enhancing her strength, Ji Chen would gain a significant advantage in battles.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 46 - Chapter 46: The Great Construction Chapter 46: The Great Construction Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation However, with so many resource points, there was a need for an adequate workforce to operate them. And that workforce would naturally be the Kobolds. Currently, the Kobolds assigned to the resource extraction were as follows: For the two miniature crude iron mines, one had already been occupied by cave miners, requiring only 14 Kobolds. As for the two small crude iron mines, a total of 84 Kobolds were needed. The small stone quarry required 42 Kobolds, while the medium stone quarry required 168 Kobolds. For the three small clay mines, excluding the four cave miners, an additional 122 Kobolds were required. The two miniature Mithril mines required a total of 28 Kobolds. .. In total, the above resource points required 458 Kobolds. The remaining 182 Kobolds were allocated to tasks such as logging and other work, or they would be deployed when new resource points were discovered in the future. After this wave of harvesting, all resource points could operate at full capacity. They generated tens of thousands of units of resources every week. This provided continuous fuel for the advancement of the territory, like a moving war machine. The completion of the resource inventory signified a temporary end to the Kobold tribes affairs. The next step was to continue developing the territory. Half of the pirates would remain behind to oversee the Kobolds until dedicated units could take over their duties. The other half would return to repair the pirate ship. The Aspiring Hero, Panther, received orders to join the pirates and learn the ways of a pirate captain. Ji Chen himself, accompanied by the Murlocs and Naga warriors, escorted the remaining 182 Kobolds back to the territory. Due to the addition of the native tribe and the enslavement of the Kobolds, the popular support in the territory had dropped below 60 points and returned to a level slightly above 50. The bonus to labor efficiency was not as high as before. This was an unavoidable issue that arose from the sudden increase in population within a short period of time. However, with the influx of so many people, the prosperity of the territory had significantly increased, reaching a four-digit level. From the perspective of prosperity, the territory could now be considered at the level of a town. But in terms of the overall development of the territory, it was still at the level of a small village. At first glance, apart from the Lords Manor, which had a slightly decent appearance, the rest consisted of shabby and dilapidated houses or wooden frames with dried meat hanging on them. The ground was also muddy and uneven. In terms of scenery and environment, it was even less appealing compared to the native tribes waterborne thatched houses. Ji Chen was, after all, someone who appreciated aesthetics. In the past, he could tolerate such poor conditions due to poverty. But now, after obtaining so many resources from the Kobolds, he could no longer tolerate it. He immediately made up his mind to improve the environment! He set aside a portion of resources for upgrading the troops. Ji Chen opened the construction interface and began a bold and drastic transformation of the territory. When the weather is good, living in thatched cottages is passable, but if theres severe weather like a storm, its hanging by a thread. So, lets start building wooden and stone structures for housing now. It may consume more resources, but the advantage is that they are more durable in the long run. In the construction interface, there were many styles of houses to choose from. There were the elevated wooden houses seen before, thick-walled stone houses with small windows suitable for desert areas, and pointed-roofed wooden and stone houses suitable for snowy regions. The system didnt restrict players from constructing any style of the house. However, it would be unwise to build desert stone houses in a rainy area. What style of housing is suitable for the seaside, looks good, and has good additional effects Oh, 1 know! Ji Chens eyes brightened, and he stopped flipping through the options. [White-wall wooden stone house (Earth-style)] [Level: Tier 2] [Consumable materials: 150 units of wood, 400 units of stone, 150 units of clay.] [Area: 1025 (m)] [Living capacity: 2o[comfortable]~3o[crowded] [Effect: 1. Medium speeds up the recovery of energy and physical strength. 2. Additional increase of popular sentiment by 5 points. (Non-Stackable). 3. Slightly increase in the attractiveness of the territory.] This kind of one-story residential house had white walls and red tiles as the main theme. It had an arched door and windows, and a small courtyard with a garden. From the outside, it was quite beautiful and exquisite, giving off the feeling of a small villa. Moreover, the three additional effects were also very good. There were no negative effects. Especially with the additional 5-point increase in public sentiment, it perfectly suited his intentions. It was decided! Although it consumed a significant amount of resources. But as they said, clothing, food, shelter, and transportation were essential. Clothing and food needs had been temporarily met, so it was time to focus on shelter. The well-being of the people couldnt be neglected, even if it meant enduring some hardship! Each new residence required 150 units of wood, 500 units of stone, and 150 units of clay. He planned to construct 10 residences at once. Since he was wealthy at the time, he could fully afford the expenses. Taking advantage of this opportunity, he began to adjust the layout of the territory. The first was the location of the lords manor. The initial location of the lords manor was on the left side of the territory, with the entrance facing east. Now, he would move it to the center of the territory, facing the sea and the beach. He would leave an empty space of about a hundred meters in front of him and build a stone plaza. When the forest near the beach was cut down, the lieges residence would be able to see the sea directly through the stone plaza. In this way, the atmosphere of the territory became grand and impressive. Next was the construction of the new residences, all located in the right area with spacious pathways between them, leaving enough space for future expansion. The recruitment camps for the units were placed on the left side, while functional buildings such as the tool house and detection tower were situated in the upper-left space. After some adjustments, the entire territory became aesthetically pleasing. The arrangement of the buildings was neat and well-defined, providing a sense of satisfaction even for those with OCD tendencies. Ji Chen looked at his masterpiece with a hint of pride. It seems I do have some talent after all. After clicking the confirmation button, a significant amount of resources disappeared from the territorys resource panel. The construction of ten new residences required a total of 5,000 units of stone, 1,500 units of wood, and 1,500 units of clay. The stone-paved empty space, along with the stone pathways connecting the buildings, cost an additional 2,000 units of stone. Among them, the most consumed resource was stone. Despite using up a considerable amount, he still had around 1,000 units of stone remaining. What did it mean to be wealthy beyond imagination? But what was even more astonishing was the possession of two small stone quarries and one medium stone quarry. Operating at full capacity, they were able to produce 12,600 units of stone every week. As long as there was a steady supply of wood and clay resources, he could continue with these large-scale constructions on a weekly basis, swiftly providing all the residents with luxurious garden villas. Even Ji Chen himself started to envy the residents for having such a wise lord like him. Ding- Due to your massive construction efforts, it has touched the hearts of the residents. As a result, the public sentiment increased by 5 points, and the current public sentiment is 65 points. You see, there it was. When the new residences were completed, the public sentiment would increase by an additional 5 points, bringing it back to 75 points. Public sentiment would no longer be a problem. On one side of the territory, the construction of the new residences was in full swing. .. At that moment, Ji Chen walked to the left side of the territory and arrived at the recruitment camps for various units. It was time to start strengthening and upgrading the units. Territory development was crucial. But in that world, strength was the absolute core, and the units were at the heart of it. To establish a foothold and even reach the pinnacle of the world, constant improvement of the units strength was necessary.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 47 - Chapter 47: Major Upgrade of the Army Chapter 47: Major Upgrade of the Army Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation And the unit talent tree was his greatest reliance. First and foremost was the flagship unit of the territory, the Naga Warrior. [Naga Warrior (Tier 2, 5-Star)] [Unlocked node A-2: Bloodthirsty Rage (Green Skill -> Blue Skill)] [Requires 800 units of wood, 400 units of thick iron] [Unlocking node B-2: Nagas Body (Green Skill -> Blue Skill)] [Requires 800 units of fiber, 400 units of thick iron) [Unlocked Point C-2: Bloodline Regeneration (Green Skill -> Blue Skill)] [Requires 800 units of clay] [Unlocked node D-2: Lost control (Race characteristic weakened/strengthened)] [Requires 800 units of clay, 800 units of crude iron] .. [Unlocking any node can increase star level or tier.] With a sum of reserved resources, he was much more confident this time. He unlocked all four nodes. In an instant, the resources on the interface were halved. Naga Warrior (Tier 2, 5-star) has advanced to Naga Warrior (Tier 3, 5-star). Level cap increased to Level 29. Its tier directly increased by ten stars, becoming a tier 3 soldier! Even their names had changed. The Naga Warriors, who successfully advanced, underwent significant transformations. The most notable change was in their weapons. The pair of bone blades that grew on their arms now radiated a faint silver glow and metallic sheen, greatly enhancing their sharpness. If used against the Dragon Veins Kobolds they faced before, it would likely cut them in half with a single strike. Their scales had also become thicker, completely enveloping their bodies like a suit of fish scale armor. Even the most vulnerable area, their necks, sprouted a layer of protective scales, greatly enhancing their defensive capabilities. [Naga Warrior] [Level: 7] [Tier: 3, 5 stars] [Skill: Bloodthirsty Rage (Blue skill. Once you smell blood, you will become violent and attack crazily. Attack speed and movement speed will increase by 20%)] Nagas Body (Blue characteristic, scales cover the entire body and have a better defense, ignoring some damage) Bloodline Regeneration (Blue characteristic. Bloodline allows it to have a good regeneration ability. Other than the head, heart, and other core parts, all parts can be regenerated. The recovery speed of injuries is increased.) [Military characteristic: Manic (Once a Naga smells blood, it will enter a manic state, but it will not lose control)] [Im the Northwest King of Assassins!] Three blue-tier skills were obtained. The most noticeable drawback, the units characteristics, were also significantly improved. Now he no longer had to worry about the Naga Warriors behaving like unleashed wild dogs. A unit that could fully obey orders was able to better exert its combat effectiveness. Next, the River Murlocs were upgraded. As his starting unit, the Murlocs had made significant contributions in the early battles. Although they had undergone several scattered enhancements, they had fallen behind the current version. It was time to give them an upgrade as well. [River Murloc (Tier 2, 3-star)] [Unlocked node A-2: Murloc Body (Green Skill > Blue Skill)] [Requires 600 units of wood, 300 units of clay] [Unlocking node B-2: Diving (Green Skill Blue Skill) Consumes 600 units of fiber, 300 units of clay.] [Unlocked node C-2: Trident (Green Skill -> Blue Skill)] [Requires 600 units of thick iron] [Unlocked node D-2: Careful (Race characteristic weakened/enhanced)][Requires 1200 units of wood, 1200 units of fiber.] [Unlocking any node can increase star level or tier.] Ji Chen looked at the remaining resources. It was enough for the Murloc to unlock all four nodes. He didnt hesitate anymore and tapped on it. River Murloc (Tier 2, 3-star) has advanced to Shallow Sea Murloc (Tier 3, 3-star). Level cap increased to Level 29. Just like the Naga Warriors, the Murlocs names had also changed. It seemed that this also indicated that their next battle location would change from the island to the shallow sea. [Shallow Sea Murlocs ] [Level: 7] [Tier: 3, 3 stars] [Skill: Murloc Body (blue characteristic, fish scales defense increased by 30%, able to avoid a portion of close and long-range attacks)! Diving (Blue characteristic, can greatly reduce the movement when swimming in the water, and can use the current to increase the swimming speed) Trident (Blue characteristic, can be used as both a melee weapon and a throwing weapon, has good long-range damage output) [Military characteristic: Brave (when encountering strong enemies and danger, will still faithfully carry out the lords orders) I The Murlocs could finally be of great use! The characteristics of the army were greatly enhanced. Apart from that, the trident could also be thrown, adding a new attack method. However, he was a bit puzzled. There was only one trident, so what would happen after throwing it in battle? He summoned an advanced Shallow Sea Murloc. The appearance of the Murlocs had also changed. The most noticeable change was the emergence of two tentacles on their faces, giving them a slight resemblance to Eastern dragons. Throw the trident and let me see its power. Upon hearing the command, the Shallow Sea Murloc raised the trident without hesitation and forcefully threw it. Crack- Leaves rustled as they gently descended. The trident was forcefully thrust into the tree trunk, its tip sinking deep within. Then, with a flick of the Murlocs hand, to Ji Chens surprise, the trident began to vibrate and swiftly returned to the Murlocs grasp. It flew back automatically? How astonishing! Was this really a skill possessed by Murlocs? With such an ability, fishing would become much easier. Simply cast the trident and watch as it effortlessly returned, fish in tow! Ahem, just joking. Having this ability was akin to possessing an inexhaustible quiver of arrows with a bow. After being enhanced and upgraded, the Murlocs have also reached a ten-star tier, reaching the third tier with 3 stars. Judging by their increased attack strength, they would easily overpower the Dragon Vein Kobolds. After two rounds of enhancements and upgrades, the resources that were acquired not long ago have been completely depleted. .. However, it was worth it. The Naga Warriors and Shallow Sea Murlocs, both at the fifth tier with three stars and third tier with three stars respectively, would likely have no formidable monsters left to challenge them on this island. Ji Chen also recalled the small stone quarry encountered a few days ago, where a group of stone golems resided. In the past, he had been helpless against those solid stone creatures in the quarry. But now, with a third-tier, five-star Naga Warrior in his left hand and a third-tier, three-star Shallow Sea Murloc in his right hand, along with the spellcasting abilities of the Sea Nymphs, dealing with those outdated stone golems would be a breeze. He decided to pay them a visit and teach them a lesson. They would soon learn not to underestimate a young mans determination! Stone golems, huh? He would knock their heads off! The next day, he marched with his army towards the exposed stone quarry. They quickly crossed the jungle and spotted the stone golems lying amidst the piles of rocks. As they drew nearer, the dormant stone golems awakened.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 48 - Chapter 48: Stone Golems, the Issue of Food Chapter 48: Stone Golems, the Issue of Food Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The stone bodies, now covered in moss and weeds, wobbled as they stood up. With a height of over three meters and a pair of massive fists, they exuded an intimidating presence. [Stone Golems] [Level]: 8 [Tier]: Second Tier, 8 Stars [Skills]: Stone Shell (Blue Skill, the stone body possesses formidable physical defense) Rock Strike (Blue Skill, using the stone body as a weapon to deliver heavy blows that can cause impact and stun effects) .. Stone Throw (Green Skill, throwing rocks at enemies) Stone Devour (Green Skill, able to consume stones to repair the body) [Unit Traits]: Elemental Construct (50% resistance against spiritual spells) As the Stone Golems spotted them, they immediately let out an angry roar. You damn invaders, Ill Before they could finish their sentence, they were hit in the face by a barrage of water arrows. After a brief explosion, the stone bodies were left with numerous pockmarks and indentations. Water arrows proved to be highly effective! Damned bug, Im going to hammer you into a meat patty! The injured stone golem was even more furious. It charged over with heavy steps. Rumbling footsteps echoed throughout the entire quarry. The ground seemed to be shaking. However, Ji Chen ignored him and waved his arm. The Shallow Sea Murlocs suddenly threw out their tridents, piercing through the air and stabbing the stone golem in a perfect arc. Dong The sound of harsh collision rang out. The seemingly sturdy stone bodies were actually cut open by the sharp spear tips, revealing several cracks. The Stone Golems were instantly filled with shock and horror. They had consumed countless stones to cultivate their hard rock bodies, and yet today they were damaged by these fish-like creatures? But it wasnt over yet. Entering battle mode, the frenzied Naga Warrior, with their agitated trait activated, vigorously thrust their powerful serpent tail forward, creating a gust of wind that stirred up a flurry of grass. They charged towards the Stone Golems, their twin blades crossing and slashing down. Crack- The clash of bone blades and stone fists caused both sides to tremble and take a few steps back. Upon closer inspection, the Stone Golems stone fists were filled with large cracks, while the Naga Warriors bone blades remained completely unscathed, reflecting a metallic sheen in the sunlight. The outcome was clear. The enhanced Naga Warrior had surpassed the Stone Golems in strength and attack power. In the distance, several Stone Golems raised chunks of rocks, hurling them with both hands. A flash of red light appeared in the eyes of the Naga Warrior, emanating a terrifying aura. A menacing growl escaped their mouth as their muscular arms bulged with veins, and they brought down their bone blades in a powerful strike. The rocks were cleaved into pieces. The best offense was a good defense. They were all ruthless warriors, with the courage to face any enemy that crossed their path. Their eyes were filled with cruelty and brutality, their only outlet for their inner frenzy being slaughter. They charged once again, like war chariots crashing into the midst of the Stone Golem group. Their bone blades clashed and opened, leaving behind a trail of sharpness wherever they went. Boom! Another round of water arrows exploded, causing the already crumbling Stone Golems to instantly shatter into countless pieces. Their rocky bodies split into scattered rubble on the ground. The Stone Golems were either torn apart by the Naga Warriors strikes or had their heads blown off by the Sea Sprites arrows. Body parts flew everywhere, creating a scene of extreme brutality. The battle quickly came to an end. Under the overwhelming advantage in rank and numbers, they failed to create much of a stir. The once formidable Stone Golems were now reduced to piles of rubble, creating a chaotic scene on the ground. Ding- You have achieved a glorious victory You have gained 1200 experience points Having watched the entire battle, Ji Chen nodded in satisfaction. After their upgrades, the Naga Warrior and Shallow Sea Murloc displayed astonishing combat strength, effortlessly overwhelming the Stone Golems. This victory was achieved solely through the power of their units, without Alice needing to intervene. They fully showcased their advantages and capabilities. Engaging in battles with regular units was the norm for players. Players like Ji Chen, who had recently joined the game and possessed a formidable combat hero like Alice, were a rare breed and stood out from the rest. They entered the quarry and claimed it as their own. With this quarry, he now had a total of four quarries. Three small ones and one medium-sized quarry. Every week, they would yield tens of thousands of units of stone resources. It was a pity that there were no other players nearby; otherwise, he could have sold some stone to them in exchange for other resources. Upon assessing the combat prowess of the Naga warriors and Shallow Sea Murlocs, he was astounded by their sheer power. Ji Chen was in a good mood as he led them back to his territory. Wilus came up and said respectfully. My lord, youre back. He nodded slightly. Hows the construction of the new residential area? The residents enthusiasm is high, and the construction progress is rapid. It is estimated that within a day, we will have completed the initial construction. However, the capacity is not sufficient to accommodate the newly joined native tribe. We only have 10 new residential houses, each capable of housing a maximum of 30 residents, which means we can only accommodate a total of 300 people. With the native tribe and the existing residents, we have a total of 472 individuals. Even with the makeshift dwellings, there wont be enough space for everyone. But 1 have already taken this issue into consideration, he reassured. The native tribe will not relocate here all at once; they will be coming in batches. Additionally, 1 will continue to construct more residential houses in the future. Thats good to hear, Willus nodded, although his face still showed some concern. Besides that, the food consumption in the territory has significantly increased. The current stockpile of over 6,000 units of food may not last long. Ji Chen pondered, acknowledging that it was indeed a problem. The native tribe consists of 410 individuals, 640 kobolds, 18 cave miners, 20 female slaves, and the existing residents, totaling 1,130 people. In addition, we have the consumption from the Shallow Sea Murlocs, Naga Warriors, and Elite Pirates. Even if each person consumes only 2 units of food per day, it would still require over 2,000 units of food daily. With just over 6,000 units of food in storage, it can sustain us for approximately 3 days. While we have seen the advantages of having an increased workforce, we must not overlook the issue of food consumption. A scarcity of food could severely impact the morale of our residents. .. It seems that for the next few days, we must prioritize the search for additional food sources. Fortunately, some of the native members have been scouting suitable locations on the island for large-scale cultivation of seaweed rice, and we expect to receive updates soon. The island is also abundant in wildlife, particularly in the river valley, where various animals thrive. These animals are well-nourished and plentiful, providing us with ample meat when caught in large numbers. The surrounding sea offers a rich fishing ground, providing an excellent opportunity for the Murlocs to catch fish. And as a last resort, the kobolds can serve as a viable source of protein However, he would not do this unless he had no other choice. Ill increase the intensity of my hunting these few days. You dont have to worry. With his words, Wilus felt relieved. When the lord said there was no need to worry, there truly was no problem. This had been the consistent behavior and speech of their lord, instilling a strong sense of security and trust in them. Waving his hand to instruct Wilus to continue supervising the residents work, Ji Chen took a short break before venturing out with his troops. They embarked on a hunt across the island to gather food. The beasts and monsters that had fled to other areas now realized something in despair. The terrifying upright ape had returned, accompanied by an even more powerful army. This time, there was nowhere for them to escape. Five days ago, they had retreated from the jungle near the sea, and three days ago, they had fled from the southern jungle, thinking they could finally enjoy a peaceful night. But today, as they looked around, the greedy and ruthless upright apes had returned with their army. However, this island was only so big. Where could they escape to now? From every corner of the island, their mournful and resentful howls echoed, as if celebrating the birth of the new king of the island. After a good half days hunt, Ji Chen looked at the twenty or so jungle wolf carcasses before him and reviewed todays harvest. He decided to halt the hunting expedition. Various types of prey, big and small, had yielded around five to six thousand units of food, barely alleviating the food problem in the territory. Todays harvest was sufficient. He glanced up at the sky. The sun had already set below the horizon, and a crescent moon rose slowly. Silver moonlight seeped through the gaps in the branches and illuminated the ground. The surrounding insects chirped, their voices resounding loudly in the quiet jungle. It was time to return. Instructing his troops to carry the prey on their backs, the group made their way back, fully laden.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 49 - Chapter 49: Mysterious Accessory Chapter 49: Mysterious Accessory Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation When they returned to the territory, Most of the residents had already finished their days work and entered the realm of dreams. Snores filled the air. Stretching lazily, Ji Chen intended to call for Willis when he noticed Alice sitting on the steps in front of the door. Her eyes were closed, and her little head drooped. Could it be that Alice was waiting for him? Perhaps upon hearing his footsteps, the little Siren slowly opened her eyes. When she saw him, her eyes sparkled like gemstones, instantly brightening up. She got up and rushed over, hanging onto his body. .. My lord, youre finally back! Yes. Ji Chen held her body and said gently, Why didnt you sleep in the room? Its very cold outside. The temperature difference on the island was significant. It could be scorching hot during the day, causing people to suffer from heatstroke, but at night, it turned bone-chilling, making one shiver with goosebumps. Alice smiled sweetly, her eyebrows curved like the moon in the sky, looking very beautiful. I thought you hadnt returned yet, so I wanted to wait here. Ive been waiting all this time, Alice said with a smile. Ji Chen didnt say anything but lovingly stroked her little head. Although they had only spent a little over ten days together, Alice had become more than just a hero to him. He had already started to regard her as a sister-like figure, carrying deeper emotions. Seeing that Ji Chen remained silent, Alice also fell quiet. She closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder, feeling his warmth. Both of them remained speechless, savoring this serene moment. Suddenly, A voice rang out, breaking the silence of the night. My lord, youve returned Perhaps I came at the wrong time. The person who came was Wilus. He had just finished dealing with the matters at hand and was about to sleep. Hearing the commotion outside, he came out to see what was happening and witnessed such a scene. He felt a bit embarrassed and unsure of what to do, afraid that Ji Chen would be angry. Ji Chen smiled and shook his head, releasing Alice from his hold, and said to her, You came at the right time. You should have someone take care of these hunted animals quickly, or they wall spoil by tonight. Upon seeing the pile of prey stacked to the side, Wu Liang promptly responded. He returned to the residential area and called over twenty young and strong residents. Although they were a bit displeased and confused at being forcibly awakened when they saw the accumulated prey, their spirits immediately lifted. They enthusiastically began the processing work. With that taken care of, Ji Chen had nothing else to do. He returned to the Lords Mansion with a sleepy Alice. Due to exhaustion from the days labor, he quickly fell into slumber. In his dreams, Alice smiled gracefully, wearing only a sheer veil. Towering breasts, snow-white skin, and alluring buttocks. And he was almost naked. The two of them chased each other in the water, their happy laughter echoing in their ears. This scene instantly woke him up. Looking up, the bright sunlight shone through the window, and the sound of the residents working could be heard. He looked left and right. Alice was no longer here. She probably went out to play again. Ji Chen slowly sat up straight and fell into deep thought. He could understand a dream without clothes. A hot-blooded man would sometimes have such colorful dreams. That was not a problem. However, the problem was Why is there a young girl chasing after us? This was too strange. He was puzzled. He shook his head and threw these strange thoughts out of his mind. He stood up and walked out of the lords manor. He did not plan to go out to hunt or explore this morning. This morning, he had no plans to venture out in search of game or explore new territories. After more than ten consecutive days of non-stop battles, his nerves were already tightly wound, reaching a breaking point. Both mentally and physically, he felt the weight of fatigue. So, he made a decision to take a half-day break for himself. He decided to go fishing. It had been quite some time since his last fishing excursion, and the fishing rods in his backpack were on the verge of gathering dust! He didnt bring a large entourage, only about ten Murlocs to serve as his guards. Ji Chen held his fishing rod and prepared some bait as he arrived at his usual spot. Baiting the hook, he gathered his strength, and cast the line effortlessly. With these tasks completed, he cleared his mind and gazed into the distance. Todays weather was splendid. The sun shone brightly, and the sea was tranquil, without a ripple in sight. The distant sky resembled an ice cream, with its deep blue base and fluffy white clouds. A group of dolphins chased after schools of fish on the sea surface, leaping out of the water from time to time, showcasing their superb swimming skills. The tides washed over the sandy beach, bringing forth waves of white foam. The weather was excellent today, and the fishing luck was also quite good. It didnt take long after casting the line for a fish to bite. It was a large squid weighing about three pounds! Ever since he had tasted the meat of an octopus creature, Ji Chen had been longing for seafood like octopus and squid. Finally, he had caught such a big one today, and he could finally enjoy a sumptuous meal. Perhaps the squid heard the call of his heart. One after another, like the story of the Little Warriors saving their grandfather, a whole school of squids continuously hooked onto the line, numbering dozens of them. It brought a big smile to his face. Soon, the basket was filled to the brim. The joy of fishing is simple and monotonous. Time flew by. He glanced at the sky. The sunlight grew more intense, and it even felt slightly stinging on his skin. In this tranquil setting, Ji Chens mind suddenly shook, and he murmured with wide-open eyes. .. Just one more cast, and then weell leave. Give it some extra strength for the final cast. He forcefully cast the line. The fishing hook flew steadily onto the waters surface several meters away, slowly sinking down. He eagerly watched the float. The last time, the final cast hooked a Siren. Would this final cast also catch a mighty ocean hero? Although the chances were slim, dreams are something that should never be without. Suddenly, the float was pulled downwards. Seeing this scene, Ji Chen felt a wave of disappointment instead. If the float had been pulled down so quickly after casting, it surely couldnt be anything exciting. Ding! You have obtained a mysterious accessory. [Mysterious accessory] [Level: Special (Single)] [Effect: Increase stamina recovery speed by 50%] [A certain creatures beloved accessory seems to have more effects than this] Lying on his palm was something that looked like a sachet. The material was very special. Even though it had just been fished out of the water, it still looked very dry. The additional effect was also quite good. It increased the recovery speed of Stamina by 50%. In addition to the 30% Stamina recovery speed bonus from Seas Blessing, it was a full 80% bonus effect. If a physical combat hero were to wear it, he would become a never-ending killing machine. However, there was only Alice, a magical hero, and Panther, who was only an Aspiring hero. For the time being, no one could use this. Then he could only keep it for now. With this thought in mind, Ji Chen equipped the accessory on himself. With todays harvest, he leisurely returned to the territory. In the afternoon, he would continue hunting on the island. Somewhere in the Middle Earth Ocean. A figure suddenly jumped out of the water. Seawater dripped from her silver-gray hair and slowly flowed down his majestic chest. She looked in a certain direction with a bewildered expression. Why did the aura of the accessory suddenly stop? Could it have been taken by some creature? No, thats my thing. I have to get it back! With that, the figure dived back into the sea. If someone was below the surface of the water, they would see her moving forward at a speed that ordinary people could not reach. Even the water flow helped her move. Her strong and powerful body was like a whale shark in the sea.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 50 - Chapter 50: My Crazy Show Chapter 50: My Crazy Show Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The next day. Ji Chen woke up in high spirits. However, he heard a piece of news. Raymond was leaving. Ji Chen hurriedly rushed to the east side of the main island. The moment he arrived, he found that they were using small boats to move all kinds of supplies and sundries back to the merchant ship. They looked as if they were leaving today. .. Raymond, who was commanding his subordinates, soon saw Ji Chen and ran over with a smile on his face. The fat on his body shook. You guys are leaving so soon? Arent you going to stay for a few more days? Ji Chen looked at the campsite that was almost completely cleaned up. The merchant ship has been repaired, and food and water have been replenished. There is no reason to stay and burden you. Raymond shook his head and sighed. If 1 hadnt made up my mind to enter the Stormy Sea Area, 1 might have died in the hands of the pirates, and 1 wouldnt have met you. Ive subdued the pirates now. You dont have to worry about being chased anymore, Ji Chen teased. Haha, thats true! 1 will definitely bring back those specialties you gave me. Other members of the merchant guild will surely be interested in these items. When the time comes, we may make bulk purchases, and Your Excellency will surely profit handsomely! A few days ago, Ji Chen sent over the three specialties discovered on the island: precious jungle wood, premium coffee beans, and golden sea bass. Raymond, with his sharp eye for business, quickly recognized their significant commercial value and was naturally delighted. He immediately proposed taking some samples back to estimate their worth. Ji Chen readily agreed. Merchants always pursue money and profits. By leveraging these specialties, they could establish a mutually beneficial relationship, ensuring that Raymond wouldnt disappear after leaving. I dont want coins. If you want these specialties, you need to bring resources and people. We can exchange resources for specialties. Naturally! As long as we have sufficient goods, the Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce will not disappoint you. Raymond smiled and glanced at the preparations of the merchant ship. He then bid farewell, Your Excellency, its getting late, and 1 should depart. If everything goes well, Ill send you a big ship of what you need in a month or half a month. Ji Chen nodded. Half a month and a month sounded like a long time. However, for ocean transportation that could take months, it was already considered very fast. Raymond bowed and was about to leave. As if he had thought of something, he said in a slightly deep tone. There is one more thing, Your Excellency. The pirates you have subdued, if Im not mistaken, belong to a well-known pirate group in the Western Seas called the Black Skull Pirates. Their naval strength is not inferior to some small duchies fleets. Moreover, the Black Skull Pirates are active in several areas surrounding the Stormy Seas, so you should be extra cautious. Ji Chens gaze slightly hardened. So, these pirates are organized. The Black Skull Piratessounds quite fierce. Thank you for the reminder. 1 will be more vigilant There is one more thing, do you know how far the nearest port is from the Stormy Seas? A port? Raymond pondered for a moment. If its a mainland port, with the speed of a two-masted merchant ship, it would take at least ten days. Ten days? Ji Chen furrowed his brow. Thats too long. Raymond may be able to afford such a journey, but he couldnt wait that long. The stout man paused for a moment, his expression hesitant as he continued, But if we include island ports, there is one that is much closer. With the speed of the three-masted pirate ship you confiscated, it would only take three days to reach. That would be the Silver Archipelago, located northwest of the Stormy Seas, but it is somewhat unusual. Unusual? Ji Chen became interested. Raymond nodded, The Silver Archipelago is composed of hundreds, if not thousands, of small and large islands. It does not belong to any kingdom or duchy but is controlled by a loose alliance. As a result, it is a melting pot of various factions. There are ruthless pirates seeking retirement, powerful merchants, and proponents of different ideologies On the largest island, there is a deep-water port called Silver Harbor, capable of accommodating various medium and large-sized vessels. However, besides the inability to guarantee absolute safety, the Silver Archipelago is known as one of the most famous and prosperous island groups in the Middle Ocean, being in proximity to several bustling trade routes. If Your Excellency wishes to go to the Silver Archipelago, you must make thorough preparations, especially in terms of armed forces, as there is a risk of being victimized by rival factions Ah, I mean, being robbed and plundered. Raymond explained with a solemn expression. However, there was one thing he didnt mention. The Stormy Seas were also not far from those busy trade routes, but most ships took detours due to the treacherous sea conditions. If this problem can be resolved, then this archipelago will become as prosperous as the Silver Archipelago. After listening, Ji Chen nodded lightly, feeling more assured. I understand. 1 wish you a safe journey. Very well. 1 wont disturb you any longer. May the Sea God bless you and bring you smooth sailing. Raymond nodded and bid farewell once again. He boarded the last small boat and returned to the merchant ship. Standing at the ships railing, he waved goodbye to Raymond. Watching the merchant ship slowly unfurl its sails and sail away into the distance, disappearing on the horizon. Ji Chen suddenly felt a strange emptiness. The departure of the merchant ship seemed to take away the little vitality remaining on the island. Until the next ship arrived, there were only a few of them left on the island. The pirate ship still needed several days to be repaired. During this time, he would thoroughly explore the entire archipelago. With determination, Ji Chen returned to his territory. The new residential buildings that had been under construction for the past few days were now completed. Rows of white-walled, red-tiled houses were neatly arranged on the right side of the territory, with exquisite arched windows and beautiful small gardens in front of each door. Paired with the nearby azure sea, it resembled a vacation resort. Seeing this scene, Ji Chen couldnt help but feel a sense of pride. He opened the forums photo feature, chose a good angle, took a picture of the new residential buildings, and posted it on the forum. To his surprise, within half a minute of posting, several players appeared in the comments. It seemed that they had set a special alert after the last post. Whenever he made a post, it would notify players to view it. Let me see what the big shot has posted Whoa! Garden villas, with a path leading to the beach and the sea behind it. The scenery is so beautiful, where is this heavenly place? To step out and see such a stunning sea view, Im so jealous! Im stuck with an endless desert as soon as I step out, its making me sick. It seems like our previous guesses were right. Your territory, big shot, is indeed by the seaside But it doesnt seem to be the typical size and style of a lords mansion, right? @LonelyIslander.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 51 - Chapter 51: Showing off is the Source of Motivation Chapter 51: Showing off is the Source of Motivation Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen casually replied when he saw the question. For the residents to live in. For the residents? I dont even live that well. Im so jealous, its making me feel sour. Seems like you have an abundance of resources to spare! Building such nice houses for the residents Look at my territory, its just shabby thatched huts! Im envious to the point of separation! More and more players flooded into the thread, expressing their envy and astonishment after seeing the pictures. In addition to admiring the beautiful scenery, they were also amazed by Ji Chens wealth. They discovered that these were houses that required nearly a thousand units of resources to build. .. While it wouldnt be surprising for someone to build such a residence for themselves, it was quite unusual to build ten of them for the residents. For most players at this stage, they would construct simple dwellings for the residents, as they required fewer resources. They would allocate the majority of their resources towards recruiting troops and purchasing food. To build so many exquisite houses, it naturally required a significant amount of resources. Resources dont just fall from the sky. This could only mean one thing: the player known as Lonely Islander in their eyes had reached a level of resource abundance in their territory that was truly remarkable. Many players were even more envious and jealous of this conjecture. He had already started to build beautiful houses for his residents to live in, but they were still struggling to decide whether they should be eating meat for their next meal or to save some dry rations. Why was there such a big difference between them? Seeing the comments from the idiotic players, Ji Chens small sense of vanity was satisfied. Satisfied with the response, he closed the forum contentedly. Appropriate flaunting and timely satisfaction of vanity can help ignite the motivation to strive for more. The forum is an excellent place for this, as long as one didnt get overshadowed by others. After enjoying a moment of satisfaction, Ji Chen felt energized throughout his body. He immediately called upon his army and headed towards the giant forest where the native tribe resided. Todays plan was clear. Explore the three subsidiary islands in the northwest of the main island. There were currently six subsidiary islands remaining in the entire archipelago, as well as the mountain peak suspected to be a dragons nest that hadnt been explored. He intended to visit all of them in the next few days. Starting with the three subsidiary islands in the northwest. After a two-hour trek, Ji Chen arrived at the location of the native tribe. The elderly leader of the tribe, with his white hair, welcomed him and respectfully performed a bow. My Lord, there has been progress in the search for suitable locations to cultivate sea rice, as you instructed, the leader said solemnly. We have discovered a large area of lowland in the southwest direction of the main island, which has been invaded by seawater. It is highly suitable for cultivating sea rice. Upon hearing this, Ji Chens eyebrows raised in delight. The entire main island was inclined from northeast to southwest. The terrain in the southwest was the lowest, and it was also the easiest to be flooded by seawater. Then we should start to plant sea rice on a large scale as soon as possible. In the future, the population of the territory will increase, and we need more food from sea rice. I will follow your will, the elderly woman respectfully bowed and continued, My Lord, is there something specific you came here for today? I need a canoe. I want to explore the three subsidiary islands on the northwest side, Ji Chen replied. As a ruler, this request was naturally not a problem. Soon, a canoe was brought over. Six native people sat in it, responsible for paddling for him. Ji Chen got on board, while the rest of the troops either swam in the water or floated in the air. With the wooden paddles stroking the waters surface, the canoe sailed out of the giant forest and reached the open sea. The color of the sea became slightly deeper, indicating an increase in depth. Holding onto the slightly swaying canoe, Ji Chen looked into the distance. The three islands formed a crescent shape, arranged in order. Two of them were covered in trees, while the last one was bare, with only a protruding reef above the waters surface. A large group of seagulls circled and landed there. The reef was piled with a thick layer of white substance. Ji Chens expression became somewhat peculiar. That white substance Was it bird droppings? If he remembered correctly, bird droppings seemed to be a rather good fertilizer. Perhaps sea rice would need this? With the use of Kimkara, the yield per mu is 1,800. After planting the sea rice, he could send the kobolds to collect some bird droppings here and use them as fertilizer. Lets see if the already high-yielding sea rice will increase its production? The main island and the first sub-island on the northwest side were separated by a shallow sea of one or two kilometers. With the speed of the canoe, it would take a lot of time to reach it. Croak- He had barely traveled a few hundred meters. The shallow-water Murlocs leading the way suddenly cried out as a warning. On the map, hundreds of red dots surrounded him in a circle. And the number was still increasing. Ji Chen narrowed his eyes and looked at the distant sea. Flying fish with thick arms, sharp teeth, and three pairs of wings on their backs jumped and glided on the waters surface, splashing water. [Razor Jaw Flying Fish] [Level: 7] [Tier: 1,8 stars] [Skill: Sharp Fangs (Green skill, sharp teeth can bite prey until only bones are left)] Group Battle (Green Skill, has good combat power in group battles) Wings Flight (White Skill, Able to Glide on the Sea) [Military characteristic: Bloodthirsty (When you smell blood, you will attack crazily)! [I can fly] Tier 1 8-star, Level 7. There were so many of them that at first glance, the entire surface of the water was filled with their figures flying and gliding from the water. It sent shivers down peoples spines. The Razor Jaw Flying Fish! Theyll devour us until only skeletons remain! The native people on the boat cried out in fear. No need to worry, Ji Chen reassured calmly, waving his hand. Leaving ten guards of the shallow sea Murlocs by their side, the rest charged forward. Amidst the astonishment of the native people, a one-sided battle unfolded between the agile shallow sea Murlocs, fierce Naga warriors, and skilled Sea Pixies. With their superior speed, the shallow sea Murlocs swiftly darted underwater, disrupting the flying fish swarms formation. Keeping a safe distance, they swiftly eliminated the threat. Their tridents, acting as precise fishing spears, impaled each flying fish with swift and clean strikes. The Naga warriors, with their immense strength, brought a new level of ferocity to the battle. Their massive bodies crashed into the fish swarm, intensifying the chaos that had already ensued. Every part of their bodies became a lethal weapon, as they used their sheer force to collide and incapacitate their opponents, slicing through them with their sharp bone blades. With a powerful whip of their serpentine tails, they launched several Razor Jaw Flying Fish into the air with a resounding crack. Their own bodies, bearing the marks of relentless combat, endured the strain. This primal display of violence, embodied by the savage aesthetics of their fighting style, left no doubt about their prowess. Meanwhile, the Sea Pixies unleashed their explosive tactics, wreaking havoc among the fish. Each water arrow detonated upon impact, creating a cascade of water mixed with the blood and fragments of countless Razor Jaw Flying Fish. .. The once tranquil blue sea transformed into a crimson-stained battlefield.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 52 - Chapter 52: The Miserable Gale of the Dragon Chapter 52: The Miserable Gale of the Dragon Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After a few minutes, the sounds of battle subsided. Ji Chen glanced at the progressing experience bar and gestured for the natives to continue moving forward. Ah? Oh, yes, my lord, the bewildered native responded, swallowing hard and quickly obeying. Their astonishment lingered, for in their understanding, even the most skilled warriors in the tribe would meet a fatal end against the swarm of Razor Jaw Flying Fish. Yet before their eyes, their newly loyal Lord had effortlessly annihilated them all without any casualties. What kind of extraordinary power was this? The chieftain s decision seemed wise and correct. Refusal would have likely led them to the same fate as those Razor Jaw Flying Fish. Ji Chen remained oblivious to the inner thoughts of the natives. Even if he knew, he would only wear a knowing smile. .. Those who refused to submit would not face such severe consequences, but their fate would resemble that of the Kobold Tribe. The first subsidiary island was within reach, and after docking the canoe, Ji Chen instructed the natives to wait while he led his army towards the island. They began circling the islands perimeter. On the muddy shores, several marine creatures basked lazily in the sun. Seizing the opportunity, Ji Chen dispatched them one by one. After completing a full circle, he had a rough idea of the size and terrain of the island. The subsidiary island had an oval shape and was only about one-tenth the size of the main island, spanning around ten square kilometers. The surrounding areas consisted of mudflats, while the center was occupied by a large forest. However, the creatures within the forest remained unknown. Once he had a better understanding, Ji Chen found an entry point and ventured into the thick vegetation, making his way towards the central area. Although the forest was dense, he only encountered small animals such as rabbits and foxes, without any larger predators like wolves or leopards. This indicated that it was not a reliable source of food and had limited developmental value, considering its considerable distance from the main territory. As they delved deeper, they soon arrived at the islands central location. Before their eyes lay an open clearing amidst the trees. In the middle of the clearing stood an ancient and rustic altar. Resting atop the altar was a treasure chest, emanating a mesmerizing allure with its twinkling starlight. Judging by its appearance, it was at least a 2-star-rated treasure chest. However, Ji Chen did not move. Instead, he took two steps back warily and had the soldiers surround him tightly. This was because there were dozens of red dots surrounding the altar on the Omniscience map. 1 le was certain of one thing. Once he approached the altar directly, these hidden monsters would instantly emerge and deliver a deadly blow. However, upon closer inspection, there was nothing at the locations indicated by the red dots on the map. Not even a stone or a patch of grass could be seen. There was simply nothing to hide. Could it be underground? With this possibility in mind, he waved his hand, summoning a Murloc. A Murloc promptly stepped forward. Swish- The trident was swiftly thrown- its tip forcefully pierced into the soil. Ding- You have alerted a group of burrowing dragon lizards. Engage in battle Our overall morale is at 70 points The soil suddenly arched, and thirty to forty humanoid-sized horned lizards emerged from the ground. Their blood-red eyes were filled with confusion and anger. Who disturbed their slumber!? Ji Chens gaze fixed upon them as the panel information of these horned lizards appeared before his eyes. I Earth-drilling Dragon LizardJ [Level: 10 J [Tier: 3, 2 stars] [Skill: Rampage (blue skill, can use the hard horn on the head to attack the enemy)] Cuticular Scaly Armor (Blue skill, the thick cuticular layer on the back can provide powerful defense) Burrow (Green skill, able to burrow into the ground to hide) [Military characteristic: Eat soil (can survive by eating soil and rocks)] [A lizard with some dragon bloodline. The hard horn on its head cannot be underestimated.] Ji Chens expression was a little strange. He didnt know what to say. It was not because of the strength of these monsters, but because of their species. Just how many new creatures did that giant dragon have? First, it was the Kobolds, then the Ear th-drilling Dragon Lizard. They really didnt discriminate when it came to mixing different species. Was this what they called The Miserable Gale of the Dragon? If he had met these dragon lizards before, he would have turned and fled without hesitation. But now, he had the shallow sea Murlocs and the Naga warriors, all of whom were third-tier units. His confidence swelled within him. He faced these fierce dragon lizards without any fear. However, he was also curious about the altar and the treasure chest atop it. Being guarded by so many formidable dragon lizards, it couldnt be something worthless. Perhaps it would bring him some surprises. He raised his arm and gave the command, and his troops launched their attack. The sea pixies wielded their staves, and powerful water arrows filled with intense energy shot out. Boom- Explosions erupted, splashing water in all directions. However, the burrowing dragon lizards seemed completely unharmed. The horny layer covering most of their bodies only showed slight damage, barely breaking their defenses. The water arrows were ineffective! This was because the level difference between the Sea Pixies and the Earth-drilling Dragon Lizard was too great. There was a total of 9 stars between them. Under the overwhelming suppression of their tier difference, the damage was significantly reduced. However, Ji Chen didnt expect the sea pixies attacks to have much effect. The main force in this battle was still the Naga warriors and the Murlocs. The sea pixies will continuously launch water arrows for harassment. The Murlocs will throw tridents to inflict ranged damage on the enemy. The Naga warriors will hold the front line!1 Alice, provide support with your singing at any time. Ji Chen remained calm, issuing his orders methodically. Upon hearing his commands, the morale of the troops soared, and they quickly acted accordingly. At the same time, the burrowing dragon lizards on the opposing side also launched their attack. Coiling their slender bodies into a circular shape, they charged forward like a steamroller, moving at incredible speed. They kicked up countless tufts of grass and clouds of dust. The hardened horns on their heads became deadly weapons at such speed, capable of penetrating armor. Faced with this situation, the Murlocs didnt hesitate to hurl their tridents. Clang A loud metallic collision rang out. The tridents bounced off the hard cuticle and scales and stabbed into the ground. However, the first wave of Earth-drilling Dragon Lizards was also shaken by the huge force contained in it, making them dizzy and swaying. .. This wave of tridents forced more than a dozen Earth-drilling Dragon Lizards to stop. However, the rest of the Earth-drilling Dragon Lizards had already rolled to the front of the formation. The hard horn, which was terrifying because of its speed, was even more lethal than a sword. However, the Naga warriors were like mountains, standing motionless at the front. Their eyes were cruel and cold. It was as if they would not waver even if a huge rock rolled over from the opposite side. They stabbed their two blades into the ground and exerted strength with both arms. The hard horns and the bone blades collided violently. Dong The Earth-drilling Dragon Lizards were sent flying and fell heavily on the ground. They struggled to get up. The Naga warriors leaned back, and a visible dent could be seen on the bone blades, but other than that, there was no obvious damage. At a glance, both sides seemed to have tied in this round. But in Ji Chen s eyes, the Naga Warriors had won. This was because the Earth-drilling Dragon Lizard s most powerful attack had not worked. It had already used up all three of its axes. How could they defeat him? Roar! The Naga warriors roared at the sky as if they wanted to vent all the anger in their hearts. The snakes tails wriggled quickly, leaving a deep groove in the soil. They waved the bone blades that were sharper than ordinary metal swords. They suddenly chopped at the enemies. Sla C The Earth-drilling Dragon Lizards that were struggling on the ground instantly had two huge wounds. Another slash. A huge lizards head flew into the air. The struggling body gradually lost its response, leaving only occasional spasms.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 53 - Chapter 53: Hero Altar Chapter 53: Hero Altar Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The first wave of Earth-drilling Dragon Lizards that rushed up were slaughtered by the Naga warriors. Blood rained down, accompanied by fragments of flesh, splattering the ground, the altar, and even the trees several meters away. The scene was gruesomely bloody. Ji Chen smacked his lips and took a few steps back in disgust to prevent blood from splattering all over his face. Naga warriors were fierce fighters, but they tended to go wild in battle, often turning the scene into a gory dismemberment site. Meanwhile, the burrow lizards, initially pushed back by the tridents, regained their composure. Seeing their comrades being mercilessly slaughtered, they immediately coiled their bodies, ready to charge once more. .. However, they had no further opportunity to strike. Ji Chens patience with their performance had worn thin. He raised his arm and called out. The enchanting voice of Alice filled the air, causing the burrow lizards, with their physical defense but no resistance to spells, to freeze in place. Their attempt to coil their bodies was interrupted. Leaving their vulnerable underbellies exposed. Seizing this golden opportunity, the Murlocs swiftly hurled their tridents once again. No matter how powerful a creature may be, there are always weak points. The back of the Earth-drilling Dragon Lizard was covered with hard cuticles and scales, which were enough to withstand the damage of swords and sabers. However, its abdomen was very fragile, and it was only covered with a layer of soft skin. Even an average person wielding a sword could easily pierce through it. And the tridents of the murlocs, designed to tear through metal and rock, were even more formidable. In the blink of an eye, the tridents found their mark. With a muffled thud, the weapons penetrated their bodies. The trident stabbed into the Earth-drilling Dragon Lizards abdomen. The sharp tip of the trident almost completely sank into its body, crushing and tearing its soft internal organs. The trident flew back with a splash of blood. The tridents forcefully plunged into the underbellies of the burrow lizards, their sharp tips almost completely piercing their bodies, shredding and crushing their soft internal organs. The tridents were flung back, leaving a trail of blood in their wake. The triangular barbs on the trident tips caused secondary damage, enlarging the original wounds several times over. Shattered organs and blood flowed out like water. Such injuries brought swift death to the burrow lizards, nearly instantaneously. After a brief whimper, they became completely motionless, only sporadic unconscious twitching of their nerves remained. They were dead beyond measure. The Earth-drilling Dragon Lizards were either stabbed to death or killed by the Naga warriors who came after them. After the last one was cut into two by the Naga warrior. The notification of the end of the battle sounded. Ding C You have obtained a glorious victory. You have received 2800 experience points. Sea Pixie leveled up (56). After many days of fighting, the Sea Pixies had already reached Level 6. However, it was a level behind the Murlocs and Naga warriors. Ji Chen shook his head and let out a sigh, realizing how quickly the sea pixie had fallen behind, struggling to inflict significant damage on these Dragon Lizards. It seemed that he had to find a wave of resources to strengthen and upgrade the Sea Pixies. In terms of potential, the Sea Pixies were not bad. After all, it was magic damage. Just a noble mage profession, coupled with the characteristic of not needing food, was enough for him to spend some effort to cultivate. He looked at his experience bar. [Level 7 [88%/ioo%]] Yes, he was close to Level 8. Not just himself. Apart from the Sea Pixies, the experience bars of the other troops were also reaching the end of their level. He would probably be able to level up after one or two more battles. Before reaching level 10, leveling up was relatively easier. As the level increased, the required experience also grew, making it more challenging to level up. He set a small goal. Before setting sail on the pirate ship, he aimed to reach level 10! He once again checked the map. Confirming the absence of any hidden creatures, he ascended the altar and turned his gaze toward the treasure chest. [Unlocked Treasure Chest] [Level: 2 stars] [There seems to be something inside.] Without any hesitation, he opened it. Ding ~ You have obtained Murloc Ranger Recruiting Camp Core (Tier 2 5 Star) x2. The core of the recruitment camp for a tier 2 5-star soldier? And two! This was the first time he had obtained a military recruitment camp core from a treasure chest. Thinking back, the first treasure chest he obtained was the Resource Detection Tower Blueprint, the second was the Crown of Omniscience, and the third treasure chest was temporarily put on hold because he did not have the key. And this is the fourth treasure chest he encountered in the first place. His luck was pretty good. Ji Chen casually took out one of the cores and looked at the stats panel of the army. [Murloc Ranger] [Race: Murloc] [Level: 5] [Tier: 2, 5 stars] [Skill: Spine stab attack (blue skill, can use muscles to press the long spikes on the spine, causing them to shoot out)] Shallow Sea Cruise (Green Skill, Able to Enter Cruise State, Greatly Increases Swimming Speed) Scent Fracking (Green skill, extremely sensitive sense of smell, able to track enemies over long distances by relying on scent) [Military characteristic: conservative (will not leave the territory, has a strong sense of territory)] The second-tier 5-star units might not keep up with the strength of his first-tier units, but they were still considered decent troops. From their skills and characteristics, they were more suitable for guarding the territory. This meant that the Murloc Rangers could protect the territory, watch over the Kobold inhabitants, and patrol the islands. This would completely free up the pirates, allowing them to focus on their designated tasks. Satisfied, Ji Chen closed the panel and shifted his gaze to the altar beneath his feet. .. This altar was clearly not an ordinary object. Rather than saying there was an altar and a treasure chest, it was more accurate to say that the treasure chest was simply an accompanying gift to this altar. Looking again, at the edge of the altar stood twelve stone pillars, intricately carved with strange symbols and patterns. They appeared both ancient and exuded a sense of sacredness. The floor beneath his feet was also marked with orderly lines, forming a pattern resembling a magical array. It commanded respect and evoked a sense of awe in anyone who beheld it. [Hero Altar] [Level: Special] [Effect: After activation, it will randomly summon a blue outstanding hero with both aptitude and potential.] [Activation cost: 3000 units of Mithril, 3000 units of Crystal, 3000 units of Adamantine] [Remark: Self-destruct after activation] !!! He widened his eyes in astonishment. What a valuable find! It was an altar that could summon heroes! Whether it was a hero for battle or for governance, it didnt matter. As someone who had Alice, he understood the immense significance of having a Blue-Rank Excellent hero. One powerful hero could surpass a thousand soldiers. Perhaps it was an exaggeration, but there was no denying the tremendous advantages it would bring to the development of his territory. However, as he looked at the resource requirements for activation, he furrowed his brow. While 3000 units of Mithril was not a small amount, he could acquire that much from two mini Mithril mines in a short time. But the real challenge lay in the two advanced resources: Crystal and Fine Gold. Where could he possibly find such a large quantity of high-level resources? Was he supposed to go and snatch them? If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 54 - Chapter 54: Broken Warning Lighthouse Chapter 54: Broken Warning Lighthouse Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Snatch? Ji Chen hesitated for a moment, but then an idea struck him. After all, he had a legitimate pirate ship and a group of skilled pirates under his command, didnt he? Sending them on a plundering mission would be a return to their roots. Yes, this plan had potential However, until they acquired sufficient resources, the Hero Altar would have to remain dormant for the time being. Aside from the Hero Altar, there didnt seem to be anything else of note on this secondary island. .. They could always retrieve the bodies of the burrowing drakes when they returned. Ji Chen glanced at the sky and made his way back to the edge of the marshes with his army. Boarding the canoe, they set sail towards the second auxiliary island. Along the way, they encountered a few waves of attacks from sea creatures, but swiftly overcame them. Just as the final battle concluded before their island landing, Ji Chen achieved Level 8, surpassing Level 7. The Murloc, Naga Warrior, Sea Nymph, and Alice had all reached Level 8 as well. Level 10, the significant milestone in Lord of Glory, was now within their grasp. Upon reaching Level 10, players primary professions would transition from apprenticeship to official status, unlocking new skills and experiencing a substantial boost in individual combat prowess. By then, players themselves would also possess some combat prowess, ensuring they wouldnt be completely helpless when facing beheading tactics. The canoe drifted forward, riding the gentle ebb and flow of the waves. As they ventured further from the islands, the variety of sea creatures gradually increased. The farther they were from the islands and the mainland, the higher the frequency and quantity of encounters. One could imagine that once they were far away from the islands and the coastline, the number of sea creatures would instantly surge, including both small and large monsters. Without a sufficiently large and sturdy ship, the danger of venturing out to sea would multiply. This was one of the major challenges faced by most island-based territories during external expansion and exploration. Fortunately, through a fortuitous turn of events, Ji Chen had obtained a three-masted pirate ship, granting him the means to venture out to sea. After a little over ten minutes, the second auxiliary island came into view. Compared to the previous one, this auxiliary island was even smaller in size. It was roughly about one-thirtieth the size of the main island, with a lower elevation in the southeast and a higher elevation in the northwest. On the southeastern side, there was a vast expanse of coconut groves, with large coconuts hanging from the treetops, looking incredibly tempting. Heading in the northwest direction, the terrain gradually ascended, eventually forming a cliff that reached a height of thirty to forty meters. The waves crashed against the rocks at the base of the cliff, creating white foams that rose several meters high. Amidst the overgrown weeds on the cliff, there was a faintly visible site of a dilapidated building. Ji Chens eyes showed a hint of curiosity, but not much surprise. This was because the stone structures on the main island indicated that there was once a civilization on these archipelagos, albeit ages ago. Perhaps due to a disaster or other reasons, this civilization seemed to have vanished or departed. Most of the remnants had been eroded by the passage of time, with only a few architectural ruins offering faint traces of their existence. As for the indigenous tribes he had subjugated, judging from their architectural style and level of civilization, they seemed to be newcomers who arrived later. The probability was high that the crumbling building on the cliff was a remnant of that ancient civilization. Ji Chen had the canoe dock in a calm area and stepped ashore, arriving at the edge of the coconut grove. Looking at the large, ripe coconuts hanging from the treetops, his appetite was instantly aroused. He had always believed that an island landscape like this couldnt possibly be without the classic food item of coconuts. Today, he finally discovered them here. He was immediately filled with excitement and had the Murlocs shoot down a few coconuts with their tridents. Plap! Four or five coconuts fell to the ground. He picked up a suitable stone and forcefully smashed one open, revealing the milky white coconut water inside. With one gulp, the sweet and refreshing coconut water made him feel completely at ease. Ah, refreshing! This instantly lifted Ji Chens spirits, especially since he had been almost sick of eating only meat and seafood. After devouring three coconuts in a row and satisfying his craving, he continued on. He moved through the coconut grove, effortlessly taking care of a small group of monsters that lurked among the trees. Following the faintly visible stone steps carved by humans, he ascended to the top of the cliff. There, he saw the dilapidated building. Due to years of erosion from sea winds and salt, the structure was mostly in ruins, but the circular base hinted that it was probably a tower-like construction. Ji Chen pondered for a moment and attempted to access the information panel to see if he could gather any details. [Broken Warning Lighthouse] [Status]: Highly damaged [Effects]: ? Provides illumination and guidance? Establishes a connection with the territory after binding? Can provide warnings and detect the sea within a radius of ten nautical miles [The range of warning and detection depends on the size of the object] [Materials required for repair]: 10,000 units of stone, 5,000 units of clay, 1,000 units of crystal [A structure left behind by a certain civilization, capable of powerful detection when intact] A warning lighthouse? Ji Chen looked around at the surroundings and nodded in realization. This place was indeed suitable for building a lighthouse. However, its current condition matched its appearancehighly damaged to the point where none of its effects were functioning. The third effect piqued his interest. Detecting and warning within a radius of ten nautical miles of the sea. Ten nautical miles is roughly equivalent to 18.5 kilometers, covering a range of a circle with a diameter of 37 kilometers. In essence, if there were larger objects like merchant ships within the ten-nautical-mile distance, they would be detected. However, for smaller vessels like fishing boats, this range would be reduced, and they might only be detected within eight nautical miles. As for individuals, monsters, and other smaller objects, the distance would be even smaller. Looking at it from another perspective, this warning lighthouse was an upgraded, super-enhanced version of the Crown of Omniscience with expanded capabilities. He looked at the resources needed to repair it. Three resources were required: stone, clay, and crystal. He needed as many as 10,000 units of stones, but he only needed a week to gather them since he had several mines that could produce tens of thousands of stones every week. He needed 5000 units of clay. He had three small clay mines, so it was not a problem. Finally, there were 1000 units of crystals. High-level resource points could only be found by luck. It was the same as the Hero Altar. This early warning lighthouse could only be put on hold for the time being until the crystal was found. At this point, the exploration of the three sub-islands to the northwest was basically completed. Overall, the harvest was pretty good. Two military recruitment camps, thirty to forty Earth-drilling Dragon Lizards, a Hero Altar that could summon blue Excellent Heroes, and a repairable Warning Lighthouse Ruin. .. The Hero Altar was the biggest surprise of the day. Ji Chen looked at the sky. After a series of battles, it was already noon. The fierce sunlight shone down. The Murlocs and Nagas were a little tired from the sun. They were all classified as the species of aquatic and liked to stay in wet places. They rested for a moment. Carrying the Earth-drilling Dragon Lizards corpses, the group set off on their way back. On the way back, he also made a detour to the western coast of the main island to check on the progress of repairing the pirate ship. The remaining pirates said that it would take about three more days to complete the repairs, and then the ship would be ready for long voyages. He was looking forward to the moment when he could embark on his pirate king journey. But before that time, he needed to identify and eliminate all the destabilizing factors in the New Moon Archipelago. Otherwise, it would be quite ironic if his homeland was attacked while he was out at sea.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 55 - Chapter 55: Murloc Ranger, Beginner Stage Chapter 55: Murloc Ranger, Beginner Stage Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Returning to the territory, Jichen stood by the Murloc statue and the Fountain of the Sea Pixie, taking out the two recruitment cores of the Murloc Ranger. Using them together, he inserted both cores into the ground. After a moment, with a rumbling sound, two moss-covered stone arches emerged from the soil. The mottled stone surfaces exuded an ancient and primal aura. I Murloc Archway] [Rank]: Tier 2, 5 stars [ Recruitable Unit Type]: Murloc Ranger (Tier 2, 5 stars) .. [Weekly Recruitment Limit]: 21 [Current Recruitment Count]: 28 I Recruitment Cost |: 20 units of Wood, 20 units of Fiber, 20 units of Coarse Iron [Clickto Recruit] Wow, that was impressive. The initial recruitment offered 28 Murloc Rangers, and he could recruit 21 every week. That was quite a high production rate. But the more, the better. He needed a sufficient number to keep those Kobolds in check. Jichen glanced at the resource levels in the territory. There are still 1900 units of Coarse Iron and 2000 units of Fiber. Thanks to the diligent work of the Kobolds, the Wood stockpile has been accumulating rapidly. It hasnt been long since the last unit upgrade, but the accumulated quantity is already at 1200 units. All three resources are sufficient. Recruit. x2 Ding- Consuming 560 units of Wood, Fiber, and Coarse Iron each, recruiting 28 Murloc Rangers. x2 Both Murloc Archways were recruited simultaneously. Spending 1120 units of Wood, Fiber, and Coarse Iron in total, recruiting 56 Murloc Rangers. The silent Murloc Archway trembled slightly, and a shimmering water gate gradually formed at the arch. Then, the water surface rippled gently. Murloc Rangers, with spines on their backs and iron spears in their hands, walked out. Compared to the Shallow Sea Murlocs, these Murloc Rangers appeared more slender, lacking some of the strength. However, their backs were adorned with neatly arranged spine protrusions, each measuring over twenty centimeters even when exposed. Once they were all pressed and launched, it would be as terrifying as a rain of needles, piercing the enemies like a hedgehog. But one similarity with the Shallow Sea Murlocs remained. These Murloc Rangers were also noisy. Groagroa! Groagroagroa!! Hearing this, the nearby Shallow Sea Murlocs looked over in astonishment and began to make noise as well. Groa! Groagroagroa! Two different species of Murlocs were communicating excitedly. Hey, where are you guys from? Your bodies are so strong, its impressive. Its alright, big bro. The spikes on your back look pretty cool. It seems like you put a lot of effort into evolving them, right? Indeed Jichen felt like he was witnessing an encounter between two elementary school classes on a spring outing. It was incredibly noisy. So he directly launched a powerful attack and quickly dispatched the Murloc Rangers. He immediately sent them to the Kobold Caves and various resource points, replacing the stationed pirates. Watching the Murloc Rangers leave in formation, Jichen pondered for a moment and opened the territory panel. [Crown of the Ocean] [Overlord: Jichen] 1 Level: Level 2 village (250 prosperity points required to upgrade to the next level, 1250 units of wood, fiber, and clay consumed)] [Prosperity: 2472/250) [Popular sentiment: 72 (support)] [Citizens: Human (472 [410 natives)), Cave Miner (18), Kobold (640 [slaves))! [Territory buildings: Level 1 lords residence, simple residential houses (7), simple tool room (1), resource detection tower (1), simple dock (1), new residential houses (10)] [Occupy Resource Points: Level 1 crude iron mine (mini x2, small x2), Level 1 clay mine (small x3), Level 1 Bass Fish Farm (small xi), Level 1 quarry (small X3, medium xi), Level 2 copper mine (mini xi, small xi), Level 2 refined iron mine (mini xi, small xi), Level 3 Secret-Silver mine (mini x2)| [City defense works: None] [Military recruitment camp: Murloc statue (tier 3, 3 stars), Naga warrior recruitment camp (tier 3, 5 stars), sea pixie fountain (tier 2, 3 stars), Murloc arch (tier 2, 5 stars) x 2| [ Number of troops: Shallow Sea Murlocs (25), Naga Warriors (20), Elite Pirates (80), Sea Pixies (14), Murloc Ranger (56)) [Hero: Siren: Alice (blue excellent). Human: Panther (Aspiring-Hero) [Territory size: 200 x 200 (m)] [Resources: Wood (86 units), fiber (1240 units), stone (1010 units), clay (716 units), crude iron (680 units), star iron (40 units)] I Food Storage: Meat (23058 units)] [Territory Protection: Gift of the Sea (The subjects and soldiers can catch more fish in the sea, and their sense of direction and swimming in the sea will be greatly improved) I [Territory Specialties: Precious Jungle Wood (4-star specialty), Fine Coffee Bean (4-star specialty), Golden Bass (2-star specialty)) After this period of conquests, the attributes on the territory panel have undergone many changes compared to before. The Prosperity has surpassed the threshold of 2000 points. Each ordinary native contributes at least 1 point of Prosperity. With 410 people, that adds up to 410 points. As for each enslaved Kobold, they can only contribute half a point of Prosperity, which means 640 Kobolds have still added a significant 340 points. Therefore, it can be anticipated that many players, like him, will forcibly enslave other races to increase Prosperity. In addition to that, the newly occupied dozen resource points have also added a large amount of Prosperity. Particularly, the two Mithril mines are estimated to have added a three-digit number of points. He carefully browsed through the panel. A smile appeared on his face. During this time, he had accomplished quite a lot. His gaze shifted. The territory is currently at Level 2 Village. To upgrade it to Level 3 Village, he would need 250 points of Prosperity, in addition to 1250 units of Wood, Fiber, and Clay each. Compared to the upgrade from Level 1 to Level 2, the resources required have increased by 250 units each. From this, a bold speculation can be made. Upgrading from Level 3 Village to Level 4 Village required 1500 units of each resource, and from Level 4 to Level 5, it was 1750 units. So, to upgrade from Level 5 Village to Level 1 Town, it would have required 2000 units of each resource. After calculating, the total amount of Wood, Fiber, and Clay needed for the Ocean Crown to reach Level 1 Town was 5250 units. .. Jichen nodded to himself, having a clear understanding, and made a mental note to prioritize the territory upgrade in his schedule. The territory level not only significantly expanded the territorys range but also determined the types of buildings that could be constructed. In simple terms, a Village-level territory could only have Village-level buildings, such as basic dwellings and simple docks. Overall, the variety of constructible buildings was limited, and the additional effects they provided were quite modest. On the other hand, a Town-level territory allowed for the construction of Town-level buildings, such as harbors that accommodated medium and large-sized ships, blacksmith workshops, and various supporting facilities. At the Town level, the content of territory development gradually became more diverse. At that time, he was still in the beginner stage as a player.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 56 - Chapter 56: Sea Heir Chapter 56: Sea Heir Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Of course, players could also obtain building blueprints for construction through channels such as treasure chests and trading. A clamor of voices came. About ten villagers hurriedly ran back to the territory. Their faces showed some anxiety. Ji Chen remembered them. They were responsible for the fishing operations at the sea bass fishery. Had there been a problem over there? .. He walked over with his hands behind his back. What happened? Seeing him, the villagers seemed to have found their backbone and quickly saluted. My lord, there was a situation at the sea bass fishery. A group of monsters crawled out of the sea!1 Did anyone get injured or killed? No. They shook their heads. As soon as we saw those monsters, we immediately climbed ashore and escaped. Ji Chen nodded, relieved that no one had been injured or killed. But he had a thought and asked, What did those monsters look like? They were extremely bizarre! one of the villagers said fearfully. They were like flowers with legs, and there were terrifying spikes on their petal-like heads. Thats right, it was so scary. He narrowed his eyes. The kobolds had mentioned before that several years ago, powerful monsters attacked them. The slain kobolds were taken back to the sea as food. Those monsters were also described as walking flowers. It matched exactly with the villagers description. Wow. These monsters were treating this archipelago as their livestock farm. Every once in a while, when the lambs grew fat and strong, they would come here to harvest their food? But it all depended on the master when it came to dealing with dogs. Now that he had enslaved the kobolds, they served as an important labor force in the territory. Although they were at the lowest level, they were still a vital part of the territory. And now this archipelago was his territory. Could he allow these monsters to come and go as they pleased? With this thought in mind, Ji Chen furrowed his brows and quickly headed to the sea bass fishery with his army. To reach the scene as quickly as possible, they didnt follow the coastline but cut through the jungle along a newly opened path. After more than ten minutes, they arrived at their destination. On the mudflats. Lurking there were numerous monsters. He narrowed his eyes and took a closer look. Based on the descriptions from the kobolds and the villagers, he knew that the appearance of these monsters was extremely bizarre. However, he didnt expect them to be this grotesque. The lower half of their bodies consisted of dozens of intertwined tentacles, wriggling and leaving behind a trail of slime as they moved. On top was a head resembling a flower petal, with a long snout-like appendage that had a sharp spike inside it. The spike reflected an eerie color, indicating the presence of some toxin. Disgusting, absolutely disgusting. How could such abominations emerge in the ocean? He already felt a strong aversion towards them, wishing to eliminate them immediately. But Ji Chen chose to restrain himself for now. Being able to kill so many kobolds and treat this place as a livestock farm meant that these creatures possessed extraordinary strength. To be cautious, it was necessary to first assess their true capabilities. [Deep Sea Impalerl [Race]: Sea Heirs [Tier]: 2nd Tier, 9 stars [Skills 1: Spine Projection (Blue Skill: Able to launch highly penetrating spikes from its mouthpiece, capable of piercing through rocks) Neurotoxin (Green Skill: The spikes carried a potent neurotoxin that affected movement) [Unit Characteristics!: Hive Mind (Mental connection between individuals) Adaptive Evolution (Capable of continuously adapting to the environment and evolving towards advantageous directions) [Backbone Force in the Lower Sea Heirs] Despite having only two skills, its tier was remarkably high at 2nd Tier, with 9 stars. What was even more peculiar was that this sea heir creature had two-unit characteristics. Hive Mind Evolution A serious expression filled Ji Chens face, sensing that these creatures resembled a certain race. Not only were these monsters repulsive in appearance, but their inner qualities were also extraordinary. It seems we have to be cautious in dealing with these creatures Facing such eerie monsters, he maximized his caution. Turning back to Alice and the army, he spoke earnestly. When the battle begins, immediately use the Song of Temptation to control them, dont give them any chance to react. And dont let a single one escape. Eliminate them all on this mudflat, leave none behind! With that, Jichen squinted his eyes. In a low voice, he exhaled, Attack! As soon as the words left his mouth, the focused Alice gently opened her lips, and her resonating voice quickly spread across the entire mudflat. The Deep Sea Impalers squirming body trembled slightly, and then it instantly froze on the spot. When Ji Chen saw this, he waved his fist excitedly. Since the singing was effective, it would be much easier. The Murlocs suddenly threw out his trident. These Deep Sea Impalers looked disgusting and ferocious, but fortunately, their defense was not outstanding. Under the relentless assault of sharp tridents and impaling mouthparts, the Deep Sea Impalers met their demise. Their bodies were pierced, releasing a burst of green blood akin to puncturing a water-filled balloon. A pungent and sour odor filled the air. A horde of around two hundred Deep Sea Impalers had been lurking on the mudflat. Their sheer numbers and high tier made them formidable opponents, surpassing the ordinary 2nd Tier, 3-star Kobold Workers, and the 2nd Tier, 7-star Dragon Vein Kobolds. The intervention of Jichen prevented another wave of annihilation, sparing the grateful kobolds from their impending doom. The Deep Sea Impalers considered this island their livestock farm, feasting on the hapless kobolds until they grew fat and strong enough to be consumed. .. However, Ji Chen knew better than to underestimate them. These grotesque creatures possessed unique characteristics that set them apart. Their appearance was repulsive, with their lower bodies comprised of numerous intertwined tentacles, leaving behind a trail of viscous slime as they moved. On top of their bodies were petal-like heads, adorned with long proboscis-like mouthparts that housed sharp spikes. These spikes reflected an eerie sheen, hinting at the presence of potent toxins. Disgusted by their presence, Jichens aversion fueled his determination to eliminate them swiftly. But he exercised caution, knowing that creatures capable of slaughtering so many kobolds and treating this island as their personal grazing grounds must possess formidable power. To assess their strength and capabilities, Jichen ordered his forces to engage cautiously. He instructed Alice to use her mesmerizing songs to mesmerize and control the Deep Sea Impalers, depriving them of any chance to retaliate. Not a single one was to be spared; they were to be eradicated from the mudflat With his instructions given, Jichen narrowed his eyes and declared, Attack! Instantly, Alice, fully focused and absorbed in her task, parted her lips, and her enchanting voice resonated across the entire mudflat. Her alluring melody entranced the Deep Sea Impalers, rendering them vulnerable to the relentless barrage that followed. The battle ensued, and the Deep Sea Impalers fell victim to the combined might of Jichens forces. Their bodies were impaled by the sharp tridents of the Shallow Sea Murlocs and shredded by the bone blades of the Naga warriors. Green blood stained the weapons and the ground, giving the scene an eerie ambiance. The progress of the slaughter was swift and efficient. Faced with little resistance, the enemies were dispatched with ease. In just a few minutes, the once formidable horde of over two hundred Deep Sea Impalers was reduced to a mere handful. Ding- You have achieved a victory of great honor. You have gained 28,800 experience points, and your level has increased from 8 to 9. The Shallow Sea Murlocs, Naga Warriors, and Siren Hero: Alice has also leveled up from 8 to 9. The Sea Pixies have progressed from level 6 to 8. Ji Chens eyes widened slightly, and a surge of excitement coursed through him. The amount of experience points earned from slaying these Sea Heirs far exceeded his expectations. It was as if each of them was a living vessel of experience. He couldnt help but wonder: If he encountered a few more groups of such creatures, would he reach Level 10 in an instant? If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 57 - Chapter 57: Mysterious Girl Chapter 57: Mysterious Girl Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Arriving at the mudflat, corpses of the Deep Sea Impalers were scattered everywhere. Broken tentacles, withered petals, and shriveled mouthparts lay strewn across the ground. Large patches of green blood added to the sensory assault. Jichen furrowed his brow slightly. Despite being accustomed to the sight of death and bloodshed, this slightly nauseating scene made him feel somewhat uneasy. Especially the tentacles, they resembled something out of a Lovecraftian nightmare, sending shivers down his spine. He approached the corpse of a Deep Sea Impaler, crouching down to examine the spikes on its mouthparts. Perhaps because the host was already dead, the venom on the spikes seemed to have lost its potency, making them no different from ordinary spikes. He had initially thought of collecting them to use as concealed weapons, but now it seemed like a futile idea. Standing up, he surveyed the chaotic scene around him. Although he hadnt yet determined the composition of the Deep Sea Impalers bodies, his intuition told him that they were definitely not edible. After some thought, Ji Chen summoned the Shallow Sea Murlocs and pointed at the corpse. Do you guys eat this? The shallow sea Murlocs looked at it, and their dull faces revealed undisguised disdain. Alright, even the Murlocs didnt eat such things .. However, leaving them here unattended would be both repulsive and highly polluting to the environment. Jichen pondered for a moment. He instructed his troops to collect the corpses and remains of the Deep Sea Impalers, gathering them together for incineration to eliminate any traces. Watching the towering pile of carcasses before him, Jichen raised his torch and unhesitatingly threw it in. Soon, the corpses ignited fiercely. Within the flames, all impurities were being eradicated. Just as Jichen was admiring this volcano before him, the Naga warrior suddenly roared towards the sea. His heart skipped a beat. Could it be that more Deep Sea Impalers were approaching? He turned his head to look, but was left stunned. Emerging slowly from the seawater was a young girl wielding a massive sword. In terms of appearance, this girl, with her beautiful silver-gray long hair, was no less impressive than Alice. She wore a form-fitting black combat attire, with faint glimpses of intricate scales appearing on its surface. Beneath her battle skirt, a pair of fair and well-proportioned legs were revealed. Although not as slender and straight as Alices, the shape and size of her legs were just right. Not too plump, not too thinclearly someone who regularly exercised. In simple terms, those legs were worth a year of play. As Jichen hid behind his troops, enjoying the view with a gentlemanly gaze, the silver-haired girl glanced at the burning mound of corpses. A flicker of admiration flashed in her crimson eyes. Human, your approach is correct. Incineration is one of the most effective ways to deal with the Sea Heirs, she said. Jichen narrowed his eyes slightly. His alertness increased because the beautiful girl before him was not human at all! [Anina (Hero)) (Race): Deep Sea Dragon Whale [Level): 20 [Current Tier): Purple (Rare Tier) [Potential]: Red (HeritageTier) (Skills): War Intimidation (Purple Skill, can stun enemies for 1-10 seconds with a roar, the duration depends on the tier and level of the enemy) Dragon Whale Bloodline (Purple Skill, the bloodline grants a robust physique, resilience, endurance, and an 80% increase in strength) Slaughter Revival (Purple Skill, the combat power increases as the battle progresses, with a maximum increase of 50% combat power) Sea Current Blessing (Blue Skill, gains a boost in the ocean, increasing swimming speed by an additional 200% with the power of the water current) [Unit Attribute): Endurance in Battle (recovers stamina with each enemy killed) [ A deep sea dragon whale transformed into a humanoid form, but she seems to be troubled by something) A rare hero of purple tier! With a potential of red tier heritage. And a level as high as 20. These three pieces of data instantly made his breathing slightly erratic. Just this morning, he was marveling at the ability to summon blue-tier heroes at the Hero Altar. And now, before his eyes stood a living, breathing hero of purple rare tier. Her formidable purple skills were simply intimidating. And there was that gigantic sword, almost as tall as her, resembling a massive door panel. With a single strike, she could easily kill someone. Yet, she effortlessly carried it on her shoulder, seemingly without any effort. This damn thing was a giant whale disguised as a human! It was downright frightening. However, if he could recruit her wouldnt he gain another formidable and unstoppable general, capable of slaying enemies with ease? As for the fact that she wasnt human, well, he already had the adorable singing siren girl, Alice, so having one more powerful deep sea dragon whale girl wouldnt be a big problem. With that thought in mind, the look in Ji Chens eyes gradually grew passionate. His heart burned like the blazing mountain of corpses. He cleared his throat and spoke in a friendly tone. Do you know about these deep sea piercers the Sea Heirs? Anina furrowed her brows and nodded. Of course, the Sea Heirs are an extremely formidable enemy, known by all the marine intelligent races. Observing her grave expression, Ji Chen couldnt help but ask curiously, Their strength isnt that great, so why do you say that? Weak in strength? Thats only for their current state, Anina replied with a heavy tone, her gaze fixed on the burning mountain of corpses. The Sea Heirs have a desire to destroy living beings and possess a powerful ability to evolve and adapt. They can evolve into even more formidable beings through battle. As long as they are given the chance to adapt, you will witness Sea Heirs that are several times stronger than before. Ji Chen still didnt fully understand. But doesnt evolution take time? What if I told you that they can evolve in an extremely short period? Anina shook her head. As long as the main brain of a group of Sea Heirs isnt killed, they will quickly adapt to their enemies and develop abilities specifically targeting them. Perhaps within a few months, or maybe even within a month, they will come knocking on our doors again. Ji Chen was momentarily stunned. This damn thing was like a race similar to the Zerg, wasnt it? He didnt realize it earlier, but now, after being mentioned, it all became clear to him. Their ability to adapt and evolve in a short period of time. And their Hive thinking. Doesnt this mean that more Sea Heirs would have appeared in the future? With this thought, his face darkened. But then He thought about the battle just now. Didnt Alice control these Sea Heirs from the beginning with her Enchanting Song? Controlling them on a mental level was like occupying the bandwidth of a network. So, was it possible that these Sea Heirs hadnt had a chance to transmit the situation back, and the network had been completely cut off? Thinking about it, there was a good chance! Although contacting their main brain and realizing that over 200 Sea Heirs suddenly lost connection would have prompted them to send another batch. But the Sea Heirs sent over wouldnt have developed specific abilities. It was much better than sending a bunch of Sea Heirs with 100% mental resistance who completely ignored Alices singing. Bring it on, one wave at a time! If that was the case, there was no need to worry too much. Besides, he was a man with cheat-like abilities! Who knows, maybe his units would have evolved even faster than the Sea Heirs! If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 58 - Chapter 58: Little Whale, Swim into the Net Chapter 58: Little Whale, Swim into the Net Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation I understand but why did you come here? I came here to find something, replied Anina with a hint of distress. 1 have lost a very important item, and its last known location was in this sea area. So 1 followed the trail and ended up here, but this sea area is so vast Upon hearing this, Ji Chens face lit up with enthusiasm. 1 am the lord of this archipelago. You can describe the appearance of the item, and I can mobilize people to help you search for it. Mobilize people? Anina hesitated as she looked at the shallow sea Murlocs, Naga Warriors, and Sea Pixies beside her. She nodded slightly, reluctantly accepting the proposal. Although they were of inferior bloodlines, searching together increased the chances of finding the item compared to her searching alone. Its a sachet made of special leather, and it dries quickly when taken out of the water Ji Chens expression became somewhat peculiar. Did he catch something like that while fishing yesterday? .. Take a look. Is this it? He took out the mysterious accessory from his equipment slot. Aninas eyes brightened with joy. Yes, thats it! But why was it in your hands? I caught it from the sea yesterday The whale girl approached, carrying her giant sword, and reached out to take the accessory. She fastened it around her waist, pondered for a moment, and then continued speaking. Human, since you helped me find the accessory, I can do something for you. Whether its killing or other matters, as long as its within my abilities, I swear on the bloodline of the Deep Sea Whale. The whale girl effortlessly lifted the giant sword, as if lifting a wooden stick, and plunged it into the mud, with a large portion of the blade disappearing into the ground, surprising Ji Chen. She crossed her arms, wearing a proud expression. Anything you want? Such a good opportunity! Could she become my ahem, my subordinate? Of course, even though he thought that way, Ji Chen naturally wouldnt directly say it. He had to gradually conquer the mind of this muscle-headed girl. Help me with something? Ji Chen pondered for a moment and looked at her. I will be going on a journey in a few days, and the defense of the territory will become vulnerable. So, if possible, I would like you to stay and help me guard it for a while. Anina blinked her eyes, her gaze slightly puzzled, as if saying: Just that? For such a simple task, leave it to me, the whale girl patted her chest, speaking with confidence. 1 guarantee the safety of your territory. He smiled. That would be wonderful. With your assistance, I can rest assured. Indeed, the bloodline of the Deep Sea Whale is remarkable. Anina hummed lightly, a hint of satisfaction appearing on her lips. It seemed that she found his words quite pleasing. He noticed it too. Although this muscular girl possessed formidable strength, her temperament was not much different from that of an ordinary human girl. As if recalling something important, the whale girl hurriedly asked, Will 1 have food and accommodation here? He raised an eyebrow and chuckled. Of course, 1 will treat you with the etiquette befitting the most esteemed guest. You dont need to worry. The whale girl finally breathed a sigh of relief and patted her chest. Thats good to hear. Ji Chens gaze at this moment was somewhat nuanced. Why did she appear so excessively naive? It was as if she hadnt interacted much with humans or other intelligent beings. But if that was the case, it would be even easier to manipulate her. A blank sheet of paper is the easiest to color Ji Chen, accompanied by Anina, returned to the territory. He immediately called for Wilus. Prepare the best room for this esteemed guest immediately and ensure that food is delivered on time, Ji Chen instructed. In addition, assign two maids to be on standby at all times, with no room for any negligence. Wilus looked at Ji Chen with a serious expression, and they exchanged a knowing look. He quickly saluted and replied, Yes, I will make the arrangements accordingly. Satisfied with his response, Ji Chen nodded and turned his gaze towards Anina. If you have any other needs, feel free to inform the maids or Wilus, he said. You can also come directly to me, and 1 will do my best to fulfill your requests. Under these arrangements, the innocent whale girl seemed a little embarrassed, her face slightly flushed as she nodded. I understand. As Wilus led Anina to her accommodation, Ji Chens lips curled into a smile. Little whale, swim into my net obediently. The next day, Ji Chen arrived at the wild coffee tree. The fenced area surrounding the coffee tree was now filled with ripe coffee beans. Each bean was vibrant red and plump, hanging from the branches, ready to be harvested. [Fine Coffee Tree] [Level: Special] [Status: Mature] [Usage: Generates 4-star specialty premium coffee beans] [Effect: Consuming and using premium coffee beans can greatly increase the speed of mana recovery. Long-term can slowly increase the upper limit of mana.] [Production: 2units/week] [Current Receivable: 2 units] There were a total of twenty-five wild coffee trees, and this time they yielded a total of 50 units of premium coffee beans. It was a bountiful harvest. In addition to the premium coffee beans, there was also a significant yield of the other two specialties. Especially the precious jungle wood, which had accumulated in large quantities as they cleared ordinary trees. The warehouse was filled with stacks of jungle wood, enough to fill half of the cargo hold of a two-masted merchant ship. By the time Raymond returned, it was unlikely that even a two-masted merchant ship would be enough to hold all the wood. Ji Chen planned to sell a batch of precious jungle wood to obtain the necessary resources for the territory. Afterward, he would gradually reduce the production. After all, rarity commanded value. If there was an excessive supply in the market, the prices would likely decrease. By tightly controlling the output, he could sell at the best prices. After all, only the indigenous nobles valued such commodities. Moreover, it was important to note that the jungle wood on the island was not infinite. Excessive logging would deplete the resources. One mustnt kill the chicken that lays the golden eggs, or there would be no more eggs to enjoy in the future. However, in the future, we should have also tried to seek out more specialties. This would have diversified the output of the territory and allowed us to continuously exchange resources from the outside world In addition, once the territory had upgraded to a town level, we could have started developing advanced products. We shouldnt have just sold raw materials; we needed to have added value and extended the industry chain. For example, turning the jungle wood into furniture, jewelry, and other processed products, processing the premium coffee beans into coffee powder, creating coffee sachets, or even producing magical potions This way, we could have maximized the value of our specialties and earned more money and resources The more Ji Chen thought about it, the more he believed that this was the future development direction of the territory. It might have seemed simple to think about, but in reality, the difficulty would not have been small at all. Especially on such a relatively isolated island, the difficulty would have increased several times over. Talents, resources, transportation, channels. These were all mountains that would have needed to be overcome. He couldnt have helped but sigh. The task was arduous and the road was long.. .. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 59 - Chapter 59: The Secret Stories of Sirens Chapter 59: The Secret Stories of Sirens Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After this round of maturity, the coffee tree would need a week to bear fruit again. However, the territorys unique building, the forest plantation, could increase production. He looked at its construction price. 1000 units of wood and stone resources. The stones were easy to deal with, as they were available now. As for woods, he had used up all of them after recruiting a wave of Kobolds and Rangers yesterday. However, with more than a hundred Kobolds working at full speed, the wood accumulation speed was still quite fast. The Kobolds could cut down about 7 to 8 units of wood or collect 10 to 12 units of fiber in a day. 1000 units of wood. Over 100 Kobolds would only need a day to gather them. Very stable! Back in front of the lords manor. Ji Chen began to gather the army. On the last day of the week, they explored the three sub-islands in the northeast. In this case, only the mountain peaks in the entire archipelago had not been visited, and they would be placed at the finale. He had a feeling that he would encounter some very powerful enemies on the mountain peak. With the current strength of the army, it might be a little difficult to deal with them. Therefore, it was better for him to obediently finish the last three sub-islands and increase his strength before heading there. He was about to leave with his army. Anina walked out from the side of the house, rubbing her eyes as she asked curiously. Where are you going? Were going to the wild to hunt monsters. Ji Chen smiled. Anina, did you rest well last night? Is there a place where we can receive you? No, 1 rested well. Anina shook her head. But there was one thing she didnt say. This was the first time she had slept on such a comfortable and soft bed. In the past, she had always slept directly on the beach of a deserted island Moreover, the food here was also very delicious. It was the best food she had eaten in the past ten years. Youre going to kill monsters? Then Ill go with you. But you are a guest Its okay. When you said that you wanted to protect the territory yesterday, you also meant to protect yourself. Anina waved her hand casually. Ji Chen hesitated, but when he saw the anticipation on her face, he nodded. It just so happened that he also wanted to see the strength of a Purple Rare Hero. However, he suddenly felt a grip on his arm. He looked down and saw Alice hugging his right arm tightly. She was looking at Anina with a slightly hostile look in her eyes. Was this child jealous? Ji Chen didnt know whether to laugh or cry. He patted the little Sirens head and comforted her. However, Aninas attention was also attracted by Alice. Her red eyes were filled with curiosity. She had noticed this beautiful girl with fins on her ears yesterday. What race is she from? Alice is a Siren. So, shes a Siren What? The Dragon Whale girls mouth opened wide. Her eyes were filled with surprise. Her face, which had a little baby fat, puffed up. She looked very cute. Ji Chen was curious about her reaction, so he asked her why. Anina took a while to recover and explained with a complicated look in her eyes. The Sirens are an extremely rare race in the sea. Their numbers are basically no more than two digits. They are born with the ability to bewitch the mind and control living creatures, so they are not very popular with other races. Moreover, there are rumors in the ocean that once you are entangled with or close to the Siren, you will encounter endless misfortune But now, such a young Siren is actually beside a human like you. Thats why Im so surprised. The population of the tribe does not exceed two digits? So rare? Ji Chen was surprised. What kind of luck was it that he managed to fish Alice out of the sea? Bewitching the mind Could it be Alices Song of Temptation? But the effect of the song did not seem to have reached the level of bewitching Could it be that she only possesses this ability after fully maturing? And what misfortune Alice has been here for so many days. He was more inclined to believe that this was just a rumor about three people becoming a tiger. Soon, he shook his head and said with a firm gaze. I dont believe this rumor. No matter what, Alice is already a part of the territory. This is her home. Upon hearing Ji Chens words, Alice hugged him even tighter and rested her head on his shoulder. There was a hint of pride in her eyes as he looked at Anina. As you wish, dont blame me for not reminding you when the time comes. The Dragon Whale girl said with a nonchalant expression. However, when she looked at Alice, a hint of envy appeared in her eyes. Home. A distant and unfamiliar word Alright, lets set off now. Ji Chen, who hadnt noticed the Dragon Whale girls strange behavior, waved his arm and led everyone away. Soon, they arrived at the beach where they had met Anina yesterday. That mountain of corpses made from Sea Heirs corpses was burned to ashes, leaving behind a much smaller pile of ash. As the sea breeze peeled away layer by layer, the ashes flew and scattered everywhere, becoming fertilizer for the trees and weeds. Without lingering there, they continued to move forward along the beach. Heading towards the northeast. The terrain on the left changed from a gentle jungle to a steep cliff. On the cliff that was dozens of meters high, many birds were building their nests in the cracks. After walking all the way, they gradually saw the three sub-islands in the northeast. The reason why Ji Chen didnt borrow a canoe from the natives was simple. The sea receded during the day, and the water level dropped. A very long and narrow tidal flat would be exposed on the sea between the main island and the northeast island. At this time, even if they did not use a boat, they could easily walk over with their feet. Walking on this tidal flat, the clear blue water on both sides gave him a wonderful feeling. Speaking of which, the scenery of this archipelago was quite good. There were giant forests that were hundreds of meters tall, primitive jungles, rugged and complex caves, mountain peaks that reached into the clouds, white sandy beaches that stretched for ten miles, and this marvelous tidal flat in the sea. Ji Chen couldnt help but inwardly sigh. If this world could develop tourism, wouldnt 1 become rich? After passing through the tidal flat, the group arrived at the first sub-island in the northeast. Unlike the northwestern sub-islands, the three northeastern sub-islands had many traces of civilization. The ruins of buildings were hidden in the dense vegetation, giving off a desolate look. He could vaguely see the ruins of city walls and towers. Could this have once been a military facility? Ji Chen pondered for a moment, then waved his hand and led the army in. On the Omniscience map, a large number of red dots were already displayed in the ruins. However, the enemies were a bit different from what he expected. [Skeleton Monster] [Race: Undead] [Level: 1] [Tier: 1,1 star] [Skill: Undead Body (White skill, immune to most curses, poisons, and other negative effects)] Revival (White skill, can repair oneself by piecing together white bones) [Military characteristic: Fearless (does not know what fear and death are)] [The lowest level of monsters among the undead] If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 60 - Chapter 60: Returning to the Beginner’s Village Chapter 60: Returning to the Beginners Village Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation A group of skeletons, holding broken swords and rusty blades, their bodies covered in sea salt, were wandering amidst the ruins. The flickering flame of their hollow eye sockets swayed unpredictably. Ji Chen, upon seeing them, couldnt help but pause for a moment. His expression became somewhat peculiar. How should he put it He hadnt encountered such weak enemies in a long time. Seeing these skeletons gave him a feeling similar to returning to the Beginners Village and encountering beginner monsters. It was somewhat nostalgic. A thought sparked in Ji Chens mind, igniting his personal interest in taking action. Previously, he would let his troops handle killing the enemies, and he rarely needed to personally intervene. But now, with such weak skeleton monsters appearing, why not use them to practice his own skills? With this in mind, he waved his hand, signaling the army to stop, intending to take matters into his own hands. A swift and agile figure darted out by his side. It was Anina. The Dragon Whale girl was seen wielding a massive sword that resembled a door panel, eagerly charging into the midst of the skeleton horde. The enormous sword swung. The skeleton monsters were shattered as if struck by a fully loaded truck, disintegrating before they could even fly away. Alternatively, they were smashed into a pile of shattered bones, completely unrecognizable, with their remains embedded in the soil. It could be described as brutal. Right before Ji Chens eyes. The little skeletons endured a level of pain that they shouldnt have experienced. Skeleton Monster mocked, You, a level 20 Purple Rare Hero, are attacking me, a Tier 1, 1-star little skeleton? Youve lost all dignity! Several minutes later. Seeing the emptiness surrounding him, not a single standing skeleton monster remained. Anina returned with a satisfied expression on her face, muttering that they had all fallen before she even had a chance to warm up. Ji Chen looked around at the scene resembling the aftermath of a tornado, and his eyelids twitched. This Dragon Whale girl was so terrifying! Seeing the abundance of skeletons present here, he became more alert. Skeletons, as undead creatures, could arise naturally or be summoned by entities such as necromancers. Regardless of the method, there was always a cause for their existence. Therefore, there might be a source of mutation deep within the ruins. Lets continue forward. Ji Chen nodded towards Alice and Anina, leading the army to advance. Along the way, they disturbed many dormant skeletons within the ruins. In addition to humanoid forms, there were also numerous amphibious marine monster skeletons with strange and bizarre shapes. Overall, their strength was slightly higher than the humanoid skeletons. However, in the face of their formidable army, this elite force, they were as futile as a mantis trying to stop a chariot. As many died as came. Ding- You have gained 280 experience points Ding- You have gained 320 experience points Although the experience granted wasnt much, even the smallest mosquito leg is still meat. It made the experience bar move slightly forward. When they passed through what appeared to be the remnants of a city gate, a clear view opened up before them. It was a place that resembled a training ground. Ruins of city walls and towers surrounded themmostly eroded by the sea breeze, leaving only two to three meters of foundation. Ji Chen speculated that when intact, the city walls here were at least six to seven meters high. And at regular intervals along the walls were corner towers or watchtowers, closely monitoring the surroundings. They were built along the coastline, with some parts extending into the shallower sea waters. However, what puzzled him greatly was why a certain civilization that once inhabited this place went to such great lengths to build a city wall around the coastline? The ocean lay outside the city wall. Could it be that there were enemies lurking in the depths of the sea? Ji Chen thought it was highly probable. But he didnt delve too deeply into the thought. This civilization had vanished ages ago, likely along with its enemies, disappearing into the river of time. Returning to his senses, he looked towards the training ground. It was filled with densely packed skeletons, presenting a pale and dismal sight. Various types of skeleton monsters. Two-legged, four-legged, and even three-legged ones, numbering in the thousands. Among these ordinary skeletons, there were some that stood out from the rest. Their bodies were not white, but rather pitch black, shimmering with a metallic texture. Eerie green flames flickered in their eye sockets, and although they lacked swords or blades, their claw-like appendages, as sharp as metal, were sufficient as weapons. A clear space surrounded them, and the white skeletons dared not approach them. [Black Skeleton] [Race: Undead] [Level: 10] [Tier: 3,1 star] [Skill: Undead Body (Blue skill, immune to most curses, poisons, and other negative effects, defense increased by 50%)] Corpse Poison Curse (Blue skill, the corpse poison attached to the claws can infect the enemy, causing the attributes to decrease by up to 20% over time) Revival (Green skill, can repair oneself by piecing together white bones) [Military characteristic: Fearless (does not know what fear and death are)] [When infected by something, defense will be strengthened] Good heavens, he had jumped from a white skeleton to a black skeleton. If he was not careful, he might really be caught off guard. Tier 3,1 starIt was 4 stars lower than a Tier 3 5-star Naga Warrior. However, at a glance, there were more than a hundred of them. Together with a large number of ordinary white skeletons It looked like this was going to be a tough battle. Other than these skeleton monsters, he also saw a box on the ruins of the city wall. Could it be another treasure chest? Ji Chen focused. [Medium Resource Box] [Effect: After activation, 3000 units of wood, fiber, stone, clay, and coarse iron will be obtained.] 3000 units are equivalent to the production of a small resource point for a week and a half. Thats quite valuable. But in order to unlock this resource chest, we must first deal with this group of skeletons. Ji Chen looked around, observing the environment. They were currently in a ruined city gate area, about ten meters wide, with remnants of walls on both sides measuring two to three meters in height. By establishing a defensive line of more than ten meters in this narrow passage, they could hold off the skeletons charge with a one-man-for-the-pass approach. Skeletons, in general, werent very bright creatures. Even if there were other ways around nearby, they would only recognize a direct attack. After devising a strategy, Ji Chen began to calmly command his army. Using the remnants of the walls on both sides, they constructed a defensive line. IWenty Naga warriors formed the front line, twenty-five shallow sea Murlocs climbed the remnants of the walls on both sides and fourteen sea pixies floated in the rear. The setup was complete. Ji Chen waved his arm, signaling the Murlocs to throw the first wave of tridents, drawing aggro. Ding- You have alerted a large number of skeleton monsters Allied morale is at 55 points. Although they were at a significant numerical disadvantage, their levels and tiers gave them an advantageous position. The group of skeletons was immediately alarmed and swarmed over like a tide, accompanied by the sound of bones rubbing against each other. All he could see were pale white skeletons mixed with some black. The Shallow Sea Murlocs took advantage of the distance and kept throwing tridents. The power of the trident was like that of a city-guarding crossbow. Every time it was thrown, it could pierce through three or four skeletons. The Sea Pixies also swung their staves, causing violent explosions that reduced the skeletons to powder and bone fragments. However, the gaps created by their attacks were immediately filled. It had no effect in delaying the enemys advance. The numerical advantage of the skeleton army was evident. The Naga warriors stared at the enemies before them, their eyes gleaming with bloodlust. With each swing of their weapons, they took down several skeletons. One acted as the tank, another as the physical ranged attacker, and the third as the spellcaster. The three units complemented each other in their coordinated efforts. The efficiency of their kills was extremely high, with each wave of attacks taking out a group of skeletons. The narrow city gate and the remnants of the walls prevented the skeleton horde from fully utilizing their numerical advantage. They could only squeeze in and be cut down by the Naga warriors. It was like walking into a meat grinder. The skeleton horde was being gradually diminished, layer by layer, like peeling an onion. Seeing this, Ji Chen nodded in approval, but then caught a glimpse of Anina next to him, eager to join the action. He immediately dissuaded her, saying, Well take care of these little skeletons, you dont need to intervene. Um, alright. Just let me know if you need any help, replied the Dragon Whale girl with a slightly disappointed expression on her face.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 61 - Chapter 61: Anina’s Journey Chapter 61: Aninas Journey Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After the first wave of white skeletons was killed, a wave of black skeletons crowded in front of the defense line. Compared to the white skeletons, the black skeletons had sturdier bodies. When the tridents and bone blades struck them, it produced a harsh metallic clash. With a single blow, several ribs of the dark skeletal bodies were shattered. However, there was no significant structural damage as a whole, showing their resilience. The black skeletons, upon being attacked, had the flickering soul flames in their eye sockets violently shaking, and their bone hands fiercely clawed out. Scratch The claws clashed intensely with the scales of the Naga warriors, leaving visible white marks. Although the attack didnt break through their defense, after dozens of relentless and painless frenzied attacks in succession, the Naga warriors scales were slightly pierced, oozing a hint of blood. And with the opening, the corpse poison took advantage of the opportunity to invade. Ding- Naga warrior infected with corpse poison. Attributes reduced by 5%, the effect will strengthen over time. Corpse poison infection. The longer it lasted, the stronger the reduction effect. The longer it dragged on, the more disadvantageous it would be for them. Ji Chen narrowed his eyes. It seemed like they needed to resolve this quickly. He looked towards Anina, who was already rubbing her fists in anticipation, unable to contain her eagerness. With a faint smile, he said, Then Ill leave it to you. The Dragon Whale girls eyes instantly brightened, leaving with a Leave it to me and charging forward with her massive sword. Like a war machine, she directly plowed into the midst of the skeleton horde, sending several skeletons flying high into the air. Aninas actions revealed to him: If the Naga warrior couldnt handle it, she would take over. Facing the stronger black skeletons, her strength was more visibly demonstrated. With a single blow, the Naga warrior could only break a few ribs of the black skeletons. Under the mighty swing of Aninas massive sword, it felt as if they were being struck by drilling impacts. The majority of the skeletons shattered instantly, while the remaining bodies flew out as if defying gravity. As for the white skeletons, it was needless to say. They fell like harvested wheat, one after another. The efficiency of the slaughter was extremely high. In a trance, it seemed as if Ji Chen saw a giant whale twisting its colossal body, each strike carrying an immense force. However, after watching for a while, Ji Chen suddenly sensed something was amiss. How come they had killed so many skeletons, but their numbers hadnt diminished in the slightest? They had even increased slightly. He immediately opened the map. Soon, he discovered the clue. On the map, a large number of red dots were continuously appearing in the northeast direction, pouring in from another city gate ruins. The northeast direction led to the second secondary island. It seemed that these three secondary islands had been completely occupied by the skeletons. In that case, he would follow this direction today and attempt to clear the way. Boom- Under the fierce participation of the Dragon Whale girl, waves of incoming skeletons fell. One hour later. Finally, no more skeletons appeared. The ground was covered with a thick layer of white bones. Stepping on it, one would at least crush the bones belonging to five skeletons. Ding- You have achieved a victory filled with honor. You have gained 7,200 experience points Ji Chen let out a slight sigh of relief. The sheer force of the undead armys numbers proved to be formidable. If it werent for Aninas presence, Ji Chen would have expended considerable effort in dealing with them. Anina stood tall, wielding her colossal sword, without a trace of exhaustion on her face. She exuded confidence and proclaimed, These skeletons are far too weak. They barely serve as a warm-up for me. You truly are extraordinary, Anina. Facing a thousand enemies would be a mere triviality for you, Ji Chen praised, engaging in some well-deserved flattery. An amused smile played across Ji Chens lips as he observed the scene. Anina was certainly easy to handle Curiosity piqued, Ji Chen decided to ask a question that had been lingering in his mind. You always mention being a Dragon Whale, but I havent seen any of your family or fellow creatures around. Where are they? Upon hearing this, Aninas countenance suddenly darkened, her mood shifting. Ever since my mother sacrificed herself to protect me, I havent encountered any other Deep Sea Whales. I call out to them, but the ocean remains silent, devoid of any response Ji Chens brows furrowed as he realized the implications. Whales are known to be highly social animals, rarely seen alone. Anina must have endured a prolonged period of solitude, burdened by her loneliness. Just as Ji Chen contemplated how to console her, Alice stepped forward and, to Aninas surprise, enveloped her in a gentle embrace. With tender strokes on her head, Alice uttered comforting words, You poor child, from now on, I am your kin, and this place shall be your home. Alices heartfelt gesture was truly remarkablea magnificent assist! Overwhelmed by the unexpected display of affection, Anina quickly extricated herself from the embrace, her face flushed with a mixture of confusion and concern. She struggled to find words and exclaimed, Who, who said youre the same as me? Youre a Siren, and Im a Dragon Whale. We have nothing in common! Alice maintained a expressionless face and replied, Those who are conflicted are often not well-liked. What do you mean conflicted? Explain yourself! Seizing the opportunity, Ji Chen swiftly intervened, Its time to move on. Lets continue forward. Anina turned her head away without uttering another word, but her trembling arms revealed her inner turmoil. Ji Chen shook his head, stepping over the scattered white bones to approach the resource chest. He casually opened it. Ding- You have unlocked a medium-sized resource chest. Obtained 3000 units of each basic resource. After a brief rest, they resumed their journey. They departed through another ruined city gate, realizing that this cluster of buildings was a large-scale facility rather than just a single city. Beyond the city gate, they were greeted by a stretch of ruined city walls and towers that extended along the islands path. Not long after leaving the training ground, they encountered another formidable wave of skeletons. Once again, they emerged from the northeast. This time, even more powerful skeleton creatures appeared. Skeleton hounds with four legs and eerie blue flames were swiftly and agilely charging toward them. Ji Chen quickly realized the gravity of the situation and shouted, Form up and brace for the attack! [Netherfire Skeleton Hound] [Race: Undead] [Level: 11] [Tier: 3, 3 stars] [Skill: Undead Body (Blue skill, immune to most curses, poisons, and other negative effects, speed increased by 30%)] Corpse Poison Curse (Blue skill, the corpse poison attached to the claws can infect the enemy, causing the attributes to decrease by up to 20% over time) Revival (White skill, can repair oneself by piecing together white bones) [Military characteristic: Fearless (does not know what fear and death are)] [When infected by something, the speed has increased.] Each subsequent undead creature they encountered proved to be more formidable than the last. The previous black skeletons were only Tier 3,1-star, but the current spectral fire skeleton hounds were already Tier 3, 3-star. Could there be even stronger ones deeper inside? These subsidiary islands were definitely not ordinary. Something must have happened! Ji Chens mind raced with anticipation and caution as they ventured further into the islands.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 62 - Chapter 62: Four Chapter 62: Four-Dimensional Stomach Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the blink of an eye, the sea of skeletons surged forward once again. Ji Chen clenched his teeth. Shallow Sea Murlocs, throw at those Skeletal Hounds! Behind him, a volley of tridents was launched, soaring through the air. The fiery-eyed Skeletal Hounds flickered with flames and swiftly evaded, using the remnants of the buildings to flank and launch their attack from the side. Only about six or seven of them were caught off guard and impaled by the tridents, pinned to the ground. However, there were still fifty or sixty more Skeletal Hounds relentlessly approaching! Considering the performance of the Black Skeletons, the attacking capabilities of these hounds were certainly not to be underestimated. They couldnt allow them to reach their position! Ji Chen urgently called out to Alice, Stop them! The Siren nodded earnestly and quickly cast her spell. The power of her singing remained as formidable as ever. All the skeletons were instantly under control. Concentrate fire! Take down the Skeletal Hounds first! Upon hearing this command, both the Sea Nymphs and the Shallow Sea Murlocs redirected their attacks towards the Skeletal Hounds. These creatures had mediocre defenses, typical of high-damage, low-defense monsters. Even the Sea Pixes were capable of inflicting significant damage upon them. Once all the Skeletal Hounds were eliminated, Ji Chen instructed Alice to halt and conserve her mana. He ordered the units to engage the remaining skeletons. After half an hour, the wave of thousands of skeletons had finally been completely cleared. However, at this point, even the sturdy Naga Warriors were starting to feel the strain, panting for breath. Only Anina, with her exaggerated unit characteristics, had a slight glisten of sweat as if she had just completed a light jog. [Unit Trait]: Battle Endurance (Restores stamina for every enemy killed) As long as she could kill enemies, she could sustain her stamina indefinitely. Dealing with the countless skeletons, who served as mere cannon fodder, was like a walk in the park for Anina. At this moment, Anina also realized that something was amiss. Are there too many skeletons here? Its as if theres a nest continuously producing them, she remarked. Ji Chens gaze hardened as he shook his head firmly. Regardless, we must eliminate all these skeletons here. We cannot let them leave this place. He couldnt help but feel a sense of unease. With such a large number of skeletons, they should have easily made their way to the main island through the marshes. Yet, they all seemed to have converged here, as if waiting for something. Something was off. Very off! After a brief respite, they continued their advance. Having defeated several waves of skeletons, they traversed through a forest and wreckage of buildings, revealing a clear view ahead. They arrived at the beach. Looking around, they were at the other end of the first subsidiary island. Not far ahead, there was another narrow marsh extending towards the second subsidiary island in the distance. Upon closer inspection, Ji Chens eyelids twitched. On the second subsidiary island, skeletons were tightly packed together, shoulder to shoulder, heads colliding. The density was extremely high, and at a rough estimate, there were at least thousands of them. In addition to the common white skeletons, there were also significant numbers of black skeletons and skeletal hounds. He even spotted new variations. Skeletons wielding bone staffs skeletal birds perched on treetops He couldnt help but curse inwardly. These few small islands couldnt possibly support the birth of so many skeletons. Where on earth did all these skeletons come from? After a faint sigh. With a hint of unwillingness, he waved his hand, signaling the others to retreat. The number of skeletons was not something they could handle now. Even if Anina was willing to help, he didnt want to take too many risks. Who knew if there were even more powerful undead inside? Coincidentally, they were about to enter the next week. Not only could he harvest resources from the resource points, but the recruitment camp for units would also refresh. He could recruit more troops and increase their numbers before confronting these skeletons again. Returning to the main island, a small team of ten Shallow Sea Murlocs was left behind to monitor the movements of the skeletons. The rest of the units returned to their territory. On the way back, Anina kept muttering why they didnt charge straight through Ji Chen simply smiled and shook his head. Perhaps this Dragon Whale girl could rely on her unit traits and overwhelming strength to enter and leave the skeleton horde unscathed. But that didnt mean they could do the same. With such a large number of skeletons, their meager forces would soon be overwhelmed. He now realized that even a mighty warrior like Anina would grow tired after swinging her bone blades hundreds of times. And as sharp as the tridents of the Shallow Sea Murlocs were, piercing through four or five skeletons in one strike was already their limit. The efficiency of killing was limited. Until their own units reached a sufficient scale in numbers, when dealing with a sea of skeletons like this, widespread AoE attacks would be more effective. At the moment, the only unit with any connection to AoE attacks was the Sea Pixes. After collecting the resources tomorrow, I will strengthen the Sea Pixies again He retracted his thoughts. When he returned to his territory, Ji Chen saw a group of newly migrated natives. Under Wilus lead, they were being assigned houses. He shouted loudly for this dedicated middle-aged man to come over. Which batch of natives migrated here? How many batches of native people have migrated here? Wilus quickly answered, My Lord, this is the third batch. Currently, a quarter of the native people have migrated to the territory. How well have they integrated with the original residents? Very smoothly, My Lord. The native people are eager for exquisite food, proper clothing, and well-preserved dwellings. The original residents also remarked on the increased liveliness and popularity of the territory. They are all singing praises of your generosity and kindness, My Lord. It seemed that there were no issues of mutual exclusion between the two groups, which was exactly what he hoped to see. Ji Chen pondered for a moment. Try to allocate the migrated native people to the cultivation of sea rice as much as possible. They are experienced in this area and it is currently the most important task in the territory. 1 understand, Wilus nodded. My Lord, I have something to report. Hmm? What is it? Its about the guest with the giant sword. Ji Chen glanced sideways and looked at Anina, who was standing with Alice in the distance. Wiluss face showed a hint of surprise. That guest seems to have a large appetite. What does that matter? Ji Chen waved his hand dismissively. Let her eat whatever she wants. Even if her appetite was big, so what? With such a vast territory, could they not afford to feed one person no, a single whale? But she consumed the amount of food that would feed thirty people in one meal! What? The amount for thirty people? Ji Chen was taken aback. And she said she was only half-full Thirty peoples worth of food and still only half-full it was simply terrifying. He recalled Aninas flat stomach, finding it hard to imagine how such a small belly could accommodate so much food. Could it be a fourth-dimensional stomach? As a whale, her true nature was not in vain. Even in human form, her appetite was truly astounding.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 63 - Chapter 63: Pure Water Sea Pixie Chapter 63: Pure Water Sea Pixie Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The time came to the third week. Ding- The recruitment camp has refreshed and recruitment is available. Hahaha, Im back as Hu Han San! Most of my troops died last week, and with only a few soldiers left, 1 could only tremble in the territory. Lets recruit a new batch of troops and continue our adventures! But recruiting too many soldiers isnt a good thing either. It consumes food at a faster rate. Let me check how much food I have left Oh no, well run out of food tomorrow. Our undead troops dont need any food, they only require provisions for the inhabitants. However, those native settlements seem to despise the undead. They wont allow me to bring them in. What should I do I finally completed a mission for a native noble and obtained a sailboat! Im going to become the Pirate King! How big is the boat? Well, its about six to seven meters Are you kidding me with a boat that small? You dare to become the Pirate King? The waves in the Central Ocean are no joke. Watching the players boasting in the chat channel, Jichen leisurely finished breakfast. He led his army and calmly headed to each resource point to collect the resources accumulated over the past week. Two small crude iron mines and two micro crude iron mines. One micro mine operated for a full week, while the others only operated for four days. A total of 3500 units of crude iron were harvested. Three small clay mines. One operated for a full week, while the other two operated for four days. A total of 4500 units of clay were harvested. One medium-sized stone quarry and three small stone quarries. One small quarry operated for three days, while the others operated for four days. A total of 8100 units of stone were harvested. Two micro mithril mines. One operated for a week, while the other operated for four days. A total of 1100 units of mithril were harvested. Currently, he had the following resources: Wood (4600 units) Fibers (5400 units) Stone (12110 units) Clay (8216 units) Iron (7180 units) Mithril (1100 units) The inventory was unprecedentedly abundant. Other than the stones and clay obtained from the resource points. There were also more than a hundred Kobolds logging and collecting wood day and night, working 16 hours a day. This allowed the wood and fiber resources to accumulate very quickly. In just over a day, they had accumulated more than 1,000 units each. He had to thank the Kobolds for their selfless dedication . He saw that the resources were abundant. Ji Chen opened the military talent tree and flipped to the Sea Pixies page. [Sea Pixie (Tier 2, 3-Star)] [Unlocked node A-2: Water Arrow Rain (Green Skill -> Blue Skill)] [Requires 600 units of wood, 800 units of clay.] [Unlocked node B-2: Son of the Ocean (Green Skill ? Blue Skill)] [Requires 600 units of wood, 800 units of clay.] [Unlocked nodes C-2, C-3]: Explosive Casting (White Skill * Blue Skill) [Consumes 1200 units of Heavy Iron] [Unlocked node D-2: Mana Body (Military characteristic weakened/enhanced)] [Requires 800 units of crude iron, 800 units of clay.] [Unlocked node S-l]: Increase production (14 >21)[Requires 300 units of Mithril] [Unlocking any node can increase star level or tier.] There was an unexpected unlocked node. The production of units was increased! This was indeed a pleasant surprise. The importance of having a sufficient number of units could not be overstated. Having an additional 7 Pure Water Sea Sprites was a force to be reckoned with. Without hesitation, Jichen quickly unlocked all five nodes. Consumed Unlocked A-2, B-2, C-2, C-3, D-2, S-l. The Sea Pixies (2nd Tier, 3-star) evolved into Pure Water Sea Pixies (3rd Tier, 3-star). Military recruitment camp production increase (7 ->) A deep blue radiance enveloped these adorable creatures, pulsating with peculiar energy. After the radiance dispersed, the Sea Pixies evolved from the 2nd to the 3rd Tier, becoming Pure Water Sea Sprites. Their two pairs of wings had transformed into three pairs, with water droplets swirling around their bodies. The energy and aura emanating from them had become several times more formidable. The Sea Pixies transformed again. [Pure Water Sea Pixie] [Level: 8] [Tier: 3, 3 stars] [Skill: Water Arrow Rain (blue skill, condense mana to shoot a dozen penetrative water arrows)] Ocean (Blue skill, spell power increases by 35% when near the ocean) Explosive Casting (Blue, can cause spells to produce a violent explosion effect in an area, causing additional splash damage) [Military characteristic: Magic Body (No need to eat, only need to absorb free magic energy to survive, and increase mana recovery speed by 35%)! [Im not weakPlease think before you hit me] Hmm, not bad. Three blue skills. The main damage skills had also increased by several times. The number of spells increased from one Water Arrow to more than ten Water Arrows. If dozens of pure water sea pixies launched a rain of water arrows together, the scene would be no different from rain. The recruitment of units for this week was about to begin. A Murloc Statue recruited 14 Shallow Sea Murlocs. A Naga Warrior Recruitment Camp recruited 14 Naga Warriors. An Pixie Fountain recruited 21 Pure Water Sea Pixies. Two Murloc Arches recruited 42 Murloc Skirmishers. In total, the recruitment cost amounted to 2905 units of wood, fiber, and clay. With this round of recruitment, the current military strength was as follows: Shallow Sea Murlocs (39 units) Naga Warriors (34 units) Pure Water Sea Pixies (35 units) Murloc Rangers (98 units) Elite Pirates (80 members) Altogether, there were approximately 300 units of different units. This combined force might be able to contend with the thousands of skeletal forces in the Skeletal Sea. Especially with the enhanced Pure Water Pixies, they were now a formidable asset. In terms of combat prowess, they might even surpass the Naga Warriors. Using powerful area-of-effect spells to deal with the skeletal creatures, who had almost no magic resistance, was as easy as a walk in the park. Now they finally had some confidence in facing those skeletons. Quickly, the Elite Pirates were called upon to join the battle, along with half of the Murloc Rangers. The Elite Pirates and Murloc Rangers dealt with the White Skeletons. Meanwhile, the Naga Warriors and Shallow Sea Murlocs focused on the Black Skeletons and the Netherfire Skeleton Hound. With clear roles and responsibilities, the efficiency of their kills greatly improved. After assembling the army, Just as Jichen was about to leave, The Dragon Whale girl, carrying a giant sword, hurriedly approached with an anxious expression. Why didnt you wait for me? He smiled and replied, Were going to have a decisive battle with those skeleton monsters. Anina, you should stay in the territory. Anina was taken aback and instinctively said, Youre not counting me in? This is the matter of the Crown of the Ocean, and ultimately, we need to resolve it ourselves, Jichen shook his head. But I helped you yesterday, didnt 1? You are our guest. I already felt a bit ashamed that 1 needed you to help us yesterday. If I were to let you do so again today, it would go beyond what we agreed upon. After all, what we discussed was protecting the territory, not having you help us exterminate monsters. Seeing that Anina wanted to say something more, Alice gently shook her head at her. Let it be. Jichen quickly made the final decision and left the territory with the army. However, what they didnt see was Anina, with a look of disappointment, lowered her head, standing there all alone. It was as if she were a forsaken little whale.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 64 - Chapter 64: A Small Surprise Chapter 64: A Small Surprise Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The group marched forward in a mighty formation, accompanied by the ten Shallow Sea Murlocs stationed there. They crossed the shallow waters and arrived at the second mini-island. Similar to before, the skeletons were roaming only within the first mini-island, without crossing the shallow waters to the main island. It was as if someone was controlling them from behind. Fortunately, the efforts they made yesterday to clear the area had some effect. The number of skeletons roaming the first mini-island was now less than one-twentieth of yesterdays count. Jichen led his army to sweep through the area without much resistance. Soon, they reached the far end, gazing upon the second mini-island. However, compared to yesterday, the density of skeletons seemed to have increased. Moreover, there was a higher proportion of Black Skeletons and Fiery Skeleton Hounds, which were more formidable forces. Seeing this, Jichen felt a sinking feeling. If left unchecked, it wouldnt take long for the number of skeletons here to exceed five digits. It would truly become a catastrophe of overwhelming undead. Roar! A horde of hundreds of White Skeletons crossed the shallow waters and approached. Upon seeing them, the horde let out a piercing roar, immediately alerting the other skeletons on the second mini-island. In an instant, the Skeleton Sea erupted like a hornets nest. White Skeletons, Black Skeletons, Skeleton Houndsthousands of them swarmed towards them. His eyes were filled with flickering flames, and his ears were filled with the sound of bones grinding against each other. Ji Chens scalp went numb when he saw this spectacular scene. Gritting his teeth, he quickly deployed his army. On the narrow beach connecting the two sub-islands, a defense line of about 50 meters long was built. The Naga warriors were in the middle, responsible for resisting the pressure head-on. The pirates stood on both sides, responsible for supporting. A great battle was about to break out. Rather than saying that the skeleton monster was rushing over, it was more accurate to say that it was being pushed forward by the skeleton monster behind it. Many skeleton monsters were accidentally pushed to the ground by their own kind and were instantly drowned. The air was filled with flickering flames, and the sound of bones rubbing against each other echoed in their ears. Seeing this spectacular scene, Jichen felt a tingling sensation on his scalp. Clenching his teeth, he quickly deployed his troops. On the narrow strip of land connecting the two mini-islands, they constructed a defensive line that stretched for about fifty meters. The Naga Warriors stood in the center, bearing the brunt of the enemys assault, while the pirates flanked them, providing support. The imminent battle was about to begin. Rather than saying that the skeleton monsters charged forward voluntarily, it was more accurate to say that they were being pushed by the skeletons behind them. Many skeletons accidentally stumbled and were instantly engulfed by the oncoming horde, trampled into pieces. Not even a complete bone could be found. The ferocity generated from their self-inflicted carnage was astonishing. They surged like a white tsunami, instilling a sense of fear in everyones hearts. Their speed was extremely fast, and in the blink of an eye, they were less than a hundred meters away from the defensive line. Observing the scene, Jichen squinted his eyes and whispered, Alice, proceed with the plan. The young Siren nodded and immediately unleashed her melodious voice. Laa However, her singing only lasted for three seconds before abruptly stopping. Even though the singing only lasted for a brief moment, it had an impact on the leading part of the horde of skeletons. These undead creatures, with poor mental resistance, were instantly immobilized upon hearing the song, losing control over their bodies. But the sudden halt created a major problem. How could a horde of skeletons, moving at high speed and standing in tight formation, stop all at once? While the skeletons in the front halted upon hearing the song stop, those behind them didnt hear it and continued to charge forward recklessly. It was like a chain reaction. The skeletons in the back crashed into the ones in the front, causing chaos and sending them sprawling in all directions. The scene was filled with flickering flames and the scraping sound of bone-on-bone friction. Witnessing this spectacular sight, Jichen couldnt help but feel a shiver down his spine. Without hesitation, he quickly deployed his army, constructing a defensive line along the narrow strip of land connecting the two islands. Naga Warriors took the center position, bracing themselves for the frontal assault, while the Pirates flanked them, providing support. The impending battle was about to begin. Rather than the skeletons actively charging, it seemed like they were being pushed forward by the ones behind them. Some skeletons stumbled and fell as they were unintentionally pushed by their comrades, instantly swallowed up by the masses. Their bones were trampled upon, unable to find a complete piece. In the chaos of their self-destruction, a formidable force emerged. They resembled a white tsunami, surging towards the defensive line at an alarming speed, instilling fear in anyone who witnessed it. With limited distance left for a second charge, the time was ripe. Narrowing his eyes, Jichen raised his arm and shouted, All ranged units, open fire! The newly added Murloc Rangers wasted no time, crouching down and using their muscles as bowstrings, and their bone spines as arrows. Their back muscles squirmed rapidly, forcefully propelling the sharp bone spines outward. Splat! Dozens of bone spines shot through the air like projectiles, leaving behind colorful streaks before descending with a resounding impact. Covering an area of marshland in front of the defensive line, it was akin to a tempest, overwhelming the skeletons. These bone spines, sharper than knives and faster than the chilling wind, pierced through skulls, pinning bodies down, and extinguishing the essence of countless souls. However, there was more to come. The Murloc Rangers extended another wave of bone spines from their backs. Another round of projectiles was unleashed. The remaining skeletons, struggling to rise after evading vital areas, were once again met with the forceful impact of the bone spines, rendering them motionless. And then, another round was unleashed. The horde of skeletons suffered another devastating blow. Three successive waves of bone spines were launched. Over a thousand bone spines were now embedded in the mass of skeletons, the marshland, and even submerged in the seawater, creating a surreal and haunting scene. The densely packed bone spikes covered the enemy group like cluster bombs. If the enemies were not skeletons but flesh and blood creatures, it would have become a living hell. Ji Chens eyes were filled with surprise. He did not expect that these Murloc Rangers, who were only Tier 2 5-star, could actually display such shocking lethality under such circumstances. This wave of attacks had killed at least four to five hundred skeleton monsters! Ding- Murloc Rangers have entered a weakened state and are temporarily unable to move. After three successive rounds of projectile launches, the Murloc Rangers appeared depleted, showing signs of exhaustion. However, their performance far exceeded Jichens expectations. Todays main event was not about them but the enhanced Sea Pixies. The skeletons, having recovered their mobility, charged once again after breaking free from the quagmire. Yet, they were met with a barrage of spell arrows brimming with explosive energy. Boom! The water arrows pierced through their bodies, detonating upon impact in dense clusters. The surging energy tore their bodies apart, leaving no white skeletons, black skeletons, or skeleton hounds unscathed. Spell damage was simply ruthless! Under the same tier and level, the offensive capabilities of spellcasting units surpassed their physical counterparts by several times, or even tenfold! Once the Sea Pixies had launched three consecutive rounds of water arrows, Jichen waved his hand to signal them to stop. It was time to conserve their mana. At this moment, the recovering horde of skeletons finally reached the defensive line. However, due to their repeated disruptions, their speed was sluggish, and their oonce-tight formation became loose and disorganized. They weakly crashed into the defensive line, unable to unleash the full force of their charge. In contrast, the Naga Warriors and Elite Pirates stood firm like an unyielding fortress. This was exactly the effect Jichen desired. A single powerful surge, followed by a decline and eventual exhaustion. By neutralizing the most intense initial wave of the skeleton horde, the subsequent encounters would become more manageable. No further warm-up was needed. The atmosphere of the battle had reached its climax the moment the two sides made contact. The Naga Warriors let out resounding roars, the friction of tridents tearing through the air, and the wild screams of the pirates. Each sound reverberated. The fearless skeletons relentlessly assaulted the defensive line. What made the undead formidable was their lack of fear and the absence of any concept of life and death. Regardless of the number of enemies or the extent of casualties, their morale remained unwavering at 100 points. However, Jichens army was no pushover. The absolute rank suppression endowed them with soaring morale and formidable combat prowess. Even though the enemy outnumbered them by dozens to one, not a single soldier showed any signs of fear. They valiantly fought, undeterred by the prospect of death. Now, it was only through individual strength and effective coordination among the soldiers that they could withstand the onslaught of the skeleton horde! If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 65 - Chapter 65: Mystic Realm Gate Chapter 65: Mystic Realm Gate Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Jichen stood on a boulder, closely monitoring the battle. At times, he commanded the Sea Pixies to focus their attacks on the tougher black skeletons and skeleton hounds, easing the pressure on rhe Naga Warriors and pirates. Several skeletal eagles swooped down, flapping their bone wings, attempting aerial assaults. However, they were frightened away by the tridents of the Murloc warriors and could only hover from a distance. Un this narrow stretch of land, only slightly over fifty meters wide, the two sides engaged in intense combat. Une side had fewer numbers but stood resolute like a towering mountain. The other side swarmed like ants, in staggering numbers, attempting to break through the mountain s defenses. At this moment, Jichen and his comrades were like the three hundred Spartan warriors defending the Thermopylae Pass, repelling the relentless tide of skeletons. The corpses of fallen skeletons gradually piled up, forming a bone hill that sent shivers down ones spine. Jichen focused his attention on the battle, furrowing his brow suddenly. He sensed that something was amiss. Why were the reinforcements consisting mostly of low-level white skeletons? Where were the higher-ranking skeletons that were initially mixed in, such as the black skeletons and skeleton hounds? The overwhelming sea of skeletons that had emerged before was now mostly a pale mass. Not only that, the skeletal eagles that had been menacingly circling in the sky had landed on treetops, silently observing without any intention of attacking. Something was off. Very off 1 These skeletons were being commanded by someone! Theyre trying to exhaust our troops* stamina and mana by utilizing the weakest and largest number of white skeletons! lichens heart sank. Could it be a player? Quickly, he made up his mind, Although he didnt know what the opponents intentions were, if they wanted to drag the battle, he wouldnt play along. The best defense is a strong offense! With this thought in mind, he shouted loudly, Advance1 The Sea Pixies used water arrows to blast through the mountains of white bones. The Naga Warriors acted like bulldozers, steadily pushing back the sea of skeletons. With a methodical approach, they advanced several hundred meters, slaying a large number of white skeletons. Suddenly, every skeletons body trembled slightly, their soul fires flickering in their eye sockets. Simultaneously, they turned around and rushed towards the second island, racing past the Naga Warriors despite their pursuit. They quickly disappeared into the ruins and forests. Theyre retreating, sir, Alice said softly. lichens expression grew serious. He halted the troops and nodded, saying, It seems they realized their plan was exposed, so they chose to concentrate their forces. All units remain in place and rest, replenishing stamina and mana. We ll launch the final battle when the time comes! He knew that the upcoming battle would be even more challenging. Apart from the still abundant white skeletons, the numbers of black skeletons and Netherfire Skeleton Hound are expected to far exceed the previous encounters. What worried him even more was the absence of a certain type of skeleton monster, wielding bone staves, that clearly belonged to the spellcasting category. While the Naga Warriors were skilled at withstanding physical attacks, their performance might not be as impressive when facing magical assaults. It wasnt the frontal confrontation with these spellcasters that concerned him the most, but rather their ability to hide in the shadows and launch unexpected attacks. That would be a headache indeed. The Omniscience map could only display rhe enemys positions but not their specific types. Jichen had to rely on the density and locations of the red dots to deduce the most likely spots where these spellcasters might be hiding. As they advanced, regardless of whether those spots actually held enemies, he decided to bombard those areas. Adapt with tactics when resources are limited, and annihilate if given the chance. With the upgraded Sea Pixies, he had rhe confidence to do so. Sir, should I assist immediately afterward? Alice asked softly by his side. Jichen pondered for a moment and shook his head, saying, Your mana can only sustain for about ten minutes against such a large number of skeletons. Save it for crucial moments and act according to my command. I understand. Once all units had rested and recovered, with a single command, they boldly advanced towards the direction of the second island, marching in formation. When they were only about 150 meters away, Jichen raised his arm, signaling the troops to halt. He commanded the Sea Pixies to fire a round of water arrows at a few suspicious places. The dense forest and ruins were soon destroyed. Branches and leaves flew everywhere, and rocks shattered. Ding ~ You have killed a group of Skeleton Archers (Tier 2, 7-Star). Well, it seemed that the desired spellcasting skeleton monsters hadnt appeared, but by chance, they stumbled upon a group of skeleton archers. It was still a satisfactory outcome. The second-tier 7-star skeleton archers might not be able to harm the Naga Warriors and shallow water murlocs but the elite pirates and murloc ranger might not come out unscathed. With this in mind, Jichen waved his hand, signaling the Sea Pixies to unleash three rounds of arrow rain, completely covering those areas. Only when there were no more system prompts did he wave his hand again, indicating the army to continue moving forward. following the maps instructions, they cleared scattered white skeletons that charged at them while making their way towards the densely populated central area of the island, marked by the dense clusters of red dots. Passing through the outskirts of the woods and the ruins, Jichen soon penetrated deeper into the island and came across a large group of waiting skeletons gathered in a clearing. There was also a red vortex floating on the ground. The vortex had a diameter of about ten meters, spinning continuously towards the center with flickering red lightning on its surface, exuding an unsettling aura. Could this thing be the source of these skeleton monsters appearances? He squinted his eyes and read the description: [Mystic Realm Gate) I Scale): Small [Type]: Two-way teleportation gate | Description): The current portal is unstable and cannot be accessed by creatures of Tier 3, 6 stars or above. The number of units passing through is limited to 110001 per solar day. It will stabilize and no longer restrict the entry and exit of creatures based on their tier and quantity after 121 solar days. Interrupting the energy supply will I close! the Mystic Realm Gate, and permanently destroying the energy core will [permanently close] the Mystic Realm Gate, It turned out to be a Mystic Realm Gate? Jichens eyes were filled with astonishment. The Mystic Realm Gate was a special teleportation gate in this world, or rather, in the game Lord of Glory, It connected to the Mystic Realms. In simple terms, if we considered the main world as a large sphere, the Mystic Realms would be like small spheres surrounding the main world in astronomical numbers. Due to certain reasons, a connection was formed between the main world and the Mystic Realms. At this point, the Mystic Realm Gate served as the channel linking the two. Each Mystic Realm had its own stable ecosystem, with its own rules, resembling a miniature world. Some were grasslands with abundant flowers and plants, while others were barren and harsh volcanic realms. There were also ocean realms with azure seas and blue skies. The variety was vast. However, one common point was that they all held coveted and thrilling opportunities. Some Mystic Realms produced rare resources not commonly found in the main world, while others yielded recruitment cores for high-tier units. There were also realms that produced naturally formed treasures. Obtaining a Mystic Realm was akin to gaining access to a treasure trove waiting to be developed. Of course, opportunities and dangers coexisted. The Mystic Realms were inhabited by various creatures and races. Some of the native inhabitants were friendly, and trade and resource acquisition was possible. But there were those who viewed intruders as invaders and held hostility towards them. Furthermore, there were both one-way and two-way Mystic Realm Gates connecting to the Mystic Realms. The vortex emitting an ominous aura before them was evidently a two-way Mystic Realm Gate. And its inhabitants, the group of skeletal monsters, clearly belonged to the extremely unfriendly type. They had already begun invading the main world in the opposite direction. Jichen couldnt help but breathe a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he had discovered the situation in time. Otherwise, if he had delayed for another two days, this Mystic Realm Gate would have completely stabilized. Countless skeletons would have surged out, engulfing the entire archipelago. It was fortunate that he could mend the sheep pen even though the sheep had already scattered. As long as he dealt with these skeletal monsters today, everything would still be salvageable! If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 66 - Chapter 66: Monster Commander Chapter 66: Monster Commander Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Jichens gaze shifted slightly and he saw, in front of the vortex, a peculiar crystal device embedded in the ground. A red energy stream emanated from it, connecting to the Mystic Realm Gate. That crystal device should be the energy source of this Mystic Realm Gate. The skeletal side clearly recognized its importance and dispatched heavy forces to protect it. Hundreds of black skeletons surrounded it tightly, leaving no gaps exposed. In addition, there were thousands of white skeletons around, serving as cannon fodder and meat shields. Within the surrounding ruins and forests, skeletal hounds were igniting fires and moving swiftly, while skeletal eagles circled in the sky. They were searching for any opportunity to exploit. And the skeletal mages, who had yet to make an appearance, revealed themselves among the skeletal horde at this moment. [Skeleton Warlock] [Race: Undead] [Level: 12) [Level: Level 3, 5 stars] [Skill: Undead Body (Blue skill, immune to most curses, poisons, and other negative effects, mana recovery speed increased by 25%)] Double Death Arrow (Blue Skill, Fire two Death Arrows with Penetrating Corrosion effect) Summon Skeletons (Blue skill, can summon a group of white skeletons) [Military characteristic: Fearless (does not know what fear and death are)] [When infected by something, the regeneration speed of the spell became faster.] Tier 3, 5-star. It seemed that those skeletal sorcerers were the most powerful skeletons capable of passing through the Mystic Realm Gate. Their strength was within his estimated range and not exaggerated. As Jichen pondered on how to deal with those skeletal sorcerers effectively, a particularly muscular and towering figure suddenly emerged from the skeletal horde. Standing at 8 feet tall, its skeletal frame was adorned with a heavy, full-body bone armor, wielding a massive bone axe. Eerie red flames flickered within its eye sockets. At first glance, it was clear that it was no ordinary skeleton. [Styne the Malevolent Wind (Commander)] [Race: Undead] [Level: 13] [Current Level: Green (Elite)] [Potential: Green (Elite)] [Skill: Undead Roar (Blue skill, provides berserk effect to surrounding skeletons, increases attack speed and movement speed by 30%) ] Giant Axe Heavy Strike (Blue Skill, Hack with Giant Axe, Deals Huge Damage) Bone Armor (Blue skill, additional bone armor increases defense by 60%) Revival (Green skill, can repair oneself by piecing together white bones) [Military characteristic: Command (has a certain level of intelligence, can command low-level skeletons, and connect the lives of low-level skeletons)] [The vanguard general of the Skeleton King has descended to the main world with the responsibility of protecting the entrance to the secret realm.] Tsk! No wonder these brainless skeletons were so organized. They could restrain the skeletons, knew how to use cannon fodder, and knew how to hide the skeleton archers in the dark to launch sneak attacks. It turned out that there was a Skeleton Commander commanding from behind. On the human side, there were heroes with special abilities and powerful special units. Then, the monsters and other chaotic factions would also have similar units. That was the Monster Commander. They often had high intelligence and could use tactics and strategies like humans. Among them, the higher-level beings possessed intelligence comparable to that of humans and other races. If they had approached the situation with their usual perspective, they would have likely suffered a great loss. The level of trouble had now escalated even further. At that moment, the Mystic Realm Gate suddenly rippled. Hundreds of skeletons, a mix of white skeletons, black skeletons, and Netherfire Skeleton Hound, emerged from it and joined the main force. A serious expression appeared on Jichens face. There was no more time to delay. The longer it dragged on, the greater the numbers would become, making the battle increasingly difficult. Full assault! Ding- You have entered battle. Morale checks in progress Our overall morale is 45 points Fortunately, despite being at a disadvantage in morale, it was still acceptable. After all, there were just too many skeletons. The flame in the skeleton commanders eyes flickered as it noticed their advance. As the vanguard general appointed by the Skeleton King, it did not allow any creature to disrupt the gate and prevent the kings arrival. Raising its giant axe and pointing it at the enemy, it emitted a harsh grinding sound from its mouth. In the next moment, a large wave of skeletons surged forward. Boom- Water arrows exploded, shattering the skeletons into pieces. Bone spikes rained down, piercing through countless skulls. However, for the thousands of skeletons, these fallen skeletons were just a drop in the ocean. They couldnt even cause a ripple. When the numbers reached a certain point, their individual significance diminished. The surging skeleton sea, like a tsunami, quickly passed through the long-range firepower zone and engaged the Naga warriors in close combat. With each swing of their bone blades, these fierce warriors with serpent-like bodies swept away a circle of white skeletons, leaving shattered bones in their wake. As for the cannon fodder, their worn-out weapons couldnt even break through the defense of the Naga warriors. They could only offer their necks to be struck down. The elite pirates faced the white skeletons with a calm and confident demeanor. They skillfully evaded attacks and struck with precision, using sharp blades to sever the heads of the white skeletons. These men, accustomed to fighting at sea, had extensive combat experience and were more than capable. The sea pixies occasionally unleashed spells at the densely packed skeleton horde. Each time, a dozen or more water arrows were released, causing intense explosions and creating a blank space amidst the chaos. Different units cooperated with each other as the defensive line steadily advanced towards the crystal apparatus. However, Jichens expression did not show much satisfaction. He knew that the real challenge lay with the higher-level black skeletons, skeleton hounds, and the lurking skeleton sorcerers. And there was also the skeleton commander who had been commanding them all along. My Lord, we have to pay attention to the sky, Alice suddenly whispered. Jichen looked up and saw dozens of skeleton eagles diving from above, their eyes fixed on the sea pixies. Clearly, the skeleton commander had recognized the threat posed by these little creatures and intended to launch a secret attack. Murlocs, protect the sea pixies! Use your tridents to shoot those skeleton eagles asses! Upon hearing the command, the Murlocs immediately redirected their aim. Their tridents shot up into the air like anti-aircraft projectiles. Swish- More than half of the skeleton eagles were directly struck by the incoming tridents, shattering them into pieces. But there were still a few descending. As undead creatures, they had no sense of fear. Under the command of the higher-ranking skeletons, their focus was always directed towards the enemy. However, what they failed to see was that after smashing their counterparts, the tridents, under the control of the Murlocs, made a U-turn in the air, rapidly catching up to them. The remaining skeleton eagles were punctured in their rear ends one by one. Shattered bones fell from the sky. The aerial threat was neutralized! Returning their gaze to the ground, with the coordinated efforts of various units, the mere 1-star white skeletons were no match for them. They fell like wheat. Although it meant little to the overwhelming numbers of white skeletons, even if they stood there and allowed themselves to be hacked away, it would take an eternity to chop them all down! But Jichens objective was never to eliminate them all. His goal was to reach the crystal apparatus! If they could destroy or disable the crystal apparatus, everything would become much easier! If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 67 - Chapter 67: Casualties Chapter 67: Casualties Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation If one were to look down from above, one would see Jichen and his group surrounded on all sides. White skeletons were densely packed around them, forming a ring like a delicious white donut. However, they were getting closer and closer to the crystal apparatus. Seeing this scene, the flames flickered in the eyes of the skeleton leader as he swung his huge axe once again. A wave of hidden skeleton archers emerged, disregarding the presence of their own kind, and unleashed a rain of arrows. Jichens pupils contracted. Damn it, theres another wave of skeleton archers hiding! Seeing the arrows rain down from above, he didnt hesitate. He urgently shouted, Stop advancing! Take cover behind the Naga warriors and Murlocs! Avoid the arrow shower! After speaking, he pulled Alice and took cover behind the broad back of a Naga warrior. Upon hearing his words, the sea pixies quickly flapped their wings and cautiously flew behind the Naga warriors. The Murloc Rangers took cover behind their distant relatives, the sea pixies. The bony arrowheads couldnt penetrate the scales of the Naga warriors and Murlocs. Most of the units successfully avoided the arrows, but the elite pirates werent so lucky. Their numbers were already considerable, and they were responsible for the rear defense. The limited time didnt allow them to evade the arrow shower in time. In a moment of panic, the arrow rain ruthlessly poured down on the terrified elite pirates. Swish Ah!! Screams of agony echoed. Jichen turned around and couldnt help but clench his fists tightly. Under the onslaught of the arrow shower, the pirates lay in pools of blood. Over ten elite pirates, unable to dodge in time, were struck in vital areas and collapsed, riddled with arrows. There were also over thirty people who suffered varying degrees of injuries. Ding C Elite Pirate (LV9) has died. Ding C Elite Pirate (LV9) has died. F*ck! Ji Chen couldnt help but curse. These elite pirates were all sailors of pirate ships. Later on, their ability to set sail would depend on the remaining elite pirates! If they suffered too many casualties here, his dream of becoming the Pirate King would be dashed! Suppressing the anger welling up inside, Jichen swiftly located the position of the skeleton archers. Sea pixies, unleash two rounds of Arrow Rain to cover the target area! he commanded urgently. Boom- Preventing the skeleton archers from launching a second volley, a torrent of water arrows surged forward, completely engulfing them in a powerful cascade of energy. Once the area was cleared, Jichen gave the order to advance. Having learned from the previous encounter, he became increasingly cautious. Whenever he spotted potential skeleton archer positions on the map, he responded with a swift barrage of water arrows. The fortunate outcome was that they unintentionally eliminated several hidden waves of skeleton archers. However, the setback was that the sea pixies were experiencing significant mana depletion. Fortunately, their progress quickened, and now they were merely a couple of hundred meters away from the crystal device. Before them stood not the feeble white skeletons, but the daunting figures of the pitch-black, iron-like black skeletons. Yet, at that moment, all the skeletons abruptly halted their attacks. The skeleton leaders mouth moved, and to everyones surprise, a raspy voice emanated from his throat. Human, if you retreat now, I can overlook your previous actions. In the presence of our great kings arrival, I can even request the king to subjugate you as a leader of the foreign races and spare your life. In response, Jichens disdainful gaze was the only reply. What a bunch of rotten fish and shrimp. Youre talking about me becoming a leader of the foreign races? I suggest you wash your brain with the nearby seawater and see whats inside. Oh, by the way, you can also tell your so-called king that if hes willing to kneel down and beg me, maybe Ill show him mercy and let him be my lackey. Jichens words dripped with contempt and mockery, instantly infuriating the skeleton commander. It angrily shouted, Human, how dare you insult the great king! I will tear you to pieces! Once the gate stabilizes, the endless horde of skeletons will engulf this world. On what grounds? Jichen sneered and made a sarcastic gesture. The massive horde of skeletons began to stir once again. This time, it was not just the white skeletons but also the black skeletons and skeleton dogs that swarmed forward. Murloc Rangers, launch your bone spears! Hundreds of bone spears shot out, impaling numerous skeletons to the ground. But when they hit the black skeletons, they simply bounced off. The attacks from the Murloc Rangers, who were at the second-tier and five-star level, fell short against the formidable defense of the black skeletons. Jichen glanced at the distance between him and the crystal device. The timing was almost right. Alice! Understood! The sound of singing filled the air, and the skeletons centered around Alice instantly entered a state of stupor. Even Jichen, the green-elite-ranked skeleton commander, was greatly affected. The flickering flame of the soul in his eye sockets shook violently, and the mental connection with other skeletons was almost severed. This was the wide-range spell group attack! This was why Jichen had refrained from using Alice until this crucial moment. He needed to conserve his mana for the most important time. Full assault! Target: Crystal Device! The sea pixies spared no expense in using their mana as their staves swung repeatedly. Water arrows rained down like rockets, swiftly carving out a path through the advancing horde of skeletons. Jichen glanced at the nearby skeleton spellcasters, who were also affected by the singing. He commanded the sea pixies to unleash a few rounds of Water Arrow Rain on them as well. The unfortunate skeleton spellcasters were blown to pieces before even having a chance to join the battle. In just a few short minutes, they plowed through the sea of skeletons, effortlessly cutting down the defenseless undead creatures. It was much faster than before. They were now less than a hundred meters away from the crystal device. He was less than a hundred meters away from the crystal device. When the Skeleton Commander saw this scene, it roared crazily, resisting the influence of the song. If humans were allowed to destroy the crystal device, their dream of invading the world would be shattered. And the king would not let it go! He would never allow this situation to happen, even if it was at the cost of his soul! The flames in the eyes of the skeleton commander flickered intensely as it desperately tried to communicate with the other skeletons. But to its despair, no matter how it urged and commanded, all the skeletons remained motionless, as if they had lost their will. Meanwhile, the human and marine creatures were now less than a hundred meters away. The skeleton commander gripped its massive axe and boldly positioned itself in front of the crystal device, blocking their path. Jichens face showed a hint of astonishment as he saw the skeleton commander obstructing the crystal device. He then glanced at Alices condition. Casting the Enchanting Melody on such a large number of skeletons consumed mana at an alarming rate. In a few more minutes, their mana would be depleted. If they couldnt destroy the crystal in time, they would be trapped in an endless sea of skeletons once again. Today, they might be destined to stay here. A determined look flashed in Jichens eyes. He reached into his backpack and pulled out a blood-red bead. [Raging Blood Bead] [Rank]: 2-star treasure (Group) [Effect]: When used, it allows allies within a range of 100 meters to enter a berserk state for 5 minutes, increasing all attributes by 30%. After 5 minutes, they enter a weakened state for 30 minutes. [Cooldown]: 3 hours This was a treasure obtained from the previous expedition to the Kobold Cave. It could significantly enhance the attributes of all units in a short period of time. Using it at this critical moment was the most appropriate choice.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 68 - Chapter 68: Mystic Realm Crystal Chapter 68: Mystic Realm Crystal Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ding ~ Troop has entered Berserk state. All attributes have increased by 30%. Lasts for 5 minutes before entering the Weakened state. The effective range of the Raging Blood Bead was 100 meters, which was enough to include all the troops. The Berserk effect was immediate. The eyes of all units turned blood-red, their blood vessels engorged, and veins bulging. The efficiency of their slaughter soared. A Naga Warrior could cleave through a black skeleton with just two strikes. The entire team advanced at a much faster pace. At this point, there were less than fifty meters remaining. The Skeleton Commander, clad in heavy armor and wielding a bone axe, stood in front. Human, if you want to destroy the portal, you must first pass through me! You must be the Songstress! muttered Jichen under his breath. He waved his hand, signaling the Sea Elves to blast the Skeleton Commander. My Lord, my mana is depleted! Mine too, not a drop left. Each of the companions paled. Their faces showed exhaustion. He gritted his teeth and said, Sea Elves, quickly restore your mana! Naga Warriors, charge and engage the Skeleton Commander! The Naga Warriors shattered the remaining few black skeletons and rushed forward with a roar. The Skeleton commanders eyes flashed red, swinging his bone axe. Thud! The two charging Naga Warriors were sent flying, crashing into several Goblin Rangers. Jichen gasped in astonishment as he couldnt believe the commander had such high combat power. It could easily send two Naga Warriors flying with a single blow? Since close combat wasnt working, lets see how it would handle ranged attacks. Goblin Rangers! Shoot it! Over a dozen harpoons were fired, and the Skeleton Commander blocked some of them with his axe, but the rest hit their mark accurately. The harpoons, which could easily tear through white skeletons, only left three dented circles on the thick bone armor. It couldnt be said that there was no damage, but it was barely noticeable. The Skeleton Commander not only possessed astonishing strength but also formidable defense. Not just the Goblin Rangers, even the Naga Warriors attacks had limited effect, only causing small cracks with each strike. Damn, this thing is too tough. It is indeed a monster leader. The power gap between ordinary units and leaders is truly vast. Now he could only rely on the Sea Elves to see if they could inflict any significant damage. Watching Alices increasingly pale face as her mana was about to be depleted, Jichen couldnt help but feel anxious. Human, your soldiers cant harm me. Give up! The shadow of the king will cast over this world. After sending another Naga Warrior flying, the Skeleton Commander spoke in a gloomy tone. Jichen couldnt be bothered with it anymore. This Skeleton Commander clearly had some major issues, his mind not functioning properly. The limitations of the Crystal Realm had left them with a narrow perspective, completely unaware of the greater world outside. For these skeletons to think they could conquer the world was the biggest joke of this era. The Naga Warriors charged one by one, being knocked back one by one, but their numbers were enough to hold the Skeleton Commander in check. And the Skeleton Commander, wary of the crystal apparatus behind them, dared not pursue, only passively resisting the pressure. My Lord, we have enough mana to cast two rounds of spells now! At that moment, the Elfs words brought a smile to Jichens face, and he immediately gave the order without hesitation. Blast this thing to pieces! Thirty-five Elves simultaneously cast their spells, and the accumulated energy surged continuously. With each low chant, over a hundred water arrows suddenly shot out and exploded upon the skeleton commander in the blink of an eye. Boom! The concentrated energy even formed a small mushroom cloud, creating a powerful shockwave that made it difficult for Jichen to maintain his footing, and even sent nearby motionless skeletons flying. As the dust slowly settled, Jichen focused his gaze. The outer layer of the skeleton commanders bone armor was severely damaged, with skull-sized holes revealing the similarly damaged skeletal structure beneath. Even the arm wielding the bone axe had flown off somewhere, unbeknownst to the skeleton commander. Indeed. While its physical defense was outstanding, it had little resistance to magical attacks. Finally, they broke through this tough turtle shell! Impossible how could this happen The once-composed skeleton commander couldnt help but panic, and its flickering soul flame betrayed its unease. Using the remaining mana, they had just recovered, the Elves unleashed a final round of water arrows. The bone armor was blasted into pieces, completely exposing the skeleton commanders bones. Now the skeleton commander resembled a turtle without its shell, in an extremely vulnerable state. As the saying goes, kicking someone when theyre down. Jichen wasted no time in giving the order to attack. This time, the Naga Warriors and Goblin Rangers finally had the opportunity to display their prowess. Amidst the skeleton commanders despair and unwilling voice, a relentless onslaught ensued. Ding C Styne the Malevolent Wind (Commander), you have received 30500 EXP. Your level has increased by 910). Shallow Sea Murlocs, Naga Warriors, Elite Pirates, Siren Hero: Alice leveled up (9-40). Sea Elves (89), Murloc Rangers (58) . Jichen couldnt spare a moment to revel in the joy of leveling up. He quickly ordered his troops to attack the crystal device. Under the fierce impact of the tridents, the crystal device, which was emitting energy, trembled slightly, and the flow of red energy dissipated. With the loss of energy supply to the realm gate, it violently fluctuated and gradually vanished, revealing the trees behind it. At this moment, the units exited their berserk state and entered a weakened state. Alices singing also coincidentally came to a stop. Jichens face first showed delight, but then his whole body tensed up. He remained alert, looking around cautiously. Just as the skeletal horde, which had recovered from its stupor, was about to rush forward, they suddenly stopped in unison. The soul flames in their eye sockets extinguished without warning, and their bodies disintegrated automatically. When everything came to a halt, there were no skeletal creatures standing around. At this moment, Jichen finally let go of his worries completely and sat down on the ground, feeling somewhat drained. His spirit was slightly weary. This battle had been extremely perilous. It was the most dangerous fight he had encountered since arriving in this world. He had come dangerously close to losing his life here. All the units had reached their limits and exerted their maximum strength. Every step had been perfectly timed. If he were to face another battle like this, he wasnt sure if he could safely overcome it. It was unknown if these skeletons had committed suicide. Therefore, apart from the Skeleton Commander, the other skeletons did not receive any experience. Otherwise, with so many skeletons, it would be enough for him to level up a few more times. After resting for a while. Ji Chen got up from the ground and went to the crystal device. The crystal device had been torn apart by the attack just now. [Mystic Realm Crystal] [Status: Medium Damage 8o%/ioo%] [Effect: Constructs a gateway to a specific realm.] [Materials required for repair: 3000 units of crystals] [A special structure left behind by a certain civilization, capable of constructing a gateway to a specific realm.] The recent attack has caused damage to the crystal, forcefully halting the realm gate. If one wishes to reopen it, resources must be spent to repair it. However, this puts the initiative in his hands. Without the crystal device, the skeletal creatures within the realm will undoubtedly be unable to return here. But if he makes the necessary preparations, he can calmly open the gateway after repairing the device and lead his troops into the realm. At that time, it will be their ultimate doom! If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 69 - Chapter 69: Resurrection Altar Blueprint Chapter 69: Resurrection Altar Blueprint Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation My Lord, take a look at this. As Jichen pondered over the crystal apparatus, Alices voice came through. She was crouched in front of the remains of the skeletal commander, holding three items in her hand. These were found inside the wreckage. One of them was a blueprint for a structure, another was a shimmering crystal, and the last one was a peculiar map. Could these be loots? Jichens excitement surged as he casually took the blueprint and examined it. [Resurrection Altar Blueprint] [Level: Special] [Effect: Able to revive troops] [Usage Limit: 2/2 times per month, 1 to 5000 units per resurrection] [Resources required for construction: 10,000 units of stone, 10,000 units of crude iron, 2000 units of crystal, 2000 units of mithril.] [Resources required for activation: 10,000 units of wood, 10,000 units of clay, 10,000 units of fiber, 500 units of crystal, 500 units of mithril.] [Area: 1010] [Remark: Unable to revive hero units] A building that can resurrect units!? This is truly a great find. For most players, when venturing out to battle monsters, their units often suffer some damage. If theyre lucky, they may only lose a few members. But if luck is not on their side, their entire army might be wiped out. Even Jichen, with Alice by his side, suffered significant losses this time, unexpectedly losing over ten elite pirates. The resurrection altar can be activated twice a month, resurrecting up to 5,000 units each time. That means they can resurrect 10,000 units every month, which is highly manageable. However, each activation requires a substantial amount of resources, but its definitely less than what recruiting from the barracks would cost. Looking at it from another perspective, the more units resurrected at once, the greater the profit. And as the game progresses, the resurrection altar becomes more and more valuable. Just imagine, if the enemy had killed a large number of soldiers the day before. Then, the next day, they wake up only to find that those they had killed the day before are now standing before them, alive and well. That would be a terrifying and mind-boggling experience. This move, its like a resurrection of shadowy soldiers! Rising up from hell for revenge. Jichen nodded approvingly and put the blueprint into his backpack. He then took the peculiar crystal in his hand. [Green Heroic Soul Essence] [Level: Special] [Effect: It can instantly promote a potential Aspiring-hero of green elite rank to a green elite hero.] This was a great find. I hadnt expected the skeletal commander to possess something like this. With this soul essence, the native leopard could truly become a hero and exert control over those unruly pirates. Now, lets look at the last item. Among the three items, the last sheepskin parchment map was the most special. It emitted a faint blue light and one could sense the peculiar energy emanating from it. It looked extraordinary at first glance. I wondered from which corner of the island or from which secret realm the skeletal commander had obtained it. Jichen stared at it intently. [Magic Map] [Effect: Able to lead to a mysterious location.] [Description: Contains clues related to a special ocean-based main class.] An ocean-based special main class!? He felt a jolt in his heart, followed by a wave of excitement. According to the game information, players could choose regular main classs like warriors, mages, or archers. However, with enough luck and strength, it was also possible to obtain clues and transition into special main classs. These special main classs often possessed powers that surpassed regular ones. His current main class was an apprentice warrior. It was a fairly average class with balanced bonuses, lacking any remarkable features. Compared to the defense-focused shield bearers, his survivability was weak. And when compared to archers, he couldnt perform long-range attacks. As for mages, well, there was no comparison at all. Therefore, Jichen often wondered deeply about his past self. Was his mind not functioning properly back then? Why did he choose such an unremarkable main class? He opened his personal panel. Having defeated the skeletal commander, his level had now reached 10. On the panel, the main class section now had the word Transition with an accompanying explanation. [Main Class]: Warrior (Apprentice) [Could be promoted to Formal Warrior] [Skills upon Promotion]: Blood Renewal (Green Skill): Improved the bodys recovery ability for a short duration. Fearless Charge (Green Skill): Increased charging speed, with a chance to stun opponents when equipped with a shield. War Rhythm (Green Skill): Provided a rhythm effect to allies within a ten-meter radius, increasing attack and movement speed by 10%. Damn, those skills were idiotic! The first skill, Blood Renewal, was somewhat useful as a survival skill and had some utility in battles. But the second and third skills were utterly useless. Fearless Charge? Did they expect the Lord himself to charge into battle alongside the troops? They would have been chopped down in the midst of chaos. War Rhythm? It was almost the same, requiring the Lord to risk his own life. These skills might not have been a big problem if they were in a traditional adventure MMO. But in this world where there were groups of monsters everywhere and the main focus was recruiting troops for large-scale legion battles as a Lord. These two skills were as absurd as having a general, who commanded wars, personally join the frontline for hand-to-hand combat. Once again, Jichen fell into contemplation. Back then, why did I choose to be a warrior? But fortunately, by a fortuitous coincidence, he obtained this magical map fragment with a clue to a special main class in the ocean domain. There was no need to confine himself to being an ordinary warrior anymore. According to the information, generally, the best time to switch to a special class was before the main class was officially promoted. That way, the chances of a successful transition would be higher. In other words, he needed to keep his level at 10 and wait until he acquired the special main class. Now, it was time to see where the clue indicated on this magical map fragment was located. With a thought, the magical map emitted a more dazzling blue light and projected a ray of light onto a map displaying a specific location in the ocean. An arrow pointed towards the target destination. This place is not near the Crescent Islands but rather in the far southwest region of the sea. Its quite a distance away. In that case, it seems like I have to put aside the tasks at hand and obtain this special main class first. After all, the pirate ship is almost repaired, and soon well be able to set sail As for the exploration plan of the mountain peak in the northeast of the main island, it will have to be postponed Jichen looked at the location indicated by the arrow on the light map, silently contemplating. He carefully stored the magical map. Looking around, he was in a good mood. The gains from this trip were astonishing. A rare building blueprint, a soul essence that could promote an Aspiring-hero, a magical map with a clue to a special main class, and a crystal device capable of opening a secret realm. If these were known in the outside world, any one of them would make other players green with envy. If they knew how many amazing things Jichen possessed, they would probably say, The luckiest player strikes again! At this point, the exploration of the three northeastern auxiliary islands had been roughly completed. They were mostly ruins of military facilities, with nothing noteworthy except for the skeletons that once occupied this place. Without further delay, Jichen cast a deep gaze at the crystal device on the ground. He instructed the troops to take the corpses of the deceased pirates and return to their territory.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 70 - Chapter 70: Sparrow and the New Moon Chapter 70: Sparrow and the New Moon Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The villagers saw Jichen returning with his army. Subconsciously, they greeted him, but when they saw the injured soldiers, they became puzzled. And when they noticed the bodies of more than ten pirates on the ground, their confusion grew even deeper. Lord, what is this all about? one of the villagers asked, unable to contain his curiosity. Find a flat area and have a few people bury these pirates, Jichen shook his head and said without further explanation. The villagers saw that he was in a bad mood and didnt inquire further. They greeted him and began to move the bodies. Upon hearing the news of their return, Anina ran out of the house with a look of surprise, holding a roasted meat leg in her hand. But when she saw the scene, she too was taken aback. She knew these were pirates, the ones she occasionally saw at sea, who liked to raid and plunder, bringing back shiny things. They also enjoyed tying an anchor to people and tossing them into the sea while laughing maniacally. In her eyes, these pirates only burdened the ocean with more waste. However, earlier in the morning, they were still lively, and now they had turned into lifeless corpses. Anina, who had a keen sense of perceiving human emotions, felt the somber atmosphere at the scene, and suddenly the roasted meat leg in her hand didnt seem appetizing anymore. Jichen smiled reluctantly when he saw Anina and asked, Is the food here still delicious? Well, its very tasty, Anina replied with a hint of embarrassment, lowering the roasted meat in her hand. Did you encounter any trouble? Not much trouble. There was a skeletal commander behind those skeletons, and it took quite an effort to deal with it, Jichen explained. I have something 1 wanted to say Seeing the hesitant expression on the Dragon Whale Girls face, Jichens curiosity was piqued, and he asked, What is it? Well its nothing, Anina hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. A slight disappointment flashed through Jichens mind, but he still smiled and said, If theres anything, feel free to let me know. Im always ready to listen. With that, he turned and walked away. He had a vague idea of what it might be. However, rushing things wouldnt be wise in such matters. It required careful planning. In this battle against the skeletons, 14 out of 80 pirates lost their lives, leaving only 66 remaining. This further exacerbated the shortage of personnel on the pirate ship. With just these 66 pirates, they could barely keep the ship afloat, but conducting the complex work of pirate raids would become difficult. Fortunately, apart from these pirates, he also had amphibious units like the shallow sea Murlocs and Naga warriors under his command. Having them temporarily join the forces wouldnt be a problem. He brought the remaining pirates back to the pirate ship. Then, he summoned Panther and handed over the Green Heroic Soul Essence to him. With a system prompt, the territory gave birth to a true green hero. [Panther (Hero)] [Race: Human] [Level: 6] [Current Tier: Green (Elite)] [Potential: Green (Elite)] [Skill: Danger intuition (blue skill, has a metaphysical sense of danger)] Hunting Perception (Blue skill, has a keen perception of prey, can rely on various information to continuously track) Sailing Talent (Blue skill, completely mastered sailing skills, able to deal with all kinds of unexpected situations when sailing) Primitive Bloodline (Green) Skill (Extraordinary) Bloodline (Exceptional dexterity) Skill (Extraordinary) Combat Strength (Superior) [Military characteristic: Primitive faith (Once loyal, they will never rebel, 100% obey orders)] [This is a good seedling to become a captain, but its best to change his name.] Feeling the earth-shaking changes in his body, the Panther looked at Ji Chen with extreme gratitude and knelt down on one knee. My Lord, thank you for your generosity and kindness. I will forever serve you faithfull. Ji Chen smiled faintly. You deserve it. Since youve become a hero, you should change your name. What should it be called? On land, they were called Panthers. But in the sea how about Sea Panther? The thought almost made him burst into laughter. After a moment of contemplation, he settled on a name. From now on, you shall be known as Jack Sparrow! Jack Sparrow Sparrow murmured, his excitement evident. Thank you, sir, for giving me a name! Sparrow will spread your glorious reputation throughout the vast ocean! Jichen nodded in satisfaction at his reaction. But then, another thought occurred to him. Since the captains name had been changed, the name of the pirate ship should also be changed. He pondered for a moment, searching for a name that would suit the ships character, and ambition, and sound pleasing. After some contemplation, a ship name emerged. New Moon. Named after his territory, the New Moon Islands. It had a certain aesthetic appeal and uniqueness. He believed he still had some sense of propriety. He didnt want his ship to encounter all sorts of strange events and crises. He didnt choose names like Black Pearl, White Pearl, or Flying Dutchman. He didnt want his ship to attract unnecessary attention and trouble. After instructing Sparrow to bring the remaining pirates to speed up the repairs. Ji Chen returned to his territory. Before setting sail, he needed to take care of some matters in his territory to ensure that things would run smoothly in his absence and avoid any major problems. Firstly, there was the issue of food. Currently, the territory had enough food to sustain for about seven to eight days. If rationed properly, it could last for ten days. However, maritime expeditions were unpredictable, and he might be held up by unforeseen circumstances, preventing him from returning in a timely manner. Therefore, he needed to increase the food storage in the territory as a precautionary measure. The sea rice cultivation was still in the seeding stage, so it couldnt be relied upon for now. The native tribes could contribute to the food supply through hunting and fishing, helping to alleviate the food problem. The sea bass fishery could also provide a stable source of food. Increase the food reserves to half a month or even twenty days, that would be much safer. With twenty days worth of supplies, no matter what happens, 1 will definitely be able to return from the outside. Accompanied by his army, Jichen ventured out once again to hunt for prey. They brought back the hunted animals to the territory, and the meat was quickly processed into jerky by Wilus and his team for long-term preservation. The fishing resources around the New Moon Islands were abundant, with dense schools of fish of various species, often reaching extraordinary sizes. Ordinary large sea fish weighed around five catties, while fish weighing over ten catties were common. Jichen speculated that the stormy sea area was enveloped by severe storms, making it inaccessible for ordinary human fishing boats. Over time, the fishing resources accumulated and reached the current level. Therefore, he also caught a considerable amount of sea fish and turned them into dried fish to increase the reserves. For two whole days, Jichen tirelessly gathered food from various sources. The food reserves in the territory grew at a rapid pace and filled the warehouses. Wilus couldnt help but smile from ear to ear. For Jichen, a mountain of meat was worth more than gold and silver! And so, the day of departure drew closer.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 71 - Chapter 71: Set Off! Chapter 71: Set Off! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Departure day arrived. The central stone plaza of the territory was filled with gathered people. Jichen stood before the gates of the Lords Manor, his expression displaying a serious demeanor. Wilus, while Im away, I trust you to manage the territory diligently and ensure no mistakes occur. Wilus, standing before him, promptly saluted. Yes, I will do everything in my power. The Fishman Rangers will remain under your command during this period. However, their usage should be limited to safeguarding the territory and its resources. Additionally, continue overseeing the cultivation of sea rice. 1 hope to return and witness vast fields of flourishing rice. Wilus saluted once more, his anxiety evident in his response. Jichen nodded, shifting his gaze towards Anina by his side. According to their prior agreement, she would be responsible for protecting the territory in his absence. Anina, I entrust this task to you. You can count on me! Anina affirmed, gripping her massive sword and patting her chest with confidence. Yet, a tinge of disappointment crossed her expression. But when will you return? Within a maximum of twenty days. Really? Absolutely. Once our mission is accomplished, we shall promptly make our way back. Jichen offered her an assuring smile. Without hesitation, he turned and led the remaining troops towards the southern beach, embarking on their journey. Last night, the pirates had already repaired the New Moon and sailed it to the nearby sea. Sparrow, accompanied by a group of pirates, was waiting on the beach with several small boats for transportation. They boarded the small boats and rowed towards the approaching New Moon. As the large ship drew nearer, his excitement grew. Despite being mentally prepared, he couldnt contain his exhilaration at this moment. Finally, they could leave the island and venture into the vast ocean! Although he made time every day to check the chat channel and secretly observe the various silly comments from netizens, it was through their words that he learned about many fascinating things outside. The outside world It made him eager to experience it firsthand. Different races, seductive and fair-skinned elven sisters, dwarves with a love for drinking, slender and graceful elven beauties, unkempt dwarves, and elven girls who loved to call others Oni-chan obediently. The human cities on the mainland, bustling ports, and bustling markets all seemed incredibly captivating in the descriptions of other players. Certainly, that was to be expected. Apart from the kobolds, there were hardly five hundred humans on the archipelago. The majority of them are native locals. The territory is also vacant and sparsely populated, with few buildings and no signs of prosperity. In this context, Alice, with her exceptional beauty and submissive nature, was the only source of comfort. Therefore, he felt like a curious country boy yearning for the bustling metropolis. He desired to explore the world beyond. As the small boat approached the side of the New Moon, Jichen successfully boarded the ship. The shallow water Murlocs and Naga Warriors leaped onto the deck, just as they did during the previous raid. On the other hand, the sea pixies spread their wings and gracefully flew onto the ship. The New Moon had been completely repaired, featuring a pristine deck, intact hull, towering mast, and formidable ram. This was his very first ship! Henceforth, he would rely on it to navigate the vast seas. Jichen looked up at the mast, furrowing his brow. Is the sail still adorned with the skull? It might attract unwanted attention from official ships. An adjacent pirate immediately scratched his head and responded, My Lord, we have already replaced the sail with a conventional one. We only hoist the skull sail before engaging in raids. Otherwise, we sail with plain ones. We are well-versed in these matters. We assure you that even if they pass us by, they wont suspect us of being pirates. Jichen: Thats what you call professionalism. Well then, since thats the case, he had no concerns. The ships provisions and freshwater had been replenished over the past few days, ensuring enough sustenance for everyone on board for two months at sea. Everything was prepared. Set sail! Depart! With the given command, the sails of the New Moon slowly descended under the pirates control. The sea breeze blew, filling the sails and gently propelling the ship forward. Jichen stood at the ships railing, waving goodbye to the residents and Anina on the beach. The New Moon gradually departed from the chain of islands, heading towards the depths of the ocean. He watched as the contours of the islands gradually disappeared from view. A tinge of reluctance flickered in his heart. But it was quickly replaced by the allure of the new and wondrous marine scenery. Apart from the clouds dotting the azure sky, the surroundings were filled with the boundless sea. Fish leaped, and whales gracefully swam. The waves in the open ocean were much more tumultuous than near the islands. Even the New Moon, a sizable three-masted sailing ship, constantly swayed and rocked amidst the surging waves. Even as a first-time seafarer, Jichen couldnt help but grip the railing to stabilize himself. This also made him start to worry about the treacherous sea conditions at the edge of the Stormy Seas as Raymond and the pirates had mentioned. He had heard that not only were there continuous torrential rains but also fearsome waves. As he observed the surrounding scenery, Jichens initial excitement gradually subsided. He took out the magic map and began orienting himself. According to the map and the arrows guidance, the clue to his special main class lay in the southwestern sea area of the New Moon Islands. At the maximum sailing speed of a three-masted ship, it would take about two days to reach the destination. Not too short, yet not too long. It would give him ample time to experience a proper sea voyage. The Stormy Seas was neither large nor small. It only took half a day to reach the edge of the sea from the New Moon Islands. Soon enough, in the afternoon of the departure day, the New Moon sailed through the wind and waves, arriving at the edge of the Stormy Seas. So, this is what you all described as extremely treacherous sea conditions? Jichen looked around at the calm and serene sea surface, along with the peaceful blue sky and white clouds within his line of sight. Not only was there no storm but there wasnt even a single drop of rain. Jichen furrowed his brow and questioned the pirates. This cant be possible. When we entered earlier, it was all strong winds, storms, and raging waves. But now, its like this The pirates on the ship stared in disbelief, their doubts deepening. Where did those towering waves go? And what about the cloudy sky? Where did they disappear to? Jichen observed the pirates, and they didnt seem to be lying. He frowned. Raymond also mentioned their encounter with severe sea conditions when they entered the Stormy Seas. Moreover, both the New Moon and the Elizabeth had sustained varying degrees of damage. This couldnt be fabricated. It seemed that they werent lying. But why hadnt he experienced it now? Jichen pondered for a moment, unable to find an explanation. Since he couldnt figure it out, he decided to attribute it to quantum mechanics. After all, it was a good thing that they could venture out unscathed. With this in mind, he pointed southwest and commanded, Full speed ahead! New Moon Islands. Anina sat on the beach, hugging her legs and gazing absently at the distant sea. Since the ships departed, she had felt a sense of emptiness in her heart. It was as if she had returned to being alone. Why was that? She had lived alone before. Chasing fish to obtain food, seeking out deserted islands to sleep, secretly observing humans underwater, and lying on the beach sunbathingall by herself. She had already grown accustomed to a solitary life. But why did she now feel an unprecedented sense of loneliness? Anina absentmindedly held her chest, unable to comprehend it.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 72 - Chapter 72: Tidal Palace Chapter 72: Tidal Palace Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The New Moon safely left the stormy waters behind and sailed at full speed towards its destination as indicated by the magical map. After the initial excitement of the voyage wore off, Jichen started to feel a bit bored. The sailing process wasnt as thrilling and eventful as he had imagined. Most of the time, the surroundings consisted of the vast and monotonous sea, lacking anything interesting. Moreover, it seemed that the southwestern region beyond the Stormy Seas was not a busy route, as they hadnt encountered any other ships throughout the day. However, there was no shortage of marine life, with whales, dolphins, and schools of fish being a common sight. There were also some sea creatures, but they didnt show much interest in the New Moon, a large ship. Time slowly passed by, and two days later, the New Moon approached its destination. Suddenly, a dense white fog emerged on the sea, gradually increasing in thickness to the point where visibility was reduced to almost zero. The surroundings became eerily quiet, with only the sound of the ships bow cutting through the water breaking the silence. It seemed that this place had a magnetic field or some kind of energy that greatly hindered the Crown of Omnisciences detection capabilities. Their detection range was now limited to a hundred meters in all directions. My Lord, should we continue further into this place? It feels quite eerie with the dense fog, Sparrow said with a hint of unease, observing the thick mist surrounding them. Jichen looked at the magic map in his hand, which was radiating a blue glow that grew brighter as they approached their destination. It seemed they were not far away now. His expression remained calm as he spoke firmly, No need to worry, continue moving at a slow pace. His resolute tone injected the pirates with a renewed sense of confidence. The ship pressed forward into the fog. Half an hour later, the fog gradually dissipated, revealing the surroundings. Ahead, a piece of land came into view. Within the mist, a massive palace made of blue stones stood in the center. A brick road lined with dozens of tall stone columns extended from the palace gate all the way to the bow of the New Moon as if the two were precisely aligned as if planned in advance. It seemed they had arrived at the right place. Pirates, stay on the ship and remain vigilant. The rest of you, follow me down, Jichen declared loudly, then turned to Sparrow, the captain. Sparrow, protect the ship and make sure to wait for my return from inside. Sparrow nodded solemnly. Understood. With his instructions given, Jichen wasted no time and disembarked from the landing boat, with the Murlocs pushing it onto the land. Under the protection of the troops, they walked along the brick road towards the palace. The towering blue stone columns on both sides, reaching a height of twenty to thirty meters, were engraved with powerful and peculiar marine creatures, vividly depicting their awe-inspiring presence. Walking through the middle path felt like progressing under their watchful gaze, causing his heart to beat faster. The closer they got to the palace, the more they could feel its grandeur and magnificence. The city walls stood tall, adorned with exquisite carvings, pavilions, towers, and connecting corridors. Under the backdrop of the faint white mist, it appeared as if a divine palace had materialized before them. It was awe-inspiring. As they approached the main gate of the palace, a shadow on all fours came into sight, seemingly aware of the arrival of intruders and breaking through the mist. About fifty sea lion-like creatures with sharp-toothed flippers were aggressively charging towards them. [Tidal Beasts] [Race]: Tidal Sea Tribe [Tier]: Second Tier, 8 stars Bloodthirsty Fangs (blue skill, sharp fangs with powerful penetrating and biting force) Robust Physique (green skill, possessing strong muscles and bones, increased movement speed in water) [Guardian beasts protecting the palace, instinctively repelling all intruders) Attack! There was nothing more to say. The special main occupation should be inside this palace, and these Tidal Beasts were the gatekeepers with hostile intentions. The only option was to fight their way in. The Murlocs swiftly launched a wave of tridents, killing dozens of them. The Naga Warriors engaged in bloody battles with the remaining Tidal Beasts. With their strength, dealing with a group of second-tier, 8-star monsters were relatively easy. After about ten minutes, silence once again enveloped the surroundings. Ding- You have achieved a glorious victory. You have gained 3800 experience points Walking through the blood and remnants scattered across the ground, they arrived at the entrance of the palace. The stone gate stood at least thirty meters high, adorned with intricate and complex patterns and designs. Standing before it, they felt as small as ants. As they pondered the meaning behind these patterns and designs, the stone gate suddenly creaked and let out a rough friction sound, automatically opening to reveal a path leading inside. Jichen was momentarily taken aback. But without hesitation, he promptly signaled the troops to enter. Beyond the gate was a long corridor, shrouded in dense white mist. Towering walls lined both sides, with no visible points for climbing. Once all the troops had entered the corridor, the door slammed shut with a resounding thud. Coupled with the pervasive mist and the eerily silent atmosphere, it resembled a scene from a horror film. To say that there was no anxiety would be a lie. Damn, this is quite nerve-wracking Jichen took a deep breath before continuing further into the depths. Although the setting was eerie, no monsters suddenly appeared out of nowhere. After advancing several hundred meters, they encountered another stone gate. Beyond the gate was a closed circular outdoor plaza, surrounded by walls reaching dozens of meters high. It was empty inside, devoid of any traces of monsters. They swiftly made their way inside. Aside from the entrance they came through, there were three other stone gates, resembling an arena without spectator seats. The stone gates served as the passages for releasing enemies. Similarly, once they entered, the stone door behind them slowly closed. Then, a mechanical voice suddenly resounded. Unknown challenger, welcome to the Tidal Palace. I am an unconscious remnant of the Tidal Lord, left behind to guide those who come here seeking the inheritance of the Tidal Lord class. Since you have arrived here, it means you have defeated the guardian Tidal Beasts and obtained the initial qualification to challenge. The Tidal Lord is an extremely powerful maritime class, possessing formidable strength and the ability to effortlessly manipulate tidal forces to tear apart enemies. But the challenger must complete all the challenges to have a chance of obtaining the inheritance. Furthermore, even if the challenger fails to obtain the inheritance in the end, rare treasures will be bestowed based on the challenges outcome. So, unknown challenger, are you prepared? The mechanical voice echoed throughout the outdoor plaza. Jichens heart began to burn with anticipation. He had left his territory and spent so much time to come here for the sole purpose of obtaining this unique maritime class. Moreover, the Tidal Lord sounded like a tremendously powerful class. As for the need to challenge in order to obtain the inheritance, Jichen was mentally prepared. After all, opportunities dont just fall from the sky except for when fishing, perhaps. Without hesitation, Jichen rallied his troops and declared aloud, I am prepared. After a brief pause, the mechanical voice resounded once again. First Trial: Tide of Tidal Beasts. First wave, Second Tier 8-star, Quantity: 100. As soon as the words fell, apart from the door they entered from, the other three stone doors slowly rose. A large group of finned and four-limbed creatures with sharp fangs and claws rushed out from within. They were none other than the Tidal Beasts encountered at the palace entrance. However, while there were only about fifty guarding the entrance, there were now a hundred here, doubling the difficulty of defeating them.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 73 - Chapter 73: A Strange Challenge Chapter 73: A Strange Challenge Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Everyone, fall back and form a defensive line with our backs against the stone doors. Naga warriors, stay outside, and the shallow water Murlocs will fill the gaps. Alice and the sea pixies, release your spells upon my command. The troops orderly retreated to their designated positions, forming a semi-circular formation with their backs against the stone doors. This way, they could evenly distribute the pressure from all directions. However, the first wave of enemies wasnt numerous, and their strength was average, so dealing with them was not a problem. With a few swift throws from the shallow water Murlocs, more than half of the enemies were taken down. There was no need for the sea pixies to even intervene. Soon, all one hundred Tidal Beasts in the first wave were slain. Meanwhile, their own casualties were negligible. Congratulations! You have achieved a glorious victory You have gained 4600 experience points Since the main class wouldnt level up if not promoted, even if the experience bar was full, it would stay at level 10. So, there was no need to worry about accidental leveling up. The mechanical voice soon resounded once again. Second wave, Second Tier 8-star, Quantity: 200. Wow, the second waves quantity had doubled directly. Two hundred Second Tier 8-star Tidal Beasts would be enough to eliminate over 70% of players in the outside world. But here, it was only the second wave of the first trial. Truly befitting of a challenge for a special class, it was indeed extraordinary. Jichens anticipation for the Tidal Lord class grew stronger in his heart. The more difficult the challenge, the more valuable the rewards, right? The stone doors rose. Once again, Tidal Beasts in the form of sea lions appeared. This time, it took them a bit more time to deal with them. However, they still had plenty of leeway and suffered no significant damage. Any minor injuries to the troops quickly healed under the effect of the Lords talents. Without giving them much time to rest, the emotionless mechanical voice resounded once more. As if it were an unyielding program. The difficulty level escalated once again. Third wave, Second Tier 9-star, Quantity: 300. From Second Tier 8-star to Second Tier 9-star. Although it was only a one-star increase in the tier, their strength had significantly improved, and their numbers had increased by 100. Without granting them much time for contemplation, the Tidal Beasts surged forth once again. The roar of the Naga Warrior resounded. Boom The last three Tide Beasts were blasted into pieces by the Sea pixies. The seventh wave was over. The open-air square was filled with the corpses of Tide Beasts, spreading out in a fan shape from the defensive line, covering the ground densely, and the smell of blood permeated the air. This wave consisted of a total of 500 Tier 3, 2-star Tide Beasts. The attack intensity was much higher than the previous waves. Not only was the number increase, but the bodies of the Tide Beasts became tougher, and their attack power became stronger. A pair of ferocious fangs resembling mammoth tusks were already capable of breaking through the Naga Warriors scale armor defense. Many Naga Warriors, caught off guard, were pierced with two bloody holes in their bodies. However, there were no serious injuries or deaths, so the situation was still manageable. Quietly, Jichen nodded his head. It seemed that in the next wave, he would have Alice intervene a bit and control the situation. Otherwise, if the Naga Warrior sustained too much damage, the defensive line could easily collapse in the subsequent waves. Just as he was waiting for the prompt for the next wave, a different mechanical voice sounded. Congratulations, challenger, for successfully passing the first challenge, the Tidal Beast Tide. As a reward, you will be given a rare 2-star treasure after the challenge is completed. Jichen couldnt help but laugh. They were so generous? Treasures couldnt be obtained casually; each treasure had its own use. Like the Raging Blood Bead, also a 2-star treasure, it could become a decisive factor in balancing the situation at critical moments. The reward for this challenge was indeed generous. Generous to the point of being somewhat unreal. After obtaining the Tide Lords career inheritance, Jichen planned to attempt the challenge again in order to acquire more treasures. The second challenge was called Race Against Time. The objective was to locate and destroy three crystal towers in the Tidal Palace: one to the east, one to the west, and one to the north. Each crystal tower was protected by a group of Tidal Beasts. Moreover, once a crystal tower was destroyed, an even stronger group of Tidal Beasts would appear, putting a time constraint on the challenger. The task was to destroy all three crystal towers before being overwhelmed by the Tidal Beasts and return to the starting point. Jichen found this challenge perplexing. Why was finding and destroying the crystal towers a part of the class inheritance challenge? It seemed unusual and raised questions about the design of the challenge. Although he was filled with doubts, Jichen had no choice but to follow the instructions given by the mechanical voice. The other three stone doors opened once again, revealing the paths leading to the crystal towers located to the west, east, and north. It shouldnt be too difficult to find them by following the roads and directions. Jichen led his army and entered through the door on the west side, proceeding in a clockwise order. Behind the stone door was a complex structure of pavilions and towers, resembling the grandeur of the Palace of Qin. The sight was overwhelming, but fortunately, there was a spacious main road. According to the mechanical voice, if he followed it to the end, he would find the crystal. Without wasting any time, Jichen swiftly ran along the road. After running for about two to three kilometers, he came across an open space with a crystal tower standing tall. The faint light emanating from the crystal dispelled the surrounding mist. Around the crystal tower, there were three to four hundred serpent-like creatures wielding terrifying sickles C the Tide Serpents. [Tidal Serpent] [Race]: Tide Sea Clan [Level]: 13 [Tier]: Tier 3, 3 Stars [Skills]: Death Coiling (blue skill, constricting enemies with its body) Toxic Injection (blue skill, injecting venom upon biting to induce paralysis) Magic Resistance Scales (blue skill, reducing spell damage by 30%) [Military Characteristic]: Crystal Guardian (does not leave the vicinity of the crystal tower) [Tidal Serpents guarding the crystal towers in the Tidal Palace, instinctively repelling all intruders] Tier 3, 3 Stars, level 13. They were stronger than the Tidal Beasts encountered in the previous challenge. But they could be defeated! Sensing the presence of unfamiliar intruders, the Tidal Serpents raised their sturdy serpent bodies and writhed in preparation. The hissing of the serpent-like creatures echoed, their cold and cruel vertical pupils giving them a menacing appearance. The enormous sickles they held seemed capable of slicing through rocks. Found intruderskill The snake-like language emerged slowly from their mouths, sounding harsh and raspy. Rustle In an instant, the entire group of serpent creatures moved, the eerie sound of their bodies slithering against the floor sending shivers down ones spine. Jichen showed no signs of weakness. With a wave of his hand, the army positioned themselves strategically against a nearby structure, utilizing the walls for defense. On the frontlines, the Naga warriors, with their snake tails, engaged in combat against their distant relatives who seemed generations apart. Their formidable bone blades proved to be lethal tools for slaughter. With a swift swing, the sickles in the snake creatures hands shattered. Although there was only a two-tier difference in their rankings, the overall combat prowess of the Naga warriors far surpassed that of the serpent creatures. However, there were only 34 Naga warriors, while there were several hundred snake creatures. They were surrounded by a large group of enemies. Swish The sea pixies unleashed a barrage of water arrows from their staves. Despite the snake creatures scales providing some resistance against magic, the explosive water arrows inflicted considerable damage upon them. Their scales were damaged, and their bodies were covered in wounds. More importantly, the spells from the sea pixies provided cover and disruption. Taking advantage of this opening, the Naga warriors and the shallow sea Murlocs went into a frenzy, causing massive casualties. Tridents flew across the battlefield, their sharp tips severing numerous snake heads. These three units coordinated with each other C one serving as a shield, one as ranged support, and one as magical reinforcement. Their combined combat strength far exceeded their individual capabilities. Although the snake creatures outnumbered them, they were unable to break through the defense line of the Naga warriors. Instead, they fell victim to the explosions of water arrows and the sharpness of the tridents. However, many Naga warriors were bitten by the snake creatures venomous fangs, and their gruesome wounds quickly turned purple. Their slashing movements became less agile. Sensing this, Jichen urged the sea pixies and Alice to unleash their full firepower. They needed to eliminate the serpent horde as quickly as possible to avoid wasting time.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 74 - Chapter 74: Abnormality Chapter 74: Abnormality Translator: Draqon Boat Translation Editor: Draqon Boat Translation Under the coordination of the three units, the battle quickly approached its end. Ding- You have achieved a glorious victory You have gained 9,600 experience points Jichen looked at the shimmering crystal tower on the empty ground. According to the instructions from the mechanical voice, destroying this crystal tower would complete one-third of the second stages objective. After a brief hesitation, he waved his hand, instructing the Shallow Sea Murlocs to throw projectiles at the crystal atop rhe tower. Crack After a crisp sound, the tower trembled slightly. Cracks appeared on the top crystal, quickly dimming its once radiant light. At the same time, the entire Tidal Palace trembled slightly, as if something had been unleashed, filled with malicious intent for slaughter. Jichens heart sank. This should be what the mechanical voice had mentioned: after destroying the tower, a powerful horde of Tidal beasts would pursue them. But he didn t expect it to happen so quickly. They werent even given a moment to rest! With no time to spare for further thoughts, he led the army to sprint towards the next crystal tower. They ran madly all the way. Just as they arrived at the open space near the northern crystal tower, they heard terrifying and desperate howls coming from the direction of the western crystal tower. The relentless sound continued. It was a terrifying and bone-chilling sound as if a horde of savage beasts were roaring together. It seems we need to pick up the pace. He took a deep breath and looked at the crystal tower in front of him. Just like the previous one, it was guarded by four to five hundred Tidal Serpents. They awakened from their slumber. As soon as they saw Jichen, they immediately let out a deafening roar. Upon hearing this commotion, the sounds from the western crystal tower quickly ceased, indicating that they had been alerted to their presence and were swiftly approaching. Time was running out. Without hesitation, Jichen urgently spoke. Alice, control all the Serpents. Sea Pixies, clear the entrance passage.11 Naga warriors, cover the shallow sea murlocs as they directly destroy the crystal tower! Since they had already been detected, there was no need to hide any longer. The mechanical voice only stated the need to destroy the crystal tower; it didnt specify that they had to eliminate the guarding tidal beasts. As long as they followed the procedure, this approach would also allow them to pass the level. Alices singing voice quickly filled the air. Sea pixies shot out water arrows, swiftly clearing a path. Naga warriors led the way, protecting the shallow sea murlocs as they reached the maximum firing range of their tridents and destroyed the crystal atop the tower. The second crystal tower was successfully destroyed! Before the pursuing horde of tidal beasts arrived, they left the area and headed towards the last crystal tower on the eastern side of the open square. Three minutes after Jichen and his team left the northern crystal tower, A group of three thousand Tidal Beasts, with an impressive rank of Tier-3 with S-Star, arrived late. Upon seeing the bewildered faces of the serpents and the destroyed crystal tower, They let out a piercing and furious roar. For a moment, the entire Tidal Palace resonated with their voices. Under the command of a monstrous leader, they dashed towards the last crystal tower. One side sought to destroy the crystal tower and quickly return to the open square. The other side aimed to prevent the crystal tower from being destroyed. The pursuit unfolded in a frenzied chase. Jichen quickly caught sight of the crystal tower on the eastern side. As long as they destroyed this final tower and safely returned to the open square, the second challenge would be considered complete, It followed rhe same pattern. Alice took control, Naga warriors cleared the way, and the shallow sea murlocs destroyed the tower. The entire process took less than two minutes. However, even so, just as they were about to destroy the crystal tower and make their way back to the open square along the main road, The horde of Tidal Beasts chasing them was less than a minute away. When Jichen saw the number and rank of the Tidal Beasts, his eyelids twitched. Like a horde of zombies, they densely filled the road ahead, rushing towards them like a tsunami. Without hesitation, Jichen led his army to run. Finally, when they were just fifty meters away from the destination, they entered the open square, and the massive stone door closed with a resounding thud, blocking the Tidal Beasts outside. The Tidal Beasts frantically attacked the stone door, causing it to reverberate. But the patterns on the door suddenly lit up, emitting a faint green glow. No matter how the Tidal Beasts attacked, they couldnt make the slightest dent. Phew- Jichen leaned on his knees, breathing heavily. His heart was still pounding. They had come dangerously close to being caught by the beast horde. With such a massive and powerful group of Tidal Beasts chasing them, the outcome would have been dismemberment. Not even a single piece of bone would have been left. The difficulty of the second challenge was simply outrageous. It was so high that it could no longer be considered a test because very few players could survive under such circumstances. First of all, each crystal tower was guarded by four to five hundred Tidal Serpents, all of them at the level of Tier 3 with 2-Star. Dealing with them was no easy task. The biggest challenge was that once a crystal tower was destroyed, A tidal horde of up to several thousand Tidal Beasts, all at the level of Tier 3 with 8-star, relentlessly chased after you. Their speed was unbelievably fast. If Jichen hadnt had Alice take control first and cleverly destroyed the crystal tower, Im afraid they would have been caught by the Tidal Serpents while killing the Tidal Serpents guarding the second crystal tower. From triggering the beast horde by destroying the first crystal tower to attacking the second crystal tower, there were not even fifteen minutes in between. And to clear the Tidal Serpents, it would have taken ar least half an hour or more. So it was said that the difficulty was beyond imagination. It was simply impossible for a human to accomplish. Jichen even began to doubt if the Tidal Lord did not want anyone to obtain the inheritance of the class. He looked up. At some point, a taller and grander crystal tower had risen in the middle of the open square. The crystal at the top radiated a brilliant light, almost dispelling the fog throughout the entire palace. Even from a considerable distance, one could sense the terrifying energy contained within the crystal. Congratulations on successfully completing the Race Against Time, the second challenge.11 Next is the third and final challenge.1 All you need to do is destroy the crystal tower at the center of the square to complete all the challenges and obtain the class inheritance of the Tidal Lord. Now, there was only one step remaining. Once this crystal tower was destroyed, the powerful and unique class would be within reach. Although troop-based combat was the mainstream for players, Who wouldnt want to possess the power to move mountains and change the course of nature? He would no longer be just a commander hiding behind the troops, but someone who became a powerful force himself. However, Jichen did not make a move. He just looked at the towering crystal tower with a complex expression. It was as if he was speaking to a being. No need to conceal yourself. You must be conscious, right? Alice looked at Jichen with some astonishment, not understanding why he would say such words. There was no response. But Jichen didnt question it further. Instead, he continued with a light expression. The first challenge, as a test for class inheritance, still falls within the normal range. But the second challenge is rather puzzling. Destroying the crystal towers? And once theyre destroyed, there are so many tidal beasts chasing after us. According to normal circumstances, the chances of success are almost zero. If it werent for Alice, we would have been torn to shreds by now. Tell me, which challenger could pass such a test? Rather than calling it a test, its more like a death sentence. This stage is filled with abnormalities, and we have to destroy the crystal tower in the center. If 1 actually destroy it, the energy contained within will likely destroy this place immediately. Did 1 get everything right? As he finished speaking, there was silence. For a long time. Then, a voice resounded once again. But This time, it wasnt the emotionless mechanical voice. It was a hoarse voice filled with wickedness,. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 75 - Chapter 75: Pulled off a Great Performance Chapter 75: Pulled off a Great Performance Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Hehe, so youve actually detected my presence? Human, I must admit, Ive underestimated you. A peculiar and sinister black figure materialized in the air, surrounded by a dense shroud of black mist. Within the mist, a pair of blood-red eyes gleamed. They exuded malevolence, chaos, brutality, and an intense malevolence. At first glance, it was evident that this being was far from ordinary. It instilled a deep sense of repulsion, making one yearn to vanquish it instantly. Jichen responded with a faint smile, Your design for this level is truly flawed, its apparent to anyone. This statement immediately caught the mysterious black figure off guard. Ignoring its reaction, Jichen continued speaking with an air of ease. Allow me to speculate on why you would create such a poorly constructed level. If this place is known as the Tidal Palace, then it would be reasonable to assume that the Tidal Beasts serve as its guardians. However, in a deserted palace devoid of inhabitants and valuable treasures, what could possibly warrant their guardianship? Thats the first point of skepticism. Those three crystal towers must possess some sort of mechanism. By destroying them, it triggers the central crystal tower. Moreover, you alone have appeared thus far. This raises the second point of doubt. Therefore, I dare to speculate that both the crystal towers and the Tidal Beasts are employed to guard or, dare I say, imprison you. I suppose my assumption isnt far off, wouldnt you agree, Mr. Red-Eyes? As his words subsided, Without warning, The black mist swiftly surged towards Jichen. Yet, in the blink of an eye, numerous luminous chains with a faint green hue materialized in mid-air, firmly restraining the malevolent entity. One end of the chains snaked through the black mist, while the other end connected to various parts of the palace. The deep green chains emitted a sizzling sound within the black mist, reminiscent of red-hot tongs being plunged into cold water. Ah ah ah! Curse that Tidal Lord! Trapping me in here for millennia! If I ever break free, I will make him my eternal servant! Weak human, you came here seeking great power, didnt you? Now I offer you a chance. Destroy this crystal tower and aid my escape, and I will transform you into my loyal servant. At that moment, you will possess power rivaling that of a deity, far surpassing the class inheritance granted to you by the Tidal Lord, countless times stronger! Jichen stared at the black mist as if it were a fool. You have been imprisoned here for countless years, with no hope of escape. And now you claim to offer immense power? Who are you trying to deceive? Moreover, theres a possibility that it will simply eliminate him upon being freed. Becoming its servant or any such thing holds no interest for him. Observing Jichens silence, the black mist continued with its tempting words. Perhaps, after millennia, no one has heard of my name. I was once the dominant ruler of the Blood-Eye Sea Clan, and the entire Western Ocean trembled beneath my shadow. If it werent for the Tidal Lords treachery in trapping me here, I would have already conquered the entire ocean, standing on par with the deities. As long as you assist in my liberation and grant me freedom, the entire Western Ocean will be yours to rule, surpassing the dominion of countless beings. Jichen felt somewhat powerless to retort. Isnt this just another scam, akin to those claiming to be Qin Shi Huang, asking for money? This creature from the Blood-Eye Sea Clan couldnt even come up with something more imaginative to deceive others. At the very least, it should have presented a more appealing image. With this ghastly appearance, its ill intentions are evident. Seeing Jichens indifference and even a hint of mockery, the black mist finally realized it was being played and thrashed in anger against the seal, only to be scorched by the chains. Damn human, once I break free, I will imprison your soul, making you beg for death! Jichen wore an indifferent expression and even went as far as to clean his ears. He wasnt afraid, but did he come here for nothing? After all the fighting, he still hadnt obtained the promised special main class. It was truly disappointing. Just as he sighed and contemplated how to leave this wretched place, a deep voice suddenly echoed. So, youre still trying to escape, the audacity of a thief. Fortunately, the Tidal Lord left me with this consciousness to deal with the current situation. Upon hearing this voice, the black mist trembled slightly and immediately began to hysterically protest. Tidal Lord, you bastard! Release me now! I only killed a few thousand of your underlings, isnt millennia of imprisonment enough compensation? Unfortunately, this voice, seemingly emanating from the distant heavens, appeared unwilling to listen to its pleas. Hmph, demons truly cant be trusted. In that case, I will completely seal you within the Tidal Palace, exiling it to the Void, where you will endure endless eons of imprisonment in the boundless darkness. Let that serve as a lesson to you Huh? Why is there a human here? In the vast emptiness, it felt as though a pair of eyes were observing them. Jichens expression finally turned serious. This profound voice should be the true consciousness left behind by the Tidal Lord, while the black mist was an imposter. He took out the magical map from his backpack and presented it. I am Jichen. I have come from afar following the guidance of this map, seeking to obtain the inheritance of the Tide Lords class. As if recognizing the map in his hand, the deep voice suddenly comprehended. So, its the magical map crafted by the true Tidal Lord. No wonder you found your way here. Let me think according to his intentions, as long as you follow the magical map and pass certain trials, you can obtain the classs inheritance. However, due to the passage of time, the imposed trial procedures have malfunctioned, allowing this demon to take advantage and nearly destroy the crystal tower. But the true Tidal Lord had already anticipated this possibility. Even if the crystal tower was destroyed, the seal would still remain, as the tower was merely a facade. Upon hearing these words, the black mist instantly lost its composure and erupted in curses. You bastard! Werent you supposed to release the seal by destroying the crystal tower? You tricked me! Ill Hmph, and what if I deceived you? sneered the lingering consciousness of the Tidal Lord. Does it really matter? Its all going according to plan. I always enjoy putting on a good show. Having said that, it paid no further attention to the wildly cursing black mist. Addressing Jichen, it continued, Human, although you didnt pass the true class inheritance trial, the fact that you were able to deal with so many Tidal Beasts and see through this demons plan is enough to demonstrate your exceptional strength and wisdom. I believe that even if the true Tidal Lord were here, he would agree to grant you his inheritance directly. So, are you willing to accept the Tide Lords inheritance? Jichens face lit up with immense joy. It was a feeling of regaining what was lost. Just a moment ago, he thought this place was nothing but a prison with no rewards. But now, he was being told that he could directly obtain the class inheritance. It was like going from a dead end to a clear path, a sudden burst of brightness after the darkness! Without any hesitation, Jichen firmly replied, I am willing to accept. Good! In fact, this central crystal tower is the key to obtaining the inheritance. Now, I will assist you in the class inheritance. The crystal tower trembled slightly. A dazzling light emitted from the top of the tower, enveloping Jichen.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 76 - Chapter 76: Tidal Lord Inheritance Chapter 76: Tidal Lord Inheritance Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Within the dazzling light, a gentle yet powerful energy flowed into him. It felt like a foot massage, a mix of pain and pleasure. Words couldnt adequately describe it. But soon, only pain remained. The energy filled every corner of his body, like an overinflated balloon on the verge of bursting. Damn, thats enough Too much Cant hold it Going to explode. Jichen endured the pain. Though the energy was gentle, it continued to pour into him unwaveringly. He even had the illusion of being inflated like a big-bellied person. Time passed as if it were an eternity. Once the incoming energy reached a critical point, the overly abundant energy began to transform his body inch by inch. Starting from each individual molecule. In a trance, he seemed to have X-ray vision into his own body, witnessing every cell being remodeled, becoming stronger and more vibrant. He rejoiced, he exulted. His heart thumped incessantly, louder and more powerful than a drum, as if shaking the earth and air. Damn, is this the Emperors Engine? Before he could even start to complain, a slightly damp sensation followed. That was the scent of the sea? It was then that he remembered he was accepting the inheritance of the Tidal Lord. The sensation of bodily expansion gradually faded, replaced by a feeling of being drawn into a vortex. A cool touch, fading vision, as if sinking into the depths of a pitch-black sea. But what surprised him was that there was no trace of panic in his heart. Instead, he felt a comforting sense of being back home. It was incredibly strange. After an unknown period of time, he heard a voice in his ears. Ding ~ You have successfully changed your class to Tidal Lord and have mastered many class skills. Ding ~ Your Lords Talent has evolved. Seas Blessing I has been upgraded to Seas Blessing II, and more effects have been unlocked. After some time, Ji Chen slowly opened his eyes. With his feet firmly planted on the ground, the square and the crystal tower were still in front of him, but he was no longer the same person. Clenching his fists and feeling the power contained in his body, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly. So, the inheritance of a special class was so powerful? He sensed that his strength had increased more than tenfold. His entire body was filled with endless strength. Now, he felt that he could easily kill a Tidal Beast with a single punch. However, the Tidal Lord was not a physical damage class It was unclear whether the advancement in class also triggered the evolution of the Lords talent, but he had successfully upgraded his talent from I to 11. Presumably, there would be additional bonuses and effects. However, before he could open his personal interface to confirm, the deep voice spoke again, with a hint of surprise. You have successfully changed your class as Tidal Lord. This class is not as simple as ordinary people think. It has great potential. Moreover, your body seems to It was as if he had gotten to the point where he was afraid of something. Tidal Lords mind did not continue on this topic. Other than that, since youve already obtained the inheritance, youll be considered to have passed the test. Youll receive a core of the Tidal Sea Spirits military recruitment camp. As he spoke, a crystal clear core flew out from somewhere in the Tidal Palace and floated in front of him. Ji Chen didnt hesitate. He nodded and put it into his backpack. If there was an advantage to be gained, he would seize it without hesitation. Seeing that he had accepted the core as if he had completed the important task of 10,000 years, the Tidal Masters mind heaved a heavy sigh of relief. Since you have completed the inheritance, you can leave now. Next, I will clean up the mess here. Let me out! You damn Tidal Lord! Youre already dead and you still want to drag me down? What a despicable person you are! In reality, the black mist continued to hurl insults incessantly, but both Jichen and the consciousness left by the Tidal Lord ignored it. Before Ji Chen could say anything else, his vision blurred. In the next moment, he and all the troops appeared on the brick road outside the Tidal Palace. The palace doors were tightly shut. After taking one last deep look, he was stunned. He led the army toward the New Moon. On the shore, Sparrow was slightly anxious. When he saw Ji Chen emerge from the mist, his face lit up with joy and he quickly walked up to him. My lord, youre back! Ji Chen nodded in a good mood. Okay, lets get on the boat. Well leave this place. Yes, sir! The sails fell and pushed the ship forward. The New Moon gradually left. Ji Chen suddenly felt something. He took out the magic map from his backpack. As soon as the map appeared in his hand, it scattered into dust and disappeared into the air. The outline of the Tidal Palace gradually disappeared into the fog, he thought to himself. This place will probably disappear forever. As the ship left the sea, the fog gradually dissipated. The sky brightened once again, and the bright sunlight shone down. The surrounding sea area opened up again. The relaxing sea view was revealed again. However, Ji Chen was not in the mood to enjoy the scenery. He hurried back to his room in the cabin. He opened his personal interface and checked his current attributes. [Name: Ji Chen] [Level: 10 (25%/100%)] [Identity: Ocean Lord] [Main Class: Tidal Lord (Current Class Tier: Red Legacy Tier) [Sub-profession: Fisherman (Beginner)] 158/500]) [Class Skill: Tide Control (red skill, able to control waves and water, mana consumption depends on the amount and distance)] Massive Wave (Red) Skill-Consumes a large amount of mana to create a terrifying wave, dealing physical and magic damage to enemies at the same time. Water Equipment (Red skill, can condense water into any form of weapon, damage depends on mana released) Tidal Force (Purple skill, increases magic damage and mana regeneration speed by 100% when in or near the ocean) Tidal Halo (Purple skill, increases 30% Magic Resistance of user and nearby troops) [Lords Talent]: Favor of the Sea II (Purple Talent, the effects are broad in concept, the current confirmed effects are: (D Easier access to blessings from the ocean, ? Increased stamina and recovery speed of troops under your command near the ocean by 80%, @ Ability to move freely and swiftly in water, with a 99% reduction in oxygen consumption and a 95% reduction in water pressure) [Territory Name: Crown of the Ocean] [Territory Level: Level 2 Village] [Military recruitment camp]: Odd [Item: Odd] The main class of the red legacy tier! There were also three red skills and two purple skills! Jichen was instantly shocked. This surpassed Anina by a great margin. There was an additional enhancement to the Lords Talent. In essence, it meant the ability to move effortlessly in the sea without any hindrance. From a certain perspective, this enhancement held immense significance. The limitation of human exploration in the ocean was primarily due to surface-level and shallow-water factors. Apart from sea monsters, the limited oxygen supply and water pressure prevented deep dives. However, with his current Lords Talent, the need for oxygen was greatly reduced, and he possessed formidable resistance to water pressure. He could swim freely in the water, just like a fish. This meant he could venture into the ocean at will, searching for sunken ships brimming with treasures and exploring lost underwater ruins. What a remarkable update this was! With a contented smile, Jichen closed the panel, suddenly recalling the bonus troop recruitment core he had obtained earlier. What was its name? Tidal Sea Spirit Could it be those extremely ugly Tide Beasts? If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 77 - Chapter 77: Tidal Sea Spirit Chapter 77: Tidal Sea Spirit Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation He quickly took it out from his backpack and examined it carefully. Inside the glass sphere, there was a blue shadow, resembling that of a specter. This puzzled Jichen to some extent. He opened the troop panel to take a closer look. [Tidal Sea Spirit] [Race: Sea Spirit] [Level: 10] [Tier: 4,1 star (special)] Spirit Body (Purple Skill, Immune to Physical Damage) [Military characteristic: Possession (Able to possess the ship and replace 90% of the manpower to operate the ship, but after possession, the damage will be shared with the ship.] Weakened (After leaving the attached ship, enter a Weakened state, unable to attach again for a short period of time) [A mystical creature nurtured by the Tidal Lord] It was a Tier 41-star, with only one purple skill. But upon closer inspection, the effect of the first troop characteristic was simply astonishing! According to the standards of the New Moon, it required at least 150 individuals to fully utilize all its functions. In other words, with the embodiment of the Tidal Spirit, only fifteen individuals would be needed to operate it. This significantly reduced the manpower required! What an unexpected delight! Considering that the current pirate crew on the New Moon consisted of only sixty-six individuals, they couldnt even use half of its functionalities. In addition to the reduced manpower requirement, he thought of other potential uses. If it could be attached to his own ship, could the Tidal Sea Spirit still attach itself to the enemys ship? This thought stirred Ji Chen. During a battle at sea, imagine the confusion the enemy would experience when suddenly realizing their ship is no longer under their control. How bewildering would that be? As long as he had a sufficient number of Tidal Spirits. He could even assemble an unmanned fleet that would roam the seas. A cameo appearance as a ghost ship wouldnt be out of the question either. He couldnt wait to open the recruitment interface and see how many Tidal Spirits he could recruit in a week. [Sea Spirit Vortex] [Tier: 4,1 star] [Type of soldier recruited: Tidal sea spirit (tier 4,1 star)] [Number of recruits per week: 1] [Current Recruit Count: 1] [Recruitment cost: 500 units of crystals] One per week, 500 units of crystals for each? Crystal again Hero Altar, Mystic Realm Crystal, Alices Military Talent Tree. And now, adding the incredible Tide Spirit unit to the mix. It seemed that he had to find as many crystal resources as possible before returning to his territory. However, Jichen had little knowledge about acquiring crystals. As a highly valuable resource, crystals were considered rare and precious, whether in the possession of the native inhabitants or players. Most of the time, they were traded for other equally rare resources, and they rarely appeared on the market. Even if they were available on the market, the prices would be exorbitant. With his current assets, he probably couldnt even afford to purchase 200 units of crystal. Although he had a lot of Mithril in his hands, it was all used to upgrade Alices military technology tree. If he used it to exchange for crystals, wouldnt he be robbing Peter to pay Paul? Moreover, he needed tens of thousands of crystals. He could only go to the forum to see if there was any news about the crystal. Ji Chen opened the forum and searched for the keyword crystal. In a flash, tens of thousands of posts appeared. The uses of crystal resources I discovered a crystal vein less than 500 meters from my territory The value of one unit of crystal Shocking! A mysterious gateway appeared near the Silver Islands and inside it One posts title quickly caught his attention. Silver Islands, the Mystic Real These two words piqued his interest. Raymond had mentioned the Silver Islands as a bustling Island nearest to his territory. It was known for its bustling trade routes and commercial prosperity. In his plans, he intended to visit the Silver Islands during his sea voyage to experience the grandeur of the world. And now, there was a mystery occurring near the Silver Islands? This news heightened his curiosity, and he clicked on the post to read it carefully. Although the title seemed clickbait, the content inside struck him profoundly. This morning, there was a rumor that fishermen from the Silver Islands found a mystic realm gate and picked up a few crystals after passing through it. Therefore, they determined that the mystic realm might produce high-level resources like crystals. However, the local Alliance officials quickly refuted this news. Simultaneously, they dispatched a fleet to block off the affected sea area and prohibited anyone from entering. Their actions were contradictory and raised suspicions. Some individuals attempted to reach the sea area, but they were all intercepted by the Alliance officials. However, there were witnesses who claimed that the Alliance officials rescued a boatload of injured individuals from the affected sea area. It is highly likely that they had already entered the mystic realm but faced retaliation from the native inhabitants. Looking at the updated information in the thread, Ji Chens heart gradually moved. According to various information, the Silver Islands might produce crystal resources. If that was the case, then he had even more reason to go. He looked at the nautical chart. From the current sea area to the Silver Islands, the New Moon would only need a little more than two days at full speed. There was still plenty of time. When they received the news that the secret plane had opened, the players nearby would definitely swarm over. Once the number of players increased, the local Alliances official fleet might not be able to keep everyone outside. That way, he would have an opportunity to enter the mystic realm. At this thought. Ji Chen didnt hesitate any longer and quickly gave the order to the pirates. Raise the sail and head for the Silver Islands at full speed! Yes, sir! The three sails were raised, and the sea breeze was blowing. The New Moon was advancing at full speed toward the Silver Islands. The White Sand Princess, which had been sailing on the Western Ocean for several days, finally saw land. Phew, Im finally back. Raymond leaned against the railing and looked at the bustling port in the distance. He heaved a heavy sigh of relief. The White Sand Princess had been moving at full speed since leaving the Storm Sea a few days ago, heading for the port where the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce was located. Although they encountered some trouble along the way, they returned safely. It was strange. Before leaving the Island, Raymond was worried that the storm at the edge of the Stormy Sea would damage the ship again. However, unexpectedly, it was calm when they passed through. Could it be because of His Excellency Ji Chens blessing? he muttered to himself. But the next moment, he shook his head and denied this wild idea. The state of the sea was unpredictable. How could it be affected by a casual blessing? Otherwise, as long as he received a blessing, the entire voyage would be so calm and there would be no need to worry about the risks of the sea. With Sir Ji Chens blessing, he would probably become a guest of honor for all the merchants in the Mid-Earth Ocean. Even if he offered 1,000 gold coins, it was still worth it! If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 78 - Chapter 78: The Conflict Chapter 78: The Conflict Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Under the guidance of the tugboat, the White Sands Princess gradually approached the harbor. Raymond called upon the dock laborers and sailors to begin unloading the cargo from the ships hold. Although two out of the three ships were lost during this long-distance voyage, long-distance trade always entails high risks and high rewards. Moreover, Raymond had chosen the longest and most perilous route, spanning across the Eastern Continent. Due to the extensive distance, the profit margin for transporting cargo had reached an astonishing level. Even with only the remaining ships cargo, it could fully compensate for the losses of the other two ships and even make a substantial profit. However, in addition to bringing back the cargo, Raymond also brought back something more valuable. Three types of specialties, the Stormy Seas region, and the archipelago arranged in a crescent shape. These were the things of greater value than mere cargo! After securely storing the cargo in the warehouse, Raymond couldnt wait to sell them and hurriedly returned to the headquarters of the Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce in the city. Using his authority to call for an emergency meeting, he summoned the other members of the Chamber of Commerce. A day later. All the members of the Chamber of Commerce who could make it back in time gathered in the conference room of the Hanseatic Chamber of Commerces headquarters. Fatty Ray, whats the urgent matter that made you summon all of us? I still have a lucrative deal worth thousands of gold coins to attend to! Yeah, this right to call for an emergency meeting can only be used once a year by each member, and its not to be used unless its a critical moment. I had to abandon all my business and rush here. Could it be because of these things? The other members quickly noticed that there were three things on the table in the meeting room. There were a few pieces of wood with beautiful patterns, a pile of green coffee beans, and a few golden basses. With the keen business sense of merchants, they quickly realized that these things had extremely high commercial value. He looked at the members who were questioning him. As the members began questioning Raymond, he remained calm and pressed his hands to signal for silence. Instead of immediately answering their questions, he pointed to these specialties. The Jungle Purple Bloodwood, with its exquisite patterns and durable texture, can be used to create furniture or jewelry. Nobles wont hesitate to pay for it. The Golden Bass, known for its excellent taste and appealing appearance, with the right publicity, can make many nobles open their wallets. The Premium Coffee Beans, when matured, possess powerful mana-restoring effects, and long-term consumption can even increase mana capacity. As the members listened to his description, their eyes turned envious. If they could get their hands on the supply of these items, they would make a hefty profit. Especially these coffee beans which would definitely attract a high demand from spellcasters! Seeing them like this, Raymond secretly laughed. The Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce was just a loose business organization. When there was no common enemy, there would be competition between the members. Now that he was in the limelight in front of so many members, he was secretly pleased. Where did you get these things? Could it be a specialty of the Eastern Continent? I think so. I heard that you went to the East-West Continent and have never seen these things in the Western Continent. With a few words, all the members nodded in agreement. The entire Mid-Earth Ocean separated the Eastern and Western Continents. As long as they could transport the goods over, the profits they earned were enough to match the profits of ten ordinary sea routes. However, not only did they have to face extremely terrible sea conditions, but they might also encounter pirates, deep-sea beasts, and other dangers. The rate of accidents was excessively high. Except for a few adventurous traders who were willing to take the risk for potential lucrative gains, not many individuals were inclined to embark on such perilous journeys. Although they grasped the profit potential, they remained uncertain as to why they had been gathered together. Are you gathering us here just to show off? one member exclaimed. I see, you want us to join you and venture on this route together? Although the potential profits are high, the risks are equally substantial. Out of the three ships that set out, only one returned! another member remarked. Thats right! If luck had been worse, we might have lost an entire ship and incurred significant compensation costs! added a third member. Raymond calmly responded, What if I told you that we can acquire such goods within a ten-day voyage without the need to travel to the Eastern Continent? Wait, did you say a ten-day voyage? the members were once again taken aback. Raymond continued in a composed manner. On my way back from the Eastern Continent, I was targeted by the Black Skeleton Pirates. However, you might not have expected that when two of the three ships sank and I barely escaped death, I decided to let the White Sand Princess sail into the stormy waters to take refuge. Stormy Sea Area!? This time, all the members were really dumbfounded, and there was some disbelief in their eyes. Who in the Mid-Earth Ocean didnt know about the notorious reputation of the Stormy Sea? There were countless adventurers who entered, but there was no news of them after they left. For ocean merchants like them, it was a taboo existence. And Raymond said that he had entered the Stormy Waters. Since he had returned safely, didnt that mean Seeing their expressions, Raymonds lips curled up. I successfully came out of the Stormy Sea. And you will never imagine that there are no storms in the Stormy Sea Area. There is even a beautiful archipelago with rich products! These things were all given by the lord of that archipelago. This is the reason why I gathered everyone here today. Through my communication, the lord of that archipelago agreed to trade with our Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce and build a stable sea route. The members recovered from their shock and began to think about the pros and cons. But after thinking about it, it was still a profit. In that case, I agree. I agree too! But suddenly, a discordant voice was heard. How strong is that lord? How many guards are there? Raymond frowned and turned his head. It was a member named Gassani whom he didnt get along with. He thought for a moment and shook his head. I dont know the specifics, but Ive only seen two types of soldiers. One is a Tier 2 3-star, and the other is a Tier 2 5-star. There are probably less than a hundred of them. As for the others, I dont know. But to be able to seize a Black Skeleton pirate ship and make all the pirates on it submit to him, he must be quite strong. However, Gassani didnt share the same sentiment. He said to the other members, I have a different idea. Setting aside the selling prices of these goods, even if we make a few thousand or tens of thousands of gold coins in profit per shipment, its still too slow in terms of earning money. But if we can occupy that archipelago, we will control the production of these goods, which means the cost of acquiring them will be almost zero. Thats when the profit margins truly expand. As long as we deploy our most elite merchant convoy for protection, launch a covert assault, killing that lord shouldnt be too difficult, a wicked gleam flickered in Gassanis eyes.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 79 - Chapter 79: Conspiracy, Tidal Force Chapter 79: Conspiracy, Tidal Force Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Upon hearing this, the other members were tempted. Raymond also had a flicker of interest in his mind. As a merchant, he knew very well that the profit would increase several-fold with this plan. However, when he thought of Jichen, he hesitated deeply. He had a feeling that the man was not as simple as he seemed on the surface. Seeing many members swayed by the idea, Gassani narrowed his eyes and took out a map. Pointing to the location of the Stormy Sea on the map, he said, Look, the Stormy Sea is not far from the busiest shipping routes. If we can occupy that archipelago, develop it further, and then open it to the outside world Soon enough, that archipelago will become another Silver Islands. Even if we only charge anchorage fees for passing ships, well be swimming in wealth. Its much easier than working hard as merchants to make money. With these words, the other members were completely captivated by Gassanis description. Their eyes were filled with the beautiful picture he painted. I think its feasible! I agree too! Seeing that most members were in agreement, Gassani looked at Raymond and smiled, Everyone is on board, what about you? However, Raymond shook his head slowly and firmly said, I disagree. That lord is no ordinary person. Such actions will only provoke him, and then well have no chance of obtaining these three specialties. And isnt our Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce established for fair trade? That would go against our ideals. At that time, no one would be willing to continue doing business with us! Money can be earned, but once you lose your reputation, its hard to get it back. But dont forget, as merchants, we prioritize profit, Gassani sneered. As long as theres enough profit, what principles cant be violated? Moreover, we will secretly seize control of that archipelago, and others will only know it was our Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce, ah, no, it was you, Raymond, who first discovered the archipelago. No one will know the truth behind it all. In the end, the emergency meeting of the Hanseatic League adjourned without consensus. This was because Raymond strongly disagreed with Gassanis suggestion. At the same time, he also felt that these members of the Chamber of Commerce who only saw benefits were extremely stupid and short-sighted. He wondered if he had made the wrong decision to join the Chamber of Commerce. Late at night. Raymond brought a few guards back to his residence. Suddenly, dozens of men in black appeared on both sides of the road. He quickly killed a few guards of the merchant group. He then knocked out the terrified Raymond and tied him up. Then, a luxuriously dressed person walked out of the darkness. If Raymond was still awake, he would definitely recognize him. This was Gassani, who had proposed to invade the islands during the emergency meeting. At this moment, he looked at Raymond, who was in a gunnysack, and his face was filled with the smugness of success. Hmph, if I allow you to go and spread the news, our plan wont be executed smoothly, Gassani scoffed with contempt. Only those who are bold and daring can savor the most lucrative slice of the cake. With a dismissive tone, he gave instructions to his loyal subordinate who stood nearby. Tonight, discreetly seize control of the White Sands Princess ship without drawing any attention, he commanded. The sailors should carry on as usual, unloading and loading cargo. In a couple of days, well set sail for the Stormy Seas and locate that island. Yes! his loyal subordinate replied obediently. Unbeknownst to Ji Chen, events were unfolding without his knowledge. At that moment, he was aboard the New Moon ship, en route to the Silver Islands. He was testing various abilities of his Tidal Lord class. Since inheriting the Tidal Lord legacy, it felt natural for him to harness and manipulate the power of tides and water. As he lifted his right hand, the seawater surrounding the ship levitated and gently rotated around his palm, taking on different forms at his command: water shields, water spears, water arrows Water, known for its fluidity and gentleness, manifested itself as a formidable defense. A water shield, formed by harnessing the essence of water, had the potential to significantly reduce the impact of projectiles like arrows and bolts. Water could also be an embodiment of unyielding strength. After infusing mana into the water spears and water arrows, there were no noticeable changes in their appearance. However, internally, they had become harder than metal itself. The sharp tips could easily tear through flesh and destroy objects. As long as there was water present and mana remained, he possessed an endless supply of weapons. He could even conjure hundreds or even thousands of water spears, just like that man standing on the lamppost, smashing his enemies to death. But this was only one of the abilities of the Tidal Lord. Ji Chen glanced at a group of low-level fish-like monsters passing by not far away, and an idea sparked in his mind. He began to manipulate the seawater. The mana within his body rapidly depleted like flowing water. On the surface of the sea, an inconspicuous ripple emerged. With each infusion of mana, the ripple grew into a mighty wave, reaching a height of over ten meters and spanning dozens of meters in width. At astonishing speed, the colossal wave crashed into the group of fish-like monsters. Boom! A thunderous sound reverberated as if a mountain had descended upon them. Countless fish-like monsters were instantly flattened and swept beneath the waves. This was the most direct application of tidal power. Simple, brutal, relying on sheer force rather than finesse. Regardless of the enemy, under the surging wave, only devastation awaited. He felt a significant portion of his mana being drained, leaving him with a slight sense of emptiness. Nevertheless, he was filled with excitement. Spell intensity and mana capacity were directly linked to ones level. At his current level of 10, he could only manifest a wave of this size, reaching over ten meters in height. However, as his level increased, it was not inconceivable to generate terrifying waves stretching tens of meters high and spanning several nautical miles. At that time. He alone could destroy a fleet. How terrifying! The pirates on the New Moon were dumbfounded by this scene. Their eyes had turned from pure reverence to fanaticism and worship. Wasnt the power that could control the waves a god-like existence? Even if he wasnt a god, he was still a candidate. At this moment, they had already determined that Ji Chen was the cause of the storm in the Stormy Seas. That must be the manifestation of the lords will, rushing to stop outsiders from entering. Otherwise, why would there be a storm when they entered but not when they left? It was no wonder that after sailing for so many days, there was not even heavy rain. The journey was smooth. If this had happened before, there would have been a severe storm every three days and a hurricane every seven days. Undoubtedly, it must be because of the presence of the Lord on the ship! In an instant, Ji Chens image in their minds elevated infinitely. Of course, Ji Chen himself was unaware of their thoughts. He continued to explore various ways to harness the power of tides. In addition to the simple wave attacks, he developed some other applications. For example, using the waves to accelerate the speed of the ship. By continuously generating waves at the stern, the waves could propel the ship forward, increasing its speed by at least forty percent. It was as if the ship had gained an additional propeller at the stern, swiftly pushing it forward. Unfortunately, the mana consumption was quite high in this method. In less than half an hour, his entire mana would be depleted. However, as his level continued to increase, his mana pool would gradually become more abundant, allowing him to sustain such operations for longer periods of time.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 80 - Chapter 80: News of the Crystal Chapter 80: News of the Crystal Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After two days of sailing in the open sea, the New Moon sailed gradually into a bustling area. The number of ships around them suddenly increased. However, most of them were two-masted sailing ships, with very few three-masted ships. The majority of the ships were merchant vessels, with a few serving as escort ships. When conducting long-distance trade, some merchants would hire merchant ships for added security. And among them, the wealthier ones might directly hire an escort vessel for the entire journey, similar to a private security company on land. Of course, there were also instances where the escort ship would seize the merchant ship it was supposed to protect. In the vast sea, order was at its lowest, and violence and brutality were the dominant themes. During the turbulent Age of Exploration, the saying Today I rob you, tomorrow you kill me reflected the harsh reality of the seas. In this lawless realm, acts of piracy and vengeance were all too common, epitomizing the brutal nature of the era. The New Moon merged with the established trade route and sailed for another half-day. Finally, they spotted a cluster of islands in their sight. Ships came and went, buildings stood tall, and the islands were bustling with people. To put it simply, it exuded an air of civilization. Soon, an official inspection ship from the local alliance rapidly approached, requesting permission to board and conduct an inspection. After a brief inspection, the officials hurriedly departed. Besides some exceptionally powerful sailors on board, there was nothing else to be found. Little did they know that hidden just a few meters beneath the waters surface were hundreds of fierce and monstrous beast warriors. However, whether it was a figment of lichens imagination or not, he couldnt help but notice the peculiar looks in the eyes of the inspection personnel. Without dwelling on it, Jichen immediately ordered the pirates to steer the ship towards the bustling White Harbor, located on the largest island of the Silver Archipelago. Being unfamiliar with the place, he knew that the most prosperous area would likely provide the best opportunity to gather information. During the journey, he noticed something remarkable at the ports of various islands. In addition to the usual docks and taverns, imposing shore-based artillery batteries stood tall, with thick cannons protruding from their embrasures. These fortifications symbolized the authority and defense capabilities of the rulers of the Silver Archipelago. Underneath the cannons, all ships were regarded equally. lichens island-based territory also had a high demand for such shore-based defensive artillery. This got him thinking about acquiring a few cannons to construct defensive emplacements on his own island. With this added capability, the New Moon Archipelago would have the means to resist potential enemies during his maritime expeditions. Guided by the pilot boat, the New Moon gradually entered the harbor. Whether they were natives or players present in the area, all eyes turned to observe the arrival, paying their silent respects. Compared to the other single-masted and double-masted ships in the harbor, the New Moon, a three-masted ship, stood out as remarkably large, almost reaching the level of a warship. As the onlookers whispered among themselves, speculating which prominent merchant guild the ship belonged to, an incredibly peculiar man descended from the gangplank. Accompanied by a large group of robust soldiers, it was clear that he was also a player. Clad in relatively plain clothing, slightly disheveled hair, and an excited expression on his face, he appeared to be an unsophisticated rustic. However, what surprised everyone was his strikingly exceptional appearance. His eyes radiated a restrained brilliance, exuding an indescribable sense of nobility. The contradictory combination of his appearance created a strong sense of dissonance. This piqued the curiosity of many players. One bearded veteran, with a look of curiosity on his face, approached with a few companions. Observing Jichens hurried demeanor, it seemed as though he had arrived from somewhere else. The bearded man seemed to have an inkling and enthusiastically spoke up. Brother, did you hear that a mythical realm gate has appeared here and rushed over? Fortunately, you arrived on a three-masted ship just in time for the excitement! Under the pressure from the Alliance officials of the Silver Islands, they have announced that they will open the mythical realm gate to everyone tomorrow morning. Then, you can bring your troops inside. Oh? Is that so? Jichen responded with slight surprise. It seemed that the mythical realm was extraordinary. Several days had passed, and the Alliance officials here had not fully explored it yet. Clearly, there was something challenging inside that compelled them to open the realm. However, it worked out well for him. It saved him the trouble of sneaking in secretly. I heard that the realm produces high-level resources like crystals, the bearded man continued. Thats right. As the topic turned to crystals, the bearded mans eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. In the past few days, the Alliance officials here have retrieved several ships of crystals. There must be a considerable amount of crystals inside the realm. If we can obtain a batch of crystals from there, well be rich. Jichen shook his head, The realm must be very dangerous, even the Alliance officials finds it challenging. Otherwise, they wouldnt open it so generously. Youre right, brother. The bearded man regained some clarity and nodded in agreement. Thats why Ive been in contact with other players these days, planning to enter the realm together. Strength in numbers, you know. Brother, I see that youre alone. How about joining us and exploring together for safety? Sorry, Im more accustomed to acting alone. Jichen smiled and shook his head. I see The bearded man appeared somewhat disappointed. Then, as if remembering something, he added, The location of the realm gate is on the sea surface, so you need a ship to reach it. If you want to enter the realm, youll need to reserve a ship to take you there. Alternatively, I can give you a lift on my way. He pointed to a medium-sized single-masted sailboat in the distance, a proud expression on his face. That medium-sized single-masted sailboat was something he had obtained after completing several quests for the native people, making him part of the group with a ship among players. Jichen smiled lightly, I have my own ship. Oh, so youve already hired a ship. My apologies for the assumption, the bearded man responded. No, I mean I have my own ship. Jichen calmly pointed to the New Moon anchored at the pier. The bearded man was instantly dumbfounded, his face filled with disbelief. Brother, are you saying this three-masted ship is yours? Thats right. Is there a problem? Definitely, there was a problem, and it was a big one! The bearded man and his companions mentally ridiculed the situation. Having such a large ship, this guy couldnt be from the countryside. He must be a rich man! Seeing their astonished expressions, Jichen smiled faintly. Being cool was his nature that would always follow him. He bid them farewell casually and walked towards the city district with the pirates. In the Silver Islands, including the main islands like Silver Island and the surrounding waters, killing was prohibited. Anyone who violated this rule would be hunted down and wanted by the Alliance officials governing the area. Therefore, the island was relatively safe, and he only brought around twenty pirates with him. The rest remained on the ship as guards. Alice, Sparrow, and other troops also stayed on the ship, ready for orders. The mythical realm gate would only open tomorrow morning. He thought for a moment and decided to take this opportunity to explore the island. He also wanted to see if there were any territories that were lacking and worth acquiring. Besides searching for crystals, he had intentions of making some purchases on this trip. Compared to the bustling Silver Islands, the foundation of the New Moon Archipelago was still weak, lacking many things. To build a prosperous and civilized society, they needed to obtain necessary resources from the outside world.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 81 - Chapter 81: Golden Tree Chapter 81: Golden Tree Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the bustling harbor, Rudy, a member of the hidden Black Skull pirate crew, was secretly observing and scouting for potential targets. The Silver Islands saw a constant flow of merchant ships, some carrying cheap goods while others held valuable cargo. Some merchants were stingy and hired only a small escort, while others were wealthy and heavily guarded. Rudys task was to identify valuable and cost-effective prey, that worth plundering. He would then notify his fellow pirates roaming the seas to strike when the targets left the Silver Islands. Having lurked here for many years, he had seamlessly integrated into the community, and none of the locals suspected his true identity as a spy. He embodied the essence of serving in the darkness while basking in the light. He was the messenger of shadows. Rudy quietly smiled, brimming with confidence. Ahem, lets get back to business. Rudy, disguised as a dock inspector, enjoyed significant convenience with his role. He could freely wander the docks without arousing suspicion. He carefully selected information about potential targets. That two-masted merchant ship loaded with cotton seemed mediocre in value and not worth attacking. As for the ship carrying what appeared to be weapons, despite its heavy escort, capturing it would be profitable as weapons were always in demand. Yes, it would be added to the plundering list. The large ship resting nearby didnt reveal its cargo, but it had a significant number of guards. If they wanted to seize it, there might be considerable losses Rudy decided to observe it for a while longer. Just as Rudy was analyzing the situation with his practiced eye, he unintentionally caught sight of the New Moon anchored at the dock. His eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he froze in surprise. Even though its appearance had changed, he quickly recognized the identity of the three-masted ship. Wasnt this the flagship of their Black Skull pirate crew, the Black Widow? But why was it here? He remembered that the Black Widow had set sail for plundering a month ago. Could it be that they had seized something and come here to sell it? In such a bold manner? Rudys curiosity was piqued, and he calmly approached for a closer look. He noticed that the person commanding the ship was a complete stranger, an unfamiliar man who clearly wasnt the original captain. The Black Skull pirate crews insignia, previously hidden on the ships hull, had been erased. It quickly dawned on him. The Black Widow had fallen victim to pirates themselves! It had been stolen! This discovery ignited anger within him. Weve always been the ones robbing others, and now someone dares to rob us? Theyve got some nerve! No, this wont do. I must quickly inform our nearby brethren and rally our ships and manpower to retrieve the Black Widow! Outside a two- to three-story tavern, Ji Chen casually pushed open the saloon doors and walked in. Dim lighting, wooden tables, and chairs, a display case filled with bottles, bartenders wiping glasses, and scantily clad womenobscene language filled the air. Hmm, it really captures the ambiance of a tavern. Inside, there were many natives and players with their accompanying troops, occupying about half of the available seats. With a lively atmosphere and clinking of glasses, it was quite a scene. People drinking so openly in broad daylight, its truly scandalous! Ji Chen thought to himself as he found an unoccupied table and sat down. He intended to criticize such scandalous behavior! After placing several dozen Kels silver coins on the table, a waitress in bunny attire approached with enthusiasm, bringing over more than ten glasses of fine wheat beer. Her eyes had a hint of allure, and she expressed her willingness to provide any additional services if needed. Ji Chen dismissed her with disdain. He already had a breathtakingly beautiful little Siren back at home. Why would he be interested in such artificial charm and excessive makeup? However, he did notice something. Even silver coins held significant value in the native market. In this world, the majority of natives used silver coins as their primary currency, while gold coins were primarily used by merchants, nobles, and lords. Considering the tens of thousands of Kels silver coins he possessed, when converted to gold coins, he would have a considerable fortune. Now it seemed he had some assets. After his tavern experience, Ji Chen spent a good portion of the day wandering through the bustling city district, purchasing a batch of supplies. After depleting his silver coins, he returned to the New Moon anchored at the port. He had no intention of staying overnight in the city district. Upon returning to the ship, Sparrow approached him with a vigilant expression. My lord, theres something I need to report. Oh, what is it? Shortly after you left, I had a faint feeling that someone was secretly spying on the New Moon. Hearing this, Ji Chen furrowed his brow. It seemed Sparrows danger intuition skill had kicked in. Someone was spying Could there be players coveting the New Moon? It wasnt impossible since the visible power of the New Moon was merely a group of second-tier pirates. The rest of the troops, such as the shallow sea murlocs and Naga warriors, were hidden in the cabin. The entire ship appeared empty, which could potentially ignite greed in some players. But he was not too worried. The port was also a place where fights and killings were not allowed on the Silver Islands. At this stage, the players should not dare to risk being hunted down and attack openly. Well set off for the mystic realm tomorrow. Be careful tonight. Yes, sir! The night passed, and nothing happened. The next morning, Ji Chen woke up with Alices soft body in his arms, and outside the cabin, there was a buzz of voices. The ships docked at the port were leaving one after another, heading in the same direction. In the shipping lane, the ships formed a continuous line, resembling a fleet of water dragons. The opening of the secret realm was imminent! Ji Chen quickly dressed and made his way to the deck. He instructed Sparrow to command the pirates to raise the sails and follow the other ships into the shipping lane. After two or three hours, the New Moon arrived in the sea area where the mystic realm gate was located. From a distance, they saw the mystic realm gate standing tall on the calm sea, spanning several tens of meters, with half above the surface and half beneath it. The rotating crimson mist resembled a massive grinding disc. The mystic realm gate was directly formed on the sea surface. This meant that there was a high probability that the secret realm behind it contained a water region. For Ji Chen, this was excellent news. This was because his class and military type could only display their full strength in the water. More and more ships gathered together, almost forming a fan shape that surrounded the entrance to the secret plane. The fleet guarding the area did not say anything and quickly made way for them. The players who had been silent suddenly became excited. Boats of all sizes rushed towards the entrance of the mystic realm. Charge! Whether we eat dirt or feast, it all depends on this wave! Our Survivor Alliance will definitely snatch the biggest piece of meat and become the ruler of the Silver Islands. Brothers, lets go! I used all my wealth to buy this ship. This time, I must make a big profit inside! One by one, the ships passed through the secret realm gate and disappeared from sight. Seeing this, Ji Chen didnt hesitate and gestured for Sparrow to move forward. Soon, the New Moon also plunged into the gate. In an instant, he found himself in a crimson world. The sky was shrouded in a thick layer of eerie red mist, and the sea appeared as a deep red hue as if countless dyes had been poured into it. Within his field of vision, there were islands of various sizes, with remnants of structures scattered about. Clearly, there were both native inhabitants and signs of civilization here. But what caught his attention the most was the towering, illusory golden tree at the far center. It emitted a dazzling golden light, resembling the legendary World Tree, with branches reaching in all directions. It served as the brightest source of light within the mystic realm. In addition, scattered throughout the sea were smaller golden trees, though much smaller in size. The entire mystic realm appeared both eerie and imbued with a sense of divinity.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 82 - Chapter 82: Blood Beast, Lord Krieg Chapter 82: Blood Beast, Lord Krieg Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation As Jichen pondered on how to explore this mystic realm, some players exclaimed in surprise. Wait, why is my spell power so much higher? And my mana regeneration rate has increased significantly! Upon hearing this, mage players began to test it out. Soon, they became ecstatic. I see, the magical energy concentration in this mystic realm is higher than in the main world, so spell power and mana regeneration are enhanced! Jichen discreetly manipulated the seawater and found it easier to control compared to when he was the main world. Moreover, his mana regeneration rate had increased by at least 50%. It seemed that these were the rules of this mystic realm. In some mystic realms, the magical energy was particularly dense, resulting in more powerful spells. However, in others, the magical energy could be extremely scarce, forming anti-magic domains. The mystic realm with the golden trees before them was undoubtedly the former. For Jichen, this was good news. He had a contingent of magic-based troops, the Sea Pixies, and his Tidal Lord class was a formidable magic-based class, making him even more powerful in this mystic realm. Without further delay, as more and more players entered the mystic realm through the portal, which was continuously active, Jichen instructed Sparrow to move forward. The New Moon slowly sailed past a small island nearby. The remnants of the structures on the island had already been thoroughly searched and looted. It was evident that the Alliance officials had stripped the islands close to the mystic realm portal of all valuable resources. To make any significant gains here, they would have to venture deeper into the mystic realm. Ji Chen pondered for a moment and decided to explore and advance with the small golden tree as his target. Since there seemed to be a human civilization here, then in such a dark world, the natives would most likely use the golden trees that could glow as a foundation to build a gathering place nearby. As for the dangers here, no one knew. The Alliance officials did not reveal any information about this mythic realm to the outside world. Now, they could only explore it a step at a time. Many players had the same thoughts as him and headed towards the small golden trees. However, some of them headed straight for the big golden tree. Jichen couldnt help but shake his head, wondering whether these players were acting recklessly or boldly taking the lead. Gradually moving away from the mystic realm portal, the New Moon sailed slowly across the boundless red ocean. Even in such a secluded realm, there was an inexplicable wind blowing, propelling the ship forward. The deeper they ventured into the mystic realm, the redder the seawater became, resembling the color of blood. Sir, I have a vague sense that danger is approaching! Sparrow suddenly spoke up. Jichen nodded and opened the Omniscience map. Soon, dozens of red dots appeared on the edge of the map, rapidly converging towards the New Moon. Their presence also became visible on the seas surface. Spiny and grotesque Thornbacks, with lizard-like hideous heads, broke through the waters surface. [Lizard Blood Beast] [Race: Blood Beast] [Tier: 2, 6-star] [Skill: Bloodstorm (blue skill, can continuously recover its strength in the sea of blood)] Thrust (Blue skill, spikes made of special materials that can easily penetrate armor and defense) [Military characteristic: Ambipenous combat (able to move on land for a short period of time)] [The strange creatures in the mythical realm are not to be underestimated.] The appetizer was a 6-star Tier 2 dish. It seems that some people are going to have a tough time. Jichen noticed that some players were still at Tier 2, and some even brought land-based combat units into the water. Facing these aquatic monsters, they were at a significant disadvantage. Although his units had a clear advantage over these monsters, he didnt let his guard down and launched a decisive attack. He was like a lion fighting a rabbit with all its might. Naga warriors and Shallow Sea Murlocs, dive into the water and fight! Dont let the monsters damage the ship! Sea Pixies, unleash two rounds of Water Arrows! The two units leaped from the deck and charged towards the enemies. The Sea Pixies released their water arrows, exploding like high-explosive bombs among the Blood Beasts. It proved that spells were very effective in this mystic realm. After two rounds of water arrows, more than one-third of the Blood Beasts flipped over, floating on the waters surface. The remaining beasts clashed with the fierce Naga warriors and Deep Sea Murlocs. Ten minutes later. Dozens of corpses floated on the sea surface. The wave of Blood Beasts had been completely wiped out. The New Moon continued its journey, guarded by the Naga warriors and Deep Sea Murlocs at the ships side. After a period of sailing, they arrived near a small golden tree. Even though it was just a small golden tree, it was dozens of meters tall, and its branches covered a radius of hundreds of meters. On the small island under the treetops, there were dozens of houses scattered around. Hundreds of people in simple clothes gathered together and looked at them as if they were facing a great enemy. Ji Chen controlled the seawater and formed a staircase by the side of the ship. Under the shocked gazes of the natives, he stepped onto the island. The other soldiers also climbed out of the water and looked at them coldly. These human natives looked at each other, uneasy and terrified. After a long time. An old man shakily walked out with a walking stick and begged. Lord from the Holy City, we no longer have any blue crystals here. Please come back to collect them in a few days. His words were filled with fear and pleading. Holy City? Blue crystals? Ji Chen was stunned. The blue crystal was easy to understand. It was probably a crystal produced in this mystic realm. But what kind of place was the Holy City? Im not some lord of the Holy City. Im from beyond the world. The old man was stunned. From outside the world? This Obviously, these words made them unable to react in time. Seeing this, he quietly shook his head. This was also a situation that often happened to the natives of the mystic realm. This was especially true for those mystic realms that had been opened for the first time. The natives inside had lived here for countless generations and thought that this was the entire world. They had no idea that the world they knew of was a mystic realm. They were all animals living at the bottom of a well. The old man and the other natives reacted and heaved a sigh of relief. The old man and the other natives visibly sighed with relief. It was evident that encountering people from beyond their world was far more comforting than dealing with the so-called lords from the Holy City. They seemed to have been oppressed for a long time. What is this Holy City you speak of? Jichen asked. But even in the presence of Jichen, these natives showed the same reverence. The old man trembled as he pointed in the direction of the distant giant golden tree. Great beings from beyond the world, the Holy City is located beneath that golden tree. Lord Krieg resides in the palace within the Holy City. Lord Krieg? He is the supreme ruler of the Blood Sea. Only his army has the power to regularly exterminate the Blood Beasts and allow the ordinary people of the Blood Sea to survive. Jichens eyes flickered with contemplation. If he wanted to seek protection, it was only natural for these natives to pay a protection fee to express their sincerity. It seemed that most of the crystals in this mystic realm were concentrated in the hands of this so-called Lord Krieg. However, this raised more questions for Jichen. Throughout their journey, they encountered a considerable number of Blood Beasts in the Blood Sea. Yet, on this small island measuring only two or three square kilometers, with the end visible to the naked eye, they hadnt seen any mining sites. So how did these natives obtain the crystals? The answer they received was, The golden trees provide us with crystals. Jichens attention was now drawn to the small golden tree standing in the center of the island. His eyes glinted with a hint of excitement. These small golden trees. could they produce crystals? If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 83 - Chapter 83: Krieg’s Warship Chapter 83: Kriegs Warship Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation With his troops, Jichen approached the small golden tree, and the natives did not stop him. As he got closer, Jichen noticed that the golden tree had a semi-ethereal and semi-real texture. Embedded within the slightly transparent trunk were small crystals about the size of peanuts. The crystals grew from within the trunk of the tree? Jichens eyes instantly lit up. If he could bring the golden tree back to his territory, wouldnt it produce an infinite amount of crystals? But as he looked up, he realized that this idea was unrealistic. The trunk was tens of meters tall, and the canopy was hundreds of meters wide. What kind of ship would be required to transport it? According to the natives, the crystals had been collected just a short while ago, and they currently had none. Just as Jichen was slightly disappointed and shaking his head, he suddenly heard Sparrows shout. My Lord, there are unidentified ships approaching! Jichen was startled and quickly led his troops back. Arriving at the shore, they looked into the distance. A strange, dark two-masted ship was sailing towards them. The sail was engraved with an image of a golden tree, and the sides of the ship were adorned with menacing spikes. There were four ballistae on each side of the ship, each loaded with a steel bolt. The opposing side had also noticed them, and the ship slightly tilted as the four ballistae on one side of the ship turned towards them. Jichens eyebrows twitched. Ballistae, such formidable weapons, could easily pierce through even a sturdy ship like the New Moon. If they were shot at a person, they would likely be torn into several pieces instantly. Therefore, close-quarters combat was necessary to prevent the full force of the ballistae from being unleashed. Shallow Sea Murlocs, Naga warriors dive into the sea to approach the enemy ships and attack when they enter the blind spot of the crossbow! Sparrow, pay attention to controlling the New Moons position. Pay attention to avoid being shot by the crossbow. Sea Pixies, dont worry about conserving your mana. Give me a blast forget it, you dont need to intervene. Try to inflict minimal casualties on the enemy. I want to capture this warship! After each command was issued, the unidentified ship drew closer. Faint figures could be seen on the deck, officers wielding long swords, and soldiers preparing their weapons in formation. At this moment, the native inhabitants of the island began to panic. Lord of the Holy City is here! What should we do? We have no blue crystals to offer! They will kill us! Last time, because we didnt provide enough crystals, my son was whipped to death by them! Hearing this, Jichens expression turned cold as he examined the interfaces of those soldiers. [Krieg Warrior] [Race: Human] [Tier: 2, 8-star] [Skill: Coordinated Combat (blue skill, when fighting together, combat power increases by 30%)] Faith (Blue skill, loyal to Krieg, will not cower or surrender) [Military characteristic: People of the Blood Sea (After death, they will be resurrected and become blood spirits with stronger combat strength)] Kriegs soldiers have decent combat power, but be careful of the blood spirits they transform into after they die. A Tier 2 8-star strength was not considered strong. However, the characteristics of the army were a little intriguing. Aim and shoot! When the two were still several hundred meters away, the enemy ships fired their crossbows. WhooshC Four arrows as thick as an arm pierced through the air and shot over with a shrill sound. When they first discovered the enemy ships, Sparrow had the pirates raise the sails and anchor, allowing the New Moon to move. In a naval battle, if one did not move, they would be a target. However, the enemys attack had arrived just as the New Moon picked up speed. The four arrows missed, but one of them missed the target by about ten meters. It brushed past the stern of the ship and splashed on the surface of the sea. The officer was not surprised to see this. The first round of shooting was to adjust the trajectory. Just as he was about to command the second round of attacks, he suddenly saw a few blurry black shadows appear on the surface of the sea nearby. Be careful at the bottom of the sea, there are enemies- Crash ~ Dozens of black shadows broke through the surface of the sea and jumped onto the deck. As soon as the Naga warriors and the shallow sea murlocs arrived on the deck of the enemy ship, they attacked the crossbows on the side of the ship and took control of them. Only crossbows could threaten them. Draw your swords and kill the enemy! Fight for the great Lord Krieg! The sergeant raised his sword high and shouted with a fanatical expression. The soldiers surged forward like a tide. Vaguely, they had triggered their military skills and increased their combat strength by a level. Their strength was already infinitely close to the potential of tier 3. However, the Shallow Sea Murlocs were tier 3, 3-star, and the Naga Warriors were tier 3, 5-star. They were completely crushed in terms of level. Even though these Krieg soldiers charged forward fearlessly without regard for their own safety and formed battle formations to cooperate with each other, the disparity in strength between the two sides was like a vast chasm. When the crossbow fell into their hands, the outcome of the battle was already decided. Half an hour later. The deck of the enemy ship was covered with the corpses of soldiers, extending from the front deck to the cabins below. He had offered them to surrender themselves, but none of them had chosen to surrender, forcing him to eliminate them completely. Ding! You have obtained a battle filled with honor. Obtained 20560 experience points The New Moon slowly approached the enemy ship. The pirates used wooden planks to build a simple passageway between the ships sides. Ji Chen came to the deck of the enemy ship through the wooden plank and casually said, Throw the corpses into the sea. Then, he walked straight to the lower deck. This warship should have come to the island to collect the crystals, so it was very likely that it had already been to other places. There might be crystals that had already been collected in the cabin. Soon, he found a wooden box containing crystals at the end of the second deck. Looking at the sparkling crystals in the wooden boxes, his mood instantly improved. With a wave of his hand, he put them all into his backpack. You have obtained 480 units of crystals. 480 unitsIt was far from enough! Even with a rough calculation, the number of crystals that the territory urgently needed was at least 6000 units. He would have to rob at least 13 of these ships to gather them. Upon careful consideration, Jichen realized that he would need to plunder at least 13 similar ships to gather enough resources. Hmm? Suddenly, Jichen had a realization. Why did the idea of robbery come naturally when thinking about gathering resources? After all, he was a law-abiding citizen! That being said, a man still had to eat. The Krieg soldiers on this two-masted ship had all been killed, turning it into a lifeless vessel. Although he had initially thought of capturing it and bringing it out of the mystic realm, it was clear that he couldnt do so at the moment. Firstly, he didnt have enough manpower to operate the ship. The core recruitment camp for the Tidal Sea Spirits had not been established, so he couldnt recruit Tidal Sea Spirits to occupy the enemy ship. Secondly, taking on this burden would only slow down his search for crystals. After careful consideration, Jichen decided to leave the warship behind and return for it later. However, before leaving, he made sure that the pirates dismantled the eight ballistae from the ship and installed them on the New Moon. These powerful weapons could turn the tide of battle if used effectively. Soon, the sides of the ship were adorned with ballistae, their steel bolts shimmering with an intimidating cold gleam.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 84 - Chapter 84: Despicable Outsider Chapter 84: Despicable Outsider Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Jichen nodded in satisfaction. Without wasting any more time, he waved his hand and ordered the New Moon to head to the next small golden tree that was located at a further end. He was looking for Kriegs warship. At the same time, many players on the Blood Sea had also discovered that the warships of Kriegs soldiers were loaded with crystals. In an instant, they were all excited and began to attack the warships of Kriegs soldiers in a planned manner. However, unlike Jichen. Jichen could easily finish it all by himself. The players fully embraced the spirit of strength in numbers, gathering in groups and often surrounding a single ship or attacking hundreds of Krieg soldiers with their vast armies. Despite the strength of the Krieg soldiers, they seemed somewhat powerless against the overwhelming force of the players swarm tactics. One by one, the ships carrying crystals were captured, and the crystals were divided among the players. Half a day later. Ding ~ You have obtained a battle full of honor, gained 22560 experience points, your level has increased (io-?n). You have obtained 810 units of crystals. Jichen stood on the deck of a badly damaged warship, which was covered in blood, and collected the crystals on the ship. This was the fifth ship he had robbed. He had obtained a total of 2200 units of crystals, which was enough for the Hero Altar. Alices upgrade requires 1600 units Repairing the Mystic Realm Crystal Device requires 3000 units Sigh, still quite a shortage. If I consider the future needs, it will be even more insufficient No, the efficiency of obtaining them is still too slow. I have to go to the Holy City. After all, all the Krieg warships that venture out will eventually return there. We can take care of them all at once. With this thought in mind, he immediately instructed Sparrow to set sail. They headed full speed towards the towering giant golden tree that stretched across the sky and earth. Whether it was the Holy City detecting their intentions to plunder or not, the number of warships sailing on the Blood Sea became fewer and fewer. They searched for quite some time but couldnt find a single ship. The number of Krieg warships was limited, but the greed of the players was infinite. Under the attraction of the crystal, the players turned the ship around in unison and headed straight for the Holy City. They believed that there would be a crystal as tall as a mountain hidden there. Several hours later, the New Moon crossed the Blood Sea and saw the island under the Golden Tree in the distance. The first thing that came into sight was a tall wooden water fortress. There were many archer towers, cannons, and crossbows, and many people. At the center of the island further away, under the huge golden tree stood a towering city. At the highest point of the city was a Gothic castle with a pointed roof. It should be where the so-called Lord Krieg lived. If they wanted to attack the city and castle, they had to first occupy the water village and obtain the dock before they could land. In front of the water stronghold, dozens of fully armed warships were confronting the fleet formed by the players. The atmosphere was extremely intense. Outsiders, quickly retreat and leave the Holy City and the Blood Sea. Otherwise, we will open fire! Lord Kriegs endless fury will also envelop you!! The commander of the water stronghold shouted angrily. But the players remained indifferent, and some even found it amusing. As a naturally chaotic and neutral faction, they wouldnt willingly withdraw unless they were given some benefits. Moreover, their side had hundreds of ships, large and small, and the combined forces, regardless of their ranks, amounted to tens of thousands. Some players even began to mock and sneer. Just hand over all the crystals peacefully, and we may consider withdrawing, the players taunted. The Krieg soldiers were filled with anger at such audacity. How dare these foreigners speak in such a manner on the Blood Sea! They were the esteemed soldiers under the great Krieg! Alongside their anger, these soldiers were also filled with deep confusion. Where did these individuals with diverse attire and a variety of commanding troops come from? Just a few days ago, a patrol ship reported the sudden appearance of a strange portal on the Blood Sea. Just as they were organizing their scouting fleet to head over. Suddenly, a dozen unfamiliar ships appeared from the door. They attacked them without warning. What surprised them was that the ships and the invaders were not weak. Caught off guard, the scouting fleet quickly collapsed. Only two fast assault ships managed to escape and report back, but a few transport ships that had just finished collecting the crystals from the various islands were taken away. When Lord Krieg heard the news, he was furious and ordered them to destroy the invaders. However, before they could gather their soldiers and fleets, these extremely despicable Inhumans suddenly appeared on the Blood Sea. These foreigners not only relentlessly attacked crystal warehouses and outposts on various islands but also never engaged in direct confrontations with them. They preferred to outnumber their opponents, launching surprise attacks, and fleeing like rabbits. They were impossible to catch, frustrating the Krieg soldiers to no end. It felt like punching cottonutterly infuriating! However, if they pursued too far, they risked being surrounded by more of these foreigners, resulting in significant losses of soldiers and ships. It was despicable! Encountering such enemies left the once-dominant Blood Sea forces feeling powerless. Ultimately, they had no choice but to retreat their soldiers and warships back to the water stronghold and the Holy City, hoping to avoid further losses. Now, the numerous foreigners, with their miscellaneous armies, converged upon the area, forming layer upon layer of encirclement around the water stronghold. The atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive. The Krieg soldiers had lifted their cannons, loaded ammunition, and readied their crossbows. They were prepared to unleash their power at a moments notice. Jichen frowned slightly when he saw this. Using the tidal force, the New Moon retreated a little. He didnt want to suffer the first wave of attacks. According to the situation he had observed, the defenses of the fortress and the water stronghold were very tight. Lets not talk about those powerful cannons. There were dozens of crossbows and catapults everywhere, and their firepower was very fierce. Even if the players were lucky enough to break through, they would suffer heavy casualties. He had to think of a way Jichen carefully observed the island and soon made a new discovery. The entrance to the water village was a tight shut steel gate. The water channel leading into the village was concave and was guarded by several crossbows and catapults. Anyone who tried to enter from here would be shot into candied haws or smashed into meat paste. He thought about it and decided to let a few shallow sea murlocs dive into the water to investigate the gate. A few shallow sea murlocs quietly jumped into the water at the stern of the boat and arrived without alerting the Krieg soldiers. Soon, the news came back. The water channel under the water was blocked by the gate, and there was no gap or flaw that could be infiltrated. This gate was probably used by the Krieg soldiers to block the blood fiends, so it was extremely hard. It was not something that the current army could break. Interestingly, the murlocs also told him that they were not the only ones in the water below the gate. There were also many other players troops. Just like Jichen, they all wanted to see if there was an entrance. After a thorough investigation, he discovered that the defenses of the fortress and the water stronghold were extremely tight. There were no weaknesses that he could exploit. Just as they were feeling troubled, a new fleet suddenly appeared on the sea behind them. After seeing it clearly, the players exclaimed. Their ships sails bear a Bauhinia flower Its the fleet of the Bauhinia Alliance!! Theyve finally arrived! But what good will it do for them to come? This place is like a turtle shell. Even if they come, theyll just hit a wall and suffer heavy casualties Wait, look at what they have on their ships Narrowing his eyes slightly, Jian Chen took notice. The Bauhinia Alliance was the dominant force ruling over the Silver Islands. After allowing players to enter, they disappeared from sight. Many players were well aware of the Bauhinia Alliances strategy. They were using them as cannon fodder, defending against the Krieg soldiers and minimizing their own losses, werent they? Despite the tempting allure of the crystals, players still joined their ranks without hesitation. Now, seeing them reappear, many players felt a slight sense of relief. With the addition of this force, perhaps they could truly break through the fortress and enter its interior. After all, the Bauhinia Alliances warships were equipped with proper cannons! Destroying the defenses of this water stronghold was within their capabilities! If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 85 - Chapter 85: Sneak In Chapter 85: Sneak In Translator: Draqon Boat Translation Editor: Draqon Boat Translation Seeing the fully armed fleet slowly approaching, the Krieg soldiers quickly became wary. The cannons of the Bauhinia Alliances fleet posed a tremendous threat to the Krieg forces. Without much hesitation, the commanding Krieg officers ordered their forces to open fire. The defenders of the fortress and water stronghold unleashed a barrage of bolts and stones from their siege crossbows and catapults. The shipboard ballistae, as well as the cannons, joined in the attack. Boom! Swish! Amidst the shrill sounds, dozens of stout bolts soared through the air, raining down on the players and soldiers on the decks. They pierced through flesh, firmly nailing victims to the deck. Large stone projectiles shattered the ship hulls, breaking masts, and solid cannonballs shot straight into the vessels, causing seawater to rush in. In an instant, cries of anguish filled the player fleet, and players themselves were driven to fury. During their previous raids on ships, they had seized a significant number of shipboard ballistae and bolts, which now served as their means of counterattack. The players retaliation also inflicted casualties on the Krieg soldiers. However, due to the height of the water stronghold and the angle of the ballistae, most of the bolts were embedded in the stronghold, resulting in less effective damage. Jian Chen had ordered the New Moon to retreat from the start, so his ship remained unharmed in this initial wave of attacks. The battle had reached its climax from the very beginning. Player units and Krieg soldiers fell in a constant stream, and every few minutes, a warship sank beneath the waves. Just as the players and the Krieg soldiers were engaged in a heated battle, the warships of the Bauhinia Alliance were already approaching. More than ten warships equipped with cannons turned their bows and faced the water stronghold. The wooden board of the muzzle was moved away, and black barrels extended out. After a short delay, flames burst out. Dong- The cannonballs smashed into the wooden walls of the water stronghold, creating large holes and even penetrating the walls, killing many soldiers. Under such crazy attacks, cracks quickly appeared on the wall, like a dry land, covered in spiderweb-like cracks. Ji Chens eyes burned with passion when he saw this. Crossbows were nothing compared to cannons! After that, he would have to bring back a few cannons. Building a cannon in the territory or installing it on a ship was a good choice. Boom! With a loud cracking sound, one of the walls of the water stronghold was broken and collapsed. The soldiers and city defense equipment on top fell into the water like dumplings. After the smoke dispersed, a huge gap was revealed. Seeing this, the players cheered. They immediately drove their ships towards the gap, braving the firepower of the crossbows and rocks, and landed at the dock. Hundreds of Krieg s soldiers rushed over with fanatical expressions and engaged the players in battle. In the beginning, they could still rely on their level advantage to firmly suppress the players troops. But very quickly, as more and more players landed, one Krieg soldier had to deal with at least ten soldiers. They wore outnumbered and their morale was low. They gradually lost control of the dock. Having lost their defensive advantage, the Krieg soldiers were gradually unable to stop the aggressive players. Under the command of a few sergeants, the army retreated like a collapsing mountain and ran towards the fortress in the distance. The troops successfully landed and chased after the defeated soldiers under the leadership of the players. The ships of the Bauhinia Alliance also anchored, and teams of fully armed Alliance soldiers disembarked from the deck, Ji Chen took the opportunity to look at the interface of these Alliance soldiers. [Bauhinia Alliance Warrior] [Race: Human! [Tier: 2, 9-star] Their tiers were slightly higher than the Krieg Warriors by one star, but the difference in strength was very limited, The players units were only one star higher in rank compared to the Krieg soldiers, but the power gap was relatively limited. Relying solely on their own strength, even if they could breach the water stronghold, seizing control of the landing area would come at a great cost. As the saying goes, Theres no harm in being prepared.1 This was also why the Bauhinia Alliance was willing to let players enter and have a share of the spoils. Many players were already marching with their armies towards the city beneath the Great Golden Tree, Jian Chon didnt want to fall too far behind either. After instructing Sparrow to take the pirates to watch over the New Moon, he successfully landed with his own army and left. The Water Fortress and the city were separated by a plain, where the terrified residents watched the retreating Krieg soldiers being chased by a group of strange and monstrous units. The players had no time to pay attention to these residents, their eyes focused solely on the Krieg soldiers. They fully demonstrated the spirit of mercilessly beating a fallen dog. After leaving the Water Fortress, Jichcn found a small waterway that led to the Holy City. A bright idea struck him. He ordered all his units to enter the waterway and swim. Secretly, he manipulated the power of the tides. A surge of water appeared behind them, pushing them forward at a rapid pace. Their swimming speed was several times faster. While many players had only run halfway, they had already reached the moat at the foot of the city walls of the Holy City. Due to being underwater, the Krieg soldiers on the city walls did not notice them and instead focused their attention on the oncoming players. In the moat. In the moat, Jichcn floated calmly in the water, contemplating howto enter the city. The Holy City was built on a mountain, surrounded by tall city walls. The defenses, including arrow towers and ballistae, were even more dense than those of the Water Fortress. The defensive strength of the city walls was several levels higher. More importantly, the Bauhinia Alliances cannon ships could not reach this place, so they could not use their cannons to blast open the city walls. This increased the difficulty of attacking the city by several levels. At this moment, the shallow sea murlocs scattered in the water suddenly sent back a message. They had discovered a sewer entrance! Jichens face lit up with joy and he immediately instructed the merfolk to lead the way and investigate. On the side of the city wall, about three to four meters below the waters surface, a rectangular sewer entrance, about four to five meters wide, came into view. An iron grille blocked the entrance, with a gap of only ten centimeters. To enter the city from here, they would need to break through this iron grille. Jichcn gently tapped on it. A dull sound resonated. Well, this iron gate was much less sturdy than the steel gate of the Water Fortress. Perhaps it could be forcibly cut open With this thought in mind, Jichcn secretly manipulated the power of the tides. The invisible and gentle water gradually formed several tangible and resilient water saws under the reinforcement of his magic power. The water saws began to rhythmically cut back and forth on the iron grille. With the powerful force of the tides, the water saws were ten times sharper than metal saws and could cut through even steel. The sewer iron grille was quickly cut through by dozens of water saws, revealing an entrance large enough for a Naga warrior to enter. There was no time to waste. Jichcn signaled for the Shallow Sea Murlocs to enter first and lead the way, with the others following behind. After traveling over a hundred meters in the dim sewer, the entire map was filled with red dots representing the Krieg soldiers, densely scattered all around. They had no idea that beneath their feet, a group of invaders was silently infiltrating through the sewers,. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 86 - Chapter 86: Crystal Chapter 86: Crystal Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation They advanced through the dark sewers and cut through another iron fence. Ji Chen saw a flash of light in front of him. His heart shook. At the exit On the map, four red dots stood above the exit, like guards. It seemed that they were not completely defenseless against this place. Have you heard? Many invaders suddenly appeared in the Blood Sea. I heard that the water stronghold that has been breached is currently advancing towards the Holy City Hmph, those intruders will definitely be punished by Sir Krieg. Stop talking. Its better to guard this place well and prevent intruders from invading the city through the sewers Who would come from this smelly sewer The soldier lowered his head in disbelief. A bone blade had pierced through his chest. Before the words could be fully spoken, the body weakly collapsed to the ground, emitting a choked sound. From the tilted perspective, dozens of serpent-like creatures with dragon heads crawled out of the sewer, and a man stepped slowly on the staircase they formed. The soldiers final thought was that there were indeed invaders in the sewer Jichen glanced at the corpses on the ground. This surprise attack was successful, without alerting other enemies. As for the next plan He looked in the direction of the city gate. Other players had probably reached the outskirts of the city by now, but it would be difficult for them to break through the city walls and enter the city with their own strength alone. At this moment, they needed an unnamed hero to provide a little assistance. A sturdy fortress is often broken from the inside. As long as they could open the city gate from within, the players could swarm in, and capturing this holy city would only be a matter of time. Jichen understood this very well, even though he had already infiltrated the city. Top of Form Bottom of Form However, it would be difficult for him to break through the blockade of so many Kriegs soldiers and find the warehouse where the crystals were stored. Therefore, it was necessary to borrow the strength of other players. With that thought, Ji Chen and the others headed toward the city gates. The players ran through the wilderness and saw the walls of the Holy City from afar. Why is there such a tall wall? Without the cannons of the Bauhinia Alliance, how are we going to break in? I remember that in ancient times, didnt they use local materials to build siege weapons before attacking the city? It is not difficult to build a ladder, but it is also very difficult to break in if we only use a ladder Just as they were at a loss, staring at the city walls, sharp-eyed players suddenly noticed the drawbridge being lowered and the city gate slowly opening. Although they didnt know what was happening, they knew it was a rare opportunity. They rushed madly towards the city gate. The Krieg soldiers on the city walls were instantly dumbfounded. Send someone down to see whats happening! Close the city gate and raise the drawbridge! Alice. A beautiful melody filled the air, leaving them stunned in their tracks. By the time the Krieg soldiers snapped out of their daze, the city gate had been fully opened, and a large group of players and troops had already flooded in, overwhelming them. After seizing control of the city gate, a frontal battle ensued. And the mastermind behind it all had already infiltrated the city. Quick, stop the invaders! We cant let them reach Kriegs palace! Theyre likely after the crystals. Protect the crystal warehouse! Soldiers shouted as they ran out from the streets. Bubbles rose from the nearby water channel. Jichen slowly emerged from the water, a smile playing on his face. There were many waterways in the Holy City, connecting all parts of the city. He could travel around without being noticed by anyone through the water channel. Moreover, most of the Krieg soldiers attention was now on the other players, which created an excellent opportunity for him to sneak in. Moreover, the crystal warehouse that these soldiers mentioned His eyes lit up, and he led the army in the direction of the soldiers. ? ? In the majestic and luxurious bedroom, the sergeant was reporting the situation of the battle. Lady Krieg, the invaders have already taken control of the city gates and are fighting with our soldiers in various parts of the Urban area. We have also sent more soldiers to guard the crystal warehouses to prevent anyone from sneaking up on us. The officer lowered his head and did not dare to look at Krieg who was sitting on the throne. After a long time, he said slowly. Have you figured out how the city gate was opened? His voice was cold and emotionless, like a glacier on a mountain peak. The surviving soldiers all said that they heard a strange song and entered some kind of hallucination or absent-minded state. When they came back to their senses, they found that the city gate and the suspension bridge had been opened from the inside, the officer replied, sweating profusely. Oh? It seems that someone has already sneaked into the city in advance. As for the singing its probably the effect of some kind of spell or artifact. Such a magical effect, Im quite curious Ill give you ten squads of the Forbidden Army. Find them and bring them before me. There was a hint of interest on Kriegs face as she spoke in a calm tone. As if this question intrigued her more than the invading players themselves. ? ? In front of a gothic cathedral, hundreds of Kriegs soldiers who were originally stationed there had fallen to the ground, no longer breathing. Ji Chen stepped over the corpses and pushed open the church door. There were hundreds of wooden boxes piled up inside. He casually asked the Naga Warrior to pry open one and took a look. The wooden box was filled with crystals that emitted a pleasant glow. With a wave of his hand, he took all of them. Ding ~ You have obtained 4700 units of crystals. A total of 4700 units! It was equivalent to robbing ten warships! It was a bloody profit! Even a mini-crystal mine would only produce 2100 units of crystals, and the crystals here were equivalent to more than two mini-crystal mines. It was unknown how long Krieg had been operating in this mystic realm, but the number of crystals she had collected must have reached a considerable amount, and many of them were piled up in various warehouses. This warehouse was just one among many. Adding the 2,200 units previously acquired, Jichen now had a total of 6,000 crystal units. He had achieved half of his goal of 10,000 crystal units! Ji Chen nodded silently. Next, he just needed to seize another crystal warehouse, and his initial objective for this journey would be accomplished. With this in mind, he led his army to the next warehouse. Less than half an hour after their departure, an officer arrived at the scene with a fully armed squad of Krieg Forbidden Army. Looking at the scattered corpses of soldiers, a hint of gloom flashed across the officers face. He knew he was too late. Amidst the wreckage, he analyzed the traces of the battle. Based on the condition of the corpses, a significant portion of the defending Krieg soldiers was killed without any resistance, completely matching the description given by the gate guards. It appeared that the enemy who plundered this warehouse was the same group that had opened the city gates. With the target confirmed, the officer waved his hand and said, We must capture the enemies that Lady Krieg desires. Her will is our objective, and Kriegs blade is the direction we advance! Full speed ahead! The Krieg Forbidden Army shouted fervently, their faces filled with zeal, as they followed the officers lead to track down the enemy.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 87 - Chapter 87: Chasing Chapter 87: Chasing Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Not only this Forbidden Army, but after news of the attack on the crystal warehouse in the rear spread, a large number of Krieg soldiers were also searching for the whereabouts of Ji Chen and his group. Ji Chen hid in the waterway, sensing the frequent footsteps passing by outside, feeling somewhat frustrated. Just after they looted the first crystal warehouse and found the location of the second warehouse, they were forced to hide in the sewer by the increasingly dense soldiers. Although the strength of the Krieg soldiers wasnt impressive, the saying many ants can kill an elephant applied here. Once they called for reinforcements, the sheer numbers could wear them down. Furthermore, through chat channels and forums, they learned that players in the outer city were facing strong resistance, resulting in a stalemate and making it temporarily impossible to breach the inner city. He could not count on the other players for the time being. It seemed that he had to change his strategy slightly. He thought for a moment, and a bright idea popped into his head. Controlling the water around him, he expelled it to create an air-filled cavity. He instructed the shallow sea murlocs, Go to a few distant locations along the waterway and attack the nearby Krieg soldiers. Create as much commotion as possible to attract the attention of the pursuers. But be careful not to get carried away. Hit and run, and after completing the mission, regroup back here. The shallow sea murlocs nodded vigorously and dived into the water, flapping their fins to swim away. Now it was up to the murlocs to do their job. Ji Chen patiently waited in the water. Soon, the footsteps outside became increasingly dense as a large group of Krieg soldiers ran past. Hurry up! The infiltrators are in the nearby city area. Lady Krieg ordered us to capture them! Besides us, Lady Krieg also sent a Forbidden Army to pursue them. We will surely catch them! Forbidden Army? Ji Chen frowned. It seemed that Krieg already knew he had infiltrated the city and opened the gates. They even specially dispatched a Forbidden Army to pursue him. The name Forbidden Army alone indicated that they were stronger than ordinary Krieg soldiers. He realized he needed to be even more cautious. The murlocs in the shallow sea had successfully attracted the attention of the other soldiers. Ji Chen didnt waste any time. He led his army out of the water and charged towards the next crystal warehouse. A few minutes later, a crystal warehouse was in front of him. Seeing the number of soldiers guarding it, his confidence increased. Due to a significant portion of the soldiers being dispatched to intercept the Murlocs, the defense of this crystal warehouse was weakened. There were only fewer than a hundred soldiers. As a result, they easily captured the warehouse and looted all the crystals inside. However, this warehouse contained only 3,000 units of crystals, much less than the previous one. Without wasting time, they collected the crystals and set fire to the warehouse before calmly retreating with their army back into the waterway, leaving before the pursuers arrived. The Krieg soldiers, who had been drawn to the commotion caused by the Murlocs, arrived at the scene with excitement but found no sign of the enemy. Where arc the enemies?! The bewildered soldiers who had been under attack replied, Strange Murlocs suddenly appeared and attacked us, but for some reason, they fought for a while and then suddenly left, diving into the sewer. Its like they didnt really want to fight us. Upon hearing this, the incoming soldiers also looked perplexed. Suddenly, their expressions changed, and they shouted, Weve been tricked! Lets go back! More than ten minutes later. The Forbidden Army and a large group of Krieg soldiers arrived, only to see a burning warehouse. The crystals inside had been plundered. At this moment, the flames seemed to burn in their hearts, making them flush with anger. They roared in rage. Damn it! These despicable outsiders, are they afraid to fight us head-on!? If I catch them, Ill flay their skin and break their bones!! Suddenly, from another area of the city, a thunderous battle cry echoed. It was the location of another crystal warehouse! Consumed by fury, they ran towards the sound, their hearts filled with seething anger. The enemy must be over there. Lets hurry over and provide support! After sprinting all the way, they passed through many streets, but when they saw that the garrison was safe and sound, their expressions changed again. Damn it, they fell for it again! At that moment, a loud battle sound came from the crystal warehouse in the other direction, accompanied by a violent explosion. A diversion! This was the real target. By the time they arrived at the real attack site, the ground was already covered with the corpses of the garrison soldiers. The entire warehouse was already empty. Damn it! These bastards, how dare they play with us like this!? We must catch them, or else Lady Krieg will be furious! The soldiers who had been rampaging recklessly in the bloodshed finally experienced first-hand the cunning tactics of the outsiders. They had been toyed with! After a burst of powerless rage, the soldiers began to analyze and contemplate their countermeasures. Based on what we have seen before, these enemies hidden in the shadows shouldnt be numerous, otherwise, they wouldnt have needed to divert our attention before launching their attacks. Furthermore, their target has been the crystals twice, so as long as we gather the crystals together and heavily guard them, they wont have anywhere to strike. Then we can thoroughly search the entire inner city. We will definitely catch these rats! Good, lets do it this way! In a hidden section of the sewer system. Sir, it seems like they have finally realized it and started consolidating their forces. Upon meeting with the Murlocs, Jichen and his group quickly noticed the unusual behavior of the Krieg soldiers. Rather than rushing to search, they began to relocate the crystals, heavily guarded by a large number of soldiers, far away from the waterway, displaying an extreme level of vigilance. They want to gather the crystals together! The enemies were not ordinary NPCs. After suffering losses twice, they naturally became aware that something was amiss and devised targeted countermeasures. In this situation, it would be difficult for Jichen to continue plundering the crystal warehouses. He silently shook his head. However, after plundering three warehouses, he now had a total of 12,000 units of crystals. Summoning a blue-grade excellent hero from the Hero Altar, repairing the Broken Warning Lighthouse and Crystal Device, would require only a few thousand more units of crystals. It was sufficient. Even if he chose to leave the mystic realm now, he wouldnt be at a loss. Therefore, he could shift his focus to other areas, such as treasures and other rare resources. The more dangerous a place, the more likely it was to contain valuable items. Jichen looked towards the highest point of the castle in the Holy City, where the chances of finding something valuable were the greatest. But before entering, he needed to make the water here even murkier. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 88 - Chapter 88: The Temptation Song of Purple Grade Chapter 88: The Temptation Song of Purple Grade Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The city of Sanjin is divided into an outer and inner city. Apart from the regular city walls surrounding the outer city, there is an additional smaller wall between the inner and outer city. The outer city is where ordinary residents reside, while the inner city is the domain of the powerful figures within the Blood Sea. After Jichen opened the city gates of the outer city, the Krieg soldiers began to retreat and regroup within the defense of the inner city walls. Although the players outnumbered their opponents, they faced the challenge of attacking the towering inner city walls, which stood over ten meters high. The momentum of the assault became stagnant. The soldiers of the Bauhinia Alliance were also hesitant to engage in a direct siege due to the formidable defensive artillery mounted on the inner city walls. Instead, they established their camps at a safe distance, seemingly awaiting the arrival of additional siege equipment. On the streets not far from the inner city gate, players gathered together, deliberating on strategies to breach the city gate. Why dont we send some soldiers to sneak in through the sewers? No, Ive already sent them before. Theyve sent a large number of troops to guard the exit of the sewers. Why dont we just set up a ladder and attack? Anyway, we have more people and troops! If you want to go up, do it yourself. Who knows how many soldiers will die if you forcefully attack the city. Not many people were willing to endure the losses that came with a direct siege. They hadnt even laid eyes on a single piece of crystal yet! If they suffered too many casualties here, their own forces would be insufficient to intimidate others. That could lead to problems when it came time to divide the spoils of the crystals Although they had temporarily formed an alliance, it was clear that their hearts were not completely united. Each person harbored their own hidden intentions Then what should we do? Should we just stand here and watch? I heard that the outer city gate was opened from the inside by a big shot who infiltrated in advance. Perhaps he is already in the inner city and can help us open the gate? If we work together, we might be able to break through the city gates. That makes sense, but the problem is that after we lose the outer city gate, those soldiers will definitely focus on guarding the city gate. That big shot might not take the risk to attack. Thats right, and does anyone know this big shot? How can we let him lead us when we dont even know who he is? Uh, thats true Why dont we call him out in the chat channel and the forum? Although it sounds silly, we can only try this method. Just like that, these players started to flood the chat channels and forums with messages and calls. Dear powerful figure who secretly opened the outer gates of the Holy City in the Silver Islands mystic realm, if you are inside the inner city, please be kind and open the gates for us! Once the inner city gates are opened, we will join forces with you and storm into the Kriegs palace, seizing her throne and allowing you to take your place! Father, I beg of you! Please, we beg you. We will express our gratitude with generous rewards once the mission is accomplished! May you have a peaceful life, kind soul! May you have a peaceful life, kind soul! May you have a peaceful life, kind soul! At first, there were various requests and pleas, but then the players transformed into parrots, repeating May you have a peaceful life, kind soul on the screen. It truly astonished other players who were unaware of the situation. As Ji Chen witnessed this scene, his face was filled with confusion. These group of silly internet users really caught me off guard. Goodness, each one of them is just looking for a handout, huh? But in his plan to create chaos, it also included opening the gates of the inner city. If players dont come in and distract the soldiers, how can he sneak into Kriegs palace amidst the commotion? The gates need to be opened, but the question is how. After he opened the outer gates, a large number of soldiers were dispatched to guard the inner gates, forming a dense crowd around them. Even if he could cast an illusion on all of them, Ji Chen wouldnt be able to reach the gates before Alices mana was depleted. It would take quite some time to deal with such a group of fools, let alone humans. The Krieg soldiers in the inner city are already on edge due to his previous actions. At the slightest sound, they charge like a pack of mad dogs. Especially that elite guard, actively searching for their tracks. He couldnt guarantee a safe escape if their traces were exposed in front of so many soldiers. How can he safely open the gates and leave without endangering himself? As he contemplated, Ji Chen suddenly remembered Alices unit talent tree. [Unlocked node A-l: Song of Temptation (Blue skill -> Purple skill)][Consumes 3200 units of wood, 3200 units of clay, 800 units of mythril.] The only thing that could possibly break the situation now was Alices upgraded Song of Temptation. Upgrading from a blue skill to a purple skill was equivalent to a qualitative change. The blue-grade Song of Temptation was not very effective against tier 3 soldiers. If it could be upgraded to purple grade, its effect and duration would be greatly enhanced. Perhaps he could kill his way through the gate and forcefully open it. After thinking about it, Ji Chen felt that this was very promising. He immediately checked the resources he currently had. After setting sail, it seems that the Kobolds have been busy as well, continuously logging and gathering resources. The current wood resource has reached over 6,000 units, more than enough to meet the wood requirement for Node A-i. As for clay, before setting sail, he entrusted Wilus with the authority to collect resources, including clay, in his territory. So now the territory has accumulated 5,400 units of clay, satisfying the clay requirement. As for Mithril, he had previously left 800 units, and the territory has also received a considerable amount of Mithril income these days, meeting the Mithril requirement as well. All three resource requirements are fulfilled! Seeing this, Ji Chen didnt waste any time and tapped on Node A-i with his finger. Would you like to consume resources to unlock A-1? Yes. Consuming 3,200 units of wood, 3,200 units of clay, 800 units of mithril to unlock A-l. The tier of Temptation Song is upgraded from blue skill to purple skill. In the Stormy Seas, Wilus was stunned as he watched a large portion of wood and clay suddenly disappear from the warehouse. What happened? Where did all my wood and clay go? The culprit behind all of this, Ji Chen, with a hint of anticipation on his face, opened Alices panel to check the description of the upgraded Temptation Song. [Skill: Song of Temptation (Purple skill, can use beautiful and seductive songs to confuse the enemy, causing them to fall into a state of absent-mindedness and hallucination. Can charm and control the enemy, the effect depends on the enemys level [Charm, mana consumption speed increases by 100% when controlling the enemy])] Controlling enemies?! Ji Chen suddenly realized. So, what Anina said was true. Sirens indeed possess the ability to bewitch and control creatures! Its just that their previous skill level was too low to demonstrate it. Being able to charm and manipulate enemies A glimmer of confidence flashed in his eyes. With this ability, the maneuverability would be greatly enhanced. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 89 - Chapter 89: Turning Against Us Chapter 89: Turning Against Us Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Alices song was actually a spell. Since it was a spell, he could choose the target of the spell. In other words, if there were 100 people in front of her, Alice could choose to control 50 of them with her voice. These 50 people will enter a state of trance or illusion, or even be under manipulation. However, the other 50 people, although they can also hear the song, will not be affected in any way and simply find the melody pleasing. Based on this, he devised a plan. The plan was called Defection Operation. When Ji Chen and his group confidently and fearlessly appeared near the inner city gate, The Krieg soldiers guarding this area were all utterly bewildered. Previously, they had searched the entire inner city but couldnt find any trace of Ji Chen and his group. But now, they brazenly showed up in front of them, wearing a nonchalant expression. In an instant, it made them doubt if there was a trick behind it. After all, they had been played like fools before and had become overly sensitive. They were afraid of being deceived again. However, as more and more Krieg soldiers arrived from all directions, surrounding Ji Chen and his group from inside and out, the Krieg soldiers became full of confidence. With such a large number of soldiers present, they vowed that if Ji Chen and his group managed to escape once more, they would tear apart the city gate right then and there! At this moment, hundreds of Kriegs Forbidden Army received the news and rushed to the scene. They were fully armed, resolute, and filled with killing intent in their eyes. It seemed as though Ji Chen owed them millions of gold coins, turning him into an unforgivable enemy in their eyes. If killing intent had weight, Ji Chen would probably have been crushed by it already. A commanding officer stepped forward, wearing a cold sneer on his face. I didnt think youd be so eager to face your demise before we even found you. Well, since you insist, listen up, everyone! Spare no one except for that man and woman! Wait! Ji Chens shout interrupted their actions. There was no panic on his face. He looked around calmly and finally looked at the Forbidden Army. [Kriegs Forbidden Army] [Race: Human] [Tier: 3, 6-star] [Skill: Powerful Soldier Hard Armor (Blue skill, attack and defense increased by 30%)] Protection (Blue skill, combat effectiveness in the Holy City increases by 30%) Intimidation (Blue skill, can use a roar to intimidate the enemy, there is a certain chance to cause the enemy to enter a short stun state) [Military characteristic: People of the Blood Sea (After death, they will be resurrected and become blood spirits with stronger combat strength)] As expected of the Forbidden Army. They were Tier 3 6-star, much stronger than ordinary soldiers. They were even stronger than the strongest Naga warriors under him. Their numbers also reached 200 to 300, and they were powerful. It could be said that the strength of this Forbidden Army was enough to wipe off Jichen and his troops. Furthermore, they were completely surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of Krieg soldiers. They were like a trapped turtle with no means of escape. To make matters worse, the officer leading the soldiers was not an ordinary individual either. He, too, possessed the powers of a hero. [Kajiso Nolan (Hero)] [Race: Human] [Level: 15] [Tier: White Common] ? ? However, in terms of rank, it doesnt look very impressive. At most, its equivalent to a commanding officer of soldiers, not posing a significant threat. After reading the information, Ji Chen quickly grasped the situation and looked around before smiling. To be honest, the reason I voluntarily showed up here is because of something. Would you like to hear it? Kajiso was also curious upon hearing this. He wanted to know the reason behind Ji Chens voluntary appearance and was in no rush to capture him. In his eyes, Ji Chen and his group were already trapped, and they would be captured sooner or later. There was no need to rush at this moment. Speak, this is my last mercy. What I want to say is, can you take the initiative to open the city gate? This way, I can save some effort and time. Veins popped out on Kajisos forehead. Are you playing with me? Youre still so arrogant even though youre surrounded. If it wasnt for Lord Kriegs order to capture you alive, I would have hung you on the gate of the water stronghold and let the blood fiends eat you up. Kajiso gritted his teeth and looked at the calm Jichen. He suddenly felt a sense of foreboding. Without hesitation, he ordered, Everyone, attack! Jichen grinned as he looked at the soldiers coming from all directions. Control them. Alice opened her lips slightly, and a different song sounded. Like a stream of water, it drilled into the enemys ears. If the spell had a visible trajectory, then Alices mana would have turned into several white wisps and drilled into the bodies of the powerful Forbidden guards. In an instant, they were stunned on the spot. The killing intent and fanaticism in his eyes gradually turned into a strange look. Go, Alice said softly. In the next moment, the Forbidden Army soldiers brandished their weapons and charged at their allies. Although Kajiso was a hero, he was only at the lowest tier, White Common. Therefore, when faced with Alices song, his performance was not much better than the Forbidden Army. With bloodshot eyes, he raised his weapon uncontrollably and slashed at the surrounding Krieg soldiers. The Krieg soldiers did not expect their allies to attack them. They were not prepared at all, and dozens of them were killed in an instant. The encirclement that had surrounded Ji Chen and the others was instantly torn open. Taking advantage of this opportunity, they began to break out of the encirclement. Meanwhile, Alice controlled the Forbidden guards to charge towards the city gate. The surrounding Krieg soldiers were perplexed as they faced the bewildering friendly attacks from their comrades. They found themselves in a dilemma, unsure whether to retaliate or hold back, moving cautiously amidst the chaos. In stark contrast, the Forbidden Army went berserk, acting like merciless puppets solely driven by a lust for bloodshed. The Tier 3, 5-star Forbidden Army soldiers effortlessly dominated their lower-tier Krieg counterparts, overpowering them as if a father disciplining his disobedient child. The display of Alices manipulation abilities was nothing short of horrifying. Alices manipulation ability was terrifyingly effective. It completely defied the natural instincts of these creatures, forcefully controlling their minds and bodies. Jichen couldnt help but sigh inwardly. If the Temptation Song, even at the Purple grade, possessed such immense power, how terrifying would it be at the Red grade or even higher? With a single command, the hundreds of Forbidden Army soldiers turned against their own comrades, redirecting their blades towards them. The Sirens truly deserved their reputation as a rare and formidable marine race. Their control ability alone was enough to elevate them to the pinnacle of marine species. In this chaotic situation, the Forbidden Army quickly reached the city gate. Alice manipulated them to hold their position at the gate while opening it. Outside the inner city: Did that boss see the message we sent? Why hasnt there been any response? I guess even if he saw it, he wont want to take the risk. After all, there are so many soldiers guarding the city. If I were him, I wouldnt intervene either Listen, something seems to be happening in the inner city Wait, the city gate is opening! The heavy gates slowly began to rise. Before they could react, they witnessed an unbelievable scene. Not only were a group of well-equipped soldiers assisting in opening the gates, but they were also fiercely attacking the regular Krieg soldiers, causing blood to flow. What is happening? They seem to be killing each other? Could it be that the Krieg couldnt pay their wages, and now these soldiers are rebelling? While some players speculated, they wasted no time and immediately led their armies towards the city gate. Opportunities like these were rare and not to be missed! If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 90 - Chapter 90: The Benevolent Boss Chapter 90: The Benevolent Boss Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation As Alices singing came to an end and Ji Chen and his group disappeared around the corner, the scene at the city gate was in chaos. The few remaining Krieg soldiers regained their senses, looking bewildered and unaware of what had just happened. But their fellow soldiers around them looked at them with fear, as if they had done something unimaginable. Only then did they notice the bodies of their comrades scattered all around, the broken bodies of officers, and their own hands and weapons stained with blood. And behind them, the city gate was wide open. Instantly, fear struck the hearts of these Krieg soldiers. What had happened just now? With the inner city gate wide open, players and Bauhinia Alliance soldiers rushed in like mad dogs, overwhelming the Krieg soldiers guarding the gate, just like they did at the outer city gate. Though they didnt know exactly what had transpired, they knew it was another golden opportunity. Capturing the inner city gate meant gaining access to the numerous crystals stored within the city. Those crystals would become their spoils. They had fought and killed tirelessly for this moment, all for the sake of obtaining some crystals and accelerating the development of their territories. However, some players had a hunch that this might have been the work of that hidden boss. But how they managed to make the Krieg soldiers turn on each other remained a mystery to them. On a distant street, Ji Chen listened to the sounds of battle coming from the city gate, his heart steady. The first step of the plan was complete. Now for the second step: guiding the players to the location of the crystal storage. Thanks to his previous unintentional actions, the Krieg soldiers had centralized all the crystals in one warehouse, heavily guarded. Therefore, in order to effectively divert the attention and energy of the Krieg soldiers, it was necessary to incite the players to engage them in battle. At that moment, Ji Chen felt a mix of responsibility and concern, taking on the roles of both a guide and a protector. First, he assisted in opening the city gate twice for other players, and now he had to personally lead them towards the crystal storage. How could he be so selflessly devoted to helping others? With these thoughts in mind, Ji Chen began to strategize. Once the players successfully captured the city gate and pondered their next move, a sudden cry rang out. Quick, check the forum! Someone has posted a map to the crystal storage warehouse. Wait, is it the Lonely Islander who made the post? I see, so this legendary figure has been aiding us all along! It was him who opened the city gate! Such selflessness deserves admiration and respect. The Lonely Islander is truly amazing! In an instant, the forum thread erupted with excitement and discussion. The name Lonely Islander had already gained recognition before this incident. This time, his actions within the secret realm further solidified his reputation among the players in the Western Domain. Previously, he became known for the possibility of possessing a red-legacy tier hero. But now, his fame was derived from his altruistic deeds and the exhibition of his formidable strength as a benevolent figure. The former was a by-product of Ji Chens plan. The latter was the players senses. After all, the fact that he was able to create a sea of blood in the midst of so many Kriegs soldiers and forcefully open the city gate was enough to prove that the Lonely Islanders strength was extraordinary. Ji Chen smiled as he looked at the posts that kept refreshing. He wasnt worried that he would be exposed in reality. They were looking for the Lonely Islander, what did that have to do with him? A large group of players charged towards the storage crystal. At this moment, the other Krieg soldiers could no longer care about Ji Chen. They gathered together and blocked the players from advancing. The defenses in other areas became lax. At the center of the entire Holy City, Kriegs castle stood on high ground, surrounded by a moat. There was only one covered bridge that led to the castle. Hundreds of Krieg soldiers were stationed inside and outside the castle, guarding the covered bridge. Due to the invasion of players, a considerable number of soldiers had been deployed elsewhere, resulting in weakened defenses in this area. Ji Chen didnt immediately choose a direct assault. Quietly sneaking into the moat, he dispersed his troops, hoping to find a sewer or similar entry point to infiltrate. If he could avoid unnecessary risks, he would. However, after an extensive search, he was disappointed to find no accessible entrances in the impregnable fortress. There were guards both on the surface and even underwater, making infiltration impossible. Must he resort to a frontal assault? Just as Ji Chen felt somewhat helpless, a fully armed group of soldiers appeared on the bridge. It was the Bauhinia Alliance! Previously, they had maintained a low profile, except for a slight presence at the water fort. But why were they here instead of attacking the crystal storage? Could it be that, like Ji Chen, they had their eyes on the wealth and treasures within Kriegs fortress? Although there was a slight deviation from his plan, it was inconsequential. The appearance of these soldiers could also be seen as a fortuitous event. Ji Chen patiently observed from the water, hidden from view. Neither the attacking soldiers of the Bauhinia Alliance nor the Krieg soldiers had any inkling that someone was silently observing their every move from the depths of the moat. With a brief pause to regroup, the soldiers of the Bauhinia Alliance launched a fierce assault on the bridge. While their individual strength was average in Ji Chens eyes, their higher rank of l-star compared to the ordinary Krieg soldiers gave them a slight advantage. Furthermore, their coordination and formation were excellent, with sword-and-shield troops, spearmen, and archers, all filled with high morale. For a moment, they managed to suppress the Krieg soldiers, swiftly pushing towards the castle gate. However, their progress gradually slowed as the defensive mechanisms on the castle walls came into play. Swoosh! Thick crossbow bolts, as thick as an infants arm, were propelled by taut bowstrings, piercing through several Bauhinia Alliance soldiers like skewered candied fruits. Cannons erupted with flames, solid projectiles carrying unstoppable momentum smashed into their targets, and the crisp sound of bones breaking reverberated like firecrackers. The cannonballs bounced off the ground several times, shattering the legs and arms of countless soldiers. Before their troops reached a certain rank, these types of weapons would always be a nightmare for low-tier soldiers. On the bridge, blood flowed like a river, and cries of agony filled the air. Witnessing this gruesome scene, the faces of other soldiers turned pale, and they took a few steps back. The officer raised his long sword and roared loudly, urging them to press forward. However, it was evident that, with their current forces, it would be difficult to withstand the firepower and cross the bridge. Observing this scene, Ji Chen couldnt help but shake his head. He himself wouldnt dare to face such killing machines head-on, yet these soldiers foolishly tried to charge in directly, seeking death. Seeing these soldiers diverting the attention of the defenders, Ji Chen didnt waste the opportunity. Manipulating the water currents, he formed a staircase along the side wall, leading his troops onto the ramparts, silently infiltrating the castle.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 91 - Chapter 91: Getting Rich Chapter 91: Getting Rich Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After sneaking into the castle, Ji Chen cautiously opened the Omniscience map and confirmed that there were no soldiers nearby. Only then did he begin to observe his surroundings. The scale of this castle was very large. Rather than calling it a castle, it was more like a small Urban area. There were tall towers and stone buildings, connected by arched bridges, crisscrossed stone paths, and towering spires. There were several gardens alone. Trees were planted all over the place, flowers and grass were everywhere, and pavilions were embellished in the middle. This added a little vitality to the slightly depressing gray wall tiles of the building. It seemed that the so-called Krieg was also a person who knew how to enjoy life. Ji Chen looked at the castle with envy. This was the residence that a lord should have. My Lord, what should we do now? At this moment, Alice leaned over and whispered in his ear. The air that blew out when she spoke gently blew against his ears, making him feel a little warm. He slightly turned his eyes and saw Alices beautiful face in front of him. Her red lips were slightly open as if he could touch it with a slight turn of her head. Shes so cute. I want to Phew ~ Ji Chen took a few deep breaths and suppressed this inappropriate thought. He pondered for a moment and said, We will look for rooms that might contain rare resources and treasures and try to hide our movements and not attract the attention of the soldiers. But if we were to alert the enemy, we can use the song to control them and make them kill each other to buy us time. In his plan, the perfect situation was to find the room where the treasures and resources were stored without alerting any soldiers. Then, he would quietly leave and not clash with any enemy here. As the ruler of a mystic realm, the person named Krieg was definitely not an ordinary person to be able to make so many soldiers and residents so fanatical and obedient. It was very likely that she was also a hero. Moreover, it was at least stronger than the White Normal Rank he had encountered before. He still had to be a little cautious. Ji Chen waved his hand, and the army spread out a little and began to search the area. He also paid close attention to the Omniscience map and issued warnings at any time. However, the Bauhinia Alliance was still quite powerful. It seemed that they had determined that there would be a large number of rare resources and treasures hidden in this castle. They were determined to endure the casualties and attack crazily. It seemed that they had also moved a lot of siege weapons from their warships and attacked the firm castle gate. Seeing the situation unfold, the majority of Krieg and Forbidden Army soldiers had gathered near the main gate, leaving other areas more relaxed in terms of defense. This provided them with considerable convenience for their covert search. Ji Chen couldnt help but admire, Good work! While the intense battle continued ahead, they quietly made a new discovery. On the Omniscience map, most areas showed only a few scattered red dots, but in a passage leading underground, there were around thirty to forty red dots congregated together. It seemed as though they were guarding something. Seeing this scene, Ji Chens spirits immediately lifted. There had to be something fishy going on, right? Theres no smoke without fire! He led his troops into a room. From the outside, it appeared to be an ordinary storage room. However, on the map, vague pixelated dots indicated a downward passage behind one of the walls. Those red dots were inside the passage. Ji Chen gathered his troops, closed the door, and began searching the area. There had to be some mechanism here that could open the wall. Soon enough, he discovered a movable cabinet that could be shifted sideways. Waving his hand, he instructed two Naga warriors to pull it. With a resounding rumble, the wall opened up on both sides. Intruders! When the guards inside saw Ji Chen and the others, they immediately reacted and were about to sound the alarm. He was instantly controlled by Alices singing and obediently shut his mouth. The tightly shut door and enclosed space displayed the Song of Temptations ability very well, and it almost isolated the singing from the outside world. They did not alarm the soldiers outside. Ji Chen looked at the Forbidden Army soldiers with a strange glint in their eyes. Kill them. As soon as he finished speaking, the Naga warriors rushed forward and slashed them with their ferocious bone blades. Although these Forbidden Army guards were powerful, they could not resist Alices singing. They allowed the Naga warriors to break their armor and kill them. The Forbidden Army soldiers in the passage were quickly killed. Ding C You have obtained 8300 experience points Ji Chen didnt care about the corpses on the ground. With a wave of his hand, he left the shallow sea murlocs in the room to be on guard and led the other troops into the depths of the passage. There was a sturdy iron door in the depths of the passage. But this was not a problem for him. Sea Pixies, destroy this door for me. After a few water arrows, the sturdy iron door collapsed under the explosion of the spell. A few pieces of dust fell from the top of the passage, but fortunately, there were no signs of collapse. Only then did Ji Chen walk in with relief. When he saw the thing in front of him, he was overjoyed. A few thousand square meters of underground space were filled with all kinds of resources. With a casual glance, he could see a large number of crystals in wooden boxes. The number of crystals stored here was even more than that of the crystal warehouse outside! This was truly a pleasant surprise! Although Ji Chen thought he had enough crystals before, seeing so many crystals in front of him now made his heart race uncontrollably. Since they were free, why not take them? With a wave of his hand, piles of crystals vanished instantly. Ding- You have obtained 23,000 units of crystals. My goodness, its nearly twice the amount he had before. This was such a lucrative deal! After collecting this batch, he now possessed a total of 35>000 units of crystals, instantly becoming wealthy. This trip was indeed worth it! Hey, Krieg, your crystals will be under my care now. After all, they would just gather dust here, so why not put them to good use with me? After collecting the largest quantity of crystals, the underground space was instantly emptied by half, leaving only a few remaining items. Ji Chens attention shifted to two round glass spheres. Recruitment Camp Cores! In a certain sense, these were also a kind of rare resource. With Recruitment Camp Cores, one could establish recruitment camps and recruit units. And units represented strength, the most crucial element in this world. Seeing that these two Recruitment Camp Cores could be placed alongside the crystals, they probably werent cores for some mediocre units, right? With a mix of anticipation and curiosity, he picked up one of them and examined the panel showing the units it produced. [Deep Sea Roamer] [Race: Blood Beast] [Level: 10] [Tier: 4,1 star] [Skill: Strange body (Purple Skill: Massive Interior Space (Inside the colossal body lies a vast space capable of carrying cargo and organisms, providing oxygen.) Hardened Skin Armor (Purple Skill: Increases physical defense by 50% and reduces spell damage taken by 50%.) Energy Surge (Blue Skill: Temporarily boosts swimming speed by an additional 100%, but increases energy consumption.) Deep Sea Expedition (Blue Skill: Provides an extra 100% swimming speed when moving underwater.) [Military characteristic: Crystal Energy (If separated from the Blood Sea, requires crystal to provide energy for survival and activities.)] [Blood fiends with powerful transportation capabilities, but their appetites seem to be a little bit awesome.] Ji Chen was dumbfounded.. He really struck it rich this time! If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 92 - Chapter 92: Alice’s Power, Blackmail (1) Chapter 92: Alices Power, Blackmail (1) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation They possessed the ability to dive into the sea, carry cargo and personnel, and had excellent defense and speed. This unit called the Deep Sea Roamer was similar to a submarine or underwater transport vessel, right? Seeing such a panel, Ji Chens thinking gradually became more active. This unit held strategic significance for the territory. It meant that the territorys dependency on ships would be greatly reduced. If one day the enemys fleet blocked the New Moon Islands, he could still use Deep Sea Roamers to break through underwater and maintain communication with the outside world. Furthermore, they could be used as transporters to deploy units behind enemy lines, just like paratroopers, and give the enemy a good stabbing in the back. How delightful! But the only thing that somewhat disappointed him was that the Deep Sea Roamers diet was crystal! Other units could survive by eating garbage (like the shallow sea murlocs), so why did this unit have to eat such a high-value resource like crystal to survive? It wasnt eating crystal, it was eating money! It seemed that the current supply of crystals was not enough, and he needed to obtain as many as possible. With that in mind, he remembered the golden trees that could produce crystals. If he could dig up one and plant it in the territory, wouldnt it be like having a never-ending source of eggs from a chicken? Putting the two Recruitment Core Units in his backpack, he didnt have a chance to look at the other items. A large number of red dots representing the Krieg soldiers appeared on the full-view map, approaching this location with a strong purpose. Ji Chens eyebrows furrowed slightly. Could it be that they had already been discovered? Without much time to think, he hastily threw the remaining items into his backpack and, accompanied by the Naga Warriors, returned to the room through the passage. At this moment, A large number of Krieg soldiers and Forbidden Army troops had already appeared outside the room. The Shallow Sea Fishmen stationed here were trying to prevent their entry. Although Ji Chen didnt know how they had been discovered, he had already obtained what he came for and had no intention of staying any longer. With a wave of his hand, he signaled the army to break through to the outside. The Naga Warriors transformed their serpent tails into tanks, instantly crushing dozens of soldiers. The soldiers outside were in groups, but when Alice took action, she quickly controlled hundreds of them, causing these soldiers who were originally loyal to Krieg to suddenly turn their weapons against their comrades. Seeing these soldiers, who were once loyal to Krieg, now betraying their faith and loyalty, and ruthlessly killing their allies, Ji Chen suddenly had a feeling of NTRing Krieg. These soldiers were loyal to you? Very well, the next moment, they would be on our side. The Krieg soldiers who were suddenly backstabbed by their allies were thrown into disarray, slashing at the traitorous allies. But what made them feel hopeless was that for every controlled soldier they killed, another one would be controlled in the next moment. Alice was smart. Instead of directly controlling a large group of soldiers nearby, she randomly selected individuals from among them. Once one died, another would take their place. As a result, these Krieg soldiers had no idea if their nearby comrades would swing their blades at them in the next moment or if they themselves would be controlled to attack other allies. In this atmosphere of mutual suspicion, they were constantly on guard, unable to fully engage in the battle, let alone stop Ji Chen and his group from breaking through. Ji Chen was in a good mood. The power of the Siren was so terrifying! Alice alone could play a stronger role than thousands of troops! Even if it could not cause great damage, it could still disgust the enemy to death! They broke out of the encirclement and rushed to the edge of the city wall. Just as they were about to jump into the moat, a clear and cold voice suddenly sounded. Guests who have come from afar, why leave without even saying hello? It seems I havent been a good host. Ji Chen paused for a moment and turned back with interest. The pursuing Krieg soldiers, like the tide meeting a water dam, slowly parted to create a path in the middle. A mature woman dressed in a purple gown walked out from the midst of the soldiers. Seeing that they had reached the edge of the city wall, ready to leap down and escape into the water, Ji Chen no longer felt rushed. Instead, he began to size up this woman. She had a beautiful and captivating appearance, a tall and mature figure, and a noble and elegant demeanor. Her slightly narrowed eyes even exuded a sense of aloof dignity. It was clear that she was no ordinary person. Especially with those super long legs of hers, coupled with her gaze from a higher vantage point, if the players were to see her, they would undoubtedly exclaim, Step on me quickly! But obviously, Ji Chen didnt have such a fetish. However, why would a woman like her appear here? Could she be a concubine of Krieg? With some doubt in his mind, he focused his gaze on her. With some doubts, he looked at it. [Krieg Gwen (Hero)] [Race: Human] [Level: 20] [Tier: Purple Rare] [Skills]: [The ruler of the Blood Sea, the faith of all soldiers] ? A string of question marks appeared on Ji Chens head. The ruler of the Blood Sea was actually a woman? Ji Chen had already thought about what the soldiers description of Krieg was like. He thought that it might be a strong man who was more than a meter tall and held a huge axe. He thought that it might be a shrewd and scheming dark man or a white-haired but dignified old man. However, he had never expected her to be such a beautiful woman. Moreover, it was a Purple Rare Hero! If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 93 - Chapter 93: Alice’s Power, Blackmail (2) Chapter 93: Alices Power, Blackmail (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation For a moment, Ji Chen was deeply shocked. You look surprised? Unexpectedly, Kriegs expression was very friendly as she smiled. She was like a good friend who had not seen him for many years. Ji Chen suppressed his surprise and smiled. Of course. I didnt expect that the ruler of the Blood Sea was actually a woman, and she could even obtain the love and respect of so many soldiers. I gave them hope to live on the Blood Sea, so they repaid me with loyalty and life. This is very fair. Krieg hugged her huge breasts and smiled at the soldiers. The soldiers eyes were filled with passion and excitement when they saw Krieg looking at them. It was as if being looked at was a supreme honor. I swear my loyalty to you! I will forever follow in your footsteps! Ji Chen looked at them with a disdainful expression. Hey, this seems a bit like a pyramid scheme, doesnt it? Pyramid schemes are wrong, you know that, right? Its illegal! Shaking off the strange thoughts in his mind, Ji Chen asked with curiosity on his face. Im a little curious. I killed so many of your soldiers and robbed several warehouses, but you dont seem angry? These are nothing. Soldiers can be nurtured again if they die, and supplies can be replenished if they are lost. However, it will be a pity if someone like you were to leave. Krieg shook her head nonchalantly and looked at Ji Chen with some admiration. But if you could become my general and fight for me, then all the previous losses would be worth it, and everything could be forgiven. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow, was she trying to recruit him? Well, it wasnt not surprising, after all, he was quite attractive. Maybe she wanted to keep him as a personal companion? Ahem But Ji Chen was destined to become the Pirate King, to roam the seas! How could he submit to someone else? It held no appeal to him. After all, this was just a small mystic realm. To him, the native inhabitants of this mystic realm were no different from the natives on the New Moon Islands, and he felt a certain sense of superiority over these narrow-minded locals. Im sorry, I dont have the intention of submitting to anyone, he replied indifferently. Hearing this, a look of regret appeared on Kriegs face. If thats the case, Ill have to make you stay here. Suddenly, circles of airwaves surged from her body. A tyrannical aura surged out, and her magic power surged. He smacked his lips when he saw the sudden change in expression on Kriegs face. Women were fickle. At first, she said she wanted to recruit him, but now she wanted to kill him. On the surface, Ji Chen didnt think much of it, but he was on high alert. He had seen Anina, who was also a Purple Rare, so he was equally wary of Krieg, who was a Purple Rare. Therefore, he chose to strike first. Alice! Alice understood and immediately used her skill. [Skill: Song of Temptation (Purple skill, can use beautiful and seductive songs to confuse the enemy, causing them to fall into a state of absent-mindedness and hallucination, can charm and control the enemy)] Tens of soldiers were instantly under control. They drew their weapons and slashed at Krieg. Krieg narrowed his eyes slightly. Her mana surged, and a blood ring sent the soldiers flying dozens of meters away. Then, she pointed with her white finger, and dozens of blood-red blades shot out. It was like an arrow that had been pulled to the limit. Ji Chen raised his hand and drew water from the moat. He cast a water shield that was dozens of meters long in front of him to protect his troops. The blood-red blade stabbed into the water shield and froze instantly as if it was stuck in a layer of glue. It had no power at all. This was the first time Ji Chen had used magic to fight an enemy. He was very interested in seeing the true power of the Tidal Lord class. With a thought, a stream of water rose from the moat, as if it had merged into a mold, condensing into sharp water spears in the air. He waved his right hand gently. The hundreds of water spears floating in the air shot out in an instant, falling like a storm. Blood Shield! Kriegs expression changed slightly as she waved her hand to form a blood shield. The water spear hit the shield, and the tip of the spear sank three inches into the shield, getting stuck. However, the other soldiers were not so lucky. The water spears were like knives that were thrown at the crowd. Wails and screams sounded, and blood splattered. The gray floor was dyed red. With one strike, dozens of soldiers died instantly. Seeing this, Ji Chens heart was filled with excitement and killing intent. He condensed another hundred water spears and threw them down. Whether it was the ordinary soldiers or the Forbidden Army guards, their armor was as fragile as paper. The water spears pierced through them without any obstruction and nailed them to the ground. A round of water spears passed, and another round. Ji Chen was immersed in a murderous mood and had no intention of holding back. Large amounts of water were absorbed by him and condensed into water spears, which he continued to shoot. He finally felt the joy of being the character Gilgamesh from the Anime Fate Zero. Even the rare purple Krieg could only struggle to hold up her shield under the rain of water spears. She had no ability to resist at all. This made him even happier. That was all there was to a Purple Rare Hero? Under the barrage of water spears, the Krieg soldiers fell like wheat. Ding ~ You have killed a group of Krieg soldiers. Obtained 12500 experience points. Ding ~ You have killed a group of Kregg soldiers. Obtained 15200 experience points. Your level has increased . After a few waves, his level, which had stagnated at level 10, had risen. A majestic magical power surged into his body, causing his spirit to tremble and wake up from the pleasure of killing.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 94 - Chapter 94: Alice’s Power, Blackmail (3) Chapter 94: Alices Power, Blackmail (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation When he came back to his senses, more than half of the soldiers in front of him had already fallen. Their corpses were covered in holes, and broken limbs were scattered everywhere. The scene was very miserable. Ji Chen took a deep breath, and the blood in his eyes gradually faded. As he swept his gaze across the area, all the Krieg soldiers he came into contact with took a few steps back in fear. No matter how zealous and loyal they were, they could not help but feel terrified. How was this a battle? This was a one-sided massacre! The shield dissipated, and Kriegs face was slightly pale. Her eyes were also filled with shock. Originally, she had thought that Ji Chen was just a commander and didnt have much combat power. The reason why he wanted to subdue it before was because of the hero under him who could control others. However, she had never thought that Ji Chen would have such terrifying combat strength, even stronger than her! Seeing this scene, Kriegs heart sank. It seemed that this matter could not be settled peacefully Ji Chen was slightly excited to see the damage he had caused. Previously, he had not used his enemy to test out his powers, so he had never had a clear understanding of his own strength. So, he was actually this strong? It felt like one persons output was higher than all the troops combined! Although he felt good killing, he stayed sane and didnt continue attacking. He smiled at Krieg. My strength is still worthy of your eyes, right? You Kriegs eyes were full of fear. Your strength is beyond my imagination. Why didnt you show it before? I didnt know I was so awesome. Ji Chen really wanted to say that, but it was a good time to show off. He chose to reply indifferently, If I didnt do this, how could I make you come out willingly, thinking that your strength could overpower me? Krieg was momentarily at a loss for words, silently cursing herself. She had underestimated Jichens personal strength, mistakenly believing that he relied solely on his units to breach the defenses. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself and spoke to Jichen with a renewed sense of caution. I admit that I was wrong before. Now, we can start again. I wont pursue what you did before. Ji Chen looked at her like she was an idiot. When he wanted to leave, she acted like a fool and didnt let him go. Now that he had beaten her into submission, she still wanted to put on a merciful act to allow him to leave? Who did she think she is? Did she think she can make him stay and go as she pleased? Ji Chen really wanted to leave, but now he changed his mind. He wouldnt leave unless she bled. Ji Chen smiled. If you want me to leave, you should at least give me something, shouldnt you? Otherwise, its like youre making me come and go as you please, without any dignity. Krieg furrowed her brows and questioned, Youve already plundered one of my treasure rooms, arent you satisfied? Jichen chuckled, That was some compensation you should give me. Feeling superior in his overwhelming strength, he became arrogant. Normally, Jichen was a harmonious and helpful person, respectful towards women. However, when faced with such a domineering person, it was only natural for him to give her a lesson and fight fire with fire. But Jichen seemed to forget that he was the intruder in this mystic realm. Upon hearing his words, Krieg took a few quick breaths to stabilize her emotions. She glanced deeply at Jichen and gestured to her soldiers. A group of soldiers rushed into the castle. Soon, they brought back several wooden crates filled with sparkling crystals. Jichens interest was piqued. After all, the more crystals, the better. Without hesitation, he moved his hand, and a stream of water solidified into dozens of water ropes, pulling the wooden crates towards him. Ding ~ You have obtained 10,000 units of crystals. Another sum of crystals entered his account. Looking at the crystal on the interface that had more than 10,000 units, he felt relieved. Going through all the trouble of plotting and scheming, using tactics like luring the tiger out of the mountains and creating disturbances to deceive the enemy, he had only obtained a little over 10,000 units of crystals. But now, simply by using his words, he was able to make the enemy willingly hand over 10,000 units of crystals. The difference was just too significant. Strength was the most important thing in this world. With absolute strength, things could become relatively simple. This was particularly evident in the mystic realm. After collecting the crystals, Jichen was about to leave with his army when he remembered something and pointed at the towering golden tree. Can those trees be transplanted? My territory happens to lack some scenery, and those shiny trees look quite beautiful. Krieg was taken aback, clearly not expecting him to ask this question. She gritted her teeth and replied, The roots of the golden tree have already penetrated deep into the Blood Sea. They cannot be transplanted. Once they are removed from the Blood Sea, they will wither immediately. Hearing this, Jichen nodded with a disappointed expression. It seemed that his idea of planting a tree that could automatically produce crystals had been shattered.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 95 - Chapter 95: Blood Spirit Warrior Chapter 95: Blood Spirit Warrior Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen was once again curious about the Golden Tree. Seeing that there was a person who controlled the entire mystic realm here, he naturally had to capture her to question further. I have another question. How do these golden trees produce crystals? Where does the energy come from? Krieg revealed a mysterious gaze and slowly replied, Death and birth both generate energy, and all energy belongs to the golden trees. Only by believing in the golden trees can one preserve oneself and obtain eternal life. Ji Chen frowned. This meant that death provided energy to the golden trees, which then produced crystals. From this perspective, it was not entirely incomprehensible. After all, the fantasy world was filled with all sorts of strange things. The second half of the statement resonated even more. Just like the native tribes on the New Moon Islands, they believed in the existence of dragons, even though the dragons themselves ignored them and treated them as insignificant beings. The more ignorant and narrow-minded a race, the more likely they were to believe in these seemingly majestic and powerful beings that they couldnt understand. And in this mystic realm, there stood a gigantic golden tree, tall and beautiful, capable of producing crystals. It was highly possible that a belief in the golden tree had arisen. At that moment, he suddenly remembered the special characteristics of the Krieg soldiers. [Military characteristic: People of the Blood Sea (After death, they will be resurrected and become blood spirits with stronger combat strength)] Kriegs soldiers have decent combat power, but be careful of the blood spirits they transform into after they die. According to the literal meaning, after the death of the Krieg soldiers, they would become something called the Blood Spirit, which would give them even greater combat power. But the strange thing was that he had killed thousands of Kriegs soldiers, but why didnt he encounter any of this so-called Blood Spirit? Could this be related to the Golden Tree? Just as Ji Chen was about to ask this question Suddenly, a fierce battle cry resounded through the air. The players had arrived. At some point, the players had advanced to the front of the castle and were charging in through the drawbridge. Due to Jichens influence, there were only a few Krieg soldiers stationed at the drawbridge and the gate. Under the overwhelming tide of players and their units, the Krieg soldiers quickly crumbled and were unable to form a coherent defense. Watching this scene, Jichen shrugged his shoulders. Good luck to you all. Ignoring the displeased faces of the Krieg soldiers, Jichen, along with his army, leaped into the moat. They disappeared without a trace amidst the splashing waves. Running away after showing off, how exhilarating. Lord Krieg, what should we do now? the officer asked with a hint of shame on his face. They had shown signs of fear in the battle just now, which was truly a betrayal of their loyalty to their leader. Krieg cast another deep gaze towards the spot where Jichen vanished, and coldly replied, You stay with a portion of the soldiers to obstruct those outsiders. The rest will accompany me through the secret passage and head to the base of the golden tree to begin resurrecting the heroic spirits. I will soon return with the fallen heroes and eliminate all these invaders. The officers face brightened with joy as he received his orders. Two heads emerged from a wide waterway. My Lord, are we leaving now? Alice asked. Ji Chen looked at the Holy City that was covered in black smoke and waved his hand. Lets go. Although he still had many questions about this mystic realm, the harvest from this trip was enough. Or rather, it had far exceeded his expectations. There was no need to continue getting involved in this mess. They advanced quickly in the water channel and returned to the water village. They met up with Sparrow and the others who were guarding the place. The ship slowly sailed out and headed towards the endless sea of blood. After driving for several hours. The New Moon arrived at the island under the small golden tree. The Krieg warship was still on the surface of the sea nearby, rising and falling with the waves. But unexpectedly, the residents who originally lived on the island had disappeared, leaving only the lifeless village and the still-bright golden tree. They probably ran for their lives. Ji Chen shook his head. They sent half of the pirates to board the intact two-masted warship. After half an hour, they finally raised the sails and formed a two-ship formation with the New Moon, heading towards the entrance of the mystic realm. Inside the Holy City, the players had completely occupied the entire castle and plundered everything inside. They began to discuss the next step of the plan. What should we do next? Leave the mystic realm? No, Ive detected that the remaining Krieg soldiers went to the giant golden tree. There might be something there. Exactly, I heard that the Krieg leader also went there. There might be some powerful treasures there. After considering for a moment, the players made their decision. They led their units out of the castle, following the traces left by the Krieg soldiers, and headed towards the giant golden tree. Half an hour later, they arrived at the foot of the tree. Looking up at the towering golden tree that pierced the heavens, they couldnt help but marvel. Look, theres a large tree hollow over there, someone said. Everyone turned their gaze and indeed, at the base of the tree, there was a massive hole reaching a hundred meters in height. Rather than calling it a tree hollow, it resembled the den of some wild beast. But what kind of creature, with such a size, would reside in such a large tree hollow? Just as they wondered where the soldiers had gone, a figure suddenly appeared in the tree hollow. Kriegs gaze was icy as she looked at the players, a flash of coldness in her eyes. She vowed to make these invaders pay a bloody price. Especially that man who could manipulate water, she would ensure he remained in the blood sea forever! Look, theres a woman with an awesome figure over there! Where? Let me see Holy shit! Is she the so-called Krieg? And shes actually a woman?! A purple-grade hero too? Shes got a queen-like aura, long legs, and she looks at us as if shes looking at rubbish. Amazing I want her to step on me Bro, your fetish is damn weird, oh? I also want her to step on me, so thats cool then. As the players joked and bantered, suddenly a large area of blood-red appeared in the tree hollow. Straining their eyes, they realized it was a group of blood-red translucent figures. [Blood Spirit Warrior] [Race Race: Blood Spirit] [Level: 20] [Tier: 3, 7 stars] [Skill: Work together (blue skill, when working together, combat power increases by 4.0%)] [Blood Spirit (Blue skill, attacking enemies without fear of pain)] Loyalty (Blue skill, loyal to Krieg, will not cower or surrender) [Military characteristic: Mental immunity (blood spirit creature, ignores any mental control, curse, and other negative effects)] [The blood spirits transformed by the soldiers of Krieg have stronger combat power.] At this moment, the players realized that something was wrong. Tier 3, 7-star, a whole level 20 Blood Spirit Warrior. Are you kidding us? Run, we definitely cant beat them! Under their horrified gazes, thousands of Blood Spirit Warriors poured out of the big tree hole. Like a blood-red tsunami, it swept over crazily.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 96 - Chapter 96: The Calculations of the Bauhinia Alliance Chapter 96: The Calculations of the Bauhinia Alliance Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen had no idea what was happening under the golden tree. He was rushing to the entrance of the mystic realm, planning to leave. Above the vast sea of blood was a dark red sky. The oppressive atmosphere was forever pervading. At this moment, he was already missing the blue sky and white clouds of the New Moon Islands, the white beach, and the verdant jungle. He was eager to return home. It would still take some time for him to reach the entrance of the mystic realm. Taking advantage of this time, Ji Chen took out the loot he had obtained from the underground space. Other than the crystal and the core of the military recruitment camp, there were four other things. Two building blueprints and two treasures. First, there were two building blueprints that looked rather ancient. [Building Blueprint: Large Water Fort] [Level: Special] [Effect: Able to build a large water village that can accommodate all kinds of ships.] [Construction Resources: 30,000 units of wood, 15,000 units of stone] [Construction requirements: 1. Close to the sea 3. Gentle shoreline] [Area: 500100 (m)] [Building Blueprint: Wood Processing Plant] [Level: Special] [Effect: Able to build a wood processing plant and process wood into various wooden products.] [Resources required for construction: 2000 units of wood, 1000 units of stone] [Area: 50 x 50 (m)] They were all good blueprints! The Large Water Fort was probably the kind of fort that could accommodate large ships. Not only could it be used as a dock to anchor ships, but it could also be used for ship repairs. For the territory, it was also an essential building. He couldnt keep the ship floating on the sea all the time and rely on small boats for transportation, could he? A wood processing factory would have been a great addition. The territorys specialty, precious jungle wood, could have been maximized in value through the wood processing factory. By processing the various wood products, aside from supplying the territory, they could have created furniture, decorations, and other goods for export overseas. This was an important link in establishing an industrial chain. Purchasing processed products could have yielded much higher profits compared to selling raw materials! Next, there were two more treasures to discuss. The first one was an amulet. [Strength Talisman] [Level: 4-star treasure (single)] [Effect: Increase strength by 200% but increase stamina consumption by 100%.] [Cooldown Time: None] A supreme-grade treasure! It was an extraordinary treasure! Simple yet powerful in its effects. Enhancing strength, but it seemed useless for him. As a Tidal Lord, he was a magic-based class and had no need for strength. However, the effect of the amuleta 200% strength boostwould be significant if placed in the hands of someone who already possessed great strength. Coincidentally, he knew someone who possessed immense strengtha whale, or rather, Anina. Anina should still be in the territory, waiting. Perhaps this amulet could be kept for her to use. They say that one hand washes the other. Maybe by giving her this, she would be more inclined to stay? With a silent nod, Jichen stored the amulet in his backpack and took out the second treasure. It was a silver-white necklace, radiating with magical energy. [Mana Pendant] [Level: 4-star treasure (single)] [Effect: A container that can store a large amount of magic power. It can be used to replenish magic power.] [Cooldown Time: None] [Necklace made of Mithril] Another top-grade item! And it was a noble magical treasure! Ji Chen looked at the necklace and felt a little awkward. Both he and Alice relied on magic power for a living, so logically speaking, they were both suitable for them. But there was only one necklace. Should he use it himself? Or give it to Alice? Tidal Powers magic damage was extremely terrifying. His damage output alone was higher than an entire Sea Pixies team. However, Alice seemed to be more suitable. The previous series of battles had also demonstrated the power of her singing. If she had this necklace, she would be even more powerful. She seemed to have seen Ji Chen quietly struggling to make a decision. My lord, why dont you use this necklace? Your Tide Force is immensely powerful and can better utilize the effects of this necklace, Alice suggested considerately. Upon hearing this, Jichen no longer hesitated and smiled. Since thats the case, Ill keep it for now. If we need it in battle, you can use it. Alices face lit up with a sweet smile, radiating charm. The rewards from this expedition in the mystic realm were quite remarkable. They accumulated over 40,000 units of crystals, two core recruitment camps for units, two rare building blueprints, two exquisite treasures, and even a two-masted warship. After a period of sailing, the colossal gate of the mystic realm came into view. However, what puzzled him was the gathering of numerous player ships in front of the mystic realm gate. The Bauhinia Alliance is so despicable! They used us as cannon fodder, and now they demand us to give up half of our gains before they allow us to leave! These bastards! No wonder they were so generous in opening up the mystic realm and letting us in. They wanted to reap the benefits effortlessly! We wont tolerate them! Once the other players return, well break through their blockade together. I refuse to believe that with so many ships and people, we cant break their siege! These players, with anger on their faces, gathered together and discussed their grievances. As they noticed the approach of the New Moon, they stopped their discussions and wore expressions of joy. With such a large ship joining them, their chances of breaking through the blockade increased significantly. Ji Chen returned to the ship after understanding the situation. Looking at the door of the mystic realm, he was deep in thought. Ever since he saw the Bauhinia Alliance attack the castle and suffer heavy losses, he had not seen them again. Who would have thought that they would exit the mystic realm and start extorting tolls from players? Werent they afraid of incurring public outrage? This was a little troublesome. The mystic realm gate was the passage in and out of the mystic realm, typically limited to only one entrance. Now, the Bauhinia Alliance had sealed it off again, and it seemed that there were numerous warships lined up outside. If they didnt pay the toll, they would likely be greeted with cannon fire. After some thought, Ji Chen decided to wait for the other players to return before rushing out together. It would be safer that way. For now, he had to be patient and wait. The speed at which the other players returned exceeded his expectations. Within a few hours, they saw a large number of player ships rapidly approaching from the direction of the Great Golden Tree in the sea. However, Ji Chens brows suddenly furrowed. These players didnt seem to be returning with a bountiful harvest. Instead, they looked a bit like they were being chased and attacked? Theyve finally arrived. Lets break through together. Wait, something seems off. As soon as those words were spoken, they suddenly noticed a large wave of warships following behind the players ships. The sails of these warships were adorned with a golden tree emblem. They were Krieg warships! The situation became clearer. These Krieg warships were relentlessly chasing after the players ships, like cats hunting mice. The cannons on their bows spewed flames. The projectiles fired from the cannons sank players ships, causing some players and units who couldnt swim to meet their demise in the sea. Witnessing this scene, Ji Chens forehead creased with worry. It seemed that something had happened after he left the Holy City. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 97 - Chapter 97: Chaos Chapter 97: Chaos Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation As the fleeing players rushed towards the mystic realm gate in a panic, without even explaining the situation outside to them, Ji Chen and Alice exchanged a glance and made an immediate decision. Raise the sails urgently and evacuate at full speed behind them! Leave the two-masted sailboat behind, let the pirates return immediately! Yes! Sparrow shouted loudly. Ji Chen manipulated the water currents, creating a waterway between the two ships, allowing the pirates on board to quickly return. Soon, the large sails were hoisted, and the fierce wind of the Blood Sea blew, inflating the sails. The New Moon, as if pushed by the hands of a wind giant, swiftly merged into the fleet. On the distant surface of the sea, the Crimson Warships were manned by Blood Spirit warriors with murderous intent, relentlessly pursuing at full speed. Although they had died in the flesh, the Blood Spirits, who had transformed after death, still retained their consciousness and will from their previous lives. Before their deaths, they had met various fates. Some were killed by players with a single slash, some drowned in the previous naval battles, and some were shot to death by crossbow arrows. Of course, there were also those who were controlled by Alice and killed by their own kind. Regardless of how they died, they all had some connection to the players and Ji Chen, so their hatred was beyond words. Resentment surged from their foreheads, almost reaching the sky. Each of them wished to dismember the players and Ji Chen in a brutal manner. Fire! The Blood Spirit sergeant on the warship brandished his sword and commanded the Blood Spirit Warriors to fire the cannons. The cannonballs continued to land on the nearby sea, splashing water into the sky. Ji Chen was terrified when he saw this. Fortunately, his luck was not bad. The shells either hit the other players ships or landed on both sides of his ship. The New Moon was intact. He turned around. Dozens of Krieg battleships were chasing from all directions like a pack of wolves, pouring fire on them. Among them was an especially huge warship. It was over a hundred meters long, with five towering masts and extremely gorgeous decorations. At the bow of the ship, Kriegs expression was cold as she watched the players fleeing like rats in the distance. She could not help but smile. What goes around, comes around. Now is the time! My Lady, they are about to leave. Should we continue pursuing them? The officer beside her asked with a lowered head. Of course! We must slaughter these invaders completely! But once the Blood Spirit Warriors leave the Blood Sea, their power will gradually diminish, and by then Kreig furrowed her brow and said sharply, Death is their honor. Only by killing the invaders quickly can they wash away their previous shame. Yes. The officer fell silent and dared not say anything more. Thus, the Crimson Warships advanced at full speed, relentlessly pursuing their prey. Ji Chen followed the player ships and entered the mystic realm gate. In an instant, the bloody sky transformed into a blue sky with white clouds, and the crimson sea turned into a deep blue ocean. In the distance, there were over forty warships of the Bauhinia Alliance surrounding the mystic realm gate. All Glory Lords who have emerged, listen up! Stop your ships! You must surrender half of your loot from within the mystic realm before you can leave. Otherwise, we will sink you here! Upon seeing so many ships emerging, the officer of the Bauhinia Alliance flagship quickly spoke loudly using a specially designed amplifier. However, to his astonishment, these Glory Lords seemed to ignore his words completely and showed no intention of stopping. They continued full speed ahead without the slightest hesitation. His anger surged instantly. How dare they ignore his words!? He would give these ungrateful Glory Lords a severe lesson and make them realize that the Bauhinia Alliance was the true ruler of these seas! So, he immediately ordered the bombardment of the place. But soon, he realized that something was wrong. Why did these Glory Lords appear to be in such a panic? It was as if something was chasing after them. This thought had yet to fade away. The door to the mystic realm suddenly shook violently. Warships sailed out one after another, and the sails were engraved with a golden tree. Was it Kriegs warship? The Bauhinia Alliance soldiers were stunned. Hadnt Kriegs Holy City already been captured? And the majority of the soldiers should have been killed or injured. Where did these many soldiers come from on the ships? In their extreme shock, they even forgot to fire their cannons. During this lapse of time, the players ships swiftly moved away from both sides. Only the ships of the Bauhinia Alliance and Kriegs forces remained facing each other. The Blood Spirit soldiers piloted their ships through the Mystic Realms gate and, upon seeing the surrounding environment, involuntarily opened their mouths wide. The sky was a deep blue, adorned with white clouds. The sea was a vibrant azure, filled with flying birds and leaping fisha scene brimming with vitality. Compared to that, the Blood Sea seemed like a lifeless wasteland, inhabited only by ferocious blood beasts and desolate land. They were captivated by this beautiful sight, but then they noticed the fleet in the distance, with a violet flower adorning the ships sails. They quickly realized that it was another group of invaders! The Bauhinia Alliance had clashed with Krieg and his forces several times before the players entered the Mystic Realm, leaving a deep impression on them. In terms of hatred, they held no less animosity towards Kriegs forces than they did towards the players. As they say, when enemies meet, their envy becomes even stronger.. If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 98 - Chapter 98: Chaos (2) Chapter 98: Chaos (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Without a moment of hesitation, the Blood Spirit warriors immediately controlled their cannons and launched an attack. The warships fired their cannons, smashing into the Bauhinia Alliance fleet like a storm. The planks of the ships were damaged, masts were broken, and some ships started sinking. White smoke rose, and it was uncertain how many soldiers of the Bauhinia Alliance were killed or injured by the cannonballs. Even the flagship came under attack. A cannonball landed on the side of the ship, narrowly missing the officers arm but killing four or five soldiers. Cough, the officer stood up with the help of his soldiers, raising his head with anger filling his eyes. A sense of shame and the realization of their narrow escape surged within him, followed by an uncontrollable rage. How dare these natives of the Mystic Realm initiate an attack on them? This was unacceptable! An endless fury consumed his rationality. Attack Kriegs ships with all our might! Give them a strong counterattack!! After a brief delay, all the ships of the Bauhinia Alliance turned their cannons and unleashed their firepower. The players who had managed to reach a safe position turned around upon hearing the commotion behind them, witnessing the intense exchange of fire between the two sides. They breathed a sigh of relief, halting their escape and casually eating snacks. A grand spectacle unfolded as nearly a hundred warships exchanged fire, a scene rarely seen in ordinary circumstances. Blow up those Kriegs ships! Those damn Blood Spirit warriors chased us like rabid dogs. They nearly scared me to death. It would be great if we could wipe them all out! The Bauhinia Alliance should die as well. They treated us as human shields and even wanted to extort toll fees from us. So greedy! Kill them! Kill them! It would be best if both sides suffer heavy losses! The playful players began cheering, displaying their carefree nature. In the intense exchange of fire, the Bauhinia Alliance had a slight advantage. In order to prevent the players from escaping, they had positioned themselves in advance, aligning one side of their ships with the Mystic Realms gate, allowing half of their cannons to fire. On the other hand, the Kriegs ships, despite their greater numbers, could only use a few cannons at the bow, resulting in a significant firepower disadvantage. After a round of intense exchange, both fleets suddenly ceased their bombardment. Quickly go to the cabin and move the shells! Shoot these mystic realm natives to death! The officer from the Bauhinia Alliance said sternly. Quickly replenish your ammunition and pledge your loyalty to Lord Krieg! The Blood Spirit soldiers shouted. The cannonballs on both sides were almost exhausted. The barrels were hot and red, and they stopped working. For a moment, the battlefield fell into a strange silence. After a few waves of attacks, both sides suffered losses. The Bauhinia Alliance had lost about six or seven warships, while Kriegs side had lost more than ten. Pieces of the ship were floating on the surface of the sea, and the soldiers who fell into the water were shouting for help. The shattered human body parts and fresh blood attracted sharks, their fierce dorsal fins looming above the water surface. The immense destructive power of war was unquestionably evident at this moment. Meanwhile, the flagship carrying Krieg slowly emerged from the gate of the Mystic Realm. With its massive hull, numerous cannons, and towering masts. Upon seeing this, the Blood Spirit soldiers cheered. On the ship, Krieg looked around at the completely different environment, equally astonished. So, there truly existed an incredibly vast main world outside, much larger than the Blood Sea they inhabited. What a beautiful world it was Krieg quickly regained her composure and looked at the enemies in the distance. She could already sense that without the protection of the Blood Sea and the Golden Tree, the state of the Blood Spirit warriors was slowly declining. This battle needed to be swift and decisive! With this thought in mind, she didnt waste any more time and swiftly issued the orders for the operation. The flag signal on the flagship instantly changed. Rest of the ships, charge forward! Initiate boarding battles! The command was conveyed, and nearly forty Kriegs ships began their charge. Upon seeing this scene, the Violet Alliance officers immediately gathered. Though they were unaware of what was happening, the Krieg soldiers seemed to have resurrected and become even more powerful. If it was just a matter of exchanging cannon fire, they wouldnt be afraid. But if it turned into boarding battles, they would be far from a match. Whoosh! Suddenly, the charging Kriegs ships were bombarded by a barrage of cannonballs from the side. Curiously, the Bauhinia Alliance officers followed the trajectory of the cannonballs to see who was assisting them. A fleet consisting of over twenty ships was rapidly approaching the battlefield. Their ships were adorned with peculiar decorations, looking flamboyant and flashy. Some ships carried cannons, some had crossbow machines, and others had nothing at all. However, what they all had in common was the black skull and crossbones sails fluttering in the sea breeze. It was the Black Skull Pirate Crew! The crowd quickly understood what was happening. Upon learning that this Mystic Realm produced a large quantity of crystals, these pirates also wanted to get a share of the spoils! Upon witnessing this scene, a hint of joy appeared on the faces of the Bauhinia Alliance officers. Although these Black Skull pirates had a mishmash of ships, if they could join the fight, they could at least attract some firepower. If those Glory Lords also attacked the Kriegs ships, there was a possibility of winning this battle. The players also became excited, their faces expressing a desire for chaos. With the addition of these pirates, there were now three factions on the battlefield: the Bauhinia Alliance, Krieg, and the Black Skull Pirate Crew, all engaging in mutual attacks. The entire sea area turned into a chaotic mess! If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know via our discord so we can fix it as soon as possible. Chapter 99 - Chapter 99: Chaos (3) Chapter 99: Chaos (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation What a grand spectacle! They were really enjoying watching the commotion while it lasted. But in the next moment, they saw the pirate fleet firing cannonballs at them, catching them off guard and causing panic. The players were dumbfounded. Even those who were just bystanders had to fight? Lets rewind time back half a minute. Listen up, you lot! Shoot those Mystic Realm natives ships with all youve got! Whether we can strike it rich this time depends on you! Captain Franco of the One-Eyed Pirate Crew shouted loudly. When he saw the Kriegs ships being caught off guard by the barrage, he grinned widely and was about to give the order to continue the attack. But then, Rudy, a member of the pirate crew who had just returned from the Silver Islands, exclaimed in surprise from the side. Boss! I saw the Black Widow! Its right there in the fleet next to us! Upon hearing this, Francos left eye twitched, and he gazed in that direction. Sure enough, he saw his own Black Widow, which had gone missing half a month ago. At this moment, the Black Widow was docked within another fleet. He was always the one doing the plundering, but this time, someone had stolen from him. It made him furious and deeply humiliated. In his eyes, if the Black Widow was mixed in with that fleet, then those ships next to it should be accomplices. Thus, he immediately ordered. Lads, point the cannons at that fleet and teach them a lesson. Well take back the Black Widow! Yes, sir! Boom! The cannons spewed out thick white smoke, and the cannonballs traced beautiful parabolic arcs through the air. Caught off guard, the player fleet suffered heavy losses. Some of the smaller ships were even pierced through their sides, allowing seawater to pour in and slowly sink them. Even the New Moon had its ballista shattered, leaving a gaping hole on its deck. Ji Chen watched as the Black Skull Pirate Crew launched a sudden attack. The expression on his face was somewhat subtle. The pirate ship that the New Moon had been masquerading as was originally part of the Black Skull Pirates fleet. Now it seemed that the pirates had recognized the New Moons true identity and come to settle the score. Seeing the intimidating approach and the continuous gunfire from the dozen or so pirate ships, Ji Chen felt a slight tremor in his heart. He could withstand the artillery barrage from three or four ships, but it would be nearly impossible to handle so many. If the New Moon were truly sunk here, he would have to swim back to their territory. With this thought in mind, Ji Chen didnt hesitate any longer and immediately ordered Sparrow to sail away at full speed. The players who were suddenly attacked, after recovering from their confusion, became furious one after another. Damn it! These pirates really have no regard for us. Theyre even attacking those who are just here to spectate? Do they think were pushovers? Lets show them what were capable of! These pirates are nothing to me. Although they spoke bravely, not a single player dared to charge forward. Instead, they fled in the opposite direction, prioritizing their own survival. They didnt want to end up as fish food in the sea. The New Moon unfurled all three sails, surging ahead with full force, taking the lead among the player fleet. However, this sudden surge drew the attention of many. Krieg squinted her eyes as she watched the New Moon in the forefront. She suddenly had an inexplicable feeling that the man who had extorted her might be on that ship. Without hesitation, she immediately ordered a detachment of over ten heavily armed warships from her fleet to give chase, determined to eliminate Ji Chen here, displaying the deep-seated resentment within her. Ji Chen felt a tingling sensation as she looked at the ships following closely behind the New Moon. The current pursuit unfolded as follows: the first wave was led by the New Moon, charging ahead as the vanguard. Following closely behind was the second wave of players ships. The third wave consisted of pirate ships. Lastly, there were over ten fully armed Krieg warships. It appeared as though they were chasing after other players, but in reality, they were all in pursuit of him. The thrill reached its peak! Chapter 100 - Chapter 100: Information Gap, Outcome (1) Chapter 100: Information Gap, Outcome (1) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation When the Bauhinia Alliance officer saw this scene, he was stunned. What did those Glory Lords do? Why were the pirates chasing after them? Then, he suddenly realized. Huh? Werent they blocking the entrance to the Mystic Realm and forcing the Glory Lords to hand over their gains? He had lost his focus for a moment and failed to intervene. But if they let them escape, they would truly gain nothing. The officer glanced at the approaching Krieg fleet. He wasnt foolish. He knew the formidable power of the Blood Spirit Warriors. If both sides engaged in a skirmish, they would undoubtedly lose. So now, they needed to create some distance and utilize their firepower advantage by unleashing their cannons. Thus, the fleet of the Bauhinia Alliance formed a formation, manoeuvring at high speed while firing their cannons. The battlefield situation once again underwent a change. The Bauhinia Alliance fleet and Kriegs main fleet chased after each other and began to engage in an intense fire. It was unknown if it was intentional or not, but Bauhinias fleet was also heading in the direction of the fleeing player fleet. When the players saw this scene, they started cursing again. They didnt do anything outrageous, so why did everyone seem to be chasing after them? Sir, the left side of the ship is damaged! All the crossbows at the stern are damaged! The sails are damaged, and the power has decreased slightly! Sparrow kept reporting the damage, and every word made Ji Chens heart sink. Lets forget about being able to return to the territory safely, it was already good enough that he hadnt lost a few arms and legs. Listening to the sound of cannonballs flying past his ears, he knew that he could not continue like this. He had to think of a way. They looked at the fleet that was chasing after them in several echelons. They were only about a kilometer away from each other. This was considered a short distance on the sea. The New Moon lacked cannons, so it was impossible to defeat the pirates, Krieg, or the Bauhinia Alliance. In such a vast sea, he was a living target. Therefore, the best solution now was to head to the nearby Silver Islands at full speed. They would use the complicated sea area and the numerous islands there to avoid the bombardment. They would hide their ships and find an opportunity to escape! Ji Chen didnt hesitate for even half a second. He ordered Sparrow to turn the bow slightly and sail toward the Silver Islands. In order to speed up, he even controlled the waves at the stern to push the ship forward. His speed increased in an instant, and he moved forward. The players in the second tier were dumbfounded when they saw this. How can this guys ship travel so fast!? This was a medieval sailing ship, not a steamship! Look at the direction its heading inIt was the Silver Islands, the headquarters of the Bauhinia Alliance. Wait a minuteI understand now! They wanted to use the complex terrain of the Silver Islands to escape pursuit! I see. Good idea! Then why are we still waiting? Follow suit! The New Moon swiftly darted into the midst of the island chain, instantly concealed by towering mountains and dense foliage. Following suit, the player fleet dispersed in all directions the moment they entered the island chain, disappearing behind the islands like scurrying mice. The pirate fleet, without hesitation, sailed towards the spot where the New Moon had vanished. The Krieg fleet, which was in pursuit of the New Moon, hesitated briefly before following the pirate fleet. Lastly, both the Bauhinia Alliance fleet and the Krieg flagship fleet, still engaged in intense fire, also entered the island chain, maneuvering and firing amidst the islands. The exhilarating open sea confrontation swiftly transformed into a skillful island-based shootout. Under Ji Chens acceleration, the New Moon moved like an agile fish, constantly manoeuvring between complex islands, quickly leaving behind the pursuing pirate fleet and Krieg sub-fleets. My Lord, should we leave this place immediately? Sparrow asked. Ji Chen looked at the surrounding islands, and his thoughts began to run wild. The initiative was back in his hands. With the high mobility of the New Moon, he could move around here easily. However, due to the composition of the pirate fleet and the Krige sub-fleets, their speed was certainly lacking. In order to efficiently locate the New Moon, they had to divide their forces. Once they divided, it meant there was an opportunity to exploit. We wont retreat for now. Lets seize the chance to give them a good beating! As you wish, Sparrow replied with a hint of excitement on his face. After their previous frantic pursuit, he had been holding back his frustration. Now, with the Lords order to counterattack, it aligned perfectly with his desires. The New Moon sailed slowly on the surface of the sea, while all the shallow sea murlocs and Naga Warriors were dispatched to scout the enemys positions. The sea breeze blew, and the murlocs and Naga Warriors leapt through the water. Soon, the shallow sea murlocs and Naga Warriors returned with a piece of news. Two pirate ships were manoeuvring in the southwest direction, only about a kilometer away from the New Moon in a straight line. However, due to several islands blocking their view, they couldnt see the exact location of the New Moon. Two pirate ships Jichen nodded silently. Typically, a pirate ship of the Black Skull Pirates had about 200 elite pirates onboard. So, two ships meant 400 elite pirates, a number they could handle. On the two pirate ships. The pirates looked at the surrounding islands and seas, feeling restless in their hearts.. Chapter 101 - Chapter 101: Information Gap, Outcome (2) Chapter 101: Information Gap, Outcome (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Black Widow that had been stolen disappeared without a trace as soon as it entered the archipelago. They had no choice but to split the fleet into several teams to search separately. However, in such a complicated archipelago, the person who stole the ship had probably taken the opportunity to leave. Just as they were feeling a little depressed. The lookout on the mast suddenly shouted. Northeast direction! Target found! The pirates looked over and saw a three-masted white sailboat slowly sailing out from behind a towering island. It was the stolen Black Widow. Full speed ahead! Open fire Open my ass. Boss wants us to snatch it back. If we were to destroy it, how are we going to report back to Boss? The two pirate ships advanced at full speed and quickly caught up. Enclosed from both sides, the target was caught between two ships as grappling hooks shot out, latching onto the Black Widows hull. Upon witnessing this scene, a glimmer of joy appeared on the pirates faces. If the hooks successfully secured their grip, the two ships would remain bound together, leaving the deck open for them to board and eliminate everyone on board, completing their mission. However, as the pirates focused their gaze, they saw something unsettling on the deck of the Black Widowdozens of exotic warriors staring back at them. Their eyes emanated a chilling and ruthless gaze as if they were already looking at lifeless bodies. An abrupt, peculiar melody resounded, captivating the pirates and leading them astray. Ding- You have achieved a glorious victory, earning 12,500 experience points. Current experience [28%/ioo%]. When they regained their senses, they found themselves tightly bound, surrounded by the lifeless bodies of their comrades. Confusion instantly consumed them. What just happened? How did everything take such a drastic turn? At that moment, their gaze fell upon Ji Chen, standing nearby. However, their hearts were already filled with fear. Even without words, they knew that everything was somehow connected to the man before them. I implore you, Noble Lord, to treat us like farts and let us go. We promise never to appear before you again. After all, you have already killed so many of our comrades. Surely, youve vented your anger by now? The pirates face was filled with flattery, their previous arrogance completely vanished. Ji Chen couldnt be bothered to engage in further conversation with them, but considering they still held some usefulness, he gave them a chance. Surrender or die. The pirates exchanged glances, ultimately bowing their heads in resignation. I am willing to surrender to you. Ding- Pirates have surrendered. This time, the system prompt appeared. Jichen casually opened the territory panel, and the number behind Pirates in the unit column changed from 66 to 270. Now he could finally relax. The straightforward surrender of these pirates was a good thing. Otherwise, it would have been troublesome to bring back two intact pirate ships to his territory. He would have had to hire sailors as well. With these two pirate ships loaded with cannons, his maneuverability increased significantly. Ji Chen began to inquire about important information from the pirates. Previously, we reached an agreement with the Krieg division fleet not to attack each other and to find you, my lord, together. They seemed extremely anxious, eager to find you. Moreover, we feel that the strength of those Blood Spirit warriors is gradually weakening. Their strength is weakening? Could it be that once those Blood Spirit warriors leave the Blood Sea, they gradually become weaker? It wasnt an impossible notion. To be several times stronger after death than before was already incredible. If they could freely roam outside, it would be truly extraordinary. Ji Chen pondered for a moment and suddenly thought of a good idea. He had subdued these pirates and the two pirate ships without the other pirates and the Krieg knowing. Perhaps he could take advantage of this information gap and leave after a big wave. As the Black Skull Sail slowly rose, a three-ship formation was formed and began to swim between the islands. The New Moon was sandwiched between the other two ships, making it look like they had been captured. Soon, with deliberate searching, they spotted a formation consisting of two Krieg warships. As the New Moon, seemingly sandwiched between them, appeared, the opposing side became proactive, slowly approaching. The Blood Spirit warriors on the deck were filled with excitement. Once they found the man Krieg had mentioned, they could immediately return to the Blood Sea. They had already begun to feel the weakness in their bodies. If they didnt go back soon, their souls would soon dissipate, unable to return to the Golden Tree. Looking at the two Krieg warships, which were lacking in vigilance and had entered the optimal firing range of the cannons, Ji Chen wasted no time and gave the order to open fire. The cannons roared, and rain of projectiles covered the warships. Caught off guard, one of the Krieg warships sustained multiple damages. One ship developed several fatal breaches beneath the waterline, and seawater poured in. From the moment it was hit to its complete sinking, it took less than five minutes. Only one Krieg warship remained and was now fleeing at full speed. The pirates wanted to continue firing the cannons, but Ji Chen waved his hand to stop them. My lord, why dont we sink that ship as well? Sinking one more ship would weaken the enemy even further, asked Sparrow, puzzled. Ji Chen smiled and shook his head. No matter how much we fight, ammunition and manpower are limited. Sinking ten ships would be the limit. But by letting this ship go, it will sow doubt and suspicion between the pirates and Krieg, causing them to turn against each other. In the end, we will indirectly sink more warships. Ji Chen pointed to the black skull sails on the two pirate ships. Dont forget, we are pirates now. Upon hearing this, Sparrows eyes lit up. It was the pirates who did it. What does it have to do with us? Indeed. The escaping Krieg warship found another fleet and recounted everything they had witnessed. In their eyes, it was just two pirate ships escorting a target that suddenly attacked them without any warning. Damn pirates! They are treacherous and cannot be trusted from the start! They must have captured that man but didnt want to hand him over to us! Although the pirates motive for attacking them didnt seem very reasonable, their already fragile cooperative relationship became even more fragile. Driven by the desire for revenge, the Krieg fleet launched a pre-emptive strike against the pirate fleet. The pirates were caught off guard and shouted in disbelief, accusing the native inhabitants of this mystic realm of lacking integrity. They had agreed to cooperate, and now they were suddenly attacked. Thus, both sides engaged in large-scale warfare. Countless ships sank, and numerous casualties occurred. The sea was littered with shattered shipwrecks and floating corpses. Meanwhile, Ji Chen, who was spectating from the sidelines, almost burst into laughter at the sight. Night fell. The battle within the archipelago finally came to a halt. Both the pirates and the Krieg fleet suffered heavy losses, with only a few surviving. In the end, the pirates voluntarily retreated, leaving the Silver Islands with only three pirate ships. They had arrived with more than twenty ships, but now the losses were devastating. More importantly, they gained nothing and were left with nothing but scars. On another main battlefield, as night fell, the battle between the Bauhinia Alliance and the Krieg flagship fleet gradually ceased. Both sides suffered severe losses. The Bauhinia Alliance lost half of its warships, while the Krieg flagship fleet, due to fighting in unfamiliar islands, was at a disadvantage and lost three-fifths of its warships, severely weakened. Eventually, Krieg realized that the Blood Spirit warriors were too weak and unsustainable, so they led the remaining ships and Blood Spirit warriors back to the Blood Sea. The Bauhinia Alliance also returned to the harbor, silently nursing their wounds. However, the conflict between the two factions was far from over. The mystic realm gate, connecting the Silver Islands and the Blood Sea, continued to slowly revolve. As long as the mystic realm gate remained open, Krieg would lead the fleet and return for another round. But all of this was no longer of great concern to Ji Chen. The New Moon, with two newly acquired pirate ships, sailed leisurely along the route back to their territory. His mood was incredibly exhilarated.. Chapter 102 - Chapter 102: Edward’s Treasure (1) Chapter 102: Edwards Treasure (1) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation When they set sail, they were penniless, but now, on their way back, they were wealthy beyond imagination. They had amassed over 40,000 units of crystals. If other players were to find out, they would surely be envious. The Hero Altar, Crystal Devices, and Alices unit talent tree required only around 10,000 units of crystals in total. With the extra 30,000 units, they had various options, such as trading them for other resources or keeping them as strategic reserves. Calculating the time, Raymond had probably finished preparing the first batch of goods for the trade with the Crown of the Ocean and was ready to set off. If they acted quickly, he might already be on his way to the New Moon Islands. Perhaps they could also use the surplus crystals for trading, exchanging them for other advanced resources like Mithril or Adamantium. They had multiple uses. In addition to the crystals, they obtained two treasures from the mystic realm the Mana Pendant and the Strength Talisman. Both were 4-star treasures and incredibly valuable. They also acquired three core units for recruiting troopsthe Tidal Sea Spirit and the Deep Sea Roamer. Even in the outside world, these two units were extremely rare and highly sought after. Lastly, there was the Tidal Lord class, which granted Ji Chen immense magical power, making him the most powerful spellcaster in his territory. With a wave of his hand, he could conjure storms and raging waves. It had been eight or nine days since they left the sea. The food reserves in the territory could last for 20 days, so there was still plenty of time. Ji Chen thought about it and took out a map from his backpack. [Treasure Map] [Level: 2 stars] [Effect: Records the location of the treasure buried by a great pirate named Edward.] [Do you want my treasure? Go find it! I put all my treasures there] The treasure map had been caught while fishing in the sea. Since he hadnt gone out to sea for a while, it was temporarily kept in the backpack, gathering dust. With plenty of time on hand, it was a perfect opportunity to search for the treasure. The map marked an unknown island, but the overall depiction was quite vague. They could only vaguely recognize that the island was located in the Western Central Ocean, without any other useful clues. If other players had obtained the map, they would have been completely confused. But Ji Chen was not an ordinary person. Ever since he had obtained the map, he had a faint feeling that he would be able to find this place. He couldnt quite explain the reason behind this strange feeling. After much thought, he had a hunch that it might have been a hidden effect of his Lords talent. Ji Chen didnt dwell on it too much and quickly let go of the matter. As someone favored by the Mother Ocean, was it strange for him to have such a peculiar ability? He attributed it to quantum mechanics. With the general direction determined, the three-ship fleet, led by the New Moon, began to sail at full speed. The journey was extremely dull. Bored out of his mind, Ji Chen took some time to study the cannons on the pirate ship. They were not much different from the cannons in the Blue Star Navigation Era, using solid iron projectiles and gunpowder for ignition. In terms of firepower, these cannons couldnt even match the several water arrows of the Sea Pixies. However, their superior range allowed them to be widely installed on warships. But this world was not limited to such low-level cannons. It was rumored that the kingdoms and duchies on the mainland were equipped with alchemical cannons and magic energy cannons with even more terrifying destructive power. However, these cannons were expensive to produce and strictly regulated, so there werent many warships equipped with alchemical cannons in the Central Ocean. Only the main fleets of kingdoms and duchies would have them. Leaving the Silver Islands, the three warships hoisted white sails, dismantling their flashy decorations, and disguising themselves as ordinary merchant ships. On that morning, as they sailed along the route, they suddenly spotted a convoy of two ships on the horizon. The ships had a deep draught, indicating they were heavily laden with cargo, and there were no escort vessels around them. Upon seeing this scene, Ji Chen felt elated. He immediately decided to carry out the plundering plan. What are those? Theyre not just ships, theyre fat lambs! So, he ordered the three warships to scatter and raised the black skull sails to give chase. The two merchant ships, upon seeing three fully armed pirate ships suddenly appear, panicked, and quickly changed direction to escape. But how could the heavily loaded merchant ships compare to the powerful pirate ships? They were soon caught up and sandwiched between the three pirate ships. Initially, the guards on the ships considered putting up a desperate fight, but upon seeing the dense array of cannons protruding from the pirate ships, they immediately lost their will to resist and brought the merchant ships to a stop. Everyone on board gathered on the deck voluntarily, crouching down obediently. With the sound of several grappling hooks latching onto the ships sides, over a hundred pirates boarded the merchant ships deck, completely taking control of the situation. As they looked around at the fierce and intimidating pirates, each member of the merchant convoys guards and sailors felt uneasy. They knew that their cargo was unlikely to be spared today. They could only hope to be spared with their lives. But as they noticed the sails of these pirate ships, bearing the infamous Black Skull Pirate Group insignia, they had heard that this group never left survivors. They looted and killed without mercy. In an instant, their foreheads were covered in sweat, and their faces turned pale. However, at that moment, they suddenly saw all the pirates bowing their heads in reverence.. Chapter 103 - Chapter 103: Edward’s Treasure (2) Chapter 103: Edwards Treasure (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Turning their heads, they saw a handsome and dignified man, accompanied by a stunningly beautiful woman who appeared almost fairy-like, stepping onto the merchant ships deck from the plank connecting the two ships. Wherever their gaze fell, no pirate dared to meet their eyes. What surprised them more was the presence of dozens of Naga warriors following behind the man. With their tall stature, fierce bone blades, and serpent-like bodies with dragon heads, their icy cold gazes made it feel as though they were looking at the dead. Instantly, a sense of despair washed over them, and a wave of sorrowful emotions emerged. They thought, Were done for. Our lives will be lost here. A few timid ones even began to cry. When Ji Chen saw someone suddenly burst into tears, he couldnt help but be taken aback. Whats going on? Why are you crying when I havent done anything yet? Unable to understand the logic of these people, Ji Chen shrugged and asked, Who is the owner of these two ships? A thin and trembling middle-aged man stood up hesitantly and stammered, Y-y-your Excellency I-I am the consul of the merchant convoy for these two ships Seeing how frightened the children were, Ji Chen let out a sigh, Dont be nervous. I only seek wealth, not lives. As long as you cooperate, no one will die. As soon as these words were spoken, everyone burst into tears of joy. They obediently crouched on the ground, behaving like good children. Ignoring them, Ji Chen turned to the consul of the merchant convoy and asked, What is the cargo on these two ships? Upon hearing that their lives were spared, the consul, now rejuvenated, hurriedly replied. Esteemed Lord, of the two ships, one is carrying cotton, and the other is carrying flax. They were originally meant to be transported to the Western Continent. Cotton and flax? In his memory, both of these materials were used for making fabrics and clothing. Well, coincidentally, his territory was in dire need of decent clothing materials, and these two shiploads could solve that problem. Moreover, there was no need to transport them elsewhere for sale; they could be consumed internally. One could only say that this plundering opportunity was perfect. So, Ill take all this cotton and flax. I hope you dont mind, Ji Chen remarked. No, no, its my pleasure to offer it to you, Your Excellency, the consul replied, showing his compliance. Seeing the consul being so cooperative, Ji Chen nodded in satisfaction and patted his shoulder. Then, with a wave of his hand, he instructed the pirates to start moving the cotton from the merchant ship. Bag after bag of cotton was loaded onto the pirate ship, finally giving some substance to its empty cargo hold. The consul of the merchant convoy observed as the pirates only moved the cotton from one ship and left the flax untouched, growing increasingly puzzled. Your Excellency, why arent we taking the flax from the other ship? Ji Chen glanced at him and said, I cant be bothered to move it separately. Lets take it all together. If everyone squeezes in a bit, you should be able to return on this ship. II II And so, both sides happily reached their agreement. The people from both merchant ships were forcibly accommodated onto a single ship, causing the waterline to nearly match that of a fully laden vessel. Ji Chen kindly left them with food and fresh water, enough for their journey back. Amidst a farewell salute, the overloaded merchant ship set sail. Departing with a tinge of sorrow. Having successfully completed the transaction, Ji Chen was in high spirits. He had acquired the cargo from two ships without any damage. It couldnt have gone any better. After all, he was just a benevolent person. Look, these two merchant ships were heavily burdened. He was merely helping to alleviate their transportation strain! Hmm? Did you argue that this was undoubtedly an act of piracy? But what did that have to do with him? Wasnt the plundering carried out by the Black Skull Pirate Group? How did Ji Chen fit into the equation? See, the ships originally belonged to the Black Skull Pirate Group, the pirates aboard were part of the Black Skull Pirate Group, and even the sails displayed the Black Skull emblem. Therefore, the conclusion is clear: the perpetrators were the Black Skull Pirate Group! Thinking of this, Ji Chen secretly laughed. With a wave of his hand, the fleet continued forward. Because of the addition of a merchant ship full of goods, the speed of the fleet was much slower. The originally planned two-day journey was delayed to three days. Along the way, they encountered many other merchant ships, but most of them were protected by frigates or equipped with many cannons. To avoid slowing down their progress, Ji Chen refrained from further acts of plunder and obediently proceeded towards their destination. They finally arrived at the island where the treasure map was located at noon on the third day. This was an island with towering mountains. They first circled the entire island to observe the terrain. The island was concave, and the main part was almost occupied by mountains. The edges were almost all steep cliffs, and at the end of the depression was a gentle beach, which was also the only place on the entire island where one could land. Unexpectedly, the concave area was very spacious, and the water was deep enough for four ships to anchor there. However, for safety, he still parked the boats near the sea and took a small boat to land on the beach. Behind the beach was a dense forest. Ji Chen took out the treasure map and looked at it. The place marked on it was in the depths of the island. With a wave of his hand, the army began to march forward. This island was very primitive. If there was no treasure map, no one would have thought that there was a pirates treasure buried here. Deep into the woods, he gradually saw traces of people. Broken houses covered in spider webs, rough decorations, bones tied to wooden stakes, broken pirate flags These remnants indicated that this was once a pirate nest. Could it be that this was the pirate Edwards lair? After passing through the forest, there was a long and narrow river valley. On both sides of the riverbank were steep rock walls. The location of the treasure was at the end of the valley. Seeing that there was nothing worth paying attention to here, Ji Chen didnt have the leisure to explore the secrets hidden there. Right now, he only wanted to find the treasure and take it away. As soon as they entered the valley, they instantly felt the temperature drop. There was a stream flowing in the valley. The clear and clean stream flowed slowly from the upper reaches. The noon sun shone down from the sky, reflecting a golden light in the water. Under the golden light, there was a place that was particularly dazzling. Ji Chen narrowed his eyes and raised his right hand. The water flowing downstream was blocked, revealing a golden circular object under the shallow riverbed. This discovery made the pirates beside him exclaim in surprise. They hurriedly ran over and picked it up. After looking at it carefully, he was overjoyed and handed it over to Ji Chen. My Lord, its a coin! Looking at the gold coin in his hand, Ji Chen smiled. Perhaps Edward had accidentally dropped the gold coin in the river when he was burying the treasure. It seemed that the treasure was at the end of this valley. With this discovery, the morale of the group soared, and they quickened their pace. Gradually, they started finding scattered gold coins in the stream. This further bolstered their belief in the authenticity of the treasure, filling them with excitement. Among them, the pirates were particularly thrilled. From their accounts, they learned that Edward was not just an ordinary pirate. Edward was a formidable pirate from a hundred years ago, a name that struck fear into the hearts of all traders in the Western Central Ocean. His legend still echoes throughout the region. His flagship, the Blackbeard, was the most powerful warship in the Western Central Ocean during that era, having plundered numerous merchant ships. For over a decade, he accumulated immeasurable wealth through his plundering, and he even dared to attack warships of the kingdoms. It was this audacity that provoked a kingdom to send an entire fleet to hunt him down. Legend has it that although Edward managed to escape the pursuit, he suffered severe injuries. Before he died, he returned to a hidden island and buried all his ill-gotten wealth. The pirates vividly described the stories. As he listened, Ji Chen couldnt help but become intrigued. He hadnt expected such a background story. In that case, he hoped that this treasure wouldnt disappoint him. Advancing along the valley, they finally reached its end after two hours. It was a circular valley surrounded by towering cliffs. To the left was a cascading waterfall, the source of the stream. To the right was a dilapidated house, with vines and weeds covering the eaves. In the center of the rocky wall, there was a stone structure. At the heart of the structure was a stone door.. Chapter 104 - Chapter 104: The Ghost Pirates and the Trial (1) Chapter 104: The Ghost Pirates and the Trial (1) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Dusty stone doors, dilapidated houses, slightly weathered stone buildings, and a slightly damp smell. The scene in front of him was a little strange. If this really was Edwards lair, it would have been at least a hundred years ago. They should be the first batch of guests here, and they were also the ones who were about to find the treasure. Ji Chen first came to the dilapidated house and gently pushed open the door. Dong As soon as his fingers touched it, the rotten wooden door collapsed, stirring up a cloud of dust. He took a few steps back and waited for the dust to settle before walking in. The furniture inside the house had mostly decayed severely, with only a few stone furnishings remaining intact. There were large holes in the roof, and vines and weeds hung down through the openings. He saw the crystal on a stone table. However, before he could get close, the crystal suddenly emitted light and projected a figure on the stone table. A figure dressed in pirate attire, wearing a black eyepatch over their right eye. The remaining eye revealed a cruel and cunning gaze. Even though it was just a projection, one could sense a hint of the formidable presence they possessed in their past life. Ji Chen narrowed his eyes. If his guess was correct, this person should be Pirate Edward. The ethereal projection gazed ahead with arrogance and wildness, seemingly disregarding everything around. If someone has found their way here, congratulations! You are one step away from discovering the hidden treasure of Edward, the great pirate of the Western Central Ocean, the projection proclaimed. For over a decade, 1 roamed the Western Central Ocean, plundering countless shipsmerchant vessels, warships, and even kingdom fleets. The entire Western Central Ocean trembled beneath the might of my ship, the Whitebeard. Upon hearing this, Ji Chen couldnt help but curl his lips in a sneer. This projection boasted so confidently, yet it had ultimately been defeated and returned here in a state of disgrace? Why would you dare to attack kingdom ships? Why not just bully merchants vessels? Must you court disaster? After all, no matter how powerful a single ship might be, it couldnt withstand an entire fleet. A hint of resentment flashed across Edwards projection. If it werent for a traitor who betrayed me and revealed my whereabouts to the enemy, how could I have been surrounded? Although I managed to evade the pursuit in the end, I suffered incurable injuries, weakening day by day. When I learned that my time was running out, I returned here with all my wealth together with my mighty ship, the Whitebeard. I ordered my crew to bury both my treasure and my body in this tomb after my demise. I also prepared several treasure maps in advance. If fortunate souls manage to find their way here, they can claim all the wealth I amassed throughout my life! Edwards projection revealed a touch of encouragement. If you are also a pirate, I have another treasure to bestow upon youthe Whitebeard. At this point, Ji Chens eyes sparked with interest. The Whitebeard is the most powerful warship in the Western Central Ocean. Possessing it means having the power to dominate the seas! I have hidden it in an extremely secretive location where no one can find it. But 1 can tell you that the clues to its whereabouts are within my tomb. So go and find it. As soon as the words were spoken, Edwards projection abruptly vanished. KalaC The crystal dimmed and shattered, leaving behind a group of pirates who looked at each other. Ji Chen rubbed his chin as he digested the information. It seemed to be similar to what the pirates said. Back then, Edward, the pirate had indeed been seriously injured in the siege. He had fled back here with all his wealth and buried it all in the tomb. But what Ji Chen didnt expect was that apart from this wealth Edwards flagship, White Beard, had also survived. To be able to escape from the encirclement of a main fleet, it must be a very powerful warship, at least much more powerful than the New Moon. He was determined to get this ship. Ji Chen looked at the crystal. After the crystal shattered, a large metal key fell out. It should be used to open the stone door. Because it was wrapped up, it did not seem to have rusted and was in good condition. Without wasting any time, he walked out of the house and came to the stone door. Soon, he found a low stone pillar beside the door. There was a socket at the top of the stone pillar. He inserted the key and twisted it. Following the rumbling sound of friction, the stone door slowly opened, revealing a staircase that led down. The passage was very dark, and the bottom could not be seen clearly with the naked eye. The Naga warriors will open the way in front, and the sea pixies will support them at any time. Sparrow, you take half of the pirates and half of the shallow sea murlocs to guard the door, defending against possible enemies. Sparrow nodded seriously. I will definitely pay close attention. After Sparrow became a Green Hero, his combat power increased greatly. Ji Chen could not be more at ease with Sparrow guarding the rear. Ji Chen nodded slightly, gesturing for the other pirates to light their torches. The torch was successfully lit, which meant that there was air in the tomb. Seeing this, he also felt relieved and led the rest of the army to move down. The flames dispelled the darkness and lit up the stairs leading down. He didnt know if it was his imagination, but he felt that the further down he went, the gloomier it became. He felt a chill on his skin. However, he did not care too much about it.. Chapter 105 - Chapter 105: The Ghost Pirates and the Trial (2) Chapter 105: The Ghost Pirates and the Trial (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After all, this was Edwards tomb. Since it was a tomb, it was quite normal for it to be gloomy. The tall bodies of the Naga warriors were like shields, giving Ji Chen a strong sense of security. The Sea Pixies were also flying around. No one would have thought that these harmless little cuties possessed terrifying destructive power. The shallow sea murlocs crowded around them. Their dull appearance made it impossible for people to imagine that their tridents could pierce through gold and crack rocks. Looking around, only the pirates were as fierce as they looked. At this moment, the pirates were all excited. As pirates, they were extremely interested in the treasure of the legendary great pirate Edward. Pirates loved money the most. The wealth that Edward had plundered in the Western Mid-Ocean for more than ten years was enough to tempt the dragons. Surprisingly, the stairs were very long. Ji Chen estimated that they had already walked down dozens of meters. The rough rock walls on both sides cracked open, and water seeped out. Streams of water flowed down the steps, making the passage even more humid. It was obvious that Edward had not hastily built this place before his death. Instead, he had already begun to build his own tomb. However, Edward didnt expect that he would die so quickly. My Lord, were almost at the bottom, Alice said softly. Ji Chen focused his gaze and saw that they had reached the end of the stairs and arrived at a platform. What greeted his eyes was an underground space of several thousand square meters. Rather than calling it an underground space, it was more like an underground pool. Other than the central high platform and the platform below them, the rest of the place was filled with water. There was an exquisite stone coffin on the high platform. Edwards corpse was probably inside. Ji Chen looked left and right, but he didnt find the so-called treasure. Could it be in the water? Thinking of this possibility, he waved his hand and asked a few shallow sea murlocs to jump into the pool to investigate. WhooshC The murlocs, creatures of the shallow waters, jumped into the water, causing splashes and displaying less-than-perfect diving poses. But soon, they floated out of the water and shook their heads. Two murlocs took out a few bones from the water and raised them above their heads to claim the credit. This caught Ji Chen slightly off guard. Then, the water in the pool began to tremble violently, creating ripples akin to an earthquake. Simultaneously, the map displayed a cluster of dense red dots. He quickly realized what was happeningthe enemies were in the pool! Everyone, be on guard! Keep away from the pool and watch out for the enemies in the water! Ji Chen commanded. Without hesitation, both pirates and Naga warriors swiftly retreated from the pool. One after another, pale blue figures abruptly shot out from the water, floating above the surface as if defying gravity. Though their bodies appeared somewhat ethereal, it was clear that these figures were dressed as pirates. Pirate attire Ji Chens mind started to form some speculations. He focused his gaze and examined their character information panels. [Ghost Pirates] [Race: Undead] [Level: 13] [Tier: 3, 2 stars] [Skill: Soul attack (blue skill, can cause soul damage)] Soul Prisoner (Blue skill, a soul cannot leave the underground space) Agility (Green Skill, Movement Speed increased by 30%) [Military characteristic: Ghost body (immune to physical damage and mental control)] [The pirates who were killed by Edward and buried with him were disturbed by outsiders. They are now filled with resentment.] Soul attack! Immune to physical damage and spiritual control! Ji Chen narrowed his eyes. This was the first time he had encountered such a monster. Alices singing should not be effective on them. It seemed that he had to be careful. Just now, two silly murlocs had taken a few bones out of the water. It was probably because of this that they had alarmed the undead. Countless pirates had been killed and buried with Edward, but there was an endless stream of ghost pirates rushing out of the water, staring at Ji Chen and the others with their white eyes. I hate it so muchEdwardWhy do you want us to die with you Why did you disturb usTogether with us Stay here Hurry up and take the bonesGive it back to me These ghost pirates muttered intermittently, and then rushed over like a green wave. Ji Chens eyes narrowed as he raised his hands. The water in the pool floated upside down and condensed into hundreds of water blades in the air. He pressed his palm down slightly. The water blades were thrown at the incoming ghost pirates silently, but they were filled with killing intent. All! Hiss- Like the sound of water falling into a pot of boiling oil, the moment the water blade came into contact with the body of the ghost pirate, white smoke rose. They let out sharp and painful howls as if they were in great pain. Ji Chens eyes lit up with joy. Magic attacks had a miraculous effect on these things. Sea Pixies, shoot them hard! Upon hearing the order, the little cuties flapped their wings. Their round faces became serious as they waved their staffs. WhooshC Boom! A water arrow filled with intense energy shot out and exploded on the body of the spirit pirate. Hundreds of water arrows exploded at the same time, causing the entire underground space to shake. However, it was like hitting a hornets nest. More ghost pirates emerged from the pool. Ji Chen didnt show any fear on his face. He moved his hands, and countless water blades condensed and shot out one after another. Three or four water blades could kill one. Under the rain of water blades, the ghost pirates could barely move forward. At this moment, the power of the Tidal Lord class was fully displayed. In the small underground space, there were violent explosions and the screams of ghosts. After nearly half an hour of killing. When the last ghost pirate was eliminated, a system notification sounded in his ear. Ding ~ Obtained 35800 EXP. Your level has increased (11->12) Ji Chen exhaled and smiled. The experience points given were quite a lot, allowing him to level up directly. Other than him, the levels of the other troops had also increased. Other than the Sea Pixies who were only level 10, the rest were all level 11 to 12. Alice had already reached level 13 and was at the top of all the troops. Seeing that no more ghost pirates were coming out of the water, Ji Chen looked at the platform in the center. In the entire underground space, only that place had not been searched. Although it was immoral to open someone elses coffin, Edward didnt leave the treasure in a conspicuous place, so he couldnt be blamed for opening it to take a look. A pontoon bridge was formed on the surface of the water. Ji Chen stepped over it and walked up to the platform. He signaled the four Naga warriors to lift the coffin lid. CreakC The heavy coffin lid was slowly lifted and pulled away, rubbing against the coffin body with an ear-piercing sound. Ji Chen fixed his gaze on the coffin and couldnt help but pause in surprise. Inside the coffin, there were no remains. Instead, there was a crystal and a parchment map. Just as he was lost in thought, the crystal emitted a radiant light, projecting the ethereal image of Edward. Edward burst into boisterous laughter. Unknown seeker of treasure, when you witness this projection, it signifies that you have passed the small trial 1 left behind and are worthy of obtaining my riches. Cowards and the weak have no entitlement to claim my treasure. I wont waste more words. The map within the coffin will guide you to the hiding place of the legendary ship Whitebeard. I hope you treat it with reverence and let its renown resound across the seas once more! As his words trailed off, the crystal promptly shattered, and the projection of Edward vanished. Ji Chen and Alice stared at each other, enveloped in silence. So, where exactly was the treasure? Suddenly, as if triggered by a mechanism, the water in the surrounding pools trembled, swiftly receding to reveal a bed of countless bleached bones underneath. Layer upon layer of bones and muck concealed the pools bottom entirely. These bones were the burial companions of the pirates, left behind by Edward after he had slain them. Fuelled by their grievances, they had endured as spectral entities, forming a challenging obstacle. Ji Chen rubbed his chin, a flash of insight illuminating his mind. Sea Pixies, unleash a water arrow into the pools depths! The water arrow soared forth, detonating amidst the myriad of bones. Splintered fragments and sediment scattered, unveiling a sight that caused everyones hearts to pound vigorously. Beneath them lay a layer of sparkling gold coins! Chapter 106 - Chapter 106: Instant Wealth (1) Chapter 106: Instant Wealth (1) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation How much treasure had Edward obtained over the past decade? Some people said that his treasure could pile up into a small mountain. Some said it could fill an entire ship. However, no one expected that his treasures would actually cover thousands of square meters of the pool. In the dark underground space, under the illumination of the torch, a brilliant golden light was revealed from the ghastly white bones and the dark mud. The gold coins were buried underneath! Ji Chen was silent for a long time before he slowly came back to his senses. His heart immediately became excited. This time, they were really going to make a fortune! If the bottom of the pool was filled with gold coins, how many would there be? Without wasting any time, Ji Chen ordered the pirates to return to the surface. He had Sparrow, who was guarding the surface, bring the other half of the pirates down to increase their manpower. Perhaps it was Edwards bad taste. Before he died, he spread the gold coins at the bottom of the pool so that the ghost pirates would be alerted first, and the gold coins would only be found after they were defeated. Although this design shocked Ji Chen and the others at first glance, it also brought some trouble. This was because they had to clean up the bones and mud first before they could put the scattered gold coins into the boxes before taking them away. Ji Chen pursed his lips as he looked at the vast expanse of the pools bottom. It seemed that they would need to spend quite a bit of time here. Sparrow quickly descended with the other pirates. Their astonishment was evident upon seeing the sea of bones at the pools bottom. Then, they witnessed the radiant gold revealed amidst the scattered bones and mud that had been blasted open by the Sea Pixies. Their eyes widened in awe. You, along with the pirates, dig out all the treasures here and load them onto crates to be transported back to the New Moon. Yes! Sparrow nodded in agreement. Promptly rallying the pirates, they jumped into the pool and joined the excavation effort. Ji Chen turned to Alice and noticed her puzzled expression. Curiosity got the better of him, and he asked. Alice hesitated for a moment before speaking, My Lord, why are you exerting so much effort to dig out these glowing things? Glowing things? Ji Chen chuckled and quickly realized the misunderstanding. Alice was a Siren, living her life in the ocean, and had no need for money or the concept of currency. In her eyes, gold coins were probably just shiny pieces of rubbish. These are gold coins. In human society, they hold a special value and can be exchanged for various resources. Our territory is in great need of gold coins. Alice had a sudden realization, So, the delicious food I eat and the beautiful human clothes 1 wear also require gold coins for exchange? Exactly. In that case, well need to dig up more. She nodded earnestly. Then, as if remembering something, she continued, When I used to roam the seas on my own, 1 discovered many of these glowing things in sunken human ships um, they all shine. Sunken ships? Ji Chens interest was immediately piqued. Where did you find them? Theyre everywhere on the seabed um, but if I had to pinpoint a specific location, it would be in the Stormy Seas region, not far from the New Moon Archipelago. If you wish to find them, my Lord, 1 can guide you. Ji Chens face lit up with joy. The oceans of the Western Continent were densely traversed by maritime routes, bustling with trade and numerous ships sailing back and forth. Just like the sea routes between the Blue Star Europa and the New Continent, there were countless ships that sank into the depths of the ocean due to harsh weather conditions, wars, pirate raids, and other circumstances. Due to the depths, water pressure, and marine creatures, most of these sunken ships lay at the bottom of the sea, rarely discovered and resurfaced by human beings. But for Ji Chen, it was like returning homea vast expanse of water where he could come and go as he pleased. These submerged ships, hidden from the world, were like treasures waiting to be excavated. Seeing that excavating the treasures would take some time, Ji Chen didnt linger. He picked up the map from the coffin and examined the hiding place of the Whitebeard. Like the treasures, the Whitebeard had also been brought to this island by Edward, but its location was on the other end of the island. Returning to the valley on the surface, Ji Chen approached the waterfall on the left. His eyes narrowed as he held the map in his left hand and raised his right hand. The cascading waterfall, as if blocked by an invisible hand, abruptly split in the air several meters above the ground, defying gravity and flowing to both sides. In the middle, a gap appeared, revealing a cave. Without hesitation, Ji Chen took the lead and entered the cave. Following the winding path of the cave, he walked for almost an hour until the darkness gradually gave way to a colossal cavern. At the top, there was an opening through which sunlight slanted, providing illumination to the cavern. In the center of the cavern, there was a dry dock where a massive warship was berthed. With five towering masts, numerous cannons lined on both sides of the hull, and a gigantic metal anchor resembling a unicorns horn, the ship stood like a behemoth. Ji Chen couldnt help but feel awed, realizing how insignificant he was standing in front of this warship, like an ant. So, this was Edwards Whitebeard? It seemed even larger than a palace ship. No wonder it managed to escape from the clutches of an entire fleet of the kingdom. Just by looking at the heavily armored hull and the dense array of cannons, one could gauge its formidable power. However, Ji Chen also noticed some signs of damage on the Whitebeard. They must have been inflicted during the siege. Edward, being severely injured, had only managed to bury the treasures without having enough time to repair the ship.. Chapter 107 - Chapter 107: Instant Wealth (2) Chapter 107: Instant Wealth (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation But it seemed that they could still set sail. The troops spread out and searched the cavern, looking for an exit. Soon, a nearby Murloc shouted loudly. In front of it, there were two metal levers embedded in the ground. Ji Chen first pulled the lever on the left. With a slight tremor, the dry dock began to fill with water, gradually lifting the Whitebeard. Whether it was his imagination or not, the presence of water seemed to enhance the intimidating aura emanating from the Whitebeard. Ordinary enemies would be filled with fear at the sight of such a warship, even before engaging in battle. Once the dry dock was completely filled with water, and the ship floated steadily on the surface, Ji Chen proceeded to pull the lever on the right. This time, the tremors were more intense. As if experiencing an earthquake, the entire mountain shook. Under the astonished gaze of everyone present, the rock wall in front of the dry dock suddenly opened to the sides. Amidst a thunderous frictional sound, a dazzling light poured in from outside. Torrents of water rushed in from the outside, crashing against the hull and causing the ship to sway slightly. After the rock wall was fully opened, they saw the deep blue sea outside and seagulls flying in a panic-filled sky. This cavernous mountain hollow was separated from the vast ocean by just a rock wall! What a grand design! No wonder Edward was so confident that nobody would discover the hiding place of the Whitebeard. No one could have imagined that a warship was concealed within the mountain. Ji Chen led the troops onto the deck via a gangplank and began to explore the ship. Compared to ordinary warships, the Whitebeard had more decksfive in total and over a hundred cabins. Captains quarters, storage rooms, armories, showers, living quartershe even came across a bar and a bathhouse. This wasnt just a warship; it was practically a cruise ship! Ji Chen was delighted because he had now become the owner of this ship. He suddenly thought of a problem. Since this ship belonged to him, he should change its name. After pondering for a while, he decisively changed the name of the New Moon to this ship. From now on, this New Moon was his ride, and also the flagship of the other warships! Apart from inspecting the various decks and cabins, Ji Chen also inspected the cannons on the ship. Due to the lack of maintenance, most of these cannons had rusted and could not be used. Less than one-fifth of the hundred cannons could still be used. This made him a little disappointed. With such a warship that could carry so many cannons, if it was left empty, its threat would be greatly reduced. However, where could he find such a large gap in the cannon? Silver Islands? There were many merchant ships there, and there were all kinds of black markets. Naturally, there were many things like cannons. However, he had just left the Silver Islands not long ago. He did not know if they were still fighting there. It would not be good to return now. Transplant the dozens of cannons from the two pirate ships? It didnt seem very reliable. In his expectation, the two pirate ships would be used as frigates to protect the merchant ship that he had stolen and trade with them. Removing the cannons was equivalent to pulling out the tigers teeth and claws. It was impossible. After much thought, Ji Chen still placed his hopes on Raymond, the businessman. Using Raymond and the Hanseatic Chamber of Commerces name to purchase cannons and other more powerful weapons was much better than doing it himself. After making his decision. He closed the stone door and led the army back. The pirates were bustling between the underground tomb and the ship, transporting the gold coins. He found Sparrow and inquired about the progress of the excavation. We have already dug up half of it. Please give us some more time, My Lord, Sparrow replied. After instructing them to continue their work, Ji Chen walked toward the outside of the valley, crossed the forest, and arrived at the beach. As he leisurely admired the seascape, he suddenly noticed a warship appearing in the distance, heading straight toward their location. Ji Chen squinted his eyes; it seemed an unwelcome visitor had arrived. Immediately, he gathered the troops. On the ship. Boss, is Edwards treasure real? 1 have a feeling that this treasure map is a scam, someone questioned. 1 feel the same way. It seems like this treasure map was designed to mislead people. The information on it is practically useless in finding the actual location. Maybe its just a trick, another pirate chimed in. Weve been drifting at sea for so long, who knows what might happen to our territory Hearing the complaints and criticisms from the others, Qiao Yixiongs face flickered with hesitation and doubt. It had been almost a week since they set sail. To spend such a precious week at sea in the initial stages of the treasure hunt showed how much hope he had placed on this treasure map. After all, it was the treasure of the pirate Edward! If they could find it, the immeasurable wealth they would gain would be enough to change their lives. But reality had dealt him a heavy blow. They had sailed aimlessly for so long, without even catching a glimpse of the so-called island. The disparity between his expectations and the complaints of his companions had almost shattered his confidence entirely. Maybe we should just turn back now? Qiao Yixiong let out a deep sigh, ready to give up. But at that moment, his companions suddenly exclaimed in surprise. Look, theres an island! An island? It was probably another worthless island. Qiao Yixiong shook his head and looked up. In the next moment, he felt like he had been struck by lightning. The appearance of this island, why did it look so familiar? He swiftly retrieved the treasure map, scanning it up, down, and then up again. A surge of elation washed over him. The shape and appearance of this island matched the markings on the map exactly! They had found the island where pirate Edward had buried his treasure! Full speed ahead! The treasure is right in front of us! He exclaimed with excitement, and the others shared the same excitement. But soon, they felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over them. They stood frozen in their tracks. Because they saw that four ships were anchored at the shore of the depressed area of the island. Were they pirates, or someone else who had gotten there first? An unwillingness surged within them, driving them to get closer. They saw a figure standing on the beach, surrounded by some troops. Could it be that this person has already obtained the treasure? Has all our effort been in vain? It seems to be a player. Should we go over and take a look? Qiao Yixiongs expression darkened, and he quickly gritted his teeth. Let all the amphibious troops enter the water, hide in the shadows. Well get closer and observe. If their strength is weaker than ours, well directly eliminate them. If their strength is stronger, well lie in wait for an opportunity to ambush. Once we take down their leader, the troops will be easier to handle. We have searched for this treasure for so long, we cant return empty-handed! As soon as he finished speaking, he received the approval of the others. They had searched for so long, how could they return empty-handed? He didnt feel guilty about killing other players. This was a world where the strong preyed on the weak. His face was expressionless, but his heart was filled with killing intent. They took a few small boats and slowly sailed towards the shore. Hundreds of soldiers swam slowly on the surface of the water. Qiao Yixiong waved his arms and shouted enthusiastically when he was still dozens of meters away. Brother, are you the lord of this island? Were just in some trouble and need your help! Please do not attack! Seeing that person nod, Qiao Yixiong was delighted and called out to the soldiers to speed up the rowing. The small boat quickly passed by a few warships that were anchored by the shore in pairs, and a hint of jealousy flashed through her eyes uncontrollably. The four of them desperately collected resources and accepted commissions to earn gold coins. Only then did they sell everything they had to buy a two-masted sailboat. And this person actually owns four ships, three of which are three-masted warships. Its simply unbearable to see others surpassing them! Soon, a wave of greed washed over them. If they could kill this person, then wouldnt all these ships belong to them? In the depths of their hearts, the intent to kill grew stronger.. Chapter 108 - Chapter 108: Acting, Huge Harvest (1) Chapter 108: Acting, Huge Harvest (1) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Watching the man standing on the shore, Qiao Yixiongs face was filled with relief, as if he had seen a lifeline. Their small boat ran aground on the shoal, and they disembarked with about twenty to thirty soldiers. Brother, thank you for allowing us to land. Otherwise, we wouldnt know when we could reach land. The sea around here doesnt even have a visible island, Qiao Yixiong said in a familiar tone. Your territory seems quite remote Hearing his casual words, Ji Chen nodded lightly, not showing much reaction. Where are you from, and what brings you here? Seeing Ji Chens indifferent attitude, Qiao Yixiongs enthusiasm didnt waver. His face still expressed gratitude, and his tone was sincere. Well, my name is Qiao Yixiong. May I know your name, brother? Just call me Ji Chen. Ji Chen? A great name! Qiao Yixiong flattered first, then gestured to the four people following him. They are all my companions. Their names are Well, a few days ago, we just left the Silver Islands and are on our way back to our territory, Qiao Yixiong explained. Brother Ji, you must have heard about the secrets of the Silver Islands from the chat channels and forums, right? Ji Chen nodded without denying it. Not only did he know, but he was also deeply involved. Seeing him nod, Qiao Yixiongs eyes lit up. You probably dont know that the mystic realm was filled with Krieg soldiers everywhere, and it was extremely dangerous. We lost a lot of soldiers inside the mystic realm, and the final massive naval battle was intense Player fleets, pirate fleets, Krieg fleets, and even the Bauhinia Alliance fleet were all attacking each other Qiao Yixiong vividly described the events, speaking as if he had truly experienced it all. Listening to his words, Ji Chens lips twitched imperceptibly. Upon initial hearing, the account seemed convincingly authentic, leading players without personal experience of the event to unquestionably believe in its vivid portrayal. However, from Ji Chens perspective as someone deeply involved in the event, the description was full of loopholes. Wow, this guy is really swinging a big sword in front of Guan Yu, isnt he? But Qiao Yixiong, who was passionately narrating, was unaware of Ji Chens expression. As Qiao Yixong continued to speak, he almost started to believe his own words. Just when hundreds of warships were chasing the player fleet, in the midst of all the chaos, a three-masted sailing ship suddenly appeared, like a fearless warrior, leading the charge towards the Silver Islands, showing the players an escape route. Qiao Yixiong paused for a moment, pointing to the old New Moon ship beside him. Its probably about the same size as that ship. Let me tell you, that person on that ship was truly clever and decisive. They actually came up with the idea of using the complexity of the Silver Islands to evade pursuit. Hearing this, Ji Chen took a deep breath. Hmm, more praise, he likes it. In the end, only one out of ten players survived. Some of us left early to preserve our strength. But fortunately, before the mystic realm opened, we made some trades with other players for specialty items, so when we returned, we could still make some money instead of returning empty-handed Oh, I see. What happened to you after that? Ji Chen asked, intrigued by the vivid and novel description despite its numerous flaws. Upon hearing this, Qiao Yixiongs face showed a hint of helplessness, and he let out a deep sigh. But on our way back, about two days ago, we encountered a storm at sea and accidentally lost some of our food and freshwater supplies. The remaining supplies are no longer sufficient for our journey back to the territory. So, 1 thought of purchasing some food and fresh water from you. We will pay with silver and gold coins. Ji Chen realized and nodded, understanding the situation. This so-called Qiao Yixiong had never been to the Silver Islands. Although he appeared vividly, most of the information could be obtained from chat channels and forums. However, after hearing this long spiel, he was able to consolidate so many fragmented pieces of information and present them so vividly. That was quite a talent in itself. But unfortunately Ji Chen silently shook his head and said, In that case, I can engage in trade with you. Qiao Yixiong was delighted. Thank you, Brother Ji. Thank you for your help. He then relaxed his right hand, slightly raising his thumb as a signal to his companions. Soon, a young man among them glanced around and curiously asked, Brother, with so many ships, why havent you built a dock for easier access? Shut up, dont ask irrelevant questions, snapped Qiao Yixiong, furrowing his brow. He then turned to Ji Chen with an apologetic expression and said, Brother Ji, I apologize for his curiosity. He meant no harm. The young man, realizing his mistake, quickly expressed his regret. Im sorry, I shouldnt have meddled. Among players, there was an unwritten agreement not to inquire about the details and specifics of others territories. Qiao Yixiong was very clear about this, so he did the opposite. One played the good cop and the other played the bad cop, using psychological tactics. In this way, people would be inclined to believe that they had no ill intentions. Although this method was simple, the effect was surprisingly good. It allowed them to succeed in every endeavor, killing many players who competed with them for resources.. Chapter 109 - Chapter 109: Acting, Huge Harvest (2) Chapter 109: Acting, Huge Harvest (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After going through both tactics, Qiao Yixiong refused to believe that they couldnt find an opportunity to strike! But Ji Chen had already seen through their intentions and couldnt help but smile at their earnest acting. If it werent for the hundreds of red dots hidden underwater on the comprehensive map, he would have been tempted to applaud their synchronized cooperation. However, since they wanted to play a role, he decided to play along a little. After all, he had nothing better to do. With that in mind, he put on a friendly face and said, No worries, just wait here. Ill have someone fetch the food and fresh water for you. After speaking, he signaled a few pirates to return to the forest, pretending to retrieve the food and water. Meanwhile, he himself appeared relaxed, as if he had let his guard down, slowly approaching them. Qiao Yixiong and the others were secretly excited. It seemed like everything was going smoothly! As Ji Chen got closer, they secretly signaled the underwater troops. As soon as he entered their attack range, they would launch an attack and eliminate him instantly! But suddenly, Ji Chen stopped in his tracks as if he had remembered something. You guys came from the Silver Islands, right? Qiao Yixiong was taken aback, and instinctively nodded, Yes, we did. Why? In fact, Im the one you mentioned, the one who led the ship to the Silver Islands. They were all stunned, and Qiao Yixiongs face instantly turned pale. He spoke sternly, He has seen through it. Attack immediatelyC In an instant, a multitude of amphibious creatures emerged from the sea, including devil frogs, fishmen, snake people, clam people, and various others. They swiftly rushed towards him, bearing the intention to harm. Well, it seemed like he had his own underwater zoo. A smile curved Ji Chens lips as he sighed, Why did it have to come to this? I only wanted to peacefully dig up a treasure In the airspace centered around him, water surged and condensed into hundreds of water blades, which were then unleashed like sharp blades. Silent, yet deadly. Qiao Yixiong and the others watched in awe as this unfolded before their eyes. Within a few breaths, hundreds of amphibious creatures had been completely wiped out. They hadnt even fully set foot on the beach before they were killed by countless water blades. The sea instantly turned into a sea of blood. Was this still a human being?! How could a lord possess such immense power? As they caught a whiff of the scent of blood, they suddenly woke up from their illusion. Brother Ji, please listen to our explanation Splish-splash The torrential water blades covered them, slicing through flesh and severing bones. When the chaos subsided, the ground was littered with five unrecognizable masses of rotten flesh. Ji Chen looked at them and shook his head. It seemed like this was his first time killing players, but he felt no emotions whatsoever. From the bodies of the deceased, something suddenly popped out with a pop. Oh, were these dropped equipment? Curiosity arose, and Ji Chen roughly inspected them, only to be greatly disappointed. They were mostly ordinary weapons, miscellaneous items, and nothing resembling treasures. What a bunch of paupers He silently ridiculed them. Just then, a piece of parchment caught his attention. He casually picked it up and took a look. Instantly, a hint of surprise appeared on his face. It turned out to be another one of Edwards treasure maps. No wonder these players were able to find this place. Their appearance was not a coincidence they were also here to search for Edwards treasure. However, unlike them, this treasure map was more detailed. The markings and information on it made it easy to locate this particular area of the sea. If he had delayed a few more days on the Silver Islands, they might have dug up the treasure before him. It could be said that these players had quite an unlucky streak. They encountered him at the wrong time and even harbored murderous intentions. Hopefully, they would be more cautious in their next life. However, it was not as if they had not contributed anything. At least they had sent him a ship. Ji Chen ordered the Naga Warriors and the shallow sea murlocs to clear out the remaining enemies on the ship. Soon, the remaining few enemies were cleared out, and the Naga warriors and shallow sea murlocs returned to report. Then, he called some pirates over and asked them to drive the ship back. Including this ship, he now had a total of six ships. Three warships, two merchant ships, and a flagship. It would take quite some time to dig out the treasure, so Ji Chen waited patiently on the ship. No one else came to find him. Therefore, he had a hard time leading a leisurely life. Sleeping, fishing, shooting cannons, touring the island, and sightseeing. It was quite relaxing. Four days later, in the morning. Just as Ji Chen was about to make love with Alice, Sparrow, who was supervising the excavation, suddenly rushed over and sent a message. Mithril has been discovered in the underground tomb! This news filled him with great joy. Ignoring Alices slightly resentful gaze, he pulled up his pants and quickly made his way to the underground tomb. Upon entering, he indeed saw the pirates pulling out pieces of dark golden metal from the uncleaned pool bottom and neatly placing them into wooden crates. The dark golden hue was as enticing as the sparkling gold coins. What an unexpected delight! He didnt expect Edward to have buried so much Mithril here. Mithril was the final resource needed to activate the Hero Altar! Ji Chen was extremely excited. Initially, he had planned to have Raymond purchase Mithril for him after returning. But unexpectedly, he found this high-level resource, on par with crystals, here. If he had enough quantity, he could activate the altar and summon a blue-grade excellent hero as soon as he returned! Two more days passed. The final pool bottom was cleared, and all the Mithril and gold coins were excavated. Suppressing his excitement, he waved his hand. Ding! You have obtained 6,000 units of mithril. Ding! You have obtained 988,652 gold coins. Hiss- A staggering 988,652 gold coins Just a second ago, the most gold coins he had ever held in his hand were only in the three-digit range. Now, with a single brush, it had turned into a seven-digit amount, and he suddenly felt a sense of unreality. In comparison, the 6,000 units of Mithril seemed less dazzling. Now, he truly had financial freedom and had instantly become incredibly wealthy. With such a huge sum of money, he could purchase a large amount of resources and make his territory soar! Ji Chen was in a good mood as he led everyone back to the surface. After a slight hesitation, he summoned the Sea Pixies and had them shoot water arrows at the passage. Hundreds of water arrows shot in one after another, and the violent explosion destroyed the passage bit by bit. After a series of violent explosions, the tunnel began to collapse, and the falling rocks completely blocked Edwards underground tomb. Seeing this, he nodded in satisfaction. He randomly brought a portion of the pirates to the mountain cave. After operating the lever to open the stone wall door again, he boarded the New Moon. The larger the ship, the more manpower it required. A ship of the New Moons level would require at least ten times more manpower than a three-masted sailboat if it wanted to be fully operational. However, even if he filled in all the pirates he could command, he might not be able to fully operate them. However, when he returned to the territory and recruited the Tidal Sea Spirits, he could operate the New Moon more easily. The other five ships had a lot of manpower, and there were not many pirates who could be assigned to the New Moon. Therefore, it took them half a day to drive the New Moon out of the dock and arrive at the sea outside the depression around the island. At this moment, with the comparison, Ji Chen could clearly distinguish the New Moon from the other ships based on their specific differences in size and appearance. In simple terms, the New Moon was like a blue whale, while the three-masted ship was like a killer whale, only half the size of the New Moon. Standing on the New Moon and looking at the three-masted ship was like looking at a child. Suddenly, Ji Chen frowned, thinking of a question. With the New Moon being so large, how big of a dock would be needed to accommodate it? More importantly, larger ships are heavier and have a deeper draft. A large water fortress could easily accommodate two-masted merchant ships or three-masted warships. But it might not be the case for the New Moon. Now, he could only hope that the blueprint would bring him some surprises. With the treasure obtained and the ship in his possession, Ji Chen no longer wasted time. He set sail, joining the other ships to form a fleet, and headed towards his territory.. Chapter 110 - Chapter 110: Anina’s Return, Civil Construction (1) Chapter 110: Aninas Return, Civil Construction (1) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After several days of boring sailing, when the outline of the New Moon Islands appeared on the distant sea level, everyone on the ship was excited. Although they had only been out at sea for more than ten days, it felt as long as years. His tensed nerves slowly relaxed as the gentle sea breeze blew over him. When Wilus saw so many ships appear on the sea, his expression turned grave. Especially when he saw the giant ship that was as big as a hill, he was even more prepared to die in battle. He quickly ordered someone to inform Lady Anina. He brought all the Murlocs Rangers, and some armed subjects to the beach as if they were facing a great enemy. Small boats were lowered from the ships and slowly rowed over. However, when he saw a familiar figure standing at the bow of the ship, he immediately relaxed and revealed a pleasantly surprised expression. He led the army and quickly went up to them. My lord, youre finally back! As Ji Chen stepped onto the shore and observed the traces of weariness on Wilus face, a sense of reassurance settled within him. It appeared that this middle-aged man had been truly dedicated to his work during Ji Chens absence. Yes, Im back. Its been hard on you these days. Has our territory been invaded by the enemy? Upon hearing this, Wilus straightened his posture and said seriously, During your absence, everything in the territory has been running smoothly without any major issues. Occasionally, when monsters crawled out from the sea, they were all eliminated by the vigilant Murlocs Rangers, ensuring the safety of the territory and its residents. Additionally, the resource collection has been going well, and we have accumulated a considerable amount of resources in the warehouse. As he spoke, Wilus suddenly remembered something and said anxiously, However, about a week ago, a portion of the resources in the warehouse disappeared before my eyes. A week ago? Doesnt that coincide with the time he was in the mystic realm? Resources disappearing out of thin air He quickly realized that the missing resources were most likely the consumption caused by Alices Temptation Song upgrade. Looking at the anxious expression on Wilus face, Ji Chen smiled and waved his hand. This has nothing to do with you. I used those resources. Upon hearing this, the diligent middle-aged man let out a sigh of relief and continued his report. The Kobolds have been obediently mining in the resource nodes. It seems that they have completely lost their will to resist. And as per your orders, we promoted a small group of Kobolds as overseers among them. We promised them better food and accommodations if they can manage the other Kobolds well and report any rebels or slackers. This approach has surprisingly brought out a more brutal side of these overseer Kobolds towards their fellow kind. It turns out that this method of implementation is even more effective than directly overseeing them! As he spoke, Wiluss eyes were filled with admiration. Ji Chen only smiled. This was what they called Kobold management. There were nearly five hundred Kobolds, and it required too many manpower and resources to fully control them. But by implementing this method, they were able to greatly reduce the need for monitoring and supervision. They achieved more with less effort. Humans had played this trick to the point of mastery, and the results were indeed impressive. Oh, by the way, Lady Anina helped us a lot during that time and repelled numerous monster attacks. Upon hearing this, Ji Chen finally looked towards Anina, who had been standing alone in the distance. He could tell that Anina was feeling extremely excited and happy at the moment, but she suppressed her emotions and kept them from showing, only blinking her eyes in his direction. Seeing Ji Chen looking at her, she suddenly felt slightly panicked and turned her head away. Ji Chen couldnt help but smile and walked towards her. Anina, I heard from Wilus that you diligently guarded the Crown of the Ocean during that time. You truly lived up to your title as the Deep Sea Dragon Whale. You kept your promise! Upon hearing these words, a smile appeared on the corners of the young Dragon Whales mouth, clearly showing her happiness. But realizing her own reaction, she immediately suppressed it and spoke with a stern face, That was our agreement, and naturally, I abided by it. Ji Chen looked at her adorable appearance and said with a smile, Agreement is an agreement, but your assistance to the Crown of the Ocean was also a fact. The residents were very grateful to you. As soon as these words were spoken, the Dragon Whale girl, who couldnt resist compliments, couldnt help but burst into a big grin. Really? Why did 1 feel like they looked at me in a strange way? Perhaps she had eaten too much and startled them. How could that be? They genuinely liked and appreciated you. As Ji Chen winked at the residents, they immediately responded, as if they had been prepared, Lady Anina, thank you for protecting us! Without you, our territory might have been invaded by monsters. We were grateful for everything you did! Upon hearing this, the young Dragon Whale girls happiness was about to overflow, and she smiled sheepishly. But then, it seemed like she remembered something, and her expression suddenly darkened. Ji Chen was puzzled and asked her about it. We had an agreement that 1 would protect this place while you were away at sea, but now that you have returned and the agreement is fulfilled, I have to leave. Before Ji Chen could respond, the residents instantly became anxious.. Chapter 111 - Chapter 111: Anina’s Return, Civil Construction (2) Chapter 111: Aninas Return, Civil Construction (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Lady Anina, why are you leaving? Are you unhappy living here? We all hope that you can stay. Although you ate a lot, we didnt despise you at all. If youre not full, Im willing to give you half of my portion of food! Im willing to pay half of it. I only eat one meal a day. Ill give you the rest! Im not eating anymore. 111 give it all to you! They knew that Anina had an extraordinary background and possessed a body with strength and appetite that surpassed humans. In the beginning, they did feel likes he was out of place, like an alien. However, after a long time, everyone fell in love with this seemingly arrogant, but actually very kind and warm-hearted girl. During the monster invasions, the girl would always stand up with her greatsword and kill all the monsters. She could not even take a step into the territory. They had long treated her as a part of their territory. Now that they heard that she wanted to leave, they immediately became anxious and anxiously asked her to stay. You want me to stay? Anina was stunned when she heard that. When she saw how the residents were trying to persuade her to stay, tears welled up in her eyes. In the past, she was alone and had no worries. But now, there were so many humans who treated her as family. For the first time, she felt the deep feeling of being needed by so many people. Seeing this, Ji Chen acted like an old blacksmith, striking while the iron was hot. Anina, as you can see, everyone cant bear to part with you. Just stay here and treat this place as your home. Upon hearing this, the young Dragon Whale girl, who was extremely sensitive, couldnt hold back any longer and tears streamed down her face. After a while, Anina sniffled, her face slightly flushed, and her gaze wavering as she said to Ji Chen, Since you all insist, Ill reluctantly stay. But you must make sure I am well-fed at every meal, or else Ill run away! Ji Chen was overjoyed and chuckled, Of course! As long as I can feed myself, you wont go hungry! Its a deal! Ding- Deep Sea Dragon Whale (Human Form): Anina (Hero) pledges loyalty to you. Anina (Hero) unit talent tree panel unlocked. Ding- Successfully recruited three hero units. You have gained the Red skill: Persuasion. Persuasion? Recruiting three hero units can also unlock skills? Ji Chen was slightly surprised. With a thought, he opened his personal panel to take a look. He found the skills section. Besides the occupational skills, there was now a section for life skills. [Life Skill: Persuasion (red skill) C Ability to persuade targets using language, significantly increasing the chances of surrender, submission, and conversion (effective only on sentient beings)]. It looked very good. However, there werent too many surprises, considering he had previously persuaded so many pirates to submit to him, albeit through physical means. But obtaining a red skill was still good news. In addition to its use in persuasion, perhaps it could also be employed in negotiating with merchants. With Anina successfully becoming a hero of the territory, one of his concerns had been resolved. Closing his personal panel, Ji Chen looked at Anina, who was engaged in conversation with Alice and remembered something. He seemed to have something to give her. Rummaging through his backpack, he took out an amulet. [Strength Talisman] [Level: 4-star treasure (single)] [Effect: Increase strength by 200% but increase stamina consumption by 100%.] [Cooldown Time: None] This Strength Talisman was originally meant to be used to rope in Anina. Now that Anina had declared her loyalty to him, he could only give this amulet away as a gift. Anina, come over for a moment. 111 give you this amulet. The dragon whale girl looked at the talisman in surprise and asked in disbelief. Is this really for me? Ji Chen smiled. Of course. Put it on and see if it fits. The moment Anina put on the amulet, she felt that the power she could control had increased by more than twice. She picked up the greatsword and felt like she wasnt holding anything. Well, it was like she was holding a tree branch before, but now it was like she was holding a stick made of parchment paper. With this, she thought, she would definitely be able to better protect the Lord, right? I really like this gift! Aninas face was filled with excitement. In the midst of her excitement, she suddenly tiptoed and kissed Ji Chen on the right cheek. Alice and Ji Chen were both stunned. Anina, you Looking at their bewildered expressions, the whale girl nonchalantly said, Whats so strange about it? This is how deep sea whales express gratitude. Is there a problem? With those words, Ji Chen and Alice were left speechless. In their minds, they couldnt help but wonder, do deep sea whales really have such a custom? With this matter settled, Ji Chen led everyone back to the territory. He began to inspect various affairs of the territory. Firstly, there was the issue of resources. During his time at sea, the resource points produced a large amount of resources. Clay, crude iron, and stone filled the warehouses. Especially when it came to wood, it was abundant and piled up everywhere, reaching a staggering quantity of over fifteen thousand units. Here, they had to thank the kobolds once again for their hard work. Due to their continuous logging, except for the coffee trees, all the trees in the territory had been completely cleared. Even the surrounding forests had been felled, creating a lot of space for construction. This laid a solid foundation for Ji Chens upcoming civil engineering projects. He took out two building blueprints from his backpack. [Blueprint: Large Water Fort] [Blueprint: Wood Processing Plant] These two blueprints were obtained from the mystic realm. The former required a massive amount of wood and a suitable location, which was not feasible to construct at the time. The latter required both wood and stone, and the resources were sufficient for construction. It was advisable to build this type of industry-chain building as early as possible. It was best to complete its construction and produce a sample product before Raymond returned so that he could assess its value upon his return. The chosen location for the Wood Processing Plant was an empty space northeast of the Lords Manor. This area would become a functional zone in the future, accommodating various functional buildings. Next, he opened the Territory Construction Panel and accessed the unique buildings of the territory. [Territory Special Building] [Jungle Plantation] [Level: Special] [Construction cost: 1000 units of wood, 1000 units of stone] [Area: 50 x 50 (m)] [Effect: Able to plant jungle crops and increase their yield] It covered the premium coffee tree and contained it. Ding C The Jungle Plantation has selected premium coffee trees as its crops. The yield can be increased by 50%. 50% of production meant that the production of premium coffee beans would increase from 2 units to 3 units per week. The bonus was amazing. In addition to increasing production, the jungle plantation could also grow and reproduce jungle crops. Twenty-five coffee trees would soon become fifty or even a hundred. At that time, he would be able to produce more coffee beans and help him earn a steady stream of gold coins! Ji Chen didnt stop building these two buildings. He ordered more than ten residential buildings to increase the number of houses. Now, the native tribes had all moved over and changed their appearance, truly becoming a part of the territory. Wilus also reported the situation of the sea rice planted by the natives. In the southeast of the main island, dozens of acres of sea rice had already been planted, and it was still expanding. It was estimated that in the next week, they would be able to plant enough sea rice fields to sustain thousands of people. After dealing with these more urgent matters. Only then did Ji Chen come to the west side of the territory and take out three military recruitment camp cores. One Tidal Sea Spirit and two Deep Sea Roamers. Without wasting any time, he willed them. The three cores each flew to a different place. After digging deep into the soil, three recruitment camps immediately emerged from the ground. The appearance of the Tidal Sea Spirit recruitment camp was like a signal tower, while the Deep Sea Roamer recruitment camp was like a massive dogs den, shrouded in complete darkness. However, Ji Chen didnt pay much attention to their appearances; he was filled with excitement. These two units would revolutionize his combat strategy! Chapter 112 - Chapter 112: Military Recruitment, Sunken Ship Chapter 112: Military Recruitment, Sunken Ship Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation [Lair of the Deep Sea Roamer] [Level: Tier 4,1 star] [Recruited military type: Deep Sea Roamer (tier 4,1 star)] [Number of recruits per week: 5] [Current Recruit Count: 5] [Recruitment cost: 200 units of crystals] [Click to Recruit] Recruiting a Deep Sea Roamer required 200 units of crystal, which could be considered expensive. In terms of the same quantity of crystal, its value was at least ten times that of other resources. A Lair of the Deep Sea Roamers could recruit 5 of them. With two lairs, it was 10 in total, requiring a total of 2000 units of crystal for that recruitment wave. He was currently wealthy, with over 40,000 units of crystal, so that amount of crystal was naturally not a problem. He proceeded to recruit all of them right away. The three recruitment camps trembled slightly. From the lair, which resembled a kobolds den, dark figures slowly crawled out of the exit. They were units that were as massive as a bus and had a lizard-like appearance. With slightly elongated bodies, armor-like scales, strong and powerful limbs with sharp claws, and eyes the size of copper bells. If one were to say that they were giant beasts used for a siege, there would be no sense of incongruity. Ji Chen looked left and right and asked one of them to open its mouth, gazing into it. Inside the gaping mouth, aside from the tongue and a narrow esophagus, there was a large cavity leading to the depths. A layer of membrane separated the mouth from the abdomen. Curiously, Ji Chen walked inside, and the membrane slowly wriggled open, revealing the bloody space inside. It was unclear where the organs of the Deep Sea Roamers were located. The entire abdomen was almost empty, with enough space to accommodate dozens of pirates. If they squeezed in, it could easily fit over a hundred pirates. Even soldiers like the Naga Warriors, who had thick waists and broad shoulders, could fit several dozen inside. The carrying capacity was astonishing! But it was unknown how they consumed resources. Ji Chen thought about it, walked out, and took out five units of crystal. When these Deep Sea Roamers saw the crystal, each one of them got excited and sprayed a jet of fluid. Randomly, he had one of them swallow a crystal. Instantly, its expression turned extremely content, estimating that it wouldnt need to eat for the rest of the day. After conducting individual experiments, he gradually gained a better understanding. A Deep Sea Roamer required 5 units of crystal for daily consumption. With ten of them, it would be 50 units per day, and 350 units per week, equivalent to consuming half of the output of a miniature crystal mine for a week. But it was still within his acceptable range. Ji Chen waved his hand, instructing the Deep Sea Roamers to stay in the sea. Otherwise, with their weight, they would leave the territory full of pits and holes. After seeing off these giants, he turned his gaze to another Tidal Sea Spirit Recruitment Camp. Tidal Sea Spirits could only be recruited once a week, and each one required 500 units of crystal. Ding- Consuming 500 units of crystal, recruit Tidal Spirit x 1. As the voice fell, a deep blue ghost floated out slowly from the recruitment camp, silently suspended in mid-air. On its deep blue body, a pair of pure white eyes were revealed. Ji Chen was slightly surprised and pointed to the New Moon, which was moored on the seas surface. In the next moment, the instructed Tidal Sea Spirit instantly flew out like an arrow released from a bow, directly passing through the amazed gazes of the citizens, and flying towards the direction of the New Moon. My Lord, what is that? asked Wilus, his face filled with astonishment. That is a Tidal Sea Spirit, a new unit of the territory. It can attach to the hull of a ship and control the vessel, greatly reducing the need for manpower, Ji Chen explained briefly. After his simple explanation, Wilus suddenly understood. There was actually such a magical unit? It truly broadened his horizons. Once successfully possessed, the appearance of the New Moon remained unchanged, but its internals underwent a qualitative change. It could raise and lower sails, turn the rudder, adjust direction, and even operate the cannons on its own. A huge ship only required a few dozen pirates to operate it effortlessly. After recruiting the Tidal Sea Spirit and Deep Sea Roamers, Ji Chen shifted his attention to the other recruitment camps. After two weeks, the recruitment camps had refreshed, accumulating a variety of recruitable units over the weeks. Now, he could recruit all of these units at once. 28 Naga Warriors, 28 Shallow Sea Murlocs, 42 Sea Pixies, and 112 Murloc Rangers. Including these, he now had: 62 Naga Warriors, Tier 3, 5-star. There were 67 Shallow Sea Murlocs, Tier 3, 3-star. 77 Sea Pixies, Tier 3, 3-star. 210 Shallow Sea Murlocs, Tier 2, 5-star. 270 Elite Pirates Tier 2, 4-star. 10 Deep Sea Roamers, Tier 4,1-star. I Tidal Sea Spirit, Tier 4,1-star. A total of 697 units. In terms of numbers, they had a strong army. However, Ji Chen was not entirely satisfied. If he hadnt been to the mystic realm before, he might have thought that this number was already quite substantial. But after experiencing being hunted down by thousands of Krieg soldiers, Blood Spirit Warriors, and hundreds of warships, he knew that this number was far from enough. At least, the quantity of each main combat unit needed to exceed several hundred to form sufficient intimidation and combat power. From the current perspective, there were two ways to quickly increase the number of units. One had to find more recruitment cores of the same unit type. With more recruitment camps, the number of recruitable units each week would increase. The other way was through the unit talent tree. When each units talent tree was sufficiently developed, it would unlock a branch that increased the recruitable quantity. The other was the military branch tree. When the talent tree of each unit was lit up to a certain level, a branch that could increase the number of recruits could be unlocked.. Chapter 113 - Chapter 113: Military Recruitment, Sunken Ship (2) Chapter 113: Military Recruitment, Sunken Ship (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation This was the case for the Sea Pixies. The two methods did not conflict with each other and could be carried out simultaneously. The core of the military recruitment camp It could be purchased from players or natives. As the saying goes, money makes the world go round. He had just dug up pirate Edwards treasure and was now carrying a huge amount of gold coins. As long as he could give enough money, he was not afraid of not being able to find it. In two weeks, he had left the territory and accumulated quite a bit of savings. Other than the various basic resources, the two Miniature Mithril Mines produced a total of 2800 units of Mithril. This amount of Mithril was enough for the little Siren to complete a true transformation. He asked someone to call Alice. My Lord, did you summon me for something? Are you perhaps Alice glanced at the sky, her face showing a hint of concern. But isnt it generally not advisable for humans to perform such tasks during the day? Ji Chens face displayed a few wrinkles as he cleared his throat and spoke with seriousness, Where did your thoughts go? I want to help you advance to the Purple Rare Grade. Alices eyes lit up with delight. She knew that the Lord possessed the unique ability to promote units and even heroes without any negative effects. She quickly nodded in agreement. Without wasting any time, Ji Chen opened the unit talent tree. Having previously elevated the Song of Temptation to the Purple skill level in the mystic realm, he now only needed to unlock the remaining five nodes to facilitate her promotion. Consumed 3200 units of fiber, 3200 units of clay, 800 units of mithril, unlocked node B-i. Consumed 1600 units of crude iron, 400 units of mithril, unlocked node C-1. Consumed 2000 units of crude iron to unlock node C-2. Consumed 800 units of crude iron to unlock node D-1. Consumed 1600 units of crystals and 1600 units of Mithril to unlock node E-1. A beam of light enveloped Alice, and energy began to accumulate and surge. Some kind of transformation and evolution was happening in her body. After more than ten minutes, the light pillar slowly dissipated. Siren: Alice (Hero) has been promoted to a Purple Rare Hero. Looking over, Alice closed her eyes and returned to her fish form. The fishtail became even more delicate and bright. It was like a gem shining under the sunlight. Her dazzling silver hair hung down from her waist like a waterfall that fell nine thousand feet. [Alice (Hero)] [Race: Siren] [Level: 13] [Current Tier: Purple (Rare)] [Potential: Red (Legacy Tier)] [Skill: Song of Temptation (Purple Skill, uses a beautiful and alluring voice to mesmerize enemies, putting them in a state of daze and illusions, capable of charming and controlling enemies, effectiveness depends on enemy rank [increased mana consumption speed when charming and controlling enemies by 100%]) War Song (Purple Skill, uses singing to inspire allies, increasing their attack and movement speed by 70% and temporarily removing pain sensation) Ocean Noble (Purple Skill, receives a certain bonus while in the ocean, increasing mana and stamina regeneration speed by 70%) Sirens Body (Green Skill, increases maximum mana capacity by 100% and significantly expands the range of the songs propagation) [Military characteristic: Siren bloodline (has a powerful suppression effect on all sea races with inferior bloodlines, the effect depends on the race)] [This is a mature Siren.] Three purple skills and a new green skill. This was the complete Siren! Alice slowly opened her blue eyes, feeling the abundant magic power that was far more than before. A glimmer of light flashed in the depths of her eyes. Alice, how do you feel now? My Lord, I feel better than ever. Even if there are hundreds of Tier 4 enemies, 1 can still control them. Ji Chen nodded in relief. If that was the case, then this wave of leveling up would not have wasted any resources. One had to know that most players mainstream troops were still tier 2, and a small number were only tier 3. And Alice could control a tier 4 soldier. Only some high-level soldiers of the natives had tier 4 soldiers. Alice now possessed the power equivalent to hundreds of 4th-tier units. In three words: invincible and strong! However, as the saying goes, one always desires more. Just as Alice had reached the Purple Rare Grade, Ji Chen couldnt help but wonder how powerful she would become if she could advance to the Red Legacy Grade. So, he opened the unit talent tree again to examine the nodes required for her promotion. But soon, Ji Chens expression changed slightly, and he reluctantly closed it. To advance to the Red Legacy Grade, basic resources like wood and clay were no longer needed. The minimum requirement was at least a 2nd-tier resource and unlocking a single node would require a five-digit quantity of resources like crystal and mithril, which were 3rd-tier resources. It seemed that there was a clear watershed between the Purple Rare Grade and the Red Legacy Grade Although the cost was enormous, Alice, as the territorys second most important magical unit, still possessed tremendous potential. He would have to gradually seek the resources needed for her promotion through various channels. Now, it was time to move on to the next tasksearching for sunken ships in the underwater depths. Alice had previously mentioned that she knew the locations of many sunken ships and could spend some time exploring the ones not far from New Moon Islands. Alice, where is the closest sunken ship that you mentioned before? Are you going there now, my Lord? Alice tilted her head adorably, thinking for a moment. The closest one is not far from here, about half an hours journey.. Chapter 114 - Chapter 114: Military Recruitment, Sunken Ship (3) Chapter 114: Military Recruitment, Sunken Ship (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Thats right. Bring me there now. Because the distance wasnt far, Ji Chen didnt plan on using the New Moon. He simply chose a three-masted warship as his vessel. He called Alice and Anina and brought the Naga Warriors and the Sea Pixies with him. Half an hour later. The ship anchored at a place northwest of the New Moon Islands. The units and heroes plunged into the water. They swam towards the depths of the sea. Thanks to the Lords innate talent, Ji Chen couldnt feel any water pressure. It was as if he was in his own swimming pool, and the darkness of the depths had no effect on him. The surroundings were as bright as daylight. Soon, led by Alice, he saw the stern of a ship buried in the muddy seabed, with the bow of the sunken ship raised. Judging from the mast on the bow and deck, it appeared to be a three-masted merchant ship. There was a large hole on the side of the bow, indicating that it had been punctured by something, causing it to flood and sink. Just as he was about to enter the sunken ship, a system notification suddenly sounded. Ding- You have entered combat mode. Assessing morale Our sides overall morale is 70 points, entering an advantageous state. Dozens of four to five-meter-long electric eels swam out of the ships breach. Their bodies emitted a faint electric glow, and their mouths were filled with teeth resembling a shredder. They looked intimidating, but judging from the morale assessment, these monsters shouldnt be too strong. Upon closer inspection, the unit information appeared vivid. [Race: Electric Eel] [Level: 15] [Tier: 3, 4-star] [Skill: Lightning (blue skill, can release lightning to attack enemies, causing paralysis effect)] Sharp Fangs (Blue skill, sharp teeth can shatter scales and bite the flesh of prey) Agility (Blue skill, movement speed increased by 50%) [Military characteristic: Energy storage (the body can store electricity and use it when attacking)] [Im Not a Canadian Electric Eel] After examining the panel, Ji Chen felt reassured and ordered the Naga Warrior to charge forward and engage in combat with the electric eels while the Sea Pixies cast spells from behind. Accompanying the Naga Warrior was the Dragon Whale girl. It was Ji Chens first time witnessing Aninas combat abilities underwater. Compared to her land battles, there was a subtle absence of overwhelming strength but an added agility as her blades danced with precision. It was as if she had propulsion systems installed on her feet, swiftly darting forward. Without even wielding her massive sword, her iron fists struck the electric eels. The eels were shattered instantly, bursting into a cloud of blood mist. Seeing their comrades killed in such a manner, the remaining electric eels convulsed, releasing dazzling electric currents that struck Anina. Anina possessed astonishing strength, but her bodys resilience was even more formidable. The lightning strikes that could kill sharks simply bounced back when they struck her, unable to break through her defense. What followed was an unrelenting massacre, accompanied by the occasional splatter of blood, showcasing the ferocity of the battle. By the time the Naga Warrior arrived, most of the electric eels had already been wiped out, leaving only a few fleeing in panic. However, they were swiftly pursued and slain by the Naga Warrior one by one. Ding- You have gained gained 12,000 experience points. Half a minute later. The Naga Warrior and Anina returned. Anina, well done! Hmph, just these little monsters, they didnt even make me break a sweat. The Dragon Whale girl remained as haughty as ever. With the threat eliminated, Ji Chen wasted no time. He entered the ships interior through the breach at the bow, dispersing the Naga Warrior to search for treasures.. Chapter 115 - Chapter 115: Mithril, Argos (1) Chapter 115: Mithril, Argos (1) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation When they entered the cabin, the remaining trace of light disappeared, and the surroundings were pitch black. However, Ji Chens eyes shone brightly as he looked around him. The water-proof cabin at the bow of the ship should be the nest of the Electric Eels. There were some corpses of fish and sea monsters piled up, and dozens of fist-sized Electric Eel eggs in the corner. After controlling the seawater to squeeze the Electic Eel eggs into minced meat, he swam directly into the depths of the cabin. After leaving the cabin at the bow of the ship, they came to the second deck. From here, they could gradually see some pale skeletons. In the empty eyes, it seemed to be telling the tragic scene of sinking. Ji Chens heart was unmoved. The water surged and pushed the bones that were blocicing his way to the side. The second deck should be where the crew lived. There were a relatively large number of bones left. However, they found some waterproof money bags containing gold and silver coins on these bones. Even though these were nothing compared to the hundreds of thousands of gold coins in Pirate Edwards treasure, they were still meat, so he still casually took them away. At this time, the Naga warriors who entered the shipwreck from other places also sent news that they had found the place where the goods were stored. Ji Chens heart skipped a beat when he heard the news. He immediately swam over. Compared to gold and silver coins, he wanted to obtain some valuable resources that he could use in his territory immediately. After passing through the cabin and the stairs, they arrived at the third deck. Compared to gold and silver coins, he now desired valuable resources that he could immediately use in his territory. Passing through the cabins and staircases, he arrived at the third deck. Amidst the large patches of mud in the cargo hold, damaged crates revealed a silver gleam. Ji Chens eyes lit up. It was Mithril! This merchant ship was actually carrying Mithril? Suppressing his excitement, he immediately signaled the Naga Warrior to start digging through the mud. The Naga Warriors wielded their bone blades, their wide and sturdy blades resembling crude shovels, digging through the mud. As the mud was cleared away, neatly formed pieces of mithril were unearthed. Judging by the size of the cargo hold, there should be a considerable amount of Mithril buried here. At this moment, Anina, who had disappeared after entering the sunken ship, suddenly swam in through a partially open door and approached Ji Chen. Her face showed some excitement, and she began gesturing continuously. It seemed like she wanted to convey some good news to him. However, after observing for a while, Ji Chen still couldnt understand the meaning behind Aninas gestures. Shaking his head, he used his mana to create a barrier, isolating the seawater around him and Anina, forming a bubble filled with air. Now they could communicate. The Dragon Whale girl looked at the barrier that had formed around them, her eyes filled with immense astonishment. After holding her breath for a while, she finally spoke. My Lord, when did you have such a skill? I obtained this class ability during our previous voyage, Ji Chen smiled, not explaining too much. He asked, Did you discover something? At this moment, Anina remembered what she had seen earlier and quickly said, 1 found the captains quarters. The captains quarters? Ji Chens interest was immediately piqued. This was another place worth exploring besides the cargo hold. After all, the captain held the highest authority on the ship, and there might be some valuable items stored in his living quarters. Take me there. Upon hearing this, Anina wasted no time and immediately led the way. A few minutes later, they maneuvered through winding cabins and corridors, arriving at a thick wooden door. The door was quite thick and difficult to open due to water pressure. Originally, Ji Chen wanted to drain the water again and open the door, but Anina pointed to the side. Beside the door, there was a large hole in the wall. Seeing Ji Chens slightly astonished expression, she proudly smiled and raised her clean, white fist. She was trying to show that she had forcefully broken it open. Well, strength truly allows one to do as they please. Entering the captains quarters through the large hole, they immediately saw a set of skeletal remains wedged behind the door, with its hands tightly gripping the handle. Judging by the attire, he was likely the captain of this ship. The wooden door was tightly shut, indicating that the captain hadnt had time to escape. The inflowing seawater had sealed the door, and he likely drowned alive. Perhaps, before embarking on long-distance trading, he had fantasized about making a fortune, thinking that he could return to a life of worry-free livelihood and be with his family in happiness. Unfortunately, not everyone had the same luck as Raymond. He not only escaped the pursuit of pirates but also survived the storms in the outer periphery of the Stormy Sea. Everything came to a halt at the moment the ship sank. The two of them began searching the captains quarters, and soon they discovered a locked metal box beneath the wooden bed. The material of the box was unknown, but despite the passage of time, it hadnt rusted at all. Its surface still shimmered with scales, and its sealing was excellent. It was estimated that this was the captains small treasury, just like the captain himself, who didnt have time to leave and remained buried at the bottom of the sea. In addition to this metal box, Ji Chen also found a special parchment on the top of the ships cabin. The surface was colorful and emitted a faint light, preserving it well from the erosion of seawater. He took it directly in his hand and examined it. It was a map, which detailed the entire Western Central Ocean, including various locations such as ports, islands, and sea names. It also marked the frequent appearances of monsters, pirates, and dangers in each sea area. It could be said that with the help of this map, ones grasp and safety in traversing the Western Central Ocean would be significantly improved by 50%.. Chapter 116 - Chapter 116: Mithril, Argos (2) Chapter 116: Mithril, Argos (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation It seemed that the merchants who dared to cross the sea to trade were all quite capable. Ji Chen nodded. This map was very useful to him. Although he would not get lost in the ocean, he needed a direction to go in before he got lost. Otherwise, if he didnt even know the direction, it would be meaningless to get lost. Ji Chen put the map into his backpack and continued searching. After confirming that there was nothing else of value, he left with Anina. Back on the second deck, the Naga warriors were still digging hard in the mud. It seemed that it would take a long time to dig out all the Mithril. He decided to return to the ship first and wait until he was done digging before coming down to collect it. After instructing Anina to supervise the scene, he wrapped himself in the seawater and quickly floated up. With a splash, he broke through the sea surface and jumped onto the deck. My Lord, youre back. Did you find anything in the sunken ship? Alice asked in surprise. A ship of Mithril, a magic map, and a box. The Naga warriors are still digging below. Ji Chen smiled and took out the metal box. It began to shake. There wasnt much inside, and as it shook, it made a dull sound. It didnt sound like coins or gems. Curious, he congealed water into a saw and began to cut the box. The water saw was even tougher than metal with the support of his magic power. The friction with the box made an ear-piercing sound. Considering that he could not destroy the things inside, he sawed very carefully and did not dare to use too much force. Ten minutes later, one side of the metal box was sawed off, revealing what was inside. There were only three things inside. An ancient compass, a diary, and a strange gun. He was slightly surprised to see these items. It wasnt gems or gold coins, but these objects? He picked up the compass with a curious expression and examined it. The compass was made of copper and was engraved with some strange words and patterns. There was a small button on the top and a transparent crystal shell on the surface. It was strange that, when looking through the crystal casing, there was no seafloor visible. Instead, there were intricate gears and hinges interlocking with each other, giving it a steampunk-style appearance. On the side, there was a diamond-shaped crystal connected by copper wires. It was evident that this was not an ordinary navigational compass but rather some kind of alchemical mechanical creation. [Alchemy Compass] [Level: Special] [Usage: Able to direct the way to Argos] Argos? Ji Chen frowned. What was this place? The information panel of the compass in front of him could not provide any more information. He turned his attention to the diary. Not long after he entered this world, he was instilled with the common language of this world. Not only was he able to hear, but he was also able to understand the words easily. He casually opened the waterproof leather cover and flipped to the first page. However, he quickly skimmed through the following pages because they were filled with miscellaneous details of the captains maritime life. But through those few pages, he learned some information about the ship and the captain. The ship was named the Ocean Adventure, and the captains name was Zolt Roa. Zolt was not a merchant, as he had initially assumed, but rather an ocean explorer. His ventures included but were not limited to developing new sea routes, exploring dangerous waters, undertaking commissions to find rare and precious items and researching marine creatures. He engaged in highly perilous activities. However, he had accomplished quite a few remarkable feats. For instance, he had established two major sea routes between the northern and southern continents, successfully explored a treacherous region resembling a stormy sea, and completed numerous commissions, earning himself a considerable reputation on the continent. But as the saying goes, If you play with fire, youll get burned. The ultimate outcome was evident: the ship sank, and he and all the crew members met their watery graves. After flipping through about two-thirds of the pages, Ji Chens hand stopped. When he saw the content on the page, his heart skipped a beat, and he began to read it carefully. From this point onwards, it was the record of Zolts final voyage. The first sentence at the beginning made him tremble with excitement. This voyage of the Ocean Adventurer is to find the legendary underwater city, Argos. Argos, the place mentioned on the psionic compass, was actually an underwater city? Ji Chen was surprised, but he quickly collected himself and continued reading. Strange coincidences exist in the world, which may happen yesterday, today, or tomorrow, but now its happening to me. Just when 1 was contemplating what the next meaningful voyage would be, I unintentionally caught a compass while fishing. It had some peculiar characters on the back. Through my investigation and the remnants of ancient books by the seaside, I discovered that there once existed a highly advanced civilization in the Mid-Ocean called Argos. The characters on the back of the compass bore a striking resemblance to the Argos script mentioned in those ancient texts. So, I suspected that this compass could guide me to the location of this lost civilization. And so, another challenging and magnificent journey began. After making all the necessary preparations, 1 set sail with over a hundred brave sailors, hoping for good luck Across endless seas, guided by the compass, we finally arrived at our destination. According to the legends, Argos was located underwater. To ensure our success, 1 invested heavily in the production of dozens of special alchemical garments capable of diving into the depths The search process took longer than I had imagined. I hope that tomorrow the sailors will find what were looking for, or else our food and fresh water might not be sufficient for the return journey Several days passed between the two paragraphs. The slightly hasty handwriting revealed Zolts excitement. After countless nights of enduring severe sea conditions and evading dreadful marine creatures, we have finally found Argos! When we saw it, we could hardly believe our own eyes. It was a magnificent city encased in a crystalline shell, surrounded by a ring of mithril columns. Through the shell, we could catch a glimpse of a city adorned with peculiar towers and buildings, bearing traces of alchemical technology There is no doubt, this must be the legendary lost civilization of Argos! Now, the next step is to find the entrance to the city We have been unable to find the entrance to the city, but our food and fresh water have almost run out. If we dont leave soon, the consequences would be unimaginable Therefore, we unanimously decided to take one of the mithril columns outside the shell with us. Each mithril column is several tens of meters high, and there are hundreds of them. Its truly an astonishing treasure Of course, we need to break down the column into smaller pieces before we can transport it back Oh, by the way, we also found a uniquely shaped alchemical firearm nearby. Its precision is unlike anything Ive seen in my life The transfer of the mithril is complete, and we are now on our way back. Once we return to the mainland, this earth-shattering discovery will surely make me renowned across the continent Yes, that alchemical firearm will serve as the best evidence He flipped another page and the notebook stopped abruptly. Upon seeing this, Ji Chen let out a deep breath. He didnt expect Captain Zolt to actually rely on the compass to find the so-called underwater city of Argos. Moreover, the large amount of mithril on the ship was obtained from there. According to the description in the log, this amount of Mithril was only broken down from one of the hundreds of Mithril Pillars. Such an astonishing amount of Mithril was enough to make any native force go crazy. However, the final outcome was both laughable and heartbreaking. After traversing countless seas and discovering Argos aboard the Far Ocean Adventure, they were not deterred by the arduous journey, nor were they defeated by storms or marine creatures. Yet, it was on their way back, on the verge of reaching land, that they struck a reef and sank. Such is the irony of life. However, it was through this unfortunate event that they made the discovery and obtained information about the lost civilization of Argos. Argos alchemical technology mithril columns A glimmer of excitement flickered in Ji Chens eyes as his thoughts began to take shape.. Chapter 117 - Chapter 117: Alchemy Handgun, Boundless Travels (1) chapter 117: alchemy handgun, boundless travels (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation according to zolts journal, the underwater city of argos was located in the eastern central ocean. unlike the previous voyage that took a dozen days, traveling from the western central ocean to the eastern central ocean would have taken months, if not longer. a round trip alone would have taken at least one or two months, and time would have passed quickly. it would have been best to wait for a suitable time in the future to consider this matter. shifting his focus, ji chen closed the journal and turned his gaze to the alchemical handgun in the box. this was the handgun zolt had mentioned, discovered near argos in the depths of the sea. its design resembled a compass, resembling a flintlock pistol and a revolver. through several transparent crystal pieces, he could see the intricate gears and crystals fitting together, emanating a strange and captivating beauty. [alchemy handgun] [level: three-star treasure] [effect: an alchemy musket that can shoot metal bullets.] [a standard alchemy handgun produced from argos standard production line. it has extraordinary damage.] it looked unfamiliar but impressive. but the words below shocked ji chen. this was just an alchemical handgun produced on an assembly line, yet it was a three-star treasure. from this, one could speculate on the level of alchemical technology in argos and how they could mass-produce three-star treasures like this. this gave him another reason to search for the underwater city in the future. putting aside the possibility of obtaining other things, with this alchemical handgun and the hundreds of secret silver pillars, it was enough for him to spend time searching and exploring. there was a leather holster hanging on the side of the barrel that could hold five round-headed bullets. one of them was already empty, most likely used by zolt, leaving only four silver bullets. ji chens excitement grew as he fumbled, taking one bullet off and starting to load it. after a firm push, he heard a click sound as the bullet was pressed into the chamber, then he closed the safety mechanism similar to a blue star pistol and adjusted the chamber to the correct firing position. he set up a thick wooden plank as a target for the pirates on the ship. this was ji chens first time using such a handgun, and he felt a slight thrill. considering that he might miss his first shot, he positioned himself at a distance of ten meters from the target. holding the handgun with one hand, he aimed slightly and abruptly pulled the trigger. whoosh thunk a faint drizzle-like sound echoed, and immediately he saw the wooden target ten meters away as if something had collided with it. half of it instantly disappeared, leaving the remaining edges filled with irregular jagged marks. the pirates who were watching around couldnt believe their eyes as they exchanged glances. was that shot by the captain? one pirate asked. seems like it. the companion next to him gulped. not just the pirates, even ji chen was astonished by the power of this alchemy handgun. after all, the target, which was a wooden board, was a full twenty centimeters thick. if the bullet had simply pierced through, it would have been acceptable since it was an alchemical creation in this fantasy world. but for half of the target to vanish completely was truly terrifying. moreover, ji chen had intentionally aimed slightly off target. if he had hit the bullseye, the entire target would likely have disappeared. if this were to hit a person, they would probably be instantly killed. this is alice, with sharp eyes, pointed behind the target. look, captain. ji chen bypassed the target and focused his gaze. a hole about ten centimeters wide appeared in the thick railing at the stern, revealing the open sea beyond. well, after shattering the target, the bullet even pierced a hole in the railing. ji chen estimated that this alchemy handgun was equivalent to two rounds of water arrows from the sea pixies. it was quite powerful. furthermore, it had excellent endurance, as long as there were enough bullets, it could keep firing continuously. if they could distribute these alchemical handguns to the pirates, it would be a great advantage. just imagine, pirates boarding a ship to plunder merchant vessels, and as the guards drew their swords for close combat, they suddenly found the pirates brandishing alchemy handguns, easily taking down one after another, while saying, times have changed, my friend. that would be quite amusing. he tossed the handgun into his backpack. estimating that the naga warriors had almost finished excavating, ji chen walked to the ships railing and leaped back into the sea, once again diving underwater. anina sat on the mast of the sunken ship, looking bored. but her spirit instantly lifted upon seeing ji chen. hows the digging going? he asked. um 1 dont know. the dragon whale girl looked confused, clearly not paying close attention to the task. well, he would have to see for himself. with a sigh, he swam towards the sunken ship. the naga warriors were the most loyal soldiers. since ji chen instructed him to excavate, they hadnt stopped. now, most of the mithril had been dug out. after about fifteen minutes, the last wooden crate filled with mithril was cleared from the mud. ji chen looked at the massive pile of mithril before him, suppressing his excitement, and began to collect it. ding- you have obtained 8000 units of mithril. 8000 units of mithril, the harvest was excellent, enough for him to continue with the next steps. seeing that the sunken ship had been thoroughly searched, he didnt linger any longer. he left with the naga warriors and called anina to return. back on the ship, they immediately set sail to return to the new moon islands. by the time the sun had set, the group had returned to their territory. under the twilight, wilus approached them. has something happened? master, the task you assigned to me has been completed. the path to the mountain peak has been cleared. he pointed towards the towering mountain in the northeast direction.. Chapter 118 - Chapter 118: Alchemy Handgun, Boundless Travels (2) chapter 118: alchemy handgun, boundless travels (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen narrowed his eyes and nodded. after defeating the kobolds and taking over the underground cave, he discovered that the passage leading to the mountain peak had long collapsed. now, after more than half a month of digging, it was finally dug through. in the entire new moon islands, only the mountain peak had not been explored. however, through the information of the natives and the kobolds, he was 100% sure that there was a dragon nest on the mountain peak. that was a dragon, one of the most powerful magical creatures. even if it abandoned its nest, there was a high chance that it would leave behind some valuable items. for example, the dragon scales that had fallen, the dragon blood left behind by her period, and the remaining treasures. every dragon nest was a treasure trove waiting to be excavated. ji chen looked at the darkening sky and said to wilus, its getting late. you should go and rest. however, this subordinate still has some matters that i have yet to complete theres no end to this matter. dont ruin your health, or i wont be able to find another internal affairs officer as capable as you. ji chen smiled. he was still very tolerant of the old man, wilus, who looked after his territory. as he had said, if wilus were to tire out, he would never find another person capable of managing internal affairs like him. and managing it himself was even more impossible. just thinking about all those trivial matters gave ji chen a headache. yes, wilus hesitated for a moment before responding. seeing this, ji chen didnt say anything more. he waved his hand, allowing wilus to rest, and walked back to the lords manor. for the past ten days, jichen had been tirelessly working and running around, without getting a chance to properly rest and recuperate. even though the conditions on the ship were decent, they couldnt match the comfort of his own territory. he was eager to get a good nights sleep. after finishing the dinner brought in by the maid, he lay his head on the pillow and instantly fell asleep. the following morning, jichen woke up feeling refreshed and stretched lazily before leaving the lords manor. he knew there were still tasks to be completed that day. the hero altar. yesterday, they obtained a large amount of mithril from the sunken ship, completing the final part of the required resources. today was the perfect day to summon the blue-tier excellent-grade hero. summoning alice and anina, along with the naga warriors and the shallow water murlocs, they headed towards the northwest sub-island. they crossed through the jungle and plains, arriving at the original location of the native tribe. without stopping, they continued forward. facing the water in front of them, the passage of time had changed. at this moment, ji chen no longer needed to ride in the native canoe. he directly walked on the surface of the sea, manipulating the power of water as if he were the controller of the water element. they arrived in front of the hero altar half an hour later. there was nor much difference from when they left. there was even a large hole in the ground where the earth-drilling dragon lizard had been hiding, but it had been filled with water. ji chen waved his hand as he looked at the hero altar. everyone spread out and guard the surroundings. be wary of monsters approaching. the naga warriors growled respectfully and spread out to stand guard. shallow sea murlocs also carried their tridents and swaggered through the parts that they did not recognize. alice and anina stood beside him. ji chen nodded and slowly walked up to the altar. with a wave of his hand, he placed the 3000 units of mithril, 3000 units of crystal, and 3000 units of mithril on the altar. the altar, which was not very big, was instantly filled with all kinds of glittering resources. ji chen threw out the last piece of mithril, clapped his hands, and left. ding! do you wish to activate the hero altar? yes. as the words fell, as if detecting the presence of these resources, the patterns and designs on the top of the altar and the twelve stone pillars began to emit bursts of light. like vibrant colored clouds, they gradually grew brighter. a faint glow shot up into the sky, instantly dispersing the clouds. within the radiance, the piled-up resources melted away like ice, their colorful meltwater flowing into the patterns on the surface of the altar. soon, energy began to accumulate, surging outward from the altar, forming concentric waves. ji chen squinted his eyes, patiently waiting. after more than ten minutes, as if it had absorbed enough energy, a blue beam of light shot up from the top of the altar like a fountain. the energy surged as if it could tear through space. within the beam of light, a figure appeared, descending through the cracks in the pillars and stepping down from the altar. ji chen stared closely, his face filled with surprise. the summoned hero turned out to be a murloc!? with tendrils resembling dragons whiskers, scales akin to a generals armor, a catfish-like head, and a glimmer of intelligence and brilliance in its fish-like eyes, it stood out from ordinary murloc. in its hand, resembling the claw of a wild beast, it held a gleaming trident with a circling current, clearly not an ordinary weapon. filled with curiosity, ji chen checked its information panel. [none [can be named ] (hero) ] [race: murloc] [level: 10] [current tier: blue (excellent)] [potential tier: blue (excellent)] [skill: surge (blue skill, has a certain water control ability, reduces water damage by 30%)] giant throw (blue skill. gather all your strength and throw out a trident. increases the penetration of the trident by 30%. additional aoe splash damage) advanced murloc body (blue skill, immune to some curses and viruses, increases 20% magic resistance and physical resistance) ocean murlocs (blue skill, movement speed increases by 150% when moving in the ocean, and the murloc army under your command will enjoy a 50% bonus) [military characteristic: murloc commander (when leading the murlocs, it will increase morale by 30 points. it will not be afraid of battle or run away. all attributes of the murlocs under its command will be increased by 50%, and they can communicate with each other telepathically) ] [this is a murloc hero who has lost his memory. ] [guagua C guagua!!] murlocs, your boss is coming! the murloc hero standing before him, in terms of strength, was certainly not on par with purple-grade heroes like alice or anina. however, it possessed a unique advantage that neither of them could match. that advantage was the boost it provided to leading a murloc army. in addition to the speed boost from the murlocs aquatic skill, its unit characteristics were perfect for commanding a murloc army. what does a 50% increase in overall attributes mean? taking the current 3-star third-tier shallow sea murloc as an example, a 50% increase in overall attributes would bring it close to the level of a fourth-tier hero. ji chen let out a sigh, feeling an intangible connection being established between him and the murloc hero. this was the power of a contract. seemingly aware of this connection, the murloc hero gazed thoughtfully and slowly approached, planting its trident into the ground and bowing its head. my lord, i thank you for awakening me. i shall forever be loyal to you. the fact that this murloc hero could speak left ji chen stunned. accustomed to murlocs making their signature guagua sounds, hearing one speak in human language was quite unexpected. welcome. hmm? it seems you dont have a name? jichen inquired. the murloc heros face displayed confusion. i believe i had a name before, but i cannot recall it. unable to remember it? jichen pondered for a moment, a mischievous smile forming on his face. since youve forgotten your name, then 1 shall give you a new one. lets call you benbol benbo benbo, 1 shall be known as benbo from now on! the murloc hero repeated, then expressed excitement. thankyou, master, for bestowing a name upon me! uh, alright jichen fought to contain his laughter. no laughing, he mustnt laugh, or else he would compromise his dignity as a lord. finally managing to suppress his amusement, ji chen pointed to the nearby shallow sea murlocs and said, henceforth, you shall command these shallow sea murlocs and the murloc rangers within the territory. i hope you can lead them well in the battle for me. yes, sir! benbo will never let you down! seeing this scene, the surrounding shallow-sea murlocs also became excited. they could feel that the person in front of them could make them stronger.. Chapter 119 - Chapter 119: Territory Upgrade, a Sinister Plan (1) chapter 119: territory upgrade, a sinister plan (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation since benbo was summoned from a different dimension and descended into this realm, the hero altar had fulfilled its purpose. in a matter of moments, it seemed as if it had endured the erosion of thousands of years, rapidly crumbling into pieces of broken stones. with the addition of benbo, jichen now had four heroes under his command: one green, one blue, and two purple. and their races were diverse, including humans, murlocs, a siren, and a deep sea dragon whale. but the strangest thing was that the more harmless their appearances, the stronger their power. without showcasing their terrifying abilities, anina would appear as a lovely young girl, and alice would be seen as a sweet silver-haired girl. murloc had a distinctive appearance, but its naturally idiotic dead-fish eyes served as a perfect disguise. as for sparrow, he was just a slim young man. one could say that the group lacked the typical appearance of heroes. with their current mission accomplished, ji chen wasted no time and waved his hand, leading the group to continue forward. advancing through the water, they soon arrived at the second nearby sub-island. this sub-island housed a broken warning lighthouse left behind by an ancient civilization. having obtained enough crystals during their previous sea voyage, it was a convenient opportunity to repair it. passing through the coconut grove and ascending the towering cliffs, they reached the ruins before them. do you wish to consume 10,000 units of stone, 5,000 units of clay, and 1,000 units of crystal to repair the warning lighthouse? yes. the repair will take 1 hour. please be patient. observing the information displayed before him, ji chen nodded inwardly. one hour wasnt too long, and he could easily pass the time. returning to the coconut grove, he let the naga warriors grab a few coconuts to feast upon. time passed quickly. the broken warning lighthouse has been repaired and is now connected to the territoryconnection successful. on the territory panel, the words warning lighthouse appeared in the building column. there was no need to come to the lighthouse personally. one could check the lighthouses detection status at any time in the territory. ji chen looked at the cliff. a tall tower had appeared on the previously barren cliff. a large lamp was slowly rotating on top of it. because it was daytime, the headlights were not on, but the detection ability was still there. circles of invisible energy fluctuations spread out in all directions from the lighthouse, detecting the sea and the air within ten nautical miles of the defense. success! with the lighthouse, he could predict the enemys invasion in advance and would not be caught off guard. ji chen nodded in satisfaction. seeing that his two goals had been achieved, he did not stay any longer. with a wave of his hand, he led the group back to the territory. two hours later. the territory came into view. jichen unlocked his troops and walked alone to the central square of the lords manor. as he looked at the thatched-roofed lords manor in front of him, and then glanced at the villas and cottages of the residents on the side, he shook his head in disappointment. why did the lords dwelling look worse than the residents? to change the appearance of the lords manor, he needed to upgrade the territory to a higher level. specifically, from village level to town level, or from town level to city-state level. in the past, the lack of resources was a valid reason, but now that they were becoming prosperous, the lords manor needed to be improved. however, it had been a while since then, and he became curious about the progress of other players territories. he casually opened the territory rankings. upon seeing the rankings, a smile formed on his face. previously, his crown of the ocean ranking was around 60,000, but now he was in the top 900. the level 2 village label next to his name stood out among the many town level territories. although his territorys level was low, its prosperity exceeded 15,000. this achievement was attributed to the territorys formidable military capabilities. even though the military aspect did not contribute significantly to the territorys prosperity, he managed to elevate it through various units and heroes. now he wondered how his ranking would change once the territory level increased. ji chen wanted to have some fun, so he decided to level up his territory. he began to check the resources needed to level up. upgrading from a level 2 village to a level 3 village required 1250 units of wood, fiber, and clay. looking at the interface, all the requirements were met, so he immediately began to level up. territory level increased from 2 to 3. the process of leveling up was silent and there was no big movement. looking at the changes in the territory, the most obvious change was the size. the length and width of the territory had increased from 200 x 200 (m) to 300 x 300 (m), and the area had increased from 4 square kilometers to 9 square kilometers. it had more than doubled. in addition, he also unlocked some village-level buildings. however, they were all very basic buildings, so there was nothing worth paying attention to. he continued to level up. to upgrade from a level 3 village to a level 4 village, he needed 1,500 units of wood, fiber, and clay, which coincided with his previous calculations. following the same pattern, upgrading from a level 4 village to a level 5 village would require 1,750 units of each resource, and from a level 5 village to a level 1 town would require 2,000 units. jichen didnt pay much attention to the details of these upgrades. he quickly progressed to a level 1 town. territory level successfully increased (level 5 village > level 1 town). ding- town-level buildings have been unlocked. after the upgrade, the territorys prosperity was recalculated, and it increased by an additional 2,000 prosperity points.. Chapter 120 - Chapter 120: Territory Upgrade, a Sinister Plan (2) chapter 120: territory upgrade, a sinister plan (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation currently, the crown of the ocean prosperity level had reached 17,000, and its ranking had risen from 900 to 32nd place. the level 5 towns ranked ahead of him all had relatively high prosperity levels. however, what surprised him was at this moment, the first place on the leader board was already a level 2 city. it was a whole level higher than him and a small level higher than the second place. it seemed that the lord of this territory had spent a lot of effort on upgrading the territory. shaking his head, ji chen wasnt in the mood to fight for the rankings. he only sighed slightly and did not care anymore. however, he did not know that his upgrade had attracted the attention of many players. did you see that? a person named ji chen on the territory ranking suddenly rose to 32nd place! its only a level 1 town, but its prosperity level is 17,000? what kind of joke is this? 1 feel like my level 2 town is fake doesnt this mean that others have obtained more prosperity in other aspects i dont think so. he probably used some kind of trick to forcefully obtain it. is there a need for this? dont be sour. i can smell the sourness coming from you through the screen. i think he cant compare to the lonely islander. who agrees, and who disagrees? i agree. the lonely islander has a purple-grade hero and a powerful army. plus, theyve obtained so many crystals. he must be well-known in the rankings! i just wonder what their real name is at some point, the title of the lonely islander had spread among the player community along the coast of the western central ocean and various islands. they had gained quite a reputation. most of these players had experienced the blood sea mystic realm firsthand and knew that breaking through the holy city was made possible with the help of the lonely islander. this made a deep impression on them. however, other players couldnt understand why there was such excessive praise for the lonely islander and started to argue, sparking a heated debate. the conversation gradually shifted from jichens prosperity to the lonely islander. little did they know that these two individuals were the same person. ji chen naturally had no idea about the discussions happening in the chat channels, and even if he did, he would simply brush it off with a smile. who is the lonely islander? what does it have to do with me, ji chen? at the moment, jichen was busy selecting a suitable location for a large water fort. a large water fort had certain requirements for its placement. the water needed to be deep enough for ships to enter without running aground, and it was best to have a sheltered harbor. after upgrading to a level 1 town, the area of crown of the ocean had expanded to 600600 meters, approximately 3.6 square kilometers. it seemed quite large, but compared to the main island, which spanned over hundreds of square kilometers, it was relatively small. from an aerial view, one could see that the crown of the ocean occupied a small square area in the southeast of the main island. to the north was the jungle, to the south was the ocean, to the west was the rainforest, and to the east was the tidal flat. ji chen was currently searching for a suitable location for the water fortress near the eastern tidal flat. although crown of the ocean was very close to the beach in the south, the water there was flat sand and shallow corals. the water depth was only three to four meters. it was fine to park small boats, but it was impossible to park large ships. after some inspection, he found that the beach from the southeast to the east of the main island was a good location. it was only a few meters into the water, but the water depth was already more than ten meters. as long as there was a suitable dock, not to mention two-masted merchant ships or three-masted warships, even the new moon could dock there! in addition, the terrain of the main island, with its tall cliffs protruding in the southeast corner and the rocky walls extending north-eastward from the north, formed a natural sheltered harbor in the curved area spanning several kilometers. moreover, the tidal flat was not only spacious but also flat, making it convenient for construction. with these three conditions combined, it became a valuable and excellent harbor. after finalizing the specific construction site, ji chen returned to his territory and handed over the blueprint for the large water fort to his subordinates, instructing them to start construction as soon as there were enough resources, especially wood. just as he finished dealing with this matter and was about to take a break, a warning came from the alert lighthouse. a ship appeared on the sea surface, about ten nautical miles southwest of the lighthouse, slowly heading towards the new moon islands. jichen was momentarily surprised, then suddenly realized. raymond had arrived! onboard white sands princess, willow looked at the calm sea around him, feeling a sense of disbelief. it was as if the towering waves and thunderstorms from two hours ago had been nothing but a dream. but when he looked at the chaotic mess on the deck, he realized that it wasnt a dream. a week ago, he had been ordered by his master to embark on princess white sands and set sail for the stormy seas. at first, when they entered the outer periphery of the stormy seas and saw the towering waves, he had deeply doubted the truthfulness of raymonds words. he wondered if raymond was deceiving them. but what he didnt expect was that after gritting their teeth and forcefully traversing the outer periphery of the sea, the surrounding sea conditions suddenly stabilized. it was as if a switch had been flipped. the sky instantly cleared, and there was not even a ripple on the sea surface. whales and schools of fish leaped above the water, creating a peaceful atmosphere. raymonds words turned out to be true willow murmured to himself. does that mean there really is an archipelago here? at that moment, his expression became instantly excited.. Chapter 121 - Chapter 121: Territory Upgrade, a Sinister Plan (3) chapter 121: territory upgrade, a sinister plan (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation if there really was an archipelago here, as the first to occupy it, he would undoubtedly receive generous rewards from lord gassani! at that time, beautiful women and wealth would be within his grasp! as for the lord on the archipelago, he didnt concern himself with it. according to raymonds account, that lord only had a few dozen units at most, and their highest rank was only tier 2, 5 stars. but this time, he brought two fully equipped warships with elite guild escorts, totaling four hundred units, and their rank reached tier 2, 9 stars! based on lord gassanis orders, the two warships wouldnt approach the archipelago immediately. they would wait for him to make contact with the lord and determine the location of his territory. then, they would inform the elite guild escorts about the warships and launch a night-time raid. with this plan, it was bound to be successful. he couldnt think of anything that would cause their operation to fail. returning to his senses, a sailor on the lookout tower shouted loudly, target archipelago spotted! willow quickly picked up his binoculars and soon saw the outlines of several islands on the distant sea surface. without hesitation, he directed the white sands princess towards the largest island among them. meanwhile, the two warships and a transport ship carrying the first batch of construction resources leisurely remained a few nautical miles away from the archipelago. by the time jichen saw the white sands princess, it was already afternoon. under the orange sunlight, the white sand princess stopped on the east side of the main island. several small boats carrying people arrived at the beach. ji chen looked at the people who got off the boat and frowned. wheres raymond? the leader of the group, willow, smiled when he heard that. lord raymond has fallen seriously ill and stayed at the hanseatic chamber of commerce. he asked me to come here and negotiate this transaction with you, as well as discuss future dealings. ill? its only been a little over a week since he returned, and he suddenly falls ill? ji chen sighed, with a hint of regret on his face. thats quite a coincidence. he caught a cold on the way back and only started treatment after returning to the port, so it became quite serious. ji chen didnt say much. since raymond asked you to handle the trade, you should be aware of the conditions we discussed before, right? upon hearing this, willows heart skipped a beat. jichen noticed a slight change in his expression and squinted his eyes. you wouldnt happen to have forgotten, have you? haha youre joking, your excellency. how could we possibly forget? willow forced a stiff smile, suppressing his growing unease, and replied as calmly as possible. you requested various resources to be transported by our ships, and in exchange, you would provide the specialty products of this archipelago. you asked for laborers and various resources, and they are all loaded on our ships. however, its getting late now, and its not convenient to unload the cargo. how about we conduct the trade tomorrow? ji chen glanced at the sky. the sun was setting, casting a dim light, and it indeed wasnt a good time for transporting goods. jichen gazed deeply at willow and said, guests are welcome. let me take you to my territory for a nights rest. almost imperceptibly, ji chen emphasized the word guest, his grip on it tightening slightly. however, willow didnt notice this and was pleasantly surprised by ji chens subsequent words. he hadnt expected ji chen to proactively extend the invitation before he even had the chance to suggest it. well, youve played right into our hands. you have only yourself to blame for having such a valuable opportunity. willow smirked inwardly, while outwardly expressing deep gratitude. thank you for your hospitality. resting on the ship isnt exactly comfortable. jichen nodded, not saying much, and turned to walk towards his territory. the two of them, one in front of the other, harbored their own sinister intentions.. Chapter 122 - Chapter 122: Root Out (1) chapter 122: root out (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation in the forest. ji chen led fifty pirates in front, while willow and the others followed behind. the surrounding jungle became more and more lush, and the damp feeling made them feel sticky. the water invaded the boots under their feet, and the sharp branches like knives and guns scratched his clothes. not long after entering the forest, willow lost his sense of direction and could only follow ji chen and the others. this terrible situation made him curse in his heart, but at the same time, he couldnt help but feel lucky. if there was no one to lead the way, it would be extremely difficult to find a territory in such a maze-like forest. however, he did not forget to leave some traces along the way. it was a powder unique to the hanseatic chamber of commerce. it was invisible to the naked eye during the day, but at night, the glowing powder could be seen with special glasses. as they walked deeper and deeper, ji chen didnt say anything along the way. he had an indifferent expression on his face. willow felt a little uneasy. your excellency, how much longer do we have to walk? we have been walking for were here. at this moment, they had reached the end of the lush forest, and everything before them suddenly became clear. in the next moment, a look of shock flashed across willows face. a vast territory appeared before his eyes. there were flat stone squares, neat houses, residents coming and going, tall warehouses, and unknown military recruitment camps. he had never thought that there would be such a prosperous territory in such a forest. however, willows eyes quickly flashed with greed and ecstasy. this territory soon belonged to the hanseatic chamber of commerceall, no, it belonged to lord gassani. jichen turned around and pointed to the right, the housing in the territory is limited, so you will stay in those two houses tonight. willow followed his gaze and saw two dilapidated thatched cottages. instantly, he felt the urge to burst out in anger. they were guests, after all! willow wasnt asking for the best house, but at least willow and his men should be given one that could shield them from the wind and rain, right? what was the point of giving them these thatched cottages with leaking roofs and walls full of holes!? your excellency, arent there better accommodations available? his face turned slightly unnatural as he gestured towards the rows of luxurious villas. ji chen looked at him with slight surprise. those are for my subjects. since the luxurious villas were for lowly subjects, ji chen should have driven the subjects out of the villas for willow and his men. willow screamed in his mind. the hanseatic chamber of commerce was a famous trading guild in the western continent. shouldnt all members be treated as honored guests wherever they go? even if he was just one of the subordinates, whats the problem with moving out some lowly subjects for their sake? though he was angry inside, he managed to force a smile on his face. your excellency, you truly care for your people. becoming your subject is an incredibly fortunate thing. at this moment, a few citizens who were passing by heard these words and immediately straightened their chests proudly. that goes without saying. lord ji chen is our savior. without him, we would have perished in this jungle long ago. with a lord like him who can resist and kill any invaders, we can build a great territory. willows face momentarily froze, but he felt a twinge of anger inside. were they insulting us? these insolent peasants dared to spout such arrogant words. once we occupied this territory, 111 throw them into the sea to feed the fish! he thought fiercely in his mind. as he watched them head towards the thatched houses, ji chen seemed to recall something and spoke up as a reminder. be careful not to go to the beach at night. there may be sea monsters there. but dont worry, i have stationed guards there dinner will be delivered to you. willow quickly nodded, we understand. as they closed the dilapidated door, one of his subordinates voiced concerns in a low voice. lord willow, do you think hes starting to suspect our identities? we are raymonds subordinates, and they wouldnt have placed guests in such accommodations, right? im thinking the same thing. and that lord looks indifferent, not like someone welcoming guests with that being said, willow also began to have doubts. his face showed a mix of surprise and uncertainty, but in the end, he gritted his teeth and said, we havent shown any flaws along the way. this suspicion might arise simply because they havent seen raymond in person. think about it, if a prearranged meeting suddenly changes the contact person, wouldnt you become wary? as he spoke, even he started to believe his own words. you make a valid point. it seems plausible! lord willow, you are mighty. truly the smartest aide under lord gassani! his subordinates began to flatter him, making willow feel elated. lord willow, i secretly observed the military strength of this territory just now. besides those pirates, i didnt see the unique warriors that raymond mentioned. should we proceed with the original plan? willow rubbed his chin and a disdainful expression appeared on his face. those unique warriors are at most second-tier 5-star troops. and with only around a hundred pirates, we have hundreds of elite guards from the chamber of commerce.. lets stick to the original plan! there will be people stationed at the beach, so well quietly return through the jungle late at night and inform the two warships to make their move! Chapter 123 - Chapter 123: Root Out (2) chapter 123: root out (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation now that we know the location of this territory and its lord and considering that we re choosing to launch a surprise attack in the dead of night, with our strength, we can definitely take it down easily! after speaking, a confident expression appeared on willows face. lord willow, your strategic brilliance is truly admirable! 1 have the utmost respect for you! you will undoubtedly be the greatest hero of this operation! in the lords mansion. my lord, since you already know that those people are imposters, why dont you capture them now? wilus said with a puzzled expression. jichen shook his head calmly, setting traps now will only alert the other enemies. what i want is to capture all the enemies at once. are you suggesting that we deceive the enemies on those ships to come here, and then capture them all in one fell swoop? willow asked. lets revisit the moment when ji chen concluded his investigation of the ideal location for the large water fort. as he observed the seascape from the lighthouse, he noticed a ship approaching the new moon islands. initially, he assumed it was raymond arriving as anticipated. however, his surprise grew when the alert lighthouse also detected three more ships. unlike rhe first ship, these three vessels remained stationary at a significant distance from the archipelago, concealing their presence from casual observation. upon seeing someone other than raymond disembarking from the first ship, ji chen instantly knew that these people were not to be trusted. the most likely possibility was that they wanted to occupy the new moon islands. with this in mind, ji chen took a deep breath. the thing he had been unwilling to consider had finally happened. the new moon islands were located in the stormy seas, near busy trade routes, naturally possessing a geographical advantage. even if they did nothing but build a port here, they could collect docking fees, sell food and freshwater, and make a fortune. but along with tremendous benefits came the greed of others, and it was only a matter of time before the new moon islands attracted the covetous gaze of others. ji chen had mentally prepared for this, bur he hadnt expected it to happen so soon. just after seeing off the first guest, raymond, he was faced with this situation. although he didnt know what was going on with raymond ar the moment, whether he was truly sick or encountering other problems, one thing was certain: these people were not here for trade; they were enemies. thats right. ji chen paced inside the house. since the enemies want to attack the territory, based on the current situation, they should secretly leave to relay information and launch a surprise attack in the dead of night. in that case, we will turn the tables on them and prepare a welcoming ceremony. willow nodded in agreement. though he didnt know the specifics of the lords idea of a welcoming ceremony, he knew it couldnt be anything good. late at night, the territory fell into silence. snoring sounds could be heard from the houses, and the buzzing of insects filled the jungle. slowly, the worn-out thatched roof of a house was pushed open, and a person cautiously poked their head out. seeing that there was no one around, they let out a sigh of relief. they turned back and whispered, no one outside. willow nodded and ordered his men to walk into the forest. ji chen stood in rhe forest on the other side, watching them disappear. a cold expression appeared on his face. willow and the others followed the traces of the powder left behind and returned to the beach. they steered the small boat back to the ship. he immediately ordered. ive already found the location of the lord and his territory. quickly inform the other ships. upon hearing this, three elite guards of the caravan ran into the cabin and took out a few special peregrines bred by the hanseatic chamber of commerce. they stuffed a small note into the letter box at their feet. with a wave of his hand, the peregrine falcon leaped up and flew into the distance. an hour later, the three ships that received the news silently sailed over from the open sea and met up with willow and the others. he put down more than ten small boats and sent rhe guards of the chamber of commerce on the boats to the beach. this process took two hours. looking at the hundreds of fully-armed guards of the chamber of commerce in front of him, willow s confidence had already swelled to the extreme. with such a powerful force, it was a piece of cake to push that territory. at that time, he would become a hero of the entire hanseatic chamber of commerce! these elite guards of the hanseatic chamber of commerce were nor people he could order around normally. they could only be used after the approval of many members of the hanseatic chamber of commerce. [elite merchant guard] [race: human] [level: 15] [tier: 2, g-star] [skill: greed (blue skill. when you see a large amount of money, your combat strength will be increased to a certain extent. the increase depends on the amount, and the maximum is 30%.] formation cooperation (blue skill. when there are many guards of the chamber of commerce nearby, they can form a formation. combat power increases by 20%) high-paying job (green skill, when the salary is consistent and stable, the battle will increase the initial morale by 20 points) weapon proficiency (green skill, skillfully using various weapons) [military characteristic: hire (a regular guard team hired by the hanseatic chamber of commerce with high salaries. they have high loyalty and are not easy to betray or cower in battle.] in his eyes, there was no doubt about the strength of these guards. he suppressed the excitement in his heart. willow said in a low voice, all of you, lower your footsteps and reduce your movements. we are about to attack the target territory and kill the lord and all the enemy troops. leave no one alive. none of the guards answered, but the bloodlust and cruelty in their eyes had fully revealed their thoughts. seeing this. willow nodded in satisfaction. he waved his hand and let the guards of the chamber of commerce walk into the forest. he followed closely behind, with the remaining guards bringing up the rear.. Chapter 124 - Chapter 124: Root Out (3) chapter 124: root out (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the guards of the chamber of commerce formed a long line of hundreds of meters in the small path. they walked into the endless dark forest as if they had entered the mouth of a giant beast. just as they were halfway through the journey, the forest on both sides of the road suddenly began to shake violently. then, hundreds of water arrows shot into them like cannonballs. a few hundred meters long, the dragon-like formation suffered attacks at both its head and tail. the deafening explosions put the elite guild guards on high alert as if facing a formidable enemy. upon witnessing this scene, willows face turned pale in an instant. how could he not have realized it? they had been discovered! looking into the surrounding jungle, all he could see was darkness, with no sign of the enemy. panic surged within him. but quickly regaining his composure, he gritted his teeth and shouted in a commanding voice, return fire with crossbow arrows! some guards raised their iron crossbows and blindly fired into the jungle, hoping to hear the agonizing cries of their enemies. however, to their disappointment, the arrows seemed to vanish into thin air without a sound, as if they had been shot into the water. at that moment, the chirping of insects grew louder. after a brief pause, another round of water arrows shot out, causing violent explosions that left even the fully armored guild guards battered and wounded. many of them fell to the ground. not only that, but tridents with astonishing impact shot out from the forest, instantly piercing through the guards armor and nailing them to the trees. in the darkness, they couldnt see how many enemies there were. they could only see that their comrades were either killed by water arrows or nailed to the ground by tridents. accompanying the explosion was the rustling of grass and the sound of something squirming. in the darkness, tall naga warriors rushed out with terrifying bone blades, like chariots at full power, charging straight at them. the sharp bone blades waved around, sending the heads flying into the sky. the headless bodies slowly fell to the ground, and fresh blood spurted out crazily. seeing this, willows face turned even paler. looking at the scene that looked like a massacre in front of him, his hands and feet subconsciously trembled. the fear in his heart reached its peak at this moment. suddenly, he felt a warmth in his crotch. he looked down and realized that he had peed. this warmth made him feel refreshed. he couldnt care less about this and directly ran into the forest with his subordinates. the enemies were blocking them from the front and back, so it was impossible to return. now, they could only run into the forest to have a chance of survival. stumbling through the dense forest, willow and the others managed to run out and reach the beach. he quickly boarded a small boat and swam toward the big ship. willows emotions stabilized after he was temporarily out of danger. when he thought of his sorry state earlier, a sense of shame welled up in his heart. especially when he peed his pants, he felt that his subordinates were looking at him strangely. damn it! he wanted to leave this place immediately and return to the hanseatic chamber of commerce. he wanted to ask the chamber of commerce to bring more guards to avenge him. he slowly approached the ship. just as he was about to climb onto the deck, he saw ferocious figures on the side of the ship. at this moment, a strong smell of blood assailed his nostrils. willows mind went blank, and fear welled up in his heart again.. Chapter 125 - Chapter 125: Lucky Raymond (1) chapter 125: lucky raymond (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the battle ended as soon as it began. with overwhelming power and the advantage of stealth and darkness. these elite guards from the hanseatic chamber of commerce had a short-lived defense. they succumbed to the onslaught of diverse creatures, including naga warriors, shallow sea murlocs, and pure water sea sea pixies, falling like dominoes, one after another. when the casualty rate reached 50%, the entire team instantly collapsed. the remaining members dropped their weapons and surrendered, as fear had completely taken over their minds. although they were told there were only a hundred or so second-tier enemies, what they saw now were third-tier enemies across the board, and their combat strength was terrifying. they had hardly any ability to resist. faced with the bloody deaths and slaughter, these guards wisely surrendered. looking at this group of defeated and broken soldiers, ji chen did not choose to slaughter them all. he only ordered the pirates who arrived later to tie them up and deal with them later. understanding this situation was the most important thing now. in addition to ambushing in the jungle, ji chen also sent a small group of murlocs, murloc rangers, and pirates to the several ships anchored on the sea surface, taking advantage of the weak defenses to secretly seize the ships and cut off the enemys escape route. willow, who was attempting to flee through the jungle, was swiftly apprehended by the allied forces that had seized control of the ships and subsequently returned him to captivity. upon laying eyes on willow once more, ji chen found him tightly bound, resembling a bundled rice dumpling, his face etched with frustration. when willow saw ji chen, he became somewhat frightened. but then, as if he remembered something, his face suddenly calmed down, and he said sharply, i advise you to untie me and safely send me away. otherwise, if i die here, lord gassani and the hanseatic chamber of commerce will not let you off. death will await you! but then, as if he had thought of something, his expression suddenly calmed down ji chen looked at him like he was an idiot, wondering if there was something wrong with him. he was still so arrogant even when he was about to die. seeing that ji chen didnt say anything, willow thought that he had successfully frightened him, so he said in an even more domineering tone, do you think youre great just because youve dealt with two ships of guards? allow me to enlighten you; the might of the hanseatic chamber of commerce surpasses your wildest imagination. lord gassani alone can muster a fleet of ten ships such as this, and he commands an even more formidable army and navy, comprising the elite forces of unparalleled prowess. ji chen squinted his eyes, catching a crucial keyword, did you say gassani? with the pride of a dog hearing its master mentioned, willow immediately became boastful, barking madly, absolutely! my master is none other than lord gassani. i am his most trusted lieutenant, wielding great power. if youre wise, youll set me free and surrender this archipelago willingly. perhaps then, lord gassani might grant you a chance to escape ahh! before he could finish his sentence, anina, unable to bear it any longer, lunged forward. her fists came down like a relentless rain, pummeling willow mercilessly. ive tolerated you for far too long. even at deaths door, you dare to speak with such audacity. i wont tolerate your arrogance. after a thorough beating, anina stepped back with a satisfied expression, leaving willow in a pitiful state. she hadnt joined the previous battle, itching for a fight, and now she had the perfect opportunity to vent her pent-up frustration on this fool. i give up, i give up i surrender, willow cowered on the ground, trembling and sporting a battered face with swollen eyes. bruises covered his body, and several of his teeth were missing. his speech was now slurred. however, it was thanks to aninas restraint that he wasnt beaten into a pulp with her immense strength, comparable to that of a whale. physically speaking, that is. observing the guy finally quieting down, ji chen squatted in front of him, sighing, if you had cooperated from the beginning, you wouldnt have endured such pain and suffering. whats the point? from now on, you will answer my questions promptly, understood? otherwise, ill have no choice but to let her continue using you as a punching bag. upon hearing this, willows head bobbed like a woodpecker. he cast a terrified glance at anina, who was eagerly flexing her fists, leaving him with a mix of fear and resignation. who could have foreseen that such a small girl, seemingly delicate, possessed such an alarming strength? she nearly beat him to a pulp. one could say that hed prefer a swift death by beheading rather than enduring this kind of merciless pummelling. you mentioned gassani. who is he? and what role did he play in this operation? lord gassani is a member of the hanseatic chamber of commerce and the main architect of this operation. is he on the same level as raymond within the chamber? in theory, yes. however, lord gassani has been a member for a long time, whereas raymond joined only in the last couple of years. in terms of power, he holds a slightly higher position among the many members. ji chen nodded, then continued, you mentioned gassani being the main planner. does that mean other members of the hanseatic chamber of commerce were directly or indirectly involved? willow hesitated for a moment, but upon seeing a mischievous smile creeping across aninas face, he quickly replied, yes, indeed! to mobilize the chambers guards, the consent of multiple members is required. hence, the majority of members agreed to participate. however, lord gassani himself proposed the plan, and others provided support. im just a lowly subordinate following orders. so, if you seek revenge, you should confront them directly.. Chapter 126 - Chapter 126: Lucky Raymond (2) chapter 126: lucky raymond (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation as willow spoke, he revealed a flattering and fawning expression, but because of his bruised face, this expression looked hilarious. alice and anina could not help but laugh. seeing this, the surrounding pirates cast disdainful looks. upon witnessing wilows arrogant words and actions, incessantly invoking the name of lord gassani, they had assumed he was a devoted subordinate. they did not expect willow to turn out to be such a cowardly person who betrayed his master for glory. they disdained being associated with such a person! is raymond one of them? willow was stunned. no, hes the only one who objected. hes still locked up on the ship. ji chen was taken aback, unable to conceal his surprise. at this moment, some pirates who were searching the ship outside returned and reported, my lord, there is a fat man called raymond who is imprisoned in the cabin. he said that he knows you and wants to see you. good heavens, this fatty was actually so lucky. gassani and the others actually didnt choose to kill him but locked him in the cabin and brought him here. this fatty might still have some value. coming back to his senses, ji chen said in a low voice, bring him to my territory! yes, my lord! the pirates left in a hurry. ji chen looked at willow, who was kneeling on the ground. provide me with all the information you have about this matter, or face the inevitable consequences. seeing ji chens cold gaze, willow shivered and quickly nodded. lord manor. when the naga warrior grabbed raymond by the collar and brought him in, his chubby face was filled with excitement when he saw ji chen. sir ji chen, its great that youre fine. i thought youaiya, my butt! he was thrown to the ground by the naga warrior, and his butt landed heavily on the ground. he wanted to struggle to get up, but because his hands and feet were tied, he squirmed on the ground like a meat worm. ji chen sighed and asked someone to untie him. ive already found out the whole story from that willow guy. you cant be blamed for this. raymond stood up after being released. he wanted to complain about the naga warriors actions, but when he heard ji chens words, he felt ashamed. im partly responsible for this. if i had been more cautious at that time and didnt mention the situation in the stormy sea area, perhaps this wouldnt have happened. fortunately, your strength is astonishing and you defeated those guards of the chamber of commerce. otherwise, i would have made a huge mistake. raymond lowered his stance and took the initiative to admit his mistake and responsibility. i didnt expect that my fellow members, and in particular the despicable gassani, would dare to kidnap me, deliberately barring me from reaching out to you. their objective? to ensure the seamless progression of their audacious scheme. these self-proclaimed businessmen, blinded by their delusions, fail to comprehend that there are certain realms they should never dare to trespass.! ji chen nodded and didnt say much. he just silently noted down the hanseatic chamber of commerce in his notebook. if there was a chance, he would definitely take revenge and let them know whom they could not offend. now that the situation has been resolved, what lies ahead for you? do you plan to seek vengeance by returning to them? raymonds face was filled with bitterness. by resorting to kidnapping, they have demonstrated their utter disregard for any sense of decency or honor. consequently, it is safe to assume that they have already seized control of most, if not all, of my assets. other than a dozen or so surviving trusted aides, i have nothing left. the hanseatic chamber of commerce has quite a lot of influence in the western continent, so i probably wont be able to go back hearing this, ji chen had an idea. since you have nowhere else to go, why dont you work for me? fatty was stunned. work for you? indeed, if you pledge your unwavering loyalty to me, i shall bestow upon you the esteemed position of chief trading officer of the crown of the ocean. you will be entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the management of our territorys goods and resources. by proving your unwavering loyalty, i can grant you authority. apart from a dedicated portion of our forces and resources, the remaining wealth of the territory shall be at your disposal. i might even consider personally aiding you in seeking vengeance. raymond was deep in thought. as an excellent businessman, he had to think carefully before making any decision. however, he soon shook his head bitterly because there seemed to be no way out for him. with just himself and his ten trusted aides, he did not know when he would be able to recover to his previous state. most of his businesses and connections were in the western continent. the hanseatic chamber of commerce would definitely try to obstruct and assassinate him. it would be difficult for him to turn the tables on his own. however, if he had sir ji chens support, he might be able to take revenge. is what you said true? of course, ji chen said decisively, ive always kept my word. hearing this, raymond threw away his last bit of hesitation and knelt on one knee. my lord, i am willing to serve you and be at your command. ding ~ raymond is loyal to you. the information on his interface appeared in front of him. [raymond] [race: human] [level: 10 ] [skill: trade scent (blue skill, has a very keen business sense, can find any opportunity to make money)] persuasion (blue skill, eloquent, able to use clever language to convince others) luck (blue skill, sometimes able to survive) [remark: consul of the chamber of commerce. possesses good business talent. has hatred for the hanseatic chamber of commerce.] good heavens. the last time he saw it, the luck skill was only white, but now it had turned blue. could this be the reason why raymond could escape death every time? ji chen sighed and said, go and rest first. ill give you work later. raymond nodded. it was already so late, and he was feeling tired. at noon the next day. last nights battle results and gains were tabulated. there were a total of 400 guards from the chamber of commerce who came to attack. about half of them were killed last night, and the rest were imprisoned. in addition to the guards, there were around 200 sailors and craftsmen left on the few remaining ships. after identifying some stubborn and hostile individuals with willows help, more than 150 of them were absorbed into the crown of the ocean, replenishing the population of the territory. as for the approximately 50 individuals who were identified, along with the remaining 200 or so chamber guards, they were sent to various resource points to work as laborers. ji chen considered himself merciful for not killing them and allowing them to work in the mines as a means of redemption. once they had atoned for their sins, they would be allowed to return, although the extent of their redemption was at ji chens discretion. of the four ships dispatched by the hanseatic chamber of commerce, two were three-masted warships loaded with cannons and crossbow machines, but they proved ineffective during the previous nights ambush. the remaining two were two-masted merchant ships, filled with crates of goods. believing that their operation was nearly foolproof, the hanseatic chamber of commerce had sent various resources and supplies, intending to commence immediate construction upon seizing the new moon islands. however, all these resources now fell into ji chens hands. upon counting, the two merchant ships carried over 700 slaves, some of whom possessed skills. there were hundreds of tons of various life supplies, including over 100,000 units of preserved meat and dry rations that could endure for an extended period without spoiling. there were also a considerable number of iron tools, such as shovels, axes, and picks, which would serve the territorys needs for a long time. perhaps considering the need for pioneering, there were no extravagant items included in the supplies. nevertheless, this inventory of resources was enough to bring about a significant improvement in the quality of life within the territory. furthermore, ji chen discovered several valuable building blueprints that the hanseatic chamber of commerce had purchased at great expense. unbeknownst to the chamber, these blueprints intended to expedite island construction were now handed over to ji chen without any cost.. Chapter 127 - Chapter 127: Blueprint, Kobolds (1) chapter 127: blueprint, kobolds (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation [building blueprint: commercial port] [level: 4 stars] [construction materials required: 5000 units of wood, 10,000 units of stone [area: 100200] [effect: able to build a commercial port with complete facilities and infrastructure. (1) the attraction to merchant ships will be greatly increased. (2) the speed of loading and unloading goods will be increased by 50%.] [building blueprint: shipyard] [level: 4 stars] [construction materials required: 8000 units of wood, 3000 units of stone] [area: 15080] [effect: can build and repair ships] [cannon manufacturing plant] i level: 5 stars] [construction materials: 5000 units of wood, 3000 units of crystal, 3000 units of mithril, 3000 units of fine gold, 3000 units of crude iron | [area: 80100] [effect: able to create all kinds of cannons] each of the three blueprints was at least 4-star, and the cannon manufacturing plant was 5-star. the first was the commercial port blueprint. the commercial port was extremely useful for the development of the crown of the ocean s commerce. the large water fort he had obtained before was mostly used for military purposes. its relatively closed structure was not conducive to merchant ships. if he wanted to develop the commercial and shipping industry) he still needed a proper commercial port. the second blueprint for the shipyard was not bad either, but ji chen felt that it was the least useful one among the three. after all, none of the nine ships he owned were built by himself. they were all snatched from others or delivered directly to his door. it could be described as a grand-scale acquisition in the foreign realm, at the cost of zero yuan. moreover, whether it was due to spending a long time at sea or not, he had completely lost any desire to honestly build ships. instead, he now entertained the thought that if there was a shortage of ships, he would simply go and seize them. it was a simple matter of time. the former would take months or even years to build one, while the latter would only take a few days or even half a day. it was obvious who was better. spending several years would be a waste of time. the last building blueprint surprised him the most. cannon manufacturing factory blueprint. if it could be referred to as a cannon factory, it meant that crown of the ocean had the ability to produce cannons on its own. not only could it be used to manufacture cannons for ships, bur it could also be used to manufacture cannons for land-based forts. previously, he was still worried about how to obtain so many cannons to arm the new moon and the other ships. however, to his surprise, just when he was feeling drowsy, someone came and offered him a pillow. in fact, they went a step further and smashed the very machine that produced the pillows right in front of him. after experiencing the large-scale naval battle outside the mystic realm gate, he knew the role of cannons in the ocean. after that, he had to fill the ship with cannons to cure his fear of insufficient firepower!. ji chen was in a great mood after reading the three blueprints. the hanseatic chamber of commerce had really given him a few big gifts. it seemed that he had to find time to thank them. he called wilus over and gave him these architectural blueprints. he instructed him to coordinate the manpower and physics for the construction. as wilus carefully examined the blueprint, a realization seemed to dawn on him. he respectfully bowed and inquired, my lord, what shall we do with the new slaves? their numbers are quite substantial, and currently, the territory lacks sufficient housing to accommodate them. even with those shabby thatched huts, its not enough? far from enough. wilus shook his head. there are more than 700 slaves in this batch, which is much more than our original residents. even our newly built houses are not enough for them to live in. ji chen nodded in agreement. indeed, the influx of so many slaves must have significantly impacted rhe morale of rhe territorys residents. curiosity piqued, he opened the territory panel and confirmed his suspicions. previously, the public opinion had stood at a robust 80 points. however, it had now plummeted to less than 65 points, even with the bonuses from ample food and infrastructure. massive population influxes often led to such issues, and he knew there was no immediate solution. only time could gradually restore the peoples sentiments. nevertheless, with the addition of so many slaves, the population of the crown of the ocean had exceeded triple digits, reaching a remarkable four digits over 1,100 individuals. among these 1,100 people, some were original residents, some were native inhabitants, and some were slavesa diverse mix of backgrounds. if one were to include the kobolds and the captured hanseatic chamber of commerce guards, the total workforce would amount to nearly 1,900 individuals, approaching the two-thousand mark. this population resembled that of a town-level territory, and it was now faced with the issue of housing the slaves. however, ji chen had a solution in mind. the solution was straightforward: the slaves would temporarily stay on the remaining ships while simple thatched huts were swiftly constructed as a stopgap measure within the territory. once completed, the slaves could be relocated to their permanent homes within the territory. after dismissing wilus, ji chen summoned raymond. this poor fellow had experienced days of anxiety on the ship and finally had the chance to rest properly last night. as a result, he slept soundly until noon, and when awakened, he still had a bewildered expression, clearly not fully awake. a splash of cold water helped him regain his senses. rushing to the lords manor, raymond first respectfully saluted and then asked, my lord, is there something you need me to do? ji chen smiled and gestured for him to take a seat. carefully, raymond settled into the chair, his face still serious and attentive.. Chapter 128 - Chapter 128: Blueprint, Kobolds (2) chapter 128: blueprint, kobolds (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation in terms of assessing the situation, raymond was fully aware of his own capabilities. no need for that. currently, theres no specific task for you. however, 1 called you here because 1 have some questions to ask, ji chen said. my lord, please go ahead. 1 assure you that 1 will reveal everything i know, raymond replied with loyalty. nodding, ji chen continued, how powerful is the hanseatic chamber of commerce? raymond pondered for a moment before responding, the hanseatic chamber of commerce is a loose commercial alliance along the western coast of the continent. while individual members may not possess significant strength, their collective force should not be underestimated. they can muster a fleet of at least fifty armed ships and have over three thousand elite guards. upon hearing this, ji chen squinted his eyes. he had not expected a mere chamber of commerce to wield such power. it was comparable to the bauhinia alliance which controlled the silver islands. forty fully armed warships he was currently unable to withstand such an assault. however, my lord, there is no need to be overly concerned. the hanseatic chamber of commerce is a loose commercial alliance. unless they face a genuine external threat that jeopardizes the alliance, it is difficult for them to unite. even in this recent ambush operation, less than one-third of the members agreed to participate. your swift dismantling of their attack has easily disintegrated their forces. if they were to launch another attack, they would undoubtedly need to deploy more warships and guards, which would require the approval of a larger number of members. but after suffering such heavy losses this time, it is uncertain whether other members would agree to another operation, raymond spoke optimistically. in that case, there was no need to worry. with so many members involved, it was inevitable that there would be delays and disputes here and there, providing him with an extended period of time. however, he also needed to prepare himself properly, utilizing this time to develop his strength so that even in the worst-case scenario, he wouldnt be caught in a passive position. for the next few days, take some rest, and i will assign you tasks afterward, ji chen instructed raymond. as he watched raymond leave, ji chen fell into deep contemplation. soon, he solidified his plan for the day. explore the dragons nest on the mountain peak. that was the last uncharted territory, and he hoped to find something that would enhance his strength within the dragons nest. after assembling his troops, he set out towards the mountain peak. on the way, he stopped by an underground cave to inspect the various resource points inside. even in the dark underground, the kobolds toiled hard, dripping with sweat. several overseer kobolds cracked their whips to motivate the other kobolds, creating an atmosphere of mutual encouragement that brought tears to onlookers eyes. when the overseer kobolds spotted ji chens arrival, their eyes lit up, and they hurriedly approached. however, they were intercepted by the naga warriors. supreme king, the esteemed presence of the kobolds race, we express our utmost respect to you! they exclaimed, kneeling before ji chen. upon hearing this, the other kobolds, filled with zeal and admiration, also knelt down, bowing to him. in no time, all the kobolds in the cave were on their knees, heads deeply buried in the ground, motionless. it seemed as if they had forgotten that not long ago, more than half of their kin had been slaughtered by ji chen. alice looked slightly perplexed, not quite understanding why the kobolds had transformed into this state. ji chen was momentarily taken aback but soon burst into laughter. these kobolds are quite interesting. before conquering them, they appeared fierce and cannibalistic. but now, each of them shows immense reverence towards him, as though he had become the dragon with great presence. it seemed that during that time, the various measures implemented on them had produced a strange chemical reaction. fear, survival, death, and high pressure mixed and fused together, causing these kobolds to have no hint of hatred towards him. instead, they exhibited signs of stockholm syndrome. since that was the case, it was time to change the strategy in dealing with them. ji chen waved his hand, signaling the naga warriors to step aside, and approached the kobolds with a gentle expression. please, all of you, rise. upon hearing his words, the kobolds hesitated briefly but eventually stood up from the ground. he scanned the area, his face serious, and spoke slowly. the kobold race carries the bloodline of dragons within them, enabling them to see in darkness as if it were daylight. this is your ability, a race filled with honor. even as the one who defeated you, 1 cannot help but admire your talent for excavating caves and mining ores. with just a few hundred kobolds, you supply the entire territory with crude iron, clay, and mithril resources. thank you for everything you have done for the territory. without your hard work, the territory would not have acquired these resources and developed. here, i, ji chen, express my gratitude to all of you. a murmur of astonishment and trembling spread among the kobolds. they did not expect that the new great presence would praise them and acknowledge their labor. for them, it was a moment worth celebrating! indeed, we have had conflicts in the past, causing casualties on both sides. however, 1 realize that this could have been avoided. on this small island, mutual slaughter leads to a dead end. only through cooperation can we move forward. therefore, i propose that we should put aside our hatred, eliminate our misunderstandings, and work together. only in this way can we build the beautiful and prosperous new moon islands better in the future! and only in this way, the kobold clan can live a better and more hopeful life, embracing a bright future, ji chen said with conviction, his words echoing through the cave. little did he know that they carried an invisible energy, injecting them with a surge of adrenaline-like effect, making the kobolds overflow with reverence and fervor. under the impact of his words, many kobolds burst into tears. lord, we should never have resisted, and even had thoughts of harming you! we caused the death of your soldiers thats right, we deserved to die. we now realize your greatness and admirable intentions. please punish us and forgive our foolish actions! great presence, we are willing to work tirelessly to atone for our sins! with a crash, the kobolds knelt down, weeping uncontrollably. newcomer anina was clearly unable to comprehend the situation before her, staring in astonishment. her face was filled with confusion and disbelief. were these kobolds out of their minds, worshipping their enemy even after half of their tribe was slaughtered? and now they willingly toiled in this dark cave. what kind of fantasy was this? witnessing this, ji chen couldnt bear it and sighed, since you are willing to work here, then 1 shall fulfill your wishes. however, you still have the right to procreate. as long as it doesnt disrupt your work, you can boldly reproduce, and 1 will provide for all the food needs of your future generations, allowing the kobold clan to thrive! the kobold clan possessed the bloodline of dragons, which also transmitted their promiscuous nature, giving them a strong desire to procreate. after these days of repression, hearing about the opportunity to reproduce instantly stirred their emotions. their eyes burned with desire as they looked at the opposite-sex kobolds. observing this scene, ji chen smiled and quickly led his army away from there. soon, a strange barking sound echoed from behind them. as they left the underground cave, anina couldnt help but ask, how could those kobolds be like that? you killed so many of their kind, and yet they still fanatically worship you. are they crazy? ji chen only revealed a mysterious smile. while stockholm syndrome played a role, it was mainly thanks to a particular skill. [persuasion (red skill, capable of using language to persuade targets, significantly increasing the chances of surrender, allegiance, and subjugation [only effective on intelligent creatures])] the persuasion skill made it easier for intelligent beings to believe in what he said, even if it didnt align with logic. under the influence of the skill, the targets perception would be distorted, allowing them to mentally justify his words. he called it the divine art of deception! Chapter 129 - Chapter 129: The Destruction of Civilization chapter 129: the destruction of civilization translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the reason for allowing the kobolds to reproduce was simple. labor force. kobolds had a strong reproductive ability. they could lay 20 to 30 eggs a year, and their growth rate was extremely fast. with sufficient food, newborn kobolds could grow from infants to qualified laborers in three months. as the saying goes, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to four, and four gives birth to eight. this was also the reason why he did not allow them to reproduce. if the kobolds always hated him, there was naturally no need to let them strengthen their race and increase the difficulty of management. but now, the kobolds were extremely fanatical about him and respected him like a god. there was no need to worry about them at all. this way, he could expand the scale of his race and increase the labor force in the territory. they went around the underground cave and headed for the entrance to the mountain. the road that had been blocked by the falling rocks had been cleared, revealing a rugged mountain road that meandered up the mountain. as the mountain path went higher, the field of vision gradually widened. the sea in the distance, the mountains under their feet, the jungles on the island, and the six sub-islands in the northwest and northeast from here, one could see any part of the new moon islands at a glance. perhaps i can set up a few watchtowers here in the future this mountain peak looked very high from afar, and it was also very high up close. they walked along the mountain path that was covered with moss and vegetation. some places were less than half a meter wide, but outside were cliffs that were hundreds of meters high and were hit by waves at the bottom. looking up, there was still quite a distance to the top of the mountain. it was estimated that this mountain was at least several hundred meters tall. after passing through another narrow walkway, a platform that was sunken inwards appeared in front of him. a small waterfall crashed into the platform from above and flowed down the stone crevice, falling down a hundred meters into the cliff. on the rock wall in the depths, there was a stone building. judging from the architectural style, it should have been left behind by the old civilization of the new moon islands. the buildings of the old civilization that he had encountered before more or less had some remnants. ji chens interest was piqued. the crown of omniscience showed that there were some monsters hidden in the building. he casually asked the pure water sea pixie to shoot a few water arrows into it. ding ~ entering battlemorale at 88 points. 88 points of morale? ji chen was surprised. he had never fought such a prosperous battle in his entire life. sure enough, white seagulls flew out from the gap in the building. he only took a glance and lost interest. a tier 14-st ar trash. the shallow sea murlocs quickly used their tridents to nail the sharp-peaked seagulls to death. the bodies were plump and full, suggesting they would yield several pounds of meat. having already traveled for half a day and with the troops having expended considerable energy, he ordered a halt to rest and started a fire to cook the seagulls, taking a brief respite. he lit a torch and entered the pitch-black interior of the structure, which had been excavated directly from the mountain. due to the lack of light, it was difficult to determine its size and height. however, it seemed that the seagulls had used this place as their nest. the ground was covered in thatch and dry branches, and among the soft thatch were some white eggs. he did not pay much attention to it after taking a few glances and continued to search around. he found many animal corpses in the corner, piled up in the corner to form a mountain of bones. ji chen looked at the pile of bones and frowned slightly. it seemed that apart from small animals, there were also some large animals, even kobolds and humans. recalling the earlier small sharp-beaked seagulls with their relatively small size, it seemed unlikely that they could hunt large animals like kobolds and humans. chirp! just as he was feeling puzzled, a series of piercing and shrill cries suddenly came from outside. the sound was ear-piercing and caused discomfort. with a slight change in his expression, ji chen quickly walked out, holding the torch. as he returned to the platform, he saw that the troops were already on high alert. the murlocs raised their tridents, while the naga warriors eyes turned blood-red. a quick glance revealed the source of the commotion. dozens of giant sharp-beaked seagulls flew in the sky outside the platform. their wingspan reached three to four meters, their claws were sharp, and their beaks resembled spikes. the powerful flapping of their wings pressed down the weeds in the gaps. my lord alice and anina approached. whats happening? where did these giant seagulls come from? these are probably their offspring at this moment, ji chen finally noticed the group of giant seagulls observing the roasted seagull carcasses hanging over the bonfire, which had already started to emit a tempting aroma. their eyes were filled with sorrow and mournful cries echoed in the air. he suddenly realized. oh, so these small seagulls were the offspring of these giant seagulls. no wonder they were capable of hunting large animals. well. he felt a little embarrassed for roasting their children right in front of them. ji chen narrowed his eyes and inspected their attribute panel. [giant sharpbeak seagull] [race]: seagull [level]: 16 [tier]: tier 3, 5 stars [skills]: sharp beak (blue skill, beak is extremely hard and sharp, piercing ability increased by 50%) cerebral absorption (blue skill, using the sharp beak to penetrate the preys skull, absorbing the cerebral marrow and causing its death) dive claw strike (blue skill, diving from the sky and inflicting great damage to the target) [unit trait]: stamina saving (reduced stamina consumption during flight) the giant sharp beak seagulls looked at them with blood-red eyes and suddenly let out a piercing screech. flapping their wings vigorously, they soared into the sky like fighter jets with full throttle.. Chapter 130 - Chapter 130: The Destruction of Civilization (2) chapter 130: the destruction of civilization (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after a brief circling, they swiftly plunged downward like rockets. they aimed to peck through the heads of these enemies who had killed their offspring, to suck their brain marrow and devour their flesh and blood! buzz as the giant seagulls descended, a series of piercing and mournful sounds resonated. their sharp beaks seemed capable of tearing through the air, while their wings created trails of white airflow. dozens of giant sharp-beaked seagulls plunged together, creating a spectacular and dangerous scene. their momentum seemed capable of cracking rocks! if they managed to seize a target, their bodies would likely be torn apart in an instant, with bones and flesh shattered. shall i take action, my lord? alice asked in a low voice. ji chen gently shook his head, his face displaying a slight smile. he looked up at the approaching giant seagulls, raising his right hand slightly. the energy of the spell began to surge, thickly permeating the platform. the flow of water from one side of the waterfall, as if being pulled by an invisible force, gathered above their heads, defying gravity. under the sunlight, the water refracted slanting beams of light, creating a somewhat dreamlike ambiance. with a slight movement of ji chens finger, the water coalesced into a thick water shield, enveloping the entire army. at this moment, the giant sharp-beaked seagulls finally plummeted from the sky. their beaks, harder than metal and sharper than knives, pierced the water shield. however, contrary to their expectations, they couldnt penetrate the water shield. instead, they became stuck as if glued, their beaks and claws frozen within it. no matter how they struggled, they could not move at all. ji chen raised his right hand. in the next moment, the water shield underwent a shocking change. from defense to attack. hundreds of water spikes shot out from the smooth surface of the water and pierced through the giant seagulls body from all directions. under the sunlight, the water spikes mixed with blood pierced through the flesh, emitting a strange light. it actually carried a touch of bewitching and strange beauty. as for the giant seagulls, they were naturally dead. ding ~ you have killed a flock of giant sharp-beaked seagulls. obtained 9800 experience points. your level has increased (12->13). the entire battle lasted less than a minute. the giant sharp-mouthed seagulls, which could cause a destructive blow to ordinary soldiers, were turned into corpses in the blink of an eye without any resistance. ji chens formidable strength was fully revealed at this moment. overbearing, silent, and domineering. the tier 3 5-star troops were killed like chickens, without any resistance. the naga warriors roared and celebrated their masters victory. the murlocs raised their tridents and shouted excitedly. the sea pixies danced around, venting their joy. each hero had their own expression. alices eyes sparkled with a mixture of love, worship, infatuation, and intoxication. only such a lord could make her wholeheartedly offer her body and soul. on the other hand, aninas face was filled with shock and astonishment. she muttered that this method of killing was much faster than her slashing using a sword. however, benbo suddenly walked out and stood in front of ji chen. his tone was very sincere, and his expression and actions were extremely exaggerated. my lord, your power is truly awe-inspiring. with the might of the ocean, the wisdom that reaches the heavens, and a heart as deep as the sea, you possess unparalleled greatness. it is our utmost privilege to serve under your command and be counted among your loyal followers! under your leadership, the crown of the ocean will undoubtedly become the most formidable dominion, and all beings shall bow before your authority. everyone was stunned. good heavens, you thick-browed, big-eyed murloc. you look silly, but you actually know how to flatter me like this!? you bootlicker, anina whispered. however, benbo did not seem to care. all of you youngsters should learn more from the wisdom of the elderly. ji chen was stunned for a moment before he smiled. alright, alright, stop flattering me. deal with these giant seagulls and cook the eggs inside. everyone, move back first. hearing this, all the troops immediately retreated a distance according to the order. upon seeing this, he casually waved his hand, interrupting the transfer of magical energy. the water shield, no longer supported by magic, instantly disintegrated into scattered puddles, causing the giant seagulls, already transformed into sieves, to fall to the ground with a loud thud. the troops approached and began to deal with them. half an hour later, beside the fire roasting the small seagulls, more than ten larger bonfires were set up, each with stripped giant seagulls hanging from them, evenly heated by the rotating naga warriors. well, now all the big and small ones are together in one pot. its better this way, so they wont feel lonely. he, ji chen, was a kind-hearted person who naturally reunited them, albeit in his own belly. roasting takes some time, so ji chen turned around and walked back into the building. just now, the search was interrupted halfway, so he continued searching. however, after rummaging through the grass, dead branches, and bones scattered all over the place, he didnt find anything valuable. it was all just garbage that seagulls used to build their nests. just as he was feeling somewhat disheartened. the torch in his hand suddenly burst into flames, sending sparks flying and expanding the illuminated area. out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that there seemed to be something on the surrounding walls. he lifted the torch, squinted, and saw some rock paintings on the walls. after taking a few glances, ji chen felt somewhat surprised. this seemed to bewas it left behind by the old civilization of the new moon islands? there seemed to be something recorded on it he calmed down and continued to stare. civilizationprosperous enemiesevolutiondestruction ten minutes later. after ji chen finished looking at the last rock painting on the wall, he let out a deep breath and had a general understanding of it. it was uncertain how long ago, but there was indeed a thriving civilization in the new moon islands. they built a prosperous and powerful society here, extending their influence to dozens of islands in the nearby sea. just as everything seemed to be progressing favorably, a new threat emerged from the depths of the ocean. detailed rock paintings depicted various enemies that had appeared, including one that ji chen recognizedthe sea heir, a peculiar creature capable of evolving. this civilization initially resisted, but relentless targeted evolution by the sea heirs gradually compressed their living space. they lost nearby islands first, and then the invasion reached the new moon islands, breaching their defense lines one after another. the remaining survivors sought refuge on this mountain peak, hoping to withstand the onslaught. to their horror, the sea heirs emerged from the water, ending their desperate resistance. these rock paintings were the final remnants of this once-thriving civilization. ji chens heart grew heavy as he realized that it was the sea heirs, not some catastrophe, that led to their downfall. he understood the need for increased vigilance against this mysterious race. almost a month had passed since their last encounter with the sea heirs, and aninas predictions suggested that the sea heirs had regrouped, becoming more numerous and powerful. the next wave of sea heirs could be tier 3 or even tier 4 creatures. ji chen felt a sinking sensation in his heart, realizing the importance of unlocking new technologies and strengthening their forces. after a short break, the group resumed their ascent along the cliff, determined to explore the pinnacle of the mountainthe dragons nest.. Chapter 131 - Chapter 131: Dragon Blood Crystals, Dragon Blood Murlocs chapter 131: dragon blood crystals, dragon blood murlocs translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation several hours later. after a challenging journey, ji chen and his group finally reached the mountaintop. it was covered in a pristine layer of snow, resembling a white carpet. from this vantage point, everything below appeared small and insignificant, giving them a sense of grandeur. the mountaintop was rugged, with scattered boulders and a central lake that served as the source for numerous waterfalls. as they surveyed the area, they couldnt help but notice the enormous claw marks deeply embedded in the rocks. these marks seemed as if they had been perfectly carved, with smooth edges that indicated a great force. their attention soon turned to a massive cave that stood before them. it was undoubtedly the location of the dragons nest they had been searching for. without wasting any time, ji chen led his army towards the cave, arriving at the edge of the lake. suddenly, the tranquil surface of the lake erupted into bubbling and churning water. dozens of humanoid water elementals, standing at a towering two meters tall, emerged from the depths. their bodies gleamed with a blood-red hue, and they advanced towards ji chens group with their massive fists raised. in an instant, a strange and oppressive aura emanated from these water elementals. it affected several units, slowing their movements and obstructing their magical abilities. the naga warriors managed to hold their ground, albeit with some difficulty, but the lower-tier units like the shallow sea murlocs and pure water sea pixies suffered significant losses in combat effectiveness even before the battle began. this peculiar effect reminded ji chen of alices unit ability, the siren bloodline. however, ji chen, alice, and anina remained unaffected by this oppressive pressure. perplexed by this new threat, ji chen quickly made a decisive command. everyone, retreat and remain on guard. hearing this, all the soldiers retreated a certain distance. ji chen looked over. [dragonblood water elemental] [race]: elemental [level]: 17 [tier]: tier 3, 9 stars [skills]: dragons might (blue skill, as a water elemental infused with dragon blood, it possesses a certain dragons might, which grows stronger as the distance decreases) elemental body (blue skill, the elemental body is immune to negative effects such as mental control, curses, and plagues) mastery of mana (blue skill, increases mana recovery speed by 30%) [unit trait]: elemental form (immune to water elemental spells, can absorb water elemental spells for regeneration) [originally a normal water elemental, it evolved after absorbing dragon blood] so, it was a water elemental infused with dragon blood. no wonder it possessed a trace of dragons might that could suppress living beings. moreover, it was at tier 3, 9 stars, which was higher than ji chens three main units. its unit trait directly countered the pure water sea pixies. alices singing had no effect on these elemental creatures. it could be said that this was the most formidable monster unit they had encountered so far, directly countering ji chen. the dragonblood water elemental had no obvious organs on its body, only a faint human-like silhouette. with fists raised, it swiftly shot out two water arrows, carrying an unstoppable momentum. the energy contained in it was even more violent and dense than that of the pure water sea pixies. none of the soldiers present could withstand this attack. ji chens expression changed slightly as he raised his hands. the invisible energy flew out and entangled with the water arrow. these water arrows that were flying halfway gradually stopped. the two different energies clashed intensely, and after a moment of entanglement, they exploded with a loud bang, splashing water everywhere. boom! the violent energy fluctuation brought about a strong wind, raising a large amount of smoke and dust. like a hammer, it sent the nearby dragonblood water elemental and naga warriors flying. after the dust settled. the dragonblood water elemental stood up again without any injuries, but the scales of the naga warriors broke and they spat out blood. it was obvious that they had suffered considerable injuries. benbo, leading his shallow sea murlocs, shouted out as he swiftly hurled his trident towards the dragonblood water elemental. the trident pierced deep into the elementals body, akin to striking jelly. as he pulled back the trident, a significant chunk of the dragonblood water elementals body came along with it, leaving a gaping hole. under benbos command, the shallow sea murlocs, originally tier 3, 3-star units, were empowered to a level almost equivalent to tier 4. they now possessed the strength to confront these formidable dragonblood water elementals. the wounded dragonblood water elementals trembled, visibly attempting to regenerate their missing flesh. however, their bodies gradually shrank as their wounds slowly healed. ji chens forces seemed to have a chance at wearing down the dragonblood water elementals if they could continue their relentless attacks. but the tides quickly turned as the dragonblood water elementals closed the distance. the overwhelming dragons might began to weigh down on ji chens forces, making it difficult for them to breathe. even the fierce and mighty nagas were now contorted with grimaces, their bodies trembling as they struggled against the growing power of the dragons might. the deep sea murlocs, affected by the force, could no longer throw their tridents. they could only use them as support to endure the onslaught. the pure water sea pixies, who had been mere spectators, huddled together in fear, trembling at the sight. ji chen inwardly cursed their ineptitude and turned his gaze towards anina. its time to take action but be cautious. the dragon whale girl nodded, wielding her colossal sword as she charged forward like a forceful whale in motion.. Chapter 132 - Chapter 132: Dragon Blood Crystals, Dragon Blood Murlocs (2) chapter 132: dragon blood crystals, dragon blood murlocs (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation as a deep sea dragon whale, aninas bloodline already positioned her at the pinnacle of the ocean hierarchy. facing a genuine dragon head-on wouldnt faze her, let alone these water elementals infused with a mere trace of dragon blood. thus, she remained completely unaffected. seeing anina charging towards them with an imposing aura, the dragonblood water elementals unleashed a barrage of water arrows, descending upon her like a deluge. aninas expression remained unchanged as she positioned her colossal sword in front of her, its broad blade covering her entirely. thud. thud. the continuous sound echoed as more than ten water arrows collided with the sword, their powerful impact tearing several cracks in its surface. anina clicked her tongue at the sight. the sword wasnt sturdy enough, slightly hampering her combat effectiveness. enduring three volleys of water arrows, the sword, made of ordinary metal, was now riddled with cracks, and on the verge of breaking. but anina had successfully closed the distance. with a casual toss, she discarded the sword. rushing towards a dragonblood water elemental, she clenched her right hand into a fist and struck its body. boom! a gaping hole pierced through the elementals body, causing its gelatinous flesh to burst into fragments scattered on the ground. this was the purest form of powersimple yet brutally effective. after killing one, anina didnt pause for even a moment. her muscles and bones were flawlessly utilized as she instantaneously appeared before another elemental. once again, with a single punch. this one met an even more gruesome fate, with half of its body obliterated. as other dragonblood water elementals reacted and raised their fists to unleash water arrows, aninas eyes narrowed, and she let out a resounding roar towards the sky. the sound pierced through the air, shattering rocks and splitting steel, as if capable of dispersing the clouds in the heavens. the surrounding dragonblood water elementals froze in place, their raised fists slowly lowering. [fear of war (purple skill, can use a roar to stun the enemy for 1 C 10 seconds, the effect depends on the level and level of the enemy)] seeing this, anina grinned. her face, which had a little baby fat, actually looked a little valiant and heroic at this moment. she stomped his feet and started killing again. against an enemy who would not enter a stunned state and would not resist, the efficiency of killing would be even higher. by the time the dragonblood water elementals woke up, one-third of them had already been killed. the most terrifying aspect was that with each passing moment of the battle, aninas combat prowess grew stronger. her speed, strength, and endurance were all steadily increasing, showing no signs of waning. with every enemy she vanquished, it seemed as though she was replenishing her stamina by sucking their blood. she became an unstoppable killing machine, moving effortlessly through the battlefield, annihilating dragonblood water elementals with each passing second. ji chen had originally wanted to lend a hand, but upon seeing this scene, he immediately dispelled the idea. it was obvious that the child was holding it in. it had been a long time since she had killed an enemy so readily. bebo was dumbstruck as he watched anina slaughter them like she was killing a fish. he began to recall if he had ever said or done anything that offended her before, afraid that anina would hold a grudge against him and punch him in the head. after completely overpowering the dragonblood water elementals with her unmatched power, speed, and endurance, anina left no survivors. the once formidable dragonblood water elementals, which appeared powerful to ordinary units, couldnt even touch the hem of her clothes before being swiftly and cleanly slain. the battle quickly came to an end. ding- you have achieved an honorable victory, earning 36,000 experience points seeing the system prompt, ji chen nodded and smiled as he approached anina, who was walking back towards him. great job, anina. when we get back, you can ask the chef to make whatever you want. anina wanted to say something like it was an easy battle or 1 didnt even break a sweat, but her eyes lit up upon hearing ji chens words. really? then i want to eat freshly grilled meat! no problem, you can have as much as you want, ji chen said, reaching out to pat her hair and round little head. feeling the warmth of his hand on her head, anina immediately closed her eyes, feeling comfortable and content. at some point, anina had developed a liking for this kind of reward. considering it, anina was probably more like a killer whale, enjoying being stroked by others. witnessing this, ji chen always went along with it and gave her a good pat on the head. after all, stroking her soft hair was a pleasant experience for both body and mind. after a minute of brief caressing, ji chen gently patted her little head and withdrew his hand. alright, we need to keep moving forward. hearing this, anina reluctantly nodded. just as they were about to continue their journey, benbo suddenly spoke up, my lord, look, there are some things on the ground. it seems like they fell from the dragonblood water elementals. upon hearing this, ji chen lowered his head to take a look. sure enough, among the shattered bodies of the dragonblood water elementals, there were blood-red crystals. these crystals were translucent and seemed to flow like blood, appearing quite beautiful. ji chen walked over and casually picked one up, carefully examining it. [dragon blood crystal] [level: 1-star treasure] [effect: able to mix dragon blood into a soldiers body and obtain a chance to evolve.] [remark: the reason for the evolution of the dragonblood water elementals. it has magical power.] dragon blood crystals? can evolve? before he could rejoice, the military talent tree suddenly popped up on its own. dragon blood crystal detected, detecting soldiers that can evolve the compatibility of the shallow sea murlocs has reached 95%, opening a new direction in the talent tree. murloc hero: murky opens a new talent tree. [unlocked node e-1: dragons blood (purple skill). consumes 100 (pieces) dragons blood crystals, 2000 crystals.] unexpectedly, these dragon blood crystals could actually unlock a new talent path for the shallow sea murlocs. this was the first time he had encountered such a thing! does this mean that besides the original talent tree for units, it was possible to develop new paths through certain items? the dragon blood crystals opened up a path called dragon blood. although he couldnt determine the specific descriptions and effects of the skills, starting with a purple-level skill, it should be formidable. from the name alone, it seemed to be related to the dragon blood skill of the dragonblood water elementals. ji chen looked at benbo again and noticed that its new node was the same as that of the shallow sea murlocs. [unlocked node f-1: dragons blood (purple skill). consumes 50 dragon blood crystals, 2000 crystals.] thinking of this, ji chen suppressed the joy in his heart and ordered the other troops. collect these crystals for me. hearing this, all the soldiers spread out and began to search the battlefield. soon, all the dragon blood crystals were gathered together. there were more than 150 of them, which was exactly the amount of dragon blood and water elements. as per the item description, a single dragon blood crystal could only enable the evolution of one soldier, and even with over 150 crystals, only a maximum of 150 shallow-sea murlocs could evolve. however, the military talent tree required only 100 crystals to evolve all the shallow sea murlocs, ensuring that any future recruits would already be evolved. there was no denying the power of this advancement. ji chen reopened the talent tree and proceeded to unlock the new nodes for benbo and shallow sea murloc. consumed 50 (pieces) of dragon blood crystals, 2000 units of crystals, unlocked node f-1 (murloc hero: benbo). consumed 100 dragon blood crystals, 2000 units of crystals, unlocked node e-1 (shallow sea murlocs). shallow sea murloc (tier 3, 3 stars) has advanced to dragon blood murloc (tier 4, 3 stars). ji chen gasped in astonishment. to think that their rank had been elevated by an entire level! what a huge advantage they had gained! after completing their evolution, both benbo and the dragon blood murloc now displayed the outline of a dragons head on their skulls. their scales had become majestic and commanding, truly resembling dragon scales. and the most remarkable feature was the flowing red blood throughout their bodies, which emitted a mysterious dragons might. in the face of enemies, just as they had experienced with the dragonblood water elementals, their strength diminished by thirty percent even before the battle began. and once they got close, their opponents would be utterly defenseless. however, this aura of majesty had no effect on ji chen. not only was there a significant gap in power, but he also held the position of their lord. no matter how mighty they became, as their lord, ji chen possessed absolute control over them. witnessing the transformation of the murlocs into dragon blood murlocs, a formidable tier 4 unit, his spirits soared. under benbos leadership, the dragon blood murlocs strength was now approaching tier 5. they had leapt to become the mightiest unit in the territory! Chapter 133 - Chapter 133: Dragon Nest, Volcano chapter 133: dragon nest, volcano translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after unlocking the dragonblood skills of the dragonblood murlocs and benbo, the fog behind the talent tree cleared a bit, revealing the second node of this path. it showed that they would need to consume more dragonblood crystals to further enhance the dragonblood concentration in their bodies and increase the strength of their dragon power skills. this made ji chen feel a little restless, thinking about where to find a giant dragon to trade with. dragons were inherently greedy, but he happened to have a massive amount of gold coins, a fortune that would make even the giant dragon tempted. you bleed, i pay, its fair. but in order to achieve such a transaction, he still had to continue to improve his strength. otherwise, according to the greed of dragons and their innate nature, the dragons wouldnt even consider trading if they found their opponents too weak. ji chen could predict that the dragon would simply breathe fire at them and easily eliminate them before taking the gold coins. and if he had enough strength, he wouldnt mind being a dragon slayer after all, he would obtain more dragonblood through slaying dragons. ji chen and his group approached the lake once again, but this time no monsters jumped out. he extended his hand and condensed a water path on the surface of the lake, and the group crossed it smoothly. they arrived at the enormous cave. by using the crown of omniscience, they could see that there were no monsters or animals inside, not even the creatures that had invaded this place later. even though the giant dragon had already left, its smell and traces still intimidated other creatures. so far, ji chen hadnt encountered any monsters that could evade the detection of the crown of omniscience, so he entered the cave feeling quite at ease. after a brief darkness, the scene suddenly brightened before him. compared to the entrance of the cave, the interior was more spacious, several hundred meters long and wide, and dozens of meters high. it wasnt pitch black inside; there were numerous luminous plants growing on the ground, rock walls, and the top of the cave. the azure light illuminated the entire cave as if it were daylight, giving it a touch of mystery. the ground seemed to have been deliberately maintained, appearing quite flat and orderly. he could even play football on it without any problem. in the center was a large stone platform, which seemed to be where the giant dragon slept. in the soil around the stone platform, faint traces could be seen. in one corner, there was a pile of skeletons as tall as a mountain, presumably creatures that the giant dragon had captured for its meal. for some unknown reason, it was quite cold outside the cave several hundred meters up, but inside the cave, it was warm like spring, as if there was a constantly burning hearth. ji chen didnt think much about it; he just marveled at how the giant dragon found such a lair. looking at the bare cave, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes. he saw that before leaving this place, the giant dragon had already moved most of its treasures. only some leftovers were buried in the soil. but it was slightly better than nothing. perhaps that dragon overlooked something good and left it behind? half of the naga warriors will guard the entrance of the cave to prevent any targets from approaching. the rest will spread out and search for anything valuable. upon hearing this, the naga warrior who was pointed at by ji chen immediately turned and left, returning to the entrance to be on guard. the others scattered and began searching in various places. with bone blades, tridents, and other tools in their hands, they pried up the surface soil, swept away the luminescent plants, and looked for anything buried underneath. the cave immediately turned into a construction site, with pits and holes everywhere from the digging. with each dig, they did manage to find quite a few things. scattered gold and silver coins, human bones chewed to pieces, broken weapons, and armor it seemed that there had been many dragon slayers who were crushed by the giant dragon. sir, i found a dragon scale! anina, who had joined the excavation army with great interest, suddenly picked up a palm-sized scale and excitedly exclaimed. ji chen quickly walked over and took it from her. he examined it closely in his hand. [shed dragon scale] [level]: 3-star treasure [usage]: can be used as a material for forging weapons and armor the sight of the shed dragon scale left ji chen in awe. even a single scale was considered a 3-star treasure, confirming the rumors that the giant dragons entire body was a treasure trove. one after another, the army also discovered many things. a small number of dragon scales, muddy dragonblood mixed with soil, dragon feces, but no treasures like dragon claws or dragonblood crystals were found. this made him sigh again. the place had been completely stripped clean; not a single intact item was left behind. an hour later. looking at the scattered bones, broken weapons and armor, and piles of enormous excrement, but only a few dozen dragon scales and a hundred or so gold and silver coins as the harvest, ji chen completely lost patience. he ordered the pure water sea pixies to shoot water arrows into the ground. the forcefully shot water arrows deeply penetrated the ground and exploded, sending the soft soil flying into the air, accompanied by falling excrement and bone fragments. with such a violent excavation method, the nearby soil was quickly plowed, reducing the height by half a meter. another round of water arrows exploded. but this time, something intact was blown out. a piece of a door panel, no, a giant sword resembling a door panel. the giant sword had suffered damage, with two-thirds of its blade shattered and the tip nowhere to be found. he ordered the bombardment to stop, walked over, and tried to pick up the giant sword. however, the weight of the sword far exceeded his imagination, as if he were trying to move a boulderit didnt budge.. Chapter 134 - Chapter 134: Dragon Nest, Volcano (2) chapter 134: dragon nest, volcano (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chens excitement surged as he used his mana to enhance his arms strength. he managed to lift the giant sword from the soil with great effort and plunged it into the ground. the sword hilt took the form of a cross, with a captivating ruby embedded in its center. though the blade was shattered, its surface bore an intricate depiction of a majestic double-winged dragon. even partially buried in the soil, the blade retained its sharpness and awe-inspiring presence, effortlessly capable of slicing through anything in its path. although ji chen wasnt knowledgeable about swords, he could sense that this was a rare and extraordinary divine weapon. his curiosity was piqued, and he checked its information panel. [dragon slayer great sword (broken state)] [ level ]: 5-star treasure (single) [effects]: ? increases damage against dragon creatures by 50% @ the stronger the user, the more powerful the striking force @ the user will attract the hostility of dragon creatures more easily [the sword of dragon slayer warrior leonis kuka, who was killed during a dragon hunt. the sword was broken during the battle.] a 5-star treasure, the dragon slayer sword no, he had obtained the dragon slayer great sword! this was merely its current state in its damaged condition. one could only imagine the potential increase in its level once fully restored, potentially reaching the tier of a 6-star or even a 7-star treasure. such a heavy sword, not many people would be able to wield it properly. aninas eyes were already gleaming, and she eagerly asked, my lord, can 1 have this great sword? her previous sword had been damaged in battle, and she was now in need of a suitable new weapon. ji chen smiled and stepped aside, giving her the opportunity. seeing this, anina hurriedly approached, lifted the great sword with one hand, and swung it casually, smashing the pile of bones aside with a clattering sound. she looked just like a child who had found a well-suited wooden stick to play with, even though the stick was longer than her height. as anina sent the bones flying, ji chen interrupted her. anina stopped and looked around at the mess she had made, feeling a little embarrassed as she rubbed her head. after a brief search, they found the broken tip of the dragon slayer great sword buried in the nearby soil. now, all they needed to find was a skilled blacksmith who could repair the sword and unleash its full power. with this discovery, ji chens spirits were lifted, and he ordered them to continue digging. this time it was the dragon slayer great sword, and perhaps the next item would be something like the heaven-defying divine blade. the cave once again buzzed with excitement as they continued their excavation. after more than ten minutes thud! a naga warrior inserted their bone blade into the soil, producing a metallic clash. ji chens eyes lit up instantly. they had likely uncovered something. he immediately instructed a few naga warriors to work together and excavate the soil. soon, a gleaming object came into view. ji chen crouched down, pinched the cylindrical object, about the thickness of a middle finger, and held it in his palm. he then brushed away the dirt that clung to its surface. it was a key, and its material was unknown. however, it emitted a peculiar radiance that seemed oddly familiar. after observing it for a while, he suddenly realized its nature. the radiant appearance was reminiscent of the treasure chests he had seen before. ji chens mind raced as he checked its information panel. [four-star treasure chest key] [ level ]: 4-star treasure (special) [effects]: can open locked chests with a level of up to four stars [gift from the goddess of luck] a chest key! ji chen was ecstatic. because beneath the rainforest on the main island, under the water-filled well, there was a locked four-star treasure chest! only with this key could it be opened! he hadnt expected to stumble upon it here a delightful surprise indeed! happily stowing the key in his backpack, he decided that after exploring the dragons lair, he would immediately go to the well and unlock the chest. a four-star treasure chest would yield treasures comparable in value to four-star items, at the very least. if luck was on his side, he might even obtain legendary items like legendary weapons. when it came to relying on luck, ji chen was not one to shy away. by now, the two treasuresthe dragon slayer great sword and the four-star treasure chest keyhad thoroughly exhilarated him. he had made up his mind not to leave the place until he had thoroughly excavated every inch of it, even if it meant digging until nightfall. from morning until evening the third treasure was finally unearthed. it was a two to three-meter-long irregular yellow object. its texture was somewhat rough to the touch and emitted a strong, pungent smell. [sulfur] [level]: level 3 resource it was actually sulfur!? ji chen was astonished. sulfur, like mithril and fine gold, belonged to the level 3 resource category and was highly valuable in its own right. this large piece of sulfur was worth at least forty units. however, what puzzled him was why this place had sulfur as a resource. could it be that the giant dragon had brought it back from somewhere? but sulfur had an unattractive appearance and a strong odor. it probably wouldnt have piqued the giant dragons interest, would it? as he pondered, another report came from the other side of the excavation team. my lord, it seems we have unearthed diamonds. ji chen went over and indeed saw a transparent diamond in the soil, the size of a fist. if it were on earth, it would be worth several billion yuan. unfortunately, in this world, diamonds were considered low-level resources, their value similar to that of copper. what really caught his attention was why diamonds were being found here. suddenly, ji chens mind stirred. he remembered that diamonds were usually found in volcanic areas. so, if they appeared here, did that mean this place was a volcano? if that explanation held, it would also explain the presence of sulfur! volcanoes were rich in minerals like sulfur and diamonds. everything fell into place. the warmth inside the cave and the abundance of mineral resources underneath the mountain could be attributed to the volcanic activity. the cave was situated above a volcanic vent. during a volcanic eruption, magma carried minerals and surged up the mountain, or perhaps this entire mountain, or even the entire northeastern region and the entire island, was formed by volcanic activity. this also explained the multitude of mineral resource points below this mountain range. everything originated from that powerful volcanic eruption. with these thoughts, ji chen suddenly lost his enthusiasm for the minerals before him. although the geology of the new moon islands seemed stable, the fact that his territory was near a volcano made him uneasy. who knew when the volcano might erupt again? he could escape, but his territory couldnt. lost in his thoughts, the ground beneath his feet began to tremble slightly. some dust fell from the cave ceiling. it seemed like an earthquake. ji chens face immediately turned pale. seriously? was it really happening now? without further thought, he immediately led his troops to run out of the cave, sprinting towards the path down the mountain. but before they could take a single step down, the trembling abruptly stopped, as if it had never occurred. everyone looked bewildered. my lord, what should we do now? alice asked softly. ji chen contemplated for a moment before deciding to stay on the mountaintop and return in the morning when it was daylight. it was already late in the day. climbing up the mountain had already been quite challenging, and descending in the pitch-black darkness would undoubtedly lead to a fatal fall before the volcano even erupted. thus, they returned to the cave and set up camp. the cave provided warmth, and shelter from the rain. moreover, ji chen had packed enough food in his backpack. there was also freshwater in the nearby lake. therefore, there was no need to worry about suffering from hunger or cold.. Chapter 135 - Chapter 135: Collapse: Raymond’s Thoughts (1) chapter 135: collapse: raymonds thoughts (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation they safely spent the night in the cave. the next morning, they immediately started descending the winding mountain path. as they stepped into their territory, ji chen saw wilus anxiously pacing around the square. he paused for a moment and walked over. upon seeing ji chen return, wiluss face brightened, and he hurriedly approached, bowing in greeting. my lord, youre finally back! you had me worried. why do you look so anxious? ji chen asked. there was a tremor throughout the entire island last night. didnt you feel it on the mountain? wilus replied, his face filled with concern. jichen couldnt help but be taken aback. wasnt the tremor last night only limited to the mountain? the entire island shook? if that were the case, it was no ordinary matter. could there be some geological problem? seeing the expression on wiluss face, he realized that the situation was not simple. what happened? he inquired. the troops stationed in the underground cavern reported that a passage collapsed, blocking two mineral resource points, wilus explained. jichen furrowed his brow. were there any casualties? we havent calculated it yet, but it seems that many kobolds were trapped inside. the troops currently stationed there are currently mobilizing manpower to clear the blocked passage, but progress is slow wilus explained in detail. upon hearing that only kobolds were trapped, ji chen breathed a sigh of relief. could kobolds even be considered sentient beings oops, he unintentionally revealed his biased perspective. jichen nodded to wilus. dont worry, ill go and see whats going on right away. with that, he hurriedly led his troops towards the underground cavern. in the mining hall of the cavern, there was a significant gathering of kobolds and stationed murloc rangers. when they saw ji chen arrive, it was as if they had found their backbone. especially the kobolds, each of them barked excitedly. the lord has come! our comrades will be saved! ji chen stood in front of them, delivering a motivating speech as usual, further increasing their loyalty. he then instructed a few kobolds to lead him to the collapsed passage. this passage was located in a deeper part of the underground cavern and led to two iron ore mines. however, it had been completely blocked by falling rocks. the kobolds made attempts to dig through, but it appeared that there was a layer of fragmented rock above them. no matter how much they dug out from below, an equivalent amount would fall from above. after a whole night of digging, they had only managed to clear a distance of about a dozen meters. with the passage so tightly sealed, aside from the question of whether the inside had completely collapsed, there was also the issue of air supply. ji chen pondered for a moment before returning to the mining hall to gather all the kobolds. he counted their numbers and found that about twenty kobolds were missing. they were most likely trapped inside. according to the information on the lords panel, these kobolds were not yet dead, but if they were not dug out in time, once the remaining air inside was exhausted, it would be a death sentence. twenty-something kobolds was not a small number. it was worth searching for them. he immediately ordered the other kobolds to continue clearing the blocked rocks while reinforcing the passage to prevent a second collapse. luckily, the collapse in this passage was not extensive. the kobolds were diligently excavating the tunnel, ensuring to place wooden supports at regular intervals to reinforce the walls and ceiling. this time, the tremor resulted in a collapse spanning approximately one hundred meters. by the afternoon, with the final large rock broken down and the smaller stones removed, the blocked section was finally cleared. however, they didnt see any kobolds trapped inside, and the situation became even more unusual. ji chen led his troops to continue further into the passage. as they proceeded, they continued to find no sign of the kobolds along the path. however, the presence of kobold footprints on the ground indicated that the trapped kobolds had indeed been there at some point. it remained a mystery as to why they had retreated and left the area. they soon arrived at a fork in the road, with two separate paths leading to different iron ore mines. to increase search efficiency, ji chen ordered anina and a portion of the troops to search the right side while he himself led the rest to explore the left side. passing through a winding, intestine-like passage, they quickly arrived at an underground cave spanning several thousand square meters. the caves walls were embedded with chunks of reddish ore, with piles of iron ore nearby and scattered tools all around. however, they didnt see any kobolds, indicating that they werent there. jichen wasnt disappointed; after all, there were only two resource points here. if they werent on this side, they must be on the other side. returning to the fork in the road, they entered the left path. through the winding, intestine-like path, they soon arrived at the other iron ore mine. in a secluded corner, anina and her group had assembled, engrossed in a task. what are you doing? ji chen asked. upon hearing his voice, anina turned her head and exclaimed, my lord, theres a hole here! ji chen was taken aback. a hole? the soldiers surrounding the hole made way for ji chen. this so-called hole was about a meter in width and length. it was dark and deep, making it impossible to see the bottom. we didnt see any kobolds, only this hole, anina explained from the side. i didnt find any kobolds on my side either, ji chen replied. anina was taken aback. then where did they go? could it be that they entered this hole? its not impossible jichen pondered for a moment, then ordered the troops to call a few kobolds over. has this hole always been here? Chapter 136 - Chapter 136: Collapse: Raymond’s Thoughts (2) chapter 136: collapse: raymonds thoughts (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the koboids looked at each other, slightly puzzled, and one of them said, there wasnt a hole here before. if it didnt exist before, perhaps it was formed during last nights earthquake. the trapped koboids, realizing that their path back was obstructed, stumbled upon this cave by chance and decided to venture inside for exploration. yes, this reasoning seemed reasonable. looking at the map, the cave extended downward, likely leading to a deeper underground area. without wasting any time, ji chen ordered one kobold to go down and investigate. the kobold didnt hesitate and readily agreed to serve the lord. it considered it the greatest honor, even if it meant risking its life! in terms of fanaticism and loyalty, these koboids were already on par with recruited soldiers. a safety rope was tied around the kobolds waist to ensure that it could be pulled out in case of danger. since koboids had excellent night vision, they didnt need any lighting tools such as torches. after securing the rope, the kobold turned its body around, head facing down, and began to crawl down the cave, using both hands and feet, descending meter by meter. intermittently, some information was relayed. its very dark here, with a steep slope, and dust and rubble are falling from the top. it could collapse at any moment i found the footprints of those koboids and a broken rope ah! pull me up quickly! as soon as the words fell, the safety rope suddenly tightened, and the cave echoed with the screams of the exploring kobold. seeing this, ji chen quickly ordered the kobold to be pulled up. the kobold, with a frightened look on its face and numerous scratches on its body, said, at the end of the cave, theres a vertical pit! did you see any koboids down there? the kobold shook its head, no, the height is at least several tens of meters, and i couldnt see the bottom clearly. ji chen paused for a moment, and in his mind, he had already pronounced the verdict for those koboids. with its towering height of several tens of meters, even robust naga warriors would sustain severe injuries if they were to fall. considering the physical vulnerability of the koboids, the outcome would be even graver, leaving them highly susceptible to grave injuries or worse. now he had to make a choice. should he continue the exploration and search for the missing koboids? or should he abandon it and seal off the cave? the cave originally didnt exist here and only appeared coincidentally due to last nights earthquake. the exact situation inside was still unknown. moreover, according to the kobolds description, the structure inside was highly unstable, posing a risk of collapse at any moment. if they ventured in, there was a chance that the passage would collapse behind them, trapping them inside. while ji chen could freely roam in the ocean, in caves filled with rocks and soil, he was no different from an ordinary person. after some consideration ji chen believed that since he was blessed with a lot of privileges, he could be protected from any challenges and obligations ahead. ji chen decided to send a team of koboids for exploration and let them enter on their own. ultimately, even if he lost some koboids, he wouldnt be particularly heartbroken. within the depths of his heart, the significance of carrying on with the search had dwindled significantly. the balance had now tipped completely. the value of these missing koboids couldnt justify his personal involvement and extensive efforts to find them. it was cruel, but it was also realistic. this was a basic quality of being a lord. he had to weigh and assess the value of various things and make decisions and take action based on that. only then could he better develop his territory and establish a stronger foothold for himself and the crown of the ocean in this world. leaving some murloc rangers to guard the cave, ji chen left the underground cave with most of the army and returned to the territory. he instructed wilus to send people to the mountaintop to mine sulfur, diamonds, and other minerals. these minerals would provide enough resources to introduce several additional exportable goods for the crown of the ocean. then he called raymond, who had been idle. this chubby man quickly arrived at the lords manor and respectfully waited in front of ji chen. do you have any business with me, my lord? raymond asked nervously. ji chen casually sat on a chair, his face amiable, and waved his hand, dont be nervous, please have a seat. raymond nodded and carefully sat on the opposite side of the table, only putting a third of his buttocks on the chair. for someone who had entered the territory only a few days ago without accomplishing anything, even eating required caution and carefulness. i plan to send you to set sail in the next two days, heading to the mainland to sell goods and purchase resources needed for the territory. upon hearing this, raymonds expression trembled, and he felt delighted. finally, he would be of use! he had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time! thank you, my lord, for giving me this chance. i will do my utmost to sell the goods at the highest price and buy the resources at the lowest cost! seeing his enthusiastic appearance, ji chen smiled, let me ask you, where do you intend to sell the specialty products of the territory, and how do you plan to sell them? raymond had already thought about these questions and started to talk confidently. in my opinion, it would be prudent for the crown of the ocean to temporarily steer clear of the western continent due to the predominant presence of the hanseatic chamber of commerce in that area. their extensive commercial networks in the region could impede our efforts to establish trade routes and promote the sale of our unique products. hence, i propose that we prioritize our focus on the northern continent. by establishing a trade route connecting the new moon islands with the northern continent, we can engage in profitable trade activities and lay a solid foundation for our ventures! upon hearing this, ji chens interest grew. he had considered avoiding the western continent where the hanseatic chamber of commerce was located, but he hadnt thought about selling the specialty products to the northern continent. why do you think we should sell to the northern continent? raymond, seeing ji chens evident interest, became even more enthusiastic. this depends on the type of specialty products and the local culture and environment! the northern continent is located in the north and is covered with numerous trees, which has fostered the traditional preference for timber. many noble families in the northern continent like high-quality wood, using it to manufacture various wooden furniture and decorations and as the primary material for building houses. in this regard, it is similar to the western continent, but currently, the western continent is not suitable. therefore, the northern continent is the obvious choice. the crown of the ocean produces precious jungle wood of superior quality, which perfectly matches the market demand in the northern continent. ji chen nodded in agreement. in addition to the precious jungle wood, the golden sea bass and premium coffee beans are also excellent specialty products. the nobles in the northern continent would be willing to pay a high price for them, and i can guarantee that! raymond continued, oozing confidence. ji chen looked at his confident appearance and asked with a smile, i dont doubt the premium coffee beans, but why do you think the golden sea bass will sell well? after all, its just a second-tier specialty product, with nothing particularly remarkable except for being slightly delicious. this former member of the hanseatic chamber of commerce immediately revealed a mischievous smile. my lord, youre mistaken. even if we put the golden sea bass in the central ocean, which is rich in fish, its taste and meat quality would still be considered excellent. if it were merely delicious, i really wouldnt have much confidence in selling it. but 1 cant resist its exceptional appearance! with its golden scales, we can package it a bit, create some hype, and do some pre-emptive advertising. for example, claiming that it possesses traces of golden dragon blood within its body or that it can only be found in forbidden waters, making it an extremely rare fish with limited supply. this way, we can attract, ahem, convince more people to buy it. with my years of experience and skilled operations, i can ensure that the golden sea bass sells at the highest price! raymond patted his plump chest, exuding confidence. look, thats what expertise means! people shouldnt be judged solely by appearance. recruiting this chubby man was indeed the right choice. fundamentally, his statements revolved around the notion of artificially enhancing the products perceived value by various means. originally, the golden sea bass was just a relatively tasty fish, but through reasonable operations and publicity, its value could be enhanced, selling at a price far exceeding its intrinsic value. diamonds on earth were an excellent example of this. in essence, diamonds were just carbon molecules, but with their beautiful appearance and catchy slogans like a diamond is forever, they became one of the most famous luxury goods. although some people might scoff at it, there would certainly be those who believed it. and those who believed would become customers, or rather, faithful customers.. Chapter 137 - Chapter 137: Giant Octopus, Hero Insignia (1) chapter 137: giant octopus, hero insignia (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after listening to raymonds words, ji chens confidence in raymond greatly increased. he immediately said enthusiastically, then i will entrust you with the operation and sale of these three special products from the territory. for every unit sold; you will receive a 5% reward based on its selling price! upon hearing this, raymonds face lit up with joy, and his inner self trembled. at first, he thought he would be working for nothing, gradually gaining ji chens trust, and then finding an opportunity to seek revenge against the hanseatic chamber of commerce. although he was mentally prepared, the thought of doing work without receiving any money dampened his spirits. after all, he was a businessman! whats the point of being a businessman if he doesnt make money!? earning money through transactions had become ingrained in his nature. when he heard ji chen not only offering money but also a commission of up to 5%, he was instantly filled with motivation. he didnt expect lord ji chen to be so generous. these three special products would definitely have a good market, and he had confidence in their sales. moreover, he didnt have to spend time searching for goods, purchasing merchandise, hiring guards, and dealing with the hassle of merchant ships. he only needed to transport rhe goods and sell them at the highest possible price. it could be said that this was like giving him money! ji chen looked at raymond, who was filled with excitement, and teased him, if you dont want to do it, ill have to find someone else. no, no, 1 am very willing. please, lord ji chen, give me this opportunity! 1 swear 1 will earn rhe most money for you! raymond replied eagerly. upon hearing this, raymond became anxious, and the layers of far on his face trembled. who wouldnt want such a good opportunity? anyone who refused would be a complete fool! if he gave up this chance, he would regret it for the rest of his life! ji chen laughed heartily. alright, i was just teasing you.1 in addition to selling these three special products, i will also return rhe white sands princess to you and provide another two-masted merchant ship and two three-masted warships to form a long-distance fleet. i will also assign a military force to accompany rhe ships to ensure your safety. now, you wont have to worry about being chased or running away in a sorry state, right? raymond scratched his head sheepishly, knowing that ji chen was teasing him about being chased by rhe black skeleton pirates and fleeing to the new moon islands. he was also emotional. if he hadnt entered the stormy sea and landed on the new moon islands, he might have died under the pirates blades a long time ago, and he wouldnt have met ji chen. in that case, there would have been no subsequent kidnapping by gassani or his current allegiance. everything seemed like a series of coincidences that led him to a different path in life. of course not, please rest assured, my lord, raymond replied, feeling grateful. ji chen nodded and didnt say much more, you can set off in a couple of days. the territory is in urgent need of various resources. yes! watching raymond s chubby figure leave the lords manor, ji chen pondered with a contemplative look in his eyes. raymond was different from others who chose to pledge loyalty to him. many of them had no other options and nothing left, coupled with the desire for revenge, which led them to work under him. as a merchant, raymond naturally valued his interests the most. absolute loyalty wasnt necessarily guaranteed, especially since the lord system didnt display loyalty levels. it all depended on the lord s judgment. however, there was something ji chen could be confident about. in order to motivate raymond to work more efficiently, he understood the importance of offering incentives, just as a horse needs grass to run. by promising him specific benefits, he could forge a stronger bond and commitment to his cause. but he wasnt so careless as to completely trust raymond to act alone. the military force assigned to protect him was actually an insurance policy. if raymond played any tricks, did something dishonest, or even rebelled, they would swiftly change from protectors to executioners. after dealing with the matter concerning raymond, ji chen led a group of soldiers and set off for the building complex in the forest. today, he planned to open the treasure chest beneath the courtyard, so he wouldnt have it on his mind all the time. since the last time he cleared out the gorillas in the building complex, many roaming monsters had taken up residence there. after the soldiers fought and cleared out all these monsters, they arrived at rhe edge of rhe courtyard. looking at the slightly murky well water, ji chen didnt hesitate and jumped right in. at the moment his body touched the water, an invisible membrane appeared, keeping the water at bay. his feet propelled him like a propeller, and in an instant, he reached the bottom of the well. compared to last time, he was much calmer and unconcerned about oxygen and visibility issues. with a quick search, he found his target. the four-star treasure chest was just like the one he had seen before, lying quietly in a corner. however, this time was different. he had come prepared. with the key in hand, could he srill not open this treasure chest? he took out rhe chest key and inserted it into the lock, twisting it forcefully. the lid of the chest clicked open. a certain rules power came into play, keeping the water out of the box. inside, there were two items. one was a recruitment core for a unit, and the other was another recruitment core? ji chen muttered to himself. at this point, he wasnt particularly short on units anymore, especially since the murloc had advanced to a four-star, three-tier dragon blood murloc, whose combat power was more than enough. besides the dragon blood murloc as a melee and ranged damage dealer, he had naga warriors as ranks and vanguard, pure water sea pixies as spellcasters, deep sea roamers for transportation, tidal sea spirits for possession, and a bunch of pirates, murloc rangers, and kobolds.. Chapter 138 - Chapter 138: Giant Octopus, Hero Insignia (2) chapter 138: giant octopus, hero insignia (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after counting and calculating, there were a total of eight different military units. if it wasnt for filling out the formation or recruiting advanced units, ji chen didnt plan on wasting resources. the recruitment core contained a small and delicate octopus with a dart-shaped head and long tentacles with suction cups. it looked more like food than a soldier. ji chen secretly mocked and then checked its unit panel. [giant octopus] [race]: octopus [tier]: tier 4, 8 stars [skills]: entangle (purple skill, powerful tentacles capable of coiling and grabbing heavy objects and enemies) toothed suction cups (purple skill, suction cups with sharp teeth capable of anchoring and biting enemies) ink spray (purple skill, able to spray poisonous ink to obscure vision and poison enemies) swift (purple skill, increases speed by 200% while swimming in the ocean) [unit characteristics]: binding (due to its living habits, it prioritizes using entanglement to kill enemies in battle) [this is the ancestor of binding play!] okay, ji chen admitted that he regret looking down on this unit. with an impressive tier 4 and 8-star rating, coupled with four radiant purple skills, it was almost overwhelming to behold. what does it mean to be an advanced unit? this is the answer! judging from the tier and the name, this giant octopus in the recruitment core probably wasnt as small and delicate as it seemed, and its size was likely not small either. it might be as huge as the great king octopus that existed on earth, with a massive body reaching up to twenty meters. undoubtedly, the giant octopus was a purely oceanic unit, restricted to activities in the sea. this also seemed to indicate that with the discovery of the final location in the new moon islands, the focus of operations would shift to the ocean. just imagine the fleet of the crown of the ocean sailing on the sea. in addition to the troops on board the ships, there were also giant octopuses lurking beneath the surface, ready to extend their terrifying tentacles and drag enemies into the sea at any time. ji chen looked at the resources required for recruitment. [giant octopus] [tier]: tier 4, 8 stars [recruitable unit type]: giant octopus (tier 4, 8 stars) [weekly recruitment limit]: 5 [current recruitment count]: 5 [recruitment cost]: 700 crystal units the higher the tier of the unit, the less basic resources like wood and fiber seemed to be needed for recruitment. both the tidal sea spirit and the deep sea roamer, as well as the current giant octopus, required crystals for recruitment. ji chen opened the territory panel and checked how many crystals were left. he had spent quite a few crystals on repairing the lighthouse, summoning heroes, and recruiting units, but there were still about 35,000 crystal units left, which was quite sufficient. recruiting these five giant octopuses was no problem. after putting away the recruitment core, he looked at something else in the treasure chest. a shining golden badge. [ hero insignia] [level]: special [effect]: can transform an ordinary citizen into a hero. the tier and potential of the transformed hero depend on the qualifications and resources invested by the person initiating the transformation. wow, what a great item! holding the hero insignia in his hand, ji chen thought about which person in the territory was qualified to be transformed into a hero. raymond? no, he had just joined the crown of the ocean, and his contributions were not yet established, plus there was still some uncertainty about his loyalty. and as a businessman, it seemed unnecessary for him to become a hero. a merchant hero? can he negotiate even lower prices? the cost-effectiveness of using him would be relatively low there were also many citizens in the crown of the ocean with life skills, such as blacksmiths, tailors, weavers, and shipbuilders. if the hero insignia were used on them, it might create a hero with powerful life skills, greatly boosting the development of a certain aspect of the territory. for example, a blacksmith who could repair the dragon slayer great sword after becoming a hero. or a shipbuilder who, after the completion of the shipyard, might be able to oversee shipbuilding and even develop more powerful ships. but that didnt quite fit ji chens idea. instead of specializing, he preferred comprehensive development. so the candidate was clearwilus was the best choice! this middle-aged man was one of the earliest residents of the crown of the ocean and had been through thick and thin with it. he had always been diligent and committed, without making any mistakes. he was full of merits. and as the internal affairs officer managing the territory, he needed to experience growth to better manage the increasingly large territory in the future. so it was perfectly reasonable to give him the hero insignia. after examining the two items, ji chen returned to the ground and returned to the territory with his army. he called over wilus, who was busy coordinating and building resources for construction. my lord, do you need something? the cannon manufacturing plant and the large water fort are still in the intense preparation phase ji chen looked at the middle-aged man, who was covered in sweat and devoted to the construction of the territory, and smiled with satisfaction, sit down and take a rest, i have something to discuss with you. hesitant, wilus sat down but didnt dare to pick up the water cup and drink. after being persuaded several times, he took a cautious sip and put down the cup. unable to contain his curiosity, he asked, my lord, what is it? did 1 make a mistake? you didnt make any mistakes. you have always done well, ji chen shook his head and directly took out the hero insignia, placing it on the table. now i have an opportunity for you to become a hero. i wonder if youre willing. upon hearing this, wilus looked at the insignia emitting a strange power on the table, and his excitement surged. he couldnt believe it and asked, can i become a hero? as the internal affairs officer of the crown of the ocean, he naturally knew what the term hero represented. power was its synonym. this power could be in terms of combat strength or various abilities. either way, it would instantly make him one of the few at the top of the pyramid in this world. but at this moment, wilus hesitated and shook his head after a moment of contemplation. ji chens brow furrowed. was there someone who didnt want to become a hero? why dont you want to? ji chen stood up, and with a slightly serious expression, he interrupted him, if i give it to someone else, it would be unfair to you. furthermore, giving it to you is not a waste. as the internal affairs officer of the crown of the ocean, you are an indispensable part. your current abilities and energy are sufficient for management. but what will you do when the territory becomes more powerful in the future and affairs become busier and more difficult? are you willing to give up your position as the internal affairs officer? but wilus wanted to say something. enough, this is my order, ji chens expression turned slightly stern as he said. yes. wilus could only nod in agreement. seeing this, ji chens expression eased slightly. he clenched the hero insignia on the table and designated wilus as the recipient. a process of evolution was about to begin.. Chapter 139 - Chapter 139: Wilus, Glorious Excess (1) chapter 139: wilus, glorious excess (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation target selected: wilus. analyzing qualifications target can evolve into a white common-grade hero and undergo further enhancement with additional resources. ji chens expression remained unsurprised. considering qualifications alone without any additional resources, evolving into a white common-grade hero was within his expectations. after all, wilus was originally just a steward from a minor noble family, and his abilities had their limits. the hero insignia could increase the users limit by investing resources, similar to the military talent tree. both required resources, but ji chen wanted to determine which method would be more resource-efficient. he decided to try the former first, investing basic resources like wood and fiber, which were not valuable, to see if it would yield any results. he contemplated which resources to use. apart from wood, he had secondary resources like copper and diamonds, tertiary resources like crystal and mithril, and even quaternary resources like sulfur. naturally, higher-level resources would be preferable. after careful consideration, he chose to invest crystal since he had an abundant supply and felt confident about it. he started by investing 500 units of crystal. this time, it worked. the hero insignia emitted a faint glow and became warmer to the touch. however, there was no response. clearly, 500 units of crystal were not enough to elevate wilus to a higher-level hero. ji chen proceeded with further experiments. by investing 2,500 units of crystal, the heros rank could be raised to green elite grade. the green elite grade was already on par with sparrows tier, but as an administrative-type hero, it fell short of satisfying ji chens expectations. he continued experimenting. by investing 7,500 units of crystal, the heros rank could be elevated to an blue exceptional grade. the blue exceptional grade was equivalent to benbos rank. players with heroes of this level were few and far between in other territories, as these heroes were considered top-tier. after a round of experiments, ji chen obtained the desired data. to upgrade from white common-grade to purple exceptional-grade, it would require a whopping 20,000 units of crystal, equivalent to at least 150,000 units of basic resources. however, if he were to upgrade through the military talent tree, it would only require a total of 30,000 units of resources. the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods were evident. ji chen couldnt help but marvel at the power of the military talent tree. not only could it significantly increase the tier, but it also required far fewer resources compared to the hero insignia. it seemed that the hero insignia could only be used to help wilus transition from an ordinary person to a hero, serving as a temporary measure. do you wish to consume the hero insignia and make the selected target a white common-grade hero? yes. ding- wilus has become a white common-grade hero. with his new hero status, wilus naturally became part of the military talent tree, and the fifth page appeared. ji chen wasted no time and immediately opened the military talent tree to help wilus advance. one node after another was unlocked, propelling him from white common-grade to purple rare-grade. a dazzling radiance enveloped wilus. after a while, an energy seemingly descending from the heavens itself, mysterious and majestic, like a waterfall cascading from a towering cliff, flowed directly into his head. vast power lingered in the surroundings. the advancement lasted for half an hour. when the light dissipated, wilus figure reappeared. at first glance, there seemed to be no external changes, but his overall demeanor had transformed, exuding a sense of dignity. his formerly slightly clouded eyes became clear, radiating a shrewd and spirited gleam. combined with his neatly fitted steward attire and meticulously groomed dark hair, he appeared to be a noble or wealthy merchant at first glance. ji chens interest grew, and he examined wilus attribute panel. [wilus (hero)] [tier]: purple rare-grade [skills]: administration management (purple skill, possessing powerful administrative capabilities, more than sufficient even for managing a small principality) thrifty (purple skill, adept at food management, reduces food consumption speed by 50% without affecting the territorys morale) coordination (purple skill, able to coordinate territory development, reducing resources needed for construction by 20-30%) propaganda (purple skill, increases loyalty of newly joined residents, reducing the decline in territory morale) wow, the luxury of his skills was on par with anina and alice. each skill was tailor-made for administration and none of them were wasted. administration management and thrifty were already known, but they had evolved to a whole new level. coordination and propaganda were both incredibly useful skills. one reduced construction costs, while the other mitigated the decline in morale when a large number of people joined the territory. it had cost quite a bit of resources, depleting nearly everything he had accumulated during this period. although he felt a bit reluctant, ji chen believed it was worth it. compared to a purple rare-grade administrative hero, a few tens of thousands of resources were quite affordable. if others were to learn that they could obtain a purple rare-grade hero with just a few tens of thousands of resources, they would surely be envious. resources could be obtained, purchased, or plundered, but heroes were not easy to come by. obtaining one relied on luck.. Chapter 140 - Chapter 140: Wilus, Glorious Excess (2) chapter 140: wilus, glorious excess (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation having successfully evolved into a hero, wilus was naturally grateful to ji chen. he immediately swore absolute loyalty and devotion to him, vowing to give his all for his lord. after a few encouraging words, ji chen let wilus leave. through the partially open door, he noticed that the sky had already darkened. he stood up and stretched lazily, remarking how quickly the day had passed. it seemed like just a blink of an eye. recalling the events of the past few days, a lot had happened. after returning from the sea, he immediately faced an attack from the hanseatic chamber of commerce. after defeating them and subduing raymond, he began exploring the dragons nest on the mountain peak, only to be startled and quickly retreat one thing after another, but undoubtedly, the rewards obtained from these events were plentiful. compared to the day he returned from the sea, the crown of the ocean had become even more powerful. all of this couldnt have happened without his efforts as a lord! as he pondered, he couldnt help but praise himself in a conceited manner. seeing that the sun was already setting, he contemplated whether to rest or continue managing the territory. at that moment, six graceful and beautiful maidservants with large white breasts walked in, each holding delicate plates of food. seeing this, ji chen immediately dismissed the idea of inspecting the territory. after all, he had worked the whole day, so whats wrong with taking a break? however, he realized that he hadnt instructed these maidservants before. so he asked them, and the answer he received was: lord wilus sent us. he said that you were exhausted and hungry after a long day of work, so he asked us to serve you food and assist you with bathing. upon hearing this, ji chen immediately gave a thumbs up to wilus in his mind. great! he truly deserved to be the chief administrative officer. he was indeed a loyal vassal! it seemed that the effect of advancing to a hero was immediate! since it was a gesture from his subordinates, he couldnt refuse. he reluctantly accepted, so as not to be seen as ungrateful. with this in mind, ji chen smirked and waved at the maidservants. the faces of these charming maidservants blushed with allure, and their eyes were sparkling as if they could drip water. each of the six maidservants had their own charmadorable, enchanting, pure, shy, bold, or even longingas they looked at ji chen. several of them had arrived here through the hanseatic chamber of commerces ship and knew the importance of having a lord who could provide them with a stable life. if they could attach themselves to the ruler of this territory, their future would be more secure that night, they spared no effort to please ji chen, allowing him to truly experience the indulgent life of a lord, which was ten times more stimulating than the attire of the blonde girl from before. fresh fruits and fine wines were brought to him whenever he opened his mouth. a mere gesture of his legs would summon soothing massages. incomparable pleasures were readily at his fingertips, defying any adequate description. it fully embodied the concept of an extravagant lifestyle. the next day at noon, ji chen looked at the dark circles under his eyes in the mirror and felt uneasy. he made up his mind and said firmly to himself, 1 have been harmed by wine and lust, resulting in such haggardness. from this day forth, i shall quit drinking! as he stepped out of the lords mansion, he saw wilus approaching with a smile, bowing and greeting him. lord, did you have a pleasant night? those maidservants were carefully selected by me among the slaves. they perfectly match your aesthetic taste. dealing with one would be enough for most people, but you managed to handle six. you truly are a great lord! wilus said, his face showing admiration. ji chen was about to praise him, but he caught sight of alice walking towards them. his expression instantly changed, and he scolded, do you know that 1 can barely get up today because of what happened last night? its all your fault! wilus was stunned by the sudden outburst of scolding. but as a hero, his mind was now much sharper, and he quickly recovered, apologizing, im sorry for my shortcomings. 1 failed to understand your intentions. 1 hope you can forgive my mistake. seeing this, ji chens expression improved slightly, but he still wore a stern face. 1 hope you reflect on this and dont disappoint me. at this moment, alice had also arrived and looked at him with a slightly aggrieved expression, remaining silent. she just stared at him. awkwardly, ji chen coughed a few times and gestured to wilus with his eyes. the moment their eyes met, they understood each other. wilus quickly said, lord, i have something important to report, a matter of utmost urgency! an urgent matter? then lets discuss it inside the lords manor, ji chen said, closing the door after they entered. through the crack in the door, ji chen sighed in relief after seeing alice leave. how should 1 put it? he had a guilty feeling of being caught by the main concubine, as well as a sense of excitement. turning to wilus, he smiled and praised, you did a great job. im very satisfied with those maidservants. as long as lord is satisfied wilus replied. actually, 1 have something to report. what is it? just now, the fishermen who went out to fish discovered traces that resemble the sea heir! why didnt you say it earlier? ji chens face changed. where were they discovered? it was near the northeastern sub-island. according to the fishermen, there were only about twenty of them, like a reconnaissance team, wandering around the nearby sea area. ji chen relaxed a little. it seemed that the sea heir hadnt discovered the location of the territory. it was probably because all the sea heirs that had come here for food had died, so they sent a reconnaissance team to investigate. near the northeastern sub-island? after encountering the sea heirs last time, ji chen had already prepared himself for a battle against them. but naturally, in a battle, one had to choose a favorable location. he had already selected the location on the northeastern sub-island. abundant remnants of city walls were present, offering the opportunity to establish a defensive system against the assaults of the sea heir. as a result of its geographical position, the crown of the ocean was situated on a sea island, unlike other mainland players who had managed to establish certain fortifications. in contrast, the crown of the ocean remained entirely defenseless. once the battlefield expanded to the main island, it could potentially affect the safety of the territory if the sea heirs numbers were large enough, resulting in losses beyond his imagination. so it was best to limit the battle to the northeastern sub-island. lord, how should we deal with that sea heir reconnaissance team? wilus asked. he had already learned about the tenacity of the sea heirs and their unlimited evolution, which was a nightmare for any living being. perhaps they could be defeated once, but who could guarantee what would happen after the second or third encounter? they might develop targeted abilities. now, how much stone material does the territory have? ji chen didnt answer but asked instead. wilus was taken aback but answered truthfully, during the time you were away at sea, we discovered several stone resource points in the underground storage. so far, we have accumulated quite a lot of stone material, about twenty thousand units. twenty thousand units? although it was not enough, it was close. during the battle against the skeleton army on the northeastern sub-island, ji chen noticed the remaining fortifications and the warning lighthouse. they could be repaired. however, repairing such a large section required an astronomical amount of stone material that the crown of the ocean couldnt currently afford. if he repaired only a few sections, it would be within his capabilities. as long as he could complete the repairs on those sections, even if a sea heirs force several times their size arrived, ji chen had confidence in holding them off! but for now, the priority was to quickly eliminate that sea heir reconnaissance team. otherwise, if they discovered the territory on the main island, their hive mind would instantly relay the information, and ji chen would no longer have control over the location of the battle.. Chapter 141 - Chapter 141: Floating Skyrider (1) chapter 141: floating skyrider (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen instructed wilus to temporarily restrict the residents from leaving the territory and led his army to rush towards the northeast secondary island, vowing to annihilate the scouting team of sea heirs. he had a vague premonition that if he couldnt resolve them properly this time, he might have to face a sea heir army numbering in the thousands in the next encounter. after learning that they were the culprits responsible for the destruction of the ancient civilization on the new moon islands, ji chen set aside his arrogance and dared not underestimate them. they raced all the way, crossing shallow beaches that exposed the sea surface, and arrived at the northeast secondary island. by this time, the warning lighthouse had already detected the invaders, working in conjunction with the omniscience map. it was easy to spot more than twenty red dots arranged in a line on the second secondary island. they were wandering along the coast of the secondary island, hunting fish and sea creatures in the vicinity. wherever they passed, the clusters of red dots on the map quickly disappeared, forming a huge void centered around them. they took all kinds of life as they passed, perfectly illustrating what was known as the three lights policy policy. ji chen and his people cautiously hid behind the remnants of the city walls, peering out to observe. floating on the sea were a group of repulsive-looking deep sea impalers, recklessly shooting their sharp spikes from their mouths, continuously killing the creatures around them. any living being struck by their spikes would either die on the spot or become paralyzed as the toxins infiltrated their bodies. after killing their target, the deep sea impalers would use their tentacles to retrieve and store them in the empty cavity in their abdomen. it looks like theyre bringing food back? despite not knowing whether the deep sea impalers, with their petal-like heads, possessed visual capabilities, ji chen persisted in covert observation. however, they clearly possessed a precise method of sensing the enemys position. when ji chen saw them hunting several high-speed swordfish, the spikes on their heads seemed to have eyes, accurately predicting the swordfishs movements and hitting them with precision. this made ji chen feel a slight sense of relief. fortunately, he had previously stunned them into submission and swiftly defeated them, denying them any opportunity to retaliate. otherwise, judging by their formidable attacking prowess, even the prospect of losing half of his army would be viewed as optimistic. therefore, this time, ji chen planned to repeat the same strategy in dealing with these sea heirs. he would have alice directly control them, leaving them no chance to counterattack or transmit information. however, a sudden realization struck him, recalling that alice had already attained the purple-tier level with her temptation song. could he try to manipulate the sea heirs? alices song was essentially a form of mental attack, invading the targets mind and soul, thereby achieving control. the sea heirs had a hive-like mindset, similar to a mental network connecting them. they were linked to each other. therefore, could he use this mental network to not only control the sea heirs on-site but also control the other sea heirs within this group? as this idea appeared in his mind, ji chen couldnt help but be tempted. he shared his thoughts with alice and anina, but it was quickly met with objections. anina looked at him with a gaze that seemed to say, are you an idiot? if your idea were true, the sirens would have already ruled over all the sea heir groups, so why would they cause such a headache for countless marine creatures? she continued, your idea is not without merit, but the problem lies in the fact that a sea heir group is controlled by a sea heir leader. to control the sea heirs under its command, you would have to compete for control with the sea heir leader. naturally, you would need greater and stronger mana and spiritual power than the sea heir leader. considering that any leader among the sea heirs is deemed, at the very least, a red-tier heroic figure, do you believe alice possesses the current capability to contend with them? anina spoke with a sarcastic tone, casting a glance at alice standing beside her. alice also honestly said, my current strength is not enough. ji chen was immediately disappointed but then quickly regained his composure. it was just a red-tier heroic figure, and it wouldnt be long before alice advanced to that level. as he spoke, the group of sea heirs approached the vicinity, completely within alices spell range. seeing this, ji chen didnt miss the opportunity and decisively ordered alice to take action. her song echoed. all the sea heirs were controlled. under alices manipulation, they began to attack each other. the deep sea impalers had high attack power; their spikes pierced through bodies like bullets, splattering dark green blood in the sky. ji chen couldnt help but feel that the defense of this group of deep sea impalers seemed to have increased a bit. in no time, only one remained out of the twenty-plus sea heirs, and it was swiftly taken down by the shallow sea murlocs with their tridents. ding- you have gained 3000 experience points. looking at the shattered tentacles floating on the seas surface, ji chen suddenly realized that something was amiss. the last time, over two hundred sea heirs were killed on the mudflat. but this time, why were there only twenty-plus? werent they here to offer themselves? realizing that two hundred sea heirs were killed in an instant, if the sea heir leader had sufficient intelligence, even if they were just here for reconnaissance, they wouldnt have dispatched such a small number of sea heirs. at the very least, there should have been a larger quantity ji chens expression froze. no, they must have already sent out a large number of sea heirs, and this small team was just one of them.. the rest of them should be nearby, conducting reconnaissance! Chapter 142 - Chapter 142: Floating Skyrider (2) chapter 142: floating skyrider (2) translator: draqon boat translation editor: draqort b he quickly activated the warning lighthouse for detection and expanded the viewing range. after a while, he indeed discovered eight or nine small squads of sea heirs around the new moon islands, scattered in various positions in rhe northeast sea. fortunately, it seemed that no sea heirs had invaded the main island yer. they were all hunting in the nearby waters. however, realizing that this squad of sea heirs had already been wiped out, the rest of the sea heirs were rapidly converging towards this location, and the nearest squad would arrive soon. everyone, hide! with his command, all the troops retreated into the overgrown ruins of the city walls, concealing their presence amidst the debris. in just a few minutes, fifty or sixty sea heirs emerged from the sea and rushed onto the beach. the grotesque creatures with petal-like heads swayed, seemingly perceiving their surroundings. ji chen hid in the absolute secrecy of the ruins and vegetation, gazing at the group of sea heirs. a sense of unease swept over him. once all the sea heirs gathered, he would annihilate them all at once! as time passed, more and more sea heirs landed from the sea, crowding the narrow beach. their numbers had reached three to four hundred. compared to the previous encounter, their numbers had significantly increased, and not only that, but their strength had also skyrocketed. [deep sea impaler i i race]: sea heir [tier]: tier 3, 6 stars [skills |: spine attack (purple skill, capable of launching highly penetrative spines from its mouthpiece) neurotoxin (blue skill, spines coated with a potent neurotoxin capable of affecting movements) resilient epidermis (blue skill, increases defense by 30%) [unit trait]: hive mind (mental interconnection among themselves) adaptive evolution (can continuously adapt to the environment and evolve in a favorable direction) [a mid-tier force among low-level sea heirs] in just a little over a month, these sea heirs had evolved at a much faster rate than ji chens units. currently, only the dragon blood muriocs, his main force, had a higher tier than them. the naga warriors, pure water sea pixies, and others were already significantly lagging behind. however, the number of dragon blood muriocs was far fewer than the sea heirs, and a direct confrontation would not necessarily give ji chen a significant advantage. it seemed that his unit strength was still far from sufficient snapping back to reality, ji chen noticed that the sea heirs gathered on the beach had reached five to six hundred. this made him feel uneasy. if their numbers grew even larger, it would be beyond his control. fortunately, the appearance of sea heirs seemed to be slowing down, and the number stabilized at over seven hundred. he could still handle this quantity. at that moment, hundreds of dark dots appeared in the distant sky. at first, ji chen thought they were seagulls or falcons, but as they approached, he realized they were flying sea heirs! unlike the deep sea impalers crawling on the ground, these airborne sea heirs had slender bodies with bubbles inside them. they had sharp bone beaks resembling bird beaks and a pair of white horn-like wings on their sides. ji chen suddenly realized that these were the flying sea heirs that the ancient civilization had enhanced. but in his opinion, rather than saying they could fly, it was more like they floated in the air and used their horn-like wings to move slowly. just like a small boat that can float on the water but requires oars to assist in moving, though at a slow speed. he speculated that these sea heirs had probably hunted birds, which led to the evolution of this unit capable of flight. [floating skyrider] i race]: sea heir [tier]: tier 3, 7 stars [skills |: acid spray (purple skill, capable of launching highly corrosive liquid that can dissolve rocks) neurotoxin (blue skill, the acid is coated with a potent neurotoxin that affects movement) levitation (blue skill, pouches grow in the body, allowing them to float in the air) [unit drafts]: hive mind (mental connection between individuals) adaptive evolution (capable of continually adapting to the environment and evolving towards advantageous directions) [low-level flying force among the sea heirs] they were only one star higher than the deep sea impalers, but their level had also increased. however, ji chen regarded them with extreme caution. the reason was simple -they could fly. flying meant that these floating skyriders could soar over the islands, overlooking the ground from rhe sky. in this way, the vast jungle would no longer be an obstacle for the sea heirs advance. they could easily discover the crown of the ocean and resource points hidden in the jungle, which was not what ji chen desired. alice, control those flying ones from the beginning, make sure they dont discover the crown of the ocean and our location! anina, when the rime comes, take the naga warriors and quickly deal with the deep sea impalers. benbo, shoot down those flying things with the dragon blood muriocs, not leaving a single one! the rest of the units, give it your all! he immediately issued orders, assigning tasks to each unit and hero. seeing his serious expression, the heroes responded solemnly. ji chen nodded and, as a precaution, took out a mana pendant from his backpack and handed it to alice. if anything unexpected happened, it could quickly replenish mana and turn rhe tide. turning to look at the floating skyriders approaching in the distance, ji chen said in a low voice, attack! in an instant, alice took control of all the deep sea impalers and floating skyriders, with a tremendous mental pressure instantly weighing on her, as if a mountain was pressing down on her body. but alice gritted her teeth and persisted, tightly grasping the mana pendant and using it as needed. seeing this, the heroes led their units and rushed into the battle. anina led the naga warriors, charging directly towards the group of deep sea impalers. wielding the dragon slayer great sword, although it was broken, its power was still immense. with a swing, she could kill one, and with a slash, she could cut off a cluster of tentacles. the dragon slayer great sword was not only effective against dragons but also worked well against these creatures. however, the naga warriors confronted deep sea impalers that were a whole tier above them and had undergone evolutionary enhancements to bolster their defenses, thereby reducing the agility of the battle. it often required three or four strikes to eliminate a single impaler, resulting in a noticeable decrease in their overall speed. on the other side, led by benbo, the dragon blood muriocs transformed into anti-aircraft artillery, tridents soaring into the sky. these clumsy and sluggish floating skyriders were easy to deal with. their horn-like wings were not resilient and rather fragile, almost like glass. ji chen couldnt understand how the sea heirs had evolved into this state. one after another, the floating skyriders fell from the sky, landing on the ground and in the sea, mingling with the remnants of the deep sea impalers. ji chen watched as the number of sea heirs gradually decreased, and the crease on his forehead relaxed. but what he didnt know was that hundreds of kilometers away from the new moon islands, within an underwater cave, an extremely bloated monster suddenly expanded and contracted. some strange information entered its mind and began to be deciphered. on the cave walls, rhe eggs that nurtured the sea heirs emitted a blue light, undergoing an unknown transformation. ding- you have achieved a glorious victory, earning 108,000 experience points, leveling up (1315). siren: alice (hero) leveled up (1315). deep sea dragon whale: anina (hero) leveled up (20>21)/ murloc: benbo the level-up notifications flooded the screen, and the generous experience rewards caused all units and heroes to gain two levels. only anina, with her higher level, gained just one level, but she was still delighted as she had been stuck at level 20 for some time. ji chen looked at the battlefield where the smoke had just dissipated. on the beach and in the sea. sea heir corpses and wreckage covered every inch of land, and the ink-green liquid almost completely covered the nearby sea, clinging to the water like oil. it contaminated the water, causing many fish to float belly-up with a strange hue on their bodies. after the sea heirs died, they dealt one final blow to this land and ocean. no wonder anina had mentioned that one of the best ways to deal with sea heir corpses was to burn them with fire. otherwise, with such contamination, the ocean would eventually become lifeless and stagnant.. Chapter 143 - Chapter 143:1,500 Kilograms per Acre Yield (1) chapter 143:1,500 kilograms per acre yield (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after the brief excitement of leveling up, anina looked at the scattered corpses and filth, with a hint of worry on her face. all, so many dead again. it seems that more sea heirs will attack soon. big trouble is coming. she sighed. curious, ji chen asked, if thats the case, how did you manage to evade the sea heirs before? of course, we fought and then ran. each time the sea heirs come, they are stronger and their numbers increase. who can withstand that? as long as we dont get caught by them, there wont be any problems, anina explained casually. a somber expression fell upon ji chens face. individuals may flee, but their territory cannot escape. facing an enemy that could become stronger, the best approach was to take the initiative and completely eliminate the sea heir groups leader. as creatures with hive-minded thinking, individual common sea heirs were meaningless. each one represented the whole, and if the sea heir leader was killed, the rest would wither away like rootless duckweed. unfortunately, they still didnt know the location of this sea heir groups habitat or the position of their leader. they had no direction for an offensive. this left ji chen with a headache. during this period, he needed to expedite resource acquisition and continue to unlock the military talent tree. currently, besides the dragon blood murlocs, the rest of their main force units had lower tiers compared to the sea heirs. if it werent for alices exceptional contribution this time, there would have been significant casualties upon contact. this realization made ji chen aware of his overreliance on alice during this period and his neglect of unit development. no matter how powerful alice was, she was still only one person. even if she advanced to the red tier, she could only control a few thousand ordinary units at most, and even fewer if they were high-tier units. what if they faced tens of thousands of enemies in the future? the thought of facing sea heirs in the four or five-digit range instantly overwhelmed ji chen, leading him to silently complain. with a sigh, he waved his hand, instructing the army to collect the sea heir corpses and liquid from the beach and sea. afterwards, he ordered them to set everything ablaze, completely eliminating the remains. the burning pyre resembled a volcano, spreading a foul odor. summoning the others, ji chen embarked on the journey back. along the way, he pondered how to properly respond to the upcoming sea heir attacks. upon returning to their territory, ji chen finally snapped back to reality. my lord, have you dealt with those sea heirs? yes, they have been taken care of. but the situation is not optimistic. sea heirs capable of flight have emerged. flight-capable sea heirs? doesnt that mean our territory will be easily discovered? at this point, we have no other choice. we need to accelerate the construction of various buildings. ji chen shook his head. additionally, 1 will search for blueprints for anti-aircraft buildings to defend against their airborne forces. alas, thats the only way. wilus sighed, mentally preparing to lead the residents of the crown of the ocean personally in battles against the sea heirs. the crown of the ocean had become their home, and they were determined to defend it, even if it meant giving their lives. after bidding farewell to wilus, who hurriedly left to expedite the construction of various buildings, ji chens entire team became busy under the pressure of long-lost survival. they intensified their efforts in all aspects. raymond, who had just come out of the house, looked around at the bustling activity and the sense of an approaching storm, and froze. he quickly walked over, saluted, and asked, my lord, whats happening? nothing much are you ready to set off? ji chen nodded, realizing that raymond probably had an idea of what was going on. i am prepared and can depart at any time, raymond promptly replied. once again, ji chen nodded with a sense of urgency, fully aware that the imminent threat of the sea heirs demanded swift action. he understood the need to expedite all preparations and muster all his strength for the forthcoming battle. very well, you shall depart tomorrow morning. sell the specialty products for resources as soon as possible and return, ji chen instructed. small boats shuttled between the merchant ships and the main island, carrying precious processed jungle wood and iron boxes filled with golden bass fish into the cargo hold. the premium coffee beans had also been dried and stored in containers that could extend their shelf life, ready to be shipped. these specialty products would become the first batch of goods exported by the crown of the ocean, marking the first step in gaining recognition! one day, the name of the crown of the ocean would resound far and wide. at noon the next day, the group stood on the beach bidding farewell to their departing companions. my lord, this journey will take at least twenty days, maybe even a month, before 1 return. 1 will bring back what you desire, raymond, patting his ball-like belly, exuded confidence. i have confidence in you. set sail, ji chen replied, waving his hand. seeing this, raymond didnt linger any longer. he turned around and waved goodbye to the remaining crew members, then proceeded towards the distant fleet of four ships. halfway there, he stood up and bid farewell to ji chen once again, knowing that something must have happened.. Chapter 144 - Chapter 144:1,500 Kilograms per Acre Yield (2) chapter 144:1,500 kilograms per acre yield (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation as the ships sailed into the distance, gradually fading from view, anina took a seat. the fleet set sail, heading towards the stormy seas beyond, gradually disappearing above the horizon. the four ships carried a total of 200 elite pirates, 150 murloc rangers, several enslaved creatures serving auxiliary roles, and five giant octopuses that had just been recruited the day before, lurking beneath the seas surface. in addition, sparrow accompanied the fleet as the overseeing hero, ensuring surveillance. aside from selling the two ships cargo, sparrow would also take the opportunity to plunder other merchant vessels to supplement their resources. with this configuration, ji chen believed that the fleet would safely reach its destination and return with the desired resources. after bidding farewell to raymond and the others, ji chen had other plans. he intended to set sail again in a couple of days. the goal was the lair of the black skeleton pirates treasure map. after the battle outside the mystic realm gate last time, the black skeleton pirate crew suffered heavy losses and hurriedly retreated to their headquarters to lick their wounds. they were currently at their weakest. the bauhinia alliance and several commercial alliances wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to annihilate the pirates who had caused them so much trouble, once and for all. however, the black skeleton pirate crew could roam the western central ocean not only because of their powerful warships but also due to their well-hidden lairs, allowing them to elude pursuit. fortunately, the elite pirates that ji chen had recruited knew the location of their headquarters. as their lord, it was only natural for ji chen to share this information and reveal the specific region of their base. although the black skeleton pirate crew had suffered heavy losses, they still had several intact pirate ships. going there would not be fruitless. coincidentally, after the departure of the ocean fleet, only the new moon and a three-masted warship remained on the new moon islands, making the place feel rather empty. this was a perfect opportunity to seize those pirate ships. wait, why did i say perfect opportunity again? but that didnt matter. what mattered was that ji chen was wary of the numerous warships of the black skeleton pirate crew in the past, but now that they had suffered heavy losses and only had a few ships left the saying to kick a dog when its down applied perfectly. naturally, this opportunity couldnt be missed. furthermore, there were rumors that the black skeleton pirate crew had plundered a treasure ship bound for a northern continent principality two months ago. inside, there was a batch of precious resources that hadnt been sold yet, including mithril and precious metals. if the rumors were true, then ji chen had even more reason to make the trip. after all, with so many people eyeing them, it was only a matter of time before someone else took those rare resources. in that case, it was better to take advantage of them himself. according to the pirates, the black skeleton pirate crews headquarters was located between the northwest of the new moon islands and the northeast of the silver islands, in the sea region between the two. if they encountered no obstacles, it would take three to four days to arrive. with the round trip and the time needed for the attack, it would take at least ten days, a quite lengthy period. so ji chen decided to first take care of the affairs of the crown of the ocean before setting off. after contemplating for a moment, he decided to check on the progress of the sea rice cultivation. he swiftly traversed the path opened in the jungle. half an hour later. the continuous jungle disappeared, and a vast lowland appeared before them. across the lowland, patches of vibrant green ocean thrived. salty seawater flowed into the lowland through open channels, converging into fields ideal for cultivating seaweed. the sea rice cultivation was thriving, with strands of rice-like seaweed hanging down, emanating a lush green color. the vibrant scene was truly pleasing to the eye. some natives moved about the rice fields, diligently taking care of the sea rice. it was believed that before long, the fields would turn into a golden ocean. at this moment, one of the natives spotted ji chen and hurriedly approached, bowing and asking, my lord, why have you come here? i just came to see how things are going here. the sea rice is growing well. you have all worked hard, ji chen said kindly, patting the natives shoulder. its not difficult at all, my lord. its our duty, the natives quickly replied, their faces filled with sincere smiles. receiving praise from their lord and seeing their work acknowledged, they suddenly felt invigorated, as if their fatigue had disappeared. now, how many acres of sea rice have been planted? how much longer until its ready for harvest? ji chen asked, patting the shoulder of one of the natives amiably. begging your pardon, my lord. we have already planted over 500 acres of sea rice, and it will take a little over a month to mature. if we use the highly nutritious bird droppings as fertilizer, the yield could reach 1,400 to 1,600 units. over 500 acres with an average yield of 1,500 units per acre, thats a total of 750,000 units of food!? ji chen was shocked by this conclusion. thats 750,000 units of food! considering the residents daily consumption of three units per person, it would be enough to feed around 2,000 people in the crown of the ocean for 125 days. if they factored in the military units, it would be even more, at least over 100 days. however, the sea rice only took two months, 60 days, to mature in one cycle. almost enough time for two harvests within 125 days. in other words, the crown of the ocean had finally entered the stage of self-sufficiency. this realization filled ji chen with joy. finally, there was no need to worry about food! keep expanding the seawater rice cultivation area. more individuals will join in due course. these seaweed fields are vital to the survival of our territory, and we must not make any mistakes! if we achieve a plentiful harvest in the future, 1 will reward you accordingly based on the circumstances. do not let me down; meet my expectations, ji chen said. yes! upon hearing this, the natives earnestly responded. satisfied, ji chen nodded and let them return to their work. then he looked up at the clear sky. the weather was good today, so he decided to go around the island and its surroundings, hunting down beasts and monsters. it had been a while since he had gone hunting, and there was nothing else to do today with that in mind, he waved his hand and set off with his army. they began clearing the wild creatures and beasts around the new moon islands. the creatures and monsters that had finally found peace for a few days were now panicking again, as the terrifying upright apes had returned! for the entire day, not only the islands creatures and monsters suffered, but the marine life near the coastline also faced the same fate. their screams and howls echoed throughout the area. it was only after nightfall that ji chen returned with his troops, carrying a multitude of prey, which piled up like mountains in the square. the residents cheered upon seeing such a large quantity of game and eagerly began carrying and processing the meat. even wilus, burdened by various affairs and filled with worries, couldnt help but smile. with so much food coming in, the morale of the residents was lifted. the captive members of the chamber of commerce, who had been working with tools, were wide-eyed, almost drooling, eager to rush forward and start devouring. during their captivity, they had not tasted meat for days. they had been surviving on dry rations and vegetarian food, making their taste buds go numb. just as the captives stared longingly, the residents poked them with sticks and sneered, whats the matter? craving for meat? if you work harder, the kind lord might show mercy and reward you with a meat feast. being poked, the captives seethed with anger but dared not show the slightest hint of it. in the past few days, they had experienced the consequences of angera whole day without food and having to do twice the work the next day. as for resistance and escape? several individuals who had taken substantive actions had already been pierced by the spears of the murloc rangers and met a swift demise. the grindstone of life had long dulled their sharp edges. they sighed and wondered when they could leave this place! Chapter 145 - Chapter 145: Black Skeleton Pirates, Night Attack (1) chapter 145: black skeleton pirates, night attack (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the day of departure came quickly. it happened to be the beginning of a new week, and ji chen arrived early in front of the military recruitment camp to recruit the new units that refreshed this week. five giant octopuses, ten deep sea rangers, one tidal sea spirit, fourteen dragon blood murlocs, fourteen naga warriors, twenty-one pure water sea pixies, and fifty-six murloc rangers were recruited. after recruiting all of them, the number of units is as follows: ten giant octopuses, tier 4, 8 stars. twenty deep sea rangers, tier 4,1 star. two tidal sea spirits, tier 4,1 star. eighty-one dragon blood murlocs, tier 4, 3 stars. seventy-six naga warriors, tier 3, 5 stars. ninety-eight pure water sea pixies, tier 3, 3 stars. two hundred and sixty-six murloc rangers, tier 2, 5 stars. in addition to the 270 elite pirates, there is a total of 823 units. the increase in the number of dragon blood murlocs and other main units gave ji chen more confidence for the upcoming voyage. the defense vulnerability caused by raymond taking most of the murloc rangers had also been alleviated with the recruitment of more of them. the kobolds have completely submitted and can be managed without the need for additional units. however, the chamber of commerce guards, who had previously been captives, were not so honest. even after being disarmed and their tier lowered to just above tier 2, they still harbored some desire to escape. therefore, it was necessary to assign at least fifty murloc rangers to monitor them. if they made significant attempts to escape, the murloc rangers would ensure they experienced the excruciating pain of a thousand swords through their hearts. at noon, the massive ship, new moon, which had been anchored at sea for several days, raised its sails and lifted the heavy anchors under the control of the tidal sea spirit. it slowly started moving towards the stormy sea outside. ji chen stood on the deck of the new moon, watching as the new moon islands gradually faded into a silhouette, then turned and returned to the cabin. it would take some time to arrive at their destination. during this time, they would have to endure the boredom of the journey. but to be honest, ji chen didnt find it too boring. when he was in the mood, he would lean against the railings and fish with a fishing rod. when they encountered marine creatures or monster units in their path, he would use various water-based weapons to slay them. in the morning, he would lie on a lounge chair, basking in the sun while reading the chat channel where the online friends chatted nonsense. in the quiet of the night, he would stay in his room and play poker with alice. in this way, time passed joyfully. the weather was clear all the way, with calm winds and waves. they were carried by favorable winds, which reduced the estimated travel time. two days later, in the evening, the new moon arrived at an unfamiliar sea area, sailing slowly. the orange sunset illuminated a large group of islands in the distance, resembling a chessboard filled with pieces. is this the location of the black skeleton pirate crews stronghold? ji chens eyes deepened as he pointed to the complex islands. yes, the stronghold is located within this group of islands with complex terrain. we cant be wrong! said a few former members of the black skeleton pirate crew, pointing to the peripheral islands. however, they have set up hidden outposts on the islands surrounding this group. if we enter recklessly, it will surely draw their attention and alertness. ji chen frowned. he wanted to approach their stronghold without alerting the black skeleton pirate crew, so he could launch a surprise attack. otherwise, once the black skeleton pirate crew was alerted, they would mobilize pirate ships and activate the cannons on each island. in a direct confrontation, unnecessary casualties could occur. but suddenly, ji chen had a realization. with such a large group of islands, the black skeleton pirate crew couldnt possibly have outposts on every route into the islands. there should be unguarded entrances ji chen looked at the pirates and asked, since you were originally part of the black skeleton pirate crew, you should know the entrance that can be entered without alerting them, right? the pirates immediately showed a bitter expression. my lord, you dont know. although not every island has outposts, the positioning of outposts on each island is personally decided by the captain. the shift change time also changes periodically, and we dont know the pattern. this made things a bit difficult. ji chen didnt expect a mere pirate crew to have such reconnaissance awareness. they truly deserved their reputation for being able to dominate the sea for more than a decade, despite being surrounded by multiple forces. but ji chen just asked out of curiosity. in fact, he had already come up with a countermeasure. the outposts set up on the islands could monitor enemies above the sea surface, but they certainly couldnt monitor enemies below the surface. fortunately, most of his units were amphibious and didnt require bringing the new moon directly into the islands, which would alert the pirates. with this thought, ji chen raised his right hand. a large mass of seawater rose against gravity, forming a staircase leading to the surface. under the constraint of magic, the water condensed into a pathway, and he led the units step by step down the stairs. now, they couldnt just jump off the deck like before. after all, the former whitebeards ship and current new moons first deck had a height of more than ten meters from the sea surface. jumping directly would be no different from jumping off a building. walking up the steps to the surface of the sea, ji chen had a thought and generated an air-filled water bubble around the pirates who were guiding him.. Chapter 146 - Chapter 146: Black Skeleton Pirates, Night Attack (2) chapter 146: black skeleton pirates, night attack (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation go in and show us the way to the black skeleton pirate crew. the pirates nodded without hesitation. they immediately plunged into the water bubble. ji chen shifted his gaze toward the new moon, specifically the tidal sea spirit tethered to it, and spoke, once we depart, take command of the ship to explore this archipelago freely. when i call upon you, respond promptly to offer assistance. in response to his words, the sails of the new moon lowered abruptly and then swiftly rose again, signifying their comprehension. without further delay, ji chen firmly pressed his hand, causing the water bubble enclosing the pirates to sink into the sea. following suit, he and the rest of the troops descended into the water as well. following the guidance of the pirates, they headed towards the island where the black skeleton pirate crews main stronghold was located. unbeknownst to the peripheral black skeleton pirates responsible for monitoring, more than 200 troops were swiftly advancing towards their stronghold under the calm surface of the sea, carrying a sense of killing intent and destruction. the group maneuvered through the waters between the islands, occasionally resurfacing to allow the pirates to identify the direction. at long last, after navigating through tumultuous waters and resurfacing, the pirates indicated an island ahead. that island, my lord, is the main stronghold of the black skeleton pirate crew. most of the pirate ships are anchored at the port here, one of the pirates explained. ji chen floated on the water surface, gazing ahead. the island boasted a crescent shape, with a majestic mountain commanding its entire expanse. yet, nestled within the concave portion of the crescent, a natural sheltered bay unfolded, housing a port spacious enough to berth a dozen imposing warships. but at the moment, only seven pirate ships were docked there, leaving the rest of the berths empty. ji chen also noticed something else. embedded in the cliff facing the sea, on the mountain, were several artillery platforms that covered the nearby waters and the port within their firing range. it could be imagined that if an enemy ship rashly approached this area, these artillery platforms would unleash a fierce barrage of attacks. it seemed that he made the right decision to leave the ship outside cautiously and choose to infiltrate underwater. as dusk approached and the sun gradually descended, darkness slowly spread across the horizon. strangely, except for the port and the artillery platforms, the entire island seemed devoid of any signs of fire. this piqued ji chens curiosity, and he inquired with the pirate guiding them. the black skeleton pirate crew utilized natural caves in the mountains to establish their stronghold. most of the pirates live inside these caves. the only way to enter is through the port, and there are passages connecting the artillery platforms and the stronghold within the mountains. if we dont capture the port quickly and enter the caves, they can use these artillery platforms to attack us at the port! the pirate explained. listening to the pirates, ji chens expression became slightly serious. he was not worried about breaking into the mountain caves; rather, he was concerned that once they seized the port, the pirates might use the artillery to destroy all the pirate ships, which would greatly affect his gains from this operation. it seemed he needed to find a way to disable these artillery platforms ji chen observed the cliff and the artillery platforms within the mountain. due to the angle, there were four platforms capable of attacking the port. if it were broad daylight, he would have had no way to deal with them, but now it was already night, and darkness enveloped everything. this tight network of firepower and surveillance would have vulnerabilities and blind spots. since these four platforms were causing trouble, he would start by dealing with them. with his plan in mind, he submerged into the water once again, accompanied by his troops. when they resurfaced again, they were positioned beneath one of the cliffs. above the cliff, an artillery platform was embedded, and dim light spread out through the gunports. it seemed that pirates were stationed inside after glancing a few times, ji chen raised his hands. powerful magic energy shot out from within him, swiftly swirling into the sea. a large amount of seawater was drawn up and slowly condensed into a giant palm facing upward. the dragonblood warriors, naga warriors, and pure water sea pixies divide into five groups, he commanded. he wasnt worried about being heard by the pirates in the platform because the sound of the waves masked any noise. with the command given, the three types of troops quickly split into five groups, with each group consisting of around 16 dragon blood murlocs, 15 naga warriors, and 19 pure water sea pixies. seeing this, ji chen nodded and continued, one group will climb up. when the giant hand reaches the same height as the platform, launch the surprise attack immediately. after killing the pirates in the platform, hold your position and wait for my signal to advance through the passage towards their stronghold! this was ji chens plan. each group would seize one artillery platform. after capturing control of all four platforms, he would lead the final group to launch a frontal assault through the port. at that time, the other four groups would attack simultaneously from the inside, breaking through and completely defeating the black skeleton pirates in their caves, achieving a great victory. this was the only way to avoid damaging the pirate ships and minimize casualties. upon hearing this plan, the troops nodded in agreement. one group, consisting of 50 troops, began climbing or flying up the water-formed giant hand. when they all reached the platform, ji chen raised his hands, and the giant hand rose up, reaching the same height as the gunports. from this point on, he didnt need to worry. the pirates stationed in the platform had no idea that enemies had appeared out of thin air beneath the dozens of meters high cliff. one by one, they were caught off guard and their heads exploded from the tridents of the dragon blood murlocs, unable to utter a scream. the group that completed their mission surfaced from the gunports. seeing this scene, ji chen immediately understood. without hesitation, he led the remaining troops to the next platform and easily seized the second one. they continued in the same manner, capturing the last two platforms. an unexpected incident occurred while they were taking the last platform. one trident of a dragon blood murloc slightly missed its target and struck the chest, not instantly killing the pirate but causing him to emit a miserable scream. this sudden noise disrupted the tranquil night, alerting the pirates at the port and inside the caves. upon witnessing this, ji chen decided to reveal his presence and confront them directly. he led the final group and rushed towards the port. a group of mere second-tier pirates couldnt pose a threat to him! seeing ji chen leading dozens of troops emerging from the water onto the port, the pirates stationed there immediately shouted in despair. enemy attack!!! we have enemies!! pirates ran out of the caves, their torches forming a fiery dragon. in the illuminating glow, they witnessed the fierce and terrifying alien warriors wielding dreadful weapons. though their numbers were only a few dozen, the ruthless and cold gaze of these warriors chilled them to the bone, as if they had entered a freezer. however, bolstered by their numerous companions, they gathered their courage, wielding their weapons and charging forward. the naga warriors, who were still at the forefront, cast a disdainful glance. they raised their bone blades high. with a swift strike, the sound of tearing fabric echoed as the pirates were cleaved in half. with a horizontal swing of another bone blade, another pirate was cut in half at the waist. the group of naga warriors, consisting of only a dozen individuals, prevented the pirates from advancing and forced them to retreat. when it came to melee combat, they were the true kings! but the dragon blood murlocs, at the fifth tier and five stars, were even more formidable. one trident thrown, and whether it was an armored pirate or a crossbow-wielding one, they were all easily dispatched. the output of the pure water sea pixies was also remarkable, each arrow capable of sending several pirates flying with blood and flesh splattering. some pirates attempted to sneakily climb aboard their ships from the sides, intending to use the cannons to attack. however, under ji chens omniscient map, each of them was singled out and killed. realizing that they couldnt win, the belated pirate leader roared in frustration. are all the people at the artillery platforms dead? use the cannons to blow them up! but soon, bad news reached his ears. the four platforms capable of targeting the port had already been taken over at some point, and enemies were advancing through the passage towards the interior of the caves! Chapter 147 - Chapter 147: Unethical Behavior chapter 147: unethical behavior translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation what? you bunch of idiots! you didnt even notice the loss of the cannon tower! what use are you to me? go and stop them, or ill throw all of you into the sea to feed the sharks! the pirate leader shouted angrily at his subordinates. this was their last stronghold. the port was gradually being taken over, and their chance to escape by ship was lost. if the caves were breached as well, he would probably die here today. and it seemed that the lord of these ferocious attackers was the man behind them. your excellency, what have my black skeleton pirates done to offend you? why are you attacking us without cause!? the pirate leader asked ji chen, his deep voice carrying across the battlefield. what have we done to offend me? ji chens face showed a hint of curiosity. he thought for a moment and said loudly, actually, 1 have quite a history with the black skeleton pirates. he looked at ji chens face with a puzzled expression, trying to remember if he had ever encountered this man before. seeing the confusion on the pirate leaders face, ji chen grinned and said, it was outside the mystic realm gate in the silver islands. you chased after me then. after a moment of thought, the pirate leaders face suddenly changed dramatically, and he blurted out, youre the one who stole the black widow!? exactly! ji chen snapped his fingers and smiled. please refrain from using the term stole in such a severe manner. your men abruptly trespassed into my territory, forcing me to defend myself. 1 also seized the opportunity to retain that ship as rightful compensation. oh, by the way, 1 also accepted two other pirate ships from you. dont misunderstand, those pirates on those ships chose to join me when they saw my greatness and strength. 1 hope you dont mind. the pirate leaders face grew dark. join? 1 dont believe a word of it! he knew very well that his pirates were a group of ruthless and cunning individuals. there was no way they would submit unless their lives were threatened. although he was furious and wanted to kill the man in front of him, he tried to calm himself and gritted his teeth, if your excellency came here to pursue our previous rudeness, you can leave. after all, you have already gained three pirate ships from my black skeleton pirates. these matters should be settled. although thats true ji chen smiled. i heard that you recently seized a treasure ship bound for a certain principality in the northern continent. if you hand over the valuable resources from that ship and give me the several pirate ships docked here, then 1 might consider it. the pirate leaders face grew even darker as if covered in ash. so thats how it is. he thought ji chen had come for revenge, but he didnt expect him to be after the valuable resources. but once something entered his belly, there was no way he would spit it out. moreover, after the previous battle, the black skeleton pirates suffered heavy losses, and their strength was only one-fifth of what it used to be. he had planned to wait for the situation to calm down and sell off the resources, recruit new pirates, and rebuild the black skeleton pirates. giving those valuable resources away was out of the question. thinking of this, the pirate leader remembered the krieg warships and felt a surge of anger. if it werent for their sudden attack, the black skeleton pirates wouldnt have fallen so low! im sorry, but i cannot agree to your excellencys request. i have use for these resources. ji chen shrugged. he didnt expect them to willingly hand them over anyway. the other four groups of troops were advancing rapidly towards their destination. it wouldnt take long to break through the mountain caves. looking at the distance between himself and the pirate leader, ji chens mind stirred, and his mana surged as he began to communicate with the seawater. under the unilluminated sea surface, the water surged and hundreds of water blades slowly formed in the dark sky. while manipulating his mana, ji chen pretended to continue the conversation to buy some time. we can talk about something else, he said. at that moment, the pirate leader suddenly felt a chilling sensation throughout his body. the hairs on the back of his neck stood up as if a great terror was about to descend. danger! extreme danger! if he didnt leave now, he would die! years of evading pursuit and sharpening his instincts and combat skills compelled him to swiftly pivot and flee without hesitation. he had just taken a step when a moment later, a multitude of water blades descended from the sky, fiercely piercing into the ground and cutting through the surrounding pirates, tearing their bodies apart. the water blades were swift and covered a large area. even though he had escaped early, the pirate leaders leg was still pierced by a water blade, and blood flowed freely. but the pirate leader gritted his teeth, enduring the excruciating pain in his leg, and limped his way into the cave. seeing the pirate leader fleeing into the cave like a bolt of lightning, ji chen was momentarily stunned, then shook his head with a smile. hes quite fast, i didnt even have time to react. my lord, should we pursue him immediately? leave him to me, 1 can definitely catch up and smash him into a pulp! ji chen smiled and pressed down anina, who was eager to try. no need to rush. he cant escape. now that they had taken control of the port and all the pirate ships, they could turn this island into a prison with no way out. both the pirate leader and the pirates inside the cave were trapped, unable to escape unless there was some secret passage.. Chapter 148 - Chapter 148: Unethical Behavior (2) chapter 148: unethical behavior (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation seeing their leader fleeing, the remaining pirates at the port lost their will to fight. either they surrendered and dropped their weapons under the persuasion of ji chen and his group, or they retreated back into the cave, intending to make a last stand. leaving a third of their troops to guard the defeated enemies, ji chen led the rest of his forces into the cave. on the rocky ground, a splash of red blood stood out. well, that mark must belong to the pirate leader. no other pirates were injured because they were already dead. a smile appeared on ji chens face. it was a smile of a cat playing with a mouse, calm yet filled with killing intent. it was said that anyone who could become a pirate leader was not an ordinary existence; they were a hero. [robert wardes (hero)] [race]: human [level]: 18 [tier]: blue excellent tier [skills]: [leader of the black skull pirate crew, cunning and ruthless, but now seemingly devoid of the desire for battle] damn it, damn it, damn it! that man actually possessed such terrifying power. from the moment he launched his attack, robert felt that this was a hero far stronger and higher-tiered than himself. it was highly likely that he was of purple-rare tier, or even red-legacy tier! but aside from being so powerful, ji chen didnt even follow the code of conduct. he even wanted to ambush robert! ji chen had no semblance of a strong warrior! seeing how ruthlessly ji chen attacked, it seemed that he not only wanted the precious resources but also wanted his life! thinking about this situation, robert couldnt help but curse the ancestors of those pirates on the black widow. these incompetent individuals, who were more prone to causing trouble than achieving success, not only failed to seize the merchant ship but also brought such a big mess to his stronghold. if this news were to be exposed, robert wades reputation would be severely damaged! at this point, all he could do was run. as long as he could escape with his trusted followers, he could start anew with the several batches of treasures he had secretly hidden over the years. as for the other pirates? a cold smile appeared on roberts face. he would leave them behind to delay the enemy, giving him time to escape. obviously, the leader of the black skeleton pirate crew wouldnt place the only escape route at the port. with his familiarity with this cave, he led his trusted followers to evade the two enemy forces that had already entered the cave and arrived at an inconspicuous entrance. he used the key he carried to open the iron gate at the entrance of the cave. passing through the corner, the cave ahead was filled with shining rare resources. mithril and adamantium filled the corners, various weapons that greatly enhanced pirate combat prowess, a batch of construction blueprints, and various exquisite jewelry. if he could convert these items into combat power, then perhaps he wouldnt have fallen to this point today. robert looked at these things with a tinge of heartache but resolutely gave them up. he started instructing his trusted followers to gather the piled-up mithril and adamantium and dig out the hidden door in the rock wall. although these treasures were extremely precious, the attack had come too suddenly, and there was no time to transport them now. as each layer of mithril and adamantium was excavated, robert felt along the rock wall behind him until his fingers grasped a depression. click. the originally seamless rock wall suddenly opened inward, revealing a dim passage. roberts face lit up with joy. he had secretly excavated this secret passage a few years ago, and no one knew about it except him. it was meant to be used as an escape route in case of an unstoppable danger. at the end of the passage, there was a hidden dock where a ship was moored, ready to take him away quickly. robert turned to the more than twenty followers behind him, who had looks of surprise, and said sternly, today, the black skeleton pirate crew has encountered a great calamity, and i have to abandon this place. follow me through this secret passage to escape. start everything from scratch with me. but 1 guarantee that the black skeleton pirate crew will rise again, and you will all be honored. i wont treat you unfairly. upon hearing this, the followers nodded in agreement. we will wholeheartedly assist our leader and let the black skeleton flag fly once again on the western sea, making everyone tremble in fear! satisfied with their response, robert added with a cold smile. also, remember the man who attacked us today. we will definitely seek revenge from him you wont have a chance to seek revenge on me. as soon as the words fell, roberts face turned pale, and he looked towards the entrance of the cave. ji chen stood there, wearing a mocking expression on his face. behind him stood a multitude of troops. this couldnt be! how did he find this place so quickly!? lets go back to over ten minutes ago. ji chen followed the blood trail and entered the cave, but lost track of robert after reaching a large hall. as he looked at the maze of passages, trying to decide which one to search, two pirates carrying white flags suddenly emerged from one of the tunnels. ji chen was about to have the dragon blood fish throw his trident when these two peculiar pirates suddenly shouted, brother! were innocent civilians! dont kill us! huh? these didnt seem like native pirates but players? looking at the two players crouching on the ground, ji chens expression became a bit strange. what are your names? im han dameng, and hes zhang xiaotian. the two of them honestly replied. how did you end up becoming such worthless pirates? what happened to your territory? upon hearing this, han dameng and zhang xiaotian looked embarrassed. our territory was breached by wild troops shortly after the end of the novice period. all our troops were killed, so we became refugees and ended up becoming pirates just to survive.. Chapter 149 - Chapter 149: Evil God Alexei chapter 149: evil god alexei translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation damn it, how did you find this place so quickly? robert exclaimed in astonishment, but upon seeing han dameng and zhang xiaotian beside him, he instantly understood. glaring at them, he exclaimed, you two traitors, you actually led the enemies here! han dameng and zhang xiaotian exchanged a glance and sneered, traitors is such a harsh word. we prefer to call it switching sides! besides, youre just a mere pirate. youre not worth our loyalty anymore. damn it, arent you both pirates too!? sorry, not anymore from now on. seeing that robert still wanted to say something, ji chen interrupted him and signaled the troops to deal with the remaining pirates. anina charged forward with her greatsword, her face filled with excitement as she swung the blade with immense force. clang! the greatsword, filled with tremendous power, instantly shattered the pirates scimitar. the broken tip of the blade flew into the sky while the force of the swing cleaved the pirate in half. at the same time, her empty left hand formed a fist and lightly collided with another pirate. in the next moment, the pirate was sent flying as if struck by a battleship, his body severed into two pieces, with blood splattering everywhere. in the cave, a rain of flesh and blood suddenly fell. ji chen furrowed his brow and pulled alice behind the sturdy body of the naga warrior for cover. robert, the other pirates, and the two players stood dumbfounded, their eyes filled with disbelief. even though their skin was splattered with blood, they couldnt snap out of their shock. what kind of monster was this!? to punch someone into two pieces, is this the strength that a human could possess? they watched anina, standing in the center of the battlefield, ruthlessly slaughtering her foes. if they werent mistaken, she was the one who delivered such devastating blowsa petite girl with such power? could she be the incarnation of an ancient giant whale? ah! run, shes a monster! the screams of the pirates jolted them back to reality. they didnt know when, but out of the initial twenty pirates, only two remained alive. the rest had become scattered bodies lying on the ground, broken and lifeless. with the last two screams, the cave suddenly fell silent, except for the sound of heavy breathing. the scent of blood filled their nostrilsa scent that used to exhilarate them but now sent chills down their spines, causing their bodies to tremble uncontrollably. seeing the cold, fierce gaze from the girl with the large sword, robert suddenly woke up from his stupor. he forcefully opened his shirt and tore off the pendant hanging around his neck, a pendant adorned with an eerie wooden carving. observing this scene, ji chen felt a sense of foreboding and immediately exclaimed, stop him! upon hearing this, anina rushed towards him, ready to strike him down within seconds. but it was already too late. robert, as if resolute, bit his lip and pulled out a dagger, slicing his left hands palm. the fresh blood instantly enveloped the sinister wooden carving, which absorbed it in an instant. in the next moment, waves of tangible black energy emanated from the wooden carving, knocking anina away as she charged forward. evil, sinister, and dangerous. an ancient malevolence seemed to break through the void and descend upon them. it placed tremendous pressure on everyone, even causing the tidal lord, a red-legacy tier profession, to tremble involuntarily. apart from alice and anina, who gritted their teeth to withstand it, the others, including benbo, were crushed to the ground, unable to move. ji chen struggled against this pressure, tightly fixating his gaze on the eerie wooden carving. what on earth was this!? the carving depicted a beast with two horns, wings, and sharp fangs, crouching down. even though it was made of wood, the cruelty and eeriness in its eyes were still clearly visible. as it absorbed the blood, it became increasingly blood-red, giving it a vivid and lifelike appearance. hahaha! now you know the power of the wooden carving! you cant kill me! once i escape and rise again, i will seek revenge on all of you for today! robert laughed triumphantly, his laughter filled with delight. during his early sailing days, he had obtained the wooden carving and regarded it as his secret weapon. now, at last, he could put it to use. now that everyone was suppressed, as long as he commanded the wooden carving to stop them, he could escape without a trace. however, he realized that he couldnt remove the wooden carving. it clung to his left palm as if glued, becoming an inseparable part of his body. moreover, it continued to absorb his blood at an alarming rate! damn it, stop it! i am your master, i command you to stop! robert grimaced as he tried to pry the wooden carving off, but it absorbed even faster, turning blood-red. his face visibly grew paler. endless fear surged within him. in just half a minute, he transitioned from arrogance to terror. no matter how hard he struggled, the wooden carving couldnt be removed. it was as if it had become a part of his body. robert felt his body growing weaker and weaker. he picked up a scimitar from the ground and, with determination in his heart, swung it down onto his left hand, where the wooden carving was. but in the next moment, a pitch-black hand emerged from the wooden carving, grabbing hold of the scimitar. narrowing his eyes, ji chen watched the hand with the highest level of vigilance.. Chapter 150 - Chapter 150: Evil God Alexei chapter 150: evil god alexei translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation at this point, even an average individual could discern that there was something gravely amiss with this wooden carving. it certainly did not bode well! as the black hand extended, the wooden carving absorbed with increased intensity, even assimilating the blood of the fallen pirates. everyone present could feel their blood pumping faster as if it was being drawn away. the thick, abnormal scent of blood permeated the entire cave. in the midst of roberts despairing gaze, his body was reduced to a dried-up husk, with only bones remaining. the wooden carving emitted a blood-red glow as if it had absorbed enough energy. a thick, black mist emanated from the wooden carving and condensed into a human face in mid-air. the pressure in the surroundings reached its peak. even alice and anina couldnt resist and were instantly pinned to the ground. ji chen felt every cell in his body being crushed, bearing an unimaginable burden. his veins and muscles bulged, and his face twisted in agony. perhaps noticing his abnormality, the blood-red eyes of the face turned towards him. a terrifying pressure descended as if a mountain was crashing down. he could even hear his spine creaking, and his waist and legs involuntarily bending. this thing wanted him to kneel and surrender! a mere unknown entity, expecting him to kneel? dream on! ji chen gritted his teeth and tried to mobilize the slightest trace of his mana, struggling to resist the pressure. but even with the help of the mysterious evil entity that arrived through the wooden carving, the released pressure was beyond what ji chen could withstand. even the toughest body couldnt help but bend. at this moment, a surge of deep blue energy surged from within him, relieving the pressure released by the wooden carving. it was the power of the tidal lord profession! it appeared when the host sensed danger! at this point, the face of the entity revealed a hint of curiosity and stared directly at ji chen. reeking of boundless evil. in a hoarse and somewhat interested voice, it spoke, oh? interesting insignificant human, if you offer your soul to me and believe in me, i shall spare your life. with the assistance of the tidal lord profession, ji chen felt the pressure lessen and had enough strength to speak. upon hearing the face speak, he forced a smile and said, 1 dont even know your name, how can i believe in you? the mouth of the face opened and closed as if uttering an indescribable name. i am one of the twelve evil gods, the blood god alexei. those who have faith in me shall attain the ultimate power to manipulate blood! those who reject my existence shall perish as their life force is drained, plunging into the depths of the blood hell. the words were filled with irresistible temptation and wickedness. control blood? isnt that something like vampires or bloodsuckers? and alexei an evil god definitely not something good. to offer ones soul and faith? only a fool would do so. putting aside the vampire-like blood-sucking ability, just the belief in an evil god would be enough to attract the forces of justice and light to come and hunt him down. believing in such a thing was impossible, but for now, he couldnt show any sign of it and had to find a way to escape. ji chen tried to stall for time. i need some time to consider. ignorant mortal, do not dare to deceive the mighty alexei! though 1 am currently confined to this vessel, my true authority is merely a fraction of its full potential. however, the power of a deity surpasses your feeble comprehension. it is more than enough to effortlessly extinguish your life, imprison your soul, and subject it to eternal anguish within the blood-soaked depths for countless millions of years we are willing to believe in you! become your faithful followers! at this moment, han dameng and zhang xiaotian, who had been pinned to the ground, found the courage to speak up. oh? alexei looked at them. while your power pales in comparison to this human, i, being temporarily present here today, will grant you an opportunity if you can withstand my divine authority. han dameng and zhang xiaotians faces immediately brightened. although believing in this blood god seemed like a bad idea, it was not an unacceptable price to pay in order to survive today. we are willing a wave of authority and pressure instantly descended upon them. boom boom two explosive sounds rang out as han dameng and zhang xiaotian exploded into a shower of blood and flesh. obviously, unlike ji chen, they couldnt withstand the pressure. they have not passed my test and are not qualified to become my followers, alexei said emotionlessly, as if two ants had died, then he turned his gaze to ji chen. now its your turn. are you willing? his tone remained unchanged, but if ji chen refused, he would probably explode into a shower of blood and flesh just like the others. did he really have to believe in this blood god nonsense? and what about the claim of only temporary presence? how long has it been already, and it still hasnt left!? ji chen cursed silently in his heart. he knew that stalling for time probably wouldnt work. what should he do? he couldnt win the fight, couldnt escape, so whats next? it seems that you, a lowly human, are unwilling to believe in me, alexei. very well, you shall suffer the same fate as those two humans at this moment, a vast power surged in like warm air into a cold room, suppressing alexeis authority and causing the pressure on ji chens shoulders to disappear. just when he was puzzled, an astonished and angry voice came from alexei. this power is it you? i have no grudge against you, why do you obstruct me? 1 understand now, you are this human damn it, if 1 hadnt temporarily descended through this token, how could you have stopped me an overwhelmingly immense power surged in. in a breath, alexeis face was forced back into the wooden carving, and the pressure that pervaded the cave disappeared in an instant. not only that, but the wooden carving was also shattered into powder by this power, and then the power itself vanished. the entire cave, except for the corpses on the ground, returned to its previous state. all of the recent events unfolded rapidly. from the moment when the evil god alexei was on the verge of attacking, to the sudden arrival of a mysterious power that assisted in suppressing alexei back into the wooden carving and subsequently obliterating it, before disappearing without a trace. the entire sequence transpired within a mere half-minute. in the present moment, ji chens mind was brimming with perplexity and uncertainty. who was this power that helped him? from the overwhelming situation just now, it might be at the same level as alexei or even stronger. but why would this existence help him? could it be because he looked handsome? ji chen couldnt fathom a reason that would make this existence actively assist him. he had to temporarily set it aside and look at roberts dried-up corpse. a magnificent blue excellent-tier hero, reduced to a dried-up husk simply from having his blood drained. it was a pitiful death. he had assumed that whatever had rescued him was benevolent in nature, but he never anticipated that it would enable the temporary manifestation of the blood god, causing his appearance to undergo such a transformation. ji chen shook his head and looked at the recovering army. though the naga warriors and other units were completely suppressed earlier, fortunately, alexei didnt kill them first. otherwise, he would have suffered heavy losses. but thankfully, they had narrowly escaped. apart from the two players, no one died. my lord, what was that just now alice asked with lingering fear. everything from the evil presence to the subsequent help from another entity made her feel insignificant. faced with such power, she didnt even have the ability to stand up and fight. she could only watch as the danger of death loomed over her upon hearing her question, ji chen simply shook his head. god-level power was still too early for them. what level could a god be, based on the known information? the highest level was 79, the highest level attainable by tier 7 units, and the current highest level reachable by players. but what lay beyond that? was there a higher level? ji chen couldnt know for sure. however, he already had a vague guess in his mind. the power he just witnessed was probably beyond what a level 79 could reach. Chapter 151 - Chapter 151: Rewards from the Lair, Core Acquired (1) chapter 151: rewards from the lair, core acquired (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen looked at his level again. only level 15 it looked quite pathetic. sigh, he still had to take it a step at a time. ji chen looked at the resources scattered throughout the cave, and a smile finally appeared on his face. although the process had been difficult and treacherous, the result was good. not only did he take down the pirate leader robert, but he also successfully found this batch of rare resources. killing two birds with one stone! after this period of time, the other army groups also managed to control the remaining pirates. when they heard that robert was dead, many of the pirates chose to surrender. seven three-masted pirate ships in the harbor also fell into his hands. these pirate ships were filled with cannons and were in good condition, ready to be used at any time. ji chen left a part of the army to guard the surrendered pirates and the resources stored in various parts of the cave. he planned to enter the secret passage opened by robert. the secret passage was not large, only as high as a person, and the width could only accommodate two people walking side by side. even naga warriors couldnt squeeze in even if they lowered their heads. seeing this, ji chen could only reluctantly ask the naga warriors to stay behind and entered the passage with the smaller-sized dragon blood muriocs. after more than ten minutes, they arrived at a hidden bay. by the simple dock on the bay, there was a three-masted warship moored. this should be the ship that robert used for his escape. shifting his gaze, ji chen began to observe the surrounding environment. there were steep cliffs on the left, right, and rear of the bay, covered with lush trees. the treetops were artificially tied together with ropes, creating a dense canopy that almost completely blocked the sky, not even allowing a hint of moonlight to penetrate. the front of the bay was concealed by vegetation, cleverly disguised. even if a ship sailed past from the outside, it would be oblivious to the hidden bay concealed behind, where a ship lay hidden. however, it was evident that robert no longer required this vessel. he had already boarded the ship that would take him to paradise and departed without delay. ji chens mood improved. the harvest this time was not only the seven pirate ships docked in the nearby harbor but also this one, making a total of eight. obtaining eight legitimate warships all at once was simply a huge profit! he wanted to burst with excitement from earning a fortune! ji chen left a few dragon blood muriocs to guard the ship and turned back through the secret passage to the cave. with a wave of his hand, he collected the scattered mithril and adamantium on the ground one by one. ding- you have obtained 7000 units of mithril. ding- you have obtained 5000 units of adamantium. it seemed that these were the rare resources that the black skeleton pirate crew plundered from that treasure ship, totaling 12,000 units of rare resources, which was not bad. these resources could be used as materials for the next upgrade of the military talent tree. on the other side of the cave, there were large wooden crates placed. ji chen signaled a few naga warriors to come forward and forcefully pried open the nailed lids with their sharp bone blades. inside were numerous fine steel scimitars and exquisitely crafted iron crossbows. looking at these weapons, ji chen pondered. [fine steel scimitar] [effect]: (d increases slashing speed (2) enhances armor-piercing ability [fine steel iron crossbow] [effect]: 0 increases penetration ability (2) increases armor-piercing ability generally speaking, except for a few rare cases, the tier of a military unit cannot be changed. however, human units, humanoid units, could improve their combat effectiveness by changing weapons. for example, replacing a wooden spear with an iron spear or a hunting bow with a stronger bow. for elite pirates like the second-tier 4-star human units, if they could equip better weapons, their combat effectiveness would increase significantly. based on the current quantity of these scimitars and crossbows, it was enough to equip all the pirates under his command. with a wave of his hand, he ordered the army to start moving these weapons out of the cave and stack them at the harbor. he had already called for the new moon to return from its roaming outside the archipelago. the tidal sea spirit was piloting the new moon at full speed, and they would soon begin loading and unloading the spoils here. in addition to a batch of rare resources and these weapons, robert had also left a batch of blueprints here. they were stacked up thickly. ji chen casually picked them up and roughly skimmed through them. although there were no extremely rare blueprints, most of them were practical buildings, such as ordinary lighthouses, advanced residences, small ports, breweries, wine cellars, blacksmith shops, and the like. many of them were buildings that the crown of the ocean currently did not have. naturally, ji chen accepted them all. with these blueprints, the prosperity of the crown of the ocean in terms of buildings would be greatly enhanced. in addition, there were several boxes of jewelry, shining brightly and very eye-catching. perhaps he could transport them to nearby islands where indigenous settlements were located and sell them in exchange for resources. it was said that robert had also hidden some resources in several places outside the islands. but unfortunately, no one knew where they were hidden except for him. ji chen could only sigh with regret. looking around, there didnt seem to be anything else worth noting. he walked out of the cave with his hands behind his back, enjoying the breeze at the harbor. the full moon shone in the sky, and the sea breeze brushed against his face. the sea surface was calm. in the distance, the massive silhouette of the new moon appeared and slowly stopped at the docking area. the cargo entrance on the ships side opened automatically, and the gangway descended. the naga warriors began to move the supplies into the cargo hold. benbo, take the dragon blood muriocs to nearby islands and clear out the remaining pirates there. bring back those willing to surrender, and kill those who resist.. Chapter 152 - Chapter 152: Rewards from the Lair, Core Acquired (2) chapter 152: rewards from the lair, core acquired (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation benbo nodded and led dozens of dragon blood mur iocs into rhe sea, swiftly swimming towards a nearby island. you bring all the pirates on this island to the harbor/ ji chen said, looking at anina standing beside him. anina quickly nodded and rushed into rhe cave with a large sword in hand. shortly after, they drove hundreds of pirates out of rhe cave as if herding pigs. each pirate sat on the ground with a dejected look, filled with confusion and fear. ji chen saw their miserable appearance but had no comforting thoughts. the reason he spared these pirates was to subdue them, so he would have enough manpower to sail the eight pirate ships back. he straightforwardly stated, if you submit to me, 1 will spare your lives. otherwise, youll die. upon hearing this, a desire to live ignited in the pirates eyes, and they quickly agreed. they had no thoughts of avenging robert. following him was only for the sake of earning gold coins and having food to eat. as pirates, one should not expect them to possess virtues such as loyalty and faith. now that their leader was dead, it was natural for each of them to flee from the impending disaster. if they couldnt flee, they would simply find another leader. ding- you have subjugated 1250 pirates. seeing the system prompt, ji chen nodded. he waited for benbo to return. in the late night, benbo and his crew safely escorted a group of pirates who were stationed on other islands back to their base. ji chen repeated his earlier statement. without any surprises, these pirates, driven by their strong will to survive, chose to lower their heads. ding- you have subjugated 250 pirates. in total, he had subjugated 1500 pirates here, adding to the previous 270, making it a total of 1770. although their tier and combat power were low, they had the advantage of sheer numbers, enough to make numerous ships of the crown of the ocean sail. transporting the resources would take some time. after looking at the night sky, ji chen stretched lazily and went back to rest on the new moon. the massive ship provided a spacious and comfortable room, making him feel almost as comfortable as resting on land. before going to sleep, ji chen suddenly remembered something. besides conquering this pirate stronghold, he also planned to go out and trade with other players. and rhe content of the trade would be military recruitment camp cores. he had always had a limited number of recruitment camp cores. at best, he only had around ten of them. the consequence of having a small number of recruitment camp cores was that the weekly recruitment quota was limited, and the growth of his army was slow. he could only recruit about a dozen or twenty troops per week. to form an army of a hundred people would take at least seven weeks! at first, he thought it was fine, but now, after experiencing so many things being hunted by tens of thousands of blood spirit warriors, facing pirates in four digits, and preparing to resist an unknown number of sea heirs. ji chen felt that his troops were suddenly insufficient. he realized he was outnumbered in a physical confrontation. he had absolute confidence in defeating enemies twice their number. he even felt he could handle enemies five times their number. if alice and the others joined the battle, there was a possibility of winning against ten times the enemy. but what about fifty times, a hundred times? there were billions of players in this world, and there should be millions allocated to the western central ocean coastline and many islands. in such a massive player community, there must be someone who had the recruitment camp cores he desired. ji chen casually opened the forum and, after some thought, posted a thread under the name the islander. seeking to buy ocean and amphibious recruitment camp cores. can trade with gold coins or rare resources. trading location limited to the western central ocean. on chat channels and forums, there were countless similar threads, not only seeking recruitment camp cores but also seeking specific resources or treasures. after all, there was no trading system or exchange) so players could only find what they wanted through these inefficient means. and it was also limited by geographical distance, which was particularly apparent at sea, where it often took days to sail. after posting the thread, ji chen planned to check for responses the next day. but before he could close it, the thread started to refresh like crazy. big boss islander is back from the dead! the boss is still awake at this late hour. its no wonder hes so powerful. even at this hour, hes still working hard and striving! ji chens mouth twitched as he read these night owl players comments. cant you guys fust focus on the topic? cant you answer the content of the thread seriously? after a series of bragging, someone finally noticed the topic of the thread. i have a few tier-1 recruitment camp cores that 1 havent had a chance to use. but, boss, you might not be interested i think so too. big boss islander probably has tier-2 or tier-3 troops. tier-1 probably wont catch his attention. seeing this, ji chen narrowed his eyes. as long as the troops are suitable, whats wrong with tier-1? he was a man with a military talent tree! even the initially useless tier-1 water spirits had been elevated to the level of tier-3. and his initial river murloc troop had become a 4-star, tier-3 dragon blood murloc. he wondered how shocked those players would be if the dragon blood murlocs evolved to tier-5, tier-6, or even the supreme tier-7 troops. this scene resembled a person with previously perceived elementary-level intelligence suddenly discovering they had been admitted to a world-renowned university. no matter the tier, as long as they suit me. ill take them. the more recruitment camp cores, the better, ji chen added a sentence to the thread and pinned it. soon, players started to apply for private chats, showcasing the recruitment camp cores they possessed. and most of them were ocean and amphibious troops. thorny flying fish C tier-1, 5-star, 4 cores. floating crab C tier-1, 7-star, 3 cores. shallow water lizard C tier-1, 4-star, 6 cores. marsh murloc C tier-2, 2-star, 4 cores. lobster rider C tier-2, 1-star, 6 cores. toxic octopus C tier-2, 3-star, 2 cores. there were a variety of troops at different tiers. besides tier-1, there were also quite a few tier-2 and tier-3 troops. but tier-2 was the main focus, while tier-3, although available, usually had only one core, so ji chen quickly excluded them. the selling price of tier-3 recruitment camp cores was outrageous, far from their actual value. they demanded resources in the range of four-digit rare items or five-digit gold coins, or a few rare blueprint drawings. did they really think he was a fool? with those resources, he could elevate several tier-2 troops to tier-3. why would he just buy one core from them? after observing a few tier-3 sellers, ji chen focused on tier-1 and tier-2 troops. after all, the lower the tier, the cheaper the price, and the more cores available. after careful selection, he finally settled on two troops that were highly suitable and had advancement value. one each from tier-1 and tier-2. [self-detonating water spider] race: water spider [tier]: tier-1, 3-star skills: unstable crystals (white skill, able to detonate rhe crystals within its body) splash (white skill, increases the explosion range by 10%) swift (white skill, increases movement speed by 20%) [im a magnet] [lobster rider] [tier]: tier-2, i-srar charge (white skill, when in a charging state, increases movement speed by 10% and impact force by 5%) agility (white skill, increases movement speed by 5%) unit trait: coordinated charge (when fighting or charging with troops of the same kind, all attributes increase by 5%) [charge away!!] self-detonating water spider and lobster rider. one relied on self-detonation to harm the enemy, while the other was a cavalry unit in water. Chapter 153 - Chapter 153: King Kong Island (1) chapter 153: king kong island (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat tran station even among low-tier units, there were differences in their strengths and weaknesses. some units, despite their low tier, naturally possessed three or even four abilities, while others only had one or two abilities. even with upgrades from the military talent tree, the overall improvement was relatively limited. the two units ji chen had selected, the self-detonating water spider and the lobster rider, both had three abilities. with their innate potential being decent, advancing them to higher tiers would make them even more formidable. having the military talent tree as an advantage and acquiring high-quality recruitment core units did not conflict with each other. once ji chen had chosen the two units, he checked the names of the players selling them. coincidentally, both units came from the same person. the players forum name was t_love_black_ stockings, which made ji chen chuckle. forum names were chosen only once, and once confirmed, they couldnt be changed. they accompanied the players for their entire lives, without any name change cards or similar items. however, this player had fearlessly selected such a username. ji chen couldnt help but question whether they were genuinely confident or simply possessed an audacious nature. however, in his heart, ji chen affirmed it. not for any particular reason, but because he, too, liked black stockings. after expressing his intention to purchase, i_love_black_ stockings11 quickly responded, as if waiting by the computer. is it really big boss islander? am i not mistaken? is there someone with the same name hello. ah! it really is you!!11 oh my goodness, if my neighbor, old wang, knew i was talking to you, he would be so envious! no, i have to jot down whats happening right now in my notebook. it will be my family heirloom! i_love_black_ stockings seemed extremely excited and sent several messages in a row, flooding ji chens screen and leaving him speechless. seeing i_love_black_s toe kings being so excited, as if encountering an idol, ji chen couldnt help but feel nostalgic. was he now considered a celebrity? cough cough, lets get to the point. oh, right, cant waste your time. big boss islander, which one of my self-detonating water spiders and lobster riders do you want? the self-detonating water spider has 5 recruitment cores, and the lobster rider has 6. the more you buy, the more discounts you get! i want both, so ill take all the cores. impressive, boss. youre showing your dominance and might! as long as the price suits my liking, whether its gold coins or rare resources, theres no problem. his words exuded great confidence. he had a large amount of gold coins, and he also possessed mithril, crystals, and precious metals. buying a few recruitment cores wouldnt faze him at all. as if awed by ji chens imposing manner, i_love_black_stockings hesitated for a while before continuing. now that youve said that, let me boldly propose the price one self-detonating water spider recruitment core for 50 gold coins, one lobster rider recruitment core for 300 gold coins. do you think this price is suitable?1 when ji chen saw the price, his brow furrowed deeply. 50 gold coins 300 gold coins wasnt this too cheap? 50 gold coins were equivalent to the price of two eastern continent exotic slaves. 300 gold coins were just the value of six warhorses. based on the 5 self-detonating water spider recruitment cores and 6 lobster rider recruitment cores, it would only require a total of 2050 gold coins. in normal circumstances, this seemed like a lot, but these were recruitment cores that could continuously produce units. 5+7=13. this quantity was more than all the recruitment cores ji chen had acquired in the past. could it be that obtaining this many cores was the normal situation for players? seeing ji chen remain silent for a longtime, i_love_black_ stockings thought the offer was too high and quickly said, if the boss finds this price unacceptable, i can immediately change it 45 gold coins for the self-detonating water spider and 260 gold coins for the lobster rider. would you find this price acceptable? when ji chen snapped out of his daze and saw these words, a wry smile formed on his lips. why did it become even cheaper? didnt this already seem like a loss? he had the money to buy them, so there was no need to push the price so low while he took a moment to complain, l_love_black_stockings sent another message. sob sob, 40 gold coins for the self-detonating water spider, and 240 gold coins for the lobster rider. this is the lowest price 1 can offer. if it goes any lower, ill be at a loss! these recruitment cores were obtained by risking my life to infiltrate monster lairs, and half of the units 1 brought with me died. at least let me break even! boss, if you truly want them, please have mercy and accept this price? seeing l_love_black_stockings in such a distressed state, ji chen couldnt help but chuckle. it seemed that there was a discrepancy in their understanding of the value of recruitment cores and the actual value of gold coins. however, ji chen was curious. why would i_love_black_stockings be willing to lower the price by 20% just to sell these recruitment cores to him? he felt that these two units were quite good and should have considerable market value. when ji chen asked this question, t_love_black_stockings spoke with a tinge of bitterness in their words. to be honest, my ship was recently destroyed by wild units in the open sea, and i wont be able to go out for hunting and fishing for some time. my territory currently needs a sum of gold coins to buy food.. if we continue to face a shortage of food in a few days, the morale of the residents will hit rock bottom, and there will be a revolt! Chapter 154 - Chapter 154: King Kong Island (2) chapter 154: king kong island (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation and the self-detonating water spider and the lobster rider are the two main units in my territory. there are a few nearby players willing to buy them, but even if im in a hurry to sell, 1 cant sell them to players so close to me, right? otherwise, if one day they use these units to attack me, it would be a big problem. and other players who are interested in buying them are all too far away. their ships cant cross the ocean, and they dont have the time or willingness to take the risk of sailing but, big boss islander, when you said your range is limited to the western middle ocean, doesnt that mean you have the ability to easily cross the ocean and go anywhere for purchases? after reading the last sentence, ji chen nodded in realization. he hadnt expected that a casual remark would reveal such information about him. it was understandable, though. most ocean players only had small ships, and it was not easy for them to have a large ship capable of crossing the open sea. having been accustomed to commanding large warships, ji chen had failed to grasp the challenges encountered by ordinary players. lets trade the self-detonating water spider for 50 gold coins and the lobster rider for 300 gold coins. thank you, big boss! youre too kind! so, when can we make the trade? you havent told me the location for the trade. oh, right. i was so excited that 1 forgot about it. just come directly to king kong island. my territory is located here. king kong island ji chens eyebrows twitched. he had heard about this place on the chat channel and forums. it was a large island located in the northern part of the western middle ocean, named after its shape resembling the head of a gorilla. many players started their initial territories on this island, but due to the dense player population, limited resources, and the initial isolation of the islands, a large-scale battle erupted in the early stages. during this battle, more than one-third of the players who started on king kong island died. it was a solution to the problem of resource scarcity, similar to the dilemma of dividing ten apples among fifteen people. however, until now, friction among players on king kong island continued, and occasional attacks on territories resulted in fatalities. there were rumors about a few powerful players wanting to unify the entire island compared to players who settled on the mainland with more resources and greater distances between territories, the players on king kong island who managed to survive until now could be considered elite, having fought their way out of a bloodbath. it seemed that i_love_black_stockings was not a simple person either. king kong island was located north of the silver islands, west of the island stronghold. it would take about three days to reach there from ji chens current location. just sail your ship to the east side of king kong island. there is a sea cliff that faces directly towards my territory! but, big boss, dont get too close to other coastal areas of king kong island. many players have set up artillery, and they might attack you. after a pause, i_love_black_stockings quickly added, of course, i dont think you wont be able to handle them, but if you get attacked unexpectedly, repairing the ship will cost a lot. dont worry, i will arrive in about three days. please be patient. understood, 1 look forward to your arrival! ji chen closed the private chat and had a faint premonition. this journey to king kong island might bring about some interesting events although it wasnt far from his current location, time was tight. he looked at the time and realized that they needed to depart before noon tomorrow to arrive on schedule. he walked onto the deck and urged the soldiers and pirates who were transporting supplies, speed up the process! we will set sail and leave by noon tomorrow! yes! the overseers shouted, and the workers doubled their efforts. with the concerted efforts of the pirates, roberts accumulated resources, which had been saved for an unknown period, were all loaded onto the new moon and the other pirate ships. to ji chens surprise, they discovered a batch of intact cannons in a warehouse. these cannons were regularly maintained by robert for replacements, so they were in excellent condition and could be used immediately after being transported onto the ship. naturally, ji chen had them all moved out. some were stored, while others were installed in the vacant gun positions on the new moon. when all the gun barrels on the new moon were extended, one after another, like a forest of black and thick barrels, ji chen couldnt help but feel excited. this was the complete form of the new moon, armed with a total of 150 cannons, 75 on each side. when all the gun barrels were extended, it looked as menacing as a hedgehog. and the most terrifying part was that the operation of the cannons required a significant number of skilled operators. however, under the control of the tidal sea spirit, it was almost negligible. only a continuous supply of ammunition was needed, and the tidal sea spirit could handle the loading and firing of the cannons, keeping them in a constant state of full firepower. this surpassed even the fully automated loading cannons. the role of the tidal sea spirit was becoming increasingly prominent. perhaps the former owner, edward, had not expected that the new moon, which was once whitebeards ship, could transform into its current state. retract the cannons and close the gunports! as the command was given, the cannons retracted, and the wooden panels of the gunports automatically closed. open the gunports and extend the cannons! with a click, the wooden panels of the gunports lifted, and the gun barrels extended out of the ships sides. at this moment, ji chen became increasingly curious. he wanted to see the scene when all the cannons fired together. the pirates moved the ammunition onto the new moon, storing some and placing others directly beside the cannons on the decks. once the ammunition was in position, ji chen ordered the new moon to leave the port and move to a nearby area on the sea. standing on the deck, he instructed the tidal sea spirit, adjust the angles and aim at the distant cliffs! the ships cannons began adjusting their angles and heights, aiming at the target. load the propellant and projectiles! visible blue energy flows, substantial enough to be seen with the naked eye, lifted the propellant and projectiles on the deck one by one and loaded them into the gun barrels. the priming stones were placed at the back of the barrels, and a simple spark against the firing port would ignite the propellant inside the barrels, propelling the projectiles forward. at this moment, as many as 75 cannons were ready to fire. everything was prepared. suppressing his excitement, ji chen calmly commanded, fire! boom- boom as the command was given, the gun barrels emitted flames and smoke, and thick white smoke rose, filling the nearby area with the smell of gunpowder. at the moment of the cannon fire, the recoil generated was enough to make the entire ship drift laterally more than ten meters, causing the opposite side of the ship to tilt slightly downward. this demonstrated the tremendous recoil generated when so many cannons fired simultaneously. ji chen held onto the handrail, stabilizing himself, and squinted his eyes to watch. he saw dozens of dark cannonballs soaring through the air in a graceful arc, heading towards the target. boom the powerful force from the abundant gunpowder struck the cliff, leaving pockmarks and scattering debris. some cannonballs hit the treetops on the cliff, breaking them in half and startling countless birds. with just one volley from one side of the ship, as long as most of the cannonballs hit their mark, it would be enough to disable a three-masted warship. ji chen was very satisfied with the test results. he ordered the cannons and gunports to be retracted, and the new moon returned to its berth. the pirates, who had just submitted, became much more obedient after witnessing the new moons formidable display of power, abandoning their unscrupulous thoughts. the next day at noon, they completed the task of transporting supplies on time. all the soldiers and pirates boarded their respective ships and under the leadership of the flagship new moon, a fleet of nine warships set sail towards their destination, king kong island.. Chapter 155 - Chapter 155: Arrival, Female Player? chapter 155: arrival, female player? translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after a day of sailing, the fleet merged into the shipping lane and gradually began to see other vessels passing by. led by the new moon, the fleet formed a reverse v-shaped formation, swiftly advancing with unstoppable momentum. this fleet consisted of a total of nine warships. each ship had at least three masts with billowing sails, creating a rustling sound. the dense rows of cannons on both sides of the ships sent shivers down peoples spines. among them, the new moon, positioned at the forefront of the v-shape, was an enormous behemoth. in any fleet, a warship of this tonnage and size would serve as the flagship. at present, it was equipped with a full complement of cannons, greatly enhancing its intimidating power. as the leader of the fleet, the new moon didnt slow down or evade any opposing ships that came their way. instead, it charged forward with an imposing aura, as if daring anyone to stand in its path. the oncoming ships, caught off guard, panicked and changed course to avoid them, keeping a safe distance. witnessing this scene, the recently subdued black skeleton pirates burst into laughter, accompanied by some vulgar remarks. they were practically wearing their arrogance on their faces. the passengers on the ships that had narrowly avoided collision looked at the colossal new moon, bristling with cannons on its sides, and the eight fully armed large warships in its fleet. they dared not utter a word. in the ocean, there existed unique and straightforward rules. the larger the ship and the more cannons it carried, the greater the authority it held. clearly, ji chen now possessed such authority. observing the ships making way for them on the shipping lane, ji chen became emotional. it was true that being physically or metaphorically strong could lead to success or favorable outcomes. without saying a word, he could make others voluntarily yield. some natives and players pondered the identity of this fleet as they watched the new moon and its eight warships sail away. could it be the bauhinia alliance? the hanseatic chamber of commerce? or perhaps a fleet from a certain duchy or kingdom? some old captains who had been sailing in the western mid-ocean for decades suddenly realized something and their faces changed. they immediately instructed their sailors to steer the ships away, fearing they would be noticed. captain, why are we sailing away at full speed? there doesnt seem to be any danger, a young sailor asked in confusion. you fool! the captain scolded angrily. didnt you notice that something was off about that fleet? whats wrong? they were just a bit domineering. its probably a fleet from some powerful force thats no ordinary chamber of commerce, alliance, or duchy fleet. they might be ruthless pirates! the young sailors face turned pale. but they dont look like pirates did you forget about the black skeleton pirates that often haunt these waters? do they proudly fly their black flag to announce theyre pirates? the black skeleton pirates often disguise their pirate ships as ordinary vessels, mingling among the shipping lanes. but once they find their target, they hoist the black skeleton flag and plunder. if we hadnt left earlier, what would have happened if the pirates noticed us? the young sailor suddenly realized the situation, shivering with lingering fear, grateful that their ship hadnt become a target for pirates. ji chen sailed innocently, unaware that others had mistakenly labeled him as a pirate. in some ways, their judgment wasnt entirely unfounded. he commanded a considerable number of pirates, his ships were originally associated with piracy, and he had been involved in piratical endeavors. considering these factors, it was no wonder that people perceived him as a pirate. two days later, ji chen stood on the bow of the ship, gazing into the distance. the number of passing ships had increased, ranging from large two-masted and three-masted vessels to smaller fishing boats and other small crafts. it meant that they were getting close to king kong island. after two more hours, a shout came from the lookout tower on the mast. land ahead! in his line of sight, the outline of king kong island gradually emerged. ji chen gave the order for the fleet to circle the island and search for the reference point mentioned by i_love_black_stockings. along the way, he noticed numerous docks lining the coast, appearing almost every few hundred meters. each coastal player territory was marked by a dock, representing a players domain. seeing such a dense distribution of territories, ji chen felt somewhat embarrassed. they had encountered dozens of player territories in such a short distance, while the vast new moon islands had only him as the lord. the disparity was like night and day. as they circled around king kong island, they eventually reached the territory of i_love_black_stockings. it was a coastal area, with half of it submerged in the sea and the other half situated on elevated ground near the shore. two stone piers extended outwards, providing mooring space for slightly larger single-masted ships, exceeding the size of typical fishing boats. at the top of the elevated area stood the lords manor, and a dirt road connected it with the pier. residential houses, blacksmith shops, and recruitment camps were built layer by layer along the slope. though it appeared somewhat modest, it was full of vitality, indicating that i_love_black_stockings had decent governance skills. ji chen opened the chat channel and privately messaged i_love_black_ stockings. ive arrived. what?! so fast? i thought it would take you another two days, big boss.. Chapter 156 - Chapter 156: Arrival, Female Player (2) chapter 156: arrival, female player (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ive been waiting at the entrance of the territory. where are you? 1 cant seem to see wait, those large ships in the distance if you are talking about the nine ships, they are mine, unless something unexpected happens. standing on the dock, l_love_black_stockings was instantly frozen in place, watching the fleet slowly approaching their territory on the distant sea surface, filled with shock and disbelief. they had only come to buy a few recruiting camp cores, was it necessary to bring such a large ship? especially the one in the middle, even though it was still far away, it was as massive as a mountain. could players at this stage really obtain something like that? no, thats not the point! she had thought that the islander might bring a ship, but she never expected this many. apart from the flagship in the middle, the other eight three-masted warships, any one of them would take her a year of hard work without eating or drinking to afford. but the islander actually had a total of eight of them, it was too extravagant! looking at her own two single-masted sailboats, she suddenly felt a sense of inferiority. is this what a big shot looks like? a feeling of awe surged within her, making her legs in black stockings tremble uncontrollably, and her whole body shiver. the fleet stopped on the sea surface several hundred meters away because there was no harbor for them to dock. just when l_love_black_stockings thought they would lower a smaller boat to get closer, something happened that shocked her once again. a surge of seawater erupted from the sea, creating a cascading water staircase that connected the side of the ship to the surface, stretching all the way to the dock. a man accompanied by a large number of military units walked slowly along the water staircase. like a divine being descending from the sky, emanating endless radiance and majesty, he arrived before her. are you l_love_black_stockings? this handsome man, with profound and starry eyes, asked. i_love_black_stockings was instantly awakened and stammered, y-yes, you you are the islander, right? ji chen looked at the tall and beautiful female player in front of him, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. he hadnt expected i_love_black_stockings to be a woman. being able to survive in the harsh environment of king kong island and develop well demonstrated her abilities. as for her forum name ji chen openly looked at her long legs in black stockings. hmm, it does fit, he was certain that he hadnt mistaken the person. my forum name is the islander. as soon as the deal was confirmed, 1 hurriedly made my way here. 1 presume you have the items ready. ji chen said. i have them prepared! i_love_black_stockings suddenly exclaimed excitedly, startling ji chen. realizing the rudeness of her outburst, i_love_black_stockings suddenly felt embarrassed, and her toes clenched tightly, almost as if she could have left deep marks on the floor. she cursed herself inwardly. that was so embarrassing just now! seeing her awkward expression, ji chen smiled kindly and said, im not some kind of monster who eats people. theres no need to be so nervous. i_love_black_stockings forced a smile. i was just too excited to meet you, the big shot. i couldnt control my voice hmm ji chen let the topic pass and smiled, if 1 hadnt seen it with my own eyes, 1 wouldnt have believed that the owner of a forum name like yours is a female player. when i first joined the forum, i randomly chose this name on a whim, but i didnt expect that it couldnt be changed i_love_black_stockings scratched her head somewhat embarrassedly and curiously asked, then, how did you come up with your forum name, islander? islander did the islander really descend on an island from the beginning? ji chen nodded without denying it. seeing this, i_love_black_stockings became even more astonished. she had wanted to ask how he had obtained so many warships, but seeing that ji chen didnt seem willing to talk about it, she suppressed her curiosity. being able to develop from nothing to so many warships in just over a month on an island was definitely an extraordinary experience. currently, the most powerful player on king kong island only possessed two three-masted warships and one two-masted merchant ship, a far cry from the islander. ji chen looked around and said appreciatively, your territory seems to have developed quite well. it has already reached level four village and has a prosperity of over four thousand. its considered good on king kong island. upon hearing this, l_love_black_stockings eyes instantly lit up. with this amount of gold, she could not only solve the immediate food problem but also repair the ships and go fishing at sea again. she could also exchange resources with other players and recruit units. ji chen casually ordered two naga warriors to move a wooden crate and placed it on the ground towards i_love_black_stockings, completely confident that she would deliver the military recruitment core units. i_love_black_stockings, upon seeing ji chen directly giving her the money, felt a great sense of goodwill and quickly took out a wooden box. ji chen controlled the seawater to condense into a pair of water hands. with a slight wave, the water hands deftly opened the box, revealing the military recruitment core units for the self-detonating water spider and the lobster rider. there were five cores for the former and six for the latter. it was exactly the agreed-upon quantity. he checked the recruitment quota for the two units. [water spider nest] [tier]: tier 1, 3 stars [recruitable unit type]: self-detonating water spider (tier 1, 3 stars) [weekly recruitment limit]: 35 [current recruitment count]: 35 [recruitment cost]: 10 units of wood, 10 units of fiber, 10 units of clay [lobster rider camp] [tier]: tier 2,1 star [recruitable unit type]: lobster rider (tier 2,1 star) [weekly recruitment limit]: 14 [current recruitment count]: 21 [recruitment cost]: 25 units of wood, 25 units of fiber, 25 units of clay a water spider nest could recruit 35 units per week, so five nests equaled 175 units. for a consumable item like this, the quantity wasnt much, but if utilized properly after advancing, it might bring unexpected results. a lobster rider camp could recruit 14 units per week, so six camps equaled 84 units. if developed as the main military unit, this production was acceptable. as ji chen contemplated, i_love_black_stockings looked at ji chen, who controlled water with his hands, with a hint of envy in her eyes. she shouted in her mind. this ability is so cool!! in addition to his ability to condense water hands to replace his own, just the mere act of creating a water staircase between the ships side and the dock was sufficient to astonish and bewilder others. its both cool and practical, the ultimate tool for showing off!! if she could possess this ability, she would be willing to give up everything!! Chapter 157 - Chapter 157:I_Love_Black stocking’s Request, Ancient Ruins chapter 157:i_love_black stockings request, ancient ruins translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen snapped back to reality and saw l_love_black_stockings staring at him with anticipation wait, she was looking at his water hand that was holding a wooden box. he waved his hand in front of her, but there was no response. he cleared his throat and spoke up. the quantity is correct. only then did l_love_black_stockings snap out of her daze and curiously asked, does your profession grant you the ability to create a water staircase and water hand, islander? it looks so cool. completing the trade smoothly, ji chen was in a decent mood and didnt hide anything. thats right. my profession allows me to manipulate water and shape it into any form. as he said that, he raised his hand, and the water hand transformed into a water ball, taking on various forms such as swords, spears, and even flowers and trees. i_love_black_stockings was astonished by the versatility of the shapes, whether they were soft or hard, long or short, thick or thin. suddenly, she thought of something strange, and her face turned red. ji chen looked at her with curiosity. why are you suddenly blushing? i_love_black_stockings shook her head frantically. no, no, its probably probably because of the hot weather! he looked up at the sky. despite the clear day, the coastal breeze kept the temperature pleasant, sparing them from the discomfort of blushing. however, he wasnt inclined to pursue the topic any further. ji chen casually waved his hand, and the water was thrown back into the sea. now that the trade is complete, then boom! before he could finish speaking, there was a sudden explosion from the forest near the territory. i_love_black_stockings was startled, and her expression changed. whats happening? ji chen looked in the direction of the explosion and asked. thats the sound of the self-detonating water spiders guarding my territory. they must have encountered invaders, i_love_black_stockings said urgently. im unable to continue entertaining you, islander. i need to hurry and check the situation. ji chen understood the seriousness of the situation and nodded. i_love_black_stockings didnt waste any more time and led several squads of 7-star tier 2 human units toward the direction of the explosion. it seemed like she used some treasure items along the way, as the speed of the entire army suddenly increased, and they quickly arrived at the scene. in a blink of an eye, the majority of the stationed defending army had departed from the territory, leaving only a few to maintain order. the defense was now extremely vulnerable. ji chen shook his head. l_love_black_stockings really trusted him to stay here alone. she wasnt afraid that he would do something. but with or without defenses, it wouldnt make much difference. if he really wanted to do something, even if she combined all her forces, it wouldnt be enough to stop him. half an hour later, l_love_black_stockings returned with her army. ji chen looked at her with a somewhat grimy face, but her army seemed unharmed. curiously, he asked, what happened? other players came to harass the territory, i_love_black_stockings said with a bitter expression. youve probably heard about the situation on king kong island. initially, when players first arrived here, they were overly concentrated, resulting in a large-scale conflict for resources. although it eventually calmed down, with the development and expansion of the players, a similar situation has emerged recently. i_love_black_stockings sighed heavily. i occupied several nearby resource points during that time and fortunately recruited two heroes, which increased my strength compared to the neighboring players. as a result, they united and started harassing me intermittently. ive been running around every day, unable to lead my troops out to attack them, fearing that 1 would be ambushed as soon as i step out. to be honest with you, ive recently lost two resource points and suffered heavy casualties among my troops. ive lost almost a third of my units during this period, she continued. just now, with the gold coins i obtained from the trade, i had to buy resources and recruit new troops. but if this continues, im afraid 1 wont be able to hold on for much longer. as she spoke, exhaustion became evident on her face. it dawned on ji chen that there was more to the situation than he initially thought. no wonder i_love_black_stockings was so eager to sell the military recruitment cores. however, despite the unfortunate circumstances, ji chen had no inclination to intervene. their relationship was limited to that of trading partners, and it didnt reach the level where he felt compelled to lend a helping hand. i_love_black_stockings glanced at ji chens indifferent expression and let out a heavy sigh. she understood that even if the big boss had immense power, there was no reason for him to willingly meddle in her affairs. yet, a flicker of disappointment couldnt help but cross her eyes. in the depths of her heart, she made a firm resolution, and her face turned serious. islander, i have a favor to ask of you. 1 happened to come across a key that grant access to an ancient ruins. the location of this relic lies deep within the central jungle of king kong island. ive heard that this ruins was left behind by a civilization that once ruled over king kong island. it undoubtedly holds precious and rare treasures and resources, and its likely guarded by powerful beings. due to my own limitations, i havent been able to explore it myself. but with your abilities, i believe you can fully explore that place.. therefore, if you can help me overcome this crisis, im willing to offer the key to you as a reward! Chapter 158 - Chapter 158: I Love Black Stocking’s Request, Ancient Ruins chapter 158: i love black stockings request, ancient ruins translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ancient ruins? a key? ji chens eyes sparked with interest; it seemed quite intriguing. after traveling a long distance to get here, it would be great if he could bring something back along the way. with this thought in mind, ji chen nodded slowly. what do you want me to help you with? upon hearing this response, i_love_black_stockings showed a hint of excitement on her face. help me eliminate, no, completely destroy several players near my territory and their territories, she said without hesitation, her tone decisive. there was no politeness, only a ruthless determination to exterminate her enemies. as expected, ji chen narrowed his eyes in response, having already guessed the nature of her request. aside from harmonious trade, communication, and mutual assistance between players, there was no shortage of mutual killing and slaughter. unlike the new moon islands, where he was the only player and didnt have to kill others for survival space from the beginning, king kong island was characterized by bloodshed and killing. perhaps when a dominant player appears who could easily suppress others, or when the entire island was left with enough resources to support a certain number of lords, this situation might disappear. after a long silence, ji chen looked at i_love_black_stockings and spoke slowly. alright, but you better ensure that the key is genuine and that the ancient ruins actually exist. otherwise, you know the consequences. finishing his words, a cold glint appeared in his profound eyes as the power of the tidal lord profession burst forth within a hundred meters radius. on the surface of the sea, waves surged upwards, creating a colossal water giant that stood tens of meters tall. its gaze was fixed firmly on her. within a hundred meters, all the residents and troops of i_love_black_ stockings looked at him with fear in their eyes. their bodies felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, unable to resist the pressure, and they knelt down on the ground. even her blue excellent-tier hero, in the face of this overwhelming might, was caught off guard, tense all over as they resisted with all their might. l_love_black_stockings looked at ji chen, who had become merciless like a deity, and the water giant behind him, swallowing hard. after taking a deep breath, she spoke with determination. if i have deceived you even a bit just now, 1 am willing to bear ail the consequences! silence followed. after a moment, she suddenly felt the pressure on her shoulder loosen. the water giant dissolved, transforming back into water that splashed into the sea. however, a sudden water barrier materialized, preventing the water from reaching them. very well, tell me everything you know about these playerstheir levels, military units, territory locations, and anything else, without missing a single detail. yes! l_love_black_stockings breathed a sigh of relief, then pointed to the lords manor on the high ground. its not convenient to talk here. please come to the lords manor for a detailed discussion. ji chen nodded and walked towards the mansion with alice, anina, and benbo, leaving the rest of the troops behind, on standby. l_love_black_stockings territory was at the village level, but the lords manor was not a thatched hut; it was a two-story wooden house. although not large, the interior and exterior were warmly decorated, resembling a home and showing a womans attentiveness. sitting in the chairs inside the house, i_love_black_stockings poured a glass of water for ji chen before starting her introduction. there are four players near my territory, and their strengths are relatively close. their military units range from tier 1, 5 stars to tier 2, 6 stars, with a total quantity of around 300 to 350. what can a tier 1, 5-star military unit do? ji chen asked, puzzled. l_love_black_stockings chuckled twice, saying, well, they can still be used as cannon fodder to consume the enemys mana and stamina. she had seen the troops ji chen brought with him, most of which were tier 3. the murlocs, in particular, were even tier 4 units. with so many powerful units, ji chen naturally didnt think much of these lower-tier ones. in fact, at this stage, the mainstream forces of players mainly consisted of tier 2 units, but due to the limited recruitment capacity of the recruitment camp, they had to recruit some tier 1 lower-tier units to serve as cannon fodder and suicide squads. continue, ji chen urged. alright among them, three players have a white common-tier hero each, belonging to the amphibious ocean class, which can be quite effective in water. my blue excellent-tier hero is a human and unable to kill them in water. and one of the players has a green elite-tier hero. these four players territories are located in different positions, with a certain distance from here. but once one of them comes under attack, the other three will come to support or launch a surprise attack on my territory. so, if we want to completely eliminate them, we need to take out two of them before they can react. then, even without your intervention, i can handle the remaining two, l_love_black_stockings explained. no need for that, lets settle it all at once, ji chen casually waved his hand. all at once? l_love_black_stockings hesitated, wouldnt that be too direct? ignoring her concerns, ji chen turned to alice, anina, and benbo. alice, anina, benbo, each of you lead a group of troops to attack a territory and completely destroy it. dont let anyone escape. yes, as you wish. should we leave no ordinary residents alive as well? alice asked. if they dont resist, you can spare them. but if they put up a fight, deal with them on the spot. i understand. however, it was anina who spoke up, her slightly chubby face showing some dissatisfaction. i can handle all of them alone. why do i need troops to accompany me? although your strength can easily deal with them, if they scatter and flee, you wont be able to catch them. so, let these troops assist you in surrounding them, ji chen explained. after thinking for a moment, anina seemed to understand the reasoning and reluctantly nodded. handle them alone? l_love_black_stockings looked at the girl, whose height only reached her shoulders but carried a sword taller than herself, with surprise. that sword looked intimidating, but she didnt seem to possess a formidable combat power. could she also be a hero? lord, who is this l_love_black_stockings began to ask. anina is also a hero and fully capable of handling this mission, ji chen replied without explaining further. l_love_black_stockings nodded, muttering to herself about anina being a green elite-tier or blue excellent-tier hero. she secretly glanced at aninas character panel. [anina (hero)] [race]: deep sea dragon whale [level]: 20 [current tier]: purple (rare tier) [potential]: ? [skills]: ? ??? that long-finned silver-haired girl being a purple rare-tier hero was already surprising enough. but why is this little girl also a purple rare-tier hero? and what kind of race is a deep sea dragon whale? a combination of a dragon and a whale, it must be an extraordinary race, right? with these thoughts in mind, she quietly glanced at the silver-haired girls character panel. [alice (hero)] [race]: siren [level]: 15 [current tier]: purple (rare tier) [potential]: ? [skills]: ? l_love_black_stockings heart skipped a beat. siren. no one who fought in the ocean would be unfamiliar with this race. their population is even scarcer than artifacts. countless legends tell of the horrors associated with this race. at this moment, she finally felt completely relieved. with such powerful heroes, let alone those four players, they could wipe out the entire island. at this moment, a sense of relief surged within i_love_black_stockings. she was grateful that the big boss islander was just a passerby and would leave after the task was completed. otherwise she shook off the chaotic thoughts in her mind and gained a surge of confidence. this plan was solid! after considering it, l_love_black_stockings directly took out the key and decisively handed it over with both hands. boss, im giving you this key right now. ji chen looked at the key in her hands, raising an eyebrow. he casually took it and examined it closely. bearing the name of a key yet devoid of its traditional form, it resembles a metallic implement reminiscent of a lu ban lock. forged from an enigmatic metal, its incredible hardness is matched only by the ethereal glimmer that emanates from its silver texture, creating an aura of peculiarity and extraordinary craftsmanship. could this be the key to unlock the secrets of the ancient ruins? Chapter 159 - Chapter 159: Dividing the Forces, One Man Overcomes the Enemy chapter 159: dividing the forces, one man overcomes the enemy translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation this key with its extraordinary form further piqued ji chens interest in the ancient relic. as they say, a key matches its lock. if the key is extraordinary, then the lock must be equally exceptional. thus, the locked ruins is naturally extraordinary as well. with this thought, ji chens gaze towards l_love_black_stockings became more friendly. after all, she had already handed over the reward before anyone was even eliminated, showing some level of sophistication. i_love_black_stockings had been silently observing ji chens expression, and upon seeing the change in his eyes, she felt a surge of joy, knowing she had made the right bet. suddenly, she thought of a question, big boss islander, you have allocated your three heroes to handle one each, but what should be done with the remaining one? i will take care of the last one. i_love_black_stockings was momentarily speechless, but considering the overwhelming presence big boss islander had just displayed, along with the towering water elemental, she instantly felt reassured. ji chen walked out of the wooden house, looked at the sky, and turned back to her, speaking calmly, i will resolve this matter today. you just wait here. after saying that, he left with the heroes, and the army split into four groups, marching towards their respective targets. several kilometers north of l_love_black_stockings territory, in a domain by the lake, inside the lord manors hall. the male player with a square face sat in the first seat, engaged in discussion with two other players. the cunning smile that occasionally crossed his face indicated that they seemed to be plotting something wicked. how many units did we ambush this time? the square-faced player asked. probably over forty. she probably has less than 600 units left now. compared to half a month ago, she has already lost more than a third, the male player sitting on the left replied. but the male player on the right showed some concern on his face. she still has 600 units left? if she launches an attack with them, none of us will be able to match her. dont worry, as long as she dares to move her troops, the rest of us will directly attack her territory. she wont take that risk! youre right. if things continue like this, we can launch a direct assault and divide her resources and population! thats right. i cant wait to see that moment. the two male players were brimming with confidence, as if victory was already in their hands. at that moment, the square-faced players expression turned slightly serious, and he said slowly. do not underestimate her. a woman who has managed to survive until this point may possess hidden abilities. we must gradually chip away at her strength, eroding her spirit until she succumbs to despair and vulnerability. only when she is at her weakest and unable to resist, can we seize our opportunity. youre right. your considerations are thorough! upon hearing this, the two male players quickly agreed. strength reigns supreme, and the square-faced player was the strongest among them, making him the leader. but dont worry too much. we have already blocked her land passage to the island for hunting, and we secretly sabotaged her boats, preventing her from going fishing at sea. she must be struggling not just with the loss of units but also with food shortage. if we continue to deplete her resources, she wont be able to hold on for long. hearing this, the square-faced players expression relaxed slightly. even if her military strength was formidable, without enough food to sustain her territory, her domain would likely collapse even without their intervention. suddenly, the male player on the left seemed to have a realization, and a wicked smile appeared on his face. after we break through her territory, we can entertain her properly. the word entertain was emphasized heavily. upon hearing this, the square-faced player thought of the womans attractive figure, her long legs in black stockings, and a lecherous gleam flickered in his eyes. his tone became slightly excited. ive had my fair share of native women, but i havent had the chance to play with a female player yet. since becoming the supreme ruler of the territory, where life and death were in their hands, their wicked desires had been unleashed. they slept with anyone in the territory who had some attractiveness. but as time went on, they lost interest in ordinary native women. now, only conquering stronger and more beautiful women could satisfy them. clearly, i_love_black_stockings, a resilient and beautiful female player who had managed to survive until now, perfectly fit their criteria. just the thought of this proud woman eventually bowing down under their control, at their mercy, excited them. they couldnt contain such anticipation. she also possesses a key, and with the two keys we have, we can unlock that ancient ruins. once we obtain the treasures and resources inside the ruins, conquering the entire king kong island will be within our reach! thats right, the key is the key. as long as before the sentence could be finished, a commotion was heard from outside. we have enemies!!! the three of them exchanged glances, and they all saw the surprise in each others eyes. could it be that the woman really took the initiative to launch an attack with her army? wasnt she afraid of being counter-attacked in her territory? they quickly rushed outside, but the situation they encountered was far from what they expected. there was only one enemy. a man. at this moment, he stood by the lake, surrounded by hundreds of units, tightly encircling him at the lakeside.. Chapter 160 - Chapter 160: Dividing the Forces, One Man Overcomes the Enemy (2) chapter 160: dividing the forces, one man overcomes the enemy (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation however, it was strange that despite being surrounded by so many units, this man remained unfazed, standing with his hands behind his back. who is this person? could he be a native? i dont know, lets go and see. the three of them walked over with a puzzled expression, but before they could speak, the mans calm gaze turned towards them. are you the players and lords of this territory? in his tone, there was a sense of indifference and confidence. as soon as they heard the word players, they realized that he was one of them. may 1 know who you are? are you a player from the island? why have you come to my territory? the mans extremely calm expression and tone made the usually cautious square-faced player feel uncertain for a moment. why was this man so calm despite being surrounded by so many units? could it be that this man didnt realize that he was heavily surrounded? with this thought in mind, the square-faced players expression changed. could there be an ambush nearby, attempting to launch a surprise attack on them? it doesnt matter who i am. i am not a player from the island. 1 have come on behalf of someone. but you havent answered my question. did you harass the territory to the south? the tone remained calm, with a hint of indifference. the other two players immediately started cursing vehemently upon hearing this. who do you think you are? how dare you come here alone? dont you know we can kill you anytime? you damn bastard! do you believe that i can smash your head to pieces? ji chen looked coldly at the two players spewing profanities, and in his heart, he had already passed their death sentences. although their fate was sealed the moment they appeared here. shut up! just as the two were cursing loudly, the square-faced player shouted sternly, interrupting them. the more ji chen acted this way, the more wary he became. with such composure, there must be an ambush! otherwise, how could he have the audacity to come alone? sir, you are not a player from the island, and it seems we have no grievances with you? ji chen smiled. the female player in the territory to the south also seems to have no grievances with you. you want to annex her territory for your own benefit. so why cant 1 come here to resolve you for my own benefit? at this moment, they instantly understood that ji chen was the reinforcement invited by that woman. the square-faced players expression turned cold. so, it was that despicable woman who invited you. but you have quite the audacity to say that you want to deal with us. very well, please bring out your army and fight us head-on. lets see if you have the ability. ji chen shook his head gently. 1 am here alone. one person? are you kidding, sir? look around you. is there anywhere to hide someone? the square-faced player looked around. the surroundings were all grasslands and lakes, with only the possibility of amphibious units hiding in the lakes. he immediately ordered two teams of military units to jump into the lake and conduct a thorough search. upon receiving the news that the lake was empty, a surge of anger rushed through the face of the national leader. so there really wasnt an ambush army. did his previous caution make him look like a clown? seeing a faint smile on ji chens face, anger suddenly burned within him. damn it! how dare ji chen deceive him? considering ji chens lack of an army, what is the source of their confidence in claiming that a single individual can defeat them? the unit leaders eyes turned cold, roaring, attack! tear him to pieces!! the hundreds of surrounding troops roared and charged towards ji chen, their sharp weapons shining with a cold light as if to pierce through him. ji chen remained calm, watching the enemies rushing towards him, a slight curve appearing at the corner of his mouth. he raised both hands. within moments, ripples disturbed the tranquil lake behind him, as the previously scattered and ethereal water transformed into formidable blades with a resolute structure. in a mere span of three seconds, an array of water blades, countless in number, emerged and occupied the sky. these transparent blades showcased a mesmerizing interplay of light, reflecting vibrant hues of sunlight. yet, beneath their enchanting beauty, an unsettling essence of imminent demise emanated, casting a chilling aura. seeing this scene, the unit leader and the two players were dumbfounded. what is this? a tremendous sense of danger descended upon them. in the next moment, the unit leaders pupils shrank. ji chen, with a calm expression, waved his hand lightly. the water blades in the sky went from still to in motion, descending rapidly. swish the sky rained down merciless drops, piercing into the crowd. the high-speed, razor-sharp water blades cut through flesh like piercing paper, cleanly slicing through bodies. wave after wave of water blades continued to rain down, lacking a daunting presence but producing the continuous swishing sound of cutting flesh. the two sounds intertwined, forming a funeral melody that was both pleasant and chilling. after one minute. phew- ji chen took a deep breath, the mana pendant on his right hand slowly glowing, replenishing his mana. the grassy field before him was covered in layer upon layer of flesh and blood. yes, it was layer upon layer of flesh and blood. the army that was standing before him originally was now like a piece of meat being continuously cut and dissected by a skillful butcher, until no intact human form could be seen. in the past, ji chen could only release the water blades haphazardly, but now, as his level increased, his control over water became more skilled and composed. his control and destructive power had increased many times compared to when he first obtained the tide lord profession. a layer of flesh suddenly arched upward, blood flowing from the eyes of the unit leader. he crawled out from within, blood covering his face, and looked at ji chen with an expression of horror. did players at this stage really possess such strength? with just one strike, he killed all their troops directly. if he hadnt reacted in time and used a shield artifact, he would have likely turned into a pile of flesh and blood on the ground like the other two players. his body trembled uncontrollably. the fear in his heart reached its peak when the man turned his gaze toward him. the unit leaders mental state collapsed, tears and snot flowing down as he kneeled on the ground and begged for mercy. dont kill me! im willing to give you everything! i can take you to their territory and help you absorb their population and resources. 1 can give you my territory, 1 just beg you to spare me splat- the unit leaders eyes widened as he looked down at the water blade piercing his heart. he felt a sweetness in his throat as blood flowed from the corners of his mouth. his voice became hoarse as he gasped for breath twice before weakly falling to the ground. even if youre dead, i can still obtain everything you have, ji chen said coldly, his gaze icy and merciless. at the same time, in the other three territories. anina swung her sword forcefully, shaking off the blood that stained it. in front of her, the ground was littered with broken corpses. she had eliminated all the remaining enemies. looking at the trembling ordinary residents nearby, anina narrowed her eyes and smiled shyly. dont be afraid, im a good person a good fish. 1 wont harm you. upon hearing these words, the ordinary residents became even more frightened. they had witnessed firsthand how this sword-wielding girl single-handedly wiped out the entire army in their territory. and she told them not to be afraid!? alice, the lady, sat elegantly under a tree, supporting her beautiful face with a hand that had fins. she gazed into the distance where the naga warrior and dragon blood murloc were cleaning up the remains. gradually, her mind started to wander. if one ignored the fins on her ears, she looked like a human girl yearning for her loved one. hmm, it had already been two hours and twenty-two minutes since she separated from her lord. she missed him. report to lord benbo! can we eat these human corpses? it would be a waste to discard them! no, we cannot! lords orders are clear, we must not consume the deceased humans! what about the ones who are still alive? absolutely not!!! all spoils, whether dead or alive, must be handled according to lords command! anyone who dares to act without authorization will be severely punished! yes! long live the great salted fish king! hooray!!! Chapter 161 - Chapter 161: Battle Harvest, Heading to the Ancient Ruins chapter 161: battle harvest, heading to the ancient ruins translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ding- you and your army have successfully killed the players: zhao guoyi, zhang san, li si, wang wu, and have substantially controlled their territories, gaining dominance over their territory resources. ji chen glanced at the system prompt and knew that victory had been achieved in the other three battlefields as well. there was no room for doubt; given the formidable strength of the crown of the oceans forces, any valiant hero would effortlessly emerge victorious. he alone had lolled three players, and the last one, he didnt know who the hero collided with, but it was clear that the player also didnt escape unscathed. ji chen arrived in front of the lord manor of this territory. a system prompt popped up. ding- occupy the territory/destroy the territory? after killing the hostile lord and gaining control of the enemys territory, one could choose to occupy or destroy it, and all the resources within would belong to the conqueror. after some thought, ji chen decided to temporarily set aside this choice. he extracted all the resources from this territory and piled them up in an empty space. then, he headed towards the military recruitment camp of this territory, perhaps there were some good units here? but after examining them one by one, he was greatly disappointed. these military recruitment camps were all low-tier camps, at most 2nd tier, 5-star units, and the units themselves had no training value whatsoever. even if they were recruited, they would be a waste of resources. after looking through them all, ji chen chose to destroy this territory. the reason was simple, occupying a territory meant having an additional sub-territory. from the perspective of a strategy game, this operation was akin to opening a subsidiary mine. however, this was not a game where one could operate with an omniscient perspective, ignoring distances as if they were inconsequential. his reach was not extensive, nor did he possess sufficient resources to oversee multiple sub-territories situated far from the central domain of the new moon islands. at that moment he clicked on destroy. this territory began to collapse on its own. the lord manor and all the other buildings seemed to have experienced the erosion of time in an instant, rapidly decaying and disintegrating. as a light breeze blew through the forest, everything turned into dust, dissipating into the air. in just a few breaths, all traces of this territory were completely erased, leaving behind only an empty space, resources scattered on the ground, and a group of bewildered and uneasy residents. these resources and populations would become his spoils of war, fueling the advancement of the crown of the ocean. ji chen approached the fallen player with a square face, his eyes narrowing as he squatted down to retrieve a fragmented bead. this bead should be the treasure used by the player with a square face, allowing him to barely survive the first round of water blades. however, it seemed to be a one-time-use treasure. he casually threw the bead away. shifting his gaze, when he saw two silver-white objects scattered on the ground, his brow furrowed. suppressing his doubts, he took out the i_love_black_stockings key from his backpack and compared it with the two objects. these two silver-white objects were exactly the same as the key to the ancient ruins given by l_love_black_stockings. whether it was in appearance, color, or the energy fluctuations they contained, there was no difference at all. it was like a perfect replica. ji chens brow slowly relaxed. these three keys should all be real, and the one given by i_love_black_stockings was just one of the three keys. perhaps it would take three or even more keys to open that ancient ruins. he put all three keys into his backpack. next, he had to occupy the other three territories. time was pressing, so he wouldnt continue to delay here. ji chen walked towards the trembling residents and said calmly, follow me, understood? these residents nodded frantically, showing no signs of opposition. in their eyes, ji chen was undoubtedly a more terrifying existence than the original lord. they had witnessed how the army of the original lord was slaughtered like pigs. who would dare to oppose him? they werent afraid of death? seeing this, ji chen didnt explain much either. he led this group of obedient residents towards another territory. soon, the group arrived at another territory. this territory was under the control of the murloc hero benbo. compared to the scene created by ji chens ruthless actions, benbos side appeared much calmer. most of the enemys bodies were intact and neatly piled together. seeing ji chen leading a large number of residents away, benbos dead fish eyes lit up, and he quickly ran over. my lord, the enemy forces here have been taken care of. ji chen nodded, walked to the lord manor of this territory, and casually extracted all the resources. then, he destroyed the territory. he instructed benbo, watch over these residents, send some troops to the other territory over there, and bring all the resources from there. yes! next, ji chen continued to the last two territories, extracting resources in the same manner, destroying the territories, and plundering all the resources and population. when he returned to the territory of l_love_black_stockings with a large amount of resources and a vast number of residents, i_love_black_stockings was standing at the gate of the territory, her eyes filled with delight. she hurriedly approached. big boss islander, have you taken care of them all? yeah, you shouldnt worry anymore, their territories have been completely destroyed.. Chapter 162 - Chapter 162: Battle Harvest, Heading to the Ancient Ruins (2) chapter 162: battle harvest, heading to the ancient ruins (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat tran station upon hearing this, i_love_black_stockings couldnt contain her joy and felt relieved. the pressure that had been building up inside her dissipated in an instant. with the disappearance of those territories, the biggest obstacle to her own territorys development was eliminated. she not only regained her original resource points but also gained control over the resource points of the other players. given time, she could convert those resources into combat power, and her strength would undoubtedly be several times stronger than before. this was not only a profitable venture but also a significant expansion opportunity. with these resources and population, she could potentially secure dominance over king kong island in the future. however, as excitement surged within her, i_love_black_stockings noticed ji chens scrutinizing gaze and immediately felt a chill run down her spine. in an instant, she pushed away the dangerously tempting thoughts from her mind. what was she thinking? was she willing to risk everything? in this world, the law of the jungle prevailed, and those with strength could do as they pleased. the man before her had effortlessly destroyed those four players, and if she were to provoke him, he could just as easily take everything from her. these resources and population belong to you. i have no objections, l_love_ black_stockings quickly replied, her head lowered, unable to meet his gaze. she knew she had gone too far with her thoughts, and she didnt want to lose everything by making a foolish move. ji chen looked at her deeply, then nodded without saying anything further. he turned around and waved his hand, instructing his troops to start transporting the resources and population onto the ship. the harvest was quite substantial, with a rough estimate of thousands of various basic resources. after all, it was the combined resources of four territories, so rhe quantity was considerable. what pleased him the most was the population they had acquired, with over two thousand people. this number was nearly equivalent to the current population of the crown of the ocean. such a large population would greatly supplement the labor force in the territories. however, amidst his excitement, ji chen also had concerns about the rate of food consumption in the territories. they had only just achieved self-sufficiency, and bringing in two thousand more people would double the rate of food consumption. it was a mixed feeling. transporting such a large quantity of resources and population would take some time, so ji chen suggested to i_love_black_stockings that they temporarily stay in her territory and leave with the troops once everything was transported. 1_love_black_stockings didnt refuse and readily agreed, promising to provide the best food and accommodation. faced with such a powerful ally, she naturally wanted to please and hold onto him. missing this opportunity would be a regret she couldnt bear. in the evening, 1_love_black_stockings held a celebration party. the atmosphere was lively, and everyone enjoyed themselves. the next day, all the resources and population had been transported onto the ship. ji chen wasted no time and set off again with his troops. this time, their destination was the ancient ruins deep within the island. big boss islander, the areas explored on king kong island so far are only the coastal regions and the outskirts of the central forest. the interior and core regions of the forest havent been explored yet. but one thing we know is that the deeper we go into the island, the more dangerous it becomes. there was a team of over ten players who ventured into the central area of the island, but only less than a tenth of them managed to escape. they said there are numerous high-level monster units in the depths of the forest, ranging from tier 3 to tier 4. some even claimed to have seen tier 5 advanced monster units although your strength is extraordinary, i still hope youll be careful. before setting off, l_love_black_stockings expressed her concerns with great sincerity. ji chen nodded, not refusing her goodwill. i understand. if i encounter unbeatable enemies, i will retreat, ji chen assured her. you can wait here. if you encounter any danger, you can call my fleet. it can provide long-range fire support. i_love_black_stockings happily agreed. seeing her joyful expression, ji chen didnt linger any longer. he led his troops into the forest once again. they quickly arrived at the territory near the lake from the previous day. the grass by the lake emitted a foul odor from the decaying chunks of flesh. a large pack of hyenas was feasting on it, enjoying the unexpected food that had fallen from the sky. crows perched on branches, their black pupils fixated on the rotting meat, hoping to get a share. ji chen took out one of the ruins keys and activated it with a touch. a map projection appeareda detailed map of king kong island. in the center of the island, a symbol of a towering tower was displayed. well, it seemed that the tower represented the ancient ruins. as long as they continued walking towards the center of the island, they would eventually reach it. ji chen nodded in approval and wasted no time. with a wave of his hand, he led his troops forward, venturing into the quiet forest. the morning sun was not too intense, as it was partially blocked by the dense foliage, allowing only a small portion to penetrate the canopy and cast dappled light on the forest floor. the serene atmosphere, coupled with the sound of their footsteps crunching on dried twigs and leaves, created a pleasant ambiance. however, their peaceful journey didnt last long as they began encountering groups of wild monsters along the way. the deeper they ventured into the forest, the more frequent and stronger these encounters became. the tier of the monsters gradually increased from tier 1 to tier 2, and soon tier 3 monsters started appearing. the escalating strength of the monsters didnt hinder their progress. the roars of naga warriors, the piercing sound of tridents slicing through the air, and the explosive bursts of water arrows resounded throughout the forest. countless birds took flight, disturbed by the commotion. along the way, they left behind numerous monster corpses. this became another bloodbath, rivaling the previous days carnage. the beasts and crows of the forest would feast heartily once again. killing so many wild monsters resulted in a substantial increase in their experience points. within half a day, ji chens level rose from 15 to 16, bringing him closer to the milestone of level 20. the levels of his heroes and units also steadily rose as they absorbed the experience gained from the battles. after a while, they arrived at the entrance of a narrow canyon. looking up, they saw a towering rock wall that stretched for hundreds of meters. the wall emerged abruptly, encircling the central region of king kong island. monkeys couldnt scale it, and even birds found it challenging to fly across. ji chen examined the projection of the map, which revealed only a few pathways that could pass through the rock wall. the canyon before them was one of those paths. their current position was not far from the ancient ruins, and they would reach their destination after passing through the canyon and traveling for another hour or two. observing the winding and treacherous canyon before him, ji chen had a hunch that the ancient ruins beyond held the answers he sought. rather than a natural formation, it felt like a man-made construct. what kind of power could reshape such a large island? ji chen gazed at the serpentine path through the canyon, flanked by towering cliffs on both sides. he couldnt shake off the feeling that the ancient ruins behind the canyon might provide him with some answers.. Chapter 163 - Chapter 163: Ancient Land of the Divine Kingdom chapter 163: ancient land of the divine kingdom translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after a brief rest, the group ventured into the canyon. the canyon was approximately 50 meters wide, with a meandering path that lacked any straight routes. as soon as enemies appeared ahead, it would result in immediate close-quarters combat. to counter this, ji chen divided the naga warriors into two groups. one group served as meat shields, mingling with a few dragonblood murlocs to form the vanguard. the naga warriors, although no longer the strongest force in the region, possessed unparalleled defensive capabilities. a wall of dozens of naga warriors was enough to withstand the fiercest of attacks. mixed within them were dragonblood murlocs with powerful dragons aura skills. this combination provided significant defense against enemy assaults and great flexibility when transitioning from defense to offense. the remaining dragonblood murlocs formed the second group. the third group consisted of pure water sea pixies, ji chen himself, and several heroes. they occupied the center of the formation, the safest position. at the very end of the formation, another group of naga warriors protected the rear, safeguarding the groups flanks. this formation ensured that even if enemies launched a sudden attack from the rear, they would be able to withstand it, giving them time to react. the group advanced steadily along the winding canyon, neither too fast nor too slow. it was both a march and a precaution against potential enemies. after turning a corner, they encountered a straight road several hundred meters long. looking into the distance, at the end of the road, the merging rock walls created a resounding impact. carved on the closed rock walls was a gigantic tower symbol, the very same symbol projected from the ruins keys map. at that moment, the ruins key in ji chens hand emitted a radiant light. seeing that their destination was not far ahead, ji chen didnt hesitate. with a sweeping gesture, the group continued their march. when they were two to three hundred meters away from the rock walls, the tower symbol on the rock walls suddenly emitted a glow, and dozens of blue energy streams surged forth, piercing into the scattered rubble on both sides of the canyon. ding- you have entered a state of battle. assessing morale our morale is 55 points, entering an advantageous state. boom the rubble was lifted by massive bodies. fist-sized stones fell from them, cascading like sand to the ground, stirring up dust. after about ten seconds, the smoke dispersed, revealing the faces of these creatures. they stood at an imposing three meters tall, with humanoid bodies composed of stone blocks. their body joints were connected by blue light rings, resembling adhesive, with an empty center. embedded in the center of their bodies was a blue crystal, from which radiant lines extended like rays, with each line glowing faintly blue. at first glance, they exuded a peculiar beauty. by now, the crystal had fully illuminated, scanning ji chen and his group. identified intruders, execute the command: kill. at the next moment, these peculiar creatures emitted hoarse voices. the crystals on their heads instantly turned blood-red, and even the blue light rings between their bodies turned blood-red as well. their massive bodies began to move, transitioning from stillness to motion. with each step, their colossal bodies moved slowly, emanating an intense oppressive aura. [ruins guardians] [race]: alchemical constructs [tier]: tier 3, 8 stars [skills]: guardian command (purple skill), charge (blue skill), magic resistance (blue skill), fearless (blue skill) [unit traits]: alchemical constructs (alchemical constructs do not experience fear or anxiety) [guardians protecting the ancient land of the divine realm, but their power has greatly declined over time] the ancient land of the divine realm? ji chens pupils suddenly contracted. a divine realm, in a literal sense, is naturally referred to as a realm belonging to gods. but what did ancient land of the divine realm mean? suddenly, ji chen recalled some important information. he had once read in the games lore that this world was a godless world. as the term implied, this world no longer had any tangible gods. however, in an era so ancient that there were no records, numerous gods still traversed the world, gathering their followers in various places and establishing divine realms on the surface. their followers resided in these divine realms, worshiping them and basking in their radiance. all living beings were enveloped in the gods radiance. that was the era belonging to the gods. later, conflicts erupted among the gods, and their followers waged wars in the name of their faith. the entire world plunged into a war without end, where blood flowed and mountains of corpses piled up. countless followers perished, and even some gods fell. perhaps because they realized that this world was on the verge of shattering due to the war, the surviving gods chose to cease their battles. then, for some unknown reason, they departed, one after another. since then, there had been no trace of gods in the world, only remnants of their divine realms scattered throughout. most of them had been eroded by the relentless flow of time, leaving no trace behind. but was it possible that this so-called ancient land of the divine realm was one of the few remaining divine realm sites? or perhaps, the entire king kong island was a divine realm site, but the outward signs had long been worn away, leaving only remnants within these rock walls.. Chapter 164 - Chapter 164: Ancient Land of the Divine Kingdom (2) chapter 164: ancient land of the divine kingdom (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation as memories of the majestic landscape of king kong island flooded his mind, ji chens conjecture grew even more resolute. his excitement grew stronger. this was an ancient divine realm! even if there was hardly anything left inside, anything related to gods would undoubtedly be among the best. the only thing he had encountered so far that was related to gods was the love potion he had caught from the sea shortly after starting the game. its effect was to forcibly increase the favorability of any intelligent being towards the user to 100 points. the effect was overwhelmingly powerful. it was because of this potion that he had recruited alice, the siren hero, and his early battles were almost smooth sailing with few opponents. if he could obtain some divine relics in this ancient divine realm, he would truly strike it rich. he wasnt greedy, just a few divine artifacts would satisfy him. with this in mind, ji chens interest and motivation were ignited, and he couldnt wait to rush in and plunder. boom- in front of him. the ruins guardians finally arrived not far away. each step of their massive bodies caused the ground to tremble violently, and their blood-red glow exuded an intimidating aura. they didnt carry any weapons, but any part of their bodies could easily crush intruders. waves of pressure swept over, and ji chens expression became solemn, not daring to underestimate them. at tier 3, 8 stars, and level 17, it wouldnt be impossible for him to fail if he didnt handle the situation properly. the pre-arranged formation played its role at this moment. with a command, various units began to exert their strength. while the pure water sea pixies were still preparing their spells, the dragon blood murlocs forcefully threw their tridents. the sharp trident tips seemed to be able to penetrate everything. tearing through the air, they reached the ruins guardians in the blink of an eye. snap the trident tips directly pierced the rocky skulls of the ruins guardians. the dragon blood murlocs swiftly pulled out the tridents, and the barbs on the tips tore off about half of a head. only a small portion of the head remained. however, even with such injuries, the ruins guardians seemed unaffected, continuing to move forward. ji chens mouth twitched, realizing that he couldnt judge the weaknesses of these alchemical creations with human common sense. his gaze shifted. his attention was drawn to a distinct area on their bodies, approximately at chest level, where a blue crystal was embedded. these ruins guardians were alchemical constructs, reliant on energy to operate, and it seemed that the blue crystal served as their energy core, potentially their vulnerable spot. realizing this, ji chen immediately shouted loudly. attack the crystal in their bodies directly; thats their weak point! upon hearing this, many dragon blood murlocs changed their attack strategy, aiming for the blue crystals of the ruins guardians and throwing their tridents. snap a dragon blood murloc accurately hit a ruins guardians body, with the tridents tip striking the blue crystal directly. subjected to a formidable force and impact, the crystal fractured approximately halfway, succumbing to its power. with the damaged energy core, the patterns and aura covering the ruins guardians body dimmed, and its movements became rigid. ji chens eyes lit upit was working! when the ruins guardians were hit by the tridents for the second time, the patterns and aura all over their bodies instantly extinguished, and their bodies crashed to the ground with a loud bang. seeing that he had found a way to defeat them, not only the dragon blood murlocs but also the sea pixies started shooting water arrows at the blue crystals. in a series of explosions, the crystals shattered one after another. the ruins guardians fell to the ground, scattered in all directions. there were only a few who managed to break through the firepower and approach. the situation was looking great. when the last ruins guardian fell, raising a cloud of dust. a system notification quietly sounded. ding- you have achieved a glorious victory and obtained 16,000 experience points. ji chen looked at the scattered bodies of the ruins guardians, feeling great. these guardians looked frightening, but they werent that terrifying in reality. the exposed cores in their chests were their fatal weakness. if their blue crystal cores were hidden inside their bodies, the battle would not have been so easy. with a wave of his hand, ji chen led his army through the fallen ruins guardians and arrived at the end of the canyon. there were three recessed areas under the closing rock wall, roughly the same size and shape as the three keys. there was no need to say more, these should be the keyholes to open. without wasting time, he took out the three keys and inserted them into the holes one by one. clickthe keys fit perfectly. in the next moment, the high tower pattern on the rock wall shone brightly again. with a loud rumble, the closing rock wall split open, opening to both sides. once the rock wall was completely open, a vast basin with an inward depression appeared before his eyes. terrace-like platforms descended layer by layer around the basin, resembling terraced fields. on top of the platforms stood countless ruined buildings. although most of them had become ruins, one could imagine how prosperous it must have been when the gods were still present. encircled by towering rock walls, the scene was adorned with a series of silver-white waterfalls, cascading down in various sizes and lengths. these majestic waterfalls flowed along meticulously crafted channels, converging into a vast lake nestled at the basins base. in the lake, there stood a white tower several hundred meters tall, reaching into the clouds and connecting with the blue dome. inside and outside the dome seemed like two different worlds. seeing this, ji chen suddenly realized. it was no surprise that the towering tower remained concealed from the outside, as it was shielded by this dome. while the exterior couldnt glimpse the interior, the reverse held truethe interior could gaze upon the world outside.. Chapter 165 - Chapter 165: Ancient Land of the Divine Kingdom (3) chapter 165: ancient land of the divine kingdom (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation this ancient land of the divine realm, perhaps in that era, was inhabited by gods who overlooked all living beings from atop this tower. just as they took their first step into the basin, a system prompt sounded. ding- due to the influence of the rules of the divine realm, all detection methods are ineffective. he paused for a moment, opened the omniscience map, and found that it could no longer display the surrounding area. it was just a blank white space. it seemed that from now on, they would have to rely on their own eyes to observe the enemy. ji chen took a deep breath and closed the map. he looked into the distance, thinking about where to start exploring. however, a large wave of ruins guardians suddenly appeared in the ruins not far away and immediately spotted them, heading straight towards them. ji chen immediately ordered the army to prepare for battle, but he couldnt help but feel puzzled. why were there so many ruins guardians appearing just moments after they entered? it seemed too coincidental. lets go back a few minutes in time. guild master, we still cant pass the second trial. how about waiting for some time before we try again? even though we cant die, its still painful to be torn apart. a member said with lingering fear on their face. with our strength, we cant even pass the second trial. the trials set by the gods are truly unimaginable, another member said. sima chuxi smiled with a gloomy expression, his eyes filled with unwillingness. under fortuitous circumstances, they obtained three keys and followed the instructions to open the rock wall and enter this place. according to ancient records, as long as they could pass the trials of this tower, they would receive the rewards left behind by the gods. originally, sima chuxi hoped to display his prowess, successfully pass the trials, and then dominate the entire king kong island with the obtained rewards. but sima chuxi never expected that with his strength, he could only barely pass the first trial and was eliminated by the enemies simulated by the illusion in the second trial. it was impossible for them to complete all the trials with their current strength. it seemed that they could only leave and come back to challenge when they were strong enough. just as he was about to leave, he heard some commotion outside. go out and see whats happening! yes! soon, two members ran in from outside, their faces showing a sense of gravity. guild master, the rock wall has been opened! other players have entered! it seems theyre charging straight in! sima chuxis expression changed. he knew very well how powerful those guarding ruins guardians were. if it wasnt for the ruins guardians on their route, whose energy had drained away due to the passage of time, they wouldnt even have been able to enter the door. the fact that this player was able to kill the guarding ruins guardians meant that they had a stronger strength than them. at this moment, a voice echoed in sima chuxis mind. we cant let this player enter. sima chuxi couldnt determine whether this players strength was enough to pass the trials of the tower. if this player could really pass, wouldnt it mean that they would take away the rewards left by the gods? he couldnt accept that. in his mind, the rewards of the gods were already his, temporarily left here. he would never allow anyone else to take them! with this thought, sima chuxis eyes flashed with a hint of coldness. are they already there? theyre still near the rock wall, seemingly observing the surroundings. do you remember the ruins filled with ruins guardians? send a small team of phantom wolves to lure them out. the members were momentarily stunned, but then their eyes lit up. guild master, are you thinking sima chuxis eyes flickered with cruelty and ruthlessness. let the ruins guardians entertain that player properly. the rewards here belong to all of us. the two members exchanged a glance and saw the excitement in each others eyes. guild master is wise! Chapter 166 - Chapter 166: Enemies in the Dark, Battle Upgrade chapter 166: enemies in the dark, battle upgrade translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation as the ruins guardians charged towards them, closing in on their position, ji chen had little time for contemplation. he swiftly issued orders for the army to launch a counterattack. the sudden turn of events turned the battle into a confrontation, leaving little room for buffering or distancing. the dragon blood murlocs and pure water sea pixies fired their attacks in unison, decimating more than ten ruins guardians, while the rest charged forward. a close-quarters battle erupted. the dragon aura of the dragon blood murlocs had no effect on these alchemical creations, so they could only clash head-on with these three-meter-tall behemoths. the naga warriors, despite being of a lower tier than the enemies, fearlessly charged forward, as they always did. their heavy and sharp bone blades swung, leaving deep cracks on the bodies of the ruins guardians. if it were an ordinary flesh and blood creature, by now it would have lost half of its life. but the enemies were ruins guardians, creatures that had no concept of pain. when attacked, their eyes flashed red, and the patterns on their bodies turned blood red. a massive stone fist swung. boom! the naga warriors were sent flying more than ten meters away, with their scales shattered in a circular pattern and blood spewing from their mouths. despite such heavy damage, the naga warriors showed no fear, only fury. they had always been unstoppable. when had they ever been weaker than their opponents in terms of strength? at this moment, there was no trace of fear in their eyes, only anger and ferocity. they quickly got up from the ground and slithered forward with their strong serpent bodies, slashing with their bone blades. with a crisp sound, they shattered one arm of the relic guardian. swish- another stone fist came flying, but the naga warriors didnt recklessly charge forward. instead, they twisted their bodies and evaded the attack. next, the stone fist grazed their scales and swung past. seeing this scene, ji chen couldnt help but be surprised. they managed to dodge it? he didnt expect these naga warriors, who were short in stature compared to the three-meter-tall relic guardians, to be so agile. dodging the attack, the naga warriors eyes flashed with coldness. their two bone blades moved up and down, respectively smashing the other arm and a leg of the ruins guardian. the ruins guardian now had only one leg left and couldnt maintain its balance, staggering and falling to the ground, losing its combat capabilities. a three-star tier three naga warrior managed to defeat an eight-star tier three ruins guardian. although it didnt win through sheer strength, it was enough to show the potential of this military unit. in this world, the tier didnt determine everything. as long as the enemys weaknesses could be exploited, victory could be achieved even when facing a stronger opponent. the group of ruins guardians, numbering in the hundreds, were barely held off by the smaller number of naga warriors. the naga warriors were sent flying, but they rebounded like indestructible pests, tightly entangling their opponents. the more they were injured, the angrier they became. although the bone blades in their hands couldnt completely break the ruins guardians, their purpose was achieved. at this point, the other two important members, the dragon blood murlocs and the pure water sea pixies, finally unleashed their powerful offensive capabilities. the dragon aura of the dragon blood murlocs had little effect on the alchemical creatures, but their physical strength alone was enough to defeat them. their tridents, like fully charged crossbows, shot up into the air, piercing through the enemies vital points. each shot damaged an energy core, and some even shattered them with a single blow. the dragon blood murlocs were not limited to long-range attacks; their melee combat abilities were also formidable. under the three-meter-tall ruins guardians, their small bodies looked quite comical. but it was precisely because of their size that the dragon blood murlocs could stealthily stab with their tridents, piercing the legs of the ruins guardians one by one. they managed to destroy the legs much more often than the energy cores. the pure water sea pixies refused to be left behind. although their tier was the lowest on the field, lagging behind the ruins guardians by five stars, their magical damage output was still impressive. water arrows shot out like missiles, exploding one after another on the bodies of the ruins guardians. if one explosion wasnt enough, they would launch ten. although they couldnt completely shatter the energy cores with their explosive damage, they could destroy the ruins guardians joints, rendering them paralyzed. ruins guardians with damaged joints floundered on the ground like fish on the shore, completely defenseless. the naga warriors and dragon blood murlocs shattered their cores one by one. naga warriors blocked in the front, dragon blood murlocs precisely targeted, and pure water sea pixies provided explosive output. although the dragon blood murlocs were the only ones with a higher tier than the ruins guardians, when combined, their combat effectiveness was astonishing. this was the advantage of coordinating different military units. with a good lineup, they could fully achieve the effect of 1+1+1 > 3. stable and powerful. even without ji chen and the other heroes intervening, the group of ruins guardians was gradually consumed. one hour later. with the energy core of the last ruins guardian shattered by a trident strike, there were no longer any ruins guardians standing in front of them. broken rocks were scattered everywhere, a sign of the fierce battle that had taken place. the battle came to an end. ding- you have achieved a glorious victory you have gained 35,800 experience points.. Chapter 167 - Chapter 167: Enemies in the Dark, Battle Upgrade (2) chapter 167: enemies in the dark, battle upgrade (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation a large amount of experience points flowed in, causing the experience bar to increase significantly. ji chen was feeling quite satisfied at the moment. although the battle came unexpectedly, it was still relatively safe. aside from many naga warriors being injured by the tremendous force, there were no other losses. it proved that his judgment was correct. the three unit types he had painstakingly developed had transformed from weaklings to formidable forces, demonstrating outstanding combat prowess and untapped potential. not a single unit was a waste. however, it was a pity that each of these unit types only had one recruitment camp, which prevented him from quickly increasing their production. otherwise, with seven or eight camps, he would soon have a powerful army that could dominate the seas. after exploring this area, i should go back and see if i_love_black_stockings or other players on king kong island have these types of recruitment camp cores boom! just as ji chen was thinking, a loud noise erupted from the ruins ahead. it felt like an earthquake. the continuous ruins were forcefully torn open, sending debris flying and raising a large cloud of dust. amidst the dust, flashes of red light kept appearing. numerous ruins guardians surged out of the ruins, and their numbers seemed to be in the tens of thousands. ji chens expression finally changed. because he saw several translucent wolves-like creatures luring the larger group of ruins guardians. at this moment, he finally understood that someone was scheming behind the scenes. amidst his shock and anger, ji chen did not lose his composure. if such a large wave of ruins guardians were to rush up all at once, it would put immense pressure on their defense line. so, they couldnt confront them head-on. everyone, quickly retreat into the gorge and use the terrain to kill the enemy. upon hearing the command, all the units moved without hesitation. they all retreated into the gorge. naga warriors, stand in the front, and the rest focus on ranged attacks! alice, use the war song to boost the units. benbo, lead the dragon blood murlocs in a focused fire. a series of orders were given, and ji chen finally breathed a sigh of relief. however, there was still some worry on his face. the naga warriors, who served as the front-line tanks, were not in good condition. after experiencing the previous battle, most of them were injured. if they couldnt hold the line, no matter how strong the backline damage dealers were, it would be in vain. they were once again plunged into a bitter battle. outside the gorge, there was a densely packed group of ruins guardians numbering in the tens of thousands. these large beings, each standing three meters tall, had blood-red eyes that seemed eager to devour them. they continuously attacked the defense line. fifteen minutes passed, and ji chens worst fears came true. many naga warriors were heavily injured and had to withdraw from the front line. with fewer frontline tanks, the pressure on the backline increased. anina, looking at the defense line showing signs of collapse, was filled with concern. she took the initiative and volunteered, saying, my lord, let me go. 1 can hold them off. with things having come to this point, ji chen didnt hesitate and agreed to her request. seize the opportunity to attack, but be sure to protect yourself. anina nodded and wielded her dragon slayer great sword as she walked to the front. facing the ruins guardians surging like a tide, a hint of killing intent flashed in her eyes. taking a deep breath, her blood began to boil, and power surged from her body. a majestic power derived from noble bloodline started to emanate, capable of rendering ordinary marine creatures powerless. unfortunately, the ruins guardians were alchemical constructs and couldnt sense this power. anina moved, rushing into the midst of the enemy group like a bolt of lightning. facing the rampaging ruins guardians wielding stone fists, she didnt choose to dodge but directly collided with them, clenching her left fist. her fair little fist was about to collide with the hard stone fist. to ordinary people, this scene was like an egg smashing against a rock, where the egg would inevitably shatter before the rock. but who was anina? no, she wasnt a person but a whale. how could the ruins guardians contend with a whale? in the next moment, the ruins guardians fist shattered with a thunderous boom and shattered rocks filled the air. the difference in power between them was evident. with a clang, anina swung her great sword fiercely, crushing their bodies. in the midst of the ruins guardian group, anina moved like a whale swimming in the sea, her body agile. with each swing of her sword and each punch, a ruins guardian fell. the efficiency of her kills was comparable to that of an army. she gradually attracted the attention of most ruins guardians, reducing the pressure on the defense line. seeing anina being surrounded on all sides, ji chen gave the order. alice, empower anina with the war song. the rest of the ranged units, seize the opportunity and give it your all! the song quietly sounded, reaching aninas ears and causing her spirit to tremble. the already high fighting spirit became even more fervent under this enhancement. her body brimmed with boundless strength, and the speed of her sword swings and movements increased significantly. her killing efficiency further improved! every time a ruins guardians fist was about to hit her, she skillfully dodged it and counterattacked, severing its arm with a single sword strike. with the blessing of the units talent, each kill restored a considerable amount of her stamina. however, upon closer observation, it could be seen that aninas combat power was slowly increasing over time. from two strikes to one kill, gradually becoming one strike for one kill. [resurgence of slaughter (purple skill, increases combat power with battle time, up to a maximum of 50% boost in combat power)] under such terrifying killing efficiency, in just over ten minutes, the ruins guardians, which had appeared in a seemingly endless tide, began to thin out slightly. as long as they could continue like this, resolving this wave of ruins guardians was only a matter of time. seeing this scene, ji chen couldnt help but breathe a sigh of relief. little did he know, the mastermind behind the scenes was also astonished. am i seeing things? can one person hold back so many ruins guardians? they must be a hero, but even for a hero, this is too exaggerated. its like a perpetual motion machine this terrifying power might be a hero of purple-rare tier or above. the one singing in the back should also be a hero, capable of providing powerful buffs to the units. 1 estimate they are at least blue excellent tier. and that murloc hero leading the tidal sea spirits military recruitment camp two members looked at anina, who was dancing and dodging attacks within the ruins guardian group while efficiently killing them, as well as alice behind her. their faces were filled with envy. on the other side, sima chuxis expression was incredibly dark, and his eyes were filled with anger and jealousy. his mind was screaming madly. damn it, damn it, damn it! how can this hero be so strong!? this powerful hero should belong to me, shouldnt it? i am supposed to be the protagonist of this world, of this game! after all his efforts, he only had one blue excellent-tier and two green elite-tier heroes. meanwhile, this man already had two purple-rare-tier and one blue excellent-tier heroes. his heart brimmed with raging jealousy, a burning envy that sparked an insatiable thirst to end ji chens life. although they hadnt met in person yet, the enmity between them had already been formed. he must kill ji chen here and now. but even thousands of ruins guardians couldnt do anything to ji chen. how could he kill him? where are the other ruins guardians? there arent many left nearby, except for several hundred even stronger ruins guardians dormant in an underground space to the west. but if we lure them out, well have to retreat from here, or else well be surrounded by these ruins guardians and unable to leave. upon hearing this, sima chuxi hesitated only briefly before gritting his teeth and saying, lure them out, and then well leave immediately. after our strength is sufficient, we can come back here and deal with these troublesome ruins guardians. but no matter what, we must kill that player today! Chapter 168 - Chapter 168: Divine Being’s Test chapter 168: divine beings test translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen naturally had no knowledge of the conspiracies and intentions of these people. at this moment, he was commanding his troops to deal with a large number of ruins guardians. thanks to the naga warriors innate skill, bloodline regeneration, the naga warriors who were injured in the first wave of ruins guardians were visibly recovering at a rapid pace. many naga warriors returned to the battlefield, stabilizing the crumbling defense line once again. seeing this scene, ji chen decisively ordered anina, who was trapped in the enemy lines, to retreat. her task of diverting the enemys attention had been perfectly accomplished. upon hearing the command, anina did not hesitate to smash the ruins guardian in front of her with a punch. she twisted her waist, and her strong legs were filled with explosive power as she swiftly ran back. on her way back, she also casually slashed two ruins guardians who tried to stop her. an opening appeared in the defense line for anina to enter and immediately closed thereafter. clang- anina, who had safely retreated, planted her dragon slayer great sword into the ground, her breathing slightly rapid. it seemed that the intense battle had also consumed her stamina to some extent. but it was only a moderate degree of exhaustion. judging by the rate of consumption, she could continue fighting for several more hours at least. the bloodline of the deep sea dragon whale gave her strength and stamina far surpassing ordinary creatures. the endurance provided by various combat stamina skills was enough to make the enemy feel desperate. however, anina seemed to have mentioned that she hadnt seen any other deep sea dragon whales since her mothers death, which disappointed ji chen somewhat. if he could have a hundred deep sea dragon whales with the same strength as anina, he would have the confidence to dominate the entire western sea. the three troops relied on the narrow gorge, preventing the ruins guardians from fully utilizing their numerical advantage. only about a dozen of them could attack at a time, while the rest could only jostle and stare helplessly. the fifty-meter-wide gorge had become a meat grinder. the wave of over a thousand ruins guardians was peeled away like layers of an onion, gradually reducing their numbers. two hours later, the last ruins guardian fell with a loud crash, its body torn apart. a pleasant system prompt sounded. ding- you have achieved a glorious victory your level has increased (16-17). the experience gained from over a thousand tier 3, 8-star ruins guardians once again boosted ji chens level, less than half a day after his last upgrade. such a speed of leveling could be described as making great strides in a day. ji chen frequently went to sea, enthusiastic about exploring various ruins and unknown dangerous areas precisely for this reason. besides seeking treasure, he also aimed to gain experience and level up by defeating monsters. otherwise, relying solely on exterminating the sparse wild troops on the new moon islands, he had no idea how long it would take to level up. moreover, these dangerous and unknown places often contained abundant loot and astonishing rewards. everyone, take a rest in place! ji chen didnt rush to advance immediately but loudly commanded. engaging in battle without knowing the enemys intentions was not a wise move. first, he analyzed the situation. the people plotting against me should also be players who obtained the key to enter this place for exploration, but they arrived earlier than me, which allowed them to know where a large number of ruins guardians were located and led them here. however, they havent shown themselves yet, most likely because their troops are weaker than mine. otherwise, there would be no need to go to such lengths to attract so many ruins guardians to me. clearly, they want to use me as a scapegoat. lastly, this group is obstructing me from entering so fervently for only one reason: this ancient land of the divine realm indeed holds something, and its highly likely that they havent obtained it yet. otherwise, after attracting the first wave of ruins guardians, they could have left immediately. after analyzing the situation, ji chens mind became much clearer. continuing with this logic, the most likely place where something might be left in this ancient land of the divine realm looking at the monotonous expanse of ruins, the possibility of finding anything there was low. with a slight thought, he concluded that the towering high tower in the center was the most likely place to contain something. and the players lurking in the dark, luring monsters and hiding their intentions, were most likely hiding there. thinking this, a cold gleam flashed in ji chens eyes. when he caught them, he would make them understand the consequences of provoking him, ji chen. after an hour of rest, the injured naga warriors had recovered considerably. the group set off, heading towards the central high tower. this time, ji chen was much more cautious because the divine realms ancient land couldnt use the omniscience map, so they had to rely on more primitive reconnaissance methods. the naga warriors spread out in a semicircle, with each one extending their range of scouting to include the surrounding areas, keeping a distance of up to five hundred meters from the main force. while five hundred meters couldnt compare to the reconnaissance range of the omniscience map, it was enough to allow them to react before the enemy attacked. soon, the naga warriors who had entered the ruins discovered the dormant ruins guardians and roared loudly to relay the information. upon hearing the sound, a team consisting of dragon blood murlocs, naga warriors, and pure water sea pixies rushed over. the sporadic ruins guardians posed no threat to them at all. after a brief battle, the ruins guardians were easily defeated. the group continued advancing while scouting, slowly approaching the high tower as they moved through the ruins.. Chapter 169 - Chapter 169: Divine Being’s Test (2) chapter 169: divine beings test (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation not knowing whether witnessing ji chens power discouraged the players who were lurking in the shadows, or if they had other schemes in mind, they didnt reach out to attack again. half an hour later. ji chen and his companions safely arrived at the stone bridge that connected to the tower, recalling the naga warriors in front. three stone bridges spanned the lake from different directions, connecting the tower to the ground. the lake below the bridge shimmered with gentle waves, exuding a hint of coolness. seeing this, ji chen felt relieved. as long as there was water, he could regain most of the power belonging to the lord of the tides. even if another wave of relic guardians with the same number as before were to come, he alone could defeat them. his combat power would be greatly enhanced in the ocean or any environment with water. looking at the nearby tower, ji chen didnt waste any more time and led his army to approach along the stone bridge. the entrance to the tower was a watery door-like portal. ji chen was cautious and sent a naga warrior to explore the way ahead. as soon as the naga warrior touched the door, he disappeared instantly. a few minutes later, the naga warrior reappeared at the door, seemingly unharmed. seeing this, ji chen relaxed slightly and began to inquire about the situation inside from the naga warrior. so, once we enter, theres a platform, and a passage connected to it leads to a stone open-air hall. however, theres another passage at the opposite end of the hall that is obstructed by a white barrier. there are no ruins guardians inside, and no enemies have been found. no enemies inside? could it be that the deceitful player who attracted the monsters earlier realized he couldnt do anything to ji chen and left on his own? after thinking for a moment, ji chen decided to put that aside for now and enter to investigate. revenge was important, but it would be better to understand the situation here first. leaving two dragon blood murlocs to guard the stone bridge and keep watch for enemies, ji chen waved his hand, and the other troops began to enter and form a formation. as soon as they touched the watery door, they found themselves on a circular floating platform with a diameter of one hundred meters. looking up, ji chens pupils suddenly contracted. he was overwhelmed with astonishment. at this moment, words were unable to express his emotions. was this the inside of the tower? why did it feel like he had entered a different dimension? before his eyes, a vast expanse of twinkling stars filled the boundless sky. infinite and vast. it made people feel incredibly small in an instant. after a long while, he finally snapped out of his shock. only divine beings could create such a miraculous space within the tower. he looked around to observe his surroundings. the platform they were on floated above the starry sky, with the watery door behind them. the only way forward was a floating passage that connected to a stone hall with a diameter of several hundred meters. after thinking for a moment, ji chen turned back to the door. in a flash, he instantly returned to the stone bridge. the two dragon blood murlocs were diligently standing guard. it seemed that the door could be freely entered and exited. now that he understood this, ji chen let go of his worries and passed through the door again to return to the platform. without lingering, he led his army along the floating platform towards the stone hall. as expected, there was a white barrier at the other end of the hall as mentioned by the naga warrior. the blurred sandy surface concealed what lay beyond. just as ji chen was pondering about the purpose of this place. the system prompt sounded in his ears. ding- this is a trial of the divine beings test: a simulation of the illusionary realm. players can challenge it and obtain rewards upon completion. the challenges in this space do not cause any harm to life. after a failure, you can recover and attempt the challenge again with unlimited tries. simply focus your mind: start the trial to begin the challenge. divine beings test? challenge? rewards? ji chen suddenly realized that this tower was actually a trial ground. he previously thought it was a residence of divine beings or something like that. once he snapped back to reality, excitement surged within him. if there were rewards, then he had nothing to worry about. besides, the rewards from the divine beings test wouldnt be bad, no matter what. and according to the prompt, failure wouldnt result in death, and he could challenge it an unlimited number of times. that completely relieved ji chen of any concerns. it meant he could revert to a previous state, which was something every gamer longed for. even if it was a divine being, he would show them what he was capable of! be on full alert! stay close to the walls and prepare to counter any attacks! with a command, all units moved to the wall and formed a semicircular formation, ready for battle. the naga warrior remained outside while the dragon blood murlocs and pure water sea pixies stood inside, with ji chen and his companions at the center. alice, anina, benbo, attack upon my command! yes, my lord! having observed that everything was prepared, ji chen silently recited to himself, initiate the trial. in the next instant, a white barrier blocked the passage leading back to the hall, while a dome materialized in the air, enclosing the entire space. the entire hall became sealed off. at that moment, the system prompt resounded once again. ding- illusory realm simulation, level one, initiated. defeat all enemies to proceed. in the center of the hall, a hundred ethereal forms of ruins guardians suddenly appeared. simultaneously, stars began to cascade from the sky, infusing each ethereal form with specks of starlight, gradually solidifying their bodies. within seconds, all the ruins guardians took shape, marching towards them with precise and synchronized steps. narrowing his eyes, ji chen couldnt help but find the first level quite thrilling. a hundred may not sound like much, but it was not an insignificant number either. however, ji chen noticed something peculiar about these ruins guardians. they seemed different from the ones they encountered outside. they were smaller in size, standing just over two meters tall, almost on par with the naga warriors, and their bodies appeared less rugged. staring intently, he examined their status panel: [ruins guardian (simulated)] [race]: simulated creature [level]: 11 [tier]: second tier, 8 stars [skills]: guard command (blue skill), charge (blue skill), magic resistance (green skill), fearlessness (green skill) [unit traits]: alchemical creation (alchemical creations are devoid of fear and other emotions) [simulated creations within the trial ground] second tier, 8 stars, and level 11? could it be that they were too easy to handle? they had already slain over a thousand third tier, 8 stars ruins guardians outside, and now they were confronted with a hundred simulated ruins guardians that were a whole tier lower. it almost felt like a gift. shaking his head, ji chen waved his hand, allowing the dragonblood murlocs to unleash their attacks freely. with their fourth tier, 4-star strength, the dragonblood murlocs overwhelmed the simulated ruins guardians of the second tier, 8 stars. their brutal tridents shattered the ethereal beings, exploding them one by one, even before they could approach. the entire battle concluded in less than three minutes. if sima chuxi and the others were to witness this, tears would surely stream down their faces. they had struggled and paid a hefty price to vanquish a hundred second tier, 8 stars ruins guardians, while ji chen dealt with them effortlessly. ding- level one of the illusory realm simulation cleared. proceed to level two? yes, ji chen promptly responded, wasting no time in commencing the next level. for him, this level of challenge barely constituted a warm-up. ding- illusory realm simulation, level two, initiated. defeat all enemies to proceed. once again, they were tasked with defeating all enemies to advance. this time, they faced another hundred ruins guardians, but their tier had been raised to third tier, 2 stars, and their level had increased to 13. taking into account all the enhancements, it should have been manageable for them. however, this battle took a bit longer, approximately six minutes to resolve. ding- illusory realm simulation, level three, initiated the third level. starlight poured down from above. a hundred third tier, 5 stars ruins guardians, each at level 15, materialized before them. this level of intensity brought them closer to the strength of the ruins guardians outside. but it still fell short! resting against the wall, ji chen found himself starting to doze off. if this was the pinnacle of the challenges they would face, then he had already secured the rewards bestowed by the divine realm! Chapter 170 - Chapter 170: Tower of Secrets: Arrival at the Northern Continent chapter 170: tower of secrets: arrival at the northern continent translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation having cleared the third and fourth levels without much effort, ji chen approached the fifth level with a bit more enthusiasm. the fifth level still consisted of a hundred ruins guardians, with no change in numbers. however, their tier had now reached third tier, 9 stars, and their level was 19. standing at a towering height of 4 meters, they resembled small mountains before him. these ruins guardians advanced with heavy footsteps, rumbling towards him. the spacious hall suddenly seemed to shrink in size. but this level of intensity posed no challenge for him. after a fierce battle, all hundred ruins guardians were damaged and fell to the ground. level five cleared! however, this time the system prompt had a slight difference. ding- illusory realm trial, level five cleared. level six is about to commence. you may now choose the new trial terrain: desert, swamp, mountain, ocean, grassland. terrain options? there were five terrains to choose from, but at a glance, ji chen immediately ruled out the desert. the reason was simple. his units were all amphibious marine creatures and the desert had no presence of water whatsoever. it would be a nightmare for them. as for the mountain, grassland, and swamp terrains these three terrains might have lakes, rivers, or shallow water areas, but they were not the optimal choice. the best option was naturally the ocean. in the ocean, they could fully unleash their advantages, effectively doubling their combat power! ding- you have chosen the ocean terrain. as soon as the voice fell, the stone hall beneath their feet transformed into a small island, surrounded by an endless sea. the sky bore a radiant sun, with blue skies and serene floating clouds. seagulls soared in the sky, schools of fish swam in the water, and in the distance, whales spouted water columnsa scene brimming with vitality. with a faint sniff, the salty scent of the sea breeze rushed into their nostrils. ji chens eyes widened in astonishment, taking a moment to regain his composure. if he hadnt seen the previous starry hall, he would have thought they had truly been transported into the ocean, rather than a simulated scene. there was no discernible difference between this scenery and the real ocean. was this the power of the divine realm? even though they had left that world and an unknown amount of time had passed, the lingering power remained as dazzling and breathtaking as ever. bringing his entire army into the sea, they floated on the surface, ready to commence the next trial. ding- illusory realm simulation, level six, initiated. protect the nexus from destruction for 30 minutes. protect the nexus? ji chen was slightly surprised as he saw a crystal float appear not far away on the seas surface. presumably, that was the so-called nexus. a 30-minute countdown timer appeared in his peripheral vision. without hesitation, ji chen immediately led his troops to the crystal float and protected it steadfastly. once they moved away from the small island, it gradually disappeared from view, leaving only the vast expanse of the sea. ji chen controlled the seawater to keep himself afloat, surveying the surroundings, but there were no enemies in sight. he felt a sense of puzzlement. suddenly, he thought of something and quickly submerged himself in the water to inspect for underwater enemies. indeed, within the relatively dim underwater visibility, a large number of enemies appeared from all directions. in the slightly murky seawater, their bodies emitted a dazzling blood-red aura, making them stand out. however, these enemies were no longer the rock-like ruins guardians; instead, they resembled devilish fish with a three-meter-long body. their elliptical blood-red aura connected their flat bodies to the large fins on both sides, creating a distinct science-fiction-like appearance. with a two-meter-long spike at their tail, they exuded an extremely dangerous aura. [ocean guardian] [race]: alchemical creation [level]: 17 [tier]: third tier, 9 stars [skills]: guard command (purple skill), agility (blue skill), fearlessness (blue skill), magic resistance (blue skill) [unit traits]: alchemical creation (alchemical creations are devoid of fear, anxiety, and other emotions) [marine alchemical guardian, agile in action] hundreds of ocean guardians, numbering over two hundred, swarmed from all directions, intent on destroying the nexus. unlike the ruins guardians, these ocean guardians had no apparent weaknesses. they moved swiftly, their large fins acting like two engines, propelling them forward in an instant. with their fierce jaws, they latched onto the bone blades swung by the naga warriors. crack! even the blades, harder than metal, suddenly appeared with cracks. the ocean guardians crazily tore at the bone blades, attempting to rip them off. despite the naga warriors efforts, they couldnt retrieve their trapped bone blades no matter how hard they pulled. determined, they swung another blade, hoping to achieve some results. however, the tail spike of the ocean guardians suddenly shot out, accurately hitting the returning blade. if they were on land, there would likely have been a resounding clash of metal, but underwater, there was no soundonly the chaotic water flow resulting from the collision. although silent, it carried no shortage of danger. the number of ocean guardians exceeded two hundred, more than double the naga warriors. it was almost as if two of them were ganging up on a single naga warrior. within moments, many naga warriors were caught in the jaws of the ocean guardians, their bodies pierced with several large holes from the tail spikes, blood gushing out. back in the depths of the ocean. the combat capabilities of the other two important units, the dragonblood murlocs and the pure water sea pixies, surged dramatically. the pure water sea pixies, still submerged in the ocean, enjoyed an additional 35% increase in spell damage. even though the enemies outclassed them by a staggering six tiers, this bonus greatly compensated for the disparity.. Chapter 171 - Chapter 171: Tower of Secrets: Arrival at the Northern Continent (2) chapter 171: tower of secrets: arrival at the northern continent (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation powerful water arrows surged forward, launched at point-blank range towards the enemy. upon impact, they detonated with the force of deep-sea bombs, generating violent pressure waves that reverberated through the water. visible cracks appeared on the bodies of the affected ocean guardians, and their auras dimmed significantly, clearly suffering heavy damage. what an exceptional result! ji chen couldnt contain his astonishment as he witnessed the outcome. choosing the pure water sea pixies for the upgrade was undoubtedly the right decision. a tier 3 with three stars had the combat power of a tier 4 with three stars! in the future, they might not even need to detonate the enemies. simply relying on the water pressure would be enough to turn them into mincemeat! at this moment, the dragonblood murlocs also demonstrated their formidable combat abilities. compared to their land-based counterparts, their agility in the water increased several-fold, making them unreachable even by these ocean guardians. underwater, their fighting style underwent a remarkable change. they no longer hid behind naga warriors and threw tridents. instead, they relied on their agility to maneuver behind the enemies and launch surprise attacks. after each strike, regardless of the outcome, they chose to retreat temporarily. with a swift flick of their fins, they darted away to a safe distance, leaving the ocean guardians yearning to launch a counterattack but unable to even graze their elusive adversaries. if the naga warriors excelled at frontal attacks and breaking through enemy lines as heavy infantry, then the dragonblood murlocs were adept at pulling and maneuvering as light cavalry. if the ocean guardians had emotions and lives, they would probably have gone mad by now. being constantly attacked from behind without the ability to retaliate was simply too unfair! at this moment, the three units once again demonstrated their powerful coordination. the naga warriors defended against the enemys attacks, the dragonblood murlocs launched surprise attacks from behind, and the pure water sea pixies provided ranged support. the number of ocean guardians, which exceeded two hundred, rapidly decreased during this assault. before they could even celebrate, another large wave of ocean guardians appeared in the distance. unlike the previous levels with a fixed number of enemies, as long as the time hadnt run out, they would continue to appear until the nexus was destroyed. the previous wave of ocean guardians combined with the subsequent wave, surpassing the naga warriors by several times, intensifying the pressure. even though the dragonblood murlocs and pure water sea pixies fought valiantly, it was still difficult to stop the onslaught for a while. the army gradually suffered casualties. one naga warrior was surrounded by four ocean guardians, with two biting onto the bone blades from the left and right, immobilizing their arms and body. the other two ocean guardians swiftly thrust their tails, piercing the head and heart respectively. being struck in two vital areas, even with their formidable life force, the naga warrior couldnt withstand such injuries at this moment. they lost their resistance and their body was subsequently torn into pieces. this scene played out repeatedly along the defensive line. seeing this, ji chen knew that he couldnt just watch anymore. he signaled anina and alice to strike with full force. a whale returned to the ocean, its combat power would only become even more terrifying. countless ocean guardians were sliced in half by a single sword swing or had their bodies shattered by a single punch. alices enchanting song couldnt affect these alchemical creations, but her war song, which provided buffs, was her specialty. underwater, alices singing manifested as a form of energy transmission, passing through layers of ripples and reaching her allies. [war song (purple skill, using singing to inspire allies, increasing attack speed and movement speed by 70%, while eliminating pain during the duration)] the war song at the purple skill level could significantly increase the attack speed and movement speed of allies by 70% while eliminating pain. this effect was akin to bestowing the characteristics of a berserker. in an instant, the resilient naga warriors experienced a significant increase in combat power. they ignored the pain of being attacked and wielded their bone blades, forming a web of swords with greatly enhanced blocking capabilities. with the addition of anina and alice, the pressure on the defensive line greatly diminished. seeing this, ji chen suppressed his urge to personally take action. he needed to conserve his mana for where it was most needed and avoid unnecessary consumption. time slowly passed as wave after wave of ocean guardians appeared and were annihilated. until the countdown reached zero. no more ocean guardians appeared in the distance. with the defeat of the final attacking ocean guardian, struck down by anina with a punch and sinking into the deep sea. the ocean regained its tranquility. ding- illusory realm trial, level 6, completed. nexus integrity: 100%. level 6 successfully cleared! ji chen breathed a sigh of relief and resurfaced with the army. they began to assess the casualties. the pure water sea pixies, who were casting spells from the rear, had no deaths or injuries. the dragonblood murlocs had about ten individuals who had been wounded during the surprise attacks and were unable to retreat in time. among them, two were struck in vital areas and died. as for the frontline naga warriors, their situation wasnt good. they were surrounded and outnumbered by the ocean guardians, and almost all of them were covered in scales, with many losing their arms and snake tails. among them, over twenty were torn into pieces, and there were about ten who were injured and temporarily lost their combat power. this battle was no longer as unscathed as the previous levels. in the previous encounters with over a thousand ruins guardians, due to the terrain of the gorge, ji chen could withdraw the injured naga warriors and replace them with unhurt ones. however, this time, with the unobstructed ocean, casualties were inevitable. fortunately, all injuries sustained within the illusory realm could be healed upon leaving. otherwise, with such significant losses, ji chen would have been heartbroken for a while. the sixth level resulted in the loss of over twenty frontline naga warriors, and the following stages would only become more challenging to deal with. however, from another perspective, they had cleared six levels with only these casualties, which was quite remarkable. challenging the same level again without personally taking action might not yield the same results. they had to take it one step at a time. while ji chen and his army were battling in the high tower illusory realm, the ocean expedition fleet that set sail from the new moon islands finally reached the coastline of the northern continent after several days of sailing. the fleet followed the coastline and slowly anchored in a bustling port, dropping anchor and docking. raymond, standing at the ships railing on the white sand princess, looked at the bustling port with joy on his face. after sailing for so many days, he could finally take a hot bath on land, and enjoy fresh, warm food. after eating dried meat and rations for four or five days, he was on the verge of constipation. is this the northern continent? sparrow asked curiously as he looked at the bustling port. seeing sparrows arrival, raymond smiled and said, yes, this is one of the most prosperous ports on the northern continent, attracting many merchants who come to purchase goods. we dont have to venture deep into the continent. we only need to sell our goods to these merchants, and they will distribute our specialties throughout the northern continent. similarly, we can also purchase goods from various parts of the northern continent here. in his words, raymond showed no signs of negligence. although officially he was the consul of this ocean expedition fleet, in charge of buying and selling goods with the highest authority, he knew that all the armed forces on the ship answered to sparrow, and his position was extraordinary. raymond was well aware that sparrow was sent by the lord as a monitor for him. but he didnt mind. after all, he had just joined the crown of the ocean, lacked qualifications, and was previously a member of the hanseatic chamber of commerce. even the most trusted lord couldnt simply let him leave with such valuable goods. in fact, raymond felt quite at ease. with sparrow, a green-ranked elite hero, and so many armed forces, he didnt have to worry about that inconspicuous guy attempting to hijack the ship. now it was time for him to play his part. seeing the prosperous trade in the port, raymond felt the blood of a merchant in his veins boiling. he recalled the rewards promised by the lord, and he was instantly filled with motivation. this time, he was going to make a big profit! Chapter 172 - Chapter 172: The Ninth Level chapter 172: the ninth level translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ding- illusory realm trial level seven passed, nexus integrity 100%. upon hearing the system prompt, ji chen couldnt help but relax, feeling the exhaustion of half of his mana and a tinge of bitterness on his face. he surveyed his surroundings. centered around the nexus, the broken bodies of numerous ocean guardians covered the surface of the sea within a hundred meters, bobbing with the undulating waves. although devoid of a bloody atmosphere, the intensity of the battle was evident. an hour ago, ji chen had initiated the seventh level of the illusory realm. despite being mentally prepared, the difficulty of this level exceeded his expectations. similar to the sixth level, the objective was to protect the nexus from harm, but the time limit had been extended to one hour from the previous 30 minutes. right from the start, they were assaulted by over five hundred ocean guardians, attacking from all directions, numbering more than twice that of their entire army. thus, they found themselves under tremendous pressure from the outset. ji chen could only form their troops into a circular formation centered around the nexus, resisting the relentless waves of ocean guardians. although they managed to pass the level, the casualties were severe. more than one-third of the naga warriors perished, and a quarter of the dragon blood murlocs were lost. the pure water sea pixies suffered the most, as they were breached by several ocean guardians during a near-collapse of their defenses, resulting in the loss of over ten of their kind. now their entire army had suffered heavy losses, with almost every unit bearing injuries, either missing limbs or depleted mana. if it werent for the option to choose when to start the next level and enough time for the units to recover and restore their mana, ji chen would have considered starting over. having reached the seventh level, the number of remaining trials in this divine realm trial remained unknown. at this moment, ji chen began to assess the number of surviving troops. 35 naga warriors. 60 dragon blood murlocs. 85 pure water sea pixies. a total of 171, a decrease of one-third compared to the initial count. most importantly, with only a handful of naga warriors remaining as frontline shields, it would be impossible to protect the backline in the upcoming levels. this situation made ji chen curse inwardly. how could they continue like this? the assault in the eighth level would undoubtedly be fiercer, and without an adequate frontline, once the defense line was breached, the fragile backline would be torn apart like watermelons, helpless to fight back. at this point, ji chen made a firm decision. afterward, he must go out and search for more naga warrior recruitment camp cores. acquiring dozens of them at once, perhaps even hundreds in a week. if he could amass such numbers. he thought of the numerous players on king kong island. he decided to entrust l_love_black_stockings to check if the islands players had any recruitment camp cores for naga warriors, dragon blood murlocs, pure water sea pixies, and the like. if they did, he would purchase them directly with gold coins. after making up his mind, ji chen focused on restoring his mana to its fullest. preparing for the eighth level. several hours later. the injured army had mostly recovered, and their conditions were at their best. at ji chens command, the entire army submerged into the sea once again, keeping a vigilant eye on the surrounding waters. ji chens gaze became resolute, and with a single thought: ding- illusory realm simulation level eight initiated. protect the nexus from destruction for three hours. in the distance, thousands of ocean guardians appeared within their field of view, their large fins adorned with numerous white lines, eagerly heading towards the nexus. within the pre-programmed instructions, their sole objective was to destroy the crystal buoy, tearing apart any living being that stood in their way! ji chen narrowed his eyes as he observed the enemy closing in from all sides. the mana within him boiled like molten lava. the surrounding seawater surged and roiled from the overflowing mana. the enemies were now less than four hundred meters away, and their ferocious mouthparts seemed poised to bite. ji chen had yet to issue the attack command. the dragon blood murlocs had a maximum throwing range of approximately two hundred and fifty meters. the pure water sea pixies had a range of about two hundred meters. this distance allowed them to unleash their maximum killing efficiency. this was knowledge gained through multiple battles. at three hundred meters, ji chen gave the command to prepare for combat. at a distance of two hundred and fifty meters, a group of sixty dragon blood murlocs swiftly hurled their tridents, leaving behind trails of white water as the projectiles streaked toward the enemy ranks. with deadly precision, they shattered an equal number of adversaries in an instant. however, for the thousands of ocean guardians, this was merely a drop in the ocean. it couldnt even slightly impede their charging momentum. at two hundred meters, eighty-five pure water sea pixies simultaneously cast their spells, firing hundreds of water arrows that shot forward like torpedoes. the chaotic currents produced by the explosions of the water arrows jostled the enemys forms, causing many ocean guardians near the blast points to be crushed by the surging water pressure, turning them into fragments. but more ocean guardians continued their charge. in the blink of an eye, the distance of two hundred meters had shrunk to less than a hundred. with over eight hundred ocean guardians, they were practically upon them. at this moment, ji chen raised both hands, and a surging mana burst forth. the oncoming enemies didnt see it coming. the seawater beneath them surged upward, reaching their position within half a breaths time. carrying its momentum, it forcefully propelled them out of the sea and into the sky. the ocean guardians, who were agile in water, were now like ducks stranded on land, helplessly flapping their large fins, their gazes fixed on their own ascent into the air.. Chapter 173 - Chapter 173: The Ninth Level (2) chapter 173: the ninth level (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ten meters. twenty meters. fifty meters. eighty meters. until reaching a hundred meters high, their inertia was depleted, and they began freefalling. falling from a hundred meters high onto the sea surface was almost the same as falling onto the ground. with a plop sound, they fell into the sea like dumplings. even the bodies of the ocean guardians made of special alchemical materials couldnt withstand such a fierce impact. the moment they touched the sea surface, their bodies shattered into pieces. seeing this scene, ji chen smiled. this was his newly developed tactic, simple and brutal. using seawater to send enemies flying into the air and then using gravity to harm them. this method consumed less mana than using water blades to kill enemies and had excellent results. this wave only consumed a quarter of his mana but managed to kill over eight hundred ocean guardians. after this one-time strike, it took half an hour for the next wave to appear. there were still over a thousand ocean guardians in the new wave. the battle began. high above the sea, remnants of the ocean guardians bodies occasionally surfaced, some propelled into the air before crashing back down onto the waters surface. alongside them were the lifeless forms of naga warriors, dragon blood murlocs, and pure water sea pixies, all floating aimlessly. under the silent sea surface. the battle continued incessantly. controlling the water blade, ji chen shattered the ocean guardian in front of him. he felt relieved, but there was also a hint of exhaustion in his eyes. no matter how strengthened his body was as a tidal lord profession, commanding the army and fighting with all his might for several hours still made him feel tired. during these two hours, the number of ocean guardians he had slain remained unknown, as their shattered bodies blanketed the entire expanse of the sea surface, forming a layer several meters thick over an area spanning tens of meters, transforming the ocean into a graveyard of their remains. at present, only a handful of naga warriors lingered, a mere fraction of their former presence. these loyal guards were still fighting fiercely despite being severely injured. if their bone blades were bitten off, they used their arms; if their arms were broken, they used their mouths until they were torn apart and their bodies sank into the deep sea. only a few dragon blood murlocs remained as well. each dragon blood murloc had killed at least ten times the number of enemies, but their individual combat power, although strong, couldnt withstand the siege of enemies several times their number, and they fell one by one. among the pure water sea pixies at the rear, only about ten remained. all three units were almost completely wiped out. at this point, among the three heroes, only anina still had some combat power, but she also sustained injuries. alice had already depleted her mana and had a pale face as she leaned on the nexus, her eyes filled with frustration. benbo was also covered in wounds, looking weary. in a previous defensive line, he almost collapsed, and when the nexus was about to be attacked, he used dragon blood murlocs as human shields to block the attack, severely injuring himself in the process. seeing the approaching ocean guardians in the distance, ji chen looked at the remaining time. less than ten minutes left until the end. as long as they could hold on for these ten minutes, they would pass the eighth level. ji chen held the mana pendant tightly in his hand, trying to restore his mana as quickly as possible. the scarce tridents and water arrows shot out, shattering dozens of ocean guardians, but more were quickly approaching. anina rushed out, her slightly chubby face filled with determination. this young girl, who appeared to be only in her teens, had already experienced countless trials and battles, honing her combat skills to be invincible. her fighting spirit was also unmatched, standing fearlessly in front of hundreds of enemies, vowing to stop them. she managed to block one-third of the ocean guardians, but the rest bypassed her and headed straight for the nexus. facing the overwhelming enemy force, they were like a lone boat in a storm, on the verge of capsizing at any moment. all remaining troops charged out and, after killing the last batch of enemies, got submerged in the enemy swarm. hundreds of ocean guardians did not hesitate, charging towards ji chen. ji chen ignored the imminent attack, manipulating the water blade while absorbing the final bit of mana from the mana pendant into his body. his eyes suddenly brightened. he raised his right hand. once again, he manipulated the seawater, sending the approaching ocean guardians into the air. after sending them out of the sea surface, ji chens face instantly turned extremely pale, and the mana pendant in his hand finally lost its radiance, depleting all the stored mana. feeling the emptiness inside him, the complete depletion of mana, ji chens face showed a hint of bitterness. at this point, he was completely exhausted, and he couldnt maintain a floating state in the water anymore. when he was about to fall into the deep sea, his arm was held. turning his head, he saw alice tightly gripping him, her face filled with concern. ji chens heart warmed, shaking his head to indicate that he was fine. time passed, and the countdown finally reached zero. until a pleasant system notification sounded in his ears. ding- illusory realm trial eighth level passed, nexus integrity ioo%. ji chen finally showed a relieved smile on his face. although he knew they couldnt continue to challenge further, he was still delighted to have passed the eighth level. at this point, it was not so much about seeking the rewards of the elusive divine beings but rather wanting to see how far he could push himself, where his limits lay. from the current situation, he estimated that he could only stop at the eighth level. all the troops had been annihilated, and now only he and the three heroes remained alive. no matter how optimistic he was, it was impossible to pass the higher difficulty of the ninth level. although he couldnt proceed, it didnt hinder his curiosity to see what the ninth level was like. two hours later. adjusting himself to the peak state and looking at the remaining three heroes, ji chen resolutely started the challenge of the ninth level. however, instead of encountering any enemies, a flash of white light suddenly appeared. they returned to the stone hall where they started. just as ji chen was somewhat puzzled, suddenly hundreds of beams of light descended, and all the dead units reappeared. at this moment, the system notification resounded. congratulations on passing all the trials. passed? ji chen was dumbfounded. but 1 havent even seen the ninth level yet! as if sensing his inner doubt, the system notification continued. the high tower illusory realm has a total of nine levels. the first eight levels are normal trials, while the ninth level is a test of courage. as long as the challenger opens the ninth level with the intention of challenging their limits, it will be considered a pass. the rewards of the divine beings can be collected on the platform on the other side of the hall. after a while, ji chen finally snapped out of his daze. his face looked somewhat strange. how should 1 put it? it somehow feels like childs play. but no matter what, he still had some expectations for the so-called rewards of the divine beings. being bestowed with the name of divine beings, they shouldnt be ordinary things, right? as the system prompts ended, the white barrier on the other side of the halls passage quietly disappeared. suppressing his excitement, ji chen walked briskly towards it. at the end of the floating passage was a high platform. ascending the steps onto the platform, ji chen saw three stone pillars. upon closer look, each stone pillar had something on it. on the left stone pillar, there was a diamond-shaped blue crystal. it emitted a strange energy. what is this? curious, ji chen picked it up and examined it. [control crystal] [level: special] [effect: 0 by refining it with mana, you can control all the ruins guardians and ocean guardians in the entire ancient land of the divine realm. @ after fusing the control crystal into the territory, it can automatically guard the territory with ruins guardians and ocean guardians.] holy shit! ji chen couldnt help but swear, feeling an overwhelming excitement. as for the ruins guardians and ocean guardians scattered across the vast ancient land of the divine realm, the exact number remaining eluded his knowledge, but it was certain that a significant quantity still persisted. he had been coveting these two types of guards for a long time! as the numbers of ruins guardians and ocean guardians grew, he would be forced to retreat. however, if he could successfully bring them back to his territory and harness their inherent alchemical abilities, configuring their settings accordingly, he would have an indefatigable and formidable group of guardians who could safeguard his territory ceaselessly. as he thought about it, ji chen suddenly felt a pang of regret. he had killed so many ruins guardians before, how many allies had he lost!? regret filled his heart, intense regret. but with the excitement brought by the first reward, ji chen was eagerly anticipating what would come next. he put the control crystal into his backpack and looked at what was on the middle stone pillar. his eyebrows furrowed involuntarily. was this still a crystal? Chapter 174 - Chapter 174: The Fourth Reward, Dragon Transformation chapter 174: the fourth reward, dragon transformation translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation in the middle of the stone pillar, there were eleven blood-red square crystals, gleaming like rubies. within their coagulated blood-like texture, a sense of nobility emanated, with golden threads branching out like tree branches, adding a touch of elegance. among the eleven crystals, one was larger than the rest, with denser golden threads spreading across it. suppressing his emotions, ji chen picked up one of the smaller crystals. [advanced crystal] [tier]: 5-star treasure [effect]: it can directly upgrade a military recruitment camp with a tier no higher than tier 4 to tier 4. in this world, the tiers of military units were relatively fixed, and only a few methods could allow them to advance. the advanced crystal was one such method. there were a total of ten of these advanced crystals, which meant that he could upgrade ten military recruitment camps to tier 4. this was enough to elevate the majority of his military units to tier 4! even though ji chen had the military talent tree, seeing so many advanced crystals at this moment brought a smile to his face. upgrading with this thing didnt require any resource consumption! isnt it great to save a large amount of resources? indeed, it was a reward befitting a deity, incredibly generous. ji chen had no doubt that if these ten advanced crystals appeared in the outside world, they would drive all players crazy! these ten smaller advanced crystals could be used to upgrade to tier 4. then the larger crystal in the middle, which was even more exquisite [advanced crystal] [tier]: 6-star treasure [effect]: it can directly upgrade a military recruitment camp with a tier no higher than tier 5 to tier 5. sure enough, it could directly upgrade to tier 5! ji chen couldnt stop smiling. this was tier 5! even he didnt have any tier 5 military units at the moment. the highest he had was a tier 4 8-star giant octopus. what a bloody profit! ji chen carefully gathered all the advanced crystals, ensuring not a single one was left behind, and stowed them away in his backpack. a sense of great satisfaction washed over him. it was now clear to him that the rewards grew increasingly generous as he ventured towards the rightmost stone pillar. the left pillar held a control crystal, and the middle had eleven advanced crystals, so what was on the right pillar? could it be some kind of artifact? with a hint of excitement, ji chen approached the right stone pillar. hovering above the pillar was a golden energy cluster, exuding a faint light. upon closer inspection, there were no information panels or a way to put it into the backpack. ji chen looked puzzled. what is this thing? after some thought, he reached out and tried to touch it. when his fingertip made contact with the energy cluster, it absorbed the energy like a sponge absorbing water, instantly flowing through his finger and into his body. the energy was gentle and flowed from his finger to his arm, then spread throughout his entire body, like basking in warm sunlight on a winters day. he looked bewildered but quickly realized that it was similar to when he obtained the tidal lords inheritance. this energy was strengthening his physique! once he understood, ji chen relaxed and fully absorbed the energy. every cell in his body rejoiced and absorbed the gentle energy, growing stronger. after half an hour, he felt a surge of vitality throughout his body. he could sense that his physical strength and mana capacity had grown significantly. if his previous mana capacity was like a lake, it was now equivalent to ten lakes, more than ten times larger. however, the golden energy cluster before him had only reduced in size by a small margin. it seemed to be an endless source of energy, continuing to flow into his body without any sign of stopping. as the saturation of energy increased, ji chen could almost hear his cells crying out to stop. it was too much, too full! although the energy was incredibly gentle, it was simply too abundant. the continuous influx of energy into various parts of his body made him feel like he was being inflated like a balloon. this divine power left behind was truly profound. even after dissipating for countless ages, what remained was still immeasurable. ji chen worried that he might burst from absorbing it all. the passage of time became indiscernible as the saturation level of energy seemed to transcend a certain boundary. in an instant, a distinct cracking sound reverberated in ji chens ears, piercing through to the very core of his being. suddenly, a profound transformation was unfolding within him, with intensity beyond measure. ding- due to your absorption of abundant energy, the tide lord profession is undergoing evolution. the echoes of the sound dissipated, resembling the resonance of a subtle notification. it was as though the tranquil surface of a water-filled lake had ruptured, unveiling a pathway that delved into an expansive subterranean realm. the energy surged and whirled, akin to a vortex eagerly absorbing everything in its path, saturating the previously empty expanse. during this process, an immense sense of enjoyment and exhilaration overwhelmed ji chen. waves of satisfaction surged through his heart, surpassing the thrill of even the most triumphant victories. just as ji chen was soaring with delight, lost in his ecstatic state, another system prompt echoed in his mind. ding- due to the influence of your lord talent: favor of the sea, you will gain additional skills. ji chen was instantly awakened from his daze, filled with a sense of pleasant surprise. could there be such a stroke of good fortune? he truly was the chosen one! several hours passed, and the influx of energy gradually ceased, reducing to a gentle trickle. even if he were to continue absorbing, it would merely be an embellishment, as any excess would slowly dissipate over time. realizing this, ji chen decisively ended his absorption, retracting his fingers.. Chapter 175 - Chapter 175: The Fourth Reward, Dragon Transformation (2) chapter 175: the fourth reward, dragon transformation (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ding- due to your absorption of abundant energy, your tidal lord (red-legacy tier) class is evolving into tidal dominator (orange-legendary tier), and you have acquired a new skill: tide domain (orange-level skill). tidal dominator, orange-legendary tier! tide domain, an orange-level skill! these two revelations hit ji chen like a heavy blow, causing his heart to race uncontrollably. this is a bloody windfall! taking a deep breath, he suppressed the excitement in his heart and checked his current status. [name]: ji chen [level]: 17 (29%/100%) [identity]: lord of the ocean [main class]: tidal dominator (current class tier: orange-legendary tier) [subclass]: fisher (novice [proficiency: 274/500]) [class skills]: tide domain (orange-level skill, can deploy a tide domain with a radius of 500 meters, reducing enemy attributes by 0-70% depending on the power gap, reducing physical and magical damage by 30%, reducing mana consumption by 30%) tidal control (orange-level skill [red-legacy -?orange-legendary], omitted), towering waves (orange-level skill [red-legacy > orange-legendary], omitted), aquatic armament (orange-level skill [red-legacy -> orange-legendary], omitted) tidal power (red-legacy skill [purple-rare -> orange-legendary], increases magical damage and mana regeneration speed by 300% in the ocean and nearby) tidal aura (red-legacy skill [purple-rare > orange-legendary], increases magical resistance of oneself and nearby units by 50%) [lord talent]: grace of the sea ii (purple-level talent, omitted) who else has six orange-level skills!!! he could proudly announce that he is the most remarkable handsome man in the western seas! the newly comprehended core skill, tide domain, was incredibly powerful. within its domain, it could reduce enemy attributes by up to 70%, comparable to severing both arms of the enemy. it also reduced physical and magical damage by 30% and decreased mana consumption by 30%. undoubtedly, this skill elevated his combat power to a whole new level. it was undeniably his trump card! in addition, the other five original skills had all evolved, each reaching orange-level proficiency, significantly enhancing their power. the current him compared to yesterdays self was like the difference between day and night, with a power gap of more than tenfold. now, he could take on ten of his former self! he felt great pleasure! with just this evolution, this adventure in the ancient land of the divine realm had been more than worthwhile! ji chen took a deep breath and looked at the stone pillar. the golden energy sphere, once the size of a head, had now shrunk to the size of half a fist, but the energy contained within it should not be underestimated. however, turning alice and anina, those purple-rare tier heroes, directly into red-legacy tier would be a bit challenging. but there shouldnt be a problem to further enhance benbo, who is currently blue-excellent tier. realizing this, he turned to benbo, his voice resolute. the remaining energy shall be bestowed upon you. upon hearing this, benbo became extremely excited, nodding eagerly. this murloc hero, summoned from ancient times and experienced through countless ages, could not contain the excitement in its heart at this moment, despite its usually calm demeanor. being able to evolve to a higher hero tier was its lifelong dream. benbo extended its hand to touch the energy cluster and began absorbing it with its whole being. absorbing the energy would take some time. ji chen descended from the platform with his army and waited patiently. during this time, he took out the control crystal and began refining it with mana. a few minutes later. ding- you have successfully refined the control crystal. with this crystal, the ruins guardians and ocean guardians outside would now obey his command. the true divine realm, the main ancient land of the divine realm, would also become his backyard. ji chen pondered the possibility of establishing a separate territory in this location, considering the advantageous terrain and the plentiful guardians available. despite its current distance from the new moon islands, he was unable to expand his influence to this area at present. but no one could predict that in the future when he becomes powerful enough, the one-acre-three-corner land on the new moon islands might not be enough to satisfy his ambitions. at that time, expanding his territory to king kong island, with abundant resources and a vast area, might be a good target various thoughts filled ji chens mind for a moment. two hours passed. at the top of the platform, benbo finally absorbed the golden energy cluster completely. ding- your murloc hero, benbo, has evolved into a purple-rare tier hero and has acquired a new skill due to its dragon bloodline. oh? acquired a new skill? could it be that the energy bestowed by the deity not only triggered evolution but also allowed heroes to comprehend new skills? it seemed there were indeed some unique aspects to it. benbo, extremely respectful, approached ji chen with a gesture of reverence, offering a golden key. my lord, i found this within the energy cluster after absorbing it. upon hearing this, ji chens face immediately showed curiosity. found within the energy cluster? this was somewhat unexpected. curiosity sparked within him as he accepted the key and examined it carefully. [divine realm key] [tier]: demi-artifact [effect]: can open a spatial passage to the true divine realm, breaking through the void. [note]: the divine realm is extremely dangerous. remember to enter only when your strength is sufficient. what a surprise! can anyone just call this a surprise? this is an absolute surprise! so the rewards from the deity werent just limited to three items, but four! looking at the listed effect, ji chen realized that the land outside was not the true divine realm. it was probably just a place given by the deity for the believers to reside. the tower itself was not the dwelling place of the deity either, merely a trial ground. the true divine realm is hidden within the endless void. previously, ji chen mentioned that there were immeasurable realms beyond the main world. realms could be natural or artificial. in ancient times, some immensely powerful beings or races would create a unique realm exclusive to themselves or their race. realms could vary in strength, and the most powerful among them is the divine realm of the deities. and this key was the key to accessing that deitys divine realm! countless treasures seemed to be beckoning right before his eyes. ji chen calmed his thoughts and placed the key into his backpack. now was not the best time to enter the divine realm. opportunities and dangers coexist, and he considered that a proper defense within a genuine divine realm would be as strong as this ancient land of the divine realm. moreover, who knows the departed deity might still be in the divine realm. with these thoughts in mind, ji chen shook his head and dismissed these distractions. he looked at benbo, who was still respectful. having evolved into a purple-rare tier existence, benbos strength should have increased significantly. with a single thought, ji chen immediately checked. [benbo (hero)] [race]: murloc [level]: 16 [current tier]: purple (rare tier) [potential]: purple (rare tier) [skills]: dragon transformation (purple-level skill, can transform into a dragon, increasing all attributes by 50% during the duration and possessing a trace of dragon aptitude) tidal surge (purple-level skill), mighty throw (purple-level skill), dragons might (purple-level skill) dragonblood murloc body (purple-level skill, immune to some curses and viruses, increases magical and physical resistance by 40%) marine murloc (purple-level skill, increases movement speed by 200% when active in the ocean, and murloc troops under command enjoy half the bonuses) [unit trait]: murloc commander (provides an additional 30 morale to murlocs, never panics or retreats, and increases all attributes of murlocs under command by 75%, and they can communicate through their minds) [this is a murloc hero absolutely loyal to you] dragon transformation?! ji chens gaze changed instantly. at this moment, he noticed that this murloc hero exuded a unique aura belonging to dragons. most notably, two small bulges appeared on the originally flat fish head. this turn of events made benbos rise absolutely astounding.. Chapter 176 - Chapter 176: PennyWise, Pound Foolish: Ji Chen’s Helplessness chapter 176: pennywise, pound foolish: ji chens helplessness translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation but ji chen suddenly thought, if benbo really evolves into a dragon in the end, then wouldnt he be able to ride a dragon? although he wouldnt be a proper dragon knight, it wouldnt stop him from showing off while riding one. benbo suddenly felt a chill all over its body and looked around in confusion. a sense of being watched crossed its mind, but soon, benbos joy overcame any lingering doubt. the transformation not only bestowed upon it immense power but, more importantly, provided an opportunity for a significant breakthrough. this was an achievement that eluded its grasp no matter how hard it tried. the lowly murloc race, born from the mud, had lofty ideals of transforming into dragons. even after countless ages, this ideal was still deeply ingrained in their genes, inspiring countless murlocs to strive for it. a murloc that didnt want to become a dragon was not a good murloc! ji chen looked around. he had already obtained several rewards from the trials, so naturally, there was no reason for him to stay here any longer. with a wave of his hand, he led his entire army back through the floating passage, returning to the waterwave gate. looking back at the still starry sky, he left without hesitation. in a flash of white light, he returned to the stone bridge. after all the soldiers came out of the gate one by one. the waterwave gate slowly disappeared, revealing the wall behind it. perhaps the towers trial had been completed, and the rewards had been taken, so it had lost its purpose. but it was also possible that it was temporarily sealed and would reopen at some point in the future, waiting for the next challenger. but ji chen no longer cared about these things. he was in a great mood at the moment. he had gained so many benefits from the trials, making this trip worthwhile! with a big wave of his hand, he took the two dragon blood murlocs who had been guarding outside and led the group to leave along the stone bridge. when they reached the middle of the bridge, the lakes on both sides suddenly began to ripple. with a series of muffled explosions, water splashed into the sky on both sides of the bridge, and the stone bridge shook violently. was the stone bridge going to collapse? ji chens face changed slightly as he maintained his balance, naturally gathering his mana and preparing for a plunge into the water. crack! cracks appeared on the bridge surface in front, and with the intense shaking, the cracks quickly spread in all directions like a spiderweb, covering the entire front end of the bridge. boom boom boom! the bridge pillars started to collapse, and the bridge deck began to collapse layer by layer, falling into the water piece by piece. once the trembling ceased, the bridge surface ahead and the section connecting to the shore had vanished, plummeting entirely into the depths of the lake. perhaps the collapse had alarmed the existence beneath the lakes surface, and the water in the lake surged again, with thousands of ocean guardians appearing on the waters surface. at this moment, a large group of units appeared on the opposite shore, and three players walked out among them. ji chen narrowed his eyes and seemed to realize something. these three people were none other than sima chuxi and his two lackeys. at this moment, they looked at their masterpiece with smug expressions on their faces. yesterday, they waited for this unfamiliar player to enter the tower and secretly sent out their troops to install explosives at the bridge piers. they intended to blow up the stone bridge after he came out and alarm the ocean guardians in the lake, making it impossible for him to leave. when he saw the player trapped and helpless, sima chuxi felt even more delighted. what if he had a purple-rare-tier hero? he could only wait there obediently for death. and the treasures obtained from the tower would eventually fall into his hands! by then, with those treasures, he would truly dominate the entire king kong island! boss, youre brilliant! youre currently the most powerful player on king kong island! that player is done for now. the divine treasures will end up in the hands of our guild leader! listening to his lackeys flattery, sima chuxi became even more proud. standing on the shore, facing ji chen on the broken bridge, he slowly raised his right hand to his neck and smirked. ji chen looked at sima chuxi provokingly and a strange expression appeared on his face. he also understood that these three little brats must have been luring monsters to obstruct him all along, trying to prevent him from entering the tower. afterward, when they couldnt stop him from entering, they changed their plans and waited for him to come out, then blew up the stone bridge and alarmed the ocean guardians in the lake, making it impossible for him to leave. he thought for a moment and had to admit that the plan was quite thorough. after the stone bridge collapsed, if he wanted to leave, he had to go into the water, but the water was filled with so many ocean guardians. according to the general theory, unless he could fly, the chance of escaping was almost zero. but nobody knew what he had obtained from the trials ji chen smiled. he took out the control core from his backpack and began to communicate with it using his mental power. the control core acted like a signal amplifier, transmitting his mental power in all directions. in an instant, all the ocean guardians in the lake were connected to him. with a single thought, he controlled all the ocean guardians, making them follow his every command. they were no longer in chaos. they swam from all directions and floated on the waters surface below the broken bridge, forming a bridge-like structure, resembling a human centipede.. Chapter 177 - Chapter 177: PennyWise, Pound Foolish: Ji Chen’s Helplessness chapter 177: pennywise, pound foolish: ji chens helplessness translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the journey extended all the way to the shore. in just a few minutes, a bridge formed by ocean guardians appeared on the surface of the lake. ji chen jumped into the water with a calm expression and walked towards the shore, stepping on the broad backs of the ocean guardians, his hands casually at his sides. sima chuxi and the others were already in a state of endless shock. what did they see? the guards defending this place had actually formed a bridge, allowing the player to walk on their bodies? this was impossible!!! werent these guards left behind by the gods? he rubbed his eyes as if he couldnt believe it and looked again. in the distance, the man strolled along the bridge, while the rest of the ocean guardians stood at attention, as if they were looking at their master. and he saw the deep eyes of that man. in the next moment, his shock turned into fear and panic. he had to leave immediately! otherwise, when that player arrived, he would die here!! without a moments hesitation, sima chuxi swiftly pivoted and led his army in a hasty retreat. knowing that preserving his own life was paramount, he understood that as long as he survived, he would have the opportunity to stage a comeback. with the vast expanse of king kong island at his disposal, he found solace in the fact that once he managed to escape, he would be safely out of harms way. he didnt believe that the player would search the entire island! when sima chuxis lackeys saw their leader running away, they didnt hesitate either. they fled with their armies in a dejected manner. after running for a while, sima chuxi turned his head and looked back. he found that the player was still walking calmly, seemingly not interested in chasing him, and he breathed a sigh of relief. but the next moment, a sense of shame surged in his heart. along with the shame came waves of anger. the face of that player was firmly engraved in his mind. sima chuxi was ashamed that he was forced to retreat because of that man. he swore to seek revenge in the future! captain! look ahead!!! a lackeys voice came from his ear, filled with desperation. sima chuxi looked ahead and his face turned pale in an instant. fear once again surged within him. ahead hundreds of ruins guardians were charging at them!!! like tanks, a large wave of ruins guardians rushed into their formation, their sturdy bodies knocking them aside, their huge fists turning them into minced meat, and their heavy footsteps crushing them into a pulp. like a fierce tiger entering a flock of sheep, they mercilessly slaughtered these weak creatures. when ji chen arrived at the battlefield, he calmly strolled through the scene. with only the ruins guardians remaining, their bodies adorned with severed limbs and pulverized flesh, the scene was devoid of any other living creatures standing upright. the ground was littered with unrecognizable bodies. seeing this scene, ji chen frowned slightly. while he had merely commanded the ruins guardians to attack, he had not anticipated the extent of the resulting carnage and brutality. after all, it would be undesirable if it frightened the innocent and vulnerable. however, witnessing this spectacle, the soldiers and heroes in attendance displayed no signs of unease. they had witnessed even more thrilling scenes in the past, and the dragon blood murlocs eyes gleamed with excitement, their mouths watering with anticipation. amongst these gruesome bodies, ji chen searched for a while before finally finding the three players. they looked miserable, one with a crushed skull, another with a severely caved-in chest, probably killed by a punch, and the third had no visible injuries, but both legs were completely broken, either dying in pain or from excessive blood loss. none of them had a good ending. ji chen sighed at them and his face showed helplessness. if you dont court death, you wont die. why did they have to fight and kill? he considered himself a friendly person. after all, they were all players, and under normal circumstances, there was no need to kill each other. but should they initiate an attack against him, he would have no choice but to escort them on a one-way journey to heaven, where they could peacefully sip their tea. he would forgive them this time, but they should pay more attention in their next life. ji chen started collecting the spoils of these three players. after searching, he harvested some worthless junk. not a single item caught his eye. these three were probably players from king kong island, but he didnt know where their territory was. ji chen had no way to plunder their resources, so he waved his hand, letting the ruins guardians clean up the scene, while he returned to the lakeside. he could find out through the control crystal. at present, the divine realm was under the protection of both the ruins guardians and ocean guardians. even after his initial purge, approximately 800 ruins guardians remained standing. in addition, the dormant ocean guardians within the lake numbered well over 2,000. this formidable force ignited a sense of exhilaration within ji chen. these were all tier 3, 8-star and 9-star units! although they were just alchemical creations, their numbers were enough to overwhelm everything. but unfortunately, they couldnt be taken out of this divine realm. [guard order (purple skill): due to the rules of the gods and the program settings within the alchemical bodies, ruins guardians and ocean guardians cannot leave the divine realm or their territories. they cannot venture beyond a radius of twenty kilometers from their territories.] even so, they were more than enough to defend the territory. with 800 ruins guardians, each standing at three meters tall, they could easily break through the frontlines of an entire legion. and within the ocean, with 2,000 ocean guardians, they could form a tight defensive net. suddenly, ji chen thought of a problem. since they couldnt leave this divine realm by themselves, how could he bring nearly 3,000 alchemical creations back to the new moon islands? should he carry them on his back? he looked at the ruins guardians with their heavy, rock-like bodies and dismissed the idea. let alone carrying them, even if he had nine ships, they couldnt transport these giants back. besides, there were dozens of kilometers from here to the coast. it would be impossible to move fifty of them at once, let alone all of them, with just his manpower. ji chen gave up the thought and immediately contacted the control crystal. as expected, he found a strange flash in the spiritual connection network. this flash didnt represent any ruins guardian or ocean guardian; it seemed to represent a certain location. it was located to the west. after making up his mind, he set out with a few heroes and squads. half an hour later, they arrived at the location represented by the flash. it was an entrance to an underground space, but the entrance had collapsed. nevertheless, undeterred by the challenge, ji chen swiftly summoned fifty ruins guardians to the entrance, tasking them with removing the obstructing rocks. among them, he instructed one to sit down, seeking respite in the shade of its robust legs, shielding himself from the suns rays. the forty-nine ruins guardians worked like excavators, digging tirelessly. soon, they cleared a hole in the collapsed entrance big enough for two people to enter. ji chen didnt think too much and led a few heroes and squads inside. as they entered the tunnel, the inside was brightly lit, with crystal lamps evenly spaced on both sides of the walls, illuminating the passage like daylight. ji chen looked slightly surprised. these crystal lamps were interesting; they could still be lit after so many years. he made a mental note to take them with him when they left. the crown of the ocean currently relied on torches and candles for illumination. walking along the passage towards the depths of the underground, after descending about fifty meters, they reached a spacious area. it resembled a laboratory, filled with various strange instruments and alchemical machinery. but due to the passage of time, they had mostly malfunctioned and decayed, crumbling to dust at the slightest touch. spread out and search here, find anything valuable. with a command, the army dispersed and began searching everywhere. searching for valuable items was simple. if it turned to dust with a touch, it was worthless. if it didnt, it was valuable. anything that could survive for such a long time was undoubtedly a treasure. unfortunately, as item after item turned to dust, nothing good appeared. just as ji chen was feeling a little disappointed, alices pleasant voice sounded. my lord, i found something! Chapter 178 - Chapter 178: Sky Guardian, Half chapter 178: sky guardian, half-orc translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation found something? ji chen walked over, and alice stood in front of a crystal platform. on the crystal platform was a fist-sized round metal object that looked somewhat like a poke ball in shape. [space storage sphere] [tier]: 6-star treasure [effect]: 0 can contain ruins guardians, ocean guardians, and other alchemical creations @ provides energy to slowly restore the stored alchemical creations [capacity]: 40/3000 [a product of the divine realms inhabitants, used to store and transport alchemical guardians] it really is a poke ball!? ji chen secretly mocked in his heart. but now, he finally had a way to take away all the ruins guardians and ocean guardians. but why were forty positions occupied in this space storage sphere? could it be that there were originally forty ruins guardians inside? he picked it up, intending to release what was stored inside and take a look. ding- insufficient space. please provide a larger space. insufficient space? ji chens face revealed some interest as he looked around. this underground space was neither large nor small. it was about a hundred meters long and fifty to sixty meters wide, so the area should be large enough to accommodate it. so it must be a height issue, but the height here was also four meters. could it be that the ruins guardians inside were taller than four meters? thinking of this, his interest grew even more. the larger the size of the ruins guardians, the stronger their power. recalling during the trial, the ruins guardians that were over two meters tall were tier 2, 8-star, and those over three meters tall were tier 3, 8-star. so if they were taller than five meters, wouldnt they be at the level of tier 5? if this guess was correct, then this wave would be truly surprising. ji chen felt delighted in his heart and ordered the army to continue searching here to see if there were any other space storage spheres. he casually put the crystal platform that the space storage sphere was on into his bag. this large platform was also worth quite a few units of crystal. although his crystal reserves were extremely rich, every little bit counts, right? ding- you have obtained 135 units of crystal. after collecting the crystal platform, ji chen returned to the surface with the space storage sphere in his hand. he arrived at a spacious open space. next, he wanted to see what was inside. the underground space couldnt accommodate it. he held the upper and lower parts of the space storage sphere with both hands and twisted them in different directions. at the same time, he covered his mental power and had a thought. a tall alchemical guardian suddenly appeared before his eyes. its massive body cast a shadow, blocking the sunlight and creating irregular patches of shade. however, to everyones surprise, this alchemical guardian was neither a ruins guardian nor an ocean guardian. it was a type of alchemical guardian they had never seen before! its appearance resembled a falcon. standing tall, it was four meters three in height. although its body was huge, it didnt appear cumbersome at all. instead, its streamlined figure made it seem quite agile. between the silver body made of an unknown material and the bionic wings, there was a seamless connection of blue light. if these bionic wings were fully spread out, they would have a wingspan of at least seven meters. at the tail end of the folded wings, there was a triangular protrusion, narrow at the front and wide at the back. the blade on the front side radiated a cold light under the sunlight, giving off an extreme sense of sharpness. just looking at it made the hairs on the back of the neck stand up. with its sharp beak, sharp claws deeply embedded in the ground, and blade-like tail feathers and feathers, everything about this alchemical guardian spoke of its terrifying killing power. from head to toe, the entire body was created for slaughter. ji chen looked at this dormant killing machine that still emanated a terrifying aura and felt ecstatic. he always wondered why there were alchemical guardians that walked on land and swam in the sea but none that flew in the sky. alright, the territorys guardians were complete with the addition of the sky guardian! [sky guardian] [race]: alchemical creature [tier]: 20 [level]: fourth order, 8-star [skills]: guardian command (purple skill, omitted) death dive (purple skill, dives from the sky, causing massive damage, significantly increasing dismemberment chance) resistance (purple skill, special alchemical materials increase physical and magical resistance by 30%) search (purple skill, visual and reconnaissance range increased by 200%, able to detect energy fluctuations) agility (blue skill, 80% increased movement speed and agility while flying) [unit characteristics]: alchemical creature (alchemical creatures have no fear or emotions) [a guardian of the ancient land of the divine realm, preserved in the space storage sphere to maintain its power] wow- in addition to its powerful killing power, the sky guardian also had another important significance. it could fly! whether used for reconnaissance or transportation, its role was not to be underestimated. its broad back was capable of carrying other units, ignoring most of the obstacles on land, and allowing it to reach the destination more quickly and directly, resisting enemy attacks. it could also serve as a valuable asset in the battle against the sea heir. it had the capability to eliminate and obstruct the flying skyrider creatures within the sea heir, preventing them from infiltrating the new moon islands from the sky. the arrival of the sky guardian greatly relieved the pressure in the air for the crown of the ocean. but the only thing that made him feel somewhat regretful was that there were only forty sky guardians. this number was still too few. if there were hundreds of sky guardians, he had the confidence.. Chapter 179 - Chapter 179: Sky Guardian, Half chapter 179: sky guardian, half-orc (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen circled around the sky guardian, carefully observing it, and then stored it back into the space storage sphere. returning to the underground space, ji chen asked, any other discoveries? benbo, who stayed behind to search, shook his head, my lord, there havent been any other discoveries since you left. ji chen felt a tinge of disappointment but quickly realized that he had already gained a lot from this expedition. it would be greedy to expect even more. back on the surface, he called all the ruins guardians to gather by the lakeside. arranging them in neat rows of five, he packed them into the space storage sphere, one row at a time, as if packaging them for transport. after over an hour, all eight hundred ruins guardians were safely stored. next were the ocean guardians residing in the lake. again, he organized them into rows of five, but with their numbers reaching two thousand, it took him three hours to store them all. with the mission accomplished, ji chen gestured with a wave of his hand, leading the entire army back to the opening of the cliff. as soon as everyone stepped into the range of the gorge, the rocky wall behind them rumbled shut. ji chen didnt linger and immediately led the army back through the gorge, retracing their steps. along the way, he pondered the rewards of this expedition. firstly, his tidal lord profession had evolved into tidal dominator, granting him a domain ace skill and significant improvements to all his abilities. secondly, he obtained a total of eleven advanced crystals. this meant that the crown of the ocean would give rise to ten tier-4 military recruitment camps and one tier-5 military recruitment camp, upgrading the quality of his troops by a significant margin. then, benbo successfully evolved, becoming the third purple-rare tier combat hero of the crown of the ocean and gaining the opportunity to transform into a dragon. including wilus, the internal affairs hero, ji chen now possessed four purple-rare tier heroes, a number that others could only dream of achieving through arduous efforts. lastly, there were nearly three thousand alchemical guardians and a space storage sphere. this force of guardians would fortify the entire new moon islands, creating a tightly-knit defense across land, sea, and air, ensuring no enemy could breach their defenses. just as ji chen delighted in the bountiful rewards of this expedition, the crowded gorge reached its end, revealing a dense forest ahead. the lush greenery uplifted everyones mood, bringing ji chens thoughts back to the present. he wondered how l_love_black_stockings was doing now. she should still be in the process of capturing the resource points from those four players, right? after returning, he also planned to utilize her territory temporarily, gathering the players from king kong island for a trading event to purchase dragon blood murlocs, naga warriors, and pure water sea pixiescore units for the military recruitment camps. at the same time, he intended to inquire about the locations of the territories belonging to the three players who had been eliminated by the ruins guardians, as well as absorb their resources and population. just as he contemplated these matters, his omniscience map, which had returned to normal, displayed four to five hundred red dots scattered along his return path. judging by the distribution of the red dots, it wasnt a roaming monster group but rather intelligent beings with order and organization. observing this, ji chen instructed the army to stay put while he, accompanied by the three heroes, went to investigate. they passed through the dense foliage until an open space emerged before thema crude campsite. wooden stakes unevenly erected around the perimeter served as makeshift walls, and inside stood dozens of tents made from wood and tattered cloth, exuding a rugged and barbaric aura. ji chen glanced left and right, confirming that he hadnt taken the wrong path. this was the same route he had taken before. if that was the case, then this shabby camp must have been established after he passed through here. based on the architectural style, it resembled a certain race just as ji chen entertained these thoughts, two burly figures emerged from the campsite. anyone familiar with them would immediately recognize them as half-orcs upon seeing their towering two-meter-tall frames. ji chen observed these half-orcs, piquing his curiosity. in the chat channels and forums, discussions about half-orcs were common, but this was his first encounter with them in reality. human-like facial features with fangs protruding from their mouths, chests bearing numerous scars, and bodies covered in dense furholding crude and brutal spiked clubs in their hands, exuding a wild, rugged, and violent aura. it perfectly matched his preconceived image of half-orcs. but were these half-orcs simply carefree, or did they have enough confidence in their own strength? the biggest question, however, was: how did half-orcs end up here? after a moments thought, ji chen decided to assess the capabilities of these half-orcs. taking cover behind a tree, he squinted his eyes and observed. [half-orc warrior] [race]: half-orc [level]: 15 [tier]: 3rd tier, 6 stars [skills]: totem power (blue skill), rampage (blue skill), strength (blue skill), bloodline recovery (blue skill) [unit traits]: quick to anger (easily provoked, reduced rationality by 30% when provoked, combat power increased by 30%) [half-orcs are never slaves unless] 3rd tier, 7 stars. Chapter 180 - Chapter 18o: Sky Guardian, Half chapter 18o: sky guardian, half-orc (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation not bad. the combat power should not be much different from that of the naga warrior. these two half-orcs rushed out of the camp in a hurry, anxiously looking around, as if searching for something. finally, they ran towards the hiding place where ji chen and the others were. anina was about to rush out with her great sword, but ji chen stopped her and gestured to leave the place. just a few seconds after they walked away, there was a hissing sound from that direction, accompanied by comfortable moans. then, the two half-orcs started urinating and talking. why does lady irona want us to do it outside the camp? cant we do it inside? 1 almost suffocated just now. fool! are you questioning ladys orders? stop asking so many whys, just listen. whatever lady irona say is right! 1 1 was just asking, 1 definitely believe in lady. without lady irona, the tribe would have been destroyed long ago, and we wouldnt have survived until now. well, although thats true, the tribe has already lost almost half of its warriors, and were severely lacking in food. the children are almost starving. even if lady irona is clever and can help us hide from enemies, she cant instantly produce so much food. gosh when you say that, im getting hungry again. i really want to eat a big piece of roasted meat who is it?! the two half-orcs looked alertly at the nearby bushes, quickly pulled up their pants, and grabbed their clubs from the ground to be on guard. ji chen led alice and the others out of the bushes, wearing a friendly expression on his face. dont be nervous, we are not enemies. we come in peace. upon hearing this, the two half-orcs didnt relax at all. one of them picked up the wooden whistle hanging around his neck and blew it forcefully. woo-woo the sharp whistle echoed through the forest, startling countless birds into flight. the remaining half-orcs in the camp were instantly alerted, rushing out with various primitive-style weapons, surrounding ji chen and the others from three sides, glaring at them. growling and showing their teeth, they emitted threatening low growls. after a moment, one of the hissing half-orcs spoke slowly. human, leave this place, or the toothwood tribe will tear you to pieces. their words were full of threats. ji chen repeated his words, but these half-orcs remained unmoved and even more cautious. seeing this, ji chen sighed inwardly, knowing that he couldnt communicate with these single-minded half-orcs with words. having lost his patience, he changed his approach. bring your leader out to speak with me. his tone was calm but carried an unmistakable hint of refusal. these half-orcs were infuriated by ji chens arrogant and audacious tone. originally, they had hot tempers, and now, this tiny human dared to speak to them like this, igniting their anger. no one survives after provoking the toothwood tribe! kill this human who insults our great lady irona! ura! more than thirty half-orc warriors charged toward ji chen. helplessly shaking his head, ji chen said, anina, i leave it to you. dont take their lives, but give them a little taste of suffering. understood! anina, who had been eager for action, planted her dragon slayer great sword into the ground. with a powerful push of her feet, the ground formed two craters as she rushed forward with a gust of wind.. Chapter 181 - Chapter 181: Toothwood Tribe, Persuasion chapter 181: toothwood tribe, persuasion translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation these well-built but simple-minded half-orcs became increasingly furious as they saw anina, a small human, charging toward them. did she underestimate them? this was an insult to the mighty toothwood tribe! however, what followed was completely contrary to their expectations. the small and fair fists struck them, sending them flying with each punch. the clearing resounded with the sound of fists hitting flesh and the continuous wails of the half-orcs. within a few minutes, the battle was over. the charging half-orcs lay in various positions, groaning on the ground, hanging from tree branches, or wedged in the camp wall. the other half-orcs, who had been watching the scene, widened their copper-like eyes in disbelief. some thought they were seeing an illusion and rubbed their eyes before looking again. anina stood triumphantly, hands on her hips, her face filled with ease. she didnt even seem out of breath, as if she had done something insignificant. the half-orcs swallowed their saliva nervously and felt a tingling sensation in their limbs. one person fought thirty half-orcs! and without any injuries? was she still human? do you still want to fight? then come at me together, anina said, her hands on her hips, giving them a contemptuous look. the half-orcs, fueled by anger, shouted, dont be afraid! as long as we attack together, we can defeat her! thats right! ura! you fools! stop! a sharp voice came from the camp, miraculously causing the enraged half-orcs to halt immediately. they respectfully made way for someone in their midst. ji chen raised an eyebrow, curious, and looked in that direction. a female half-orc stepped forward. to his surprise, this female half-orc didnt have the usual bulky physique and rough appearance. instead, she had a slender and fair body, with delicate features. except for the pair of white ears on her head, her appearance was strikingly similar to a human, resembling what people often referred to as a kemonomimi. she stood in stark contrast to the rugged and green-skinned half-orcs behind her, like two completely different styles. it reminded ji chen of certain indescribable scenes. looking at the kemonomimi girl in front of him, he became very interested. how could there be a kemonomimi girl among a group of burly half-orcs? and she seemed to be their leader? [irona (hero)] [race]: half-orc [level]: 20 [current tier]: purple (rare tier) [potential]: purple (rare tier) oh, shes actually a rare-tier hero! irona looked at the human male before her, sizing him up and feeling somewhat uncomfortable. however, she had to yield to the dominant force. she keenly sensed the strength of the hero and realized that the little girl alone could defeat all the half-orcs. the murloc and the beautiful girl with fin-like ears behind the human male were also extremely dangerous. under caution, irona spoke slowly, sir, may 1 ask what brings you here? 1 dont recall any previous encounters between us. we havent had any encounters before. ji chen smiled. but now we do. these half-orcs attacked us without any provocation and injured my subordinates. so, isnt it fair to ask for compensation? ironas eyes widened as she observed the half-orc warriors sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain, some suspended from tree branches and the camp wall. her gaze then shifted to anina, who remained unscathed, her smile intact. her face showed a mix of shock and disbelief. this human dared to lie to such an extent? although she felt angry, irona knew it wasnt the time to argue. in the jungle, strength was paramount. the one with the bigger fist could speak the loudest. the one with greater strength had absolute authority. and it was quite embarrassing that dozens of brawny half-orc warriors had been defeated by a little girl. irona took a deep breath. we are willing to compensate, but im sorry to say that our toothwood tribe has nothing left to offer. ji chen glanced at the other half-orcs. they had fierce expressions, but their hungry looks were hard to hide. they seemed as if they hadnt eaten for several days. their tattered animal skin clothes and severely damaged weapons confirmed their desperate situation. considering what the two urinating half-orc warriors had said earlier, irona probably wasnt lying. however, ji chens purpose wasnt to demand compensation of such a small scale. no, no, no. you possess something very valuable, ji chen said. something very valuable? irona became puzzled, looking at the half-orc warriors who even made their own wolf-toothed clubs. she couldnt figure out what they had that could attract the humans attention. until ji chen pointed at her and the other half-orcs. irona first froze, then anger surged on her face.. sir, are you implying that youre a slave-catching party? Chapter 182 - Chapter 182: Toothwood Tribe, Persuasion (2) chapter 182: toothwood tribe, persuasion (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation if thats the case, then we have no room for negotiation. even if we fight to the death, we will never send our comrades to be slaves! as the words fell, all the half-orcs became furious, their eyes turning bloodshot with anger. the reaction was even more agitated than before. slave hunters? ji chen couldnt help but be taken aback. we are not them. not them? irona looked at ji chen, who seemed genuine in his denial. she remained skeptical. then why did you happen to appear outside our camp? we had just returned from the center of the island and stumbled upon your camp. the islands center!? ironas face showed surprise. thats impossible. according to the legends passed down through generations on king kong island, the islands center was a land once inhabited by deities, guarded by numerous divine beings who would tear apart any intruders. all the shamans on the island warned their tribesmen to stay away, as it would bring calamity to the tribe. therefore, no foolish tribe or half-orc would dare to violate the ancestral taboo and venture beyond the forbidden boundaries. but this human man claimed they had just returned from there? and he didnt even look injured for a moment, irona couldnt make sense of it. until she saw the human man wave his hand and summon a towering aura guardian. it looked exactly like the divine guardians depicted in the tribes folklore! suddenly, ironas gaze toward the human man turned reverent. she placed her left palm over her heart, bowing her head. i apologize for the misunderstanding, great lord. i, esteemed leader of the toothwood tribe, irona. i offer you my sincerest apologies. ironas change in attitude made the other half-orcs feel somewhat embarrassed as well. to return safely from the legendary land and even obtain a divine guardian, these people couldnt possibly be despicable slave hunters. ji chen casually waved his hand, retracting the ruins guardian. i am ji chen, lord of the crown of the ocean and ruler of the new moon islands. theres no need to apologize. lets get back to the main topic if i guess correctly, you are on the brink of extinction here, arent you? at ji chens words, ironas face showed a bitter expression, and she didnt hide anything anymore. indeed, lord ji chen, we can no longer survive on king kong island. can you tell me more about your situation? like the slave hunters you mentioned? irona sighed. if you dont mind, lord ji chen, why dont you come inside our camp? 1 will share with you the details you find interesting. ji chen nodded and instructed benbo to keep the army stationed outside the camp. he then followed irona into the camp, accompanied by alice and anina. surprisingly, although the exterior seemed crude, the interior was orderly, free from the common sanitation problems seen among orcs and half-orcs. it even had a sense of cleanliness. noticing ji chens surprise, irona smiled lightly. are you surprised to see a half-orc camp so clean? actually, before i became the tribal leader, the toothwood tribes settlements and camps were incredibly filthy, with excrement everywhere, utterly unhygienic. but ever since the arrival of the esteemed lords on king kong island, the toothwood tribe started interacting with them and learned many things from human society, such as not defecating everywhere and not polluting water sources we also exchanged resources with some friendly esteemed lords, trading ores for weapons and food, commissioning them to purchase rare supplies from the outside world for the island. of course, the arrival of esteemed lords has also squeezed the living space of various tribes on the island, resulting in frequent friction and conflicts ji chen nodded slowly, gaining a new perspective on the impact brought by the players from the standpoint of the native people. there were both positive and negative aspects. as they continued talking, they entered the largest tent in the camp. irona invited ji chen to sit at the head, and he accepted without hesitation. might makes right. irona sat on the left, while alice and anina sat on the right. now, if there are friendly beings, there are naturally malicious ones too. some evil esteemed lords have formed slave hunting teams, capturing lone half-orcs on the island and shipping them off to be sold in the outside world, earning profits. as you may know, robust and powerful half-orcs with weapon proficiency and vitality are highly sought after by mine owners and slave masters some members of the toothwood tribe have also been taken, which is why we reacted so strongly earlier. ji chen nodded with understanding. he had certainly come across such information in chat channels and forums. races such as orcs and half-orcs, known for their simple minds yet robust physiques, were in high demand in the market. mines, plantations, and arenas had a significant need for their labor, leading to these races often being sold at lucrative prices in the slave market. as a player hailed as the fourth cataclysm, it was only natural for ji chen to seize this opportunity for wealth. *the term fourth cataclysm is widely used among chinese within the online gaming community as a playful and humorous way for players to refer to themselves when they possess significant power or influence within a game. the term highlights their ability to disrupt and reshape the game world, similar to the catastrophic events depicted in games like stellaris. it has become a sort of inside joke and a way for players to express their prowess and dominance in the gaming realm. it turns out the slave hunters are like this but your current plight shouldnt be mainly due to the esteemed lords, right? irona sighed and began to explain. in fact, they had some connection to the players as well. when the players arrived on king kong island, relying on their numerical advantage and endless tricks, they greatly compressed the living space of the half-orc tribes on the island. the half-orc tribes fought back against the player invasions while struggling to secure internal space. as a result, intense conflicts arose between the half-orc tribes. in these conflicts, there were winners and losers. and the toothwood tribe was among the losers. after their former tribal leader was killed, irona led the remaining members of the toothwood tribe on a journey of escape. but with king kong island being as small as it was, where could they possibly escape to? eventually, they were forced to move deeper into the island, closer to the forbidden center that all half-orc tribes feared as irona explained their situation, ji chen began to grasp a better understanding of their circumstances. this newfound knowledge boosted his confidence in his previous ideas. observing a glimmer of curiosity in ji chens eyes, ironas heart filled with a subtle delight. rising to her feet, she approached him and executed a formal salute with utmost solemnity. therefore, lord ji chen, 1 beseech you to lend us a helping hand. the toothwood tribe will surely repay your kindness in the future. looking at ironas sincere plea in front of him, ji chen pondered the situation. from his perspective, the thin animal skin clothing reveals a deep cleavage between her prominent breasts, resembling an abyss. this girl is quite something after contemplating for a moment, ji chen stood up and helped irona to her feet. lord ji chen, what are you? i have a better solution that can permanently resolve your predicament, ji chen interrupted. irona couldnt help but be stunned. a better solution? as she looked at the perplexed kemonomimi girl, ji chen smiled faintly and spoke slowly. as long as you pledge your allegiance to me, 1 can bring you out of king kong island, to my territory, where you can live. this way, the conflicts here will no longer concern you, and you wont have to worry about food and shelter. ironas mouth hung open. this method it seemed like it could truly provide a permanent solution but soon, irona snapped back to reality. how could the wood tooth tribe ever submit themselves to someone else, especially a human? half-orcs would never be slaves! irona was about to refuse, but ji chen placed a finger on her mouth, and the gentle touch sent a shiver down her spine. dont rush to refuse. listen to my reasons, he said. it appears that without food, your survival may be limited to just a week. consider the young ones in your tribe. while you might manage to last a week, they wont even make it through a day. thats the first challenge. your weapons are scarce and in severe disrepair. reclaiming your habitat through a counterattack will become a distant dream, as you wont even be able to defeat the creatures lurking in the woods. youre slowly perishing. thats the second challenge. without a stable shelter, enduring constant hardships, and being pursued by enemies, the prospects of reproduction are bleak. simply avoiding further loss of tribe members would be considered fortunate. thats the third challenge. these three predicaments are like three massive mountains pressing down on you. before long, the toothwood tribe will likely vanish in the vast forest. these words struck ironas heart like a heavy hammer. with each sentence, her heart sank deeper. ji chens words accurately hit her weak points. the once firm convictions now wavered within her.. Chapter 183 - Chapter 183: Toothwood Tribe, the Unexpected Changes In I_Love_Black_Stockings chapter 183: toothwood tribe, the unexpected changes in i_love_black_stockings translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation having gone through so much hardship, irona naturally understood the difficulties and pain involved. the more one experiences adversity, the more they yearn for a better life. this holds true for any race. since the former leader of the toothwood tribe passed away, irona had taken on the responsibility of leading the entire tribe, guiding a group of half-orcs who only knew how to shout ura and ensuring their survival. the pressure was far from insignificant. if it were just her alone, perhaps she would have started considering whether to agree or not. but now, the safety and well-being of the entire toothwood tribe rested solely on her shoulders. moving to a completely unfamiliar land, and one that belonged to someone elses territory, made her approach the situation with even more caution. seeing ironas hesitation, ji chen seized the opportunity to persuade her. the new moon islands are just as magnificent as king kong island. they are abundant in food and resources, with forests as vast as oceans and diverse landscapes. you can easily find a place that suits your tribe for settlement. the islands and their surroundings are guarded by hundreds of land-based defenders, as youve seen earlier. 1 possess hundreds of such land-based guardians, thousands of sea-based guardians, and even aerial guardians. you need not worry about safety and food. in my territory, the toothwood tribe can thrive and reproduce without any concerns. as long as you pledge your loyalty to me, i can provide you with the life you desire. ji chen spoke confidently, his demeanor and words exuding a sense of nonchalance. with the growth of his power and advancement in his profession, he naturally emitted an aura of royalty. coupled with his naturally attractive appearance, people couldnt help but bow their heads in respect and admiration. irona gazed at ji chen, captivated by his extraordinary presence, her eyes shimmering with a peculiar light. for some reason, her heart began to beat faster, as if a voice within her was urging her to accept his offer. however, she was still a purple-rare tier hero. in just a moment, irona forcefully bit her tongue, snapping herself back to reality. after a brief moment of contemplation, she spoke again, slowly and deliberately. great lord, i believe the toothwood tribe is not yet prepared to relocate. hearing these words, ji chen couldnt help but understand her gentle refusal, though he wasnt disappointed. after all, if a purple-rare tier hero was easily swayed, they wouldnt be considered as such. even liu bei had to invite zhuge liang three times before he agreed to come out of seclusion. ji chen wasnt in a hurry to immediately recruit irona into his ranks. he displayed a slightly regretful expression and continued, i will be staying on king kong island for a few more days. if you change your mind, you can find me in my territory on the southern coast, which is only half a days journey from here. with that, he stood up, walked to the center of the camp, and summoned a grid-like structure from his backpack. it was approximately 2,000 units of meat. these rations are a gift from me to you. irona looked at the mountain-like pile of meat that appeared out of thin air, her eyes brimming with surprise. these rations could greatly alleviate the tribes current food shortage. it was truly a timely help! thank you very much for your generosity, great lord. the toothwood tribe will never forget your helping hand, irona expressed her gratitude. ji chen nodded briefly without saying much, bid a simple farewell, and left the camp. he disappeared into the dense forest with his troops, while irona and the other half-orcs watched him depart with admiration. as ji chen and his group ventured further into the woods, they heard a resounding cheer coming from the half-orc camp. ji chen smiled faintly. anina caught up to him, her mind filled with question marks. she asked with confusion, my lord, i can understand why you initially demanded compensation from them, but how come you didnt receive any and instead even gave them 2,000 units of food? upon hearing her words, ji chen simply smiled mysteriously, choosing not to say much. alice also smiled gently without saying a word. anina looked at ji chen, then at alice, muttering to herself, another enigmatic person with so much meat, 1 could eat well for quite some time. what a waste to ji chen, 2,000 units of food meant very little. considering the food reserves on his ship, giving away 2,000 units of food wouldnt even scratch the surface. however, it was highly suitable for improving ironas and the half-orcs favor towards him. moreover, 2,000 units of food for the voracious half-orcs of the toothwood tribe would only be enough for four or five meals. it could give them temporary relief but wouldnt completely solve their food shortage issue. that was precisely his intention. if irona and her tribe were to face further setbacks and difficulties, or if food scarcity became a pressing issue again, he wanted them to immediately think of ji chen, the one who had once helped them.. Chapter 184 - Chapter 184: Toothwood Tribe, the Unexpected Changes In chapter 184: toothwood tribe, the unexpected changes in i_love_black_stockings (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation at that moment, everything would be much easier after leaving the half-orc camp, ji chen and his group continued their journey through the forest without encountering any further accidents. half a day later, they returned to the vicinity of the i_love_black_stockings territory. by now, the night had fallen, and the surroundings were enveloped in darkness, with only the stars in the sky shimmering. as they emerged from the forest, they saw a blaze in the distance on a highland, faintly accompanied by the sound of battle cries. ji chens expression turned serious. something had happened in the l_love_black_stockings territory. the lord manor of l_love_black_stockings, situated at the highest point of the highland, was engulfed in raging flames. the buildings constructed on the highland were now burning, with flames leaping toward the sky. on the roads between the buildings, countless enemies were assaulting the defenses on the highland. as an evolved tidal dominator, ji chen possessed extraordinary vision, allowing him to quickly spot i_love_black_stockings who was commanding behind the defenses. at that moment, her hair was slightly disheveled, her face smeared with blood and dust, and her black stockings had torn holes on her legs. team five, move up immediately! dont let the enemy break through the defenses! milady, the right-side defenses are about to collapse; there are too many enemies! dont panic, stay calm! the reserve team, head to the right-side defenses and make sure to drive the enemy back! yes! l_love_black_stockings gazed at the never-ending stream of enemies pouring in from the highland, a hint of unwillingness flashing across her face in the glow of the flames. big boss islander, where are you? im about to bid farewell to this world. one day ago, shortly after big boss islander dealt with those four players and left her territory, several players arrived to investigate what had happened there. they discovered that the resources previously owned by the four players had all been taken over by her. consequently, they collectively assembled their armies to attack her. outnumbered, she had no choice but to retreat temporarily. however, she never anticipated that these players would join forces in an attempt to eliminate her completely. and thus, the current situation unfolded. it had been a whole day since the enemy started their attack, and i_love_black -stockings was barely holding on, relying on the terrain advantage of the highland and her makeshift defenses to resist the onslaught. moreover, the players alliance was tenuous as they were each harboring selfish intentions, hoping to let the others exhaust their forces first. that was the only reason she managed to hold on until now. however, after a day of fighting, her forces had been depleted, and now only a small group of less than a hundred soldiers remained. apart from the highland, her territory had already fallen to the enemy. it was safe to say that she was now at the end of her rope. l_love_black_stockings eyes were filled with unwillingness. if given more time, she could have converted the resources she obtained earlier into military strength. not only would she be able to face these players, she would even dare to challenge the most powerful players on king kong island. but there were no ifs in the competitive world of king kong island. the moment weakness was exposed, it would be instantly exploited and devoured. milady, the left-side defense has been breached! the soldiers cry brought her back to reality. team six, move up! report! team six has been wiped out, and even teams seven, eight, and nine have all perished. now, its just us left. upon hearing this, l_love_black_stockings finally showed a hint of despair. at this moment, she was starting to understand the feeling of powerlessness that xiang yu experienced when he was surrounded by enemy forces at wujiang river. what if she followed xiang yus example and committed suicide? but after a brief consideration of the gruesome aftermath of such an act, i_ love_black_stockings shuddered and immediately discarded the idea. at that moment, the soldiers suddenly exclaimed in astonishment. milady, look over there, its a tidal wave! a tidal wave? do you have time to watch tidal waves? upon hearing this, l_love_black_stockings erupted in anger, venting her frustration on the soldier. dont you know the enemy is about to attack? dont you realize that if they capture me, they might tear my stockings off and let several big men take turns violating me? and yet, youre here watching the sea? before they get their hands on me, ill definitely blow up your asshole! see if youll still be watching the sea! however, as l_love_black_stockings turned her gaze towards the ocean, her rage instantly turned into bewilderment. muttering to herself, she said, holy crap it really is a tidal wave in the distance, on the dark sea, a massive wave over fifty meters high and four hundred meters wide was crashing towards the land. vast, majestic, and terrifying. not only i_love_black_stockings but also the players on the highland who were directing their armies towards the coast were utterly shocked by the scene before them. they never expected that the once peaceful sea would suddenly unleash such a terrifying tidal wave without any warning. this was unbelievable! hearing the deafening roar of the surging waves, they finally snapped back to reality and ran in terror towards the land. but it was already too late. the colossal wave carried an unimaginable force, akin to a billion-ton heavy hammer, crashing onto the shore and instantly engulfing everything beneath the highland. their screams and cries of fear were also swallowed by the monstrous deluge. people, buildings, ships at the docks, trees C everything was uprooted by the colossal wave, hurtling towards the deeper parts of the shore. it wasnt until the wave had reached several hundred meters inland that it slowly receded and returned to the sea. most of this territory had turned into a waterlogged swamp. above the water surface floated bodies, vegetation, debris of buildings, and shattered wooden planks. the besiegers entire army was annihilated. l_love_black_stockings, positioned on the highland and unaffected by the terrain, had her mouth agape in utter shock as she witnessed the scene before her. at this moment, her mind went completely blank. what in the world had just happened? what was the cause of this colossal wave? could it be that the heavens were helping her? no, something was amiss. this suddenly formed wave seemed somewhat reminiscent of l_love_black_stockings mind jolted, and she immediately turned her head to see ji chen slowly walking on the waters surface not far away. with overwhelming excitement, she yelled, it really is you!!! big boss!!! ji chen calmly approached the highland and looked at the ecstatic i_love_black .stockings from head to toe. he said nonchalantly, it seems like youre doing quite well. you havent lost any arms or legs. it seems my return was timely. l_love_black_stockings rushed up to him, filled with excitement. thats not important at all! you created that massive wave, didnt you? it was so cool and awe-inspiring! its like you simply swept away those people like ants. youre a true master at one-click clearing!!! one-click clearing master? ji chens face twitched at this strange metaphor. what kind of marvelous comparison was that? when he saw i_love_black_stockings being besieged earlier, he decided to test the power of the tidal dominator he had evolved into. and thus, he directly activated the skill: torrential giant wave [an orange-tier skill that consumes a massive amount of mana to generate a terrifying wave, dealing both physical and magical damage to enemies]. but even after using it, he was taken aback. the wave stood an astonishing fifty meters tall and stretched four hundred meters wide! and this was the result of him deliberately controlling the mana output. if he hadnt held back even a little, the height and width would have increased even further. compared to when he was the tidal lord before, the power of this skill was not just ten times stronger but far beyond! it was like going from a bicycle to a motorcycle! after 1 left, what happened? why were those people besieging you? l_love_black_stockings calmed down her excited emotions and narrated the events in detail. thats what happened. l_love_black_stockings had a lingering fear on her face. big boss, you are my savior. if it werent for you, i might have been done for this time. ji chen nodded but furrowed his brows, didnt 1 say that when youre in danger, you can summon my fleet for firepower support? upon hearing this, l_love_black_stockings looked somewhat embarrassed, scratching her head. i did think of that at first, but those players had already blocked off my harbor and coastline. 1 couldnt break through the blockade and was forced step by step to this highland. and your fleet was quite a distance away from here. 1 tried to call for help, but they couldnt hear me, and they didnt proactively come to support ji chens mouth twitched; this guy was truly eye-opening. if it werent for the smooth journey in the ancient land of the divine realm this time, he would have returned much later and might have stumbled upon her corpse.. Chapter 185 - Chapter 185: The Prototype of the Trade Fair, Competition among Fishermen chapter 185: the prototype of the trade fair, competition among fishermen translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen looked at the elevated waters of the highland. the massive waves from earlier not only wiped out the enemies but also swept away i_love_black_stockings dock, and most of the buildings on the shore were also washed away. as a result, the entire territory was left with only half of the lord manor burned, a few military recruitment camps, and a few houses situated on higher ground. the territory might need to be rebuilt from scratch, ji chen remarked. l_love_black_stockings remained unfazed and waved it off. its nothing serious. i can start anew. besides, the resources and population from those defeated players are enough to build a new territory. after returning to the ship with the army, ji chen rested for one night and the next day, he once again arrived at l_love_black_stockings territory. at this moment, the place was in a state of disorder. the army was busy clearing the corpses, debris of buildings, mud, and various seafood washed ashore by the huge waves. on the other side, i_love_black_stockings was directing the people to set up temporary tents for shelter. seeing ji chen coming over, l_love_black_stockings hurriedly walked towards him, taking long strides with her legs. big boss islander, youre here? did you rest well last night? fairly well, ji chen replied casually, observing the bustling scene around him. thats right. last night, i had my people collect the resources and population from those players. for now, well use tents for a few days and then rebuild the houses once the ground is cleared, i_love_black_stockings said with a smile, clearly satisfied with the wealth obtained from those players. ji chen nodded and continued to ask, how did it go with gathering other players as i instructed yesterday? ive informed them, but itll take some time for players from other parts of the island to arrive here. i_love_biack_stockings hesitated/ im not sure if they will come, though. the players on the island dont get along well, and they might think im tricking them into a trap. they could choose to ignore the invitation. so, big boss, if you can, its better to make a post on the forum. upon hearing this, ji chen felt it made sense. so, he opened the post about purchasing military recruitment camp cores and thought that all this effort seemed a bit excessive just for buying a few of them. he gave it a thought and edited a message: im on king kong island, and im buying various treasures, special and rare resources, military recruitment camp cores, and blueprint designs for buildings. gold coins accepted for transactions. he sent the message and pinned it to the top of the forum. soon, a flood of responses came in. buying things? im from the 358th regiment, ahem, i, king kong islands number one handsome guy, will surely lend a hand! king kong island? big boss islander is on king kong island? no, 1 have to go see for myself and see what the big boss looks like. im finding someone to team up! contact me and lets meet up! seeing the enthusiastic responses from the silly netizens, ji chen felt somewhat relieved. it would have been awkward if he had received little or no response after making such a post, especially now that he had gained some popularity as an idol. however, he needed to decide on a location for the trade. initially, he thought of conducting it in i_love_black_stockings territory, but now that most of her land had been destroyed, it wouldnt be suitable. ji chen looked around and fixed his gaze on the new moon, anchored on the sea. doesnt those film and television on earth often hold trade fairs and auctions on cruise ships? the new moon has a large tonnage and spacious interior, and even accommodating thousands of people is just a piece of cake, making it a high-profile venue for trading. after some thought, ji chen made up his mind. he added a sentence to the post: the trading location is on the new moon, anchored on the south side of the nearby sea. after pinning the post, he closed the forum and followed i_love_black_stockings to nearby natural attractions. upon seeing ji chens message in the thread, many of the silly netizens also chimed in. the new moon? sounds like the name of a ship. but is a ship too small for a trade fair? are you dumb? how could big boss islanders ship be small? dont mistake it for your little fishing boat? thats it, ill dress up tomorrow, and if the big boss takes a liking to me then hehe. arent you a guy? put on some pants! but 1 also have some spare resources right now. i can trade with the big boss if hes interested it looks like a lot of people will attend this trade fair. count me in for the fun! with all of you gathering like this, are we going for an offline player-to-player trade? im joining in (confident voice)! king kong island players who followed the thread expressed their intentions to come and see what was going on. they were curious about the famous big boss islander, well-known on the forums. additionally, players realized that with so many people gathering, it could be a fantastic opportunity to exchange resources with each other. furthermore, being on the territory of this powerful big boss, they didnt need to worry much about enemy attacks or vendettas. unaware of how his two sentences in the post had sparked a magical response, ji chen had managed to attract many more players than he had anticipated. at this moment, ji chen and the others were led by l_love_black_stockings into a side forest, walking for several hundred meters until they reached a waterfall. the waterfail cascaded down from a cliff tens of meters high, resembling a silver-white silk, falling into a pool at the bottom. the sound of water rushing against rocks, combined with the beautiful surroundings, instantly made people feel refreshed and their moods lifted.. Chapter 186 - Chapter 186: The Prototype of the Trade Fair, Competition among Fishermen (2) chapter 186: the prototype of the trade fair, competition among fishermen (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation boss, isnt the scenery here beautiful? the first time i saw it, i thought it was an amazing sight, definitely a 5a-level scenic spot on earth! i_love_black_stockings took a deep breath, her face filled with delight. the air here is also very refreshing. if 1 dont die halfway through my career, i feel like i could live to be a hundred years old in this place. moreover, there are many fish in this pond. during my leisure time, i occasionally come here to fish and enjoy the serenity. hearing about fishing, ji chen became instantly interested and excited. you said there are fish here? thats right. i_love_black_stockings nodded, her face showing a hint of pride. i dont mean to brag, but when it comes to fishing, i am an expert among experts. theres no fish i cant catch. my secondary profession is fisherman, and my proficiency has already reached a decent level, not far from mastery. this level, to say the least, is unmatched in king kong island, and i dare say, no one can claim to be number one! ji chen was slightly surprised. there are nine levels for secondary professions: rookie, novice, skillful, proficient, decent, mastery, consummate, peak, and profound. decent is the fifth level, and to reach this level, one would need a proficiency of at least ten thousand. ji chen then looked at his own proficiency. [secondary profession]: fisherman (novice [proficiency: 274/500]) huh novice, at the second level, still quite a distance from skillful. thanks to the talent of blessing of the sea, he never really worried much about fishing and didnt pay much attention to his proficiency. however, from the looks of it, i_love_black_stockings in this regard could definitely be considered a pro player. seeing your reaction, big boss, do you also enjoy fishing? ji chen smiled. well, sort of. my secondary profession is also a fisherman. this profession really helped me in the early stages. when he first arrived in this world, he relied on fishing to catch a large amount of sea fish, which greatly alleviated the initial food pressure. he even caught some valuable items, and even the hero alice. upon hearing this, i_love_black_stockings naturally thought that ji chen also relied on fishing to obtain scarce food in the early stages. thinking that they had something in common, she proposed. boss, since we have time now, how about we have a fishing contest? hearing this, ji chen couldnt help but look amused. sure, we can, but are you sure you want to compete with me? im afraid dont worry, its just for fun. lets treat it as a game, l_love_black_stockings said with a smile. friendship first, competition second! well, if you say so then okay. ji chen nodded and took out a fishing rod from his backpack. [worn-out fishing rod] [tier]: 1-star treasure [effect]: increases the chance of catching valuable fish from the water. [a good fishing rod handed down from ancestors, seemingly imbued with the frustrations of many fishermen who have caught nothing] speaking of which, this fishing rod has been lying in the backpack for quite some time. if it werent for the backpack, it would probably have accumulated thick layers of dust by now. ji chen was a little worried since he hadnt fished in a long time, fearing that his skills might be rusty. however, as soon as he gripped the rod, the familiar sensation from the past surged back instantly. boss, is this fishing rod a treasure? yes, its just a i-star treasure. i_love_black_stockings eyelids twitched. it sounded too casual to be true. but then again, this person truly deserved the title of big boss. even the fishing rod used was a treasuredefinitely a true tycoon! looking at her self-made ordinary fishing rod, she felt a bit like crying. however, she quickly regained her composure. in the world of fishing, the fishing rod was only a part of it. the real determinant of victory and outcome was the anglers skill and judgment! she firmly believed that she could impress with her superior fishing skills. she, i_love_black_stockings, the most formidable fisher on king kong island, was challenging the great boss who had come from afar! since its a competition, there should be rules. lets decide the winner based on who catches more and heavier fish within a designated time of three hours! sure. ji chen had no objections, but he couldnt understand why i_love_black_stockings suddenly became so passionate. from her expression, it seemed more like she was facing some significant life challenge rather than a normal fishing competition. ji chen casually found a slightly flat stone on the bank as his fishing spot. i_love_black_stockings wandered around, stomping on the muddy ground and reaching into the water, murmuring words like water temperature, air pressure, and depth. once she was satisfied with the location, she scattered a handful of bait into the water. only then did she confidently call out to ji chen, im ready. can we start now? ji chen gave her a thumbs-up. baiting the hook, he cast his fishing rod slowly and leisurely before taking a seat on a nearby rock. the distance between the two was about fifty meters, not too far nor too close, with no obstacles in between. they could see each others fishing situation clearly. i_love_black_stockings sat on a small wooden stool and secretly glanced at ji chens position, a trace of delight flashing in her heart. with her abundant experience, she could tell at a glance that ji chens location was entirely unsuitable for fishing. not to mention catching big fish, even small fish wouldnt bother visiting there. this wave is in the bag! boss, dont blame me for not reminding you. this is my chance to prove myself! i will reclaim the glory of the fishers; its my duty! at that moment, her fishing float suddenly sank, and she felt a pull from the direction of the fishing hook. i_love_black_stockings face lit up; she had caught a fish! with skilled techniques, she reeled in the fishing rod and pulled up a carp about ten centimeters long and weighing around two catties. this was undoubtedly a good start! on the other side, ji chen looked at i_love_black_stockings, who had just cast her rod and caught a decent carp within seconds. he couldnt help but be surprised. it seemed that she really had some skills. then, i_love_black_stockings cast her rod again, and in less than half a minute, she caught another fish. this time, it was a crucian carp weighing three catties. within a minute, she had caught two fish consecutively, making her laugh with joy. successively, the third, fourth, and fifth fish were caught, each weighing between two to four catties, and they all wriggled energetically inside the water bucket. i_love_black_stockings was in an excellent mood; having such good fishing luck was quite rare in her fishing career. what did they say about being a fishing expert? (tactical gasp) she looked over at ji chen. if she remembered correctly, the big boss should not have caught a single fish by now. however, when she saw him, her eyelids twitched. ji chen, the big boss, was lying on the white legs of a hero named alice, holding a fishing rod, and enjoying the comfort of a knee pillow. over his head, there was a sunshade, and beside him, there was a plate of fresh fruits. he was being fed by alices fair, slender fingers. his face looked incredibly content and comfortable. jealousy ahem, no, its infuriating! hey! are you here for leisure or to compete!? could you show some respect to your opponent!? though she was angry, i_love_black_stockings dared not speak up. she could only focus all her attention on fishing. she, i_love_black_stockings, was determined to defeat this life winner head-on today! she would show him how dangerous the society could be! suddenly, ji chen felt a wave of enthusiasm coming from beside him. he turned to look and saw l_love_black_stockings, with a flushed and excited expression, which puzzled him. whats going on? did fishing make her so happy? truly deserving of someone with their fishing skill at the slightly accomplished level. her passion impressed him. at that moment, ji chen felt a pull on his hand. the fishing float on the water surface suddenly sank rapidly, accompanied by a strong force. clearly, this fish was not light! Chapter 187 - Chapter 187: Fishing Expert, Business Genius chapter 187: fishing expert, business genius translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen immediately stood up from alices lap and pulled with one hand. swoosh- a large carp weighing at least six catties flew out of the water, flopping around on the fishing hook. on the other side, i_love_black_stockings, who was secretly observing, felt a little uneasy when she saw that ji chens first catch was a five-catty carp. however, she quickly shook her head with a relaxed expression. so what if its five catties? ive already caught five fish, totaling about fourteen catties. five against one, fourteen catties against six catties. its still stable, no need to panic! in that moment, the fishing hook was tugged once more, and the force felt remarkably strong, sending a tremor through her heart. she quickly pulled and successfully added the sixth five-catty fish to her collection. just as i_love_black_stockings felt a little proud, there was a commotion on the other side. she turned her head to look. big boss islander was holding the fishing rod, and the hook was attached to a fish that was almost as long as his forearm. her eyes widened. this must be at least eight catties, right? she had only caught a fish of this size once before, and it took her a long time to wrestle with it before she finally caught it. she was happy for several days after that catch. but now, the big boss seemed to have easily caught it? she was a little envious however, l_love_black_stockings quickly adjusted her mindset and comforted herself. hes a beginner, its normal to have good luck. if he wants to keep catching fish, he still needs the expertise of an experienced fishing expert like herself! as long as she stays steady, shell be the ultimate winner! but as soon as she calmed down, she heard another commotion beside her. did he catch another fish not inferior to the one before? with this catch, doesnt his total weight exceed hers now!? at this moment, her mindset underwent some changes. in less than half a minute. another burst of cheers came from beside her. the big boss had caught a twelve-catty fish. i_love_black_stockings face looked as if she had seen a ghost. are there such large fish in this pond? just as she was trying to collect herself, another fish took the bait on ji chens side. this time, there were two fishes on the hook, each weighing less than five catties, but together they totaled around ten catties. one minute later a fish weighing eight catties was hooked on the side. three minutes later he caught another ten-catty big fish. as time crawled by, the jubilant cheers from beside her made i_love_black_stockings feel increasingly numb. it had been an hour since she last caught a fish, not even a small thumb-sized one! on the other hand, it seemed like the fish on big boss islanders side were lining up underwater to bite the hook one after another. the moment the fishing rod was cast, a fish would bite immediately, and it never stopped! minute by minute, second by second, time went by. listening to the constant commotion nearby, i_love_black_stockings felt that their feelings were not mutual; she only found their noise irritating. after three hours, the competition ended. when i_love_black_stockings and big boss islander met again, both sides fell into silence. i_love_black_stockings looked at her own harvest. two buckets of fish, with one bucket not even full. and as for big boss islander there were over a dozen buckets brimming with fish. laying the results side by side, the outcome was obvious, and the winner was clear. ji chen glanced at this stark contrast and almost burst out laughing, but he managed to hold it in, saying, looks like 1 won by a small margin. big boss, you are really amazing, 1 admire you. i_love_black_stockings forced a smile, but no matter how one looked at it, it seemed pained and forced. dont think too much of it. 1 just had slightly better luck and caught a dozen buckets more fish than you did. hearing that, i_love_black_stockings felt even worse. fig foss, what you said is true, but please dont say it again next time. the competition ended, and it was already afternoon. the group began to return. on the way, i_love_black_stockings asked about the upcoming trade tomorrow. big boss, the trade tomorrow will take place on the new moon. i heard that many players will be attending, and some may have malicious intentions. you better be careful. although ji chen wasnt too concerned, he still nodded, alright, ill keep that in mind. the new moon was now under the control of the tidal sea spirit, and everything on the ship was within his grasp. furthermore, his ship and army were powerful enough, and with targeted measures, he wasnt afraid of anyone causing trouble. causing trouble? he would deal with them. as the two parties separated on the shore, i_love_black_stockings continued to oversee the reconstruction of her territory, while ji chen and his team returned to their ship, preparing for tomorrows trade. early the next morning. eight three-masted warships set into motion, with four surrounding and guarding the new moon, while the remaining four began patrolling the area. on the ship, all pirates and soldiers heightened their alertness, and the cannons were ready to fire at any moment. especially the new moon, the gunports on both sides of the ship were wide open, and the black barrels protruded. not for any other reason, but to serve as a deterrent. the weather was also very good today, with clear skies and calm seas, providing excellent visibility. from king kong island, one could see the majestic and powerful new moon moored on the sea surface. even though there was still some distance, its grandeur, and mightiness could be felt at a glance. several players who had quite good relationships came together to attend the trade. upon arriving at the shore and witnessing the new moon, which resembled a stone mountain floating on the sea, and the three-masted warships guarding and patrolling around it, they were astonished. thats the ship of the big boss islander? the new moon could it be that its the largest ship theyre talking about? i never expected it to be such a massive ship. i thought it was just those three-masted ones. Chapter 188 - Chapter 188: Fishing Expert, Business Genius (2) chapter 188: fishing expert, business genius (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation so, heres the problem. how should we get there? you see, there seems to be a ferry over there. at the mention, everyone looked in the direction and saw a simple pier on the shore, with several single-masted sailboats moored there. two large signs were erected on the pier. the first one was painted with words: ferry service to the big boss islanders trading event! exclusive authorization! the second sign read: luxurious seats, breathtaking sea view, offering you a homely service! they exchanged glances and approached the pier with their respective armies. i_love_black_stockings stood before the pier and saw people approaching. her eyes brightened, and she hurriedly greeted them. are you all attending the big boss islanders trading event and need to go to the new moon? thats right can we take your boat to get there? upon hearing this, i_love_black_stockings beamed with enthusiasm. of course! 1 have obtained exclusive authorization from the big boss islander. only my ship can approach and board the new moon. if any unfamiliar vessels dare to get too close, they will be treated as enemies and sent to the bottom of the sea. so, if you wish to participate in the trading event, dont waste any time and make sure to register with me! several players looked at each other, and one of them asked, how much is the fare per person? i_love_black_stockings raised five fingers of her right hand and said with a smile, five gold coins for a round trip, and i promise no deceit. five gold coins? you might as well go and rob! the players became impatient. five gold coins per person, and if they brought their armies, the fare would easily exceed a hundred gold coins in no time. its already very cheap! i_love_black_stockings wore a sly smile on her face. besides, the big boss islanders ship is extremely safe. the big boss islander said that participants can only bring a few guards aboard, so its not even a few dozen gold coins for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. moreover, think about it, this trading event is rare. so many players from king kong island gathered together without fighting, allowing for peaceful transactions and the exchange of resources each one needs. if you dont go, but your opponents do, and they become stronger after the exchange of resources, then hehe, you will be in a passive position. i_love_black_stockings used enticing and instigating words, causing these players to instantly feel that if they didnt go, they would be at a disadvantage. after a moment of hesitation, they exchanged glances and gritted their teeth, taking out the gold coins. youre quite cunning! hurry and take us over! i_love_black_stockings received the gold coins and weighed them in her hand, then smiled contentedly, gesturing for them to come aboard. please follow me this way, guests! when the players boarded the sailboat, they realized they had been tricked. the so-called luxurious seats and breathtaking sea view were all false advertisements. the not-so-spacious deck was filled with rows of small wooden stools, which were touted as luxurious seats. as for the breathtaking sea view, it was merely the open ocean outside the deck. but fortunately, after half of the players boarded the ship, it did transport them to the new moon, and the patrolling warships did not attack, which allowed them to relax. ji chen stood at the bow of the ship, watching i_love_black_stockings boat shuttle back and forth between the shore and the new moon, and couldnt help but smile wryly. she really had a keen sense of business, finding a way to make money like this. charging five gold coins per person, and players could bring up to four guards, which meant they would pay twenty-five gold coins at most. some players attending the trading event had hundreds of people with them, along with their guards, totaling hundreds of people. doing the math, l_love_black_stockings could easily earn thousands of gold coins, with almost zero costs. it was much more profitable than selling resources! what a business genius she was! by noon, many players had boarded the new moon, but they were restricted to the first deck, as the other decks were blocked by numerous armies, not allowing anyone to enter. initially, some curious players wanted to sneak a peek at other areas of the new moon, but when they saw the fierce and powerful naga warriors, dragon blood murlocs, and pure water sea pixies blocking various passages and doors, they all retreated. they could sense that if they forced their way in, they would really be killed by these troops. on the first deck. players shouted to each other, looking for buyers and sellers. some wanted to sell their idle resources, materials, and military recruitment camp cores in exchange for gold coins or other resources. others roamed around like they were in a market, searching for things that piqued their interest. here, thanks to ji chens own powerful presence, most of them let go of their vigilance towards each other on the island and conducted their trades with peace of mind. seeing this scene, ji chen also felt relieved. at least no reckless individuals dared to cause trouble; everything was moving in the right direction. this made him consider imitating i_love_black_stockings approach; every player wanting to board the ship for the trading event would have to buy a ticket. this way, he could earn a considerable amount of gold coins without any effort. wouldnt that be delightful? being a banker and taking a cut would also bring in some money! because hardly any players had seen ji chens real appearance, he walked on the deck without anyone recognizing him as the islander. at most, they felt he looked handsome and charismatic. many female players approached him with enthusiasm, trying to develop some personal relationships. however, ji chen firmly rejected them. he was a person of integrity and would never involve himself in such matters (clears throat)! back in the cabin, ji chen saw i_love_black_stockings waiting there, and her face lit up when she saw him return. boss, i hit the jackpot this time! its only the first day, and ive already earned over three thousand gold coins. its an absolute windfall! and when more people come on the second and third days, wont i make even more? becoming a millionaire is not just a dream!! she spoke with excitement, feeling that her life had become smooth sailing. ji chen smiled and shook his head, then adopted a stern expression, asking, have you completed the task 1 assigned to you? seeing his serious demeanor, i_love_black_stockings also became serious and nodded, saying, boss, i found several players who are willing to sell precious treasures, various military recruitment camp cores, and rare resources like mithril and gold. they all said that they would prioritize trading with you if the price is right! ji chen nodded in approval. good, call them in now. sure thing! ill go get them right away! i_love_black_stockings hurriedly left the cabin, eager to help ji chen with anything he needed. after all, following such a big boss had many benefits, and even a little favor from him would fill her belly. for instance, transporting players this time was only possible with ji chens consent. otherwise, how could those patrolling and guarding warships allow her boat to approach? soon, after about ten minutes, l_love_black_stockings returned with three players. they looked somewhat reserved but also curious, wanting to see what the legendary islander looked like. when they saw ji chens appearance, they were immediately astonished. among them, the only female player blushed, feeling embarrassed. as it turned out, she was the one who had tried to strike up a conversation with ji chen earlier. she didnt expect that the handsome guy she was talking to was actually the islander. now, she felt like her toes were about to tap dance with embarrassment. seeing their reserved behavior, ji chen smiled and said, please, have a seat. theres no need to be so cautious. hearing this, the three players glanced at each other before sitting in the chairs that had been prepared in advance. i heard that you have something im interested in. as long as i need it, money is not a problem. hmm, lets start with you. me? oh, okay. the female player pointed to herself and seemed slightly dazed. for some reason, even though they were fellow players, facing the islander gave her a sense of confronting a superior. it was as if before her stood a highly respected and long-established powerful figure. invisible but discernible, there was a peculiar aura of authority that evoked reverence. amidst the nervousness, they couldnt help but marvel at the greatness of the big boss islander. in just two months since entering this world, someone had already managed to possess such a powerful fleet and formidable army. while feeling envious, they were also full of admiration.. Chapter 189 - Chapter 189: Acquisition, Lavish Spending chapter 189: acquisition, lavish spending translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation she quickly took out a wooden box from her backpack and opened it, revealing several round military recruitment camp cores inside. these are what i brought, eight military recruitment camp cores. four of them are tier 2, 5-star naga warriors, three are tier 2,1-star river murloc, and one is a tier 2,1-star sea pixie. military recruitment camp cores? ji chen gestured for alice to take the wooden box. alice returned with the box and stood aside as ji chen casually picked up one of the cores. inside the fist-sized crystal sphere, lifelike miniature models of the troops were condensed. a quick glance confirmed that these were genuine military recruitment camp cores. there were a total of four naga warrior recruitment camp cores here, and with the one on new moon islands, there were five in total. at a production rate of 14 units per camp per week, they could produce 70 units in a week. apart from the naga warriors, there were also three river murloc cores, each producing 14 units per camp per week, totaling 42 units, and two sea pixies cores, producing 14 units per camp per week, totaling 28 units. ji chen placed the core back into the wooden box and thought for a moment before giving a price. the price for each naga warrior recruitment camp core is 800 gold coins, each river murloc core is 300 gold coins, and each sea pixie core is 400 gold coins, amounting to a total of 4500 gold coins. can you agree to this price? upon hearing this, the female player was first surprised and then delighted, quickly responding, of course, 1 will accept that! this price had exceeded her previous expectations. she had been thinking that if ji chen offered a low price, she would try to raise it by acting pitiful. to her surprise, ji chen was incredibly straightforward and generous, offering a purchase price that was 15-20% higher than what other players were offering on average. seeing her acceptance, ji chen nodded and waved his hand, summoning a wooden box filled with gold coins to appear on the ground. the lid of the box remained open, and in the slightly dim cabin, the gold coins inside emitted a dazzling and enticing light. these players were clearly seeing such a large amount of gold coins for the first time, and they held their breaths, their eyes widening in amazement. gurgle- they unconsciously swallowed their saliva. soon, the female player regained her composure and quickly stored all the gold coins from the wooden box into her backpack. after a quick check to confirm the correct amount, she immediately bid her farewell. once she stepped out of the cabin, her expression immediately became alert. she quickly called her guards waiting outside and hurriedly left. it seemed she was eager to leave new moon and return to her territory. seeing the players vigilant look, ji chens face showed a hint of amusement. yet, witnessing such extreme caution over a mere 4,500 gold coins, ji chen couldnt help but wonder how the female player would react if she knew he carried over a million gold coins. she might not even dare to step outside her residence. seeing the first female player complete the transaction and receive her gold coins so quickly, the remaining two players couldnt help but get excited. without waiting for ji chen to speak, they eagerly took out their treasures. big boss islander, these are what we brought. take a look and see if you need them. what they presented were a staff and a blueprint for a building. at first glance, the blueprint didnt reveal much. however, the staff appeared remarkably extraordinary, crafted from blue gemstones and emanating a captivating radiance. clearly, it was a precious treasure. it was the first time ji chen had seen a staff-like treasure, which piqued his curiosity. he immediately had alice take it and examine its properties. [amplifying staff] [tier]: 2-star treasure [effect]: when held, increases the power of the next spell by 30% at the cost of increasing mana consumption by 30%. usable [10/10] times per day. an amplifying staff? it enhances the power of spells but increases mana consumption. it can be used ten times per day. this staff was quite good and suited his abilities. seeing ji chens interest, the players face brightened. since the boss was interested, the deal should be secured. after putting away the item panel, ji chen casually asked, how much for this staff? nine thousand no, no, no, eight thousand gold coins! upon hearing the price, ji chen was momentarily stunned. wasnt this too cheap? treasures were called treasures precisely because of their rarity and value, akin to heavenly treasures and earth treasures, each possessing unique effects. even a 1-star treasure was not something that everyone could possess, and many players didnt even have a single treasure. now, a 2-star treasure was priced at just eight thousand gold coins, almost like a giveaway! are you sure about this price? seeing ji chens slightly strange expression, the player hesitated for a moment, feeling that the price might be too low. however, he gritted his teeth and said, its this price! consider the difference as a gift for you, boss! wow, this player had a generous attitude. although ji chen didnt intend to take advantage of such a small benefit, he was pleased to see the players understanding and his good judgment. then lets go with the nine thousand gold coins price. as the player lamented the loss of the difference, he heard ji chens words and his face lit up with joy. thank you, boss! carefully collecting the gold coins and leaving, he kept thanking ji chen along the way. boss, you are generous! i wish you good health and endless wealth! may you have a successful career and a happy family! his voice only quieted down once he left the cabin through the door.. Chapter 190 - Chapter 190: Acquisition, Lavish Spending (2) chapter 190: acquisition, lavish spending (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen watched this scene and sighed, putting the amplifying staff into his backpack. now, there was only one player left among the three. this player brought a blueprint. as ji chen took it and examined it closely, he was instantly astonished. this blueprint was no ordinary one [blueprint: elemental arrow tower] [tier]: five-star [effect]: capable of launching different elemental arrows to attack ground, aerial, and underwater enemies, inflicting powerful spell damage, and causing different negative effects based on the arrows element. [required resources for construction]: 50,000 units of stone, 10,000 units of crystal, 10,000 units of mithril, 10,000 units of fine gold. [area size]: 30x30x75 [attack range]: 50-3000 meters the blueprint allowed for the construction of the elemental arrow tower, a building that could launch elemental arrows to attack enemies. in other words, it was a territorial defensive structure. based on its blueprint tier and the required construction resources, its power was undoubtedly extraordinary. moreover, the crown of the ocean greatly needed such a defensive building, and its anti-air capabilities made it even more valuable in ji chens eyes. armed with the elemental arrow tower, they could effectively neutralize the threat posed by the floating skyriders! but why would this player take out such a precious blueprint to sell? couldnt they keep it for themselves? when ji chen asked this question, the players face showed a hint of bitterness. big boss, 1 obtained this blueprint from a treasure chest, but 1 almost lost all my troops defeating the wilderness creatures guarding it. this blueprint is indeed valuable and rare, but its a bit awkward for me. 1 dont even know how long it will take for me to gather all the materials and resources needed to build it. so, instead of leaving it in my backpack collecting dust, id rather take it out now and exchange it for resources. this way, 1 can develop as quickly as possible, as survival is the top priority. after hearing this, ji chen suddenly realized and found himself agreeing with the players reasoning. for most players, obtaining the construction materials for an elemental arrow tower would undoubtedly be a tremendous challenge. even for ji chen, gathering such a quantity of resources wasnt an easy task. the players train of thought was quite clear and reasonable. then how much do you plan to offer for this blueprint? 40,000, no, 30,000 gold coins? the player hesitated and said. selling a five-star tier blueprint for just 30, 000 gold coins, are you being charitable? ji chen couldnt help but inwardly mock. he was just about to suggest a suitable price when he realized he had no idea what amount to propose. after all, he was purchasing this level of blueprint for the first time and had no reference point for pricing. after thinking it over, ji chen opened the forum and began searching for related posts. soon, he closed the forum and directly stated a price. how about 80,000 gold coins? what? 80,000? the player was stunned. he hadnt expected to sell it at such a price. 80,000 gold coins, wasnt that more than ten times the price of the staff from earlier? it was nearly twenty times the amount of the first players transaction! whats wrong? do you think its too low? no, no, no, its enough, its enough! that price is fine! the player hurriedly replied, afraid that ji chen might change his mind. then its a deal. as the player walked out of the cabin, the brilliant sunlight shining on his face, he still seemed somewhat dazed. he obtained 80,000 gold coins just like that? it felt unreal. with 80,000 gold coins, how much resources could he buy? how much food could he purchase? how many beautiful ladies could he afford? at this moment, his mood was like becoming rich overnight, and he felt incredibly delighted. however, when he saw other players passing by, his expression immediately became extremely nervous. looking around, just like the female player, he hurriedly left with his guards. inside the cabin. ji chen looked at the things he had obtained from the transactions and felt quite satisfied. eight military recruitment camp cores, one two-star staff, and a five-star blueprint. although he spent quite a bit of gold coins, it was worth it. besides, whats the point of keeping gold coins if he doesnt spend them? should he hoard them like edward and take them to the grave? ji chen decided that this time he would spend money as much as possible, extravagantly. setting a small goal, he planned to spend at least three hundred thousand gold coins from his current stash. as l_love_black_stockings, who was observing from the side, witnessed the entire process of the three transactions, she remained calm at the beginning. at first, when ji chen casually spent over four thousand gold coins to buy the military recruitment camp core, she remained calm. after all, the players military troops were their capital, and spending gold coins on military recruitment camp cores to recruit more troops was quite normal. then she saw ji chen spend nine thousand gold coins to buy a staff. though she couldnt help but admire the big bosss wealth, it made sense considering that he seemed to be a mage, and buying a suitable staff was also normal. so, she wasnt too surprised and remained relatively calm. but in the end, when she saw ji chen remain calm, not even blinking an eye, as he casually threw out 80,000 gold coins to buy a blueprint that required a massive amount of resources to construct, she couldnt stay calm anymore. her heart screamed loudly. thats a whole 80,000 gold coins! why does he look so composed, as if hes just buying something worth eight coins!? in an instant, l_love_black_stockings felt the overwhelming financial power of a wealthy player. no wonder he didnt care about the few thousand gold coins she collected as a ferry fee. to be able to easily produce so much gold indicates terrifying wealth! hes simply an inhuman tycoon! hes not only powerful but also rich, and hes extremely generous. for a moment, l_love_black_stockings even felt like asking the islander to financially support her. however, when she looked at alice, the beautiful and obedient woman who was always standing beside the big boss, she dismissed that idea. with such high attractiveness and being a powerful hero, even with her black stockings charm, she couldnt compete. perhaps sensing her gaze, alice turned her head to look at her. in her sapphire-like eyes, a hint of confusion flashed. seeing such a perfect and enchanting profile that even women would find attractive, i_love_black_stockings was instantly enchanted. in her heart, she trembled and kept repeating to herself, im not into women, im not into women. ji chen put away the staff and blueprint, then suddenly noticed l_love_black_ stockings body trembling and murmuring to herself, so he curiously asked, whats wrong? are you feeling unwell? not at all, just feeling a bit warm here, i_love_black_stockings tried to maintain a calm face as she fanned herself. at that moment, anina, who had been invisible, jumped out with a mischievous smile on her face. i saw it! she was staring at alice just now! upon hearing this, i_love_black_stockings face changed dramatically, and she couldnt hold back her embarrassment. feeling the gazes from ji chen and alice, she became extremely awkward, stuttering and trying to explain herself. ji chen glanced at her a few times, finding it a bit strange, but he didnt press further. he got up, stretched lazily, and suggested, if its too hot here, lets go up to the deck for some fresh air. with that, he walked towards the outside of the cabin. on the spacious deck, many players were engaged in various transactions. the sounds of buying and selling, the simple stalls on the ground, the diverse array of goods, and the bustling crowd reminded ji chen of the lively scenes he experienced back on earth during temple fairs. looking at this scene, i_love_black_stockings couldnt help but sigh, its been a long time since i entered this world, and 1 havent seen such a lively scene. it feels quite nice. ji chen stood with his hands behind his back and remained silent, his gaze profound as he thought about many things. if one day, the new moon islands could be as lively as this, how wonderful would that be? when that time comes, not only players would come from afar to the new moon islands, but the native inhabitants would also flock there. the crown of the ocean would undoubtedly become the shining gem he had envisioned when he first named it, becoming a dazzling pearl in the ocean! Chapter 191 - Chapter 191: Harvest of Trades, Arrival of Irona chapter 191: harvest of trades, arrival of irona translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the entire trading event lasted for three days. every day, the deck was packed with a large number of players from king kong island, coming from all over the island to participate. among them, i_love_black_stockings, who was engaged in ferry business, also made a fortune from this event. over the three days, she ferried thousands of players and collected thousands of boat tickets, instantly transforming from a pauper to a wealthy woman, smiling even in her sleep. meanwhile, it was unclear who leaked the news that ji chen spent nearly 100,000 gold coins on purchases on the first day of the event. another player, who personally experienced the transactions but preferred to remain anonymous, posted a picture of several boxes filled with gold coins, igniting even more excitement about the event. in no time, the name islander gained even more fame. previously, it was because of his powerful strength and formidable fleet, but now he was also renowned for his outrageous wealth. you guys say that the islander spent 100,000 gold coins in a single day? thats just insane! my total assets are only 1,000 gold coins, and he spent a hundred times more in just one day! the gap between people is just so huge. at least you still have 1,000 gold coins. i only have a few dozen, struggling to make ends meet 100,000 gold coins!!! i could never earn that much in my entire life. the islander is truly incredible! is there any chance he needs a follower? im willing to be his little brother! ill go to the ends of the earth to find him if he gives the word!! islander, im begging to be kept as your lover. im 1.7 meters tall, fair-skinned, long legs, and 36d. my white stockings are to die for! please pm me- such comments flooded the chat channel and forums, and ji chens private messages were about to explode. when ji chen had just finished dealing with his affairs and opened the chat channel and forums with a puzzled expression, he saw this scene and couldnt help but frown. these people are thinking of mooching off others instead of working hard. how shameless! furthermore, apart from this, was he the type of individual who would keep a lover? he must properly criticize these people who want something for nothing! but he would first note down the name of the one with the 36d bust and long legs in white stockings anyway. the king kong island players who received this news had been waiting for these few days like desperate women in a secluded backyard, hoping that ji chen would purchase their items, and they could become overnight millionaires like those lucky few. seeing this, ji chen seized the opportunity to increase the intensity of his purchases, focusing on military recruitment camp cores, treasures, and building blueprints. the number of marine unit types was estimated to be in the tens of millions, and ji chens target of acquiring naga warriors, murlocs, and several other main unit types were just a few inconspicuous ones among them. it was undoubtedly a challenging task to find specific ones from such a vast array of unit types. even if players possessed such unit types, the difficulty of acquiring the same type of military recruitment camp cores from each other was high due to geographical barriers and limited information flow. however, thanks to the publicity of ji chens rapidly growing fame and his unquestionable financial ability, quite a few players from king kong island came forward to sell these scattered military recruitment camp cores to him. this approach proved to be much more efficient than him searching all over the place himself. of course, he didnt need to personally handle the purchase of these scattered military recruitment camp cores. together with some regular building blueprints, l_love_black_stockings acted as his representative in the transactions. at this moment, there was no one around him who was more suitable to negotiate with players. raymond had led a team to the northern continent, so he was not available. alice, as a siren, was not familiar with human coin transactions, and benbo, a murloc, was naturally not suitable either. as for anina, it was needless to say, letting her engage in trade with cunning players might even lead to her revealing her underwear color unintentionally. having cooperated with i_love_black_stockings several times already and established a certain level of trust, ji chen found it natural to let her handle these matters. he harbored little concern about her resorting to deceitful tactics, as he trusted that this astute woman wouldnt engage in actions that offered less while sacrificing more. after three days of purchases, the harvest was quite abundant. first, the military recruitment camp cores. after acquiring eight military recruitment camp cores on the first day, he managed to buy another batch through the lavish spending. with this new batch combined with the previous ones, he now possessed a total of nine naga warrior cores, nine river murloc cores, and five sea pixie cores. in addition to that, he also acquired four lobster rider cores and five self-detonating water spider cores, which he purchased from l_love_black_stockings. in total, he had ten lobster rider cores and ten self-detonating water spider cores. upon returning to his territory, he could now construct dozens of recruitment camps all at once, recruiting hundreds of units with this batch of military recruitment camp cores. a surge of strength! in addition to the amplifying staff, ji chen also spent fifty thousand gold coins and twenty-five thousand gold coins respectively to acquire two other treasures. the first one was a bracelet made of green crystal, intricately carved with distinct edges and a unique style. intricate magical patterns were engraved on the inside, and strands of golden energy flowed within it, making it quite extraordinary.. Chapter 192 - Chapter 192: Harvest of Trades, Arrival of Irona (2) chapter 192: harvest of trades, arrival of irona (2) translator: draqon boat translation editor: draqon boat translation [shield bracelet] [tier]: 3-star treasure [effect]: generates an active or automatic shield around the wearer when facing powerful attacks or life-threatening situations, blocking both magic and physical attacks. [cooldown]: 6 hours [crafted by samora ville, the master alchemist of the northern continents orlan kingdom] i samora ville: no one understands alchemy better than me ] the reason ji chen bought this bracelet was for alice. as a formidable mage, alices strength spoke for itself. with songs like the song of temptation and the song of war,11 she was held in high regard. her apparent weaknesses, however, were her melee combat and relatively weak defense. in short, her low health and defense left her vulnerable once enemies got close. the bracelet served to fill this gap, providing enough reaction time when facing powerful opponents. its appearance, resembling a jade bracelet, looked great on alices fair wrist, complementing her elegance. upon receiving the bracelet, alice s exquisite and radiant face showed a mix of surprise and joy, sending a few coquettish glances towards him. the suggestive gaze hinted at certain intimate possibilities. with this acquisition, ji chen felt that rhe 50,000 gold coins spent were truly worth it. the other treasure he purchased was a treasure-level scimitar. the blade gleamed with a chilling cold light, and its excellent handling and swing proved its extraordinary power. [northern blade] [tier]: 2-star treasure [effect]: cd increases sharpness by 50% 0 greatly enhances armor-piercing ability 0 increases durability by 30% [a formidable weapon of the black iron dwarves, boasting deadly killing capabilities] i looking for the mountain dwarves? what does that have to do with us black iron dwarves?] ji chen planned to give this scimitar to sparrow. as one of his pirate heroes, even though sparrow was only a green elite-tier hero, having a reliable weapon was essential. he believed that this scimitar would significantly enhance sparrow s combat prowess. as for the building blueprints, there were no high-tier blueprints like the elemental arrow tower acquired on the first day. they were all lower-star blueprints, with the highest being three stars. among them were blueprints for various living facilities, functional buildings, and some ordinary defense structures like watchtowers and basic arrow towers. despite the variety, the total number of blueprints was quite substantial, reaching dozens. after calculating the total expenses for these purchases, ji chen couldnt help but feel delighted. all these items together cost approximately 290,000 gold coins, just a little short of the previous goal of 300,000 gold coins. just when ji chen thought he couldnt reach rhe small goal, things took a turn. on the morning of the fourth day, ji chen stood by the shore bidding farewell to i_lovejblack_stockings. l_love_black_stockings looked reluctant. big boss islander, are you leaving already? after spending so many days together, i find it hard to part with you. seeing her expression, ji chen couldnt help but respond with a touch of annoyance. are you upset about me leaving or about the gold coins i gave you? 1_love_black_stockings was exposed by his remark and couldnt keep up the act anymore, embarrassedly touching her head. this time, ji chens visit directly and indirectly brought her a profit of almost tens of thousands of gold coins, a considerable windfall. if this happened a few more times, she would become a wealthy woman in no time. looking at the sky, ji chen realized that if he started heading back now, he would reach the new moon islands by the afternoon of the day after tomorrow. all good things must come to an end. after staying on king kong island for almost a week and completing all the tasks, he had said what needed to be said. this trip had yielded substantial gains, and there was no reason to continue staying. its about time for me to leave. i hope that the next time we meet, youll become even stronger than you are now. hearing this, i_love_black_stockings also became serious, nodding and saying, i also hope that you, big boss islander enemy incoming!!!1 before she could finish her sentence, a sudden alert sounded from the other side of the territory, causing i_love_black_s lockings expression to change. at this moment, who would dare to attack her territory? it seemed impossible! ji chen also furrowed his brows slightly. he hadnt even left yet, and they dared to attack? soon, a group of soldiers hurriedly ran over, their expressions showing a hint of anxiety. what happened? who are the enemies? the leading soldier looked somewhat puzzled and quickly reported, reporting, my lord, there is a large group of half-orcs approaching the territory, but it seems like they are not here to attack. they all appear to be weary and exhausted. l_love_black_stockings was taken aback and asked in confusion, half-orcs? arent those burly, simple-minded beings that usually live deep in the forests? why would they appear near rhe coast? is the one leading them a small female half-orc with a striking resemblance to a human on the outside? ji chen asked. the soldier was surprised and said instinctively, how did you know? ji chen smiled; of course, he knew. as expected, it was lady irona and her group. following his instructions, a group of disheveled and downcast half-orcs were brought in front of him. among them was lady irona. when lady irona saw ji chen, her face was filled with surprise and a sense of relief. however, as she noticed the ambiguous smile on ji chens face, a hint of embarrassment flashed across her own. she couldnt help but recall how arrogantly she had rejected his invitation a few days ago, and now she came back in such a pitiful state. the embarrassment overwhelmed her. taking a deep breath, lady irona knew this was not the time to dwell on such matters; there were more important things to attend to. lord ji chen, 1 seeing the embarrassment on the face of this female half-orc that didnt quire resemble one, ji chen took the initiative to ease the tension and spoke in a gentle and comforting tone. now that you and your companions are here in front of me, it means you have accepted my invitation. dont worry; i hold no grudges. my previous promises still stand; theres no need to fret. his soothing words helped lady tronas complexion to relax, and she finally felt some relief. she couldnt help but admire ji chens generosity and tolerance. having a lord with such magnanimity was worth her loyalty and allegiance. your excellency, i have one final question, lady irona said. go ahead, ji chen replied. in your territory the crown of the ocean, are there other races besides humans? lady irona inquired. ji chen pondered for a moment and understood the reason behind her question. besides humans, there are kobolds, cave people, and sea creatures. the crown of the ocean is a land that embraces tolerance and greatness, capable of accommodating any race for survival and prosperity, ji chen explained. even half-orcs can integrate into it without any barriers. as soon as ji chens answer was given, lady ironas last concern vanished completely. she immediately showed a respectful expression and kneeled to signify her allegiance. your excellency, we are willing to submit to you and become members of your domain we disagree! suddenly, a discordant voice came from behind. lady irona turned around with an expression of surprise and anger, rebuking, daro tribe, we agreed that you would follow my decision, but what are you doing now!? a group of particularly strong half-orcs emerged from the crowd, displaying a domineering attitude. observing this, ji chen squinted, remaining silent as he watched their performance. the leader of this group of half-orcs was nearly 2.5 meters tall, with a physique twice as sturdy as the others. their exposed bodies were covered in various scars from blades and axes, some recent and others old, with fresh blood still oozing from some. among them, many seemed to be recent additions to their collection of injuries. this group of half-orcs exuded a strong and fierce aura, clearly a bunch of battle-hardened warriors who considered their scars a mark of honor. the leader of rhe half-orcs arrived before ji chen with bloodshot bronze eyes filled with lingering killing intent and ferocity. ji chens mouth curled up slightly. it seems that things have become quite interesting.. Chapter 193 - Chapter 193: The Daro Tribe Submits chapter 193: the daro tribe submits translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat! daro leader, what are you doing!? didnt we agree that the toothwood tribe would follow us and seek refuge under the lord for a way to survive? could it be that the prestigious daro tribe is going back on its word today?11 lady irona stood up, glaring at him. daro glanced at her, his worm-like eyebrows furrowing. irona, 1 know you are the smartest half-orc on king kong island, and i did promise you that before. but after 1 came here, my thoughts changed. with that, daro looked towards ji chen, a proud expression crossing his face, along with a hint of disdain and doubt. the daro tribe only submits to rhe strong, but he doesnt look like a strong one at all. such a thin and weak body, 1 could easily snap his arms and legs with just one hand. tell me, can the honorable daro tribe bow to a we aiding like him? no!!! the half-orcs behind daro roared angrily, thumping their chests with clenched fists. lady irona was speechless, realizing that to make this group of muscle-headed half-orcs truly submit, she would have to conquer them with her personal strength. but lord ji chen clearly, even lady irona had little hope in this regard. after all, she had only witnessed the strength of the young girl beside ji chen but had never seen him take action. it seemed that like her, he was not adept at combat and belonged to the strategist type. seeing lady irona at a loss for words, daro felt triumphant. however, he suddenly noticed the strange expressions on the faces of the other humans present. when i_love_black_stockings heard the burly half-orc say that the big boss islander was weak, she couldnt hold back her feelings. what kind of confidence did this half-orc have to dare to say such things? if the big boss islander was considered weak, then what did that make the rest of them? seeing that he couldnt convince daro, lady irona could only apologize. your excellency, please dont mind what he said. the half-orc race highly reveres strength and does not prioritize intelligence. the daro tribe, in particular, selects its leader entirely based on strength, even naming the tribe after the leader. so in other words, the leaders selected are usually muscle-headed dunces, just like daro in front of them. however, this daro was nor an ordinary half-orc; he was a hero. [daro (hero)] i race: half-orc j [current tier]: blue excellent-tier [potential]: blue excellent-tier [skills]: half-orc bloodline (blue skill, increases stamina and wound recovery speed by 100%) rage (blue skill, increases movement speed and attack speed by 30%) skin resistance (blue skill, increases skin defense by 30%) might (blue skill, increases strength by 30%) [unit trait |: half-orcs wrath (blue skill, boosts the morale of all underlings by 50% in all attributes) [leader of the half-orc tribe, if you can subdue him, he can serve as a subordinate charging into battle] wow, he was similar to benbo. not only did he have decent strength himself, but he could also provide significant bonuses to the same type of units. as daro noticed the slightly strange looks from the other humans, he couldnt make sense of it. but soon, he dismissed the thought. what was he thinking? lets just fight first! if you want me, if you want the daro tribe to submit, you must defeat me first!!! daro shouted loudly at ji chen, his naturally loud voice almost deafening the others present. ji chen looked at this muscle-headed half-orc with some helplessness. at first, he felt a bit annoyed by daros words, but after realizing that he was just a brainless half-orc, he didnt feel much anger anymore. after all, there was no need to get angry with a muscle-headed fool. dealing with such a situation required a good beating. daro had yet to realize that he was about to receive a beating when he saw ji chens indifferent expression, and he thought that ji chen was afraid. his expression grew even more smug and arrogant as he provocatively taunted. human, are you afraid to fight strong daro? after all, humans can t match our half-orcs in cunning and deceit. 1 dont know why irona wants us to submit to you. if it werent for the promise of food here, i wouldnt waste my time coming here daro, shut up! irona said with a trembling voice. she saw that the little girl who had beaten up the toothwood tribe was already looking unfriendly. not only her, but the beautiful mermaid-like girl with fins on her ears, the fish people exuding strange power, and the large group of soldiers behind them all had killing intent in their eyes when they looked at daro. since ji chen himself didnt have combat prowess, his subordinates could give daro a good beating! if they really angered ji chen, their chance to join the crown of the ocean might be ruined! daro, however, seemed completely unconcerned and continued nonchalantly, he he, i shouldnt have wasted my time coming here today. it would have been better to kill a few more enemies suddenly, daro felt a tremendous pressure emanating from ji chen. he felt a darkness descending upon him, and rhe pressure was like a massive mountain, coming down from the sky and casting a huge shadow. thud daro was forced to kneel on the ground, his face filled with terror. because he saw ji chen in front of him, towering like a giant that connected heaven and earth. looking up, he saw a group of deep, divine-like eyes gazing at him, seemingly seeing through everything about his physical and spiritual being. the more he was stared at, the more frightened and terrified daro became. he couldnt even utter a word and could only cower on the ground, trembling like a little chick. at this point, all disrespectful thoughts had vanished from daros mind. he just hoped that this nightmare would end quickly. after what felt like a long time, daro felt the surroundings gradually brightening, causing him to startle and prop himself up. im willing to submit, ah ah ah - without changing his expression, ji chen used a tentacle made of condensed water to wrap around daros legs and swung him forcefully into rhe air. like an astronaut, he had left the cabin and was in good condition. like a tennis ball hit with great force, daro flew through the air. when he reached the highest point reached by inertia, he began free-failing, crying out more miserably as the sea surface approached. just before the impact with the sea, the tentacle wrapped around daro again, and with a forceful swing, he was sent back into the sky. the sequence continued indefinitely with a pattern of descent, ascent, descent, and ascent, repeating in a continuous cycle. seeing daro constantly ascending and descending in the air, and hearing his pitiful and mournful cries, everyone present gasped in horror, feeling chills in their hearts. looking at ji chen, who remained unfazed, they couldnt help but gulp nervously. they would rather be killed instantly with a single slash than be tortured like this!! eventually, daro stopped making any sound and was returned to the ground. ji chen looked at daro, whose eyes were now turning white, foaming at the mouth, lying on the ground like a puddle of mud, and was somewhat surprised. his vitality is surprisingly tenacious. it seems i can play a little more. hearing these words, daro, who was pretending to be dead, instantly jumped up and kneeled down, his face filled with terror and pleading. sir, my lord, no, father! 1 know 1 was wrong. please spare my life!! as long as you tell me to go east, ill go east, and if you order me to go west, ill go there too. i will always be loyal to you!1 seeing daro, with tears and snot streaming down his face, looking completely different from his previous arrogant self, ji chen smiled. didnt you say coming here was a waste of time? no, no, no! meeting you is the greatest honor of my life! didnt you say humans only know how to use cunning tricks? thats impossible. for example, you, my lord, are one of rhe strong ones! stronger than strong daro? yes, yes! daro nodded frantically like a chick pecking at seeds, his face filled with the desire to survive. ji chen gave it a deep look and ignored it, then turned to the other half-orcs, speaking coldly. does anyone else have objections? they all knelt down, their expressions a mix of fear and excitement. half-orcs revered and admired the strong, so when they saw even the most powerful among them, daro, submit, they naturally had no objections. irona watched this scene with complex emotions. she hadnt expected that lord ji chen would be such a powerful spellcaster, able to make daro kneel with just his pressure, without any resistance. even though the pressure wasnt directed at her just now, she still felt a shiver down her spine. at this moment, irona saw ji chen turn back and walk towards her. he looked deeply into her eyes and spoke slowly. after joining the crown of the ocean, you are no longer called tribes; you will be known as half-orcs. upon hearing this, ironas face showed a touch of bitterness, nodding reluctantly. at this point, they had no bargaining power left. in rhe face of absolute strength, everything appeared pale and powerless.. Chapter 194 - Chapter 194: Leaving King Kong Island, an Impassioned Speech chapter 194: leaving king kong island, an impassioned speech translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen walked back with his hands behind his back, but he saw l_love_black_stockings looking at him with a resentful expression. big boss islander, when did you bring back so many half-orcs? them? i ran into them on the way back from the ruins and invited them to join us. ran into, invited. i_love_black_stockings couldnt help but twitch her eye corner when she heard these words. what a lie! why didnt she run into so many half-orcs when she walked? if he just ran into them, why would he allow them to bring their whole families to cross the forest from afar just to find him!? looking at the two half-orc heroes, daro and irona, she couldnt help but salivate. they were blue and purple-rare tier heroes who came to offer themselves voluntarily could this be the aura of a big boss? naturally attracting people to come and join? seeing i_love_black_stockings envious expression, ji chen shrugged, not explaining too much. he turned his gaze to the group of half-orcs. among them, besides the mature half-orcs, there were also quite a few elderly, weak, and young ones. they were subtly divided into several groups. summoning irona, ji chen inquired and learned that this group of half-orcs consisted not only of toothwood tribe and daro tribe members but also from other tribes. as it turned out, after ji chen left and irona gathered the other three half-orc tribes whose gathering grounds and hunting grounds had also been occupied, they attempted to concentrate their forces and launch a counterattack. the result was quite clearthey were soundly defeated and forced to retreat. apart from irona and daro, the chiefs of the other three tribes were killed on the spot during the counterattack. eventually, under ironas suggestion, they fled with the remaining half-orcs and sought refuge here. so, the group of half-orcs here consisted of members from five different tribes. upon careful counting, there were more than 1,750 half-orcs in total. once they joined the ocean crown (crown of the ocean), they would become the second-largest population after humans among the subjects. previously, when ji chen just arrived on the island and helped i_love_black_ stockings deal with those four players, he also gained a batch of population from their territory. the number of people was slightly less than this group of half-orcs but still amounted to more than 1,500. adding them together, there were over 3,000 people in total. this trip to king kong island, apart from other resources gained, just the population alone could be considered a huge fortune. feeling in high spirits, ji chen waved his hand, and the troops began to transport the half-orcs onto the ships. after half a day, all the half-orcs were loaded onto the ships, and the fleet was ready to set sail. on the shore, ji chen bid farewell to i_love_black_stockings. big boss islander, come visit my place whenever you have the time. i will definitely treat you well! i got it. i also welcome you to the ocean crown. ji chen didnt say much; he wasnt much of a talker himself, just politely replied. unexpectedly, when l_love_black_stockings heard this, her eyes brightened. to the ocean crown? i might feel a bit embarrassed, but since you invited me, i cant now show my respect and refuse you. after i finish reconstructing my territory and organizing everything, i will come to visit you as a guest! ji chen watched as l_love_black_stockings spoke with a smooth tongue, slightly surprised, but then smiled, alright, youre welcome to come. the ocean crown and new moon islands would inevitably attract attention from the world, and having i_love_black_stockings as the second player on the new moon islands was a promising idea. with this thought in mind, ji chen didnt waste any more time. he waved his hand, jumped down into the sea, and walked on the layered water steps towards the new moon. the fleet, which had been anchored for several days, set sail again and began its journey back. the journey was as dull as ever. three days later. ji chen looked at the gradually appearing new moon islands and felt quite pleased. no matter how exciting and bustling the outside world was, it couldnt compare to the comfort and peace of his own territory. compared to when he left, there were visibly more buildings on the island, giving off a hint of civilization. on the deck, half-orcs and humans gathered by the ships rail, looking at the distant outline of the islands. their faces displayed both anxiety and hope. this was going to be their new home the fleet circled around the islands and finally sailed into the bay on the eastern side of the main island. here, a large water fort and a developing commercial port came into view. the stationed troops inside the water fort had long spotted ji chen and his group. they had already opened the forts gate, and the fleet sailed in, docking at the pier. all the residents of the ocean crown, led by wilus, gathered at the shore to welcome them. as the new moon dropped anchor, ji chen stood at the side of the ship, looking down at the residents below, who were also gazing back at him. he raised his right hand and waved, im back. boom like a burst of flood, the residents erupted into thunderous cheers, their faces filled with excitement. the lord is back!! our lord returned triumphantly this time, bringing back several warships! of course! our lord is a wise and heroic leader. whats just a few warships to him? and it looks like he has brought back quite a few new residents too. our territory is going to be even livelier now! amidst the cheers of the residents, ji chen was the first to step down from the ship and walked onto the pier. like a victorious general returning from a campaign, he followed the path cleared by the people and reached the center of the crowd. standing atop a water platform, he allowed everyone to see him clearly and his dignified posture.. Chapter 195 - Chapter 195: Leaving King Kong Island, an Impassioned Speech chapter 195: leaving king kong island, an impassioned speech translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the residents fell silent, gazing up at their beloved lord. ji chen surveyed the surroundings and spoke slowly, this time at sea, we achieved unprecedented gainsresources, armies, and population. we have obtained enough resources to fill our warehouses, enabling the prosperity and better lives of all on the ocean crown. our armies have grown stronger through extensive battles, capable of resisting any external threats! but thats not all; more residents and companions have chosen to join us. as a result, the new moon islands will become even livelier and more vibrant. while we fight for the future of the ocean crown abroad, you have not slackened at home. ive witnessed the water fort rising rapidly, the budding commercial port, the sea of new homes, and the dedicated figures toiling under the scorching sun. you have played a crucial role, no less than us, perhaps even surpassing us. with genuine emotion in his speech, ji chen touched the hearts of the residents, causing their faces to flush with excitement. they realized that their recent hardships and fatigue were nothing compared to the recognition and praise from their lord. an emotion began brewing within them, like the prelude to a volcanic eruption. ji chen could sense the atmosphere and emotions reaching their peak. he opened his arms, his enthusiasm rising, and his voice became more fervent, i am immensely proud of the residents of the ocean crown! but this is not enough. we are still not strong enough because ambitious outsiders are greedily eyeing our land, wanting to seize it and take away our place of survival. can we agree to their demands? no!!! the native residents roared with defiance. evil creatures from the deep sea want to invade us again, kill us, and devour our families and companions, turning this place into a desolate and lifeless wasteland. can we stop resisting and surrender? no! kill them!!! the residents seemed to envision the scenes of grotesque monsters roaring and charging towards them, fearlessly expressing their determination. and those cunning adversaries hiding in the shadows, plotting malicious schemes, waiting for us to let down our guard and deliver a deadly blow. can we become complacent with our achievements and stop striving to become stronger? no! keep moving forward!!! very well! ji chen raised his right hand triumphantly, his demeanor impassioned. in that case, we must continue to strive and fight. every bit of effort today will make tomorrows life even better. with each step forward today, we become stronger tomorrow! as long as we keep marching, our vision high, our will unwavering, one day, the ocean crown will become the most dazzling gem amidst the boundless ocean!! long live the lord! long live the ocean crown! suddenly, a resounding roar erupted from the crowd, igniting the volcano. long live the lord! long live the ocean crown! long live the lord! long live the ocean crown! the thunderous sound reverberated like a roaring thunder, shaking the leaves, startling birds into flight, and drowning out the howling of the sea tide. all the residents were in a state of fervor, waving their arms as if they could wave them off, passionately shouting slogans, and gazing at ji chen on the high platform with intense excitement. at this moment, ji chen was their deity in their hearts. outside the crowd, lady irona watched ji chen amidst the fervent people, her face filled with astonishment. her heart pounded violently with the chants of the crowd, making her feel like she had become a part of them. to be adored so passionately by the residents, the lord must be a wise and mighty leader who could guide them towards greatness. just as she felt relieved and reassured, she suddenly heard a voice coming from nearby. long live the lord! long live the ocean crown! she turned her head and saw daro, his face flushed with excitement and tears in his eyes, waving his arms and shouting slogans at the top of his voice. thanks to his naturally loud voice, he had become the most eye-catching one among the crowd. lady irona was speechless. this guy sure adapted quickly. ding- due to your speech, the peoples sentiment has increased by 15 points. the current sentiment is 85 points, and the labor efficiency of the residents will be increased by 50% within the next seven days. ding- due to your speech, the newly joined residents will not lower the sentiment. as ji chen saw the system notifications pop up, he felt pleasantly surprised. in ordinary situations, with so many new residents, especially from different races, the sentiment would typically plummet by dozens of points in an instant. but now, not only did the sentiment not drop, but it even increased significantlywhat a fantastic gain! feeling the energy and loyalty of the residents, ji chens heart swelled with pride and determination. with such a devoted and passionate group, he was more certain than ever that the ocean crown would become an unshakable bastion of strength and prosperity. he could sense the potential of this land, and with the support of his people, they would face any challenge and emerge victorious. the speech had ignited a burning spirit in the hearts of the residents, and this fiery passion would fuel their journey towards an even brighter future. the ocean crown was now not just a land of survival, but a land of dreams and aspirations, a realm where hope and determination thrived. the lord of glory, ji chen, smiled as he basked in the heartfelt cheers of the people, vowing to lead them to achieve greatness and defend their beloved home, the ocean crown, against all odds. wikis, stay behind, and the rest of you, go about your work! with ji chens order, all the residents rushed enthusiastically to their respective posts, and the previously crowded dock suddenly became empty. wilus walked over, his face still filled with excitement from the earlier speech. my lord, your words were simply marvelous! i have never seen such a magnificent lord like you! ji chen smiled and said, calm down now, theres still a lot of work for you to do. please, give me your orders! take the new human residents from the ship and assign them housing in the territory. be sure to keep them separate from the original residents for a while to allow them time to get acquainted and adapt to each other. unload all the supplies from the ship and move them into storage, but prioritize organizing the personnel first. here are the building blueprints for you. coordinate the resources and start construction when its appropriate. and, i brought back a batch of alchemical guards from the outside. they will be responsible for the defense of the ocean crown and the new moon islands. the original army can return to their posts. thats it for now. ji chen rapidly gave a series of instructions. wilus accepted the stack of blueprints, bowed, and immediately set to work. a loyal and dutiful subordinate like him was someone any lord would cherish. soon, groups of new residents were led into the territory, and box after box of supplies were unloaded and carried away. as for the half-orcs, ji chen had promised to allow them to find a place to live on the island. so, he instructed benbo to lead lady irona and daro to explore the islands and find suitable locations for settlement. of course, they would have to build their own houses, as the current human residences in the territory would probably make them feel cramped due to their size. after settling the new residents, ji chen and the others returned to the ocean crown and disbanded the army. he then took out the control crystal from his backpack and connected it to the territory. ding- control crystal has been bound to the territory. following the system prompt, ji chen released the alchemical guards from the space storage sphere. the residents were thrilled and filled with admiration when they saw these guardians, knowing that they were here to protect them. ji chen spent some time releasing all eight hundred ruins guardians, filling the territory to the brim, making it quite crowded. with a thought, he quickly commanded them to various locations C the outskirts of the territory, the water fort, the commercial port, resource points, warning lighthouses, and the subsidiary islands. the ruins guardians either patrolled in plain sight or concealed themselves in inconspicuous corners, ready to act when the time came. next, ji chen went to the beach and released all the ocean guardians as well. with over two thousand of them, they would patrol the new moon islands day and night, providing defense and vigilance against any invading enemies. lastly, more than forty sky guardians soared into the sky, becoming a pair of watchful eyes from above. with the addition of the alchemical guards, the defense system of the ocean crown became even more robust, and its protection capability improved significantly. everything was completed! Chapter 196 - Chapter 196: Strong Military Power, You Don’t Want to… chapter 196: strong military power, you dont want to translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the first day back in the territory was destined to be extremely busy. after sending the ruins guardians to various positions, ji chen hurried to the western side of the territory and took out the military recruitment camp cores he had acquired on king kong island. he began constructing them one by one. a few minutes later. the originally empty space, which only had a few recruitment camps standing, suddenly had dozens of them, neatly arranged in rows. detected the appearance of evolved military recruitment camps. do you want to spend resources to upgrade them all? the notification came from the military talent tree. ji chen showed an unsurprised expression and chose yes without any hesitation. as long as a military unit had advanced through the military talent tree, any other military units of the same kind and origin could be assimilated to the same tier. this was much more powerful than just raising the tier of one recruitment camp. after a burst of light, the newly constructed naga warriors, dragon blood murlocs, and pure water sea pixies recruitment camps were successfully upgraded. ji chen didnt rush to recruit soldiers; instead, he went to the beach. by the waterside on the beach, he specifically set up a place for the recruitment camps of units like the dead octopus, which needed to be built in water areas. otherwise, if built on land, the recruits would just be stranded immediately. as the seawater surged, ten statues of lobster riders emerged from the water, each featuring a lobster statue atop a semi-circular arch. he took out eleven advanced crystals he obtained from the ancient land of the divine realm and began to think about which units to use them on. ten crystals could advance to tier 4, and one crystal could advance to tier 5. at this point, the territory had a total of fifty-two military recruitment camps. choosing which units to advance and how many recruitment camps to advance was a question worth pondering. after much contemplation, ji chen approached the ten lobster rider recruitment camps. the lobster riders were purchased from king kong island and belonged to the sequence of marine cavalry based on their skills and appearance. he thought about the possibility of upgrading them to the same tier as the naga warriors. their defense was almost the same as the naga warriors, their attack power was stronger by quite a bit, and they completely surpassed the naga warriors in speed. the only drawback was that lobster riders were purely marine units and couldnt fight on land. however, ji chen still felt that it was worth using the advanced crystals to upgrade them. because the ocean was their main battlefield, he urgently needed a unit that could launch rapid attacks and react quickly. ji chen made up his mind. he first used the ten advanced crystals on the ten lobster rider recruitment camps. the lobster statues that emerged from the water suddenly grew two circles larger, becoming harder and more vivid in appearance. at first glance, they looked as if a giant lobster was floating on the waters surface. [lobster statue] [tier]: 4th tier 1 star [recruitable unit]: lobster riders (4th tier 1 star) [recruitment cost]: 80 units of wood, 80 units of clay, 80 units of crude iron [click to recruit] advancing from 1st tier 2 star to 4th tier 1 star, it jumped two major levels. each one required 240 units of resources, and with ten recruitment camps, he could recruit 210 of them, which meant a total of 50,400 units of resources. seeing this data, ji chen couldnt help but gasp. indeed, 4th tier units were not cheap. for an average player, just this one recruitment would be enough to deplete most of their resources. because they were upgraded with advanced crystals, there wasnt a significant difference before and after the upgrade. so ji chen didnt hesitate and began recruiting. the lobster statues shook in unison, and the surrounding seawater churned violently. bubbles emerged in large numbers from the waters surface. one by one, sea clan warriors riding giant lobsters and wearing bone armor surfaced. a cold aura from the deep sea pervaded the area. these sea clan warriors had humanoid forms, but their entire bodies were covered in fins and scales. they held bone spears that were two meters long, and their eyes were blood-red, indicating that they were seasoned warriors with extensive battlefield experience. the giant lobsters beneath them seemed like ancient and exotic creatures. they were the size of fully-grown bulls, with a horn on their heads and bone spurs and hooks at their joints, exuding a menacing aura. it seemed to convey to others that they were not delicious delicacies but rather species that could bring death. the lobster riders emerged from the water and naturally lined up in ten rows in front of ji chen, with almost identical intervals between each formation, showing their well-trained discipline. the knights placed their bone spears on the bony racks on the sides of their giant lobsters heads and thumped their chests with their right hands, bowing in unison. great lord, we are willing to serve you and slay all enemies before us! seeing this scene, ji chen nodded in satisfaction. now, it truly looked like an ancient army. follow me, and i will lead you to ultimate glory. upon hearing this, the knights silently thumped their chests again, their determined gazes showing their unwavering resolve. [lobster riders] [race]: sea clan [tier]: 4th tier 1 star [skills]: fusion (purple skill): when the lobster mount and the rider collaborate, combat power is increased by 40%. death charge (purple skill): entering the charging state increases movement speed by 80% and impact force by 40%. sea clan bloodline (purple skill): significantly enhances stamina and injury recovery speed. swiftness (purple skill): increases movement speed by 60%.. Chapter 197 - Chapter 197: Strong Military Power, You Don’t Want to… (2) chapter 197: strong military power, you dont want to (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation [unit characteristics]: synergistic charge (when fighting or charging together with the same unit, all attributes are increased by 50%). [split out!!] with four purple-grade skills, a major transformation occurred! a formidable unit born purely for slaughter. although its tier was only 4-star, when their numbers multiplied, they could cause terrifying damage and threats. ancient cavalry, with dozens of them, could perhaps be resisted by infantry. but if their numbers reached hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands, their explosive combat power could destroy any enemy blocking their path on flat terrain. however, the lobster riders battlefield was the vast ocean. for now, let the lobster riders familiarize themselves with the new moon islands. when not on a mission, they would serve as a patrolling force. with ten advanced crystals used up, only one crystal capable of advancing to tier 5 remained. after some consideration, ji chen decided to keep it for now. since there was only one, currently, there was no unit worthy of using this advanced crystal. so, when he acquires the desired unit in the future, it wont be too late to use it. the other new unit bought from king kong island this time, the self-detonating water spider, also had ten recruitment camps. since there were no more advanced crystals, and they could only be upgraded through the military talent tree, ji chen recruited all of them this week to save some resources. one camp could recruit 35 units per week, and ten camps equaled 350 units. with a similar appearance to a long-legged spider, they had an elliptical body about the size of a millstone and eight thin legs, each over one meter long. their body was covered by a layer of bone armor like a balloon, and through the gaps, one could see dozens of spheres crowded inside. once their body exploded, these spheres would fly in all directions like clustered bombs, causing a larger secondary explosion. they were even more terrifying than human flesh bombs used in syria. as a large number of self-detonating water spiders floated on the sea surface with their legs, riding the waves, ji chen suddenly had a sense of deja vu. arent these like naval mines? with their flat bodies lying on the water surface, they were hard to detect due to the waves. when enemy ships approached, they could simply stick to the hull. they are indeed useful! ji chen casually opened the military talent tree. he began to advance the ist-tier 3-star self-detonating water spiders. consumption unlocking nodes self-detonating water spider (ist-tier 3-star) successfully advanced to self-detonating water spider (3rd-tier 3-star). after the advancement, their body did not change much, but the explosive power had undoubtedly increased exponentially. however, as they were one-time consumables, ji chen didnt want to experiment with their explosion power. after all, he would have plenty of opportunities to test it in the future. it had been a while since the last unit talent upgrade. as they faced stronger enemies, the naga warriors were no longer invincible and unstoppable. during their battle with the ruins guardians, if it hadnt been for the terrain advantage, the naga warriors would have been overwhelmed. in order to deal with more challenging and dangerous difficulties in the future, it was imperative to upgrade them once again. at their current level of development, as long as they didnt require a large amount of rare resources like mithril and orichalcum, ocean crown could fully support the consumption of upgrading several units. first, the naga warriors. likewise, ji chen recruited all the available naga warriors this week. with ten naga warrior recruitment camps, a total of 140 were recruited. then, he upgraded them using the military talent tree. naga warrior (3rd-tier 5-star) successfully advanced to naga berserker (4th-tier 5-star). with a prompt, the naga warriors became the fifth 4th-tier unit in the territory. their scales became even tougher, shimmering with a metallic luster, and their bone blades became sharper and more resilient. their strength and speed increased drastically, and their combat power multiplied several times over. next were the pixies. ji chen didnt hesitate and proceeded to recruit the pure water sea pixies in the same manner. with seven pure water sea pixie recruitment camps, each having 21 units, a total of 147 were recruited. pure water sea pixie (3rd-tier 3-star) successfully advanced to elemental sea pixie (4th-tier 3-star). the dragon blood murlocs required dragon blood crystals to advance again, so they couldnt be upgraded this time. with ten dragon blood murloc recruitment camps, a total of 140 were recruited. next on the list were the murloc rangers. murloc ranger (2nd-tier 5-star) successfully advanced to murloc prowler (3rd-tier 5-star). with two camps, each having 28 units, a total of 56 were recruited. apart from these, ji chen didnt have plans to continue upgrading other units for the time being. he simply recruited the weekly output of those units. after tallying the numbers, the quantity of each unit had significantly increased, as follows: naga berserkers: 202 units, 4 th-tier 5-star. shallow sea murlocs: 207 units, 4th-tier 3-star. pure water sea pixies: 224 units, 4th-tier 3-star. lobster riders: 140 units, 4th-tier 1-star. murloc prowlers: 266 units, 3rd-tier 5-star. self-detonating water spiders: 350 units, 3rd-tier 3-star. elite pirates: 270 units, 2nd-tier 4-star. deep sea roamers: 20 units, 4th-tier 1-star. tidal sea spirits: 3 units, 4th-tier 1-star. giant octopuses: 10 units, 4th-tier 8-star. a total of 1,692 units. ji chen was in a great mood. after hard work and cultivation, he finally obtained the desired harvest. although most of the resources obtained from the raid and gathering were consumed, in return, he now possessed a much stronger and powerful army. it was a snowball effect, where gaining resources allowed him to exchange for a more formidable army, and with that army, he could acquire even more resources. this cycle continued, constantly building on each other. with a happy smile on his face, ji chen made passersby wonder if he had encountered something extraordinary.. Chapter 198 - Chapter 198: Strong Military Power, You Don’t Want to… (3) chapter 198: strong military power, you dont want to (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after completing a series of tasks, the sky gradually dimmed. as the sun set behind the mountains, the residents returned from outside and gathered together to enjoy their dinner. the dinner was sumptuous, with various meats, vegetables, and seafood laid out on the square. this was because new residents had joined, and they wanted them to experience the prosperity of the ocean crown, using food to win their hearts. everyone ate with joy and contentment, creating a scene of happiness and tranquility. among them, the half-orcs ate the most, stuffing chunks of meat into their mouths as if their lives depended on it, resembling hungry ghosts finding their home. after the satisfying meal, the residents began to sing and dance. even the well-fed half-orcs joined in, dancing to the primitive half-orc dance while making peculiar sounds. with a rhythmic and melodic beat, both humans and kobolds couldnt resist joining the festive dance. the peculiar dance unknowingly broke down much of the barrier between the half-orcs and other residents, subtly raising their affinity towards one another. ji chen watched this scene with satisfaction, nodding approvingly. as the supreme lord, he couldnt easily join the celebration, so he quietly returned to the lord manor. however, at the entrance, he saw lady irona waiting for him. lady irona, do you need something from me? ji chen asked as he approached her. lady irona hesitated for a moment upon seeing ji chen, then nodded and replied. in that case, come inside, and we can talk, ji chen said casually. the two of them walked into the lord manor one after the other. lady irona locked the door behind them, much to ji chens surprise. she then slowly approached him. with each step, her clothes fell to the ground until she stood before him completely naked. ji chen looked at her with astonishment. what are you doing? lady irona blushed but maintained her composure. among the half-orcs, the submissive party must offer everything to the strong. males offer their lives and strength, while females offer their bodies to bear offspring, in return for the protection of the strong. so, as the representative leader of the toothwood tribe as a half-orc, i should offer everything to you, lady irona said, her voice trembling with embarrassment. after finishing her words, lady irona couldnt bear it any longer and lowered her head, as if trying to reduce her sense of shame. ji chen looked at lady ironas unexpectedly attractive figure and squinted his eyes. a hint of interest appeared on his face. it seemed like there would be some entertainment tonight. ive been curious for a long time, how did such a petite being like you come to be born in the half-orc tribe? ive noticed that the female half-orcs are usually big and strong. lady irona lazily lay on ji chens chest, not even bothering to move a finger, and replied leisurely, my father was a half-orc, and my mother was a human, which is why i turned out more like a human. ji chen suddenly realized. so that was the reason. it seemed that her mothers genes were quite powerful to compete with the burly half-orcs and make her offspring more human-like. he didnt delve deeper into why lady ironas mother, a human, would be in a half-orc tribe. however, he guessed that it might be a story of a half-orc kidnapping a human girl while she was out playing and bringing her back home, leading to some explicit scenes that couldnt be allowed on the page. this plotline was quite familiar to him. while lady irona was resting lazily, she suddenly frowned, feeling something unusual in her body. a hint of panic flashed in her eyes, and she looked up, pleading, lord, i cant continue, please do it again next time but ji chen interrupted her words, his expression becoming stern. lady irona, you wouldnt want the lives of the half-orcs to become unpleasant, right? upon hearing this, lady ironas body stiffened, and she stopped struggling. her eyes shimmered with teardrops. as long as you treat the half-orcs well, i im willing to do anything. thats the right attitude. dont worry, i will treat them all fairly. as long as you cooperate, everything will be fine. Chapter 199 - Chapter 199: Returning Kobolds and Lizardmen chapter 199: returning kobolds and lizardmen translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the next day. ji chen walked out of the lord manor, looking refreshed and full of energy. today, there were many things that needed to be taken care of. last night, news came from the underground cave that they had found several kobolds who had disappeared after rashly entering the mysterious entrance due to the vibrations. however, ji chen was busy at that time and couldnt spare time for it. so, he temporarily put the matter aside and planned to handle it this morning. being his first encounter with kemonomimi in his life, he couldnt help but feel excited. dont blame the lord for being irresponsible, only blame the beauty for being too charming. ji chen was in a very pleasant mood at the moment, leisurely leading alice and the others to the entrance of the underground cave. the entrance had been expanded several times to facilitate the transportation of mineral resources. the resources were gathered here and then transported back to the territory. lord! two kobolds guarding the entrance saw him coming and their eyes were both fanatical and awed. ji chen waved his hand casually and said a few encouraging words that made them ecstatic. then he got to the point. last night, you found those kobolds. where did you find them? reporting to the lord, we found them in a branch cave below that entrance. ji chen nodded and stopped asking. he led the troops into the cave. he wanted to meet those kobolds and inquire about more information and details. in the largest cave of the underground cave. a group of emaciated kobolds with pale faces and gaunt bodies were brought before him. they looked fearful and bowed almost to the ground. ji chen looked at them and couldnt help but furrow his brows. werent there over twenty kobolds missing? how come there were only a few here? with this doubt in mind, ji chen called one of the kobolds over. why are there only a few kobolds? what about the others? lord, when we found them, only these few were left. we dont know where the others went. we also asked the other kobolds about their whereabouts, but as soon as they heard the question, their emotions became agitated, and we couldnt continue the communication ji chen nodded and looked at the kobolds in front of him, gesturing for them to stand up. im sorry for what youve been through during this time. as these words were spoken, tears welled up in the eyes of these kobolds, and they cried uncontrollably, weve been through such hardships during this time. when we were hungry, we could only eat the mushrooms growing in the cave, and when we were thirsty, we could only drink water droplets from the rocks. if you hadnt found us a little later, we would have starved to death! ji chen fell silent for a moment. he had almost given up on the idea of finding them earlier and had only sent a few teams of kobolds out to search symbolically. but unexpectedly, these kobolds had survived against all odds and were found alive. it was truly remarkable. after these kobolds finished pouring out their grievances, ji chen continued to speak. dont worry, from now on, you wont have to worry about food. the territory will make sure you are well-fed. now, i have a question for you besides you, where did the other dozen or so kobolds go? did they go missing, or did they die? as soon as the words fell, these kobolds all looked horrified at the same time. they covered their heads with their hands and cowered on the ground, trembling uncontrollably. this reaction startled ji chen. he didnt expect their response to be so intense as if they were reminded of something they feared greatly. just when ji chen was at a loss, alice approached, saying, my lord, let me try to soothe their emotions. ji chen was initially puzzled, but soon he understood the reason behind it. alices singing could take creatures into beautiful illusions, and perhaps it could be used to calm these fear-stricken kobolds. with his permission, alice took a step forward. her melodic voice slowly echoed in the cave. even though it didnt contain any magic, the singing was incredibly pleasant to the ears. it was more ethereal than the singing of a nightingale and more melodious than a cuckoos call. even those without a musical bone in their body could feel the beauty of this singing. gradually, the kobolds lying on the ground, convulsing in fear, stopped trembling and perked up their dog-like ears to listen to the melody. seeing this scene, ji chens face lit up. its indeed effective! several kobolds stood up from the ground, their faces gradually calming down. as the song ended, alice stepped back to the rear. at this point, most of the fear on the faces of the kobolds had dissipated. observing this, ji chen carefully asked again. this time, although there was still some fear on their faces, they no longer lost control of their emotions. with his guidance, they narrated everything they had seen and heard from the day they were trapped until they were rescued. on that day, after the passage was blocked due to the tremors, we discovered a new cave formed from the collapse. we thought there might be another exit inside, so we all went down together. once we descended, we found that it was another vast cave as we wandered around, we reached an enormous underground space, ten times larger than this one! hearing this, ji chen subconsciously looked around. the place they were currently in was the largest chamber in this underground cave system, with an area approximately the size of a football field. but if the other place they mentioned was ten times bigger, wouldnt it cover tens of thousands of square meters? that cave connects hundreds of caves of varying sizes embedded in the rock walls, and there were clear signs of creatures living there. as they spoke, the kobolds faces displayed evident fear.. Chapter 200 - Chapter 200: Returning Kobolds and Lizardmen (2)(2) chapter 200: returning kobolds and lizardmen (2)(2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation we havent had a chance to explore; a large number of lizardmen rushed out from those caves. when we saw this scene, we ran as fast as we could, but a few of us got separated from the other kobolds. because we were not familiar with the environment and didnt pay attention to the direction while fleeing, a few of us ended up getting lost. we hid in an inconspicuous cave, and thats how we were eventually found. as for the other kobolds who got lost, they probably got eaten by those lizardmen! sob~ after listening, ji chen let out a sigh of relief. wow, he didnt expect there to be such a story down here. underneath this underground cave, theres even a deeper cave, inhabited by another racethe lizardmen. whats even funnier is that the kobolds have been living here for hundreds of years, continuously digging tunnels, and yet they never dug a passage connecting to the lizardmens cave. the two races have been living peacefully without knowing each others existence for such a long time. it wasnt until an earthquake created a narrow passage that connected the two caves. and there were lizardmen down there ji chens interest was piqued, and he spoke with a serious expression. anina, i want you to go back now and lead a troop to guard the entrance of that cave. if you find any creatures attempting to come out from inside and they are not friendly units, eliminate them without mercy! yes! kobolds, listen up! put down what youre doing right now and conduct a thorough search of this cave. find out if there are any other passages leading to the lizardmens cave! report immediately if you find anything! yes, my lord! although he was intrigued, ji chen couldnt afford to be careless about the lizardmen. he knew next to nothing about them. soon, under the mobilization, anina led hundreds of troops into the cave. the hundreds of kobolds carefully inspected each and every cave, even the abandoned ones. three days later, they got the results. aside from the initial passage they found, they also discovered two other passageways leading downward in separate caves. one of the passages even had a diameter of four to five meters. yet, it seemed the lizardmen had not noticed. upon receiving this information, ji chen decided to start exploring the lizardmens cave immediately. according to the kobolds description, there were at least a thousand lizardmen living in that underground space. such a large group of unknown forces, whether they are friendly or hostile, cannot be ignored. after such a long time, the passage formed by the previous earthquake should have stabilized, and it should no longer collapse easily. on the morning of the fourth day, ji chen assembled all the troops capable of combat on land and entered through the largest passage. they descended along the sloping path. whether it was his imagination or not, he felt the temperature rising as they went deeper. sweat dripped from his forehead. after a brief thought, ji chen realized the key to the problem. below this mountainous region lies a dormant volcano. now, they were descending deeper into the volcano, which explained the increasing heat. two hours later. the passage came to an end, and a vast magma pool appeared before them. under the dark rock walls, the crimson magma flowed slowly, causing the air to shimmer. the bubbling lava occasionally erupted and splashed on the walls with a gurgling sound. as they arrived here, the temperature skyrocketed to an extreme level. within a few seconds, their backs were completely drenched, and sweat poured down their foreheads, leaving their mouths dry. as the tidal dominator, ji chen instinctively felt disgusted by this place. without water, his combat power would be reduced by ninety percent. moreover, the army seemed to encounter some issues as well. the naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs, although amphibious units, were not capable of prolonged activity in high temperatures. in this magma environment, their combat capabilities were significantly weakened. though they could still maintain their fighting strength, they visibly appeared sluggish. ji chen knew that a swift and decisive victory was necessary. observing his surroundings, he searched for the way forward. the space was not complicated; above the magma pool, there was a stone bridge that led further in. without hesitation, he gestured and led the army to advance along the stone bridge. the bridge showed signs of artificial carving, with handrails made from carved rock, and some primitive patterns on the bridge surface. as they moved forward, ji chen gained a preliminary understanding of the level of civilization in the lizardmens culture. the stone bridge was not very long, and after ten minutes or so, they reached its end, yet they still hadnt seen any sign of the lizardmen along the way. at the end was a winding, narrow corridor with a width of less than five meters. on one side was the rock wall, and on the other side was a cliff where magma flowed underneath. naga berserkers in front, dragon blood murlocs in the rear for immediate support, and the rest follow behind me. ji chen quickly arranged the formation, and the group continued to move forward. the corridor ascended, and the flowing magma beside them gradually diminished, indicating that the temperature was slowly decreasing. ji chen became more certain of his assumption. they must be on the way to the vast underground space where the lizardmen resided. after all, those kobolds hadnt encountered any magma. this suggested that the lizardmens location was likely at a higher elevation. if that was the case, the lizardmen probably didnt prefer excessively hot environments. with this thought in mind, ji chen urged the army to accelerate. after another hour of progress, they finally stopped seeing any magma. the temperature returned to a tolerable range. passing through another passage, a space the size of a football field appeared before them. some plants emitting a faint fluorescent light grew on the walls and ground, illuminating the entire area. a group of bipedal, ugly-looking creatures with slender bodies and tails appeared not far away. ji chen squinted his eyes at the sight. as expected, these were the lizardmen the kobolds had mentioned. [lizardmen] [race]: lizardmen [tier]: tier 3, 5 stars [skills]: night vision (blue skill C enables the ability to see objects in dim environments) hibernation (blue skill C can enter a hibernation state, significantly reducing energy consumption) heat resistance (blue skill C their scales effectively insulate heat) [unit trait]: forging (lizardmen are naturally skilled at forging, easily crafting iron weapons) [the mushroom harvest this year isnt great, and our hibernation time will have to increase.] despite being tier 3, 5 stars creatures, it seemed from their skills that they werent particularly skilled in combat. however, ji chen was particularly interested in their unit trait C forging. forging? it reminded ji chen of the dragon slayer great sword obtained from the mountaintop dragons lair. due to the lack of skilled blacksmiths, the sword was still awaiting repair. if these lizardmen possessed such a unit trait, perhaps they could assist in the repairs? moreover, with the expansion of the territory and the increase in the labor force, the consumption of various iron tools, especially iron picks and axes, also increased. currently, the ocean crowns blacksmiths, initially provided by the system and gifted by the hanseatic chamber of commerce, were limited to just a dozen or so, resulting in a limited forging speed. currently, it wasnt the tools awaiting people; rather, it was people anxiously waiting for the tools. if ji chen could subdue this group of lizardmen and turn them into skilled workers, working day and night to forge tools, it might resolve the current dilemma. in an instant, ji chen had figured out the usefulness and destination for these lizardmen. a smile reminiscent of a capitalist formed on his lips. without any concealment, he walked slowly towards them with the army.. Chapter 201 - Chapter 201: Fluorescent Mushrooms, Lizardman Kingdom chapter 201: fluorescent mushrooms, lizardman kingdom translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the lizardmen quickly discovered their unexpected guests, each of them holding weapons and being on alert. but it was easy to see the surprise in their eyes. what were these strange creatures that looked completely different from them? how come they had no scales? no claws? why was their skin so pale? moreover, where did they come from? countless questions crossed their minds. just as the lizardmen were in a state of confusion, they heard the leader of the biped creatures speak. hello, we are not enemies, but come with friendship. heavens! they could understand the words spoken by these biped creatures! could they be a new lizardman tribe born in another cave? for a moment, the lizardmen started chattering, gesturing, and pointing at them from time to time. seeing their reactions, ji chen furrowed his brows. were these lizardmen afflicted with some illness? fortunately, a lizardman clad in armor stepped forward, approaching them and said, greetings, strangers. on behalf of the dork kingdom, i welcome you. although they hadnt figured out what these creatures were and where they came from, judging from their language and attire, they appeared to be an intelligent race capable of communication. not like magma golems whose minds were solely focused on eating and excreting. moreover, they were exuding a friendly vibe, unlike the other lizardman tribes that were fond of killing. the way they were dressed was quite magnificent, and their armys equipment was of high quality, making them the most formidable army ji chen had ever seen. even if they werent nobles, they were akin to knights. hearing the lizardman in armor mentioning the so-called dork kingdom, ji chen almost burst out laughing. could this minuscule place, whose exact numbers were unknown but definitely not too many, possibly form a kingdom? though he felt like laughing, ji chens emotional control was quite strong, and he easily maintained his composure. compared to other lizardmen, the one who spoke carried a fine steel long spear and wore a full set of armor, even a helmet covering their head. on the other hand, the other lizardmen held iron spears and wore rough clothes with iron pieces attached, displaying significantly simpler equipment. some of them even wore nothing more than tattered fiber clothes. clearly, this underground lizardman civilization had evolved into a system with class distinctions. judging by the medieval level of civilization in this world, the lizardman in armor should be the so-called knights, while the ones wearing iron pieces were their attendants or something similar. as for those in rags, they would be peasants or slaves. putting aside his thoughts, ji chen smiled and responded, i am ji chen, the lord of the crown of the ocean, also known as ocean crown, hailing from the surface. the crown of the ocean? the surface? the armored lizardman felt somewhat puzzled. what was the ocean? was it the name of some magma sea? and the surface could it refer to some cave located above? im sorry, lord ji chen, but i have a question. where is the surface? hearing this, ji chen furrowed his brow, suspecting something. could it be that these lizardmen were unaware of the existence of the surface? did they think this underground cave was the entire world? now, this was getting interesting. the surface refers to the world above, a vast expanse billions of times larger than this place, ji chen explained. its a place with white clouds, sunlight, oceans, islands, land, mountains, and countless races and creatures. due to a powerful upheaval, a connecting passage appeared between the surface and this underground world, which is how we arrived here. as these words were spoken, all the lizardmen were left dumbfounded. their first thought was: how is this possible!? could this lord ji chen be joking? it was probably similar to the reaction of native americans from the americas when they first learned from european colonists that beyond their land, there existed a much broader world. seeing the vastly different naga berserkers, dragon blood murlocs, floating sea pixies, and alices group, the armored lizardman felt that what lord ji chen said was unlikely to be false. they began to question their existence. these few sentences acted like heavy hammers, shattering their worldview. your excellency, i cannot determine the truth of your words, but this matter is of great importance. i must report it to the elders of the tribe to have them decide, the armored lizardman stated. please do so. but also, please introduce me to your elders. 1 have some matters to discuss with them, ji chen replied with a smile. very well. i will convey your request. please wait here. the armored lizardman nodded, gesturing for the other lizardmen to stay behind. then, he hurriedly ran towards a distant passage accompanied by a few lizardman attendants. however, this trip took a full six hours. this indicated that the activity range of this lizardman civilization was quite vast. the area they were in might belong to the border region, and reaching the core region from here would also take a considerable amount of time. ji chen didnt feel much apart from boredom, as there was no concept of day and night underground. perhaps due to the glow emitted by the plants, it was daytime here all the time. by the time they returned, instead of just a few lizardmen, there was now a hundred-strong escort of lizardmen accompanying the armored lizardman.. Chapter 202 - Chapter 202: Fluorescent Mushrooms, Lizardman Kingdom (2) chapter 202: fluorescent mushrooms, lizardman kingdom (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation among the escort were over ten so-called knights, and the rest were mostly attendants. there was also a relatively well-dressed, slightly obese lizardman noble. evidently, the lizardmen took lord ji chens presence very seriously, sending a noble to greet him. when the lizardman noble saw ji chen and the others, just like the other lizardmen, his eyes were filled with incredulity, doubt, and a hint of awe. your excellency ji chen, welcome to the western lizardmens realm, the dork kingdom. on behalf of the elders, i extend our friendly greetings to you. the western lizardmen? ji chens lips twitched. please dont tell him there are also eastern lizardmen, northern lizardmen, southern lizardmen, and each one has its own kingdom. if that were the case, he would have to deal with four lizardmen civilizations. that would be too troublesome. alright, i understand. shall we go meet your elders now? im eager to visit them, ji chen said with a hidden meaning in his words. the lizardman noble didnt catch the hidden meaning and readily agreed, of course, that can be arranged. the elders also wish to meet a guest like you from, um, the surface. with that, the noble gestured for ji chen to enter. ji chen nodded. being able to directly meet the core people of the dork kingdom was undoubtedly the best option, saving time and effort. led by the lizardman noble, the group marched towards the depths. as they ventured deeper, they encountered more lizardmen along the way. on the surface, humans lived in villages, towns, and cities. but here, thanks to the cave terrain, the lizardmen lived in clusters of caves. larger caves served as larger settlements, while smaller ones were for smaller communities. they connected to each other with various sized passages. this distinct way of life, contrasting with the human civilization on the surface, intrigued ji chen. he couldnt help but marvel at the wonders of this world, which had given birth to such unique lifestyles. throughout the journey, ji chen took note of everything he saw and heard, gathering information about the lizardmen. for example, a significant part of their diet consisted of mushrooms that emitted a green fluorescent glow. these glowing plants were similar to crops for humans and were grown in considerable quantities on the soil. ji chen witnessed how the lizardmen turned those glowing plants into powder, which they then spread like fertilizer over the mushroom beds. this piqued his curiosity, so he inspected the information panel of the fluorescent mushrooms. the sight of it startled him. these mushrooms were far from ordinary. [fluorescent mushroom] [tier]: 4-star special product [usage]: provides a substantial amount of energy for living organisms [daily staple food for the lizardmen, though the taste is not exceptional] a 4-star special product that could fill ones stomach? seeing ji chens expression, the attendant lizardman noble thought he was curious about the mushrooms and enthusiastically explained, your excellency, these mushrooms are the main staple of the lizardmen. eating just three of them a day can satisfy their daily energy needs. made into a cold salad with glowing grass, the taste is incredibly delicious, and you wont be able to forget it once you try it! at those words, ji chens curiosity grew even further, not about the latter half of the sentence, but about the first half C eating three mushrooms to satisfy ones daily energy needs? someone, pick some fluorescent mushrooms for our honored guest to enjoy! the lizardman noble quickly ordered. soon, a large bowl of fluorescent mushrooms was brought before ji chen. he casually picked one up. the mushroom was not particularly large, with a stem about the thickness of two fingers and a cap as wide as a fist. looking at the faint green glow emanating from the cap, he couldnt help but feel doubtful. is this stuff really edible? the brighter the color, the quicker the death, right? and it was still glowing. will eating this cause him to meet his ancestors who passed away many years ago? however, looking at the sincere expression on the lizardman nobles face, ji chen estimated that the noble wouldnt harm him in such a way. so, he decided to take the plunge and carefully chewed on the mushroom. his brow furrowed, and he almost wanted to spit it out. this thing tasted awful! the texture was as dry as meat roasted for a whole day and night, and the taste was like a durian left out for three days and nights. but, after just eating one, ji chen instantly felt a sense of fullness, similar to eating a large piece of meat. not to mention three, even two of them would make him feel full! this stuff was incredible! how is it? the fluorescent mushrooms are truly delicious, right? the lizardman noble asked enthusiastically. well, they are indeed very delicious, ji chen replied, managing to swallow the mushroom in his mouth. he calmly handed back the large bowl of fluorescent mushrooms, but 1 think we should hurry on our way. otherwise, it will take too long, and your elders might become anxious. upon hearing this, the lizardman noble nodded in realization. youre right; we should focus on the important matters. the group continued on their way. during the journey, the lizardman noble warmly introduced ji chen to the local customs and the scenery along the way. however, ji chen was absent-minded, thinking about those fluorescent mushrooms from earlier. those mushrooms had great potential. even though their taste and texture were terrible, their ability to provide a significant amount of energy gave them immense value. if they could be obtained in large quantities, even without being consumed by his people in ocean crown, they could be sold as a commodity to the outside world. he couldnt help but think about how many players were still worrying about the issue of food and sustenance in their territories. these fluorescent mushrooms could solve their problem easily. even the voracious appetite of the orcs and half-beasts could be satisfied with five or six mushrooms a day, without considering taste or texture. moreover, the lizardman noble mentioned that the production of fluorescent mushrooms was very high. with enough soil and fluorescent plant powder, a yield of 1,800 per mu (approximately 0.16 hectares) was not a problem. according to ji chens estimation, the maturity time was also much shorter than that of ordinary crops, rivalling even seawater rice. as ji chen pondered the business opportunities, the voice of the lizardman noble rang out. your excellency, we have arrived. welcome to dork city, the capital of the dork kingdom! ji chen looked up, and outside the passage, an extremely vast underground space came into view. the rock dome reached a kilometer high, and the eye could not see its end. only a faint outline of the city walls could be discerned. outside the city walls, the ground was covered in fluorescent mushrooms, and many lizardmen were laboring in the fields. your excellency, you cannot see the full magnificence of dork city from here. but i assure you, as we get closer, you will be amazed by its grandeur and beauty. even in the so-called above ground, i believe no city can surpass the magnificence of dork city, proudly said the lizardman noble. among the capitals of the four lizardman kingdoms, dork city was undoubtedly the most worthy of its name. ji chen glanced at the confident noble and silently shook his head. although he hadnt seen the whole city yet, he estimated that it wasnt too large. lets continue forward. the elders must be waiting, ji chen suggested. as they hurried towards dork city, inside the council hall, a five-story stone-made cathedral, the lizard elders were engaged in a heated argument. from the surface? thats impossible. our ancient stone tablets tell us that it is a world filled with rocks and soil, with magma intermingled, and there is no so-called surface world! but according to the knights report, there is indeed a group of creatures with completely different appearances from ours appearing on the border. they can also speak many words we have never heard before, like sky, sunlight, ocean. nonsense! they are just a group of mutated lizardmen. how can we believe their words? they might be spies sent by an enemy country, trying to harm the dork kingdom! i agree. after all, for thousands of years, we have been constantly expanding our borders, but we have never found anything beyond rocks and soil. now, suddenly, this group of bipedal creatures claiming to be from the surface appears. it is indeed hard to accept regardless, everything will be clear when they arrive in dork city. just then, a guards report echoed from outside. report! strangers have arrived outside the city! the lizard elders exchanged glances. alright, now we can soon get to the bottom of our doubts. bring them here! Chapter 203 - Chapter 203: War Begins, Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce Attacks chapter 203: war begins, hanseatic chamber of commerce attacks translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen and his group walked through the vast city outskirts. after half an hour of walking, the entire city was within view. this city was built within a recessed rock wall. the outermost part of the recess was marked by a fifteen-meter-high city wall, which extended in a semi-circular shape from the middle of the road to both sides, all the way to the distant rock wall. every fifty meters on the city wall, there was a watchtower with various iron defensive devices. the city wall, watchtowers, and buildings inside the city were all made of stone, giving them a unique style. it wasnt surprising that they used stone as the building material since there was no shortage of it underground, and the lizardmen were accustomed to using it. lord ji chen, the elders are waiting for you. ji chen nodded and led alice and anina, the two heroes, inside, while the rest of the troops stayed outside the city. although they were only three people, their combat strength was more than enough. arriving at the central stone building of the entire city, as soon as they entered the door, they saw a long stone table with more than ten elderly lizardmen sitting on both sides. they appeared to be the so-called lizardmen elders. at this moment, they were all staring at ji chen with scrutinizing eyes. feeling scrutinized like this by a bunch of creatures, ji chen felt somewhat uncomfortable. have you seen enough? upon hearing this, the lizardmen elders snapped out of their trance, and one particularly old lizardman, leaning on a cane, stood up. his tone was extremely proud and condescending, with his chin almost pointing to the sky. are you the ones from the surface? we are the elders of the dork kingdom. why havent you paid your respects to us? at this remark, the other lizardmen elders showed approving looks. ji chen furrowed his brow. these lizardmen elders seemed to have a rather unclear sense of self-awareness. immediately, his expression changed, and he replied without reservation, no one in this world has earned my respect, let alone you lizardmen. hearing this, the lizardmen elders glared back. these three strange creatures in front of them dared to be so disrespectful. it was simply audacious! having held a high position in the kingdom for so long, they couldnt remember the last time someone spoke to them this way. insolent! the old lizardman tapped his cane and scolded, guards, take them away and punish them with fifty lashes! as soon as the words fell, a large group of lizardman soldiers rushed in from outside the door. ji chen sighed softly and casually waved his hand. anina understood immediately and rushed forward barehanded, delivering powerful punches that resounded with the sound of bones cracking. this time, there was no gentleness like when dealing with the half-orcs. the reason for being more lenient with the half-orcs was to try and subdue them more gently. but now, judging from the lizardmens knowledge and vision, it seemed that they wouldnt listen unless enough force was used. moreover, ji chen didnt want to spend too much time and energy convincing the lizardmen to submit. after all, there were four such lizardman kingdoms in total, and trying to persuade each one would be too exhausting. the most direct way to solve the problem is through violence. after a few minutes, the ground was filled with wailing lizardman soldiers. the lizardmen elders looked at each other with suspicion. damn it! how dare they resist before the elderly lizardman elder could finish his sentence, anina, who had rushed up in just a few steps, punched him, knocking his head askew and scattering the few remaining teeth on the ground. he covered his mouth and wailed in pain. now, all the lizardmen finally quieted down, afraid of losing their teeth from a punch. at this moment, they realized how foolish it was to let ji chen and his group enter this place without a proper plan. ji chen stood with his hands behind his back and slowly walked to the head of the long table. now, im in charge here. any objections? the lizardmen elders dared to be angry but not speak. alright, im here for one thing only. ji chen glanced at them. the dork kingdom needs to submit to me. you must be dreaming with a snap, anina punched the lizardman who was the first to oppose, and he flew and landed on the ground, lifeless. seeing this scene, the other lizardmen immediately closed their mouths. now, anina was acting like a big bullys henchwoman. if anyone disrespected the boss, shed give them a punch. the commotion inside the city attracted the lizardman soldiers, and they gathered and surrounded the area. seeing this, the lizardmen elders showed joy on their faces. but ji chen remained calm. just as the lizardman soldiers were about to rush in, there suddenly came a cry of killing from outside the city gate. as time passed, the sound drew closer and closer. the army from outside the city was charging in. as a fully-fledged tier 4 military unit, the lizardmen were no match for them. in fact, even before entering the city, ji chen had ordered benbo to lead the army to capture the city gate upon hearing the commotion inside the city, and they suppressed the lizardman soldiers. soon, the army charged from the city gate and made their way here, leaving numerous lizardman corpses along the way. these lizardmen had never seen such ferocious enemies before. with just one encounter, their formation was shattered. inside the stone building, upon witnessing this scene, the lizardmen elders faces turned pale. fear and panic finally appeared in their eyes. originally, they thought it was just a group of weak visitors, but they never expected to encounter such terrifying enemies.. Chapter 204 - Chapter 204: War Begins, Hanseatic Chamber of chapter 204: war begins, hanseatic chamber of commerce attacks (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen sat steadily at the head of the table, tapping his fingers on the long table. now, can we talk about the issue of surrender? ignoring the responses and expressions of the lizardmen elders, he continued, firstly, the dork kingdom needs to submit to me. all the lizardmen within the country must obey my commands. secondly, as long as it doesnt affect your survival, you should collect as many fluorescent mushrooms as possible. lastly, i command you to immediately start a war against the other three lizardmen kingdoms. i mean right now, immediately. after these three statements, the faces of the lizardmen elders all changed simultaneously. they couldnt help but speak up, why should we start a war with the other three kingdoms? besides, its impossible for us to fight all three kingdoms at the same time! ji chen glanced at the elder, and then with a hint of a smile, asked, what if you include my army? the lizardman elder fell silent. at that moment, another cautious lizardman elder spoke up, you, um, why do you want us to start a war with the other three kingdoms? obviously, i want to rule all the lizardmen in this underground space, ji chen said matter-of-factly, why else would 1 come here? do you think 1 came to make friends with you? the lizardmen exchanged glances. ji chens army had taken over the entire dork city. although their numbers were only a few thousand, through merciless suppression, slaughter, and with the lives of the lizardmen elders as leverage, all the lizardmen willingly laid down their weapons. the entire dork kingdom began mobilizing, arming its reserve lizardmen, and assembling their forces on the border. the other three lizardmen kingdoms soon received the news, and each of them was dumbfounded. although occasional skirmishes over territorial disputes between the four kingdoms were not uncommon, there had never been any sign of an all-out war, let alone one where one kingdom fought against three. amid their astonishment, the other three kingdoms wasted no time and began mobilizing their forces. armies marched from all corners of their territories, assembling on the border to confront the forces of the dork kingdom. after conducting thorough inquiries, it was discovered that the dork kingdom boasted a population of around thirty thousand lizardmen, but only about three thousand of them possessed combat capabilities. although their military strength was not the weakest among the four kingdoms, it still ranked second to last. among the four kingdoms, the strongest one had a population of around fifty thousand and about five thousand lizardmen soldiers, nearly twice that of the dork kingdom. each kingdom had adjacent territories and specialized skills of its own. for example, the dork kingdom excelled in armor crafting, and their armor craftsmanship was the strongest among the four kingdoms. upon close observation, ji chen noticed that the iron armor produced by the dork kingdom, while not matching the craftsmanship of dwarves, still surpassed ordinary armor by a significant margin. t his advantage enabled them to engage in trade and accumulate a substantial amount of gold coins. as for the strongest lizardmen kingdom, the bano kingdom, they excelled in manufacturing bows and crossbows. because of this, the bano kingdom possessed an army capable of raining arrows on their enemies, making them the most powerful military force. it was also the kingdom that ji chen was most wary and apprehensive of. in close combat, he wasnt afraid at all, as naga warriors and others could teach the lizardmen a lesson. however, he feared that the enemy would use powerful bows and crossbows from a distance to inflict long-range damage. nevertheless, he quickly found a solution to this problem. youre good with bows and crossbows? then ill stack heavy armor like crazy. this time, ji chen planned to involve the half-orcs, who had recently joined his territory, in the war. these half-orcs, with an average height of over two meters, possessed strong physiques and strength, capable of wearing heavy armor that humans and lizardmen couldnt bear. coupled with the dork kingdoms expertise in armor crafting, they could form a formidable heavy armor soldier legion that could sweep the battlefield. on this day, the half-orcs, who had lived on the surface for a long time, followed the passage to the underground lizardmen kingdom. leading them was the silly-looking daro. as daro looked at the vast underground space, he was amazed. he hadnt expected such a large underground territory, inhabited by so many lizardmen. however, his excitement and fighting spirit quickly replaced his astonishment. for half-orcs, and for daros tribe, battle was their forte and the only thing they knew how to do. this time was the first task given to them by the lord, and they were determined to complete it impressively. just as ji chen was about to commit all his forces to the war, he received some unfavorable news from above the ground. the hanseatic chamber of commerces fleet was approaching the stormy sea. upon receiving this information, ji chen made a decisive decision. he ordered daro and the half-orcs to temporarily halt their advance and station themselves on the border of the dork kingdom. he also had anina lead a portion of the army to stay in dork city and guard the lizardmen elders, to prevent any accidents. after making these arrangements, he hurriedly returned to the surface with the remaining troops. back at the crown of the ocean, wilus and others were already waiting. as soon as they saw him, they hurriedly approached. where is the hanseatic chamber of commerces fleet now? wilus replied promptly, report, my lord. the hanseatic chamber of commerces fleet is currently hovering outside the stormy sea, seemingly worried about the storms on the outskirts of the sea. how many warships are in their fleet? there are about forty warships, carrying an armed force of approximately four thousand men. it seems that the hanseatic chamber of commerce has made up its mind to attack the new moon islands and occupy this place. ji chen nodded. forty warships meant that the enemy had nearly four times their number. in other words, one of their warships would have to face four enemy warships. with approximately four thousand armed soldiers, it was a considerable force anenoanis. mere was aiso a reianveiy weii-oresseo, sngnuy ooese nzarciman noble. evidently, the lizardmen took lord ji chens presence very seriously, sending a noble to greet him. when the lizardman noble saw ji chen and the others, just like the other lizardmen, his eyes were filled with incredulity, doubt, and a hint of awe. your excellency ji chen, welcome to the western lizardmens realm, the dork kingdom. on behalf of the elders, 1 extend our friendly greetings to you. the western lizardmen? ji chens lips twitched. please dont tell him there are also eastern lizardmen, northern lizardmen, southern lizardmen, and each one has its own kingdom. if that were the case, he would have to deal with four lizardmen civilizations, ml . 111. . 11 of course. 1 received this information from raymonds guards, and the credibility is high! but didnt your previous fleet never return, and there was no news from them? perhaps they sank due to the storm. as this was said, the other members of the chamber of commerce chuckled gleefully. suppressing the urge to curse, gassani took a deep breath and said, although 1 dont know what happened, we must not underestimate that lord. if he could make my fleet perish, his strength must not be underestimated. i suggest that the entire fleet mobilizes, use the advantage of our numbers and firepower to sink the enemys warships, then split into two groups and forcibly land on two suitable locations. afterward, search the islands immediately, find their territory, and eliminate any remaining enemies on the island. by doing so, that lord, no matter how powerful, cannot withstand the attack of so many warships and guards. after gassanis proposal, the other members also nodded in agreement. though simple, this plan was direct and violent, best showcasing their advantage. no matter how strong that lord was, he couldnt withstand such a powerful fleet and firepower. the only risk now is whether the storms outside the stormy sea will cause us serious damage. gassani waved his hand dismissively. if raymond can enter safely without harm, why cant we? besides, this is just like doing business. everything comes with risks, but the rewards can be immense. just think about the benefits we can gain after occupying those islands. hearing this, the other members eyes flickered with greed. soon, the entire fleet set sail, the sails flapping as they left visible traces on the seas surface, speeding towards the stormy sea. however, they were unaware of what awaited them.. Chapter 205 - Chapter 205: War, Tidal Domain chapter 205: war, tidal domain translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation as they crossed the stormy sea on the outskirts, the sea suddenly calmed down, and the dark clouds in the sky dispersed, replaced by brilliant sunlight. this scene left gassani in a daze as if the violent storm and turbulent waves they had just encountered were merely illusions. his eyes were filled with astonishment. looking back, he saw a substantial storm wall standing between the sea and the sky, with raging storms outside and calm waters inside, as if someone had artificially enclosed the entire stormy sea. if he hadnt witnessed it with his own eyes, he would never have believed that such a wonder existed in this world. soon, gassanis astonishment turned into excitement, and he shouted loudly, split into three fleets and search for the target islands separately. if you spot any enemy ships, sink them on the spot! dont let a single ship escape! the orders were conveyed to the other ships by the flag bearers. the entire fleet split into three, sailing in different directions. little did they know that several pairs of eyes were watching their every move from the sky. back in the territory, ji chen suddenly opened his eyes and a glint of sharpness flashed in his eyes. lord, the enemy has arrived? asked alice softly. the sky guardians have detected their fleet splitting into three and searching for the new moon islands. ji chen gazed at the sand table before him, where the entire stormy sea and the location of the new moon islands were displayed. three flags, representing the hanseatic chamber of commerce fleet, were strategically placed at three different spots in the sea. the enemy is in the light, and we are in the dark. because of their mistaken judgment of our strength, they have voluntarily dispersed their forces. this way, we can take them down one by one. alice, benbo, each of you take a military unit and deal with two of their fleets, ji chen ordered. alice and benbo nodded and set off with their respective military units. ji chen then inserted two flags representing alice and benbo into the sand table. now, with two enemy fleets dealt with, only one remained. next, he placed the flag representing himself in front of the flag representing the last enemy fleet. satisfied with the arrangement, he nodded. lord, are we not going to pause the territorys work and evacuate the people? wilus asked, with a hint of worry on his face. just these enemies are not enough to make the crown of the ocean go to such lengths, ji chen said, waving his hand dismissively. all affairs will proceed as usual. i understand, wilus said, bowing respectfully. in the eastern waters of the new moon islands. one of the hanseatic chamber of commerce fleets was sailing, and two lookouts on board were scanning the surroundings, searching for the target islands. suddenly, one of the lookouts stopped moving the telescope in his hand and stared straight ahead at the distant sea. his companion, seeing his reaction, couldnt help but feel puzzled. have you spotted the islands? there are people. hearing this, his companion also looked through the telescope, and in the next moment, his face showed a bewildered expression. because, on the distant sea surface, there stood a figure! no, it wasnt a person. instead of having a human lower body, it possessed a fishtail! stunned for a moment, the companion shouted at the top of his lungs, e-enemy! boom! above the sea, massive bubbles surged, and water splashes shot into the sky. eight enormous tentacles burst out of the water, entwining and violently pulling on the warships. boom! dozens of tentacles shot out successively, swiftly entangling several other warships. screech- the tentacles, imbued with immense strength, coiled around the wooden hulls, emitting a piercing frictional sound. masts broke, cannons shifted, and ships sustained damage. under the violent shaking, countless sailors and guards were thrown into the sea, engulfed by the surging waves. the people on the remaining ships watched in horror as they clearly saw that the owners of these tentacles were giant octopuses! my goodness, how could such enormous octopuses exist in this world!? watching their allys ship being violently shaken, the crew on the other non-entangled ships quickly sailed away, fortunate that they werent targeted. just as they thought they could escape, water splashes sounded on both sides of their ships. hideous naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs clung to the ships sides and then leaped onto the decks, launching attacks without hesitation. seeing the enemies invading their decks, they drew their weapons and prepared to fight back. however, the disparity in strength soon became evident. these were only third-tier merchant escorts and armed sailors, and they were no match for the fully fourth-tier naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs. their armor was like paper, instantly cut open and penetrated by the enemys bone blades and tridents, while their own swords and weapons could only leave white marks, unable to break through the enemys defenses. faced with this situation, the guards and sailors of the hanseatic chamber of commerce felt despair. at this moment, they finally realized just how powerful the enemy truly was. surrounded by the ocean on all sides with nowhere to retreat and unable to defeat their opponents, they were quickly defeated. finally, one sailor could no longer suppress the fear in his heart, and he dropped his weapon and armor, kneeling down in surrender. as if acknowledging his surrender, the merciless inhuman warriors paid no attention to him and proceeded to attack their other companions.. Chapter 206 - Chapter 206: War, Tidal Domain (2) chapter 206: war, tidal domain (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation seeing this scene, the other guards and sailors saw a glimmer of hope and followed suit, dropping their weapons and kneeling on the ground. no one wanted to be at odds with their lives. except for a few die-hard loyalists, the rest chose to surrender. soon, after the last defiant enemy was beheaded, control of the warships was taken over. the same scenario was unfolding on the other warships as well. over a dozen minutes later, apart from a few ships entangled by the giant octopus, the remaining warships and their occupants were all captured. meanwhile, in the western waters of the new moon islands, the army led by benbo launched a similar attack and successfully captured more than a dozen warships. these events happening on both fleets were unknown to the members of the hanseatic chamber of commerce, who were aboard the flagship. at this moment, they were immersed in the joy of discovering the new moon islands. looking at the crescent-shaped islands that emerged on the sea surface, with pristine white beaches, vast tidal flats, towering peaks, and lush forests, everyone couldnt contain their excitement. amazing! raymond was right. the stormy sea indeed harbors such a beautiful archipelago. once we fully occupy this place, with such an advantageous location, the hanseatic chamber of commerce will undoubtedly become the most powerful chamber in the western mid-ocean! the words of each member stoked the flames of avarice within them, as they yearned to lay claim to the islands immediately, turning them into an endless fountain of wealth. no major force knew of the existence of this island, so it was their best chance to take it. as for the islands lord? while he might have some strength, they didnt believe he could defeat them. to ensure a foolproof operation, the hanseatic chamber invested two-thirds of its warships and guards. they were confident that their plan was foolproof. just as their conversation shifted from how to seize the island to how to distribute the spoils after seizing it, suddenly, a sailor exclaimed. look! theres a person standing on the water! from afar, a dashing man adorned in opulent garments stood confidently with hands clasped behind his back atop a water column soaring over ten meters high, gazing down upon them. i am the lord of the ocean crown, the master of the new moon islands. this is my territory. i advise you all to turn around and leave. his voice rang in their ears despite the considerable distance and the sound of the waves. several members looked at each other. the master of the islands. wasnt that the lord they were supposed to deal with this time? he dared to personally show up. didnt he know how powerful they were? gassani stepped forward, his face oozing with cunning and malice. who said this island belongs to you? the hanseatic chamber of commerce discovered this place several years ago. by tradition, this island belongs to us, and you are the intruders. but our lord is magnanimous. as long as you obediently leave, we can forgive your invasion. the other members, slightly surprised by gassanis audacity, also chimed in, looking at him as if it were a matter of course. thats right, we discovered this place long ago. this archipelago belongs to us! leave quietly, and you can live. otherwise, theres only a dead end for you. listening to these people, one after another, claiming the new moon islands as theirs, ji chen couldnt help but marvel at their shamelessness. although he arrived here a little over two months ago and wasnt a native of this place, their claims that the hanseatic chamber of commerce had discovered the islands long ago were pure nonsense. as ji chen gazed at the man with a wicked beard standing at the forefront, he arched an eyebrow and inquired, you must be gassani? feeling something amiss from ji chens indifferent tone, gassani instinctively sensed danger but still replied, thats right, i am gassani. oh- the people you sent last time are now toiling away in the dark mines. thanks for providing me with such a batch of labor. hearing this, gassanis face darkened instantly. seeing the contemptuous and taunting look in ji chens eyes, he felt even more furious and said with a resentful look. once 1 catch you, ill let you taste the specially crafted torture i have prepared. all warships, target the enemy! prepare to fire! he commanded. following the orders, the fleet adjusted its direction, aligning one side of the ships towards ji chen. the well-trained gunners calibrated the cannons and loaded the shells, completing ail preparations for the barrage. seeing ji chens indifferent expression, gassani felt a surge of joy. if he didnt know any better, then so be it. no matter how strong he was, could he withstand the bombardment of hundreds of cannonballs? fire! accompanied by white smoke, the cannons launched a barrage of shells, arcing through the air at high speed. with a hint of disdain curling at the corners of his mouth, ji chen manipulated the seawater to envelop himself. in the next moment, he disappeared from the surface, leaving no trace. the cannonballs whooshed past, striking the sea and sending towering splashes into the air. seeing this scene, gassani and his crew on the ships were stunned. where is he? where did he go!? as they gazed helplessly at the empty sea, they heard a shout from behind. hes over there! turning around, everyone saw ji chen had appeared in the center of the entire fleet, levitated by a column of condensed seawater several dozen meters high. a vast surge of mana emanated from him, and his robes fluttered in the wind. looking at the stunned crowd on the deck, ji chen smiled faintly. activate the domain. [tidal domain (orange skill, can activate a tidal domain with a radius of 500 meters, reducing enemy attributes by 0-70% based on the power gap between enemies and allies, decreasing physical and magical damage by 30%, and reducing mana consumption by 30%).] as ji chens words fell, a shockwave surged outward from him, unleashing a ring of fierce waves that crashed against the enemy ships, causing them to rock violently. the shockwave and waves continued until they reached 500 meters away, then stopped. next, strands of seawater defied gravity, spiraling upwards in a one-kilometer diameter circle centered on ji chen, rising to a hundred meters in height. in an instant, a water curtain stood tall between heaven and earth, resembling a divine miracle. at this moment, the tidal domain was activated. suddenly, gassani and his men felt their bodies weakened as if they had lost much of their strength. ding- tidal domain formed, reducing physical and magical damage by 30% and reducing mana consumption by 30% within the domain. ding- enemies suppressed by the tidal domain, all attributes reduced by 60%. seeing the system prompts, ji chen nodded in satisfaction. the tidal domain was indeed formidable. within the domain, enemies were weakened to the point of vulnerability, while his own immense power continued to surge into his body. with a wave of his hand, a tremendous amount of mana spewed forth. the seawater acted as an extension of his fingers, capable of forming colossal waves at any moment to engulf the enemy. at this moment, he felt like a god! looking down at the terrified enemies from a higher vantage point, ji chen smiled gently, spreading his hands apart with a slight curve of his fingers. the seawater swiftly rose, condensing into a pair of giant water hands. ji chen clasped his hands together, firmly holding the warship, then lifted his palms upwards. the giant water hands hoisted the warship from the sea into the air. gassani and his companions felt the ship shake, quickly gripping the rails to stabilize themselves. to their horror, they found themselves and the warship hovering several dozen meters above the sea. looking down, the water hands appeared to hold the warship like a toy. and all of this was undoubtedly the doing of the man before them. this wasnt an ordinary lord; he was a powerhouse! gassani and the others realized that they had tried to seize the territory of such a formidable person. not only had they been disrespectful in their words, but they had also threatened him. panic filled their hearts. their legs turned weak, and one by one, they collapsed to the ground. their eyes were filled with fear. but in the next moment, they saw ji chen slowly reveal a cold smile. thinking of running after offending a powerful figure like him? they should stay here obediently and work as miners for the rest of their lives! Chapter 207 - Chapter 207: Territory Built by Captives chapter 207: territory built by captives translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation as the water giant hands lifted all the enemy warships into the sky, the tidal domain suppressed them, rendering them immobile. the enemy forces were thrown into chaos, their warships not firing a single shot nor launching any attacks. they had even reached this place without setting foot on the land, completely losing their will to resist. they tossed their helmets and armor aside, their faces filled with frustration. seeing this scene, ji chen waved his hand, dispelling the mana. the water giant hands instantly turned into rootless duckweeds, scattering into the water, along with the warships falling back into the sea with a heavy thud. boom the warships heavily struck the sea s surface, sinking down momentarily, then bounced back up as the water splashed skyward, drenching gassani and his men. at this time, the friendly forces, who had just finished their battles at the other two locations, arrived belatedly and brought this fleet s warships and personnel under control. only when they gained absolute control did ji chen dismiss the tidal domain. for this skill, there was nothing to say but three words: overwhelmingly invincible! no time was spared to count the casualties on both sides. the three captured fleets reunited, and the guards and sailors of the hanseatic chamber of commerce looked at each other with embarrassment. never did they expect that after just a few hours of separation, they all turned into captives. lt could be said the three fleets reunited and set sail towards the new moon islands. after completing a full circle around the islands, they docked at the water fortress. a total of 38 warships from the hanseatic chamber of commerce formed a neat line as they sailed through the fortress gate and entered the secure inner dock for berthing. why werent there 40 warships? because two enemy warships were severely damaged in the battle, talcing in a large amount of water and sinking deep into the sea along with hundreds of their crew. this was also the most severe loss suffered by the hanseatic chamber of commerce. after mooring at the dock, the captives were bound one by one and lined up to disembark from the ships. the residents of the ocean crown witnessed this scene and began to discuss it. arent these the people from that hanseatic chamber of commerce? they were defeated after just a few hours, they are so weak.11 thats right, its hard to believe they came to attack the ocean crown with such confidence. they are just too naive. with lord in charge, they couldnt even set foot on the new moon islands, the only thing they achieved was becoming captives after their defeat. so terrifying! lords fortune in war is truly thriving! looking at the residents pointing and whispering by the roadside, the captives looked downcast, their faces full of frustration, wishing they could bury their heads in the ground. to kill is one thing, but to be defeated and captured is quite another! they started out full of vigor, but now they were utterly embarrassed. among them, gassani, hiding in the middle, was especially embarrassed. what does it mean by he who sups with the devil should have a long spoon? now, not only did they fail to capture the islands, but he also became a captive himself. as the mastermind behind two attacks, he didnt know what fate awaited him. soon, gassani found out what his fate would be. that day, he was escorted to a dark and gloomy mine, where conditions were extremely harsh, and the labor intensity was incredibly high, guarded strictly. the people assigned to this place as captives were all wicked and vicious individuals. that day, as willow emerged from the mine, looking weary and forlorn, dragging his exhausted body to collect todays rations, he suddenly saw a familiar figure walking towards the entrance. he looked again, his expression first stunned, then filled with excitement and joy. he threw down his iron pickaxe and sprinted towards the figure at breakneck speed. ln that instant, gassani and willow performed a touching scene of a master and servant reuniting. as wilus rushed to gassani s side, gassani hadnt recognized him yet. he only saw a man with a dark complexion and a dirty face running towards him, which startled him. who is this person? why does his skin look so dark, like someone from the southern continent? the influence of this territory is indeed quite extensive. they can even buy slaves from the southern continent master, its me! your loyal servant, willow! when this dark-skinned man spoke, revealing two rows of white teeth, gassani finally recognized him with a horrified expression. willow, so youre not dead after all. but why are you here? upon hearing this, tears welled up in wilus eyes, and he grabbed the hem of gassanis clothes with his dirty hands. lets not bring it up. last time, i came here on your orders to launch a surprise attack on this territory. however, unexpectedly, we were ambushed, and everyone ended up being captured. finally, 1 was brought here and forced to eat pig-like food and sleep in a cattle-shed-like shack, living a hopeless life of mining! but now that lord gassani, you are here, it means you have conquered this place and driven away that lord, right? speaking up to this point, willow seemed to find redemption, raising his hands to the sky and laughing heartily. the hanseatic chamber of commerce and your brilliance have finally shone even here! ive endured so much suffering here, but rest assured, i havent yielded to the enemys cruelty. even in this tortured state, i havent revealed a single bit of information about you! my loyalty is unquestionable! however, lord gassani, why are you not speaking? it should be a joyous occasion to eliminate that lord. why does your expression look a bit strange at this moment, willow suddenly felt something amiss and asked in confusion. gassani immediately turned his head with an awkward expression, pretending not to have heard the question.. Chapter 208 - Chapter 208: Territory Built by Captives (2) chapter 208: territory built by captives (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation clap clap clap- applause sounded from behind, accompanied by a voice that haunted him. bravo! a faithful servant indeed! bravo! at this moment, willow finally noticed ji chen, who was walking behind him and was stunned. looking at gassani, then at ji chen, he suddenly reacted as if he had lost all hope and said with a mournful face, will you believe me if i were to tell you i was only joking just now? ji chen showed a gentle smile, instructed the foreman who was standing nearby, and pointed at willow. lower his food rations by one level this week and make him responsible for carrying the miners excrement in the future. no!!! willows miserable cry echoed in the sky. this time, the hanseatic chamber of commerce came with a powerful and confident attack, but it crumbled in just a few hours, with a large number of sailors and guards becoming captives of the crown of the ocean. however, the number of captives this time far exceeded any previous occasion. after tallying the battle casualties and the missing individuals, the hanseatic chamber of commerces fleet had over 5,000 people captured as prisoners. most of them were guards and armed sailors, accounting for about 80%, while the remaining 20% included various crew members such as craftsmen, chefs, maids, and slaves. handling such a large number of captives took nearly half a day, even if they were escorted off the ships. those with skills would be assigned to work within the territory after being verified as harmless. as for those who only knew how to fight, the guards and sailors, they would be allocated to various resource points and places that required labor to do heavy physical work such as mining and logging, freeing up the residents of the crown of the ocean. they contributed to the development of the crown of the ocean until they shed their last drop of blood and tears. furthermore, ji chen noticed something peculiar. if the kobolds from the beginning were counted as captives, then from that point onwards until now, the crown of the ocean had taken more than 6,000 captives. this number was even greater than the number of formal residents, almost twice as many. this led to an extremely abnormal population structure. it could be said that the prosperity and development of the crown of the ocean were at least half built on the backs of these captives. now, with this wave of new captives, the population of the crown of the ocean was approaching the ten thousand mark. the previously neglected issue of food supply was now prominently highlighted. inside the lord manor. ji chen sat at the head, while wikis was reporting the situation of the territory. lord, with so many new captives suddenly joining, it will undoubtedly have a huge impact on the food reserves of the territory! the sea rice wont be mature for a while, and the food consumption rate is too fast. wilus looked a bit worried. as the internal affairs officer of the crown of the ocean, he had a natural sensitivity to food issues. not to mention a few thousand captives, even a few thousand fish could eat a lot. the food in the warehouse was flowing out like water. thinking of this, wilus felt some resentment towards the half-orcs, who had only arrived here a few days ago. those big guys could eat more in one meal than five humans combined. the current rate of food consumption was a bit lower than expected. how long can the current food reserves in the territory support us? we found quite a bit on the hanseatic chamber of commerces ships, but at this consumption rate, it probably wont last more than half a month. half a month? ji chen stroked his chin. this quantity indeed seemed a bit insufficient. for a territory with nearly ten thousand people, the food reserves should last for at least three months to be considered relatively secure. this is indeed a concern. looking at the worried and hardworking wilus before him, lord ji chen felt a sense of comfort. he then smiled and said, however, theres no need to worry too much. i have already found a solution. found a solution!? wilus eyes lit up with excitement as he saw ji chen placing several glowing mushrooms on the table. slightly puzzled, he asked, is this the solution? yes, these are called fluorescent mushrooms. despite their small size, an ordinary person only needs to eat two or three of them to be fully satiated for a day. upon hearing this, wilus looked dubious but, after getting ji chens permission, he picked up one and ate it. as he chewed and swallowed, a feeling of fullness surged within him. its truly miraculous!? wilus exclaimed with immense surprise as he gazed at the fluorescent mushrooms on the table as if he were beholding a priceless treasure. although the taste was quite dry and peculiar, it couldnt hide the tremendous effect they had. moreover, he realized that these mushrooms could be specifically given to the captives, saving a considerable amount of regular food. these miraculous mushrooms, where did you obtain them, lord? fluorescent mushrooms are produced in the underground lizardman kingdom. the underground lizardman kingdom wilus murmured to himself. he heard about this place in recent days. it was a deeper and broader underground space beneath the koboid caves. however, that was not his main concern at the moment. what he was most interested in now was the production volume of these mushrooms. as if guessing what he was thinking, ji chen quickly continued, these fluorescent mushrooms can only grow underground. as long as there is enough soil and powder from glowing plants, they can grow rapidly. the time from planting to maturity is almost the same as that of sea rice. wilus eyes widened, filled with excitement. if they could be cultivated on a large scale, not only could they feed ten thousand people, but even a hundred thousand! in the coming days, we will transport a batch of fluorescent mushrooms from the underground lizardman kingdom to alleviate the current food problem. make sure to have someone ready to receive them. after 1 conquer and unify the entire underground lizardman kingdom, i will make the lizardmen put all their efforts into cultivating the fluorescent mushrooms, ensuring a continuous harvest. in addition, once the stock of fluorescent mushrooms is abundant, it will become one of the flagship products for external trade of the crown of the ocean. after sending wilus to handle affairs, ji chen began contemplating the hanseatic chamber of commerce. through interrogations, he learned that the hanseatic chamber of commerce had deployed three-fifths of its forces for this attack, comprising their elite troops. this force, unless it encountered fleets from large powers like kingdoms and nations, was almost invincible in the western ocean. however, under ji chens formidable resistance, the outcome was far from pleasant. their warships were either captured or sunk, most of their personnel became captives, and several key members of the chamber ended up as prisoners, condemned to a lifetime of imprisonment. the losses were indeed devastating. however, the remaining two-fifths of the hanseatic chambers forces still constituted a formidable strength. according to gassani, the control over this remaining force was in the hands of several other members, and their alignment was similar to raymonds thoughts or still undecided. regardless, the enormous losses they suffered this time should be enough to wake them up completely and deter them from any thoughts of meddling in the new moon islands. if they were wise enough, they would realize that the crown of the ocean was a territory they couldnt afford to provoke. however, if they remained stubborn, ji chen wouldnt mind leading troops to the western continent after resolving other matters and dealing with them directly, making them disappear completely from this world. with the hanseatic chamber of commerce matter settled, three days later, ji chen led his army once again through the passageway and arrived at the underground lizardman kingdom, dork kingdom. he started to handle the ongoing war affairs with the other three lizardman kingdoms. at this time, the border between dork kingdom and the other three kingdoms saw an increasingly intense warfare, with more frequent frictions between the two sides. yet, despite the escalating hostilities, the other three lizardman kingdoms couldnt figure out why dork kingdom had taken the initiative to wage war against them. moreover, it was a one-against-three battle in the ocean. did the lizardmen in dork kingdom lose their minds? little did they know that the lizardman elders in dork kingdom were also wearing bitter and helpless expressions.. Chapter 209 - Chapter 209: Reasons for War, Commencement of Battle chapter 209: reasons for war, commencement of battle translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation dork city. lord, are we really going to war with the other lizardman kingdoms? they have already sent us the final ultimatum, and if we dont retreat, they will attack us! the three kingdoms have united their armies, with a total of over ten thousand soldiers. they are well-equipped and highly motivated. we may have a hard time winning this war if we fail this war, dork kingdom may be destroyed! my lord, 1 beg you to stop this war! the lizardman elders were visibly agitated, each trying to persuade the lord to halt the war. in their eyes, going to war against all three kingdoms would be suicidal. even the most powerful lizardman kingdom wouldnt dare to do so, let alone the second strongest dork kingdom. ji chen looked at them expressionlessly and suddenly slammed his hand on the stone table. the tremendous sound instantly silenced them, and they stared at him wide-eyed. he then said slowly, war is inevitable; my goal is to unify the lizardman kingdoms. unifying the lizardman kingdoms was of great significance to the crown of the ocean. firstly, they needed to unify the entire underground space to have enough land for growing fluorescent mushrooms, which would feed the inhabitants, prisoners, and future residents of the crown of the ocean. secondly, the four lizardman kingdoms were skilled in armor, weaponry, and archery. conquering them would provide several production lines for military equipment, which could become a new industry for the crown of the ocean. the arms business was lucrative in any world, and even more so in a world filled with constant struggles. thirdly, he couldnt tolerate having several powers in his underground territory that were not under his control. these three reasons combined made war an inevitable choice. ignoring the reactions of the lizardman elders, ji chen left and headed to the frontlines with his army. several hours later, they arrived at the border where the two sides faced each other. the massive cave here was no less than the size of dork city, divided by a magma river running north to south, with five stone bridges as the only crossing points. the dork kingdom army was on one side, and the three-nation coalition was on the other. standing on a high ground, ji chen looked at the coalition forces stationed across the magma river. perhaps due to the lack of materials in the underground, the lizardmen didnt seem to have the habit of setting up camps; they rested and arranged themselves on the spot. the soldiers were densely packed, and all kinds of military equipment were easily visible. because the underground space was rich in ore, almost half of the lizardman soldiers were wearing armor. their weapons and equipment were entirely made of iron, with formidable ballistae and catapults positioned among the troops. from this, it could be seen that these lizardman kingdoms were not weaklings. even the smallest of them had decent combat capabilities. while dork kingdom was caught off guard by ji chen, who swiftly took control of their highest echelons without much effort, effectively gaining control of the entire lizardman population, the coalition forces were quite sizable. how many soldiers are there in the coalition? what is their strength? reporting, my lord, excluding their garrisoned troops back in their kingdoms, there are roughly eleven thousand lizardmen stationed here. most of them are at tier 3, ranging from 3-star to 6-star. there are also around one thousand elite soldiers at tier 3, 8-star level. eleven thousand lizardmen soldiers. ji chen had a rough idea of their enemys strength. his forces consisted of three thousand lizardmen, around one thousand half-orcs, and six hundred recruits from naga berserkers and other camps. in total, they had around four thousand six hundred troops, less than half of the enemys number. at first glance, they seemed to be at a disadvantage. however, it was not as simple as it appeared. the forces under ji chens command were superior in tier compared to the enemys troops. the overall strength was not significantly different, and moreover, ji chen had brought two additional forces this time C the ruins guardians and sky guardians. before returning to the underground, ji chen had a sudden idea to try bringing the ruins guardians underground. surprisingly, it succeeded. the ruins guardians could now operate within a twenty-kilometer radius around the crown of the ocean, encompassing both horizontal and vertical distances. it seemed that this underground space was not more than twenty kilometers deep. both the ruins guardians and sky guardians could operate here alongside the ocean guardians. to enhance the ruins guardians capabilities, ji chen had affixed thick iron plates over their vulnerable cores on their chests. although it made them look ugly, it significantly boosted their chest defense while eliminating their single weak point. suddenly, an odd horn sounded from the enemys ranks. the lizardman soldiers formed up into lines under the command of their officers, slowly converging in front of the stone bridges. ji chen narrowed his eyes.. Chapter 210 - Chapter 210: Reasons for War, Commencement of Battle (2) chapter 210: reasons for war, commencement of battle (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation it seems that the enemys patience has been almost exhausted. at that moment, he raised his hand, signaling his army to start deploying and adjusting the weapon angles, all aimed at the enemies on the stone bridge. any enemy trying to cross the stone bridge would suffer the first wave of attacks. at the same time, squads of lizardmen soldiers also occupied one end of the stone bridge, forming defensive lines. of course, his half-orc army and recruitment camp troops remained in the rear, staying put. the first wave of defense, with the most severe casualties, naturally fell on our fellow lizardmen. if one were to measure ji chens wickedness, it would begin with his treatment of lizardmen as if they were not even fellow beings, almost treating them as war criminals. wuwuwu the horn sound grew more urgent, gradually resonating throughout the entire cave. the enemys wave of lizardmen soldiers began to charge up the stone bridge towards ji chens forces. at the same time, a swarm of black crossbow bolts shot up from the enemy ranks, cutting through menacing arcs and falling among our lizardmen. ahh- as expected, cries of agony erupted. the lizardmen soldiers in the front rows were shot like sieves, and the scene was as tragic as the historical story of zhuge liang borrowing arrows with thatched boats. the thick bolts, as thick as a babys arm, shot from the bed crossbows, efficiently impaling two or three lizardmen soldiers and pinning them to the ground. ji chens lizardmen also began to counterattack, shooting crossbow bolts in return, but their formation was much smaller than the enemys. with three thousand lizardmen against eleven thousand, even if they clashed head-on, they wouldnt stand a chance! after enduring several waves of crossbow bolts, they finally trampled over the bodies of their fallen comrades and reached the middle of the stone bridge, engaging in close combat. the stone bridge wasnt very wide, only about thirty meters, so only dozens of lizardmen soldiers from each side could engage in close combat. the enemy couldnt fully exploit their numerical advantage on the stone bridge. in this situation, dork kingdoms superior armor technology, with its more effective armor defense, gave them the upper hand. as the saying goes, thicker armor can withstand more lethal blows. a lizardman soldier from dork kingdom, with armor covering him from head to toe, could withstand the attacks of two or three enemy lizardmen soldiers while still managing to kill two of them before dying. for a moment, the front line was pushed forward considerably. however, this situation changed when the enemy deployed a large number of bows and crossbows. among the four lizardmen kingdoms, the most powerful one, much like the mighty state of qin in the warring states period, excelled in utilizing powerful bows and sturdy crossbows to unleash a torrent of arrows upon the enemy, causing both casualties and intimidation. in the heat of the battle, hundreds of lizardmen armed with iron crossbows emerged from the enemy ranks. they formed disciplined formations, loading specially crafted armor-piercing bolts and shooting them towards ji chens lizardmen soldiers. swish puchi- the armor that could withstand arrows and sword strikes was pierced straight through by these armor-piercing bolts. with a swift whoosh, wave after wave of crossbow bolts ruthlessly harvested lives. seeing their comrades fall like cut wheat, ji chens lizardmen soldiers became hesitant to advance. seeing this scene, ji chen showed an unsurprised expression. he had already anticipated this situation and prepared countermeasures in advance. let the ruins guardians take the frontline and cover the lizardmen soldiers attack! several towering ruins guardians appeared at the frontline, surprising the enemy. what were these things? when did such things appear in the lizardmen kingdom? despite their surprise, the enemy didnt stop attacking. however, when the crossbow bolts hit these giants, although the arrowheads were completely embedded in their bodies, it had no effect on them whatsoever. these giants continued to charge forward, carrying tremendous momentum like war chariots. on the narrow stone bridge, ten ruins guardians formed a line, leaving the enemy with no place to hide, forcing them to bear the brunt. bang! countless enemy lizardmen soldiers were sent flying, accompanied by the sound of bones breaking, either falling to the ground or plunging into the magma. row after row of ruins guardians, like spring plows on cultivated land, cut through flesh and harvested lives. following behind them, the lizardmen soldiers surged forward and gained control of the stone bridge, driving the enemy off. seeing this, ji chens lizardmen soldiers erupted in cheers. but ji chen remained composed; he knew the real battle was just beginning. without the restriction of the stone bridge, enemies ten times their number rushed from all directions, surrounding them. however, ji chens forces were unable to quickly deploy reinforcements due to the limitations of the stone bridge. originally, ji chens forces were making great progress, but now their offensive suddenly stalled. on the other hand, the enemy surged like a tide, attempting to retake the stone bridge. at this moment, the situation of attack and defense had reversed. this was the crucial point in the terrain. those who wanted to pass through the stone bridge would inevitably face tremendous pressure at the point where the bridge met the land. if they couldnt withstand this pressure and break through the encirclement, all their previous efforts would be in vain. allow me to take the field, my lord. alice stepped forward as she witnessed the situation. without hesitation or delay, ji chen nodded quickly. escorted by a team of naga berserkers, alice arrived at the frontline. she slowly released her mana and activated her skills. when her song covered the battlefield and swept over the vicinity of the stone bridge, the enemy lizardmen soldiers were instantly controlled. their eyes turned blood-red as they began attacking their own allies, causing chaos. ji chens lizardmen soldiers, influenced by the song of war, saw their combat prowess greatly enhanced and unleashed a devastating assault on the enemy, causing them to cry out in terror. the tide of battle had once again turned. such was the power of a mighty heroto have the ability to reverse the course of a battle. with alices assistance, ji chens forces successfully held their ground, and wave after wave of lizardmen soldiers charged forward, establishing defensive lines at the bridgehead, along with the ruins guardians. at this point, the enemy, currently at a disadvantage, temporarily retreated under the command of their officers. they regrouped in the distance, preparing for a more powerful attack. the rain of arrows from the enemy never ceased, falling relentlessly like they were dispensable. through the gaps in the ruins guardians bodies, the specially crafted armor-piercing bolts caused severe damage to the lizardmen soldiers behind them. many ruins guardians were hit by the dense arrow rain, and their iron plates on their chests were penetrated, causing critical damage to their cores. the most dangerous threat to the ruins guardians was the oversized bed-crossbows, which fired baby-arm-thick bolts that could shatter their limbs not protected by iron plates. about half of the fallen ruins guardians were left immobile with shattered legs. we need to destroy those bed-sized crossbows ji chen thought to himself and made a decision. forty sky guardians took off into the air, flying across the magma river to the opposite bank. at this moment, the enemy lizardmen were truly stunned. in their understanding, all creatures stood on the ground, and they couldnt fathom the concept of flight. seeing these things appear in the sky shattered their worldview. however, the sky guardians paid no attention to their confusion. receiving their orders, they swiftly and agilely flew towards the enemys bed-sized crossbow positions. seeing the sky guardians approaching, the enemy realized that they were about to attack their crossbows, and immediately started to retaliate. the soldiers on the enemys side tried shooting their crossbows, but the nimble sky guardians skillfully evaded the bolts. instead, the crossbow bolts hit their own allies, resulting in a comical scene of friendly fire. whoosh- the sky guardians swooped down, and their sharp claws cut through the bed-sized crossbows like they were slicing paper. along the way, they tore several lizardmen soldiers controlling the crossbows into pieces. after a few dives, the bed-sized crossbows were mostly destroyed. having accomplished this, the sky guardians didnt rest. they continued their swift attacks, creating a storm of blood and flesh within the enemy ranks. countless lizardmen soldiers became casualties under their claws. seeing this, ji chen nodded in satisfaction. the air forces strength was in its formidable power, relying on unconventional weapons that left the enemy unable to effectively counterattack, allowing the air force to inflict damage without hindrance. at the front, they faced the crushing force of the ruins guardians, while in the rear, they were incessantly attacked by the sky guardians. the coalition forces were now at their wits end, with no viable solution in sight. they could only send wave after wave of soldiers, praying that they could hold their ground. however, this hope quickly turned into mere illusion when a formidable army of half-orcs joined the battle.. Chapter 211 - Chapter 211: Striking Allies, Surrender chapter 211: striking allies, surrender translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation my warriors, its our turn to take the stage! this performance will determine whether we feast on victory or swallow defeat! tell me, what do you want to eat?! meat! the half-orcs answered loudly. very well! daro lifted a huge battle axe resembling a door panel and pointed it towards the frontline, roaring, cut down the enemy to the last! leave none alive!! for our lord, we offer our hearts! ura!!! with over a thousand half-orc warriors clad in heavy iron armor and wielding various fierce weapons, they transformed into a steel torrent, charging straight towards the frontline. the lizardman coalition soldiers, already at their wits end from the attacks of the ruins guardians and sky guardians, felt their hearts sink as they saw the imposing half-orc warriors charging towards them. when did the dork kingdom produce such terrifying creatures? enormous stone golems, flying creatures, and these frightening fanged monsters, each more terrifying than the other, each more powerful than the other. their swords and blades slashed at the enemy like they were hitting rocks, and even the proud bows and crossbows failed to exert their expected killing power. seeing their own soldiers being slaughtered by the half-orc warriors, they couldnt help but recall the news from a few days ago about guests from the surface appearing in the dork kingdom. previously, they had scoffed at this news, but now witnessing these strange creatures, they couldnt help but reconsider whether the news was indeed true. in the center of the army, the commanders of the lizardman coalition, faced with the dire situation, couldnt remain calm. they gritted their teeth and spoke fiercely, damn it, where did these creatures come from? could it be true that they really came from the so-called surface? could there truly be an unknown world above our heads? the dork kingdom must have received help from these creatures, giving them the audacity to start this war! if not for them, we would have easily defeated the dork kingdom! regardless of whether they exist or not, if we cant stop them now, we will face the calamity of annihilation!! seeing the battlefield turning overwhelmingly in favor of the enemy, many lizardman coalition commanders started to consider retreat. just as they were contemplating whether to withdraw, a soldier suddenly cried out in fear, those fanged monsters are charging this way!! they looked in the distance and saw thousands of half-orc warriors, drenched in blood from their fierce battle, breaking through the defensive lines and heading straight towards the center of the army. the lizardman commanders immediately panicked, realizing it was a beheading tactic. they urgently shouted, quick, stop them!! wave after wave of soldiers rushed forward. daro, leading his tribesmen, charged back and forth amidst the enemy, not caring about the direction or who was friend or foe, as long as it was a lizardman, he charged towards them. the battlefield was filled with bloodshed and corpses. as daro was in the midst of the intense battle, he suddenly heard an extraordinary voice. he looked up and saw a few lizardmen dressed in magnificent armor standing on a high platform, directing the battle. his eyes lit up. those were the enemy lizardman commanders! killing one commander was worth much more than killing a hundred ordinary soldiers! my warriors, take down those lizardman standing up there! our lord will surely praise us! upon hearing this, the half-orcs beside daro all looked over, their eyes bloodshot, filled with the thirst for battle achievements and glory. ura!!! although the half-orcs appeared weak and helpless before ji chen, their combat strength was quite astonishing. with their upgraded equipment, killing enemy lizardman soldiers seemed like childs play. under daros leadership, the half-orc warriors pierced into the enemy formation like a sharp knife, carving a gap wherever they went, turning the area into a bloody hell. even the most elite soldiers dispatched by the three kingdoms alliance couldnt stop their onslaught and massacre. as daro approached closer, the lizardman commanders of the coalition finally panicked and hurriedly descended from the platform to escape. witnessing their own commanders fleeing, other lizardman soldiers lost their will to fight, one by one throwing off their helmets and armor, eager to grow an extra pair of legs to run faster. a miraculous scene unfolded on the battlefield, where thousands of lizardman soldiers were chased by merely a thousand half-orc warriors, like wolves chasing a flock of sheep. daro fought fiercely, chopping up the fleeing lizardman commanders into pieces with a few strikes. just when he planned to pursue and collect more enemy heads, he suddenly remembered ji chens instructions and immediately shouted at the top of his lungs as he chased after, surrender and you wont be killed! treat the captives kindly!! seeing their leader giving the order, other half-orcs followed suit, shouting, surrender and you wont be killed! treat the captives kindly!! upon hearing this, a large number of fleeing enemy lizardman soldiers chose to surrender on the spot, lying down obediently on the ground. they were no longer willing to face such terrifying foes in battle. the enemy surrendered one after another, and only a small number of them escaped into the interconnected caves, disappearing without a trace by relying on their familiarity with the terrain. seeing this, ji chen ordered to halt the pursuit. they began to clean up the battlefield and count the casualties. walking across the stone bridge to the other side of the lava river, ji chen looked at the numerous lizardmen corpses scattered all over and silently shook his head. a feeling of invincibility surged within him. the real strength of his forces, the recruited army, had not yet joined the battle.. Chapter 212 - Chapter 212: Striking Allies, Surrender (2) chapter 212: striking allies, surrender (2) wasnt that an easy victory? unknowingly, the power of the crown of the ocean had grown to such an extent that it easily overwhelmed tens of thousands of lizardmen soldiers. with these thoughts in mind, ji chen nonchalantly walked up to the lizardmen soldiers who had surrendered. thousands of lizardmen soldiers kneeled on the ground, not daring to look him in the eye. their instincts told them that this man was the most powerful being who could easily decide their life and death. the half-orc hero, daro, returned with a proud look after scouring the surroundings for surrendered soldiers. this time, it had achieved great merit, breaking through the enemys defense line and even killing the enemys leader. it was sure that its lord would reward it handsomely. however, when it came back, it saw a few friendly lizardmen talking to its lord with expressions of indignation and sorrow. suddenly, it felt something ominous. ji chen saw daro approaching, and his face darkened. you, come here. hearing the displeasure in ji chen s tone, daro couldnt help but tremble and swallowed his saliva, wearing a pleasing expression as he walked over. lord, havent 1 performed well this time? true, you did well then why are you glaring at me like that? you not only killed enemy soldiers but also killed your own lizardmen soldiers!? while inspecting the battlefield just now, i noticed that many of our lizardmen soldiers were killed by your hands! daro looked at the lizardmen corpses that were brought over. the injuries on them could only have been caused by the weapons of the half-orc warriors. realizing this, daro felt embarrassed. at this moment, it also remembered that when they broke through the enemys defense line, they seemed to have killed quite a few lizardmen who looked similar to their allies. it thought of a way to plead its innocence. lord, its a misunderstanding! these lizardmen all looked so alike, and we were fighting in the heat of the moment. how could we distinguish them? if you want to blame someone, blame them for blocking us! saying this, daro provocatively glanced at the lizardmen leader standing nearby, with an expression of i did it, so what? the half-orc tribe only respects the strong. you weaklings can just go aside! this look made the allied lizardmen general feel furious, but they dared not speak out in anger. their enemies tremble before them, and even their allies cower in fear. seeing this scene, ji chens expression grew even darker. regardless, your achievements and mistakes balance each other out, but ill still impose a punishment by forbidding meat for a week. upon hearing this, dares face immediately fell. a week without meat, how would they survive? then it seemed to remember something and anxiously asked, can we still continue to participate in the battles afterward? uh yes. understood! i have no objections! daro became happy again, grinning stupidly. giving up meat for a week was bearable, but not being able to fight would be like taking away their lives. seeing its silly appearance, ji chen couldnt help but laugh and scolded, hurry up and get some rest. afterwards, ill have you lead as the vanguard to attack the three lizardmen kingdoms. yes! daro immediately straightened its posture and saluted, then happily led its subordinates away. after a day of counting and statistics, the casualties and outcomes of the battle became clear. in this battle, over four thousand lizardmen soldiers were killed, more than five thousand were captured, and only less than two thousand managed to escape. as for the losses: the dork kingdom suffered about one thousand five hundred lizardmen soldiers killed. the alchemy guardians lost over seventy ruins guardians, and two hundred more were injured to varying degrees. however, the sky guardians had no casualties, only a few of them were hit by crossbow arrows, but they could be easily repaired and used again with the space storage spheres. on the other hand, the half-orc forces, thanks to their full-body armor protection, had less than thirty fatalities and about a hundred injuries. the half-orcs were truly resilient due to their naturally robust physique, which allowed them to continue fighting even after enduring injuries that would incapacitate humans. their recovery speed after being injured was astonishingly fast; in just two days, they would be up and about as if nothing happened. upon seeing this, ji chen began contemplating whether to find another opportunity to head to king kong island and attempt to subdue another group of half-orcs. after this battle, the military strength of the three major lizardmen kingdoms had been greatly weakened, and they were unable to organize effective resistance. the remaining soldiers could only cower in their capital cities, living in fear and trembling. meanwhile, ji chen and his forces were enjoying the spoils of war. the battlefield was strewn with a large number of military supplies, including a considerable amount of armor, expertly crafted strong bows and crossbows, as well as various swords and halberds. additionally, they seized over a hundred bed-mounted crossbows. if it hadnt been for the sky guardians restraining them, these formidable weapons would have caused much greater harm. furthermore, they also confiscated a large quantity of fluorescent mushrooms that the enemy had used for provisions. these were all stored in a cave designated for food storage, estimated to number in the millions. this amount was enough to sustain the crown of the ocean for nearly half a month in terms of food consumption, not counting the captured lizardmen soldiers. all these caves and resources would be claimed as spoils of war by the crown of the ocean. despite suffering significant losses in soldiers, with nearly half of their forces remaining and most of them being injured, the dork kingdom surprisingly witnessed an overwhelming outpouring of praise for this great victory. the reason behind this enthusiasm was the realization that they had received assistance from powerful beings from the surface, which ignited hope within the dork kingdom that they could potentially assert dominion over the underground lizardmen world. long ago, this place had only one lizardmen kingdom, but due to certain circumstances, it split into four, evolving into the four major kingdoms as they are today. therefore, regardless of which kingdom it was, the idea of unification was buried deep within. however, none of the kingdoms had absolute power to conquer the other three, resulting in a delicate balance that maintained their current status quo. and now, this war has directly wiped out the majority of the military strength of the other three lizardmen kingdoms, leading to such a prevailing public opinion in the dork kingdom. when the lizard elders of the dork kingdom received the frontline battle reports, they were shocked. they never expected ji chen to achieve a victorious and thorough triumph in the war. mixed feelings of joy and frustration overwhelmed them. the joy came from seeing the hope of unifying the four kingdoms. ihe frustration stemmed from the fact that this victory was not achieved by the dork kingdom itself but was handed to them by outsiders. once the four kingdoms were unified and ji chen controlled them all, the lizard elders would lose their usefulness. on the day of unification, their fate would be sealed. however, the lizard elders quickly came up with a solution. resistance was definitely futile. so, since they couldnt resist, they chose to enjoy it. if they submitted to ji chen, there was still a possibility of becoming deputy administrators to help manage the unified lizardmen kingdoms. this way, in a roundabout manner, it would still be an honor for their lizardmen race. after all, it was unlikely that the beings from the surface would personally manage the region, so they would need some lizardmen to assist. therefore, when ji chen returned to dork city with a part of his army, he saw the lizard elders, each leaning on a cane with most of their teeth missing, waiting at the city gate. great lord, we are willing to submit to you and become your subjects. we hope you can lead us to conquer the enemys territories and spread your glory across the four kingdoms lands. looking at these lizard elders, whose expressions were now extremely respectful, a far cry from their previous opposition, ji chen smiled disdainfully in his heart but didnt pursue it further. he had already guessed most of their hidden thoughts. anyway, as long as all the lizardmen kingdoms submitted and produced what he desired, letting them manage on his behalf was not entirely out of the question. ji chen didnt invest too much energy into this matter. as long as his fist was powerful enough, he had no fear of these lizardmen rebelling.. Chapter 213 - Chapter 213: Conquering the Enemy, Reaping the Harvestthe Enemy Country, Rewards chapter 213: conquering the enemy, reaping the harvestthe enemy country, rewards translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after two days of rest. on the battlefield of the past, beside the magma river, ji chen stood atop a raised platform, gazing down at the orderly arrangement of thousands of troops below, his countenance solemn. from left to right, there were the half-orc army, the recruitment camp army, the ruins guardians, and the sky guardians, as well as the lizardmen army from the dork kingdom. in front of the armies stood the half-orc hero daro, the murloc hero benbo, and the siren hero alice. all the troops and heroes looked up to him, their eyes filled with fervor. today, they would set out again, under the leadership of the great lord, to completely conquer the remaining three lizardmen kingdoms, bringing them under the rule of the crown of the ocean and achieving the goal of unifying the underground lizardmen world. after a moment of silence, ji chen swept his gaze around and spoke in a resolute tone. he first looked at daro. daro! here! lead the half-orc army to attack the panda kingdom, capture their capital, and control their high-ranking officials. yes! i will ensure the task is completed! daro pounded his chest with his right hand and kneeled down to receive the order. the panda kingdom was the second-ranked lizardmen kingdom, but their soldiers had almost been wiped out in the previous war. a thousand half-orcs were more than enough to conquer them. ji chen nodded and then turned to benbo. alice and benbo, lead the recruitment camp army to attack the lando kingdom and wipe out any enemies who dare to obstruct you! the lando kingdom was the weakest among the four kingdoms, even weaker than the dork kingdom. a few hundred tier 4 soldiers from the recruitment camp would be more than sufficient to deal with them. as you wish, my great master! benbo raised his trident high, also accepting the command. understood, my lord! alice saluted, placing her hand over her chest. ruins guardians and sky guardians, follow me to attack the bano kingdom. the soldiers from the dork kingdom will be divided into three groups, following behind to take control of the territory we conquer and handle prisoners. they will also be responsible for transporting supplies. no mistakes are allowed! with that, ji chen didnt waste any more time. he waved his hand and spoke loudly, set out, everyone! complete the mission as soon as possible! the armies split into three, led by their respective heroes, and marched towards their targets. after the previous wars, the military strength of the three kingdoms had reached its lowest point. the remaining troops in each kingdom numbered only a few thousand, and they were unable to resist the advancing forces. the three armies set out, destroying any obstacles on their way until they captured the enemy capitals. once all of this was accomplished, the underground lizardmen kingdoms would be unified, and only ji chens voice would resound throughout. as they traversed through the mountain cave leading to the bano kingdom, they encountered several lizardmen settlements along the way. ji chen didnt trouble them, merely handing them over to the lizardmen soldiers from the dork kingdom who were following behind, and then continued forward. as they approached the capital of the bano kingdom, the number of settlements along the way increased. however, stopping at each one would significantly slow down their progress. therefore, they chose to ignore them and head straight towards their destination. along the way, they didnt encounter any soldiers from the bano kingdom. it seemed that the remnants of the defeated army and the guards along the route had all been called back to concentrate their forces for a final desperate resistance. ji chen was pleased to see this, as it saved him the trouble of searching for them. all he needed to do was to wipe them out in one go. during the journey, they learned from the mouths of these lizardmen civilians that the bano kingdom had urgently recruited about two thousand able-bodied lizardmen in the past two days to replenish their previously lost forces. compared to the dork kingdom, the bano kingdom was more powerful and had a considerably larger territory. it took them half a days journey to reach the cave where the capital was located. standing on a plain in front of the cave, they gazed at a majestic underground city standing at the center. the capital of the bano kingdom was built around an underground plateau, with a thirty-meter-high thick city wall on the outermost layer. hundreds of arrow towers and watchtowers stood on top. from the battlements, one could see a large number of bed crossbows, city defense crossbows, catapults, and other siege equipment filling every part of the city wall. numerous fully armed lizardmen soldiers patrolled closely on the city wall, looking as if they were facing a formidable enemy. at this moment, the city resembled a startled hedgehog, bristling with thorns, nervously peering out through the gaps. ji chen smiled at the sight. it seemed that the bano kingdom was aware of their approach and dared not move, staying huddled inside their city. however, it was indeed an effective tactic. with such tight city defenses, a forced attack would undoubtedly lead to significant losses. the formidable bed-mounted crossbows and crossbow machines were not easy opponents, even for the ruins guardians. when they arrived within firing range, ji chen first ordered the sky guardians to take action and try to destroy the bed crossbows and crossbow machines. however, as soon as the sky guardians approached the city wall, a barrage of arrows of all sizes was shot out. faced with such a dense rain of arrows, even the sky guardians dared not get close and had to hover outside the firing range of the city. seeing this scene, ji chen frowned. it seemed that he had to personally take action. with a thought, the tidal domain, which had previously demonstrated its might in the battle with the hanseatic chamber of commerce, appeared once again. as the tidal dominator, controlling water was an effortless task for him. he raised his right hand. like a massive magnet, thousands of puddles, pools, and underground rivers in this cave defied gravity and floated up, converging into numerous tiny streams that flowed towards him.. Chapter 214 - Chapter 214: Conquering the Enemy, Reaping the chapter 214: conquering the enemy, reaping the harvestthe enemy country, rewards (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the lizardmen in the city witnessed this scene, and they were all dumbfounded. their shock was beyond words. my goodness, what did they just witness? the water actually floated and gathered together? were they dreaming? several minutes later, ji chen looked at the small lake formed under his feet and nodded in satisfaction. though not abundant, the water was enough. he raised his palm, and more mana surged out. the water rose again, condensing into thousands of water blades in the air, covering half of the sky in an instant. amid the lizardmens terrified expressions, ji chen waved his hand, and the water blades rained down like a storm. while slicing through the lizardmens bodies, they also destroyed the defensive mechanisms on the city walls. the water blades kept pouring down until the small lake had shrunk rapidly, and the attacks ceased when the last drop of water was used up. at this point, the city walls were in disarray. most of the lizardmen defenders on the walls had vanished, leaving behind a layer of scattered remains without any signs of resistance. their bodies and limbs littered the ground, and blood flowed down the walls, leaving deep scars on the stone fortifications. the surviving lizardmen stared blankly at the scene, their gazes fixed on ji chen as if he were some kind of monstrous being. fear, genuine and profound fear, filled their hearts. boom! the ruins guardians, already arranged in rows, marched towards the city gate with heavy steps, steadily and resolutely. their enormous hands slammed against the iron gates, causing them to resonate with a dull thud, leaving depressions on the surface. hearing this thunderous sound, the lizardmen soldiers didnt come up to attack; they just watched as the city gates were smashed open, falling to the ground with a resounding crash. faced with an enemy they couldnt defeat, there was no point in fighting. they had lost all will to fight, and one by one, they kneeled on the ground, begging for mercy. the army entered the city without any resistance, slowly advancing inside. standing on the shoulder of a ruins guardian, ji chen looked at the kneeling lizardmen on both sides of the street with a disdainful expression. even when he approached, the lizardmen still dared not raise their heads. after entering the city, hundreds of ruins guardians scattered and took control of key points throughout the city, dealing with any remaining resistance. as for ji chen, he led several squads to the center of the city, in front of a church-style stone building. the stone doors of the building were tightly closed, and there were no soldiers guarding it. seeing this, he gestured, and a ruins guardian stepped forward and punched the stone door several times, causing it to collapse with a loud crash, raising a cloud of dust. as the dust settled, ji chen walked in and was slightly surprised by what he saw. in the center of the building, beside a finely crafted stone table, lay the bodies of more than a dozen lizardmen who had committed suicide. blood was still oozing out from them, gathering on the ground, painting it a bloody red and filling the air with a pungent smell of blood. among these high-ranking officials of the bano kingdom, there were generals and elders. however, faced with the fall of the city and the inevitability of defeat, they had chosen to end their lives resolutely. ji chen glanced deeply at the scene, feeling a slight tremor in his heart. he muttered, they still have some backbone. well, since thats the case, lets find a place to bury them. without any unexpected incidents or obstacles, the entire city was successfully captured and taken over. under the suppression of the ruins guardians, no reckless lizardmen dared to resist. next, ji chen went to the treasury of the bano kingdom to receive the wealth stored there. being an underground lizardmen kingdom, their storage differed significantly from the surface-dwelling races. what first caught ji chens eye were the piles of ore used for forging weapons and equipment, which accumulated into a mountainous heap. besides the storage in this warehouse, the bano kingdom had even larger quantities of ore stashed away in several secret caves. roughly estimating the current consumption rate of the crown of the ocean, these ores would be enough for hundreds of years. not only that, but the other three kingdoms also stored some ore, although not as much as the bano kingdom. in the depths below, there was no shortage of ore! apart from the ores, the bano kingdoms warehouse contained an enormous amount of fluorescent mushrooms, so much so that ji chen couldnt even estimate their quantity. these mushrooms were stored as a precaution in case the city got surrounded by enemies. but little did they know that before they could even take a bite, the city would fall. with these fluorescent mushrooms, the food problem for the crown of the ocean was easily solved. they could endure not only three months but even three years! in addition to the ores and fluorescent mushrooms, the warehouse also held a considerable amount of advanced resources like mithril, crystals, and fine gold. being situated underground beneath a volcano with intense geological activity, even these rare resources could be produced in abundance. this wave of plunder was like hitting the jackpot! feeling delighted, ji chen walked out of the warehouse. these items would later be transported to the surface by the lizardmen and transferred to the crown of the oceans warehouse. half a day passed, and finally, news arrived from the other two armies. undoubtedly, both armies had achieved victory and successfully captured the enemys capitals, but their methods of conquest were entirely different. first was daros army, which won through pure violence and bloodshed. daro led the half-orcs and charged straight through the panda kingdoms capital, breaking through the citys defenses under heavy fire. they killed a large number of soldiers and even slaughtered the panda kingdoms high-ranking officials who attempted to resist. however, there was another version of the story claiming that after witnessing the city gate being breached, the high-ranking officials of the panda kingdom chose to surrender, but daro, blinded by rage, killed them all with a few axe strikes. however, ji chen didnt particularly care about which version was true and which was false. after all, he hadnt intended to let these lizardmen kingdoms high-ranking officials survive in the first place. would he have kept them around to cause trouble? next was alice and benbos expedition. alice and benbo, along with their recruited troops, also swiftly captured the capital of the lando kingdom, but their methods were more elegant. they didnt choose to launch a direct assault; instead, alice used her singing to control a portion of the enemy lizardmen soldiers from behind the city walls. she manipulated them to open the city gate from the inside. then, she controlled them to attack the other lizardmen soldiers. seeing their comrades attacking them, the soldiers of the lando kingdoms lizardmen panicked and had no time to deal with alice and benbos forces. this made it easy for benbo to take control of the city gate effortlessly. following this, alice continued to control a large group of enemy soldiers in a snowballing manner, making them fight for her. facing alices singing, the enemy had no idea how to respond and could only watch helplessly as alice and her troops pushed forward with high spirits. in the end, the citys defenses were effortlessly dismantled. throughout the battle, their recruited troops didnt have to lift a finger and simply watched the spectacle unfold, making them the most relaxed force in this campaign. with the fall of the three capitals, it meant that the three lizardmen kingdoms had been annihilated. besides the capitals, there were still some caves of varying sizes in the three kingdoms that held a small number of resistance forces. ji chen also had no intention of spending too much effort personally subduing each and every one. he directly allowed the leaders and generals of the dork kingdom, along with their lizardman army, to go and eliminate them one by one, bringing them under his rule. on a bright and sunny morning, ji chen finally finished dealing with the underground affairs and returned to the surface. looking at the azure sky, the lush forests, and hearing the chirping of birds and insects, his mood instantly improved. in the underground lizardmen kingdoms, everything he saw was either rocks or magma, and the scenery was monotonous and dull, devoid of anything that could relax a person. after spending so many days there, he longed for everything on the surface. however, after a short moment of rest, ji chen once again immersed himself in his work. little did he know that a new crisis was slowly approaching the crown of the ocean.. Chapter 215 - Chapter 215: Alchemist Irona, Unknown Guest chapter 215: alchemist irona, unknown guest translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation deep within an underground cavity, several kilometers beneath the surface, scorching magma filled the space, reigning supreme with its overwhelming high temperature. in such an environment, no living beings could survive here. however at the center of the magma-filled cavity, a colossal body coiled, resembling a mountain in size. antler-like crystal spikes emitted a radiance that even the magma could not conceal. six wings enveloped the body, their edges sharp as they showcased the formidable power of their owner. beneath the glass-like crystal scales, veins akin to tree leaves spread throughout, connecting and converging at the massive heart, pumping blood to every part of the body with each rhythmic beat. it was evident that this enigmatic creature was in a state of hibernation or deep slumber. suddenly, in accordance with a certain rhythm, the heart, which had been beating steadily, leaped with a surge of energy. the powerful beats transmitted tremendous energy, propelling it through the magma within the vast cavity and bursting into countless streams of upward magma flow. crown of the ocean. lord manor. did the tremors last night cause any collapses in the underground lizardman kingdom and kobold caves? report, my lord, we havent received any reports yet, but 1 have ordered them to intensify their investigation. upon hearing wiius report, ji chen nodded. last night, while everyone was fast asleep, the tremors that had occurred on the mountain peak resurfaced once again. however, just like the previous time, after one tremor, everything fell silent. therefore, suspecting that the previous tremor was not a coincidence, ji chen immediately dispatched troops to the underground lizardman kingdom to see if there were any issues there. according to the information received, the lizardmen had also sensed the tremors but hadnt discovered anything abnormal. however, if there was any slight abnormality, it was in the increased activity of the magma river flowing underground. ji chen was puzzled by this situation. helplessly, he had the lizardmen stationed by the magma river, closely monitoring for any anomalies that might indicate a volcanic eruption. during the recent days of conquering the lizardman kingdom, ji chen had come to know that the four major lizardman kingdoms were situated beneath the entirety of the new moon islands, with a portion below the islands themselves and another part lying beneath the ocean floor. considering the widespread magma rivers underground, it was safe to say that most of the new moon islands had been formed due to volcanic eruptions. if left unchecked, a volcanic eruption could bring devastating consequences. not only would the underground lizardmen face instant peril, but the very existence of the new moon islands would be at risk of annihilation. all ji chen could do for now was to be vigilant. after all, facing a disaster like a volcanic eruption, there was nothing human power could do except escape. however, according to the thousands of years of history the lizardmen possessed, this volcano had already entered a dormant state. as long as there were no external forces, it was unlikely to erupt on its own. thinking of this, ji chen seemed to recall something and asked, how is ironas progress now? she has joined us. ironas alchemy skills are the most formidable ive ever seen, well, the most formidable for a half-orc. the healing potions she prepares can greatly accelerate the healing process of injuries. the reason why the injured half-orcs can recover so quickly is largely due to her potions. wiius face showed some admiration as he continued, besides healing potions, irona also prepares various other potions like the rage potion, breathing potion, blindness potion, and dozens more. as long as she has enough materials, she can continuously produce all kinds of potions. my lord, where did you find her? its like finding a treasure! ji chen smiled and replied, believe it or not, i met her on the way back. indeed, irona was not a combat-type hero but rather the first technical talent in crown of the ocean, a master alchemist skilled in concocting various potions. [irona (hero)] [race]: half-orc [secondary profession): master alchemist [level]: 20 [current tier]: purple (rare tier) [potential]: purple (rare tier) [skills]: potion mixing (purple skill, able to concoct various potions) material identification (purple skill, able to keenly discern various materials) talent creation (purple skill, through long-term research, able to develop new potions) absolute loyalty (purple skill, absolutely loyal to the lord, unwavering until death) [this is an extremely rare humanoid female hero among the half-orcs, and also a herbalist that is difficult to find among millions of half-orcs. she is also an expert-level alchemist, a near-extinct profession.] from the description, it could be understood that among the half-orcs, who were physically developed but had simple minds and an average intelligence not exceeding 50, finding an expert-level alchemist was an unimaginable feat. yet, such a talent was accidentally encountered by ji chen and even successfully recruited. to fully utilize her talent, which was ten times stronger than that of a senior alchemist, ji chen gave special instructions to build a dedicated alchemy workshop for her. he also mobilized a large number of lizardmen and kobolds to search for various herbal materials on the surface and underground. the first batch of healing potions she concocted was immediately used on the injured half-orcs in this battle. clearly, the effects were excellent. it was truly worthy of all the effort he put in to make irona submit to him back then.. Chapter 216 - Chapter 216: Alchemist Irona, Unknown Guest (2) chapter 216: alchemist irona, unknown guest (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation well, what reward would be suitable? well! lets reward her handsomely tonight! alright, you can go about your tasks. after dismissing wilus, ji chen stood up, stretched lazily, and felt content. after the incident with the underground lizardman kingdom, the crown of the ocean entered a period of stable development. every day, various buildings sprung up from the ground. the residential area on the east side of the lord manor had expanded from its initial twenty or thirty houses to nearly two hundred. at a glance, the houses were neatly arranged, hidden among lush vegetation, giving the area a villa-like feel. on the other side, the military recruitment camp was surrounded by walls, with dozens of recruitment camps standing within, forming a military zone. on the muddy flats to the east of the crown of the ocean, close to fifty warships of various kinds were anchored, their masts rising and their flags fluttering, presenting an awe-inspiring sight. every day, more than ten warships patrolled around the new moon islands and within the stormy sea, ensuring safety. not far from the water fort, the commercial port had been completed two days ago. this commercial port could accommodate up to a hundred merchant ships, and more than thirty mechanical cranes stood on the docks, easily loading and unloading heavy cargo. it was believed that in the near future, this place would be as prosperous as silver harbor, filled with merchant ships from all over. the sea rice cultivation area, located several kilometers to the west of the territory, had grown to over a thousand mu thanks to the diligent efforts of the native tribes. a sea of green rice plants gently swayed in the breeze, bringing a sense of joy. indeed, a vast expanse of fertile land could not describe it any better. from the underground lizardman world and the kobold caves, an endless stream of ores, fluorescent mushrooms, and various weapons and equipment were transported out and piled up in the warehouse. a portion of these resources would be used for the needs of the territory, while the remaining would be preserved until raymonds return to sell and trade them for the required resources. after going through several events before, the crown of the ocean had gained a large amount of labor force, and now every aspect of the territory was rapidly developing. each day brought about new changes, and it could be described as ever-changing. ji chen casually opened the territory panel and noticed that the prosperity level had already reached over 170,000 points, far surpassing the requirement to upgrade to a city. seeing this, he didnt hesitate and immediately chose to upgrade the territory. the tens of thousands of resources needed for the upgrade were nothing to him now; he spent them without even batting an eye. soon, after clicking the upgrade button five times in a row, a system prompt popped up. ding- territory level successfully increased (from 5th-level town to ist-level city). ding- city-level buildings have been unlocked. upon reaching city-level, the appearance of the lord manor underwent a tremendous change. it transformed from a two-story attic into a four-story castle with a main and auxiliary building, featuring a red roof and white walls that combined both formidable defense and elegance. each floor had several rooms, including reception rooms, dining halls, and storage rooms, all well-equipped. ji chen took a leisurely stroll around and revealed a satisfied expression. this was the kind of lord manor a lord should reside in. next, he opened the panel to check the current size of the territory. as a ist-level city, the territory covered an area of three kilometers in length and width, totaling nine square kilometers, equivalent to ninety thousand square meters of land. not too big, but not too small either. however, it still couldnt cover even one-tenth of the main island. ji chen felt slightly dissatisfied and decided to upgrade it further, directly raising it to a 5 th-level city. this time, he was more satisfied as the 5th-level city covered an area of a square with a length and width of ten kilometers, totaling one hundred square kilometers. yet, it was worth mentioning that since the crown of the ocean was originally situated on the southeast side of the main island, nearly three-fifths of this one hundred square kilometers were located in the sea, with only about forty square kilometers covering the main island. this was one of the frustrating aspects of island-type territories. when upgrading, the included land might be less than half of what a land-type territory would have. just as ji chen was considering whether to directly upgrade to a mega city, a commotion arose from outside. unidentified enemies spotted in the waters! be on alert! ji chens expression turned serious, and he closed the panel before immediately walking out. the residents didnt show signs of panic; they continued with their work confidently, knowing that the lord and the territorys army would protect them from any harm. as ji chen stepped out, they greeted him with salutes and well wishes. my lord. youve worked hard, my lord ji chen nodded in response and checked the detection map from the warning lighthouse. on the radar-like map, there was a red dot representing an unknown vessel in the northeast direction of the new moon islands, slowly moving on the sea surface. two of his own warships were rushing towards it at full speed. as ji chen observed the red dot on the detection map, which seemed to be a ship, moving slowly along the edge of the storm, he furrowed his brow. this appearance didnt seem like an enemy; instead, it resembled a ship that had accidentally strayed here, emanating a sense of bewilderment. meanwhile, in the northeast waters of the new moon islands an extremely damaged warship was navigating on the sea, listing heavily. two of its three masts were broken, and the remaining one showed signs of severe damage. the ships sails were torn with several large holes. on the chaotic deck, sailors were working hard to repair the damaged hull and attend to the injured.. Chapter 217 - Chapter 217: Alchemist Irona, Unknown Guest (3) chapter 217: alchemist irona, unknown guest (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the ships hull was marked with the traces of cannon bombardment, some even pierced through directly. a fatal breach at the stern allowed seawater to continuously flood into the ship, causing it to tilt backward. despite the salvage efforts by the crew, they couldnt prevent the water from seeping in. the ships sinking was just a matter of time. captain, how is the current condition of the radiant envoy? can she hold on? the captain gazed at the young girl in front of him, who possessed the characteristic gleaming golden hair of the lienhardt grand duchys ruling family. he spoke with a respectful and courteous demeanor. my lady, the condition of the radiant envoy is not optimistic. the hull is severely damaged, and we have lost over 80% of our propulsion power. the damage at the stern, in particular, has caused significant flooding. based on my years of sailing experience, this level of damage is beyond repair. how could this happen? the girl expressed her concern, we need to return to the grand duchy immediately and deliver the information we obtained. otherwise, if the conspiracy succeeds, the grand duchy will be in an extremely passive situation. indeed. the captain nodded in agreement. because of this, if we want to deliver the message back, we must abandon the ship now. therefore, i suggest my lady board the rescue boat immediately. otherwise, once the radiant envoy enters the sinking stage, the whirlpools it produces could pose a danger to you. but there are still so many brave sailors and guards trying to save the radiant envoy. we cant just abandon them, and what about the wounded who got injured in the battle? should we ignore them too? as the envoy representing the grand duchy, my lady, your safety is of utmost importance. you cannot afford to be harmed, and thus, 1 suggest you board the rescue boat immediately. as the envoy representing the grand duchy on this mission, how could 1 abandon you all and be the first to board the rescue boat and flee? this is not about running away, my lady. your noble status and your role as the most suitable messenger for this important message make it imperative that you remain unharmed, and thats why i understand your thoughts, but as a member of the grand duchy of reinhardt, i cannot simply abandon my subjects and flee alone. this principle is the ancestral motto of the valencia family and also my steadfast belief. seeing the resolute and determined expression in the girls eyes, the captain sighed inwardly, realizing that he couldnt persuade her. nevertheless, it was also because of her determination that the entire crew and guards on board the radiant envoy wholeheartedly followed her. every person on the ship was willing to sacrifice their lives for her. since thats the case, lets quickly lower the small boats and have the sailors, guards, and my ladys maids board them. time is of the essence. for this mission, the grand duchy specially selected a group of highly loyal and well-trained sailors and guards to accompany them. so when the order to abandon the ship came, everyone acted swiftly, lowering the small boats from the deck and boarding them in an orderly manner. the young girl, the captain, and the head guard were among the last to board the small boat. an hour later, several small boats floated on the sea, looking at the gradually sinking radiant envoy in the distance. all upon seeing this scene, a hint of worry appeared on the captains resolute face. captain, we have successfully boarded the boats, and the pursuers probably believe we have already sunk in the storm. so, what are you worrying about? is it because of the sinking of the radiant envoy? well, that is indeed a worrying and saddening matter, considering she has been with you for so many years. its not because of the sinking of the radiant envoy that i worry, the captain shook his head, surveying the surrounding sea, i am concerned about this sea area. the stormy sea has always been known for its mysterious rumors, and i fear that something beyond our control might happen here look over there, a ship! before the words were fully spoken, the sailors suddenly exclaimed. the captain and the young girl turned their gaze to the distance, where two fully armed warships were approaching them on the sea. the captain fell silent. well, its not such a bad thing, is it? at least someone is coming to rescue us, right? the young girl was surprisingly optimistic, smiling brightly. the captain sighed again. in such a peculiar and dangerous sea area, he couldnt imagine who would come to their rescue. however, looking at the sail patterns of those two ships, they should not be pursuers.. Chapter 218 - Chapter 218: Tension and Conflict chapter 218: tension and conflict translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation looking at the two fully armed warships approaching, the captain, guards, and sailors were on high alert. swords were drawn, crossbows loaded. unable to determine if they were friends or foes. if they were friends, they might request help from the lienhardt grand duchy in the name of the nation. but if they were enemies their hearts sank; even though they were prepared to sacrifice themselves, they would do everything to protect the safety of the lady. brave soldiers, please temporarily put down your weapons, the lady suddenly stood up, her melodious voice like a lark resounding. everyone was startled, and the captain asked in puzzlement, my lady, we cant afford to lower our guard until we know whether they are enemies or friends! exactly. if we brandish our weapons first, we might turn someone who was friendly or had the potential to become a friend into an enemy. the lady gazed at them, her delicate face adorned with a playful smile, besides, we cant win against them anyway, can we? these words left the captain and his crew momentarily stunned, then they couldnt help but smile wryly; they had to admit, the lady always managed to persuade them from a certain perspective, and it sounded quite reasonable. very well, lets all temporarily lay down our weapons. the chief guard sighed helplessly, shaking his head. but remember, if they show any malice, well counterattack immediately, with the priority of protecting the ladys safety! as the warships approached closer, everyones vigilance reached its peak. however, when they saw the figures on the ship, they were all taken aback. well not only were there humans on the ship, but also murlocs, nagas, and adorable flying creatures. various races mixed together like a hodgepodge. just as they were astonished, in addition to these, dozens of sea tribe warriors riding giant lobsters emerged from the sea, followed by hundreds of enormous alchemical devilfish and floating sea spiders. there were also several giant birds flying in a formation in the sky. a diverse array of powerful soldiers surrounded them in an instant, eyeing them warily. the two warships encircled them from both sides, and the dozen or so cannon barrels on the ship exuded a chilling air. the captain and chief guard looked at this scene, their expressions growing more solemn. they discreetly shielded the lady behind them, their muscles tensing, their hands on the hilt of their blades, ready to unsheath them at any moment. the atmosphere instantly became tense, both sides poised for conflict. just as the heavy tension reached its climax, a voice came from the ship. this is the stormy sea, the private domain of our lord. who are you, and why have you trespassed here? hearing this, the captain and his group were immediately stunned. what? the stormy sea is the private domain of their lord? seeing them remain silent, the voice spoke again, this time with some impatience. ill ask again, who are you, and why have you come here!? the captain took a deep breath, sheathed his half-drawn sword, and performed the standard salute of the lienhardt grand duchys navy toward the source of the voice, i honor your excellency, i am the captain of the radiant envoy under the command of the lienhardt grand duchys navy, currently on a mission. we were unaware that this place had a lord, nor did we intend to trespass. however, we were attacked on our journey, and to escape the pursuit, we had no choice but to take the risk of passing through the storm and seek refuge here. but unfortunately, the radiant envoy suffered continuous damage, and it became severely damaged, sinking to the point of no return. therefore, we had to abandon the ship and flee. the captain pointed at the debris floating on the nearby sea surface, explaining in detail, his expression sincere, bowing again respectfully. we might have caused offense, so on behalf of the lienhardt grand duchy, please accept our sincere apology. it must be said that this approach is impeccable. they first explain their reasons and then apologize while subtly mentioning their backing. this method showed humility, gave the other party respect, and also created a certain level of deterrence. even from the most critical perspective, it is difficult to find any fault. however, they couldnt have anticipated the kind of leader they were dealing with. listening to the rapid explanation, anina suddenly felt a headache, but at least she caught the most crucial point. inadvertent intrusion. that made things easy. anina waved her hand dismissively, then just leave now. the captain and chief guard subconsciously looked down at the small boat they were standing on, and even though they maintained a composed appearance, their lips couldnt help twitching. leave in this small boat? they were afraid they might get capsized by the storm before even sailing out of the stormy sea, going straight to meet all the past grand dukes of the lienhardt grand duchy. allow me to negotiate with them, the girl, supported by her maids, emerged from behind the captain and chief guard, facing the opposite side. please be careful, my lady both men subconsciously tried to shield the girl behind them, but she stopped them with a raised hand. its fine; they are not enemies. the girl shook her head, lifting her head like a proud peacock, looking up at anina, who stood on the deck of the several-meter-high warship. her expression neither haughty nor subservient, even on the slightly swaying small boat, she elegantly performed a kneeling salute. i am monica valencia, daughter of the lienhardt grand duchys ruler. due to an enemy attack, the radiant envoy has sunk, and the supplies onboard have been lost to the sea. with only our current resources and ships, we dont have enough to return.. Chapter 219 - Chapter 219: Tension and Conflict (2) chapter 219: tension and conflict (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation therefore, i would like to request your help in returning to the lienhardt grand duchy. the valencia family of the lienhardt grand duchy will surely not forget the helping hand you extend to us. my lady! the captain and the chief guard were both startled and alarmed, their expressions turning sour. how could they directly reveal their names and identities like that? even though the lienhardt grand duchy was only one of the several duchies and kingdoms along the northwestern coast of the central ocean of the northern continent, it wasnt the most powerful presence. nonetheless, being a noble daughter of a grand duke made her a distinguished figure next to the grand duke himself, a cherished jewel in his eyes. if the other party were to know about your highnesss identity, would they harbor any ill intentions? what made them simultaneously relieved and somewhat frustrated was that upon hearing this, aninas petite eyebrows furrowed, casting a disdainful gaze, and she spoke with an air of royal contempt. lienhardt grand duchy? never heard of it. as for who you are, a princess of a kingdom? without a decree from higher authorities, not even an imperial princess would be allowed entry! as for any assistance, its the same as before. without a decree from higher authorities, 1 wont even offer a strand of hair. so, if youre sensible, leave this place immediately. otherwise, hmph with the dragon slayer great sword resting on her shoulder, anina glanced at them, 1 can handle you on my own, and the sea wouldnt mind having more nourishment for life. clang- all the sailors and guards on the radiant envoy drew their blades and weapons fiercely, glaring at them. loyalty demanded that they not let their sovereign be insulted, even if it meant sacrificing their lives. thus, faced with an opponent far stronger than them, they didnt hesitate to brandish their weapons. in response to their actions, the gunners on the two warships loaded their cannons, getting ready to fire. the dragon blood murlocs and naga berserkers lifted their tridents and bone blades, their eyes filled with a crimson hue. the lobster riders gaze turned ice-cold, holding his iron spear under his arm, poised to charge. the self-detonating water spider moved its thin legs gently, prowling on the outskirts, prepared to self-destruct and charge into the enemy ranks. under the seas surface, the ocean guardians waited for the signal to move, while in the deeper waters, the massive giant octopus swam slowly. in the air, the sky guardians glided by, their claws reflecting a metallic sheen in the sunlight. suddenly, a profoundly weighty atmosphere shrouded the surroundings, the tension so tangible that a mere spark could ignite it into flames. seeing this, monica grew anxious and clenched her teeth. please calm down, your excellency. this is not the outcome we intended, and we never meant to offend the lords authority. if possible, could you grant us an audience with the lord? after speaking, monicas eyes revealed a glimmer of hope, but what she saw was anina unmoved. a tinge of disappointment flashed across aninas face, and she pursed her lips. fine, well leave now however, all of a sudden, a sky guardian swiftly flew down from the sky in the distance and landed on the warship. on it was a half-orc, the hero daro. he surveyed the surroundings, hopped off the sky guardian, and walked briskly to anina, speaking in a deep voice. the lord has given orders not to offend them. escort them to the island. he wants to meet these foreign guests. upon hearing this, monicas downcast expression immediately brightened, and she excitedly waved her little fist at the captain and others. seeing this, the captains group also eased their expressions, exchanging glances and sheathing their weapons. anina rolled her eyes. withdraw all troops. let these people board the ship and head to the new moon islands. otherwise, with these small boats, who knows when theyll arrive on the island. upon hearing this, the previously hostile army froze in place. the dragon blood murlocs and others retracted their weapons and stationed themselves at the ships railings. the gunners returned the cannons to their positions, secured the ammunition, and closed the cannon doors. the lobster riders submerged into the sea, disappearing without a trace. in an instant, the tension gradually dissipated, as if the air had become much lighter. anina looked at the jubilant monica, who couldnt contain her excitement, and impatiently said, hurry up, dont keep the lord waiting. rowing small boats, the group successively boarded the warship and were directly settled on the deck. although the atmosphere devoid of battle lingered, the troops stationed on the ship remained vigilant, watching these unfamiliar guests with a subtle sense of suspicion. the suppressed atmosphere still hung in the air. the captain of the radiant envoy, the chief guard, and all the sailors and guards were tense, their muscles tight. at the slightest sign of trouble, they would immediately lead their lady to escape. however, upon turning around and seeing their lady looking around with delight, their faces turned blank for a moment, then they forced a bitter smile. oh, my lady, havent you observed the rather peculiar ambiance around us? perhaps sensing their thoughts, monica smiled brightly. anyway, were already on the ship. no matter how nervous we are, it wont make a difference. even if they throw us into the sea now, we cant resist. in that case, its better to think about how to communicate with the lord later. actually, ive been curious for a while now and have a few questions to ask. for example, what kind of person is the lord who possesses an entire sea territory as their domain? what are their personality and appearance like? the new moon islands they mentioned, what kind of islands are they? and that beautiful girl who was holding such a huge sword earlier, shes really impressive. i cant even wield a long sword myself. if possible, id really like to be friends with her monica poured out her thoughts like an innocent little girl. intentionally or unintentionally, these words were overheard by anina, who was sitting on the ships rail. her gaze changed, softening a bit. she thought to herself, this girl leading them doesnt seem that clever. with such an innocent demeanor, shes still a dukes daughter. maybe the lord could gain some advantages and benefits from this as she thought, her guard lowered slightly. anina looked at monica, unaware that monica was also sneakily observing her. noticing aninas softened gaze, monica couldnt help but smile inwardly. well, this girl is quite easy to handle. but would she be upset if she knew that im acting? however, for the sake of the duchy, for the sake of being able to return, there was no other choice. monica stood at the ships railing, cutting through the waves along with the warship. she gazed into the distance and gradually saw the outline of an archipelago C seven islands. her little mouth dropped open. so there really was such a large archipelago within the stormy sea. and it was ruled by a lord. soon, monica began to ponder the significance of this archipelago and the strategic value of the lord. this archipelago was located within the stormy sea, adjacent to the golden passage of the central ocean. its geographical value was incredibly high. as long as the storms on the seas fringe remained somewhat manageable and the islands had ports, once this location came into the worlds awareness, it would unquestionably create a significant commotion. on that premise, what could the lienhardt grand duchy do? what role could they play here? unconsciously, monica, born into the ducal family, started to think about many things C economics, politics, diplomacy, military but soon, she calmed down. perhaps this plea for help was also an opportunity, a chance to intersect with this territory, with its lord. as they drew closer to the archipelago, the envoy party of the radiant envoy was surprised to find that the island was even more prosperous than they had imagined. buildings covered the islands, extending for kilometers and bustling with human activity. large warship forts and commercial ports stood side by side, with dozens of warships anchored, showcasing their might. people moved densely along the roads, transporting resources and goods, creating a bustling scene. was this the domain they had arrived at? Chapter 220 - Chapter 220: He Will Make This Deal chapter 220: he will make this deal translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation without their realization, the warship had drawn closer to the harbor. anina gracefully disembarked from the ships railing and waved to monicas group, who were still observing their surroundings with the curiosity of children. what are you all staring at? hurry down and follow me to meet the lord. upon hearing this, the captain and the chief guard were about to address their lady when they saw her enthusiastically running toward the dock and stepping onto the pier. witnessing this, the two exchanged helpless glances and followed suit. monica trailed behind anina, her eyes wandering around, taking in everything at the harbor. before her was a scene of orderly activity, even verging on the peculiar. the population consisted not only of humans but also included half-orcs, kobolds, lizardmen, and sea-dwellers. despite their diverse races, there was a noticeable absence of discord or hostility among them. this territory actually harbored such a diverse array of races? and they coexisted so harmoniously? seeing this sight left monica and the rest of the group astonished. what amazed them even more was the constant smiles on the faces of passersby and workers, radiating contentment and fulfillment. even in their busy movements, one could sense the vitality and liveliness that permeated this land. my lady, this territory seems rather unusual the captain murmured in a hushed tone, his eyes filled with surprise. ive never seen so many different races living together in harmony. different races have significant differences in habits, and being able to bridge those differences suggests that the lord here is quite extraordinary the chief guard chimed in, our lienhardt grand duchy is relatively tolerant of different races, but internal racial conflicts do occur from time to time. so, such a situation is indeed quite rare. monica nodded and watched as anina strode ahead with determination. a thoughtful expression crossed her face. since this territory manages to achieve such harmony, the lord here must have some unique methods. we might be able to learn something by asking. following anina, the group left the harbor and ventured into the jungle. over time, the road from the harbor to the stone plaza where the lords manor was located had evolved from a muddy path into a wide stone road that could accommodate three horse-drawn carriages side by side. the trees on both sides had been meticulously pruned to provide shade and enhance the aesthetics. colorful flowers and plants adorned the roadside. indigenous birds unique to the island perched on the treetops, observing the passing group with curiosity. monica marveled at the scenery along the way and began to gain a clearer understanding. this territory was undoubtedly prosperous; otherwise, they wouldnt have the resources to construct such facilities. as they strolled along the cobblestone path stretching for hundreds of meters, the scenery ahead unexpectedly expanded before their eyes. a stone plaza appeared before their eyes. on one side of the plaza stretched rows of residential houses for hundreds of meters, while directly in front of the plaza stood a castle with white walls and a red roof. seeing the towering swordswoman turn her head, she pointed towards the castle and spoke. here you go, the lord is waiting for you right there. however, except for you, the rest must remain here. how can that be? the captain and chief guard were the first to object, exchanging glances before one of them said, at the very least, we should also be allowed inside. in the end, their request was personally rejected by monica, stating that since they had already come this far, there was no need to worry about danger. guided by anina, monica entered the castle and arrived in a spacious hall. crystal lamps on both sides of the walls emitted ample light, preventing the interior from appearing dim. this illumination allowed monica to immediately spot ji chen seated on the steps. upon getting a clear view of ji chens appearance, monicas eyes widened in surprise. she had pondered what the lord might look likeperhaps a middle-aged person emanating authority, or an elderly individual with silver hair. yet, she had never imagined that the lord would be such a young and handsome man. he couldnt be much older than her, could he? observing monicas astonishment, ji chen curiously asked, you seem surprised? monica retracted her surprised expression, gracefully performed a kneeled curtsy, and then adorned her face with her characteristic smile. yes, i didnt anticipate you being so young and already possessing such a powerful territory. in my experience, its quite an unheard-of feat. at her words, a smile involuntarily appeared on ji chens face. this wave of praise, regardless of its size, made him feel rather pleased. however, he quickly regained his composure and spoke seriously. i am ji chen, the ruler of the stormy sea and the new moon islands, as well as the lord of this territorythe crown of the ocean. 1 welcome your visit here. my subordinates may have been a bit offensive earlier, and i ask for your understanding. monica quickly shook her head and said, no, its we who should seek your forgiveness. we entered without your consent, which, by rights, calls for our apology. its a pity that the radiant envoy has already sunk, otherwise, for our visit to your territory, we should have presented a gift as a token of our meeting. speaking up, monica paused for a moment, then clenched her teeth and took off the necklace from her neck. this is a protective item my father gave me before. now, we offer it as a gift to you. we hope it meets your satisfaction. a gift from the grand duke of the lienhardt grand duchy? out of curiosity, ji chen focused his gaze, examining the necklace for more information.. Chapter 221 - Chapter 221: He Will Make This Deal (2) chapter 221: he will make this deal (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation [teleportation necklace] [tier]: 4-star treasure [effect]: allows the wearer to teleport to a designated location up to 5 kilometers away. [cooldown]: 72 hours [one of the masterpieces by the orleans kingdoms master blacksmith, samora veil, possessing a powerful life-saving ability in spatial treasure] [samora veil: no one understands blacksmithing better than me] a 4-star spatial treasure? ji chen was amazed for a moment. anything related to spatial manipulation was certainly not something ordinary. this teleportation necklace was clearly specialized in escaping and self-preservation. a distance of five kilometers was enough to successfully escape in most situations. although it seemed very tempting, he didnt intend to accept the necklace that a father had given to his daughter. you can keep it. no need for such a gesture. this necklace was made by samora veil? monica was taken aback, then nodded, saying, yes, master samora veil has a good relationship with my father. so, he entrusted him to create this necklace as my coming-of-age gift. but why are you asking about this, your excellency? nothing much, i obtained an item made by samora veil as well. just curious. i see if your excellency wishes to commission master samora or have an artifact repaired, i might be able to convey the message for you. upon hearing this, ji chens interest was immediately piqued. this is something he needed! lizardmen excelled in forging, but they couldnt repair advanced artifacts like the dragon slayer great sword. someone capable of crafting a 4-star spatial treasure, this master samora might not be an ordinary person. perhaps he could inquire whether the sword could be repaired. with a smile, ji chen said, that would be appreciated, monica. i happen to have an item that needs repairing. monica smiled back, saying, it would be my pleasure if 1 can assist your excellency. to seek help from others, one must first offer help. monicas proactive assistance indicated that she had something that she needed his help with. he couldnt believe that a woman born into the grand dukes family would be as innocent and naive as she seemed on the outside. only anina, the fool, would be easily deceived. monica. your excellency, im here. i heard that your ship was attacked and ultimately sank in the stormy sea. can you tell me who attacked you and for what reasons? hearing this, monicas face showed a trace of difficulty, this your ship has already sunk, and if you want to cross the ocean to return to the lienhardt grand duchy, you definitely need my help to make it back. ji chen squinted his eyes and continued, however, obviously, 1 wont assist someone who might potentially bring unnecessary trouble to me without knowing the full story. you should understand this principle very well. monica contemplated for a while, a bitter smile forming on her face. lord ji chen, this concerns the safety of the lienhardt grand duchy. i implore you not to disclose this to anyone after hearing it. please continue. i do understand the importance of keeping secrets. seeing this, monica seemed to relax a bit and began to explain the situation. on the northwest coast of the north continent, there were four kingdoms and duchies in total, and one of them was the lienhardt grand duchy. however, due to maritime routes and the precious coastline, conflicts occasionally arose among the four kingdoms and duchies. not long ago, the lienhardt grand duchy and its neighboring country had clashed once again over territorial disputes along the coastline. the ambitious current grand duke of the lienhardt grand duchy, who was also monicas father, had lost all patience for the conflicts that had occurred for centuries. he resolved to solve such issues during his reign. up until this point, ji chen was still within his knowledge range. previously, from chat channels and forums, he had come across a fair amount of information about the lienhardt grand duchy. these were things that most players were aware of. but what monica said next was something not known to outsiders. but my father doesnt know that, except for the kingdom that doesnt border the lienhardt grand duchy, the other two neighboring nations have secretly formed an alliance. on the surface, they maintain control over conflicts just as they have done previously, but behind closed doors, they have been covertly reassigning fleets and troops, with the intention of annihilating the lienhardt grand duchys naval forces in a single decisive strike. their goal is to seize maritime dominance and subsequently lay claim to the coastal territories. even more concerning is their apparent alliance with a neighboring inland nation. once the initial phase of their scheme is accomplished, these three nations will launch a coordinated assault on the lienhardt grand duchy from the mainland, aiming to obliterate it entirely from existence. we learned of this plan while on a diplomatic mission to another country. through certain channels, we found out about this. thats why we were pursued by both nations on our way back and had to risk entering the stormy sea for refuge. finishing her explanation, monicas expression was incredibly sincere as she continued, lord ji chen, i beseech you to send us back to the grand duchy on a ship. only if i return in person will my father believe these claims. both i and everyone aboard the radiant envoy will be immensely grateful to you. the lienhardt grand duchy will not forget anyone who extends their helping hand. ji chen took a deep breath, his expression serious. at this moment, he was caught in unprecedented turmoil. kingdoms, duchies. these powers at the tier of kingdoms and duchies werent comparable to the hanseatic chamber of commerce, bauhinia alliance, and other small entities. even their weakest presence had a fleet of over a thousand ships. these werent wooden vessels anymore, but ironclad ships forged from steel. they were equipped not with ordinary cannons, but more powerful alchemical cannons. the strength of the sailors and soldiers aboard was dozens of times greater than that of the chamber of commerce guards, and their numbers were in the tens of thousands. could he really intervene in conflicts and battles between nations? even if today he simply helped monica and her companions return with ease, if two nations found out, they would certainly hold a grudge. sending just one or two fleets could spell trouble for him. considering from a standpoint of interests, there were three options. the first was to ignore monica and keep her here, making it as if nothing had happened. after the dust settled outside, she could be released. the second was to send them all to the hostile countries directly, which might earn goodwill from the two nations, but it wasnt guaranteed. the third was to send monica back to the lienhardt grand duchy. this would most likely win the gratitude of her father and the entire grand duchy. after pondering for a moment, ji chen looked down at monica with a serious expression, his voice low. if i help you, what kind of benefit can 1 gain from it? upon hearing this, monicas expression turned equally serious and earnest. if lord ji chen can assist the lienhardt grand duchy in overcoming this crisis, then for as long as my father and i live, the lienhardt grand duchy will forever be your greatest friend. be it alchemical technology, resources, military aid, or any other thing, whatever the lienhardt grand duchy possesses, we will support you to the best of our ability. with the name of valencia family, the daughter of the grand duke of the lienhardt grand duchy, and the guarantee of honor! ji chen looked at the resolute monica, squinting his eyes slightly, contemplating. not helping her would result in neither gain nor loss. but if he took the risk to help her, and as long as the information remained confidential, the potential gains in the future would be significant. setting aside the strength of a duchy, just the ironclad shipbuilding technology possessed by duchies and kingdoms alone was enough to pique his interest. not to mention the alchemical cannons and various advanced alchemical technologies. any one of these items would be enough to drive any player crazy due to their value. the saying goes, you wont know if you dont try. one of the reasons why crown of the ocean had grown so rapidly and outpaced most players was because ji chen was willing to take risks. the greater the risk, the greater the reward. this principle was understood by everyone, but only those who took actual steps could truly reap the rewards. with this thought, ji chens brow furrowed. he decided to make this deal! Chapter 222 - Chapter 222: Aloof Alice, the Elven Race chapter 222: aloof alice, the elven race translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen closed his eyes, lost in contemplation for a moment. when he finally opened them, it was as if he was observing the stars in the night sky. his voice, calm and profound, resonated. since thats the case, the crown of the ocean is willing to help you. but please dont forget the words youve spoken here. upon hearing this, a hint of joy appeared on monicas face, her expression resolute. please rest assured, lord ji chen. the valencia family will surely uphold our promise, or else we shall incur the wrath of the divine beings! ji chen nodded. in a world that had seen the existence of divine beings, the weight of this oath could not be underestimated. he felt a slight ease in his heart. he continued, you recently sought refuge in the stormy sea. there might still be pursuers outside, so its best for you to stay on the new moon islands for a few days until the turmoil settles. it will be safer that way. the new moon islands have unique and rarely seen landscapes. except for certain restricted areas, you are free to explore and enjoy the rest. 1 will provide you with a guide. though the situation was urgent, monica understood that leaving hastily would make them more susceptible to being tracked by pursuers. thus, she nodded obediently upon hearing ji chens invitation. you are right, your excellency. in order to safely return and avoid causing you trouble, i know what 1 need to do. please rest assured. after speaking, monica playfully blinked her eyes, portraying an understanding demeanor. observing this, ji chen looked at her with a hint of satisfaction and appreciation. he enjoyed conversing with intelligent individuals. he didnt need to explain too much; just a few words were enough to make everything clear. indeed, she was the daughter of a grand duke. her determination and intelligence matched her noble status. at this moment, monica inquired, lord ji chen, who will be our guide during these few days? is it the girl from earlier? as she spoke, she looked around. after anna brought her in, she disappeared. its not anina. she has some matters to attend to these days, ji chen shook his head, raising his voice slightly, alice. im here. alice emerged from a small door beside the hall and stood in line with monica. for these few days, youll be responsible for guiding our guests around the island, ji chen instructed. i understand. alice nodded and saluted with a hand over her chest. ji chen nodded and then turned to monica. considering all youve been through today, you must be tired. allow alice to take you to your room for some rest. ill ensure that your escorts are led to individual rooms for rest by my associates. theres no need for you to be concerned. upon hearing this, monica quickly replied, of course, im very grateful for your hospitality, your excellency. she then performed a noblewomans curtsey before following alice out. watching alice and monica disappear behind the closing door, ji chens posture sagged, and he slumped back in his chair. after a moments thought, he instructed someone to summon benbo. he gave the orders with a serious expression. increase the alert level of the crown of the ocean these few days. expand the range of alertness and patrols beyond the stormy sea. especially, pay attention to any approaching enemy vessels outside. report immediately if any are detected. take note that patrols and vigilance outside should not expose our presence. all activities should remain concealed beneath the surface. seeing the seriousness on his face, benbo realized the gravity of the situation. he saluted promptly in response. understood, my lord. with that command, the defensive measures on the new moon islands were significantly heightened. several patrols, composed of naga berserkers, dragon blood murlocs, and lobster riders, ventured beyond the storm to patrol the seas. walking behind alice, monica gazed at the girls flowing silver hair, like a waterfall, her perfect countenance that could stir the hearts of even women, and her delicate, almost ethereal skin, filling her with envy. particularly, the two blue fins on top of her ears piqued her curiosity even more. could this girl named alice not be human? could she belong to some sort of aquatic race? she was about to voice her question when she saw the ice-cold demeanor on alices face, a coldness that seemed to push people away by miles. it made her nervous. after pondering for a while, she gathered her courage and wore a smile warm enough to melt ice and snow. she caught up and walked alongside alice. sister, your name is alice? its such a lovely name. not only is the name beautiful, but youre also very pretty. your flawless skin even makes me feel a bit jealous. your hair reminds me of the long river waterfall outside the city of terlins. its breathtakingly beautiful alice merely glanced at her from the corner of her eye, her face devoid of any expression. regardless of how monica conversed, she showed no sign of acknowledgment. in alices eyes, aside from her lord, no one else was worth her attention. she treated colleagues with indifference, let alone this unfamiliar outsider, even if she was supposedly a grand dukes daughter. guiding her to her room was merely a task befitting a host. monica, who had been complimenting her all the way, felt disheartened seeing alices continued indifference. she began to doubt whether her cultivated affability and social skills from childhood were genuine. soon, the two arrived in front of a room. alice opened the door, indicating that it was her room.. Chapter 223 - Chapter 223: Aloof Alice, the Elven Race (2) chapter 223: aloof alice, the elven race (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the room was incredibly spacious, with the floor covered in the fur of some exotic beast. thoughtfully placed decorations adorned the surroundings, and a faint, elusive fragrance filled the air. the large french windows with a balcony offered a panoramic view of towering peaks in the distance, cascading silver waterfalls, and an endless expanse of lush forests. another window provided a view of the sandy beach and the boundless sea stretching beyond the stone-paved plaza. the time was midday, and sunlight streamed through the glass, casting scattered patterns of radiant light across the room, dispelling the lingering dimness brought by the castles structure. this picturesque scene immediately captured monicas gaze, dissipating her previous gloom. wow, this room is amazing! thank you, sister! monica briskly walked to the window, exclaiming as she looked outside. with a heart full of joy, she turned back to express her gratitude. alice merely nodded and stated, when its time for meals, someone will bring you food. rest well tonight. ill come to find you tomorrow morning. perhaps having spent considerable time with ji chen, alices tone had transitioned from initial indifference to an elevated form of detachment. her words often carried an authoritative undertone, resembling the demeanor of a queen. this abrupt change left monica momentarily stunned. she instinctively nodded and replied, understood. with that, alice refrained from further words and turned to leave. watching her departing figure, monicas face suddenly turned red. her heart raced, and she covered her chest while muttering, so domineering naturally, ji chen was unaware of the peculiar thoughts that this young female guest had about his subordinate. at this moment, he was planning to survey his territory when a sudden commotion reached his ears from outside. soon enough, a guard came in to report. my lord, master raymond and master sparrow have returned. hearing this, ji chens brow furrowed. after some consideration, he realized it had been about half a month since raymonds departure. their return now seemed fitting. where are they now? master raymond and master sparrow are both at the harbor. summon them to my presence actually, ill go there myself. ji chen shook his head, rose from his seat, and exited the lord manor, making his way to the harbor. at a glance, he spotted four ships with shallow drafts being unloaded C merchant vessels and warships alike. raymonds plump figure stood out conspicuously on the pier. as if sensing something, he suddenly turned his head, and upon spotting ji chen, his eyes lit up. his two short legs seemed to have gained motors as he hurriedly dashed over. running and waving his hand, he shouted loudly, my lord!!! seeing his bulky figure charging towards him, ji chens brow twitched, and he almost considered manipulating the water to send him flying. however, raymond, knowing his own weight, promptly halted in front of ji chen. with an excited expression, raymond exclaimed, my lord, im back! seeing the noticeable signs of aging on raymond compared to when he had left, ji chen couldnt help but let out a sigh. he patted raymonds shoulder and said, youve worked hard this time. not hard at all! raymond chuckled. you cant imagine what happened to me in the northern continent! weve hit it big this time! seeing the excitement on his face, ji chen couldnt help but feel curious. what could make this seasoned merchant so thrilled? after receiving your orders to set sail, the journey to the northern continent was smooth. except for a few small pirate ships with poor judgment, there were no dangers. upon reaching the northern continents port, 1 immediately sought out buyers for our cargo. initially, things went quite smoothly, and we quickly sold a quarter of our goods. but suddenly, for some unknown reason, conflicts and frictions erupted among several northern continent countries. this hindered the transportation of our products inland, and our buyers significantly decreased. at this point, raymonds face revealed excitement. just when i thought wed face a surplus, a buyer unexpectedly came knocking. they bought up the rest of our products in one go! that buyer you definitely wont guess who it is! seeing raymond suddenly stop speaking, adopting a teasing manner, ji chen playfully scolded, spill it already, or i might just throw you into the sea! in response, raymond chuckled and leaned in, whispering to ji chen, the buyer is from the elven race! elven race? ji chen was somewhat surprised. this elven race wasnt the same as the player-recruited elves; they were the indigenous elves of this world. similar to the concept of fantasy worlds, the elven race was a powerful and well-known species. apart from their extended lifespans, they were also known for their dual cultivation in both physical and magical arts. every adult elf possessed a strength of at least tier four. but how could the elves take the initiative to come looking for them? seemingly sensing his confusion, raymond continued, my lord, you might be aware that the elven race excels in archery, nearly every elf is skilled in archery, and their archery skills are unmatched. so, they have a significant demand for materials to make bows. at this point, ji chen already had a guess. excitedly, raymond continued, those elves said that the quality of our wood is exceptional, particularly suitable for crafting bows and arrows. our wood is even more enchantment-friendly than other types. they also mentioned that if you agree, they are willing to establish a long-term supply channel with us. theyll buy as much as we have! and the price theyre offering is over 100% higher than the market rate. payment can be made in gold coins or other rare resources! whew- such generosity? a direct premium of 100% for purchase? when did elves become so generous!? what ji chen didnt know was that unlike other fantasy worlds, in this world, the elven race was one of the most powerful species. in contrast to other worlds, where elves often lived reclusive lives and were squeezed for living space, in this world, elves had close interactions with outsiders. they had established a formidable elven kingdom, which held a vast territory through their strength. in otherworlds, elves typically wore minimal clothing, seemed delicate, and had been captured and enslaved by other races. in this world, elves confidently took on human countries and brawled with orcs. they can kill an enemy with each punch. they taught others how to behave through their mastery of enchantment techniques. in other worlds, elves possessed potent technologies but refrained from using them, taking pride in frugality. in this world, their exceptional enchantment, alchemical, forging, and cultivation skills, coupled with the bountiful resources within their territory, enabled them to continuously produce various military equipment, alchemical products, and advanced agricultural goods. they exported these products worldwide and reaped vast wealth and resources. their lives were lavish and opulent, indulging in extravagant delicacies, fine wines, and luxurious rides. they somewhat resembled a certain oil-rich nation on earth. hence, the elven race was incredibly affluent and had a grand demeanor. hearing that the elves were willing to pay twice the market price, ji chen even started to doubt. he asked multiple times, did the elves really say this? youre not fooling me, are you? how could 1 dare to deceive you, my lord! raymond became anxious in an instant. then, as if he remembered something, he pulled out a jade-green wooden plaque from his bag and handed it over. this is what those elves gave me. they said that as long as you present this plaque at any elven embassy, youll be treated as a vip! ji chen took the wooden plaque and examined it closely. about the size of his palm, the plaque was covered in intricate patterns emitting a misty energy. in the center was an elven script. [elven ambassadors plaque] [explanation]: a special wooden plaque with significant meaning. presenting this at any elven embassy will grant you vip treatment. [as they say, a wealthy wife dispels worry. if you can hitch a ride with the elven race, you wont have to worry about money for your entire life.] was it really true? the crown of the ocean, was this forming a connection with the elven race? Chapter 224 - Chapter 224: Arms Trade and Island Tour chapter 224: arms trade and island tour translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation merely engaging in sales had unexpectedly established a connection with the elven race. this can be genuinely described as a delightful surprise. fortune has truly smiled upon them, and its momentum is uncontainable. raymond seemed to recall something and continued, oh, by the way, those elves also mentioned that they really like the coffee made from our premium coffee beans. if we can provide a stable supply, they are willing to buy all of it at twice the market price. ji chen wasnt surprised by this. after all, the value of premium coffee beans was evident. while maintaining their flavor, they could enhance magical power and accelerate its recovery effects. he believed there were not many similar items in the outside world. seeing that raymond wanted to say more, ji chen smiled and waved his hand. lets discuss this further back at the lord manor. this isnt the right place for a lengthy conversation. raymond hesitated for a moment, then quickly nodded. the two of them walked side by side. on their way to the lord manor, raymond looked around left and right, amazed by the significant changes in the crown of the ocean. he remembered that when he left before, it wasnt as prosperous. the harbor and water forts hadnt been built yet. between the territory and those structures was nothing but jungle and a few dirt roads. the housing in the residential area consisted of just a few dozen buildings, housing less than two thousand people. the number of warships and merchant ships was only six, and he had taken away most of them on a single voyage. it was nothing like now. it resembled a military overseas base of some kingdom or duchy. there were dozens of powerful warships, a continuous array of buildings, a pleasing town environment, and a dense flow of residents. in various functional buildings, residents were busy at work, showing a bustling scene. this prompted him to exclaim in amazement, ive only been gone for half a month, and the territory has changed so much. there are also so many more people. its truly incredible. hearing this, ji chen also smiled. half a month wasnt a short time. who could have predicted that after half a month, the crown of the ocean would have developed to this extent? raymond looked at a pair of fierce-looking half-orcs and lizardmen passing by, curious as he asked, my lord, why are there so many half-orcs and lizardmen in the territory? where did they come from? the half-orcs were tamed from a sea voyage mishap i had previously. their combat strength is quite impressive. as for the lizardmen ji chen gestured towards the ground. in a cave beneath the kobold den, there are several lizardmen kingdoms. i recently managed to conquer them. there are quite a number of lizardmen there. i see. raymond nodded in realization. so, how many lizardmen are there in that location? not many, just over a hundred thousand. just over a hundred thousand? over a hundred thousand!? raymonds expression seemed like he had seen a ghost as if he was questioning if ji chen was joking. oh, i forgot to mention. apart from those lizardmen, the population of the crown of the ocean is nearly ten thousand now. over a hundred thousand and ten thousand. raymonds lips twitched. he felt that he needed to reevaluate the crown of the ocean and the person he pledged allegiance to. when he first arrived at the new moon islands, the place was still desolate. the number of troops was only around a hundred, and the territory had just a few houses and a few dozen residents. apart from being able to produce a few unique specialties, theres not much difference between my territory and the territories of other lords of glory. honestly, at that time, he still held a certain level of disdain in his heart. but after more than half a month had passed, when he was once again bound here, it seemed that quite a few things had changed. the lord, who easily defeated hundreds of elite chamber of commerce guards, now possessed several warships, greatly increasing the military power. even the territory had become much more prosperous, displaying a lively and thriving appearance. and then, after some more time had passed, until today when he returned, even greater changes had occurred. the military power had expanded by dozens of times, the population of residents had reached nearly ten thousand, and he was commanding over a hundred thousand underground lizardmen. the level of prosperity was more than just tenfold compared to before. considering all these changes that happened in such a short span of time C a little over a month, to be precise C it had already developed to this extent. if it continued developing at this pace, wouldnt it be almost god-like? even the prospect of it evolving into a kingdom didnt appear to be an unattainable notion if someday it truly developed to such a stage, wouldnt he, as the trade envoy of the crown of the ocean, have played a significant role? a trade envoy could potentially transform into a trade minister. a trade minister of a kingdom thinking to this point, raymonds excitement surged. this was far better than being a mere member of the hanseatic chamber of commerce! seeing raymond suddenly become excited, his face brimming with determination and passion, ji chen was a bit puzzled, but he also smiled. having determination and passion was a good thing. the two of them quickly returned to the lord manor, where raymond continued to report on the gains from his journey to the northern continent. this time, the cargo from the two ships was sold for a total of 193,200 gold coins. following your instructions, everything has already been exchanged for various resources locally. this includes skilled labor forces, mithril during the journey, master sparrow also seized the opportunity to plunder two merchant ships, resulting in substantial gains. ji chen understood and asked, did the plundering and handling of the loot expose our identity? no, everything was carried out in secret. there are many people on the continent who specialize in dealing with these sea loots. additionally, we are extremely cautious and careful, so the chances of exposure are nearly close to zero.. Chapter 225 - Chapter 225: Arms Trade and Island Tour (2) chapter 225: arms trade and island tour (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation despite the significant growth in the strength of the crown of the ocean and its lack of fear towards conventional power attacks, involving itself in piracy continued to be a less respectable pursuit. therefore, it was advisable to maintain secrecy. after all, he had become quite famous among players by now. if news got out, it could have led to a tarnished reputation. however, in the near future, he would need to completely give up this undertaking and undergo a complete transformation of his image. once they had passed the initial capital accumulation phase, they could continue to develop using more sophisticated means, such as trade or military escort services, without the need to risk their reputation as pirates and engage in plunder for resources. ji chen suddenly realized that his strategy resembled certain modern-day practices of certain countries on earth. my apologies, truly. lord? are you alright, my lord? raymonds voice snapped him back to reality, and he cleared his throat before signaling to continue. oh, right, we were discussing the conflict between several duchies and kingdoms in the northern continent its causing our previous products to be unable to enter those regions, resulting in poor sales. after all, with the outbreak of the war, the nobles had little interest in purchasing these luxurious wood materials. fortunately, the appearance of the elves resolved our concerns. war? at the mention of it, ji chens interest was piqued, and he inquired, you said that theres a war between those duchies and kingdoms? how intense is the fighting? although it only started a few days ago, ive heard its becoming incredibly intense, with millions of soldiers engaging in battle. and due to the war, the most lucrative business in the northern continent has become arms trading. merchants from other places are buying weaponry and transporting them in shiploads. smack! thats fantastic! ji chen clapped his chairs armrest and suddenly stood up. raymond was startled by the abrupt noise. my lord, whats so good about this? of course, its this war! this war? the chubby man was utterly bewildered, scratching his head in confusion. the war nearly obstructed the sales of the territorys goods, so how could it be seen as something good? seeing raymonds confusion, ji chen chuckled and explained, did i mention before that 1 conquered an underground lizardmen kingdom? the lizardmen have exceptional skill in forging iron equipment. our warehouse is stocked with a massive quantity of high-quality weapons and armor. since theres increased demand for arms due to the war, why not clear out this inventory? at these words, raymond also grew excited, his mind racing and ideas falling into place. if thats the case, we should quickly sell them during this period. otherwise, it might be difficult to sell them after the war ends. ji chen nodded in agreement. he had considered selling these weapon and armor stockpiles to players earlier, given their vast numbers and extensive market. however, he eventually dismissed the idea. the reason was simple: players were scattered far and wide, resulting in a highly fragmented market due to geographical distance. the efficiency of buying and selling was remarkably low. but this war provided the perfect opportunity to transport dozens of ships at once, sending them directly to the warring kingdoms and duchies. i was incredibly convenient. such a great money-making opportunity shouldnt be missed! the moment raymond spotted the opportunity for significant earnings, his excitement surged, almost boiling within him. without hesitation, he promptly sought permission. my lord, i request to have these weapons and equipment loaded onto ships in the next few days. please allow me to head to the northern continent as soon as possible. the larger the cargo, the better! seeing this, ji chen didnt hesitate either, raising his hand and giving his approval. i grant permission. youll be in charge of this matter. understood!! after saluting, raymond, moving at a speed incongruous with his body, rushed out. ji chens orders were absolute. soon, from top to bottom, a large number of unused weapons and equipment stored in the warehouse were transported in batches from the underground lizardmen world. they were stacked in the port, sorted, packaged by specialized individuals, and then loaded into the cargo holds. numerous warships had their cannons removed to create more space for cargo. the crown of the ocean operated at high speed, astonishingly efficient. in just two days, over thirty ships were packed with goods, causing them to sit much lower in the water. and yet, despite all this effort, only about a third of the weapons and equipment from the underground lizardmen world had been transported out. this showed just how abundant their inventory was. on the third day at noon, raymond, who hadnt been away for long, once again boarded the ship. under the watchful eyes of an attentive crew, he set off with a massive trade fleet. the fleet consisted of thirty-two cargo ships and eight escort warships. the new moon islands left fewer than ten warships as a defensive fleet. to evade the pursuit of monica and her followers, ji chen specifically had the fleet depart from the western side of the stormy sea and enter the shipping lanes directly. by the harbors edge, as the trade fleet gradually disappeared on the horizon, he turned and headed back. returning to the lord manor, he waited in the hall for a while. soon, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of boots, monicas figure appeared by the side entrance. watching her attire, a hint of astonishment flashed in ji chens eyes. today, monica seemed to have dressed up especially. her shining golden hair, even brighter than the sun, was tied into a neat and elegant long ponytail, giving her a heroic and gallant air. she wore a set of hunting clothes suitable for traversing mountains and valleys. a brown vest and checkered shirt highlighted her graceful upper body curves, and the contours of her chest were particularly alluring. ji chen glanced at her equestrian pants and boots below her waist, silently marveling. how did he not notice before that this young lady had such captivating and alluring long legs? seeing ji chen scrutinizing her, monicas eyes revealed a barely noticeable sense of delight and pride. she was indeed very beautiful; previously, she had appeared disheveled due to the escape. but then, does lord ji chen have a thing for legs? monica squinted her eyes, suddenly recalling that both alice and the girl named anina, as well as the castles maids, all had remarkably long legs. thinking this, she became even more convinced of her idea. with that in mind, she confidently walked over, her long legs moving gracefully, and greeted ji chen with a charming smile. lord ji chen, im ready. shall we depart now? ji chen came back to his senses, smiling and saying, of course. due to some circumstances, alice had been urgently sent elsewhere. therefore, it fell upon him to receive the daughter of the grand duke and accompany her in exploring the new moon islands. as ji chen pondered where to go first, he suddenly felt his arm being held tightly. looking down, he saw monica casually linking her arm with his. seeing the surprise in his eyes, she blinked her large eyes and gave him a sweet smile. lets go. this womans skills were quite advanced! as a lord of the land, he couldnt be intimidated by such a small gesture. ji chens mind stirred, and he nodded with a smile. this time, it was just the two of them traveling together. their first stop was the most common sight on the islandthe jungle. for him, he had seen this jungle countless times and found it rather dull, even if it was beautiful. but for monica, everything here was so novel. the towering and dense trees, the impenetrable vegetation, the small insects hidden among the leaves, the birds gliding low through the forest, and the meandering streamsall of it was a captivating experience for her. growing up in the palace, she found it all incredibly refreshing. having only taken a few steps into the jungle, she was already captivated by various sights, hopping around to observe everything, occasionally letting out excited exclamations. your excellency, look, its a seven-spot ladybird! your excellency, its a dragonfly! your excellency, theres a snake!! your excellency, theres a butterfly!! watching monica jump in alarm as a harmless snake passed by, only to chase after a beautiful butterfly with a childlike expression of joy on her face, ji chen couldnt tell if she was acting or being genuine. if it was an act, her acting skills were truly extraordinary.. Chapter 226 - Chapter 226: Farewell, Entering the Skeleton Realm chapter 226: farewell, entering the skeleton realm translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation when monica came back with a delighted expression on her face and showed him a butterfly perched on her finger, a creature as common as could be in the jungle, as if presenting him with a precious treasure, ji chen couldnt resist asking, monica, have you never seen a place like this before? monica gently shook her head. with a wave of her hand, she released the butterfly and placed her hands behind her, looking around with a touch of melancholy. i grew up within the palace, where my studies were filled with etiquette and various skills. my father protected me well, and i seldom ventured beyond the palace walls. the only view i could see every day was the garden outside my window and the high walls that i couldnt climb. i always stood on my tiptoes by the top-floor window, yearning to catch a glimpse of the world outside. as i grew older and had the chance to venture out, there were guards and attendants surrounding me like mountains, except when 1 slept or picked flowers. until now at this point, the sadness on monicas face suddenly vanished, replaced by a mischievous twinkle in her eye. i suppose i can finally relax a little. ji chen looked at the girl who had undergone such a sudden change in demeanor, feeling slightly taken aback before breaking into a smile. then lets cherish this precious time that has come. monica playfully pointed toward the deeper parts of the island, her eyes brimming with anticipation. lord ji chen, id like to continue further into the island. oh, by the way, 1 saw a towering mountain peak with a magnificent waterfall near your castle! that place? according to the legends here, a dragon once lived on that mountain peak over the next two days, ji chen accompanied the grand dukes daughter on a tour of the island, exploring its various highlights. initially, he had the idea of simply passing the time, but as they interacted, he found himself increasingly influenced by monicas lively and cheerful demeanor. their interactions gradually changed his perspective, and he grew more attuned to her presence, gaining a deeper understanding of her in the process. the seemingly strong and mature young woman had, during her unexpected stay on the new moon islands, gradually shed her inhibitions and left her cheerful laughter echoing in various places. but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. with the arrival of a piece of news, monica and her entourage had to prepare for departure. in the lord manors grand hall based on the reports from the patrol units, it seems that the pursuers have abandoned their search for you. they left the stormy sea area yesterday afternoon and headed northwest, so you can leave at any time. upon hearing this, monica and her companions couldnt help but smile with relief. their stay on the new moon islands had lasted for approximately five to six days, and factoring in the time required for the return journey, almost half a month had been spent, making their schedule quite tight. monica exchanged a glance with the ships captain and others before stepping forward. lord ji chen, we still dont know the current situation in the duchy. every day of delay increases the danger. so, if possible, wed like to depart this afternoon. ji chen nodded in understanding. i completely understand your situation, and im more than willing to honor our agreement. one of the ships is already loading the supplies youll need for your journey. its estimated that you can set sail this afternoon on schedule. additionally, ill dispatch another warship and an escort squad to ensure your safe return to the lienhardt grand duchy. monicas face lit up, and she clasped her hands together. thats wonderful! my father must be getting anxious waiting for us. the ships captain and the chief guard also bowed in gratitude. we appreciate your assistance. despite the misunderstandings we had before, the lienhardt grand duchy wont forget the helping hand you extended when we were in a difficult situation. under the gaze of the divine, weve forged a bridge of friendship. of course, i hope the friendship between the crown of the ocean and the lienhardt grand duchy will endure. in the afternoon, at the harbor supplies were smoothly being loaded onto the ship, and the warship was prepared for departure. the group began to board the ship. as monica looked at the sailors and guards who were filled with joy at the prospect of returning to the duchy, she noticed that she didnt feel as elated as she had imagined for the journey back. instead, a subtle sense of loss seemed to envelop her. was it because she was reluctant to leave this newfound freedom behind? during her time on the islands, monica had shed all the constraints that had bound her. she no longer had to worry about every detail of etiquette, nor did she need to be constantly concerned about the opinions of outsiders, fearing that she might tarnish the reputation of the duchy or her father. like a canary released from a cage, she fluttered her wings freely through the sky. these days had been among the happiest in her life so far. monica took a deep breath. but this too must come to an end. as a member of the valencia family and a potential heir to the grand duchy, she would have to relinquish some of this newfound freedom and embrace her responsibilities. whats wrong? reluctant to leave? ji chens voice, tinged with a hint of amusement, interrupted the emotions she had been contemplating. monica turned around in surprise and saw ji chen approaching her, which brought a smile to her face. lord ji chen, you startled me! even she didnt realize that she sounded somewhat coquettish as she spoke. haha, uh-oh. if grand duke lienhardt finds out that i scared his precious daughter, wont i be in trouble? ji chen immediately feigned a fearful expression, jokingly.. Chapter 227 - Chapter 227: Farewell, Entering the Skeleton Realm (2) chapter 227: farewell, entering the skeleton realm (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the appearance made monica unable to hold back her laughter as she covered her mouth with a smile. your excellency, if you say that, 1 might actually get angry! after some joking laughter, ji chen glanced at the almost-ready warships and smiled. alright, its about time. monica, you should board the ship now. monica also knew it was time to leave, looking at the tall and handsome ji chen before her. a hint of affection flashed in her eyes, but she quickly concealed it deep in her heart, bowing and performing a knee salute. your excellency, if we successfully overcome this challenge, then youre welcome to visit the lienhardt grand duchy. we will definitely receive you as an honored guest. ji chen didnt say much, just nodded and replied, if i have the time, i will consider it. as the warship slowly sailed out of the harbor, monica waved goodbye towards ji chens figure at the stern. her figure gradually grew distant until it disappeared on the horizon. standing at the harbor for a moment, he shook his head and returned to the lord manor. at this time, alice and anina, who had been missing for several days, as well as benbo, daro, and a group of heroes, stood in the hall. how is the situation with the illusory realm crystal? reporting, my lord, the illusory realm crystal is currently stable, but theres still a risk of it being forcefully opened. at this news, his expression grew more serious. ever since he had led the army to defeat the invading skeleton army and skeleton heroes from the gate two months ago, and promptly closed the illusory realm gate, the illusory realm crystal had remained silent. until the second day when monica and her group arrived at the new moon islands, the illusory realm crystal suddenly experienced intense fluctuations. several indications suggested that on the opposite side of the illusory realm gate, within the skeleton realm, there was an ongoing effort to forcefully reopen the gate. as expected, it should be the work of the skeleton king within the illusory realm. the skeleton king still held the ambition to invade. however, if a couple of months ago he might have been afraid. but today, the strength of the crown of the ocean, in terms of both the quality of his troops and his heroes, was incomparable to that time. their strength had increased by far more than just tenfold. back then, he was able to crush the skeleton army with around a hundred units of his own troops, and the same would hold true now. since the skeleton king was so ignorant of his own limitations, he might as well solve this problem once and for all! with this thought in mind, ji chens expression grew solemn, and he said in a serious tone. monica and her group have already left, so theres no need to conceal anything. pass on my command. the entire army should begin preparations. 1 intend to attack and conquer that illusory realm! understood! with the order given, the entire crown of the ocean began to mobilize once again. the army assembled, and various supplies were transported to the frontlines. the warships set sail, anchoring around the island where the illusory realm crystal was located, ready to provide firepower support once the illusory realm gate opened. ji chen came to the military recruitment camp and recruited all the accumulated units over the past two weeks. after this recruitment, the number of units surged once again, as follows: naga berserkers: 202 ? 482, tier four, 5 stars. dragon blood murlocs: 207 > 487, tier four, 3 stars. elemental sea pixies: 224 -> 518, tier four, 3 stars. lobster riders: 210 -> 490, tier four, 1 star. murloc rangers: 266 -> 350, tier three, 5 stars. self-detonating water spiders: 350 -> 1400, tier three, 3 stars. elite pirates: 270, tier two, 4 stars. deep sea roamers: 20 40, tier four, 1 star. tidal sea spirits: 3 -> 5, tier four, 1 star. giant octopuses: 10 -> 20, tier four, 8 stars. ruins guardians: 780, tier three, 8 stars. ocean guardians: 2020, tier three, 9 stars. sky guardians: 40, tier four, 8 stars. half-orc warriors: 1080, tier three, 8 stars. a total of 7982 units. while this number was considerable, according to ji chens estimation, the skeleton realm within the illusory realm probably lacked aquatic creatures. only a portion of the units would be able to participate in this campaign. the planned forces consisted of naga berserkers, dragon blood murlocs, elemental sea pixies, self-detonating water spiders, murloc rangers, and the half-orc warriors with enhanced strength. a total of 4317 units. although the number of skeleton monsters in the skeleton realm was surely much greater, ji chen believed that these forces would be enough to handle them. two days later. ji chen led his army and a group of heroes to the front of the illusory realm crystal. as time passed, the energy fluctuations of the crystal grew increasingly intense. this indicated that the skeleton realm was trying to forcefully open the illusory realm gate. the illusory realm gate was two-way, so after repairing the crystal to instantly open the gate, as long as it wasnt destroyed, the portal would remain open. therefore, upon their entry, he strategically stationed hundreds of ruins guardians here to prevent any stray skeleton creatures from escaping. with all preparations in place, ji chen arrived at the illusory realm crystal and began the repairs. ding- repairing the illusory realm crystal requires consuming 3000 units of crystal. a mere 3000 units were already insignificant for him at this point. without a moments hesitation, he invested the required amount. the solid crystal gradually turned liquid, merging into the illusory realm crystal. the visibly damaged surface began to repair itself. half an hour later, all the crystal had been absorbed, and the surface of the illusory realm crystal became smooth and flawless, radiating transparency. ding- repair of the illusory realm crystal is complete. the illusory realm gate can be opened. seeing this, ji chen didnt waste any time. he reached out and touched the crystal, his mind focused. the illusory realm crystal trembled suddenly, causing the ground to shake slightly. he took a few steps back. a stream of red energy shot out from the illusory realm crystal, forming a slowly enlarging red vortex at a distance of dozens of meters. perhaps due to the complete repair of the illusory realm crystal, this red vortex was much larger than before, with a diameter of fifty meters. faint lightning flickered on its surface, brewing a somewhat terrifying energy. move forward, everyone! the army, already arranged in formation, bypassed the illusory realm crystal and marched in an orderly fashion towards the illusory realm gate. as they came into contact with the red vortex, they vanished behind the gate with a faint flash. ji chen and the group of heroes were situated in the middle of the formation, and they too stepped into the gate without hesitation. a flash of white light. the environment before their eyes had suddenly changed. the sky was black and red, radiating an eerie color. layers upon layers of red gravel extended from beneath their feet to the distant horizon, not a single stone in sight. within the gravel, some dark, leafless trees grew, but their twisted and bizarre shapes gave off an unsettling feeling. a faint but pungent smell of rust immediately filled their noses, causing discomfort. gloomy and dim. this was the initial impression the illusory realm gave them. ji chen sighed inwardly. it was truly deserving of a realm inhabited by undead skeletons. it was clear that this environment was unsuitable for human survival. looking around left and right. they were currently standing on higher ground, providing an easy view of the surroundings for several kilometers. however, a glance around revealed that aside from the red gravel and the peculiar trees, there was not a single skeleton in sight. werent they supposed to be trying to forcefully open the illusory realm gate from the skeleton realm? logically, there should be a ready-to-invade skeleton army waiting behind the gate. ji chen was puzzled. after some contemplation, a thought struck him. could it be that the illusory realm gates opened from the outside are randomly generated within the illusory realm? if that was the case, it presented them with an opportunity to regroup. with ji chens guidance, their own army continued to emerge from the illusory realm gate, reassembling in a valley below the high ground. although the illusory realm gate was not small, it still took considerable time for several thousand troops to pass through. after half an hour, over three thousand units of the army had passed through. now their task was to find the skeleton king. skeletons were a mysterious race with a hierarchical structure resembling that of a beehive. higher-ranking skeleton monsters commanded lower-ranking ones. for example, a skeleton vanguard would command several dozen regular small skeletons. a skeleton squad leader would command several dozen skeleton vanguards. a skeleton battalion leader would command several dozen skeleton squad leaders. and so on, with control over all the skeletons eventually concentrated in the hands of the highest-ranking skeleton king. therefore, by killing the skeleton king, most of the lower-level skeleton monsters would lose their control, becoming scattered and easy to defeat. looking left and right, ji chen found himself surrounded by endless, uniform red gravel. only the distant rocky mountain drew some attention. similar to a fly buzzing around ones head in the desert, wandering aimlessly here would only drain their energy in vain. after careful consideration, ji chen decided to first head towards that rocky mountain to assess the situation.. Chapter 228 - Chapter 228: Bone Forge chapter 228: bone forge translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation under ji chens command, the army marched steadily towards the stone mountain. during this period, the formation remained unchanged, with naga berserkers at the front, dragon blood murlocs and half-orc warriors on the flanks, elemental sea pixies and murloc rangers in the center, and explosive creatures like self-detonating water spiders at the rear. ji chen and the group of heroes positioned themselves at the very center of the formation, the safest spot. as they say, its better to anticipate danger. the stone mountain seemed not too far away, but the journey was quite a distance. it took a full three hours to finally arrive within a short distance of the mountain. amidst the desolate red gravel, there appeared some discordant white spots. intently scrutinizing the scene, they noticed a multitude of white bones hidden beneath the gravel surrounding the stone mountain. among the gravel, various skeleton creatures roamed about. sensing the aura of living beings, the flickering soul flames within the eye sockets of many skeleton creatures trembled. driven by an innate craving for life, they instinctively gnashed their teeth and swung their claws, hastening forward on their frail legs with a surge of determination. they converged into a small wave of skeletal tide. at a glance, the sight of ferocious skeletons and flickering azure flames was somewhat daunting. however, every member of their group had experienced countless battles. how could they be daunted by such a show? with a determined expression, ji chen gave the order. naga berserkers, prepare to withstand the charge! dragon blood murlocs, prepare for the first volley! as the wave of skeletons climbed over small hills and entered their firing range, dragon blood murlocs hurled tridents, smashing the skeleton creatures with force and causing secondary damage as the tridents returned. after a round of exchange, most of the skeleton wave had been killed or injured, with only a few stragglers reaching the front lines, where they were dispatched by the naga berserkers. seeing this, ji chen ordered them to move forward. the stone mountain appeared to be a gathering point for skeletons. the closer they got, the more wandering skeleton creatures there were. under the summoning of higher-ranking skeletons, waves of them charged forward. the numbers in each wave increased from dozens to hundreds, and then to several hundred. however, these were just second-tier skeleton creatures and were naturally no match for their forces. bang- with the final skeleton creature shattered, there were no more attacks from the surrounding skeleton creatures. but ji chen didnt let his guard down and sternly commanded, remain on high alert, everyone! afterward, he surveyed the surroundings. they were currently in a valley, with elevated ground on three sides, resulting in a limited field of vision. his extensive experience in commanding battles allowed him to act decisively. without any delay, he deployed three reconnaissance teams to ascend the three elevated regions and assess the surroundings. soon, the three reconnaissance teams sent back messages. they found a skeleton camp located near the northern side of the stone mountain. climbing the elevated area, ji chen looked toward the stone mountain and indeed spotted a skeleton camp constructed entirely of bones, leaning against the mountain. outside the camp, countless skeleton creatures roamed. at a glance, their combined numbers easily exceeded thirty to forty thousand. should we attack now, lord? no, lets observe first, ji chen shook his head. after around ten minutes of observation, he had a rough idea about this batch of skeleton creatures. these densely packed skeleton creatures, radiating from the camps center, included common white skeletons, skeleton hounds, skeleton mages, skeleton vultures, and black skeletons. among them, the most numerous were the common white skeletons, accounting for at least seventy percent of the total. as for the more formidable forces such as the black skeletons, skeleton hounds, and skeleton mages, they made up a significant portion, roughly around twenty percent. the least in number were the skeleton mages, with only around three to four hundred observed. the scarcity of spellcasting units was a common principle among various races. apart from that, they hadnt discovered any new types of skeleton creatures so far, and it was unclear whether they did not exist or were simply not present here. ji chen also noticed that at regular intervals, the skeleton camp would send out freshly risen skeleton creatures that unsteadily joined the sea of skeletons outside the camp. at this point, benbo, who was beside him, spoke up. lord, it seems this camp is the stronghold of skeleton creatures in this area. furthermore, theres a recurring emergence of new skeleton creatures. this strongly implies the presence of a potential bone forge within the encampment! bone forge? ji chens brows furrowed. it seemed like he was hearing this term for the first time. immediately, he began to inquire more about it. a bone forge was a unique creation of the undead class, similar in nature to a military recruitment camp. as the name implies, it produces various types of skeleton creatures. however, the difference was that while a regular military recruitment camp typically produced only one type of unit, a bone forge can produce multiple types of skeleton creatures. it was an upgraded and enhanced version of a military recruitment camp. as he listened, he suddenly recalled. if he could obtain one, it would be equivalent to acquiring several different types of skeleton units. this kind of thing should be highly sought after among players of the undead class, right? after giving it some thought, ji chen opened a forum, entered the keyword bone forge, and initiated a search. he directly entered the post with the highest popularity. the bone forge is a treasure comparable to a legendary item for players of the undead class, especially those who specialize in the skeleton line! a low-level bone forge can produce most common skeleton units from 1st to 3rd tier. intermediate-level forges can produce units from 2nd to 4th tier, while advanced forges can produce units from 3rd to 5th tier. moreover, the production rate is much higher than that of regular recruitment camps! if you come across one, you must seize it by any means necessary! obtaining a bone forge can instantly boost the potential of players of the undead class! Chapter 229 - Chapter 229: Bone Forge (2) chapter 229: bone forge (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation we all understand the reasoning, but where should we go to find it? based on the information we have, there are currently only a few dozen undead players who have obtained the bone forge, and most of them are still low-level. the one who obtained the mid-level bone forge has now become a super powerhouse among the undead race. if someone is willing to sell it, im willing to spend all my wealth to buy it! after more than ten minutes, ji chen closed the forum with a subtle expression on his face. unexpectedly, the bone forge was such a rare existence in the main world. out of the multitude of players, only a handful of them had emerged, which was quite astounding. yet, they had just entered this skeleton mystic realm not even half a day ago and it seemed they had encountered one. it seemed they had come to the right place after all. these mystic realms were indeed like treasuries. if they could explore the entire mystic realm, who knew what more they might find? as he looked at the distant skeleton camp, his gaze gradually turned fervent, as if he were staring at a gold mine. he waved his hand. full force ahead! attack the skeleton camp! the army set out again, ascended the high ground, split in two around ji chen, then merged back into one, charging aggressively toward the skeleton camp. within the camp, there was a tent made up of countless white bones. several higher-ranking skeletons were sitting on bone chairs, engaged in soul communication. how is the production status of the bone forge? its producing steadily. at this rate, well soon complete the task given to us by the king. we need to be even faster. the kings plan to invade other realms is being prepared. we must do more for the kings great cause! thats right. the previous invasion plan was thwarted by a human, leading to the death of a prominent general. the king was enraged. this time, our plan must be flawless. we need to breach the gates and launch a thorough invasion of other realms without any room for error! hah, if i ever come across that human, ill definitely use soul fireballs to scorch his soul! ill ensure his suffering surpasses mere death! just as they were enthusiastically discussing, they suddenly noticed that the soul connections of a few lower-ranking skeletons were severed. a strong aura of living beings also drifted in from outside. enemies are approaching! upon receiving this message, the higher-ranking skeleton creatures were instantly taken aback. enemies? how could there be enemies invading the skeleton mystic realm? could it be from the outside world? although they werent sure what was happening, a surge of anger erupted deep within their souls. for countless ages, no living beings had dared to enter this mystic realm. this realm was ruled by the skeleton race. however, today an unexpected visitor arrived, and they felt that their pride was being disregarded. no matter the cause, whoever has the audacity to assault this location shall endure the agonizing torment of soul immolation! the sounds of battle grew closer, and they picked up their weapons and walked out of the tent, only to see a formidable army of several thousand people fiercely attacking the periphery. at the same time, they also saw the human who was commanding in the middle of the army and roared in anger. damn it! could that human be the same one who disrupted the kings plan the last time!? whether it is or not, we must kill him here. otherwise, once the king finds out, he will surely be furious! if it truly is that human, as long as we kill or capture him and present him before the king, we will surely be richly rewarded! hmm? ji chen, who was commanding the army in a relentless slaughter, suddenly noticed that the previously disorganized skeleton creatures were now organizing themselves into formations and launching an attack. upon seeing this scene, ji chen quickly realized what was happening. a skeleton commander had started to give orders. he surveyed the surroundings and soon spotted a few distinctive skeleton creatures within the massive skeleton army. at a glance, all of them were white common-tier skeleton commanders! could this mystic realms monsters commanders really show up so frequently? ji chen muttered to himself inwardly while continuing to gesture his commands. just a few white common-tier commanders wouldnt change the tide of battle at all. full assault! the target is the enemy skeleton commanders! with the command given, the armys assault grew even more ferocious. like a massive rolling war chariot, it pressed forward, crushing the skeletons beneath it. whether it was the white skeletons, the black skeletons, or even the skeleton hounds, they all turned into shattered bones before the sharp onslaught. only the three to four hundred skeleton mages managed to inflict some minor damage, but under the combined barrage of elemental sea pixies, not even bone fragments were left behind. if viewed from the sky, ji chen and his forces were like sharp cones, piercing deep into the enemys ranks. having evolved to their current level, the higher-ranking skeletons werent much less intelligent than humans. seeing their own skeleton army getting dismantled as if they were mere vegetables being chopped, the thought of escape had long surfaced in their minds. especially for those enemy commanders who hadnt fought before, looking into their sharp gazes almost extinguished the flames of their souls. the situation was extremely dangerous! the situation has changed! this human and his army are too powerful. we should retreat immediately! retreat? what about the bone forge in this area? and the king wont spare us either! upon hearing this, the other higher-ranking skeletons hesitated, but one of them quickly found a reason to justify their actions. its precisely because this human is so powerful that we should inform the king immediately. otherwise, letting him escape would be an even greater offense. youre right. were not retreating were informing the king! several higher-ranking skeletons instantly reached a consensus and, accompanied by a small contingent of elite skeleton creatures, hastily began to flee. witnessing this scene, ji chen couldnt help but frown, his expression growing stern. thinking of escaping? theres no way! he immediately shouted, daro, you and the half-orc warriors chase down those fleeing skeleton commanders! make sure to capture them! yes! daro accepted the command and led a group of muscular half-orc warriors, charging from the side to pursue the escaping skeletons. although the skeleton army held numerical advantage, the loss of the skeleton commanders command turned them into scattered chaos in an instant. under ji chens command, they were divided into several sections, gradually devouring them like a cake being slowly eaten away. an hour later. not a single standing skeleton remained in sight. everywhere were shattered white bones. ding- you have slain thousands of skeleton creatures. level up (19>22). looking at the system notification, a hint of satisfaction appeared on ji chens face. even before this series of battles, his level had already reached 19. but this time, wiping out such a large wave of skeleton creatures all at once brought enough experience to propel him up by three levels. it seemed this trip to the mystic realm would allow him to gain several good levels. walking amid the white bones, ji chen leisurely entered the skeleton camp. at this moment, a fresh batch of low-level skeleton creatures wandered over from the direction of the stone mountain. it seemed the bone forge was on the side of the stone mountain. ji chen casually gestured, and the army tore apart this group of low-level skeleton creatures. then he headed toward the stone mountain. following the traces, he soon arrived at a sinister-looking cave entrance. without hesitation, he entered. the cave was dimly lit, with skull torches affixed to the walls on both sides that emitted a dim blue flame. walking a dozen meters into the cave, he arrived at a circular domed space. looking around, a massive skull stood in the center, its empty eye sockets flickering with a ghostly blue flame. with a slight click, the mouth slowly opened, and a few skeleton hounds walked out from inside. when they saw ji chen, they visibly paused, then rushed towards him one after another. sounds of bones shattering echoed, and anina set down her greatsword, clapping her hands expressionlessly. seeing this, ji chen began to size up this so-called bone forge. [bone forge (low-level)] [purpose]: capable of producing 1-3 tier skeleton units [producible units]: white skeletons, black skeletons, netherfire skeleton hounds, skeleton vultures, skeleton mages [harvestable resources] Chapter 230 - Chapter 230: Skeleton Uprising, Skeleton Lizards chapter 230: skeleton uprising, skeleton lizards translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat tran station a low-level bone forge? shaking his head, ji chen didnt feel much disappointment. he had anticipated this outcome. after all, the guarding skeletons in this area ranged from tier 1 to tier 3, with a handful of white skeleton commanders among them. with a wave of his hand, ji chen casually stored this low-level bone forge in his backpack. he looked around and confirmed that this was the only thing here before retracing his steps. back at the entrance of the skeleton camp, after only a short wait, daro and his half-orc group appeared on the dunes, thundering towards them. plop- several differently-shaped heads were thrown on the ground. as daro ran up, his rough voice resounded like thunder. he held three white crystals in his hand. lord, ive taken care of those fleeing skeletons/ these three crystals rolled out of their heads. crystals that fell from them? ji chen seemed to recall something and reached out to receive them, examining them closely. [white heroic soul essence] [tier]: special [effect]: can immediately promote an ordinary creature to a white common-tier hero. indeed, these were from the same series as the green heroic soul essence that burst out from styne the malevolent wind. three white heroic soul essences could turn three ordinary individuals into heroes, even if they were just the lowest level of white common-tier. there seemed to be an obvious development issue with the crown of the ocean. among the six heroes, four were purple rare-tier, while there was only one blue excellent-tier and one green elite-tier. surprisingly, there was not a single white common-tier hero. this structure was quite distorted. if heroes like alice and anina, who were purple rare-tier, were likened to generals, then white common-tier heroes were like basic officers, the backbone of the force. the lack of low-level heroes resulted in the need for high-tier combat heroes to handle every minor skirmish and small-scale monster invasion, which was wasteful and inefficient. moreover, there was the issue of how well heroes commanded armies. heroes like anina, who were purely focused on violence, were more suited for solo combat. they were not good at leading armies in collective battles. not only did they fail to leverage the advantages of hero-commanded armies, but it also somewhat limited their abilities. on the other hand, combat heroes like benbo and daro were not only adept at commanding dragon blood murlocs and half-orc warriors, but they also provided significant boosts and enhancements. if there were several heroes that could match their respective units, both in combat command and improving unit combat power, everything would be much smoother. storing the three white heroic soul essences in his backpack, ji chen led his army away, searching for the next skeleton camp similar to this one. he finally discovered that the skeleton commanders in this skeleton mystic realm had a relatively high probability of dropping heroic soul essences. that was why he obtained three by conquering just one camp. if he could conquer a few more camps and drop a dozen more heroic soul essences, wouldnt he gain several more heroes for the crown of the ocean? with this thought in mind, ji chen was filled with enthusiasm. with a wave of his hand, he led his army to set off again. he chose to advance in the direction the white skeleton commanders had fled. since they ran in this direction, there should be another skeleton camp or something similar somewhere. with the main army as the center, he sent out over a hundred naga berserkers to scout the surroundings. this skeleton mystic realm was as vast as the blood sea mystic realm. after leaving the rocky hill, the sight within the field of vision was nothing but a vast expanse of red desert, appearing both desolate and lonely. after crossing one hill, there was another hill. they seemed endless, covering the entire ground. after walking for several hours without finding any skeleton camps, the sky gradually darkened, and the visibility around them rapidly decreased. seeing this, ji chen had no choice but to order the army to stop and set up camp in a sheltered valley. soon, the night fully descended. the sky was covered in dense black clouds, and a blood-red moon emerged from behind the clouds. the crimson moonlight illuminated the gravel below, making it even more vibrant. listening to the howling wind outside the tent, ji chen, who held alices soft body, gradually relaxed. but before he could completely fall asleep, he faintly heard the sound of gravel shifting beneath the wind. however, he didnt pay it much attention. it wasnt until a piercing warning cry came from outside that he suddenly opened his eyes. enemy attack!!! ji chen instantly woke up and found that alice was already awake, her face filled with alertness. the two of them immediately got up and dressed, then quickly stepped out of the tent, bringing alice along. at a glance, they saw blood-red flames appearing on the tops of the sand dunes surrounding them. ji chen narrowed his eyes as he observed. no, these were flames coming from the eye sockets of the skeleton creatures! why would there suddenly be so many skeleton creatures? could it be that other skeleton commanders had noticed them and gathered forces to attack under the cover of night? although he didnt know the exact reason, ji chen knew that now wasnt the time to dwell on this. listening to the relentless sounds of creaking and the soft shifting of gravel, it was clear that a large number of skeleton creatures were rushing toward them from the other end of the sand dunes. a portion of them had already engaged in battle with the night-watch army. their encampment was situated in a valley, surrounded by sand dunes. once the skeleton creatures seized the high ground at the top, they would have the advantage of attacking from above. at that point, things would become quite difficult.. Chapter 231 - Chapter 231: Skeleton Uprising, Skeleton Lizards (2) chapter 231: skeleton uprising, skeleton lizards (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation realizing this, ji chen immediately shouted loudly, all troops, climb up and build a defensive line at the top of the sand dune! half-orcs, be prepared as the reserve force to support our allies! upon hearing this, the troops, who had just snapped out of their resting state, charged up the sand dune without hesitation. they quickly joined forces with the night watch troops and constructed a defensive line spanning hundreds of meters based on the circular shape of the sand dune. seeing this, ji chen let out a sigh of relief and followed suit by climbing up the sand dune. despite having already defeated tens of thousands of skeleton monsters on their way here, the sight of the approaching skeletons still sent a shiver down his spine. under the illumination of the blood moon, countless skeletons, resembling a sea, were rushing towards the defensive line. the blood-red flames flickering in their eye sockets filled the entire field of view. there must be at least over a hundred thousand of these skeletons to present such a formidable front! where did all these skeletons come from!? however, he soon noticed that these skeleton monsters attack lacked organization and order. they were simply swarming forward with their numerical advantage, seemingly without any commands from a skeleton leader. the defensive line constructed by the army stood firm like a mountain, resisting the wave-like assaults of the skeleton horde without budging. yet, the number of skeleton monsters was just overwhelming. shoulder to shoulder, they surged forward, pushing and shoving to get through. when they caught a whiff of ji chen and his allies scent, they grew even more frenzied. their jaws clamped together with a clatter as they pushed and shoved, even breaking their own ribs and those of their allies in the process. while most of the skeleton monsters were blocked by the defensive line, a portion of them was gradually pushed to the edges of the line, creating openings. seeing this, ji chen frowned and ordered daro to lead the waiting half-orcs to fill in the gaps, killing off the invading skeletons and sealing the breaches. whether it was due to the blood moon or the night itself, these skeletons with blood-red flames in their eye sockets seemed to possess slightly greater strength on average than the blue-flame counterparts they had encountered earlier. they attacked fiercely and fearlessly. the naga berserker swung their dual blades, slicing through three or four skeleton monsters with each strike, reducing them to pieces. the dragon blood murlocs hurled their tridents with great force. each trident, resembling a charged crossbow bolt, brutally shattered several skeletons lined up in a row. the elemental sea pixies, now advanced from tier three to tier four, had significantly enhanced firepower. their water arrows were created a chain reaction, with the main arrow exploding among the enemy group and hundreds of secondary arrows blooming like a flower, releasing a violent energy that swept over a radius of thirty to forty meters, creating temporary gaps. with each explosion, over a hundred skeleton monsters were torn apart. even the surviving ones were left in tatters. in terms of killing efficiency, they were the strongest troops under ji chens command. the sounds of battle echoed through the red desert. two hours had passed, yet the number of skeletons before them showed no sign of dwindling. instead, more kept pouring in from the distance. ji chen gritted his teeth and decided to deploy the self-detonating water spiders that he had not yet used. he wanted to witness the power of the tier three 3-star creatures when their strength was concentrated in an explosion. after giving the command, a wave of fifty self-detonating water spiders moved around to the sides from a distance. with their eight slender legs moving swiftly across the gravel, they quickly arrived at the flanks of the skeleton horde. under ji chens control, they lunged at one skeleton first. seeing the approaching self-detonating water spiders, the skeletons, oblivious to life and death, immediately charged forward. their sharp bone claws struck out violently, piercing into the bodies of the self-detonating water spiders and agitating them wildly. at the next moment, the moving forms of the self-detonating water spiders momentarily froze, emitting a faint green light from within their bodies before violently exploding. boom a small mushroom cloud suddenly rose up, accompanied by intense air currents carrying rapidly expanding energy, impacting everything around and kicking up numerous pieces of gravel. as the gravel settled and the dust dispersed, a scene unfolded. centered around the point of explosion, within a radius of fifty meters, all the skeleton monsters, whether common skeletons, more advanced skeleton hounds, or black skeletons, were turned into a cloud of white dust. they lay scattered on the gravel, forming a white desert. a hint of astonishment appeared in ji chens eyes, and he almost held his breath. he hadnt expected the power to be this immense; it was much more potent than c4! coming back to his senses, he broke into a crazy smile. this time, he was determined to blow these skeleton monsters to pieces! with a thought, the remaining forty-nine self-detonating water spiders charged forward as well. boom- boom on the battlefield, small mushroom clouds would sporadically rise, accompanied by thousands of skeleton monsters being reduced to dust. continuous explosions created large gaps in the skeleton horde, which took a while to fill back up. with each self-detonating water spiders explosion, system notifications sounded one after another. ding- your troops have killed 536 ordinary skeletons, gaining experience ding- your troops have killed 215 black skeletons, gaining experience ding- your troops have killed 87 skeleton hounds, gaining experience ding- your level has increased (2223). ding- your level has increased (2324). ding- your level has increased (2425). witnessing his levels rapidly ascending as if taking flight, ji chen couldnt help but break into a broad smile, revealing his almost visible teeth. this wasnt just gaining experience from killing monsters; this was experience farming. whose character could level up this quickly? several hours later, no more skeleton monsters appeared in the distance. when the last one was split into pieces, his level had settled at 27. apart from him, the other heroes had also gained several levels. alice had the highest level, reaching 28, while the others were all between levels 25 and 28. this wave was a massive boon! by now, ji chens initial frustration from the sudden attack had been cast aside, replaced by a sense of satisfaction. he wished for a few more waves of this scale of skeleton horde. at this rate, reaching level 35 before leaving this mystic realm would be a breeze! after hours of intense battle, the army began to show signs of exhaustion. glancing at the blood moon slowly disappearing behind the clouds, ji chens heart gradually relaxed. he spoke loudly, leave some guards on watch and the rest can rest. with that, he descended the sand dune and returned to his tent, resuming his rest. the next day. after the army had finished regrouping, they set off again, heading towards the depths of the vast red desert. however, this time, there seemed to be something different. after marching for two hours, amidst the monotonous sea of red, a black stone forest came into view. a multitude of skeleton monsters were encamped around the stone forest. seeing this scene, ji chen couldnt be more aware that it was another skeleton camp. however, the number of skeleton monsters here was much larger than in the previous camp. among them, new types of skeleton monsters had even emerged. resembling lizards, their bodies were formed by bones, stretching four to five meters in length. they had only a pair of forelimbs, while their thick, muscular tails took up half of their total length, clearly not meant for aesthetic purposes. between their necks and heads was a circular bone shield, and atop their pointed skull grew a fierce bone horn. this image appeared quite mighty and domineering. [skeleton lizard] [tier]: fourth tier, 2 stars bone poison (purple skill, claws carry poison, causing negative effects like paralysis to enemies) sturdiness (blue skill, 50% increase in overall bone strength) agility (blue skill, strong forelimbs allow for rapid climbing, 35% increase in movement speed) [a special presence among the skeleton tribe, possessing strong ambush capabilities] ji chens pupils contracted slightly. fourth tier, 2 stars this was the first time he had encountered a fourth-tier skeleton monster, and it didnt seem like a pushover. fortunately, these skeleton lizards didnt appear to be mere cannon fodder. with a quick glance, there were only about a hundred of them on the outskirts of the stone forest, a number still within controllable range. observing the skills and traits of these skeleton lizards, ji chens mind gradually formulated a plan.. Chapter 232 - Chapter 232: Blood Moon, Strange Skeleton Creatures chapter 232: blood moon, strange skeleton creatures translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon baattranstation skeleton lizards, which were as high as tier 4, 2 stars, could burrow into the sand and attack from beneath, making it easy to be ambushed by them. therefore, ji chens plan to deal with them was quite simple: lure these skeleton lizards out and then let alice control them to fight for their side. to attract them, bait was needed. ji chen looked around and his gaze settled on the self-detonating water spiders. these spiders possessed excellent mobility in the sand, making them suitable as bait. ji chen led the army to retreat about two or three kilometers away and set up an ambush at the top of a sand dune. with a wave of his hand, fifty self-detonating water spiders left the group and scurried towards the stone forest with their eight long legs, approaching from various directions. sensing rhe presence of living beings, a large group of skeleton monsters quickly headed towards them, including a significant number of skeleton lizards. the blue flames in the eye sockets of the skeleton lizards flickered, and their jagged mouths made clicking sounds. their sturdy forearms dug into the ground, kicking up sand. their entire bodies burrowed into the sand, creating a slender sand tunnel on the surface as they moved toward the enemy. seeing that the skeleton lizards were successfully attracted, the self-detonating water spiders ignored the other skeleton creatures and turned around without hesitation. they quickly fled at a speed that the others couldnt catch up with. the skeleton lizards moved swiftly within the gravel, quickly distancing themselves from the other skeleton creatures and leaving them behind. they closely trailed the self-detonating water spiders, almost leaping out of the gravel multiple times, as if on the verge of pouncing on them. behind each self-detonating water spider, one or two skeleton lizards trailed. their escape directions differed and their routes were winding and twisting. however, when observed from above, it became evident that they all ended up ar rhe same location the sand dune where the ambush had been set. in this game of cat-and-mouse, it didnt take long for them to venture beyond the sensing reach of the other skeleton creatures. with their targets lost, they hesitated and lingered in their initial positions. on top of the sand dune: watching rhe sand consistently rise in arcs behind rhe self-detonating water spiders in the distance, ji chen s confidence solidified. he signaled to alice that the moment had come to act. alice nodded and stood at rhe forefront of the sand dune. soon, rhe fifty self-detonating water spiders converged from various directions and sprinted up rhe sand dune, splitting apart from both sides of the army. not far behind, hundreds of skeleton lizards suddenly leaped out of the sand, raising a cloud of dust and accompanied by a gust of foul wind. the timing was perfect! alice was already a purple-rare tier and had reached the impressive level of 28. dealing with these tier 4 beginner-level skeleton lizards was not just easy, bur also a walk in the park. as her song resounded, these massive creatures that had been fierce just a second ago turned into well-behaved little dogs rhe next second, crawling quietly on the slope. if they had tongues, they might have stuck them out to please their owner, just like a pet dog. seeing the mission to lure rhe monsters completed perfectly, ji chen wasted no time and immediately ordered rhe army to eliminate these skeleton lizards one by one. because of their unique method of control, the skeleton clan was among rhe few races that alice couldnt easily manipulate to betray their own kind. as long as the opposing higher-ranked skeleton wasnt more advanced than her, she could, at best, render them immobile. yer, she couldnt outright take control away from them. so, luring them our one by one for elimination is the best choice. ding- you have killed 106 skeleton lizards, gaining 52,520 experience points. current experience: level 28 [5%/ioo%|. another tens of thousands of experience points were added to his account, causing the just-leveled-up experience bar to fill up a bit more. ji chen was in high spirits. dealing with these skeleton lizards meant the skeleton camp nearby didnt hold much significance for him anymore. for him now, as long as the quantity of these low-tier, low-level skeleton monsters didnt exceed a certain threshold, handling them was just a matter of time. the army set our once again, returning to the stone foresr and launching a direct attack. after a few hours: having eliminated the numerous skeleton creatures that had been lurking around the perimeter, rhe group proceeded to enter the stone forest. when rhey emerged, ji chens backpack held a low-level bone forge and two white heroic soul essences. the smile on his face hadnt faded. why did it seem as if acquiring heroes was such an effortless task? in the blink of an eye, the crown of the ocean could welcome two more white heroes. its like a wholesale of heroes! in high spirits, he led the army out of the stone forest and headed towards the red desert, continuing to search for rhe next skeleton camp. little did he know, rhe skeleton king, thousands of miles away, had already taken notice of the events at the two skeleton camps. a colossal ancient castle built against the mountainside, towering on a cliffs precipice. this was the supreme entity within the entire mystic realm, the residence of the being to whom all skeleton monsters pledged their allegiance -the skeleton king. in the dimly lit hall: the hoarse voice of the skeleton king echoed. yesterday and today, two iow-level skeleton camps located in the red deserr region lost contact one after the other. can someone tell me what happened there? a skeletal commander kneeling on the ground with a staff in hand spoke, reporting to our king, its currently unclear what has happened, but perhaps its just a temporary interruption. but what if the few skeleton commanders stationed there also losr contact simultaneously? this the skeletal mage commanders heart slopped a beat, and the flicker of the soul fire in its eyes trembled. if rhe skeleton commanders had lost contact with the lung, didnt that mean they had fallen? Chapter 233 - Chapter 233: Blood Moon, Strange Skeleton Creatures (2) chapter 233: blood moon, strange skeleton creatures (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation but within this realm entirely ruled by the skeleton clan, how could there be a sudden downfall without any warning? glancing at his silent subordinates, the skeleton king spoke slowly, just yesterday, the portal that i was about to forcibly open to the outside world was disrupted. this means that the human from the outside world might have become aware of our plans. lie very likely activated the portal on his own and has entered this realm. so, its possible that this human is the one responsible for defeating these two low-level skeleton camps. how dare that human? this is our sacred land! the mage skeleton commander flared up in anger. your majesty, 1 am willing to lead an elite force to exterminate him and bring him before you for punishment! ill let him know of your greatness and inviolability! after pondering for a moment, the skeleton king nodded. very well, i permit it. yaska, you must bring that human back, either dead or alive, before me. since this human managed to swiftly defeat two skeleton camps, his strength should not be underestimated. moreover, he previously killed malevolent wind. this time, lets turn this human into our comrade to fill the gap left by malevolent wind. your majesty is wise! go. upon hearing this, yaska stood up and saluted, then slowly left the hall. soon, beneath the towering castle, a legion of elite skeletons with an average tier approaching the fourth tier surged forth. under yaskas leadership, they headed towards the direction of the red desert. lord, this is the low-level bone forge of this skeleton camp, along with a white heroic soul essence. only one? ji chen took it, somewhat disapprovingly. this was the fifth skeleton camp they had breached, and like the previous four, it was also a low-level one. however, within it, there was only a single white skeleton commander. up to this point, the five skeleton camps had produced five low-level bone forges and ten white heroic soul essences. however, there hadnt been any sightings of the more advanced green skeleton commanders or intermediate bone forges. he speculated that only larger-scale skeleton camps might have them. thinking about this, ji chen looked around at the still vast red desert and couldnt help but sigh. despite their considerable gains, they had already devoted three full days to their journey and were still within the confines of the red desert. could it be that this realm was entirely comprised of red desert terrain? a bigger issue was, where should he find the skeleton king? advancing aimlessly in the red desert without a clear direction was proving to be inefficient for searching. it would be great if the skeleton king could come to him with such thoughts in mind, ji chen led his army away from this devastated skeleton camp, searching for a suitable camping spot. just three hours after they left, yaska arrived with the skeleton legion. seeing the already ruined skeleton camp and no sign of enemies, it couldnt help but angrily roar. damn it!! how did we arrive late again!? if i catch that human, i will definitely torture them before escorting them to the king! following the kings orders, it led the army to set out overnight for the two skeleton camps and then tracked the enemys traces all the way here. however, whether due to luck or some other reason, they always narrowly missed encountering the enemy. every time, they arrived a bit too late. before they could see the enemy, they ended up losing three skeleton camps. looking at the chaotic camp, yaska felt like the fire of its soul was about to cease burning due to frustration. after venting its anger in curses, as if not feeling relieved enough, it raised its staff and launched dozens of soul fireballs towards the camp. only after blowing up the remaining few bone structures into pieces did it stop. at this point, one of its trembling subordinates dared to speak, your excellency, its almost evening, and the blood moon is about to rise. we need to set up camp quickly. upon hearing this, yaska finally looked up and saw the blood moon gradually emerging from behind the dark clouds, sending a shiver down its spine. even though it was confident, it didnt dare to march during the night in this red desert. after all, in this red desert, there were many taboos, especially for their undead race. lightly violating these taboos could lead to losing consciousness and vitality, while more severe violations could result in the dissolution of the soul, completely disappearing into the desert. legend had it that this was related to a powerful undead being from beyond the world despite lingering reluctance, it had to command the establishment of a camp here and await the next day to resume the pursuit. behind a sand dune several dozen miles away from the skeleton camp, ji chen and his group set up camp, but they didnt rest immediately. the army was neatly arranged as if waiting for something. soon, in the dim desert in the distance, burning red flames appeared, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of bones grinding against each other. a large number of skeleton creatures came into view, surging from far to near, replacing the pitch-black desert with a white tide. seeing this, without a moments hesitation, ji chen ordered the attack to begin. tridents, water arrows, bone spikes all shot out, and naga berserkers and other melee units swung their weapons to fend off the tide of skeleton creatures. the sounds of battle echoed throughout the night. by the time the battle was over, it was already midnight. ji chen looked at the disappearing skeleton creatures behind the sand dune and then glanced at the blood moon slowly disappearing behind the thick clouds. his brows furrowed slightly. tonight was their third night here and the third time they encountered a large-scale attack by skeleton creatures at night. initially, he thought it was the skeleton king discovering their presence and sending out numerous skeleton creatures to besiege them. but later, ji chen quickly dismissed this idea. the reason was simple: the enemy wouldnt appear when the blood moon was present and then disappear immediately when it vanished. whats the point of that? they would depart as soon as evening began? as soon as night fell, the blood moon in the sky would appear on schedule, without fail. not long after its appearance, a large number of skeleton creatures with eye sockets burning the same color as the blood moons flames would inexplicably emerge from the depths of the desert. these skeleton creatures were different from those within the skeleton camp, displaying extreme aggression and madness. what was even more incredible was that such a massive number of skeleton creatures didnt have any commanding skeleton leaders. this in itself was a perplexing situation. ji chen had deliberately left a few of them behind, quietly following them after the blood moon ended to try and figure out where they came from. but miraculously, when they followed and climbed a sand dune, they suddenly found that these strange skeleton creatures had disappeared right before their eyes, leaving no trace. if this scene were on earth, it would be considered at least one of the top ten unsolved mysteries. shaking his head, ji chen snapped out of his thoughts. anyway, it didnt matter. these numerous skeleton creatures actually brought them a lot of benefits. having exterminated the skeleton camps during the day and defended against the skeleton tide at night, their experience points soared, causing their levels to skyrocket. ji chens level had now reached a high of 31, a level that would typically take at least thirty days to achieve outside this realm, given the rate of leveling up. however, with the breakthrough past level 30, not only did the experience required for leveling up increase exponentially, but the experience gained from killing these low-tier skeletons was also severely reduced. the difficulty of leveling up had increased by more than just a little bit. fortunately, there were plenty of skeleton creatures. as long as the experience gained from killing one was not zero, the accumulation of these small gains would eventually yield a decent amount of experience. looking at the sky, ji chen stretched and yawned, then went into his tent to rest. the next day, the well-rested heroes and their army set off again. however, they hadnt traveled far before they saw a vigorously advancing skeleton army chasing after them from behind. at the forefront was none other than yaska, who had been pursuing them for days. when it saw ji chen and his group in the distance, its soul fire flickered intensely, and a wild delight surged within its heart. damn it! they had finally caught up with the enemy! it was determined to unleash all of its power, to make that human understand the consequences of angering the great king, and the consequences of angering yaska!! Chapter 234 - Chapter 234: Skeleton Army, Counterattack chapter 234: skeleton army, counterattack translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation whooosh the wind swept up a layer of gravel, raising a sky full of sand dust. under the hazy sky, amidst the vast desert, a battle was about to commence. the moment the enemy was spotted, the entire army swiftly transitioned from a marching formation to a combat formation. ji chen gazed ar rhe rapidly approaching horde of skeletal creatures, his expression growing unusually solemn. this skeletal legion couldnt be underestimated. their numbers werent excessively large, around fifty thousand, yet they were all composed of elites among them, there were no common white skeletons, which were typically used as cannon fodder. the lowest rank among them was the third-tier black skeleton. the composition mainly consisted of black skeletons and skeleton hounds, interspersed with a multitude of skeleton mages. whats more, ji chen also sported over a hundred skeleron behemoths emerging from rhe ground and even thousands of skeleton knights that he had never seen before. their attack formation was powerful yet disciplined, suggesting a skilled skeleton commander behind it all. with such elite composition and clear objectives, their origin was unmistakable. these were the skeleton kings forces sent to hunt them down. ji chen couldnt afford to be careless. he chose a defensible sand dune as the battleground, setting up defensive lines on the slope. as rhe saying goes, fight from a higher position to a lower one, leaving your opponent stupefied. by engaging the enemy from above, not only could they maximize their firepower advantage, but also weaken the enemys attacks. in this kind of terrain, even those obviously high-tier skeleton knights would struggle to unleash their feared charging ability. seeing this, the enemys skeleton commander must have realized this too. instead of directly sending the skeleton knights charging, it had the black skeletons initiate rhe attack. these black skeletons accounted for a significant portion of the army, numbering over twenty-five thousand. in an instant, this number enclosed the entire sand dune in layers, not charging all at once but rather only a portion attacking. approximately five thousand black skeletons began to climb the sand dune. the defensive lines were about seventy meters from the bottom of the dune, with a slope of thirty to forty degrees. even the agile skeleton hounds struggled to move in such terrain. at this moment, the soft sand became rhe best obstacle. the skeletal creatures struggled to climb, their hollow leg bones preventing them from standing properly, and sand constantly trickled our from the gaps. at a glance, countless black skeletons were burying rheir heads, exposing their most vulnerable skulls. seeing this, ji chen smiled slightly with a touch of satisfaction. the reason he chose this sand dune for defense was naturally because he spotted this vulnerability. without wasting any time, he immediately ordered an attack. at this distance, the attacks of the dragon blood murlocs and elemental sea pixies could be fully unleashed. tridents and water arrows pierced directly into the skulls of the black skeletons. these deadly attacks instantly obliterated hundreds of them, a remarkable achievement. however, the skeletal remains that ended up buried in rhe gravel became hard surfaces, providing leverage for the subsequent black skeletons to avoid the sand and climb even faster. the black skeletons were using their own lives and bodies to pave a path forward for their allies. yaska watched as his black skeletons were slaughtered like pigs, feeling no emotional attachment and even displaying a hint of displeasure. for yaska, these black skeletons werent much different from the ordinary white skeletons; they were all cannon fodder. the only distinction was that the black skeletons were slightly more advanced cannon fodder, capable of consuming a bit more of the enemys stamina and mana. what displeased yaska was that the progress of the black skeletons was painfully slow. immediately, he sent another five thousand black skeletons to attack. as long as they could defeat rhe enemy, it didnt matter even if all the black skeletons died. amidst this relentless assault: within the seventy-meter distance between the defensive line and the base of the sand dune, numerous black skeletons were shattered, covering the ground with a dense layer of bone carpet. the skeleton legion had lost a full one-third of rheir black skeletons before they finally managed to reach the frontline. leading the charge was the naga berserker, already evolved into a fourth-tier unit with its strength multiplied several times. facing these black skeletons, it no longer required several strikes to deal with them as before. now, a single swing was enough to easily take down one. the naga berserker, adopting a strategy of using minimal effort to defeat the enemy, flashed with a red light in its eyes. its dual blades crossed, slicing off the heads of two black skeletons in an instant, causing the soul fire to extinguish as the decapitated heads rolled away. half-orc warriors were also at the forefront. compared to the naga berserkers, they had a tougher time, but they still relied on their strength advantage to swiftly eliminate the enemy. ji chen observed the black skeletons that had reached the frontline, tightly enveloping them, but his face remained calm. with just these advanced cannon fodders, it was absolutely impossible to breach the defensive lines. the only true concerns were the legitimate fourth-tier skeleton monsters and the concealed skeleton commander. that was the real threat. t aking advantage of this moment, he glanced at the panels of the skeleton knights. [skeleton knight] [race]: skeleton [tier]: fourth tier, 5 stars ji chens eyebrows twitched. my, oh my, a fourth-tier skeleton knight with 5 stars. the power of a charging cavalry at full speed was no joke. if these thousands of skeleton knights managed to charge, it would probably collapse the defensive line with a single encounter.. Chapter 235 - Chapter 235: Skeleton Army, Counterattack (2) chapter 235: skeleton army, counterattack (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation fortunately, he was clever enough to secure this steep sand dune in advance, which alone caused significant casualties to their forces. today, i wont retreat any further. ill make a stand right here! as a mage, yaska knew that his personal defense was not remarkable, so he understood the need to hide himself. at this moment, he inconspicuously hid within the crowd of skeletons, secretly commanding the skeleton army. he was also somewhat surprised. he hadnt anticipated that the army brought by this human would possess such extraordinary strength, effortlessly blocking the black skeletons assault. his assessment of them was elevated as a result. quietly communicating with the other skeleton creatures in his mind, he gave commands. the skeleton lizard that had been staying in the rear received the order. after diving into the ground, it emerged at the base of the sand dune, plowing through numerous obstructing black skeletons, and then burrowed into the gravel once again. seeing this scene, ji chen became instantly alert. he was concerned about these skeleton lizards capable of launching attacks from underground. the skeleton lizards might not be able to inflict damage on his forces. still, if they managed to break through the defensive line due to their size, it could provide an opening for other skeleton creatures to exploit, creating a troublesome situation. the skeleton lizard, a massive one, plunged into the gravel, evading ranged attacks along the way. it suddenly leapt out before the defensive line, its immense impact sending the naga berserker flying and creating dozens of breaches. taking advantage of this opportunity, the area that had been bogged down just in front of the defensive line suddenly found an opening. hundreds of black skeletons squeezed through the gaps. just as they were ferociously charging toward the vulnerable backline, a singing voice halted them all in their tracks. alice promptly employed the enchanting song, immobilizing the black skeletons and skeleton lizards that had broken through the defensive line in their positions. taking advantage of this moment of respite, the naga berserker who had been knocked aside quickly climbed back up, fiercely hacking and slashing. working in coordination with the rear line, they gradually pushed the enemy back and reestablished the defensive line. seeing the skeleton lizard successfully breach the defense line and hundreds of black skeletons charge in, yaska couldnt help but nod in satisfaction. however, upon hearing the singing, its connection with the skeleton lizards and black skeletons was disrupted. it lost control over them, leaving it bewildered and suspicious. damn it! whats happening!? why cant i control them anymore? could it be because of the singing? the song is somehow disrupting my control over the other skeletons. what kind of miraculous spell is this? as he watched the breached defensive line being repaired while the skeleton lizards and black skeletons were helplessly slaughtered, yaskas expression would have been incredibly grim if he had a face. although their previous assault was thwarted, they still had a massive numerical advantage. this human relied solely on the strategic advantage of the terrain to halt their progress; there was no inclination whatsoever to confront them directly in battle. therefore, as long as they could temporarily contain him and send troops to nearby skeleton camps for reinforcements, they could bring in more skeleton creatures. with enough numbers, they could overwhelm him! moreover, as long as the skeleton clans soul power remained unharmed, they could sustain an endless assault. this was an advantage beyond the reach of living beings. the key was to bide their time until the enemy was utterly fatigued C that would be their moment! with this thought in mind, yaska immediately dispatched skeleton knights. he had them split into several groups to search for reinforcements at nearby skeleton camps. he also sent more black skeletons to encircle the area, ensuring the enemy wouldnt escape before the reinforcements arrived. on the sand dune, ji chen watched as the skeleton knights suddenly broke formation, charging outward and disappearing on the horizon. he was momentarily puzzled, wondering why they suddenly left. however, as he witnessed a sizable horde of black skeletons swarming the sand dune, enveloping it entirely and cutting off any possible escape routes, he swiftly grasped the gravity of the situation, experiencing a sudden insight. theyre going to fetch reinforcements! his heart was filled with delight rather than worry. lets see how he plans to overcome these skeleton creatures without the assistance of those skeleton knights! at the same time, ji chen pinpointed the approximate location of the skeleton commander. he quietly said to daro beside him, during the counterattack, lead the half-orc warriors and charge at this cluster of skeleton creatures. you dont have to fully break through, but do your best to flush out the enemy skeleton commander hiding among them. upon hearing this, dalo earnestly nodded. ji chen then turned to anina and said, once daro forces the enemys skeleton commander out, you kill it directly. leave it to me. ill definitely complete the task, anina said confidently as if it was a minor matter. alice, as soon as the remaining skeleton lizards of the enemy move, immediately take control of them. alice understands. benbo, when the time comes, lead the dragon blood murlocs and elemental sea pixies to clear a path down the dune. yes, great lord. everything was ready. ji chen waited for some time, ensuring that the skeleton knights wouldnt return in the short term and had distanced themselves sufficiently. then, he issued the order to launch the counterattack. in an instant, the defensive army that had been holding its ground charged downward aggressively. tridents and water arrows rained down on the enemy like a deluge, using the concentrated assault to carve out a path dozens of meters long and twenty to thirty meters wide. seeing this, ji chen didnt hesitate to shout loudly: execute the plan as scheduled! soldiers, charge!!! ura!!! the second line of attack was led by daro and the half-orc warriors. at this moment, they charged downward through the cleared path, rushing toward a group of skeletons. the enormous axes they wielded swung up and down, smashing through a dozen or so obstructing black skeletons and skeleton hounds. following behind them, a multitude of powerful half-orc warriors marched like an unstoppable force, thrusting into the heart of the skeleton horde like a formidable wedge. hidden amidst the skeleton creatures, yaska, upon seeing this scene, almost jumped in shock. damn it, this human actually launched a counterattack!? how dare he? yet, in this instant, its thoughts were consumed by a more immediate concern. these fierce half-orc warriors had inadvertently targeted its position for their assault, leaving no room to contemplate the impending issue. observing their advancing speed, they were probably going to reach its position in no time. no, it needed to get away quickly. yaska began to maneuver backward slowly, attempting to retreat to a safer distance. but this movement didnt escape the notice of ji chen, who had been closely observing the situation. the reason was simple: among all the skeleton creatures pushing forward, there was suddenly one that was moving backward, standing out conspicuously. ji chens eyes lit up instantly. that skeleton creature wielding a staff is the enemys skeleton commander! upon hearing this, anina, who had been hiding among the half-orcs, immediately poked her head out and took a glance. once she confirmed the target, she charged forward. any skeleton creature blocking her path, whether it was a black skeleton or a skeleton hound, was cleaved apart with a single swing of her sword, advancing even faster than daro. hearing ji chens words, yaska suddenly felt a sense of unease. seeing anina, who was even fiercer than the half-orcs, charging straight toward it, it was almost scared out of its wits. it immediately ordered the remaining dozens of skeleton lizards to block her way, buying itself some time to escape. however, it seemed to have underestimated the power of anina, the humanoid whale. seeing a four to five-meter-long skeleton lizard charging at her, anina felt no fear. with a sword in one hand, she delivered a powerful punch. krak the hardest part of the skeleton lizards body, its skull, shattered in all directions around the point of impact, turning into countless fragments. the force of that single punch was terrifying! after taking down the skeleton lizard, anina didnt pause for a moment, continuing her pursuit. everywhere she went turned into a storm of white bones. but the skeleton horde, having realized the situation, rushed forward recklessly under yaskas control, using their bodies to block her path. uncontrollably, aninas speed slowed down a bit, and yaska managed to escape even further. seeing this, ji chen decisively gave the order. elemental sea pixies, provide support! dont be stingy with your mana. blast them to pieces! upon hearing the command, hundreds of elemental sea pixies immediately changed their targets. water arrows rained around anina, exploding the blocking skeleton creatures into bits and pieces. with their support, aninas speed picked up again as she continued her advance. watching yaska getting closer and closer, a cold light gleamed in her eyes.. Chapter 236 - Chapter 236: Killing Yaska, Intermediate Skeleton Camp chapter 236: killing yaska, intermediate skeleton camp translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation yaska heard the commotion behind and glanced back slightly, only to find anina approaching it at a distance of less than a hundred meters, causing its soul to almost jump out of its body. as the distance rapidly closed, a fierce determination overcame yaska, prompting it to stop and turn around to face the oncoming threat. was it seriously going to be chased around like this? yaska was no ordinary underling under the command of the skeleton king! lifting its staff, yaska chanted a brief incantation, conjuring forth a dozen or so soul fireballs. these orbs emitted scorching waves of heat as they formed a line, hurtling towards anina. yet, anina made no effort to evade, charging straight ahead. a gleam of satisfaction appeared in yaska1 s eyes. was anina underestimating it? after all, yaska was a capable skeleton mage commander. the power of the soul fireballs it unleashed was several times stronger than that of an ordinary skeleton mage. and there were more than a dozen of them! the exploding soul fireballs sent billowing clouds of sand and dust into the air. however, before yaska could fully revel in its presumed victory, a figure abruptly emerged from the dust storm. anina strode out, unscathed, and poised for action. this time, anina wasnt giving yaska another chance to counterattack. with a single hand, anina grasped her greatsword and hurled it like a dart. in the span of half a breath, the blade punctured yaskas skull with pinpoint precision, pinning it to the gravel below. within the severed skull, the fire of its soul instantly dissipated into nothingness. ding- your subordinate hero, anina, has slain the green elite-tier skeleton commander, yaska. standing atop the dune, ji chen received the system notification and nodded in satisfaction. to his surprise, this skeleton commander was actually of the green elite-tier. according to the standard progression, it should yield a green heroic soul essence, allowing the crown of the ocean to acquire a green-tier hero. the value of a green-tier hero far exceeded that of a white-tier hero. if both are combat-type heroes, the difference in combat power between them is at least five times. a green-tier hero could easily take on five white-tier heroes without any issue. on the battlefield, with yaskas command lost, the remaining tens of thousands of skeleton monsters plunged into disarray. while their instinct for slaughter propelled them to continue their attack, they resembled scattered grains of sand, possessing numbers but lacking menace. what followed was a massacre devoid of any visible bloodshed. two hours later, as the final skeleton creature fell, the unexpected battle concluded. ding- you have achieved a victory brimming with glory. your level has increased (31>32). ji chen stood with his hands behind his back, leisurely descending from the sand dune. he arrived at the fractured skull of yaska and picked up a green heroic soul essence. ji chen was no stranger to this. previously, when he had defeated stain, the malevolent wind invading the new moon islands, he had obtained a similar essence from it. however, back then, dealing with that behemoth had been a formidable challenge for the crown of the ocean. it required the deployment of almost all available resources to secure the kill. ji chen couldnt help but sigh. despite merely two months passing between the two incidents, the resolution process had become remarkably simplified. presently, it only took a single charge from a half-orc, a protective cover from the elemental sea pixies, and a straightforward assault by anina to secure the victory. however, considering the formidable abilities demonstrated by figures like malevolent wind and yaska, along with the potency of this skeleton legion, it was clear that the skeleton king possessed extraordinary strength. it was likely at least a purple-rare tier monster commander, capable of suppressing these green elite-tier entities. but now, the question remained: where was the skeleton king!? staring at yaska, who was already beyond any further death, ji chen felt a twinge of regret. if he had known, he would have spared its life momentarily, extracting the location of the skeleton king before delivering the final blow. now, surrounded by an endless desert, ji chen found himself speechless. after a deep sigh, he walked back to the dune. at this moment, the army was cleaning up the battlefield. the unexpected encounter resulted in considerable casualties. after tallying the numbers, over forty naga berserkers had perished, and more than a hundred half-orc warriors lay fallen. the naga berserkers and half-orc warriors constituted the vanguard and the front line in this skirmish, thus they sustained the most damage and impact, incurring the greatest losses. particularly for the half-orc warriors, when they stormed the enemy ranks to flush out yaska, they faced heavy resistance, and most of their losses occurred during that phase. losing one-tenth of the half-orc warriors and naga berserkers in just one battle could be considered a significant blow to their morale. in the subsequent encounters, which promised to be even more intense, the casualties would undoubtedly mount. however, the dragon blood mur iocs, elemental sea pixies, and murloc rangers who occupied the rear positions had suffered minimal losses. at present, daro stood with the remaining half-orc warriors before the fallen comrades, engaged in prayer. after considering for a moment, ji chen walked over. seeing ji chen approach, daro and the half-orc warriors all saluted in unison. my lord! ji chen waved his hand casually and observed the rows of half-orc warrior bodies laid out together. he couldnt help but feel a tinge of regret. these were warriors who fought for him, yet now, they lay in this desolate desert. as if sensing the remorse in his eyes, darcs expression turned solemn, and he pounded his chest with his right hand. lord, please dont feel sorrow or regret for them. falling in battle on the battlefield, in combat against the enemy, is an honor for half-orcs. moreover, we fight for you. even in death, it is the supreme honor.. Chapter 237 - Chapter 237: Killing Yaska, Intermediate chapter 237: killing yaska, intermediate-grade skeleton camp (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation those fallen warriors will eventually find their way to the hall of heroes of the half-orc god, forever basking in the glow of glory. other half-orcs also thumped their chests in unison. while no words were spoken, their resolute gazes conveyed their inner thoughts. observing them for a while, ji chen nodded slowly. i am proud of all of you. bury these warriors here for now. once weve slain the skeleton king, well come back and give them a proper burial on the new moon islands. thank you for your generosity, daro expressed his gratitude once more with a bow. the bodies of the half-orcs and naga berserkers were temporarily interred in the sand dunes where the battle took place. a marker was placed to ensure they wouldnt be easily buried by wind and sand. the dry air and humidity of this place would preserve the bodies for quite some time, so rapid decay wasnt a concern. after thoroughly cleaning up the battlefield, they set out again, searching for an exit from this desert. as for the departed skeleton knights, ji chen had no time to worry about them. he wasnt sure whether they would follow orders to seek reinforcements or immediately return to the skeleton king to report the situation here. during their journey, contemplating the losses over the past few days, he recalled something he had acquired when he slew malevolent wind. [resurrection altar blueprint] [tier: special] [effect]: can resurrect units [usage limit]: 2/2 times per month, each revival restores 1 unit to 5000 units the resurrection altar could revive up to ten thousand units per month, a quantity more than enough to encompass all the troops except the lizardmen in the crown of the ocean. he had held onto this blueprint for some time, but at first, resource shortages and later distractions had prevented him from using it, causing it to gather dust in his backpack. considering the current crown of the ocean, the few thousand precious resources required for its construction were no longer an issue. he decided that after dealing with the matters of this illusory realm, he would promptly construct the resurrection altar. indeed, ji chens luck seemed to be holding up. after another days travel through the crimson sand, he saw a different hue on the distant horizon. the dark land on the horizon indicated a departure from the desert terrain. seeing this, even the usually composed alice couldnt help but smile, let alone the other heroes. daro and the half-orc warriors began to cheer and wave their weapons. ji chens face relaxed, and he let out a deep breath, shouting loudly. everyone, pick up the pace! yes! fueled by their exhilarating spirit, their pace immediately quickened significantly. half an hour later, they arrived at the pitch-black land. it was an equally expansive marshy terrain, with the ground covered in smelly mud patches, large and small mud puddles, and eerie, twisted black trees rising from them. amidst the muck and mud, countless bare white bones were scattered, shrouded in a thick mist that obscured the view into the depths. at first glance, it was a scene full of strangeness and unease, resembling something from a horror game. however, as ji chen spotted the roaming skeleton creatures in the marsh, his unease instantly dissipated. looking more closely, these skeleton creatures appeared somewhat adorable. without much ado, he led the army forward, quickly capturing the attention of the skeleton creatures. they rushed toward them with gnashing teeth and waving limbs, only to be shattered upon impact, their remains adding to the new white bones hidden in the mud beneath. fighting and carefully maneuvering through the mud and puddles went hand in hand. soon, they saw a grand skeleton encampment deep within the swamp. unlike the previous ones they had encountered, this camp was located on an island in the midst of a massive mud pool, resembling the central island of a lake. a bony outer wall towering up to thirty meters high enclosed the camp, adorned with various watchtowers occupied by armored skeleton archers. equally bony gates remained tightly shut. ji chen gazed at this skeleton encampment with a slightly excited expression. with such grandeur, there was a good chance that an intermediate-grade bone forge was nestled within. as of now, there had only been one publicly known intermediate-grade bone forge, and the player who obtained it had become a formidable figure in the undead faction. one could easily imagine that if an intermediate-grade bone forge appeared on the market for sale, it would cause a massive frenzy, driving countless undead players to madness. however, they encountered five low-grade skeleton camps before finding an intermediate-grade one. clearly, capturing an intermediate-grade skeleton camp wouldnt be easy. just the thirty-meter-tall, clearly reinforced bony city walls in front of them posed a formidable barrier to breach. the terrain was akin to that of a central island in a lake, with only a narrow road several dozen meters wide leading to the city gate, surrounded by mud puddles. such a defensive formation was inherently tough to breach, and the lack of siege weaponry made the task even more challenging. after a moment of contemplation, ji chen decided to give it a try and test the citys defenses. fifty naga berserkers in the front line, protecting twenty dragon blood murlocs and twenty elemental sea pixies attacking the city walls. fifty naga berserkers stepped forward, forming a semicircular formation, while twenty dragon blood murlocs and elemental sea pixies remained hidden behind, filling the center of the semicircle. this simplified formation proceeded along the road, slowly advancing toward the skeleton encampment. the skeleton archers stationed atop the watchtowers quickly spotted them. the entire camp burst into action as numerous skeleton archers ascended the city walls, drawing bows and nocking arrows. thanks to the height of the walls and watchtowers, the skeleton archers had an effective range of up to a hundred meters, slightly longer than that of the dragon blood murlocs and elemental sea pixies. in other words, they had to endure several waves of attacks before reaching their optimal attack distance. as they entered the enemys range, a barrage of bone arrows was launched, forming a rain of arrows that descended upon them. although the bone arrows werent as sharp as iron arrows, they still inflicted considerable damage on the naga berserkers. many arrows penetrated their scales, embedding themselves into flesh. however, the naga berserkers paid no heed to these wounds, using their broad bone blades as shields to protect vital areas like their heads and hearts. as long as their vital points werent targeted, and given their vitality and resilience, taking a few arrow hits wasnt a major issue. soon, braving the dense arrow rain, this unit of fewer than a hundred warriors entered their own effective range. among them, the dragon blood murlocs wasted no time and launched an attack on the city walls. their tridents shot out with a resounding thud against the wall, producing a dull sound before they were deflected away. the wall bore only a slightly concave mark. seeing this, ji chens heart sank slightly. it seemed that the physical damage dealt by the tridents had minimal effect on the bony city walls. now it was up to the elemental sea pixies to prove their worth. in no time, as the distance shortened to the range of the elemental sea pixies, streams of water arrows shot out. boom amidst a continuous series of explosions, visible cracks appeared on the bony city walls. though short and thin, these cracks were enough to invigorate their spirits. theres a chance! ji chen immediately ordered the team to retreat and regroup into a larger force. the naga berserkers continued to serve as the vanguard, while the elemental sea pixies filled the ranks. soon, a force consisting of over a hundred naga berserkers and two hundred elemental sea pixies set out. they braved the arrow rain and entered the effective range once again, commencing a fierce bombardment. sequential bursts of explosive water arrows hit the city wall, triggering explosions that disrupted the stability of the skeleton archers stationed atop. their positions became unsteady, and their arrow accuracy notably declined. seeing this, the cuties launched their attacks even more enthusiastically. they spared no magical energy, and the consecutive explosions vividly showcased their vibrant vitality. the cracks in the wall gradually increased in number, expanding and lengthening. with a snap, a damaged section of the bony city wall shattered into pieces, revealing a gap several meters wide. skeleton archers stationed on top stumbled and fell from the wall, swallowed by the mud puddles below. seemingly unable to withstand such an assault any longer, the city gates slowly creaked open, unleashing a wave of skeleton creatures charging forth. witnessing this, ji chen cracked a smile. he didnt fear their absence; his concern was that they might evade him. they had no fear of facing the enemy head-on.. Chapter 238 - Chapter 238: Conquering the Intermediate chapter 238: conquering the intermediate-grade skeleton camp: king solin of the skeletons translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation a more intense battle erupted on the narrow path. blood splattered on the elongated road, and broken bones fell into the mud. both sides, one aiming to capture the camp and the other to defend it, had deployed their elite warriors, engaging in a fierce clash. this was a war between races. there was no compromise or retreat. only the victorious side would stand at the end. the naga berserkers displayed immense strength, each strike causing enemies to either die or be severely injured. dragon blood murlocs interwove within the gaps, using their dragon aura ability to affect the skeleton creatures. these skeletons, whose life tiers were nearly at the bottom, trembled uncontrollably under the influence of the dragon aura. their combat prowess was almost nonexistent. only a few of the mid to high-tier skeletons managed to resist to some extent, but their combat strength had also greatly diminished. protected by naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs, elemental sea pixies had the opportunity to unleash all their da mage-dealing potential, releasing surges of magical energy that didnt cease. while clearing the path of skeleton creatures, they also relentlessly attacked the bone walls. under this furious onslaught, the cracks on the city wall spread like a spider web, pieces of it broke off and sank into the mud, revealing several large gaps. in terms of numbers, the skeletons clearly outnumbered ji chens group. within this intermediate skeleton camp, there were at least a hundred thousand skeleton creatures of various sizes, and there were also a considerable number of high-tier ones. if they were to surge forward, they would still pose a threat. however, ji chens group had already taken the initiative to block the camp s only entrance and exit. on the narrow road of just a few dozen meters wide, the skeleton side couldnt fully utilize their numerical advantage. the massive sea of skeletons inside the camp was like a reservoir with a tightened faucet. only a trickle of skeletons could flow out each time. the defensive line formed by naga berserkers, dragon blood murlocs, and other units was akin to a reaping machine with spinning blades. it harvested the approaching skeleton creatures one by one, leaving none to pass. the death of skeleton creatures brought about a continuous stream of experience points. an ordinary skeleton creature might give a few or even just one experience point, but with enough of them, it piled up: hundreds of creatures gave hundreds of experience, thousands gave thousands, and tens of thousands amounted to tens of thousands of experience. watching the skeleton side struggling to break out of the camp and being soundly beaten inside, ji chens worries eased. as he observed the steadily increasing experience bar, his mood improved even further. this time, they had truly come to the right place. continuing like this not only ensured steady leveling up but also promised them a secure gain of an intermediate-grade bone forge. a guaranteed profit! just as the battle raged on, the situation on the battlefield suddenly changed. the elemental sea pixies had bombarded the bone walls, leaving them in ruins. the walls had holes all over, and in some sections, they had completely collapsed, revealing the surge of skeleton creatures behind the walls. seeing that they had already sent thousands of skeleton creatures, but they couldnt break through the blockade and obstruction, the skeleton commander of the camp was growing impatient. when it spotted the collapsing gaps in the walls, it suddenly thought of a solution. immediately, they drove the low-tier skeleton creatures to jump out through the gaps, sinking directly into the mud pool. one by one, the low-tier skeleton creatures jumped into the mud pool like dumplings, their struggles barely visible before they were swallowed and engulfed by the swamp, disappearing into the marsh. this scene left ji chen stunned. what were they trying to do? could it be that they lost their minds from the beating and were so ashamed that they chose suicide? ji chen looked puzzled until he noticed a mud pool near the edge of the city wall gradually being filled by the bodies of the skeleton creatures. then, it dawned on him. theyre reclaiming land from the sea! they were freaking genius! low-tier skeleton creatures were essentially cannon fodder, and using them to fill the mud pool was a perfect idea. one after another, skeleton creatures recklessly jumped into the mud pool, gradually building bone bridges within the swamp that connected to the outer land. to construct this several meters wide bone bridge, at least one or two thousand skeleton creatures had been sacrificed. however, with the skeleton army numbering in the tens of thousands, this was merely a drop in the bucket. once the bridges were completed, a large number of skeleton creatures rushed out along the bone bridges. ji chen couldnt disregard the situation, so he dispatched multiple squads of soldiers to intercept them. the skeleton commander decisively ordered the construction of more bridges. after all, low-tier skeleton creatures were the least valuable, and as long as they could contribute some value, it wouldnt matter even if they all died. under the continuous sacrifice of skeleton creatures, a dozen or so bone bridges were built, and the skeleton creatures inside the camp poured out like a long white dragon. at first, they could still hold them off, but as more and more bone bridges were constructed, numerous skeleton creatures surged out, forming a dense mass charging forward. seeing this, ji chens expression became more serious. with a wave of his hand, he dispatched daro and the half-orc to engage. at the same time, he ordered the army to advance. since they couldnt continue to smoothly grind experience points, they decided to go for the kill and take out the skeleton commander. naga berserkers advanced without hesitation, slaughtering countless skeletons as they approached the camp. the city gate of the skeleton camp had long been blown to pieces, so they quickly pushed into the camp. among the sea of skeletons, ji chens attention was drawn to a skeleton commander clad in full armor, somewhat similar to malevolent wind. after a quick glance, he confirmed that this was a green-tier monster commander.. Chapter 239 - Chapter 239: Conquering the Intermediate chapter 239: conquering the intermediate-grade skeleton camp: king solin of the skeletons (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after confirming its location, ji chen called all the troops stationed outside the area to come over and establish a defensive line on the road leading to the city gate. the majority of their forces were directed towards attacking the skeleton creatures within the camp. the situation had now shifted from blocking the skeleton creatures inside the camp to preventing those outside from entering, all in an effort to buy time to defeat the enemys skeleton leader. this marked a complete tactical reversal! despite having already slain two or three tens of thousands of skeletons earlier, there were still around sixty thousand skeleton creatures alive. about half of them were within the camp, surrounding the enemys skeleton leader. this number certainly didnt daunt them, considering they had previously overcome opponents numbering two, three, or even several times this amount. led by aninas sharp command, the army pressed forward relentlessly, aiming straight for the enemys core. realizing that they couldnt halt the advance no matter what, the skeleton leader chose to retreat rather unceremoniously. it dove into the sea of skeletons and headed towards the depths of the camp. of course, ji chen couldnt let it escape. this was a green heroic soul essence, capable of granting an additional green hero to the crown of the ocean! as the saying goes, when in doubt, unleash anina. anina, its up to you now. pursue quickly! upon hearing this, the deep sea dragon whale sighed in resignation, took up her sword, and began chasing. under ji chens command, the army cleared a path for anina and systematically began eliminating the skeleton creatures. before long, they arrived before a colossal skull-shaped structure. compared to the lower-grade bone forge, this intermediate-grade one was much larger, standing over ten meters tall, with an open mouth large enough to accommodate skeleton giant lizards entering and exiting. ji chen waved his hand and stashed it away in his bag. this way, their journey into the skeleton realm had yielded a significant haul. looking around, ji chen saw anina still in pursuit of the skeleton leader. seeing this, he led the army to join the chase, providing support for the kill. soon, the skeleton leader, who had been cornered within the camp all this time, found itself forced into a corner. realizing there was no way to retreat any further, it suddenly surged with a will to survive. after all, it was a green-tier skeleton leader, commanding an army of a hundred thousand skeletons. it felt rather embarrassed to be pursued like this. it just couldnt believe that a tiny being like anina could defeat it! with this thought, it raised a bone axe and charged towards anina. seeing this scene, daros expression turned somewhat odd. he had witnessed aninas strength before. it wasnt an exaggeration to call her the strongest individual fighter among the crown of the oceans forces. for a mere green-tier skeleton leader to even think about striking her with a weapon was simply suicidal. the outcome was apparent C anina swiftly unsheathed her broadsword and cleaved both the bone axe and the green-tier skeleton leader into two. the skeleton army immediately lost control and descended into chaos. ji chen nodded in satisfaction. very good! a neat and tidy kill! just as he was about to approach and claim the green heroic soul essence, a commotion outside the camp reached his ears, accompanied by ground vibrations. in the sky, several dark dots appeared. narrowing his eyes, ji chens expression changed drastically. these dark forms were none other than skeleton dragons! dragons were formidable creatures, each possessing the power to easily destroy a city. although their strength would decrease significantly after transitioning from the noble dragon race to the skeleton one, they still retained a considerable degree of power that shouldnt be underestimated. thus, the moment these skeleton dragons emerged, ji chen immediately inspected their attributes. [skeleton wyvern] [race]: skeleton [tier]: 5th tier, 1-star [skills]: deathly breath (red skill, exhales a highly corrosive breath that damages both flesh and soul, causing enormous harm) bone toxin (purple skill, claws carry poison, inflicting strong negative effects like paralysis on enemies) resistance (purple skill, increases physical and magical resistance by 30%, ignores most negative effects) flight (blue skill, flight speed increased by 100%, limitless stamina) [unit trait]: dragon bloodline (former skeleton wyvern possessed a trace of dragon bloodline. even after becoming skeleton dragons, they still possess robust vitality and can automatically repair injuries) [a powerful flying unit among the skeleton race, with formidable attack and assault capabilities] oh, damn it! 5th tier, 1-star!? ji chens face gradually turned grim. he hadnt expected his first encounter with a 5th tier unit to happen in this situation. moreover, the crucial point was that these 5th tier units were not on his side; they were the enemies. without a doubt, this group of skeleton wyverns was an enemy force, arriving with boundless malice. and if there were such formidable beings, the intentions behind their arrival were likely clear. with this realization, ji chens heart sank. gritting his teeth, he immediately gathered all his troops and heroes, assembling them together as if facing a formidable adversary. gritting his teeth, he immediately summoned all the troops and heroes to gather together, as if facing a formidable enemy. the tremors in the ground gradually subsided, and the chaotic skeleton creatures around regained their composure. but what surprised them was that these skeleton creatures didnt launch an attack; instead, they retreated hundreds of meters, creating an open space. the dozen or so skeleton wyverns hovered in the air, emitting a piercing friction sound as they circled as if they were welcoming the arrival of their master. a highly elite skeleton legion, surpassing even those commanded by yaska, strode through the city gates. as they advanced, the skeleton creatures in their vicinity cleared a path. however, at a glance, ji chens eyelid twitched. though their numbers werent numerous, slightly over ten thousand, each of them was at the 4th tier, with an average of 4th tier, 3-star. comparing this to his own army with only half of its units at the 4th tier, he couldnt help but complain inwardly. whats the point of fighting this battle? even disregarding those dozen or so skeleton wyvern, just trying to deal with this skeleton legion would likely result in his forces suffering heavy losses! this skeleton legion also made way, and dozens of 4th tier skeleton creatures carried a massive bone sedan chair as they walked in. a skeleton figure, adorned with black armor, crowned with a regal crown, and wielding a longsword, stood within it. the bone sedan chair gradually stopped, and the skeleton figure wearing the crown lifted its head, eyes flickering with golden flames. there was an almost divine aura about it. by this point, even the usually obtuse daro had guessed that this crowned skeleton figure was the owner of this skeleton realmthe skeleton king. [skeleton king: solin horton] [race]: skeleton [level]: 50 [tier]: red-legacy tier [master of the skeleton realm, holds absolute control over all skeleton creatures] level 50. red-legacy tier. this power surpassed ji chens imagination by far. especially with a level as high as 50, it was the highest hed ever seen for a monster leader. moreover, with his current level at 31, there was a staggering 19-level gap between them, an immense chasm. level represented magical strength and mana points. ji chen was a tide dominator, an orange-tier legendary class. while he might have been confident in an aquatic environment, in a disadvantageous swamp like this, facing such a colossal level disparity, he had little faith in defeating it. as ji chen scrutinized solin, solin was also observing him. was this human the one who had thwarted the skeleton invasion last time? not only did he dare to counterattack the skeleton realm this time, he rapidly conquered several skeleton camps, even dispatching the skeleton leader and army sent by it. it was evident that this humans army possessed substantial strength. and this human himself, he seemed to possess audacity and strategy. with these thoughts, a trace of admiration crept into solins heart, mixed with a sense of satisfaction. only individuals like this had the qualifications to become its subordinates, leading its forces to conquer the world! though it lacked eyes, ji chen could sense that the skeleton king, solin, had been sizing him up all along. for some inexplicable reason, he felt like solin was rather satisfied with him? thinking about this, he broke into goosebumps all over. damn it, this skeleton king couldnt possibly be gay, right!? but thats absurd! just as ji chen was shivering involuntarily, the skeleton king, solin, spoke, emitting a voice from its skeleton body.. Chapter 240 - Chapter 240: Solin’s Persuasion, Unexpected! Severed Arm chapter 240: solins persuasion, unexpected! severed arm translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation human, submit to me, undergo the great evolution, and conquer the world for me. the hoarse voice of the skeleton king solin resounded, like metal scraping against glass, dry and piercing. regarding solins ability to speak, ji chen wasnt too surprised. although it belonged to the skeleton race, generally speaking, skeletons didnt have tongues or vocal cords and couldnt speak. however, solin, as a skeleton king from a mystic realm and a red-legacy tier being, had reached a level where it could comprehend the ability and skill of speech and understand different languages, whether it was part of the skeleton race or not. this was one of the rules of this world. in just a moment, ji chen raised an eyebrow and said, great evolution? exactly, the great evolution. according to your flesh and blood beings, its shedding all flesh and organs, completely transforming into a skeleton form. compared to flesh and blood beings, the skeleton body isnt afraid of pain, doesnt experience fear, fatigue, or negative effects of the physical body, and doesnt need to eat. and as long as the soul isnt extinguished, it can easily achieve immortality and gain immense power over time. strength has a lifespan. isnt this something your human race has always pursued? skeletons are the most perfect form of life! looking at solin, who raised both arms and spoke with fervor, ji chen first paused, then quirked his lips. while its true that the skeleton form does indeed possess numerous advantages, what solin mentioned about not needing to eat, limitless stamina, and being impervious to pain was not entirely false. however what good are these traits?! arent they just baseless claims?! if one lacks those abilities to experience pleasure, then what meaning is there to life?! but ji chen was also surprised that the skeleton king solin actually wanted to recruit him. that was a bit humorous. he was known as the player of the fourth cataclysm, so was he supposed to serve under a skeleton that wasnt even human? (t/n: player of the fourth cataclysm is a term used in chinese gaming to suggest that the person mentioned holds a significant and powerful position in the games universe.) so he smiled and made an international gesture of goodwill towards solin. although solin didnt understand the exact meaning of the gesture, he deeply felt a sense of disdain and contempt, a burning anger rising. the already hoarse voice turned even more grating as he said, pathetic and pitiful lowly creatures, limiting yourselves to these fragile bodies is truly foolish. since youve foolishly rejected the invitation of the great skeleton king solin, 111 have no choice but to kill your physical body and then forcibly transform you into one of my kind. right after he spoke, the organized skeleton legion started moving forward, carrying a chilling intent to kill. simultaneously, the remaining skeleton beings at the intermediate-grade skeleton camp also initiated their assaults. the atmosphere instantly grew heavy, tension filling the air. however, solin didnt command the skeleton wyverns to attack because the death breath could destroy both the physical body and soul, leaving no bones behind. once the bones and soul were completely obliterated, they couldnt transform into skeletons anymore. in his eyes, not only did ji chen have value for transformation, but his army also held value for preservation. soon, the two most elite forces from both sides clashed, and the sounds of battle filled the air. on one side, the skeleton legion, unafraid of pain and death, carried a desire to slaughter living beings. on the other side, a mix of naga, murlocs, and other sea races, along with half-orcs, stared at the enemies before them without fear or retreat. led by their lord, they possessed the determination to overcome all odds. as soon as contact was made, casualties appeared on both sides in an instant. watching more and more soldiers valiantly fighting, torn to shreds by the skeleton legion, and the casualties rising, ji chen began to feel distressed. these armies were all recruited with resources and a great deal of time investment. they were falling in droves, dying at the hands of these skeletons. with little time to spare, all the armies and heroes joined the battle immediately. alices singing voice was in full swing as she controlled a large number of skeletons, rendering them defenseless against the onslaught. anina transformed into a humanoid giant whale, her every strike carrying terrifying power as she danced within the sea of skeletons. benbo and daro, relying on the special effects of their units, provided substantial buffs to their troops, greatly enhancing their strength. however as the skeleton king, this time solin not only brought his most elite forces but also most of his skeleton commanders. five of the blue excellent-tier, eleven of the green elite-tier, and over thirty of the white common-tier commanders. roughly calculated, excluding the leaders from both sides, solins side actually had slightly more high-end combat power. this time, it was almost an evenly matched battle. watching his own army gradually dwindling, ji chen grew anxious. if he exhausted his forces here, conquering this realm would lose much of its meaning. recruiting an army of this scale would take at least a month. making a swift decision, he immediately ordered the self-detonating water spiders that had been waiting in the rear to charge forward. after several battles, the initial number of around 1,400 self-detonating water spiders dwindled to around 400. under ji chens command, they charged forward without hesitation, exploding amidst the skeleton horde. on the battlefield, mushroom clouds rose one after another, the ground trembled, and powerful explosions and shockwaves swept through a large area of skeleton creatures.. Chapter 241 - Chapter 241: Solin’s Persuasion, Unexpected! Severed Arm chapter 241: solins persuasion, unexpected! severed arm (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation although it was only tier 3 with 3 stars, its self-destruct power was enough to threaten enemies of tier 4. two hundred self-detonating water spiders rushed forward, killing seven or eight thousand skeleton monsters, with a casualty ratio as high as 1:40. among them, three thousand were elite skeleton monsters under solins command. solin was initially surprised but immediately commanded the skeleton wyverns circling in the air to take out the remaining two hundred self-detonating water spiders. under the necromantic breath, the self-detonating water spiders didnt even have a chance to self-destruct and were melted into a puddle of blood. seeing this, a hint of regret flashed in ji chens eyes. if these remaining two hundred self-detonating water spiders could successfully self-destruct, they could have taken out at least thousands of elite skeleton monsters. seeing the skeleton wyverns take off again without attacking other troops, ji chen understood what solin had in mind. but he couldnt hold back any longer. with a thought, mana surged from his body. he directly unleashed the tidal domain, rising into the air. the water from the swamp surged from all directions around him. seeing the swamp water floating around him and emitting a nauseating smell, ji chen frowned slightly. without further delay, he immediately manipulated the water into blades. thousands of water blades took shape and descended from above. most struck the skeleton monsters, while some were aimed at solin. solin watched hundreds of water blades coming at him, his mind shaken. he quickly drew the sword from his waist. this finely crafted longsword had a golden gem embedded in the hilt that emitted a golden light, forming an inverted half-circle shield above his head. clang! clang! without exception, every water blade was deflected by the golden shield, leaving solin unharmed within it. ji chens eyes widened. soon, his gaze fixed on the sword. that sword was definitely no ordinary item. currently, his tidal dominator was an orange legacy-tier class. each water blade he condensed possessed the destructive power of a red legacy-tier skill. the fact that the golden shield could withstand hundreds of water blades and remain unscathed meant that the sword must be a high-level treasure. it might even be more powerful than the dragon slayer great sword thinking this, ji chens expression grew serious. solin watched as the water blades were deflected and the golden shield remained untouched, and he felt a sense of triumph. this longsword had been acquired by him when he was still a weak white skeleton many years ago, found by chance in the red desert. for hundreds of years, he had not seen any attack capable of breaking through the golden shield generated by the sword. it seemed this time was no exception. solin raised his head to look for signs of human disappointment but was puzzled to find the humans face carried a hint of a smile instead. had this human lost his mind? then solin saw ji chen pointing at the battlefield. when he turned to look, he was instantly infuriated. the water blades falling like a storm couldnt break the golden shield, but they were efficiently attacking the skeleton army. water blades that rivaled red legacy-tier skills in damage were causing the skeleton monsters to die or be wounded with each hit. countless skeleton monsters fell under these water blades, one after another. damn it!! this cunning human! even solin couldnt help but feel a pang of sympathy as he saw advanced skeleton monsters falling one by one under the onslaught of water blades that were as powerful as red legacy-tier skills. in his eyes, a fierce flame of gold burned with intense hatred for this human. in his rage, he swung the longsword in his hand towards ji chen from a distance. a crescent-shaped golden sword light was flung from the tip of his sword with astonishing speed, faster than a bullet. in an instant, it leapt to ji chens face. ji chens pupils contracted greatly. watching the swiftly approaching sword light, he only had time to slightly tilt his body before being hit. ah even with his formidable willpower, he couldnt help but cry out in pain. he tightly clenched his right hand, which was covered in blood from his severed left arm. the golden sword light directly severed the portion of his left arm below the break, and the severed arm fell to the ground. hearing his cry of pain, a few heroes who were fighting turned instinctively to look. seeing the scene of ji chens severed arm, they were instantly horrified. my lord! lord! dont worry about me! keep fighting!!! ji chen clenched his teeth tightly, suppressing the urge to cry out in pain. through gritted teeth, he managed to utter his words. but this is an order!!! upon hearing this, the few heroes hesitated briefly before gritting their teeth and continuing to fight, their attacks more vicious. the look in their eyes as they gazed at solin became filled with murderous intent. veins and tendons stood out on ji chens forehead, his whole body covered in sweat. but he didnt pay attention to his severed left arm; he simply stared fixedly at that longsword. what kind of treasure was this longsword? it was so powerful that he had very little reaction time before being struck. feeling the intense pain surging from his left arm, ji chens anger flared up, and a sense of determination surged within him. fuck, lets see whether you kill me first or i crack open your turtle shell and turn you into a sieve! his mana started to deplete rapidly. water condensed into dozens of massive swords, each over ten meters long, and they shot downwards. thud the giant swords collided with the shield, emitting a tremendous sound. the intense surge of energy caused the skeleton monsters within dozens of meters to be thrown back, breaking apart in mid-air. successive massive swords struck the shield. the shield remained unscathed, but ji chen was undeterred. he brought out a mana pendant to frantically replenish his mana. mana flowed out of him like water, continuously forming massive swords that were then brought down. twenty massive swords, leaving the shield untouched. with fifty massive swords, a few faint white marks emerged. upon unleashing two hundred massive swords, a nearly invisible fracture materialized on the shield. as four hundred massive swords descended, the fracture widened, becoming visible to the naked eye. at this moment, solin swung out another golden sword light. however, it was blocked by the shield bracelet ji chen had preemptively obtained from alice. the fatal blow was deflected. [shield bracelet (damaged)] [tier]: 3-star treasure [effect]: when subjected to powerful attacks or when life is threatened, actively or automatically generate a shield around oneself to resist magical and physical attacks. although it blocked the attack, due to the overwhelming energy, the 3-star treasure shield bracelet was directly damaged and turned into a disposable consumable. seeing this, ji chen, who was experiencing physical pain, felt a pang of heartache. fifty thousand gold coins just flew away like that! as a result, his gaze towards solin became even more hostile. if he didnt manage to kill solin right here and now, he would have his name spelled backwards! countless massive swords had fallen, and all ji chen knew was that his mana was nearly depleted, and there was not a drop left in the mana pendant. but solins golden shield was now covered with cracks, resembling a spiders web, densely woven and on the verge of shattering. ji chen took a deep breath and controlled the remaining dozen massive swords, dropping them one by one. when he dropped the twelfth massive sword, with a cracking sound, the shield burst with a resounding explosion, dissipating its energy into the air. solin finally revealed his true form, and his voice sounded extremely sinister. human, you truly dont know your place since its come to this, i can only ensure that your soul is utterly obliterated! skeleton wyverns, annihilate them all! spare none!! the skeleton wyverns, which had been hovering in the sky all this time and had remained motionless even during the intense attacks, now dived down as ordered. their mouths slightly agape, as if the next second would unleash a breath of death. only about sixty-five massive swords remained in the sky now, while fourteen skeleton wyverns descended. one massive sword could kill one of them, leaving around eight still intact, enough to inflict significant damage. the heroes had almost exhausted all their abilities. the few dragon blood murlocs and elemental sea pixies capable of aerial attacks attacked the descending skeleton wyverns, but the effect was minimal. under the suppression of tiers, levels, and skill damage reduction, these attacks only slightly slowed down the wyverns descent. alices face turned pale, her mana nearly depleted. yet, despite the risk of mana exhaustion, she forced four of the skeleton wyverns to lose control of their bodies, causing them to crash heavily onto the ground, incapacitated by severe injuries. but there were still four remaining! at this point, ji chen had already landed on the ground to conserve mana. clutching his severed arm, he looked up at the four growing black dots and took a deep breath. he exerted his last remaining traces of mana. today, he couldnt possibly die here like this! Chapter 242 - Chapter 242: Sudden Outburst! Sandstorm, Sword of Warlords chapter 242: sudden outburst! sandstorm, sword of warlords translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation four skeleton wyverns swooped down, their sharp claws cutting through the crowd like twin circular saws, leaving trails of blood and dismembered limbs in their wake. at the same time, a surge of necrotic breath gushed out, indiscriminately assaulting both the forces of the ocean crown and the skeleton creatures. against attacks from fifth-tier units, they were still far too fragile. creatures like murloc rangers and half-orc warriors, which were of third-tier, were instantly melted into pools of blood by the breath, leaving not even bone fragments behind. even the naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs, fourth-tier units, could only endure for a few seconds before falling into the puddles of blood. in just one wave of attacks, the ocean crown had suffered losses of at least a few hundred troops, with countless more injured. seeing this, ji chen realized that he couldnt wait any longer. he exhausted his final reserves of magic, condensing them into four massive swords, and struck down the last four skeleton wyverns. as the last of the skeleton wyverns fell, the morale of the ocean crowns troops suddenly surged. ji chens relief was palpable as he saw the last few threatening skeleton dragons meet their demise. however, the pain from his left arm made him furrow his brows again. he certainly didnt want to end up like yang guo from the wuxia novel the return of the condor heroes! but fortunately, this was a fantasy world with various self-healing skills, spells, and alchemical potions and treasures. moreover, he had seen many potions and items that could mend bones and flesh in chat channels and forums. as long as he had enough coins and resources for trade, he wouldnt have to worry too much about being crippled. even so, he couldnt let the mastermind behind his condition escape punishment. with this thought, ji chens gaze locked onto solin, his eyes filled with murderous intent. now, in addition to conquering the skeleton realm and dealing with the future threats from the ocean crown, he had one more reason to kill solin. now that his magic was completely depleted, due to overuse and exhaustion, he entered a period of magical fatigue. so ji chen couldnt launch an immediate attack, but he could still command the forces of the ocean crown to engage the skeleton army head-on and then eliminate solin. solin saw all the skeleton wyverns fall and couldnt help but feel a pang of pain. these were creatures he had painstakingly cultivated for hundreds of years to rule the skeleton realm. each of them had the power to annihilate a low-grade bone forge. however, they had all been wiped out in one fell swoop. this loss hurt him more than losing a few skeleton camps or commanders. the desire to kill this human intensified within him. fie urged all the skeleton creatures to continue their assault and even summoned several nearby skeleton camps to come to his aid. it could be said that the two sides were now thoroughly locked in a relentless battle, entering an endless cycle of death and survival. from daytime to evening, the sky gradually darkened. if observed from above, one could see a scene of carnage and destruction throughout the camp, with piles of corpses and blood-soaked earth. every step taken was on shattered bones, and blood had soaked into the ground, rendering it moist. ji chen directed his troops to charge the enemy formation. the skeleton legion had been reduced to a mere remnant, leaving only a few hundred defenders around solin, struggling to hold on. whether out of fear or caution, solin had been hiding within the skeleton horde, refraining from making a move. as soon as ji chen launched the massive swords, solin rose again. boom, boom, boom just as he was about to launch a final assault, harnessing the culmination of his efforts, he suddenly heard a series of sounds. listening carefully, his expression changed dramatically. it was the sound of hoofbeats! soon, a squad of over a thousand skeleton knights appeared at the camps gates, followed by tens of thousands of skeleton creatures. ji chen quickly realized that these were the skeleton knights sent by yasca for reinforcement. how coincidental, they arrived at this exact moment!? looking at solin, who was now defended by fewer than three hundred skeleton guards, ji chen was almost about to burst out in curses. they were just a hairs breadth away from twisting solins head off and kicking it like a ball. as resentful as ji chen might be, he had no choice but to abandon the idea of continuing the attack and order his troops to retreat. the objective had shifted from wiping out the skeleton army and killing solin to how to survive. a squad of over a thousand skeleton knights was more than enough to break through their ranks. solin displayed excitement at the sight of this well-timed squad of skeleton knights. despite his reluctance to face reality, he had to admit that this human had pushed him to his limits, almost to the point of desperation. but that was no longer important. as long as the skeleton knights charged, everything would turn for the better! the opportunity to cleanse the humiliation was at hand! ji chens side was now on the defensive, his mind racing to find a solution. solin shifted from offense to defense, preparing to counterattack. yet neither side realized that a subtle change had occurred in the sky. tonights blood moon was particularly enchanting, casting the entire sky in an intense crimson hue. just a few kilometers away from the skeleton camp, within the red desert, a cacophony of eerie screams erupted, and countless skeleton creatures wreathed in blood-red flames, like a tsunami, surged towards the swamp. this sudden commotion instantly grabbed the attention of both ji chen and solin. seeing the vast horde of skeleton creatures charging towards them, their expressions changed in unison. solins face turned grim, while ji chens was filled with wild exhilaration. the reason for this divergence lay in their positions in relation to each other. the main gate of the skeleton camp faced the red desert, and solin was near the gate, while ji chens group was situated within the camps interior.. Chapter 243 - Chapter 243: Sudden Outburst! Sandstorm, Sword of Warlords (2) chapter 243: sudden outburst! sandstorm, sword of warlords (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation although unsure of how these peculiar skeletons came about, it was evident that they were not allied with solins faction. as the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. perhaps the key to breaking the stalemate lay within these peculiar skeletons. solins heart raced with astonishment as he witnessed the mutated skeletons approaching from a distance as if witnessing something unimaginable. how is this possible? these mutated skeletons have never ventured beyond the desert before. why are they suddenly taking the initiative? could it be that the disturbance happened at that very spot!? however, ive visited there previously, and everything appeared unchanged! as the mutated skeletons drew nearer, a sense of retreat crept into solins mind. he realized he was in an unfavorable position, trapped within the skeleton camp and separated from both the humans and the mutated skeletons. turning his gaze, his eyes widened in disbelief. the human actually gave him a farewell gesture and then fled with his army!? ji chen gazed at the sea of mutated skeletons and then at solin, his lips curling into a smile. truly, fortune favors me! this wave of mutated skeleton forces numbered at least over a hundred thousand. as the saying goes, let dogs bite dogs, let the wicked be punished by their own kind. without further hesitation, he decisively commanded his army to move, leading them along the side and away from the bone bridge they had built. before departing, he ordered the elemental sea pixies to demolish the walls on both sides of the breach, sealing it shut. after crossing the bone bridge, they further destroyed it, leaving it in a state of disarray, cutting off solins escape route completely. seeing the skeleton camp suddenly erupt in chaos, ji chen nodded in satisfaction. the next course of action was to keep a safe distance and watch from the other side of the river. once the turmoil inside subsided, he would return to clean up the mess and eliminate solin once and for all. however, when he turned his gaze back to his own troops, his joy was short-lived as he let out a heavy sigh. the army that had entered the mystic realm with over 4,300 units was now severely depleted. after numerous battles, and especially after the desperate struggle against solin, they were left with less than 800 soldiers, each bearing wounds. of the 400-plus naga berserkers, only slightly more than 100 remained. nearly 500 dragon blood murlocs had dwindled to just over 100. only 150 elemental sea pixies were left, and most of those who perished had been melted by the necrotic breath of the skeleton wyverns, leaving nothing but bone fragments behind. the murloc rangers numbered less than fifty now, nearing the brink of extinction. the self-detonating water spiders were completely wiped out. and as for the half-orc warriors, only three hundred remained. since entering the mystic realm, over seven hundred of them had been lost in this unfamiliar land. this time, one couldnt help but describe it as an immense tragedy. of the original force of over four thousand troops, most had perished, and their combat effectiveness was now barely recognizable. ji chen suddenly felt that the gains from this journey into the skeleton realm might not outweigh the losses. now, all he could hope for was that the rewards he would gain after killing solin would make such losses worthwhile. the sound of bones grinding against bones, the clash of swords and knives, the galloping of skeleton knights, and the explosion of spells filled the skeleton camp. it continued until the blood moon slowly disappeared into the horizon, hidden within the dark clouds. afterward, as the encampment returned to tranquility. by this point, the crown of the oceans army had rested and recharged for several hours. under ji chens lead, they once again entered the skeleton encampment. before them lay a battlefield in unparalleled chaos and devastation. as far as the eye could see, nothing but bones. the sheer quantity of bones submerged ones lower legs, and in some places, bone piles even reached several meters high. the skeletons still standing numbered merely two to three hundred, but even their damaged bodies indicated they had survived only by sheer luck. a quick look from ji chen revealed solins presence near a towering mound of bones, where he leaned against it, clutching a sword. solins condition wasnt great either. his armor was sliced and battered, riddled with gashes and holes, exposing parts of his skeleton underneath. his crown was nowhere to be seen. most notably, the flickering golden soul fire in his eyes had diminished significantly, signifying his weakness. as if sensing ji chens presence, solin slowly lifted his head, his voice dripping with malevolence. damnable human! 1 should have pursued and killed you personally from the start. otherwise, i wouldnt have ended up in this predicament. if i were to recover, 1 would muster the entirety of my clans power to exterminate you, then invade the world and fulfill my grand ambitions. but you have no chance anymore. ji chen coldly and dispassionately cut off his words, his right hand swiftly conjuring a staff into existence. [amplifying staff] [tier]: 2-star treasure [effect]: when held, increases the power of the next spell by 30% at the cost of a 30% increase in mana consumption, [10/10] per day. since acquiring this staff, it had remained unused. now, it was fitting to use the skeleton kings life force as the staffs first activation. without giving solin a chance to speak further, ji chen immediately tapped into the half-recovered mana and infused it into the amplifying staff. a spear-like staff over ten meters long took shape slowly, then shot out with explosive force. solin raised his sword again, and the golden shield materialized once more. however, this time, a single massive spear managed to crack the shield slightly. the strength of the golden shield seemed to be related to the users condition. without hesitation, ji chen continued to condense the second massive spear and launched it. more cracks appeared on the shield. the third spear. the fourth spear. until the seventh massive spear, the golden shield shattered with a tremendous explosion, sending solin crashing into the bone hill, causing a flurry of bone fragments. ji chen coldly chuckled, waving his hand and consuming the last three uses of the amplifying staff, forming the final three massive spears. he aimed them at solin within the bone hill. ding- you have killed the skeleton king: solin (red-legacy tier, level 50). ding- you have completely eradicated the elite skeleton legion of the skeleton king: sohn. ding- your level has increased (31>35), current level: 35. defeating a higher-level monster leader brought ji chen an experience boost that propelled him up four levels at once. a surge of potent energy flowed into his body, revitalizing and healing every part of his being. not only did his mana gradually replenish, but the intensity of his magic also increased slightly, and both internal and external injuries on his body began recovering rapidly. after a few minutes, ji chen let out a contented sigh. his entire body felt as comfortable as if he had undergone a massage, alleviating the exhaustion accumulated from days of battles and travel. however, his left arm remained empty and hollow. it seemed that a simple level increase wasnt enough to restore a severed limb. he would have to wait until he left the realm and find items capable of healing such injuries. coming back to his senses, ji chen stepped on a ground littered with bones, approaching the battered remains of solins body. he crouched down and picked up the sword that had cost him his left arm. this sword had an impeccable appearance. even after enduring multiple attacks from ji chen, it remained utterly unscathed. its clear blade reflected a chilly glimmer under the moonlight. the blade bore intricate and mysterious patterns that stretched from the hilts golden gemstone to the tip. the hilt was wrapped in a layer of exceptionally comfortable leather. ji chen casually swung it a few times and instantly fell in love with the sword. putting aside its power, the sword could fetch an exorbitant price at any auction for luxury weaponry. moreover, it was a high-tier treasure. ji chen immediately examined it, absorbing the swords information. [sword of warlords] [tier]: 7-star treasure [effects]: ?sword of kings (raises friendly morale by 35 when equipped, units never retreat) ?wind of kings (your troops remain eternally loyal, significantly enhancing attraction when recruiting others) ?self-recovery (when equipped, accelerates the recovery of any injury, weakens negative effects) [skills]: ?void sever (shoots out a crescent-shaped sword wave, highly lethal) ?earthbound shackles (condenses a shield, resisting a considerable amount of damage and powerful attacks [based on the users strength and condition]) [a highly mysterious long sword, perhaps it can guide you to a certain place] Chapter 244 - Chapter 244: Seven chapter 244: seven-star treasure, mysterious palace (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation wow, thats a golden legend, what the! a 7-star treasure! in general, treasures were categorized from 1 to 7 stars, where 7 stars represented the highest commonly encountered level, and anything beyond that was deemed legendary. this sword was a 7-star treasure, making it a top-tier item. compared to the 6-star dragon slayer great sword, the sword of warlords had more additional effects and even came with two skills. one could unleash sword energy, while the other could generate a golden shield. to be honest, these two skills made ji chens battle against solin ten times more challenging. without this sword of warlord, ji chen would have found the battle considerably easier. however, it was the final additional effect that caught ji chens attention. @ self-recovery (when equipped, it accelerates the recovery of any injuries, weakening negative effects) accelerating recovery from any injuries so, could it heal severed limbs? ji chen decided to try it immediately, gripping the sword of warlords tightly. just after around ten seconds, he felt an itching sensation at the wound on his left arm. it was as if a thousand ants were crawling on it, their tendrils constantly touching the injury, gradually heating up. lifting his arm and examining it closely, he noticed that the dried-up wound had developed tiny red buds of flesh, and the pallid bone displayed a more lively state. at this rate, it would likely take about a week for his severed left arm to fully regrow, restoring it to its original state. seeing this, ji chen finally let out a sigh of relief. although he knew beforehand that there were treasures and potions that could restore severed limbs, suddenly losing an arm still gave him a fright. gripping the sword of warlords, ji chen meticulously combed through solins remains and the surrounding area, swiftly locating his target. a sparkling, crystal-clear, red gemstone lay quietly beneath a few pieces of white bone, resembling a crystal. this was solins heroic soul essence! [red heroic soul essence] [tier]: special [effect]: can immediately promote a hero with the potential for a red-legacy tier to that level. a red heroic soul essence!! this was a big discovery! this meant that the crown of the ocean would have an additional hero of the red-legacy tier! after searching around, he found the scabbard, but it had already been damaged, leaving only half of it. clearly, this scabbard wasnt a treasure. it was merely used for embellishing the sword of warlords. confirming that solin had dropped only the sword of warlords and a red heroic soul essence, ji chen shook his head with a hint of disappointment. evidently, as the ruler of this realm, solin only possessing only these two items, it was difficult to comprehend how this skeleton king ascended to power. if he had heard ji chens sarcastic comment, solin would have probably leaped up from the ground in anger. after a hearty round of internal sarcasm, ji chen weakly gestured with his hand, commanding his army to start cleaning up the battlefield and searching for any valuable spoils of war. several hours later, the other gains from this battle were laid out before them. besides an intermediate-grade bone forge, there were five blue heroic soul essences, twelve green heroic soul essences, and twenty-seven white heroic soul essences. these heroic soul essences were all obtained from the skeleton commanders under solins command during this battle. although this quantity didnt match the number of skeleton commanders they had encountered earlier, there were still a few white ones missing. yet, they were unwilling to invest more time and effort sifting through the immense heap of bones. adding up what they had obtained so far: ji chens collection of heroic soul essences now numbered thirty-seven white, eleven green, and five blue. at this moment, anina walked over, holding a green heroic soul essence in her hand. facing ji chens slightly puzzled gaze, anina casually explained, this belongs to the skeleton commander guarding this skeleton camp. at her words, ji chen remembered that when he had eliminated the skeleton commander overseeing this encampment earlier, solins unexpected appearance had disrupted the proceedings, causing him to overlook gathering the essence adding this one to the count, the current total of green heroic soul essences should be twelve. after cleaning up the battlefield, ji chen once again picked up the sword of warlords. with a thought, he infused it with mana. the golden gemstone on the sword hilt suddenly emitted a brilliant light, projecting a map in front of him. the map displayed a marker suspended in the air. ji chen focused his gaze and quickly drew a conclusion. the marker represented a location within this realm, seemingly deep within the red desert? both on an emotional and logical level, ji chen believed it was essential for him to journey to that location. after all, the 7-star treasure had provided a hint, suggesting there could be unforeseen rewards awaiting him. with the death of the skeleton king solin, his most elite legion had turned to dust, and the remaining skeletons within the realm had scattered. the only concern now was the mutated skeletons. glancing at the deepening sky, ji chen decided to wait until dawn before setting off. the next morning, as soon as ji chen woke up, he immediately checked the progress of his left arms recovery. the wound had grown new skin like fresh leaves on a withered tree branch, appearing pale and delicate, almost like the skin of a baby. it didnt look as ugly anymore. the ocean crowns army began their journey. after walking several kilometers, they left behind the gray and decaying swamp, entering the red desert once more. ji chen opened the map again. the marked location was deep within the desert, a considerable distance away from the swamp. the journey ahead was quite distant. fortunately, it wasnt too far from the mystic realm gate, so after exploring that place, they could proceed to leave this place.. Chapter 245 - Chapter 245: 7 chapter 245: 7-star treasure, mysterious palace translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after briefly identifying the direction, ji chen and his group headed towards the location marked on the map. two days later, at noon, the group arrived at a seemingly ordinary desert. the surroundings were filled with rolling sand dunes, with nothing else noteworthy. ji chen looked at the map and rubbed his chin, confirming that this was the designated spot. he spoke loudly, spread out and search this area! upon his command, the hundreds of crown of the oceans soldiers dispersed in all directions, initiating a thorough search. two hours later, the troops searching in the southeast discovered something unusual. it was a stone platform mostly buried under gravel, with a rectangular indentation on top. after pondering for a moment, ji chen inserted the sword of warlords into the crevice. the blade seamlessly fit, creating a perfect match. a rumbling sound reverberated as the ground shook intensely, creating whirlpools on the gravel surface, sucking in the surrounding debris. ji chens expression changed slightly. he attempted to pull out the sword of warlords, but it was as if the blade had been glued in place, not budging at all. he had no choice but to temporarily lead the troops away from the area. just as they retreated to a safe distance, the grounds shaking reached its peak. the surface was filled with countless sand whirlpools, as if gigantic beasts were turning their bodies underground. amidst the groups astonishment, towering spires and halls emerged from the ground. gravel flowed down the angled roofs and gaps, creating colossal sandwaterfalls that descended from the sky. half an hour later, the commotion around gradually subsided. before them stood a colossal palace crafted from rock, with towering spires and halls casting expansive shadows, reaching hundreds of meters high. tall, brown stone columns lined both sides, extending all the way to the grand entrance of the palace, adorned with exquisite stone carvings on the columns, gates, and outer walls. bas-reliefs and sculptures depicted the extraordinary nature of this palace. it resembled a palace that a titan giant would inhabit. there was such a grand structure hidden beneath this desert? with just a glance, ji chen knew that this had no connection with the skeleton king solin or the skeleton race. if someone possessed the ability to construct such a palace, how could their strength be so meager!? dont stand there staring, quickly go over and examine this palace. ji chens voice snapped the group of heroes out of their daze. seeing him already walking forward, they quickly followed suit. ascending a pathway paved with rocks, towering stone columns stood on either side, adorned with diverse and grotesque statues. the only similarity was that these statues were all bound by chains, as if they were forcefully imprisoned here. the statues depicted various raceshumans, dwarves, elves, orcs, and other less recognizable beings, such as winged serpents with multiple tails, nightmarish insects with hundreds of legs, and even one-legged bovine creatures treading on lightning. none of these seemed ordinary. gazing upon the statues, each revealing expressions of resentment, anger, despair, or numbness, ji chen contemplated silently. the group arrived in front of the massive gate. on the left side of the gate, there was a stone platform where the sword of warlords had been placed. ji chen gently removed it, freeing the sword. observing this, ji chens curiosity heightened even further. utilizing a 7-star treasure as the means to unlock this palacewhat a remarkable display. didnt this indicate that there might be even more precious items inside? within this grand creation, there might be immense surprises that he couldnt even fathom. however, the towering gate, dozens of meters high before him, resembled an insurmountable obstacle. how could they possibly open it? creak- just as ji chen raised his head to contemplate, the gate slowly swung open on its own, revealing pitch-black darkness within. logically speaking, since the sword of warlords was a key, there shouldnt be any danger for those who opened it with the key. moreover, solin, the previous bearer of the sword, must have known about the existence of this palace. if he could live up until a few days ago, there should be no issue. after realizing this, ji chen felt more reassured. he led the troops inside. once all the soldiers had entered, the gate behind them closed automatically, as if isolating the space. the outside winds, which had been whispering, vanished completely, leaving the surroundings in utter silence, where only the sound of ones own breath could be heard. as ji chen was about to take out some torches for illumination, a burst of light suddenly illuminated the surroundings, making it as bright as day. it was a spacious circular hall with towering walls forming a ring around it. colorful paintings adorned the walls, and above was a circular dome that reached several hundred meters high, revealing a vast expanse of stars. ji chen gazed at the colorful paintings for a while before realizing the true nature of this palace. this was a prison! a prison for incarcerating powerful individuals from various races! this matched with the exterior stone columns; the statues of different races on the columns were bound by chains, implying imprisonment. this conclusion left ji chen even more astonished. such a grand palace turned out to be a prison. at this moment, a question arose in his mind: who was responsible for constructing this prison? however, the paintings within the hall didnt reveal any information about the prisons owner. ji chen temporarily set aside this question and looked around. this hall had only one passage connecting to it. without pausing, ji chen led the group into the passage. though it was called a passage, it was dozens of meters high and several dozen meters wide, as if designed for some colossal being to traverse. after walking through the passage for a while and seeing that there was no end in sight, ji chen furrowed his brows. he raised his hand to signal the troops to halt and turned to question a few of the heroes. how far have we walked along this passage? reporting, my lord, weve covered about three to four kilometers. seven to eight kilometers? the furrow between ji chens brows deepened. although the palace was grand and immense, it shouldnt be as long as seven or eight kilometers. could it be similar to the high tower in the ancient land of the divine realm on king kong island? in fact, as soon as they entered the hall earlier, they had stepped into a different space. therefore, they couldnt use the exterior to gauge the spaces size. the interior might be of normal size, or it could be several times larger than its exterior, perhaps even a hundred times larger. the person who built this prison clearly possessed a power as vast as the cosmos. continuing through the passage, they arrived at the end after more than ten minutes. this space was even more towering and massive than the previous hall, with a dome of stars stretching hundreds of meters high. as ji chens gaze shifted to the interior, his pupils contracted, and his heart started pounding wildly. the scene before his eyes left everyone in a state of stupor. within this space, near the walls, stood over a hundred birdcage-like metal enclosures, varying in size from large to small. some reached up to a hundred meters, connecting the heavens and the earth, while others were only a few meters tall. and within these metal enclosures were dozens of prisoners. as ji chens vision focused on these prisoners, his astonishment deepened. arent these the same races as the statues outside? humans, dwarves, elves, orcs the winged serpents with multiple tails the nightmarish insects with hundreds of legs the one-legged bovine creatures treading on lightning some were of normal size, but others were enormous, resembling hills or even canyons. for example, the nightmarish insect looked like a centipede but had numerous legs extending in all directions, reaching hundreds of meters in length. and the one-legged bovine creature, unintentionally flashing with lightning, had a leg that seemed to support the sky itself, bearing a hill-sized body. it was the largest among these prisoners. what the heck! could this be real? does this world really have such bizarre races? perhaps sensing their presence, two prisoners within cages slowly opened their eyes, awakening from a slumber that had lasted for who knew how many years. upon seeing ji chens group, they too fell into a stupor. however, their faces soon displayed a hint of wild joy. it was the expression of those who saw hopea chance to be rescued and to gain freedom.. Chapter 246 - Chapter 246: Epic Tier: Elin and Thotmudo chapter 246: epic tier: elin and thotmudo translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation among the two prisoners who had awakened, one was an elf, and the other was a dwarf. at this moment, they both looked at ji chen with a fiery gaze, their eyes fixed firmly on him. as if they had just laid eyes on an unparalleled treasure. ji chen even got a slight shiver from that look in their eyes. the elf was fine, an alluring female elf that could easily make any mans heart race. her graceful figure and enchanting appearance were partially revealed beneath a robe that seemed to have been through a lot, along with a veil that added an air of mystery. the dwarf, on the other hand, seemed almost stereotypical. he sported a scruffy beard, and his clothing looked as if it hadnt seen a wash in centuries. however, beneath those worn clothes, his robust muscles spoke of explosive strength. that cute little stranger over there, yes, you, look here, the female elfs sultry voice echoed, causing ji chen to unconsciously shift his gaze from the dwarf to her. when ji chens gaze met hers, the exposed eyes of the female elf squinted, giving off an alluring and pitiable impression. dear little one, can you see how long ive been trapped here? its been such a long time. poor me. could you help me out of this cage? as long as you free me, i promise to reward you generously. with a subtle intention, the pink eyes of the female elf swept over ji chens body, filled with a teasing allure. she shifted her posture, revealing more of her snow-white skin and enticing curves beneath the slightly drafty mage robe. had an ordinary person been present, a few words and gestures from her would have left them completely captivated. however, having been around alice, ji chens resistance was naturally much higher. at this moment, he felt only a slight flutter in his heart, quickly suppressing it, and calmly responded, free you? but if youre imprisoned here, you must have done something wrong, right? seeing ji chens composed demeanor, the female elf couldnt help but reveal a hint of surprise, yet she appeared more aggrieved than anything. where have i done anything wrong, dear? im just an innocent elf who was randomly captured by some wicked individuals. young sir, youre really misunderstanding me. wicked individuals? could they be the ones who built this prison? ji chen felt somewhat uncertain. however, he quickly realized that he shouldnt easily believe the words of this alluring female elf, who radiated endless temptation. if she was imprisoned within such a magnificent prison, she certainly couldnt be an ordinary elf. releasing her without careful consideration might lead to unexpected consequences. secretly, he tried to access her information panel. [elf hero: ???] [race]: elf [level]: 79 [tier]: epic (gold) [skills]: ??? oh, so shes a level 79 epic-tier hero. he thought level 79?! epic tier?! ji chen looked incredulous, closing and reopening the information panel, only to find the same information displayed again. subconsciously, he cleared his throat. although he didnt know the exact hierarchy of the epic tier, it was most likely even more powerful than the legendary tier. furthermore, being at level 79, it was already among the pinnacle existences of the 7th tier. perhaps sensing the change in ji chens expression, the female elf spoke with a smile. young lad, you were looking me up, werent you? by now, you probably have a rough idea of my strength, right? if you help me escape, i can use my power to do a few things for you. as a level 79 epic tier, 1 should still have a fair amount of strength if i were to be released, shouldnt i? more than just a fair amount of strength, she could practically conquer anything in her path. ji chen silently ridiculed in his mind. he couldnt fathom how a creature like her had been imprisoned here. internally rolling his eyes, he kept his composure and smiled, countering with a question. forgive my impudence, but may i know your name, milady? and to which faction of race do you belong? i am elin apocalis, the female elf replied with a beaming smile. and im an elf! im well aware that youre an elf; after all, your ears give it away. what 1 meant to ask is, which specific faction of elves do you belong to? which faction of elves? elins perpetual smile finally froze for a moment. young lad, i dont quite understand what you mean. arent all elves just elves? oh? ji chen feigned astonishment. dont you know that the elven race has long since split into dozens of different groups? though it might sound unfortunate, thats indeed the case briefly, ji chen explained the current state of the elven race as he understood it. three thousand years ago, the elves were still a united whole, living together as one race. however, some incident had caused irreconcilable conflicts within the elven race, leading to the division into several factions under the leadership of a few powerful elven figures. over time, these factions further fragmented. the establishment of the elven empire today represented the strongest of these factions. initially, this information was presented in the games lore, so ji chen remembered it quite well. however, looking at this female elfs demeanor could she really be unaware of this? did that mean she was at least three thousand years old!? ji chen came to this conclusion, his gaze at elin involuntarily changing. he had previously speculated that elin had been imprisoned for a few hundred years, but now it seemed that this span of time needed to be extended to several thousand years. split apart? after listening to ji chens explanation, elin murmured to herself, then gritted her teeth in anger. those bastards! if i had known, i should have taken care of those idiots first to eliminate any future trouble. Chapter 247 - Chapter 247: Epic Tier: Elin and Thotmudo (2) chapter 247: epic tier: elin and thotmudo (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation hahaha!! elin, you little bitch. the day has arrived that the elven race has split! watching the show from the sidelines, the dwarf burst into laughter at this moment. he laughed so hard that he bent over, pounding the ground with his hands. elin shot an annoyed look at the dwarf, struggling to maintain a gentle expression. thotmudo, can you please shut up while im talking to this young brother? sure. unexpectedly, the dwarf named thotmudo readily nodded, covering his mouth. however, his laughter couldnt be contained for long. he burst into laughter again. i just cant help but laugh when i see it. ah- im an innocent elf- the dwarf began to imitate elins previous actions in a mocking tone, which appeared incredibly comical. the effect of mockery was at its maximum, immediately breaking through elins defenses. you, mutated dwarf, if 1 were to get out, i would make you taste the pain of being pierced by the thousand vine! elin exclaimed in anger. hey, pointy ears! we dwarves can knock you elves flat with a single blow, and youd be unrecognizable even to your own mothers!! thotmudo countered with unwavering determination. as elin and thotmudo suddenly engaged in an argument, ji chen, caught in the middle, wore a puzzled expression. it seemed that the complex relationship between elves and dwarves in many fantasy worlds was reflected here as well, just like water and fire. since thotmudo could be imprisoned here, he probably wasnt an ordinary dwarf, right? ji chen looked closely. [dwarf hero: thotmudo] [race]: dwarf [level]: 78 [tier]: epic (golden) [skills]: ??? well, it was another formidable figure that couldnt be provoked, no less than elin. nevertheless, as ji chen observed the elf elin and the dwarf thotmudo engaging in their heated argument filled with mentions of body parts and family ties, it reminded him of middle-aged men and women quarreling on a street corner. perhaps your dwarven race has also abandoned honor, split into various factions, and even started killing each other!! impossible, absolutely impossible! the great dwarves would never split or harm their fellow brethren! human, tell us, how is the dwarven race faring in the outside world? both thotmudo and elin turned to look at ji chen. ji chen hesitated for a moment. he didnt know much about dwarves, but he was certain dwarves have indeed split, even more so than elves. there are different factions like black iron dwarves, mountain dwarves, ice dwarves theyve even had wars amongst themselves. many dwarves lost their homes and became mercenaries hahaha! thotmudo, did you hear that? dwarves have split even more than elves, even to the point of killing each other and becoming mercenaries! the honor you speak of is practically worthless! elin mocked loudly without mercy. in essence, it was a competition to see who could degrade the other more. elves might have split, but at least one faction established a prosperous empire that was well-known in the world. dwarves, on the other hand, not only split but were far from the status of elves. the difference between the two was clear. upon hearing ji chens response, thotmudo looked disbelieving, collapsed to the ground, and muttered to himself, how could it be? how could dwarves split and harm their fellow brethren? this cant be true looking at thotmudos expression of shattered belief, ji chen felt a twinge of sympathy. however, being an epic-tier hero, thotmudo swiftly collected himself. he gazed at ji chen with sincerity and expressed, 1 must witness the condition of the dwarves firsthand to be convinced. human, 1 seek your assistance in escaping this place. if i manage to break free, i shall surely express my gratitude generously in due time. in the future? ji chen couldnt help but smirk. empty promises like these were hard to believe. as if in agreement, elin immediately burst into a scoffing laugh. she mocked, thotmudo, do you think anyone would believe what youre saying? everyone knows that the dwarven race is notorious for being stingy. youll probably disappear without a trace the moment you step outside. thotmudo, exposed, blushed and stubbornly raised his head, his voice full of determination. impossible, absolutely impossible! i, thotmudo, always keep my promises. 1 walk the talk. elin gave him a disdainful look and then turned to ji chen with a smile. her voice softened, young brother, unlike thotmudo, this old guy with a twisted heart, i, as an elf, absolutely keep my promises. i have several high-tier treasures hidden outside, any one of which, once revealed, could drive people crazy. if you help me escape, ill immediately fetch them and present them to you as a gift! high-tier treasures? seeing ji chen finally respond, elin spoke up immediately. thats right, theyre all top-tier 7-star treasures. it took me a lot of effort and resources to obtain them, and they possess formidable power. upon hearing this, thotmudo couldnt hold back either and hurriedly added, 1 also have a few 7-star treasures. human, you should know that dwarves excel in forging, right? im a legendary-level blacksmith among the dwarves, a rarity even among our race. if you help me escape, and if you provide the necessary materials, i can craft ten treasures for you without charge! legendary blacksmith!? ji chen inwardly took a deep breath, nearly giving in to the temptation immediately. legendary blacksmiths were extremely rare. starting from the novice level, a blacksmith would have to progress through intermediate, advanced, expert, master, and grandmaster levels before reaching the legendary tier. master-level blacksmiths could already receive vip treatment in a kingdom or principality. what about a legendary tier? in other words, legendary blacksmiths were like finding a needle in a haystack, even rarer than a three-legged horse. you see, 1 am more sincere than that pointy ears, right? thotmudo gloated, glancing at elin. seeing her stunned expression, he felt even more pleased. seems like a good deal it would be such a long wait for you to forget ten treasures. elin immediately retorted, gritting her teeth. she threw her chips on the table again, as long as you help me escape, 1 can offer you three thousand beautiful elves to serve as your harem. you can revel every night, live a life of luxury, just like a human king. tsk~ when treasures are lacking, do you resort to using allure? it was truly amazing, oh wait, no, it was despicable. ji chen had no doubt that elin could actually make this happen. a level 79 epic-tier elf powerhouse was still among the most elite even in the present. such matters were, to put it mildly, insignificant to her. ji chen felt a slight twinge of temptation, but he only showed a hint of interest on his face and said lightly, seems like this might be a good deal his attention shifted back to thotmudo, waiting to see what card he would play next. come on, unleash it all, go all out! now ji chen held absolute control, ensuring he would gain the maximum advantage. thotmudos face turned red with frustration. he knew that dwarves were definitely not as appealing as elves in terms of appearance, so he angrily shouted, damn pointy-eared elf, if youve got guts, challenge dwarves head-on! dont resort to these lowly tactics! elin covered her mouth and sneered, appearance is also a weapon, clever people know how to use it better. if youve got the guts, why not use such methods too!? you despicable watching the two of them suddenly argue again, ji chen shook his head with a slight headache. he simply plopped down on the ground and began to watch the show. actually, in ji chens heart, he was more inclined to help elin escape. after all, she was an elf, and according to previous information, she likely held a high status as an elf powerhouse from thousands of years ago. moreover, the crown of the ocean had some connection to the elven race in terms of commerce. so, by rescuing her, he could significantly strengthen the relationship between the crown of the ocean and the elven race, gaining more benefits. besides, acquiring the friendship of an epic-tier elf powerhouse was also a substantial wealth. however, at the same time, ji chen had some reservations. this place was a prison, housing prisoners. and prisoners were likely here due to certain crimes, elin included. he wasnt sure why she qualified to stay in such a luxurious prison. this factor left him hesitating.. Chapter 248 - Chapter 248: Terms of Compromise: Thotmudo’s Agreement chapter 248: terms of compromise: thotmudos agreement translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation can you both pause for a moment? 1 have some questions i want to ask you. ji chens words caused elin and thotmudo to stop. after all, ji chen was the first person to arrive here in thousands of years, and he was their only hope of escaping, so they showed him respect. elin quickly spoke, feel free to ask any questions. as long as it helps me get out of this damn place. seeing this, ji chen nodded and voiced his curiosity, what are the reasons that led to you being confined in this place? or what crimes led to your imprisonment here? prison? elin raised her eyebrows, surprised. where did you hear that? this place is far from being a prison! its a workshop where that damned pervert keeps experimental subjects. its an experimental facility! metal cages hold us captive, continuously draining our energy to maintain and reinforce the seals. after thousands of years, instead of weakening, the seals have only grown stronger. its inhumane! more importantly, 1 didnt even do anything wrong! at most, i just exchanged a few words with that pervert and got locked up here! just a few words, and they imprisoned me for thousands of years!! how is this fair?! elins emotions escalated as she spoke, her face showing a mix of frustration and innocence, revealing the weight of her grievances. listening to her, ji chen was somewhat taken aback. being imprisoned for just exchanging a few words? that was truly harsh. and what about thotmudo? upon hearing this, the dwarf thotmudo spoke in a subdued tone, i didnt do much either, just stole a few materials from that pervert. though thotmudos expression was similarly filled with grievance, ji chen had a feeling that the so-called materials were not ordinary things. who is this pervert youre talking about? a perverted old lich of the worst kind! the creatures and races imprisoned here, aside from a small number who were innocently caught, are all its experimental subjects and materials. hissing- ji chen was familiar with liches, a highly advanced type of undead creature. each lich was a formidable spellcaster of the undead, possessing great expertise in experiments, alterations, and dark rituals. ji chen gestured toward the monstrous bug in the distance. what is that thing? thats a hatchling of a void crawler, capable of freely navigating the void. its vitality is extremely robust. it was here when we arrived and is currently in a dormant state. moving through the void without constraints? ji chens gaze became somewhat awed. the void was utterly unsuitable for the existence of living beings, teeming with void fissures and vortices. a single misstep could lead to being engulfed and torn apart. even as a hatchling, the void crawler was dozens of meters long. ji chen couldnt help but wonder how terrifying it would be in its mature form. and what about that creature with wings and a serpent tail? i know! thotmudo chimed in this time, despite elin glaring at him fiercely. he didnt seem to mind and continued, its called selim angel. its a sea naga with a mutated bloodline. it had been imprisoned here long before we arrived, likely for tens of thousands of years. about three hundred years ago, it chose to enter a deep slumber to slow the loss of its life force. sea naga? did that have some connection with the naga berserker? ji chen nodded in understanding. however, even so, he was still deeply shocked. being able to capture and imprison 79th-level epic-tier elin, along with 78th-level epic-tier thotmudo, as well as so many formidable and intimidating creatures, the strength required for such an act is truly unimaginable. what concerned him the most was whether the lich was still alive. if it found out that its experimental facility had been invaded, wouldnt it imprison ji chen here as well? thinking about this, he couldnt help but shiver. when he raised this question, elin and thotmudo waved their hands dismissively. that perverted lich hasnt appeared since imprisoning us here. maybe it has already died outside. after all, even a powerful lich wouldnt want to abandon so many experimental subjects. ji chen found their explanation quite reasonable. in addition to the void crawler and the sea naga, within the numerous metal cages present here, with only about a dozen being empty, there were also dozens of curious creatures and races confined in various conditions. it must have taken considerable effort and time for the lich to capture them all. after much contemplation, ji chen spoke with a thoughtful tone, raising his head and looking determined. how can 1 save you? upon hearing this, elin and thotmudos eyes lit up, their faces filled with boundless joy. they quickly responded, deeper within lies the lichs central laboratory, where the control mechanisms for the metal cages and the sealing mechanisms are located. however, before releasing the seal, you must deactivate the automatic defense array left behind by the lich. otherwise, both you, and us, who are currently weakened, will be killed by the array suppressing their excitement and exhilaration, elin calmly recounted the details as best as she could. seeing the opportunity to break free from their cages and gain the long-awaited freedom, elin and thotmudo, despite their high-level strength, appeared much like ordinary people. the longer their lifespans, the more they felt despair in this seemingly endless imprisonment. ji chen nodded, firmly capturing all the details that elin had shared in his memory.. Chapter 249 - Chapter 249: Terms of Compromise: Thotmudo’s Agreement (2) chapter 249: terms of compromise: thotmudos agreement (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation thats all. besides these, the lich probably left some things inside. youre free to search. ji chens eyes brightened as he heard this. the lich left something behind? well, his fatigue seemed to vanish instantly. a lich capable of imprisoning so many powerful beings would surely leave behind something valuable. he wasnt too greedy, a few legendary treasures would be sufficient. so, there are no guards here? elin shook her head. no, that perverted lich had confidence in its own seal and didnt leave any guards here. but if you are talking about security, it seems it created a batch of low-tier mutated skeletons within the native skeleton realm outside, disguising and guarding the existence of this experimental workshop. since you managed to enter, you must have encountered them. mutated skeletons? ji chen suddenly realized that those mutated skeletons were created by the lich, no wonder they even attacked solin. suppressing his thoughts, he turned his attention back to elin and thotmudo, his expression serious. next, its time to discuss the rewards i can receive for helping you break free from your predicament. hearing this, both the elf and the dwarf grew serious. they understood that nothing comes without a cost and that rewards often come with sacrifices. after a moment of contemplation, elin spoke slowly, the previously mentioned reward still stands. i can give you two powerful seven-star treasures. once i break free from the suppression here and regain some strength, they can be retrieved through a void tunnel. besides, you should be a lord, right? elins eyes flashed with shrewdness. ji chen nodded without hesitation. seeing this, elin became more confident. in that case, you mentioned before that the elven race has established a formidable empire. as a lord, you wouldnt refuse help and support from an elven empire, would you? even ji chen had to admit that this condition carried weight, and he had no doubt about its sincerity. the assistance of the elven empire, even if only temporary, could already give the crown of the ocean a significant boost. it was a condition he couldnt refuse. but still, it wasnt enough! looking at the confident elin, ji chen shook his head. besides these, i have one more condition. what is it? elin, a truly epic-level elven hero, maintained her composure upon hearing this and decisively replied. its this: if my territory or i face some catastrophic crisis beyond my ability to handle, you must do everything in your power to help me resolve it. oh? elin narrowed her eyes and, after a brief consideration, agreed, fine, i accept this condition. under the name of the elven hero elin apocalis, 1 pledge that when you or your territory are in crisis, i will do my utmost to assist in resolving it. is this sufficient? years of captivity had fostered an intense yearning for freedom within her. no one understood how terrifying it was to be trapped in a tiny prison for thousands of years, especially with a chattering dwarf that almost drove her mad. now, with a glimpse of hope for escape, her initial reservations had significantly diminished. seeing elins enthusiastic acceptance, ji chen also nodded, not seeking further conditions. the key to a successful negotiation lies in balancing gains and forging good relationships with powerful allies. with the deal completed with elin, it was now the dwarf thotmudos turn. is it my turn now? hurry up, you guys! thotmudo, seeing elin being able to leave, grew increasingly impatient. he acted like a mischievous child, urging them incessantly. ji chen could only walk over with a helpless expression. lord thotmudo, you may state your conditions. i dont possess any treasures or the like, thotmudo stated confidently from the outset. given that the pointy-eared one made a promise earlier, i cant back down either. i can craft five treasures for you, with a quality of up to 6 stars, anything within my forging capabilities. treasures up to a maximum of 6 stars? cant you make 7-star ones? hey, human! do you think 7-star treasures grow on trees? even for a legendary blacksmith, crafting a 7-star treasure requires a tremendous amount of effort! true, but didnt you say you could help craft ten items before? how come its been halved? ahem, i spoke without thinking. thotmudos face turned red, and he thickened his skin, im already so old, making ten items would be the death of me! elins observation was accurate; dwarves were known for their unpredictable nature, and their commitments couldnt be accepted at face value. after a moments thought, ji chen had anina bring over the dragon slayer great sword and the severed sword tip. lord thotmudo, can you repair this treasure? thotmudos interest was piqued as soon as he saw the dragon slayer great sword. although he couldnt touch it due to the seal, his eyes lit up, fixed intently on it. soon, he relaxed his expression. of course 1 can. although its quite severely damaged, its relatively intact. it shouldnt pose a big problem for me. at these words, ji chen also smiled. then repairing this great sword shall count as the first treasure. now, for the second condition i want you to impart some of your forging techniques to the crown of the ocean! impossible, absolutely impossible! thotmudo practically jumped up, his face turning red as he immediately raised his voice in refusal. the forging techniques of the dwarven race must never be passed to the outside world! ji chen maintained an unsurprised expression; thotmudos reaction was quite intense. dwarves were renowned for their stubbornness and self-centeredness; their trustworthiness was questionable. they were hesitant to craft equipment even for substantial compensation, let alone share their forging techniques with other races. hence, i merely mentioned a segmentnothing intricate. i solely require fundamental forging skills, and i promise to maintain utmost secrecy about them. that wont work either! regardless of the extent, it goes against our ancestral teachings!!! thotmudo stood his ground firmly, clutching his beard as he protested. i see in that case, we wont be able to continue our discussion. ji chen sighed with a look of regret, turning to walk away slowly. hey, hey, human, dont leave! seeing ji chen about to leave, thotmudo grew anxious, shouting loudly, its just this one thing thats not possible. apart from that, everything else is fine! other than forging techniques, do you have anything else to offer? ji chen turned around and inquired. i do, i do thotmudos face turned even redder, unable to fathom what else he could offer. you see, you cant even come up with anything yourself. ji chen shrugged and turned away, walking further. with the crown of the oceans group in tow, they headed towards the core laboratory, moving farther away. thotmudo became increasingly frantic upon seeing this. he widened his eyes and shouted, i can craft six treasures for you! ji chen didnt look back. seven items! eight items, thats the maximum! ji chen remained unfazed, his pace uninterrupted. nine items ten items! eleven items should be enough, right!? ji chen still didnt turn around; he even began chatting and laughing with alice and the others. thirteen items, fifteen items!! alright, alright, i agree with you!!! ji chen raised his right hand to signal the group to stop, then walked back with a cheerful smile, meeting thotmudos sulky expression. all, lord thotmudo, you truly are an incredibly generous and helpful dwarf. im delighted to have such a dwarf friend; its my fortune. thotmudo glared, ignoring the flattery, his face stern as he gritted his teeth. cunning human! i knew you were trying to scare the great legendary blacksmith, thotmudo! after grumbling angrily for a few sentences, thotmudo finally calmed down. with a sincere tone, ji chen said, look at it from a different perspectiveusing some basic forging techniques to break free from millennia of imprisonment, isnt that worth it? if you hadnt encountered me today, you might have been trapped here indefinitely. without any surprises, you would have been unable to escape, and your formidable forging skills would have been buried in this cold place forever. isnt that a pity? this somewhat flattering explanation seemed to calm thotmudo down somewhat. however, he still grumbled discontentedly, quite the silver-tongued human; indeed, you humans love to argue. seeing this, ji chen chuckled again. add another additional condition: after youre freed, youre not allowed to harm me or my troops. thotmudo widened his eyes once again, but eventually, he crossed his arms and muttered, hmph, the great legendary blacksmith thotmudo disdains attacking a group of weaklings! Chapter 250 - Chapter 250: Laboratory: Krieg’s Chamber of Secrets chapter 250: laboratory: kriegs chamber of secrets translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation on one side, elin looked at thotmudos embarrassed expression and couldnt help but burst into laughter. as an elf, it seemed as if they were naturally at odds with dwarves. seeing the dwarf on the losing end brought elin great joy. her gaze towards ji chen also became more favorable and friendly. well then, i hope that after you come out, youll be able to keep your promise. rest assured, with you making thotmudo suffer like this, this sister will definitely fulfill my promise. elin readily agreed. thotmudo furrowed his brows and almost got into an argument with elin again, but he still said, regardless, since a promise has been made, thotmudo will definitely honor it. ji chen also nodded. ill go and lift the seal now. you two wait here for a while. both of them nodded in unison, suppressing their excitement and enthusiasm. after being imprisoned for thousands of years, a little more time didnt matter. before leaving, elin seemed to recall something and said seriously, remember to be cautious. dont release the other prisoners. many of them have lost their sanity over the long years, or theyre driven solely by the will to kill. once they are set free, the consequences could be unimaginable. even in our prime, we might not have been able to defeat them. seeing elins serious expression, ji chen also grew a bit more solemn and nodded. then, without wasting any more time, he led his army towards the direction of the core laboratory. the cage that held elin and thotmudo was located relatively closer to the front of this space. this seemed to indicate that their imprisonment time was relatively short. the farther they walked, the longer the duration of imprisonment. whether these countless creatures and races had slipped into a profound slumber or perished altogether, they presented a lifeless demeanor, devoid of vitality. yet, the imposing forms still triggered an unsettling feeling, as though an innate dread of monumental beings had settled in. ji chen and his group walked for dozens of minutes before reaching the other end of the space and entering another entrance. they traversed a corridor that stretched for hundreds of meters, arriving at a heavy stone door. ji chens expression became serious. instead of immediately opening it, he retreated a hundred meters with his army and then had the eight murloc rangers step forward to push the door. creak the frictional sound produced by the opening stone door resonated far within the enclosed passageway. after observing for a while and confirming that there was no danger, ji chen approached with his army, feeling relieved. through the opened door, they were greeted by a rather horrifying sight. it was a rectangular chamber that was several times the size of a soccer field. on the left side of the chamber, there were stone tables arranged, each laden with glass jars containing various organs submerged in green liquid. in the center of the chamber stood several stone beds stained with dried blood. restraints soaked in fresh blood were affixed to them. black and red dried blood was embedded in the crevices and patterns. the wall to the side was neatly lined with various types of torture devices, a diverse collection comparable to an exhibition of such implements. taking in all of these elements, a shiver ran down ji chens spine. that lich was truly deserving of being called perverse by elin and thotmudo. indeed, he was quite twisted. temporarily ignoring these things, ji chen began to search for the controls to the seal and the magic array. while elin mentioned that there should be controls here, she didnt specify what they looked like or where they were. ji chen dispatched his heroes and soldiers to search around while also checking if there were any valuable items left behind. one hour later. the last unit returned under alices lead, shaking her head as she addressed him, my lord, we havent found the control switch, nor have we discovered anything valuable. this place seems to be merely an experimental site. hearing this, ji chen couldnt help but feel a bit disappointed. setting aside the fact that they didnt discover the control switch, there wasnt even a solitary item left behind? the lich had tidied up quite thoroughly! looking at the room filled with jars containing limbs and organs, ji chen fell into deep thought, pondering the details he might have overlooked along the way. time for a perspective shift. if he were the lich, he probably wouldnt have left the most precious experimental materials and the core of the magic array, the switch, so simply in this place. no matter what, he wouldve added some extra security measures. perhaps, apart from this room, there was another hidden chamber. with this thought in mind, ji chen decisively gave the order again. search one more time. inspect every inch carefully! if you find something that seems like the target, dont touch it and notify me immediately! the heroes turned serious and focused, guiding their armies to different areas and initiating a thorough search. and this time, the search bore fruit. three hours later, benbo hastily ran back from a corner of the room to report. lord, 1 found a spot that might be the switch! ji chens spirits lifted, and he promptly had benbo guide him. guided by benbo, they arrived at a row of metal shelves on the right, which held assorted torture devices. the passage of time had corroded these metal shelves to the point of decay, and the instruments on them were scattered on the ground, piled up in disarray. it was precisely due to the corrosion of the metal shelves that a slightly recessed brick on the backwall became visible. ji chens expression brightened.. Chapter 251 - Chapter 251: Laboratory: Krieg’s Chamber of Secrets (2) chapter 251: laboratory: kriegs chamber of secrets (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation this looks like some kind of hidden compartment that can be activated by pressing it. ji chen didnt let his guard down in the slightest. he left a murloc ranger behind and led the rest of his troops back to the stone door, preparing for any unexpected situations. after the murloc ranger pressed the brick, accompanied by a scraping sound, a section of the wall on the side slowly opened to both sides, revealing an entrance. ji chen didnt immediately approach. instead, he let the murloc ranger go in to investigate. a few minutes later, the murloc ranger emerged, unharmed, and signaled that there was no danger. seeing this, ji chen walked over with a relieved expression. in this lichs laboratory, being cautious was of utmost importance to him. this was a smaller room, about the size of a basketball court, but it was filled to the brim with bookshelves. the bookshelves were crammed with all kinds of books. if it werent for the crystal sphere floating above a device in the middle of the room, one would think it was a library rather than a laboratory. the purpose of the crystal sphere was already very clear. [control nexus] [tier]: special [usage]: able to activate cages, seals, and formations ji chen walked in, ignoring the control nexus for the time being. instead, he walked up to a stone table and casually tried to pick up a few sheets of parchment stacked together. clatter- the sheets of parchment instantly turned into powder, piling up on the table. ji chens face showed a hint of surprise, then he shook his head. it seemed that even the hidden parchment here couldnt withstand the erosion of thousands of years, turning into dust. as expected, ji chen casually touched other sheets of parchment on the table, even the books on the bookshelves. at the moment of contact, they all turned into piles of powder. looking at this, he couldnt help but feel a hint of regret. knowledge was one of the most precious treasures, and the books that carried knowledge also had extremely high value. the fact that a powerful lich had collected them in this hidden chamber meant they werent ordinary items; they were naturally of an invaluable level of existence. if he could learn a few powerful spells or abilities from these books, wouldnt that be fantastic? as ji chen thought about this, he destroyed all the books on the bookshelves as if satisfying his destructive desire. suddenly, when a rather inconspicuous book turned into a pile of powder, a complete sheet of paper with a golden glow mixed in. ji chens eyes lit up. he had hit a jackpot! he carefully pinched it between his fingers. the texture was somewhere between paper and hard leather, with a pleasing touch. on the sheet of paper with the golden glow, intricate and mysterious patterns and designs were engraved. at first glance, it felt extraordinary. [archlich kriegs alchemical notes] [tier]: special [insights and experiences of archlich krieg theredell regarding alchemy, containing methods for crafting various special alchemical creations] archlich? krieg? ji chens eyes flickered slightly. if his guess was correct, archlich krieg theredell should be the owner of this laboratory, the twisted lich mentioned by elin and thotmudo. the alchemical notes of an archlich C this was getting interesting. without rashly using or further examining the alchemical notes, ji chen felt that krieg might have left some traps on this record. he remained vigilant in the face of a powerful lich. carefully tucking the notes into his backpack, he continued to search the hidden chamber. at this point, his interest was thoroughly piqued by this precious find. who knew, there might be more of kriegs belongings or secrets waiting for his discovery in other parts of the laboratory. feeling frustrated with his own slow progress, ji chen enlisted the help of the other heroes in the mission to destroy the books. in an instant, valuable books turned into ashes, and the small dark chamber was filled with dust. soon, good news came from the other side. lord, i found a badge! ji chen hurriedly walked over and took the crystal badge handed to him by anina. the badge didnt possess lich elements; instead, it depicted an image of a griffon wielding a sharp sword in its claws. [royal griffon knight order badge] [tier]: 4-star treasure [effects]: 0 increases magic resistance by 20% @ increases flight speed by 50% [skill]: life shield (provides a sturdy shield to withstand massive damage) [a badge from a certain empires royal griffon knight order in the northern continent, possessing considerable power] what a good find! ji chen was delighted. this was a badge that could provide significant benefits, especially with the life shield skill, which aligned perfectly with his intentions. ever since he lost an arm due to solins sword energy attack, he had been extra cautious about his personal safety, wanting to equip himself with life-preserving gear. this time he lost an arm, the next time he might lose his head. so, life was more important. equipping the badge immediately made him feel much safer. once again, the badge heightened ji chens mood. in just a short ten minutes, he had acquired an invaluable alchemical note and a 4-star life-saving treasure badge. the value of these gains was almost greater than before. ji chen was about to make a fortune in this small hidden chamber!! coming back to his senses, ji chen praised anina for her actions and highly admired her for finding such treasures. this instantly caught the attention of the other heroes, and they were all energized. they focused their attention on searching the bookshelves and corners, hoping to find something of high value to earn the lords appreciation. in the small hidden chamber, it turned into a bustling construction site, with dust flying around. if someone knowledgeable were to see them turning these immensely valuable books into dust, trampling them underfoot, they would undoubtedly exclaim about the wasteful destruction and perhaps wish to stab them to death. soon, the construction site brought more good news. this time it was benbo who found something C two silver parchment sheets. although their appearance wasnt as mystical as kriegs notes, they had an impressive look. temporarily leaving the hidden chamber, ji chen held the two parchment sheets in his hand and examined them closely. [skill scroll: mana reflux] [tier]: red-tier skill [effects]: allows comprehension of the red-tier skill: mana reflux (after casting a red-tier spell, recovers 35% of expended mana) [skill scroll: triple casting] [tier]: orange-tier skill [effects]: allows comprehension of the orange-tier skill: triple casting (able to consecutively cast three skills not exceeding the orange-tier level) holy shit! in the midst of bewilderment, ji chen was accompanied by a surge of ecstasy. what kind of godlike skills were these? one red-tier skill and one orange-tier skillenough to blind the eyes. what was even more important was that both of these skills were archmage-level skills. each of them was a skill that mages dreamt of having. if he casually took one out, it would undoubtedly drive the mages crazy. taking a deep breath, ji chen suppressed his excitement and put these two skill scrolls into his backpack without using them immediately. in this world, learning and comprehending any skill required a process. it wasnt as simple as in a game, where you could learn it with a mere click or a string of text in a skill bar. skills were something that a living being learned from the depths of their heart, integrated into their soul. the more powerful the skill, the more time it took to comprehend. when ji chen initially accepted the tidal lord profession and comprehended the profession skills, he underwent a complete transformation and learning process from the inside out. similarly, in the ancient land of the divine realm, he spent a considerable amount of time to acquire the rewards left behind by the deities. and these red-tier and orange-tier skills would undoubtedly require a substantial amount of time to comprehend as well. it wasnt suitable to choose to learn them in this kind of place. however, it could be foreseen that once he mastered these two skills, his strength would undergo a tremendous transformation. as he carefully stored the skill scrolls, he couldnt help but be amazed by the immense wealth of archlich krieg. these immensely valuable skill scrolls were simply intermingled among the books. could even a icing be as affluent as this? after obtaining these two skill scrolls, ji chen suddenly entered a state of wisdom. it was as if he had no more desires. because he felt that there couldnt possibly be anything more valuable in the hidden chamber. however, a voice as melodious as heavenly music reignited the flames in his heart.. Chapter 252 - Chapter 252: New Hidden Chamber, Krieg Theredell chapter 252: new hidden chamber, krieg theredell translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation lord, weve discovered another hidden chamber! his spirit was lifted, and without caring about anything else, he entered once again. he saw the group of heroes gathered in a corner. seeing ji chen approach, they quickly made way, revealing a dark and ominous opening. how was this opening discovered? lord, this opening appeared when 1 accidentally touched a spot beneath the stone table. alice pointed to a slightly sunken area beneath the stone table, crouching down to show where it was. ji chen nodded. it was highly likely that this was another secret compartment set up by the archlich krieg theredell. this opening was only slightly taller than a person and just wide enough for two people to walk side by side. inside, there was no illumination, pitch-black and utterly devoid of light. however, this extreme darkness did not extinguish the excitement in his heart. a hidden chamber within a hidden chamber C this was enough to make anyone even more excited. ji chen couldnt help but wonder. items as precious as the red and orange skill scrolls, the alchemical notebook, and the 4-star treasures were considered highly valuable even on the outside. yet, they were merely placed within the outer hidden chambers. so, what kind of treasures could be concealed within this even more secretive chamber? just the thought of it aroused even more anticipation. for now, lets leave the newly discovered hidden chamber aside and thoroughly scavenge this place. conduct a more thorough examination to check if there are any other undiscovered secret compartments or mechanisms! the heroes followed orders and began searching fervently once again. just as they were putting in their utmost effort in the search, within the spatial confines where various experimental materials were imprisoned, elin apocalis and thotmudo were waiting eagerly. seeing ji chen and the others hadnt returned yet, the impatient thotmudo paced restlessly in the cramped cage, occasionally glancing towards the passageway. thotmudo, stop pacing around like that. youre making me dizzy, elin said somewhat irritably. weve been here for so long. what difference does it make if we wait a little longer? i know, pointy ears, thotmudo replied, intending to retort, but he realized he didnt have the mood to continue arguing. he scratched his head in frustration and said anxiously, you know that twisted archlichs mind is cunning and bizarre. he might have left something behind as a last resort. if that human gets into any trouble because of that, then our hope of escaping might be gone! hes the first human creature to come here in thousands of years. he might also be the last for thousands of years to come! elin fell silent for a moment, and a trace of worry flickered in her eyes. but soon, she regained her composure and furrowed her brows. i dont think we need to worry so much. you must have sensed the anomaly on that human, right? hearing this, thotmudos expression turned serious. you mean that strange aura? yes, although its very faint and hidden, i can confirm that this aura might be related to those entities. elin nodded solemnly. if thats the case, then this human might be protected and favored in some way. he cant die so easily. thotmudo pondered for a moment and found the logic to be sound. as ones power grew, they would increasingly uncover the concealed facets of this world. the deeper their understanding, the greater their reverence for those enigmatic elements and beings. if that human truly was a favored individual, his potential would indeed be unimaginable. after pondering for a while, thotmudo suddenly realized something and stared wide-eyed as he asked with a loud voice, so, does that mean you readily agreed to that humans conditions earlier because you saw his immense potential!? upon hearing these words, elin looked at thotmudo with surprise, covering her mouth and giggling. i thought you would only realize that after we get out. damn it! crafty pointed ears! if you had told me earlier, 1 wouldnt have gone through that bargaining ordeal thotmudo exclaimed frustratedly. so thats why dwarves have ended up in the state theyre in today C theres a reason behind it- having searched here for a long while, ji chen and his companions ultimately couldnt find anything more. things that could withstand thousands or even tens of thousands of years of the passage of time were truly rare. they directed their gazes towards the pitch-black entrance. this time, just the same as before, ji chen allowed a murloc ranger to enter first to probe for any potential danger. as for the crown of omniscience, it had turned a pale white due to the unique energy permeating this laboratory when they entered, rendering it completely non-functional. ji chen had no choice but to rely on this human detection method to scout for danger. however, what surprised everyone this time was that the murloc ranger sent in to explore emerged from the tunnel in just two to three minutes. theres a courtyard inside, leading to an underground area thats impossible to see the bottom of. this was how benbo conveyed the meaning of the murloc rangers findings. after a brief moment of contemplation, ji chen decided to personally investigate. the group of them held torches and began to enter in an orderly manner. within the pitch-dark passage, even with the light of the torches, it remained quite dim. the firelight cast their silhouettes onto the walls, creating flickering shadows. unlike the previous narrow passageways, this one slightly descended as they proceeded. after less than a hundred meters from the entrance, they arrived at a circular courtyard with a diameter of over a hundred meters. spiral stairs were affixed to the well walls, disappearing into the indiscernible darkness above.. Chapter 253 - Chapter 253: New Hidden Chamber, Krieg Theredell (2) chapter 253: new hidden chamber, krieg theredell (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation from the edge of the steps, looking down into the pitch-black darkness below, ji chen couldnt shake the feeling of an eerie breeze rising from the depths, sending shivers down his spine. almost instinctively, the heroes all furrowed their brows, facing an imminent threat. my lord, there must be something unusual down there. we must proceed with caution, alice whispered softly, her voice surprisingly loud in the hushed environment. observing the serious expressions on the faces of the heroes, ji chen nodded with gravity. stay vigilant, everyone, and be ready to flee from here at a moments notice. yes! the heroes nodded in unison, their agreement understood. seeing this, ji chen distributed the torches and began descending the steps towards the well. these steps lacked any handrails, pure stone columns embedded in the walls, some of which were even weathered and broken in places. ji chens face was taut, every creaking sound of the swaying columns testing his heart. after descending several dozen meters, the bottom was still not in sight, as if they were entering an abyss that could swallow them whole. the further they descended, the more ji chens heart pounded, yet the prospect of valuable discoveries pushed him onward, gritting his teeth. by the time they had descended over ninety meters, the illumination of the torches finally revealed the bottom of the well. still circular in shape, the wells base held an altar adorned with intricate and mysterious patterns, featuring an alchemical apparatus upon it. hovering above the apparatus was a crystal sphere, much like the one in the chamber filled with books. everyone was momentarily frozen, their faces marked with puzzlement and bewilderment. how was there another control nexus here? initially puzzled, ji chen quickly pieced it together. the control nexus in the chamber filled with books was a decoy! and the control nexus here was the real deal. setting up two control nexuses, one real and one fake, was likely the contingency left behind by the archlich krieg theredell! in general, if an outsider sought to break the seal and cage, they would most likely luckily stumble upon the chamber of books and assume the control nexus there to be genuine, never suspecting the possibility of it being fake. subsequently, krieg had deliberately followed this train of thought, intentionally placing a false control nexus in that location. with this approach, if anyone manipulated the fake control nexus, triggering certain countermeasures, the consequences were evident. surely, the mechanisms left behind by an archlich were sufficient to bury all intruders here. however, ji chens arrival this time inadvertently bypassed this trap. initially, he hadnt rushed to manipulate the fake control nexus. instead, he fervently searched the chamber of books from top to bottom, which led him to inadvertently discover the hidden mechanism to unlock this well, thus unveiling the genuine control nexus concealed within. after realizing this, ji chen still felt a lingering fear. was it good luck or a fortunate accident that led him to this discovery? or was it his greed that inadvertently helped him evade a crisis? reflecting on the events once again from beginning to end, ji chen became even more cautious. search the bottom of this well thoroughly once again! pay attention to whether there are any other hidden compartments or mechanisms. with the command given, the troops mobilized once more, conducting a meticulous search. two hours later, after numerous searches confirmed the absence of other hidden compartments or mechanisms, ji chen finally breathed a sigh of relief. he walked up to the altar and stood before the control nexus. the crystal sphere hung silently above the apparatus, emitting faint sparks of lightning between the two. this nexus was the true core of the entire laboratory, controlling all the cages and seals, as well as the activation and attacks of the magical arrays. once controlled, this nexus effectively granted command over the entire laboratory. as there seemed to be nothing else in the well, ji chens disappointment was mild, yet he didnt waste time. he attempted to use the control nexus to release elin and thotmudo from their seals and cages. as his hand touched the crystal sphere, he felt a barrier about ten centimeters away from the sphere, an invisible membrane preventing him from reaching it. in that instant of contact, ji chens consciousness merged with it. he found himself in what seemed like a field of stars. within this starry expanse were over a hundred particularly prominent dots, arranged in specific sequences and positions. ji chen knew that these dots represented the various cages and seals in the adjacent rooms. some dots were already white, indicating they held no prisoners, while others were red, signifying prisoners were held within. the sizes of the dots varied, reflecting the sizes of the corresponding cages. searching among these white dots, it was relatively easy to find the ones belonging to elin and thotmudo. it was quite straightforward because elin and thotmudo were among the most recent arrivals here, so the dots representing them were positioned on the outer edges. additionally, the cages holding them werent large, making them the smallest batch. soon, ji chen located their dots along the edges. just as he contemplated releasing their seals and cages, the starry field before him suddenly froze, like a computer interface stuck in place, rendering him unable to operate. danger! a profound sense of peril surged, causing ji chen to shiver involuntarily. no, he had to withdraw immediately! he attempted to retract his consciousness from the control nexus, only to find that he had lost control. he and the starry field were both stuck. kekeke, after so long, finally, some prey takes the bait. millennia of time, truly a torment for us! furthermore, its a human possessing remarkable adaptability and immense potential! the carefully designed traps have indeed not been in vain. whispers of sinister, cunning voices echoed in his ears, immediately invoking thoughts of an evil presence. and ji chen knew exactly who this presence was. it was the archlich krieg theredell! the master of this laboratory! kriegs sharp voice resonated within the starry field. human, you believed you were clever, that you had seen through the traps and managed to escape, but you surely didnt anticipate that the previous traps were merely preparations for this one. all the previous series of baits were set to arouse your greed, to make you lower your guard, step by step, into my trap. now, do you find yourself filled with regret and frustration? ji chen was quite annoyed and really wanted to swear. but the starry expanse froze along with his consciousness, rendering him unable to speak. this krieg was incredibly cunning. after all, who wouldnt have lowered their guard slightly when faced with something so valuable? nobody would have anticipated that his consciousness would be hidden within the control nexus. speaking for over ten minutes, as if he were expelling everything he had to say accumulated over the millennia, krieg finally stopped. however, all of this will come to an end now. after obtaining your body, the mighty archlich krieg theredell will rise again, and his name will once more spread across the void! and you offering your body to krieg should feel immensely honored and fortunate! ji chens heart had sunk to the depths. so, this was kriegs plan: to return to the world using his body. through kriegs monologue and the events that had unfolded, ji chen had come to understand certain things. it turned out that during the thousands of years krieg theredell, the archlich, was missing, he hadnt left or abandoned this place. likely due to some circumstance, his life and body had suffered irreparable damage. he had hastened his return here, transferring his consciousness into the prepared trap within the control nexus. there, he lay dormant, awaiting for the prey to take the bait. who would have known that for thousands of years, no living beings had entered here until ji chen became the first lucky one. after grasping the situation, ji chen didnt know what to say. at this moment, he felt like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered, unable to do anything. kekeke, let me take a good look at your body and see to what extent it will help me recover. ah ah ah! what is this?! Chapter 256 - Chapter 256: Return: Two Treasures chapter 256: return: two treasures translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation in her weakened state, being capable of unleashing such potent spells, wouldnt it be even more catastrophic when she was at her peak? ji chen felt that he had gained some preliminary understanding of the strength of epic tier, high level heroes. in summary, epic tier heroes are truly terrifying- under the two magic arrays that could shoot out infinite fireballs and ice spikes, the battle quickly came to an end. the magic arrays gradually dissipated in the air, leaving behind only debris scattered on the ground and a pockmarked surface. elin came back, somewhat embarrassed, and handed back the amplification staff, this staff couldnt withstand my power and got damaged. at that moment, ji chen glanced and felt a sudden throb in his brow. my goodness, this couldnt even be called a staff anymore; it had clearly turned into a torch. the gem on top had shattered completely, leaving only a small fragment at the bottom. the staffs body was also covered in dense cracks, as if it was about to disintegrate in the next moment. seeing that elin took care of the wave of skeleton sea creatures, ji chen didnt say much. he shook his head nonchalantly and took it back, its okay, its just a 2-star treasure, nothing important. alright, lets not waste anymore time and leave here quickly. both elin and thotmudo nodded. the group began to move on. before heading to the mystic realm gate, ji chen made a detour to the place where the bodies of the fallen half-orcs were buried. he dug them out from the gravel, wrapped them in shrouds, and brought them back to be buried in his territory. after another day and night of continuous travel, ji chen and his group returned to the front of the mystic realm gate. the massive red vortex was still spinning silently on the hill. the blood-red hue and unsettling ambiance of the realm bore resemblance to the environment around them, causing unfamiliar individuals to believe they were entering another perilous zone. however, ji chen and his companions were aware that this was the sole gateway to the crown of the ocean within their domain. behind the vortex lay a vibrant sea island with sunlight, sandy beaches, azure skies, and gentle sea breezes. gone were the eerie blood moon, desolate deserts, and endless hordes of skeletons. a rough estimate showed that they had spent nearly a week in this realm. even ji chen himself was starting to feel eager to return home. elin looked at the mystic realm gate and smiled, its been thousands of years since ive been to the outside world. now, im looking forward to it, and im curious about what your territory looks like. even thotmudo, who had always been at odds with elin, agreed and nodded, human kid, lets get out of here as soon as possible. i dont want to stay in this broken place for even another minute. ji chen chuckled. i believe the crown of the ocean wont disappoint you. in that case, lets go out now. with that, he took the lead and walked into the mystic realm gate, disappearing in an instant. a flash of white light, and a bright scene unfolded before his eyeslively forests, sprawling cities, and numerous ruins guardians guarding the entrance. more importantly, as soon as he returned here, ji chen felt much more comfortable, and his familiar and formidable power quickly returned to him. a small number of lizardmen stationed there saw his return and respectfully approached to greet him. how many days have passed since i entered the mystic realm gate? reporting, lord, it has been six days. six days. it seemed that the flow of time in the main world and the mystic realm was consistent. what has happened in the crown of the ocean during these days? nothing, everything is progressing as planned. upon hearing this, ji chen nodded, waved for them to step back, and turned his gaze. by now, elin and thotmudo had also come out of the mystic realm gate and were looking around with curiosity. is this your territory? it doesnt seem to have many people or buildings, a bit desolate. no, the crown of the ocean is on the main island. this area is just waiting to be developed. compared to elin, who was observing the environment, thotmudo, once out of the mystic realm gate, focused on the ruins guardians standing on both sides. his tone was somewhat solemn as he said, human, where did you get these ruins guardians from? they are quite extraordinary. these big fellows were found in an ancient land of the divine realm. no wonder thotmudo suddenly had a realization. the ability to seamlessly incorporate alchemical techniques into these guardians like this is something only deities can effortlessly accomplish. after speaking, he looked earnestly at ji chen and pointed to the ruins guardians, asking, could you lend me one of these alchemical guardians for research? research? ji chen was slightly surprised, but quickly understood. of course, besides these ruins guardians, there are also the ocean guardians and sky guardians. i can lend you one of each. dwarves were not only renowned for their exceptional forging techniques but also their alchemical skills. if he could study the technology behind the creation of these alchemical guardians and replicate it, it would be beneficial for the crown of the ocean. upon receiving ji chens prompt agreement, thotmudo nodded and was keen to begin his research right away. however, his weariness from the journey and the immediate impracticality of research restrained him from doing so at that moment. once all the troops were confirmed to have returned, ji chen walked up to the mystic realm crystal and closed the mystic realm gate. as the energy output ceased, the massive vortex slowly dissipated. this also meant that their journey in the mystic realm had finally come to an end. ji chen had to admit that the experience of this journey in the mystic realm had far exceeded his previous expectations.. Chapter 257 - Chapter 257: Return: Two Treasures (2) chapter 257: return: two treasures (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation originally, he thought it would be a simple task to subdue the skeleton king. little did he know, he got lost in the red desert for several days. after finally making his way out, he was unexpectedly caught off guard by the skeleton king solin, who severed his arm. then, by slaying solin, he obtained the 7-star treasure, the sword of warlords. following the maps guidance, he entered kriegs laboratory and encountered elin and thotmudo, two epic-tier powerhouses imprisoned for thousands of years. they struck a deal. little did they know, when they found the control nexus, they were unexpectedly manipulated by the slumbering krieg. if it werent for the intervention of providence, he would have already been overtaken, body and soul, resulting in spiritual death. these past few days were truly full of twists and turns. the crown of the ocean lost over half of its forces, two treasures were rendered unusable, but the gains were equally remarkable. dozens of heroic soul essences, several bone forges, two skill scrolls, a 7-star treasure, a 4-star treasure, an invaluable alchemical notebook, and the highly promising pledges from elin and thotmudo. in other words, this journey into the realm was not only free from losses but also turned out to be quite lucrativebloody well lucrative! thinking about how he would soon acquire two 7-star treasures from elin, ji chens mood instantly brightened, and his steps became much lighter. with his army and elins group, they headed towards their territory. passing through forests and beaches, they returned to the crown of the ocean after days of separation. in just a few days, the crown of the ocean had undergone many changes. the number of structures had increased, and the flow of people had become denser. a thriving vitality emanated from every corner. from the desolate subsidiary island to the prosperous main island, only a forest and a beach separated them. observing the bustling crowd, ships docked at the harbor, and clusters of buildings, elin was slightly surprised. it wasnt because of the prosperity. as an epic tier elven powerhouse, she had seen all sorts of bustling cities. she had even overseen the construction of an elven city herself a long time ago, so naturally, she wasnt easily impressed by a domain of this scale. what truly surprised her was the diverse array of races coexisting in this territory-humans, sea-dwellers, half-orcs, lizardmen not only did they appear to be free of conflicts, but they also coexisted harmoniously? this territory was rather intriguing ji chen instructed daro to lead the army in finding a place to bury the fallen half-orc warriors. afterward, he returned and smiled. hows it looking? the crown of the ocean seems decent, doesnt it? well, its passable, better than most territories, elin replied. ji chen was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled. who was elin? she was an elven hero who had lived for thousands of years, with experiences far beyond the ordinary. giving such an evaluation to the crown of the ocean was already quite a concession. in comparison, the dwarf thotmudo straightforwardly remarked, i wouldnt even want this kind of territory if it were given to me. ji chens expression darkened immediately. he couldnt help but feel that the reasons for thotmudo and elin being imprisoned were somewhat reversed. it should have been thotmudo who got imprisoned for his blunt remarks. anyway, lady elin and lord thotmudo, feel free to move around. as long as you dont enter restricted areas, you can roam freely in the rest of the territory. the crown of the ocean will provide you with accommodations and food. neither of them refused. even though this was just a relatively small island, it was enough to let them experience a taste of freedom. of course, elin and thotmudo went their separate ways. elin ventured into the lush jungle, while thotmudo headed straight for a ruins guardian and began his first study and research in thousands of years. following the terms of the deal, elin needed to provide ji chen with two 7-star treasures. however, elin was currently in a weakened state and unable to activate the void tunnel to retrieve them. she could only fulfill her promise once she recovered. on the other hand, thotmudo needed to repair the dragon slayer great sword and create four treasures with a maximum rating of 6 stars. additionally, he would impart basic forging techniques. he could start working on these tasks at this time. two days later, ji chen and thotmudo stood in front of the blacksmiths workshop, gazing at the dragon slayer great sword placed on the anvil. the broken edge of the blade looked particularly glaring. thotmudo stroked his newly tidied beard and spoke after a moment, repairing this sword isnt overly difficult, but it requires several materials. namely, mithril, crystals, and molten iron. he knew about mithril and crystals; there were quite a few of them. but what was molten iron? seemingly sensing his confusion, thotmudo casually explained, molten iron is a rather rare type of iron. its ore is found near magma deep underground. only it can perfectly restore this sword. near magma deep underground? didnt that mean the lava rivers near the lizardmen kingdom below ground might produce it? leaving the blacksmiths workshop, ji chen immediately mobilized the lizardmen to search for molten iron ore. ever since he conquered the four major lizardmen kingdoms, his commands in the underground world were as unbreakable as divine decrees. tens of thousands of lizardmen immediately began their search, and he believed results would come soon. when ji chen hurriedly returned to the lord manor, elin was already waiting. after resting for two days, elins strength had only recovered to around twenty or thirty percent. yet, even in her weakened state, she exuded a terrifying aura. when her power surfaced, it was akin to a mountain descending. if ji chen was comparable to a swiftly growing small lake, then elin could be likened to a vast and expansive sea. the former had boundless potential, but the latter appeared more substantial and spectacular. lady elin, i hope these two days of rest have treated you well. very well. although this place of yours isnt large, the scenery is quite pleasant. im quite satisfied. elin smiled lightly and quickly got to the point. now that my strength has sufficiently recovered, i can open the void tunnel and fulfill the promise i made earlier. with that, a tremendously terrifying energy emanated from her. she slightly raised her right hand, and her index finger drew a line in front of her. the space was disrupted, and under certain rules, it began self-repairing. yet, elin abruptly halted this process and harnessed the energy. within the fissure she had etched in space, she formed a rectangular void tunnel. in a flash of white light, two spheres of green radiance flew out of the tunnel, hovering in the air. after completing all this, elin immediately waved her hand to close the tunnel, but a few drops of sweat had already formed on her forehead. clearly, her recovered strength was insufficient to sustain the tunnel for an extended period. among the two spheres of green radiance, one was a mask engraved with intricate patterns, with a texture resembling a mask. the other was a silver ring carved with mysterious runes. at first glance, both items appeared exceptionally extraordinary. [illusory mask] [rating]: 7-star treasure [effects]: ? mana recovery (increases mana recovery speed by 400%) ? charisma (significantly increases charisma, enhances chances of persuasion and convincing) [skills]: ? concealment (able to alter appearance, body shape, voice, aura; can hide information panels and even the soul) @ disguise (able to mimic other creatures, imitating their appearance, body shape, aura, and even soul) [elin lin apocalis mask, the elven hero, possesses powerful concealment effects, seemingly still retaining her aura] [once worn, even your mother wouldnt recognize you standing in front of her.] [void ring] [rating]: 7-star treasure [effects]: ? void sight (able to see through some illusions and illusions) [skills]: ? blink (when used, can instantly teleport to any location within ten kilometers, cooldown time: 30 minutes) @ void tunnel (able to create a short-lived, continuous void tunnel, passable by living beings, cooldown time: 72 hours) @ void restoration (able to draw power from the void, significantly accelerates self-injury and mana recovery) [elin lin apocalis ring, the elven hero, possesses powerful life-preserving abilities] [void tunnel is currently being established] holy crap! ji chens pupils suddenly contracted, and he was utterly stunned. this was just too damn powerful! Chapter 258 - Chapter 258: Illusory Ring: Hero Promotion chapter 258: illusory ring: hero promotion translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation seeing ji chens astonished expression, elin couldnt help but feel a sense of pride. these two treasures are quite powerful, arent they? 1 expended a tremendous amount of effort and resources to acquire them from elsewhere ahem, i mean, i obtained them, and even among 7-star treasures, they can be considered top-notch. the illusory mask is a remarkable treasure that conceals ones identity and presence from the world. when you wear it, even if you stand before the most familiar people, you wont be recognized. as for the void ring, for strong individuals like us, it might not be as precious anymore, but for someone like you who is still in the growth stage, its a life-saving treasure that significantly enhances your survival rate. as the conversation shifted, elin suddenly spoke with a serious tone, her words carrying weight. i must admit that you possess undeniable potential, but thats just potential. during your journey of growth, countless beings with formidable potential have fallen due to various reasons. only those who survive until the end have the chance to become strong. these two treasures arent the strongest, but they are the most suitable for you at the moment. 1 hope you understand. ji chen looked at the two treasures suspended in the air and nodded in agreement, a sense of gratitude welling up within him. as an epic tier powerhouse, elin could easily have chosen two 7-star treasures to fulfill her promise without much thought, casually appeasing the situation. even if she had done so, ji chen wouldnt have had any means to object. after all, the gap in strength between them was immense at this point C the combined power of the entire ocean crown wouldnt be sufficient to challenge a few of her skills. however, elin chose not to take that approach. instead, she meticulously selected these two items. even he had to admit that these two treasures had a high cost-effectiveness and were in line with his preferences. one concealed his identity, allowing him to deceive enemies and remain hidden in the world. the other provided a means of escape and instant evasion from dangerous situations, accompanied by long-distance teleportation capabilities. as elin had said, perhaps they werent the absolute strongest, but they were undoubtedly the most suitable for him. gazing intently at elin, ji chen earnestly expressed his gratitude. seeing his reaction, elin smiled and nodded before transforming back into her quirky elven appearance. opening the void tunnel took quite a bit of effort from me. 1 need to continue resting now. you can continue handling the affairs of the domain. goodbye! with that, elin hummed a tune as she walked out, presumably heading to some spot on the island for leisure. watching elin depart with such carefree grace, a hint of envy stirred within ji chen. no need to be concerned about complex domain matters, no requirement to factor in the influence of various factions, and possessing personal power capable of traversing the majority of the world. wasnt this the lifestyle of a triumphant individual? however, soon, this envy transformed into motivation. when the ocean crown became an immensely powerful domain that could operate autonomously without his intervention, he could also lead such a life. ji chen placed the illusory mask into his backpack and wore the void ring on his finger. feeling the cool sensation of the ring against his skin, a sense of security washed over him. a thought of trying something out crossed ji chens mind. without any delay, he activated the ability of the void ring. the next moment, ji chens figure vanished and reappeared on a mountaintop enveloped in mist. the sensation shifted from warmth and comfort to coldness. yet ji chen didnt mind in the least. on the contrary, he eagerly looked around, quickly recognizing a familiar and warm cave nearby. confirming that he had arrived at the mountaintop of the northeastern peak of the main island, he felt a sense of familiarity. this location was not more than ten kilometers in a straight line from the lord manor of the ocean crown, or at least seven to eight kilometers. in other words, as long as the straight-line distance between two places didnt exceed ten kilometers, regardless of whether it was upward or downward, the void ring could transport him there. ji chen was in high spirits. with this void ring, unless he encountered insane level powerhouses, surviving was nearly guaranteed! after a brief stay on the mountaintop, he waited for the cooldown of the void rings teleportation ability and used it once again to return to the lord manor. as soon as he returned, he spotted wilus looking around. ji chen spoke up, breaking the abrupt silence. wilus. the sudden voice startled wilus, causing him to turn around. seeing ji chen appear behind him, wilus wore a bewildered expression. my lord, how did you suddenly appear here? there was no one here just a moment ago no need to worry. its a skill from a treasure i recently acquired. ji chen briefly explained, then asked, is there something you need from me? suppressing his surprise, wilus responded, my lord, as you instructed earlier, ive completed the task of selecting residents with exceptional potential. hearing this, ji chen nodded in realization. he had given the order to wilus to select twenty residents from various professions who possessed outstanding life skills just two days ago when he had returned. the intention behind this was to use the heroic soul essences obtained from the skeleton secret realm to transform these chosen residents into heroes. from the mystic realm, ji chen had obtained a total of 37 white heroic soul essences, 12 green ones, 5 blue ones, and 1 red one dropped by solin. ji chen planned to allocate a portion of these heroic soul essences to the development of his domain, cultivating a group of heroes specialized in various life skills. bring them here now. yes! wilus replied, saluted, and quickly left the room. in a little over ten minutes, he returned with twenty residents in tow.. Chapter 259 - Chapter 259: Illusory Ring: Hero Promotion (2) chapter 259: illusory ring: hero promotion (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation my lord, i have brought the people as you requested. please consider them. ji chen nodded and swept his gaze over them. the twenty residents appeared quite apprehensive. they entered with heads bowed low and now, seeing ji chen scrutinizing them, they seemed even more nervous and uneasy. some of their faces were slightly pale, and they clutched their clothes, their hands and feet trembling. these residents were extremely anxious, their minds a blank slate. before them stood the supreme being of this territory, the one who held dominion over all races and beings under the crown of the ocean. in their hearts, he was akin to a deity. approaching closer, only casting a cautious glance, they discovered that lord was truly majestic. a sense of nobility and dignity naturally emanated from him, evoking a sense of reverence within them. when master wikis had instructed them to greet him, fear had rendered them incapable of speaking. they could only bow their heads like ostriches. seeing them in this state, ji chen felt somewhat amused and exasperated. he sighed inwardly, realizing that he had unintentionally become the elevated lord in their eyes. dont lower your heads any longer. each of you should introduce yourselves, starting with you. the male resident pointed out by ji chen immediately raised their heads. his face might have appeared strong and robust, yet his expression was nervously reminiscent of young child. my name is halwei, a shipwright from the crown of the ocean. im responsible for ship repairs halwei quickly finished his introduction, and ji chen smiled, nodding and patting his shoulder, causing halwei to feel unexpectedly honored. seeing halwei receive such special attention, the residents behind him became increasingly excited and anxious as they awaited their turn. lo-lord, my name is kali. 1 am an intermediate tailor responsible for crafting clothing for the residents i am one resident followed another, quickly stating their skills and responsibilities. at this point, ji chen finally understood how underdeveloped the crown of the oceans aspects of daily life were. these twenty residents were among the strongest in terms of life skills. yet, their skills were only at the intermediate level, and there wasnt a single one with advanced skills. this gave him a glimpse of how much lower the majority of residents skills must be, possibly even lacking basic skills. the entire crown of the ocean, excluding the lizardmen race, had a population exceeding ten thousand, but only about two hundred possessed life skills. this proportion was far below the average level of other players. the growth of daily life and military strength had diverged, leading to a somewhat imbalanced progression. realizing this, ji chen began to take it more seriously. this batch of heroic soul essences might be able to alleviate this distorted state. looking at the twenty residents before him, ji chens expression turned serious. since you have been called here, you should understand the reason ive summoned you, right? the twenty of you, are you willing to become the pioneering group of lifestyle heroes in the crown of the ocean? these words hit them like a heavy hammer, leaving their minds momentarily blank. lord, are you speaking the truth? of course, when has this lord ever deceived you? well then, do you not want to? no, no, no!!! we want it!! even the most foolish person knew the concept of becoming a hero. they all nodded vigorously in unison. seeing this, ji chen didnt waste any time. he directly took out twenty white heroic soul essences and used them on each of them. soon, the panel of the crown of the ocean displayed twenty white lifestyle heroes, accompanied by a system upgrade. ding- due to the promotion to hero, intermediate shipwright halwei has been promoted to advanced blacksmith. ding- due to the promotion to hero, intermediate tailor kali has been promoted to advanced tailor. ding- ji chen felt a sense of joy. could it really be done this way? becoming a hero while also having the possibility to raise life skill levels? this was an unexpected delight. upon closer inspection, not everyone could be upgraded. out of the twenty people, thirteen had a quite high probability of upgrading. out of the 37 white heroic soul essences used, 20 were consumed, leaving 17 remaining, and none of the green or higher-tier heroic soul essences were used. ji chen decided to use them all to enhance military strength. from the existing forces of the crown of the ocean, he selected seventeen to become white heroes, twelve to become green heroes, and five to become blue heroes, totaling thirty-four. after a round of selection, he chose the naga berserker, dragon blood murlocs, elemental sea pixie, lobster rider, murloc rangers, elite pirates, and half-orc warriorseven unit types. other than these seven, the rest werent quite suitable for cultivating hero units. for example, the self-detonating water spider. should they cultivate a hero unit only to blow it up? as for the ruins guardians and other alchemical creations, heroic soul essences couldnt be used at all. selecting individual units to become hero units from these military forces was also straightforward: selecting the highest-ranked ones would do. after a final round of busy work, among the four unit typesnaga berserker, dragon blood murlocs, elemental sea pixie, and lobster ridereach gained one blue hero, two green heroes, and three white heroes. among the remaining three unit typesmurloc rangers and half-orc warriorseach gained two green heroes and two white heroes. as for the last group, the elite pirates, only one white hero was added. there was no particular reason; there werent many pirates, and their tier was relatively low, so one white hero was enough to lead them. the distribution of white and green heroic soul essences was complete, leaving only one blue and one red. the sole remaining blue heroic soul essence was set aside for now. he would wait until sparrow returned from his expedition with raymond before being using it for promotion. as for that precious red heroic soul essence, ji chen already had a plan for it. at his call, a familiar and graceful figure appeared at the doorway. lord, is there something you need from me? 1 was actually thinking about going to the beach. the newcomer was none other than the siren hero, alice. she wore a meticulously modified maid outfit that made her look incredibly adorable. her long legs, adorned with white silk stockings, were both charming and alluring. ji chen thoroughly appreciated the results of his excellent design and aesthetics. maid outfit + white silk stockings, an unparalleled combination! ahem, i called you here for a reason. ji chen withdrew his gaze and produced the red heroic soul essence. i intend to promote you to the level of a red-legacy tier hero, which represents the pinnacle of your potential. hearing this, alices initial reaction wasnt one of happiness or acceptance; instead, there was concern and a faint sense of refusal. is it really okay to use something so precious on me? after all, you had to work hard to defeat the skeleton king solin to obtain this, and your arm was even injured in the process. her gaze turned towards ji chens left arm, which had already fully regenerated. the snowy-white skin contrasted with the slightly darker right arm, creating a distinct difference. ji chen raised his left hand and shook it, casually saying, other than the difference in skin color, my left arm is just the same as before. and in that battle, without you, alice, im afraid we would have already perished in a foreign land. when solins barrier shattered, more than a dozen skeleton wyverns launched an attack. if it werent for alices song creating a distraction, he might have been blown away by a single breath, let alone defeating solin. alice had accompanied ji chen through the most difficult period at the beginning, enduring so many battles. in terms of merits and position, she was undoubtedly at the top of his list. moreover, he also wanted to see what alice would become when she ascended to the level of a complete red-legacy tier hero. how her strength would change. alice wasnt someone who hesitated or was shy; she had always been quite obedient to ji chen. soon, she agreed. in the palm of her hand, the crimson heroic soul essence, as clear as a ruby, transformed into a beam of light that enveloped alice, shooting straight into the sky. a magnificent evolution unique to the sirens was unfolding within the column of light.. Chapter 260 - Chapter 260: Mind Control, Peeping Tom chapter 260: mind control, peeping tom translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation alices evolving aura immediately caught the attention of many. amidst the lush forest, beside a spring, elin, her pair of alluring and fair legs dipped into the water, looked up sensing something. she saw the pillar of light leading to the sky from the crown of the ocean. hmm? is that pretty little siren? seems like shes found a good lord. beside the blacksmiths forge, thotmudo, sweating profusely, put down his tools in front of a ruins guardian. he glanced at the pillar of light that pierced the castles roof, his eyes filled with contemplation, then shook his head. im just a dwarf who knows how to forge iron; its got nothing to do with me. anina, daro, benbo, and other heroes gazed at the pillar with envy. they secretly made up their minds to work even harder to strive for a promotion opportunity in the future. the other ordinary residents of the crown of the ocean cheered joyously, knowing that another powerful hero was there to protect them. the lizardmen, who had recently come to the surface, felt a mix of emotions at the sight, their expressions filled with awe. only now did they realize that the underground world they once deemed vast was actually quite confined. they couldnt help but feel grateful to be under the protection of the lord, who had brought them to a broader world. the crown of the oceans army roared in unison, offering their congratulations to the territorys newfound strength. lords castle. the pillar of light gradually dissipated, revealing alices figure. ding siren hero: alice has been promoted to the red-legacy tier hero. ding purple skill: temptation song evolved into red skill: mind control. ding purple skill: war song evolved into red skill: war sonata. ding purple skill: ocean nobility evolved ding acquired new skill: mind storm (red skill). a series of system notifications suddenly flashed before ji chens eyes, nearly dazzling him. after he regained his composure, he immediately opened alices interface. [alice (hero)] [race]: siren [level]: 35 [tier]: red (legacy tier) [potential]: red (legacy tier) {max reached} [skills]: mind control (red skill), war sonata (red skill), ocean nobility (red skill), sirens body (red skill), mind storm (red skill) [unit trait]: siren bloodline all four existing skills had been upgraded to red tier, and a new skill had been added. ji chen wasnt in a hurry to check the new skill; he first focused on the two offensive skills that formed the core of alices power. [mind control (red skill, consumes mana to capture enemies with an enchanting and tempting song, permanently bewitching them, imprinting a soul mark to turn them into soul servants, able to control enemies from a soul level [quantity and tier depend on level and mana strength, current maximum controlled quantity: tier 1 C 10,000 units, tier 2 C 5,000 units, tier 3 C 2,500 units, tier 4 C 1,250 units, tier 5 C 625 units, tier 6 and above temporarily unable to control])] [war sonata (red skill, boosts allied forces and confuses enemies, increasing allies attack and movement speed by 80% for a duration, dispelling pain within the duration, causing enemies to have a chance to fall into states of fear, panic, and dread)] a notable boost on the epic tier! as the name suggests, mind control can now permanently control enemies, assimilating them. no longer confined to short-term control or confusion like before. this skill could be considered alices current and even future most potent ability, transforming her from a primarily supportive hero into a commanding one. moreover, its potential was immense. at tier 1, she could control 10,000 units; as the tier increased, the quantity halved directly. however, even at tier 5, she could still control an impressive 625 units. thinking about this, ji chen couldnt help but feel excited. she could forcibly take control of tier 5 units; this skill was incredibly dominating. with 625 tier 5 units under her control, whether they were from the wilderness or the enemy, she could directly dominate and turn them into her own forces, making them alices soul servants. in other words, alice alone could assemble a formidable army. this skill, which allowed for forceful control, strangely evoked a sensation akin to ntr!? his focus shifted. seeing the skill war sonata. compared to mind control, although war sonata was also formidable, it ultimately lacks the same brilliance. there is indeed a discernible difference between red-tier skills. ji chen skimmed through, finally looking at the new skill that piqued his interest. [mind storm (red skill, consumes a significant amount of mana to create a mental storm, inflicting strong soul impact on enemies within the range, causing them to experience negative effects such as fear, panic, confusion, and mental shock, and even directly annihilating souls)] a super aoe psychic damage skill. its effect was outstanding as well; this kind of aoe skill on the battlefield was undoubtedly a force that could instantly change the course of battle. all three evolved skills were incredibly powerful without exception. truly worthy of the legendary siren race! ji chen closed the interface and looked at alice with a smile. alice was also very excited at this moment. alice, how do you feel now? Chapter 261 - Chapter 261: Mind Control, Peeping Tom (2) chapter 261: mind control, peeping tom (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation my lord, i feel an incredible surge of power coursing through me, increasing by over tenfold! its hard to believe that ive rapidly reached the peak form of the siren clan, almost like a dream, she exclaimed, gazing at her hands in astonishment. this is not a dream, this is reality, ji chen gently grasped her delicate hands, his expression serious. this is what you deserve. 1 wont mistreat anyone by my side, especially you. upon hearing this, alices cheeks turned slightly red, and she lowered her head in embarrassment. promoted to the red-legacy tier hero, alices appearance had also undergone some changes. her skin, originally fair, had become even whiter, like ivory, with a delicate and charming glow. her figure was more immaculate, the carefully modified maid uniform outlining her curves perfectly. the slightly conservative style only enhanced her astonishing charm. but the most significant change was in alices demeanor. if she used to resemble an imperial princessnoble, elegant, and intellectualnow she seemed like an untouchable fairy: sacred, refined, and ascetic. even though she wore a maids outfit, it gave off the sensation of top-tier attire. this made ji chen sigh. truly, good looks were a force to be reckoned with; everything looked good on her. and with her sacred aura and the shy blush on her face, the two combined to create a strong chemical reaction. it felt as if a goddess had descended to the mortal realm but had been tainted by a mortal, causing embarrassment. this struck ji chen right in his sweet spot. his heart itched, and his gaze grew even hotter. he really wanted to defile her feeling ji chens intense gaze, alice became even shyer, burying her head in his chest, unable to lift it. amid her surprised cry, ji chens mischievous smile spread as he princess-carried her and headed towards the room. by the time ji chen stepped out of the lords castle, the sun had climbed high, marking noon. enjoying a relaxed lunch, attended to by diligent maids, he later led a few squads of guards to a pond and waterfall situated approximately two to three kilometers away from the crown of the ocean. maintain a perimeter guard and make sure nobody interrupts me. upon receiving his orders, the guards dispersed, forming a protective circle around the waterfall, extending a hundred meters away. they swiftly cleared the area of any creatures within that range and maintained a watchful eye on the surroundings. ji chen stepped on the waters surface and reached a stone platform beneath the waterfall, where he sat down cross-legged. he took out two skill scrolls from his backpackskill scroll: mana reflux (red-tier skill) and skill scroll: triple casting (orange-tier skill). with other matters settled, it was time to start learning these two formidable skills. he put away the triple casting scroll for now and then gently held the mana reflux scroll, focusing his mind on it. the scroll instantly burst open, transforming into a golden light that flowed into his body. in an instant, a wealth of knowledge and energy flooded in, almost filling his entire mind. ji chen closed his eyes tightly and began to wholeheartedly learn and comprehend. two hours later. ding- you have comprehended the techniques and usage of the red-tier skill: mana reflux. a shockwave radiated from his body, blowing outwards and creating ripples in the surroundings. ji chen slowly opened his eyes, a glint of insight shining within. checking his personal panel, he noticed the addition of mana reflux under the skill section. the skills level was only red-tier, and for ji chen, who was already at the orange-legendary tier, the difficulty of learning it wasnt significant. he quickly grasped its essence. the real deal was up next. he took out the skill scroll: triple casting. after a short rest, he activated it and began to comprehend. however, this time it wasnt as easy as before. a sea of knowledge and energy surged into his mind frenziedly, almost causing him to burst. triple casting was one of the top-tier skills, even among orange-tier skills. it wasnt flashy, allowing the caster to use three powerful skills in succession. simple and direct, the effects were outstanding. four or five hours later. ji chens still form suddenly shook violently. a surge of mana erupted from him, creating a torrential mana storm. his clothes unexpectedly burst, shattering into hundreds of pieces. a shockwave spread out, causing the surrounding water to explode, splashing high into the air. the waterfall above him also scattered in all directions, only continuing to flow down after a long while. ding- you have comprehended the techniques and usage of the orange-tier skill: triple casting. phew- ji chen opened his eyes, reining in his mana, and let out a heavy breath. standing up from the stone platform, he stretched lazily, making a crackling sound. feeling his greatly enhanced mana reserves, he wore a satisfied smile. he almost wanted to burst into laughter. to comprehend an orange-tier skill in just a few hours, what did they call that? a genius!? suddenly, he felt a chill. he looked down and realized his clothes had torn apart at some point, leaving only a few tatters hanging from his shoulders. a gentle breeze blew by, rustling the leaves with its passage. ji chens face reddened, and he cleared his throat. he took out a set of clothes from his backpack and put them on. whoa, you got dressed so quickly? an unexpected voice came, startling him. he almost didnt catch his breath. he turned his head and saw elin sitting on a tree branch beside the pond. she had her legs crossed and wore a disappointed and regretful expression. ji chens expression turned dark. did this old lady, who was at least several thousand years old, peek at him from the very beginning? she waited until he finished dressing before speaking, yet she still had that regretful look. was she some kind of pervert!? hearing the commotion, the guards at the perimeter hurried over. when they saw the elven woman sitting on the tree branch and ji chens dark expression, they became anxious. my lord, we failed in our duty. please punish us! ji chen sighed and waved his hand. if you were able to detect her presence, 1 wouldve held you in higher regard. clearly, with elins strength, it was practically impossible for the guards on the perimeter to detect her, let alone stop her. you all wait for me outside. yes! only ji chen and elin remained on the scene. elin agilely leaped down from the tree, landing steadily on the ground, and approached him. i just sensed the fluctuations of mana here, so i came to take a look out of curiosity. i definitely didnt intentionally spy on you! elin was casual in her speech, even though she said that, the cunning glint in her eyes betrayed her thoughts. 1 did peek, but 1 wont admit it! observing this, ji chens brows furrowed as he candidly remarked, an elven powerhouse with millennia of experience, engaging in the act of a peeping tom one cant help but ponder how your fellow elves would perceive such behavior. oh! yeah, thats true elin first seemed a bit troubled as she touched her hair, but soon she straightened up and laughed mischievously with her hands on her hips. there arent many elves from my time who are still alive, so you dont have to worry about that. oh no, i didnt peek at you! dont falsely accuse a good elf! observing elins smug expression, ji chens anger started to rise. had he not been aware of the undeniable fact that he couldnt possibly defeat this elf who had lived for several thousand years, he might have contemplated the idea of playfully hoisting her up and giving her a playful swat. he mentally cursed her for a moment and then suppressed his anger, saying, its better if you didnt sensing ji chens growing anger, elin cleared her throat twice and somewhat embarrassedly said, dont blame me, its just that your physique is too good. 1 couldnt resist taking a look. you have to understand the strong desire of an elven woman whos been locked in a cage for thousands of years without seeing any humanoid males. is thotmudo a man!? is a dwarf even considered a human? h ii ji chen was left speechless, he could only adjust his clothes again and watch elin warily. being a man, he needed to ensure his well-being while out and about, making sure not to let a mischievous female elf cause any trouble.. Chapter 262 - Chapter 262: Resurrection, Gnome Merchant Ship (1) chapter 262: resurrection, gnome merchant ship (1) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation three days later, elin suddenly proposed the idea of leaving. at the harbor, a seafaring vessel was finalizing its preparations before setting sail. on the dock, ji chen and elin stood facing each other. dont you want to stay a little longer? after all, your strength hasnt fully recovered yet. elin, who had always been clever and mischievous, had a rare serious expression at this moment. she smiled and shook her head, although 1 havent fully recovered now, there arent many people who can threaten me. she calmly uttered such domineering words, and the people present had no objections or reservations. as a fully leveled epic-tier hero, she had the confidence and capabilities to say such things. ive been here for so many days. its time to go out and see what the outside world has become. moreover, with the elven race divided as it is now, as an elven hero, 1 need to see how this group of elves has changed. and 1 dont even know if those people and things are still around as she spoke, a hint of nostalgia appeared on elins face. ji chen remained quiet. he was uncertain about the answer to this question, yet it was evident that not many people or things could endure the passage of thousands of years. not only considering a span of thousands of years, even the power held for a few hundred years would suffice to utterly obliterate any remnants of a persons presence. elin continued: this time ill also make a trip to the elven empire. ill fulfill the second condition we agreed upon before, but it will take some time. the initial requirement for aiding elins escape included acquiring two 7-star treasures, while the second stipulated the elven empires support for the crown of the ocean. this latter condition held significantly more significance than the former. although elin was a powerhouse among the elves, it was not possible for the elven empire to immediately provide support for an unfamiliar territory. it would definitely require some time to coordinate. at this moment, shouts from sailors came from the ship. milady, the ship is ready, and we can set sail at any time! elin glanced and then extended her hand, passing something over. ji chen took it, and in his palm lay an exquisite emerald-green jade token. as long as you immerse your consciousness within it and call out my name simultaneously, 1 will sense it. 111 swiftly tear open the space, establishing a passage to come to your aid. however, 1 have a busy schedule, and crafting an extended void tunnel over a long distance requires considerable time. therefore, after you make the call, youll need to endure for a bit. dont let me arrive only to find your lifeless body this was the last promise made between elin and ji chen, agreeing to help him or the crown of the ocean once. a level 79 epic-tier significant promise held substantial weight. ji chen chuckled with a relaxed tone. dont worry, i have confidence in my own strength, and 1 hope i never have to use this. heh, i hope so too. elin smiled softly, well then, im leaving. after saying that, she didnt show any reluctance, turned around elegantly without hesitation, and without looking back, boarded the ship. with the sailors calls, the ships sails unfurled and fluttered in the wind. the vessel slowly left the dock and sailed into the distance. ji chen lingered for a while, turning away only after the ship disappeared beyond the horizon. arriving at the blacksmiths workshop, thotmudo was busy working on the remains of a dismantled ruins guardian, producing clinking sounds from time to time. master thotmudo, lady elin has left. thotmudo set down his tools and showed a rare expression of joy on his face. that pointy-eared one finally left? thats great! i can finally have some peace! in response to this, ji chen could manage a polite smile. although it seemed a bit awkward, he could empathize with thotmudos demeanor to a certain degree. elves and dwarves werent just incompatible; they had many conflicts between their races. and the two powerhouses of their respective races, facing each other and verbally abusing each other for thousands of years, had long reached their limit of tolerance. both parties were akin to barrels of gunpowder, ready to explode at the slightest spark. with elins departure, it was advantageous for ji chens upcoming work. master thotmudo, regarding the matter of you imparting forging techniques? as soon as he heard these words, thotmudos expression immediately hardened, his face turning sour as he fell silent. seeing this, ji chen furrowed his brows. could it be that hes trying to back out? if thotmudo was determined to back out, there wasnt much ji chen could do about it. after all, just like elin, thotmudo was also an epic-tier hero, an existence not to be trifled with. after a while, thotmudo let out a heavy sigh. you human kid, you must ensure that the forging techniques i teach you wont be spread around, and most importantly, dont mention that it was thotmudo who taught it to you. if other dwarves were to find out, id lose face. ji chen immediately spoke solemnly, master thotmudo, i guarantee that your forging techniques will absolutely stay within the crown of the ocean, the new moon islands, and the stormy sea! and i wont let anyone else know that it was you who taught us! i swear by the lord of the crown of the ocean! seeing ji chens serious and sincere expression, thotmudo felt a bit reassured and weakly waved his hand. alright, bring the people who need to learn from me over. when hundreds of humans and thousands of lizardmen appeared here, thotmudos eye twitched, and he burst into anger. you human kid, you didnt mention there would be this many people! Chapter 263 - Chapter 263: Resurrection, Gnome Merchant Ship (2) chapter 263: resurrection, gnome merchant ship (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation human is one thing, but why are there also lizardmen!? ill only teach a maximum of a dozen! otherwise, no deal!!! thotmudos angry roar echoed throughout the crown of the ocean. ji chen felt a wave of disdain in his heart. why wont he teach such a small number of people? this dwarf is truly stingy. after the final round of bargaining and careful selection, a group of one hundred apprentices began to follow thotmudo to learn the dwarfs forging techniques. amidst the bustling sounds of the blacksmiths workshop, two advanced buildings were completed in the crown of the ocean. one was the five-star elemental arrow tower, and the other was the resurrection altar. the elemental arrow tower was located on the cliff to the southeast of the crown of the ocean, with a high elevation and excellent visibility. with a height of dozens of meters, the elemental arrow tower firmly controlled the northern port area, the lords castle to the northwest, the beach area to the west, and a large expanse of sea to the southeast. once enemies entered its range, they would be subjected to a relentless barrage like a storm. with a range of up to three kilometers, enemies would have no chance to escape. the resurrection altar, although not leveled, was an extremely useful special building. it was constructed not far from the lords castle, nestled within the tightest defenses. ji chen stepped onto the altar to inspect its information. [resurrection altar] [tier]: special [effect]: capable of resurrecting units [usage restriction]: [2/2] times per month, each resurrection [1 unit to 5000 units] [currently resurrectable]: [naga berserker *324] [dragon blood murlocs *385] [elemental sea pixie *368] [murloc prowler *301] [self-detonating water spider *205] [resurrection cost: 10,000 units of wood, 10,000 units of clay, 10,000 units of fiber, 500 units of crystal, 500 units of mithril] recently deceased armies of the crown of the ocean were prominently displayed, and the numbers were mostly accurate. it seemed that only slain self-detonating water spiders could count towards the resurrection quota, while those that self-detonated did not. in addition, half-orc warriors seemed not to be counted because they werent recruited from the camp. adding up these resurrectable units, there were approximately 1600 units, far less than the resurrection cap of 5000 units. but ji chen didnt have time to think too much. he directly consumed one usage, resurrecting these armies. the altar emitted a brilliant glow, shining even in the daytime, with an extraordinary radiance. the abundant resources stacked on the altar swiftly melted, transforming into luminous figures over time. due to the size of the altar, only eight were resurrected in each batch, lined up in four rows, making way for other resurrected units. first to be resurrected were the naga berserkers, these strong and sturdy serpent-tailed warriors remained an indispensable main force of the crown of the ocean. next were the relatively smaller dragon blood murlocs, possessing dragon might and tridents with firepower rivaling that of crossbows. they were responsible for long-range ground and aerial combat, as well as suppressing weaker enemies. following them were the elemental sea pixies. no need to say much about them, they were the spellcasting team, causing mass destruction with each spell. then came the self-detonating water spiders several hours later. when the last self-detonating water spider with its distended abdomen walked down from the altar, the light from the altar quietly dissipated. and on the open ground ahead, the resurrected army had once again filled the space, neither more nor less than before. the residents watching this scene from the side were already filled with fanaticism. am 1 seeing things? those soldiers that seemed to have gone to the mystic realm with the lord and died there they actually came back to life!? good heavens, only gods can resurrect the dead like this! i understand! even if they die in battle, as long as lord is present, they can be revived! what incredible power! hail to lord! ji chen acknowledged the cheers from the residents with a suitable response, enhancing their spirits, and then allowed them to go their separate ways to resume their tasks. looking back at the armies that were once again replenished, he felt somewhat relieved. the army was the cornerstone of the crown of the oceans continuous progress and development. without an army, even with great wealth, it would be impossible to hold on. returning to the lords castle. ji chen rummaged through his backpack, taking out six miniature exquisitely carved skulls. bone forge. during this visit to the skeleton realm, he had obtained these bone forges. there were a total of 5 low-level bone forges and 1 intermediate-level bone forge. their value was self-evident. just as he was considering when to set sail again and sell these bone forges. a hurried sound of footsteps suddenly came from outside the door. lord, an armored ship from the stormy sea has arrived. the beings on board claim to be part of a gnome merchant fleet and are requesting entry for trade with you! a gnome fleet? ji chen was somewhat surprised. gnomes were not an unknown race. renowned for their unattractive appearance across various worlds, gnomes were a race skilled in invention and creation and were extremely enthusiastic about commerce. greedy, stingy, cunning, meticulous, and enamored with gold. whether this personality trait nurtured their business talents or their business talents made them this way was irrelevant. at this moment, ji chen was very interested in this sudden arrival of the gnome merchant fleet. since it was a merchant fleet, there should be some good items among them. he wasnt afraid that the gnomes would demand exorbitant prices, he was worried that they wouldnt have anything valuable to offer. guide the ship to the harbor, i will personally meet them! yes! after a slight adjustment of his appearance, ji chen, accompanied by his heroes and several units of his army, headed to the harbor. when dealing with a race like the gnomes, it was necessary to display some degree of force to gain their respect. soon, an armored battleship slowly approached the harbor under guidance. the armored battleships dimensions exceeded those of a regular three-masted warship by three times, yet it remained just slightly smaller than the new moon. the entire hull was made of metal, and the black shell appeared dominant and imposing under the sunlight. gears, pipes, and lights were spread throughout, giving off a steampunk style. at the top of the hull stood three thick chimney-like structures, emitting wisps of white steam from their tops. but what caught the most attention were the four quadruple gun turrets on the deck, resembling the main guns of a battleship. the barrels were thick enough to fit a person. apart from these main cannons, the ships sides were adorned with numerous smaller-caliber secondary guns, amounting to around forty to fifty cannons. the arrangement of long and short barrels resembled the spines of a hedgehog. whether intentional or not, these barrels were faintly aimed at various important structures and the defending forces within the harbor. woo woo woo the armored battleship gradually came to a halt, the anchors at the bow and stern were simultaneously dropped, securing the battleship on the waters surface. the previously seamless hull suddenly split open, and a metal staircase extended from the turning gears, connecting to the dock. then, several beings standing at only around 1.2 meters tall descended from the staircase. sporting a light green hue, elongated noses, wrinkled skin, and clothing adorned with conspicuous jewelry, they seemed to be making every effort to attract attention. yes, no mistake, with such an ugly appearance and a nouveau riche temperament, they were definitely gnomes. at this moment, the leading male gnome lifted his head and, upon seeing ji chen, eagerly walked over with a quick pace. oh- my friend, youre really tall, just like le ruwa! as they approached, the male gnome performed a somewhat comical bow that seemed quite amusing. allow me to introduce myself. 1 am ernesto goldshimmer, the consul of this gnome merchant ship. ive come with a thirst for gold! my dear human friend, 1 might just have some rare items you need here, or perhaps, you have some things i want to purchase. hearing this, ji chen was momentarily taken aback. the name and intent were so straightforward. should he call it candidness or simply diving straight into the money pool? but this suited his intentions perfectly. he didnt want to waste precious time on formalities either. he smiled slightly and returned the gesture with equal simplicity. i am ji chen, the owner of the new moon islands and the lord of the crown of the ocean. i welcome your arrival.. Chapter 264 - Chapter 264: Greedy Ernesto, Tyrant Azure Dragon chapter 264: greedy ernesto, tyrant azure dragon translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation new moon islands? crown of the ocean? ernesto deeply inhaled and had an intoxicated expression on his face. i can smell the scent of gold coins from these names, my friend! ji chen arched an eyebrow, showing a hint of surprise, before offering a warm smile. maybe we should skip the formalities and dive right in. master ernesto, could you kindly share what merchandise youve brought? upon hearing this, ernestos expression grew even more eager, and he exclaimed, i love customers like you! rest assured, the items the gnomes have brought will surely satisfy every customer! after a pause, he added, as long as you have enough gold coins. get ready, everyone! lower crate number 1! the customer wants to see the goods! understood! a section of the deck on the front part of the gnome merchant ship split open suddenly, revealing a platform that slowly rose. on the platform was a three-meter-tall metal cube-shaped crate with the number 1 spray-painted on top. gnomish sailors on the ships deck skillfully attached the cranes hook to the metal crates top ring, lifting it and carefully setting it down on the dock. the dull thud of it hitting the ground indicated that the crate itself and its contents were not light. right after that, ernesto approached and briefly explored the crates surface. suddenly, a smooth area revealed a circular aperture. a beam of light emerged, scanning ernesto from top to bottom. with a subtle click, it slid open sideways, unveiling the space inside. ji chen raised an eyebrow; this was quite the high-tech safe. in a world largely characterized by a medieval setting, this demonstration of advanced technology appeared somewhat incongruous. ernesto opened the crate and made a gesture of invitation. please, have a look inside to see if theres anything that interests you, honored customer. ji chen nodded slightly and looked inside. upon opening one side of the metal crate, three shelves were revealed. each shelf held several itemsweapons, armor, blueprints, and more. while they varied, they were all of a similar value and tier. ji chen only glanced casually, and his expression grew somewhat disdainful. none of these items could be considered treasures; they didnt catch his interest. im not particularly interested in these items. do you have anything better? upon hearing this, ernestos excitement grew even more. he knew he was dealing with a significant customer and quickly said, of course, we wont disappoint you! gnomes will ensure that youre pleased! my comrades, bring over crate number 2no, 3! our customer wants to see it! the crane on the gnomish merchant ship lifted the number 1 crate back up and lowered the metal crate marked with the number 3. similar to before, ernesto opened the crate, revealing its contents. ji chens expression changed slightly, finally sparking his interest. as a gnome merchant envoy, ernesto was skilled at reading peoples reactions. he quickly noticed ji chens shift in expression and smiled, taking an item from the shelf. it was a round glass sphere with a miniature model of a spring inside. [natural spring] [tier]: 3-star treasure [effect]: upon usage, a freshwater spring is formed (daily output sufficient for five thousand people to drink) [a natural treasure essential for water-scarce territories like deserts and islands] oh? this seemed rather promising. seeing this spring treasure, ji chen remembered what wikis had reported a few days ago about the freshwater issue concerning the crown of the ocean. the primary water sources for the crown of the ocean were the lakes atop the northeastern peaks and various rivers. as the crown of the ocean developed rapidly and its population grew from hundreds to thousands, and then from thousands to tens of thousands, the demand for freshwater increased significantly. relying solely on the surface water sources of the island was becoming insufficient to support further expansion of the territory. even though there was abundant groundwater beneath the islands, how to extract it posed a challenge. therefore, to ensure the future expansion of the crown of the ocean, finding ways to acquire easily accessible water sources became an important concern. a 3-star top-tier treasure like the natural spring can solve the daily drinking water problem for five thousand people. its truly an excellent treasure for territories lacking freshwater! words of a child have no value! a fixed price of fifteen hundred thousand gold coins! wasnt that daylight robbery? these gnomes were quite cunning. ji chen nearly wanted to curse out loud. selling a 3-star treasure for fifteen hundred thousand gold coins was outrageous. he recalled that previously, he had bought a 3-star treasure shield bracelet from a player for just fifty thousand gold coins. now, the price had increased several times over. this was simply absurd. though he had money, he wasnt a fool. the value of this treasure was at most eighty thousand gold coins. with this in mind, ji chen decisively rejected the offer with a resolute tone. master ernesto, the price seems rather exaggerated and far exceeds its actual value. although the natural spring is a valuable natural rarity, especially for islands, the crown of the ocean, despite being located on an island, isnt deficient in freshwater resources. the challenge lies more in the extraction process and associated costs. thus, its not worth spending so many gold coins on it. but if you insist on such an exorbitant price, the crown of the ocean wont welcome you. as his words fell, the atmosphere around them instantly grew tense. seeing ji chens resolute rejection, ernesto couldnt help but furrow his brow, his mind beginning to calculate. this was quite different from what he had initially thought, wasnt it? Chapter 265 - Chapter 265: Greedy Ernesto, Tyrant Azure Dragon (2) chapter 265: greedy ernesto, tyrant azure dragon (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation given the expansive and bustling domain, along with a considerable force of troops and heroes, one would expect this lord to be quite prosperous. why then is he unable to produce a mere fifteen thousand gold coins? after all, the previous customer spent a full one hundred and sixty thousand gold coins, crying and begging before getting anything from him. hmm, even though that transaction was completed under the aim of a cannon. alright, it admits that its initial offer was slightly high, but did he really need to reject it so firmly? looking at this island, spanning at least hundreds of square kilometers, covered in lush forests and abundant resources, combined with ji chens resolute attitude, ernesto started believing his words. his tone inevitably softened a bit. well, when dealing with a promising new customer, a small loss can be tolerated. with this thought in mind, ernestos eyes shifted for a moment, and he theatrically held onto his body, wearing an expression of lament. dear friend, saying such things hurts our hearts. honest and fair gnomes sell things at a value highly compatible with their worth, not a coin more! well, even though id incur losses, the gnomes are willing to make concessions for a dear friend. perhaps we can discuss the price a bit further. value highly compatible with their worth, willing to make concessions for a dear friend? what bullshit! if gnomes were deemed honest and fair, wouldnt that make humans seem like complete saints!? ji chen secretly mocked in his heart, though his expression had softened somewhat. he extended three fingers. oh? one hundred and thirty thousand gold coins, this price might its thirty thousand gold coins! upon hearing this, ernesto leaped up with his hair standing on end, resembling an alarmed dog. impossible, no gnomish merchant could accept this price! this is a 3-star top-tier natural treasure, not some street stall junk!! if it were sold at such a pitiful price, even the god of trade would weep! going from fifteen thousand to thirty thousand, even the simplest-minded ogre would realize its unfeasible! how much profit would it lose? watching the hopping gnome consul, ji chen said calmly, since you think its not feasible, then what price do you consider suitable? it must be at least a hundred and twenty-nine thousand eight hundred! this is the best price gnomes can offer! once more, he found a new understanding of gnomes. indeed, they were greedy and miserly! not even gavroche could compare to one percent of them. unconsciously, ji chens interest in this transaction waned. after much contemplation, he suddenly remembered something. why am i seriously doing business with this group of gnomes? after all, my true secondary profession is being a pirate! no, it has to be cheaper, or we might as well part ways! ji chen gritted his teeth, a look of refusal apparent. observing this scene, ernestos heart was slightly delighted. his face portrayed a mixture of difficulty and distress. he sighed heavily, as if giving up on something. well then, since you put it that way, in order to maintain our relationship, well lower the price by another seven thousand gold coins! one hundred and twenty-two thousand eight hundred! deal! one party handed over the money, the other handed over the goods. ji chen obtained the 3-star natural treasure, the natural spring, but his possession of over six hundred thousand gold coins diminished by one-fifth in an instant. yet, he didnt feel the least bit heartbroken. after all, hed get it all back sooner or later. he might as well put this money away for safekeeping. once he had it all figured out, ji chen continued to purchase goods from ernesto, further reducing his wariness. gold coins flowed out like water. after completing another transaction with ernesto, ji chen remarked casually, since your crates are numbered, doesnt that mean the higher the number, the rarer and more precious the contents? already captivated by countless transactions and gold coins, ernesto now seemed to have become close friends with ji chen. he hesitated only briefly upon hearing this before responding. thats correct. the higher the crate number, the more precious the items inside, and the higher the level of protection! oh? level of protection? yes, each crate requires my personal authentication to open, otherwise, it can only be forcibly broken open. but do you think its easy to use violence to break them open? could there be something special about these crates? after reaching several transactions with ji chen, ernesto was in a great mood. he spoke as if showing off, each crate combines the alchemical and mechanical technology of the gnome race. theyre not only made from special metals, theyre incredibly sturdy and resistant to physical and magical attacks. ordinary methods wont affect them at all. even if you forcibly break them open from the outside, once the internal mechanism detects a breach in the shell, itll trigger a powerful explosion, destroying everything inside! boom- and itll turn enemies into smithereens as well! how about it? dont you think its a genius idea? ernesto made an explosion gesture, his expression excited and flamboyant. glancing at the crates, ji chen pondered. though he didnt know what powerful explosion meant, he knew it wasnt something to take lightly. alright- lets continue our great and gold-scented transactions! do you require anything else, esteemed customer? on this occasion, weve traversed the ocean from the eastern continent to our gnome homeland on the western continent, gigantooth city. if you happen to overlook this chance, the next trading opportunity wont arise for several months! bringing his attention back from the crates, ji chen contemplated for a moment. i need powerful units, preferably of the ocean type, and the higher their tier, the better. upon hearing this, a glint of excitement flashed in ernestos eyes, and he rubbed his hands together. lord ji chen, 1 happen to have a unit that perfectly suits your needs. minions, bring out crate number seven for me! after more than ten minutes, a two-meter tall, wide, and long metal cube was placed on the ground by a crane. unlike before, this crate had three layers of protection, each requiring scanning and a key to open. this piqued ji chens curiosity. a crate with such tight security, what kind of unit core could be inside? ernesto unlocked the outermost layer of defense, unveiling a tidy arrangement of compartments in a 22 grid. he then proceeded to open the leftmost compartment in the second row. a unit recruitment core about the size of a human head appeared, containing a miniature giant creature. hey there, the goods have arrived. please check if they meet your satisfaction, ernesto said as he carefully took out the core and placed it on a soft cushioned shelf. ji chen stepped closer to take a closer look. [tyrant azure dragon] [race]: azure dragon [tier]: fifth tier, 5-star [initial level]: 20 [skills]: frost breath (red skill, capable of spewing a breath of frost that inflicts tremendous damage on enemies bodies and souls) [savage fangs] (red skill, the specialized mouth enhances terrifying biting force, significantly boosting armor-piercing ability) [death pursuit] (red skill, swimming speed increased by 100%, additional 100% speed increase when chasing enemies) [azure dragon bloodline] (red skill, attack and defense increased by 150%, resistance to various negative effects increased by 50%) [serpents slumber] (red skill, capable of entering a state of slumber, greatly enhancing recovery ability while this state constricts breath by 99%) [unit characteristics]: ferocity (when entering a combat state, all attributes increase by 100%) [an anomaly among the azure dragon clan, particularly adept at slaughter and combat, possessing immense power akin to towering waves and terrifying bursts of strength] upon seeing this creature, ji chens immediate thought wasnt about obtaining it, but rather how much money he could get for it. fifth tier, 5-star, starting at level 20, and with five red skills, this unit was no less impressive than a hero units special effects. the furious azure dragon unit practically had invincible written all over it. it was a presence far more formidable than the double-winged skeletal wyvern under the command of lich king solin, surpassing it by several magnitudes in power.. Chapter 266 - Chapter 266: Assassination, Triple Tsunami chapter 266: assassination, triple tsunami translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ernesto noticed ji chens surprised expression and smiled somewhat smugly. this tyrant azure dragon recruitment camp core is one of my ace commodities, and even in the outside world, its considered a priceless gem. so, whats its price? ji chen suppressed his inner curiosity and voiced the question. after all, no matter how good something was, if the price didnt match, it was of no use. oh, my friend! 1 knew you would be interested in it. after all, who wouldnt like such a powerful military unit? ernesto replied. im offering it at a fixed price of 1.8 million gold coins! even though ji chen had mentally prepared himself for a high price, hearing this figure still sent a shiver down his spine. 1.8 million, wasnt that nearly the same as the quantity of two edwards treasures? this quantity of gold coins, when piled together, could practically create a small lake of wealth. it would be sufficient to purchase twenty or thirty blueprints for 5-star elemental arrow towers, acquire 360 3-star artifact shield bracelets, secure hundreds of 1-star artifacts, and amass a vast quantity of valuable resources. did this gnome really dare to set such a price? did he intend to bankrupt him? did he not fear he couldnt swallow so much? although ji chen didnt have a clear concept of the price of a fifth-tier military recruitment camp core, based on ernestos character and previous behavior, this price was definitely inflated, likely several times higher than the normal price. i cant accept this price. can it be lowered? ernestos face displayed a hint of regret as he said, lord ji chen, our gnome pricing is always spot-on. this price aligns perfectly with the value of this military recruitment camp core. the price of the same item could vary depending on the location and the person selling it. if it were in the hands of a land-based lord, the price would plummet. if a lord controlled both land and sea territories, the price would significantly increase. if it were in the hands of an island lord, the price would multiply several times over. however, if it were in the possession of a lord like ji chen, who had an urgent demand and was extremely wealthy, the price would overflow without limit. this principle was fundamental to ernestos approach to conducting business: setting prices according to the buyers willingness and ability to pay. then theres nothing more to be done. ji chen shook his head. thats such a pity. ernesto quickly came up with an idea, wearing a sly smile. my dear friend, if you dont have enough gold coins right now, you can make up the difference with other items of similar value. of course, the value of these items will be assessed fairly by the gnomes. the gnomes also offer loan services. as long as you mortgage something of sufficiently high value, such as land, rights to ports, labor force, real estate, ships, and so on, you can obtain varying amounts of loans! goodness, these gnomes have so many tricks up their sieeves besides regular trade? loans, mortgages, human trafficking if he hadnt known better, hed think they were part of the underworld. seeing ji chens silence, ernesto assumed he was hesitating and thinking, so he enthusiastically explained. your excellency, these islands of yours hold significant value, and their geographical location is excellent. if you mortgage the ownership of the other islands, you can get a loan of 300,000 gold coins! the ports can also be mortgaged, but the amount is slightly less, only 80,000 gold coins. as for those half-orcs, lizardmen, and kobolds, they are all decent labor. if you sell us the ownership of them for the next twenty years, you can also mortgage them for tens of thousands of gold coins. as for the monthly interest, its not high, just 9 percent. after hearing these words, ji chens understanding of these gnomes and his worldview were once again thoroughly refreshed. they intend to use several islands as collateral for a loan of 300,000 gold coins, 80,000 for the ports, and theyre even considering mortgaging the population. and the amount they want to mortgage was so little! in addition, the interest rate was outrageous. if he were to get a loan of 500,000 gold coins, the monthly interest would be 4,500 gold coins, which amounts to 54,000 gold coins a year. what ultimate unscrupulous merchants! no, they were already unscrupulous to begin with, their greed surpassing that of humans by a few degrees. im sorry, i cant accept this, ji chen said, suppressing his anger and refusing. his thoughts grew even stronger. very well, if your excellency were to change your mind, please do let me know, ernesto said regretfully. ji chen paid no further attention to these gnomes, only instructing his troops and heroes to wait here until the gnome merchant ship departed. then, he left with an unhappy expression. ernesto watched the departing figure with full confidence. it believed that this human would empty his pockets to purchase this precious military recruitment camp core. however, to ernestos disappointment, even until the afternoon when the gnome merchant ship was informed to leave immediately, there was still no sign of ji chen. he couldnt help but feel a bit disappointed. but on second thought, the pure profit from this transaction alone was over two hundred thousand gold coins. it could be considered a huge profit! one such transaction was worth several other transactions. it truly hoped to encounter more such naive customers! they werent too afraid of retaliation from these naive customers. after all, this fully armed gnome merchant ship was not just for transporting goods; the alchemical cannons on board were enough to deter any incoming enemies and blast them to pieces! hahaha, my little ones, lets go! with ernestos triumphant laughter, the gnome merchant ship slowly left the port, heading towards the distance.. Chapter 267 - Chapter 267: Assassination, Triple Tsunami (2) chapter 267: assassination, triple tsunami (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation but what they didnt know was that in a dense forest on rhe island behind them, ji chen and his group were watching their departure. has the army secretly followed them? yes, all the lobster knights are closely trailing them, but the naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs couldnt keep up and have fallen far behind. in that case, let the naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs return. only the lobster knights should track them. but be sure not to let those greedy gnomes discover you and disrupt my plan. understood! watching the gnome merchant ship disappear quickly on rhe horizon, ji chen s eyes were filled with determination. this group of gnomes was destined to taste the harsh reality of society and learn what awaits those who are so arrogant and greedy. two days later. on a calm night. the gnome merchant ship sailed leisurely on the sea, gnome warriors patrolling the deck, and the large lamps on the ships deck scanning the surrounding sea, guarding against possible threats. the main cannon had been shut down, but dozens of secondary cannons on the sides of the ship were on alert, ready to fire at any moment. this clearly indicated the tight defense of the gnome merchant ship. on the lookout tower, two gnomes wearing special night vision equipment were lazily looking around. thor, why do we have to stand here like idiots on such a quiet night while those fools are sleeping in the cabin? its so unfair. i feel the same way, but it s the consuls orders, and 1 cant do anything about it. damn it! i dont understand. we have such powerful firepower on this ship. how could there be something foolish enough to provoke us? these thick gun barrels can shoot alchemical bombs that are enough to kill any enemy! thats true. this is the power of technology. we gnomes have always been the ones provoking others, and no one dares to provoke us!11 i really want to go downstairs and have a hot soup for the night wait a minute, zik, did you hear that? whats that sound? at the mention of it, the gnome named zik suddenly perked up his ears and listened carefully. he heard some slightly unusual ocean waves. isnt it just the sound of slightly larger waves? thor, did the sea breeze mess with your brain, giving you hallucinations? however, a gnome named thor became somewhat alert. he adjusted the angle of the large high-intensity spotlight at his side, aiming it towards the direction of the unusual sound. what he witnessed was nothing short of horrifying. at the far-reaching end of the spotlights beam, on the northern side of the distant sea, a tsunami several tens of meters high and several kilometers wide was sweeping towards the gnome merchant ship. their pupils suddenly contracted. thor, who reacted swiftly, promptly pressed the alarm button and used a loudspeaker to broadcast his voice to the others. alert! tsunami approaching from the north! alert! tsunami approaching from the north ! ! ! the shrill alarm echoed across rhe sea, instantly turning the previously calm gnome merchant ship into chaos. more than ten floodlights were turned on, illuminating the northern sea until the light was blocked by the tsunami. oh my god, why is there no wind and rain, but such a huge tsunami suddenly appears!? what should we do? with such a high tsunami, we ll be swept into the sea! the gnomes panicked at the sight. they had seen plenty of enemies, and dealing with them was as simple because they could use powerful cannons. but facing such a natural disaster, they were somewhat at a loss. dont panic! at this moment, a sharp voice sounded on the deck, and ernestos figure appeared in the cockpit, calming down the panicked gnomes. our ships propulsion is powerful enough. we can easily avoid rhe tsunami before it arrives! full speed ahead with power level five! with a swift command, the gnome merchant ships smokestack billowed out a thick plume of smoke, while rhe stern propellers spun into action, propelling the vessel swiftly forward. at this speed, it was several times faster than the fastest wooden sail warships, and it was steadily accelerating. in just a dozen seconds, they would be out of the path of the oncoming tsunami. but before rhe gnomes could celebrate, they saw the tsunami slowly deviate from its original course and, by sheer chance, head in the direction where they were now. moreover, it seemed to be accelerating again. helplessly, the gnome merchant ship accelerated once more, escaping from the tsunami before it arrived. thats great, this way we can safely avoid rhe tsunami wait, what!?! the gnomes stared in disbelief as if they had witnessed something unbelievable. the tsunami, which was supposed to pass hundreds of meters away from the rear of the gnome merchant ship, suddenly changed direction and headed towards their stern. although the deviation was not significant, about thirty degrees, it was enough to make them question their sanity. this cant be possible! ernesto screamed, his eyes widened in disbelief. but he quickly realized what was happening. someone was targeting them! at this point, there was not much time for contemplation. there was only a distance of two or three kilometers between them and the tsunami, not enough for the ship to escape. gritting his teeth, ernesto shouted, activate the gnomish energy shield immediately! yes! almost instantly, a stream of blue energy surged from a concealed source on the ship. as it reached a position approximately ten meters above the lookout tower, it unfurled like liquid, slowly shaping itself into an inverted bowl that tightly cocooned rhe entire gnome merchant vessel, sealing it off from the outside air. in the blink of an eye, the tsunami, carrying a mighty force, collided with the shield. boom! spray soared into rhe sky and rained down. the tremendous impact threw the gnomes into disarray, leaving them dizzy and disoriented. the gnomes crashed onto the deck, rhe ships hull, and blood spilled everywhere. from the outside, it appeared as though the shield had been struck by a massive hammer, covered in cracks, but it had successfully blocked rhe tsunamis attack. seeing this, the surviving gnomes cheered. technology is power! long live the gnomish energy shield! long live lord ernesto! ernesto, holding onto the railing, stood up and adjusted his tilted hat, relieved as he observed the situation outside. however, before he could say anything, two more massive tsunamis suddenly surged from the distant sea, even larger than the initial one. the tremendous impact from the first tsunami had temporarily robbed the gnome merchant ship of most of its power. now, it could only move at a snails pace. helplessly, they watched as the next two tsunamis struck the energy shield, one after the other. boom! crash! boom! two deafening impacts, accompanied by the sound of shattering glass, shattered the shield under the force of rhe third tsunami. billions of tons of seawater covered the entire gnome merchant ship, causing it to tilt to the left, with the sea nearly reaching the deck. the gnomes on the deck were swept away in an instant, disappearing into the pitch-black sea. the seawater crashed violently against the cockpit, and the colossal impact immediately shattered the specially fortified transparent glass on the right side. the shattered glass fragments resembled sharp blades, creating a tumultuous scene within the cockpit. in an instant, blood and flesh splattered. fortunately, the gnome merchant ships hull was made of metal and had undergone special reinforcement. apart from severe damage to the structures above the deck, the keel and hull suffered little harm. after the tsunami swept through, the ship wobbled unsteadily, revealing a chaotic deck. damn it! inside the cockpit, amidst the wreckage, ernesto once again leaned against the wall, covering his bleeding forehead. he struggled to stand up. when rhe shield broke from the tsunamis impact just moments before it struck, ernesto had crouched down behind the wall, avoiding the glass shards. however, even with this precaution, he was still hit by the immense force, sending him crashing into the opposite wall, dazing him. but inside the cockpit, apart from it, the rest of the gnomes were already beyond death. at this moment, ernestos vision was blurred, and he felt dizzy and disoriented. as his vision gradually cleared, he suddenly spotted figures walking on the distant sea surface, illuminated by the few remaining high-intensity lights. ernestos eyes widened with anger as he tried to identify who was responsible for causing this catastrophe! Chapter 268 - Chapter 268: Alchemy Death Cannon, Treasure Key chapter 268: alchemy death cannon, treasure key fragments, gloria translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation but what disappointed ernesto immensely was that he didnt recognize this person at all. as a gnome merchant who traded along the coasts and islands of the mid-ocean, he had made his fair share of enemies over the years, but few ever sought revenge. although ernesto appeared greedy and cunning on the surface, he was clever enough to avoid unnecessary conflicts. powerful forces and races were not something he would provoke, and while they might find gnomes distasteful, they usually didnt stoop to seeking revenge due to the gnomes significant influence. as for those with low or middling power, they were often suppressed and dared not retaliate, enduring their losses in secret. it could be said that gnomes occupied an ecological niche perfectly suited for their survival, showing respect to the powerful and looking down on the weak, living quite comfortably. no matter how ernesto racked his brain, he couldnt recall when he had offended such a formidable figure. the person before him was an old man, hunched and with a weathered appearance. the wrinkles on his face outnumbered those of a gnome, and he wore a luxurious velvet robe. in his hand, he held a gem-studded staff, and a profound magical energy surrounded him. a single glance revealed him as a formidable individual. ernestos expression shifted rapidly, from anger to astonishment, and finally to respect. it took less than three seconds. ignoring the wailing gnomes and the chaos all around, he hurried to the deck, his expression full of reverence as he gave a distant salute to the old man. esteemed lord, may i ask why you suddenly attacked us? there doesnt appear to be any enmity between us. however, the old man did not respond or move, but his murky eyes deliberately and unintentionally fixed on ernesto, exerting immense pressure on him. after a long while, the old man finally spoke, his hoarse voice clearly audible. oh? are you sure? ernesto was momentarily stunned. he had an excellent memory and was certain he had never encountered this powerful individual, let alone offended him. wiping the sweat from his forehead, he forced a smile. im certain ive never met you, sir. could you be mistaken? as he watched ernestos forced smile, the old man, in his heart, couldnt help but chuckle. this old man was none other than ji chen. shortly after dispatching the lobster knights to track ernesto, he had followed closely behind. it wasnt until the gnome merchant ship had left the stormy sea and moved far away from the crown of the ocean that he revealed himself. this appearance of the old man was naturally the ability of the 7-star artifact, the illusory mask. the illusory masks skill of disguise allowed ji chen to completely alter his physique, appearance, voice, and more, essentially transforming him into a completely different person. for the sake of better action, ji chen had deliberately disguised himself as a formidable old man, and the effect was ideal. it immediately frightened ernesto. with a single word, his unique hoarse voice rang out. i dont think ive made a mistake. do you remember what you did before? for the sake of profit, you actually killed my descendants. ji chen intentionally spoke vaguely. sure enough, upon hearing these words, ernesto was instantly stunned. his face turned ugly, as he struggled to recall how many people he had killed for the sake of profit. naturally, he took the old man as an elder of one of those victims, seeking revenge. damn it! it never expected those lowly mudfoots to have such a powerful protector. its luck is truly terrible! with this thought, ernestos expression became even more respectful, and he lowered his posture. esteemed strong one, please allow me to explain. oh? is there anything to explain? ji chen remained unperturbed, appearing quite confident, as if he had everything under control. seeing this, ernesto became even more convinced. he flattered, i deeply regret what happened and feel immensely guilty. however, once someone dies, they cannot be resurrected. even if you were to kill me, it wouldnt bring your descendants back to life. moreover, killing me would inevitably make you the target of some vengeful gnomes. so, killing me yields the lowest benefit. so, you might as well spare my life. im willing to compensate for my recklessness and cleanse my sins. oh? ji chens face displayed a thoughtful expression as if he were pondering this proposition. but in his heart, he was laughing. this was just what he wanted. directly killing ernesto was, in fact, the least profitable option. as long as he could maintain his disguise perfectly, he could make this greedy gnome return everything, with interest, and perhaps even gain more. you make some sense. although the one you killed among my thousands of descendants was nothing remarkable, it did tarnish my reputation, and for that, punishment is necessary. ive heard that gnomes are skilled in trade and possess quite a few valuable items. if you can present something that satisfies me and redeems your wrongdoing, sparing your life wont be a big deal. upon hearing this, ernesto felt a glimmer of hope and quickly nodded. i will not disappoint you, esteemed sir! i guarantee your satisfaction! hurry and hoist up cargo crate number 7! externally, the gnome merchant ship appeared to be in poor condition, but the internal damage wasnt as extensive as it appeared. surprisingly, the hoist and cargo holds were still operating efficiently, showcasing the prowess of gnome technology. the ships structure, though battered in appearance, was relatively intact, and even the sturdier cargo crates had only suffered superficial damage. once cargo crate number 7 was hoisted up, ernesto promptly opened it, hesitated briefly, and then used a key to unlock the right side of the first row of cabinets.. Chapter 269 - Chapter 269: Alchemy Death Cannon, Treasure Key chapter 269: alchemy death cannon, treasure key fragments, gloria (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation he took out a beautifully crafted parchment and held it with both hands, presenting it. lord, this is a five-star blueprint for a building. please take a look. upon hearing this, ji chens interest was piqued, and he slightly raised his staff. the parchment floated up and drifted in front of him. [building blueprint: alchemy death cannon] [level]: five stars [effect]: can launch alchemical shells, inflicting massive explosive damage to enemies. [required resources for construction]: 30,000 units of iron, 10,000 units of crystal, 10,000 units of mithril, 10,000 units of gold. [occupied area]: 30x30x75 [attack range]: 100-5000 meters [explosion range]: radius of 75-100 meters well, thats quite something. compared to the elemental arrow tower, which was also a five-star building, it was no less impressive. it even excelled in attack and damage range. hmm, not bad, ji chen said lightly, placing the blueprint in his bag and then back into his backpack. is there anything else? ernestos expression gradually froze. he instantly understood that ji chen wanted more. in his heart, he cursed the greedy fellow. wasnt a five-star blueprint enough? but after all, his life was in someone elses hands, so he had to force a smile. ahem, of course, theres more. ernesto turned around, trembling hands unlocking the first row on the right with a key. he took out a gigantic golden crystal, the size of a human head. ahem, this is an energy gem produced in the dosantos mines of the western continent. an ordinary energy gem the size of half a fist can provide energy consumption for a gnome merchant ship for several months. this exceptionally large energy gem can even match the value of several ordinary cargo-laden merchant ships as an energy hub for an alchemical workshop. ji chen raised an eyebrow in slight surprise, taking the energy gem as well. sensing the immense energy within it, he nodded in satisfaction. not bad. he put it into his bag, then looked back at ernesto, his message clear: what else? seeing this, the greedy gnome couldnt help but feel angry. was it fair to bully a gnome like this? a five-star building blueprint and a massive energy gem werent enough to satisfy this old mans appetite! he was greedier than the gnome himself! finally, ernesto couldnt help but speak out, lord, i believe these two items are enough to compensate for your loss. you see do you really think my reputation is only worth these two measly items? gnomish mother fucker! how can you call it junk when youre so earnestly tucking it away like this? even though ernesto had done it countless times before, it couldnt help but silently curse ji chens shamelessness and thick skin. of course not, im willing to compensate you with more. please, dont be angry. ernesto turned away with a mournful expression and directly opened the remaining two cabinets in crate number seven, taking out the last two items. one was the recruitment core for the tyrant azure dragon, and the other was a metal fragment that seemed unremarkable. this aroused ji chens curiosity. among the other three items C the five-star building blueprint, the energy gem, and the tier five military recruitment core all of which were highly valuable, what made this fragment deserving of a place alongside them in crate number seven? [gloria elf treasury key fragment] [level]: special [description]: collect seven key fragments to form a complete key that can open the doors of the gloria elf treasury. the gloria elf treasury key fragments? he was utterly perplexed. perhaps seeing ji chens confusion, the greedy gnome merchant seemed resigned, gritting his teeth. lord, if youre willing to stop after talcing these four items, ill tell you about this key fragment! ji chen squinted his eyes, contemplating. he spoke slowly, alright, as long as you provide me with this information, i, under the name of gaspar nunez, guarantee that i will cease my demands. hearing this, ernestos heart filled with joy. strong individuals cared greatly about their reputations. if he guaranteed it in his own name, it should be genuine. he nodded vigorously, trying to access his memories as he said, i acquired this key fragment when i was traveling as a merchant in the northern continent. i unknowingly purchased it from a destitute human nobles son. that gambling-addicted human noble sold it to me for a mere five gold coins, unaware that he was selling the qualification to enter an elf treasury! according to ancient texts, gloria was an ancient elf city, one of the three major cities of the ancient elves during the era of intertribal competition tens of thousands of years ago. it can be considered one of the origins of the present-day elf race. but this ancient elf city has long since declined due to wars and other reasons, fading into the mists of time, leaving no trace. even the current elf race might not be able to find it. as one of the three major cities, even though its lost, it still contains some ancient alchemical techniques, rare elven treasures, and immovable strategic facilities from ancient times, ernesto said, a hint of greed flashing in his eyes. moreover, according to records, gloria still has an extremely well-preserved elven treasury, containing countless strategic resources. its rumored that whoever obtains the strategic resources inside this treasury can create an empire out of thin air, armed with millions of soldiers, and dominate the continent. therefore, possessing a key fragment like this is equivalent to having the qualification to enter the treasury, and its value is immeasurable. is there really such a thing? the ability to arm millions of soldiers and even establish an empire? how terrifying must the quantity of resources inside that treasury be? as he pondered, ji chens thoughts began to wander. but he quickly snapped back to reality. if what youre saying is true, why dont you go open it yourself? at these words, ernesto looked embarrassed and stammered, since this elven city has been lost, no one knows where it is. even the descendants of the ancient elves, the current elven race, cant find it, let alone other races. moreover, opening the treasury requires seven key fragments. one of them is in my possession, two are known to be in the hands of the elves, one is with the dwarves, and one sank into the western central ocean decades ago. as for the remaining two fragments, theres still no information about them. theyre probably buried in some corner of this world. and if the elven race found out that i had one of the key fragments, they would send armies to hunt me down, ernesto said hesitantly, feeling much relieved. although he felt a bit reluctant, he had finally parted with the hot potato. upon hearing this, ji chens expression darkened. wouldnt the elves come after him too if they found out? but then he realized that he currently looked like an old man named gaspar nunez. what did that have to do with him, ji chen? no problem, but for the sake of keeping the information confidential and ensuring one hundred percent security, he would have to deal with the individuals who knew about this information ernesto looked at ji chen, who had no expression on his face, and cautiously asked, lord, ive told you everything i know. can we go now? ji chen smiled faintly. of course, i am a man of my word. if i say ill let you go, then youre free to leave. thankyou, sir! anyone whos still alive, return to your positions, power up the energy engines to the maximum, and leave at full speed! the gnomish merchant ship once again emitted wisps of white smoke and sped away as if it wanted to install two more propellers. ji chen remained in place, watching the gnomish merchant ship grow smaller and smaller as it sailed away. a cold smile crossed his lips.. Chapter 270 - Chapter 270: Backstabbing, Successful Ship Hijacking, chapter 270: backstabbing, successful ship hijacking, mysterious slaves translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation on the gnome merchant ship, ernesto frequently looked back, seeing ji chens figure still standing in place, showing no intention to chase. he breathed a sigh of relief, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. having escaped from danger, amidst the feeling of fortunate relief, it couldnt help but start to feel a heartache. looking at the now empty cargo hold number 7 was enough to bring tears to his eyes. besides the loss of cargo, the gnome merchant ship had also suffered significant damage in the recent attack. repairing it would be quite an expense. adding to that the compensation for the deceased gnomes, the overall losses this time amounted to at least a million gold coins, nearly emptying his pockets of the earnings he had cunningly accumulated over the past few years. these years of toil seemed to have been in vain! thinking about this, ernesto couldnt help but feel resentful. if it werent for the sudden appearance of that old guy named gaspar nunez just now, he wouldnt be in this predicament. he knew he wouldnt dare to seek revenge, but venting a few curses wouldnt hurt. suddenly, an evil thought crossed ernestos mind, and a sinister smile appeared on his face. since the key fragments of gloria elf treasury were now in gaspar nunezs possession, deliberately spreading this information would surely drive the elves into a frenzy. no matter how powerful gaspar was, he couldnt be stronger than the entire elf race. even if he didnt die, he would undoubtedly suffer a significant setback. though it wouldnt compensate for his lost gold coins, at least he could take some satisfaction in this revenge. with this thought in mind, ernesto made up his mind. as soon as he returned to gigantooth city, he would secretly put this plan into action. no one could provoke gnomes and get away unscathed! just as he was imagining at that moment, a loud roar came from the stern of the ship, and the gnome merchant ship, which had been sailing at full speed, suddenly slowed down, coming to an abrupt halt. the sudden stop made ernesto curse loudly. damn it, you idiots, did you break the ship!? if you did, ill sell you all, and it still wont cover the cost! soon, a gnome sailor rushed in and reported, lord consul, two of the three propellers at the stern have stopped rotating. currently, the ships power has decreased by 70%. its likely a malfunction caused by the recent attack. likely? 1 dont need likely. go and inspect it immediately, find out the exact cause, and report back to me immediately! yes! watching the gnome sailor rush off, ernesto couldnt help but feel a sense of unease. twenty minutes later, the gnome sailor returned. those two propellers are completely damaged and cannot be used anymore. we can only repair them once we return to the harbor. right now, we can only activate two backup small propellers, which can resume at most one-third of our power. upon hearing this, ernesto erupted in anger. damn it, those gnomish mother fuckers! how could there be a problem at a time like this? this is just bad luck! then immediately activate the backup propellers and head back as soon as possible! yes! wait! ernesto stopped the gnome sailor and thought for a moment before adding. raise the alert level on the entire ship, and tell all the surviving gnomes to stay alert! instinctively, ernesto sensed that something was amiss, but he couldnt quite put his finger on it. looking through a drafty window frame at the pitch-black sea outside, a sense of unease washed over him. the alchemical cannons that had once been his pride and joy couldnt provide any sense of security in this pitch-black sea that didnt allow a hint of light to penetrate. it seemed like a giant maw of a beast ready to swallow them whole. in the abyss-like darkness, the gnome merchant ship sailed slowly on the sea. the remaining few headlights anxiously scanned the surroundings, while the gnome sailor on the lookout tower stared wide-eyed at their surroundings. however, the lights and their gazes could only survey the surface of the sea, unable to penetrate beneath it. inside the gnome merchant ship, the sonar detection room suddenly blared with a shrill alarm. warning! there are numerous unidentified objects approaching from below the water! suspected enemy! theyre moving fast and are less than five kilometers away from us! this news quickly reached the control room. what? are you sure you didnt make a mistake? ernesto, who had felt that something was amiss all along, jumped up from his chair and questioned. esteemed consul, were certain theres no mistake. these rapidly approaching unidentified objects are highly organized and in a tight formation. theyre definitely not ordinary sea creatures or schools of fish. theres a sense of order to them! their numbers reach into the thousands, densely packed around us. our propulsion is damaged, and we cant break free from their encirclement in time! the gnome sailor panicked. damn it, 1 knew something bad would happen! ernesto raged. immediately activate the main cannons, secondary cannons, and the deep-sea alchemical bombs! fire as soon as they get close, and blow those damn things to smithereens! let them know the might of gnome technology! yes, sir! soon, on the deck, four excessively large-caliber main cannons slowly rotated on their mounts. simultaneously, the sturdy barrels began to elevate. after adjusting all the firing parameters, with a puff of white smoke and a burst of flames, alchemical shells shot out from the barrels, tracing graceful arcs in the air as they headed towards the approaching threat in the distance.. Chapter 271 - Chapter 271: Backstabbing, Successful Ship Hijacking, chapter 271: backstabbing, successful ship hijacking, mysterious slaves (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the secondary cannons on both sides of the ship each aimed at their targets and fired projectiles of varying sizes, erupting like an ordinary rainstorm. the raindrop-like shells crashed into the sea, sending the surrounding seawater soaring into the sky, forming dozens of meters high water columns. the spotlight illuminated the area where the shells exploded, and after the water splashes fell, there were no body fragments or blood as one might imagine floating on the surface. no matter how the shells exploded, nothing came up, only patches of foam. and on the alchemical sonar, thousands of targets were displayed, not a single one had diminished. they hadnt even paused for a second due to the intense barrage, they were still rapidly approaching. in the blink of an eye, the distance between the two sides had shortened to less than a thousand meters. damn it! how can they swim so fast, these creatures are so agile! watching the thousands of red dots on the screen coming from all directions, ernesto muttered bitterly, prepare the deep-sea alchemical bombs, i refuse to believe we cant blast these damn things out of the water! the optimal range for deploying deep-sea alchemical bombs was 50 to 150 meters. on both sides of the gnome merchant ship, gnome sailors had already prepared the launching devices. as long as the enemy entered the firing range, these bombs, each weighing as much as several people, would be launched immediately. no creature could remain unscathed under the explosion of such bombs. even if a dragon were here, relying on its flesh and blood to resist, it would still be torn apart! the enemy was 900 meters away from the merchant ship. at 700 meters, ail alchemical cannons stopped firing, allowing the merchant ship to stabilize. 500 meters, ernesto stared closely at the alchemical sonar display, cold sweat trickling down his back. 300 meters, all the gnomes held their breath. 200 meters, the gnomes slowly gripped the launching levers. 150 meters. get ready! when the distance between the two sides had suddenly been reduced to just over a hundred meters, ernesto yelled furiously, fire! just as the gnomes were about to press the release lever, a song suddenly drifted in from the distance. in the quiet night, the song traveled very far, penetrating into every corner. ernesto was taken aback, seeing that the gnomes in charge of launching had all stopped and were inexplicably angry. what are you guys doing? why arent you launching the bombs yet? but these gnomes acted as if they couldnt hear him, their eyes vacant, as if they had lost their souls. seeing this scene, ernestos anger surged even more. he angrily grabbed one of the gnomes by the collar and berated them. what the hell is wrong with you guys? why arent you launching the bombs? do you want to get me killed? but soon, he noticed that the gnomes had extremely vacant eyes as if they had lost their souls. even when lifted up, they remained unresponsive, as indifferent as puppets. at this moment, ernesto finally realized that something was amiss. just as he was about to release the gnomes collar with a muffled sound, an incredulous expression appeared on his face as he slowly lowered his head. this gnome had plunged a dagger deep into his abdomen, with the blade fully inserted. muffled- the dagger was withdrawn and then thrust in once more. dozens of consecutive times, until ernesto was completely dead, lying in a pool of blood. at the last moment of his life. he finally realized the reason was the song. the song sounds so beautiful with no one to stop them, the army swiftly moving underwater quickly reached the side of the ship and, with the help of the mutinous gnomes, successfully boarded. the gnomes who were still alive on the ship saw that ferocious alien warriors had already boarded, and without exception, they all surrendered, showing no sign of resistance. soon, a figure boarded the ship under the respectful welcome of many warriors. as soon as ji chen came up, he happened to see ernesto lying on the deck. at this moment, the gnome merchant who had been lively and vigorous just half a day ago was now lying in a pool of blood, lifeless. there was still a trace of an incredulous expression on his face. perhaps he hadnt expected to die not at the hands of the enemys swords but at the hands of his own people. my lord, what should we do with these remaining gnomes? should we eliminate them all? ji chen looked at the large group of gnomes gathered on the deck and smiled as he shook his head. these gnomes still have enough value. we need them to teach us how to operate this gnome merchant ship. understood! hearing this, the gnomes who had been trembling finally breathed a sigh of relief. at least they wouldnt die right now. ignoring this group of gnomes, ji chen began to explore the ship. previously, he had only seen the exterior at the harbor but hadnt boarded the ship. this gnome merchant ship showcased the gnomes advanced alchemical technology. massive gears, metal, and hinges exuded a strong industrial steampunk flavor. the gun turrets standing on the deck made ji chen feel exhilarated. he was a fan of giant ships and cannons! bigger is better, and more is better! the larger the caliber, the harder the punch! this ship, brimming with various caliber alchemical cannons, was a heavily armored vessel with formidable firepower. it hit his sweet spot. if they were to launch a direct attack through conventional means, even if they used all the warships he currently possessed, they might not be able to inflict significant damage to this gnome merchant ship. there was a technological gap between wooden sailboats and ironclad ships that was hard to bridge. the difference between the two was like the gap between white-tier heroes and purple-tier heroes; a purple-tier hero could easily take on dozens of white-tier heroes.. Chapter 272 - Chapter 272: Backstabbing, Successful Ship Hijacking, chapter 272: backstabbing, successful ship hijacking, mysterious slaves (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation with his strength, he could defeat it, but the consequence would be that the overwhelming magical energy would destroy the entire ship. this would contradict his initial intention of obtaining the ship as intact as possible. ji chen had already planned everything. he disguised himself as an elderly avenger, attacked the ship, and deliberately damaged its propellers, causing it to lose most of its power. this would allow alice and the others to catch up and seize the ship. the end result was quite satisfactory. not only was the ship relatively well-preserved, but there were also some gnomes left, who could be used to teach the crown of the ocean how to operate and use the vessel. lord, weve found the cargo hold on the ship! theres quite a lot of stuff stored inside! anina stood at an entrance and waved her hand, saying. ji chens eyes lit up. ernesto had been in the trading business for so long that it possessed an abundance of wealth, and what it had shown ji chen was just the tip of the iceberg. following anina down into the ships hold, they navigated through metal passages, passed through more than ten metal gates, and arrived at a spacious chamber, roughly the size of two basketball courts. the walls were all made of hard metal, and there was a metal door at the top that could be opened. this should be where ernesto had hoisted the cargo. cargo crates with numbers painted on them were secured to the floor, including an empty crate labeled no. 7. at a glance, there are more than a dozen of these large and small crates. ji chen didnt plan to open them here. he could do it later when they returned to the crown of the ocean. following a captured gnome as their guide, they arrived at another cargo hold located at the stern of the ship. this hold was even larger and served as a storage area for ordinary goods. in addition to trading rare items, gnomes also traded in common goods like ordinary merchants. due to the return voyage, a large quantity of goods had been stored here, packed in wooden crates of equal size. the crates were stacked one on top of another, completely filling the entire cargo hold. ji chen turned to the guiding gnome and asked, what are these goods? the gnome who was asked trembled and replied fearfully, reporting to the lord, these goods are partly high-quality silk and fabric. they were specially purchased by the lord consul for sale to the human nobles in the western continent. theres also some fine wine from the eastern continent, intended for sale to human nobles as well. they are highly sought after by these two groups. wine was a commodity that always had a market wherever it went. unfortunately, the crown of the ocean was not an ideal place for winemaking, lacking the necessary environment, skilled personnel, and infrastructure. in addition to these, there are some more unusual goods slaves. upon hearing this, ji chens expression became serious. where are they? take me to see. in order to avoid port inspections and escape, they are hidden in a secret compartment connected to this cargo hold guided by the gnome, ji chen and his group arrived at a section of the metal wall at the back of the cargo hold. after moving a row of heavy wooden crates, they saw a metal door locked with iron chains. because these slaves are somewhat special and very valuable, only consul lord has the key with a resounding clang, anina directly broke the chain with her greatsword. the gnome: under his instruction, two naga berserkers stepped forward and pushed open the metal door, revealing the interior. when they saw the slaves imprisoned in the cages, even alice and anina couldnt help but show surprised expressions. ji chen looked at them with narrowed eyes. he needed someone to tell him the definition of surprise.. Chapter 273 - Chapter 273: Elven Slaves, Return, Request for Thotmudo chapter 273: elven slaves, return, request for thotmudo translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the cargo hold in front of him was the size of two basketball courts, yet it only contained five cages. inside these cages contained two or three slaves each. their expressions were different from ordinary humans, and their distinct pointed ears clearly revealed their identity. these individuals referred to as slaves were, in fact, elves, and what made it even more remarkable was that they were all female elves! ji chen squinted his eyes and sighed inwardly. while ernesto claimed to fear the elves, he dared to personally engage in the trafficking of elves in secret. he truly lived up to the reputation of gnomes who were inconsistent in their actions, even daring to engage in such high-risk business. undoubtedly, the elves, who inherited and developed numerous technologies like alchemy, enchantments, forging techniques, advanced combat skills, and more, were a formidable force in this world. their formidable national strength and military power were enough to deter the covetous intentions of most petty individuals. but precisely because of this, the underground elf slave hunting teams and smuggling operations were incessant. the more the elves struck out against them, the more difficult it was to sever this sinful business. one of the main reasons for this was the elves ethereal beauty as if they were carved by the gods themselves, and their extremely long lifespans. this fact was exemplified by elin. their exquisite appearance and their long lives initially bestowed upon the elves a value comparable to that of dragons. consider this, each dragon was a formidable force, wielding the immense power to obliterate an entire human city. yet, even so, countless human heroes still emerged among their kind, seeking to find and slay dragons, appending the prefix of dragon slayer to their names. for fame, for the materials found in the dragons body, or to bathe in dragon blood and become stronger. greed, the desire for wealth, the urge to conquer, and other desires provided humans with powerful motives to hunt dragons. this aspect was somewhat analogous to the pursuit of elves. hence, the elves strength did not completely eliminate the desires of humans. but was it more difficult to capture an elf than to slay a dragon? clearly, the former is simpler. ironically, the elves strength only fueled even stronger, uncontrollable desires in humans. their power, beauty, and haughty demeanor further fueled the humans insatiable lust for conquest. if one possessed an elven slave or servant, what an esteemed position that would be! the stronger they were, the more intense their desire became. this paralleled the situation with dragons; just as warriors aimed to become dragon slayers, they also harbored dreams of taming a dragon as their mount. however, there was a difference when it came to elves, especially female elves. within the desire for conquest lay unabashed sexual desires, and within those desires, there was a significant amount of vanity. even though the elves repeatedly emphasized and combated the capture of elves, the underground trade of capturing elves continued unabated. these dealings were intricately connected to the human nobility and those in power, to the extent that the demand originated from them. as confirmed by certain players inquiries, in some secret slave auctions, the auction price for a single elven maiden was equivalent to a years worth of tax revenue for a town, and it was considered priceless. it was no wonder ernesto was willing to take such risks and capture over a dozen elves. lord, it appears that these elves are not in the best condition. ji chen acknowledged, observing the cages containing over ten elven maidens. they seemed somewhat weakened, their bodies bearing bruises and clad in scanty clothing. most likely the aftermath of his previous assault on the gnomes merchant ship with a tsunami. Chapter 274 - Chapter 274: Elven Slaves, Return, Request for Thotmudo (2) chapter 274: elven slaves, return, request for thotmudo (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation your situation has come to my attention. as victims of the elven trafficking trade, you deserve freedom. however, it wont be immediate. you will need to stay in my territory for a period, and a ship will transport you back to the elven gathering place. do you understand? ji chen glanced at the elves, their expressions ranging from astonishment to disbelief. he didnt say anything further. after instructing anina to stay and take them to the deck, he left the area. these elven maidens were indeed beautiful, with skin as fair as snow and features akin to finely carved jade. their delicate bodies, barely covered by thin clothing, only made them appear more vulnerable after enduring persecution. however, ji chen, being who he was, had no special thoughts about them. seeing ji chen leave after speaking, the elves, with various expressions of surprise or incredulity on their faces, glanced at one another. one slightly older elf bit her lip and stepped out of the cage. sisters, no matter what, lets go out and see the situation first. hearing this, the other elves nodded in agreement. locked in such a small space for so long, they had long grown weary. it would be a relief to get some fresh air on the deck. following the young woman named anina, they walked out of the cargo hold and onto the deck, where a strong smell of blood immediately assaulted their senses. as they looked around, their faces turned pale. the deck was a mess, littered with the lifeless bodies of gnomes. blood stained the floor and walls, so thick that even the sea breeze couldnt disperse the smell. and by the ships side, the gnome leader who had orchestrated their capture, with a dozen or so bloody holes in his chest, lay dead. this scene resembled the aftermath of a fierce battle. witnessing this, the elves started to believe what the human man had told them earlier. amid their complex emotions, the gnomish merchant ship set sail once more. despite significant damage to its propulsion system, the ships speed had not diminished much, and by the third day, it returned to the new moon islands. amid the astonishment of the residents of the crown of the ocean, gnomes in shackles marched through the crowd in orderly fashion. but what surprised them even more was that behind the gnomes, there were more than a dozen pointed-eared elves. elves were not entirely unfamiliar to them. some time ago, they had encountered a charming elven lady who had toured the new moon islands, and she had been very friendly with them. good heavens! this is the first time ive seen so many elves! they all have those pointy ears, just like miss elin. are all elves as beautiful as they are? theyre even more beautiful than widow jennifer next door! tch, no matter how pretty they are, are they as gorgeous as miss alice? hehe, thats true. miss alice is the most beautiful in the crown of the ocean! the elves walking behind naturally heard the human residents curious gazes and discussions. at the same time, they couldnt help but become curious about the mentioned miss elin. were they not the first batch of elves to arrive on this island? had other elves visited before? the gnomish captives and the elves got separated on their way to the lords castle. the gnomes were escorted to a specially constructed prison, awaiting ji chens judgment, while the elves were taken to a reception building where they were treated to delicious food and drink. after all, he was somewhat familiar with elin, and in the future, there would be more interactions with the elven people. rescuing these elves could be seen as an effort to improve relations with the elves. as ji chen had mentioned earlier, these elves would stay in the crown of the ocean for a while until raymond and the others returned. then they would be sent to the northern continent together. once the elves were settled, ji chen proceeded to the blacksmiths shop. the dwarf hero thotmudo, with a few drinks of the crown of the oceans rare liquor in him, was hammering away at his work. thotmudo was unquestionably a legendary blacksmith. when he wasnt teaching forging techniques, he had devoted his spare time to extensive research on the ruins guardians. now, his focus had shifted from the ruins guardians to the ocean guardians. seeing ji chen approach, thotmudo paused his work and said in a slightly intoxicated manner, human lad, what brings you here? dont tell me youve gathered some materials and want me to craft a treasure for you? thotmudo had stated that he would craft a treasure as long as there were materials, which was one of the conditions for rescuing him from kriegs cage. master thotmudo, im not here for that this time. not for that? thotmudo, a bit tipsy, thought for a moment, then suddenly brightened up. could it be that youve brought me some fine ale? ji chens mouth twitched. this drunkard. thats not it either. the dwarf sighed, his intoxication evident. then it must be some troublesome matter. since ive shared your ale and youve let me research the alchemy guardians, 1 can help you with some minor issues. so, tell me, what is it? master thotmudo, 1 recall that you have some knowledge of alchemical techniques, dont you? at these words, thotmudo became instantly alert. you want me to teach you alchemical techniques? we never discussed this as part of our arrangement! forget about it; its impossible! i dont even have the facilities! the dwarf refused three times in a row. ji chen sighed. its not about that. then what is it? speak quickly! dont waste my time! thotmudo exhaled and said impatiently. its like this: ive captured a gnomish alchemical merchant ship, and 1 want you what? youve captured a gnomish alchemical merchant ship!? ji chen was interrupted by thotmudo, who shouted at him with eyes of disbelief. thats right, it happened earlier ji chen briefly described the incident of seizing the ship. right now, its anchored in the harbor. if you dont believe it, you can go see it for yourself. seeing ji chens sincere expression, thotmudo began to believe it to some extent and sighed. you human lad, you sure have some luck! youve managed to capture such a well-preserved gnomish alchemical merchant ship. when it comes to pure alchemical and mechanical technology, the gnome races expertise is undoubtedly the best. 1 cant tell you how many other races would love to get their hands on an intact gnomish alchemical merchant ship for research. every gnomish alchemical merchant ship is a technological marvel, containing numerous unique techniques. just the gnomes large-caliber alchemical cannons alone are enough to make even us dwarves envious. ji chen nodded in agreement. the alchemical cannons on the gnome merchant ships were indeed formidable. if used in ordinary warfare, they would be a true reaper of life. according to his estimate, the firepower of these alchemical cannons was comparable to the 6iomm naval guns on earth, which were incredibly powerful. in the previous battle, if it werent for the fact that the crown of the oceans forces had submerged deep into the sea to evade most of the bombardment in advance, they would have suffered significant damage from these gnome cannons. alright, do you mean you want me to help you open those locked crates? thats correct. i dare not risk damaging them myself because there might be self-destructing devices inside these crates. during the negotiations with ernesto, it had been mentioned that the crates had multiple layers of protection and would automatically detonate if violently tampered with. after all, ernesto was a cunning gnome, and ji chen couldnt be sure whether this information was true or not. to be cautious, it was better to have thotmudo take a look. thotmudo stroked his beard. this isnt too difficult. among the alchemical techniques ive mastered, theres a method for bypassing these gnome devices. but its better if you take me there right now. 1 dont know if the gnome technology has advanced or changed over the centuries. upon hearing this, ji chen nodded and led him to the gnome merchant ship. under the sunlight, the somewhat damaged gnome merchant ship still stood majestically, easily overshadowing the wooden warships on either side.. Chapter 275 - Chapter 275: The Might of the Tyrant Azure Dragon, a Familiar Figure chapter 275: the might of the tyrant azure dragon, a familiar figure translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the gnomish merchant ship and the wooden warships stood side by side in the port like vessels from different eras, creating a striking visual contrast. in one part of the harbor, the military had cordoned off an area and placed over a dozen metal crates there. thotmudo walked up and began to look around around with a serious expression. after a while, he turned around and said, it seems that the gnomes havent made much progress in this regard over the past few thousand years. human lad, i can try to open these crates for you, but you need to place them in a location without anyone else around. if something goes wrong, it could destroy this place. it appeared that thotmudo wasnt absolutely certain about his ability to unlock the gnomish crates, as he was more skilled in forging weapons than in alchemical technology. ji chen nodded and called all the murloc rangers. these creatures, several meters long and weighing several tons each, had enough strength and endurance to haul these metal lumps. soon, with a thunderous noise, forty to fifty lizard-like murloc rangers appeared at the harbor and securely connected them to the crates, placing round logs underneath them. clearing a path through the woods, they transported the crates to a clearing far from the crown of the ocean, where they were placed separately. seeing this, thotmudo wasted no time and began his work of deciphering. first, he began by cracking open the already empty number 7 cargo crate. everything inside this crate had been extorted by ji chen before, so there was nothing left inside. it was the perfect opportunity for thotmudo to practice his skills. as thotmudo initiated the decryption process, everyone retreated a hundred meters away. while the explosion of the crate might not harm thotmudo, an epic-level hero, it could certainly be fatal to the soldiers of the crown of the ocean. on the vast empty ground, only thotmudo was busy at work. one hour later under a makeshift sunshade, ji chen lay on alices thighs with an utterly bored expression, enjoying her kneading and massaging. suddenly, he heard a noise coming from thotmudo1 s direction. human lad, ive successfully opened this empty crate. ji chen promptly got up and walked over to see that the number 7 crate had been opened, revealing four empty cabinets inside, and there was no sign of it being rigged to explode. thotmudo, you truly are a master of your craft. you live up to your legendary status as a dwarven blacksmith! hearing this, the straightforward thotmudo couldnt help but stroke his beard and laughed heartily. of course, this is nothing for me. ji chen chuckled inwardly, knowing that dwarves were easier to deal with than elves. a few kind words could make them happy. well, in that case, please, thotmudo, open the rest of the crates. sure thing, but after i open them, youll have to get me a few bottles of good wine. the ones from before are almost gone. naturally, as soon as theyre all opened, the wine will be delivered straight to your hands! for the mere cost of a few bottles of wine, he managed to enlist rhe services of an epic-level dwarf hero. ji chen couldnt help but feel a slight sense of pride and vanity about it. calculating based on the time it took to open crate number 7, it would take at least a day or two to unlock all the crates. however, ji chen wasnt in a hurry for this time. returning to the crown of the ocean, he went to rhe lobster rider recruitment camp by rhe sea and rook out the tyrant azure dragon recruitment camp core from his backpack, using it. as rhe seawater churned violently, a stepped pyramid over twenty meters high and the size of three baskerball courts suddenly arched up from underwater, becoming the most conspicuous structure near the coast. wow, this 5-tier recruitment camp is truly something to behold. if the 6 and 7-tier camps require even more space, wouldnt they be on par with a small territory? as ji chen looked up, he observed that the stepped pyramid was crafted from enormous, weathered stones adorned with seaweed, coral, and various underwater flora. it exuded an ancient and profound presence. (azure dragon pyramid] [tier]: 5th tier, 5 stars [recruitable unit type]: tyrant azure dragon (5th tier, 5 stars) [weekly recruitment limit]: 3 [current recruitment availability]: 3 [recruitment cost]: 800 units of crystal, 800 units of mithril, 800 units of orichalcum, 800 units of iron [click to recruit] ji chen was slightly surprised. recruiting just one of these required thousands of rare resources, and you could only recruit three per week. the slots were extremely limited, truly befitting a 5th-tier unit. while it was costly, he believed it was worth it. after experiencing the skeleton ruins, ji chen witnessed the power of the 5th-tier skeleton wyvern, which, with a simple breath, could melt dozens of 4th-tier units. the tyrant azure dragon, a 5th-tier unit with a higher tier and 5 stars, was bound to be even more formidable. without a moments hesitation, he used up the available recruitment slots for the week. recruit! ding- consuming 2,400 units of crystal, mithril, orichalcum, and iron, recruiting 3 units of tyrant azure dragons (5th tier, 5 stars). several rare resources decreased significantly, causing ji chens eyebrows to twitch slightly. fortunately, he had acquired a considerable amount of rare resources before heading out to sea, and he had discovered numerous resource points in the underground lizardman world. therefore, the crown of the oceans current reserves were still quite sufficient. considering the consumption of recruiting tyrant azure dragons, they could last at least a month. the instant he activated the recruitment burton, the azure dragon pyramid rumbled to life. its central section split open, unveiling a creature stretching over thirty meters in length. it bore a resemblance to a colossal lizard with blood-red eyes, an enormous serrated mouth resembling a shredder, and a robust, muscular tail that made up half of its body. each swing of its tail churned up substantial amounts of foam.. Chapter 276 - Chapter 276: The Might of the Tyrant Azure Dragon, a Familiar Figure (2) chapter 276: the might of the tyrant azure dragon, a familiar figure (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation this creature was a genuine sea monster, with every aspect of its body and organs seemingly designed for one purpose: destruction. even just its presence, floating on the waters surface, exerted tremendous pressure on anyone who encountered it. one, two, three the golden pyramid only began to close once the three tyrant azure dragons were positioned in front of it. as ji chen gazed upon these three creatures, he couldnt help but believe that the resources invested in them were truly worthwhile! leaving aside their strength, just their size and appearance alone were enough to be intimidating. with this, the crown of the ocean had a high-end combat unit. ji chens excitement grew as he thought about testing the power of these tyrant azure dragons. he promptly approached the head of one of the dragons, manipulating the seawater to create a watertight shield around it. with a simple gesture, he ordered them to submerge into the water. as soon as they were fully submerged, the seemingly short and thick fin limbs on the sides of the tyrant azure dragons erupted with tremendous strength. with just a gentle stroke, their entire bodies leaped forward. their tails, which accounted for almost half of their body length, perfectly matched the swimming style of fish, providing a second source of propulsion, much like a crocodile wagging its tail. wherever they went, all the fish and low-level monsters were frightened and scattered in all directions by the enormous bodies and imposing presence of the tyrant azure dragons. some even trembled in place, afraid to move. ji chen just glanced at them casually and ordered the tyrant azure dragons to continue swimming. these low-level monsters werent worth his time. in just a few minutes, they had already traveled dozens of kilometers and could see the boundary of the stormy sea in the distance. in the shallower regions of the stormy sea, following the daily sweeps and patrols by the ocean crowns forces, high-level and prominent monsters had mostly vanished. they were either defeated, driven off, or retreated to the deeper sea to survive. after some consideration, he commanded the tyrant azure dragons to continue swimming toward the outer part of the sea. outside the stormy sea, the density and strength of monsters were still quite high. at the very least, they were all above the second tier, and there were also quite a few third and fourth-tier creatures. after only a short time, ji chen saw a group of fish monsters swimming towards them from not far away. [toothfish fiends] [race]: toothfish [tier]: third tier, 3 stars [level]: 15 [skills]: n/a [mutated toothfish with a strong desire for group combat] these mutated toothfish fiends are relatively common in the nearby waters, much like marching ants on land, with thousands and even tens of thousands appearing each time. although their tier isnt high, their sheer numbers deter many higher-tier monsters from approaching. they typically dont attack large floating objects like ships, but when it comes to aquatic creatures, they show no mercy and have a strong inclination to attack. at this moment, tens of thousands of toothfish fiends gathered closely together, their mouths filled with fine, sharp teeth, moving vigorously toward their prey. any other fish or creatures that couldnt escape in time were swarmed by them, leaving only bones behind. at this moment, they saw three exceptionally enormous fish appearing in front of them, swimming directly towards them, and couldnt help but get excited. such a large prey would be enough to satisfy their entire group. suddenly, the school of toothfish fiends accelerated, charging towards their prey. ji chen watched as this group of toothfish fiends didnt flee but instead rushed towards them. instead of feeling alarmed, he was rather pleased. tyrant azure dragon, take them down. with a command, the three enraged azure dragons also accelerated. when they were only a hundred meters away from the enemy, they opened their huge mouths and spewed out a frosty blue breath. [skill]: icy breath (red-tier skill, capable of spraying icy breath that inflicts massive damage to the enemys physical and spiritual aspects) the three streams of icy breath spread in the water like spreading paint, rapidly freezing the seawater in a fan-shaped pattern. the approaching toothfish fiend group was frozen in ice, forming a conical iceberg that slowly sank into the deep sea. ding- your army has killed a group of toothfish fiends (third tier, 3 stars), gaining 4,800 experience points. ding- your army: tyrant azure dragon has gained 5,800 experience points. due to the tier and level suppression, killing so many toothfish fiends only yielded a negligible amount of experience. but ji chen was still very happy. the performance of the tyrant azure dragon exceeded his expectations. with just a breath, it killed tens of thousands of toothfish fiends. the destructive power displayed by these three tyrant azure dragons was even higher than that of all the other troops under the crown of the ocean combined. in high spirits, he continued to search for more sea creatures. wherever they went, the sea creatures were either frozen into icebergs or torn apart and devoured by the gaping maws of the dragons. it wasnt until he had his fill of killing that he planned to return. when he turned around, he was somewhat astonished. unconsciously, they had already moved quite a distance from the stormy sea, almost ten nautical miles away. ji chen slapped his head; it seemed he had left alice and the others waiting at the port. with a wave of his hand, he began urging the tyrant azure dragons to return. perched atop the mighty azure dragons wide back, he was surrounded by a water-repelling shield, which shielded him from the waters pressure and the turbulence caused by their movement through it. this was something he could achieve only after his spell control had reached a new level. watching the bubbles created by the rapid movement outside, he began to consider whether he should build a small house on the back of the azure dragon. this way, he could ride around on it, looking impressive and dignified. while others built small pavilions on the backs of dragons, he could do the same on the tyrant azure dragon, which still had the word dragon in its name. perhaps in this fantastical world, the azure dragon was indeed a branch of some kind of dragon evolution. just as ji chen had made up his mind to go back and instruct craftsmen to design a small house, he suddenly sensed a group of lowly sea murlocs attacking a three-masted warship in the distance. the number of sea murlocs reached over a thousand, and they were climbing up one after another, attempting to board the ship. however, the person commanding the ship was very organized. with a relatively small number of soldiers, they managed to keep the sea murlocs at bay below the ships railing, killing and injuring countless of them. out of curiosity, ji chen floated up to the seas surface from a distance and looked over. it seemed to be a ship belonging to a lord? he felt that this group of sea murlocs shouldnt be able to breach the ships defenses. ji chen decided to quietly slip away into the sea. however, at this moment, he suddenly saw a familiar figure on the ship? he took a closer look. wasnt that i_love_black_stockings? how could she be here!? although he was quite surprised, his relationship with i_love_black_stockings was decent, so he couldnt just stand by and do nothing. immediately, he sent one of the tyrant azure dragons over to deal with the sea murlocs, instructing it not to harm l_love_black_stockings ship. team three, hold the line and wield your weapons. stab these stupid sea murlocs down! team six, replace team two, and come back to heal! mage team, conserve your mana and focus your spells in the densely packed areas of the enemy! try to inflict maximum damage on these ugly creatures! l_love_black_stockings directed her crew while occasionally uttering some words with an elegant tone. seeing the various teams orderly defending against the murlocs, she breathed a sigh of relief. she glanced at the chat window with the big boss islander but saw that there was still no reply, which made her sigh. considering the risks she had taken to cross the ocean for this visit, it would be comical if she couldnt even get through the gates of the territory. along with her sighs came worries. the big boss islander had previously invited her, so he should have seen the messages she sent but looking at the current situation, with no response for such a long time, could it be that something had gone wrong? thinking about it, l_love_black_stockings heart tightened, and she dared not think any further. if even a powerhouse of the big boss islanders level had encountered an accident, that would be an extraordinary situation.. Chapter 277 - Chapter 277: Building Trade Routes, Flexing Muscles chapter 277: building trade routes, flexing muscles translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation at this moment, i_love_black_stockings suddenly heard a strange sound. turning her head, her pupils shrank to their limits. a kraken!? ah no, a fearsome tyrant azure dragon burst out of the sea with a resounding crash, its mouth large enough to swallow a ship whole, and it exhaled an extremely cold breath. crap!? where did this thing come from? am i about to die? as she looked at the surging breath coming towards her, l_love_black_ stockings felt a sense of despair and instinctively closed her eyes. in her mind, memories began to flash before her eyes. but after a long while, she didnt feel the freezing sensation she expected. she couldnt help but open her eyes in confusion. she was startled immediately. the tyrant azure dragon was just a few meters away from her, its blood-red eyes devoid of any emotion, and from its slightly open mouth, a scent of blood and coldness emanated. *gulp* l_love_black_stockings stared, her expression frozen, swallowing nervously and not daring to move. not only her, but the other soldiers also didnt dare to move. they had witnessed this giant freeze the attacking murlocs with a single breath, turning them into ice lumps, and then devouring them along with the ice. come back, dont scare the guests. at this moment, a voice suddenly sounded, and the tyrant azure dragon slowly retreated. l_love_black_stockings couldnt help but breathe a sigh of relief, then suddenly realized that the voice from earlier sounded so familiar. she then looked towards a nearby spot. the islander was standing on the head of another tyrant azure dragon, slowly approaching her ship with a smile on his face. big boss, youre finally here! i almost thought i was done for here wait, are these tyrant azure dragons yours!? seeing the shock on i_love_black_stockings face, ji chen smiled and said, why, cant these tyrant azure dragons be mine? its not that, im just a bit surprised. l_love_black_stockings felt a bit embarrassed and awkwardly scratched her head. ji chen didnt continue on this topic and instead asked the question that concerned him the most. how did you end up here? its quite a few days journey from king kong island. at these words, i_love_black_stockings face froze. big boss, didnt 1 ask you about this before? you said that once i arrived outside the stormy sea, 1 should send you a message, but you didnt respond. ?? now ji chen was stumped. he casually opened the chat channel and saw the chat history with i_love_black_stockings. the date displayed was five days ago in the evening. ji chen remembered that on that night, l_love_black_stockings had indeed sent him a message, and he had agreed and provided a rough address. what was he doing five days ago? well, playing cards with alice. he probably got busy with something and forgot about it. now it was a bit awkward. ahem, it might be that 1 was too busy and didnt notice the message. no worries, im actually heading back now, so ill take you inside with me. uh, inside? thats right. ji chen pointed to the stormy sea area surrounded by storms in the distance. my territory is in there. l_love_black_stockings looked terrified. with such a terrifying storm, wouldnt her ship be destroyed in minutes!? moreover, she didnt expect that the islanders territory was inside the forbidden sea C the stormy sea area with a natural protective barrier. this was really impressive! he deserved to be a big shot, always standing out from the crowd! with ji chens personal guidance, l_love_black_stockings and her group successfully passed through the storm and entered the inner sea area. unlike the outer sea area with its howling storms, the inner sea was calm and sunny, with the sea and sky meeting harmoniously. it was teeming with life and looked vibrant. big boss, your place is truly a paradise. its much better than the area around king kong island. seeing this peaceful scene, i_love_black_stockings couldnt help but express her envy. not bad? its just so-so, seeing it every day can get a bit boring. theres nothing special here, its just that we have a year-round mild climate, no tsunamis or heavy storms, and slightly more resources, ji chen replied casually, pretending to be nonchalant. i_love_black_stockings face darkened. hey, one shouldnt take advantage and show off like this, even if youre a big shot! soon, when she saw the picturesque new moon islands arranged like a half-moon, her admiration grew. then, upon seeing the bustling port and various buildings on the island, her mindset shifted once again, from admiration to jealousy. why was the gap between people so vast? not only did they have a formidable army, but they also had territory development that was on par with it. big boss, big boss, whats that pyramid-like structure over there? it looks like some ancient relic! oh, thats my tier 5 unit recruitment camp. it does look a bit like that. i_love_black_stockings fell silent, her heart aching as she looked at her own highest-tier units, which were only tier 3. and what about that tower-like structure standing on the cliff? thats the five-star defense building, elemental arrow tower. its range can cover the nearby sea surface for protection. uh and what about that building under construction? its also a five-star defense building, the alchemy death cannon. it has slightly higher range and damage compared to the elemental arrow tower. i_love_black_stockings exclaimed in amazement continuously, just like someone entering a grand garden for the first time. the harbor, stone square, residential villa area, sea rice paddy fields, rows of unit recruitment camps, various advanced buildings C all of this made her open her eyes wide in astonishment.. Chapter 278 - Chapter 278: Building Trade Routes, Flexing Muscles (2) chapter 278: building trade routes, flexing muscles (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation in a setting where various races like humans, lizardmen, kobolds, half-orcs, and sea clans coexist, it left her greatly surprised. especially when she laid eyes on over a dozen unbelievably beautiful elves, envy and jealousy gnawed at her, almost breaking her teeth. darn it! even the dreams of otaku boys and girls found fulfillment here, complete with stunning big sister elves! what else could be missing for someone of his stature? as they progressed further, i_love_black_ stockings felt utterly numbed, like being under complete anesthesia. big boss, just lay it ail out at once; my heart cant take much more. at this moment, ji chen, who had been acting as her guide, turned around and smiled as he asked, i heard youve become one of the representatives of the king kong island players alliance? just a moment ago, he had checked the forums and learned that not long ago, king kong island had formed a player alliance to manage the islands affairs. among them, the ten most powerful players were elected as representatives, and i_love_black_stockings happened to be one of them. upon hearing this, i_love_black_stockings face lit up. exactly. not long after your last visit, we established a player alliance on king kong island to manage unnecessary conflicts, decrease internal disputes, and redirect our attention beyond the island. thanks to the string of successes we had previously, i utilized the significant gold and resources i had acquired to grow significantly stronger, eventually becoming one of the top players on kong island. and its also thanks to the trade event you organized that i gained some popularity among the players on king kong island, so as she said this, ji chen had already understood the situation. last time, when he silently allowed i_love_black_stockings to collect ticket fees for the player trade event, it naturally made the players on king kong island think he was supporting her. therefore, everyone gave their respect and elected her as one of the representatives. putting together i_love_black_stockings words, he came to the realization that her visit this time wasnt just a casual one thinking this, ji chen remained composed and led her to the lords castle. in a side hall. ji chen sat at the head of a long table, while i_love_black_stockings sat on the left side. their respective heroes stood on both sides. in the somewhat subdued setting, the long table with its medieval design, the tall-backed chairs, the flickering candles illuminating the table, and the heroes positioned on either side immediately established a solemn ambiance. seeing ji chen silently looking at her, i_love_black_stockings also couldnt help but become serious. without much hesitation, she suddenly stood up. big boss, its been a while since 1 used my forum name to address you. it doesnt feel very polite, so let me formally introduce myself. my real name is jiang xueqing. as time passed in this world where players mysteriously couldnt log out and were trapped, coupled with a system that was game-like and allowed for disguised names in the chat system, a unique cultural phenomenon evolved among the players. in general, players usually address each other by their forum usernames rather than their real names. only players with relatively good relationships and trust will share their real names. since i_love_black_stockings willingly shared her real name with ji chen, it indicates a relatively high level of trust and approval towards him. jiang xueqing, ji chen repeated to himself a few times and then looked up, alright, ive remembered your name. my real name is ji chen. i_love_black_stockings face brightened up. the fact that ji chen also voluntarily shared his real name implied that he might be starting to acknowledge her. thinking about it brought her a bit of joy. please have a seat. dont just stand there smiling like a fool you must have something else to discuss on your visit to my territory, ji chen went straight to the point. i_love_black_stockings quickly adjusted her expression and sat down somewhat awkwardly. big boss ji chen, you truly have sharp insight. you immediately discerned my intentions! well, here it is: ive come as a representative of the king kong island player alliance. whats the request? players hope to establish a long-term trade route between king kong island and your crown of the ocean. a trade route? that sounds intriguing. ji chen nodded, signaling her to continue. well, you know that king kong island was initially quite closed off. in the early days, players fought to the death for limited resources, resulting in more grudges and internal conflicts than actual gains. however, with the ongoing process of opening up, establishing external trade routes to import the resources required for player development has become a necessary decision. therefore, i came here as a representative to ask if big boss ji chen has any intention of building this route with us. i see ji chen paused. this idea was rather interesting. creating a player alliance to avoid excessive conflict and sustain it by importing resources was a sensible approach. king kong islands players, despite several battle royales, still have a considerable population, relatively concentrated distribution, and thus, a sizeable market. moreover, king kong island was relatively close to the new moon islands compared to other places that require weeks of sailing, which reduces the time cost. if they could export goods and products from the crown of the ocean to king kong island in large quantities, it would be a profitable long-term business. looking at ji chens unchanged expression, i_love_black_stockings began to feel nervous and cautiously asked, big boss ji chen, what are your thoughts on this? this sounds promising, ji chen replied, his gaze steady. but 1 would like a concrete answer. what exactly does king kong island need in terms of goods? whats the proposed trade method? how will the benefits be distributed between the two parties? throwing out three of the most crucial questions in a single sentence. i_love_black_stockings took a moment to consider and then said, food and weapons, these are the two things king kong island needs the most. king kong island might seem large, but the arable land is scarce. moreover, frequent tsunamis, storms in the vicinity, and raids by the native half-orcs often destroy the crops we manage to plant. also, the fish resources in the surrounding waters arent very abundant. so, weve been facing a shortage of food. besides, we have a significant demand for weapons and equipment. there are practically no mineral resources on the island, so we rely mostly on the weapons and equipment that come with recruiting humanoid troops. many of them have suffered serious damage. food and weapons? ji chens thoughts stirred. the crown of the ocean had plenty of these. within the underground realm of the lizardmen, one could find valuable forging materials such as ores, warehouses brimming with weapons and equipment, and the legendary hunger-quelling delicacy known as the fluorescent mushroom. we can supply these things from the crown of the ocean. how much can you supply, and can it be done consistently? i_love_black_stockings asked with some concern. if they could only provide a small amount for a short period, it wouldnt significantly help king kong island. ji chen didnt say much but led l_love_black_stockings to a warehouse complex near the underground caves of the crown of the ocean. hundreds of lizardmen were continuously transporting goods from underground, loading them into the warehouses. when he had them open two of the warehouses, revealing shelves filled with fluorescent mushrooms and various weapons and equipment, i_love_black_stockings was utterly shocked. these two warehouses must have stored at least a hundred thousand units of fluorescent mushrooms and weapons and equipment, right!? is this enough? ji chen asked indifferently. its more than enough. i_love_black_stockings nodded repeatedly. not to mention these two warehouses, there were more than a dozen larger and smaller warehouses in this place, most of them packed with supplies. and the lizardmen were still tirelessly bringing in cartloads of fluorescent mushrooms and weapons and equipment from outside, filling up the vacant warehouses. this was beyond generous! i_love_black_stockings understood that ji chen was flexing his muscles. it seemed like she needed to rethink the trade allocation plan she had originally planned.. Chapter 279 - Chapter 279: The Gap Between People, Setting a Small Goal chapter 279: the gap between people, setting a small goal translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the two returned to the lords castle. i_love_black_stockings confidence waned, and the words she had planned earlier now felt hard to articulate. facing ji chen, who had military, financial, and material advantages, the resource-hungry king kong island didnt have much negotiating power. although she still wondered where so many weapons and food came from, she was wise not to ask. everyone had their own secrets. if this offended ji chen, it would be a loss. big boss, i wonder how much supplies you can deliver to king kong island in a month. after all, no matter how many supplies you have, its useless if transportation cant keep up. you dont have to worry about that. if youre willing to pay promptly, at least forty fully loaded merchant ships will go to king kong island every month, continuously delivering what you need. i_love_black_stockings was about to ask if the crown of the ocean had so many ships available, but seeing ji chens calm demeanor, she wisely kept her mouth shut. since the boss had answered like this, it should be true. so far, she hadnt seen ji chen make empty promises, so she felt reassured. next, ji chen and i_love_black_stockings continued to discuss a series of trade matters. from the pricing of goods to how king kong island would receive the goods. it took half a day in total, and even ji chen, who was now a legendary mage, was mentally and physically exhausted by these discussions. when the conversation finally ended, both sides looked dispirited, almost ready to collapse in their chairs. todays negotiations end here. its getting late, lets go have dinner. i_love_black_stockings nodded. she hadnt eaten for half a day, and after intense negotiations, hunger was creeping up on her. at this moment, the prospect of having a meal brought great joy. ill have to trouble you then, lord ji chen. ji chen looked at i_love_black_stockings, a fellow diner, and smiled knowingly. then he called for wilus. is dinner ready? dont disappoint my guests. wilus, dressed as a butler, made a refined bow. lord, dinner is ready and will surely satisfy our guests. i_love_black_stockings, looking at the well-groomed wilus, asked in a low voice, boss, is he your exclusive butler? wilus is the crown of the oceans minister of internal affairs, responsible for various internal affairs. i_love_black_stockings had already checked secretly. this person named wilus was a hero unit, and he was even a purple rare-tier one. in the crown of the ocean, it was quite intimidating that even an ordinary minister of internal affairs was a purple rare-tier hero. she had already become somewhat immune to surprises. she felt that even if an epic-level hero appeared in front of her the next moment, she wouldnt be surprised anymore. ji chen, accompanied by i_love_black_stockings, transitioned from a side hall to a well-lit grand hall. she couldnt pinpoint when, but the space had transformed into an elegant dining area. long tables were elegantly dressed with white tablecloths, showcasing a delightful array of dishes that were sure to tantalize the taste buds. modest vases and candlesticks added a touch of refinement to the tables. various meats, fruits, vegetables, seafood, grains, fine wines, and desserts were all available. in the grand hall, beautiful maids dressed in maid uniforms shuttled around, constantly replenishing the food, looking as if they wouldnt stop until they had stuffed you full. the appearance of the entire hall resembled a nobles banquet, luxurious and elegant. despite having said it many times before, i_love_black_stockings couldnt help but complain. the gap between people was so great. others had delicious food, with maids in stockings serving them, and dozens of warships at their disposal. in contrast, she had simple meals, rugged and robust men as company, and fishing boats as her companions. sigh! but in the blink of an eye, she put all these thoughts aside, turning her frustration into appetite, and indulged heartily. she was satisfied both in the physical sense of a full stomach and in the mental sense of contentment. eating delicious food while watching beautiful maids in stockings, l_love_ black_stockings felt pretty good. ji chen watched her with a bit of sympathy in her eyes. was the food on king kong island really that bad? flow could they starve this poor child like that? after dinner, i_love_black_stockings and her companions returned to the luxurious villas prepared for them. the next day. after breakfast. ji chen and i_love_black_stockings continued their negotiations. when it came to negotiating and discussing the terms and details of the trade, it was the most time-consuming and mentally draining part. ji chen and i_ love_black_stockings represented different sides, with their own interests to pursue. one side represented the crown of the ocean, while the other stood for the player alliance of king kong island. both had their respective interests to fight for. however, ji chen easily took control of the negotiations pace. he calmly stated that king kong island wasnt a necessity for the crown of the ocean, but for king kong island, the crown of the ocean was a lifesaver. upon hearing this, l_love_black_stockings fell into silence. finding a territory that could quickly provide substantial resources to king kong island was no easy task. so far, the crown of the ocean had proven to be the most suitable trading partner, a consensus among the player alliance of king kong island. after finalizing the last item in the trade details during the negotiation, i_love _black_stockings finally breathed a sigh of relief, leaning back in her chair with a bitter smile on her face.. Chapter 280 - Chapter 280: The Gap Between People, Setting a Small Goal (2) chapter 280: the gap between people, setting a small goal (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation big boss ji chen, negotiating with you is quite an exhausting task. 1 almost depleted all my energy 1 consumed after breakfast. but you did get a decent outcome, didnt you? ji chen relaxed his expression and replied with a question. well, thats true, she smiled and suddenly said, big boss, do you know that when you were negotiating with me, your presence was quite intimidating? intimidating? yes, i cant quite describe it exactly it felt like facing a venerable elder in their forties at times, and at other times, it felt like standing in front of a dragon. your aura and pressure almost left me speechless. there was something like this? ji chen pondered for a moment and then realized. it probably had to do with his current appearance. in terms of status, he was the supreme lord of the crown of the ocean, commanding thousands of troops, tens of thousands of residents, and even over a hundred thousand lizardmen. this had unconsciously cultivated an aura of authority, which was evident in his serious demeanor. moreover, in terms of strength, being a tidal dominator was a legendary profession with inherent power. under the influence of all this, he naturally exuded an aura of strength. so, it wasnt surprising that i_love_black_stockings felt this way. ji chen calmly responded, thats not a problem. if we are true friends, then this aura definitely comes from me, and not a dragon. i_love_black_stockings, or rather, jiang xueqing, was slightly taken aback, then looked very serious as she said, big boss ji chen, ill always remind myself to remember your words. she understood that this statement meant she shouldnt forget how ji chen had helped and mentored her, even though she had become one of the leaders of the player alliance of king kong island and had gained some influence. more importantly, it was a reminder not to become arrogant and not to stand against him. otherwise, the consequences would be as if she were facing a dragon, eventually leading to her own destruction. ji chen was quite satisfied with her response and used laughter to ease the tense atmosphere. now that weve settled everything, lets relax a bit. ill take you on a tour around the new moon islands. even that elf said the scenery here is beautiful. that elf? curious in her heart, i_love_black_stockings nodded and said, thank you for your kind offer. after several months of development, the main island of the new moon islands, where the crown of the ocean was located, was now thriving. the jungle had been extensively developed, revealing clearings where various buildings were under constructionresidential houses, warehouses, and workshops for crafting tools and weapons. stone pathways crisscrossed the area, connecting different sections, and the residents moved about energetically, creating a lively atmosphere. if she hadnt seen it with her own eyes, i_love_black_stockings would never have believed that a player could achieve such a level of development at this stagecreating such a bustling territory. however, when she considered that this was ji chens territory, it no longer seemed strange. after all, while others were cautiously exploring near their home territory, ji chen had already embarked on adventurous journeys. his courage and audacity surpassed that of the majority. if ji chen knew what was going on in i_love_black_stockings mind, he would surely smile knowingly. in addition to courage and audacity, a bit of luck was also necessary. of course, the most important factor was having a kind of cheat code. after spending three days on the new moon islands, i_love_black_stockings took her leave. she needed to return to king kong island promptly and deliver the news of the successful negotiations. moreover, her territory couldnt afford her prolonged absences. if she came back late and some other reckless player looted from her, it would be incredibly vexing. l_love_black_stockings departure didnt affect the operation of the crown of the ocean. in the steady pace of development, the dwarven hero thotmudo finally opened all the gnomish crates. upon hearing this news, ji chen immediately went to a corner of the dense jungle. he had just arrived through a small path and saw that over a dozen metal crates were already open. dwarf thotmudo was lying in the shade, leisurely drinking wine. seeing ji chen, he called out in a casual manner, human kid, ive opened them all. wheres my fine wine!? ji chen was in a great mood and replied, of course, 111 fulfill my promise. ill bring the wine to you right away! in just over ten minutes, more than ten barrels of fine wine were delivered. even the sealed oak barrels couldnt contain the scent, which instantly made the dwarf, a wine connoisseur, light up. he exhibited an agility that belied his size, rushed forward, and pulled out one of the barrels plugs. he took a deep breath, his face intoxicated, then raised the wine barrel and drank it down, gulp after gulp. he had drunk nearly half of the quantity before he sighed contentedly. delicious! human kid, youre not bad at all. this wine is really good! it rivals the quality of half the wine i used to drink. although he didnt know what kind of wine it was, a legendary-tier hero wouldnt be drinking ordinary wine. if your excellency were to stay here, we can provide this kind of wine in unlimited supply! if it were in the past, thotmudo would have loudly praised ji chens generosity and downed the remaining wine in one go. but this time, the dwarven hero didnt follow up with that. instead, he slowly put down the wine barrel, his expression becoming somewhat serious. kid, i might have to leave here for a while in a few days. upon hearing this, ji chens smile slowly disappeared, and he remained silent for a moment before asking, are you going to the mainland to see the current state of the dwarves? exactly. even though millennia have gone by, perhaps no dwarves remember me anymore, but im still curious to witness the current state of the dwarven race, fragmented and dispersed as it is now. and i also want to know why the dwarves have split up in the current era. back in my time, although the dwarves werent extremely powerful, we were incredibly united. we built our dwarven homeland, the black iron fortress, and with our formidable forging and mechanical skills, no race dared to underestimate us. even the elves, who arrogantly looked down on other races, had to admit our unity. there must have been some major changes that caused the once united dwarves to lose their homeland and be scattered across the continent. thotmudo looked serious. our agreed-upon promises between us might have to be postponed. after a long pause, ji chen sighed. facing a dwarf who longs for his homeland, how could i stop you? master thotmudo, if you put it that way, 1 can only comply with your wishes and send my blessings. in the next few days, ill prepare a ship to take you to the western continent. the western continent was a place where dwarves appeared more frequently, and it was currently known to be the location of dwarf settlements. hearing this, thotmudos face showed a rare smile. human kid, i knew 1 didnt misjudge you! but you dont need to worry too much. as long as i, thotmudo, am alive, i will definitely return here to fulfill my promise! ji chen sighed again and said, you dont have to sound so confident about it. when you put it that way, it makes me wonder if youre planning to run off on me. would i, thotmudo, ever run away? oh right, ill help you repair the dragon slayer great sword these few days, so you wont lose faith in me! in the following days, thotmudo buried himself in the blacksmiths shop. he used the prepared materials and incorporated them into the broken dragon slayer great sword. using a repair technique that no one in the crown of the ocean could currently understand or learn, he successfully restored it. the repaired dragon slayer great sword was now smooth and flawless, restoring all of its power, and making anina reluctant to part with it. on the day of his departure, thotmudo stood on the ships railing, waving goodbye to ji chen. kid, ill come back to find you after ive finished those things. you better not die, or ill laugh out loud ahem, ill be very sad! ji chen waved his hand without much enthusiasm, watching the ship carrying the dwarf gradually sail away. he didnt try to prevent thotmudo from leaving. forcing someone doesnt yield good results, so letting him go was the right decision. but this parting, who knew when they would meet again? it could be a year, a hundred years, or even a thousand years. or perhaps ji chen would never see him again, even until his old age. after all, thotmudo had already lived for thousands of years, and it didnt seem like a big problem for him to live for thousands more. alright, starting today, ji chen had a simple goal in mind. he would ensure he lived long enough for thotmudo to return and assist him in crafting more treasures! Chapter 281 - Chapter 281: Elves’ Secrets, Arrogance Divides, Sea Heirs Strike chapter 281: elves secrets, arrogance divides, sea heirs strike translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after seeing thotmudo off, ji chen returned to the lords castle and began inspecting the items taken from the gnome chests. naturally, anything that could be locked away in a gnome chest was not ordinary. weapons and equipment, blueprints, elixirs, luxury goods, military recruitment camp cores, and some unrecognizable items were spread out on the table. there were a total of seventy-two pieces. gnomes were indeed swimming in riches! lets not even mention these items for now. just from one chest specifically used to store gold coins, he not only retrieved all the gold coins that ernesto had cheated him out of before but also gained an additional 350,000 gold coins. with this newfound wealth, he now had a total of 1,050,000 gold coins, slightly more than what he obtained from edwards treasure chest earlier. acquiring things for free turned out to be quite a delightful experience. especially when it came to robbing gnomes, he had no qualms at all. suppressing his inner delight, ji chen roughly categorized these items, placing them in different piles based on their types. after tallying everything up, there were fifteen treasures, nine building blueprints, five skill scrolls, twelve elixirs, eight military recruitment camp cores, twenty-one necklaces, luxury items like gems, as well as a bundle of parchment, and a peculiar metallic creation. among these items, he re-evaluated them once more. discarding some of the lower-value and lower-tier items, he selected a portion of items that piqued his interest. after making his selections, ji chen picked out two treasures, two building blueprints, five skill scrolls, two elixirs, the bundle of parchment, and the metallic creation. just as he was contemplating giving these items a closer look, a guard reported from outside. my lord, the elves wish to see you! the elves wanted to see him? the dozen or so elves he had rescued from the gnome merchant ship? ji chen was momentarily stunned. he looked at the pile of items before him, contemplated for a moment, and decided to see what they wanted first. the saying love me, love my dog applied here. after getting to know elin, an epic-level elf hero, he had become quite friendly towards the elves. bring them to the main hall. yes! setting aside his current tasks, ji chen calmly entered the grand hall and took a seat on the lords throne. the elves were soon escorted here and lined up in front of him. looking at these female elves with skin as fair as snow, angelic faces, and devilish figures, ji chen couldnt help but secretly admire how the elves seemed to have it all. they were not only beautiful, but their combat abilities and various skills were also highly advanced. moreover, their lifespans were ridiculously long. even an ordinary elf had a lifespan of at least 500 years or more. for those with some level of strength, their lifespans would increase significantly. elves with a thousand years of life were not uncommon. even the likes of elin, a hag who had lived for thousands of years, could be found among them. in contrast, humans had much shorter lifespans, typically reaching only a hundred years, and even the most robust among them could expect to live for no more than five hundred years, just barely reaching the average lifespan of other races. how could the pitiful human race even compete? as for what was seen in kriegs laboratory, the two or three humans imprisoned there had long lost all signs of life, leaving only lifeless bodies behind. unlike their previously cautious demeanor, these elves now appeared somewhat uneasy. facing ji chen, who sat majestically on the throne, they were momentarily at a loss for words. in the end, it was ji chen who took the initiative to inquire. i heard from the guards that you have something to discuss with me? yes, your excellency, a relatively mature-looking elf stepped forward. we didnt intend to disturb you, and were very grateful. after all, you rescued us from those filthy gnomes, sparing us from certain unimaginable horrors. unimaginable horrors. through information revealed by ernesto and the gnome guide, it was clear that these elves were originally supposed to be transported to the western continent along with the cargo, to be sold to human nobles. therefore, it was easy to connect the dots regarding these unimaginable horrors. 1 understand, no need to dwell on it. after all, i have some connection with your elven race. i came to see you today for this reason! vielya nodded hurriedly and no longer dwelled on the topic. she looked somewhat puzzled as she asked, over the past few days, while staying here, ive heard the residents of the crown of the ocean mention an elf named elin. who is she? has there ever been an elf living here? ji chen smiled and didnt hide anything. elin did indeed stay in the crown of the ocean. we formed a lovely friendship between us. before she left, she even gave me a few gifts and said shed come visit when she had the time. after speaking, he sighed softly. a lovely friendship C referring to the fact that ji chen forced elin to listen to his scheme before he was willing to rescue her. gifts C referring to the products of his scheme. coming to visit C meaning that when ji chen felt he was about to collapse, she would come to his rescue. with these embellished words, it made it seem as if ji chen and elin were truly good friends. clearly, the elves before him were utterly fooled. i see. the elves suddenly realized, and even their gazes towards ji chen became more friendly. they believed that a human who could be good friends with an elf shouldnt be a bad person.. Chapter 282 - Chapter 282: Elves’ Secrets, Arrogance Divides, Sea Heirs Strike (2) chapter 282: elves secrets, arrogance divides, sea heirs strike (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation this undoubtedly coincided with what they had seen and heard in the past few days, matching the impressions formed in their minds. it wasnt until ji chen opened his hand, revealing the void ring gifted by elin, that they fully believed in these words. the ring exuded a strong elven aura, something that only an elf who had worn it for a long time could possess. to be able to give away something elin had worn for so long meant that this person was undoubtedly important to her. the prospect of a romance between a female elf and a young male human held the promise of excitement. the elven race had long ceased to be as reclusive as before, becoming relatively open after establishing the elven empire. as a result, many human-authored books found their way into the elven empire through various channels. those originating from the human world, with titles like mature elf sister x innocent human youth or ignorant elf maiden x righteous human knight, had spread widely among the elven maidens. in just a few seconds, they had concocted a story in their heads about the handsome human lord in front of them and his experiences with an elf named elin. it involved chance encounters, falling in love, but ultimately separating due to societal discrimination. even ji chens sigh, to them, was a manifestation of his deep longing for that elven woman. naturally, ji chen had no idea about the little composition going on in these elven ladies heads. if he did, he would be left speechless. a romance between a young human lad and a millennia-old elf lady? damn, just thinking about it felt strange this should be worth thousands of gold bars by now, dont you think? so, where has this elf named elin gone now? unfortunately, shortly before 1 rescued you, she had to leave here by boat. i have no idea where she went. thats really unfortunate by the way, your excellency, may 1 ask for miss elins full name? her name? it seems to be apocalis? apocalis!? thats a name from the elven royal family! the elves suddenly got excited, exclaiming, but then hesitated, but how could a member of the elven royal family appear in this place? is she a lost member? watching their reaction, ji chen found it a bit strange. if he recalled correctly, apocalis should be elins family name. however, based on their reaction, she was some elven royal family member? at this moment, he suddenly woke up. during his contact with elin, although they seemed quite close on the surface, he actually knew very little about her. he only knew that elin was an epic-tier elven hero, her name, and the reason she was imprisoned. apart from that, ji chen knew almost nothing about her. in retrospect, he had asked elin about more things, but it seemed that every time she had cleverly dodged his questions with her mischievous demeanor and clever words. instead, it was he who had unintentionally revealed some information. ji chens expression turned somewhat unpleasant. it seemed that this millennia-old trickster had outsmarted him. so, elin was from the elven royal family? seeing the change in his expression, the elves gently inquired, your excellency, whats wrong? its nothing, i just remembered something. im very interested in what you mentioned earlier about the elven royal family. though elves were proud, they werent foolish and had their worldly desires. because of ji chens life-saving grace, his good relationship with an elf whom they suspected was part of the elven royal family, and the hundreds of pages of fantasies they had already written in their hearts, the elves explained without much hesitation. the elven royal family, as the name suggests, is the royal lineage of the elves, an even higher status than nobility. they hold a lofty position and serve as leaders of the elven race. each member of the royal family carries the blood of ancient elves, which grants them immense power and potential. every adult member of the royal family possesses absolute strength within the elven race, capable of suppressing entire regions. however, perhaps due to the influence of the ancient bloodline, the birth rate among the royal family is extremely low, even lower than the average among the elves. this results in a very limited number of royal family members, at least much lower compared to the rest of the elves. at this point, the elves shook their heads one after another. were sorry, but thats all we can say. ji chen waved his hand to indicate it was fine. although the information was limited, he had gained some useful insights. now, it was almost certain that elin was a member of the elven royal family, and there was a high likelihood that she was among the upper echelons. of course, this was a no-brainer since she was an epic-tier top-tier hero, which was no small feat even within the powerful elven race. thinking about this, he became optimistic. if elin was indeed a member of the elven royal family, wouldnt it be easy for her to fulfill the promises she had made earlier? as the saying goes, when theres a debtor, theres a creditor. knowing elins affiliation, he could potentially go to the elven empire to collect the debt if she ever tried to evade her promises. your excellency, if miss elin is truly a member of the elven royal family who has been estranged from her homeland, we must report this as soon as possible. after all, every member of the royal family is a precious high-level combat force. you dont need to worry too much. i guess she has already reached the northern continent and may even be on her way back to the elven empire. as for all of you, 1 dont have any extra ships available right now to send you back, but my fleet will return soon. they will bring a batch of goods that were originally intended for trade with your elves and all of you will travel back together to the northern continent. ji chen said this, and they didnt say much more, obediently nodding their heads. in the presence of this lord, their arrogance and disdain toward other races had disappeared without a trace. elves, as a race blessed with good looks, were naturally inclined to appreciate beauty. when it came to races like gnomes, goblins, and half-orcs, which were considered ugly in appearance, elves had always shown strong aversion. they felt that standing next to them contaminated the air. oh yes, its not pleasant to hear, but they were basically beauty enthusiasts. showing arrogance was something selective. as for ji chen, who had good looks, and strength, was gentle and affectionate, had a special relationship with a royal family member, and engaged in trade with the elves, he was like a king among mena feast for the eyes! however, ji chen noticed that the gazes of these elven ladies were gradually becoming unsettling as if they wanted to consume him. wait a minute, arent elves supposed to be proud and aloof? come on, show me your usual indifference! after instructing the guards to escort them back, ji chen let out a sigh of relief and walked to the door to check the sky. unbeknownst to him, the sun had already set behind the western mountains. a faint trace of twilight lingered in the sky. another day was about to end just as he was thinking of enjoying dinner first and then examining the gnomes items that he had acquired, the long-silent warning lighthouse suddenly emitted a piercing alarm. a large number of unidentified enemies have appeared in the northeast waters of the new moon islands!!! we are investigating the enemy is the sea heirs!! ji chen took a deep breath. the sea heirs, an enemy they hadnt seen in a long time, had finally returned he had a premonition in his heart. this time might be the most challenging trial in the history of the crown of the ocean. a single misstep could lead to the annihilation of his entire army, or even the destruction of his territory. approaching the crowd that had become somewhat chaotic, ji chen shouted. everyone, enter a state of alert! all residents, head to the kobold caves and the underground lizardman kingdom for shelter! all troops of the crown of the ocean, prepare for battle! activate all defense structures, enter pre-launch mode, and await my orders! seeing ji chen issue commands and speak with an unprecedented severity, the residents realized that this time was different. without hesitation, they followed his orders and, under the escort of some of the troops, headed for the kobold caves and the underground lizardman kingdom to seek refuge. there, ji chen had already stored a large quantity of food and freshwater in advance, enough to sustain the residents for several months. the once tranquil and peaceful new moon islands had now entered a state of tense preparedness due to the arrival of the sea heirs.. Chapter 283 - Chapter 283: Elves Join the Battle, the Smoke of War chapter 283: elves join the battle, the smoke of war translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation just after leaving the lords castle, the elves witnessed a sudden commotion in the entire crown of the ocean, looking somewhat bewildered. your excellency, whats happening? some evil sea creatures are preparing to attack the crown of the ocean. it might be dangerous to stay here. you should follow the residents to the caves for safety. the elves nodded but didnt leave. instead, they spoke with determination, please let us join the battle! you? ji chen frowned, you are guests; theres no need for guests to fight. one of the elves stepped forward and explained with a salute, your excellency, you rescued us from the gnomes, and we still dont know how to repay you. so, let us fight alongside you this time. though we are young, weve undergone rigorous training within our clan. just provide us with bows and arrows, and we can contribute to the fight! seeing their determination, ji chen couldnt refuse and nodded, saying sternly, i can allow you to join the battle, but you must obey my orders. any disobedience will be treated as insubordination! understood! as the elven women reemerged, they were clad in practical leather armor, wielding robust bows, and had two quivers of arrows slung over their shoulders. additionally, they had a short sword fastened to their waist and a dagger secured to their lower legs. the once delicate elven women had transformed into resolute elven female warriors. [elven rangers] [race]: elves [tier]: fourth tier, 3 stars [skills]: elven archery (purple skill, greatly enhances shooting accuracy, technique, and speed) rapid shot (purple skill, allows rapid consecutive shots of three arrows) hawkeye (purple skill, significantly improves dynamic and static vision) elven swordsmanship (purple skill, enhances melee combat ability) [unit traits]: children of the jungle (attributes increase by 75% in jungle battles, with an additional 50% increase in movement speed and agility, and a significant improvement in stealth) [elven rangers are the backbone of the elven race and their combat abilities in the jungle strike fear into their enemies.] the panel for these elven rangers was quite impressive. being fourth-tier with three stars, their tier was relatively high. when combined with their jungle combat attributes, their overall strength might even surpass that of the naga berserkers. your excellency, the elven squad reports to you! with the situation urgent, ji chen wasted no time and gave his orders, your task is to make use of your advantage in jungle warfare and eliminate any sea heirs entering the jungle! the elves nodded and swiftly disappeared into the jungle. at this moment, the sky guardians were already soaring in the sky, closely monitoring the surrounding seas. the warning lighthouse could detect above the sea surface but couldnt penetrate below to monitor underwater enemies. no one knew how many sea heirs were approaching right now. a large number of ocean guardians, like scattered beans, spread out, forming a web that covered the surrounding seas. this served both for reconnaissance and to slow down the sea heirs advance, allowing the residents of the crown of the ocean to complete their evacuation and find refuge. ji chen suddenly felt a tremor in his body, his expression turning serious. whats wrong, my lord? alice asked in a hushed voice. the ocean guardians positioned to the northwest, west, and southeast of the new moon islands have been destroyed, more than ten of them. as his words fell, the heroes exchanged uneasy glances. before the sea heirs previous attacks had only occurred in the eastern sea, but this time, they simultaneously appeared in multiple directions, suggesting that the sea heirs seemed to have a brain directing them. at this moment, in the depths of a secluded trench at the edge of the stormy sea, a massive fleshy mass with hundreds of tentacles lay silently on the trench floor, its tentacles trembling slightly with the flow of seawater. each tremor conveyed information to a group of sea heirs hundreds of miles away, and the enormous fleshy mass served as the perfect receptor, transmitting the information collected by thousands of sea heirs. childrenattackexterminate humanconsumeevolve! inside the lords manor. aninas expression was extremely serious. this time, there must be a sea heir leader commanding them from behind; otherwise, they couldnt have this kind of intelligence to launch attacks from multiple directions! sea heirs without a leader are just a group of brutes who only know how to rampage, but sea heirs with a leader are the most cunning hunters, significantly increasing the level of danger! during my days of solitary sea exploration, i encountered a sea heir tribe numbering only a few thousand members, led by a sea heir chief. they managed to utterly obliterate a naga tribe, which boasted a population of over a hundred thousand. the entire naga tribe fell victim to the sea heirs, serving as their sustenance. so, your grace, you must stay vigilant and never underestimate this sea heir leader! seeing anina so serious, ji chen also shook his head. theres no need to worry about this. ive already put all our troops on the highest alert. there are patrols and guards on every inch of land on new moon islands. even if we cant defeat the sea heirs, ive also drawn a 4,000-strong army of lizardmen warriors, which should hold them off for quite some time. moreover, anina, with me here, you dont need to be so nervous.. Chapter 284 - Chapter 284: Elves Join the Battle, the Smoke of War (2) chapter 284: elves join the battle, the smoke of war (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation hearing this, the deep sea dragon whale noticed the lords calm demeanor and gradually felt reassured. i understand. after soothing his subordinates emotions, ji chen inquired about the current situation. how are the sea heirs doing now? have they reached the vicinity of the new moon islands? at the moment, we can already see a large number of sea heirs surfacing in the northeast, heading towards the northeastern sub-island, benbo reported, taking a step forward. if the sea heirs intended to attack the crown of the ocean from the northeast, they would first have to conquer the northeastern sub-island and then proceed to land on the beach before attacking the crown of the ocean. however, only a few days ago, the ancient civilization fortress on the northeastern sub-island, which normally took several months to repair, had coincidentally been completely restored. the fortress covered the entire sub-island, with walls over ten meters high. if there were enough troops stationed there, it would be more than capable of holding a significant number of sea heirs at bay. as for the sea area from the east, clockwise to the south, it was firmly controlled by elemental arrow towers and numerous ordinary arrow towers. there was no need to worry too much. if the sea heirs tried to attack from these directions, they would undoubtedly be met with a fierce defense. the northern side consisted of towering, steep mountains and peaks, which were not a cause for concern. the real concerns lay in the west and southwest. to the west of the crown of the ocean was a vast jungle. due to sea rice cultivation, construction, and the density of the jungle, there werent many defensive structures in that direction. however, it was precisely because of this jungle that crossing such a vast and dense terrain would not be an easy task for the sea heirs. a well-organized army skilled in jungle warfare could greatly delay or even eliminate any attackers from the west. on the other hand, the flat sandy beach to the south was a highly suitable direction for an assault. the distance from the crown of the ocean and its core, the lords castle, was only about two to three hundred meters in a straight line. but ji chen had long considered further fortifying the defenses in this direction. therefore, he had previously positioned the construction site of the alchemy death cannon just two hundred meters from the beach, on a hill within the forest. its firing range completely covered the nearby sea. at first glance, it seemed that the current defense situation was quite good. with these thoughts in mind, ji chen made a decisive gesture and issued his orders. benbo, take the dragon blood murlocs and elemental sea pixies to the fortress on the northeastern sub-island and make sure to block the sea heirs in that direction! daro, take the half-orc warriors and a portion of lizardmen warriors to the harbor to assist in the defense. if necessary, have the gnomes manning the alchemy cannons on the gnome merchant ships and the cannons on the triple-masted warships return fire! anina, lead the naga berserkers and some self-detonating water spiders to guard the western jungle and block any sea heirs advancing from the west! finally, alice and i will lead the remaining troops to guard the southern beach! understood! under the leadership of their heroes, the various armies rushed towards their respective directions. a hint of the smoke of war slowly spread across the sky above the new moon islands. under the scorching sun, the once azure sea was now covered in black and white. thousands of sea heirs, under the control of their leaders, moved towards their target. any living being that stood in their way was ruthlessly killed and devoured, their energy fueling the reproduction and evolution of the sea heirs. finally, after a long journey, they saw the islands. all the sea heirs trembled with excitement, waving their tentacles and strange organs. however, it wasnt the sea heirs themselves who were excited but rather their leader. it knew that on these islands, there was an abundant source of food that could sustain their population. moreover, there was a special human there. if they could consume that human, it would undergo an unprecedented evolution, gaining unprecedented power. at that time, the entire ocean would become the hunting ground of the sea heirs! wuu wuu wuu the horn of war sounded. on the northeastern sub-island fortress, the first round of water arrows from the elemental sea pixies flew far and exploded among the sea heir horde. this signaled the beginning of the life-and-death battle between the crown of the ocean and the sea heirs. you might find it hard to imagine what the sea heir armys attack looked like. it was a sight filled with twisted and grotesque bodies and tentacles of various shapes, all crowded together beneath the city walls. their sticky tentacles reached out like a grotesque greeting. in addition to the previously seen deep sea impalers and floating skyriders, there were several other types of sea heirs, but they all had one thing in commontheir appearances were extremely disgusting and twisted. one type looked like a fish with legs, known as terrorfish, with a monstrous gaping mouth that could crawl up the city walls at a fast pace using its bony front legs. another variation featured twisted tentacles below but sported a ring of slender petals on top, allowing them to emit highly corrosive and long-range acid. in the even more distant waters, it seemed that there were other new types of sea heirs, but at this moment, they had not launched an attack; they stood silently. in the sky, the sky guardian faced its first challenge to its dominance of the skies. a squadron of over a hundred floating skyriders was flapping their wings, flying towards it.. Chapter 285 - Chapter 285: Elves Join the Battle, the Smoke of War (3) chapter 285: elves join the battle, the smoke of war (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation compared to the last time they were seen, these floating skyriders seem to have become more slender and streamlined in their physique, with improved flight speed and agility. if the last time they had just emerged from their nests and were just learning to fly, now they have matured to a level where they can start hunting for prey on their own. however, its evident that skyriders of this level are no match for the formidable sky guardians. with just a grab and a peck, several skyriders are killed, and their broken bodies fall from the sky. three sky guardians form a team, using their extremely advanced flying techniques to split the enemy apart and then pick them off one by one. in just a few minutes, this team of skyriders is completely wiped out, meeting their demise on the spot. the sky guardians only make slight adjustments to their formation and then form up to fly towards other battlefields, providing aerial support for their allies. ji chen also witnesses the scene of skyriders being effortlessly dispatched, but there is no joy in his heart. in just a month or two, the sea heirs have evolved once again. whats even more terrifying is that they have completely abandoned the principles of biological evolution and only evolved abilities that benefit them. this makes ji chen wonder, if given enough time and biological templates, will they evolve into beings similar to deities? on the western shore of the main island of the new moon islands, thousands of sea heirs land from the sea. seeing that there are no creatures or enemies here, they dive headlong into the jungle without hesitation. little do they know that within the depths of the forest, an armed group of elves is secretly observing them. when they see the distorted bodies of the sea heirs, their expressions turn grim. for the elves, who are known for their pure beauty, the grotesque appearance of the sea heirs is nothing short of a shock to their sensibilities. my goodness, how can such disgusting creatures exist? i feel like im about to vomit my lunch! is this what lord ji chen referred to as the sea heirs? they are even more repulsive than the vilest snail in the jungle soon, the leading female elven ranger speaks with determination in a low voice. they seem to be heading towards the crown of the ocean. we must intercept them; otherwise, lord ji chen is likely to be ambushed from both sides! sisters, our elven race has risen from a jungle filled with peril. we have become strong not because we love peace or nature, but because we are skilled in combat, which allowed us to carve a path through the treacherous jungle! today, let these repulsive creatures taste the might of our elves. we must not let lord ji chen underestimate us! in an instant, a frigid arrow swiftly flew through the branches and leaves, piercing straight through one of the deep sea impalers. it found its resting place in the tree trunk behind, its tail quivering faintly. in just two breaths, the other deep sea impalers spewed out thorns towards the spot where the arrow had come from, but the sound of them sinking into the trees indicated that they hadnt hit their target. within the forest, the elven team began to discuss quietly once again. it seems that those sea heirs require a precise hit to be killed, and their reactions are extremely agile. we need to pinpoint their weaknesses, strike and retreat immediately, and look for opportunities to strike again. the elven rangers took multiple shots, gradually identifying various weaknesses of the sea heirs. a single arrow could take down one sea heir, and due to the dense jungle, they couldnt effectively counterattack. as a result, the progress of the sea heirs on the western side slowed significantly. meanwhile, the attention of the sea heirs leader seemed to be directed towards another direction. Chapter 287 - Chapter 287: Knights, Charge! Hit the East, Strike the chapter 287: knights, charge! hit the east, strike the west! turning the tide of battle! (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation they hadnt even landed yet, and so many comrades had already been killed and injured. but this was exactly what ji chen wanted, to keep the sea heirs at bay beyond the land, denying them any chance to harm the crown of the ocean. out of the initial five thousand sea heirs approaching from this direction, only slightly over a thousand were left after just slightly more than ten minutes had passed. they were now scattered thinly across the surface of the sea. at this pace, it wouldnt be long before they were completely neutralized. seeing this scene, ji chen didnt display any joy. he knew that if the sea heirs leaders dared to attack, they must have more than just this number of troops. sure enough, when the number of sea heirs was reduced to just over a thousand. at a distance of less than two kilometers from the beach, a sudden emergence occurred. four or five thousand sea heirs rose from the sea, their chaotic formation giving no hint of any familial bond as they charged forward. coincidentally, this moment aligned with a brief pause in the alchemy death cannons firing, and the ocean guardians remained engaged with other sea heirs, unable to arrive in time. given their forward speed, they could easily land successfully under the bombardment of the cannon. at this moment, as if they had seen ji chen directing on the beach, these newly appeared sea heirs abandoned the shorter landing route without hesitation and charged straight towards ji chen. they looked as if they wanted to swallow him whole. this made ji chen momentarily stunned. goodness, do they take me as tang seng (tn: the character monk in the journey to the west)? theyre so excited to see me. he pursed his lips and waved his hand. an army that had been hidden earlier suddenly surfaced and stood in front of the sea heirs. these were the lobster riders. since the recruitment of the lobster riders, they hadnt been utilized much. after all, only the sea heirs would be daring enough to challenge the crown of the ocean. therefore, the lobster riders, as a marine unit, found themselves without a purpose and appeared inconspicuous within the territory, contributing very little. however, at this moment, they were all extremely excited. they bore fearless expressions, and their eyes gleamed with heroic determination. all knights! serve the lord! charge!! under the lead of a heroic blue lobster rider, the army of lobster riders charged directly into the sea heirs, who outnumbered them several times. forming a cone-shaped formation, they rushed into the midst of the sea heirs like a sharp blade. boom! the massive lobsters beneath them resembled high-speed war machines, quickly launching numerous sea heirs into the air. their horned heads effortlessly pierced through the bodies of many sea heirs in an instant. the barbs at their joints acted like blades, cutting off countless tentacles. with a single thrust and pull of the spear in the knights hands, blood gushed out, staining their armor. with fewer than a thousand lobster riders, they managed to break through the sea heir group, killing over a thousand sea heirs while losing fewer than thirty of their own. after piercing through the enemy formation, the lobster riders slowed down and turned around, then raised their bone spears, launching another charge. charge, break, divide, consume, and kill. the art of slaughter in the knights charge was vividly displayed on the lobster riders. in this repeating cycle, after only a few charges, the supporting sea heir army was almost wiped out, leaving just a handful of survivors and far from maintaining any organized formation. remains and broken limbs of sea heirs floated all over the sea, and the ink-green blood seemed to replace the color of the seawater. on the beach, ji chen, who was watching this scene, nodded in satisfaction. indeed, it was the type of troops he favored. the combat power of these less than a thousand lobster riders was equivalent to that of tier 5 units. on the south beach, the sea heirs engaged in two battles, and most of them have been slain. there are only a few hundred of them left, and they no longer pose a significant threat here. ji chen sneered and made a provocative gesture toward the remaining sea heirs. he knew that the sea heir leader must be watching him. use all tactics you have; otherwise, you might not get another chance. as if this provocation had angered the sea heir leader, thousands more sea heirs emerged from the sea. ji chens expression hardened, and he fearlessly sent the already bloodthirsty lobster riders into action. for the knights, one charge is enough to crush them; if not once, then twice, three times, until they are crushed! although he didnt know the exact number of sea heirs this time, a rough estimate indicated that the sea heirs now numbered over forty thousand. such a large sea heir army would be enough to overrun most players territories, but in front of the crown of the ocean, they could only be stopped. this was the crown of the ocean after several months of rapid development. after yet another wave of sea heirs, numbering in the thousands, were crushed like cannon fodder, ji chen couldnt help but feel puzzled. could it be that the sea heir leader only knows this one tactic? doesnt that seem quite devoid of strategy? at this moment, alice, who had been by his side without taking action, suddenly exclaimed, my lord, look, theres a signal fire rising in the northeastern sub-island! ji chen turned to look, and a thick black smoke rose into the sky, reaching the heavens. the northeastern sub-island was guarded by benbo. he had given instructions to the heroes that they could light signal fires in their stationed areas in case of emergencies, seeking reinforcements. could it be that theres a problem at benbos location? or even a danger of being breached? the fortress on the northeastern sub-island played a crucial role in this battle against the sea heirs, and its significance was nearly on par with the defenses on the southern beach. if the fortress were breached, the sea heirs would have a place to land in large numbers. tens of thousands of sea heirs would pour into the water fort and the harbor, damaging these two crucial facilities. not only that, but the stone road previously used for ease of movement and transportation will become the sea heirs quick route to invade the core area of the crown of the ocean! at that time, they would be caught in a severe disadvantage, trapped from both sides. if that were the case, ji chen would have to start thinking about escaping. without hesitation, he gave the order. alice, you take command of the troops here. make sure to hold this beach! but if you cant guard it, take the remaining forces back to the stone square and you can even fall back to the lords castle. try your best to hold them back as much as possible until i return! alice clearly understood the urgency of the situation and nodded. my lord, please go ahead. even if it costs my life, 1 will defend this place until you return! ji chen didnt say anything more. he patted her head and he ran towards the northeastern sub-island without further delay. emerging from the dense forest and arriving at the harbor, he could finally see the situation on the northeastern sub-island. countless sea heirs were relentlessly attacking the fortress, surrounding it inside and out. it felt like a city besieged by zombies. and daro, the half-orc hero guarding the harbor, had long gone to support the half-orc and some lizardmen warriors. however, the sea heirs had already occupied the tidal flats that connected the main island to the fortress, blocking their way. benbo, along with the dragon blood murlocs and elemental sea pixies, both tier 4 units, possessed formidable combat power. however, the sea heirs besieging them were not inferior in tier; there were easily two or three thousand tier 4 sea heirs, and the tier 3 cannon fodder numbered in the thousands. one side was trapped within the city, unable to receive reinforcements, with casualties mounting. on the other side, the sea heirs had abundant troops, and for every one that died, another filled the gap. additionally, an unknown number of sea heirs lurked beneath the sea. in this give and take, looking at the current situation, it wouldnt be long before the fortress fell. well, well! ji chen did not expect the sea heirs to use such a cunning strategy, pretending to commit a large portion of their forces to the fierce attack on the southern beach, which was closer to the core of the crown of the ocean. while, in reality, they were going all-out in their assault on the northeastern sub-island. if not for the signal fire transmitting the message, they might have succeeded. seeing the situation becoming increasingly dire, he didnt waste any more time and made a quick decision. in the calm bay, a massive wave suddenly rose. boom! the wave swept away a large number of sea heirs who were surrounding the city walls, instantly creating a significant gap. benbo, who had been fighting desperately on the wall, couldnt help but feel overjoyed and raised his trident high. the lord himself has come to support us! charge!!! the arrival of the lord was undoubtedly an exhilarating boost, and their morale soared as they intended to fend off every sea heir trying to scale the walls. the tide of battle had turned! Chapter 288 - Chapter 288: The Temptation of Evolution, Battle, Straight to the Point chapter 288: the temptation of evolution, battle, straight to the point translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation following ji chen, there were three colossal beasts reminiscent of ancient times. the tyrant azure dragon suddenly burst from the water, spewing an extreme chill that froze a large portion of the sea heirs. then, with a powerful swing of its tail, akin to a heavy hammer, it ruthlessly shattered the frozen sea heirs, scattering ice and broken flesh into the air. consecutive icy breath attacks froze hundreds of sea heirs each time, resembling a one-sided slaughter. the sea heirs had no chance or strength to fight back. the gap in power between tier five units and tier three or four sea heirs was insurmountable. the sea heirs attempting to breach the city and inflict massive casualties dwindled, reducing the pressure on benbo and his troops. at this moment, the reinforcements led by daro finally broke through the blockade and reached the fortress. with the protection of the defending forces, they entered the city gates to assist in its defense. ji chen only glanced casually before entrusting this battlefield to them. as long as the fortress held, the eastern side of the crown of the ocean would remain safe. what concerned him most now was the situation on the western defense line under aninas command. on the way to that location, he took a moment to check the current state of the territorys morale. events like war, attacks, natural disasters, and famine could all have an impact on the peoples morale. the panel displayed that the current morale was at 80, slightly lower than the 84-85 points before the war. however, this decrease wasnt significant, indicating that the residents of the crown of the ocean had a great deal of trust in their lord. they believed he could lead the territory safely through this crisis, which brought ji chen a sense of gratification. his kindness toward them had not been in vain. in the western jungle. anina vigorously shook her greatsword, removing the filth that had clung to it from the countless sea heir corpses on the ground. stepping over the bodies of the sea heirs, she approached a particularly unusual one, her expression solemn. at this moment, a rustling sound came from the forest behind her, causing her to tense up and turn to look. however, her expression quickly relaxed, and a hint of joy appeared on her face. lord! the newcomer was none other than ji chen. after leaving the eastern battlefield, he rushed to the western front, taking some time to locate his own troops. hows the situation here? at present, most of the sea heirs that entered the jungle have been eliminated. naga berserkers and the elven squad are currently dealing with the remaining stragglers. ji chen nodded, indicating that the situation was relatively good. he then asked, what were you looking at just now? you seemed quite serious. lord, this sea heir. anina said as she stepped aside, revealing the unique sea heir. the sea heir in front of them was extraordinarily unusual. it had evolved to the point where it had deviated from its original form, developing some human-like physical characteristics. although somewhat abstract, the lower part of its body had clearly evolved into a pair of legs composed of intertwined tentacles. at the ends of these tentacles, there were formations resembling toes. although the upper part still had disgusting tentacles and a petal-like head, it was not difficult to see that the sea heir was evolving towards the direction of humans, with a structure more suitable for walking on land. ji chens greatest concern had become a reality: sea heirs were now beginning to evolve following the human template, and the pace was remarkably swift. in a mere one or two months, they had developed features akin to legs. considering this rate of progress, wouldnt it be a matter of just a few years before they fully resembled humans? appearing just like humans but actually being sea heirs, they could effortlessly blend into human society, going unnoticed by anyone. thinking about this, ji chen couldnt help but shudder. this unreasonable evolution ability was like a cheat! if it wasnt stopped, who knows what bizarre form the sea heirs would take on in a few decades. suddenly, he felt a strong urge to completely resolve the sea heir issue. after pondering for a moment, ji chen spoke with great seriousness. anina, im entrusting you with an extremely important task on the south beach, alice commanded the lobster knights to once again repel a wave of sea heirs. thousands of sea heir corpses floated near the coast, their viscous blood clinging to the seas surface like oil, blocking out the sunlight. the foul smell and toxins emitted caused fish to die in large numbers, and even birds stayed far away from the area. even in death, sea heirs continued to release their residual heat. faced with the toxic blood, the lobster knights dared not approach too closely. they could only kill the sea heirs at the periphery, but with each kill, the area covered by the floating blood expanded. gradually, this layer of blood occupied a large area near the shore. however, in such an environment, the surviving sea heirs remained lively. they relied on the layer of blood on the seas surface to inch closer to the beach. boom! the alchemy death cannon once again spewed flames, evaporating a large number of sea heirs. but more sea heirs had already entered the shallow water, less than fifty meters from the beach. due to their size, the lobster knights could no longer charge forward. a melee battle was about to erupt. sensing this, alice promptly ordered the lobster knights to temporarily retreat and wait for the right moment. then, she had all the ruins guardians take their place on the beach, forming a defense line that stretched over a hundred meters wide, with three rows arranged from front to back.. Chapter 289 - Chapter 289: The Temptation of Evolution, Battle, chapter 289: the temptation of evolution, battle, straight to the point (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation further back, there were approximately five hundred murloc rangers standing in formation. these troops constituted the last line of defense between the southern battlefield, the beach, and the core area of the ocean crown. once breached, they would have no choice but to fall back to the lords castle. at that point, the buildings outside the lords castle would be mercilessly ravaged by the sea heirs. recovering from such a situation would not be an easy task. however, alice vowed not to let such a scenario unfold. soon enough, the sea heirs landed and lunged forward with their claws bared. at the command, the murloc rangers, with third-tier 5-star rankings, shot out the spikes from their backs. swoosh! thousands of spikes soared high into the air and rained down like pear blossoms, piercing through the foremost wave of sea heirs. although these murloc rangers were only third-tier 5-star units, their dense volleys and high firing rate caused considerable casualties. additionally, their role was akin to ancient archers, not only inflicting long-range damage but also disrupting enemy formations. after several waves of spikes were launched, at least several hundred sea heirs had been struck fatally, and over a thousand were left maimed with severed limbs. the once ferocious momentum of the sea heirs was momentarily halted, relieving some pressure. the ruins guardians eyes gleamed, and they swung their fist-sized fists with all their might. boom! countless sea heirs were directly crushed by these punches, their tentacles and flesh scattering all over the ground. despite being third-tier 8-star units, they resisted numerous attacks such as poison stings and corrosive acids, thanks to their durable alchemical bodies and the additional armored plates. they managed to achieve a combat damage ratio of one to dozens. at this point, the beach resembled the normandy landings, with the sea heirs, as the attackers, relentlessly pushing forward with a near-suicidal determination. on the other hand, the ocean crown side never ceased the bombardment of the alchemy death cannon. each shot cleared a swath of space, leaving behind massive craters on the beach. however, the sea heirs ultimately gained the upper hand. realizing they couldnt break through the center, they quickly opened up new battlefronts on both sides. in desperation, alice had to send the ruins guardians to support the flanks, further weakening the defense line. finally, after enduring heavy attacks and bearing numerous wounds, several ruins guardians collapsed, riddled with punctures and acid-corroded craters. seizing this opportunity, a large number of sea heirs poured in through the breaches. under the command of the sea heir leader, they charged toward alice from behind as if driven to madness. for the sake of devouring and evolving. this was an uncontrollable desire. fueled by an intense and overwhelming craving, it paid no attention to the murloc rangers but instead directed the sea heirs to attack alice directly. children devour the colossal evolution- receiving the urgent command from their mother, the sea heirs became even more frenzied, surging through the breaches in a mad frenzy. they had long known that there was a siren on this island still in its growing stage. the sirens were formidable adversaries of the sea heirs in the ocean due to their ability to manipulate minds. they could not only control numerous enslaved souls but also exert their psychic powers to influence the sea heirs command over them. they were indeed a race that stole their livelihood. therefore, whenever sea heirs encountered a siren, they would spare no effort to kill it, no matter the cost. the most vulnerable time for sirens was during their infancy and growth stages. at this stage, their power was only a fraction of what it would be in their fully mature state. hence, this was the best time to kill them! furthermore, the sea heir leader could sense that if they could devour this siren, they could obtain an evolution that wouldnt pale in comparison to what they had gained from consuming a human. however, it had not anticipated that this so-called still-growing siren had advanced once again not long ago, entering the mature stage. alice watched the sea heirs charging towards her with an icy demeanor. she recalled a long time ago when the lord had asked her if she could influence sea heirs with her singing, and her answer had been no. back then, she was still a siren at the purple rare tier. but now, she had advanced to the red legacy tier, reaching the pinnacle of what a siren could achieve. what used to be impossible was now easily achievable. if the lord were to ask her the same question now, her answer would undoubtedly be yes. so, let her prove it through her actions. as the melody of her song began to play, in that instant, all the sea heirs seemed frozen in place, even those whose bodies had been shattered by the ruins guardians fists, showed no resistance whatsoever. the previously tumultuous battlefield had now fallen into an eerie silence, with only the relentless hammering of the ruins guardians blows echoing through the air. in that dark trench beneath the sea, the fleshly body of the sea heir leader suddenly trembled violently, its tentacles twitching as if shocked. impossible siren mature natural enemy kill destroy at this moment, all around the new moon islands, whether they were still on the road through the jungle, besieging the fortress, or hiding beneath the sea, every sea heir turned in unison towards alice. in the hearts of each sea heir, there was only one thoughtkill that siren! seeing this eerie scene, the heroes and armies of the crown of the ocean were left stunned. though they didnt know what had happened, after a moment of bewilderment, they resumed their attacks. they wouldnt miss this opportunity! ji chen, who was rushing back to the southern beach, also witnessed this spectacle. his first thought was, has something happened to alice? he quickened his pace and raced to the scene. upon his return to the southern beach, he saw thousands of sea heirs surging from the direction of the sea. at a glance, there were at least tens of thousands, and their numbers were rapidly increasing. my goodness, what on earth had stimulated the sea heir leader to the point that it disregarded casualties and sent the sea heirs rushing in this direction? could it be madness? indeed, the sea heir leader had gone mad. in the unseen spiritual realm, it was locked in a mental struggle with the siren, fighting for control over the sea heirs. in its perception, alices spiritual power was continuously surging, attempting to expel its influence from the sea heirs and take control. this action infuriated the sea heir leader to an extreme degree. these sea heirs had all evolved and were nurtured by it. now, the siren wanted to control them, essentially trying to take them away? this blatant challenge ignited a furious rage within the sea heir leader. it unleashed its psychic might with relentless determination, refusing to yield to the sirens intrusion. alices spiritual power converged into successive spiritual tsunamis, relentlessly assaulting. meanwhile, the sea heir leaders psychic power formed a mountainous dam, resisting the onslaught. two formidable beings of great power were locked in this mental battle. the ordinary sea heirs caught in between found it unbearable. whether it was the tsunami or the dam, both existed within their minds! under the repeated onslaught, many sea heirs couldnt withstand the excessive mental pressure and burst apart. seeing alice with her eyes closed, sweating profusely, and witnessing the sea heirs all standing still in a daze, ji chen couldnt help but feel concerned. but there was nothing he could do. he could only stand by and watch. about ten minutes later, alice abruptly opened her eyes and urgently said to him, lord, 1 have detected the sea heir leaders location! the location is in a trench, about five leagues north of the stormy sea area! upon hearing this, ji chens expression brightened. the precise location of the sea heir leader!? this was truly fantastic news. he had been pondering how to find the sea heir leader in the vast and deep ocean, which was like searching for a needle in a haystack. now that alice had pinpointed its approximate location through her psychic abilities, it was a golden opportunityan opportunity to strike directly and decisively, a once-in-a-lifetime chance! ji chen acted swiftly, summoning a sky guardian and employing a pigeon-like messaging method to send instructions to anina without any delay. the sky guardian shot up into the sky and, within a matter of seconds, landed on the deck of a gnomish merchant ship waiting at the port. anina, who had been waiting there, joyfully shouted when she read the message on the parchment, gnomish merchant ship, set sail! the gnomes, who had been held hostage by the military, reluctantly began operating the ship. smoke billowed from the chimneys, and the few remaining propellers began to rapidly rotate as the ship headed towards the northern sea.. Chapter 290 - Chapter 290: Pursuit! Killing the Sea Heir Leader, the Black Orb chapter 290: pursuit! killing the sea heir leader, the black orb translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation in the spiritual realm, the sea heir leader, who was currently engaged in a mental battle with alice, was driving all of its psychic power to resist the overwhelming onslaught, shouting wildly in its mind. how could this siren mature so quickly? at this moment, he pondered the idea of withdrawing. before it started attacking this human territory, it was quite confident. after two months of targeted evolution and breeding, the sea heirs had made a qualitative leap in their strength, with tens of thousands of third and even fourth-tier sea heirs more than enough to break through a territory with only a few hundred third-tier units. plus, with itself personally overseeing and commanding from nearby, it didnt see any reason to lose. however, the current strength of this territory surprised it. not only did it command thousands of fourth-tier troops, but its defensive capabilities were also remarkable, and it boasted dozens of heroes. the sirens it had encountered earlier had reached maturity and could rival its strength. damn it! how could this territorys development be faster than their sea heirs development and evolution? especially among those sea tribe units, it detected a subtle essence that resembled their own. but how could these sea tribes be related to their sea heirs? could this be a joke from the master? arent they supposed to be the masters only favorites? it thought bitterly. it looked at the waves of mental attacks coming from the sirens and gradually sensed that something was amiss. despite the seemingly powerful and surging impact, the actual intensity was not exaggerated. both sides maintained a controlled balance, and it appeared as though the siren was attempting to seize control, but in truth, it was more like she was stalling for time. delaying time? suddenly, within the ocean trench, the sea heir leader experienced a sudden tremor, pushing out the remainder of its psychic power and extending it to the vicinity. to its horror, it sensed hundreds of fourth-tier naga, led by a powerful hero, slowly approaching the trench it was in. damn it! how did that human know its location? after only a moment of hesitation, the tendrils of the sea heir leaders body began to sway, urging thousands of elite fourth-tier sea heirs guarding it to go forward and confront the enemy. it itself slowly moved its massive body. in proportion to its powerful mental control abilities was its extremely weak physique. its safety was entirely entrusted to other sea heirs. in the sea, anina was intensely searching for the trench where the sea heir leader was hiding, looking at the complex terrain of the deep sea floor. her eyes were almost hurting. according to the information received, the approximate location of the sea heir leader was nearby, but there were dozens of trenches in the vicinity, making it an exceptionally challenging task to locate it. suddenly, at this moment, she saw a large group of sea heirs rushing out from a seemingly inconspicuous trench, which immediately caught her attention. in the middle of the ocean, anina had shed the human armor she used on land, leaving only a lightweight, finely-scaled armor. her strong yet slender legs effortlessly propelled her forward with a single kick, sending her body flying. as the sea heirs drew closer, she held her dragon slayer great sword high in her right hand. swish! she passed by one of the sea heirs without any hesitation, continuing forward. the sea heir behind her abruptly stopped, and a line quietly appeared on its body. then, its body split from top to bottom, spewing green blood. a level-thirty-something purple-rare-tier hero, a formidable dragon whale from the dragonblood clan, had more than enough power to crush these sea heirs. behind her, hundreds of naga berserkers followed her like soldiers following a general, bravely charging into the enemy ranks, zealously killing enemies to gain merits. their momentum was unstoppable. however, in the face of such a fierce onslaught, these sea heirs displayed remarkable resilience, fighting to the death and holding them back outside the trench. seeing this scene, anina became even more certain that the sea heir leader was inside this trench. she no longer held back and went all out. the icy seawater enveloped her body, but it couldnt cool her increasingly fiery heart. every vein in her body was coursing with scorching blood, from top to bottom, from inside to outside, permeating her entire being. drawing the sword, she swiftly wielded it. several sea heirs had their bodies severed and fell into the deep sea. the dragon slayer great sword, now fully repaired, displayed astonishing power. not a single sea heir could withstand its edge. with a light sweep, they were decapitated. the saying taking down a whole nest rang true as, under aninas extraordinary leadership, the naga berserkers unleashed 120% of their combat strength, and with every swing of their blades, they slew countless enemies. gradually, the sea heirs were struggling to hold their ground, and their defense line began to crack. when anina tore apart a sea heir with a sideways swing and saw that there were no other sea heirs blocking her path, she decisively issued a command. you all keep these sea heirs occupied, ill take care of their leader! hearing this, the naga berserkers went even more berserk, willing to hold the sea heirs back no matter the cost. taking advantage of this opportunity, aninas figure suddenly moved and quickly plunged into the trench. soon, after searching the trench for a while, she found a slow-moving mass of flesh on a gentle slope a few kilometers from the trenchs end. it was the sea heir leader!!! seeing that familiar form, memories deep within her heart were stirred. she would never forget. on a day more than a decade ago, her mother had screamed in agony amidst the siege of countless sea heirs, while she could only watch as her mothers voice grew weaker and weaker until she managed to escape.. Chapter 291 - Chapter 291: Pursuit! Killing the Sea Heir Leader, the Black Orb (2) chapter 291: pursuit! killing the sea heir leader, the black orb (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation following that period, she embarked on a solitary journey, living the life of a lone whale, until she eventually reached the crown of the ocean. she had always kept these experiences hidden well but never forgotten the hatred that had accumulated in her heart. when she saw the leader of the sea heirs, it erupted like a bursting dam. her gaze was icy, and her intent to kill was palpable. the leader of the sea heirs, who was frantically attempting to escape, also detected her presence. without hesitation, dozens of sea heirs still beside it moved to intercept her, while it commanded a group of strong sea heirs to carry it and make a hasty retreat. seeing more than twenty sea heirs approaching, aninas expression tightened. these sea heirs had acquired certain human-like physical traits. some had grown legs, others had developed hands, and a few had even developed breasts. however, the sea heir leader hadnt quite mastered the idea of human proportions and aesthetic appeal. could you picture a sea heir with tentacles coiled around its lower body, a head resembling a petal, and a grotesque mass on its body, roughly the size of two human heads? evidently, the sea heir leader had noticed that humans possessed this trait and had tried to develop it, perhaps to determine its practicality. it had learned, but not fully. odd as it may sound, despite their unattractive appearance, these evolved sea heirs exhibited significantly enhanced combat capabilities. they were at least on par with white-tier heroes, and a few of those with more extensive evolutions even matched green-tier heroes. but anina showed no fear, raising her sword. the frigid blade gleamed brightly, emitting an extreme sense of sharpness. she flicked her sword lightly, and dozens of silver sword auras shot out from the tip of her sword like a torrential rain of pear blossoms, spreading out in a fan-shaped pattern. as if it had directly cleaved through the seawater. seeing this scene, the sea heirs instinctively dodged, but the sword aura was too fast. in just half a breath, it had reached the sea heir leader. dozens of sea heirs at the center of the attack were cut into pieces by the sword aura. after the dragon slayer great sword had been fully repaired, its power had completely recovered, with an additional attached skill. [sword aura mastery (able to unleash dozens of powerful sword aura, ignoring 30% armor, causing massive damage to enemies, cooldown time: 10 minutes)] with just one strike, over half of the evolved sea heirs perished on the spot. they had taken a step on the path of evolution, but in the face of such a powerful attack, their rate of death was similar to that of ordinary sea heirs. seeing their companions in such a sorry state, the surviving evolved sea heirs did not hesitate and continued to advance. born out of their gestation, they had no emotions, and they were absolutely obedient to the sea heir leaders commands. however, the gap in strength was insurmountable. in just a few minutes, they were slaughtered to the last. anina did not waste any time and chased after the fleeing sea heir leader. only by killing it could she end all of this. anina followed the sound emanating from the sea, and before long, she spotted the sea heir leader making a hasty escape with several sea heirs carrying a large, conspicuous fleshy mass C impossible to ignore. the closer she got, the more excited she felt, and her hand gripping the greatsword trembled. just one step away from slaying it. though this one wasnt the same sea heir that had killed her mother, if she could kill it, at least she could secure her home C the crown of the ocean. after wandering for so long, she had finally found a home. anyone who dared to disrupt this peace would become her enemy! meet your end aninas gaze turned icy, and in her heart, she silently vowed. she surged forward like an arrow released from its bowstring. however, at that moment, the sea heir leader came to a halt, its tentacles swaying slowly. anina was a bit perplexed when suddenly, her head was overwhelmed by excruciating pain. it was as if countless sharp thorns were piercing into her skull, and ferocious creatures with relentless mouths were tearing at her mind. her soul was experiencing agony! the sudden and intense pain made her involuntarily stop. the veins on her forehead bulged, and her eyes were bloodshot. the sea heir leader was attacking her with its psychic powers! as a warrior who relied purely on physical combat, aninas psychic strength wasnt formidable. faced with the sea heir leader, who fed on psychic abilities, she was at a severe disadvantage. her body became weak, and she couldnt even hold onto her greatsword. it sank into the mud, and she could only half-kneel on a rock, clutching her head in agony. when a sea heir leader, capable of controlling tens of thousands of sea heirs, unleashed its full psychic assault the souls seemed to tremble and lament. as if seeing that she had no more resistance left, the sea heir leader allowed the sea heirs carrying it to set it down and deal with her first. witnessing this scene, aninas heart blazed with boundless anger. it was just like back then when that sea heir leader had used its psychic powers to attack her mother, preventing her from unleashing her full strength. otherwise, with her mothers immense physical prowess, how could she have been killed by sea heirs? and now, they wanted to do the same thing to her! despite her reluctance, aninas awareness gradually faded, and her surroundings grew dim. is this the end? anina wondered in a daze. some images seemed to appear before her. first, there were scenes from her childhood, living alongside her mother. then, it was the time she wandered the oceans after her mothers death, starving and sleeping on desolate islands. the images shifted, and she arrived at the crown of the ocean, seeing the friendly residents, the delicious food on the table, the soft beds, alices cold face, and many soldiers. finally, the face of her lord appeared, gentle and caring. anina! anina!! huh? why did she hear her lords voice? it must be a mistake, after all, having some hallucinations before death wasnt unusual. but despite this, anina struggled to open her eyes, even if it was just a hallucination. in a daze, she saw her lord swimming towards her, and then she heard a clicking sound from her body, and everything went black. ji chen watched anina lose consciousness, burning with anger. observing the sea heirs who had previously surrounded them now in disarray, scattering in all directions, he understood that anina must have achieved her goal. the sea heir leader must have faced a life-threatening situation and couldnt continue battling for control over the sea heirs. after briefly instructing the hunt for the remaining non-threatening sea heirs, he rushed here with alice, riding the tyrant azure dragon at high speed. but what he saw was the scene of anina kneeling on a rock. he picked her up and quickly checked the lords panel. [hero]: anina (unconscious, transformation) unconscious. transformation? although not knowing the reason, ji chen knew that anina wasnt in mortal danger, and he couldnt help but breathe a sigh of relief. then, with burning anger in his eyes, he looked at the sea heir leader who had already been subdued by alice. today, if i dont beat you to a pulp, 111 write my name backward! tyrant azure dragon, get rid of it for me! the three-headed tyrant azure dragon, circling around them, suddenly exhaled a massive icy breath, instantly freezing the remaining sea heirs and the sea heir leader who was fighting alice. in the endless cold freeze, even the sea heir leader, with its tough demeanor, couldnt hold on for too long and gradually lost all vitality. several tens of seconds later, a system notification sounded. ding- tyrant azure dragon has killed the sea heir leader (red-legacy tier), and you have gained ding- you have gained 420,000 experience points, and your level has increased (level 35->37). the sea heir leader, responsible for numerous troubles and commanding multiple attacks against the crown of the ocean, had met its demise. even in death, ji chen appeared unsatisfied. he collected hundreds of water blades and unleashed them all at once. crack the ice was cut open by the water blades, tearing the flesh inside into hundreds of pieces. the sea heir leaders corpse had been torn apart, and there was no chance of him coming back to life. but at this moment, he suddenly saw a small black bead inconspicuously stuck among the frozen flesh. did this bead burst out from the sea heir leaders body? ji chen realized that this was somewhat unusual. with a wave of his hand, a stream of seawater removed the bead and suspended it in front of him. the bead was the size of a thumb, crystal clear, and radiated an extremely profound color. nonetheless, he wasnt inclined to investigate it at this moment. instead, he had the tyrant azure dragon release another frigid breath onto the remains, ensuring there was no possibility of revival. afterward, he picked up anina and alice and departed from the scene, heading back to the crown of the ocean.. Chapter 292 - Chapter 292: Anina’s Transformation, Cocoon chapter 292: aninas transformation, cocoon translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation upon returning to the new moon islands, the army began pursuing the sea heirs who were in a state of chaos and disorder. without their sea heir leader, they seemed like soulless creatures. while they still possessed some resistance, they no longer posed a significant threat. daro and his team were temporarily tasked with the cleanup. ji chen carried anina back to her residence and laid her on the bed. up to this point, anina remained in a state of unconsciousness. however, it appeared to be a self-protective mechanism rather than a result of the sea heir leaders mental attack. her breathing was steady, her complexion healthy, showing no signs of injury. simultaneously, ji chen could feel the energy fluctuations within her growing stronger, similar to when alice underwent advancement. ji chen recalled the second state on aninas panel, aside from her unconsciousness, which was transformation. could transformation be synonymous with advancement? out of curiosity, he opened the military talent tree panel and found aninas page. he immediately noticed the words inscribed there: [dragon whale hero: anina, awakened her ancient dragon whale bloodline due to intense mental pressure, breaking through her current life form.] [she is currently in a state of transformation. after the transformation is complete, her tier will advance to the red-legacy tier hero, and her potential will rise to the orange-legendary tier.] [there are currently 71 hours, 12 minutes, and 24 seconds remaining for the transformation.] it seemed that anina had inadvertently benefited from the intense mental attack she endured. although she suffered greatly, she had now gained an even greater opportunity. when she woke up, she would become a red hero like alice, and her potential would skyrocket from rare to legendary, a significant leap forward. seeing that anina was indeed in no major trouble, ji chen felt relieved. he instructed the maid to keep a close eye on her condition and then left the room. outside, there was a mess waiting for him to clean up. over the next two days, the crown of the oceans army scoured the sea heirs from all corners, gathering their bodies for safe disposal by cremation. the residents who had taken refuge in the caves gradually returned, repairing the buildings and facilities damaged by the sea heirs. this was especially true for the sea rice fields, which had been trampled as if a tank had rolled over them. the nearly ripe sea rice lay flattened, causing the responsible farmers to unleash a string of curses. destroying the food supply was even more painful than killing them. during this battle, the fortress on the northeastern sub-island suffered the most severe damage. its walls were riddled with pockmarks corroded by acid, and spikes deeply embedded in the walls. there wasnt a single intact spot left. this fortress, which had recently undergone extensive repairs using a significant amount of stone, had once again turned into ruins within a single day. however, this time, the sea heirs didnt breach the core area of the crown of the ocean, so most of the crucial structures and facilities, such as the military recruitment camp, remained intact, and the residents were unharmed. with its foundation intact and just a few days time, the crown of the ocean renewed its vitality and appeared thriving once again. however, this time, the frontline forces that resisted the sea heirs suffered considerable casualties. almost every military unit had some losses, with the ocean guardians and ruins guardians being the hardest hit. these alchemical creations had been directly facing the sea heirs, using their bodies to block the attacks. out of over two thousand ocean guardians, fewer than five hundred remained, and out of over eight hundred ruins guardians, only two hundred survived. the losses were indeed severe. once all the post-battle mess was dealt with, ji chen finally had some free time to look into other matters. on the chat channel, he noticed that there were more than a dozen private messages that had accumulated over time. upon closer inspection, most of them were from l_love_black_stockings. three days ago in the morning: ji chen, weve urgently discussed it on our end and decided to start trading with you as soon as possible. how is the situation on your side? ive almost got things sorted out here. we can start anytime. three days ago in the evening: ji chen, are you busy? if you see this message, just let me know. were eagerly waiting on our end. two days ago at noon: hey, hey, hey, big boss, have you eaten? talk to me. i had dry rations and water today, but im still a bit hungry. hey, are you there? say something, youre worrying me. the other members are already starting to doubt whether ive made a deal with you. 1 almost got threatened with a knife! one day ago in the morning: big boss, no, bro, big boss, daddy! are you there? dont get into trouble, at least finish this deal before anything happens! if you dont reply soon, the other members are going to tie me up to a wooden frame and set me on fire! early this morning: ji chen big boss, youre not really in trouble, are you?! at least reply to me! im bringing people to help you! from this point on, messages were sent almost every few hours. the most recent message was at noon today. as ji chen read through, he realized the emotional journey of l_love_black_stockings, from calmness to anxiety, and finally, to impatience. 1 have some matters to take care of these few days, so 1 didnt read your messages. in just a few seconds, i_love_black_stockings response popped up. oh my god, big boss, you finally replied! i thought youd run into some serious trouble!! 1 was about to gather an army and come see whats happening over there! Chapter 293 - Chapter 293: Anina’s Transformation, Cocoon (2) chapter 293: aninas transformation, cocoon (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation its alright, everything has been resolved now. in that case, i can rest assured. oh, by the way! about the trade between the crown of the ocean and king kong island! you dont need to worry about that. in a day or two, the first batch of five fully loaded merchant ships will depart, and if nothing unexpected happens, they should arrive soon. thats great to hear! weve already prepared the resources you need here, so as soon as the ships arrive, we can close the deal. i_love_black_stockings seemed quite concerned about this matter. just as ji chen was about to say something else, i_love_black_stockings suddenly sent another message. big boss, since youve traveled the vast oceans and seen so much, theres something id like to ask for your insight on. [the gloria map] gloria? why did that name sound so familiar? suddenly, ji chen realized and took out a key fragment, and its name was exactly gloria elf treasury key fragment. gloria was the name of the ancient elven city that ernesto mentioned, a city lost in the river of time. legend has it that its treasury housed immeasurable wealth, weaponry, rare treasures, and secrets not found in the outside world. and this map was named after it? with a thought, he opened it. [gloria map] [tier: special] [description: it can guide you to a lost city C gloria.] [a map imbued with strange magic, preserved to this day.] sure enough. if this map was real and could guide him to the ancient elven capital gloria, it would be an earth-shattering discovery. gnome merchant ernesto had mentioned that even the descendants of the ancient elves themselves couldnt find its location now. if ji chen could get his hands on this map, he could find the citys location. besides the treasury key fragment he had, as long as he collected the other six key fragments, he could unlock the gloria elf treasury. where did you get this map? a few days ago, i raided a murloc camp, and 1 found it inside. big boss, do you know anything about this gloria that the map mentions? well, i have some knowledge about it, involving some ancient secrets. a lost city it sounds like a dangerous and frightening place. big boss, im giving this map to you. ji chen was stunned. i_love_black_stockings, who always acted poor, was unexpectedly generous this time? he had been contemplating whether to tell her about gloria earlier, and he didnt expect her to offer him the map directly. with something of such importance, he didnt hesitate and immediately replied, if thats the case, 1 graciously accept it. i do indeed need it. but i can offer something in return. if theres anything you desire, please let me know, and 111 do my best to fulfill your request. big boss, youre too modest. youve helped me so many times before, and its because of you that ive come this far. whats this little thing worth? l_love_black_stockings said indifferently. her curiosity about the lost city behind this map was feigned, even though she had some self-awareness. from ji chens words and hints, her intuition told her that the matters related to this city were beyond her control and could easily cause trouble for her small territory. rather than holding onto the map, it was better to do a favor and simply give it away. furthermore, her deeper consideration was that the more gains and benefits this map brought to ji chen, the better he would regard her. when the time came for any benefits, she would naturally have a share. i_love_black_stockings thought that it was better to align herself with a powerful figure than to compete against him desperately. seeing l_love_black_stockings repeatedly declining, ji chen didnt want to say too much and just replied, ill go to king kong island again later and handle these matters all at once. he closed the chat channel. at this moment, a maid suddenly rushed in from outside. my lord, my lord! seeing the maid out of breath and in a panic, ji chen furrowed his brows and said, dont be in a hurry, take your time and explain. lady anina, lady anina is encased in a cocoon! when ji chen arrived at aninas room, he saw a large azure cocoon on the bed. in the slightly dim room, it emitted a misty blue light. this kind of light was like sunlight piercing through the seas surface and shining into the water, exceptionally beautiful. thump, thump, thump however, with attentive listening, one could discern the rhythmic and robust heartbeat emanating from within the cocoon. it possessed a formidable strength, resonating with depth and authority. it made people feel as if this was the heartbeat of a colossal beast. in fact, anina was originally a deep-sea dragon whale, with a considerable size that was no less impressive than the tyrant azure dragon. now, she had merely taken on a petite human form. but if ji chen were to choose, he still preferred the humanoid form. after all, who would find a giant beast more appealing than a little girl? when did anina become like this? just a moment ago, she suddenly transformed into this form, without any warning. i swear, 1 absolutely didnt do anything! the maid explained with tears in her eyes. right in front of her, lady anina, who had been sleeping peacefully, suddenly emitted a dazzling light from her body, causing her to involuntarily close her eyes. when she opened them again, lady anina was gone, replaced by a large cocoon. this left her in a state of panic, prompting her to report the situation urgently. after hearing the maids description, ji chen stroked his chin and looked at the cocoon where aninas aura and energy fluctuations were slowly growing stronger. then he opened his interface and navigated to the hero section. it still showed that anina was in the midst of transformation, with less than a day remaining. if his guess was correct, this should be a part of her evolution. however, this advanced process was different from how alice used the red heroic soul essence. seeing the anxious maid, ji chen waved his hand and said, anina should be fine, no need to worry. continue to watch over her here, and if anything happens, report to me. yes, i understand! looking at the cocoon on the bed, ji chen began to feel a sense of anticipation. such a peculiar transformation method, what would anina ultimately become? originally, her combat prowess was already the strongest among the heroes of the crown of the ocean, especially in solo combat. she was unparalleled. if the conditions were right, she could single-handedly act as an entire army, easily causing chaos among enemy forces. advancing to the red-legacy tier, aninas strength would only become more terrifying. in high spirits, ji chen left the lords castle and began to inspect his territory. after the intense battle in the crown of the ocean, the liveliness of the place exceeded its previous state. repair work was underway everywhere, with residents diligently working under the scorching afternoon sun. despite the heat, they didnt complain but rather worked diligently. their faces bore expressions of fulfillment and joy. upon seeing ji chens arrival, each of them immediately greeted him with expressions filled with reverence. lord, good day! lord, we are repairing the damaged buildings, and they will be fixed soon! are you inspecting the territory, my lord? but the sunlight is too intense right now. please wait until later in the evening! before coming to the crown of the ocean, these people had been wanderers, homeless, and struggling for survival. they had lived a life of hardship, exposed to the elements and suffering from hunger and cold. however, upon arriving here, they not only had an abundance of food to eat but also luxurious housing and the protection of the military. as time passed, they naturally developed a sense of belonging. this place was their home! youve all worked hard! were not working hard, my lord. youre the one whos working hard, and fighting those monsters is very dangerous. please be careful! thats right, we cant do without you! if something were to happen to you what are you saying? dont jinx the lord! i didnt mean that, i just ji chen smiled and waved his hand, indicating that it was okay. after all, what could a wise lord like him possibly take offense at? moreover, he understood the sentiment of the residents. as he looked around and saw the grateful and admiring faces of the residents who were eager to speak with him, he felt a sense of accomplishment in his heart.. Chapter 294 - Chapter 294: Big Anina, The Girl’s Madness, Raymond’s Complete Submission chapter 294: big anina, the girls madness, raymonds complete submission translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the next day. ji chen arrived at aninas room, quietly waiting for the countdown to her transformation to end. compared to yesterday, the cocoon enveloping anina had grown even larger, radiating a bright light that bathed the room in a watery blue hue, as if submerged in the sea. the cocoon, as large as a bed, emitted tangible energy threads that extended outward. even an ordinary person could sense the tremendous energy contained within, like a bomb ready to explode at any moment. on the control panel, the countdown gradually decreased, and the energy emanating from the cocoon grew stronger. suddenly, the energy within the cocoon dramatically decreased, as if it had been absorbed by something. in just a few minutes, it was completely depleted, leaving only an empty shell. at that moment, the countdown reached zero, and the cocoon slowly dissipated into light and electricity, revealing a figure. a smile appeared on ji chens face as he walked over, but as he saw the appearance of the figure lying on the bed, his smile gradually faded, replaced by confusion. the girl lying on the bed before him possessed a rather mature look, with a face that fell somewhere between girlhood and womanhood. her eyebrows exuded a hint of charisma. her waist-length silvery-gray hair cascaded gracefully over the bedspread, resembling flowing silk. she wore a revealing outfit with black scales that left little to the imagination, showcasing her mature and well-defined physique. subtle muscle definition added to her overall sense of strength. she was a girl who combined a gentle demeanor with a heroic aura. however, these specifics werent the main focus at the moment. ji chens expression revealed his confusion. where did my big anina go? where did she disappear to? subconsciously, he began checking the information about this unidentified girl. [dragon whale hero: anina] ??? ??? ??? is this anina? are you kidding me? ji chen widened his eyes and, upon closer inspection, recognized some familiar features on her face. so, she was indeed anina, but her transformation had caused significant changes, perhaps as a side effect, maturing her body. previously, anina looked more like a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl, not yet fully matured. now, she resembled an eighteen or nineteen-year-old, mature young woman. now, she was truly worthy to be called big anina. at that moment, aninas eyelashes twitched slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes, sitting up with a bewildered expression on her face. how long did i sleep? it feels so comfortable wait, i remember i was in battle before. how did 1 end up in my room shortly after, she detected something out of the ordinary, bowed her head, and ran her hands over her noticeably shapely curves, pinching them in surprise. huh? why do i suddenly feel so well-endowed? im almost as developed as alice! and my legs feel unusually long, nearly reaching the end of the bed anina suddenly slapped her palm, looking as if she had a sudden realization. i know! this must be a dream! how else could i suddenly look like this? hehe, but this dream feels quite real. even the lord in the dream is so handsome. who knows, maybe i can do some other things but suddenly, she saw the lord looking complex, as if hesitating to speak. anina. anina looked at ji chen in disbelief, her eyes filled with uncertainty. after some thought, she cautiously replied, lord? yes. aninas body stiffened instantly, her small face flashing with realization. she lowered her head again, touching her drastically changed body, and murmured, this is actually real, i wasnt dreaming ji chen watched her acting all silly and couldnt help but sigh, finally confirming that she was indeed anina. such pure silliness couldnt belong to anyone else. ji chen shook his head and explained the events that had transpired. thats roughly it. maybe the transformation made you look like this. i see, thats why i felt so much stronger. anina scratched her head a bit embarrassedly, then suddenly remembered something and asked, my lord, does this mean that the leader of the sea heirs has been completely killed? yes, its shattered into hundreds of pieces, as dead as it can be. then, have you found a bead from its body? as she mentioned it, ji chen also recalled that he had indeed found a black bead from the wreckage of the sea heirs leader. he searched through his backpack, swiftly located it, and placed it in his hand, closely inspecting it. [sea heirs heart core] [tier]: special [effect]: increases spiritual power by 75%, an additional 75% when used for mental control. [a special treasure produced by the sea heirs leader, possessing powerful spiritual augmentation abilities.] well, this thing is really something. just from the description, its clear that its highly suitable for alice to use. the sea heirs leader was quite generous, even in death, offering such a precious item. thanks to the sea heirs leader for this heart core! what a generous boss! feeling rather good, ji chen looked at anina, who was adjusting to her new body. [anina (hero)] [race]: ancient dragon whale [level]: 35 [current tier]: red (legacy tier) [potential]: orange (legendary tier) [skills]: incarnation of the giant whale (red skill, tapping into the ancient dragon whale bloodline within, transforming into the body of a dragon whale, increasing all attributes by 100%) 2.. war roar (red skill, using a roar to forcibly stun enemies for 1-20 seconds, potentially leading to the obliteration of lower-tier creatures, the effect depends on the tier and level of the enemy compared to the user) Chapter 295 - Chapter 295: Big Anina, The Girl’s Madness, Raymond’s chapter 295: big anina, the girls madness, raymonds complete submission (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ancient dragon whale bloodline (red-tier skill: this ancient and robust bloodline bestows a powerful physique with increased resilience, endurance, and strength by 150%.) slaughter recovery (red-tier skill: self-combat prowess grows over time in battle, increasing up to 75% of his initial strength.) ocean current protection (red-tier skill: enhances abilities while in the ocean, granting an additional 250% swimming speed when harnessing water currents.) mental resistance (red-tier skill: boosts resistance to mental attacks by 50%.) [unit trait]: battle endurance (every enemy slain restores a portion of health and temporarily increases strength and speed). [the ancient dragon whale with revitalized bloodline can freely switch between human form and whale form.] after the transformation, in addition to upgrading all skills to the red tier, anina gains two new abilities, incarnation of the giant whale and mental resistance. by the literal meanings, the former allows her to switch freely between her human form and the whale form. the latter seems to have been acquired due to the previous mental attack by the sea heir, making it a pleasant surprise. other heroes learned of aninas awakening and came to visit. seeing her transformed appearance, they were even more astonished than ji chen. if it werent for the signature silvery-gray long hair and somewhat familiar facial features, they would never believe that this tall, well-built, and formidable young woman was the same petite girl they remembered. it was an eye-opener! the residents of the crown of the ocean were even more stunned. when they saw aninas current appearance, they were deeply shocked. the little girl had turned into a strong and valiant young woman! especially the younger girls, who gazed at anina with eager eyes, appeared to have stars in their eyes. now, anina, clad in fine armor, wielding the dragon slayer great sword, her hair neatly tied in a long ponytail, and her gallant face, appeared extremely handsome. she instantly won the hearts of these girls who had daydreamed about her. lady anina looks so handsome now, just like a real knight. its like my dream lover! oh, my goodness! i feel like shes even more handsome than our lord. my heart is racing! anina looked at the enthusiastic gazes from those around her, accompanied by the girls excited cheers. she was a bit puzzled but still smiled and waved at them. all, lady anina is waving at me! im going to suffocate. oh, my goodness! i can die happy now! watching their exaggerated reactions, anina looked a bit puzzled as she glanced at her lord. she couldnt understand why these humans had become like this. there was indeed a generation gap between humans and whales. in the days that followed, the commotion caused by aninas transformation gradually subsided, and the crown of the ocean returned to its steady development. a fleet consisting of five ships, loaded with fluorescent mushrooms and various weapons and equipment, set sail for king kong island as the first batch of goods under the trade agreement between the crown of the ocean and king kong island. this marks the first trade conducted between the crown of the ocean and player factions, which could be seen as a milestone. meanwhile, raymond, leading a large fleet tasked with delivering weapons and equipment to the northern continent, almost crossed paths with the first fleet, returning smoothly to the crown of the ocean. upon his return, raymond wasted no time and hurried to the lords castle to report. in the hall, ji chen looked at the dusty raymond and patted his shoulder with satisfaction. youve worked hard. raymond had a hint of fatigue on his brow, but his eyes were bright. he shook his head and said, serving the crown of the ocean is my honor. this was nothing. alright, how did the trade go? was the journey smooth? report, my lord. the mission to transport the weapons and equipment went incredibly well. despite encountering a few pirates during the journey, we managed to repel and defeat them without much trouble. we also didnt face any harsh storms or unfavorable weather conditions. the entire voyage was remarkably peaceful. this outcome was not surprising to ji chen. whether it was due to the lords talents or the protection of the territory, from the beginning until now, ji chen had never encountered any adverse weather conditions at sea, not even heavy rain. and this seemed to extend to his army and residents as well; they hadnt encountered any adverse sea conditions either. in the treacherous and stormy mid-ocean, this was quite incredible, and the countless shipwrecks on the ocean floor served as ample evidence. this unique advantage had brought the crown of the ocean to the forefront. we reached the northern continent swiftly, and the harbor was bustling with numerous arms merchants. the moment they discovered we had brought dozens of top-notch weapons and equipment, they went wild, buying up everything in a frenzy! in just two days, all thirty-two ships of goods were sold out. moreover, many merchants asked me if there were more weapons and equipment available. they are willing to establish a long-term procurement channel with the crown of the ocean and are willing to pay high prices. this time, the reputation of the crown of the ocean has soared! raymond spoke with enthusiasm, his face full of excitement. my lord, 1 request your permission to transport another batch of military equipment to the northern continent immediately, to expand our market share and establish our reputation completely! seeing raymonds enthusiasm, ji chen smiled and waved his hand. your idea is commendable, but i believe that wars cant be concluded quickly, and the military equipment market in the northern continent is substantial. theres plenty for the crown of the ocean to compete for. but after your strenuous journey, its best to take a few days to rest and then consider this matter. if you exhaust yourself, 1 wont have anyone else to rely on. hearing the concern in ji chens words, raymond felt a bit touched. after some contemplation, he seemed to have made a decision. my lord, theres something id like to request. what is it? i want to bring our family to live in the crown of the ocean. is that possible? this surprised ji chen. even though raymond appeared loyal and diligent, he couldnt hide the business relationship between them. most of the time, raymond put in such effort because he could earn a substantial financial reward from the crown of the oceans trade. without this financial incentive, its uncertain how devoted he would be. however, with raymonds proposal to relocate his family to the crown of the ocean, it suggested a strong commitment to this place. this also signified his wholehearted dedication to our cause. after a brief moment of thought, ji chen replied, of course, the crown of the ocean could use more fresh blood. 1 believe your family will be well-protected here, and you wont need to worry about any living arrangements. upon hearing this, raymonds face lit up, and he expressed his gratitude. by the way, when the next fleet sets sail, i want you to take a few special guests with you to the northern continent and escort them back to their homeland. special guests? yes, a dozen or so elves. elves? raymond was taken aback. when did the crown of the ocean have a dozen or so elves? after ji chen explained, raymond realized what was going on. as a merchant who operated on the ocean, raymond had heard of the greed of gnome merchants. however, he hadnt expected them to engage in the trafficking of elves. it was quite audacious. soon, raymond grasped the key point and said, if we can transport a dozen or so elves back, it should greatly improve the favor of the elven race. this will be extremely beneficial for future trade between the crown of the ocean and the elves. ji chen glanced at him and nodded, saying, thats right. so, i will also accompany you to the northern continent when the time comes to formally engage with the elven race. the crown of the ocean cannot remain confined to just the new moon islands raymond shuddered suddenly, as if he had sensed the ambition in ji chens words. his expression turned serious. he looked around cautiously. as good as the new moon islands were, they could only accommodate a maximum of around a hundred thousand residents and nurture a few tens of thousands of troops. however, a kingdom was much more than just a small number of people. the crown of the ocean needed to extend its reach outward. Chapter 296 - Chapter 296: Freemen, Slaves, Leysha, and the Brewer chapter 296: freemen, slaves, leysha, and the brewer translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation raymonds respect for ji chen grew stronger, and he couldnt help but feel that he had made the right choice. being able to work under a lord with ambitions and the power to realize them was something fortunate. my lord, as you instructed, this time i used the funds to purchase various resources needed by the crown of the ocean. among them, i bought a batch of skilled slaves. in addition, following your instructions, 1 found another group of freemen willing to settle in the crown of the ocean. most of them left their homelands due to war, famine, and bandits, seeking a place where they could live in peace and prosperity. therefore, 1 allocated a portion of the funds in advance as resettlement fees and distributed them to alleviate their concerns and worries, convincing them to come and see what the crown of the ocean has to offer. i hope you can forgive my initiative, my lord. ji chen immediately waved his hand upon hearing this and said, you did the right thing. gold only truly holds value when its put to use. if these gold coins can help retain this group of freemen, then its entirely worthwhile! how many slaves and freemen are in this group? reporting, my lord, there are more than 1,500 slaves, and most of them possess skills such as shipbuilding, farming, animal husbandry, carpentry, and more. with this batch of slaves, the crown of the oceans industries, such as wood processing, fish farming, and shipbuilding, could all develop faster. due to time constraints, we couldnt find more freemen, so there are just over 1,000 of them. however, they are all decent potential soldiers. with proper training, we can recruit a batch of fairly capable troops from them. in addition to recruiting units from the recruitment camp, players could also recruit soldiers from among the indigenous people, providing another means of increasing their military forces. many players were recruiting soldiers from refugees or indigenous gathering places during the recruitment camps downtime. however, he clearly didnt need to do that. after all, at most, he could only recruit second-tier units from the freemen, so it would be better for him to upgrade other units through the military talent tree. no need for that where are these freemen now? they are still on the ship, waiting for your orders, my lord. ji chen nodded and, with raymond, went to the port. soon, he saw many freemen gathered on the returning merchant ships deck, their faces showing confusion and anxiety. from their homeland to this foreign land, from the mainland to an island, anyone would feel a sense of unease. but there was also an element of surprise. contrary to their expectations, they hadnt thought that the merchant named raymond was telling the truth. the territory called the crown of the ocean did indeed lie on a beautiful chain of islands deep within the ocean. like a crescent moon, they stretched across the serene blue sea. prosperous harbors, anchored warships, formidable armies, bustling crowds, and continuous buildings. it was nothing like the desolation they had imagined; in fact, it was even more prosperous than some of the royal cities on the mainland! inevitably, they felt a glimmer of hope in their hearts. next, they needed to see if the lord of this place was worthy of them staying. however, when they disembarked and were confronted by a handsome young man, they couldnt help but feel perplexed. was this the lord of the territory? he looked excessively young. this was completely different from what they had previously imagined, an image of a white-haired old noble or a dignified middle-aged man. nevertheless, they refrained from showing disrespect or insolence. instead, they watched attentively, each one cautious in their demeanor. in this society resembling medieval times, where class distinctions were strict, a lord was not someone these freemen could afford to offend or disrespect. ji chen looked at the crowd before him, full of expressions ranging from unease, and fear, to curiosity. he carefully chose his words and spoke loudly. freemen who have come from the distant northern continent, welcome to the crown of the ocean. i am the lord here, and 1 am the one bringing you a new life. you have left your homes for various reasons, such as war, banditry, famine, monster invasions, and more, in search of a place where you can live in peace and prosperity, a haven from the troubles of the world. here, i can tell you that the crown of the ocean is indeed such a haven! we have a powerful army here to protect you from harm. we have an abundance of food to ensure you never go hungry. there are plenty of homes to shield you from the wind and rain. there is ample space for you to find meaning in your survival! yesterday, what you all dreamt of can easily be obtained by joining the crown of the ocean. i promise you, everything ive just said is true, with not a hint of falsehood! i, ji chen, the lord of the crown of the ocean, invite you to join us. ding- skill: persuasion activated, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of this speech. the freemens eyes were filled with excitement and hope, and much of their anxiety and confusion seemed to dissipate in these words and promises. though this lord was young, his words precisely touched upon their deepest desires. leaving their homes, facing various hardships, and drifting on the vast sea for days had left them yearning for a sense of security. at this moment, they truly felt a glimmer of reassurance.. Chapter 297 - Chapter 297: Freemen, Slaves, Leysha, and the Brewer (2) chapter 297: freemen, slaves, leysha, and the brewer (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat tran station soon, someone raised their hand and shouted, im willing to join the crown of the ocean! im also willing to stay; i dont want to wander around anymore!11 another voice expressing willingness followed. humans are creatures of the crowd. upon hearing others expressing their desire to stay, even some freemen who had a hint of hesitation in their hearts raised their hands. more than a thousand freemen, nearly all of them, decided to remain right there. there were very few who were still hesitant, and ji chen didnt pressure them. he simply advised them to stay for the time being and get a good look at the crown of the ocean before making a decision. he instructed wilus to arrange accommodations forthem. apart from the freemen, there was another, larger group of slaves. when it came to the slaves, there was no need for lengthy discussions. in a sense, ji chen spending gold to buy them meant they were ji chen s personal property, and he had the right to kill them if he wished. after they disembarked, they didnt exchange a word but were quickly pur to work in various areas of the territory. ji chen believed that in the days to come, they would come to appreciate the goodness of rhe crown of the ocean. ding-1037 units of freemen have joined the territory, no hero units discovered. ding, 1520 units of slaves have joined the territory, hero units discovered. ji chen was taken aback; there were hero units among these slaves? that seemed like quite a stroke of luck. however, he wasnt overly excited because the crown of the ocean already had quite a few heroes, around forty of them, both white and green heroes. he opened the territory panel to take a look sure enough, in the heroes section, he saw a new name. leysha (purple hero) ah, a hero with a purple-tier ranking. ji chen was intrigued to find out more about this obviously female character. he closed the panel. ji chen then headed toward the temporary place where the slaves were being housed. the temporary lodging for the slaves was in an open area not far from the port. there were many thatched huts set up here, and the slaves were standing around, creating a noisy and chaotic scene. surrounding them were squads of lizardmen soldiers. unlike the freemen who had come willingly, many of the slaves had thoughts of escaping, so they needed a military presence to keep them in check. ji chens sudden arrival surprised both the slaves and the soldiers. they wondered why such a noble figure had come to this chaotic place. a lizardman captain hurried over, his face filled with anxiety as he asked, lord, is there something you need us to do here? nothing much, im here to find a slave named leysha. alright, 111 go get her right away. please wait a moment, lord. after saying that, the lizardman captain immediately rushed back with his subordinates to search for leysha. about ten minutes later, they returned, with a young girl in row. lord, we have brought the slave leysha. very good, ji chen nodded and turned his gaze to leysha. she was a young girl, and while her appearance might not be considered top-tier, she had a remarkably beautiful face and a youthful, vibrant figure that added to her charm. at this moment, she looked anxious, clutching the edge of her clothes with trembling hands, appearing very reserved. she didnt understand why the lord had brought her out alone. could it be, as others had suggested, that the lord had taken an interest in her? thinking about this, leyshas grip on her clothes tightened, her cheeks turned crimson, and she almost buried her head in her chest. ihe other slaves around her looked at her with envy, thinking that being favored by rhe lord meant she was soaring to great heights and would live a good life from now on. ji chen paid no attention to the others and first opened her panel to check. [leysha (hero)] i race]: human i level]: 8 [current tier]: purple (rare tier) [potential]: red (legacy tier) [skills]: ancestral winemaking (purple skill, inherited wine-making technique, capable of producing exceptionally high-quality wine) ancestral farming (purple skill, skilled in growing wine-making crop materials) [ unit trait |: winemaking talent (greatly improves winemaking success rate, greatly improves wine quality, has a certain probability of producing top- quality wine) well, it turned our she was a lifestyle hero. and whats more, her expertise was in winemaking! this was an incredible discovery! earlier, ji chen had already figured out that the new moon islands were most likely formed due to volcanic eruptions. as a result, the volcanic soil produced by these eruptions contained rich mineral elements, giving it a natural advantage for agriculture. from the perspective of agricultural advantages, besides excellent soil, the new moon islands had very few storms, tsunamis, long hours of daylight, and more, making it an excellent place for grape cultivation. wine was a product in high demand everywhere, and there was never a shortage of buyers. if the crown of rhe ocean added this product to its offerings, it would only mean more gold! gradually, ji chen s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. feeling his direct gaze, leysha became even more bashful, not knowing where to put her hands. however, she had no idea that ji chen wasnt interested in her body at all; instead, he coveted her skills. regaining his composure, ji chen cleared his throat and said, your name is leysha, right? yes, lord, leysha replied, feeling bashful but nodding nonetheless. follow me. with an unmistakable tone, he made her obediently follow him. as she looked at the tall and handsome lord in front of her and then at her somewhat dirty self, she felt a sense of inferiority and worry. ji chen led her to a grand hall and motioned for her to sit. leysha, are you skilled in winemaking?1 leysha was slightly surprised. how did the lord know? she hadnt told anyone, not even when she was bought as a slave, as it was her appearance that had caught their attention. but she failed to realize that ji chen, as a player, could directly view her information panel. yes. then how did you become a slave? leyshas expression darkened, and she began to explain her story. my father was a winemaker in a large noble estate. when he noticed my talent in winemaking, he secretly taught me the techniques of winemaking and farming we lived happily as a family until soldiers from a hostile nation attacked our estate, killed our parents, and sold me as a slave. afterward, you, lord, bought me and brought me here. ji chen nodded in understanding, but he couldnt help but shake his head. it wasnt because of her unfortunate experiences but because of her talent. achieving a purple-tier hero status through winemaking at such a young age was a truly exceptional display of natural talent. considering her youth, there might still be potential for further breakthroughs in the future. the past is behind you, and your parents wouldnt want to see you so sad seeing her looking so dejected, ji chen offered some words of comfort before getting to the main point. since you possess such talent, it should not go to waste! i will personally construct a winemaking workshop and allocate a dedicated piece of land for grape cultivation. would you be willing to become their overseer, responsible for planting grapes and making wine? upon hearing this, leysha looked surprised and somewhat overwhelmed. to go from being a simple slave to being in charge was a remarkable leap in social status! however, she quickly composed herself, and her gaze became more resolute. she clumsily performed a bow. im willing! very well! ji chen nodded and immediately called for wilus. wilus, leysha is no longer a slave; she has become a resident of the crown of the ocean. assign her a residence and provide her with exclusive servants. in addition, start planning the construction of a winemaking workshop and designate a suitable area for grape cultivation. deploy enough residents and slaves to assist leysha with planting and winemaking. this matter should be given the utmost attention! upon hearing ji chens stern tone, wilus looked surprised as he glanced at leysha, but he nodded earnestly. understood, 1 will handle these two matters seriously. ji chen nodded and then turned his gaze to leysha, who looked overwhelmed with favor. you should go with wilus to your new residence now. freshen up and take some rest. youll be busy very soon. im at your service, lord! leysha quickly nodded. in her heart, she had already made up her mind to seize this rare opportunity and make the best of it.. Chapter 298 - Chapter 298: Change in Strategy, Leysha’s Expertise, Soul Servants chapter 298: change in strategy, leyshas expertise, soul servants translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation watching leysha walk out behind wilus, ji chen paused and took out a heavy scroll made of sheepskin from his backpack, placing it on the long table. with a wave of his hand, six maidservants by his side stepped forward, unfolding the parchment and covering the entire length of the table. at a glance, this parchment was none other than a map of the new moon islands, displaying detailed information about the islands, including the distribution of specialties, resource points, building layouts, roadways, military arrangements, and everything, big or small. with this map, one could swiftly grasp and understand the current situation of the new moon islands and the prosperity of the crown of the ocean. compared to when it first landed, it had grown immensely, more than a hundredfold. however, ji chen didnt bring it out for admiration or show. he had another purpose. he intended to make a major adjustment to the territory layout. with the further increase in population, the current population on the surface of the crown of the ocean, including some lizardmen, had reached around fifteen thousand. such a population brought about increasing disorder. in simple terms, all functional areas were mixed together. residential areas were next to the port, interspersed with warehouses and functional facilities, creating a chaotic mess. there were only a few proper roads, crisscrossing the entire crown of the ocean. people moving around and goods transport were all squeezed together, inadvertently greatly reducing efficiency. walking through that mess was giving him a headache. ji chen looked at the map, deep in thought. the main concept was to divide living spaces from workspaces and keep regular foot traffic separate from the movement of goods, ensuring they wouldnt disrupt each other. additionally, military structures such as recruitment camps were to be kept apart from the previous two categories and grouped into single, self-contained large-scale barracks, making it convenient for assembling and deploying troops. following these two ideas, ji chen wrote and sketched on the map. after half a day of effort, a brand-new layout plan for the crown of the ocean was quickly completed. the residential area was relocated to the west, adjacent to the square. between the squares east side and the port, including the cliff where the elemental arrow tower stood, was all designated as a military area. all the recruitment camps were relocated here. this location was adjacent to any area in the territory and could provide the fastest support. following that, various workshops, warehouses, and functional structures were moved to the northern area, next to the northeast mountainous region. this location was conveniently situated near the kobold caves, making it easy to transport various minerals and resources directly to the workshops. furthermore, it was in close proximity to the port, allowing the finished products from the workshops to be swiftly transported to the port through dedicated cargo routes for export. this arrangement created a closed-loop system for resources, production, and export: from resource points to workshops and finally to the port for export. following the principles of modern industrial production to guide the construction and layout, it was as straightforward as that. the agricultural area, on the other hand, would focus on seawater rice paddies and high-quality coffee plantations. it would be located to the west of the residential area, occupying a vast expanse of flat and fertile land. ji chen attached great importance to food cultivation. thanks to the conquest of the underground lizardmen kingdom, a large quantity of fluorescent mushrooms had been brought to the surface, ensuring the crown of the ocean wouldnt have to worry about hunger for a long time. however, the taste and texture of fluorescent mushrooms were just average. they were suitable for short-term or emergency consumption, but if you wanted to use them as a daily food source, it would be a bit of a stretch. who would want to eat these dry mushrooms when they could have delicious rice and bread? ji chen had only outlined the new layout, but there were many details to be filled in. this workload couldnt be handled by him alone. therefore, after a few hours of rest, he gathered wilus and the others to brainstorm and refine the plan. as they say, many hands make light work. in just two days, a relatively complete layout and plan were established. alright, lets proceed with this plan and make the necessary adjustments. ill ensure that everyone cooperates fully to complete it as soon as possible. yes! the others left, and wilus stayed behind. my lord, ive already found a location for the winemaking workshop and grape vineyard. its situated in the southwest of the northeastern mountainous area. ji chen thought for a moment. the terrain in that valley was relatively flat, which was ideal for agricultural cultivation. moreover, several rivers flowed through it, making irrigation very convenient. it was indeed a good location. since its already chosen, lets begin as soon as possible. after wilus left, the wine-making hero, leysha, came to visit. compared to her previous dirty appearance, leysha was now dressed in appropriate clothing, with a slightly youthful face that exuded the unique vitality of a young girl. it couldnt help but bring a smile to ones face. although they were a bit more familiar now, leysha was still very cautious in front of ji chen and greeted him respectfully. my lord, good day ji chen casually waved his hand. no need for formalities. it looks like youve been resting well? thanks to my lords kindness, ive had two days of good rest, and the sisters have been taking good care of me.. Chapter 299 - Chapter 299: Change in Strategy, Leysha’s Expertise, Soul chapter 299: change in strategy, leyshas expertise, soul servants (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation leysha was a bit nervous as she spoke, bur her happiness couldnt be concealed in her words. in just two short days, she had experienced a completely different life. not only did she have a comfortable independent house to live in, but she also enjoyed delicious food that she had never even dared to dream of before. and there were even a few maids who took care of her every need. she used to always imagine what kind of life would be considered happy. well, she probably had it now seeing leyshas joyful expression, ji chen smiled. your talents deserve this kind of blissful life. alright, in a few days, the grape plantation will begin construction. do you have any ideas?1 when it came to this topic, leyshas expression became serious. with her mature mindset, she understood that the reason for this wonderful life was her talent for winemaking and grape cultivation. only by fully utilizing these talents could such a life continue. these past two days, 1 also asked mr. wilus, and he sent soldiers with me to inspect the island. 1 believe the grape plantation should be located on a gentle slope near the northeastern mountains.11 a gentle slope? why? ji chen was a bit puzzled. he wasnt a professional, but in his impression, crops were usually better grown on flat land, right? leysha nodded and continued to explain. thats true, bur grapes and similar crops are different from wheat and others. they require ample sunlight but not excessive water. if they are planted on a slope with a certain incline, it helps with drainage and ensures they receive sufficient sunlight. furthermore, ive explored the island, and the only level spots i found are the river valley near the mountains and the jungle area to the west. however, both of these locations pose challenges for growing grapes C either theres too much tree cover that blocks sunlight, or theres an abundance of water, making them unsuitable for grape farming. moreover, that gentle slope could be quite near the volcanic eruption site, which means the soil there is well-suited for farming. therefore, considering all factors, that gentle slope is the most suitable location. as leysha spoke about her area of expertise, her nervousness gradually disappeared, and her words flowed more smoothly. by the end, she noticed ji chen looking at her attentively, which made her nervous again, stammering, m-my my my lord, did i say something wrong? no, you did great, ji chen replied with a pleased expression. from start to finish, youll be in charge of this matter. if theres anything, just contact me or mr. wilus directly. no need to consult with others. this is what professionalism looks like. without asking leysha, they might have wasted resources and time by choosing the wrong location in the river valley. upon hearing his words, leysha became full of enthusiasm and quickly took her leave. ji chen watched her hurried figure, shook his head with a smile, and followed her outside to the military recruitment camp. since the last time he recruited units, it had been over two weeks. this meant that he could recruit all the units he hadnt recruited during those two weeks all at once. on the panel, in the warehouse, resources disappeared one after another, flowing into the recruitment camp. an hour later, thousands of newly recruited units appeared. tyrant azure dragons: 9 units, tier 5, 5-star. naga berserkers: 680 units, tier 4, 5-star. dragon blood murlocs: 700 units, tier 4, 3-star. elemental sea pixies: 780 units, tier 4, 3-star. lobster riders: 670 units, tier 4, 1-star. murioc rangers: 3s0 units, tier 3, 5-star. self-detonating water spiders: 1400 units, tier 3, 3-star. elite pirates: 270 units, tier 2, 4-star. deep sea prowlers: 60 units, tier 4,1-star. tidal sea spirits: 7 units, tier 4,1-star. giant octopuses: 30 units, tier 4, 8-star. ruins guardians: 210 units, tier 3, 8-star. ocean guardians: 565 units, tier 3, 9-star. sky guardians: 40 units, tier 4, 8-star. half-orc warriors: 275 units, tier 3, 8-star. after this round of recruitment, a significant portion of resources on the panel were depleted. especially when recruiting six furious azure dragons, it cost him a substantial amount of crystals, mithrii, and adamantium, each totaling 48oo units. recruiting such high-level units didnt just consume ordinary resources but also rare resources more valuable than gold coins. even for someone as wealthy as ji chen, he was somewhat amazed at the expenditure this time. it seems that during the upcoming journey to the northern continent, he would need to pay more attention to collecting rare resources. among these units, ruins guardians and half-orc warriors are a few that couldnt be replenished. the former was obtained from the ancient land of the divine realm on king kong island. their ability to endure pain and ignore negative effects makes them very useful but certainly irreplaceable. after all, he didnt possess rhe relevant manufacturing technology, and his territory lacked experts in this field. the only person who had mastered the related technology, thotmudo, had long disappeared. as for rhe half-orc warriors, they were also obtained from king kong island. their berserk combat power and loyalty made them a good unit as well. perhaps he could consider recruiting another batch when he returns to king kong island in the future. once the heroes of each unit had taken their recruited armies with them, ji chen found alice and set out with his nine tyrant azure dragons. his goal was to assist alice in capturing a batch of soul servants. since she advanced to a red hero and evolved her skills, this skill had been left unused. now, it was time to unleash its full potential. after equipping the sea heir heart core on her, her mental power was instantly enhanced by an additional 150%. this meant that alices mind control skill could now control: C 25,000 tier 1 units. C or 12,500 tier 2 units. C or 6,25a tier 3 units. C or 3,125 tier 4 units. C or 1,562 tier 5 units. if she could fill any of these categories to the brim, it would be an incredible source of power. consider 3,125 tier 4 units; its equivalent to all tier 4 units under rhe crown of the ocean. if they could capture dozens of tier 5 units, not to mention creatures like the tyrant azure dragon, even just tier 5,1-star units would be enough to form a terrifying tier 5 army. if they could fill all the slots with 1,562 tier 5 units he was starting to have trouble imagining it. if it ever got to that point, what would they have to fear? he dared to take on the grand duchy and kingdom-level powers head-on, making them understand who rhe real boss of this sea region was! suppressing the excitement in his heart, ji chen stood on the back of the tyrant azure dragon alongside alice, beginning the search for suitable soul servants. in his mind, only tier 4 units were eligible to occupy a slot, and he had no interest in tier 3 or lower units. they journeyed to the outskirts of the stormy sea, and with a brief search, they quickly found some tier 4 units that met their criteria. it was a group of about fifteen or sixteen giant swordfish, tier 4, 3-stars a decent tier 4 unit. as they detected the arrival of unbeatable foes, they fled in a panicked frenzy. however, their speed couldnt match the explosive swiftness of the tyrant azure dragon. they were soon caught up to, surrounded by the nine tyrant azure dragons, shivering in fear. ji chen glanced at them and immediately said, alice, make them your soul servants. alice obediently nodded. even though she had become a red hero, she still appeared just as she had when she was a blue hero in front of ji chen. a song began to play. the giant swordfish trapped in the middle shivered uncontrollably as if struck by lightning. they desperately tried to break free, but a single tail strike from the tyrant azure dragon sent them flying back one by one. after a few minutes, they gradually calmed down, their eyes losing their luster. at this point, alice also stopped and nodded, saying, ive taken control of them. ding! siren hero: alice has controlled 115/3125] units of tier 4. ji chen watched this scene before and after, deep in thought. this is a bit different from what he had in mind before. alice couldnt instantly control them; its more like a process of conquest, similar to recovering fairies. the higher the rank and grade of the troops, the longer it should rake. this did provide some balance; otherwise, being able to turn enemies into permanent soul servants in an instant would be too frightening. even the gods wouldnt dare to do such a thing! Chapter 300 - Chapter 300: Various Items, Enslavement Contract Scroll, Medieval Town? chapter 300: various items, enslavement contract scroll, medieval town? translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after enslaving these dozen giant tunas, ji chen and alice continued their search for the next batch of lucky ones. far from the mainland, in the distant stormy seas, the fisheries here were undeniably abundant. abundant fisheries brought with them the gathering of numerous oceanic wilderness monsters. in just a few hours, they found hundreds of wilderness monsters ranging from tier 4,1-star to tier 4, 4-star, successfully tamed under the siege of the nine tyrant azure dragons, becoming alices soul servants. it was worth noting that having over a hundred different types of tier 4 monsters displayed in front of the formation, which was even more diverse than the units under the crown of the ocean, definitely gave off a unique and impressive vibe. as the sun set behind the western mountains, only a sliver of the sunset remained on the horizon. seeing that it was getting late, ji chen and alice returned to the crown of the ocean, planning to continue capturing soul servants tomorrow. at the lords castle, after dinner, ji chen retrieved the items acquired from ernesto in his backpack. he hadnt had a chance to examine them earlier due to the unexpected arrival of the sea heir that day. among the items were two treasures, two building blueprints, two skill scrolls, two bottles of potions, and a bundle of parchment and metal creations. one of the treasures held a 4-star rating, while the other was a 3-star treasure. [mithril ring] [tier]: 4-star treasure [effect]: 0 increases spell resistance by 10%, increases resistance to negative effects from spells by 20% [skill]: 0 can generate a spell shield that withstands a huge amount of spell damage, with a cooldown of 3 hours [charging ring] [tier]: 3-star treasure [effect]: ? increases the next spell damage by 30%, with a cooldown of 30 minutes two decent spell treasures. one for survival, and one for damage increase. ji chen wore the two rings on his left and right hands respectively. counting these two, he now had three rings in total, already occupying three of his ten fingers. his aspiration was to discover additional ring-type treasures in the future and adorn the remaining seven fingers, ultimately achieving the status of a ring lord! after admiring the rings for a moment, he looked at the two building blueprints. [blueprint: gnome freshwater filtration system] [tier]: 4-star [effect]: capable of filtering seawater into drinkable freshwater [construction required resources]: 1500 units of crystal, 1500 units of mithril, 1500 units of orichalcum, 1500 units of iron [footprint]: 20x20x30 [maximum purification capacity]: 50,000 peoples daily use [blueprint: breweryworkshop] [tier]: 4-star [effect]: enhances the success rate of brewing and reduces the production rate of bad alcohol [construction required resources]: 1000 units of crystal, 5000 units of wood, 3000 units of stone, 3000 units of clay [footprint]: 50x75x10 both blueprints were of 4-star quality. the former could filter seawater to produce freshwater, enough to meet the daily needs of up to 50,000 people. although there was currently no freshwater crisis, as the population increased in the future, freshwater, like food in the early stages, eventually became a significant concern. the latter blueprint allowed the construction of a brewery workshop, which was self-explanatory and incredibly beneficial. while territories could be constructed without blueprints, the effects were uncertain. with blueprints, not only could standardized buildings be constructed, but the construction speed could also be significantly accelerated. under normal circumstances, even a simple small tile-roofed house would take at least half a month to complete, let alone a massive project like a brewery workshop. he had soldiers deliver a copy of each blueprint to wilus and leysha. then, he turned his attention to the remaining items. the skill scrolls were what he had been most eager for this time. in this world, skills were a core component of a hero or a units combat power. having a powerful skill could easily multiply their combat effectiveness several times over. just like the tyrant azure dragon, without its ice breath skill, its combat power and lethality would drop by at least 70% or more. [skill scroll: spell flight] [type]: combat skill [tier]: blue-tier skill [effect]: enables the comprehension of the blue-tier skill: spell flight (the ability to condense a pair of magical wings using mana, granting the power of flight). [skill scroll: alchemy basics] [type]: lifestyle skill [tier]: blue-tier skill [effect]: enables the comprehension of the green-tier skill: alchemy basics (gains the alchemist profession, opening the door to the path of alchemy). among the dozens of skill scrolls, these two were not the most precious, but they were the ones that intrigued ji chen the most. spell flight, the ability to condense wings and soar in the sky like a bird, was a dream come true for many humans. even with ji chens strength, he could only have the sky guardian carry him into the high skies to experience it briefly. the sky was a forbidden zone for countless terrestrial and marine creatures, viewable from a distance but inaccessible. the other skill scroll, alchemy basics, brought an even greater surprise to ji chen. the value of a blue-tier alchemy basics skill scroll was even more precious than a purple-tier skill. if players entering this world chose professions like fishermen, blacksmiths, or tailors as their secondary professions, which were as ordinary as they could be, then becoming an alchemist was a relatively rare and valuable hidden secondary profession. it was on par with professions like potion makers, all of which were considered elite secondary professions. for ji chen, this had a special significance. he wasnt particularly interested in becoming an alchemist, nor did he have the spare time to delve into alchemy. however, this didnt mean that this skill scroll was useless.. Chapter 301 - Chapter 301: Various Items, Enslavement Contract Scroll, chapter 301: various items, enslavement contract scroll, medieval town? (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation he could also use it on others! if a skilled resident of the crown of the ocean becomes an alchemist, they can delve into the secrets of alchemy. as their expertise grows, much like thotmudoj they might uncover the techniques to craft alchemical entities like the ruins guardians, ocean guardians, and sky guardians, and potentially even produce them in large quantities. they might even decipher the gnomish technology hidden within that gnomish merchant ship. not only that, in his backpack, there was a priceless treasure kriegs alchemical notes. who knows how much alchemical knowledge is hidden within? with the knowledge of the ancient lidl who had lived for tens of thousands of years, it was not impossible to cultivate a powerful alchemist! lets not get too caught up in the likelihood of success; we should prioritize pursuing our dreams! next, there were two bottles of potions. in the light of the crystal lamps in the castle hall, the golden liquid in the two bottles refracted strange colors, clearly indicating their extraordinary nature. [potion: holy healing elixir 1 [tier]: 5 stars [effect]: provides potent healing effects [blessed by the divine | the description was brief, but the 5-star tier undoubtedly indicated its incredible efficacy. even though ji chen had various means to preserve his life now, having two more life-saving potions was still excellent. in this dangerous world, having an extra means of survival might save his life at some critical moment. ji chen opened his backpack, and placed them within easy reach, ensuring he could access them quickly in emergencies. his gaze then fell upon the last two items. a scroll made of parchment, bound together. in terms of mystery, this item, was second only to the final metallic creation. it appeared ordinary on the outside, but it had been safeguarded individually by the gnome ernesto, indicating its value. carefully untying the hemp rope that bound it, ji chen slowly unfurled the parchment. on the parchment, countless blood-like patterns twisted around the center, forming an eerie runic symbol that seemed to draw anyone who looked at it in. [enslavement contract scroll] [tier]: special [effect]: can forcibly enslave a higher being, compelling them to enter into a binding servitude contract with the user, essentially making them the users servant. an enslavement contract? ji chen couldnt help but be surprised. this item was a common element in fantasy worlds, but this scroll was extraordinary it could target higher beings. what constitutes a higher being? advanced elemental creatures, rare and powerful races, advanced-tier beings, and even dragons were included. being able to forcibly establish an enslavement contract without conditions made it no less valuable than the love potion from earlier. in terms of rarity, this scroll might be the most valuable item on the entire gnome merchant ship. looking at the scroll before him, ji chen pondered. if he could use it wisely, perhaps he could recruit a formidable ally for the crown of the ocean. the last item was a square metal artifact, the material it was made of was unknown, but it looked extremely durable. [key to entering gigantooth city] [only by holding this key can the gates of gigantooth city be opened | so, it was a key. ji chen had learned about gigantooth city from ernesto. it was situated in the western continent and serves as one of rhe two major gnome cities. rumors had it that this city had been constructed using countless gnome technologies and contained numerous gnomish innovations that outsiders coveted. however, it was a city that only gnomes could enter; any other race attempting to enter would be bombarded into dust by various gnome weapons. looking at this key, ji chen had another idea. after all, he possessed the illusory mask, which could mimic any living being. if he could transform into ernesto at this point, everything had been checked. the next morning. he summoned wilus and leysha, giving them the blueprints for the gnome freshwater purification device and the brewery workshop, respectively. he instructed wilus to select a resident with a character suitable for becoming an alchemist. then, he called on heroes like anina and instructed them to guard the crown of the ocean diligently. afterward, he set off with alice and the nine tyrant azure dragons to meet with i_love_black_stockings on king kong island. along the way, he also helped alice capture a batch of soul servants to fill all the available slots as soon as possible. t raveling on tyrant azure dragons was incredibly fast, several times faster than a typical sailboat. in just one day and one night, he arrived at king kong island with alice. when i_love_black_stockings saw ji chen appear in front of her territory, she looked a bit puzzled. ? between king kong island and the crown of the ocean, there was a full three days of sailing. how did you manage to get here in just one day? surprised as she was, she didnt forget her business. boss ji chen, the first batch of goods you transported has entered the player market on king kong island. they sold out quickly, not even lasting a day, and weve already paid you. your fleet is probably on its way back now.1 ji chen nodded, not paying much attention to these minor matters. he didnt worry too much about the cargo from just five ships; there would be more merchant ships going back and forth between king kong island and the new moon islands in the future. he had come specifically this time for one thing. l_love_black_stockings was a clever person and naturally understood this. she readily took out the gloria elf treasury map and handed it over.. Chapter 302 - Chapter 302: Various Items, Enslavement Contract Scroll, chapter 302: various items, enslavement contract scroll, medieval town? (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation boss, 1 understand this map must be special, but if its of any help to you, its yours! observing her eagerness to hand over the map, ji chen smiled. you truly have no curiosity about this map about gloria? i_love_black_stockings face stiffened for a moment. to say she had no curiosity would be a lie. these past few days, she had intentionally or unintentionally gathered bits of information about gloria: the ancient elves, the lost city, the conflicts among the elves, the fragments in the hands of the dwarves but after reading just a little, she dared not look any further. what kind of terrifying stuff was all this? it appeared to be something incredibly perilous, a proverbial hot potato one wouldnt even want to hold. driven by her self-preservation instincts, she suppressed her greed and curiosity and resolutely handed it over. curiosity may be good, but im very afraid of dying, so id rather not. big boss ji chen, take it quickly. 1 wont be able to control my hands if you delay any longer! seeing i_love_black_stockings with a pained expression, ji chen burst into laughter, took the map, and placed it in his backpack. since ive accepted your gift, 1 should naturally show some appreciation. if you ever encounter any difficulties in the future, dont hesitate to ask for help. ill do my best to assist you. upon hearing this, l_love_black_stockings face lit up with joy, and any lingering reluctance vanished. this was precisely why she did it, wasnt it? in life, especially in such a dangerous world, having a strong back to rely on was the most important thing. it was her lifes motto! thank you, boss! boss, youre generous! since youve come all the way here, how about being a guest here? let me be a gracious host. ji chen thought for a moment, nodded without refusing, and let the tyrant azure dragon stay in the sea while he followed i_love_black_stockings to the depths of her territory. on the way, they could see the significant progress in l_love_black_stockings strength. first and foremost, it was evident from the appearance of the territory. the pier had expanded several times over, with five oceangoing sailboats anchored there. during his previous visit, there were only two barely seaworthy coastal ships. from the pier to the highlands where the lords manor was located, a bustling main road had formed. on either side of the road were two or three-story wooden loft houses, interspersed with five or six-story tall stone clock towers with sword-signboarded taverns. there was a dense flow of people, and soldiers in armor were patrolling, maintaining order in the territory. perhaps it was due to i_love_black_stockings opening up foreign trade, but many residents had set up stalls along the roads, loudly hawking their wares. some traders and players from other places were bustling around, intending to purchase things that caught their interest. to him, this scene had a distinct medieval town vibe. even with access to a significant amount of resources, not everyone could transform their territory into such a state in a short time. it was evident that i_love_black_stockings possessed a talent for management. in comparison, ji chens crown of the ocean followed a semi-militarized business policy. they maintained enough vigilance and caution towards the outside world while systematically exporting goods. the reason was simple: crown of the ocean faced attacks from various monsters and coveting forces at irregular intervals. if they fully opened up without a plan, they would either be turned into a sieve or infiltrated thoroughly. it seemed like l_love_black_stockings wanted to fully implement the plan of a medieval lord. she had erected a wooden city wall around the highlands, enclosing the lords manor, isolating it from the outside. once it reached the level of a feudal city, the lords manor would transform into a lords castle, probably not much different from the medieval territories he had in mind.. Chapter 303 - Chapter 303: Young People Should Be Humble: The Four chapter 303: young people should be humble: the four- armed naga and the trident of the abyss C trident tip translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation seeing the appreciation in ji chens eyes, i_love_black_stockings proudly said, transforming the land into its current appearance required a significant amount of my effort and time. however, achieving this has nearly depleted the profits 1 had accumulated earlier. its quite costly. she said this, but the satisfaction on her face couldnt be concealed. how many residents do you have here? not many, all in all, around 1,500 people, and if you count the army, its about 2,500. ji chen nodded. with 1,500 residents, it was a thriving small town, and after including the troops, it was certainly impressive. seeing ji chens approval, i_love_black_stockings suddenly asked, big boss, how many people do you have in your territory now? not many, just over 10,000 residents, and if you count the army, its around 20 to 30 thousand. i_love_black_stockings instantly sobered up and fell into silence. a moment ago, she was a bit arrogant, but now, she was abruptly humbled. in comparison to the boss, she felt like a tiny fish in a big pond. not to mention the number of residents, even the nine tyrant azure dragons docked at the pier could easily destroy a territory. ji chen glanced at her casually. he hadnt even mentioned the underground lizardman kingdom yet. if she knew there were over a hundred thousand lizardmen underground, she might go crazy. young people should maintain their humility. in a strange silence, the group entered the lord manor. l_love_black_stockings tactfully let the others go first and took a seat on the side. ji chen didnt make a fuss either and sat down directly. he got straight to the point, revealing the second purpose of this visit besides obtaining the map. do you know if there are any fourth-tier wild ocean monster lairs near king kong island? alice had currently enslaved over two hundred soul servants, and while there were many powerful monsters in the deep sea, most of them lived alone and were highly scattered. despite ji chen and alices efforts to find them, their efficiency had not been improving. filling all the enslavement slots would take months at this rate. l_love_black_stockings looked visibly puzzled. i do know, but big boss, what do you want them for? its none of your concern. she wanted to ask more, but seeing ji chens serious expression, she decided to keep quiet. there arent many fourth-tier ocean monster lairs nearby, but i know the location of three of them. theyre all a considerable distance from king kong island. ill mark it for you right away. l_love_black_stockings took out a map and made a few marks on it, then handed it over. ji chen took a look and saw three red circles drawn on the sea areas. big boss, although these three monster lairs are fourth-tier, there might be fifth-tier monsters inside, so you should be careful, i_love_black_stockings cautioned, her words carrying some weight. she had once observed one of them from afar and was nearly scared to death. the density and number of fourth-tier monsters in these lairs were enough to wipe out half of king kong island. fortunately, these lairs were at a certain distance from king kong island, so as long as they didnt provoke trouble recklessly, there shouldnt be a problem. ji chen nodded, bid his farewell, and left, heading towards the locations marked on the map. he made his way through the waves. soon, he arrived at the nearest lair. on a small island no larger than four or five basketball courts, there were densely packed razorfin seals basking in the sun, their bellies turned upward. [razorfin seal] [tier]: fourth tier, 1 star although they were only fourth-tier 1-star creatures, their numbers were significant, with about three to four hundred razorfin seals in sight, making it a plentiful source. without hesitation, ji chen waved his hand, and all eight tyrant azure dragons, except the one beneath him, charged towards the island. the razorfin seals, which had been leisurely basking on the island, suddenly sensed an extreme danger approaching. they looked up and saw eight terrifying azure dragons rapidly closing in. instantly, they panicked, instinctively climbing onto the island and away from the water. this was their genetic instinct to evade formidable enemies, as most marine creatures could only survive in the water and couldnt go ashore. however, little did they know that this action sealed their only hope of escape. the eight tyrant azure dragons surrounded the island, exposing their heads above the sea surface. their enormous nostrils emitted wisps of icy mist as they watched the trembling razorfin seals on the island. there was a trace of disdain in their eyes. these fellows were useless. ji chen and alice casually approached the island, initiating the enslavement process. faced with the already frightened seals, the process went smoothly. after a little over ten minutes, alice gained three hundred and eighty fourth-tier l-star soul servants, further expanding her entourage of servants. without stopping, the group headed to the next monster lair. after two hours of rapid travel, they arrived at the location marked on the map. unlike the previous razorfin seal island, this monster lair was not located above the sea surface but rather within the sea. however, this had no impact on them; in fact, they could better utilize their combat capabilities in the sea. they submerged several hundred meters into the sea and quickly discovered traces of the monsters in a trench. four-armed nagas were bustling around, carrying prey back and forth. their robust muscles and emerald-green scales showcased their formidable strength.. Chapter 304 - Chapter 304: Young People Should Be Humble: The Four chapter 304: young people should be humble: the four- armed naga and the trident of the abyss C trident tip (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the bone weapons gripped in their hands clearly showcased their deadly capabilities. [four-armed nagas] [race]: naga [tier]: fourth tier, 6 stars [level]: 30 surprisingly, these four-armed nagas, of the same race as his own nagas, were even higher tier and had quite respectable levels. the more powerful they were, the more satisfied ji chen became. regardless, they would ultimately become alices soul servants, fighting for the crown of the ocean. upon seeing ji chens group, the four-armed nagas responsible for vigilance issued a warning. in an instant, the entire trench came to life. the four-armed nagas set aside their prey and rushed forward with their weapons. unlike the razorfin seals, they did not fear the tyrant azure dragon. instead, their cruel eyes were filled with a desire for battle. if they could slay such a giant creature, it would be the ultimate glory. seeing this scene, ji chen was somewhat surprised. apart from the sea heir, it was the first time he had seen creatures that werent afraid of the tyrant azure dragon. however, not fearing and being able to defeat it were two different things. ji chen raised his right hand, and the four-armed nagas charging at them were immobilized in place. upon closer inspection, one could see a distinct water rope tied around their necks, keeping them bound and unable to move. they blushed with exertion, their four arms straining as they attempted to break the water ropes. yet, despite their best efforts, they couldnt break loose. every four-armed naga that emerged from the trench was caught by these inexplicable water ropes as they charged. this was the strength of ji chen. as his level continued to rise, his control over water also grew stronger, and conjuring water ropes, which seemed inconceivable to outsiders, became effortless for him. in the trench, a particularly burly figure suddenly appeared, wielding a giant axe, a longsword, a bone spear, and a chain in its four muscular arms. at first glance, it looked like something. ji chens eyes narrowed, and it seemed that this four-armed naga was the leader of this monsters lair. [four-armed naga (leader)] [race]: naga [tier]: blue leader oh, its a monster leader. no wonder this four-armed naga group is so powerful. however, he didnt really pay much attention to a mere blue-tier monster leader. human, why are you attacking us? we have no grievances with you! at this moment, the four-armed naga leader hissed in snake-like language, speaking human words. ji chen glanced at it and replied indifferently, do i need a reason to attack you? this arrogant attitude left the four-armed naga leader stunned. it had lived for so long and roamed these waters for many years, yet this was the first time it had encountered a human more domineering than itself. feeling its dignity insulted, it angrily roared, you damned human, you will pay for this! brave warriors, charge!! in an instant, a large wave of four-armed nagas surged out of the trench, along with those bound by ji chen. there were at least five hundred of them. ji chen wasnt taken aback but rather pleased. they had concealed so many inside. now, he could gather a substantial group of minions! his left hand, which had been hanging down, slowly lifted, and countless seawater surged, condensing into water ropes that bound all the four-armed nagas, rendering them immobile. even the four-armed naga leader was bound, and its proud four-armed weapons and strength were useless at this moment. human, youre damned! its eyes turned completely red, and its body suddenly expanded. its already muscular physique grew even larger. its four colossal arms tugged at the water rope encircling its neck, gradually extending it. ji chens eyes showed some surprise. was it undergoing a power-up? however, this wasnt a typical action-packed anime where a significant difference in power could be bridged by a power boost. after all, why would powerful individuals bother with self-improvement otherwise? he merely increased his mana output, causing the water rope to thicken by a loop, firmly locking around its neck. no matter how desperately it struggled, it couldnt break free. soon, the four-armed naga leaders body, which had initially deflated like a balloon, returned to its original size, devoid of any strength to resist. seeing this scene, the other four-armed nagas who were still struggling lost their spirit. even their most powerful leader couldnt break free, so how could they resist? ding- the morale of the four-armed naga has decreased by 20 points. ji chen nodded to alice and said, you can begin. upon hearing this, alice used her mind control skill and started singing with her enchanting voice. the four-armed nagas all covered their ears in agony, but her song seemed to penetrate their physical bodies and reach their souls. no matter how tightly they covered their ears, they could still hear it. apart from the song, they heard nothing else. gradually, they stopped resisting, the light in their eyes faded, forever lost in the endless melody. ding- siren hero: alice has enslaved 510 units of four-armed nagas (fourth tier, 7-star), and 1 unit of four-armed naga leader (blue tier). this was the power of alice! in addition to ordinary troops, she could even capture enemy monster leaders and make them her soul servants. that was the terror of the siren race. given enough time to grow, every siren had the ability to command an army by themselves! no wonder lady irona said that most marine races showed disgust and rejection toward the sirens. who knew if one day the sirens would forcefully turn them or their people into their soul servants? all he could say was that this ability was too mysterious and ruthless. he could only be thankful that alice was currently a hero of the crown of the ocean and was fighting for him, not against him. after enslaving more than five hundred four-armed nagas at once, alice appeared somewhat fatigued. ji chen had no choice but to let the tyrant azure dragon carry her for some rest. during this short break, he took a look at the current progress. [enslaved quantity: 1090/3125] after all the hustle and bustle, he had only managed to reach a third of his goal. he felt a mixture of worry and joy. if he could fill all of it, he would have an additional army of three thousand fourth tier units, which, even in the current crown of the ocean, would be a force to be reckoned with. of course, it would be excellent if he could enslave fifth tier beasts. his expectations were modest; hed be satisfied with just a few dozen skeletal wyverns that he had encountered under the command of skeleton king solin. thinking of this, ji chen suddenly remembered the nest of four-armed nagas in the trench. perhaps there were some treasures hidden inside? instructing five tyrant azure dragons to guard alice as she rested, he entered the trench with the other four. soon, he followed the traces and found a massive underwater entrance in the trench. the entrance was too narrow for the massive tyrant azure dragons to enter, so ji chen had to swim in by himself. he kept the omniscience map active as he ventured inside. after entering through the entrance, he found himself in a spacious area that resembled a meeting hall. a brief inspection didnt reveal anything significant, so he continued further inside to chart the layout of the nest. before long, a complete blueprint appeared in his mind. the four-armed naga nest had a structure resembling the chinese character 41 (zhong). the entrance represented the bottom stroke of the character, the first horizontal stroke was the meeting hall, the two strokes on the left housed food and miscellaneous items, and the right side was where they resided. the top part of the character was the sleeping chamber of the four-armed naga leader. inside the leaders chamber, ji chen found a considerable amount of gold coins, some sparkling gemstones, and jewelry. these were probably treasures they had salvaged from sunken human ships, as they had a natural advantage in underwater treasure hunting. however, in the sleeping chamber of the four-armed naga leader, he discovered something else. a broken staff, so damaged that it was impossible to discern its original appearance. [abyssal trident C trident tip (severely damaged)] [tier]: 5-star artifact (severely damaged, downgraded) [effect]: (severely damaged, unable to determine) [skills]: (severely damaged, unable to determine) [the abyssal trident is rumored to be a weapon beyond the mundane. it shattered into several pieces during a certain battle, scattering throughout the ocean. if one could collect and repair it completely, it might unleash a terrifying power].. Chapter 305 - Chapter 305: Negative State, Amos Temple chapter 305: negative state, amos temple translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation a weapon beyond the mundane? ji chen pondered, somewhat unclear about what exactly beyond the mundane meant in terms of grade. treasures above 7 stars were legendary treasures, and beyond that were artifacts. if mundane referred to treasures of 7 stars, then anything above that was likely legendary. unfortunately, this fragment of a tridents tip was probably just a small part of the complete trident. finding this piece had been a stroke of luck; searching for the other parts would be like finding a needle in a haystack. ji chen shook his head slightly with a hint of regret but didnt dwell on it, tossing it into his backpack where it would gather dust. after collecting gold and silver coins, gemstones, and jewelry, he left the lair of the four-armed nagas and reunited with alice. the group set out again, heading to the last monster lair. this time, the monsters were fourth-tier three-star blue ring octopus beasts. they could release a massive amount of toxins through their tentacles, making them formidable opponents, and there were plenty of them, numbering over a thousand. under ji chens strong crowd control, the process of enslavement went smoothly this time. several tens of minutes later, alices army of soul servants had increased by another thousand, reaching a total of over two thousand, with just over a thousand left to reach the maximum. as they explored the three monster lairs, ji chen returned to king king island. when i_love_black_stockings saw over two thousand fourth-tier monsters trailing behind them, behaving as obedient as pets, she was utterly speechless with astonishment. since when could monsters be tamed like this? ji chen paid no attention to her shocked expression and asked directly, are there any other monster lairs nearby? i only know of those three but 1 can ask the other players on king kong island! l_love_black_stockings quickly said and opened the chat channel to inquire. soon, she received a response. some players said they found an underwater ruin in a remote sea area to the south of king king island, occupied by a large number of monsters. its probably another monster lair. but they mentioned that there seems to be something like a negative force field in that area. anyone who gets too close is affected by negative effects. coupled with the strong monsters there, no one has dared to approach. an underwater ruin? ji chen became interested, and his adventurous spirit ignited once again. ruins meant danger, but they also meant rewards. if he hadnt taken the risk to enter the skeleton secret realm earlier, how could he have met elin and thotmudo and obtained treasures like the illusory mask and void ring? ji chen had always followed the philosophy of high risk, high reward. where is the exact location? i_love_black_stockings was taken aback by ji chens nonchalant attitude. what others saw as a dangerous place might not be anything to a pro like him. ill ask that sea area is about eighty to ninety nautical miles south of king kong island. near the underwater ruins, theres a small island with a tall statue on it. as long as you can find that small island, the underwater ruins should be easy to locate. eighty to ninety nautical miles, roughly two hundred kilometers when converted, wasnt a great distance at sea. with a rough idea in mind, ji chen set off immediately. the nine tyrant azure dragons spread out in a v-shape formation, let out a roar, and burst forth with formidable momentum. the seawater churned, and countless small monsters and fish fled in fear. behind the tyrant azure dragons were over two thousand soulless, lifeless monsters, like puppets manipulated by someone. even so, more than two thousand monsters, all of them at least fourth-tier l-star, represented a frightening force. with such a powerful army traveling through the sea, countless monsters scattered in their wake. due to the influence of soul servants, ji chen and his group didnt move very quickly, and took half a day to reach this sea area. this was a distant area, well away from any known shipping routes. there were no indications of human activity nearby, and no readily available resources to exploit. it was a place that not even animals would venture into. there were some scattered small islands in the vicinity, but apart from dilapidated and abandoned houses beyond repair, there was nothing worth noting. holes in the houses, tattered cloth fluttering in the wind on wooden frames, and small docks reduced to decaying wooden supports all gave the place a desolate feeling. after leaving this group of scattered islands behind, they continued searching for the island with the statue. lord, do you think that thing over there is a statue? alice pointed to the distance. ji chen followed her pointing finger and saw a small island in the distance. there stood a tall statue. head towards that small island. with his command, the army changed course and sped up. as the distance shortened, the statues appearance became clearer. when ji chen finally saw it clearly, his pupils couldnt help but contract. the statue had the appearance of a monstrous creature with a green face, sharp fangs, and wings on its back. one hand cradled its knee, while the other pointed into the distance. its enormous eyes carried a hint of ferocity. the sculptor had crafted this statue with such precision that it appeared as if it could soar into the sky at any instant. every aspect, from the wings poised for flight to the well-defined muscles, sharp claws, and even the wrinkles on its skin, appeared remarkably lifelike. it appeared as if it were real. although it was just an inanimate statue, it exuded pure evil, strangeness, and chaos. alice looked at it curiously and asked, lord, is that thing a statue? Chapter 306 - Chapter 306: Negative State, Amos Temple (2) chapter 306: negative state, amos temple (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation lord, weve spotted the statue, but where is the underwater relic? ji chen pointed to the enigmatic statue. this statue has already given us a clue. look at its finger. upon hearing this, alice looked in the direction indicated. the statues finger appeared to be pointing straight into the distance, but in reality, it was slightly inclined downward, leading to a spot in the sea. if my guess is correct, right below that section of the sea lies the location of the underwater relic. seeing this somewhat eerie statue, ji chen became more cautious. alice, have a few of the soulbound servants go ahead and scout. alice nodded, and several razorfin seals broke away from the group, diving into the sea and leading the way. ji chen and the rest of the team followed, maintaining a distance of several hundred meters. ding- soulbound servant: razorfin seal is affected by a negative force field, entering a negative state with a 5% reduction in all attributes. ji chen didnt pause, and he waved for them to continue. soon, the invisible force field began to affect the entire group, subjecting them to a negative state. after advancing for several hundred meters more ding- negative effects intensify, with a 10% reduction in all attributes. wow, this negative effect can actually get stronger? could it be that the closer they get to the underwater relic, the stronger the effect becomes? as the distance decreased further, the negative effect increased from 10% to 15%, and then from 15% to 20%. even ji chen felt the influence of some kind of energy, as if a heavy stone were pressing down on his shoulders. his body became somewhat sluggish, and the flow of mana in his body also slowed down significantly, reducing his overall vitality. alice, on the other hand, didnt seem to be affected much. while her mana was suppressed, her soulbound servants had long been controlled and imprinted with soul marks, so they remained under her control even with the lowest levels of mana. as they were finally able to spot a colossal underwater relic on the seabed with their naked eyes, the adverse effects on them peaked in intensity. a 35% decrease in attributes equals a total one-third reduction. at this point, ji chen became completely serious. this underwater relic couldnt be ordinary, or else it wouldnt have such terrifying negative effects. now, returning to the important matter at hand, how could they address this persistent negative effect? suddenly, an idea flashed through ji chens mind. if he were to draw a comparison between this negative field, where the closer he got, the stronger the effect, to a negative state or condition is it possible for a domain to neutralize another? with this in mind, ji chen decided to give it a try immediately. with a thought, a surge of mana, like a tsunami, erupted. [tidal domain (orange skill, can expand a tidal domain with a radius of five hundred meters, reducing enemy attributes within the domain by 0-70%, with the effect determined by the difference in strength between the enemy and us, reducing physical and magical damage by 30%, reducing mana consumption by 30%)] centered around him, a spherical domain with a radius of two hundred and fifty meters was formed. suddenly, the pressure on his shoulders dissipated, and he felt free once again. the negative status effects previously imposed on him vanished. upon closer examination, about two hundred and fifty meters away, they noticed a tumultuous sea where vibrant deep blue mana and ominous gray-black energy clashed and battled each other relentlessly. it seemed that the gray-black energy was the tangible manifestation of the negative force field, but it had been hidden all along. ji chen monitored the mana usage rate. while there was a small difference between mana recovery and consumption, the overall trend was a decrease. thanks to his ample mana reserves, he could sustain the tidal domain for an extended period. without any hesitation, he gave the command for the army to continue forward. the closer they got, the more colossal the relic on the seabed appeared. rather than calling it a relic, it was more like a relic city. countless pillars with obvious signs of civilization lay in ruins all over the seabed. the remnants of stone buildings filled every corner, exuding a desolate beauty. but the most prominent feature was the towering temple-like structure at the center of the relic, reaching dozens of meters in height and occupying a wide area. this was the only building in the entire relic that remained well-preserved. [temple of amos sacrifice] a temple? ji chen was slightly surprised, but he understood. in the era when gods existed, believers built temples like this one in many places, from the freezing north to the endless swampy deathlands, from the highest peaks of the world to the depths of the lightless sea, to worship and show their devotion to the gods. as the river of time flowed on, most of them had already perished into oblivion, but there were still some buried in unknown places. and the sacrificial temple before their eyes was clearly one of them. in every sacrificial temple, believers, in order to express their supreme devotion, collected countless treasures from all over the world, even from the void, to offer to the gods and seek their protection. of course, whether the gods cherished these worldly objects was still unknown. but one thing could be known C this sacrificial temple, which had been preserved due to its location and had not been explored, might contain some unexpected things. ji chen narrowed his eyes. it seemed that this journey had not been in vain. gurgle- out of nowhere, thousands of creatures with razor-like fins sprang forth from every corner of the ruins, resembling the statue on the small island. their sharp claws left deep marks on the pillars, a testament to their strength. [razorfin demons] [race]: demon [tier]: fourth tier, 3 stars [level]: 30 [skills]: rend, combo strike, sharp teeth [unit traits]: ruthless and cruel () [the backbone of the demon race, placed here to guard the temple] demons? ji chen was somewhat surprised. according to what he knew, demons were often servants nurtured by evil gods. could it be that this temple was dedicated to worshiping an evil deity? this was yet another unexpected turn of events. try to subjugate them. alice nodded, closed her eyes slightly, and released her spiritual power, but her face suddenly turned pale. lord, i cant subjugate these demons. why? their souls have already been marked for countless years, and the one who marked them is a presence i cant contend with ji chen understood. these demons were probably minions of some evil god, and competing with a god for control over them was a difficult task. since we cant subjugate them, then lets prepare for battle! these demons were all at the fourth tier, 3 stars in rank, and level 30. even with their strength reduced by 35% due to the negative status, they were still formidable opponents. but now, the negative status had been negated by the tide domain, and in terms of raw power, ji chen and his group had a clear advantage. everyone, stay within the range of my domain! two thousand fourth-tier soul servants were present, ranging from fourth-tier 1-star to fourth-tier 6-star, densely packed within the domain, ready to face the enemys onslaught. the razorfin demons attacked from various directions, but as soon as they entered the tide domain, their movements slowed down, as if they were being pressed down by a great mountain. their strength was significantly reduced. ding- razorfin demons are suppressed by the tide domain, all attributes reduced by 50%. this was much stronger than the negative status imposed by the temple. their strength was now only at 50%, almost like having both hands tied behind their backs. however, ji chens group remained unscathed, and they even experienced a 30% decrease in physical and magical damage inflicted upon them. the razorfin demons, who could originally cut through metal like butter with their claws, now only left shallow marks, and their power had diminished significantly. this almost made them curse out loud. what the heck is this!? under the domain suppression, the power gap between the two sides was brought to a terrifying level. this was another strength of ji chen. not only did he possess formidable combat abilities, but he could also provide significant buffs to his allies, exerting strong suppression on the enemy. if he wanted, he could easily serve as a support. with the power gap, the razorfin demons were quickly slain one by one, and their murky black blood polluted the seawater. nevertheless, this darkened blood didnt disperse when mixed with the seawater; rather, it was drawn back into the massive temple, akin to iron filings being irresistibly pulled back in, one droplet at a time. upon contact with the black blood, the temple broke the silence it had maintained for countless ages, trembling suddenly, causing the seawater to shake. something dreadful was slowly awakening. ji chens mouth twitched. well, he knew things wouldnt be that simple. but he had grown accustomed to it. he ordered everyone to retreat hundreds of meters, ready to prepare for battle at any moment.. Chapter 307 - Chapter 307: Double chapter 307: double-winged demons: too mischievous, saturated assault translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation a malevolent energy seeped out of the temple, and in a matter of moments, the negative field around it intensified dramatically, mercilessly compressing ji chens tidal domain. the sea at the periphery churned wildly as if corroded by some kind of acid. ji chen chose not to confront this force head-on. instead, he narrowed his domain, maintaining it at a size that could encompass his entire army, reducing the pressure from the energy. his eyes were fixed firmly on the temple. knowing that this temple was likely dedicated to some dark deity, especially with the strange resurgence happening now, he remained on high alert. of course, the resurgence couldnt be the true dark god itself. even the most feeble of dark gods held the potential to wreak havoc upon the world, so how could there be such a disturbance? at that moment, the trembling temple finally came to a stop, and the massive stone doors slowly swung open. a tall figure wielding a bone staff emerged from behind the doors. with wings spanning several meters, coiled muscles, dehydrated and wrinkled skin that extended like scales, and razor-sharp fangs, the figure was an eerie sight to behold. but the most striking feature was its abyssal, pitch-black eyes, devoid of any emotional expression, only darkness. the appearance of this enigmatic entity instantly changed the atmosphere. oppressive, malevolent, and chilling. it felt like a thousand-year-old iceberg had suddenly appeared, spreading an immense coldness that made their blood sluggish and their bodies rigid. it seemed as if the sun had vanished from the sky, casting the world into an unending darkness, leaving only those pitch-black eyes in their sight. thump ji chens heart skipped a beat, and his mana surged out like a breached dam, desperately dispersing the oppressive aura that surrounded them. when he snapped back to reality, he realized that, unknowingly, his tidal domain had been compressed to a size of just a few dozen meters, and many of his soul servants were already exposed to the negative field. he hastily expended his mana to restore the domain, finally letting out a sigh of relief. as he gazed at the motionless figure, a sense of wariness remained in his eyes. undoubtedly, this was something related to a dark god, and it was indeed as eerie as he had expected. they had come perilously close to falling under its influence. [amos temple dark acolyte (weakened)] [level]: 45 [incarnation of a faithful follower of a certain dark deity, sacrificing flesh and soul, willingly guarding this temple for eternity] a hoarse and eerie voice echoed directly in their ears. ignorant intruders, you have disturbed the tranquility of the temple. those who are ignorant must pay the price. i will bind your souls and use your blood to appease the peace in this place. as the words fell, the amos temple dark acolyte took a step forward, raising the bone staff in hand. an aura of terror emanated from his body. from the skull at the tip of the staff, a substantial black mist spewed forth, transforming into countless tendrils resembling small serpents, and they burrowed into the lifeless double-winged demons. with a bizarre and twisted wriggling, the once-dead double-winged demons actually stood back up, and their wounds rapidly healed. their once pitch-black eyes were now a deep blood-red as if oozing with fresh blood. [corrupted double-winged demons] [tier]: fourth tier, 6 stars [level]: 30 all units, prepare for battle! as soon as the command was given, the resurrected double-winged demons lunged at them. compared to before, they were now several times stronger. perhaps due to their corruption, even when entering the tidal domain, the suppression they faced was greatly reduced, with only a 20% reduction in all attributes. now, they were no less formidable than alices soul servant army. at this moment, the demons razor-sharp claws, capable of tearing through metal, displayed their tremendous power. with a slight tug, the flesh was torn, nearly sundered at the waist, and blood flowed out continuously. a single razorfin seal found itself encircled and assaulted by two corrupted double-winged demons. their claws pierced its chest, disappearing completely within its body, and then they yanked to the side. rip- the razorfin seal, with its tough hide, proved fragile as paper under the claws. it was torn into four pieces, with its organs scattering in all directions. among the soul servant army, the weaker ones succumbed one after another under the claws of the corrupted double-winged demons, while the more advanced ones persevered. as soul servants, they were like puppets driven solely by a desire for slaughter, devoid of unnecessary emotions. they would not retreat or falter as long as alice, their puppeteer, did not stop. under such a frenzied counterattack, they managed to kill many of the corrupted double-winged demons. a particularly bloodthirsty corrupted double-winged demon rashly charged in alone and was torn apart by dozens of four-armed nagas working in perfect coordination, using over a dozen weapons. several corrupted double-winged demons formed teams to attack but were tightly embraced by dozens of blue-ringed octopus beasts. the teeth in the suckers on their tentacles tore through skin and muscle like a cutting machine, paralyzing and killing their prey with toxins. these were just ordinary scenes within the entire battlefield. the battle had heated up right from the start, with casualties on both sides happening constantly. however, overall, the advantage still leaned toward the side of the soul servants. the amos temple dark acolyte, who had been standing still and observing the battlefield, once again raised his bone staff. countless tendrils of black mist penetrated the bodies of the recently deceased corrupted double-winged demons. surprisingly, two to three hundred corrupted double-winged demons, who had just died, were resurrected. even those torn apart, with their body parts drawn together as if by magnets, witnessed their wounds squirming and healing. they quickly returned to the battle, alive once again.. Chapter 308 - Chapter 308: Double chapter 308: double-winged demons: too mischievous, saturated assault (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation this scene made ji chen furrow his brows. damn it, are they always this stubborn with their resurrections? apart from these persistent resurrections, some demonized double-winged demons had even resurrected four or five times. if the soul slaves still had any emotions left, they would probably be cursing by now. if this continued, with each revival, their side would lose more and more ground, no matter how many of them there were. he must capture the leader first. ji chen set his gaze on the temple dark acolyte. you can resurrect your minions, huh? well, lets see if you can resurrect yourself. tyrant azure dragons, attack and stop the temple dark acolyte, unleash full firepower! the tyrant azure dragons, which had been conserving its strength, casually flicked its tail. its massive body seemed to ignore the resistance of water, darting forward like an arrow leaving the bowstring. it unleashed a terrifying blast of icy breath, freezing everything in its path with bone-chilling cold. amos temple dark acolytes face slightly changed. a dark aura emanated from its bone staves, enveloping it. in the next moment, the icy breath froze it in a large block of ice. but before they could rejoice, cracks appeared on the ice, and it exploded amid a surge of seawater. it revealed temple dark acolyte inside. ji chen didnt look disappointed. it would be strange if it were severely injured or killed just like that. but as a fifth-tier military unit, the tyrant azure dragons signature attack was not entirely ineffective; the temples dark acolyte visibly weakened. keep attacking! the nine tyrant azure dragons followed one another, each exhaling a breath capable of shattering souls. every time the temples dark acolyte attempted to move, it was frozen by a mouthful of breath. helplessly breaking free from the ice, it was immediately frozen again by the next breath. the seamless coordination among the nine tyrant azure dragons resulted in an extremely long-lasting continuous control. at this moment, the temples dark acolyte felt extremely frustrated. although the breaths damage was not significant, it was immensely humiliating. as a dignified guardian of the temple, it was being toyed with by a lowly human. this ignorant human had to pay the price! after being frozen by another breath, the temples dark acolyte didnt break free as it did before. instead, it appeared lifeless, as if it had lost the strength to break free. seeing this, the tyrant azure dragons stopped in their tracks, circling around the large block of ice. ji chen was momentarily stunned. could it be that the temples dark acolyte would be killed by being frozen alive like this? this seemed a bit too easy; he hadnt even taken action yet! however, in the next moment, ji chen realized it was a trap! he wanted the tyrant azure dragons to continue using their breath attacks, but it was already too late. in an instant, the frozen ice, which had been still just moments ago, shattered open. out of it emerged dozens of thick, black, spiked tendrils, each as wide as tree trunks, that rapidly ensnared the nearby tyrant azure dragons. without warning, they constricted tightly around it. roar! the tyrant azure dragons emitted a painful cry, attempting to break free from the tendrils grasp. however, these tendrils, like those of a giant octopus, clung firmly to them, their sharp thorns piercing deep into their flesh, draining their life force. the more it struggled, the tighter the tendrils constricted, causing even more agony. when it tried to exhale an icy breath towards the tendrils, a black light on the outer edge of the tendrils blocked it. the temples dark acolyte emerged from the shattered ice, holding its bone staff high, a fanatical and angry expression on its face. damnable human, 1 will imprison your soul here! let you taste the pain of being whipped for ten thousand years! the bone staff flashed, and more than ten tendrils pierced through dozens of demonized winged demons and soul servants without distinction and shot towards ji chen. ji chens expression remained unchanged. he raised his right hand, and in front of him, more than ten overlapping water shields formed. each one was strong enough to withstand a direct cannon blast. boom! the tendrils pierced through the first few water shields without any obstacles, but their speed slightly decreased as they pierced through the subsequent ones. when they passed through the last one, however, they didnt find ji chens figure. the temples dark acolyte looked left and right, alarm bells ringing in its mind. it swung its bone staff once more. black mist gushed out and coalesced into a dark gray shield around it. in the next moment, dozens of blades made of iron-like water suddenly appeared from the side and swiftly struck the shield. however, they were all deflected. the temples dark acolyte, with a hint of disdain in its eyes, said, ignorant human, back when i fought alongside my god in the divine war, you were probably clueless about your whereabouts. these feeble tricks wont work on me. struggle as much as you like; this way, you will gradually experience despair, and your soul will become even more delicious. in the distance, ji chens expression grew solemn. this enemy was the most formidable one he had encountered since becoming a tidal dominator. apart from the initial surprise attack by the tyrant azure dragons, which had frozen him continuously, the enemys decisions had been flawless. whether it was combat prowess or combat awareness, they were outstanding. however, the more formidable the enemy, the stronger ji chens competitive spirit burned. youre strong, but as long as 1 defeat you, it means im even stronger. besides, even if youve participated in some so-called divine war, theres no reason why 1 cant defeat you, a weakened follower of evil, right? after a moment of contemplation, ji chen decided to utilize his greatest strength: saturation strikes! he raised both hands, and a surge of mana rolled within him. various water-based weapons began to form behind him, each one crafted from gentle seawater and infused with mana to become deadly instruments of destruction. one hundred, five hundred, over a thousand of these water weapons. the densely packed water weapons resembled an army formation, neatly arranged behind him. at a glance, it was a spectacular sight. it wasnt until the number reached a staggering three thousand that ji chens eyes subtly shifted. the weapons, like arrows strung on a bow, suddenly shot forth. boom. boom. one, ten, a hundred. the water weapons, one after another, slammed into the temples dark acolytes shield. the energy released upon impact churned the surrounding seawater into a turbid mess, with no room for dispersion. at first, the temples dark acolytes expression was nonchalant. however, gradually, it became more serious. damn, this human has an unusually vast reservoir of mana. if it were back during the divine war, at the peak of its power, dealing with such an opponent would have been effortless. but with the passage of time, even though it spent most of it in a dormant state, it couldnt escape the erosion of time. most of its strength had waned. now, it could only exert twenty percent of its former power at best. and this human, it seemed, was no ordinary opponent as it looked closer, its expression suddenly turned horrified. you carry their bloodline! i didnt expect that you would survive too! since its you, then you must also possess the bloodline of that race. it turned its gaze to alice, and a trace of expectation flickered in its eyes. i understand now. you wish to destroy my gods chance of returning? its a futile hope. my god is the only true deity in the world, and no one can stop its return! anyone who dares to obstruct will have their souls cursed for eternity! listening to its seemingly nonsensical, fanatical words, ji chen furrowed his brow. what bloodline? what return? had this temples dark acolyte gone mad from too much solitude? if that was the case, then please die quickly and stop disturbing the peace. with that thought, ji chens mind surged with more mana, continuously forming water weapons that rained down on the enemys shield like a storm. no matter how strong the shield was, there would come a day when it would crack. under countless attacks, cracks resembling spiderwebs appeared on the shield, forcing the temples dark acolyte to retract its tendrils that had been restraining the tyrant azure dragons and focus all its energy on maintaining the shield. the freed tyrant azure dragons immediately distanced themselves, covered in wounds from the tendrils, its life force nearly drained. inside the shield, as if realizing something, the temples dark acolytes face showed a fanatical and resolute expression. if i can destroy you here, perhaps 1 can reduce the obstacles to my gods return. my great god! please sow the seeds of destruction in this world and reshape its order and rules! watching the temples dark acolytes demeanor, ji chen couldnt help but feel a chill creeping into his heart.. Chapter 311 - Chapter 311: Small Twin chapter 311: small twin-winged demon statue, spirit crystals, fate with elves, travis relic translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation this battle ultimately ended in ji chens victory. however, despite the intense nature of the battle, his own army didnt suffer significant damage. the nine tyrant azure dragons, the core and formidable unit, though injured, none perished. alices army of soul servants, around two thousand, saw six to seven hundred casualties, most of which were the relatively weaker razor fin seals. the high-end forces like the four-armed nagas suffered minimal losses. in all honesty, soul servants were expendable, and their deaths werent much of a concern. they could simply spend some time enslaving another batch. thinking about this, ji chen couldnt help but shake his head. who still remembered one of his initial goals upon arriving here C to enslave the creatures? yet, unexpectedly, he ended up in a fierce battle against the amos temple dark acolytes and razorfin demons, a battle that left the world in chaos. now, the amos temple dark acolytes were dead, leaving behind lifeless bodies. however, the negative energy field still emanated from the amos temple, continuously applying adverse effects. with these thoughts in mind, ji chen spoke. alice, have the soul servants disperse and thoroughly inspect the surroundings for any remaining threats outside the temple. alice nodded and released the remaining soul servants, commencing a thorough, carpet-style search of the ruins. after about half an hour, the last group of soul servants returned. we have not found any dangers or other enemies. ji chen nodded and turned his gaze to the center of the ruins, the amos temple. his heart swelled with anticipation. such a grand temple, guarded by such a powerful presence of amos temple dark acolytes, should surely hold something valuable, shouldnt it? if it didnt, that would be rather impolite. ji chen and his group bypassed the frozen pillar containing the amos temple dark acolytes and arrived at the door, stopping in their tracks to look up. this temple was undoubtedly majestic. if it were on land, it would undoubtedly be a marvel of architecture, even more imposing than krieg theredells laboratory. standing in front of the massive green stone gate, which was more than ten meters tall, they felt like ants. ji chen commanded dozens of soul servants to approach the stone door and begin pushing. the enormous stone door slowly opened inward. after waiting for a while and seeing no issues, ji chen allowed some of the soul servants to enter as the vanguard, exploring the temples interior to ensure there were no dangers. once they confirmed that there were no hidden, sinister creatures inside, they entered with peace of mind. the moment they passed through the door, their footsteps felt steady, and the oppressive feeling around their bodies disappeared. however, at the same time, the pressure from the tidal domain reached its peak, leaving only a space of less than fifty meters. it seemed that the deeper they ventured into the temple, the stronger the negative energy field became. ji chen adjusted his breathing. turning back to look, a thin film stood above the door, completely sealing off the seawater, and the air returned. inside the temple, it was as if they were on solid land. wow, what kind of magical technology was this? if they could obtain this kind of film technology, wouldnt it be possible to build cities underwater? ji chen suppressed his astonishment and instructed the tyrant azure dragons outside not to enter. otherwise, they might become stranded as soon as they entered. then he looked inside the temple. the interior was even more spacious than it appeared from the outside, with a dome that reached dozens of meters in height and a width spanning hundreds of meters from west to east. but in this vast space, the first thing that caught the eye was a gigantic demon statue standing on the altar, almost as tall as the dome itself. with razor-sharp fangs and a fierce demonic visage. this appearance seemed almost identical to the previous demon statues, like the ones on the small island. for some reason, one could always feel an extreme chill and coldness emanating from it, causing a cold sweat to trickle down their back involuntarily. but when looked at more closely, it seemed like just an ordinary statue. looking up into the eyes of the demon statue, ji chen wondered if it was due to the carving, but its gaze was fixated on the entrance, as if it were staring at them. well, its a bit creepy ji chen muttered to himself but didnt pay it much mind. after all, it was clear at a glance that this demon statue was just an inanimate object. perhaps the cultists deliberately designed it this way to make outsiders feel the greatness of their faith. many deity statues were designed like this, so there was nothing to be alarmed about. he put that thought aside. search this place thoroughly for me, and dont leave anything valuable behind. with the command given, the soul servants scattered in all directions within the temple, searching diligently. meanwhile, ji chen walked toward the altar beneath the demon statue and began to observe it closely. the altar was about ten meters high, and the altar walls were adorned with stone carvings. these carvings seemed to tell a long-forgotten story. as ji chen focused his gaze, his expression changed. this story was about the divine war. ji chen didnt know much about the divine war, only having learned a little from the pre-released game information. he knew that this divine war had ended the era of rampant deities, much like the meteor that had devastated the tyrannosaur race, leading to countless creatures inhabiting this world and flourishing. in other words, without this war among the gods, races like humans, elves, and others would have had no space for independent existence and development, only surviving at the mercy of the gods.. Chapter 312 - Chapter 312: Small Twin chapter 312: small twin-winged demon statue, spirit crystals, fate with elves, travis relic (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the stone carving told the story of this razorfin demon with double wings, valiantly battling against enemy deities. due to being surrounded and injured by other deities in a despicable manner, it had to strategically retreat during the early stages of the divine war, taking refuge within its divine realm. within the stone carving, the malevolent deity was depicted sitting on the throne of its divine realm, gazing into the distance as if seeking the opportune moment for another battle. however, ji chen couldnt help but almost burst into laughter when he saw this. he had figured it out; this malevolent deity was actually quite inexperienced. it didnt take long for it to be thoroughly defeated by enemy deities. while it appeared to be a strategic retreat, it was essentially fleeing back to its divine realm for shelter. the followers who constructed this altar had a skill in portraying this pitiful story so nobly, depicting the retreating malevolent deity as making a tactical withdrawal. it was a kind of art in its own right. however, this malevolent deity seemed to have killed one of the enemy deities through a surprise attack, allowing its followers to seize its divine realm and obtain numerous treasures. the stone carving ended here, leaving him somewhat disappointed as it didnt describe what happened after the divine war. after circling the altar, ji chen ascended the steps at the front and reached the top of the altar. beneath the colossal malevolent deity statues feet, there was a much smaller statue of a razorfin demon emitting substantial gray matter that spread eerily around it, exuding an aura of malevolence. at this moment, the tidal domain seemed to encounter an insulator and could only exist outside the altar, unable to extend onto the altar itself. it seemed that this small demon statue was the generator of the negative force field. just as ji chen was contemplating how to destroy it, an information panel appeared before him. [small twin-winged demon statue] [level]: special [effects]: 0 can generate a negative force field with a maximum radius of ten kilometers. enemies within the negative force field will enter a negative state, suffering a 5-35% reduction in all attributes. (2) can grant spell immunity shields to friendly units within the negative force field, making them immune to all spell damage for 3 hours, with a cooldown of 1 day (if the unit belongs to the razorfin demon or other demon categories, it becomes permanent). [a statue made by a certain malevolent deity to guard various divine temples] [can be bound and occupied with spiritual power] !!! this was a jackpot! the value of this small twin-winged demon statue was beyond question. it could provide an enormous negative force field, enough to cover most of the new moon islands. just like their previous assault here, once they entered it, they would be subjected to powerful negative effects. they hadnt even started fighting yet, and they were already at a disadvantage. ji chen had a deep appreciation for this. without the assistance of the tidal domain, they might have faced defeat as early as the battle with the dark acolytes in the temple. this was undoubtedly a massive advantage. and how many people possessed domain-type skills? it wouldnt be an exaggeration to say it was as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. therefore, if the enemy wanted to attack the new moon islands or the crown of the ocean, they would need to weigh their options carefully. with just this advantage alone, the defensive capability of the crown of the ocean was increased several times, even greater than the effect of a massive army. in addition, it could provide a shield that granted immunity to spells for troops. this was probably why the dark acolytes from the corrupted temple were immune to the tyrant azure dragons icy breath. however, only demon-type units could enjoy this permanent treatment, while other units had a duration of only three hours. nevertheless, ji chen was quite satisfied. being immune to spells was already a significant advantage. ji chen didnt rush to bind it; instead, he stowed the small figurine in his backpack. in front of someone elses deity figurine, directly snatching the binding felt a bit unscrupulous, and the taste of ntr (netorare) was too strong. he descended from the altar. the soul servants had also completed their search of the surroundings and piled up their findings in an open area. perhaps due to the temples long-standing existence, there werent many things that could be preserved. the majority of the valuable items were various rare resources that didnt easily decay. in addition to crystals, mithril, and adamantium, which were the most widely used rare resources, with quantities ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 units, there was even an extremely rare resource from the outside world C spirit crystals. [spirit crystal] [level]: 5 its appearance was similar to a white diamond, but it had a color more akin to stalactites, resembling something of utmost purity. at a glance, one could easily sense the pure energy contained within, dense yet gentle. ji chen had seen in the chat channel that a lucky player once explored a forest, stumbled upon a level 5 resource point where tier 5 wild creatures were battling tier 5 guardian creatures, resulting in a mutual destruction of all of them. seizing this opportunity, the player entered the resource point and discovered that it was actually a level 5 spirit crystal mine. although it only had a reserve of 50 units, with these 50 units of spirit crystals, they obtained resources equivalent to an entire towns value. this incredibly fortunate player, thanks to this substantial resource, managed to dominate other players within a hundred-mile radius and became a local overlord. and now, before ji chen lay a total of 300 spirit crystals! with just these spirit crystals, even if all the soul servants and tyrant azure dragon fell, it would be enough to compensate for his losses. to this temple dark acolyte, or whatever his name was, i thank you sincerely for leaving me such a generous gift. if you could provide me with another 300 spirit crystals, i could help you break free from the ice and present you before your dark deity, so you wont have to spend your nights in the cold, without peace. feeling quite content, ji chen stored the spirit crystals and other rare resources one by one. then, he turned his attention to the various odds and ends. some were weapons and equipment that had rusted over time, while others were wooden carvings of dark gods that were completely useless to him. suddenly, he noticed something mixed in among them, and his eyes lit up as he pulled it out. what he held in his hand was a piece of golden paper that had endured countless ages but still remained exceptionally pristine. although it was made of gold, its thickness was as fine as a strand of hair, delicate to the touch yet surprisingly resilient, preventing it from tearing. taking a closer look, intricate runes and patterns were engraved on the golden surface, appearing mysterious and noble, as if they contained boundless secrets. on the back, there was some kind of script that ji chen didnt recognize, filled with colorful flowing characters, resembling a beautifully crafted work of art, leaving people in awe. [travis relic] [level]: special [effect]: unknown [an ancient elf relic known only to the elf race. if it is handed over to the elves, perhaps it can earn their friendship.] wow, this guy seems to have a special connection with the elves, doesnt he? everywhere he goes, he encounters elves and obtains items related to them. elin, the elf squad, the elves of the northern continent, the gloria map, elf treasury key fragments, and now this travis relic. hes really entangled with the elves. although he didnt know the specific function of this item yet, judging from the description, it was undoubtedly something extraordinary. when released, it might even cause quite a stir. moreover, it appeared in a corrupted temple, so it could have been plundered by the followers of the dark deity from the elves. by defeating that temples dark acolyte, he could consider it a form of revenge for the elves. when the time comes, the elves might be extremely grateful to him and offer their gratitude. coincidentally, he had plans to head to the northern continent and establish formal contact with the elven race. when the time came, he would return this item to them and take advantage of the opportunity to request some favors. it didnt seem unreasonable, did it? he wasnt greedy. he could casually request dozens of lovely elf maidens as servants or ask for an elf squad to serve as his guards. it would certainly boost his reputation when he ventured out. after stashing away the travis relic, ji chen rubbed his hands in anticipation. like a scavenger, he rummaged through the pile of odds and ends, hoping to find some other hidden treasures.. Chapter 313 - Chapter 313: Abundant Harvest, Underwater Forest, chapter 313: abundant harvest, underwater forest, monica and elin translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation but after searching for half an hour, ji chen didnt find anything valuable. it seemed that apart from the rare resources and the travis relic, there was nothing else worthwhile. there was only trash and more trash. he felt a slight sense of regret. however, this haul was quite impressive. he obtained a small two-winged demon statue that emitted a negative force field, approximately 6000 units of rare resources, 300 units of invaluable top-tier resources called spirit crystals, and an elf artifact shrouded in mystery. against all odds, ji chens victory over the corrupted temple dark acolyte not only secured valuable rewards but also propelled him through the ranks. he soared from level 35 to level 37, and reaching level 38 appeared well within reach. although the battle had been challenging, his side had suffered very few losses. after realizing this, ji chens mood improved considerably. since there was nothing left here, he left with his army. what he didnt notice was that, as he stepped out of the portal, the eyes of the deity statue on the altar briefly lit up and shifted, but quickly returned to silence. the people with their backs to the statue didnt notice this scene and exited the temple under its gaze. back in the water, the familiar oppressive feeling returned. the ice pillars that had frozen the corrupted temple dark acolyte were still standing. ignoring it, ji chen controlled the seawater, carrying himself and alice, and headed straight for the tyrant azure dragons head, leading his army away. he had no intention of returning to king kong island. after informing i_love_black_stockings, he directly returned to the crown of the ocean. on the way, he looked for monsters, and after replenishing alices soul servants to around two thousand, he smoothly returned to the new moon islands. considering the time spent traveling back and forth and addressing a few monster lairs, the entire endeavor took no more than three or four days. back in his territory, after all the traveling, ji chen decided to rest for a good night. the next morning, he woke up refreshed. as soon as he got up, he went outside the lords castle to enjoy the warm morning sun and the sea breeze with a hint of fishy scent. just as he was about to take a deep breath, he saw benbo hurrying in from outside the territory, his face showing a hint of concern. it was clear that something had happened. what happened? approaching him, benbo, who had saluted, replied, my lord, while conducting our routine morning patrol, we stumbled upon a gathering of wild creatures. the exact number is unknown, but there are at least four thousand of them, and they pose a significant threat, potentially endangering passing ships. due to their considerable numbers, i refrained from launching an immediate attack. instead, i returned to report to you and request instructions. at least four thousand wild creatures? ji chens interest was piqued, and he nodded. you did the right thing; a hasty attack would only alert them. are there any fourth-tier creatures among them? there are a good number of them, with a preliminary estimate of fewer than a thousand fourth-tier creatures. the rest are second and third-tier. less than a thousand fourth-tier creatures were more than enough to fill the remaining slots for alices soul servants. this was good news. where exactly are they located? the last sighting was on the south side of the new moon islands, near the deep sea close to the edge of the storm. we suspect they may have been hiding in the deep waters before, which is why we didnt detect them earlier. the stormy sea, while not large in terms of ocean expanses, presented a significant challenge. despite continuous patrols by the crown of the ocean, they were still exploring the shallower waters. the deeper regions and the labyrinthine underwater terrain were uncharted territory, making it a potential hiding place for creatures or even monster lairs. ji chen was determined not to waste any more time. gather the dragonblood murlocs, lobster riders, and tyrant azure dragons. were going to eliminate this threat to the crown of the ocean! take alice and her soul servants with you. yes, my lord! ten minutes later. the army was assembled and swiftly entered the water, moving at full speed. when ji chen and his troops reached the spot benbo had mentioned, the wild creatures he had spotted earlier were nowhere in sight. nonetheless, given the significant number of creatures observed in a brief period, its quite likely they hadnt ventured too far and were likely nearby. seeing this, ji chen waved his hand and announced loudly, lobster riders and dragonblood murlocs, form teams of ten each, with each team responsible for searching in a different direction. be cautious, and do not attack recklessly if you spot the enemy. report back immediately upon discovering any traces! dozens of teams of lobster riders and dragonblood murlocs received their orders, with each group responsible for a different angle and direction, creating a radial search pattern. under this efficient and saturated search method, they quickly discovered traces left behind by the wild creatures from their hunting and activity. following these traces, they arrived in a section of the sea to the southeast of the new moon islands. this was where the wild creature group had vanished. without hesitation, ji chen once again dispatched his forces, initiating another saturated search. today, he was determined to find this group of wild creatures, even if it meant digging three feet into the ground or, in this case, diving deeper into the sea. one heroic lobster rider, leading a small team, descended into the depths of the ocean. as the depth increased, its eyes widened slightly, adapting to the growing darkness, and it took in the surrounding scenery. as they continued their descent and progress, they entered a secluded underwater basin, and the brightness around them suddenly increased, causing their eyes to narrow.. Chapter 314 - Chapter 314: Abundant Harvest, Underwater Forest, Monica and Elin (2) chapter 314: abundant harvest, underwater forest, monica and elin (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after adapting to the changing light, the lobster rider hero paused as he looked at the scene before him. before him lay a vast underwater forest, standing tall in the flat basin, extending as far as the eye could see. giant trees, large enough to accommodate ten people hugging them, stood like towering buildings. the flowers blossoming on their branches emitted a faint, ethereal blue glow, illuminating the underwater world with a mesmerizing beauty. amongst the giant trees, faint figures could be seen moving about. ji chen stood confidently on the back of the tyrant azure dragon, with alice by his side. eight other tyrant azure dragons surrounded them, along with over two thousand enslaved souls guarding every direction. suddenly, he slowly opened his narrowed eyes, gazing towards a spot in the nearby sea. within seconds, ten water ripples emerged, revealing a lobster rider hero with nine lobster riders. lord, ive detected the tracks of those monsters! at his words, a glint of excitement flickered in ji chens eyes. everyone, gather! guided by this squad of lobster riders, they crossed an inconspicuous sea trench and arrived at this underwater basin. upon seeing this forest growing on the seabed, even ji chen couldnt help but be stunned. such a landscape existed? an underwater forest flourishing beneath the sea, it did seem rather unscientific! but ji chen quickly rationalized; in this fantastical world, an underwater forest was far from unusual. those monsters are hiding within this underwater forest; it appears to be their nest! the lobster rider hero stood respectfully beside ji chen and made a report. ji chen nodded slightly, waved his hand, and declared in a commanding tone, lobster riders, guard the entrance to this underwater basin, dont let any of the monsters escape. yes! several lobster rider heroes clenched their fists against their chests, bowing their heads in acknowledgment. both the tyrant azure dragons and the dragon blood murlocs will serve as our main force this time. eliminate all non-fourth-tier monsters. the murloc hero, benbo, raised his trident high, while the tyrant azure dragon silently opened its blood-red mouth, exuding an extreme cold. having said that, ji chen turned to the siren hero at his side. alice, lead the enslaved souls to enslave the fourth-tier monsters as much as possible. i understand. good, lets move out! each army began to act in unison, under the leadership of their respective heroes, executing their assigned tasks efficiently. amidst the bustling activity of the armies, ji chen appeared incredibly relaxed. he leisurely stood atop one of the remaining tyrant azure dragons, leaving the entire battle in the capable hands of alice and the others. he seemed completely unconcerned, and for good reasonC two heroes of purple-rare-tier, dozens of heroes of blue, green, and white tiers fully equipped with gear, and a strong force of fourth-tier units, along with the backing of eight powerful fifth-tier tyrant azure dragons. if they couldnt handle this meager group of less than a thousand fourth-tier monsters among the four thousand, they might as well crash into the trees and die. seeing the excitement in the underwater forest, ji chen also opened the chat channel to pass the time. as always, there were numerous goofy players chatting and acting silly. for players, the one thing they never lacked was excitement. through the goofy players scattered all over, ji chen also learned about various events happening in different regions. among them, there was news about the daughter of a certain grand duke publicly denouncing a neighboring countrys despicable annexation plan and vowing to thwart their sinister plots. ji chen took a look and thought, isnt this monica from the lienhardt grand duchy? the girl with a beautiful appearance, graceful manners, and a sense of propriety had left a deep impression on him. it seemed that she had successfully returned to the lienhardt grand duchy and relayed the information. monica, you should give it your all. you must thwart the enemys conspiracy; otherwise, if the lienhardt grand duchy falls, everything he did before would be in vain. apart from this, ji chen also noticed a message from another player. ill tell you guys something. just a few days ago, 1 was buying supplies in the indigenous city, and while 1 was walking on the street, i accidentally bumped into someone wearing a hood and a cloak. do you want to know whos under the hood? dont want to know, scram. hello, its me. wait a minute, let me deduce this. trapped in the game + in a town + wearing a hood, i understand now. its asuna!! (t/n: asuna is a character from the anime, sword art online) well, its a bit similar, but not entirely. although she only showed half of her face, im pretty sure shes an elf. and let me tell you guys, her looks are out of this world. if i hadnt seen it with my own eyes, i would have thought it was photoshopped! but as soon as i saw her, i felt like i was love-struck. is that even love at first sight? i feel embarrassed to expose you, youre just lusting after her, you pervert! shes an elf who can live for generations; the elf you saw might be a few hundred years old already. this is like holding a gold brick. watching the intense discussion about the female elf on the channel, ji chen suddenly remembered elin, who had been gone for quite some time. if everything went smoothly on her journey, she probably had already arrived on the northern continent and was on her way home, right? ah, damn it! currently wandering in a vast grassland, enjoying the beautiful scenery, elin looked around with a puzzled expression. she hastily used a spell to detect if she had been cursed or affected by something, and only after confirming that she was fine did she breathe a sigh of relief, muttering to herself, ive been gone for so long, those guys probably think im dead. no one should have put a curse on me besides, ive been hiding my identity since leaving that territory, even altering my appearance and hair. although its not as effective as the illusory mask, the chances of being recognized should be very, very low well, i probably dont need to worry about this issue she furrowed her brows suddenly. wait a minute, did i forget something? after a brief moment of contemplation, she decisively gave up on thinking about it, waving her hand nonchalantly. well, if its something i cant remember, it must not be important. and if its not important, theres no need to dwell on it. after all, ive finally escaped. why should i trouble myself with unimportant matters? so, she continued to enjoy her newfound freedom, reveling in the gentle breeze, cool water, and the beauty of nature. at that time, ji chen was unaware that elin, whom he had placed so much hope in, had completely forgotten her earlier promises and obligations, discarding them without a second thought. if he knew, he would undoubtedly curse the wily old witch. after observing the antics of the goofy players for quite some time, he closed the chat channel and redirected his attention to the real world. he looked into the distance. it seemed that the battle was nearing its end. he drove the tyrant azure dragons towards the underwater forest. the gaps between the giant trees were quite large, allowing the tyrant azure dragons to enter easily. between these giant trees, there were traces of battles everywhere, and numerous monster corpses were scattered about. some were shattered, others frozen into ice sculptures, and some were impaled on trees. there were various ways these monsters had met their demise. among these dead bodies, the ocean crowns forces were relatively small, consisting of only a few dozen, with the majority being the souls of servants. this clearly showed the overwhelming advantage of the ocean crowns army and the disparity in strength compared to the monster horde. the deeper they ventured into the forest, the more monster corpses they encountered. additionally, ji chen observed that these monster bodies were grouped together, suggesting they had been organized for battle but were ultimately defeated. as they continued deeper with the tyrant azure dragons, they soon reached a clearing at the center of the forest, where the ocean crowns army was facing off against the few remaining monsters. among the remaining monsters, there was a figure with black hair and a humanoid body, similar to a human, standing in front of them.. Chapter 315 - Chapter 315: White chapter 315: white-scaled merfolk, merfabric translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation when ji chen got a clear look at this figure, he couldnt help but pause. from the contours on her chest, it was likely a female. her upper body was adorned with delicate scales, including a few large ones on her chest. however, her lower half was a fishtail, similar to alices. alices tail had that flowing, iridescent blue color, but hers was a pearly milky white, quite pronounced in the slightly dim environment. scales also grew on her tails sides, where her arms connected, and her ears sported fins of various sizes. especially the two large fins on her ears, they looked just like fans. he shifted his gaze. underneath slightly disheveled black hair, her cheeks and forehead were covered in diamond-shaped white scales, and her slightly elongated eyes had a hint of sharpness. after sizing her up, ji chens initial impression was that she resembled a distant relative of alice. her appearance couldnt be called ugly, but it was full of the style of the sea. guarding behind this distant relative were about thirty other females of the same race, all looking quite alert. alice hadnt attacked them, only surrounding them with her army. alice. upon hearing his voice, alice turned to look at him, then turned back to face him. my lord, other than them and the enslaved soul servants, all the other enemies have been completely slain. ji chen nodded and asked, if thats the case, why not deal with the remaining monsters as well? alice hesitated for a moment, then pointed to those distant relatives and said, they are not ordinary monsters; they are a group of white-scaled merfolk. merfolk? ji chens heart stirred; this name seemed to trigger a memory in his mind. he remembered that merfolk on earth were mythical creatures similar to beautiful mermaids. could it be that this world also had them? with a thought, he checked the leader of the merfolks status panel. [jovana] [race]: white-scaled murfolk [level]: 15 [skills]: merfolk body, agility [unit trait]: merfabric (can produce specialty: merfabric [7-star specialty]) [the chieftain of the merfolk, possessing advanced weaving skills] he read the information line by line. merfolk, yes, that was indeed the race alice mentioned. looking at her skills, it indicated that she wasnt proficient in combat, probably just a subordinate of other monsters, surviving by hiding here. when ji chen saw the unit trait section, his heart suddenly skipped a beat, and he could hardly believe what he was seeing. merfabric, a 7-star specialty? what exactly did 7-star mean? in his territory, there were only three types of specialty, namely golden bass, precious jungle wood, and premium coffee beans. the highest-rated precious jungle wood and premium coffee beans were only 4-star specialty. but this specialty called merfabric had an astonishing rating of 7-star. even though he didnt know what it was, its value was unquestionable. and these merfolks before him could actually produce such a specialty? seeing the change in ji chens expression, alice immediately explained beside him. my lord, merfolks are a very rare race in the ocean. their combat abilities are not strong; they can only barely defend themselves. however, they are extremely skilled in weaving. the merfabric they produce is a highly valuable ocean treasure, with a value comparable to materials from giant dragons. if we can accept them into the crown of the ocean and let them produce merfabric, there will be tremendous profits. therefore, as soon as i discovered their presence here, 1 didnt rush to kill them but instead trapped them and waited for you upon hearing this, ji chen nodded in understanding. killing them outright would be an enormous loss, considering their unique ability to produce 7-star specialties. having this particular skill would be like having a powerful bargaining chip in their favor. even 4-star specialty like premium coffee beans were highly valuable and had no trouble selling. once a 7-star specialty hit the market, it would undoubtedly deal a significant blow. as long as he could bring these white-scaled merfolk under his control, it would be like having a flock of golden-egg-laying geese. with this in mind, ji chen confidently stepped forward and used his magic to project his voice. stranger merfolks, why have you appeared here? do you know that this is my territory? you are invaders! without further ado, he took the moral high ground and pointed fingers. the white-scaled merfolks looked at each other in confusion. finally, the foremost white-scaled merfolks, jovana, stepped forward and nodded humbly, saluting, respected lord, we did not intend to offend you, but we have been living here for several years, and at that time, there didnt seem to be any territory here what do you mean? are you suggesting that i deceived you? ji chen furrowed his brows and asked with a slightly unfriendly look in his eyes. at the same time, the tyrant azure dragons surrounding them slightly opened their mouths, releasing a cold aura much colder than the deep sea water, forming strands of ice crystals. the message in their eyes was clear: do dare to argue again? jovana kept quiet. she quickly realized that this was someone looking for trouble. when dealing with someone deliberately causing trouble, it was fine if individuals possessed the strength to retaliate. nevertheless, the white-scaled merfolk clan had virtually no combat prowess and had managed to survive by depending on more powerful tribes and individuals for an extended period.. Chapter 316 - Chapter 316: White chapter 316: white-scaled merfolk, merfabric (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation years of relying on others had made them highly flexible in their mindset. jovana promptly responded, youre right, we must have been mistaken. please forgive our rash intrusion. we, the white-scaled merfolk clan, will leave immediately. wait a moment. since youve intruded into my territory without permission, thats a mistake. and when you make a mistake, you should make amends, dont you think? do you really think you can just leave? if these white-scaled merfolk, capable of creating immense value, were allowed to leave, it would be sheer madness. entering my domain and thinking of escaping? no way! looking at the powerful armies surrounding them and the formidable human expert before them, jovana felt somewhat helpless. facing this human who could easily wipe out the tribe they had previously depended on, they had no room for negotiation. there wasnt even a trace of anger in their hearts. because in the brutal sea, weakness was the original sin. even if their white-scaled merfolk could weave the most beautiful fabrics, they could only stay at the bottom of the ocean. the only thing they could hope for was to find a protector. jovana replied, we are willing to compensate for our mistake. as a token of our apology, this is the fabric woven by our white-scaled merfolk clan. we hope youll find it satisfactory. as she spoke, a white-scaled merfolk behind her presented five pieces of white fabric, which looked like silk and fabric combined. ji chens heart stirred, and he gestured for a soul servant to bring it over. as soon as he laid his fingers on the material, it was as if his hands had slipped into a cloud C it felt soft, cool, and incredibly pleasant, as weightless as a feather. [merfabric] [level]: 7-star specialty [additional effect]: does not get wet when in contact with water [the specialty of the white-scaled merfolk clan holds tremendous value.] was this a 7-star specialty? it was terrifying! the moment ji chen touched it, he instantly sensed its enormous commercial potential. from ancient times to the present, clothing has been an enduring commodity. people of all social classes need clothing. wealthy individuals wore clothing made of high-quality fabrics such as silk, while the poor wore garments made from coarse materials like hemp. and merfabric was undoubtedly a fabric capable of conquering any fabric. garments made from it, even if they only served the purpose of clothing, would be highly sought after by countless elites. this was determined by its inherent quality. ji chen had no doubt about this. moreover, this fabric had the additional effect of being waterproof, a prestigious feature in itself. perhaps even the elves, who lived in extravagant luxury and had a keen artistic sense, would go crazy for it? ji chens expression remained natural as alice received the merfabric and said casually, hmm, this fabric is excellent. im satisfied. however, its not enough to offset your trespass. when jovana heard the first half of the sentence, her face showed a hint of joy, but as soon as she heard the second half, her expression immediately fell. even though they could weave merfabric, the craftsmanship was intricate and complex, and the required materials were not readily available, with several core materials being quite rare. after migrating here for so long, they had only gathered enough materials to weave five pieces. just as jovana was worried about how to satisfy this human expert and allow her and her people to leave however, 1 can give you a chance. as long as you submit to me, weave this fabric, and make clothing, i will forgive your previous offense and promise to protect your white-scaled merfolk clan. upon hearing ji chens words, jovana hesitated slightly. she quickly understood that this human expert was intentionally provoking them to make them submit and weave merfabric for him. for them, it wasnt something they couldnt accept. to put it bluntly, their previous benefactor had already fallen, so they had to consider finding the next entity to depend on. with such a formidable army and the ability to annihilate the tribe they had previously relied on like slaughtering chickens, it was clear that this individual possessed great strength. therefore, submission became one of their choices. after a brief hesitation, she agreed and bowed with her people. we are willing to submit to you. ding- the white-scaled merfolk clan chooses to pledge allegiance to you. glancing at the system prompts, ji chen extended his right hand and gently lifted the bowing white-scaled merfolk with currents of seawater. since thats the case, lets get ready to return. seeing this scene, jovanas eyes filled with reverence. not only could he freely dive into the sea like a marine, but he also possessed such power. it seemed that this human expert they had newly pledged allegiance to was no ordinary person. after some minor preparations, ji chen led his army and the white-scaled merfolk clan back to the crown of the ocean. since the white-scaled merfolk couldnt transform their legs like alice and couldnt walk on land, they were temporarily settled near the port. they would be provided with an underwater residence later on. the next day, ji chen arrived at the port and called jovana over for a discussion. what materials are needed to make merfabric? how long does it take for a white-scaled merfolk to weave one piece? lord, merfabric requires a total of forty-two types of materials. if there is sufficient manpower and materials, it would take at least two weeks for one white-scaled merfolk to weave one piece. if you want to cut and sew it into clothing, it would take even longer. ji chen was amazed. indeed, it was a 7-star specialty, requiring a whopping forty-two types of materials, and even then, it took quite a bit of time to weave just one piece. this was much more complex than obtaining valuable wood, as wood could be harvested and processed relatively quickly once cut. please list or directly inform me of all the materials you need. yes, the required materials include jovana listed various materials, most of which ji chen knew and could be collected from nearby sea areas or imported from the outside. however, there were a few materials among them that were completely unfamiliar to him. after inquiring on the chat channel, he managed to figure out where to obtain all these materials. but there were still two core materials that even knowledgeable players didnt know about: deep sea blood pearls and silverlight sea grass. most of the places where deep sea blood pearls appear are in areas where energy gathers deep in the sea, and those places often attract powerful sea beasts. as for silverlight sea grass, its usually transparent and dull, only emitting a silver light on moonlit nights. it can only be harvested effectively during that time, and its appearance is irregular, relying solely on luck upon hearing this, ji chen couldnt help but sigh in frustration. deep sea blood pearls had some hope of being tracked down, but this elusive silverlight sea grass had no regular appearance pattern at all. it only showed up on moonlit nights, relying entirely on luck to find it. if luck wasnt on their side, would they never find it? are there any similar materials that can be used as substitutes? jovana hesitated for a moment and nodded. there are substitutes available, but if we use other materials, the quality will decrease by a notch. is that acceptable? why was it unacceptable? ji chen was confident that even if the quality dropped slightly, it would still be enough to create a market frenzy. moreover, once he found these two materials, he could release a new version to the market, raise the price, and label it as a special edition. then, he could sell the slightly lower-quality version as one tier and the higher-quality version as another, earning money from both. what a delightful plan! no problem, use other materials to replace these two. my only requirement is that as soon as the materials are available, start the production of merfabric as quickly as possible. the crown of the ocean needs this specialty to establish its reputation thoroughly! feeling ji chens determination, jovana also nodded earnestly. she felt a sense of relief in her heart. as long as there was a place that needed them, the white-scaled merfolk clan would have value, and they would receive protection.. Chapter 317 - Chapter 317: Attack on the Ocean Crown, Explanation and Departure, Materials chapter 317: attack on the ocean crown, explanation and departure, materials translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen had just started to leave when, as if remembering something, he called out to jovana. do you know where your fellow merfolk are? since the craftsmanship of white-scaled merfolk was complex and time-consuming, wouldnt increasing the number of them also increase production? upon hearing this, jovana shook her head with a hint of sadness in her eyes. reporting, my lord, my tribe originally had over a hundred members, but we lost most of them in an accident a few years ago. now, there are only around thirty of us. as for other white-scaled merfolk tribes, 1 encountered one by chance decades ago, but since then, i havent seen or heard anything about them. ji chen nodded slightly with a touch of regret. it seemed that the idea of increasing merfabric production through numbers would have to be put on hold. at present, the strength of the crown of the ocean did not allow him to spend a lot of time and resources searching for white-scaled merfolk in the vast ocean. after sending jovana away, ji chen arrived in front of the lords manor and took out the small statue of the double-winged razorfin demon from his backpack. as long as he placed it down, the crown of the ocean would instantly gain a powerful negative energy field, increasing its safety by several times. thinking about this, he extended his spiritual power into the statue and began to imprint it with his own consciousness, binding it. within the statue, ji chens vibrant blue spiritual energy flowed ceaselessly, infiltrating every nook and cranny. then, it got triggered by some unseen force. deep within, a hidden and malevolent force surged, manifesting as a menacing black creature with fiery red eyes, seemingly intent on consuming the serene blue energy. if the blue spiritual power were to be devoured, the black spiritual power could invade the owner through the spiritual connection, completely enslaving them on a soul level. as the black creature, infused with traces of pure malevolent energy, came into contact with the blue energy, its malevolent and sinister countenance swiftly transformed into one of sheer dread. the blue spiritual power, initially thought to be a delectable morsel, suddenly emanated a terrifying force from its depths. a shimmering, multicolored radiance burst forth, illuminating the black beast. this radiance resembled the sun meeting ice, and it rapidly dissipated. within the span of a blink, the black beast vanished completely, leaving no trace behind. after its destruction, the rainbow light paused briefly and then quickly disappeared, once again converging deep within, leaving the interior of the statue completely free from any trace of evil. the blue spiritual power covered it completely. the entire process happened in the blink of an eye. and ji chen was completely unaware of everything that had just occurred. in his perception, his mental power had only entered the small double-winged demon statue, leaving his mark and binding it. ding- you have bound the small double-winged demon statue. do you wish to activate the negative energy field? yes. the small double-winged demon statue trembled slightly, floated out of ji chens hands, and slowly sank into the earth. it didnt stop until it had descended several meters deep. ji chen was quite satisfied with this arrangement. burying it underground would greatly improve its concealment. he immediately filled the dug-up soil back in and even stomped on it a few times to make it less conspicuous. in a few days, the lush weeds would completely cover any traces here, and no one but ji chen would know that a statue was buried there. in the invisible sky, a negative energy field with a radius of ten kilometers, centered on the buried point of the statue, had already enveloped more than half of the new moon islands. from hundreds of meters high in the air to the depths of the sea, any wild creatures within this range were suppressed by an invisible force, greatly reducing their threat level. as long as he thought about it, ji chen could communicate with the small double-winged demon statue using his mental power, deciding whether to activate the negative energy field or even use another skill of the statue. it was very convenient. ji chen clapped his hands, feeling satisfied, and returned to the lords castle, sitting down on the lords throne and opening the territory panel. [crown of the ocean] [lord]: ji chen [level]: level 1 territory [prosperity]: 373,970 [peoples hearts]: 84 (high, loyal, stable) [population]: humans (2,992), human slaves (1,550), cave miners (18), kobolds (640), lizardmen (1,543,940), half-orcs (502 [excluding half-orc warriors]), white-scaled merfolk (31) [territorial buildings]: level 3 lords manor, resurrection altar, harbor, large water fort [oceanic ships]: two-masted merchant ships (10), three-masted warships (42), five-masted grand flagship (1), gnome armed merchant ship (1) [city defenses]: alchemy death cannon (1), elemental arrow tower (1), ordinary watchtowers (58), ordinary arrow towers (38), ancient civilization fortress (1), small double-winged demon statue (1) [unit recruitment camps]: azure dragon pyramid (1), murloc statue (10), naga altar (10) [units]: tyrant azure dragons (9), dragon blood murlocs (700), naga berserkers (680) [heroes]: siren: alice (red), ancient dragon whale: anina (red), wilus, irona, benbo (purple) [territorial resources]: wood (213,505 units), stone (278,220 units), fiber (111,800 units), clay (58,000 units), crude iron (302,250 units) spirit crystals (300 units), crystals (11,000 units), mithril (6,000 units), adamantite (9,000 units), star iron (40 units) Chapter 318 - Chapter 318: Attack on the Ocean Crown, Explanation and Departure, Materials (2) chapter 318: attack on the ocean crown, explanation and departure, materials (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation [food storage]: fluorescent mushrooms (584,000 units), seafood (209,000 units), sea rice (426,000 units), miscellaneous fruits and vegetables (over 150,000 units). [territory specialties]: rare jungle wood (4-star specialty), premium coffee beans (4-star specialty), golden sea bass (2-star specialty), merfabric (7-star specialty). [territory unique buildings]: jungle plantation (12). [territory blessing]: oceans blessing (residents and troops can capture more fish in the ocean, and their water skills and sense of direction are greatly improved in the ocean). after several months of development, the crown of the ocean was no longer the impoverished and backward place it used to be; it had already undergone a transformation. compared to the beginning, it was now unimaginably powerful. one of the most important factors in determining the prosperity of a territory, the population, has grown from just over 40 people at the beginning to over a hundred thousand. in addition, the number of troops was in the thousands, and the military strength of the territory has increased hundreds of times. when it came to heroes, there were dozens of heroes in the white, green, and blue tiers, and there were even two heroes in the purple and red tiers, which made their top-tier combat strength quite impressive. having so many heroes means that the crown of the oceans army is highly autonomous. even if they did not have ji chens command, they could still independently unleash strong combat power. in the food storage category, thanks to ji chens numerous explorations and battles, they had gained considerable harvests and dividends. at this point, the territorys resource and food reserves were both in the tens of thousands. the food was so abundant that it not only met their own needs but could also be exported to the outside world. the previously almost blank city defense works now include two powerful five-star defense buildings, as well as varying numbers of watchtowers and arrow towers, turning the territory into a hedgehog covered in thorns, causing harm to those who touch it. the four distinct territory specialties had also made the crown of the ocean famous abroad. it could be said that the crown of the ocean had gradually begun to live up to its name, becoming more and more prosperous and powerful, advancing toward the goals ji chen set at the beginning. he was proud in his heart but not the least bit arrogant. getting closer to the initial goal didnt mean theyd arrived there. to truly become what he envisions, there was still a long way to go. looking through the castles bay window, ji chens gaze turned toward the distant sea, murmuring to himself. after so long of development, the crown of the ocean currently has no obvious weaknesses, but the development dividends from the previous adventures will gradually disappear over time. therefore, the pace of external adventures cannot stop. continuously bringing back and importing resources will keep this dividend going and allow the territory to develop more rapidly. however, it seems that there are no immediate conquests or explorations to undertake. if we want to venture out, we must set our sights on more distant places. it looks like putting the journey to the northern continent on the agenda is necessary. after thinking for a while, ji chen made a firm decision. his gaze sharpened as he summoned wikis, raymond, irona, and other heroes with expertise in governance and daily life. after receiving the summons, they quickly arrived, bowing respectfully and greeting, lord, good day. no need for formalities; ive called you here because theres something i need to discuss with you. seeing the seriousness on ji chens face, they grew tense, their expressions becoming solemn. i plan to personally lead the fleet to the northern continent in a few days to initiate formal contact with the elven race. the stormy sea is quite a distance from the northern continent, so i wont be in the crown of the ocean for a considerable period. therefore, during this time, the four of you must manage the territory diligently, and make sure no issues arise. as ji chen spoke, wikis and the others immediately replied, lord, you can rest assured that we will do our utmost to manage the territory and wait for your return. ji chen nodded, knowing that these heroes were all of the purple rare tier, and with them in charge, the territory should operate smoothly as usual. i trust in all of you. wiius! at your service. during my absence, you will be the nominal highest commander in matters of governance. even when im not here, you must ensure the orderly operation of the territory, including goods production, agriculture, personnel management, and so on. pay special attention to the white-scaled merfolk in producing merfabric and leysha in brewing wine. do your best to assist them. these two things will be the next breakthrough opportunities for the crown of the ocean. i will spare no effort, wiius replied once more. at the same time, he felt the increasing pressure on his shoulders as the population of the crown of the ocean continued to grow, and affairs in various aspects multiplied exponentially. although often feeling tired, his heart was filled with immense fulfillment and joy. this was a kind of fulfillment and joy born from being needed by others. upon hearing the lords instructions, his heart immediately resolved, swearing not to disappoint the lords expectations. irona, prepare a batch of potions; they might come in handy on this journey. ironas white ears perked up, and her tail wagged happily as she promptly agreed. in fact, since coming to the crown of the ocean, she hadnt stood out much among the several purple rare tier heroes. her expertise in potion-making didnt seem all that important to the crown of the ocean, which had always had a military advantage. most of the time, the crown of the oceans army charged forward like a horde of brutes, breaking the enemys ranks without the need for potions. so, her role was even smaller than that of the blue rare tier hero, daro. therefore, being able to be of use made her quite happy. ji chen didnt notice ironas thoughts as he turned to the next hero. raymond, you will accompany me on this journey. coordinate with wiius and make preparations for sea voyages and trade. dont worry, lord, im experienced in this matter. i guarantee that 1 will handle it perfectly for you! with his round belly resembling that of a seven-month pregnant woman, raymond promised confidently. this sort of thing was as familiar to him as going home. seeing this, ji chen nodded with reassurance. he couldnt help but tease raymond when he noticed his increasingly rotund figure. you need to pay attention to your body. dont eat like a pig, or you wont even be able to fit on the ship. lord, thats so unfair! i havent eaten anything at all, and this belly just swelled up on its own. i didnt want this, raymond exclaimed, looking wronged. his pitiful appearance, combined with his somewhat comical figure, made the others burst into laughter. this was just a small interlude. ji chen continued to instruct the others until the sun began to set. after dinner with everyone, he allowed them to disperse. before parting, ji chen asked irona to stay behind. he took out a bottle of potion from his backpack: holy healing elixir, and handed it to her. irona looked at the golden liquid potion in her hand, her expression filled with surprise. lord, where did you get this potion? its called the holy healing elixir. it doesnt matter where 1 got it. whats important is, can you reproduce this kind of potion? well ironas face showed some hesitation. the life energy in this holy healing elixir is exceptionally potent, almost on par with a 5-star potion. its already considered an advanced potion. the odds of reverse-engineering a potion of this caliber are extremely slim she said it was extremely low, but in reality, it was nearly impossible. if not, people could easily figure out how to make advanced potions, and theyd become common, right? although ji chen felt some regret, he didnt feel disappointed. it was just a casual question. if thats the case, then theres nothing else. you should go back and rest early. if you lack materials for brewing potions, you can talk to wiius. irona nodded, and it seemed like she had thought of something. her face flushed slightly, actually, im missing a special material, and only you, lord, can provide it. ji chen was puzzled. only he could provide it? then, he noticed ironas seductive expression and immediately grasped the situation, his expression turning serious. as a lord, i should do my best to fulfill my subordinates requests. if thats the case, i will try my best to provide you with that material. thank you, lord, for your generosity- the next morning, irona left with a bag full of materials, feeling weak in the knees. ji chen, on the other hand, was pleased to have helped his subordinate and went about his business with a refreshed spirit.. Chapter 319 - Chapter 319: Fleet Departure: Ironclad Battleships and Airships, Maple Harbor chapter 319: fleet departure: ironclad battleships and airships, maple harbor translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation before setting off, ji chen opened the forum and posted information about the five low-level skeleton nests and one intermediate-level skeleton nest he obtained from the skeleton secret realm. it took some time to find potential buyers for these. after careful selection and negotiations, he finally confirmed five buyers. the trade location was also set on the northern continent, the shortest distance from the new moon islands and the port he would be heading to in a few days C maple harbor. before departure, ji chen recruited all the military units for the week, further expanding his army. the number of tyrant azure dragons increased to 12, giant octopuses increased to 35, deep sea roamers increased to 70, and tidal sea spirits increased to 8. these units, recruited using rare resources, cost a total of 8400 units of crystal, mithril, fine gold, and iron, with 2400 units of each. after this recruitment wave, he was left with only 2600 units of crystal, 3600 units of mithril, and 6600 units of fine gold. this amount wouldnt be sufficient for the next recruitment. ji chen checked the resource points of the various rare resources currently under the territory. the several mithril mines discovered earlier had already been depleted and were slowly recovering in dormancy. it could be said that they couldnt be relied upon now. this trip to the northern continent seems like 111 need to search for resources carefully. this journey would be ji chens first time setting foot on the continent, so he brought the highest specification of military force. this included all the tyrant azure dragons, naga berserkers, dragon blood murlocs, elemental sea pixies, and other four main military units. he also brought alice, benbo, and a group of white, green, and blue-tiered mid-level heroes. anina, daro, and others would be stationed at the crown of the ocean with the remaining troops. on a sunny morning, a fleet consisting of thirty-five ocean-going ships set sail with an unstoppable momentum, heading towards the open sea. among them, in the central position of the fleet supported by all the ships, was a gigantic five-masted warship. with mastheads that seemed to pierce the sky, densely packed cannons on both sides and a ferocious ram at the bow, its larger hull compared to ordinary ships demonstrated its power. this time, the fleet carried a vast cargo, including weapons, equipment, and precious jungle wood produced from the underground lizardman world, premium coffee beans, and other territory specialties. it also included rare ore resources from the northeastern peak of the main island and the underground lizardman world. moreover, there were five rolls of exquisite merfabric, which were considered rare treasures. the quantity and richness of this trade far exceeded any previous ones, and ji chen believed that this time, it would make the world reconsider the crown of the ocean. at the same time, ji chen also had some hidden expectations for this journey to the northern continent. although he had visited the silver islands before, it was, after all, a relatively prosperous gathering place for indigenous people in the western mid-ocean. the true core of this world was still on the mainland, where elves, dwarves, humans, trolls, gnomes a multitude of races thrived and established civilizations that had been passed down for hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of years, along with massive cities. not to mention the level of prosperity, there was a huge difference in population between islands and mainland. the islands had limited space and could only support a limited population. in the western mid-ocean, an island that could accommodate three hundred thousand people was already considered a large island. but on the mainland, three hundred thousand people was merely the average population of a normal large town. cities of strong races commonly had populations ranging from six to seven hundred thousand, and many core cities had populations in the millions. as for the most central capital cities, they were inhabited by millions of people, covering vast areas, and possessed formidable military power. from the discussions in the chat channels and forums, ji chen had outlined the outlines of these cities. towering buildings stretched for dozens of miles, housing countless residents. massive city walls hundreds of meters high surrounded the cities, and beyond the walls lay numerous farmlands, with caravans arriving from distant lands. ji chen, who had been active on the islands and in the ocean since his arrival, naturally had a sense of curiosity and anticipation for the mainland. in this state of anticipation, even the monotony of sailing on the sea seemed to fade away. there were no adverse weather conditions along the way, not even significant waves. the wind was favorable, so the fleets speed increased considerably. seeing this, raymond gazed at ji chen with a deep and thoughtful look in his eyes. in his heart, he was already a hundred percent sure that the lord had received the favor of the gods. otherwise, how could the journey have been so calm all the way, with even the sea breeze blowing in their favor? magic! this must be magic! after several days of sailing, the fleet gradually approached its destination, and the number of ships around them increased. when they saw this massive fleet, each of them was greatly surprised, especially the enormous flagship positioned in the center, which was truly awe-inspiring. however, some of them recognized the symbol of the crown of the ocean on the sails and pieced it together. during this time, they had heard about a fleet that claimed to be from a territory called the crown of the ocean. not only did they bring a large quantity of high-quality weapons, equipment, and military supplies, but they also transported a precious batch of wood that had caught the attention of those pointed-eared folks. they were curious about this territory that had gradually gained fame and were thinking about when they might have the opportunity to visit and purchase some goods for trading.. Chapter 320 - Chapter 320: Fleet Departure: Ironclad Battleships and chapter 320: fleet departure: ironclad battleships and airships, maple harbor (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation in a wave of admiration and astonishment, the crown of the ocean fleet gradually approached, revealing the distant port and city on the land. at the bow of the ship. lord, thats the port where were going to dock this timemaple harbor. maple harbor is one of the largest ports in the northern continent. it is under the jurisdiction of a completely neutral principalitythe maple principality. due to its absolute neutrality, its highly stable here. not only have several human kingdoms and principalities set up embassies here, but also many races, such as elves, dwarves, and gnomes, have established offices here. it has a highly advantageous geographical location and a deepwater harbor, so it sees a lot of traders coming and going, making commerce highly prosperous. whether its buying or selling goods, all the necessary steps can be completed here. this is truly a holy land for merchants. raymond exclaimed with a sense of wonder. hearing such an introduction, ji chens interest grew stronger. just as he was thinking about speeding up the fleets approach, he saw three warships made entirely of metal rapidly approaching from a distance, moving only slightly slower than the tyrant azure dragon. as they drew closer, they could finally see what these metal warships looked like. they werent particularly large, roughly the same size as a three-masted warship. at a glance, it was easy to distinguish them from the gnome armored merchant ships. the gnome ships had a very pronounced industrial and punk style, and they were big and clunky. but these warships looked rather sleek, with a streamlined beauty. similar to the gnome-armed merchant ships, they were equipped with numerous alchemical cannons. five triple turrets towered on the decks, and although the gun barrels were not as thick as the gnome cannons, they bore a striking resemblance to the naval cannons on earth. the ships sides were also covered with various sizes of secondary guns. the firepower on each of these warships, equipped with dozens of cannons, was, to put it simply, sufficient to single-handedly take down over half of the crown of the oceans fleet due to their impressive firepower and speed. this was no longer a matter of quantity, but a huge technological gap. ji chen looked at them, his heart pounding. this was the power of a kingdom, a principality-level force. he couldnt help but wonder if the crown of the ocean would have such powerful warships in the future. wait a minute, the crown of the ocean did seem to have a gnome-armed merchant ship that looked similar. however, it was currently powerless and could only sit idle in the harbor. even if it were repaired, it dared not sail out in a high-profile manner, for fear that the gnome would find out and seek revenge? raymond pointed at them and said. lord, dont worry. these ships should be the naval patrol fleet of the maple principality. they register and undergo inspections every time they enter the port to ensure the safety of the harbor and the city. ji chen nodded and ordered the fleet to slow down. the three maple principalitys armored warships split up, with two of them heading to either side of the fleet, while one sailed straight toward the new moon. as they approached not far from the ships side, a flying airship lifted off from the armored warship, slightly adjusting its direction, and quickly landed gracefully on the deck of the new moon. ji chen squinted and looked curiously. what kind of alchemical technology was this? the airship was about ten meters long and had the appearance of a ship without masts. however, it had rotor devices at the front and rear corners, and four smaller propellers extended outward from the ships sides to provide auxiliary propulsion. underneath the hull, there was a pair of landing gear that slowly extended from the interior during the descent. of particular significance were the two repeating crossbow devices, about the size of a babys arm, positioned at the front and back of the ship, and their stainless steel bolts shone with an eerie brilliance. seeing this, ji chen breathed a sigh of relief. it seemed that the technological level of the maple principality hadnt reached the point where they could miniaturize alchemical cannons. otherwise, wouldnt this be a full-fledged fighter jet? the rotors gradually slowed down, and a gap opened in the middle section of the airship, revealing a metal staircase that descended. a fully armed squad of soldiers marched down in formation. ji chen glanced at them briefly, and his heart skipped a beat. even the soldiers who came for inspection were all fourth-tier high-star unit types, with a level of 40. was this the strength of a principality? as the squad of soldiers approached, the leader of the squad, a captain, only observed briefly and then walked towards ji chen, who was standing at the front of the group. not only did he exude the aura of a formidable individual, but he also had a remarkable demeanor, like the heir of some great noble family, clearly a natural leader. naturally, his speech was much more polite. guests from afar, welcome to maple harbor. 1 am the captain of this squad, here to inspect your fleet. please cooperate with us. according to the regulations of maple harbor, ships carrying offensive weapons such as cannons are not allowed to enter the harbor. they can only anchor in designated sea areas. furthermore, you cannot bring too many troops, guards, and heroes into the harbor and city. the maximum number allowed is twenty, while the rest must remain on the ships waiting at sea. please dont worry; the maple principality will ensure your safety. ji chen nodded in agreement, finding no issue with these regulations. if outsiders wanted to enter the crown of the ocean, he would impose similar rules. after some consideration, he decided to bring two heroes, alice and benbo, with him. as for the rest of the troops, the most potent tyrant azure dragon wouldnt be able to set foot on land, so he had to settle for bringing eighteen naga berserkers. following that, more transport airships took off from the three armored warships and flew towards various ships to begin inspections. once it was confirmed that the fleet of the crown of the ocean was not carrying any dangerous goods and only had cargo meant for trade, the soldiers returned to their airships and headed back to the armored warships. the three armored warships split up, with one guiding the new moon and other ships carrying cannons to a designated sea area. the remaining two ships sailed towards the harbor. ji chen and his group transferred from the new moon to a merchant ship. the closer they got, the clearer maple harbor and the city of maplewood behind it became. a vast harbor area stretching over ten miles appeared before their eyes. at the outermost part of the harbor were several ports, each capable of accommodating hundreds of ships. many merchant ships were coming and going, giving the area a bustling atmosphere. in the inner part of the harbor was a thriving urban area, with tall buildings and towers reaching thirty to forty meters high. crowds of people, like ants, flowed through the streets. looking further ahead, a massive, hundred-meter-high city wall blocked their view, with strict arrow towers on top and some alchemical devices he had never seen before. the armored warships left them at the harbors entrance and were quickly replaced by smaller ships that guided them to the docks. raymond, who had experience in this kind of travel, quickly arranged for two luxurious carriages upon disembarking. ji chen, alice, and raymond rode in one carriage, while benbo and the naga berserkers occupied the other. the merchant ship and its cargo were temporarily left at the port, to be transported later once they had contacted the buyers. the group left the harbor and entered the urban area. sitting in the slowly moving carriage, ji chen looked out through the window. the appearance of maple harbors urban area was quite similar to silver harbor on the silver islands, but the level of prosperity was worlds apart. a quick glance revealed crowded streets, tali buildings lining the roads, and numerous street-side shops with vendors loudly hawking their wares, creating a lively and bustling scene. in addition to the shops, classic establishments such as taverns and mercenary guilds were also present, with many bare-armed mercenaries and sailors coming and going. there was also a group of people on the streets who stood out prominently the casual players, each wearing various types of equipment. they paid no heed to the curious glances of pedestrians and strolled casually down the streets. many players even set up makeshift stalls on street corners, selling all sorts of odds and ends. occasionally, a few lines of traditional music drifted by, giving one the feeling of being in an online game. seeing the appearance of these casual players in person, ji chen felt his mood improve. no matter what, he could always find a strange sense of familiarity among players.. Chapter 321 - Chapter 321: Gilder, Business Negotiations chapter 321: gilder, business negotiations translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation as they continued on their journey, taking various turns, they entered a less crowded road. however, the number of patrolling soldiers here had significantly increased, indicating the importance of security in this area. the carriage came to a gradual stop in front of a spacious estate. lord, this is an estate that the maple principality has officially allocated to the crown of the ocean as a token of gratitude for our contributions to the business in maple harbor. as long as the commercial activities continue, we can reside here permanently. in addition, it comes with a batch of servants and a steward to attend to our needs. ji chen nodded, not particularly surprised. given the crown of the oceans substantial trade deals in the past, which brought in significant tax revenue for maple harbor, they couldnt afford to be anything less than accommodating to such a benefactor. after the carriage stopped for only a few seconds, the estates gate slowly opened with the sound of hurried footsteps from inside. behind the gate, two rows of maids stood on either side, led by a well-dressed middle-aged steward. they all bowed respectfully towards ji chen and his companions. welcome back, master. please remember, the owner of this estate is lord ji chen. the steward looked at ji chen, who exuded an extraordinary presence and couldnt help but be astonished. as the appointed steward, he knew that this estate had been granted to a territory called the crown of the ocean. this territory had recently caused quite a stir in maple harbor, bringing in a significant quantity of weaponry and military equipment, amassing wealth from the northern conflicts, and even gaining favor from certain influential figures. yet, the lord of this territory was unexpectedly this young? though surprised, the stewards impeccable manners allowed him to quickly react. he walked forward and bowed respectfully again. welcome, my lord. if theres anything you need, please dont hesitate to inform me. we are here to serve you wholeheartedly. ji chen nodded slightly, signaling for him to lead the way. in his every gesture and word, the aura of a superior and formidable individual naturally emanated. with such an appearance, the steward was even more convinced that lord ji chen was an extraordinary lord. especially with the breathtaking young lady accompanying him, more beautiful than any noblewoman or female aristocrat he had ever seen in the maple principality. it was as if she had been personally sculpted by the gods. with such a stunning companion and an overall air of authority, ji chen was clearly no ordinary person. no wonder the principality had allocated this valuable estate and entrusted him with their care. thinking up to this point, the stewards demeanor grew even more respectful. while guiding them, he continued to introduce the estate. master, this estate is quite extensive, with dozens of buildings serving various purposes, including a mansion, practice grounds, wine cellar, meeting hall, hot springs, and more. in addition, the principality provides fresh ingredients daily to ensure that it meets most of your daily dietary needs listening to the stewards explanations delivered with the utmost respect, ji chen occasionally nodded. just based on this level of service, even the most discerning residents would find it difficult to complain. perhaps intentionally, in contrast to the well-dressed steward, the other maids were boldly attired in revealing maid outfits, tailored to accentuate their figures. their low-cut tops and short skirts showcased their bodies exceptionally well, making their chests appear even whiter than seafoam. it seemed that these maids had been assigned here not only for daily tasks but also to fulfill certain needs of the master if required. in response, ji chen could only sigh silently about the changing times and the moral decay of society. they entered a luxurious mansion at the center of the estate and took seats at a long table. the steward smoothed his meticulously kept attire and asked with lowered head, master, would you like to dine? theres a batch of fresh seafood ingredients that arrived this morning in the estate. we can prepare an excellent seafood feast for you. no need, ji chen replied casually. after days of long-distance travel, his appetite wasnt particularly robust, and he had grown tired of seafood. besides, the crown of the ocean was located in the open sea, and seafood was abundant there, making it a mundane choice. what he was more concerned about was how to find buyers for the crown of the oceans goods and how to make successful sales. in response, raymond revealed a mysterious smile and said, lord, all we need to do is wait for a while before he could finish his sentence, a maid rushed into the room. as soon as she saw ji chen, her face immediately blushed. no matter how you looked at it, she found this master extremely handsome, and his physique was robust. if she could gain the favor of such a master whats happening? ji chens magnetic voice pulled her out of her daydream, and she quickly explained, a merchant lord named gilder has come to visit. upon hearing this, ji chens eyes revealed a hint of surprise. it seemed that raymond, the chubby fellow, was indeed speaking the truth. raymond leaned in and whispered, lord, gilder is a renowned and wealthy merchant in maple harbor. he has extensive resources and connections. last time, he acquired nearly thirty percent of our weapons and military equipment. thirty percent? ji chen was slightly astonished. if he remembered correctly, the last fleet had consisted of forty ships, excluding the eight escort vessels. that meant there were thirty-two ships filled with weapons and military equipment. a thirty percent share equated to consuming at least ten ships worth of goods, which amounted to over two hundred thousand items.. Chapter 322 - Chapter 322: Gilder, Business Discussion (2) chapter 322: gilder, business discussion (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation its evident that this persons wealth is quite substantial. ji chen, who was always welcoming to those offering money, gestured with a grand wave. please, bring him in. yes! the man who entered was plump, with a face full of fat and a body considerably obese, especially his round belly, which shook with every step. he was dressed in extravagant attire, and his short, chubby fingers, due to his obesity, were adorned with gemstone rings. a large gold chain hung around his equally short and stout neck, giving off the air of a super nouveau riche. he entered with a retinue of servants. upon seeing raymond, his face lit up. ray, my old friend, its been a while but gilder noticed raymond desperately signaling to him and found it strange. it was only then that he realized raymond was standing behind a young, handsome man, in a subordinate position. his heart suddenly raced. his mind quickly worked, and in the blink of an eye, he reacted. he bent his body, arched his back, and his face turned extremely respectful. your excellency, you must be the illustrious lord of the ocean crown, spoken of by raymond so often. 1 have long admired you. if i had known that you were coming to maple harbor in person this time, i would have prepared a grand banquet to welcome you! gilders ability to change his expression, almost comparable to a sichuan opera face-changing master, amazed everyone present. they couldnt help but marvel at the speed at which a businessman could change his demeanor. ji chen calmly picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and gestured for the steward and maids to leave. then he spoke slowly. i am indeed the lord of the ocean crown, ji chen. i wonder, gilder, what brings you here on this occasion? gilders face was filled with smiles. of course, i have some important matters to discuss with your excellency ji chen. if my visit seems impolite, please forgive me ji chen had no patience for such formalities and placed the teacup down. no need for such courtesy; please get straight to the point. upon hearing this, gilder was briefly taken aback. he seemed to understand that ji chen was a man of action and became serious. in that case, ill be straightforward. im very interested in the goods youve brought this time, lord ji chen. is there a possibility of cooperation? hearing this, ji chens face showed a hint of interest. oh? even someone of your stature, a prominent merchant, is interested in the oceans crown goods? of course, the oceans crown is renowned for the exceptional quality of its weapon equipment. its reputation has already spread throughout maple city and even to the kingdoms and duchies further north. the recent word is that the oceans crowns weapon equipment rivals that of dwarven forging! therefore, there are countless merchants who want to obtain such goods, and i am no exception. rivals that of dwarven forging? well, that statement might be a bit exaggerated. although lizardmen forge high-quality weapon equipment, its highly likely that it cant match the quality of dwarven craftsmanship. after all, dwarven-forged weapon equipment is renowned worldwide. if dwarves with already questionable temperaments heard such a statement, they might travel a thousand miles just to dispute it. ji chen waved his hand and said, that praise is a bit excessive. gilder also chuckled. the statement was indeed somewhat overblown, but it wasnt entirely without merit. in terms of quality, dwarven weapon equipment might surpass that of the oceans crown, but in terms of quantity and cost-effectiveness, it was a different story. the number of weapon equipment forged and exported by dwarves in a year couldnt compare to what the oceans crown exported in half a month. the price gap was even more significant. despite a relatively small difference in quality, dwarven-forged equipment was several times or even dozens of times more expensive. the price of a single dwarven-forged weapon could buy dozens of oceans crown products. in terms of cost-effectiveness, dwarven equipment was clearly outmatched. moreover, the market favored the oceans crown. ordinary soldiers didnt require top-tier equipment. in this sense, as long as the purchase price wasnt too outrageous, obtaining these goods would allow gilder to make substantial profits. it was like gold coins falling from the sky. so, are you interested in purchasing a batch of weapon equipment from me? unexpectedly, gilder nodded, then shook his head, with a flame of ambition flickering in his eyes. lord ji chen, i want to establish a long-term partnership with the oceans crown. from now on, i hope to exclusively acquire at least thirty percent of the oceans crowns production of weapon equipment for the northern continent. ji chens eyes slightly narrowed, and his interest grew even more. this fellow has quite the ambition. considering the current efficiency and speed of the oceans crowns transportation, they could make two round trips a month. securing a thirty percent share would mean obtaining approximately three to four hundred thousand pieces of weapon equipment, with the involved amount reaching millions or even tens of millions of gold coins. once their transportation capacity increases in the future, this scale will become even larger. my lord, not only is gilder extremely wealthy, but it seems he also has ties to a high-ranking member of the maple principality. if we can establish a long-term partnership with him, our business here will receive protection and wont be coveted by certain envious individuals or forces in addition, gilder has broad connections and can easily find some things, such as a large quantity of rare resources. when 1 chose to cooperate with him, 1 also considered this. raymond lowered his voice and spoke in ji chens ear. ji chen squinted slightly. if that was the case, then there was indeed value in cooperating. the resources and connections these natives possessed were unmatched by players at the moment. they often had a strong influence in certain areas. although he had some connections with monica, the daughter of the lienhardt grand duchy, and the elves, one could never have too many friends. more friends meant more avenues for opportunities. after a brief moment of consideration, ji chen made up his mind. he smiled and said, lord gilder, 1 believe the oceans crown also has the intention of establishing a long-term partnership with you. after all, we dont want to go through the trouble of finding buyers every time we bring our goods. it wastes a lot of our energy and time. if you have the time, we can have a meal together first and then sit down to discuss the share, pricing, and transportation matters. upon hearing this, gilders face lit up, and he eagerly replied, i would be delighted. however, lets start the negotiations as soon as possible. he seemed quite eager, and while ji chen found it a bit unusual, he agreed. next, although ji chen wasnt particularly skilled in trade and negotiations, with the assistance of the experienced raymond, the initial discussions proceeded smoothly. after the negotiations, gilder secured forty percent of the oceans crowns output of weapon equipment to the northern continent. prices were determined based on the quality and type of weapons and were paid in various rare resources. a whole shipload of weapon equipment would be exchanged for around 3,000 units of third-tier rare resources, such as crystals and mithril. with the fleet ji chen brought this time, which included ten ships loaded with weapon equipment, they could acquire around 30,000 units of rare resources. while it wasnt enough to completely solve the resource issues in their territory, it would greatly alleviate the situation. at the moment when the negotiations were completed, gilder let out a heavy sigh of relief. he took out a fine handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead. just then, there were footsteps outside, and someone knocked on the door. come in. the newcomer was the butler, and he entered with impeccable manners. master, there are many businessmen outside the estate who wish to discuss cooperation regarding weapon equipment. upon hearing this, ji chen glanced at gilder, whose expression had changed slightly. so, thats why he was so eager to negotiate. it all made sense now. let them all in. yes. soon, more than ten extravagantly dressed businessmen entered the hall. when they saw gilder, who was still sitting there with a contented smile, their expressions changed instantly. they couldnt believe it. why had gilder arrived so quickly? had they already finished the negotiations? goddammit, they had agreed to come together, but this guy had managed to slip away ahead of them! in reply, gilder shot them a scornful glance, implying, you guys are way too late to the party, you wont even have a chance to join the lucrative deals, let alone make any money.. Chapter 323 - Chapter 323: The Black Iron Fortress: Secrets of the Past chapter 323: the black iron fortress: secrets of the past translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation gilder cast a contemptuous glance at them, then turned to say respectfully, lord ji chen, now that we have concluded our preliminary negotiations, i wont disturb you any longer. ill take my leave for now and return with gifts for our next meeting. after all, a forty percent share in our long-term cooperation is not a small amount. 1 will immediately go back and expedite the follow-up matters to enhance our cooperation as soon as possible. upon hearing this, the other merchants widened their eyes. youre really fucking greedy! arent you afraid that you might not be able to handle taking a 40% share all by yourself? as it turned out, gilder wasnt afraid at all. he not only had considerable financial resources but also an extensive network of connections. with the backing of the top-tier individuals in the maple principality, he comfortably engaged in both legitimate and illicit enterprises, showing little concern for merchants like them who were just starting out. thats good then. i will stay in this northern continent for a while. i welcome, mr. gilder, to visit again. gilder nodded, then after another bow, he turned and departed amidst the crowd of servants. knowing that gilder had already completed the negotiations ahead of them, taking a whole forty percent share, the remaining merchants felt a sense of urgency. they looked at each other, their eyes carrying a hint of hostility. it became even more imperative. nowadays, every merchant in maple harbor knew that as long as they obtained the weapons and equipment of the crown of the ocean and transported them to the north, they would undoubtedly make money. they need to work hard to secure as much of the remaining sixty percent as they can. if they didnt, others would. letting others make money was even more unbearable than losing money! unknowingly, in the small hall with only a dozen people, a sudden surge of tension filled the air, making it feel a bit explosive. after learning that ji chen was the real decision-maker, one by one, the merchants crowded around with smiles on their faces, eager to speak. lord ji chen, i am the president of the snowwood chamber of commerce, and my funds are very substantial. its definitely the right choice to choose me as a partner. lord, i have more than a dozen ocean-going ships under my command, with strong transportation capabilities. i can transport goods directly from your territory i have a wide network of connections, ensuring that your business will go smoothly in maple harbor seeing the merchants with pleasing smiles on their faces, competing to speak, ji chen suddenly felt disinterested. coincidentally, the previous negotiations with gilder, combined with the long journey, had finally brought a hint of fatigue. so he waved his hand to summon raymond and said aloud, 1 hereby authorize you to allocate the remaining share of weapons and equipment. you will also be responsible for matters related to the crown of the ocean from now on. i will rest for now, just inform me of the results tomorrow. raymond was momentarily stunned, and a look of pleasant surprise appeared on his face. to entrust such an important business, worth tens of millions of gold coins, entirely to him? what a tremendous amount of trust! this was something that only core members, no, confidants, could accomplish! ji chen stood up, patted his shoulder, and said, dont disappoint me. suppressing the excitement in his heart as much as possible, raymond replied with gratitude and seriousness, i wont let your trust down. i will definitely handle this matter brilliantly. ji chen nodded slightly, walked away in front of everyone, and disappeared at the end of the stairs. the merchants watched the entire process, their eyes eager, and they crowded around raymond. raymond was surrounded by many merchants, and his eyes shone brighter than ever before. in a desolate wilderness. a figure, short but incredibly strong, came to a slow stop. surrounded by dozens of desert giants with fierce expressions, each the size of a calf, closed in on him. looking at the figure before them, their mouths salivated continuously, hunger fiercely challenging their rationality. the figure slowly raised its head. under the rough beard hidden beneath the cloak, there was no trace of fear in its eyes. it gazed emotionlessly at the surrounding giant wolves. the massive hammer slung over its shoulder was placed on the ground with a heavy, resounding thud. however, these sounds couldnt scare the giant wolves who had gone without food for days. this heavy sound was more like a stone, snapping the last string of reason in the minds of the giant wolves. roar- dozens of desert wolves rushed forward, eager to tear this figure apart to satisfy their hunger. bunch of beasts. thotmudo said coldly and lifted the massive hammer with one hand. it seemed as light as a stick in his hand. with a casual swing, the all-metal hammerhead smashed a giant wolfs skull, bursting into a shower of blood and brain matter. thud- thud- with each swing, it was as if the giant wolves willingly offered themselves up. every strike had the perfect force, angle, and precision, without a single wasted motion or ounce of strength. one giant wolf after another either had its skull smashed by a single blow or its bodys bones shattered, leaving it paralyzed on the ground. not even one of them could get close to thotmudo. in just a few minutes, this group of desert wolves, which could have hunted down an entire caravan, had suffered heavy casualties, and the few remaining ones fled with their tails between their legs. thotmudo glanced at them but didnt pursue them. he casually slung the massive hammer back onto his shoulder and continued forward, heading deeper into the wilderness. he passed through barren hills, swift rivers, and rocky shores with strange formations. in a river valley, he finally came to a halt. in the distance, a magnificent and massive fortress stood nestled among the mountains.. Chapter 324 - Chapter 324: The Black Iron Fortress: Secrets of the Past chapter 324: the black iron fortress: secrets of the past (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation excluding the numerous gaps and damages spread throughout, and even the grandeur unable to conceal the complete lack of vitality and desolation. thotmudo looked at it, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief. black iron fortress, how could it turn out like this what exactly happened to the dwarven race over the past thousands of years in his memory, the black iron fortress was forged from countless rare metals using the solar furnace, weighing hundreds of tons, and it was known as the impenetrable fortress gate C the dwarven shield. but now, there was a hole over ten meters wide on the gate, with melted traces along its edges. inside the fortress, the once magnificent sculptures and halls were now in ruins. the grand hall that could accommodate tens of thousands of people was also in chaos, and the symbol of dwarven unity C the dwarven hammer C was shattered into pieces, scattered all over. as thotmudo looked at everything, his expression was incredibly complex. relying on his memory, he passed through one corridor after another, one hall after another, and what he saw was desolation everywhere. there were marks of axes and knives on the walls and floors, indicating how fierce the battles here had been. fierce to the point that not even the united dwarves could stop them. in an inconspicuous side hall, thotmudo turned a broken dwarven sculpture, and with a rumbling sound, a passage entrance appeared on the wall. he walked in. perhaps because the passage was relatively sealed, there were still some bones left behind, some belonging to dwarves, and others from different races. but with just a slight breeze, they turned into powder. walking to the end of the narrow and winding passage, he arrived in a vast domed space. this place had originally stored mountains of treasures from the dwarves, but it was now completely empty. clearly, when black iron fortress was captured, this place had also been looted. thotmudo paused for a moment, then walked to a corner and touched a stone brick with a specific force and angle, rotating it. with a clattering sound. a passage entrance opened to the side, just wide enough for two people to pass through side by side. inside the passage, there were no bones or signs of battle. seeing this, thotmudo felt a glimmer of hope. this was a secret known to only a very small number of dwarves within black iron fortress. they had agreed that if black iron fortress faced an unstoppable attack, in the face of impending destruction, they would record everything that happened and store it here for future generations to know. inside this passage, perhaps he could find out what had truly happened to the dwarven race. the passage was very long and winding as if it led deep into the heart of the mountain. but thotmudo was patient, and he walked down quietly. finally, he reached the end and slowly pushed open the last stone door. behind the door was a small, dimly lit chamber with only a platform inside. on top of the platform was a small stone pillar with a white crystal on top. beside the stone pillar, there rested a tiny dwarf skeleton adorned in elegant attire, its bones gleaming with a golden hue. in the chest, where the heart would be, there was a strange-looking dagger stuck, dealing him a fatal blow. thotmudo was stunned, his expression filled with sorrow. he recognized whose dwarven skeleton this was claudio, did you fall too? claudio blackiron, one of the epic dwarven powerhouses of black iron fortress in the past, and also his close friend who had guarded black iron fortress and the dwarven race together. his fatal heart was attacked, yet he persevered to come here, which was enough to prove how sudden and fierce the events were back then, and how powerful the enemy they faced was. thotmudo felt a profound sense of guilt in his heart. if he had stayed in black iron fortress instead of going out back then, he wouldnt have fallen into the hands of the archlich krieg theredell. with his epic-level power, could the events that unfolded here have taken a different turn? could black iron fortress have remained unbreached? his mind was filled with countless thoughts, but thotmudo eventually calmed himself down, and his gaze gradually became resolute. claudio, did you persist until this point to preserve this information? what kind of enemy was it that even you couldnt match and had to fall within this small chamber? thotmudo stepped forward and gently touched the crystal. a projection appeared. in the projection, there was another rugged dwarven figure, with a grayish complexion and lifeless eyes. a horrifying wound cut across his abdomen to his right shoulder, with the pallid bones faintly visible. if an ordinary person had suffered such an injury, they would have died long ago. only an epic-level powerhouse could endure and reach this place to leave behind information. in the projection, claudio blackiron slowly spoke, i am claudio blackiron, one of the three epic heroes of black iron fortress. if the situation is as dire as i suspect, then i must have already perished. but i never imagined that black iron fortress would fall in this manner. with just one blow, our pride, the dwarven shield, was pierced in an instant. in less than half a day, we were forced to withdraw, losing our outer defenses step by step pierced in an instant? thotmudos face showed astonishment. even epic-level powerhouses couldnt destroy the dwarven shield in such a violent manner, let alone with just one strike. moreover, there were countless defensive fortifications and formidable defensive weaponry on the outskirts of black iron fortress. with the advantage of its natural terrain, it should have been impervious to enemy attacks, even against a massive army. but it was breached in half a day? Chapter 325 - Chapter 325: The Black Iron Fortress: Secrets of the Past (3) chapter 325: the black iron fortress: secrets of the past (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation at first, thotmudo couldnt believe it. but as he recalled the shattered gate and the expression on claudios face, he had no choice but to reluctantly come to terms with this reality. claudio blackiron didnt waste a moment and kept talking, his words speeding up, clearly knowing his time was running out. he answered thotmudos doubts one by one, revealing the buried secrets of that year. the deceiver was the mastermind behind the fall of black iron fortress the deceiver? thotmudos pupils shrank. the deceiver, a group of godless rats living in the sewers, was known for their shady activities, but how could they have the power to conquer the formidable black iron fortress? his breath hitched, and he continued reading. the deceiver summoned a hellfire demon with power surpassing epic levels through large-scale sacrifices and made some kind of deal with it. together, they attacked black iron fortress, and the dwarven shield was destroyed by this demon to stop this terrifying demon, i and theod black iron, another epic-level hero of blackiron fortress, were seriously injured. in the end, even though we used every means, we successfully delayed the demon until the worlds rules expelled it back to hell. however, this exposed a vulnerability, and theod blackiron was killed by an evil-aligned epic hero brought by the deceiver. as for me, i was struck by a dagger tainted with the curse of a dark gods power, both my body and soul suffering a terrible curse. with such a curse upon me, there was no way i could survive. the downfall of the black iron fortress had become an irreversible fact. so, i forced myself to come here and tell everything, hoping that the surviving dwarves would know what happened here. at this point, claudio blackirons face, already dark, became even more serious. whether youre a dwarf who found your way here or belong to another race, please keep in mind, dont let the deceiver discover your presence or your knowledge of what transpired in this place. otherwise, those fanatics who hold an intense hatred for all deities, all divine races, and divine entities will stop at nothing to hatch sinister plots aimed at taking your life. cough ive said almost everything. i feel that my life is coming to an end. cough, cough oh, by the way, cough, cough, cough you might be able to secretly find thotmudo blackiron. hes the only dwarf epic hero who survived this catastrophe in the black iron fortress. hes a formidable force you can rely on, with forging skills second only to mine. claudio blackiron showed a hint of sigh on his face. back then, i said the three of us, and thotmudo, the most foolish but luckiest dwarf, would definitely be the one to survive until the end. it turns out that its really the case, quite remarkable at this moment, the light curtain closed, and the chamber fell into boundless silence. after a while, a voice slowly echoed in the chamber. in the name of thotmudo blackiron, i swear to the gods that i will avenge you and black iron fortress, and exterminate the deceiver! the deceiver, those sewer rats, are highly likely to still exist ji chen that kid carries a distinctly pure divine aura. he might have been able to stay concealed on the remote island, but as soon as he steps foot on the mainland, hes bound to draw their notice not good, ive heard that hes planning to visit the mainland soon. i need to hurry and remind him to prevent him from suffering any losses.. Chapter 326 - Chapter 326: Solar Furnace, Money Collection, Trade Taxes chapter 326: solar furnace, money collection, trade taxes translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation considering this, thotmudo gazed solemnly at the skeletal remains of claudio blackiron. he carefully swathed them in linen and secured them to his back. he then picked up the enormous hammer and swung it towards the crystal pillar. one strike, two strikes, three strikes, and the crystal shattered completely, losing its function. seeing this, thotmudo breathed a sigh of relief as he carried claudio blackiron on his back. after closing the secret chamber, he navigated through the fortress to its deepest recesses, as if venturing into a vast underground cavern. scattered around were ores, various damaged smelting facilities, and battle scars. but amidst the ruins of the blackiron fortress, which had fallen thousands of years ago, this place had not been spared. however, thotmudo paid no attention to these details. instead, he ventured deeper until he reached a massive lava lake. at this moment, the location where the dwarves took great pride in their creation, the solar furnace, which stood above the lava, was now empty. clearly, it had also been taken by the deceivers. the solar furnace was a furnace device painstakingly crafted by generations of blackiron dwarves. just as its name implied, it was like a sun-shaped furnace. with this furnace, the dwarves could efficiently forge weapons and equipment. not only could it melt various metals and materials, but it could also create entirely new ones. the dwarven shield was one such creation. but that wasnt all; under the right conditions, the solar furnace could forge legendary treasures, and even artifacts of demigod quality. this was the foundation of the blackiron dwarves. for a lawful and orderly race like the dwarves, it would be a safeguard for their people. however, in the hands of the deceivers and their evil ilk, it would only become a weapon of world-threatening proportions. the deceivers had taken the solar furnace thousands of years ago. who knew how many weapons and equipment they had manufactured with it, arming countless evildoers? after a moment of hesitation, thotmudo left the area, following his memories to a high point outside the blackiron fortress. from here, he could see the exposed portions of the fortress clearly. it was also where he and claudio blackiron often stood in the past, making a vow to protect the blackiron fortress. thotmudo buried claudio blackirons remains here and skillfully chiseled a smooth tombstone with his name on it. after a deep, final look, thotmudo left without turning back. seeking revenge against the deceivers now seemed like an uphill battle, especially for a race that had fallen so far from grace, no longer even on par with trolls. the odds were slim. moreover, he was aware of his own limitations. while he could engage in combat, forge weapons, and fight battles, uniting the fractured dwarf clans was a monumental task. in this situation, thotmudo naturally thought of ji chen, even though his current strength was not considered very high, and his territory consisted of a remote island in the open sea. however, thotmudo remembered ji chens past performances and the qualities that had earned him the favor of the gods. perhaps this seemingly weak human, in his eyes, could help him unite the dwarf clans and seek revenge against the deceivers in the future? he was somewhat hesitant. but thotmudo had been isolated from the world for thousands of years. besides elin, that pointy ears, and ji chen, he didnt know anyone else. those he knew were long gone. there wasnt much choice. compared to seeking help from the pointy ears, he found it more acceptable to seek ji chens assistance. that young mans personality seemed to align better with his tastes. as for the elves? not a chance! the next morning. in the same hall as before. raymond was reporting the results of his negotiations and discussions with various merchants from the previous day. except for gilders forty percent share, the remaining sixty percent has been distributed among nine merchants, each receiving a share ranging from half a percent to one and a half percent. because of our long-standing partnership, they agreed to some pricing concessions, resulting in prices about 15% higher than the previous agreement. considering their prices and their strong presence in the market, i turned down cooperation requests from other merchants, except for these nine. besides gilder, these ten merchants will oversee the weapon and equipment business of the crown of the ocean in the northern continent. ive provided a draft of the commercial contract for your review, my lord. feel free to suggest any changes you might want to make. raymond placed a stack of parchment on the table. it contained standard business contracts recognized and protected by the maple principalitys authorities. once signed, they would become effective within the principalitys borders. any party violating the contract would be subject to investigation by the principalitys specialized business regulatory agency. due to the maple principalitys absolute neutrality and robust commerce, these standard contracts were widely used across the northern continent, recognized by multiple kingdoms and duchies, and held significant legal weight. this world may appear to be one with a strict hierarchy, cloaked in medieval attire, but in certain aspects, its achievements are not inferior to earth. ji chen picked up one of the contracts and examined it. he didnt find any issues and looked quite satisfied. youve done a great job. it seems 1 made the right choice. however, you need to be careful not to let others with ill intentions plot against our trade. he wasnt afraid of overt attacks, but rather, he was concerned about the indigenous people with hidden agendas who might secretly conspire to cause trouble for the crown of the ocean. without the opportunity youve given me, my lord, i wouldnt have been able to accomplish this task, raymond replied humbly. upon hearing the rest of ji chens words, he spoke confidently, as long as gilder and the others want to make money, especially big money, they will proactively help us fend off those hidden troubles.. Chapter 327 - Chapter 327: Solar Furnace, Money Collection Ability User, Business Taxes (2) chapter 327: solar furnace, money collection ability user, business taxes (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after all, obstructing merchants from making money is even more antagonistic than killing their entire families. ji chen nodded, understanding the logic. pausing for a moment, he asked, do you know the location of the elven embassy in maple harbor? raymond was slightly surprised. my lord, are you planning to meet with the elves? thats correct. my main purpose for coming this time is to make contact with the elven clan. everything else is secondary. ji chen stood up, walked to the entrance, and looked out at the lush meadow. he said, as a side note, lets also send the dozen or so elves who are still on the ship along with us. upon hearing this, raymond nodded in realization. that makes sense. even if the elven clan is quite proud, seeing that weve rescued so many abducted elves and established a trade relationship with them should improve their attitude. plus, its a barrier that protects our business on the continent. but the elven embassy is not in maple harbor; its actually in maple city, which is over ten miles away from here. well need to apply with the authorities in maple harbor and go through some formalities to enter the city. however, given the substantial taxes weve paid as the crown of the ocean, this should be relatively easy to arrange. you can leave this matter to me! ji chen nodded slightly, appreciating having a capable subordinate who could handle these tasks without his direct involvement. in less than two hours, raymond had completed all the necessary procedures. in reality, much of this was thanks to the influence of their wealth; the maple principality was very welcoming to major taxpayers like ji chen. raymond simply explained the matter to the steward assigned to this area, who promptly reported it to his superior. in less than half an hour, a team of maple harbor personnel hurried to the estate. they efficiently completed the entry procedures and presented a long-term valid city entry permit. they also expressed their warm welcome for ji chen to visit anytime. as an added privilege, they provided two large luxury carriages adorned with a common griffin pattern. according to the personnel, these two carriages were given to those who had made significant contributions to maple harbor. they not only could bypass most of the permanent checkpoints along the way without being stopped by soldiers, but they also had exclusive access to maple city. hearing this, ji chen couldnt help but sigh in his heart. indeed, money could buy almost anything, especially in a place as commercially prosperous as maple harbor. with enough gold coins, one could clear any obstacles. he instructed raymond to bring the dozen or so elves who had been left on the ship to the estate. they each boarded one of the carriages, and amidst the salutes of the estates steward and maids, they set off towards maple city in the distance. as they traveled north and gradually left maple harbor behind, they noticed that the harbor didnt have imposing city walls or defensive structures; instead, a simple two-meter-high stone wall marked the boundary between the inner and outer areas. between maple harbor and maple city stretched a wide expanse of lush grasslands. a spacious brick road connected the two, allowing numerous pedestrians and carriages, enough to accommodate sixteen carriages traveling side by side, all heading towards maple city. ji chens two carriages, however, attracted considerable attention. the ordinary natives, on the other hand, didnt pay much attention. they recognized that this was a carriage only accessible to those with overwhelming financial abilities, and while they felt a touch of envy, they dared not make a move. in this world of strict hierarchy and social classes, uttering the wrong words was considered a crime. however, the casual players were a different story. they watched with envy, their eyes shooting daggers. motherfucker, its a super tycoon. im so jealous uh, i mean, its despicable! 1 would never associate with someone who smells of copper! a carriage with a griffin pattern i remember its given to those who have invested, paid taxes or spent a million gold coins in maple harbor. when will i ever get to ride in one? i wonder whos inside those carriages. its piqued my curiosity. as one player muttered this, they saw the curtains of the rear carriage being pulled back slightly, revealing a beautiful face with radiant white skin. the player was left stunned and blurted out involuntarily, holy crap! an elf? this word instantly caught the attention of the players around them, as if it had hit their g-spot. an elf? where are the elves!? theyre in the rear carriage! players craned their necks to look, but the curtains were pulled back for just a second before being lowered again, leaving them disappointed. a wave of frustration washed over them. in less than a few seconds, the curtains were slowly drawn back once more, rekindling the players curiosity as they stared wide-eyed. but behind the curtains, they were met with a fierce snake-like face, with blood-red eyes exuding an endless coldness, nearly scaring them to death. their hearts pounded wildly. the curtains were lowered once again, and the carriage continued on its way. once they regained their composure, their immediate response was to tackle the player who had mentioned the elf and start physically assaulting him, all while unleashing a torrent of furious curses. you son of a bitch, an elf? youre playing pranks, huh? how dare you deceive us! beat this bastard to death! the player who was being pressed down, taking blows to his head and being cursed at, wore a sorrowful expression. i did see an elf, 1 swear! dont beat me, its a mistake! in the end, this group of players who had unilaterally assaulted others was caught by patrolling soldiers and charged with the crime of severely disrupting social order. they were each thrown into jail, where they paid for seven days of incarceration. inside the carriage.. Chapter 328 - Chapter 328: Solar Furnace, Money Collection Ability User, Business Taxes (3) chapter 328: solar furnace, money collection ability user, business taxes (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the elves burst into laughter and found the naga berserker, who was also riding in the same carriage, much more pleasing to the eye. due to the terrain and location, the obstructed view caused by the towering buildings of maple harbor had now opened up. it was easy to see a towering metropolis standing at the edge of the vast grassland, nestled beneath a mountain range. with walls soaring up to a hundred meters, they seemed to compete in height with the mountains, stretching from the western side of the field to the east. arrow towers stood densely on the city walls, much like trees, while artillery platforms lined the wall, with guns of all sizes protruding, showcasing their might. intermittently, airships came and went from behind the city walls. the onlookers also spotted a fleet of hundreds of airships returning from the direction of the mountains. among them was a colossal airship, comparable in size to the new moon, flying in the sky like a floating island, casting a vast shadow over the ground. between the airships, numerous griffon knights flew like ants, ensuring the fleets safety. this scene was incredibly awe-inspiring. it wasnt until the airship slowly descended and disappeared behind the city wall that they regained their composure, and the sound of breathing resumed within the carriage. at that moment, raymond suddenly thought of something and casually remarked, the airship fleet should have just returned from the northern alvin mountains. it seems like the trolls up there are causing trouble again. ji chen looked at him and made a mental note of it. the group continued to move forward. soon, they arrived at the foot of the city wall. maple city had a total of seven gates facing the south. the central gate was the largest, towering at fifty meters, while the other gates decreased in size from the center, with the two smallest side gates still standing at over ten meters. at this moment, only four of the seven city gates were open. three on the left and one on the far right. in front of the city gates were over a hundred heavily armed elite guards, checking the information and entry permits of those entering the city. the three left gates were crowded with people, while the rightmost gate was almost deserted. naturally, ji chen and his group didnt have to squeeze with the others. they directly headed for the vip lane on the far right and came to a halt in front of the security barrier. the guards stationed here noticed the griffon emblem on the carriage and became more respectful. one of them came to the side of the carriage and politely said, greetings. may i see your relevant entry permit, sir? ji chen pulled back the curtain and handed over the entry permit. when the guard saw the permit, his expression became even more respectful. this kind of permit could only be obtained by those who had made significant contributions to the maple principality. it could be used for an extended period and multiple times, making it a higher-level permit than the ordinary ones. in simple terms, it was the permit of the top-tier elite. the guard carefully verified the authenticity of the permit and respectfully handed it back to ji chen. esteemed guest, you may proceed. he then loudly announced to his colleagues, let them through! other guards quickly moved the barriers aside, creating a clear path. the carriage resumed its journey towards the city gate. ji chen was curious about the guards reactions and asked raymond, how much commercial tax have we actually paid to the maple principality for our crown of the ocean? raymond grinned and held up three fingers. its a moderate 15% commercial tax, neither too high nor too low. the fuck?! a15% commercial tax was surprisingly high! no wonder the service from the maple empire was so good; they were making a substantial profit from this level of taxation. in that instant, ji chen made up his mind to find another place to sell their goods. he couldnt let these greedy individuals make a fortune off him.. Chapter 329 - Chapter 329: Is This an Elf? Miligas chapter 329: is this an elf? miligas translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation in the blink of an eye, the carriage had already passed through the thick city gate and entered the city. compared to the open and bustling maple harbor, maple city had a different architectural style. the buildings inside the city were not tall, mostly only six or seven stories high, in stark contrast to the towering structures of maple harbor. most of the buildings were primarily white in color, adorned with pointed arches, pointed arch doorways, and large stained glass windows. when the sunlight shone on the colored glass, it created a kaleidoscope of colors. occasionally, one could see elegant and grand cathedral-style buildings on street corners, which appeared quite sacred and pure against the backdrop of white walls and stained glass windows. however, the maple principality had a belief in deities, which seemed at odds with their love of wealth and their extreme commercial development. but upon further reflection, it likely boiled down to the age-old advice: after eating a satisfying meal, its wise to take a moment for gratitude. compared to the bustling maple harbor, maple city was relatively less crowded, but it still had a steady flow of people. the carriage meandered its way through the city, leaving the main road to enter a quieter area. it was stopped by a squad of soldiers at a checkpoint. this is the embassy district ahead, unauthorized persons are not allowed! spoke a soldier captain clad in armor. his proud demeanor and attire bore the emblem of the old maple cross. raymond descended from the carriage and began negotiating with him. returning the kidnapped elves if theres any delay, you wont be able to bear this responsibility he pointed to the carriage behind him. ji chen could only faintly hear raymond say a few words before seeing the soldier captain turn his head. through the drawn curtains, he caught a glimpse of the young elf. the soldiers expression changed from arrogance to doubt, and then to apology. after careful examination of their entry permits and credentials, the soldier nodded. he walked over to the carriage and made a respectful gesture. respected guests, i apologize sincerely. i will now clear the way for you. ji chen remained expressionless, merely nodding slightly and maintaining a dignified posture. amidst a salute from the soldiers, the two carriages gradually moved away. boss, this guy is too arrogant. he didnt even say a word. we are soldiers guarding the embassy district, not like those guarding the city gates. you better keep your mouth shut! the soldier captain reprimanded. didnt you see the second carriage with the elf inside? if we really delay them and offend the elves, the higher-ups will hold us responsible. maybe our bonuses for the year will be deducted! hearing this, the soldiers expression changed slightly, and he kept silent. when it came to matters concerning elves, even the maple principality had to take them seriously, especially now when the elves were at the height of their power, and the elven empire was flourishing. the strength of their nation had given the elves a prominent position, and all kingdoms, duchies, and races of the lawful alignment, at the very least, held great respect for the elves in public. they were afraid that one day, these highly proud pointed-eared individuals might come looking for trouble. after entering the so-called embassy district, ji chen and raymond saw vast estates, each surrounded by diverse walls, and flags representing different factions were displayed on the gates. red dragon flag, white tower flag, sword and shield flag some were kingdoms, some were duchies, and some were powerful races. among these flags, he saw one that was exceptionally large. on it were two standing trees, one gold and one silver. this is the double sacred tree flag of the elven empire. ji chens gaze slightly narrowed. they had reached their destination. perhaps due to their national power, this elven estate was exceptionally spacious, ten times larger than the neighboring kingdoms and duchies. a tall wall made up of intertwined tree trunks and vines formed a barrier that blocked any intrusive view from the outside. in front of the gate, similarly made up of branches and vines, a fully armed guard of elves stood watch, observing them closely as they approached. when ji chen saw the appearance of these elven soldiers, he couldnt help but be stunned. his body stiffened, and he could hardly believe what he was seeing. furrowing his brow, he asked, are these elves? raymond, seeing ji chens expression, also paused for a moment. yes, thats right. is there a problem? ji chen fell silent. how should he put it? in his impression, elves were not only known for their unparalleled archery and formidable magical abilities but also for their exceptionally beautiful elven ladies. even the male elves in various strange books were often depicted as delicate and cute elf boys. but the scene before his eyes shattered his illusions like a power hammer, scattering them to the ground. standing before him was a group of burly, tall, muscular individuals, each with a height of nearly two meters, broad-shouldered and sturdy. they had long, pointed ears that were almost parallel to the ground. their muscles, like bronze, seemed as if they were about to burst out of their clothing. veins in their arms crisscrossed like tree roots. their expressions were resolute, like coiled tigers ready to pounce. were these really fucking elves? if someone were to say they were a group of incredibly burly dudes, like trolls or some green-skinned orcs, ji chen would fully believe it.. Chapter 330 - Chapter 330: Is This an Elf? Miligas (2) chapter 330: is this an elf? miligas (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation silence lingered for a while. he reluctantly accepted this fact, comforting himself with the thought that female elves were generally quite beautiful. indeed, how could the elves, who had created such a powerful empire, be anything but tough? they carried large swords on their backs and wielded hefty longbows. the carriage gradually came to a stop in front of the elf embassy. before ji chen could give an order, the elven squads eagerly jumped out of the carriage, running toward the gates with joyful expressions. seeing them, the initially cautious elven guards were taken aback. how could there be fellow elves here? after explaining the situation to the elven guards, one of the officers hurriedly dispatched an elf to inform someone inside the embassy. soon, a group of elves emerged from the embassy, led by a male elf in a golden robe. unexpectedly, this male elf had a refined appearance, and his stature was similar to that of a human. wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, he exuded an air of sophistication and affability. after conversing with the elven guards again, he walked toward the carriage. seeing this, ji chen also stepped down from the carriage and waited. at this moment, the elven guards, who had initially been reserved and aloof, visibly softened their expressions. especially when they looked at ji chen, there was a hint of gratitude in their eyes. the elf in the golden robe approached and spoke with a friendly demeanor. sir, ive already learned of your noble actions from kris. thank you for extending a helping hand to our fellow kin. without your assistance, our kin would have suffered unimaginable torment. elves never forget any friend who offers us help. kris was the captain of the elven squad. ji chen waved his hand dismissively, showing no concern. it was just a small favor; theres no need for such gratitude. they also helped me fend off our enemies, displaying the courage and glory of the elves with their exquisite skills. i admire them for it. seeing ji chens magnanimity, the elf in the golden robes eyes brightened slightly, and he carefully examined the human before him. in his every move and gesture, he naturally exuded the air of someone superior, displaying exceptional strength. coupled with his handsome appearance which was no less striking than that of the elves, it was easy to evoke a sense of goodwill. perfectly matching the description of a powerful, friendly, and affable lord provided by their kin. thinking this, his expression became even friendlier. oh, 1 almost forgot to introduce myself. im miligas heidrich, the ambassador of the silvermoon dynasty embassy in the maple principality, he said. this is the embassys military affairs officer, brett lasoga. miligas gestured toward the elven guard officer, who offered a polite nod. ji chen nodded in return, im ji chen, the lord of the crown of the ocean. the crown of the ocean? that territory sounds somewhat familiar miligas pondered for a moment. isnt it the territory of the special supplier of timber we added last month? 1 recall their timber quality was quite excellent, perfect for crafting bows. it seems there are some special coffee beans, ground into powder to make brews that might be helpful for mana recovery or entering a meditative state. your memory serves you well, mr. miligas. ji chen smiled and took out the elven badge. indeed, both the timber and coffee beans are specialties of the crown of the ocean. seeing the elven badge, miligas smile grew broader. what a coincidence that the savior of our kin and our supplier turned out to be the same person. it seems, sir, that you have a connection with our elves. indeed, he was running into elves and all sorts of things associated with them wherever he went. ji chen thought silently to himself but maintained a polite smile. the outside world is crowded and full of prying eyes, sir. how about we continue our discussion inside the embassy? ji chen nodded slightly and, with his entourage, boarded the carriage, following miligas into the embassy. in his preconceived notions, elven homes were usually large trees, with elves living in tree hollows, harmonizing with nature, and subsisting on fruits and dew. however, in reality, elven architecture was quite splendid, with intricately carved beams and pillars, adorned with exquisite reliefs and statues made from expensive stones, boasting a unique yet elegant style. even the fountain behind the main gate was constructed with stone blocks worth thousands of gold coins, and the material of the elven statue atop it was an entire piece of jade, meticulously sculpted to look lifelike. expansive gardens revealed ingenious designs, combining openness and seclusion, flower clusters, and flowing water, showcasing exceptional artistic aesthetics. to be honest, on the journey here, ji chen had indeed gained considerable insights and further felt the profound heritage of this worlds powerful race. even an embassy stationed in a foreign country had this level of luxurious decoration. thus, it could be assumed that more important places within the elven empire would be even more extravagant. when a nations military power was sufficiently robust and its people had no worries about basic necessities, part of their attention would naturally shift to other fields, such as art, architecture, and literature. it was an inevitable trend. miligas led ji chen and his entourage to a lavishly decorated reception room. in this spacious and luxurious room, only ji chen, alice, raymond, miligas, and the military affairs officer brett were present. the remaining elven guards and naga berserkers had to wait outside. sitting on a soft sofa made of an unknown material, feeling as if his entire body sank into it, ji chen let out a silent sigh of relief. he listened as miligas began to speak. i heard about it yesterday. a certain lord brought a large batch of high-quality weapons and equipment, causing many human merchants to vie for a share, and the thresholds were breached. now, matching the pieces together, it seems that this lord is none other than your excellency ji chen. however, i am quite curious; does the crown of the ocean produce weapons and equipment as well? ji chen waved his hand dismissively. these are just small business ventures, merely subsidizing the territorys expenses. haha, if amounts in the tens of millions of gold coins are considered small business, then theres nothing big left. wed like to engage in such business, but we dont have the connections for it, so we can only do small trades. this was pure nonsense. with the forging capabilities of the elven empire, they couldnt produce top-quality weapons and equipment? most of the weapons and equipment they forged were for their own use, primarily to maintain the massive silver moon dynastys army, and very few made their way outside. elves focused on high-end businesses, like enchanting and monopolizing potions. they didnt usually dabble in these low-end businesses. but what to do? elves were known for being extravagant, rich, and sometimes a bit pretentious. what ji chen despised the most were these show-offs! after some internal venting, ji chen smiled and continued. mr. miligas, besides those weapons and equipment, i also brought another batch of the same wood and coffee beans as last time. 1 was wondering miligas, being an ambassador of a nation, was astute and instantly understood his meaning. he adjusted his glasses and said with a smile, well take all of that wood, even for us, high-quality wood like this is rare. alright, well purchase the wood at 250% of the market price, and well buy all the coffee beans. personally, i quite like their taste. what a generous boss! ji chen had a beaming smile; this was 50% higher than the price agreed upon last time, an absolute windfall! from now on, elves were his good friends! the principle of wanting something from others required giving first. miligass generosity went beyond just repaying the favor of rescuing the elves. there must be some other motives behind it. elves werent known for being naive, especially when it came to money. as expected, after some polite exchanges, miligass expression turned slightly serious, and as expected, he asked, your excellency, 1 heard from kris that you know a member of our elven royal family whos been living outside our lands? a glint of intrigue flashed in ji chens eyes. the interesting part had begun.. Chapter 331 - Chapter 331: Deep Sea Merfabric, Everyone’s Happy chapter 331: deep sea merfabric, everyones happy translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation this question was also part of the plan. ji chen smiled slightly. if she told me the surname correctly, then the one i encountered should be a member of your royal family. after receiving the confirmation, miligas became somewhat excited. this was an elf with royal blood! the more powerful a being, the harder it was to have offspring, and this was a common trait among most powerful races. elves, in particular, had the lowest birthrate among all races. over a thousand years ago, there was an internal conflict among the elves, and some members of the royal family, due to ideological differences, took a part of their people and went into hiding. this unknown royal elf might be one of those who left during that internal conflict, or perhaps a descendant of those who did. elves had a long lifespan, and living for a thousand years was not a problem for the high-powered elves. even though the elves were prosperous at this time, searching for the whereabouts of the royal elves who had left in the past yielded little results due to the scarcity of information and the passage of time. the empires members with royal bloodline were also few, numbering only in the double digits. if he could bring back a royal member who had been lost in the outside world, it would be a great achievement! he might even be received personally by the empress! this supreme honor was not to be missed. lord ji chen, what is the full name of this elf? this question is crucial for us. her name? its elin apocalis. elin? miligas was slightly taken aback, and he began to think. whether it was from his memory or the two thousand years of lineage passed down, there was no mention of this name. could it really be a newly born elf royal offspring? however, knowing the name was not enough to prove the existence of this royal bloodline elf. but then, ji chen extended his right hand adorned with the void ring, this is the gift that elin apocalis gave me. as soon as he saw the void ring, miligass gaze was firmly fixed on it. his heart began to beat intensely once again. this was definitely not wrong! there was a noble elf imprint on it, only an elf with tremendous power could leave such a strong aura on an item. at this point, he was already about seventy to eighty percent sure. this elf named elin apocalis was not one of the royal bloodlines that left during the internal conflict, but a descendant of the royal bloodline! ji chen naturally had no idea what ambassador miligas was thinking. if he knew, he would surely have a knowing smile. who is elin if not an ancient elf of a thousand years or maybe a young elf from a noble royal bloodline? clearly, she is an elf crone who has lived for thousands of years, at least several generations older than you. however, judging by ambassador miligass reaction, elin did not return to the elven empire as he had guessed, otherwise, this elven ambassador would not have been so excited. changing the subject, miligas asked the most important question. your excellency, do you know where this elf named elin apocalis is now? at that time, i only sent her to the northern continent and did not accompany her. at these words, a hint of disappointment flashed across miligass face, but he continued with some reluctance. did she mention where she was going or reveal any plans? she didnt say much, just that she wanted to see what the elves are like now and visit some friends. other than that, she didnt leave any information, ji chen shrugged, as for when she will return, i dont know. well, in that case, theres nothing more we can do, miligas conceded with a bitter smile. im sorry for showing such urgency in front of your excellency ji chen. a newcomer to the royal family holds immense significance for us. if you encounter her again or have any information about her, please inform us, and we will reward you generously. of course, ji chen chuckled and changed the topic, this time i came here, in addition to the previous business, there is also a special product of the crown of the ocean that 1 want to show to you to see if you are interested. its an extremely precious deep-sea treasure that is only produced in the middle of the ocean. legend has it that in ancient times, only the ocean emperor could possess this treasure, and anyone else who privately owned it, once discovered, would be ordered to be beheaded and the treasure confiscated for the royal treasury. so only the most noble of the strong can possess it. hearing ji chens words, miligas was curious. as the ambassador of the silvermoon dynasty in the maple principality, he was already an elf noble with hundreds of years of experience, and he had broad knowledge. what rare things had he not seen before? ocean treasure? this kind of thing seemed more like a marketing ploy, designed to attract buyers. if it were placed in the hands of an ordinary merchant, they would surely sneer at it and dismiss it as insignificant. but the one saying this was ji chen. from this brief encounter, miligas also realized that ji chen was not the kind of person who exaggerated. with this in mind, a hint of interest appeared on miligass face. your excellency ji chen, i wonder what this so-called ocean treasure is? we elves collect treasures from all over the world, and it can be said that there is nothing we havent seen.. Chapter 332 - Chapter 332: Deep Sea Merfabric, Everyone’s Happy (2) chapter 332: deep sea merfabric, everyones happy (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation treasures housed in the imperial museum are, without a doubt, the most numerous and of the highest quality in this world. in this regard, we elves are undoubtedly at the forefront. for ordinary items, we wouldnt easily make acquisitions. to this, ji chen expressed full confidence, your excellency ambassador, i assure you that you will be satisfied. then, he signaled to alice, who nodded in understanding and walked out of the hall to retrieve the pre-prepared merfabric. although ji chen could have taken the merfabric out of his backpack directly, doing so abruptly would have lacked elegance. the packaging and presentation of an item played a significant role in conveying its value. soon, under everyones gaze, alice walked in once again, carrying a long wooden box in her hands. the box was made from top-quality jungle wood, emitting a natural fragrance. it was intricately carved with various marine creatures, lifelike and vivid. gemstones and pearls adorned various parts of the box, with ivory pearls adorning the clasp. leaving aside what was inside, just from this box, one could sense that its contents were extraordinary, or rather not cheap. seeing this exquisite wooden box, miligas attention was drawn to it, and his interest and curiosity grew more intense. he wondered what was inside. observing this, ji chen smiled faintly. this specially crafted wooden box, with the gemstones, jade, and pearls adorning it, was worth the equivalent of thirty thousand gold coins. after adding the cost of the wood and craftsmanship, it couldnt be obtained for less than thirty thousand gold coins. this time, to achieve the desired effect, he had indeed used his financial resources. the long wooden box was placed on the table, and even the usually resolute and unsmiling military officer among them cast a curious glance. elves may be wealthy, but they wouldnt spend their gold coins on making a wooden box. they had a long history and possessed the wisdom of a sophisticated race with refined tastes, not nouveau riche. under the slightly curious gazes of the two elves, ji chen gently undid the clasp and opened the wooden box. upon seeing what was inside the box, miligas involuntarily exclaimed, a piece of pure white fabric? inside the wooden box lay a pure white merfabric, as pristine as a cloud trapped in a box. soft, ethereal, and pure. even miligas, who considered himself knowledgeable about many things, couldnt help but be amazed. he subconsciously wanted to get closer and feel the softness of this cloud-like fabric with his hands. however, ji chen stopped him, his expression serious. your excellency ambassador, touching it without caution might contaminate this piece of merfabric. as if awakened from a dream by those words, miligas nodded hastily, his expression becoming equally serious. brett, please go to my room and fetch the pair of ice silkworm silk gloves for me. military officer brett nodded and quickly walked out. he soon returned, carrying a wooden box containing a pair of white silk gloves. miligas first washed his hands thoroughly, as if trying to cleanse them of any impurities. then, he used a valuable golden handkerchief to carefully dry his hands until not a single water stain remained. only then did he begin to put on the pair of white silk gloves. these ice silkworm gloves are made from the silk spun by seventh-tier domesticated creatures known as glacial silver silkworms. they naturally possess a property that repels impurities and cleanses the hands. once you put them on, theres no need to worry about contaminating treasures. any treasure should be handled with one hundred percent care. it would be a great regret if damage occurred due to the owners carelessness. but your excellency, please rest assured. i will be extremely cautious, and i wont let even the slightest contamination happen. please allow me to touch it. as miligas put on the gloves, he explained with a serious expression. ji chen: although this was originally intended for you. but when you explain it so seriously and inadvertently reveal your wealth, it makes me uncomfortable. initially, ji chen had some playful thoughts like, oh, my precious item, please dont damage it, which is why he deliberately said that. in reality, merfabric naturally repelled dirt and wouldnt be contaminated by a simple touch. although he didnt know what a glacier silver silkworm was, being seventh-tier suggested it wasnt an ordinary creature. well, this attempt to show off didnt quite succeed and ended up with the other party showcasing their affluence. feel free to proceed. with ji chens permission, miligas cautiously touched the merfabric. he felt its softness, akin to a cloud, even smoother than milk. holding the delicate white fabric in his hands, he couldnt help but brighten up. at this moment, he fully believed in the claim that this was a treasure from the deep sea. just by touching it, he felt a coolness that belonged only to the ocean, and he could even faintly smell the scent of seawater. over the past few hundred years, he had seen countless rare treasures, but none could compare to this piece of white merfabric. if it could be turned into clothing, there was probably no elf who would refuse it. furthermore, the queens birthday was approaching, and by then, elf nobles and ambassadors from all over would return to celebrate and present gifts to the queen. if he could offer this piece of white merfabric as a gift, he might stand out among the elves and even earn the queens commendation. thinking of this, miligas couldnt help but get excited. it took him a while to calm down and carefully place the white merfabric back in the wooden box. he raised a question, your excellency, what is the name of this kind of white fabric? deep sea merfabric, a treasure produced only in the boundless ocean. deep sea merfabric miligas murmured, his eyes shining, i wonder how many of these specialties the crown of the ocean can produce? the crucial question had come, and this answer would determine the maximum value of the merfabric. ji chen wore a somewhat regretful expression and shook his head. because the materials required to make deep sea merfabric are extremely rare, only about five top-quality pieces have been woven in the past hundred years. currently, we can only use lower-grade materials to replace some of the required ones, so the quality will be slightly lower compared to these five. however, we can produce about sixty pieces per month. hearing this, miligas was not shocked but delighted. only five pieces woven in over a hundred years? didnt that further emphasize the preciousness of this deep sea merfabric? when presented on the queens birthday, it would be another indication of its rarity. not only was this highly valuable, but it also had historical value! your excellency ambassador, 1 wonder if the elves would be interested in purchasing lower-grade deep sea merfabric? of course, we are very interested. elves welcome any suppliers with excellent products, miligas replied with a smile, i wonder what the price is for this lower-grade deep sea merfabric? ji chen hesitated for a moment and tentatively held up four fingers. miligas, upon seeing this, exclaimed, oh? four hundred thousand gold coins? deal! ji chen was stunned. in fact, he meant four thousand gold coins per piece. but this guy just multiplied it by ten!? ji chen watched miligas with a look that said, brother, youre really generous. youre selling something so precious for such a low price, j i chen found it hard to put into words. it seems that there was a bit of a difference in thinking between the wealthy and normal people. obviously, for wealthy elves like miligas, buying a piece of fabric for four hundred thousand gold coins was no big deal. if you offer a lower price, they might even think its not valuable enough and refuse to buy it. ji chen ended up feeling like he got a raw deal and was almost too happy in his heart. in the end, it was decided that each piece of tier-one merfabric would be exchanged for three thousand units of third-tier rare resources such as crystals, mithril, and fine gold. lord ji chen, you are truly a good friend of the elves, willing to sell such a treasure at such a low price, miligas said gratefully. oh, its nothing. i hope the friendship between the ocean crown and the elves will last! ji chen held back a smile and raised the wine glass on the table. hahaha, of course, may our friendship endure! miligas also raised his glass, and they both drank to that. this was a win-win situation, a cause for celebration for all! Chapter 333 - Chapter 333: Humans Not to Be Underestimated, Good Person Card, Black Gold District chapter 333: humans not to be underestimated, good person card, black gold district translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation they emptied their glasses in one gulp. ji chen noticed the look in miligass eyes, occasionally lingering on the merfabric in the wooden box. understanding this, he put down his wine glass and smiled. ambassador, we are friends, arent we? of course, if someone like you isnt a friend, then i dont have any friends at all! in that case, let this deep sea merfabric be a gift between friends. but wait, alice, bring me another one. humans have a saying, good things come in pairs. so, two pieces are enough to seal our friendship! upon hearing this, even miligas couldnt help but show a pleasant surprise. he personally poured another glass of wine for ji chen, and once again, they both drank it down. lord ji chen, you will forever be a friend of the elves! this ambassador had clearly spent a long time in human society, learning many of their customs and culture, which made ji chen feel as if he were back on earth, reminiscing about the days of mingling with clients and toasting to deals. miligas, content with the agreement reached, joyfully clinked glasses with ji chen and continued to drink glass after glass of fine wine. it wasnt until nightfall that they finally stopped, both slightly tipsy. alice helped the slightly flushed ji chen out of the reception hall and onto the carriage, assisting him to the carriage window. ambassador, theres no need for further farewells. similarly unsteady on his feet from drinking, miligas nodded upon hearing this and said in a somewhat slurred voice, then, lord ji chen, may you have a smooth journey. well have another drink together next time! of course, the kind where we dont return until were completely intoxicated! the carriage slowly started moving, its wheels creaking on the stone-paved road. under the gaze of many elves, it exited the gates of the elven embassy and disappeared around a street corner. at that moment, miligas, who had been swaying unsteadily, suddenly straightened up. his previously unfocused gaze now gleamed with sharpness. ambassador miligas, this human is not simple, said brett, the military officer. of course, hes not simple. a territory so far overseas couldnt possibly produce so many rare items, miligas replied. im not referring to going to his territory, but to his abilities. brett shook his head, his brows furrowing. his strength is not to be underestimated. from him, i sense a pressure and magical fluctuations akin to a mountain, no, as vast as the boundless sea. i have a vague feeling that if 1 were to face him head-on, within twenty rounds, id be defeated. miligas, hearing these words, was greatly surprised. this military officer, brett, was a purple-rare tier hero. in the war between the elves and the polar troll horde, he had remained unfazed in the face of an entire army of polar trolls, leading his troops to slay thousands of trolls and achieving remarkable feats. to make such a strong individual say that they couldnt last more than twenty rounds against this human and give such a high evaluation. so, how strong is this lord ji chen? miligas fell into silence for a moment. he was a civilian and didnt possess exceptional combat abilities, so he couldnt perceive these things. anyway, today weve made favorable contact with him and reached an agreement beneficial to both sides. this is a good start for us. furthermore, judging by his words and actions, he seems to have goodwill towards us. as long as nothing unexpected happens, our relationship with the crown of the ocean will only improve, which is in the elves interest. brett nodded without hesitation. as long as it served the elves interests, everything was negotiable. but if it harmed the elves interests, even if the enemy were incredibly powerful, he would not hesitate to counteract it. well, then ill go and rest for a bit. this humans capacity for alcohol is quite impressive. 1 nearly passed out. miligas rubbed his head, his face showing a hint of fatigue, but his eyes were bright. thinking about the two pieces of deep sea merfabric that ji chen had gifted him, his mood soared. this time, on her majestys birthday, he would definitely make a splash in front of so many elven nobles and colleagues! inside the carriage. once they had turned the corner, ji chen immediately sobered up, without a trace of his previous drunken appearance. of course, he had been pretending earlier. if he could be knocked out by just a few glasses of wine, it would underestimate his experiences as a top drinker back on earth. sitting in the carriage, he drew open the curtains, enjoying the cool night breeze. recalling the many details of his conversation with miligas just now, ji chen thought about the goals he had achieved during this visit to the elven embassy. not only had he successfully sold this batch of precious jungle wood, premium coffee beans, and other specialties, but he had also secured long-term, stable trade agreements with the elves. as expected, the luxury-loving elves couldnt resist the allure of the merfabric and immediately reached agreements on the spot. one piece of tier one merfabric could exchange for a whopping three thousand units of rare resources. with the monthly production of merfabric, he could acquire 180,000 rare resources. in contrast, a whole shipment of weapons and equipment had only fetched a price of three thousand units of rare resources. one piece of merfabric was worth as much as an entire shipload of weapons and equipment. witnessing such an imbalanced trade, especially at a price the elves found to be low, was truly remarkable. but he could handle more of such deals! then, ji chen had a sudden recollection. he searched through his backpack and retrieved the travis artifact with an unknown purpose. inside the carriage, the crystal lamps light illuminated it, revealing its dazzling golden hue and intricate, enigmatic patterns that gave it an air of mystique.. Chapter 335 - Chapter 335: Mr. Zhao Will Pay Tonight! Zhao Liangchen, Where’s the Dragon? chapter 335: mr. zhao will pay tonight! zhao liangchen, wheres the dragon? translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation this handsome guy naturally turned out to be ji chen and the beautiful lady beside him was alice. however, before coming down, he used the illusory mask to make some changes to his appearance. his body became slightly taller and more slender, his features softened a bit, and his skin lightened considerably. paired with a set of exquisite clothing and accessories, he looked like a proper rich kid. ji chen looked around with a hint of curiosity, ignoring the strange gazes of the other players outside, and led everyone into the largest tavern here, called cat tail. gently pushing open the creaking wooden door, the tavern appeared to have only one floor, but it was quite spacious. crystal lamps with dimmed brightness were hanging on the walls, creating a slightly dim and atmospheric ambiance. circles of wooden booths were situated on both sides, and there was a slightly sunken dance floor in the middle, adorned with a multicolored crystal lamp that illuminated the dance floor in a dazzling array of colors. seeing all this, ji chen suddenly felt like he had returned to a bar on earth. impressive! these players sure know how to have a good time. theyve managed to recreate a typical earth bar in this fantastical realm. they definitely live up to the label of casual players. two- thirds of the booths were already occupied, indicating that players chose this place to spend their evenings. as he observed the environment, the players in the tavern also noticed them and cast curious and puzzled looks their way. huh? why is there a handsome native rich kid coming to our place? when they saw alice, their eyes lit up. damn, he even brought a beautiful girl with him. they were incredibly jealous! ji chen withdrew his gaze and suddenly got mischievous. he whispered a few words in alices ear. alice nodded and walked to the front desk of the tavern, saying something to the female player in charge of reception. the female player looked startled at first, then, seeing alice drop a bag filled with gold coins, her expression changed. she quickly used some diy-made amplification device and excitedly announced: tonight, all expenses for drinks, food, snacks, and venue are covered by this young gentleman zhao! the entire tavern suddenly fell silent as players looked at each other. then, like a volcanic eruption, everyone started cheering. boss, youre generous! mr. zhao is awesome! were going to have a blast tonight!!! in an instant, this person, despite his unknown background, appeared to be affluent and became everyones newfound friend. although mr. zhao looked a bit strange at first and there were some doubts, as soon as they saw his status panel through the system, all doubts disappeared. [player] [name]: zhao liangchen [hidden] how could the system possibly deceive anyone? no mistake, this brother must be surnamed zhao and called zhao liangchen! just as ji chen sat in the best and most expensive seat, many players came over with their glasses, enthusiastically offering toasts. cheers to mr. zhao, youre generous! 1 wonder where mr. zhaos territory is now. we should visit sometime. facing the questions from the casual players, ji chen didnt answer any of them. he just smiled with a touch of arrogance, raised his glass slightly, and emptied it in one gulp. seeing this, the players were even more certain that mr. zhao was not simple at all. only someone with a significant family background could afford to smile like that. they became even more enthusiastic, coaxing him to speak. mr. zhao, it seems youre also a player. how did you manage to achieve this in just a few months? thats right, tell us, so we can learn from you. watching the players chatter, ji chen smiled inwardly but put on a seemingly helpless expression. when i first entered the game, i was just an ordinary lord like everyone else. but perhaps due to a bit of luck, there was a large and rare resource vein not far from my territory. inside, there werent any guardian monsters, so i relied on this vein to continuously sell resources to the indigenous people, earning a substantial amount of gold. then 1 invested all that gold into the indigenous peoples businesses, leveraging the business skills 1 had from my time on earth. money rolled in, profits multiplied, and before i knew it, 1 had unintentionally amassed a fortune of billions. as he spoke, ji chen even put on a bland expression. well, i didnt expect making money in this world to be so easy. its like an easy game, with no challenge at all. 1 could clear it in minutes. hearing these words, the players suddenly realized. they said, we all entered at the same time, but how come youve become a wealthy and glamorous person, while were still stuck looking like losers? moreover, seriously, theres a large, rare resource vein near your territory without any wild monsters guarding it. what kind of luck is that!? is lady luck your relative or something? the players couldnt help but feel a bit sour. envy, jealousy, and resentment. but even with their envy, they knew they still needed to butter him up. if they could latch onto this big shot, wouldnt they skyrocket? they had been in this world for several months already, and their initial aspirations to achieve great things had gradually been worn down by the merciless beatings of this unfamiliar world. in reality, it had been proven that not every player could thrive, have a powerful territory, and a force of elite soldiers.. Chapter 336 - Chapter 336: Mr. Zhao Will Pay Tonight! Zhao Liangchen, chapter 336: mr. zhao will pay tonight! zhao liangchen, wheres the dragon? (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation most players blend into the crowd, and a significant portion of them have lost their territories for various reasons, only able to make a living in indigenous cities. players like i_love_black_stockings belonged to the top tier. after finding out that the black gold districts cat tail tavern had a generous sponsor who covered the entire tab, idle players from maple harbor flocked here upon hearing the news, pouring in from all corners of the city. the tavern quickly filled up, and the celebration began. players were always enthusiastic about a free ride. ji chen didnt pay much attention. it was just a tavern, just a few playershow much money could they possibly spend? the gold coins in his backpack alone numbered in the millions; there was no need to worry. this scene quickly caught the attention of the cat tail taverns owner. but what surprised ji chen was that the tavern, which held a prominent position in the black gold district, had a middle-aged owner. he was dressed in a decent robe, had a rather refined appearance, neatly combed hair, and exuded an air of success. back on earth, he might not have been a big shot, but he should be at least a ceo of a publicly traded company. it seemed like he had hurried back from somewhere. as soon as he walked in, many players greeted him and made way. ji chen nodded silently; it seemed that this middle-aged player had a high reputation among the players in maple harbor. the middle-aged player responded kindly to other players and quickly approached. he didnt put on any airs and instead humbly extended his hand. hello, mr. zhao. 1 am the owner of this cat tail tavern. my real name is the same as my forum name, both are called luo yang. thank you for visiting our humble establishment; your presence truly honors us and brings glory to this small shop. ji chen nodded, his interest piqued. although lord of glory allowed abled adults to play, most of the interested players were indeed young. individuals like luo yang, who appeared to be in their forties, were rare. moreover, in a world where combat was the main theme and strength reigned supreme, young people often adapted more easily and survived longer. so, the fact that luo yang could run such a sizable tavern was somewhat surprising. when asked about this, luo yangs face revealed a hint of bitterness. he didnt answer immediately but instead said, its a bit noisy down here. how about we go upstairs for a more detailed discussion? ji chen nodded slightly. leading the way, luo yang extended his hand towards the staircase and said, mr. zhao, this way, please, and madam, right this way. ji chen left the naga berserker to guard the staircase on the third floor and followed luo yang upstairs with alice. the second floor consisted of private rooms, while the third floor resembled an upscale club. the decorations were much more luxurious than on the lower floors. they arrived at an elegantly styled room. they both sat on either side of the table, with alice standing by ji chens side, expressionless, resembling an icy beauty bodyguard. luo yang politely vacated the main seat, even leaving a secondary seat for alice, and took the third seat. mr. zhao, to be honest, coming to this world was an accident for me, luo yang began with a wry smile. an accident? yes, as you can see, im already at this age, and 1 didnt enter this game because 1 wanted to become a lord, conquer monsters and enemies, and enjoy the life of a lord, like the younger players. back then, 1 heard that lord of glory had an extremely high degree of virtual reality, with all the senses being no different from reality. moreover, there were breathtaking sceneries and scenes beyond imagination that couldnt be seen in the real world. so, i just wanted to come in and take a look, purely for sightseeing. but who would have thought that after entering the game, 1 suddenly couldnt log out. at this point, the middle-aged man sighed, so many terrifying monsters and enemies appeared around the territory, which made my life miserable. i, a middle-aged man with no experience in this, had no idea how to fight. so, after the newbie protection period ended, my territory was quickly breached. fortunately, during my escape, i encountered the army of maple city, barely saving my life. but 1 didnt have much money left. in the end, i followed the army to maple city and, relying on my limited experience from earth, slowly earned some gold coins. thats how i started this cats tail tavern. luo yang explained with some sentiments. although the last part of his speech seemed light, ji chen could faintly sense the hardships hidden within it. first, his territory was breached, and although he was saved, he was left almost penniless. yet, not only did he survive in the vast maple city, but he also opened this relatively large tavern. as a lord, ji chen naturally empathized with this. for the native inhabitants, the sudden emergence of a billion players was met with more caution and vigilance. amid this vigilance and competition, luo yangs ability to thrive in maple harbor was quite commendable, making him seem like a talent. wait a minute, this was beginning to sound like an inspirational story. a tale about a middle-aged man who had lost his territory and, through relentless effort, had changed his destiny in a foreign world? ji chen felt a sense of admiration welling up in his heart. unconsciously, he dropped the playful expression that had been on his face and teased, your experiences are quite remarkable. i believe your journey over these few months could be turned into a bestselling book. luo yang modestly waved his hand, my experiences arent really worth writing about. mr. zhao, may 1 ask if you have any specific reason for coming to maple city this time? although 1 havent been in maple city for long, ive been involved in business and have gathered quite a bit of information. ive also made acquaintances with many players, and 1 might have some information that could be of assistance to you. luo yang was a clever individual. faced with someone significantly more powerful than himself, he understood that cultivating goodwill and friendship could lead to benefits, whether in the short or long term. regardless of whether this mr. zhao was a second-generation wealthy individual or something else entirely, he saw the potential for mutual gain. information? ji chens interest was piqued. so, besides running a tavern, youre also involved in the information business? luo yang felt somewhat embarrassed but nodded. among the players in maple city, i have earned some reputation, and many trust me enough to sell me the information they gather outside. so, i decided to make some money out of it. although players current strength was not that high, their adventurous spirits led them to explore and gather various miscellaneous information. from dangerous ruins to gossip about native noble tribes, they knew a bit of everything. ji chen contemplated for a moment. he had already interacted with the elf race, and his goods had been sold. there didnt seem to be anything specific he needed to do at the moment wait, there was one thing. the dragon blood murlocs, in their quest for further advancement and progression, require more dragon blood crystals. this journey to the northern continent serves as a perfect opportunity to seek and acquire them. with his mind made up, he said, there is indeed something id like to ask you. hearing this, luo yang became alert and replied promptly, please, mr. zhao, go ahead. do you know where i can find creatures like dragons, perhaps wyverns or earth dragons? dragons? luo yangs eyes widened. in this world, dragons and dragon-like creatures were exceptionally powerful beings. even the lowest-tier earth dragons had a starting tier of four stars, while the higher-tier wyverns were solidly fifth-tier creatures. as for dragons, they were among the top-tier creatures. mr. zhao, what do you need dragon-like creatures for? you dont need to concern yourself with that. just tell me if you know. well luo yang thought for a moment. i recall that when some players sold me information last time, they mentioned encountering certain dragons while adventuring outside. if you urgently need this information, i can contact them right away and inquire for more details. that would be ideal. with luo yangs quick coordination, half an hour later, two players in disheveled attire arrived, escorted by the taverns guards. as they walked in, they were still chattering. uncle luo, why did you summon us so late? we were having fun with two ladies from sixth street, and you called us before we could finish! the two players had just entered and saw luo yang sitting with a distinguished gentleman. there was also an incredibly beautiful woman standing beside him, making them abruptly fall silent. they were stunned for a moment before hurriedly adjusting their clothes. even if they were a bit slow on the uptake, they understood what was going on.. Chapter 337 - Chapter 337: Marshland Dragon, the Stir Caused by Mr. Zhao, and Elven Etiquette chapter 337: marshland dragon, the stir caused by mr. zhao, and elven etiquette translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after they had tidied themselves up, although they still appeared a bit messy, at least they were more presentable now. uncle luo, may i ask who this, um distinguished guest is? one of the older players asked cautiously. this is lord zhao, and tonight, all expenses at the cat tail tavern are on him. all expenses are on him? both players expressions changed abruptly. as frequent patrons of the tavern, they knew that reserving the entire establishment would cost at least five thousand gold coins or more, and if you added drinks and food, it would easily reach a five-digit sum. a five-digit gold coin expenditure was enough for an average player to live lavishly for a long time. as players, their mindset shifted quickly, and they soon realized the reason why luo yang had called them over, and they respectfully inquired, their faces changing. hello, lord zhao. my name is hou li xu (monkey gift), and his name is hou li fa (monkey gift hair). those are our forum names. may 1 ask if you have any instructions? we are willing to serve you as you wish. ji chen was speechless for a moment. wow, could they have chosen more peculiar names for themselves? they were truly an interesting pair he nodded slightly and asked slowly, luo yang mentioned that you encountered a great dragon while exploring outside? not really. hearing this, the two of them exchanged embarrassed glances. that was just us bragging. a top-tier creature like a dragon, if we had really encountered one, we probably wouldnt be standing here right now; we would have been turned into ashes with a single breath. in reality, we encountered a marshland dragon. his interest was piqued. in this world, dragon-like creatures were easily distinguishable by their names alone. dragons such as the red dragon, blue dragon, and poison dragon, each with a dragon term in its name, were considered top-tier dragons and were commonly known as traditional dragons. while ocean dragon and desert dragon were considered secondary-level dragons. following that were creatures like marshland dragon and wyverns, which had a certain amount of dragon bloodline and were still formidable in strength. below them were various dragon-like species with minimal dragon bloodline, mostly offspring of dragons known for their promiscuity, creating new species with some dragon characteristics. what these two players described was a marshland dragon, which belonged to the same tier as the wyverns. ji chen felt a bit disappointed. lower-tier dragons had less dragon bloodline, which meant fewer dragon blood crystals could be produced. a marshland dragon could produce enough dragon blood crystals to advance dozens of dragon blood murlocs, which was still decent. tell us everything you know. mr. zhao wont let you down, luo yang said. monkey gift and monkey gift hair nodded and said, 1 remember we once took a mission from the natives to survey the terrain of a certain area. big boss, you dont know, those natives were so stingy. they made us travel so far to such a dangerous place, and can you guess how much they paid us? it was less than a thousand gold coins, its simply a rip-off! but we had no choice. our territories were all occupied, and we had to compromise for our livelihood, so we reluctantly took on this task. on the way, we encountered countless gathering spots of wild creatures, and roaming bandits, and several times we almost lost our lives ji chens lips twitched involuntarily. these two fellows started well, but the more they talked, the further away they deviated from the topic, expressing the emotions they had been harboring. seeing that they were getting more and more excited, luo yangs face gradually darkened. get to the point! oh? oh, yes, ill get to the point. monkey gift smiled awkwardly and coughed lightly. later, on our way back, we took a shortcut through a swamp to save time, and we saw more than twenty marshland dragons rolling in the mud are you saying there were more than twenty marshland dragons? well, yes, we only saw that many, but there might be even more in deeper areas. ji chen felt a sense of excitement. while twenty-something marshland dragons might not be considered many, at least it meant he could obtain a considerable number of dragon blood crystals, making it worth a trip. seeing the change in ji chens expression, monkey gift and monkey gift hair suddenly thought of a possibility. could this big shot, ahem, this great lord be planning to slay dragons? mr. zhao, are you planning to deal with those marshland dragons? even the lowest-ranked ones are at tier 5, and theyre in their home swamp. its incredibly difficult to defeat them. thats right, ive checked the information. marshland dragons not only have tough skin and thick flesh, but they also possess a skill called marshland aura, which can inflict negative buffs on enemies. its quite nasty. ji chen waved his hand dismissively. i know what im doing. this statement silenced luo yang, who had originally wanted to offer some advice. in all honesty, wasnt this just courting death? at their current level, tier 5 creatures posed a significant challenge for them, especially since most players were still focusing on tier 3 units. taking on more than twenty tier 5 swamp dragons in their own territory would demand a substantial force. even if you have a fortune, youre still treated equally in front of wild creatures! this isnt some online game where you can respawn; a single mistake can cost you your life, and people will die! seeing ji chens determined and resolute expression, the three of them could only sigh inwardly. ji chen naturally didnt know what they were thinking, and even if he did, he would just smile it off.. Chapter 338 - Chapter 338: Marshland Dragon, the Stir Caused by Mr. Zhao, and Elven Etiquette (2) chapter 338: marshland dragon, the stir caused by mr. zhao, and elven etiquette (2) the one who courted death was zhao liangchen, mr. zhao. so, whats that got to do with ji chen? where was that swamp where you encountered the marshland dragon? monkey gift and monkey gift hair didnt hesitate. it was just a swamp filled with monsters, and they had no intention of going there a second time. there was no harm in revealing its location. monkey gift took out a map and marked a location on it. big boss, if you really plan on going there, you must be cautious. not only are the marshland dragons fearsome, but there are also many powerful wild creatures along the way. we had to employ quite a few tactics just to return in one piece. recalling the perilous journey they had faced, they shuddered and silently swore never to take such a dangerous mission again. ji chen glanced at the map. it was about a four-day journey from maple city, well beyond rhe citys security perimeter. however, there was a downside: this marshland was far from the coastline and deep into the mainland. this meant that without suitable terrain, his combat capabilities would be significantly compromised. moreover, as the crown of the ocean was a pure aquatic unit, amphibious units werent that compatible with it. after some contemplation, he ultimately decided to go. its still the same old saying: the greater the risk, the greater the rewards. as the first unit in rhe military talent tree capable of evolving using external factors, dragon blood murlocs were of extraordinary significance. with their dragons might skill, they already stood out from other units. advancing to the end of the dragon blood tech tree might even allow them to evolve into beings akin to dragons. this was a temptation ji chen couldnt resist, and it was worth taking a risk for. after marking rhe swamps location on his own map, ji chen stowed it away in his backpack. he casually tossed two bags of coins onto the table, creating the sound of clinking gold and heavy objects hitting the surface. looking at the bewildered faces of luo yang and the monkey brothers, he leisurely remarked, these two bags of gold are for you. also, inform the players in maple city that zhao liangchen will never mistreat those who help me. with that, ji chen flashed a smug grin and left with alice. he certainly had the demeanor of an old-school playboy. it wasnt until ji chen descended the stairs that the three men reacted. damn, that guy knows how to show off i monkey gift rolled his eyes. it was the first time he had seen a player act so ostentatiously in this world. indeed, but hes also quite generous! monkey gift hairs eyes gleamed as he looked at the two bags of gold on the table. judging by the sound of them landing, each bag contained at least several hundred gold coins. just by saying a few words, they could earn so much. this is too easy. while monkey gift and monkey gift hair joyfully divided the spoils of gold coins, luo yang, on the other hand, gazed at the staircase as zhao liang chen departed, deep in thought. with ji chens ostentatious behavior in taking over the cat tail tavern, although some players secretly mocked him as a sucker, it was precisely because of this behavior that his name spread like a virus throughout the entire player community in maple city overnight. in a single night, every player in maple city knew about the arrival of zhao liangchen, the young master who had become rich by selling rare resources, with a fortune of billions. even players in nearby regions heard his name, causing quite a commotion. there were many admirers, jealous individuals, and those seeking sponsorship. of course, the aftermath of this commotion was not limited to that alone. leaving the cat tail tavern and returning to the carriage, raymond, who had been left behind, brightened up and came forward with his big belly. my lord, youre back. did everything go smoothly? yes, not bad. by the way, the expenses incurred from renting the entire cat tail tavern tonight will be your responsibility to settle and wrap up. remember to act like a subordinate of an extravagant playboy and be a bit arrogant! raymond was momentarily puzzled, wondering what kind of game this was again. but since it was the lords order, he had to comply. understood. ji chen nodded and boarded the carriage, heading back to maple harbor. maple city permitted entry and exit at night, but only for those with special privileges, and ji chen was among those fortunate enough to have such privileges. after showing the entrance token to the gate guards, they were quickly allowed through. a team of elite soldiers was even dispatched to escort them back to maple harbor. during the return journey, the moonlight was serene, casting a pleasant glow. the gentle night breeze was soothing, accompanied by the song-like chirping of insects, which calmed the soul. taking off the illusory mask and returning to his original appearance, ji chen leaned back in the carriage, reminiscing about his visit to the black gold district. what struck him the most there was rhe current stare of the players. players had only been in this world for a few months, and at their current stage, they couldnt match the depth of experience possessed by the natives, who had lived here for decades, centuries, or even millennia. however, players were a creative and adaptable bunch of beings. amidst numerous limitations, dangers, various races, and factions, they had found a place suitable for their survival. the player alliance on king kong island and the black gold district in maple city were living examples he had witnessed. given time, players might become an important force in this world. returning to his senses, ji chen looked at alice, who was sitting across from him and smiled. how did this lords performance as the gullible nouveau riche go? did it look convincing? alice smiled faintly. the original appearance already fit the role quite well, but with your exceptional acting skills, if you hadnt revealed it, you could have easily passed as a true nouveau riche. even if a real one appeared, they would have been put to shame. ji chen: if alice werent completely on his side, he would have suspected that she was mocking him. back at the estate in maple harbor, after a quick wash, ji chen lay on the bed, holding alices soft body, and soon fell asleep. he slept until noon rhe next day, lazily waking up. while enjoying a fine lunch prepared by the butlers and maids, a visit from an elf occurred. the visitor was the taciturn elf martial officer. upon seeing ji chen, he performed an impeccable elven etiquette, exuding a full sense of nobility. perhaps due to the silvermoon dynastys formidable power, in order to distinguish themselves from other races, the royal family and nobles had developed an intricate system of etiquette. the complexity of this system could be compiled into a book, and its intricacy put human royal court etiquette to shame. from audience with the queen to every word and action, there were clear textual standards. even a martial officer like the one in front of ji chen exhibited exceptionally proper etiquette. in comparison, ji chen appeared much more casual. he sat in his chair with a carefree attitude, using a fork to directly skewer a piece of prime steak that had undergone over a dozen processes, and took big bites. in one hand, ji chen held a glass of wine and downed it in one go. he even crossed his legs casually. however, no one in the room raised objections to his demeanor, not even brett. moreover, brett had already sensed that he might not last more than twenty rounds against ji chen, so he had no objections. in this world, strength was paramount. the strong could do whatever they pleased and even change customs and trends. however, ji chen noticed bretts presence and restrained himself slightly. he set down his fork and wine glass, then got up to greet him. mr. brett, do you have something to discuss with me? lord ji chen, our ambassador requested me to deliver a letter to you. brett produced an uncreased envelope. a letter? ji chen was somewhat surprised and reached out to take the envelope, examining it closely. the envelope was made of some material he couldnt identify but had an exquisite texture. it was adorned with golden floral patterns, and a faint floral fragrance lingered in the air. in the center of the envelope, it read confidential: exclusively for lord ji chen in both elvish and the common language used across the continent. wow, even the elves paid so much attention to an envelope? in addition to this letter, our ambassador also asked me to convey that its best for you not to leave the safety zones of maple city and maple harbor in the next few days. the troll tribe in the northern alvin mountains seems to be getting restless again. the troll tribe? ji chens interest was piqued.. Chapter 339 - Chapter 339: Trolls, Zhao Liangchen’s Storm, Gilder and the Elves chapter 339: trolls, zhao liangchens storm, gilder and the elves translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation previously, before entering the city, raymond mentioned that the maple kingdoms airship fleet had just returned from the alwin mountains, seemingly related to the trolls there. now, hearing about it again, ji chen couldnt help but be curious. mr. brett, could you tell me more about the alwin mountains and the troll tribes? lord ji chen, youre being too polite. of course, i can. brett nodded and began, the alwin mountains are located about a hundred kilometers north of maple city. they cover a vast area, spanning the entire northern border of the maple kingdom and even extending into half of the northern continent, dividing it into two distinct regions. the region is rich in resources and home to various races, including the trolls. the troll population in the alwin mountains is substantial. they are known for their cruelty, brutality, and unpredictable behavior. they sometimes form large groups and venture south to raid. while the maple kingdom has launched multiple campaigns against them, the results have been limited. the terrain in the alwin mountains is incredibly complex, and there are deadly miasmas everywhere. only the trolls, being native to the area, can survive there for extended periods. it is thought that the recent troll attacks were provoked by a prior offensive that upset their leaders. based on reconnaissance reports, multiple troll clans are taking part in this raid, and theyre showing up in locations they havent been spotted in before. with this explanation, ji chen quickly understood. he could think of the trolls as bandits and the maple kingdom as the authorities, which made it easier to grasp the situation. he had a thought. mr. brett, can you show me the areas where the trolls have been active? of course. brett took the map ji chen offered and marked several regions to the north. upon seeing it, ji chen couldnt help but frown. the troll-affected areas included the route he was about to take to where the marshland dragon was located. his luck seemed incredibly good. if he chose to go through the route previously taken by monkey gift and monkey gift hair, there was a reasonable chance of encountering trolls. if he opted for an alternative route, even the closest one would significantly increase the travel time, requiring at least ten days to return. the amount of time required was excessive. seeing ji chens furrowed brow, brett quickly caught on and asked, lord ji chen, are you planning to travel north of maple city? i believe this might not be the most suitable time. thank you for your concern, mr. brett, but 1 have something to attend to, and my decision is final. upon hearing this, brett recalled ji chens profound strength and refrained from further persuasion. he realized that trying to advise someone stronger than himself would be futile and unwise. since you have made up your mind, 1 trust you have considered everything thoroughly and have complete confidence. however, if you run into any trouble, you can visit the elf embassy in maple city. 1 believe our ambassador will be more than willing to assist you. if needed, i will do so. ji chen smiled faintly. apart from this, is there anything else mr. miligas wishes to convey? thats all for now. but if there is anything else, its probably written in that letter. ji chen nodded, acknowledging this possibility. he couldnt help but be curious about the contents of that letter. choosing to convey information through a letter rather than orally usually indicated something special or significant. brett glanced outside and said, your excellency, 1 have some matters to attend to. 1 wont bother you any longer. very well, ill see you off. after seeing brett off, ji chen returned to the hall, broke the seal on the envelope, and took out the letter. as he read through it, he found that it started with a lengthy greeting. perhaps it was a common trait among literati, combined with the meticulous etiquette of the elves, but these formalities made his head spin. he quickly skipped over this part to get to the crucial information. lord ji chen, in the days to come, 1 will be returning to the capital. during my absence, all embassy affairs will be temporarily overseen by the military officer, brett. if you require any assistance, you can directly visit the embassy without hesitation. upon my return to the capital, 1 will not only report on my mission but also the trade we have successfully concluded. 1 have great confidence that the goods you delivered this time will undoubtedly bring me some recognition. if all goes smoothly, your lordship and your ocean crown territory may come to the attention of the higher-ups among the elves. this would secure your future market and bring significant benefits to both you and me. 1 will be away for quite some time on this trip. once everything is settled, i will return. then, we can share a drink and promise not to leave until were thoroughly drunk! miligas personally penned the letter. the message concludes here. how should he put it? despite miligas had sent him a letter, it appeared he didnt write anything substantial. ji chen felt he hadnt read anything new. nevertheless, it does impart some information. miligas was about to return to the elven empire, the capital of the silvermoon dynasty. he would report on his mission and the successful trade they had conducted during this time. in theory, a simple trade like this wouldnt require an ambassador to personally return and report. however, it was evident that ji chens presentation of the merfabric had truly caught his attention. such a rare treasure was a first even for someone as well-traveled as miligas. ji chen welcomed this attention. the more favor he gained from the wealthy elves, the better merfabric would sell. regardless, the profits for the crown of the ocean were bound to be substantial.. Chapter 340 - Chapter 340: Trolls, Zhao Liangchen’s Storm, Gilder and the Elves (2) chapter 340: trolls, zhao liangchens storm, gilder and the elves (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen, once again, reviewed the letter to make sure he hadnt missed any information. ji chen walked over to the fireplace, along with the envelope, and lit it, tossing it into the fireplace until it turned into ashes. in the afternoon. raymond, who had stayed in maple city to handle the expenses that ji chen had spent in the cat tail tavern, also returned to the estate in a carriage. upon arrival, he reported, my lord, the expenses for the cats tail tavern this time amount to 98,589 gold coins, including beverages, food, and venue fees everything has been paid in full. rounded up, it was nearly 100,000 gold coins. a few months ago, ji chen would have thought of this amount as substantial. however, at this moment, it appeared neither excessive nor insufficient; it was approximately equivalent to the value of a three-star treasure. however, this extravagant act of scattering money like confetti had produced effects far beyond that of a three-star treasure. it was easy to find out from the chat channels and forums. almost overnight. many players learned that there was a super-player, a rich young man named zhao, in maple city who spent 100,000 gold coins in a single night. the amount of 100,000 gold coins was somewhat subtle. for a small number of well-off players, it wasnt that they couldnt afford it, but they certainly wouldnt spend it so casually without batting an eye. moreover, it wasnt being spent on themselves but freely distributed to others. they liked getting freebies from others, but they didnt like being treated the same way. if this had only caused players to admire the benefits of having wealth, the mention of two unidentified players immediately sparked their interest. we just revealed a piece of information, exchanged a few words, and were rewarded with hundreds of gold coins by mr. zhao, who then provided us with an all-inclusive service in the sixth street district. thats right, this job was so easy that im starting to feel guilty about the money ive earned. below were also several pictures of the interior of a building. maple city players instantly recognized it as a famous service venue in the sixth street district, where all the ladies were exceptionally attractive. following that, the owner of the cat tail tavern also appeared and confirmed the truth, passing on mr. zhaos message to the maple city players. i, zhao liangchen, will not mistreat anyone who helps me. in no time at all, maple city and players from nearby areas flocked to the cat tail tavern, inquiring about the details of the matter and trying to find out more about the wealthy mr. zhao. facing the numerous inquiries from players, luo yang looked somewhat helpless. he had only passed on the message and didnt actually know much about this mr. zhao, including where he resided. because of the influx of visitors, it even boosted the taverns revenue significantly, leaving this middle-aged player quite delighted. ji chen also took notice of this commotion. even before making an appearance, he had already created the image of a wealthy individual, mr. zhao, who viewed gold coins with indifference in the eyes of numerous maple city players. if he were to appear as zhao liangchen in the future, he could surely gather a large number of players, who were willing to work for him in no time due to the attraction of money. this, indeed, was far more valuable than a mere 100,000 gold coins. however, he couldnt have anticipated that the timing for summoning players to work for him would arrive so soon. the next day. ji chen didnt bring alice and raymond along; he left the estate temporarily with his naga berserkers and headed to the harbor. around the ocean crowns cargo ship, which had previously been moored here, workers were now crowded, busy unloading goods. several cranes hoisted crates of weapons and equipment onto the pier, which were then loaded onto cargo horse-drawn carriages. in the midst of the crowd, a stout figure stood out. gilder, accompanied by a large group of servants, approached energetically. your excellency, what a coincidence to meet you here! today is truly a lucky day! mr. gilder, indeed, quite a coincidence. ji chen nodded. but what are you doing here? you shouldnt need to oversee unloading activities like this, right? gilder smiled and shook his head. oh, im not here to oversee personally, but rather on behalf of others. after all, this business deal has not come by easily for us, and it also witnesses the friendship between me and your excellency ji chen! 1 must ensure that every step proceeds without errors, or it will be a letdown to your expectations! ji chen chuckled softly. this chubby fellow truly lived up to his reputation as a prominent merchant; his words were always so well-crafted. however, this reminded him of something, so he asked, wasnt there news that trolls are raiding in the north of maple city? how do you plan to transport this batch of weapons and equipment further north? this time, several troll tribes launched a large-scale invasion down from the mountains. looking at the map, the entire north of maple city had turned red. it would take a considerable amount of time to repel or clear out the trolls. upon hearing this, gilder smiled and whispered, your excellency, you dont need to worry about this. we already have a plan in place. a plan? ji chen looked at the chubby man with a mysterious expression and nodded slightly. as a prominent figure in maple city, gilder had a vast network and channels, and it wasnt surprising that he had a special method for transporting goods. ji chen wasnt overly worried about this. according to the trade laws of the maple principality, once the goods were loaded beyond the ships railing and placed in the storage area at the dock, it was considered a completed delivery by the seller. as long as he obtained the rare resources as agreed in the trade, it didnt concern him how gilder handled the cargo. this time, the ocean crown brought in a relatively small quantity of weapons and equipment, with only ten ships in total. based on a price of three thousand units of rare resources per ship, it amounted to thirty thousand rare resources. that was more than enough to upgrade a unit. if they added what they sold to the elves, the income from this transaction would far exceed expectations. ji chen was in a great mood. at this moment, a commotion arose from the crowd. elves! elves are here! why would elves suddenly come here? arent they supposed to stay in the city? oh my, are all female elves so beautiful? if i could have one the crowd slowly parted in the middle, clearing a path. a group of about forty to fifty elves walked out. the males were tall and sturdy, wearing armor and carrying broadswords, with stern expressions. the women were lovely and attractive, carrying sturdy bows on their shoulders and quivers strapped to their waists, and they had faces as cold as icebergs. this combination of what looked like a mix of beasts and princesses had a striking impact. their presence made the human natives in the surrounding area instinctively step back a few paces, giving them space and lowering their heads slightly. the strict social hierarchy wasnt exclusive to humans but existed among different races as well. the elven race was flourishing nowadays, and ordinary people would hold a certain degree of awe when facing them. unlike the natives, the players gathered around had no understanding of this concept called awe. they were all leering at them with greedy gazes. with an average beauty rating of 90, willowy waists ripe for the picking, slender thighs, and skin as white as snow, especially the female elf leading the group, she was top-tier slurp. they were practically drooling and their eyes were turning green. sensing the lecherous gazes of these glory lords, which were completely out of place among ordinary residents, kris furrowed her brow deeply, her eyes filled with disgust. if she didnt have official business to attend to, she probably couldnt resist giving this group of glory lords a lesson on the spot. at the same time, she couldnt help but feel more and more amazed. how could the difference between one group of humans and another be so vast? as the lords of glory, these freeloaders couldnt even compare to the esteemed ji chen. one was at the pinnacle, and the other was far below. the esteemed ji chen had an exceptionally noble character. not only did he possess a rich and beautiful territory, but he also had powerful heroes, thousands of elite soldiers, and formidable strength. even brett, the military officer, praised him. such a powerful young man was a rarity even among the elves. if only thinking of this, kris couldnt help but sigh and remembered the young lady alice, who was much more beautiful than the elves and possessed great strength. with such a beauty by the esteemed ji chens side, who else could he possibly look at? perhaps only her majesty the queen could compete with alice! at that moment, kris suddenly saw a familiar figure not far away, waving at her with a radiant smile on his face. this scene left the players in the vicinity stunned. wow, this female elf actually smiled at someone, and such a bright smile at that.. Chapter 341 - Chapter 341: Powerful Elven Fleet, Yasen, Who is this Player? chapter 341: powerful elven fleet, yasen, who is this player? translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation kris had the team stop in its tracks and briskly walked up to ji chen to greet him. looking around, she asked curiously, my lord, what brings you here? im just out for a stroll. but what about you? what brings your group to this place? were here to receive the cargo from the oceans crown. ji chen nodded slightly, recalling that he had indeed received a notice from the elven embassy that they would be receiving this precious cargo of timber and premium coffee beans soon. it seemed the timing was about right. however, ji chen glanced around and asked, puzzled, this batch of cargo is quite substantial. with just you elves here, im afraid you wont have enough manpower for the handling. kris smiled and shook her head. were just the advance team for the reception. as for the handling youll see soon. seeing her mysterious demeanor, ji chen didnt press further on the topic and joined her in waiting. during the wait, kris suddenly spoke in a hushed tone, my lord, i heard from officer brett that youre heading to the area where the trolls are causing trouble in the north. is that true? ji chen nodded without hesitation. upon receiving confirmation, kriss expression revealed a hint of worry. the trolls in the alvin mountains are quite powerful, with tough hides and thick flesh. most of your army consists of amphibious and marine units, which might put you at a disadvantage against them. if you need it, i can request officer brett to lead a guard unit to accompany you and ensure your safety. feeling the genuine concern from the elven maiden, ji chen chuckled lightly. you were saved by me before, and now you want to protect me? hearing this, kris blushed, and even the elven maidens who were her subordinates behind her felt somewhat embarrassed. now they vividly remembered that the man before them had the ability to summon towering waves of seawater with a mere wave of his hand, easily burying countless monsters. he had rescued them from the clutches of the dirty gnomes and sent them back here. seeing their awkwardness, ji chen smiled and reassured them, dont worry; ill let you know if i need it. kris nodded in response. the conversation between the two of them was quite enjoyable. the onlookers were astonished by this scene. wait a minute, am i seeing things? a player is actually having such a pleasant conversation with elves? arent elves supposed to be very aloof? last time i tried talking to an elf, she didnt even spare me a glance, and now theyre all so enthusiastic! i cant accept this! clearly, im even more handsome than him! damn, did you all hear? the lead elven woman said she could have an elven guard unit to protect him personally. such amazing treatment! are they involved romantically or something? im jealous! i could eat three big lemons! who is this player? im going to find out everything about him within a day! similar to the players, gilder on the side was also shocked by this scene. he had known that the oceans crown was favored by the elves through some grapevine information, but that was probably only related to their business transactions. however, he hadnt expected that the excellency ji chen to have such a good relationship with the elves, to the extent that they would dispatch a guard unit to ensure his safety. countless speculations raced through his mind. what had happened between the excellency ji chen and the elves to forge such a strong bond? he even pondered whether there might be a romantic connection between them. as a merchant, what he should do now was approach, establish a connection, and take advantage of this rare opportunity to converse with the elves. after all, the chance to encounter elves was extremely rare. perhaps he could strike up a conversation through his connection with the excellency ji chen. however, his instincts told him that now might not be the best time to intervene. doing so could lead to undesirable consequences. just as gilder was torn between these thoughts, a commotion suddenly erupted from the crowd. look, a fleet is approaching from the sea! its the elves fleet! kris, who had been happily conversing, exclaimed in delight, my lord, our fleet has arrived. ji chen followed her gaze and saw a fleet of about fifty elven ships slowly approaching in the distance. what surprised him was that these elven warships were not made of metal like the ships of the maple principality or the gnomes. they were still wooden but intricately engraved with concentric runes that emitted a peculiar glow, enveloping the entire hull in a shimmering sheen. on the ships sides, there were no visible cannons or artillery. instead, wooden platforms covered in entwining vines protruded outward, each suspending alchemical contraptions shrouded by cloths. with ji chens powerful magical senses, he could easily feel the unrestrained magical energy emanating from them. once activated, they would unleash formidable destructive power. on the upper structures entwined with vines, there were also devices of unknown purpose. at the stern, a half-submerged magic array provided continuous propulsion from the seawater. the elven fleet appeared to consist of various types of ships, ranging in size and purpose. some were heavily armed warships, while others seemed to serve purely as transport vessels. the entire elven fleet appeared both mysterious and formidable. its diverse and distinctive designs immediately captured the attention of everyone present.. Chapter 342 - Chapter 342: The Powerful Elven Fleet, Yasen, Who Is This chapter 342: the powerful elven fleet, yasen, who is this player? (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation are you saying that this fleet is here for transportation? exactly! kris smiled as she watched the elven fleet slowly docking at the independent pier, her eyes gleaming. the fifth fleet of the silvermoon dynasty in the mid-ocean, equipped with eight guardian escort warships, eight stormfire artillery projection warships, twelve windrunners fast warships, four guardians comprehensive supply ships, and one dominator command firepower flagship. the fifth fleet in the mid-ocean is one of the most powerful fleets of the elves in the mid-ocean. its combat power is equivalent to several ordinary fleets, possessing the power to destroy a weak kingdom or principality. this time, they have just returned from the open sea, come to maple harbor for resupply, and will then return to the country to participate in the queens birthday celebration ceremony, bringing back the cargo of the crown of the ocean. as kris spoke, there was a strong sense of confidence and pride in her words. this made ji chen somewhat contemplative. with such a powerful fleet, it was no wonder the elves were so proud. and from what she said, this was just one of the elven fleets in the mid-ocean, named the fifth fleet. there might be the first, second, third, and fourth fleets as well. ji chen had gained a new understanding of the strength of the elves. watching the fifth fleet of the elves approaching the harbor, kris and ji chen took their leave for now and hurriedly went over to meet the other elves. soon, they followed a male elf who looked stern and was dressed in splendid attire. kris took the initiative to introduce, your excellency yasen, this is the lord of glory who provided this batch of goods, lord ji chen. at these words, the male elf named yasen just glanced casually and nodded indifferently, not looking directly at ji chen throughout the entire process. this attitude annoyed ji chen a bit, as it was the first time he had seen such an arrogant elf. seeing kriss embarrassment, she quickly said, lord ji chen, this is commander yasen of the fifth fleet. oh, so hes the big boss of this elven fleet? no wonder he was so arrogant, looking down on everyone. ji chen smiled faintly and nodded. your excellency yasen, earlier, 1 and the other elven sisters were abducted by gnomes. thanks to the intervention of lord ji chen, we managed to escape the danger and return here. second brother, lord ji chen had a pleasant conversation with the excellency miligas a few days ago. in addition to this batch of goods, they also hammered out a long-term cooperation agreement regarding the ocean crown territory. the gifts he brought along impressed the excellency miligas greatly, kris took the initiative to explain. hearing this, yasen began to take this human more seriously, carefully evaluating him. even miligas had a pleasant conversation with this human? yasen was well aware that miligas, despite appearing friendly on the surface, had a high level of arrogance and rarely regarded ordinary individuals highly. so, what was special about this human? with these thoughts in mind, yasen scrutinized the human named ji chen. his appearance and physique were excellent, and his demeanor was quite extraordinary. even in the presence of a high-ranking figure like yasen, he remained neither humble nor arrogant, and at first glance, he seemed impressive. lord ji chens personal strength is also outstanding. even commander brett thinks highly of him. at this point, yasen was even more surprised. even brett lasoga, the muscle-bound man who led his army to face the entire polar troll legion head-on, had high praise for ji chen? at this moment, a significant portion of his disdain and scorn was finally put aside. it wasnt entirely his fault; as soon as he heard that this human was a so-called lord of glory, he had subconsciously lowered his expectations. after all, most of these lord of glory figures that suddenly appeared several months ago were not particularly impressive. even those who owned territories were tolerable, but those who lost their territories and infiltrated cities were simply swindlers, often doing some bizarre things. yasen still remembered the first time he saw them, breaking into residents homes and rummaging through their belongings, claiming it was for searching for supplies. they would openly comment on the attractiveness of female npcs on the streets and sometimes act like thugs in alleys, looking for old people and saying they wanted to take on quests. for this kind of lord of glory, no one would have a good impression. however, it now appeared that there were exceptional individuals among them. amazed by this revelation, yasen began to show some curiosity about this lord of glory. he wanted to see if this rare adversary mentioned by brett was as impressive as claimed. with a thought, he released a powerful aura, and the surging mana swept through the surroundings like a tidal wave. the people present felt as if several sandbags had suddenly pressed down on them, especially their shoulders, which became notably heavier. but these were just the residual effects of his aura. most of the pressure was now focused on ji chen. as the commander of the fifth fleet of the elves, yasen led his fleet to traverse the oceans, breaking waves and surging across the seas, crushing and tearing apart anyone who dared to threaten the interests of the elves. his innate aggressiveness was apparent. at this moment, the fusion of his aura and mana was like a sharp sword capable of cutting through anything, aimed straight at ji chen. ji chen narrowed his eyes slightly. his own mana surged out like the floodgates of a dam suddenly opened. if yasens aura was like a blade to tear everything apart, ji chens was an unbreakable and towering fortress, immovable like a mountain. as if mana had colors, one could perhaps see the two types of mana, one blue and one red, belonging to ji chen and yasen, locked in a head-to-head battle, each trying to overpower the other. the sharper their auras became, the brighter yasens eyes sparkled, and he looked at ji chen with admiration. such a lord of glory, he had never seen one like this before. not only did he have an extraordinary demeanor, but he also possessed such power!? ji chen controlled his mana, resisting yasens surging attack, and couldnt help but be impressed. indeed, he was the commander of an elven fleet, and his strength was undeniably formidable. but ji chen also sensed that the opponent hadnt used his full strength. it seemed more like a test than a life-and-death struggle. sure enough, after about ten seconds, yasens assault gradually subsided, and ji chen maintained his stance until the opponent completely dissipated his attack before waving his hand to stop. well! you truly live up to being recognized by even that guy miligas. youre indeed worthy of your reputation! i didnt expect someone like your excellency, a lord of glory, to appear among us. ive offended you in the past, please forgive me! at this moment, yasen had completely abandoned his disdain and arrogance, his demeanor now calm. elves were proud, but that was directed at enemies and weaker beings. elves had become one of the most powerful races in the world today largely due to their formidable strength, so they revered the strong. and ji chen was undoubtedly one of them. he deserved their respect. ji chen let out a sigh of relief and nodded without dwelling on anything. seeing this, kris, who had been anxious on the side, also breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed. her intention was to introduce commander yasen to lord ji chen. if anything unpleasant had happened as a result, it would have been a mistake. your excellency yasen, if you wish to spar again next time, please choose a different location to avoid harming innocent bystanders. hearing this, yasen looked at the onlookers who had been nearly crushed by the sudden confrontation, smiled, and said, very well, this was just a spur- of C the C moment decision. upon hearing this, the players who had been surrounded by the sudden pressure and were cursing in their hearts felt relieved but also secretly cursed yasen for almost causing them to lose their temper. you darn guy, if 1 could beat you, id give you a good thrashing right now. while cursing in secret, the other players were also caught in a whirlpool of emotions, amazed by ji chen. who was this player who seemed so familiar with the elves? in their eyes, it seemed like he had fought the highest commander of the elven fifth fleet to a draw. could players really reach such a level at this stage? watching someone who usually struggled to kill monsters now being able to arm wrestle with the commander of an elven fleet left their emotions particularly complex. because right now, ji chen was being himself, not accompanied by alice and raymond. moreover, there were plenty of players with naga-like units because they were close to the sea. so, no player recognized ji chen as the one who had caused a stir not long ago as zhao liangchen, and they had no idea that he was the famous islander. in the chat channels and forums, a storm was once again brewing.. Chapter 346 - Chapter 346: The Troll’s Abnormality, Battle Begins chapter 346: the trolls abnormality, battle begins translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the player with a system, possessing abilities that the natives lacked, could quickly acquire items through the attribute panel of the system, unlike the natives who relied solely on their instincts. in this regard, it was evident that even an elf of yasens caliber had overlooked this, mistaking the original bloodline of the deep sea nagas for the essence blood of the deep sea nagas. ji chens mind was slightly relieved, and he put it into his backpack. the next morning. ji chen, accompanied by alice, returned to the port, boarded a ship to the area where the warships were anchored in the nearby sea, and led the ocean crowns army to the location of the marshland dragon, as mentioned by the two clowns, monkey gift and monkey gift hair. raymond, a person without combat capability, naturally stayed at the estate. since this time required a journey to the land, the army brought along only a few types of units that could be effective, including 820 naga berserkers and 840 dragon blood murlocs, for a total of 1660 units. although not a large force, it should be sufficient to deal with two or three dozen marshland dragons. maple harbor and maple city prohibited the entry of armies, so ji chen landed his troops on a mudflat about ten kilometers away from maple city. he took out the map. according to the maps markings, the marsh was located to the northwest, and on the way, they needed to pass through a branch of the alvin mountains. although it was not the main battlefield between the maple principality and the trolls, there were still quite a few trolls lurking there. the level of danger was not high. with the naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs, as long as they didnt encounter the main troll forces, there shouldnt be too much of a problem passing through. thinking of this, ji chen felt slightly reassured, put away the map, and continued forward with the army. along the way, they merged onto a road. many civilians of the maple principality, with their families in tow, hurriedly passed by with anxious expressions, heading toward maple city. they were probably fleeing to seek refuge in maple city due to the troll invasion. however, ji chen also saw several units of maple principality soldiers rushing to the front lines along the road to stop the trolls from invading and pillaging. the contrast between the civilians and the soldiers traveling in opposite directions was stark. suddenly, a shadow descended from the sky. looking up, ji chen saw a fleet of airships that he had seen once before, slowly flying overhead from a hundred meters high, accompanied by over a thousand royal griffon knights, heading toward the alvin mountains. amidst such a scene where armies were advancing and civilians were retreating, the ocean crowns army on its way to the front lines stood out. at the same time, many players, like ji chen, were also leading their own units towards the front lines. however, in ji chens eyes, their units seemed somewhat disorganized, a mishmash of second and third-tier units, human, non-human, and demi-human units, making it hard to understand how they were maintaining the morale of their armies. out of curiosity, ji chen struck up a conversation with a player. why are you heading to the front lines for the troll invasion? the player he spoke to was a bit surprised. he had already noticed ji chen leading a seemingly formidable army, appearing quite influential, so he hadnt dared to speak before. unexpectedly, he was now being approached, feeling a bit flattered. he replied promptly, the maple principality has issued a large-scale mission to defend against and defeat the trolls. many players from maple city have accepted the mission and are leading armies to the front lines. the rewards for this mission are exceptionally generous and can be exchanged for merit points obtained by killing trolls. upon hearing this, ji chen nodded in understanding. he had forgotten about this. the natives often issued tasks and commissions to players, and this troll invasion was probably their way of seeking assistance. the player then asked in a somewhat strange manner, bro, didnt you also accept the mission before coming here? if you go kill trolls without taking on the mission, it would be a big loss. you wont be able to make up for the lost rewards. ji chen smiled slightly but didnt answer directly. he casually remarked, this troll invasion seems a bit unusual. be careful, buddy. dont lose your life over it. without waiting for a response, he waved his hand and led his army to continue marching. the player was stunned, watching the ocean crowns army quickly move ahead, creating some hesitation. even the big shot said that this invasion was unusual. maybe he shouldnt go? after marching for several hours and passing through several checkpoints, they arrived outside the alvin mountains, at the last checkpoint that the trolls had yet to attacka camp on high ground. here, a maple principality army of two thousand soldiers was stationed, tasked with early warning and defending against troll invasions. sir! just as ji chen was about to pass through directly, he heard a familiar voice. he turned around and saw kris, wearing a smile, accompanied by several elves, walking towards him. how did you end up here? theres an agreement between the elves and the maple principality. during times of war, we help them defend against invaders. i was ordered to lead three squads of elves and rushed here overnight to garrison this place. according to the military organization in this world, troops were typically divided into squads, platoons, companies, and legions, with numbers ranging from 10,100,1000, and 10,000, respectively. a platoon consisted of 100 soldiers, so three squads of elves meant a total of 300 elves. considering the strength of the elves, it was indeed a formidable force. i see ji chen nodded and teased, but every time i see you, kris, the number of soldiers under your command keeps growing. first, it was a squad of elves, then dozens of elves, and now its three squads of elves.. are you going to lead a full platoon of elves next time? Chapter 347 - Chapter 347: The Troll’s Abnormality, Battle Begins (2) chapter 347: the trolls abnormality, battle begins (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation hahaha, ever since you saved me, it seems like my luck has improved a lot, and ive earned quite a bit of credit. kris chuckled at ji chens words. so, ill take your words to heart. maybe one day, ill even become a legion commander. as the saying goes, a soldier who doesnt want to become a general isnt a good soldier. clearly, kris was such a good soldier, and ji chen quite admired this ambitious individual, or should he say, elf. after a brief chat lord ji chen, are you really heading further north? yes, there are things that must be done. hearing this, kris pursed her lips but didnt try to dissuade him. after passing this checkpoint, youll be in an area where trolls roam. we scouted it this morning and found that the trolls in this area are acting strangely. they havent been raiding like they did in the past few days; instead, theyve been hiding, as if theyre planning something. if you want to go there, youll inevitably have to pass through this area, so please be careful. upon hearing this, ji chen nodded slightly and kept this information in mind. thank you for the warning. 111 be extra cautious. then, without further delay, he bid farewell and left with his army. after passing the checkpoint, they arrived in a plain. near the plains roads were several villages, but now they were in ruins. houses were damaged, and the ground was littered with dried bloodstains and scattered remnants, half-hidden amidst the weeds. clearly, the trolls had already visited this place and sown the seeds of destruction. after passing through this grassland, which had been nearly devastated, an endless expanse stretched ahead, with dense forests so thick that hardly any sunlight could penetrate. walking along the forested mountain path, thin rays of sunlight struggled through the cracks in the canopy, casting dappled and swaying patterns of light between the trees. the dappled light created by the dalembert effect made the already tranquil forest appear exceptionally serene. all around, the human eyes could see tree trunks and thickets. there was no sign of trolls whatsoever. just as kris had mentioned, it seemed that the trolls had all gone into hiding, planning who knows what. maybe it was because of the troll invasion, but even the usual monsters that inhabited the area had disappeared. ji chen didnt pay much attention to this. regardless of what the trolls were plotting, their target was the maple principality, not him. he was happy to continue his journey without anything getting in his way. march at an accelerated pace! with a command, the army increased their speed further. in the absence of a water source, he had little confidence and could only urge them to exit the dense forest as quickly as possible. besides tasking the two talentless monkey gift duo to mark the location of the swamp, he also instructed them to mark the positions of various rivers, lakes, and water sources along the way. every time they made camp, they chose to be near a water source, allowing for resupply and giving ji chen a chance to recover some combat strength. although they hadnt been harassed by trolls along the way, the sense of insecurity caused by their loss of combat power still made ji chen uncomfortable. the ocean was his home. in the future, unless absolutely necessary, he would try to stay close to the ocean. with accelerated marching, they arrived at the swamp in just three days. they began searching for traces of the marshland dragon. the swamp was vast, about half the size of the main island of the new moon islands, and it was filled with muddy quagmires and dead trees. fortunately, most of the quagmires were not knee-deep, so they could still make their way without too much difficulty. ji chen took a moment to assess the situation. his combat power could recover to just under half in this swamp, which he could reluctantly accept. his mind settled a bit. then, following a rule of three people per group, the naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs were sent out. soon, in the inner part of the swamp, they found large footprints imprinted in the rotten mud. there was no doubt that these footprints belonged to the marshland dragon. the army was regrouped, and they slowly moved forward following the footprints. as they ventured deeper, the footprints around them became more and more numerous, and there were more and more white bone fragments floating in the mud. many of the fragments were gnawed and shattered, leaving behind crisscrossing tooth marks. ji chens mind stirred, and he activated the crown of omniscience. this treasure had greatly aided him early on and was now playing a crucial role once again. on the map, several red dots suddenly appeared clustered together. they followed the traces. large dragons, about seven to eight meters in length, resembling small trucks, lay in the mud, dozing off. they had four appendages resembling limbs, with thick diamond-shaped scales, robust tails resembling tree trunks, and mouths filled with sharp teeth that looked like shredder blades, all stained with blood. [marshland dragon] [race]: earth dragon [tier]: 5th tier, 4 stars [level]: 35 [skills]: dragons might, dragon scales, charge, bite [unit traits]: dragons bloodline (recovery ability increased by ioo%, further increased by an additional ioo% while in combat) [creatures with a significant dragon bloodline possess formidable defense and recovery capabilities.] it seemed these marshland dragons considered themselves the overlords of this swamp and had little vigilance towards the outside world. they were sleeping in broad daylight, and even ji chen and his group, when they approached, went unnoticed as the dragons snored loudly. alice whispered, master, should 1 enslave them as soul servants? ji chen pondered briefly and shook his head. the marshland dragons were at the 5th tier, 4 stars, just one star lower than the tyrant azure dragons. however, they were purely land-based creatures, not well-suited for most ocean or amphibious units, such as the ocean crown. it would be better to eliminate them and obtain dragon blood crystals. no need for that; we just need to disrupt their actions continuously. alice nodded in agreement. the two talentless monkey gift duo had reported seeing over twenty marshland dragons, but there were only fifteen here. the rest were probably out searching for food or hunting elsewhere. dealing with fifteen was certainly more manageable than over twenty. ji chens expression hardened. without further delay, he spoke in a solemn tone. naga berserkers, engage the enemy to draw their attention. dragon blood murlocs, provide long-range trident support. alice, create distractions. everyone, charge! as he finished speaking, the army rushed forward. under the leadership of various unit heroes, they split into twenty groups with remarkable coordination. fifteen groups engaged each marshland dragon, while the remaining five acted as a reserve team, ready to assist at any moment. the commotion caused by the charge of thousands of units couldnt go unnoticed, even by the marshland dragons that were sleeping soundly. they began to stir, slowly opening their eyes, revealing eyes as large as copper bells. standing up with an expression of extreme anger. nonsense, they were sleeping soundly and suddenly got disturbed; anyone would be grumpy when waking up. seeing the thousands of little creatures rushing towards them, the marshland dragons let out a low roar and launched themselves forward. their massive limbs stomped the ground, creating ripples in the mire, causing the earth to tremble. this display of power was truly astonishing. imagine several dozen small trucks charging at you at a speed of 100 meters in seven seconds. if these giants hit you head-on, youd be lucky to escape with your life, let alone unscathed. therefore, the roles of various unit heroes were clearly demonstrated. they took their troops and decisively evaded the charge, seeking cover behind various obstacles while there was still some distance between them and the dragons. it wasnt until the marshland dragons finished their charge that the heroes converged on them, much like a swarm of bees. without proper command, this wave alone would result in at least hundreds of casualties. as the marshland dragons finished their charge and prepared to use physical attacks, alice took advantage of this opening and immediately activated her mind control. with a red-tier mind control, she had the power to influence 5th tier monsters. the effect was immediate. the marshland dragons suddenly felt dizzy and disoriented, and the song in their ears was like a lullaby, making them drowsy. meanwhile within the song, there was also an uplifting power, greatly boosting the combat abilities of the naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs. the bone blades contained immense force and struck the dragon scales with a metallic clash. coincidentally, the tridents struck them and were instantly deflected. given that the marshland dragons had a higher tier than the naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs and were renowned for their strong defense, its not surprising that they couldnt break through the dragons formidable protection.. Chapter 348 - Chapter 348: Kill and Harvest, Troll, Deceiver chapter 348: kill and harvest, troll, deceiver translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation defying alices captivating tunes, the marshland dragons sensed as if tiny creatures were incessantly gnawing at them, and their fury surged to its peak. with a roar, a powerful surge of energy burst forth from their dragon bloodline, momentarily breaking free from the effects of mind control. invisible waves of energy radiated from their bodies, enveloping an area of over a hundred meters. ding- marshland dragon activates marsh aura, reducing movement speed by 20%. the systems notification caused ji chen and his troops to feel a significant decrease in their walking speed due to the influence of the marsh aura. under the effect of the marsh aura, the armys movement became considerably sluggish. one of the truck-sized marshland dragons suddenly lunged forward, and with a single collision, it sent five or six naga berserkers flying like ragdolls, knocking down several dragon blood murlocs as well. the power unleashed by these fifteen colossal marshland dragons, akin to giant trucks, was absolutely terrifying. with each strike and sweep, they left the naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs completely unable to defend themselves. being at a formidable tier 5 and possessing 4-star strength, the marshland dragons dominated over the 3-star dragon blood murlocs and the 5-star naga berserkers at tier 4. despite their combined numbers exceeding a thousand, they couldnt make much impact here and were scattered and overwhelmed. ji chen watched as his troops were sent flying like balls and his expression grew more serious. lie knew that they couldnt defeat the marshland dragons with just these forces. raising his right hand, he rapidly condensed his abundant mana. in an instant, dozens of thick water chains rose from the muddy marshes around them, coiling around the marshland dragons like snakes, binding them tightly in the blink of an eye. roar with their bodies and movements restrained, they struggled frantically, trying to break free, but the water chains, made of water essence, proved exceptionally resilient, and for the moment, they couldnt break free. taking advantage of their immobilization, the naga berserkers charged again. these fearless warriors, even if thrown a hundred times, wouldnt stop their attacks as long as they could move. the dragon blood murlocs were the same; their signature dragon might ability didnt work on the marshland dragons, who also possessed dragon bloodline, but they still fiercely hurled their tridents. even the sturdiest rock would develop cracks under the constant erosion of water, and under the onslaught of attacks multiplied a hundredfold, the marshland dragons tough scales gradually showed signs of damage. they felt pain in their bodies, and amidst their roars, a hint of agony seeped out. their colossal bodies writhed more frenziedly as they struggled to break free from the restraints. but how could ji chen allow them to succeed? one water chain shattered, and more water chains formed, re-entwining them. mana continued to pour out, reinforcing and repairing the damaged water chains. if the marshland dragons could speak, they would surely shout insults at the despicable outsiders. having great brute strength but unable to unleash it, they could only stand passively and take the beating. several tens of minutes later, the previously unharmed marshland dragons were now covered in wounds. their scorching blood dyed the marsh red, and their lamentations filled the air. ding- naga berserker has killed a unit of marshland dragon. ding- dragon blood murloc has killed a unit of marshland dragon. one after another fell, and with the last resounding wail, ail fifteen marshland dragons were vanquished. ji chen breathed a sigh of relief, stopped expelling mana, but remained vigilant. split into twenty squads, guard the surroundings, and be on alert for other marshland dragons. the lords orders were absolute. with this command, the naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs, who had just finished the intense battle, immediately moved again, dispersing in all directions. seeing this, ji chen walked towards the corpses of the fifteen marshland dragons lying in a pool of blood. apart from collecting dragon blood crystals from them, these land dragons also had some valuable items. dragon scales, which could be used as armor materials. dragon fangs, which could be used to make arrowheads, with enchantment properties better than regular iron arrowheads. dragon meat was naturally a good source of food, and the meat from their truck-sized bodies could produce quite a substantial amount. in addition, dragon whips were also a rare find, and ji chen believed that many indigenous people would be interested in them. he didnt need to do the dirty work of dissecting the bodies himself. with a wave of his hand, he summoned some naga berserkers to start dissecting the marshland dragon corpses. however, he was starting to feel somewhat puzzled. didnt the two monkey gift duo say that there were at least twenty marshland dragons here? why had he only seen fifteen from start to finish? where did the others go? in theory, even if this marsh was vast, the tremendous commotion from the battle and the roars of these marsh dragons should have attracted the others. ji chen furrowed his brows slightly, realizing that things were not as simple as they seemed. but he couldnt directly ask the two monkey gift duo now. after all, he had inquired about it under the identity of mr. zhao, and the illusory mask could change his appearance and attributes, but it couldnt alter the name of the forum. asking directly would expose his true identity. however, he didnt believe that the monkey gift duo had any reason to deceive him. who would hold grudges over a few coins? he had no choice but to suppress his doubts and wait for the dissection to be completed. it took a full four to five hours for the corpses of the fifteen marshland dragons to be thoroughly dissected, leaving neatly sorted materials on the ground. first and foremost were a total of over 1500 dragon blood crystals, averaging about 150 crystals per marshland dragon. this was a decent yield, considering that marshland dragons were not particularly high-level dragonkin creatures, with more lizard-like bloodlines in their veins.. Chapter 349 - Chapter 349: Kill and Harvest, Troll, Deceiver (2) chapter 349: kill and harvest, troll, deceiver (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation more than 1500 dragon blood crystals, enough to further enhance the dragon blood concentration of the dragon blood murlocs. with over 8000 pieces of dragon scales, more than 700 dragon teeth, and some units of dragon meat. these secondary gains could be handed over to raymond for processing when they return, bringing in a significant profit. the dragon blood crystals, dragon scales, and dragon teeth, relatively precious items, were stored in the backpack, while the dragon meat was temporarily left in place. they would come back for it once they found more marshland dragons. ji chen looked at the map and the surroundings. they were currently in the inner part of the swamp, and the core area deeper inside hadnt been explored yet. the remaining marshland dragons might be in the core area of the swamp. this time, they must capture all the remaining ones in one fell swoop. thinking of this, he didnt waste any more time and waved his hand, leading the army deeper into the swamp. as ji chen and his team ventured further into the swamp, in a distant sea area, they were greeted by some unexpected visitors. in the midst of howling winds and pouring rain, a fully armed ironclad fleet was cutting through the waves. the flags hanging on the metal antennas revealed their identity C the fleet of the kingdom of bass. they had one main battleship, four escort ships, and one supply ship, totaling six warships, making up this small fleet. though their numbers were not many, their firepower was quite formidable, enough to make the ordinary forces on the ocean tremble. on the main battleship. how far are we from that suspicious sea area? reporting, commander, it will take us about three more days to sail. very well last time, i thought that bitch monica had been buried in the sea under our bombardment, but i didnt expect her to be so lucky, she actually made it back to the lienhardt grand duchy alive. she even exposed our plans internationally, putting our kingdom of bass in an extremely passive position. not only that, but i also received a reprimand from his majesty the king. i almost lost my title. its really infuriating! the fleet commander slammed the table with anger, his face turning red. even so, commander, youve done a great job. no one expected that after entering the stormy sea, monica would actually be able to come out of it we obtained information from our spies in the lienhardt grand duchy that monica didnt return alone. she came back on an unidentified ship hearing this, the chief of staff quickly realized, so, you mean monica was rescued and then sent back? thats right! my spy used a lost soul technique to forcibly probe the soul and memories of a sailor on the radiant envoy. we learned some information inside the stormy sea, theres an archipelago with a territory belonging to a lord of glory, and its that lord of glory who sent monica back! thats why i volunteered to lead the fleet. this time, we must destroy that territory and kill that lord of glory! only then can i wash away my disgrace! at this point, the fleet commanders face was filled with murderous intent, and his gaze seemed to pierce through the endless sea, projecting into the stormy sea. in contrast to the commander, who wanted to kill the lord of glory and cleanse his disgrace, the chief of staff thought about the archipelago. if there was indeed such an archipelago within the stormy sea, with an area large enough to support the development of a territory, then if they could occupy it, it would undoubtedly bring great benefits to the kingdom of bass. this was much more important than killing the lord of glory himself. as the unfamiliar fleet approached with rolling malice, the residents of the crown of the ocean knew nothing about it and remained in a state of harmony, unaware of the impending danger. watching the scene before him, ji chen raised his hand to stop the army. in a swampy area, there were a series of large footprints. they were unmistakably the footprints of marshland dragons. judging by the number of footprints, there were probably the remaining ten or so marshland dragons. for some reason, they had gathered in the depths of the swamp. with a brief pause, he continued forward with the army. regardless, after dealing with the remaining ten or so, they could return. they followed the footprints slowly. the footprints ended at the entrance of a cave. looking at the pitch-black cave entrance, ji chen didnt hesitate much and led the army inside. through a passage of dozens of meters, they suddenly emerged into an underground hall. this underground hall appeared to have been dug out by the marshland dragons. it was exceptionally spacious, roughly the size of four or five football fields. in the center of the hall, there was a prototype skylight, allowing rays of sunlight to provide illumination. the swamp was naturally quite cool, and being underground made it even colder, sending chills down their spines. ji chen scanned the area and was quickly drawn to something. on the inside of the entire hall, a particularly massive skeleton lay sprawled. it looked like the skeleton of a marshland dragon, but its size was extremely abnormal. ordinary marshland dragons, even with their bones and flesh intact, are only about the size of a large truck. however, this skeleton, just the bones alone, is as big as a small hill, comparable to a two-masted merchant ship. judging by the vegetation and moss that have grown on its bones, it had been dead for who knows how many years. some of the bones have even developed cracks and fractures. lord, look over there. ji chen followed alices pointing finger and quickly saw on the other side in a dark area more than a dozen bodies of marshland dragons lying prone on the ground. what surprised him, though, was that these marshland dragons looked very languid, gasping for breath, and even when they saw him, they could only emit weak roars. what had happened to these marshland dragons? ji chen furrowed his brow slightly and led the army a bit closer, squinting to get a better look. [marshland dragon (near-death state)] [suffered a powerful curse, soul weakened] a curse? before he could fully grasp the situation, a chaotic noise came from outside, so loud that even the muck of the swamp couldnt muffle it. thump, thump ji chens expression changed. those were the sounds of numerous footsteps! although he didnt know why there had suddenly been a large number of unidentified creatures, he knew that they might be coming for him. as he led the army out of the cave, he saw trolls surrounding them from all directions, numbering in the thousands. most of them were clad in crude animal hide clothing and wielded a variety of rudimentary weapons. however, these trolls, compared to the shallow sea trolls he had encountered on the new moon islands, were taller and stronger, their muscles appearing as if they were about to burst through their clothing. [mountain trolls] [race]: trolls [tier]: tier 4, 4 stars [level]: 33 [abilities]: berserk, resilience, regeneration [unit trait]: troll bloodline (fearless of pain when entering a berserk state, subordinates gain a 50% boost) [mountain trolls of the alvin mountains] at this moment, ji chen finally recalled the unusual behavior of trolls in this area that kris had mentioned before he left. at that time, he hadnt taken it seriously, but he couldnt believe these trolls had actually come here. with a quick scan, there were at least five thousand trolls in this area. it seemed like most of the trolls in this region were gathered here. what puzzled him was, if their intention was just plunder and killing, why would they actively provoke him? just as ji chen was racking his brain for answers, about a hundred figures slowly walked out from among the trolls. they were dressed in identical uniforms, their bodies completely concealed by loose gray robes, and they wore iron masks on their faces. on the forehead of each mask, there was an eerie and elongated eye pattern, as if it were staring at him. ji chens heart sank. if he guessed correctly, these people were using the trolls to surround him. [deceiver. enchanter] [race]: human [faction]: deceivers [tier]: tier 4,1 star [level]: 35 [abilities]: brief [unit trait]: eye of deception (able to see through illusions) [key figures among the deceivers] Chapter 350 - Chapter 350: Silver Mask Deceiver, Troll Queto, chapter 350: silver mask deceiver, troll queto, backstabbing blow translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation deceiver? ji chen racked his brain, trying to recall when he had crossed paths with these people, but came up empty-handed. however, it was clear that this group of deceivers had planned this encirclement in advance. there was no way they could have gathered so many trolls and driven over a dozen marshland dragons here without prior knowledge. this led him and his troops to walk right into the trap. as he pondered this, ji chens heart sank. he quickly reviewed the events and details from his memory, trying to connect the dots. when he had obtained information about the marshland dragons, he had done so under the identity of zhao liangchen. only luo yang, the monkey gift duo, and himself knew about this. could they have leaked this information? as for his role as ji chen, only the elven military officers brett and kris were aware of it, but they only knew that ji chen was coming to this location, not the specifics of his mission. in theory, there was no reason for the elves to exert such effort or carry out such actions. would they really tear up the agreement with the ocean crown right after reaching a deal? is that even possible? therefore, its highly likely that the elves didnt leak the information. but if it were luo yang and monkey gift duo who leaked the information, then how did they know about the relationship between zhao liangchen and ji chen? the illusory mask had almost completely transformed his appearance. even if these deceivers had the ability to see through illusions, he doubted they could pierce the deception of the illusory mask, a 7-star artifact. despite the numerous questions swirling in his mind, ji chen had to put them aside and refocus on the immediate situation. after a brief hesitation, he raised his left hand and ordered the troops to retreat into the underground chamber. with the trolls having completed their encirclement outside, breaking through such a formidable wall of trolls would be no easy task. everyone, fall back and defend at the entrance of the underground chamber! as soon as he gave the order, the crown of the oceans troops displayed remarkable coordination. they split into groups and retreated, with the naga berserkers standing their ground for a moment before gradually withdrawing. in the narrow entrance, less than fifty meters wide, they formed a defensive line with their bodies. ji chen positioned himself behind the defensive line, standing on a large stone, and observed the movements of the trolls and the masked deceivers through the entrance. his expression was cautious. it seemed that the trolls had already completed their encirclement, and they didnt appear to be in a hurry to attack. leading the trolls was a monstrous chieftain, who seemed to be engaged in conversation with one of the masked deceivers, their faces obscured by silver masks. ive followed your instructions and surrounded this lord of glory with my warriors. its time to fulfill your end of the deal, the troll chieftain said, staring with his large bronze eyes, as he lowered his head to look at the figure before him. the figure was completely wrapped, making it impossible to determine if it was male or female, and spoke in a low, resonant voice. beneath the silver mask, a harsh, almost hundred-year-old voice emerged, of course, your excellency queto, you know we are very committed to our contracts. this is the promised evolutionary elixir. with that, the deceiver in the silver mask, with bandages covering parts of their body, reached into their clothing and casually tossed a bottle containing a blood-red liquid over. queto carefully caught the bottle, pinching it with his fingers, and watched the liquid sloshing inside with a hint of fanaticism and excitement in his eyes. this was a potent alchemical elixir capable of transforming trolls. a small bottle like this was enough to allow over a thousand troll warriors to evolve into even more powerful troll berserkers. this would be a significant advantage in the ongoing war between the trolls and the humans of the maple principality. the deceiver behind the silver mask chuckled dryly, your excellency queto, weve been working together for so long. its time you had a little more trust in us. after all, our enemies are the same, at least for now. he paused and added, at least, for the time being. queto pursed his lips, unable to deny it. as a troll, he had a natural aversion to these peculiar individuals who dared not reveal their true faces. however, he had to admit that the trolls had received substantial support from them, starting from more than a decade ago when these deceivers had suddenly visited the alvin mountains and reached an agreement with the troll king. since then, they had been providing assistance and supplies, including various elixirs, weapons, and equipment, turning the mountain trolls into a significant threat to the maple principality in a short period. despite the long-standing collaboration, the trolls knew nothing about these deceivers. they only knew that the deceivers seemed to hold a deep grudge against the god-choosers, a divine lineage. perhaps this was one of the reasons why they were willing to help the trolls, as trolls were a notorious outcast race, inherently disliked by many. these deceivers supplied weapons and armor that were only slightly inferior to those forged by dwarves. they also provided large quantities of food, elixirs, and various supplies. nobody knew the true depth of their power, and their ability to provide specific military information and troop deployments of the maple principalitys army was eerie. with such a powerful yet mysterious ally, even the fearless trolls couldnt help but be cautious. they always felt that these deceivers were plotting some sinister scheme to drag the trolls into something they didnt fully understand. nevertheless, wary as they were, they couldnt afford to reject the support they received. seeing queto remaining silent, the silver-masked deceiver continued, next, i need you, your excellency queto, to launch an immediate attack and deplete their forces and stamina.. Chapter 351 - Chapter 351: Silver Mask Deceiver, Troll Queto, chapter 351: silver mask deceiver, troll queto, backstabbing blow (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation queto took a look at the cramped tunnel entrance, which was less than fifty meters wide and easily defensible. although it had confined them, it also made launching an attack much more challenging. i dont want to waste our warriors lives in this meaningless battle. the silver-masked deceiver heard the underlying message and chuckled hoarsely. as long as you continue to put in effort, i promise to provide you with a batch of high-quality weapons. i believe your warriors could use an upgrade. upon hearing this, quetos eyes lit up. i hope youll fulfill this promise. of course, we are allies. we would never deceive you. you only need to provide the resources; leave the rest to us, the silver-masked deceiver performed an elegant bow, gesturing an invitation. queto nodded slightly. raising the mottled battle axe in his hand, he shouted angrily, everyone, attack! roa!!!!!!! hundreds of mountain trolls charged forward, their eyes bloodshot, and their lust for blood rising. it seemed they had reached some kind of consensus, as the troll leader commanded many mountain trolls to attack. ji chen remained composed and waved his hand. the crown of the ocean army erupted with a powerful aura. facing a significantly larger enemy force, their gaze remained fearless, and their morale remained high. as an early-stage unit among the crown of the ocean, naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs had evolved and grown significantly in strength after countless advancements. they had reached an average level of 37, giving them a considerable advantage against these mountain trolls. in the narrow tunnel entrance, the numerical disadvantage was negated. only a few dozen mountain trolls could attack at a time, while the rest could only watch from behind. from above, the lines formed by the trolls charge looked like a tide crashing against a dam, splashing blood everywhere but unable to make an inch of progress. the ocean crowns army did suffer casualties, with many naga berserkers wounded and some killed in the frenzy of the mountain trolls attacks. however, they were quickly replaced by others, and the defense remained unyielding, as solid as a rock. ji chen didnt feel too concerned about the casualties. the presence of the resurrection altar allowed most fallen soldiers to be revived, so he didnt worry too much about losses. at this moment, he mentally prepared himself for the possibility of the entire army being wiped out. after all, these deceivers had chosen to trap them here, and they were undoubtedly well-prepared. the swamp, once dominated by marshland dragons, was now filled with the sounds of battle. naga berserkers, with their blood-red snake eyes, wielded bone blades that dripped hot blood, splattering the ground as if scalding the mud. the alvin mountain trolls lived up to their reputation as a major threat to the maple principality. their attacks were ferocious, almost akin to higher-tier half-orcs. they attacked recklessly, and each time they caused casualties to the crown of the oceans army, it boosted their morale, making them even more formidable and causing further casualties. seeing this scene, ji chen frowned slightly and decided to join the battle personally. alice. alice understood immediately after fighting side by side for a long time. she nodded and took a few steps forward. the familiar but no less wonderful singing voice gradually filled the air. upon hearing the singing, the mountain trolls, while powerful but only at the fourth tier, were instantly controlled. over a hundred of them turned their weapons on their own kind. the other mountain trolls were initially puzzled by the singing but suddenly saw their comrades waving weapons at them, catching them off guard. ah! in an instant, dozens of trolls were killed, and the formation descended into chaos. the other mountain trolls were bewildered, but they quickly realized the situation. theyve gone mad! kill them! as it turned out, mountain trolls were not only skilled in fighting enemies but also quite adept at killing their own kind when driven to madness. soon, these hundred or so mutinous mountain trolls were swiftly dealt with. just as they breathed a sigh of relief, they saw their nearby comrades suddenly stiffen, slowly turn around, and raise their weapons. their faces wore an expression of utter blankness. ah! more screams rang out. not to mention going on an all-out attack; at this point, every mountain troll felt paranoid, looking at their fellow comrades with suspicion, afraid they might suddenly turn against them. death wasnt scary, but what was terrifying was being inexplicably killed by ones own kind. queto watched this scene, finding it hard to believe his eyes. what the hell had happened? why were the trolls suddenly lifting their weapons against their own kind? next to him, the silver-masked deceiver was also stunned, quickly realizing that this was the effect of the singing, his face turned extremely dark. it seemed that the female companion of that filthy god-follower had done this. he had not expected her to possess such an ability, which was beyond his expectations. -of course, it was so. from the moment ji chen set foot on the land, he had tried his best to conceal his and his subordinates abilities. except for the time at the dock when he had to deal with yasens sudden attack, he had hardly demonstrated his true power. however, even though outsiders might know that ji chen had formidable magical abilities, they remained clueless about the types and number of his skills, as well as how he executed them. the same applied to alice and the others. most people probably thought of alice as just a decorative figure, unaware of her formidable power. now, it was clear that they had concealed their abilities very well, achieving an unexpected and excellent effect. as they watched the battlefield, where mountain trolls were constantly being controlled, switching sides or not attacking at all, it became increasingly awkward. some trolls even began to retreat, distancing themselves from their comrades. even the slow-witted queto realized that something was wrong and angrily shouted, damn it! why didnt you tell me that this lord of glory had such abilities!? my subordinates cant afford to die in this worthless manner! at this rate, let alone dealing with this lord of glory, most of his subordinates would suffer heavy losses, and he would end up as a commander without an army. the silver-masked deceiver, who concealed all emotions behind his mask, spoke in a calm and measured tone. no, they died quite valuably; their value lies in revealing that this kind of song can manipulate people. rest assured, the great deceiver has means to counter it. with that, he retrieved a scroll from his loose robe. this is a rare mana suppression scroll. when used, it creates a large-area weak magic suppression field. both spells and mental powers will be significantly suppressed within it. during its duration, your excellency queto, it would be best for you to join us and quickly kill this filthy god-follower and bury him in this swamp. hearing this, quetos anger surged rapidly. why the hell didnt they use this sooner? so many of his subordinates had died in vain. in the end, he managed to suppress his anger temporarily and directed it towards the lord of glory. damn it! he must turn him into minced meat, or he wouldnt find solace for his anger. seeing this, the silver-masked deceiver smirked and nodded, saying to a fellow masked deceiver at his side, bring up the preparations we made in advance. that despicable god-follower will undoubtedly make a forced move later, and then seize the opportunity to kill him. yes! after that, he slowly tore open the scroll. the scroll suddenly erupted with a burst of golden light, shooting up into the sky. when it reached the sky, it exploded like fireworks, and a strange energy poured down, forming an invisible magic array with a radius of one kilometer, enveloping the underground hall. ding- you have been covered by the weak magic array, your magical power is suppressed, and your magical strength is reduced by 80%, lasting for one hour. upon hearing the systems prompt, ji chens expression finally turned serious.. Chapter 352 - Chapter 352: The Wonders of the Tide Domain, Runic Arrows chapter 352: the wonders of the tide domain, runic arrows translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation initially, in this swamp, his strength had already been reduced to less than half. but now, with the added weakening effect of this weak magic array, it was further diminished by 80%, leaving him with only about one-tenth of his original power. the magical energy that used to surge within him in the past now appeared to be sluggish and feeble, no matter how hard he tried to harness it. similarly, alice discovered that her singing was greatly suppressed. she could no longer easily control the mountain trolls. her body felt as if it was weighed down by sacks of sand, making her mana murky and hard to move. affected by this, the mountain trolls quickly regained their senses and, under quetos command, charged again. simultaneously, hundreds of deceivers with iron masks also joined the battle, pushing forward twenty peculiarly designed crossbow carts from the back. these crossbow carts had a unique design; the head part was a box-shaped device divided into twenty compartments. each compartment was loaded with dozens of arrows, and their triangular arrowheads refracted a chilling gleam under the sunlight. with the sound of vibrating bowstrings, arrows were launched all at once, raining down on the crown of the oceans army like a shower. whoosh the piercing sound of metal arrowheads cutting through the air was all around. the arrow rain covered the entire cave entrance. the mechanical force and kinetic energy of the arrows allowed many to pierce through the scales of the naga berserkers, deeply embedding into their flesh, hitting vital spots, making them look like porcupines. just from one volley, the defense line showed multiple breaches. over fifty naga berserkers were injured, with nearly twenty dying on the spot. ji chens expression turned grave. these rain crossbow carts, which contained a significant amount of technology, were typically only armed by the armies of kingdoms and principalities. they are basically controlled items outside, and even the lizardmen couldnt craft them. where did these so-called deceivers get so many? seeing more and more of his troops getting injured or killed, ji chen could no longer hold back. he ordered benbo to lead the dragon blood murlocs to attack these crossbow carts and destroy them. commanding the troops, benbo slowly raised his head. he raised his trident, tilting its tip towards the sky. behind him, hundreds of dragon blood murlocs did the same. with a low shout, the murlocs took a few steps forward, and hundreds of tridents were thrown. drawing sharp parabolas in the air, they were thrown accurately towards the rain crossbow carts. the range of the tridents far exceeded anyones expectations. the steel trident tips struck directly on the box-type launch devices, and the heavy kinetic energy caused cracks, shattering them on the spot. twenty crossbow carts were immediately destroyed in this volley, and the remaining ones also suffered damage, reducing their effectiveness. however, the targets of this volley werent just the rain crossbow carts but also the deceivers controlling them. under the attack, the metal-made crossbow carts were shattered, not to mention the flesh and blood deceivers. on the spot, over thirty iron-masked deceivers were pinned to the ground, letting out a brief wail before succumbing. seeing this, the other deceivers were startled. they hadnt expected the murlocs tridents to have such a range. they quickly retreated several tens of meters, only feeling safe once they were at a considerable distance. in the rear, queto observed this scene, mocking the silent silver masked deceiver in his heart, feeling much relieved. it would be unfair if only my side were to suffer casualties; it would be much fairer if everyone faced the same. the battle between the two sides was extremely intense. at this narrow entrance, countless bodies had been left behind, forming a small mountain of corpses. the power gap between the naga berserkers and the mountain trolls wasnt too significant, but under the powerful long-range attacks of the dragon blood murlocs, the mountain trolls suffered far more casualties than the naga berserkers. almost every time a naga berserker died, three mountain trolls would also fall. the one-to-three casualty ratio made queto furious once again. this damn lord of glory, their resistance is so tough and resilient. even with three times the number of trolls attacking, they still cant break through their defenses; instead, theyve suffered so many losses. even the soldiers of the maple principality wouldnt be able to achieve this level of success. as he watched, the weak magic barrier had already been active for half an hour, and if they were influenced by that song again, there was no way they could break through. the time has come. at this moment, queto suddenly heard the silver masked deceiver say. he couldnt help but be stunned, what time? but he saw a faint red light appear in the cloudy eyes beneath the mask. meanwhile, in the expansive underground chamber, the ten nearly lifeless marshland dragons resting in the corner had their souls withered to the brink, and their life essence had utterly faded away. ji chen, who noticed this, just glanced at them and didnt pay any more attention. however, he didnt notice that these ten or so marshland dragons, like zombies, slowly stood up, and their white eyes displayed a strange red light, exactly the same as the silver masked deceiver at this moment. after standing up, they slowly moved their limbs, gradually picking up speed. their goal was very clear, heading towards the defenses of the crown of the ocean. at this moment, ji chen also noticed the commotion from behind and turned to look. his pupils suddenly contracted. resurrection? without much thought, he shouted loudly, stop these marshland dragons! upon hearing this, hundreds of naga berserkers immediately turned around to block them with their bodies. however, the marshland dragons, whose speed had already picked up, couldnt be easily stopped. naga berserkers were knocked aside, and the dragon blood murlocs couldnt stop them either. they could only watch as the marshland dragons charged towards the entrance defenses.. Chapter 353 - Chapter 353: The Wonders of the Tide Domain, Runic chapter 353: the wonders of the tide domain, runic arrows (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation one after another, they broke through the entrance completely. queto watched as the defense line was breached from the inside, his expression filled with joy. without hesitation, he shouted for the mountain trolls to charge. the defense line crumbled as countless trolls, armed with bone blades and tridents, forcefully entered, occupying the narrow entrance and trapping the crown of the oceans forces inside. the situation took a drastic turn. they found themselves in a significant disadvantage. seeing the trolls about to seize the last inch of the entrance, ji chen felt a slight unease. once the trolls forced him into the underground hall, it would be nearly impossible to push them back out, resulting in even greater losses. however, they still had half an hour left until the weakening spell formation ended, and it seemed impossible to hold out until then given the current situation. ji chen narrowed his eyes and decided to try something that had crossed his mind. he closed his eyes. communicating with the mana inside his body, due to the suppression of the spell formation, the mana that flowed through his limbs and bones resembled small trickles. no matter how he drove it, the damage caused by using spells at this intensity was minimal. however, he didnt focus on the small trickles of mana. instead, he directed his attention to the core. the tide domain. the domain manifested, and a ring of interlocking energy emerged around him. they repelled each other, but the tide domain clearly had the upper hand. perhaps it was more accurate to say that the tide domain operated on a higher level, capable of perfectly suppressing the weakening spell formation. the tide domain didnt swiftly push the formation away, but it did so steadily and with remarkable stability. it efficiently moved the formation to a maximum distance of 200 meters, and his own presence stayed strong and unwavering. as he unleashed the tide domain, he felt his body ease up. the mana within him flowed like a mighty river and even created a swirling vortex of magic energy around him. having accomplished all this, ji chen slowly opened his eyes and felt the restored power. a faint smile curved his lips. indeed, the tide domain could resist the weakening spell formation, just like it could counter negative force fields. domain skills were superior to both. their essence was almost the same, with the only difference being that the former was long-lasting while the latter was short-term. observing the intense battle before him, ji chen raised his right hand and lifted his fingers. as he made these gestures, the muddy water gathered from above condensed into thin water blades as delicate as cicada wings. with a thought. whoosh! the water blades, like arrows drawn taut on a bowstring, shot out with unstoppable sharpness, piercing through the bodies of the trolls. the trolls charging in fell like harvested wheat. feeling the majesty of their lord, the morale of the crown of the oceans forces soared. they pressed on, not only completely driving the trolls out of the entrance but also launching a counterattack, pushing them back. the battlefield situation once again took a dramatic turn. the battle shifted from the entrance to the open ground in front. with the edge of ji chens magic, the smaller crown of the ocean force pursued and slaughtered the much larger troll army. queto hadnt had much time to celebrate when he saw the trolls who had just entered falling one after another in front of the water blades, some even pushed back. looking at ji chens formidable display of power, quetos face turned ironclad, and he angrily turned his head once more. you said you had used a scroll of weak magic, didnt you? then why can he still cast such a powerful spell? the silver-masked deceiver was also quite shocked. this divine heir actually possessed a domain skill. this was a power that only a very small number of strong individuals could have, and not even all epic-tier individuals necessarily possessed it. it was a power comprehensible only to a very few geniuses. under the mask of the silver deceiver, his face twisted with jealousy, hatred, and disgust. these emotions converged into a strong desire to kill ji chen. this mixed-blood divine heir had to be eliminated! bring up that godslaying crossbow. hearing this, the iron-masked deceiver hesitated for a moment. but the godslaying crossbow is prepared for the future mission the silver-masked deceiver, on the other hand, remained calm at this moment and said slowly, this divine heirs threat has increased significantly, and possessing a domain skill means that he will only become more powerful in the future. we planned to let him enter the encirclement this time. if we dont take this opportunity to kill him today, it will be ten times harder to find an opportunity to kill him in the future. shouldnt we report this to our superiors first? after all, the godslaying crossbow is extremely rare hmph, by the time the report reaches them and we wait for orders, this divine heir might have broken through the encirclement and returned to the control zone of the maple principality. thus it is decided, and 1 alone will bear the consequences! declared the silver-masked deceiver, defying all objections, and immediately ordered the attack. ji chen followed behind the crown of the oceans forces, unleashing full firepower, constantly condensing water blades, and causing widespread casualties. the once formidable army of several thousand mountain trolls had now become sparse, with at least two thousand dead or injured. those remaining were demoralized, lacking the fighting spirit they had before. if it werent for the troll leader watching from behind, they would have likely already been defeated. seeing this, ji chen decided to add fuel to the fire. alice! siren alice, who had been following closely at his side and was within the tide domains range, had already fully recovered her strength. she began to sing again, a beautiful but bloodthirsty melody. the mountain trolls had no resistance to this music, and a batch of them immediately switched sides, making the already retreating trolls even more chaotic. meanwhile, when ji chens troops heard the song, they became invigorated and enthusiastic, filled with a desire to defeat their foes decisively, as if they could take down two enemies with a single blow. it seemed that the situation was already set. ji chen looked at the masked deceivers, turned his head left and right, and finally locked eyes on the deceiver with the silver mask. youre the little bastard who blocked me here with the trolls, arent you? watch me knock your head crooked and smash your mask. he was about to condense a few water blades and charge straight at him. but at this moment, the deceiver with the silver mask suddenly pushed out a strange-looking contraption from his side. from the middle of it extended a runic arrow as thick as a babys arm, indicating it was some kind of war machinery. when ji chens gaze shifted to the crossbow bolt that was slowly aiming at him, he suddenly felt an extreme chill emanating from the depths of his soul, as if he were being targeted by something terrifying, causing even his breath to stagnate. there was only one thought in his mind. dodge, or else he would die! in the blink of an eye. this runic arrow had already aligned itself with him. the runes and patterns on the jet-black bolt body suddenly lit up, flickering with a bloody hue, and a scent of blood filled the air. the black-red patterns appeared particularly eerie. in the next moment, the runic arrow was released with a sudden snap of the drawn bowstring. wherever it passed, space trembled, leaving behind shattered black lines. this arrow could tear through space! in a daze, it felt like several red threads were connecting the arrow to him, giving him the feeling that it would hit him no matter what. seeing this scene, ji chen gave up on the idea of evading by moving his body. this kind of ability, capable of tearing through space and even binding the attacks of the target, was simply something his physique, fundamentally that of a mage, couldnt dodge. it was just half a breath. in that brief moment, the runic arrow covered more than a hundred meters, hurtling toward him with a wake of shattered black threads. four or five naga berserkers tried to block it when they saw this scene, but they were pierced through like paper, leaving behind terrifying blood holes. even their attempts to stop it couldnt slow down the runic arrows speed by the slightest bit. alice and benbo, who were fighting desperately, saw this scene and their pupils widened in shock. they shouted desperately, lord, be careful!!! watching the arrow flying straight towards him, with a distance of less than twenty or thirty meters now, ji chen smiled faintly. in the next moment, he disappeared from sight. losing its target, the runic arrow shook for a moment and then flew straight through, shattering a mountain behind.. Chapter 354 - Chapter 354: Teleportation, Godslayer Crossbow, Traitor chapter 354: teleportation, godslayer crossbow, traitor translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation in the blink of an eye, he felt a sensation in his feet. ji chen looked around, finding himself amidst a lush forest, and there were no trolls or other creatures in sight. he waited quietly and noticed that the runic arrow hadnt followed him. he let out a sigh of relief. he glanced at the void ring on his finger, moments ago, realizing the runic arrow had locked onto him and was hard to evade conventionally, he decisively activated the void rings ability. [?teleportation (immediately teleport to any location within ten kilometers, cooldown time: 30 minutes)] for safety, he teleported to a spot ten kilometers away, evading the attack. now, it appeared that the tracking range of that runic arrow was smaller than the teleportation range of the void ring. recalling the terrifying moments just now, ji chen still felt a lingering fear. who were these masked deceivers? they not only possessed a significant arsenal of war weaponry under control but also had such terrifying runic arrows. however, it seemed that there was only one runic arrow like that; otherwise, they wouldnt have waited until the end to use it. but he needed to be more cautious with these people; otherwise, being shot unexpectedly would lead to a disaster. he temporarily suppressed these thoughts. right now, alice and benbo should still be fighting the trolls, and he needed to return quickly to oversee the situation. ji chen glanced at his surroundings and walked swiftly in the direction of the swamp. he moved swiftly through the forest. soon, he returned to the swamp. the battle here seemed to be nearing its end. the crown of the oceans army was chasing down the remaining mountain trolls. what surprised him was that among the pursuing group, there were hundreds of elves. these fully armed elves moved with great agility, exuding an imposing aura. even in the muddy swamp, they moved as if on solid ground, using their bows and arrows to take down enemies, targeting vital areas. most of the fleeing trolls were felled by them. among them, the burly male elves with broadswords were particularly conspicuous. they wielded their massive swords like windmills, making the towering trolls cry out in despair. upon closer inspection, wasnt that lead elf kris? at the same time, alice and the others quickly spotted ji chens figure. joy lit up their faces as they hurried over, and benbo and the other heroes did the same. alice walked up, looked around, and asked with concern, lord, are you okay? ji chen waved his hand with a smile, whats the situation now? where did those masked individuals go? after you disappeared, lady kris and the others arrived just in time to provide support. those masked enemies promptly left with their companions bodies. the troll leader did the same, abandoning his subordinates and fleeing with a few personal guards. due to other trolls blocking us, we couldnt keep them here. 1 hope you wont punish us for this. its not your fault. ji chen shook his head. if we had pursued recklessly, we might have fallen into their trap again. what you did was already commendable. he was now quite wary of this group of mysterious individuals. revenge is a dish best served cold. rushing into battle without understanding the enemy would be foolish. moreover, the crown of the oceans forces had suffered significant casualties, making pursuit difficult. at this moment, it seemed that the elves had cleared the remaining mountain trolls and, led by kris, approached. seeing that ji chen was safe, kris showed a relieved smile. lord ji chen, its a relief that youre unharmed. 1 almost thought you were taken out by their godslayer crossbow, and we elves would lose a potential partner. ji chen smiled confidently and then asked with some curiosity, how did you end up here? just three days ago, our hidden scouts noticed that the mountain trolls, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly became active, moving in groups towards this area. considering that you had entered this region not long ago, 1 guessed that your presence might be the reason for the mountain trolls resurgence. so i consulted lord brett and brought soldiers here to assist you. kris looked at the battlefield strewn with corpses and sighed, although i feel that even if we hadnt come, you would have dealt with these deceivers. do you know who those masked individuals, the deceivers, are? of course. kris nodded, they are a group of fanatics who hate all divine races and those with divine blood. hate all divine races and those with divine blood? there were such extremist elements? this world had seen many gods walking among mortals, such as the naga god, dwarven god, god of wealth, and gnome god. the races they once ruled were also known as divine races. it can be said that various races in the world have some connection to divine beings to varying degrees. take the elves themselves, for instance; they worship the elven mother goddess. doesnt that mean they have an affinity with most races, including elves? who are these deceivers, and why are they so audacious? thats right, kris said with some apprehension. but this isnt the place to discuss these matters. lets save it for when we return to maple city.. Chapter 355 - Chapter 355: Teleportation, Godslayer Crossbow, Traitor(2) chapter 355: teleportation, godslayer crossbow, traitor(2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen nodded slightly. leaving kris to wait for a moment, he went to a pile of broken stones and called over more than ten naga berserkers to dig inside. soon, they excavated a completely black metal crossbow bolt engraved with mysterious runes. this was the runic arrow that the silver masked deceiver had used to shoot him back then. at this moment, it seemed to have exhausted all its power, with the runes and patterns now dim and faded. nevertheless, it still couldnt conceal its sharp edge. [godslayer bolt] [tier]: 5 stars [effects]: 1. capable of locking onto and tracking enemies (within effective range until energy is depleted). 2. increases armor penetration by 50%. 3. after hitting the target, reduces recovery ability by 80% and inflicts a powerful curse, weakening and damaging the soul (lasts for 6 hours). [a runic crossbow bolt crafted through intricate processes, possessing formidable lethality, but now out of energy] [full power can be unleashed when used with the godslayer crossbow bed] well, even a single crossbow bolt is a five-star treasure, and it seems to be a disposable item. he also found the firing device that the deceiver hadnt had time to retrieve, which was also a five-star treasure, just like the crossbow bolt. [godslayer crossbow apparatus] [tier]: 5 stars [range]: 30 to 800 meters (additional 800 meters when equipped with the godslayer crossbow) combining these two five-star treasures created such terrifying killing power. apart from these two items, the deceiver, who knew there was no hope of victory, also left behind the rainstorm crossbow carriages that had caused them a lot of trouble. twenty rainstorm crossbow carriages, fifteen of them were completely destroyed, leaving only five that were barely intact, with some damage preventing them from firing. these were also a fortune. if their structure and manufacturing process could be cracked, the crown of the ocean would have another powerful city defense weapon. the godslayer crossbow apparatus and the godslayer bolt followed the same logic. one day, if he could mass-produce both of them, ji chen vowed to have the naga berserkers carry one and catch those stupid deceivers to shoot them down. although he appeared calm and composed, he had already quietly written them into his mental to-do list. kris also noticed ji chens actions of collecting the godslayer crossbow apparatus and the rainstorm crossbow carriages, but she remained indifferent. this battle was dominated by ji chen and the crown of the ocean, and when they arrived here, the battle was already in its final stages. they were just here to wrap things up. following that, ji chen had the army divide the bodies of the dozen or so marshland dragons that had died, resurrected, and then suddenly died again after breaking through the defense line. it had been some time since they died, so they only collected about a thousand dragon blood crystals from these dozen or so marshland dragons. added to the previous collection, they had a total of around 2500 crystals, barely meeting the earlier set goal. ji chen cleaned up the spoils of war and began to assess the losses suffered by his army. this time, he had brought a total of over 1600 units of troops, with naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs each accounting for half of that number. under the attacks of the mountain troll and the deceivers, the naga berserkers were essentially wiped out, with only a little over a hundred units left. the dragon blood murlocs fared slightly better but still suffered a loss of more than half, with nearly 500 units perishing. learning about this, ji chen couldnt help but feel astonished. if it werent for the ability to resurrect fallen troops using the resurrection altar, these losses would have been enough to trouble him for a while. after clearing the battlefield, ji chen led his troops, along with kris and her group, back to maple harbor. the journey was relatively calm. last time, the mountain trolls had hidden because they wanted him to relax his guard and fall into their trap. but this time, it was genuinely peaceful. in that recent battle, thousands of mountain trolls in this area were killed or injured, with only the troll chieftain escaping with a few lackeys. it could almost be said that their entire army had been wiped out. so, there was no real threat along the way. moreover, there was a whole squad of elves skilled in jungle warfare guarding them, which reduced their concerns, and they could travel faster. three days later, after either sleeping or rushing on the road day and night, ji chen and his group arrived outside maple harbor, near the ocean. ji chen, who had been pushing himself to the limit, felt his strength returning and breathed a sigh of relief. if the mountain trolls and deceivers from before had appeared here, he could handle them on his own. sighing inwardly, he realized that the ocean was truly his home turf! gradually calming his emotions, ji chen narrowed his eyes. now, it was time to do something. he turned to kris and asked, kris, in what way and on what grounds can we capture lord of glory players in maple city? kris had gathered some information during their journey and had a rough idea of what had led to ji chen being successfully besieged by mountain trolls and deceivers. seeing his stern and resolute expression, she guessed what he had in mind. with that in mind, she replied, we have close ties with the elves and the maple principality. we can ask them to send soldiers to assist with the capture. this matter, we can assist you with. upon hearing this, ji chen nodded slightly. if the maple principality personally handled the capture, it would save him a lot of trouble. his expression softened a bit. thank you. kris smiled and shook her head. compared to the help youve given me before, this is just a small matter. after asking for their names, kris hurriedly left with the squad of elves. ji chen returned to the estate in maple harbor, waiting in silence. on that afternoon, three players were escorted to the manor by a fully armed squad of soldiers. to their surprise, it was monkey gift, monkey gift hair, and luo yang. all three of them were bound tightly, but their expressions varied. the first two wore perplexed expressions, while the latter had a pallid face. as soon as they were brought in, monkey gift hair saw ji chen, who was playing the role of mr. zhao, and his face was filled with bewilderment. he had no idea when he had offended this extravagant spendthrift. they had always diligently completed tasks and commissions. their greatest indulgence was splurging in the sixth district, and the most notorious act they had committed was stealing a few cows from someone elses territory. such crimes were far from warranting the capture of an entire squad of maple principality soldiers. soon, monkey gift hair began to suspect that it might have something to do with the incident at the cat tail tavern a few days ago. he cried and explained, mr. zhao, we absolutely havent done anything to wrong you! there must be some misunderstanding! monkey gift hair, with a terrified expression, added, feeling the intense murderous intent emanating from the powerful individuals on both sides, thats right, even if you want to eliminate us, at least let us die with a clear conscience! ji chen sneered. are you sure you havent done anything to wrong me? if it werent for you guys, i might have lost my life out there. did you leak the information you sold me to others? the two monkey gift brothers were stunned, and they hurriedly replied, absolutely not! even though we may lack strength and have rather unattractive appearances, our integrity is beyond reproach. the information we sold wont be sold to anyone else. when youre in this line of work, trust is crucial, and we wont tarnish our reputation! watching them tearfully explain, it didnt seem like they were lying. ji chen hesitated. could it really not be these two clowns? at this moment, monkey gift suddenly thought of something and nodded towards luo yang, who was standing nearby. uncle luo also knows that we value our integrity and wouldnt do anything so outrageous. uncle luo, please vouch for us! luo yang kept his head low and remained silent. after a long while, his hoarse voice slowly rang out, since you were able to come back alive, you should know about their existence. so, i wont hide it anymore. the information and messages were given by me. its all my responsibility, and these two kids dont know anything about it. dont make it hard on them. as this statement came out, both monkey gift and monkey gift hair were dumbfounded, saying in a dry manner, uncle luo are you joking? ji chen looked at luo yang, who had a desolate expression, and narrowed his eyes. it seems that there is a connection with luo yang.. Chapter 356 - Chapter 356: Memories of Luo Yang, Monkey Gifts, Master chapter 356: memories of luo yang, monkey gifts, master-servant covenant translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation for luo yang to admit so readily, ji chen was somewhat surprised. fie had thought there would be some resistance first. but this also saved him some effort. what is your relationship with those deceivers? are you of the same kind, or is it a matter of mutual interest? neither. luo yang shook his head. i was just being controlled by them. do you still remember when 1 mentioned before that after losing my territory, 1 came to maple city and earned a considerable amount of gold by doing business, eventually buying the cat tail tavern? ji chen nodded slightly. luo yang had brought up these points previously. ji chen thought it was quite impressive how a player without wealth or influence managed to establish himself in maple city within just a few months. but now, upon reconsideration, it seemed a bit too smooth. even though the cat tail tavern was located in a relatively remote area, it was still within the capital of a nation, not to mention being in the prosperous commercial hub of maple city. such a large tavern, with just the land alone worth millions of gold coins. plus, players were naturally not well-received by the indigenous population, so how could it have been so easy to reach this point? now, it appeared that there were many loopholes in this story. all of this, most likely, had a lot to do with the deceivers. sure enough, luo yang continued, shortly after arriving in the city, i found myself in a tough spot because i lacked combat skills or any special talents for exploration. even other players who depended on local quests for their livelihood were struggling to make ends meet. i had no choice but to take on odd jobs in the streets just to get by. 1 once thought about using my business talents from earth to do business here, but the difficulty far exceeded my imagination. besides the issue of capital, the indigenous people also despised me. there were many tangible and intangible commercial barriers, and there was hardly any room for development. if it werent for other players helping me, 1 might have starved to death on the streets! luo yangs face showed a mixture of anger and resentment. all of this was bestowed upon me by those deities. if it werent for them trapping me in this broken game world, i would still be the ceo of a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate on earth! 1 would be living a wonderful life, with a happy and fulfilling family, nothing like what i am now! treated like a dog by the indigenous people! only those damned gods would play such a malicious prank! i hate them! luo yangs current appearance is completely that of a psychologically twisted person. previously, he was a billionaire ceo, living a prosperous and happy life, but after entering this world, he became ordinary, marginalized, and almost starved on the streets. the immense difference, like a waterfall plunging ten thousand meters, would be too much for anyone to bear. and about the reason for their entry into this world, ji chen had thought about it before and wondered if it was the mischief of those gods who had disappeared for countless years. but in the end, he dismissed these meaningless thoughts because daydreaming wouldnt help. since hes here, just make the best of it. to find the reason, one must first become powerful enough to qualify to uncover the truth. without sufficient strength, even if the truth is behind the door, you wont be able to push it open to explore. strength is the foundation for everything. next, ji chen also guessed what happened to luo yang afterward. luo yang lowered his eyelids. it was at this time that they found me, told me about their ideology, and invited me to join them. at that time, because of my hatred for the gods, i didnt think too much and agreed. the following events, you probably have already guessed. with their support, i was able to quickly establish myself in maple city and become what 1 am now. but as a price, i need to provide them with any help using everything 1 have now. that night after you left, they came to me shortly after to ask for information about you. 1 just relayed what those two guys had said, and i know nothing else. ji chen fell into silence for a moment. how should he put it? this all made sense. however, what caught him off guard was that the player who had always seen himself as the fourth cataclysm had, in an unexpected turn of events, forged an alliance with the indigenous forces. (t/n: the fourth cataclysm is a playful term in the chinese gaming community that refers to players having the ability to control and manipulate a game world, often summoning other in -game characters or players to assist them in various tasks or battles.) this was different from what he had imagined. in luo yangs experience, it did open up another side of player life. but he also noticed that when luo yang spoke, he consistently used they to refer to the deceivers and there was a sense of unfamiliarity between the lines. in theory, if he had really joined them, he shouldnt be so unfamiliar. ji chen thought of something but didnt directly point it out; instead, he made an indirect comment with a touch of disdain and mockery. it seems that you havent been valued by the deceivers either. youve been back for so long, and they know youre most likely exposed, yet they havent come to pick you up. it looks like theyve already abandoned you. luo yangs eyebrows furrowed, and he looked slightly disheartened but remained clear-headed. i know theyre just using me, just like a business relationship. the only thing that maintains our connection is mutual benefit. they need me to act as a player, and i need their support to live a better life. im fundamentally still a player, and for that reason alone, its difficult for them to truly accept me. im very clear about this. moreover, they are a group of people with somewhat abnormal minds. while 1 do hate the gods, im not like them, trying to destroy all god-descended races and even attempting deicide. Chapter 357 - Chapter 357: Memories of Luo Yang, Monkey Gifts, Master chapter 357: memories of luo yang, monkey gifts, master-servant covenant (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation they may not be cultists, but their actions and behavior are even more radical and fanatical than cultists! at that moment, monkey gift and monkey gift hair appeared to have a realization, but their expressions remained puzzled. they asked, what are you talking about? what deceiver, gods, manipulation? why do we have trouble understanding some of it? and theres talk of god-killing or something, which makes me a little scared monkey gift and monkey gift hair were really confused. wasnt it just said that uncle luo only revealed the information? how did it suddenly turn to gods? and what is this deceiver thing? they had a thousand questions in their minds. ji chen glanced at the two monkey gifts. it seemed that they really didnt know about these things. they were just diligent in making money through commissions and selling information, and they liked to hang out in the sixth street. he wasnt particularly interested in bothering them. he waved to let the naga berserker untie the two of them. this matter has nothing to do with you anymore. you can go now. the two of them were even more confused. although they hadnt completely figured out what had happened, seeing luo yang, who was still tied up, they looked at each other and begged for mercy. mr. zhao, there must be some misunderstanding between you and uncle luo. please spare him! yes, if theres anything uncle luo needs to compensate, were willing to compensate together! seeing their appearance, ji chens impression of them improved slightly. he didnt expect these two monkeys to have some backbone. willing to compensate together? yes, anything. then you can both compensate with your lives. upon hearing this, the two of them were stunned, their legs went weak, and they fell to the ground, crying out, isnt that too much luo yang also couldnt help it and said, you two stupid kids, go away, dont worry about me. no, uncle luo, if it werent for you taking us in when we arrived in this world, we would have starved to death on the streets. now that youre in trouble, how can we stand by and do nothing? although monkey gift was scared, he gritted his teeth and said, with tears shimmering in his eyes. yes, since we came to this world, only you have been so good to us, like a father, how can we bear to leave you! monkey gift hair wiped away the tears, whether it was fear or reluctance, and said. luo yang, who had always been calm, also felt a little moist in the corners of his eyes when he heard this. he couldnt help but sigh that these two silly kids were really good to him. but then, he heard monkey gift say, uncle luo, what the hell is this deceiver thing? it feels like some kind of pyramid scheme or cult. how can you have such poor judgment to join this kind of ghost organization? luo yang was speechless. okay, it turns out you guys didnt understand anything just now. luo yang wanted to say something, but ji chen, with an impatient expression, interrupted. thats enough, now ill give you two choices. first, luo yang has to pay the price. for the crime of leaking information, he will be sent to be executed by the maple principality for collaborating with the deceiver and passing information to the trolls. and as for monkey gift and monkey gift hair, if you are willing to share the responsibility, you will forever be expelled from maple city and maple harbor. we choose the second option! upon hearing ji chens words, the two monkey gifts immediately raised their hands and said. they didnt want luo yang to die, nor did they want to be expelled. aside from the wild monsters in the wilderness, being exiled to the wilderness meant cutting off all tasks and commission sources in the city, which was a nightmare for them. more importantly, they would be unable to find their big sisters in the sixth district. thinking of this, their resistance grew stronger, and they resolutely chose the second option. ji chen looked at them, glanced at the silent luo yang, and then continued, the second option is for luo yang to sign a master-servant contract with me, to be under my command, while the two of you act as if nothing happened. the two monkey gifts looked at each other, their faces showing some hesitation. the master-servant contract was a special contract in this world. it was rumored that the god of contracts used a strand of world rules to establish the contract laws, and the master-servant contract was one of them. judging by its name, it was clear that this was an extremely unequal contract, where the life of the servant would be controlled by the master. both parties who formed the contract would fulfill the terms of the contract in the presence of world rules and gods, or else they would face a terrible consequence C rejection by the world rules and exile to the void. but what surprised monkey gift and monkey gift hair was that due to the involvement of world rules, this contract was on a whole different level. it could only be initiated by individuals with legendary professions or higher. with this revelation, wasnt mr. zhao, who appeared to be a profligate, actually a legendary expert or possibly even more powerful? looks could be deceiving! even luo yang was stunned. zhao liangchen, played by ji chen, had an expressionless face. suddenly, a terrifying aura swept over them, pressing down on them. in a trance, it seemed as if a cataclysmic wave comparable to a natural disaster was rushing towards them. although ji chen withdrew his aura in three seconds, the terrifying breath still made them tremble, their gazes filled with horror. for quite some time, they couldnt speak. ill ask one last time, which one do you choose? ji chens indifferent words woke them up. luo yangs face kept changing as he struggled within. he looked at monkey gift and monkey gift hair, and finally gritted his teeth, saying, 1 choose the second option! ji chen nodded slowly. he was well aware. killing luo yang didnt bring him any benefits. luo yang was just one of the pawns scattered by the deceiver, and there were countless pawns like him. since the deceiver could use him as a pawn, why couldnt he? coincidentally, luo yang was an excellent opportunity for him to infiltrate the player community in maple city. as the largest gathering place for players in maple city, the cat tail tavern, where players intelligence was gathered, held an important position. with luo yang, he would find it easier to monitor the actions of the players and manipulate them into doing other things. he could even use luo yang to gather all the players in maple city and build a player organization similar to the player alliance on king kong island. behind the scenes, he would be the biggest beneficiary. pros without cons. as his thoughts raced, ji chen stood up and, in front of everyones eyes, extended his right index finger to sketch in the air. as he moved his index finger, a thick surge of mana poured out, and golden characters appeared in the air, exuding a mysterious and profound aura that left luo yang and the others wide-eyed. their eyes were filled with astonishment. was this the kind of contract that only legendary and higher-level experts could construct? several minutes later, dozens of characters floated in the air. when the last character was completed, a force that seemed to come from the void descended from the sky and merged into the characters. ding- the world rules have recognized the master-servant contract you have established. ji chen slowly lowered his hand and looked at luo yang. the latter snapped back to reality, and after being untied, he gritted his teeth and also extended his finger to write his name on it. the signature was completed. the characters suspended in the air suddenly emitted a dazzling golden light and slowly dissipated. but ji chen could feel that there seemed to be a new connection between him and luo yang, a feeling that he could control his life and death, and dominate him. as long as he wished, he could make him wish he were dead. luo yang also felt this strange sensation. he had just signed the master-servant contract and had become a servant-like existence. at first, he felt a bit disheartened and defeated, but he quickly adjusted his mindset. if he could stay alive, then living in this way was not unacceptable. he looked up at ji chen, who had a carefree appearance in his memory but now exuded an aura of authority. he recalled the series of resolute words and actions ji chen had just taken, and he couldnt help but feel a sense of strangeness. was this really the profligate he had seen before? while he had suspected certain things, he couldnt help but be amazed by the striking difference.. Chapter 358 - Chapter 358: Industry Situation, Monkey Gifts’ Choice, and Information chapter 358: industry situation, monkey gifts choice, and information translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation at that time, luo yang was only asked by the deceiver to provide information about ji chen. in his eyes, it was merely providing information about zhao liangchen, with no knowledge of the fact that zhao liangchen was, in fact, ji chen. so, the shock at the significant difference in ji chen before and after was understandable. as they watched ji chen and luo yang sign the master-servant contract right before their eyes, monkey gift and monkey gift hair felt a complex mix of emotions. how should 1 put it? as fellow players, how did zhao liangchen manage to accumulate both immense wealth and legendary power in just a few short months? if there was only envy and a bit of jealousy before, now it was becoming a sense of unease. but looking at zhao liangchen, who sat there exuding an imposing aura like a mountain, no matter how uneasy they felt, they could only endure it. ji chen looked at luo yang, who had already signed the contract, with a stern expression. address me as mr. zhao in public, and do not reveal what happened today. in addition, all your businesses in maple city and maple harbor will be transferred into my name, but you will still manage them. however, when necessary, you will need to do things for me. do you understand? luo yangs face showed some bitterness, but he nodded quickly. he had no bargaining power at all. by the way, how many properties do you have under your control, anddo they have any connections with the deceiver? after organizing his thoughts, luo yang explained in detail, aside from the cat tail tavern, there are four other shops in black gold district, covering various industries. outside of the black gold district, theres also a sizable three-story shop in a prime location in the bustling area south of the city, currently temporarily unused. in maple harbor, not long ago, 1 obtained a two-year lease for an independent dock with three berths, and theres no berthing fee. as for my connections with the deceiver, since the maple principality has been closely monitoring them, for the safety and secrecy of these properties, theyve transferred them to my name through various covert means. it can be said that, legally and on the surface, they all belong to us. listening to these words, ji chens eyes sparkled increasingly. he hadnt expected that luo yang still had so many properties under his control. not to mention the few in the black gold district, just the shop in the bustling area south of the city was worth a fortune, the kind of wealth that couldnt be acquired even with money. it seemed that luo yang also had quite exceptional business acumen. otherwise, despite the deceivers wealth, they wouldnt have entrusted such properties to a player who had only joined a few months ago. in this way, luo yang seemed to benefit from the circumstances without putting in much effort, catching several valuable targets. after thinking for a moment, ji chen added, in that case, theres no need to transfer these properties under your name. lets not attract attention from outsiders. bear in mind that 1 am the wealthy mr. zhao in public, and you are still the owner of the cat tail tavern. our relationship is that of business partners. luo yang, being a former ceo, quickly grasped the intention behind this. this was a strategy to avoid personal exposure, to manipulate things from behind the scenes, and to act under two or even multiple identities. it was a trick commonly used by the magnates on earth, and he was very familiar with it. he promptly responded, as you wish. watching ji chen and luo yang discussing various matters on the side, monkey gift and monkey gift hair were initially curious and eavesdropping with their ears perked up. however, as they continued to listen, they began to feel something was amiss. their faces gradually revealed unease and discomfort. wait a minute, youre discussing such secretive matters as if youre plotting some conspiracy, and we, unrelated bystanders, are present. cant you wait until we leave? gradually, their unease turned into fear, and their legs felt like they were about to give way. this open and legitimate appearance of conspiring, does it mean theyre going to silence us afterward? thinking back to what happened earlier sure enough, ji chen soon shifted his gaze onto them. a glint of coldness flashed in his eyes. the two monkey gifts exchanged glances and immediately knelt down, shouting loudly, mr. zhao, we want to work for you! please accept us!!! ji chens eye twitched slightly. alright, he must have misunderstood them earlier. monkeys would always end up acting like one. but, they were showing some decency now. after a moment of thought, he said slowly, from now on, youll work with luo yang. dont disappoint me. today, what youve seen and heard, i shouldnt need to say much about what you should do. remember to keep your mouths shut, or there wont be a place for you here. understood, we understand! they quickly responded. ji chen nodded and waved his hand to dismiss them. after being escorted to the gate by several burly and fierce naga berserkers, monkey gift and monkey gift hair stood in the wind feeling somewhat disoriented. suddenly, monkey gift hair said somewhat dejectedly, big brother, have we become someone elses lackeys? this seems quite different from the ambitious goals we set before. monkey gift wore a frustrated expression. does being a lackey mean we cant achieve great things? i may not like the idea of being a lackey, but it also depends on whose lackey youre becoming. didnt you see how mr.. zhao could send soldiers from the maple principality to capture us and uncle luo? with this much wealth, power, and influence, how many people would kill for the chance to be under his protection? Chapter 359 - Chapter 359: Industry Situation, Monkey Gifts’ Choice, and Information chapter 359: industry situation, monkey gifts choice, and information translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation having heard that, monkey gift hair also thought so. with the generous help of mr. zhao, they would surely make more money than those heartless natives commissions. with this thought, he felt his future life was filled with brightness and instantly became cheerful. monkey gift emphasized, since weve agreed to mr. zhao, we must watch our mouths and not reveal anything we saw today. lets work well for mr. zhao. sooner or later, well be in a position to give those who look down on us a good slap! i understand. let them know what it means not to underestimate the young and the poor!! the two walked away with their arms around each other. in a hidden corner, alice slowly withdrew her gaze and returned to the mansion. inside the mansion, ji chen looked at luo yang and asked, is there still a deceiver lurking in maple city? yes, whenever they require my assistance, theres always a representative who contacts me, luo yang explained. however, whenever they approach me, they take great precautions, wearing masks that completely conceal their identity. its impossible to determine their gender or even if theyre human. however, although ive done things for them before, ive also kept an eye on them secretly. their meeting place seems to be in maple city ji chens eyes narrowed. do you know this location? luo yang nodded. 1 know the approximate location, but not specifically. 1 dare not get too involved, afraid theyll notice if i send someone to track them. he didnt beat around the bush and said directly, draw it. upon hearing this, luo yang didnt hold back either. he took the map of maple city and a pen, drawing a circle on it. upon closer examination, it was somewhat surprising. goodness, its actually near the center of the prosperous area in the city. theres frequent patrol activity and a large number of guards and soldiers stationed there. in terms of security, its definitely one of the safest places in maple city. is this what they mean by hiding in plain sight? time was of the essence, so they had someone invite kris. ji chens mansion was not far from the elf fleets base, and the straight-line distance was only a few hundred meters. kris coming here could be considered a casual visit. soon, the heroic figure of kris appeared at the door. lord ji chen, is there something you need me for? i have a map here thats suspected to be the gathering place of the deceivers in maple city. upon hearing this, kriss face showed a hint of surprise and seriousness. she looked at luo yang, who stood aside like a subordinate, seeming to know something. she quickly took the map. after looking at the markings on the map, she was also somewhat surprised. the deceivers have the audacity to set their meeting place in such a location? the most dangerous place is often the safest place. i guess the maple principality didnt think of that. ji chen clapped his hands. kris, youd better go inform the maple principality now. otherwise, because of the events earlier, they might become paranoid and withdraw prematurely. youre right, 111 go inform them right away. kris nodded, if we can find this group of rats hiding in the sewers this time, lord ji chen, you will be the greatest hero. deceivers had always harbored hostility toward the divine races, including the elves. over thousands of years, deceivers had caused constant trouble for the elves in secret, assassinations, stirring racial disputes, inciting wars, and more. both sides have long-standing and irreconcilable blood feuds. the elves would love to exterminate these scoundrels, but the deceivers always operate in secrecy, preferring subterfuge to direct confrontation. if they could wipe out the entire deceiver presence in maple city or even most of the deceivers in the maple principality, it would be a cause for great celebration. after seeing kris off, ji chen pondered for a moment. for the next few days, stay in this mansion temporarily for safety. wait until the maple principality and the elves have thoroughly searched that area and ensured there is no danger before returning. luo yang nodded respectfully. ill follow your instructions. ji chen was quite satisfied with his attitude. abilities were secondary; the most important thing was obedience. now it seemed that luo yang was very wise. he immediately had the mansions steward escort luo yang to a secluded residence. located in the heart of maple harbor, even if the deceivers were present, they wouldnt dare to act openly here. moreover, there were quite a few soldiers patrolling in this mansion area, so there was some assurance of safety. after handling these matters, ji chen felt the exhaustion from days of travel rush over him. he stretched and instructed raymond to call him if there was anything, then went upstairs to sleep with alice. this sleep lasted until early the next morning. in the early morning. kris brought some good news. the maple principality, in collaboration with the elves stationed in maple city, successfully wiped out the gathering point of the deceivers. with the information provided by ji chen, the maple principality and the elves conducted a secret investigation in that area. in the past, when they were looking for deceivers, they always focused on areas outside the city or remote civilian areas. after all, these places had lax security and were subjectively more conducive to covert activities. the results were evident. they had always come up empty-handed when focusing on those areas. however, this time, when they shifted their focus to the prosperous central district of the city, they quickly discovered the faint traces of the deceivers and pinpointed the exact meeting location without their awareness. the outcome was clear. under the sudden joint assault by both parties, not a single deceiver managed to escape from that location. over a hundred deceivers were killed on the spot, and there were no captives. this was because, aside from those who resisted to the end and were directly killed, the rest chose to commit suicide when they saw there was no hope of escape. before their suicides, they attempted to set fires, intending to destroy any incriminating information and suspicious items inside. however, this intent was thwarted by the experienced elves who had dealt with them for a long time. they used magic to extinguish the fires in advance, securing a significant amount of highly valuable information and items. according to kris, this was the largest haul in recent years. unfortunately, not all of the deceivers operating near maple city were present at the secret gathering place. based on the information that remained, it appeared that half of the deceivers were located in a secret coastal base on the outskirts of the city, seemingly preparing for an attack plan. upon learning the exact location of the secret base, the maple kingdom and the elves promptly continued their assault. they gathered a large army and marched through the night to reach the base, even mobilizing a fleet to surround it from the sea. your excellency, we have already surrounded the deceivers secret coastal base. if all goes well, the deceivers in maple city will suffer a devastating blow and be completely annihilated! kris exclaimed excitedly. ji chen was also in high spirits. he had just provided intelligence, and now he discovered that half of their enemies had already been wiped out, while the other half was on the countdown to extinction. such an efficient rate of elimination made anyone happy. it was even more exhilarating than receiving a next-day parcel delivery! however, ji chen had a thought and inquired, can 1 go to the deceivers secret coastal base? after all, they plotted against me once, and 1 feel like 1 should bid them farewell. i dont see a problem with that. without the information you provided, we wouldnt have achieved such great results, kris replied readily. 111 go ask general brett for permission right away. kris hurriedly left and soon returned with good news. general brett welcomed ji chens participation in the operation to eliminate the deceivers at their secret coastal base. upon receiving the news, ji chen immediately led the remaining troops and joined kris, along with the final group of elves. they rushed to the destination. they reached their destination quickly. a coastal cliff. at this moment, over ten thousand soldiers from the maple kingdom and two thousand elven warriors were stationed here, surrounding the deceivers secret base built into the cliff. according to the information, this secret base not only stored a significant amount of strategic supplies and war machinery but also housed a substantial force of deceiverswar puppets. to eliminate them, a battle would be necessary.. Chapter 360 - Chapter 360: Attack, Landslide, Caught a Big Fish chapter 360: attack, landslide, caught a big fish translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation under the guidance of kris, they entered the elven army camp. to be honest, ji chen had never seen so many elves before, walking around in groups. among them, he could sense the presence of many heroic units, showcasing the depth of the elves power. these two thousand elven warriors had the strength to rival several times their number of maple principality soldiers. as ji chen observed the elves, they also secretly watched him. it wasnt until kris led ji chen into a tent that they began to whisper. who is this human? and why is he with lady kris? wow, he looks quite handsome, didnt expect to see such a handsome human. wait, did he enter commander yasens tent!? i sense a conspiracy! discussing guests is not what elves should do; everyone, return to your posts! the reprimand from the elven officer silenced the elves. ji chen followed kris into the largest tent at the center of the camp and saw the commander of this operation, yasen. when yasen saw him arrive, he greeted him with a smile. lord ji chen, its been a few days, and you still look so spirited. ji chen smiled slightly. i heard that you were able to apprehend all the deceivers of maple city so quickly. i cant afford not to be spirited. yasen smiled with a hint of gratitude in his expression. thanks to your information, we were able to locate these sewer rats and eliminate the deceivers of maple city and even the maple principality. taking advantage of the opportunity you brought, i also hope to earn some merit. 1 hope you dont mind! without your assistance, we might not have been able to defeat these deceivers. after the pleasantries, ji chen inquired about the secret base of the deceivers. this base is located within the cliffs by the sea. the deceivers have almost hollowed it out, not only creating living facilities but also constructing a large number of defensive fortifications with formidable firepower. furthermore, it is defended by over five squads of war puppets, with an average tier of 4-star tier four and an average level of 40. its not to be underestimated. although he said this, yasen didnt appear too concerned. it was clear that he had great confidence in the abilities of his elven forces. ji chen remembered yasens identity as a fleet commander and the fleet that blocked the sea. he couldnt help but ask, why not directly have the fleet bombard the cliffs to collapse the base? yasen shook his head. since the deceivers have built their base here, they probably used the eternal fortification spell to reinforce the cliffs and the bases structure. trying to bring it down with the firepower of a fleet would be too challenging. moreover, deploying firepower of this scale would require a substantial amount of resources and gold coins. the lords in the council wont approve yasen suddenly stopped and a hint of gloom crossed his face. so we can only resort to a forced attack. ji chen fell silent. was it preferable to sacrifice lives instead of spending vast resources on firepower projection? well, it seemed like the image of the elves was gradually deteriorating. after a moment, yasens expression brightened. its almost time; the attack is about to begin. lord ji chen, if you wish to join the assault, please take care of your safety. of course, ji chen replied with a slight smile. by the seaside, he might not be back to his peak condition, but he had regained at least ninety percent of his strength, enough to deal with them. outside, the sound of a longhorn echoed, and the drums of war followed suit. the entire camp came alive as elven squads formed orderly formations and marched toward the attack point. ji chen and his companions followed, arriving at the battlefield. standing on a high ground, not far away was the seaside cliff where the deceivers base was located. rather than calling it a cliff, it was more like a colossal hill standing at the edge of the sea cliff. at first glance, it seemed unremarkable, but upon closer inspection, one could see that the surface of this rugged hill was covered in caves and tunnels, interconnected and extensive. perhaps the deceivers felt it was time for a direct confrontation and had removed the camouflage spell that had previously covered the surface, exposing it. in the dimness, humanoid metal puppets moved about within, operating cannons and ballistae, ready to defend the city. it appeared they were prepared to resist to the end. the maple principality and the elves had lost all patience and quickly decided to launch their attack. between this hill and the camp, there was a muddy, narrow tidal flat that had to be crossed before reaching the hill. before crossing, the elven fleet anchored on the sea surface, under the guidance of signals, slowly turned and elevated their firing devices, aiming at the hill. there were no earth-shattering explosions, only brilliant and dazzling beams of light, even in broad daylight. streams of fiery red beams shot up into the sky, leaving trails of light in their wake as they leaped through the air, forming sharp arcs before one by one, crashing onto the hill. boom! the intense explosions finally echoed, and mushroom clouds billowed into the sky. shattered rocks flew in all directions, and the already sparse vegetation on the hillside was now completely obliterated by the bombardment. the elven fleet conducted three rounds of bombardment. when the dust settled, the hill appeared to be a scene of devastation, but in reality, it was like peeling off a layer of dead skin; the hill remained almost undamaged.. Chapter 361 - Chapter 361: Attack, Landslide, Caught a Big Fish (2) chapter 361: attack, landslide, caught a big fish (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation as the bombardment raged on, the deceiver had already taken refuge deep within. despite three rounds of firepower that could plow the ground, only a small portion of the exposed defensive apparatus was destroyed, and there were hardly any casualties among the personnel. it could be said that these three rounds of seemingly formidable bombardment had very little actual killing effect. but this was never meant for killing; it was a cover! little did they know that as the elven fleet launched the first round of attacks, the maple principalitys army and the elves began their assault, surging toward the mudflats like a tidal wave, heading for the hill. by the time three rounds of bombardment had passed, they had already crossed half of the mudflats and were only two to three hundred meters away from the hill. at this moment, the deceiver had returned to their various positions, ready to counterattack. a massive alchemical cannon concealed in a cave, its firing port hidden by vegetation and camouflage, suddenly erupted in flames. within the flames, a half-meter-diameter spherical shell was propelled out, exploding directly in the midst of the advancing soldiers. the massive explosion engulfed them, sending them flying high like rag dolls. after the intense explosion, countless shards of metal and metal fragments shot out from the smoke and flames at a speed beyond the naked eye, leaving behind gruesome wounds on the soldiers. the air was suddenly filled with a dense mist of blood, staining the mud red. seeing this scene, the soldiers felt a chill in their hearts, but they didnt stop and continued to charge forward with their weapons in hand. to stop meant death; moving forward still offered a glimmer of hope! bombs and arrows fell like raindrops, but they couldnt halt the advance of the soldiers. soon, the maple principality launched a counterattack. dozens of small airships appeared in the rear, each equipped with multiple ballistae. these small airships rapidly approached from the sky and unleashed a volley of fire against the exposed positions. due to the angle of the weaponry, the deceiver couldnt effectively target the agile and maneuverable airships, leaving them to be pounded. before long, dozens of firing positions fell silent. with the reduction in firepower, the attacking soldiers below became even more audacious. they finally crossed the mudflats and entered the caves and tunnels at the base of the hill. yasen, who was commanding from the rear, wore a grave expression on his face. the real battle had just begun. the first wave of maple principality soldiers that entered the interior of the hill quickly became lost in the winding and complex caves, not knowing which path to take and splitting up to explore and search. in the darkness, humanoid metal war golems revealed their forms. four metal arms extended from their backs, each wielding a weapon. familiar with this place, they launched surprise attacks from the darkness, causing significant casualties among the unsuspecting soldiers. for a moment, the cave echoed with intense combat and screams. of course, these were all soldiers from the maple principality; the elven warriors remained outside the cave, guarding its entrance. ji chen didnt choose to intervene. the crown of the oceans forces by his side numbered just over four hundred units at full strength, which wasnt enough for a full-scale assault. at the moment, he stood at a safe distance, observing the battlefields developments. the battle seemed fierce at the moment. the maple principality used airships to suppress the deceivers firepower while continuously deploying troops for the attack, resulting in apparent heavy losses. however, in reality, the maple principalitys soldiers and their coordination were undoubtedly superior to these war golems. as more and more soldiers entered the caves, the advantage of the deceivers side would gradually diminish in the face of both numerical superiority and strength. over the past couple of days, ji chen also learned about the deceivers organizational structure. within the deceivers ranks, their level of authority and rank was primarily determined by the color and pattern of their masks. the iron masks were the lowest level and also the most numerous. the silver masks were in the middle management and often served as leaders for various principalities and kingdoms. above them were the gold masks, which clearly belonged to the upper echelons of management. each gold mask oversaw the affairs of several principalities, kingdoms, or even an entire empire. masks not only represented rank but also strength. the higher the rank of the mask, the stronger the individual behind it. if one were to go even higher in rank, there was said to be the creator of the deceivers, the one who wears a black mask. however, it was quite regrettable that no one had ever seen them to this day. in fact, its not even known whether it was been the same person beneath the black mask for thousands of years. its an extreme mystery. apart from these, there are some special masks that exist. from what it appears, the deceiver with the silver mask who commanded the mountain trolls to surround ji chen that day was probably the leader of the maple principality. if they could capture that individual, it would indeed be a significant achievement. however, so far, there hadnt been any sign of the deceivers showing up; it was only the war golems in combat. now, he was quite curious about how they planned to break through, or if, like the deceivers in the city, they would choose to commit suicide to protect their secrets. the entire hill and base were thoroughly blockaded, and no matter how one looked at it, it seemed like an unsolvable deadlock. as ji chen gazed at the hill, which had a vast stretch of ocean surrounding it, a thought suddenly crossed his mind. could they be planning to escape from the direction of the ocean? he looked into the distance. not all of the elven fleet had arrived; only eight warships were anchored. their firepower was sufficient to seal off the sea surface. if the deceivers werent foolish, they probably wouldnt attempt to break out forcefully from the sea surface. but ji chens gaze slowly shifted to beneath the sea surface. could they be choosing to quietly depart from underwater? this idea seemed increasingly plausible. the elven fleet certainly had alchemical devices for detecting underwater targets, but they could only detect depths of one or two hundred meters at most. even with added spells, in most cases, they could only explore depths of two to three hundred meters. at depths below 500 meters in the ocean, for most races, its a restricted area. water pressure and light are insurmountable obstacles. but for ji chen, who possessed many underwater shelters, it felt like returning home, with no difficulty at all. he could enter or exit as he pleased. the more he thought about it, the more ji chen felt the need to investigate. he immediately led his troops to the seaside, entered the ocean, and dispersed the remaining 400 units of his army in a spider-web pattern, starting to search the surrounding waters of the hill. they stayed on the sea surface, waiting silently. however, as time passed, the search yielded no results. ji chen began to doubt whether he had over thought things. perhaps the deceivers didnt have the capability to escape underwater. boom! at that moment, a tremendous roar suddenly echoed in his ears. his gaze filled with shock, and he turned to look. the hill had exploded. the hill that couldnt be destroyed even by the elven fleets bombardment was now shaking like it had experienced a magnitude twelve earthquake. it collapsed in all directions, massive boulders the size of houses rolled down from the mountain and crashed into the sea, creating towering waves. thick smoke billowed from various cave entrances. right before his eyes, the entire hill had dropped dozens of meters. the extent of this collapse couldnt possibly have been caused by an external force; it had to be the power generated from within. the deceivers had actually blown up the entire hill from the inside! he gasped, feeling a chill run down his spine. this would have buried countless soldiers and elves. how brutal! at this moment, one of the naga berserkers in his sensory range suddenly lost contact. ji chen was taken aback, his expression turning joyful. looks like the fish had bit the bait! he immediately called for alice and benbo to gather all the troops and rushed to the scene. the seawater carried their bodies, propelling them rapidly through the ocean. arriving at a cliff located about five to six hundred meters deep in the water, they quickly spotted the deceivers engaged in a fierce battle with the ocean crown troops who had arrived earlier. at a quick glance, there were at least four or five hundred of them. leading them was the silver masked deceiver who had crossed paths with ji chen before. seeing this, ji chen couldnt help but be overjoyed. this was like catching a big fish! he squinted at them. whether the masks were attached to their faces or not, they all wore masks even underwater. these deceivers were wrapped in a layer of white membrane that seemed to isolate water pressure and provide oxygen. the source of all this was a glowing treasure held in the hands of the silver masked deceiver. at this moment, the silver masked deceiver also spotted ji chen and fury surged in their eyes. so, its this filthy divine patron!!! Chapter 362 - Chapter 362: Enlargement, Rampage, Expected Gains chapter 362: enlargement, rampage, expected gains translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation damn it! the recent explosion that razed the hill was, of course, his masterpiece. the chaos it created was meant to provide cover for their escape through underwater means, evading the blockade of the elven fleet. but little did they know, as soon as they emerged from the secret passage of the base, they ran into a naga berserker charging straight at them, seemingly materializing out of nowhere. just as they dealt with it, more naga berserkers and dragon blood murlocs appeared, entangling them in this predicament. it wasnt until he saw that detestable face that he realized it was the detestable divine patrons army. now, the silver masked deceiver was grinding his teeth, wishing he could tear them to shreds. seeing the silver masked deceiver glaring at him, his anger almost overflowing, ji chen couldnt help but raise a faint smirk. his earlier frustration from being outwitted had also slightly diminished in his heart. however, ji chen was someone who held grudges, and this wasnt enough! now that youve stepped into my territory, i must host you properly. he gave a mocking smile and slowly raised his right hand. the silver masked deceiver watched this scene, a sense of unease flashing in his heart. in the next moment, he suddenly felt the surrounding seawater violently compressing the white membrane around him, and the treasure in his hand began to flicker madly. his expression changed drastically. if this white membrane were to break, they would likely run out of oxygen soon, and they might even be crushed into meat patties by the water pressure at this depth. damn it! this despicable divine patron! not killing him back then was probably the most serious mistake he had ever made in his life. there was no time to think too much. the silver masked deceiver immediately led the other iron masked deceivers in a hasty retreat, rapidly ascending. ji chen didnt stop them, just watching with mockery. his left hand also slowly lifted, gathering a more formidable magical power. relying on their treasures, the deceivers ascended rapidly, and as they saw the light getting closer and closer to the surface, a glimmer of hope appeared in their eyes. but they quickly noticed something was amiss. why was their ascent speed increasing, so much so that it was becoming difficult to control? they attempted to slow down their ascent by manipulating their treasures, but it had no effect. looking downward, they saw a powerful, substantial current pushing them upwards. moreover, the speed was increasing rapidly. the deceivers gazed at the rapidly approaching sea surface, and hope in their eyes turned to a shade of despair. boom! ahhhhh! hundreds of objects burst out of the sea, propelled into the air by inertia, their eyes wide with terror as they looked at the approaching blue sky. the deceivers flailed their limbs frantically, emitting the most frightened screams of their lives. once the inertia was depleted, they plummeted from a height of several dozen meters into the sea, creating a series of massive water columns. falling into the sea from such a height was no different from crashing onto a stone floor directly, and most of the deceivers perished instantly. only the silver masked deceiver let out a furious roar, his body suddenly expanding into a giant standing five or six meters tall. he crashed into the sea, sending up a spray of waves, but a moment later, he resurfaced, covered in injuries, and stared furiously at the sea not far away. looking at the bodies of his subordinates floating on the surrounding sea surface, a trace of sorrow welled up in his heart. most of the organizations manpower in the entire maple principality was lost here. even if he survived as the leader, he would still face the organizations retribution, and by then, he might as well be dead. at this moment, the sea not far away churned, and ji chens figure slowly emerged. he seemed to be standing on the sea surface as if it were solid ground, a faint smile on his face. this smile pierced deep into the silver masked deceivers heart, nearly causing him to lose his sanity in an instant. all of this was thanks to him!!! this bastard divine patron must be killed this time for sure!!! roar! as a giant, the mask on his face had shattered, revealing a withered and haggard face underneath. his eyes, filled with bloodshot veins, overflowed with a vigorous intent to kill. [deceiver duanbi] [race]: human [status]: giant transformation [level]: 45 [skills]: giant transformation, strength, impact resistance, combat recovery, metallization [the leader of the deceiver organization in the maple principality, in his giant form, possesses extraordinary strength] level 45? a flicker of interest crossed ji chens face as he glanced at his current level. after a series of battles with the mountain trolls earlier, thousands of them had provided a substantial amount of experience, pushing his level to 39, just a few steps away from the level 40 milestone. now, lets use this silver masked deceiver as the stepping stone for him to reach level 40. he squinted his eyes. the giant could no longer hold back, leaping forcefully out of the sea like a missile. a brilliant metallic gleam flickered on its enormous fist, and a fierce gust of wind stirred countless water vapors as it surged forward. duanbi watched as ji chen remained motionless despite the approaching danger. a great joy filled his heart, and a sinister smile appeared on his face as if he could already envision ji chen being smashed into a pulp beneath his fist. if he could kill this formidable divine patron, it might make up for some of his responsibility. but then he saw ji chen slowly reveal a smile, raising his right hand and conjuring a thin water shield in front of him. this infuriated him even more.. what a joke!? Chapter 363 - Chapter 363: Enlargement, Rampage, Expected Gains (2) chapter 363: enlargement, rampage, expected gains (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation can such a thin water shield withstand his punch? the power behind this punch, he had practiced it for a full thirty years!! no matter what, this divine patron must die. blinking his eyes, his fist collided with the water shield, and duanbis face changed dramatically because he felt like his fist had hit a bundle of cotton, and all the force dissipated, causing no harm. subconsciously, he tried to retract his arm but found it stuck as if glued and couldnt free it. watching ji chens unchanged smile, he suddenly felt a chill in his heart. wait he was about to say something when he was struck by a massive hammer. his several meters tall body flew backwards as if it had lost all its weight, spraying blood and a few teeth in the air. with a thud, he plunged into the sea and didnt resurface for a long time, as if he had died directly under this blow. frowning at this scene, ji chen released his spiritual power. soon, he spotted duanbi desperately swimming using a doggy paddle technique, a few hundred meters away in the ocean. trying to escape? ji chen raised his hands, and a vast amount of mana poured out. a massive hand of water, thick and strong, suddenly rose from the sea in the distance, clutching duanbi who was struggling ceaselessly. compared to this massive hand, duanbi, who was five or six meters tall, looked as thin as a twig. ji chen waved his hand lightly, and duanbi was brought in front of him by the giant hand. he said calmly, do you still want to continue the fight? even in this situation, duanbi still had a face full of hatred and resentment, his eyes as if wanting to devour ji chen alive. this deceiver had indeed been brainwashed quite effectively. ji chen sighed inwardly and didnt intend to continue playing with him. he was about to crush him with a single slap. but then, there came an anxious shout. hold on, dont kill him! ji chen furrowed his brows slightly and turned to look. yasen arrived in a small airship not far away. seeing ji chens furrowed brows, he quickly said, your excellency, 1 dont want to steal your credit. i will report everything youve done today truthfully. no one can take away your contributions. in fact, capturing a silver mask deceiver alive is more valuable than killing him. please hand him over to us, and we will definitely give you a satisfactory outcome! yasen spoke very earnestly, lowering his posture significantly. strength spoke for everything. if he were dealing with a weaker individual, he wouldnt be this polite. however, he had just witnessed ji chen crush the enemy with absolute strength, and that imposing demeanor was enough to deter everyone and gain his complete approval. at least, he felt that facing this giant-sized silver mask deceiver wouldnt be so easy and comfortable. ji chen glanced at yasen, and his brow slowly relaxed. very well, 111 leave him to you. upon hearing this, yasen breathed a sigh of relief. he was genuinely afraid that ji chen would refuse, which would have made things very difficult. choosing between the friendship and goodwill of a strong ally and a living silver mask deceiver who could provide a wealth of information, yasen would probably choose the former. but it would still be a somewhat painful decision. yasen understood that ji chen was extending a favor to him, and he couldnt help but feel a sense of gratitude in his heart. he knew that this silver mask deceiver had designed traps and schemes to frame ji chen, even posing a threat to his life with a substantial portion of his forces. to hand over such an enemy so readily was a testament to the friendship between their elves and ji chen. the massive hand suddenly exerted force, and duanbi spurted out a mouthful of blood, looking dejected. he was forcibly returned to his normal size from his giant form. then, ji chen tossed him onto the airship like garbage. the elves and soldiers on board quickly checked duanbis condition. upon learning that he was not in mortal danger, they also showed gratitude. for them, letting duanbi die like this would be too merciful. the recent collapse of the hills had buried many of their comrades, and only by subjecting him to the most excruciating torment could they ease their hearts. ji chen merely nodded in response. originally, he had contemplated dealing with duanbi directly to vent his frustration. however, upon realizing that duanbi was not just any deceiver but the leader responsible for the silver mask deceivers in the maple principality, he changed his mind. after today, he, as someone directly or indirectly involved in resolving the majority of the deceivers in the maple principality, would undoubtedly draw the attention of the deceivers. given their recent behavior and their obsession with revenge, or what they called his divine patron identity, it was evident that as long as he remained on the continent, deceivers would pose a continuous threat, both openly and covertly. ji chen was not one to sit idly by. but the enemy that scared him wasnt the deceivers themselves; it was the unknown aspect of the enemy. so, it was better to collaborate with the elves and the maple principality, who had been in a long-term battle against the deceivers, to gain more insights into this mysterious organization. as the saying goes, know thy self, know thy enemy. a thousand battles, a thousand victories. i hope that after you extract useful information from him, you will share it with the crown of the ocean, yasen readily agreed, of course, without your intervention, these deceivers might have escaped. its only right and proper, ji chen replied with a slight nod. he casually inquired, how is the situation at the deceivers base? yasen sighed, a bitter expression on his face as he looked at the unconscious duanbi, a hint of resentment in his eyes. that lunatic used several battalions of war puppets as bait to lure our soldiers into the caves, then triggered the pre-buried explosives to collapse all the entrances and exits, causing heavy casualties among our troops. currently, there are at least three thousand maple principality soldiers and a thousand elven warriors trapped inside. due to the complexity of the caves, we cant even pinpoint their exact locations. in addition, theyve buried a vast amount of strategic supplies, war machinery, and wealth plundered from various locations in the maple principality. its as if theyd rather bury it than let us have it, damn it! hearing about the strategic supplies and war machinery, ji chen immediately perked up and asked with great interest, a vast amount of supplies? does it include rare resources? yasen found the question a bit strange but decided to answer truthfully, it must include some. previously, these deceivers had plundered a batch of rare resources intended for overseas shipment. judging from the resources they left behind in maple city, these rare resources were temporarily stored in this base. if it werent for this surprise attack, they might have moved them away. lord ji chen, may i ask why youre inquiring about this? i mean, i can help you retrieve these buried supplies and assist in rescuing the trapped soldiers. is that true?! yasen was almost jumping with excitement, his face flushed. it wasnt surprising that he was so excited. the scarcity of the elven population was well-known, and these one thousand elven warriors represented almost a quarter of the total elven population stationed in the maple principality. if they were to lose a thousand elven warriors in one fell swoop, even in victory, as the commander of this offensive, it would be considered a pyrrhic victory. he would undoubtedly face direct accountability from the council, and he might not even retain his position. as the highest-ranking commander of the fifth fleet, yasen quickly regained his composure. he spoke earnestly, if you can rescue our soldiers, we will offer these rare resources as a token of gratitude to you. furthermore, the various strategic supplies and war machinery stored inside will be distributedwith forty percent going to you! yasen had risen to the position of the highest-ranking commander of the fifth fleet not only due to his strength but also because of his keen sense of self-interest. he knew there was no such thing as a free lunch. since ji chen had taken the initiative to offer his assistance, it was highly likely that he had set his sights on what was inside. therefore, instead of waiting for ji chen to reveal his intentions, yasen thought it was better to proactively propose an arrangement. listening to this, ji chen didnt hesitate and nodded in acknowledgment. however, yasen seemed more agreeable to him now. young man, it seems you know how to handle things. a batch of rare resources along with a forty percent share of strategic resources and war machinery was more than enough to compensate for the losses incurred during this expedition.. Chapter 364 - Chapter 364: My Drill Can Pierce the Heavens chapter 364: my drill can pierce the heavens translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation this journey, aside from expending some energy, hadnt resulted in much loss. the troops that suffered casualties could mostly be resurrected at the resurrection altar, and the resources spent were just a small fraction of what were about to gain. after yasens promise, he couldnt help but wonder, your excellency, may i ask how you plan to rescue the trapped soldiers inside? ji chen revealed a mysterious smile and, as if walking on calm waters, made his way to the hill. he casually chose an entrance and went in. yasen and the others, although puzzled, followed behind. after entering the cave for several dozen meters, they found the path blocked by collapsed rocks and mud. some elven warriors were vigorously digging with various tools, but their low-efficiency excavation methods had a minimal effect on the magically reinforced rocks. seeing ji chen and yasen enter, they stopped their activities and saluted yasen. lord yasen. then, with a solemn expression, they saluted ji chen, their eyes carrying a hint of gratitude. they all knew about ji chens feat of capturing the deceivers who had intended to escape secretly. ji chen waved his hand and asked, whats the current situation? one of the elven warriors looked at yasen first, receiving his nod of approval, before responding, due to the deceivers long-term use of the eternal fortification spell to continuously reinforce the mountains structure, the hastily placed explosives did not completely demolish the hill. the actual explosion only affected the surface caves and some interior spaces. so, apart from some soldiers who were crushed by falling rocks, a considerable number are trapped in the deeper caves. we dare not use explosives for clearing out of fear that it might trigger further collapses. but with the current excavation efficiency, its unlikely our brothers inside can hold out until we break through. the biggest problem at the moment is that we have no way of knowing where our comrades are trapped. ji chen nodded slightly. although the situation was more challenging than he had anticipated, it was still within his control. amid the elves astonishment, he slowly raised his right hand, gathering magical power. soon, they heard the sound of rushing water. just as they thought it was an illusion, a floating stream of water slithered into the cave like a serpent. following ji chens gestures, it seeped into the cracks in the rocks. water could be tangible or intangible. it could become a cutting blade under ji chens control, slicing through enemies. alternatively, it could return to its gentle nature under his command. waters exceptional malleability was one of its greatest advantages. by attaching his spiritual power to water, it became a flexible method of exploration, capable of delving into places that were typically difficult to reach. under his control, the water flowed through crevices and hollows, turned corners, and even flowed upwards. soon, his gaze focused on something. seeing this, yasen, who had his heart in his throat, couldnt help but ask, how is it going? ji chen withdrew his mental power slightly and replied, in the depths of this passage, there are indeed dozens of elven warriors trapped, but the situation doesnt look good. many of the elves are injured. yasens eyes brightened momentarily, but his brow furrowed again. a new challenge had arisen. although they had found the trapped soldiers, how could they rescue them as quickly as possible? feeling the gaze of yasen and the group of elves, ji chen smiled faintly. the water stream retracted, and its front end condensed into a massive drill bit with grooves covering its surface, almost equivalent to the diameter of the cave. the formerly pliable water had transformed into a solid, and the drill bit began rotating, drilling into the obstructing rocks with a thunderous roar. ordinary tools like pickaxes and mattocks were fragile compared to this water-turned drill bit. broken pieces of rock and soil were continuously brought out by the grooves on the drill bit, forming a layer of debris on the ground. dont just stand there. take these excavated rocks and soil outside, dont block the way here. also, reinforce the excavated passage to prevent a secondary collapse. ji chens words woke up the stunned elves, who nodded in a hurry and began clearing the debris. they also inserted wooden stakes into the sides and the top of the passage for support. their minds were filled with astonishment. could there be such a technique? watching them in their dumbfounded state, ji chen felt a rare sense of superiority over the people of this unfamiliar world, especially the elves who considered themselves powerful and civilized. if a player were here, they would surely exclaim, isnt this a drilling machine? through ji chens condensation and manipulation, he had essentially created a simplified version of the device, consisting only of the drill bit. everything else relied on manual operation. this was an organic combination of modern scientific theory and the fantastical magic of this otherworld. the difference was that the energy source for his drill was magic, whereas on earth, it would have been diesel fuel. the water, empowered by his magic, became incredibly hard, even more resilient than metal. it had a highly efficient performance in excavating rocks and soil. due to the nature of water, the drill bit didnt need to consider issues of wear and tear at all. yasen watched the water drill bit vigorously rotating under ji chens control, and there was a hint of amazement in his eyes. how clever! your excellency, you truly surprise me. it seems youve seen something similar before? yasen smiled and nodded as if recalling something. although the form of this drill bit is somewhat different, it does bear a striking resemblance to our elven ironwood drilling device or the drilling tools used for alchemical mining. at the very least, they are quite similar in appearance. Chapter 365 - Chapter 365: My Drill Can Pierce the Heavens (2) chapter 365: my drill can pierce the heavens (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation but compared to both, whether its a metal drill bit or an enchanted solid wood drill bit, your water drill bit clearly has more advantages. unfortunately, this is created with your mana and not technology, a product of nature and magic. nonetheless, it provides us with a fresh perspective. perhaps the imperial research institute can explore in this direction, to see if we can cultivate drilling materials that can transition between liquid and solid states and possess considerable elasticity. in these words, he felt yasans praise and, at the same time, his own display of technology. so, do the elves also have similar mining equipment? yasan was momentarily stunned, then said, of course, every elven mine is equipped with similar excavation devices; otherwise, with the low efficiency of manual labor, we wouldnt be able to meet the empires vast mineral needs. ji chen nodded. alchemy technology in this fantasy world was quite advanced. although the paths to realization were quite different, the level of technology displayed in certain aspects was not inferior to that of earth. the water drill bit dug at a very fast pace. between ji chen and yasans conversation, it had advanced dozens of meters, a speed hundreds of times faster than manual excavation. a little over ten minutes later. after the water drill bit broke through a layer of rubble, the sense of obstruction suddenly disappeared, and it drilled into an empty space. ji chen had an idea and transformed the drill bit back into water. before him appeared an undamaged cavity, inside which dozens of elven warriors were looking at him excitedly. someone has finally come to rescue us. 1 thought we were going to die here. wait, is that lord yasan behind you? is it lord yasan who personally came to save us!? these elven warriors subconsciously looked at yasan standing in the background, ignoring ji chen in the front. yasans face changed slightly at this and scolded, it was lord ji chen who saved you. hurry up and thank him. at his words, they were slightly taken aback but quickly said, lord ji chen, thank you very much for your assistance. please forgive our earlier offense. ji chen waved his hand indifferently; he was getting used to the elves pride. after all, this rescue was essentially a transaction, and there was no need to overthink it. he just asked, are there any more elves or imperial soldiers trapped further in? one of the elves immediately replied, after going several tens of meters deeper, this cave will split into two paths. a group of warriors is trapped in the left fork, while the deepest part of the right fork is a storage room for the deceiver. a storage room? ji chens heart stirred, but he knew that rescuing people was the priority now, not looting. lets continue digging, and have the injured elven warriors leave first. yasan nodded, then turned to the elves following him and said, you take the injured warriors out, and the rest of you, continue to assist lord ji chen in moving rubble and clearing the path. yes! after all the elves inside had come out, yasan said to ji chen, my lord, lets continue. ji chen nodded slightly and condensed the water drill bit again to resume digging. after digging another thirty to forty meters, a fork in the cave appeared before them. without wasting any time, they followed the left path as described by the elves earlier. at this point, the passage was beginning to slope downward. the collapse of the upper rock layers didnt seem to have a severe impact here, just some rubble blocking the path. they could faintly hear the elves inside digging in the opposite direction. ji chen didnt stop the water drill, nor was he afraid that it might harm the people behind him who were also digging. he had great confidence in his control. inside, the elves were sweating profusely as they dug through the rubble, but suddenly, they heard a strange humming sound. wait, did any of you hear something strange? did you? youre not trapped here and experiencing auditory hallucinations, are you? youve lost your mind even before getting out. um, 1 think i heard it too, like the sound of some kind of drilling machine. nonsense! even if lord yasan were to bring an alchemical drilling machine from elsewhere, it would take at least half a month, and how much time has passed now? not even half a day! if its true, ill give you all my secret stash money after we get out! at this moment, they listened carefully again and indeed, there was no strange humming sound anymore; it had turned into a distinct rumbling noise. soon, the noise grew louder, and the pile of rubble in front of them was suddenly knocked away, revealing a massive aqua-blue drill bit. just inches away from the elf who had sworn there was no unusual sound, it came to a slow stop, startling him backward, and nearly causing him to lose his soul. the drill bit transformed into water, revealing a rather handsome human male behind it. this human male cast a glance at them and said to the ones behind him, found them, a small group of elves, not more or less. as they emerged from the cave, ji chen looked up at the sky; it was midday. turning his gaze, there was only this one cave passage they had cleared so far, but there were at least dozens more like it, each trapping soldiers. it seemed like they would spend the whole day here, but the thought of the rewards that awaited him afterward filled him with motivation. there was no time to lose. under yasans guidance, they found the next collapsed cave. it was a repetition of the same process. first, he attached his psychic power to the water flow, then he drilled into the crevices to investigate if anyone was trapped inside. if they were, he would condense water drills to clear the way; otherwise, he would leave it aside for now. sometimes during the excavation, they discovered many elves and soldiers crushed by the collapsed rocks. without ji chens powerful control, the high-speed spinning drill could have torn the bodies apart, splattering blood and flesh everywhere. each time they found the body of an elven warrior, yasans face grew darker. however, as the elf had mentioned earlier, the deceiver had underestimated the strength of the cave structure, which had been reinforced multiple times by the elves. the hastily placed explosives didnt cause a severe collapse. experienced warriors quickly found sturdy structures as they sensed imminent collapses. as they dug deeper, although many were injured, most of them had survived. thanks to ji chens efficient drilling speed, more and more elven warriors and soldiers were rescued, seeing the light of day again. outside the cave, news about ji chen began to spread among the saved elven warriors and soldiers. without exception, they felt deeply grateful to the person who had rescued them from the pitch-dark cave. of course, ji chen only learned about this after he had come out. at this moment, he was still inside the pitch-black cave, working the drill like a miner, hoping to strike the ore (meaning the elves and soldiers). soon, another cave was opened, and another group of elves and soldiers were rescued. ji chen waved his hand, dispersing the water drill. his breath was somewhat rapid and heavy. sustaining the drill for an extended period and keeping it spinning at high speed was quite mana-consuming. however, at the same time, his control over mana and water was gradually strengthening. his mana output became more precise and efficient, with fewer unnecessary losses. if he had been careless with his spending before, it was now a matter of optimizing every expenditure. efficiency in mana utilization greatly increased. ji chen had a sudden flash of insight and came up with an idea. could he simultaneously create two, three, or even more water drills and have them work together? wouldnt that significantly improve efficiency? excited by this idea, he decided to give it a try later. once his mana was sufficiently replenished. he condensed the water drill once again. this time, not just one, but two. creating them individually was a breeze; he could easily form a hundred or a thousand. however, making them move in a coordinated manner was a challenging task.. Chapter 366 - Chapter 366: Multi chapter 366: multi-tasking, soldiers actions, the lonely red dot translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat tran station under ji chens control, two water drills slowly took shape. he placed his mental focus on them, causing them to rotate and operate simultaneously. instantly, he felt the difficulty of controlling them increase several-fold. but he didnt stop at two. after getting used to it for a while, ji chens mind conjured a third water drill, attaching his mental power to it as well, and it began rotating too. the difficulty increased several-fold once again. his mental power felt the pressure of having to control three drills at once. one would stop inadvertently, while another would spin too fast. however, ji chen seemed to find joy in this challenge. he worked hard to control them, making them operate at the same rhythm and cooperate with each other. this was different from alices mental manipulation. alice used the inherent intelligence of monsters as a foundation to bewitch and control them, essentially controlling the spirits of these creatures and making them follow their original consciousness to fight. it had a material basis. but ji chens current operation was about giving inanimate objects that he had condensed from water a certain degree of self-operation capability. it was akin to making lifeless things move on their own, and the difficulty was not even on the same level. under his diligent efforts, his control gradually improved, and it didnt feel as challenging as before. the three water drills could now operate perfectly simultaneously. during excavation, they could also look out for each other and coordinate, even performing both self-rotation and revolution at the same time, greatly increasing their digging efficiency. vaguely, ji chen felt that he could condense more water drills, but the current situation clearly didnt allow for more. the combined force of the three water drills had already blocked the entire cave entrance. under the astonished gazes of yasen and his team, the three water drills went all out. the obstructing rocks were like paper, easily broken through, and the entrance to the cave swung open. efficiency had increased by more than ten times compared to before. as a military commander who had come to power through martial force, yasen may not have been a spellcaster, but from the beginning to now, he had some understanding of how difficult it was to simultaneously control three independently operating and cooperating drills. this was a display of control over magic power and a manifestation of tremendous mental strength. in his heart, yasen had a greater appreciation for ji chen. at this moment, he suddenly noticed ji chens actions coming to a halt, with a somewhat dazed look on his face. he couldnt help but ask, your excellency, whats wrong? nothing, just feeling a bit tired, ji chen coughed lightly, but he was quite perplexed in his mind. upon hearing this, yasen tactfully said, then take a break for now, dont exhaust yourself due to excessive use of magic power.1 ji chen nodded and dispersed the water drills with a wave of his hand. he leaned against the rocky wall and closed his eyes as if resting, but his mind was still open to system notifications. just moments ago, he suddenly received a system notification in his ear. ding- due to your attempts and development, you have comprehended a new skill: multitasking (purple skill). ??? what just happened? how did he suddenly comprehend a purple skill? he opened the panel to find this new skill. [multitasking (purple skill): can infuse mental energy into several condensed objects, granting them a certain degree of autonomous action capability]. although the comprehension was somewhat sudden, ji chen quickly recognized the enormous potential of this skill. as the name and description implied, multitasking allowed him to grant a certain degree of autonomous action capability to several objects he had condensed. today, he had condensed the form of water drills. that meant he could also condense humanoid water warriors. if he attached his mental power to them, similar to how he controlled the water drills, according to the skills description, it wouldnt take long for them to become warriors capable of autonomous combat. he pondered deeply. this appearance was somewhat like sea heir. all the water warriors he had condensed were indirectly controlled by him, fearless in the face of life and death. however, the specific usage and level of strength required would only become clear after he had conducted precise experiments. ji chen opened his eyes and continued with the excavation. under his efforts, blocked caves and passages were dug open one by one, and trapped individuals were rescued. soon, thousands of elves and soldiers had gathered in the camp on the high ground by the marshes. it wasnt until the last collapsed cave was opened, and the final group of elves was rescued, that ji chen let out a heavy sigh of relief. exiting the cave, he looked up at the sky. a bright moon hung high, and it was already evening. from early morning until now, he had been digging, exhausting his magic power, then recovering, and exhausting it again, repeating this cycle at least six or seven times. at this moment, he felt more drained than ever, as if his body had been emptied. but when he thought about the gains he could obtain from this effort, he suddenly felt a sense of fulfillment. working hard and exhausting oneself for resources were all worth it! yasen, who had been by his side throughout the process, also had a hint of weariness on his face. he was busy commanding the removal of rubble and transporting the rescued injured soldiers, which was not an easy task. however, seeing that most of the trapped elves had been rescued, he couldnt help but relax internally. seeing that it was getting late, yasen spoke to ji chen. your excellency, its quite late now. this place is quite a distance from maple city and maple harbor. how about resting here for the night in the temporary camp? its a good opportunity to continue excavating the remaining caves tomorrow and uncover rhe deceivers various storage rooms. after a moment of consideration, ji chen nodded in agreement. following yasens lead, they crossed rhe now-tide-covered marshes and arrived at the temporary camp on the nearby high ground. however, what surprised them was. Chapter 367 - Chapter 367: Multi chapter 367: multi-tasking, soldiers actions, the lonely red dot (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the camp was brightly lit, with thousands of elves and soldiers from the principality gathered in the central square. even some lightly wounded soldiers stood there, some with bandages and crutches. all eyes were on them, or rather, on ji chen. just as yasen was about to get angry, an elven officer ran over and whispered a few words in his ear. yasens face showed some surprise, but he still nodded and looked over. ji chen seemed to sense something and walked a few steps forward, coming in front of the many soldiers. silently, the soldiers of the maple principality made a gesture of respect, clenching their right fists and thumping them against their left chests, bending their waists to ji chen. likewise, the elves bowed their heads in a solemn military salute to ji chen, their eyes filled with gratitude. at this moment, they finally recognized ji chen. if it werent for ji chens intervention, most of them would probably have been trapped inside, swallowed by those pitch-black, lightless caves. they also knew that ji chen not only saw through the deceivers plan to escape in secret but also captured one of the silver-masked deceivers, preventing this gang of troublemakers from escaping. so they spontaneously gathered to express their gratitude to ji chen. brave warriors could fearlessly face life and death on the battlefield, but straightforward words of affection are probably hard to come by. they could only express their feelings in this solemn manner. on the other hand, players who were involved in logistics work within the army couldnt believe what they were seeing. in their eyes, the usually proud elves and soldiers of the principality were actually bowing their heads to a human? and it wasnt just one or two of them. under the bright moonlight and amidst the blazing fires, over a thousand elves and more than seven thousand principality soldiers lowered their heads, creating a sea of bowed heads. it was a truly breathtaking sight. this moment would be etched in their memories forever. seeing this, ji chens emotions stirred like ripples, but he didnt say anything, just nodded slowly. as if it were a signal, the elves and soldiers of the principality raised their heads one after another. yasen took the opportunity to say, besides those on alert and patrol duty, everyone else can go back and rest. then, he smiled at ji chen and said, your excellency, youve had a tiring day. please rest in your tent for a while; dinner will be delivered soon. ji chen didnt say anything, just nodded, and followed an elven officer to the central part of the camp, where a large tent was set up. your excellency ji chen, this is your tent. if you need anything, feel free to order me. the elven officers demeanor was extremely respectful, speaking with the attitude of someone addressing a superior. ji chen recognized him; this elven officer seemed to be one of those he had rescued from the cave. he smiled and nodded in response. after the elven officer left, he began to examine the tent. as an elf, even in a temporary tent, the decoration was still very luxurious and elegant. tables, chairs, cabinets, flower-patterned carpets C all of it showcased the elves refined aesthetic sense. there was even a faint floral fragrance in the air. in two words: upper-class! a few minutes later, the elven officer pushed a food cart in and placed exquisite dishes on the table, a feast for the senses. it was rumored that when the elven army went on a campaign, they would bring along a whole team of chefs skilled in various cuisines for the nobility and officers to enjoy during wartime. now it seemed to be true. after enjoying dinner, he quickly went to sleep. the next morning. refreshed, ji chen once again transformed into a miner and continued digging, clearing one blocked storage room after another. the deceivers resources were incredibly abundant. even if it was just the base of a principality, it stored a vast amount of supplies, piled up like mountains, enough to support the consumption of a medium-sized battle. according to the information left behind, the deceivers in maple city had indeed been planning to launch an attack on the city, in collaboration with the mountain trolls. for this purpose, they had secretly transported a considerable amount of resources and equipment from other regions, hoping to gain the benefits they desired. but no one could have anticipated that everything would be disrupted by ji chen. the silver-masked deceiver duanbi had originally thought ji chen was just a lucky lord of glory, favored by the gods. however, it turned out that he was a big boss deeply hidden in the shadows. not only did the plan to besiege ji chen fail, but ji chen also managed to get luo yang to his side, obtaining a wealth of information. this directly led to the exposure and downfall of the gathering place in the city and this hidden base. in the end, they even captured him alive. if they had another chance, they would undoubtedly go all out to besiege ji chen, rather than relying on the unreliable mountain trolls. this ultimately led to the loss of both their people and the stored supplies in this base. looking at the towering pile of supplies in the storage room, ji chen felt a surge of motivation. according to the agreement with yasen, forty percent of these supplies were his spoils of war, not to mention the batch of rare resources. perhaps this was the biggest harvest the crown of the ocean had obtained from the outside world. this wave of discoveries was simply a huge windfall! soon, there was only one unopened passage left, which led to the deepest part of this base. the deeper the place, the better the things stored there. the deceivers were well aware of this, so they took special care of this passage. it had been badly damaged by the explosions, making it much more challenging to excavate and clear. however, under the relentless power of the water drill, they gradually cleared a path. when the last massive rock was drilled open, a spacious underground hall appeared before them. the hall was as large as several soccer fields, and faint runic patterns could be seen on the surrounding walls, preserving them despite the explosions. at the top of the hall, a dazzling crystal sphere hung from the circular dome, emitting a scorching light that made the place as bright as day. upon closer inspection, on the left side of the hall, there were neatly stacked wooden crates containing siege equipment, a large number of potions, fine weapons, and armor. these items alone were enough to arm tens of thousands of soldiers. if these things had fallen into the hands of the mountain trolls, it would have been a severe blow to the maple principality. on the right side, there were metal crates filled with precious resources like crystals. it seemed that the batch of rare resources yasen had mentioned was here. on the north side, there was a closed metal gate, pitch black and leading to an unknown place. in the middle of the hall, about four to five hundred war golems were roaming. upon hearing the commotion, they picked up their weapons and rushed toward ji chen. ji chen didnt need to handle this personally. with a wave of yasens hand, the elven warriors behind him swarmed forward and engaged the golems in battle. after about ten minutes, all the war golems were reduced to fragments. the elves, under yasens command, began to transport the supplies from here, which would be divided among them once everything was outside. ji chen walked over to the closed metal gate on the north side, looked through the gap, and saw complete darkness on the other side. a chilling coldness emanated from within. could this be some kind of cold storage? he hesitated for a moment. after searching the surroundings and finding nothing resembling a switch, he summoned the water drill again and started drilling holes in the gate. the harsh sound of the drill grinding against metal drew everyones attention. yasen approached with curiosity and asked, lord ji chen, is there something inside the gate? at the moment, 1 dont know. well only find out once we open it. the metal gate seemed to be made of some rare material, incredibly sturdy. if it werent for his water drills ability to repair itself with water, it would have likely been damaged a long time ago. even so, it took a full three hours to drill a hole in the gate large enough for a single person to pass through. however, as they witnessed this scene, everyones curiosity grew stronger. what could be stored behind such a sturdy gate? before entering, ji chen casually opened the omniscience map to check for any war golems inside, to prevent any surprise attacks. but on the map, there was only a solitary red dot.. Chapter 368 - Chapter 368: Dwarves and Elves, Mysterious Prisoner chapter 368: dwarves and elves, mysterious prisoner translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation theres someone? yasen noticed the subtle change in ji chens expression and quickly asked, whats going on? there seems to be someone inside. upon hearing this, yasens expression darkened, and he immediately ordered the elves and soldiers of the principality to stop moving the goods and remain on guard. your excellency, we dont know what or who is inside. should we send a team in for reconnaissance first? ji chen nodded, not refusing. while he had confidence in his own abilities, a confined and narrow space like this was not conducive to unleashing his powers. charging ahead wasnt the role befitting a mage like him. a mixed team of elves and soldiers entered, and their green markers on the map slowly moved deeper along the narrow passage. when they stopped dozens of meters away from the red marker, they split into two groups and circled around, conducting an internal inspection before returning. in the darkness, their figures gradually became visible, but they looked as though they had encountered a snowstorm. they shivered uncontrollably, their breath visible in the cold air, and even their eyebrows carried a frosty sheen. your excellency, the temperature inside is extremely low, and we didnt see any enemies. however, there is a sealed cage in the middle. a cage? ji chen furrowed his brows slightly. inside the deceivers base, there was actually a cage? could it be used to detain someone? yasen also found this quite surprising and instinctively looked at ji chen. your excellency, what should we do now? lets go in and find out. since there were no enemies inside and only an unknown being trapped in the cage, it was safe to investigate. the group entered the passageway beyond the gate, holding torches as they proceeded cautiously. after advancing a few hundred meters, the surroundings suddenly opened up, and a violent cold air rushed toward them, making everyone shiver involuntarily. frost quickly formed on their eyebrows and hair. glancing ahead, in this underground space that was less than the size of a football field, the surroundings were elevated, with a central depression where a completely sealed metal cage stood. around the cage, layer upon layer of deep blue ice, icicles, and ice columns extended in all directions, even clinging to the rocky walls, creating a thin layer of ice. the deep blue ice emitted a faint glow, creating a mesmerizing scene under the torchlight, with a soft blue light reflecting off the ice. this scene left everyone astonished. as they regained their senses, a sense of wariness crept in. it was clear to everyone that this terrifying cold air and ice were emanating from the cage in the center. for a moment, no one dared to make a move. why would the deceiver keep an unknown being here? friend or foe? as their doubts multiplied, curiosity also grew stronger. soon, the bone-chilling cold became unbearable for the elves, and they all retreated from the area. only yasen, with his exceptional combat skills, and ji chen, who possessed the power of the tides, were able to stand their ground in this frigid environment. however, despite their resilience, the cold continued to cut into their bones like knives, infiltrating their bodies relentlessly. as ji chen gazed at the metal cage shrouded in ice, he hesitated. the fact that this cage could contain such a being and emit such terrifying cold and ice meant that it was no ordinary creature. opening it rashly now might release an unknown monster. yasen seemed to have similar thoughts and suggested, i recommend that we leave this place for now and open it later after interrogating that silver-masked deceiver. ji chen nodded slightly. just as they were about to leave the area, the elven officer who had delivered food to ji chen the previous night rushed in, looking anxious. lord yasen, theres a dwarf causing a commotion outside in the camp! a dwarf? yasen was momentarily surprised, his face contorted with anger. a dwarf causing trouble here, and you didnt fight back!? we did fight back, but that dwarf is too strong. we couldnt match his strength. several dozen of our comrades have already been defeated. one dwarf defeating dozens of them? ji chen was somewhat astonished. he had witnessed the combat prowess of these elves, but one dwarf being able to defeat so many indicated exceptional strength. however, the appearance of a dwarf causing trouble in the elven sanctuary of the maple principality was indeed an unusual occurrence. upon hearing this, yasens expression changed slightly. he turned to ji chen and said, your excellency, i need to return to the camp immediately to assess the situation. i wont be able to accompany you here. ji chen nodded in agreement. when yasen returned to the camp, he saw from a distance a stout dwarf, small in stature but remarkably robust, tossing an elven warrior like a ball and grumbling as he did so. you elves have been boasting for so long, but is this all the strength youve got? too weak, i must say! apart from being a bit taller, i cant find anything praiseworthy about you. ive heard so much about your mighty pointed ears, but 1 dont see whats so impressive. 1 alone could take on a hundred of you! the dwarfs words were undoubtedly like dancing in the minefield of the elves. the surrounding elven warriors were seething with anger, their temples pulsing with veins, but when it came to this dwarf, their eyes were filled with fear. they considered themselves elite warriors, even among the numerous elven armies. however, against this scruffy-looking dwarf, none of them could last a single move. when they rushed forward, they couldnt even see the dwarfs movements clearly before being sent flying.. Chapter 369 - Chapter 369: Dwarves and Elves, Mysterious Prisoner (2) chapter 369: dwarves and elves, mysterious prisoner (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation from the beginning until now, the dwarf had sent more than a hundred elves flying back, but none of them witnessed how he did it. however, the dwarves didnt use the warhammer next to him, otherwise, they would have already picked up their bows and swords. are you elves capable of handling me? well, forget it, all of you can come at once, so you cant say 1 didnt give you a chance. the dwarf continued with his trash talk. upon hearing this, the elves, their eyes filled with anger, were on the verge of disregarding their principles of combat and launching a collective attack to teach the dwarf a lesson. stop all of you!!! a furious shout made them stop in their tracks, and they all stood at attention, saluting. lord yasen, youve returned! yasen walked over with his hands behind his back, looking annoyed, and gave them a fierce glare. these freeloaders couldnt even defeat a single dwarf, truly bringing shame to his face. he fixed his gaze on the scruffy dwarf and said unfriendly, sir dwarf, 1 dont know what brings you into our camp. youve intruded without permission and injured many of our warriors. if you cant provide an explanation, you will pay the price for your reckless actions. his words were filled with threats. so what if this dwarf had some strength? could he withstand powerful bows and magic attacks? could he withstand a sword formation formed by thousands of elven warriors? behind them stood a powerful elven empire, and when it came to dealing with the dwindling and struggling dwarves who had lost their last homeland, they didnt even need to lift a finger. at a mere command, countless races were willing to act as vanguards. upon hearing these words, the scruffy dwarf gave a disdainful smile, completely disregarding the implied threat in the words. this dwarf was none other than thotmudo, who had returned from the western continent. after learning that the deceiver was the mastermind behind the destruction of the black iron fortress, he traveled day and night to reach the northern continent, intending to warn ji chen to be cautious of these lunatics. back on the new moon islands, he heard that the cargo of the crown of the ocean was primarily delivered to maple harbor. so, he guessed that ji chens likely destination in the northern continent would be maple harbor. therefore, he inquired along the way and followed various clues until he finally arrived here. however, these elves were extremely arrogant, and seeing that he was a dwarf who didnt seem to want to talk much, they treated him with hostility and tried to drive him away in a rude manner. so, he couldnt help but take action to teach them a lesson. but it seemed that in the end, he would have to rely on the elves to find that kid, so for now, he wouldnt argue too much with them. in reality, due to the maple principality and the elves actively blocking related information, the outside world didnt know that ji chen had provided the location of the deceivers gathering place and secret base in the city. they only knew that the elves had destroyed the base of an evil organization. in the maple principality, which could be called an elven paradise, thotmudo, as a dwarf, clearly couldnt obtain more information. he also had no knowledge of ji chens specific relationship with the elves, only that there seemed to be a business relationship between them. he didnt provoke any more challenges and straightforwardly asked, do you know a lord of glory named ji chen? lord ji chen? a sinking feeling welled up in yasens heart. what did this dwarf want with lord ji chen? according to the information they had received, lord ji chen should be visiting the northern continent for the first time this time, and he should have been active within the maple principality throughout. it was unlikely that he had come into contact with dwarves, and it was highly improbable that he had any connection with them. moreover, a figure of his stature would hardly have any dealings with a declining race like the dwarves. subconsciously, yasen was about to say the denial. but in just that brief moment of hesitation, the thoughtful glint in thotmudos eyes, like that of a clever monkey, was noticed. have you met him? i dont know any lord of glory named ji chen, sir, you may have come to the wrong place. yasen denied decisively. he couldnt admit to this matter, whether it was for lord ji chens safety or the friendship between the elves and lord ji chen. especially when it was a dwarf who was asking, it was even more impossible to disclose anything. seeing this, thotmudo became even more suspicious. looking at yasen, who was desperately trying to hide something, his thoughts began to wander. he had heard about that kids crown of the ocean before, and it seemed that there were some business dealings with the elves here. he was very familiar with the elven temperamentproud, greedy, and pathologically obsessed with any rare treasures. perhaps the elves in maple city had their eyes on the treasures brought by that kid and secretly made a move against him. otherwise, why would this elf have such a strange expression when mentioning the name ji chen? with his already less-than-favorable impression of elves, combined with what he was witnessing now, thotmudo instantly thought of the worst-case scenario. his eyes narrowed slightly, emitting a hint of danger. youd better tell me where that kid is. otherwise, i dont mind letting you taste the wrath of a dwarf. yasen widened his eyes, finding it hard to believe what he had just heard. it had been so long since he became the commander of the fifth fleet that he couldnt remember the last time someone dared to speak to him like this. just who did this dwarf, who came out of nowhere, think he was? sure enough, this dwarf had ill intentions toward lord ji chen! the elves couldnt allow their enemies to harm their friend! in an instant, a strong smell of gunpowder filled the air. yasens muscles tensed all over, his heart pumping a large amount of blood, carrying a mighty force that flowed through every part of his body. a sharp edge radiated from him, causing a stinging sensation on his skin. thotmudo squinted his eyes, a glint of determination flashing in his cloudy eyes. his hand slowly rested on the warhammer, and a heavy, mountain-like aura surged, seemingly exerting infinite pressure. dwarves didnt point their weapons at others, but when they did, it meant they considered them enemies. just as the two sides were about to come to blows. a group of elves suddenly rushed into the camp from outside, looking somewhat panicked. lord yasen, it seems something has happened in the depths of the cave where lord ji chen is. ice is spreading out! hearing this, yasens aura suddenly stagnated. he was about to inquire further when he saw a shadow darting out from his side. it was the dwarf! despite his short legs, this dwarf was incredibly fast. in just a few breaths, he had run hundreds of meters and quickly disappeared from the camp. yasen was momentarily stunned, his expression changing dramatically, and he immediately exerted all his strength to chase after him. behind him, a large group of elven warriors quickly followed suit. they had witnessed everything and saw that the dwarf appeared highly suspicious, possibly posing a threat to lord ji chen. lord ji chen was their benefactor, and even if they couldnt defeat the dwarf, even if it cost them their lives, they would stop him!!! more than ten minutes ago. ji chen, who was completely unaware of what was happening outside, looked at the sealed metal cage in the center with confusion and uncertainty. just as he was preparing to leave, a voice suddenly emanated from within the cage. save me this voice was incredibly hoarse, filled with exhaustion, pain, and extreme weakness, as if it might die in the next moment. however, within this feeble voice, there was an incredibly powerful aura, like an abyss, like the stars, and it felt like its strength was at least greater than his current level. ji chens expression changed slightly. his mana surged within him, and he summoned a golden gem-encrusted sword C the sword of warlords. if anything went wrong, he would immediately use the swords accompanying skill to create a protective barrier. at the same time, he mentally connected with the void ring, ready to teleport at any moment to prevent any unexpected events. at this moment, he was extremely cautious! after completing these preparations, he felt slightly more at ease and asked in a steady voice. who are you? why were you imprisoned by the deceiver here? after a moment, the voice rang out again. my name is verena lana, a follower of the goddess of war. i am despised by the deceiver, and they captured me using deceit when i was weak. they have kept me imprisoned here all this time. verena lana? a follower of the goddess of war? ji chen nodded in understanding and continued to ask in a deep voice. how long have you been imprisoned here? trapped within the cage and still unseen by ji chen, verena replied. i dont know, probably for several centuries now. they used the solar furnace to forge this cage that suppresses my powers, binding me with chains of scorching, subjecting me to the constant agony of soul-burning, intending to break my will and faith. soul-burning for centuries? well, the deceiver really was merciless.. Chapter 370 - Chapter 370: Verena and the Contract chapter 370: verena and the contract translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation they captured people but didnt lull them, instead, they specially created such a unique cage to detain them and even burned their souls to break their will. these deceivers are indeed a bit twisted. what kind of grudge do they hold? did verena commit an act that made the deceivers believe that merely killing her would be too lenient a punishment? ji chen said in a deep voice, what did you do to make those deceivers hate you so much? they seem to only have a grudge against the divine race and divine patrons. because i killed everyone in their entire base, verena said emotionlessly as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world. at these words, ji chen was slightly taken aback. well, it turns out shes a killer. those deceivers have kept me here for hundreds of years, and in these hundreds of years, you are the first outsiders to enter here. sir, 1 implore you to break this cage and set me free ji chen fell into silence for a moment. looking at the cold air and ice that couldnt be contained even by the metal cage, he hesitated. having single-handedly slaughtered an entire deceiver base, just from this point of view, verena must possess remarkable strength. after gathering his thoughts, ji chen spoke with determination. i know nothing about you, and i cant even be sure if youre a friend or a foe. if 1 rescue you, and you turn against me afterward, wouldnt that be like digging my own grave? from what i know, the followers of the war goddess are mostly war maniacs. the war goddess, also known as the goddess of slaughter, was rumored to be addicted to war during the era when gods walked the world, constantly instigating wars between her followers and other divine realms. as the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together, her followers were primarily war enthusiasts who took pride in slaying their foes and aspired to enter the hall of heroes for eternal glory after they died. however, after the disappearance of the gods from the world, these followers who were either at war or on the path to war were quickly hunted down by various forces and suffered heavy casualties. in the time that followed, due to various obstacles and killings, the followers of the war goddess gradually became rare, becoming a rare and exceptional existence. ji chen was also curious about where the deceivers had captured this follower of the war goddess. clearly, verena was aware of her reputation beyond these walls, and she remained silent for a long time. the chains that pierced her body were constantly burning her soul, but they were always maintained at an appropriate level, preventing her from quickly dying, so to ensure that she would always suffer. centuries of torment had pushed her will to the brink of collapse, and while her body might still support her for some time, her spirit was nearing its end. in the end, one would only lose all reason and become a lunatic. i swear by the war goddess that after gaining my freedom, i will never harm you, sir, or your army. if 1 violate this oath in the slightest, my soul will be extinguished, and my spirit will not return to the hall of heroes. swearing by ones own faith? for all believers in deities, swearing by the deity they worship is the most solemn oath, not to mention that followers of the war goddess believe that they could enter the hall of heroes after death. this carried significant weight. ji chen nodded slightly. the conversation took a turn. so, if i rescue you, what benefits and advantages can i gain? in a bustling world, everything was driven by self-interest. ji chen was not a philanthropist; he would not engage in a losing deal. verena remained silent for a moment and then said, i have nothing to offer you, and i possess no special talents. i only know how to kill. if you allow me, sir, i can help you with killing. truly a follower of the war goddess, with nothing but thoughts of fighting and killing in her mind. ji chen thought for a moment, his expression turning serious. very well, but we must sign a contract. you will need to serve me in battle for thirty years. if you agree to this condition, then i will rescue you. thirty years? verenas heart sank for a moment, but she quickly replied, i agree. thirty years might seem quite long, but for her, it was nothing significant. after enduring hundreds of years of captivity for the sake of freedom, what were thirty years? seeing verenas straightforward agreement, ji chen nodded. after the lesson he had learned earlier, he couldnt just trust the prisoners words. just like elin, when she had made the promise initially, she had appeared so sincere and even swore in the name of a warrior. but then, there wasnt a trace of her, and no one knew where she had gone. so, it had been better to have a contract, a highly effective measure, to put his mind at ease. ji chen extended his right hand and immediately drew up a contractan oath of loyalty. compared to the master-servant contract, this type of contract was more equal, resembling an agreement between a knight and a lord. the knight had to be loyal to the lord, and the lord had to treat the knight fairly. after both parties fulfilled the contracts terms, it could be terminated. with the final stroke of his pen, he gently pushed the hovering contract text in front of the cage. verena was clearly familiar with this type of contract and quickly condensed a wisp of frost, writing her name on it. ding- the oath of loyalty has taken effect. verena lana is now loyal to you. with the contract in effect, ji chen suddenly felt a peculiar connection between himself and verena within the cage. it was milder and more equal compared to the bond he had with luo yang. the contract was established. he was the master, and verena was the subordinate. it was absolutely impossible for her to harm him, and ji chen felt at ease. rein in your power; 1 will rescue you right now.. Chapter 371 - Chapter 371: Verena and the Contract (2) chapter 371: verena and the contract (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation understood. the icy cold that had almost taken up the entire underground space was rapidly retracting, revealing the metallic cage that had been concealed beneath the ice. verenas figure emerged from within the frost. seeing that she, like him, was a human, ji chen nodded slightly. at least she was human. among the followers of the gods, it wasnt always the case that they worshipped gods who resembled their own races. people from various races believed in gods of different races, and there were also humans who believed in gods from other races. however, upon closer inspection, he couldnt help but inhale sharply. more than ten chains with runic gleams were connected to her body and the cage. rather than calling it a restraint, it was more like these chains pierced her body like spears, holding her firmly in place, unable to move. at the points where the chains connected to her body, a blackness like a curse was eroding her flesh, leaving grim scars on her fair skin. beneath slightly disheveled long black hair was a face even paler than the ice. verena managed to force a smile, 1 apologize, your excellency, for letting you see me in such a wretched state. ji chen shook his head gently; he understood that she was enduring immense pain right now. her body was trembling continuously, and the frost that had previously leaked out was probably her way of alleviating the pain. there was no time to waste. he immediately summoned the aqua drill head and began to destroy the cage in the same way. the high-speed rotating aqua drill, upon contact with the cage, suddenly burst with intense energy fluctuations. the runes inscribed on it were in direct conflict with ji chens mana, causing the entire cage to tremble violently. affected by this, verena, who had her body pierced, couldnt help but emit a painful groan, clenching her teeth so hard it seemed like she might shatter them. she was visibly weakened. ji chen furrowed his brow slightly and slowly stopped. in his senses, verenas aura had become extremely unstable, as if she might lose contact at any moment. sir, i can hold on, please continue. verena gasped for breath, sweat dripping from her forehead and neck, falling onto the undulating smooth chest. seeing the determination in her eyes, ji chen didnt say anything; he simply controlled the aqua drill head to continue breaking the cage. he kept a constant watch on her condition, ready to stop at any moment. but verena was, after all, a fearless warrior who had fought her way out of countless battles. despite enduring tremendous pain, she clenched her teeth and endured it. ji chen couldnt help but admire her as each chain was broken. as the chains that had pierced her body fell to the ground one by one, the chains oozed with unclean black blood, a testament to how much damage and suffering she had endured over hundreds of years. with the removal of each chain, her expression lightened, and her strength gradually returned. soon, the last chain fell to the ground. verena opened her eyes, a glint of determination flashing in them, and her fists struck the cage heavily. the cage that had restrained her so completely in the past now shattered like paper, breaking into pieces. with a low shout, a powerful force surged like a category 12 typhoon, and clusters of frost suddenly bloomed, filling the entire space and spreading outward along the passage. [verena lana (human hero)] [race]: human [status]: weak [level]: 20 (peak at level 60) [current tier]: orange (legendary) [potential]: orange (legendary) [skills]: C war combat technique (red skill, increases close combat ability by 100%, additional 100% damage) C frosty battle qi (red skill, attacks come with frosty battle qi, slowing down enemy movement) C body of a thousand hammers (red skill, a body toughened through long-term self-inflicted training, 300% increased recovery ability) C fearlessness (red skill, enters a state of slaughter, significantly reduces pain and emotional fluctuations) C flash strike (red skill, performs a short-range teleportation to get close to enemies) [unit traits]: unmatched slaughter (the more she kills, the stronger her combat power becomes, up to an additional 100% overall combat power) [follower of the goddess of war, possessing formidable combat abilities and frosty battle qi, her weapon is an indestructible pair of fists] an impressive array of skills. without exception, they are all combat-oriented skills, either offensive or self-enhancing, emphasizing the word battle in every aspect. verena felt an unprecedented sense of ease at this moment. looking at her own hands, she was overwhelmed with excitement. was this the taste of freedom!? the soul pain that had persisted for hundreds of years had disappeared in this moment. with a feeling of power that could be controlled, even though it was far less than one in ten thousand of her prime strength, it still filled her with great excitement. before verena could fully comprehend what had just happened, she slightly released her emotions and then withdrew her aura, coming in front of ji chen. looking at the handsome and extraordinary young man in front of her, her thoughts were somewhat complicated. she never expected that a follower of the goddess of war would become someone elses subordinate and sign a contract for thirty years, during which she had to fight unconditionally until the contract ended. for a believer, this was an absurd thing. but verena quickly adjusted her mindset. the contract had been signed and was protected by the rules of the world, even an epic-level powerhouse couldnt violate it. in the end, she lowered her head. lord, verena is at your service. ji chen nodded slightly. he certainly noticed the hint of reluctance in verenas eyes. according to the panel, she was a legendary powerhouse at level 60 in her prime. while she might not compare to top-tier individuals like elin, she still ranked among the strongest in this world. on the other hand, he was a legendary class as well but hadnt reached level 40 yet, making him significantly weaker. the gap in strength between level 20 and almost level 40 was like a chasm. however, he wasnt discouraged by this because he believed that in the future, he would inevitably reach this level and even surpass it. the reason strong individuals were called strong was due to their formidable strength and their corresponding mentality. he had now developed the mindset of a future powerhouse. as long as he kept moving forward with determination, being a formidable figure was just the starting point. with this in mind, ji chen spoke seriously, i believe that in the future, you will be glad about the wise choice you made today. hearing this, verena was momentarily stunned. when she saw the deep and profound eyes in ji chens gaze, which seemed to contain endless stars and his radiant expression, she began to believe it to some extent. she then smiled slightly. i look forward to that day, lord. ji chen nodded slightly and tossed a set of clothes and a bottle of holy healing elixir to her before turning away. put on the clothes, and make sure to drink the potion. it will help you recover quickly. verena obediently nodded. she put on the oversized clothes to cover her well-marked yet scarred body and wasted no time in downing the elixir. she felt a massive yet gentle energy flow down her throat, and her eyes lit up. the elixir began repairing the various injuries, large and small, that had accumulated over hundreds of years. simultaneously, her strength slowly began to recover. lord, what kind of elixir is this? its effects are incredible! if i had two or three dozen more bottles, i could fully regain my peak strength! ji chen nearly choked on his own saliva. two or three dozen? i only obtained a total of two bottles! 1 gave one to you, and im using the other one for research! just as they were conversing, verena suddenly sensed an immensely powerful aura rapidly approaching them. verenas expression changed dramatically. she quickly stepped in front of ji chen. lord, a powerful presence is approaching. be careful! before she could finish her sentence, a figure appeared in the direction of the corridor. ji chen stared closely and, looking as if he had seen a ghost, exclaimed with great surprise, sir thotmudo!? why are you here? Chapter 372 - Chapter 372: Thotmudo and the Riddler, the Godslayer Crossbow and the Solar Furnace chapter 372: thotmudo and the riddler, the godslayer crossbow and the solar furnace translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the one who arrived was none other than thotmudo. just a moment ago, taking advantage of yasens momentary distraction, he had stealthily run ahead to this place. he gave ji chen a quick look, confirming that he was unhurt. then his gaze shifted to verena, who was wearing poorly-fitting clothes. with surprise, he remarked, well, well, it hasnt been long, and youve already found another sex partner? she seems pretty capable too. at first, ji chen was happy to see thotmudo, but he was nearly taken aback when he heard this. verena is my new subordinate, not some sex partner. theyre all the same. i remember that siren named alice and that female half-orc named irona. arent they both your subordinates, and didnt you have a thing with them? ji chen felt that verenas gaze towards him was somewhat strange and had to reluctantly respond, sir thotmudo, how did you end up here? werent you on a mission to uncover why the dwarven clan fell apart? thotmudo sighed and had a somewhat gloomy expression. kid, have you heard of any strange folks since you arrived on the northern continent? like a bunch of lunatics called deceivers? i have, but what about them? those deceivers are the culprits who caused the downfall of the dwarven clan thousands of years ago! ji chen was taken aback. could it really be true? deceivers were indeed treacherous, but could they bring the once-mighty dwarven clan to such a state? if you happen to encounter them, be extremely cautious. they hold a deep grudge against your kind, thotmudo cautioned gravely. but, sir, ive already encountered them and taken down quite a few. ji chen pursed his lips and pointed to the ground beneath him, saying, right here is their secret base in maple city. we wiped them out completely over the past two days. i even captured their leader, except for the one with the silver mask. everyone else was killed by me. thotmudos eyes widened in astonishment. it was at this moment that he recalled the rumors hed heard along the way; it seemed that the elves were involved in some operation against an evil organization. so, they were hunting down deceivers? i see. so, kid, tell me about your encounters with them. ji chen had nothing to hide. he briefly recounted the events, from capturing the marshland dragon to being deceived by the deceivers and finally breaking into their base to capture the deceiver leader with the silver mask. of course, he left out the details of his dealings with the elves, his transformation into zhao liangchen, and the involvement of luo yang. after hearing the story, thotmudo praised him, from what ive heard, not only did those lunatics fail to take you down, but they suffered a significant loss. you even wipe out the deceivers in maple city? youre quite the remarkable lad! ji chen smiled slightly and asked with curiosity, ive heard before that the deceivers hold a grudge against divine patrons. since you mentioned that im this so-called chosen one, does that mean im the divine patron? this question had been lingering in his mind for a long time. he had initially noticed hints during his time in the black skull pirates lair. at that moment, when the evil god alexei tried to kill him forcibly, a mysterious force intervened, pushing him back into the statue and shattering it. then, there was the incident in the skeleton realms kris laboratory, where his consciousness was trying to enter the control center, but the cunning kris was planning to take over his body. once again, kris was mysteriously killed by some presence. and now, in the heart of the northern continent, the deceivers considered him a divine patron, and thotmudo had accidentally revealed that he was a chosen one. these pieces of information seemed to connect and hinted at a result. was he being favored or protected by some divine being? during critical moments of danger, a presence always seemed to appear to help him escape. apart from that, he also thought about his cheat C the military talent tree. could it be related to this mysterious presence? facing his question, thotmudo shook his head and gave a cryptic smile. youll need to explore all of this on your own. the truth will reveal itself to you sooner or later. ji chens eyelid twitched. riddler, just get out of here! in reality, thotmudo didnt know much about ji chen, and it was a bit challenging to say anything meaningful about him. his statements were more to avoid appearing ignorant. however, he did recognize that this young human, whether deemed a chosen one or judged by his deeds and accomplishments, had boundless potential. perhaps, one day, when he climbed to the pinnacle of the world, he would unveil the truth behind all of this. without giving the two of them more time to converse, there was another commotion in the corridor. yasen, accompanied by a large group of elves, appeared. upon seeing that ji chen was unharmed, yasen heaved a sigh of relief and then glared at thotmudo with anger in his eyes. despicable dwarf! not only did you intrude into our camp without permission, but you also attempted to harm lord ji chen. this is unforgivable! read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only today, you wont leave this place! he was about to make a move, but ji chen reached out and stopped him. your excellency yasen, thotmudo is my friend. yasen couldnt help but be taken aback. a friend? wasnt he an enemy seeking revenge? thotmudo glanced at yasen and a hint of disdain flickered in his eyes. when did i ever say 1 wanted to harm this kid? elves seem to have become more reckless, freely attacking without understanding the situation. eilins teachings dont seem to be effective.. Chapter 373 - Chapter 373: Thotmudo and the Riddler, the Godslayer chapter 373: thotmudo and the riddler, the godslayer crossbow and the solar furnace (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation watching the two of them in this manner, ji chen knew that there had probably been some misunderstanding between them, so he took the initiative to explain to yasen. sir thotmudo is a powerful dwarf 1 met by chance. he came all this way to find me only because he was afraid 1 would be ambushed by the deceivers, there is no ill intent. then he turned to thotmudo and said, this is sir yasen, the commander of the fifth fleet of the elven navy, and the leader of this operation to besiege and attack the deceiver base. oh i see, thotmudo said with a strange tone, so youre a fleet commander, no wonder you carry such authority. you! yasen almost burst into anger again but managed to restrain himself, glaring fiercely at thotmudo. if it werent for lord ji chen here, i would definitely teach you a lesson in the elven ways that you wont forget. thotmudo, on the other hand, remained calm with his warhammer on his shoulder. observing this situation, ji chen also felt a bit relieved. if a conflict erupted between the two of them, it would put him in an awkward position, stuck in the middle. moreover, the two were not on the same level. yasen was only level 50, while thotmudo was a level 78 epic-tier powerhouse. if they really fought, the latter could easily defeat the former with one hand. if yasen accidentally got killed, it would be a big problem. at this moment, yasen noticed a stranger standing beside ji chen, a human woman. lord ji chen, who is this? ji chen replied, this is verena, shes the one who was imprisoned by the deceivers here, and she has become my subordinate. yasen looked at the silent verena, his eyes filled with some wariness. although she looked somewhat weak, he could sense a strong power within this human woman. her strength was gradually recovering. if she were in her prime, she would undoubtedly be a formidable powerhouse. while feeling wary, he was also surprised by ji chen. how had he managed to recruit such a powerful subordinate in such a short time? it seemed almost too quick. however, yasen didnt express any displeasure about ji chen opening the cage by himself or inquire about verenas identity. the relationship between them and ji chen was good enough to overlook these matters. well, in that case, we should head back out now. ji chen nodded and led thotmudo and verena back to the camp. many elven warriors had a sudden change in their expressions when they saw thotmudo, looking somewhat angered. seeing this, ji chen couldnt help but ask. sir thotmudo, what did you do to make the elves dislike you so much? thotmudo replied indifferently, i just beat up over a hundred elves and cursed at them a bit, nothing too serious. ji chen could not utter a reply. he felt that he couldnt leave thotmudo here; trouble would inevitably arise sooner or later. after some thought, he immediately said to yasen, your excellency yasen, ill return to maple harbor to handle some matters first, and then come back to collect the spoils. transporting the supplies would take some time, and he didnt want to waste time waiting here. it had been some time since he left the crown of the ocean, and ji chen planned to finish everything quickly and return as soon as possible. yasen nodded in agreement. he also didnt want to see the annoying dwarf anymore, so he bid farewell. i will quickly transport the goods out and deliver the agreed-upon share of the spoils directly to your manor, your lordship. you dont need to trouble yourself with going back and forth. ji chen didnt reject his goodwill and replied, then, thank you, your excellency yasen. they boarded the carriage prepared by yasen, and the group returned to the estate in maple harbor. the butler and maids welcomed them at the entrance, looking somewhat surprised when they saw the addition of a dwarf and a woman to the group. setting aside verena, who was dressed in ill-fitting clothing, thotmudo looked disheveled, and his clothes were ragged, making him look like a beggar. however, following behind ji chen, they dared not show any disrespect or negligence and greeted both newcomers politely. ji chen casually said, butler, prepare rooms for thotmudo and verena, suitable clothing, and food. the butler immediately nodded and replied, yes, i will do it right away. soon, verena and thotmudo changed into fresh clothes and joined the group in the dining hall. the table was already filled with a variety of food. thotmudo, in his usual laid-back manner, helped himself to the dishes, picking up a few pastries and stuffing them into his mouth. it was clear he hadnt had a proper meal on the road. however, verena seemed a bit unsure. centuries of imprisonment had seemingly worn away her social skills, leaving her feeling unfamiliar and lost in the outside world. during the journey, she had often remained silent. ji chen didnt pressure her and allowed her to return to her room to continue recuperating after eating. only when her strength reached above level 30 would there be a use for her. after finishing their meal, ji chen and thotmudo headed to a tea room within the estate. sir thotmudo, im deeply grateful and relieved that you rushed all the way from the western continent to warn me about the deceivers. but have you forgotten something important? not long after taking their seats, he spoke in a somewhat sly manner. thotmudos expression tensed, and he replied somewhat nervously, of course, i will fulfill the promise i made to you. he definitely wouldnt admit that had he not discovered the cause of the black iron fortress downfall and the necessity of ji chens assistance, he might not have come back to the crown of the ocean. knight, besides coming to remind you, theres actually something else id like to ask for your assistance with. oh? seeing thotmudos serious demeanor, ji chen sipped his tea nonchalantly. what could be so important that it made you cross the ocean to find me? upon hearing the sarcasm in ji chens words, thotmudo could only smile awkwardly. after all, he was in the wrong, and he felt quite guilty at this point. with a much humbler attitude, he proceeded to share all the information he had learned at black iron fortress. as ji chen listened to this long-forgotten history, his expression gradually turned more serious. dwarves, black iron fortress, deceivers, inferno fiends, solar furnace so, are you saying that the deceivers managed to summon an inferno fiend, which had even greater power than epic-level beings, by using a sacrificial ritual? they used this powerful creature to kill two epic-level dwarf warriors and breach the black iron fortress? thotmudo nodded repeatedly. thats right. according to the information left behind, this appears to be the case. they also took the dwarves prized possession, the solar furnace. the solar furnace. no wonder the deceivers equipment is nearly on par with the armies of the kingdoms and the empire, approaching an imperial-level standard. in that case, the godslayer crossbow should also have been created using the solar furnace, right? thotmudo was taken aback. godslayer crossbow? can you show it to me? ji chen nodded and took out the godslayer crossbow and its bolts. thotmudo jumped out of his chair and began to examine it closely, muttering angrily as he did so. the godslayer crossbow was developed by our dwarves over generations as a weapon of destruction. however, the deceivers took away the data and samples during that battle. but those bastards version of the godslayer crossbow is not even half as powerful as the original design. the complete godslayer crossbow is a 7-star treasure, and what theyve made is a pale imitation! theyre just copying it blindly, ruining a masterpiece! ji chens expression changed. not even half the power? with only half the power, it already possessed such incredible destructive capability. what would the complete version be like, then? having powerful killing potential and long-range tracking capabilities, it was enough to tempt anyone. with a hint of anticipation, ji chen asked, do you know how to create the complete version of the godslayer crossbow? read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only thotmudo immediately stood tall and proudly declared, of course! i participated in its design, research, and the entire process of creating the samples. its as if all the details are etched into my mind. can you make it? thotmudo deflated instantly, the godslayer crossbow requires the solar furnace to be crafted. well, now youre talking shit! where am 1 supposed to find the solar furnace, which the deceivers have stolen and kept hidden for thousands of years? Chapter 374 - Chapter 374: Thotmudo’s Promise, Harvest, and Auction chapter 374: thotmudos promise, harvest, and auction translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation but thats not the main point here. the dwarves are in chaos, and even the black iron fortress has fallen. the deceivers bear a responsibility that cannot be escaped! this time, ive come to ask for your help in seeking revenge against the deceivers, thotmudo said earnestly. over the thousands of years of his captivity, most of his friends had already died, and the dwarves had no close relations with other races. although he was an epic-level being, facing the deceivers, a power on par with kingdom-level forces, he alone would only be a reckless brute, incapable of dealing with these schemers. even finding them was a challenge, how could he seek revenge? the only individual he was acquainted with and trusted, and who had the required strength, was ji chen, the person who had saved him. looking into thotmudos hopeful eyes, ji chen slowly spoke, why should i help you? thotmudo immediately grew anxious, havent the deceivers plotted against you before? they are your enemies, so you shouldnt so we should fight them together and seek revenge? ji chen continued the sentence, gently sighing, sir thotmudo, you must understand that seeking revenge and retribution are not the same. im not like you, with an irreconcilable hatred for the deceivers. they previously plotted against me, and i nearly wiped out all their personnel and operations in the maple principality. that can be considered revenge. if they dont provoke me again in the future, we can part ways without any grudges. at present, the crown of the ocean is unable to confront such a force head-on, and its not possible to divert our energies to battle them. indeed, the deceivers had lured him into a trap before, but he had retaliated fiercely. not only had he helped the elves breach their secret base, but he had also captured the silver masked deceiver. in terms of losses, the deceivers had suffered more. currently, the crown of the oceans main sphere of influence was in the open sea, far from the mainland. he was not a wealthy elf; spending too much effort searching for this elusive group of rats would undoubtedly slow down the development of the crown of the ocean, which was not worth it. in any event, the crown of the ocean was located in a far-off sea, isolated overseas. there was no reason to be overly worried about the deceivers launching a major invasion; at most, they might carry out some minor actions. after listening to these words, thotmudo fell silent. he understood the reasoning behind them, realizing that ji chen had no need to confront the deceivers head-on. however, he soon raised his head, his eyes shining with determination. kid, what if i promise to teach all of the dwarves alchemical technology and forging techniques to the crown of the ocean? furthermore, if you can assist me in uniting the divided dwarf clans, i can convince them to become part of your domain. ive already inquired, and its known that despite the current plight of the dwarves, their forging techniques remain top-notch. if you can gain the allegiance of a group of dwarves, it will undoubtedly accelerate the development of the crown of the ocean. how about it? are these two conditions enough for you to assist me? ji chen sneered at him and said disdainfully, sounds nice, but didnt you make solemn promises before, claiming youd teach the dwarves basic forging techniques and craft a few six-star treasures for me? but what was the result? you left halfway through. do you think ill believe you again this time? thotmudos confident expression instantly turned into embarrassment. he opened his mouth but couldnt explain anything. before, i was dishonest, but this time i absolutely mean it. 1 swear in the name of thotmudo, the legendary dwarven blacksmith! this declaration was met with ji chens scornful gaze. but he had to admit that thotmudos promise this time was indeed quite tempting. even though the dwarves had declined to their current state, their forging techniques were still renowned throughout the world. while their mass production capabilities might not be on par with the elves or human kingdoms, the quality of the weapons and equipment they crafted in small batches was unmatched. moreover, some aspects of their alchemical technology were truly unique. if they could truly obtain a group of dwarves allegiance, the crown of the ocean would reap unprecedented benefits. however, it had to be genuine; giving thotmudo a second chance to deceive them was not an option. ji chen spoke calmly, alright, but let me make it clear in advance. you have to teach your technology and craftsmanship to the crown of the ocean first, and then 111 start taking action against the deceivers. you do as much as you promise, and ill do the same. once you break your promise, 111 immediately cease my actions. thotmudo widened his eyes, wearing an expression that said, youre not being fair. ji chen, on the other hand, remained confident. he now held the upper hand and was not afraid of thotmudo. in the end, the legendary dwarven blacksmith agreed. in reality, it was a fair deal for both sides. they both had responsibilities and obligations. for ji chen, he had already crossed paths with the deceivers, and sooner or later, they would meet again. just because the crown of the ocean couldnt confront them head-on right now didnt mean they couldnt make calculated moves. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only moreover, ji chen was quite intrigued by thotmudos mention of the dwarven treasure, the solar furnace. it was capable of crafting artifacts that could reach the level of demigod-grade items, which was enough to make his heart race. that evening, ji chen summoned raymond. raymond, who had been handling the affairs of the crown of the ocean, was more or less aware of what ji chen had been doing these past few days. in his heart, he couldnt help but admire ji chen. in just a few days since arriving here, not only had ji chen emerged unscathed from the traps and conspiracies of the sinister organization, but he also worked together with the elves and the maple principality to break into their secret base, resulting in countless enemy casualties.. Chapter 375 - Chapter 375: Thotmudo’s Promise, Harvest, and Auction (2) chapter 375: thotmudos promise, harvest, and auction (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the lord to whom he pledged his allegiance was the most astonishing and magnificent presence he had ever encountered in his life. such power and dignity crowned him as the lord of glory. in his heart, he felt even more fortunate about his resolute decision to pledge loyalty. he displayed deep respect and asked, my lord, what brings you to summon me? raymond, when you were with the hanseatic chamber of commerce in the past, you frequently traveled between the western continent and other lands. do you know where most of the dwarves in the western continent reside? dwarves? raymond recalled the disheveled dwarf the lord had brought back today and pondered. most dwarves now live within the kels mountain range in the western continent. do you have means of contacting them? dwarves are highly reclusive, except for essential supplies and trade; they are self-sufficient. they hardly leave the kels mountain range. raymond inquired, my lord, are you looking for them? ji chen nodded without denial. the dwarven race, though in decline, still possesses some depth. once, a kingdom dispatched an army to the kels mountains to conquer the dwarven tribes and have them forge dwarf weapons. however, once they entered, they never came out, until later when adventurers found the remnants of this army in a valley on the outskirts of the mountains. if you intend to seek them out, you should exercise caution. dwarves are notorious for their poor temper. ji chen nodded slightly. all right, i understand. when you travel to the northern continent in the future, remember not to go alone, stay in maple city and maple harbor as much as possible. even if you go out, bring enough guards with you, and if necessary, seek help from the elves. raymonds spirits lifted, and he cautiously asked, is it because of that evil organization called the deceiver? exactly. we have already had a falling out with them in the maple principality. although their organization there has been dismantled, there is no guarantee that they wont send people from elsewhere to target us. despite the efforts of the elves to keep things under wraps, recent events would still spread to some extent. the deceiver would soon discover what had transpired here. as a key figure in these events, ji chen, along with the crown of the ocean, would also come under their scrutiny, and consequently, raymond and others would be subject to some degree of attention. raymond nodded. he was still quite afraid of death, especially after narrowly escaping it with a blow to the head earlier. he had become even more cautious and didnt step out of the city unless absolutely necessary. how are the goods being handled? raymonds expression turned serious, and he immediately replied, currently, our goods have been mostly delivered to the buyers, and the payments have been received. we obtained a total of 30,000 units of rare resources from the ten ships of weapons and equipment. the valuable items such as timber and premium coffee beans have also been delivered to the elves. besides these two specialties, the elf ambassador named miligas also conveniently purchased the golden bass and various ores we brought with us. this time, through trade, weve collectively earned 120,000 units of rare resources, crystals, adamantine, and mithril, each totaling 40,000 units. 120,000 units of rare resources? ji chens brow relaxed. the 120,000 units of rare resources from this income were equivalent to the entire reserve of a medium-sized rare resource mine, which was quite substantial. if he added the batch of rare resources to be obtained from the deceivers base, the second objective of this journey to the northern continent would have also been accomplished. i previously instructed you to find residents willing to move to the crown of the ocean. how is that going? at this point, raymond also nodded. ive asked gilder and other prominent merchants to help with the search. currently, there are already 3,000 homeless refugees willing to relocate, and this number will continue to increase over time. in ji chens plan, this migration plan would continue for a considerable period. in his estimation, the crown of the ocean would continue to absorb newcomers until the human population reached around 200,000. approximately 200,000 in population was about the ecological carrying capacity that suited the new moon islands. any more would have appeared quite crowded, and the food supply would have become challenging. at first glance, 200,000 people seemed like a substantial number. however, for someone as ambitious as ji chen, it was just a starting point. however, due to the limited land area of the new moon islands, there was no way to accommodate an even larger population. population influx was essential to maintain the vitality and productivity of the territory, so he would find ways to enable the crown of the ocean to accommodate even more people. the next day, the elves transported the spoils of war that belonged to him. dozens of carriages filled with various spoils of war formed a long line as they entered the estate, leaving many players astonished. ji chen briefly examined the spoils, which included but were not limited to, various war machinery, potions, weapon equipment, military recruitment camp cores, and various resources. among them was the batch of rare resources promised by yasen, totaling 270,000 rare resources, including 100,000 crystals, 100,000 adamantite, and 70,000 mithril. with the resources obtained from previous transactions, he now possessed 140,000 crystals, 140,000 adamantite, and 110,000 mithril. this windfall, to say the least, was a substantial improvement in their fortunes. amidst the joy, ji chen hesitated as he looked at the piled-up spoils of war. these spoils obtained from the deceivers base were certainly not ordinary items, but the problem was that most of them could be produced by the crown of the ocean. although the war machinery looked decent, according to thotmudos assessment after seeing them, these are all junk. ill personally make a batch when we return, guaranteed to be better than these! ji chen felt that it might not be worth the effort to transport them back. similarly, these potions were not as good as the ones produced by lady irona, and although the weapon equipment was excellent, the crown of the ocean could make do without them. just as he was somewhat distressed about how to handle this situation, alices words reminded him. my lord, you can sell these things you dont need to other lords of glory; they might need these items. thats right; players were also a market. these items could be sold to them, even if ji chen didnt value them, but most players rarely had the opportunity to buy such high-quality items. whether it was war machinery, weapon equipment, or potions, these were highly demanded items for players. a good piece of equipment or a healing potion could greatly increase their survival rate. as for war machinery, it didnt need further explanation; just place it at the entrance of the territory, and any monsters that came would meet their doom! after rewarding alice with a kiss, ji chen summoned luo yang and instructed him on this matter. after dealing with the deceiver, luo yang returned to the cat tail tarven to continue running the business, completely concealing what had happened over the past few days from other players. he even claimed to be out doing business for two or three days. perhaps no player knew that luo yang, who was highly respected among the players in maple city, had effectively submitted to ji chen. all of this did not arouse any suspicion from others, and only monkey gift and monkey gift hair watched all of this with extremely complicated expressions but dared not say a word. they knew that if they uttered a single word, there would be no place for them in maple city. upon luo yangs suggestion, ji chen decided to hold a player auction in maple city, specifically for auctioning these spoils of war. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only of course, he would appear at this auction as zhao liangchen; this identity had its uses. the auction would take place at the cat tail tarven. thanks to luo yangs promotion, this auction immediately garnered the attention of many players in maple city. they halted their plans to venture outside and were even more interested when they learned that the auction items were proposed by mr. zhao. after that night, there was hardly anyone in maple city who didnt know zhao liangchens name. everyone expressed their intention to participate in this auction, hoping to find some valuable items. even those who didnt plan to auction anything wanted to see what this extravagant individual looked like and make some connections.. perhaps, they thought, they could be led to profit alongside this super-spendthrift Chapter 376 - Chapter 376: Auction, Market Barrier, Islander! chapter 376: auction, market barrier, islander! translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation a large number of maple city players gathered at the cats tail tavern. a large number of players had gathered, surpassing what ji chen had anticipated. after inquiring, he learned that the mountain trolls had all retreated and withdrawn into the alvin mountains. this was undoubtedly the result of the deceivers actions. without the deceivers assistance, the mountain trolls were no match for the maple principality and the elves. they were chased all over by the airship fleet and ground forces, resulting in numerous casualties. therefore, they decided to retreat decisively and acted like turtles. seeing this, the maple principality and the elves chose to withdraw as well, ending the war. after the war had ended, players who had ventured out received their rewards and decided to come back for some rest. coincidentally, there was an auction happening, which explained the unusually high player turnout. due to the large number of players, luo yang had to temporarily change the auction venue from the cat tail tavern to the street outside. they set up a wooden platform on the street as the auction stage and placed hundreds of wooden chairs in front of it. it was as rudimentary as it could get, but it couldnt dampen the enthusiasm of the casual players. the streets, the houses on both sides, and even the rooftops were crowded with players. some players, sensing the business opportunity with so many people gathered here, immediately sat down and set up stalls, shouting and haggling. the marketplace came alive with the sound of bargaining and heated discussions. what used to be a relatively quiet black gold district suddenly became one of the liveliest places in maple city. this scene even attracted nearby patrolling soldiers who looked at the chaotic scene, somewhat disdainful of these glory lords who seemed to have no sense of propriety. the patrolling soldiers couldnt help but wonder if these people were indeed from the countryside, given their rather unruly behavior. they cursed silently but still carried out their duties nearby, watching them vigilantly to prevent any trouble. on the third floor of the cat tail tavern, in a room facing the street. ji chen sat on the sofa, looking through the window at the bustling street outside. he held a glass of wine in his hand and sipped it leisurely. at that moment, he heard slightly hurried footsteps approaching from outside the door. the door was gently knocked. mr. zhao, its me. it was luo yang. come in, ji chen said calmly. the door opened, and luo yang, with a somewhat anxious expression, walked in. after gently closing the door, he approached. he seemed a bit urgent in his tone. now, most of the players have arrived, but it seems that the auction items havent arrived yet. if this continues, they might get upset. ji chen glanced at him and said calmly, dont worry; the items will arrive soon. seeing ji chens indifferent expression, luo yang felt a bit more at ease. how did the task i assigned you earlier go? the storefront facing the street has already started renovations and will be ready for use soon. but if i may ask, what do you plan to sell in that shop? as far as luo yang knew, the specialty products that ji chen had brought seemed to be limited to a few items: high-quality timber, golden bass, premium coffee beans, weapons and equipment, and the never-before-seen merfabric. these specialty products are undoubtedly valuable, but it seems they have already been under long-term trade agreements with maple citys merchants and elves. hence, they werent suitable for display and sale in a storefront. did he plan to sell everyday items? in terms of profitability, a prime location like that storefront would be better off leased for a stable income rather than selling ordinary goods, which would likely incur losses. were going to sell wine. this was something ji chen had already thought through. the wine market was vast. he had found a talented winemaker named leysha among the refugees, capable of producing high-quality wine. therefore, he wouldnt miss out on this high-profit product. sell wine? luo yang paused briefly before adding, mr. zhao, selling wine in the maple principality isnt as simple as it may seem. this statement left ji chen puzzled. why is that? the reason is simple. back on earth, if you want to produce and sell alcohol, you need to obtain a series of licenses to qualify for sales. its similar here. but the problem is that obtaining a sales license here is not a simple matter. the maple principality is located by the sea, with a climate and soil perfectly suited for grape cultivation, resulting in a large production of wine. and, as you know, products like alcohol yield profits that can make any merchant jealous. therefore, some of the influential figures in the maple principality have joined forces to issue alcohol sales permits to only a very small number of people aligned with them. as for other alcohol merchants, they simply cant obtain permits, so they have no way to sell alcohol. they are even forbidden from importing foreign alcohol into the local market ji chen furrowed his brow. this sounded like trade barriers and market access restrictions. by using official rights to prevent other alcohol from entering the market, they achieved a monopoly effect. previously, the specialty products brought by the crown of the ocean were things that the maple principality lacked, so there was no conflict of interest. but when it came to alcohol, it was a different story. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only this was indeed a matter worth considering. ji chen thought for a moment and felt that he needed to consult with a merchant like gilder to understand the situation better. alright, ill take care of this matter. luo yang nodded without asking any more questions. he was fully aware of what was appropriate to discuss and what wasnt. ji chen kept this matter in mind and continued to focus on what was happening outside.. Chapter 377 - Chapter 377: Auction, Market Barner, Islander! (2) chapter 377: auction, market barner, islander! (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation as luo yang had mentioned, rhe gathered players began to grow impatient as the auction showed no signs of starting. whats raking so long for this auction to begin? i left my limited-rime quest for this. is mr. zhao and luo yang playing tricks on us? are trying to fan the flames of conflict among players?11 as the players starred discussing with increasing agitation, luo yang glanced once more at ji chen, who remained composed, as if everything was under control. just as many players were becoming more agitated and some were even preparing to leave, a group of elves suddenly appeared outside black gold district, escorting dozens of cargo wagons that slowly entered the plaza. they gazed coldly at the multitude of players. the cargo wagons were covered with black cloth, concealing the contents within, bur the sight of dozens of them forming a long procession was quite impressive. at that moment, monkey gift and monkey gift hair appeared seemingly out of nowhere and held up a simplified megaphone. all rhe items for this auction are provided by the islander! this announcement left the players in astonishment. could it be rhe islander they were thinking of? as if they had guessed the players thoughts, monkey gift and monkey gift hair continued, yes, you guessed it right! its rhe famous islander who made a name for himself in the silver islands mystic realm, ranking high on the player leaderboard and territory leaderboard! the islander have entrusted mr. zhao with these auction items! since the items are from the islander, the quality is absolutely guaranteed!!!11 the players who were acting foolish exchanged glances, and it was clear that they had noticed the astonishment in each others expressions. in reality, among the player community on the mainland and along the coast, the name islander was renowned. not only did he hold a high position on the leaderboards, but he was also famous for his remarkable achievements. in his first appearance at the silver island mystic realm, he single-handedly attacked several city gates of the blood sea city and collaborated with attacking players, securing an advantage for rhe assault. this allowed the attacking players to obtain a substantial amount of crystals. furthermore, on king kong island, he used colossal waves to engulf several players attempting to take advantage, earning a terrifying reputation for his individual strength and formidable fleet power. these two real combat records were sufficient proof of rhe formidable strength of the islander. in addition, he was widely praised by the players alliance on king kong island, especially rhe enthusiastic acclaim from a player known as l_love_black_ stockings/ who was famous on the leaderboards, calling the islander the most handsome and generous player in the central ocean. all these factors made rhe islander subtly become the talk of rhe players as rhe strongest player in the central ocean. however, after king kong island, the islander rarely appeared in chat channels and forums, causing the hype surrounding him to gradually fade. it was only until now to say that this batch of auction items was provided by the islander? and he had so much influence that even the elves, who usually spoke with their heads held high, personally delivered them? this was beyond prestigious! at this moment, players were not just shocked; they were astounded. didnt this imply that the big boss islander had also come to the maple principality? some players suddenly recalled that they had witnessed a player dueling with the elven fleet commander near the port before. they remembered that this player couldnt be examined using the system, as his status panel displayed only question marks. among them, some players who had previously taken logistical tasks for rhe elven army suddenly had a realization. that evening, they saw the elven army salute a player, and at the time, they wondered who that player was and why he had such an imposing presence. could that player be the islander himself? looking at the elves escorting the cargo, their certainty grew. if he hadnt befriended and assisted the elves, why would the elves personally come to transport these items? case closed! in a situation where no one else knew, the islander had already accomplished several significant deeds in the maple principality! after understanding this, players emotions soared. the frustration they had felt from the long wait disappeared instantly. this was none other than the big boss islander. what did it matter if they had to wait a little longer? meanwhile, many players were scanning their surroundings, hoping to catch a glimpse of the rumored islander. regarding this, monkey gift and monkey gift hair, who had already been instructed, raised their megaphones and shouted, the big boss islander is busy with his affairs and couldnt make it to rhe scene. the auction begins immediately!! !rl the elves escorting the goods unemotionally drove their carriages to the auction platform one by one, handing over the cargo to the staff. then, they dispersed strategically , keeping a close watch on their surroundings to protect the auction items from any would-be thieves. soon, the staff began the auction as per their instructions. one by one, treasures, batches of war equipment, and pieces of weapon gear were auctioned off. most of the treasures were 1-star to 3-star items, which, for ji chen at this point, were nothing significant. however, for other players, they were quite valuable. most of the time, the treasures players could obtain through commissions and quests were primarily 1-star and 2-star items. as for 3-star treasures, they were usually acquired from treasure chests, and only exceptionally high-risk commissions could yield them. if they got their hands on one, it would become a family heirloom. in this auction, there were over a dozen 3-star treasures, indicating the islanders strength so formidable that even 3-star treasures didnt catch his eye. there was war equipment, numbering at least in the double digits, including fine iron crossbows, city defense ballistae, and cannons, just a few of which were enough to arm a small territory. they were being auctioned in lots of ten. cores for recruiting military units were stacked casually in crates, and boxes of elixirs were bundled for auction. at this moment, these players deeply understood what it meant to be extravagant to the extreme. had the islander truly become this powerful? to rhe point where he didnt even care about these items and decided to auction them all? ten fine iron bed crossbows, starting bid at two thousand gold coins! ill bid two thousand one hundred! a player who had been eyeing them raised his hand and shouted. ill bid two thousand three hundred! another player asserted without hesitation. three thousand gold coins! a player dressed in tattered clothing calmly called out, drawing rhe attention of many. they couldnt help bur mutter to themselves, with so much money and still dressed in such ragged clothes, is this guy pretending to be poor to catch us off guard!? observing the players actively bidding at the auction, ji chen nodded with a sigh of admiration. in fact, it proved that some players who appeared to be struggling on the surface actually had some wealth hidden away. players who understood the value of discretion knew the essence of pretending to be weak to catch their prey off guard. after watching for a while, he grew bored. he gestured, indicating that luo yang should manage rhe auction by himself. afterward, he used the illusory mask to alter his appearance, making sure he looked distinct from his usual self and different from mr. zhao. he made himself slightly shorter, a bit chubbier, and adopted an unremarkable appearance. looking at the completely unfamiliar face in the mirror, ji chen nodded in satisfaction. he then headed downstairs through a private passage to the street. this rime, not all players came solely for rhe auction. some were here to take advantage of rhe crowd and set up stalls to sell various items. on the streets beside the auction venue, stalls lined both sides of rhe road, displaying all sorts of miscellaneous items. players would occasionally stop to inquire about the items and their prices. this scene had a distinct market vibe. ji chen, with his changed appearance, seamlessly blended into the crowd, appearing as an ordinary player our for some shopping. rare snow lorus from the snowy mountains, one for three hundred, three for one thousand! top-quality fine iron longswords, your perfect companion for assassinations on dark, windy nights. silver scale breastplate, blue-grade quality, five gold each!!! read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only second-tier military recruitment camp cores for forest guardians, four in total, 250 gold each, buy all four for a ten percent discount! vendor calls filled the air, but none of them seemed to be selling fake items. after all, players could easily verify item information using rhe systems display, so it was clear whether the items were genuine or not. deceiving the indigenous population might work, but deceiving other players would be pointless. ji chen strolled along, but suddenly, he halted in his tracks and glanced toward a secluded little stall at the corner of the street. in his perception, there seemed to be something peculiar there.. Chapter 378 - Chapter 378: Little White Rabbit, Tidal Surge Core chapter 378: little white rabbit, tidal surge core translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation this was a very basic stall, with a layer of burlap spread on the ground, and some items neatly arranged on the burlap. the location of this stall was extremely unfavorable, as it was neither close to the main street nor nestled in an easily noticeable corner. moreover, there were no scenic trees to provide shelter, leaving it exposed to the intensifying rays of the already scorching sun. fortunately, there was a white sunshade umbrella set up, which provided a bit of relief underneath, making the area slightly more comfortable. the stall owner was a petite female player, not very old. when she saw ji chen approaching, her eyes lit up, and she wanted to greet him but seemed a bit shy. this awkwardness, coupled with her slightly chubby cheeks, made her appear somewhat cute. seeing her nervous expression, the chubby player persona that ji chen had taken on revealed a friendly smile. why did you set up your stall here? the location is quite poor. if 1 hadnt taken a closer look while passing by, 1 might not have noticed your stall here. the chubby-faced player with a babyish appearance looked a bit distressed. 1 wanted to secure a better spot for my stall, but i arrived too late. when 1 got here, all the good spots were already taken, so i had to settle for this secluded place. haha, but at least you brought a sunshade umbrella. without it, youd be suffering in this scorching sun. i think so too. the chubby player looked outside the sunshade umbrella at the intensifying sunlight and sheepishly touched her head. as if sensing ji chens friendliness, she gathered her courage and said, my forum username is white umbrella, but you can just call me umbrella. oh, by the way, have you spotted anything you like? ji chen nodded, and his gaze scanned the stall, quickly focusing on an irregular, ice-blue crystal in the corner. this crystal was only the size of two fists, but its color was remarkably pure, giving off a feeling of being from the ocean. upon seeing ji chens interest in the crystal, white umbrella quickly introduced it. this beautiful crystal was something i stumbled upon while resupplying fresh water on a small island during one of my sea voyages. theres nothing particularly special about this crystal other than its exceptionally attractive color. its also quite hard and can be used as a decorative piece. however, if you use it for carving, its also an excellent material. the price, ive already thought about it, 20 gold coins how does that sound? ji chen looked at her with a completely open expression and couldnt help but be stunned. wasnt she being too honest? white umbrella was the most innocent player he had ever seen, directly revealing the cost of the crystal. other players typically tend to create a touching narrative about the challenges and difficulties they faced in acquiring a crystal like this. seeing ji chens stunned expression, white umbrella thought that the price might be too high, and her face showed a bit of panic. she quickly said, is 20 gold coins too much? how about 15? no, 20 gold coins should be enough. 10 gold coins is the lowest price i can go, or else 1 wont be able to cover the next voyages ship fee. seeing her on the verge of tears, ji chen sighed and directly took out a handful of gold coins from his backpack and put them into a small bag for her. this price will do. taking the bag, white umbrella hesitated for a moment, then opened it to take a look. inside were a small pile of round metal coins, the universal aureus gold coins of this world. she didnt know how many were in there, but it was definitely more than 20. this is too much ji chen waved his hand indifferently. take it, his words carried an air of no refusal. white umbrella pursed her lips, hesitated for a moment, and then put the gold coins into her bag. she immediately handed over the crystal with both hands. then, she earnestly bowed and said with gratitude, thank you, big brother. ji chen nodded and then put the crystal into his bag. without any further delay, he turned and walked away. there was nothing else here that caught his attention besides this crystal. as he walked on the road, he pondered. even though their interaction had been brief, it was easy to see white umbrellas distress. she most likely had lost her territory. players who lost their territory lost all the privileges that came with it. apart from retaining some of the systems limited functions, they were hardly different from the indigenous inhabitants. among these players who lost their territory, those who managed to adapt well, like luo yang, could rely on the properties they acquired through various coincidences to live a somewhat comfortable life. then there were those who adapted somewhat less successfully, like monkey gift and monkey gift hair. they could still make a living by taking on missions and tasks, relying on their skills, courage, and adaptability. lastly, there were those who lacked both the necessary skills and courage and found it challenging to adapt to their surroundings. this group represented the most disadvantaged players, often struggling day by day just to meet their basic needs. seeing her so grateful for a few gold coins, it was clear that she belonged to the last group. these gold coins might not even be enough for a few drinks. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only but after some thought, ji chen shook his head. he realized that he might have become too accustomed to dealing with large sums of gold coins, causing his sense of value to become unbalanced. for example, the twenty gold coins white umbrella quoted might seem like a small amount, but in this world, it was already considered quite substantial. even considering the relatively high prices in maple city compared to other places, if one wasnt purchasing expensive items but merely using gold coins for their daily necessities, this amount would be enough to live comfortably for half a month. by this standard, the thousand gold coins that monkey gift and monkey gift hair had mentioned earning from a reconnaissance mission, split between the two of them at 500 gold coins each, would be enough to sustain them for one or two years.. Chapter 379 - Chapter 379: Little White Rabbit, Tidal Surge Core (2) chapter 379: little white rabbit, tidal surge core (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation and the reason they spent their gold coins so quickly was probably because they liked to frequent the sixth street area. that place was known as the gold mine of maple city. with slightly deeper pockets, one could easily spend hundreds of gold coins in a single night. if one were to order top-shelf items, it would cost at least a thousand gold coins as a starting point. therefore, when ji chen, under the name of mr. zhao, reserved the cat tail tavern for one night, he spent nearly a hundred thousand gold coins. it was a move that would astonish many players for a good reason. the expenditure of a single night was equivalent to ordering 100 top-shelf items in the sixth street area. this was truly staggering. however, he had no intention of supporting the likes of white umbrella and similar individuals. there were too many people like her, and he couldnt possibly support them all. besides, he had no obligation to do so. ji chen returned to the cat tail tavern, went to the third floor, closed the door to his room, and began to examine the crystal. from the outside, this crystal appeared beautiful in color and luster, but it didnt seem to have any other special features. he narrowed his eyes and examined its panel. [a beautifully colored crystal] [color]: ice blue [effect]: none [a crystal that doesnt appear to be particularly special, perhaps it can be used as a decoration.] looking at the information on the panel, ji chen couldnt help but furrow his brow. thanks to the systems consistent accuracy in providing information, he was very certain about this panel information. however, that didnt mean it couldnt be wrong. just like when he used the 7-star treasure, the illusory mask, his entire appearance underwent a massive change, and even his external panel changed. his name changed from ji chen to zhao liangchen. but this didnt mean the systems information was incorrect; underneath that appearance, he was indeed zhao liangchen. therefore, there was such an example. ji chen suspected that this crystal might also have a similar situation. he extended his spiritual power over it, and that peculiar feeling resurfaced, even stronger than before. how should he put it? in terms of appearance, there was a scent of the sea emanating from the crystal, making him, who was already a tidal dominator profession, feel quite familiar. this matched what white umbrella said, that it was obtained from a small island in the ocean. after a brief contemplation, ji chen decided to take a risky experiment. he tossed the crystal directly onto the ground. clang the crystal collided with the floor, emitting a dull sound, but it remained undamaged and smooth, as white umbrella had described. physical impact couldnt break it? then lets try magic. he picked up the crystal. with a thought, a strand of mana surged from his palm, enveloping the crystal. at this moment, a strange scene unfolded. after being enveloped by mana, the hard crystal began to melt, and the surface layer of hard material turned into splashes of water, gradually revealing what lay inside. it was a polyhedron with dozens of faces, filled with angles and lines of geometric precision. the deep blue color exuded a sense of depth, vastness, and mystery. wisps of tangible energy radiated from it, and at a glance, it was clear that this was no ordinary item. ji chen was astonished. there was actually something hidden inside? suppressing his excitement, he looked closely. [tidal surge core] [tier]: special [effect]: can create a waterless area suitable for terrestrial creatures to live in underwater. [range]: 1 kilometer in diameter [duration]: permanent !!! the moment he saw the information, he immediately thought of where he could use this tidal surge core. an area where terrestrial creatures could survive underwater if he placed it in a certain underwater location, he could create a temporary living space there. so, if the crown of the ocean encountered enemies it couldnt resist, he could evacuate a batch of residents to this refuge. or, it could be used for military purposes, by transferring the entire military recruitment camp here. even if the enemy breached their territory, they wouldnt be able to find the recruitment camp, preserving their foundation and allowing them to make a comeback later. furthermore, it could also be used as a place for storing supplies there were so many possible uses for this tidal surge core. as long as it was used wisely, it could play a significant role. ji chen happily stowed it away in his backpack, in high spirits. to think that he had casually gone out and unexpectedly acquired such a valuable treasure. anyone would be all smiles in his shoes. with the idea of striking while the iron was hot, ji chen left the cat tail tavern once again and continued to stroll through the streets, looking for anything others might have overlooked. as he leisurely browsed, passing by the spot where white umbrella had set up her stall earlier, he noticed that she was nowhere to be seen. ji chen didnt pay it much mind; perhaps she thought this place was too remote and had set up her stall elsewhere. with great interest, he wandered among the various stalls, wholeheartedly playing the role of an ordinary player. along the way, he didnt sense anything unusual, and there were no more opportunities to find something valuable. after all, there werent that many overlooked treasures lying around. after some thought, ji chen changed his focus. next, he wanted to see if he could find a recruitment camp core that met his preferences. since obtaining the tyrant azure dragon as a unit, it had been a while since a new unit had joined the crown of the ocean. after such a long time, and with increasingly powerful enemies, ji chen was no longer interested in third-tier units. at the very least, fourth-tier units were worth his attention. although there were external upgrades like the military talent tree that could forcefully increase the tier of units, not every unit was worth investing resources in for advancement. for example, there was no value in advancing a third-tier unit like the murloc ranger, as the murloc race itself wasnt particularly impressive, with few skills and average effects. on the other hand, the dragon blood murlocs, which evolved from shallow sea murlocs through a fortuitous event involving dragon blood crystals, were worth their weight in gold. if it werent for the coincidence of evolving into dragon blood murlocs with the dragon blood crystals, ji chen would have left them sitting on the bench with the murloc rangers. all in all, the crown of the ocean had only a few usable units: the tyrant azure dragon, the lobster rider, the elemental sea pixies as ji chen strolled among the stalls, his eyes were sharp. soon, he stopped at a street-side stall specializing in recruitment camp cores. the stall owner was a young male player, and seeing ji chens apparent interest, he enthusiastically greeted him. brother, you look like someone with great potential for the future! feel free to look around, and if you find a core you like, just let me know. i guarantee the price will satisfy you! he started with some flattery to stabilize the customers mood. ji chen smiled and casually crouched down, just observing without touching anything. players could directly store items in their backpacks, so there was an unwritten rule during transactions that you couldnt touch the items. he pointed to one of the recruitment camp cores about the size of a fist and asked, how much is this core? the young player glanced at it and said with a smile, brother, youve got good taste. this unit is the water nymph archer, a 7-star tier 2 unit. its a ranged damage-dealing unit that can condense water bows and arrows for shooting. in a water-rich environment, as long as it doesnt suffer fatal injuries, it can use water to heal itself, without worrying about post-battle healing, unlike human units. hearing this, ji chen became somewhat interested. it sounded like it matched the style of units in the crown of the ocean. seeing his interest, the young players face displayed a sly smile. besides all that, the water nymph archers have great figures. theyve got a nice front and a perky backside. just by their name, you can tell theyre quite wet. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only they can handle the battlefield and the bedroom, you know. ji chen turned speechless. well, well, i didnt expect a guy like you with thick eyebrows and big eyes to come up with these things. he was quite interested, but not because of the wet matter; he hadnt become so depraved as to be interested in units that way. this unit did indeed fit well with the shortcomings of the crown of the oceans units.. Chapter 380 - Chapter 380: Two New Unit Types, Four Million Gold chapter 380: two new unit types, four million gold coins, black hawk arrow tower translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation currently, in the ocean crowns unit system, there were nagas as melee tanks, lobster riders and tyrant azure dragons for charges, and elemental sea pixies for spell damage, but there was a lack of long-range damage. originally, dragon blood murlocs possessed some ranged capabilities, and their tridents had made significant contributions to the ocean crowns battles. however, the issue was that while the dragon blood murlocs trident throws had immense power, the process of throwing and summoning consumed a lot of time. in gaming terms, they could deal instant damage, but their sustained damage output was insufficient, unable to provide continuous suppression and threat like other ranged units. furthermore, the highly mobile dragon blood murlocs standing behind the nagas seemed to contradict the primary advantage and intention of this unit. dragon blood murlocs were supposed to be agile archers, attacking while moving, rather than being confined to one spot. now, there was a need for a stationary archer unit that could deliver large-scale sustained fire, posing a continuous threat to the enemy. this water nymph archer seemed like a good choice. [water nymph archer] [race]: nymph [tier]: second tier, 7 stars [starting level]: 5 [skills]: water condensation, water recovery, physical resistance, water vine entanglement [unit traits]: magic vulnerability (15% increased magic damage taken) [a long-range ocean unit with no significant advantages other than a good physique] seeing ji chen continuously examining the recruitment camp core of the water nymph archers, the stall owners smile grew even stronger. he thought to himself that it seemed like another deal was coming. besides this one, do you have more recruitment camp cores for water nymph archers? yes, of course. the stall owner didnt waste any time since a big customer had arrived. he directly took out nine identical recruitment camp cores from his backpack, adding them to the one on the stall, making a total of ten. having ten cores was just enough, as having only one or two would result in producing only a few dozen each week, significantly reducing his interest in purchasing. how much for one? one for 800 gold coins. ji chen nodded; this price was acceptable to him. without overthinking it, he took out a large bag of gold coins. heres 8,000 gold coins. he casually tossed it onto the stall, the weighty impact and the jingling of coins as they collided immediately drew the notice of onlookers. even the stall owner was momentarily surprised. his expression changed. he thought ji chen only wanted two or three cores, but he didnt expect him to buy them all. 8,000 gold coins were not a small sum, enough to allow him to live comfortably for a long time. indeed, a big customer! after a brief moment of shock, the stall owner suppressed his excitement and quickly collected the gold coins. when he saw that his gold balance had suddenly increased by 8,000, his smile became even brighter. he promptly handed over the ten water nymph archer recruitment camp cores with utmost respect. when you have the money, youre my daddy! after receiving them, ji chen left leisurely, continuing to stroll through the streets. since he was already here, he might as well continue exploring. after all, he would soon board the returning ship after the auction, and he didnt know when he would be back in maple city. as he walked, he stopped at another stall, exchanged a few words with the stall owner, and then casually threw down 7,500 gold coins, obtaining ten unit recruitment camp cores. [crab guardians] [race]: crab [tier]: second tier, 4 stars [starting level]: 5 [skills]: guardian, recovery, resistance, taunt [unit traits]: life link (able to share a certain amount of damage with each other, sharing a portion of their life) from the name and skills, it was evident that crab guardians were purely defensive units, distinct from the naga berserkers. it was also easy to see that they complemented the water nymph archers. in gaming terms, one was a fragile archer, and the other was a protective tank. together, they significantly increased the survival rate of the water nymph archers. having found two excellent units, ji chen was in a good mood, strolling through the streets like a boss. however, he didnt come across any units that met his preferences after that, so he returned to the cat tail tavern. after a morning of auctions, the event gradually came to an end. despite the conclusion of the auction, the influx of people didnt disperse immediately. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only many players still lingered in the black gold district, bringing substantial revenue to the shops, especially luo yangs cat tail tavern. as the most prosperous tavern in the black gold district, it earned in a single day what it would typically make in half a month, leaving luo yang grinning from ear to ear. after a thorough calculation, ji chen had earned approximately 3.8 million gold coins from the auction, making it his most significant gold income to date. combined with what he already had, he now possessed a whopping 4 million gold coins, a substantial fortune. with so much gold, he could easily deposit it into the international bank established by the elves in maple city, and the annual interest alone would be enough for his extravagant spending. however, gold only held value when used, so while in maple city, ji chen decided to spend it as much as possible.. Chapter 381 - Chapter 381: Two New Unit Types, Four Million Gold Coins, Black Hawk Arrow Tower (2) chapter 381: two new unit types, four million gold coins, black hawk arrow tower (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation first and foremost, these were used to purchase various rare resources. for him, no amount of rare resources would ever be enough. starting from tier five units, recruiting any of them would require a substantial amount of rare resources. basic resources like wood and clay were no longer relevant. for each tier five unit, even the less powerful ones, recruiting a single unit required at least a hundred units of rare resources. take the tyrant azure dragon, for example, which was considered a powerful tier five unit. recruiting one required a staggering 2,400 units, equivalent to a minimum of a hundred thousand units when converted into regular resources. it was simply incomparable. apart from unit recruitment, ji chens exclusive military talent tree was also a resource-consuming endeavor. upgrading tier four units to tier five cost tens of thousands of rare resources, and advancing heroes was an even greater drain on resources. this was why ji chen had refrained from investing in his military talent tree for quite some time. it wasnt that he didnt want to enhance his territorial military strength, but rather he couldnt afford it! he withdrew three million gold coins from the four million at hand to purchase a batch of rare resources. of course, this quantity of rare resources wasnt something an ordinary merchant could provide. to obtain them quickly, he needed the help of a major player like the elves, or well-connected individuals like gilder. however, when he sent someone to inquire, he was informed that gilder had left maple city a couple of days ago to deal with business elsewhere. on the elven side, miligas had also returned to the elven capital a few days ago, and commander yasen had likewise set sail with the elven middle oceans fifth fleet yesterday, leaving ji chen with no means to ask about obtaining the qualification to sell wine in the maple principality. thankfully, there were still elf officials remaining in maple city, and the military officer, brett, was among them. with miligas gone, he had become the highest-ranking elf official in maple city. upon hearing ji chens request for help from the elves, he readily agreed. he immediately patted his chest and assured ji chen that he would take care of it. through elf channels, he arranged for the transfer of three million gold coins worth of rare resources. upon a quick calculation, the three million gold coins were exchanged for a total of three hundred thousand units of rare resources, with one hundred thousand units each of crystal, adamantite, and mithril. currently, ji chen had in his possession a total of two hundred and forty thousand units of crystal, two hundred and forty thousand units of adamantite, and two hundred and ten thousand units of mithril, amounting to a grand total of six hundred and ninety thousand units of rare resources. with this substantial sum, the power of the crown of the ocean could undoubtedly reach a whole new level. he now had one million gold coins left from the initial four million. ji chen considered for a moment and decided to withdraw five hundred thousand gold coins to leave with raymond, who would be staying in the maple principality for an extended period. as the trade officer for the crown of the ocean, he occasionally required a substantial amount of funding to facilitate trade operations. raymond, who now had 500,000 gold coins at his disposal, was both excited and grateful. however, he had no hint of greed in his heart. for him, he had transformed from the merchant who once chased after profits and gold coins into a trade officer with grand ambitions. his goal had evolved from mere wealth accumulation to making the crown of the ocean an unparalleled and mighty territory, far removed from lowly interests. after ji chens lavish spending, most of the 4 million gold coins were directly used up, but the remaining 500,000 gold coins still constituted a wealth that made every player around envious. he hadnt yet decided how to spend the remaining 500,000 gold coins and couldnt help but sigh that even wealth could be a source of trouble. just as he was contemplating how to generously spend the money, someone suddenly requested a private chat. ji chen casually opened the message and saw a somewhat unfamiliar name. big boss islander, weve arrived at maple harbor. when can we trade for the bone forge? reading the private message, he finally recalled that before leaving for maple harbor, he had made an arrangement with several players to meet here for the trade of the bone forge they had obtained from the skeletons mystic realm. after so many days had passed and with all the recent events involving the elves and the deceiver, he had almost forgotten about this arrangement. after a moments thought, he replied, you can come directly to the northwest side of maple city. the address is he provided them with the address of his estate. soon enough, a group of five players appeared outside the crown of the oceans estate, halting their steps. through the elegantly crafted wrought-iron gate of the estate, they could catch a glimpse of the vast expanse of green grass, the elegant european-style gardens and courtyards, and the mansion-like buildings, each possessing exceptional aesthetic value. boss, is this the place? why does it feel like were in a rich neighborhood? these are all gigantic estates. yeah, it must be some kind of wealthy district. there are more patrolling soldiers here than outside, and theyre all watching us like were thieves. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only among the five players, the one who appeared the most mature hesitated for a moment, then carefully reviewed the private message. he said, thats right, what big boss islander mentioned is indeed this estate. theres no doubt about it. i cant believe it. weve only been away for a few months, and hes already obtained such a huge property. is he aiming for the stars or something? no need for pointless talk. islander boss is such a formidable person; anything is possible for him. the players chattered amongst themselves. at this moment, the estates main gate in front of them swung open, revealing a well-dressed butler who stepped out. he took a brief look at the five glory lords in front of him and then greeted them with impeccable courtesy.. Chapter 382 - Chapter 382: Two New Unit Types, Four Million Gold Coins, Black Hawk Arrow Tower (3) chapter 382: two new unit types, four million gold coins, black hawk arrow tower (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation greetings, the host has been waiting for you. please follow me. the butler gestured for them to enter, exuding an elegant sense reminiscent of a medieval noble butler, causing them to instinctively turn their gaze toward the player who appeared seasoned. the latter bit their lip. lets go in. as they followed the butler to a mansion at the center of the estate, they finally met the legendary islander inside the hall. the first impression was that he was handsome, especially the natural aura of authority he exuded, making one feel a sense of power upon first meeting. you may have a seat. the five individuals were somewhat overwhelmed by the favor but obediently took their seats. they placed their hands on their knees, sitting up straight like well-behaved schoolchildren, not daring to move. ji chen couldnt help but find their appearance somewhat amusing. in private chats, they seemed like casual internet friends, but in reality, they looked so well-behaved. i wont waste much time. have you brought the items? weve brought everything. the leading player immediately responded and then placed the items for the trade on the tableblueprints for various structures. when negotiating with them initially, considering the sparse defensive structures of the crown of the ocean, the only viable defensive buildings available were the death alchemy cannons and elemental arrow towers. for the crown of the ocean, with its extensive coastline, these were far from sufficient. in return for giving up five basic bone forges and one intermediate bone forge, he obtained sixteen identical blueprints for defensive structures. [blueprint: black hawk arrow tower] [level]: 3-star [effect]: 0 can shoot highly penetrative crossbow arrows, dealing significant damage, @ illuminate the area, providing enemy warnings. [resources required for construction]: 10,000 units of iron, 2,000 units of crystal, 2,000 units of mithril, 2,000 units of adamantite. [area]: 20x20x50 [attack range]: 20-1500 (meters) these 3-star black hawk arrow towers, compared to elemental arrow towers and alchemy death cannons, were not as powerful. however, their advantage lay in their quantity and decent anti-air and ground attack capabilities. sixteen black hawk arrow towers were enough to construct a complete coverage of firepower on one side of the coastline. after verifying the quantity, ji chen took out the five basic bone forges and one intermediate bone forge. seeing the items for the trade, the expressions of the group showed excitement. they were all undead players, and with these bone forges, they could raise a formidable undead army, showcasing the terror of an undead legion. before coming, they had already agreed on how to distribute the loot, so there were no issues of unfair distribution. ji chen asked with genuine interest, it seems like you all have a good relationship? the lead player smirked and said, the five of us were originally friends on earth. we are childhood buddies who grew up together. coincidentally, when we were playing games together back then, we all ended up trapped here. luckily, we were born relatively close to each other, so we decided to stick together and work our way through to survive! friends? read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only ji chen looked at the friendship between them and couldnt help but feel a sense of admiration. he was mostly a lone wolf, surrounded by either subservient subordinates or emotionless units. but he didnt really envy them. in fact, he believed that this was the most suitable state for him. step by step, climbing to the top of this world was what he truly desired to accomplish.. Chapter 385 - Chapter 385: Robbed! Attack and Defense, the Dangerous Man chapter 385: robbed! attack and defense, the dangerous man translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation without time for further thought, ji chen swiftly headed towards the new moon islands. the closer they got to the new moon islands, the more wreckage of ships floated on the sea, and hundreds of lizardmen warrior corpses bobbed amidst the waves. this time, on their journey to the maple principality, the crown of the ocean only had a dozen or so warships left to guard it, with most of the sailors and soldiers on board being lizardmen warriors. seeing so many shipwrecks and corpses in such a dire condition, it was imaginable that the enemy had almost instantly destroyed the defending warships when they attacked. looking at this scene, ji chens expression grew even more solemn. the enemy that had launched this assault was not to be underestimated. the tyrant azure dragon carried them swiftly past the northeastern sub-islands and entered from the east side. just as they rounded the island chain, they saw a blazing harbor and water fort. thick ink-like smoke billowed into the sky. two steel warships were anchored near the sea, their hefty cannons slightly raised. flames burst forth suddenly, and from the flames, a volley of cannonballs shot out, landing on the island and igniting towering flames. an unfamiliar flag fluttered atop the warships bridge, one they had never seen before. however, ji chens anger was far from subsiding. the crown of the ocean had been his passion project, the result of endless hard work and unwavering commitment. now, it was being callously manipulated by an unidentified enemy. how could he not be furious? the mana within his body surged like boiling hot oil, and the surrounding seawater roiled as if in the grip of a category 12 typhoon. countless bodies of water defied gravity, lifting ji chens form into the sky. the tidal dominion. this display quickly caught the attention of the soldiers on the two steel warships, and they turned to look, witnessing an awe-inspiring sight. countless spiraling bodies of seawater floated in the air, and the mana had taken on substantial form, resembling threads of silk encircling the surroundings. suspended within the seawater was a figure. the soldiers pupils contracted sharply as they felt pressure akin to mountains and sharpness like sword blades. this person was extremely dangerous! years of training compelled them to react instinctively. enemy spotted!!! rotate the cannons! fire!! the cannons, originally pointed towards the island, quickly rotated and elevated. in no time, they were aimed at the figure, and after a brief delay, flames erupted, sending dozens of alchemical cannonballs straight towards their target. ji chen raised his right hand, and a crystalline water shield appeared before him. the next moment, the cannonballs collided and violently exploded. boom! the explosion sent up a large cloud of smoke, obstructing the view of all the soldiers. seeing this scene, the soldiers on the warships couldnt help but show a hint of satisfaction. in their eyes, no one could withstand the bombardment of cannonballs, and the fate of being hit by so many cannonballs was undoubtedly death. this was the kind of thinking ingrained in them through years of warfare; any flesh and blood creature would be torn apart amidst cannonballs and explosions. but their smiles quickly froze. because the seawater floating in the air had not fallen but remained suspended. this could only mean that the person suddenly, they looked up. as the smoke gradually dissipated, it revealed the figure behind, completely unscathed. how was this possible? how could someone emerge unscathed in the face of cannonballs!? ji chen stared coldly at them from above, his eyes revealing a chilling intent, like icy points. with a mighty wave of his hand, two colossal waves formed on either side, carrying an overwhelming force as they swept forward. the two steel warships, each tens of meters long, seemed minuscule beneath these towering waves. the soldiers watched in terror as the approaching waves overwhelmed them. they were so terrified that they forgot to cry out for help, only able to stare helplessly as the waves bore down on them. from the sky, the two waves merged like two colossal palms, colliding with terrifying force. boom! a heavy explosion resounded through the heavens. the waves collided, and seawater shot into the sky. the splashing water droplets created a splendid rainbow in mid-air, exuding a breathtaking beauty. as the seawater gradually subsided, it revealed two steel warships, both heavily damaged. the stout cannons were bent, the towering smokestacks broken in two, and the glass of the bridge shattered. the deck was in disarray. fortunately, these were ships constructed of steel, so they didnt shatter like wooden ships with a single impact. there were a few soldiers on the deck who had miraculously survived the waves, and they managed to stand up despite their wobbling bodies. as they gazed at the figure in the sky, fear had completely filled their hearts. to create such a natural disaster barehanded, wasnt this a power possessed only by deities? at this moment, they were overwhelmed with regret for coming here. but it was too late to turn back. they watched as the figure in the sky casually waved a hand, and two more waves surged forth, engulfing them entirely. the two steel warships were once again submerged, but this time, they couldnt maintain their balance and slowly sank beneath the waves. whew ji chen took a deep breath, and the anger in his heart subsided, gradually stabilizing his emotions. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only looking toward the island, faint sounds of battle emanated from the direction of the lords castle, indicating that the enemy had successfully landed and had already reached the lords castle. if the lords castle were destroyed or occupied, according to the systems rules, the territory would fall, and he would lose everything in the territory. this was something ji chen couldnt accept. in the heat of the moment, he swiftly led alice and verena onto the harbor. what met their eyes was a scene of chaos and destruction. the relentless artillery fire had wreaked havoc, reducing nearly everything in its path to ruins. fires raged, buildings crumbled, and strewn across the ground were the lifeless forms of various beings C lizardman warriors, murloc raiders, half-orc warriors, and even the remnants of alchemical creations like ruins guardians. strangely absent were the bodies of any innocent civilians.. Chapter 386 - Chapter 386: Robbed! Attack and Defense, the Dangerous Man (2) chapter 386: robbed! attack and defense, the dangerous man (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chens heart slightly eased at this piece of good news. it seemed that wilus and the others had followed the emergency plan and successfully evacuated the residents when they sensed the enemys attack. without wasting a moment, accompanied by the two high-tier heroes, he traversed the ruins of the harbor and made his way directly toward the lords castle. the bodies of numerous crown of the ocean champions stretched from the harbor all the way to the square. not only were the ordinary residences along the way set ablaze, but the military recruitment camps also suffered substantial damage. most of the ordinary arrow towers and watchtowers, along with the five-star defense building, the elemental arrow tower, perched on the southeast cliff, had been destroyed. they collapsed from the middle section, leaving only a lonely tower segment standing. it appeared that the enemy had prioritized destroying these structures when attacking the harbor. passing through the charred and withered woods, they arrived at the stone square, and the scene before them became clear. more than two thousand unidentified enemy soldiers were gathered on the open space of the lords castle, deploying various devices and launching a fierce assault. field cannons fired shells, pockmarking the lords castle, while boxy crossbow carts unleashed a rain of arrows, causing casualties among the resilient crown of the oceans army who were still holding out by the lords manor. on top of the castle, lady irona directed the remaining troops in a counterattack. facing the onslaught of arrows, the bold lady irona wielded her greatsword to deflect them like raindrops. then, she casually picked up a thick crossbow arrow and hurled it as if it were a javelin. in the blink of an eye, the arrow pierced through the enemy ranks, impaling four enemy soldiers together. amidst the enemy ranks, ferodes face darkened with frustration. he couldnt help but curse silently, wondering why this castle was proving to be such a tough nut to crack. he had previously volunteered to come to the stormy sea to eliminate the lord of glory here and occupy this place on behalf of the king. after arriving in this area, they spent several days searching for this island group. out of caution and safety concerns, they chose to conduct reconnaissance before launching an attack. the reconnaissance revealed that the defense force of this territory was not strong. apart from a few somewhat threatening defensive structures, there were only a dozen or so wooden warships, one ironclad merchant ship of unknown origin, and some third and a few fourth-tier soldiers. for a fleet equipped with six heavily armed steel warships and a specialized naval marine force of over three thousand, this was no significant threat at all. once they were certain that there was nothing to pose a threat to them, ferode decisively gave the order to attack. however, contrary to his expectations, those seemingly weak soldiers did not choose to flee but instead charged towards them in extremely outdated wooden warships. they didnt even have a chance to fire their antiquated cannons before they were all shattered by a round of long-range artillery fire. despite this, they continued to charge forward, relentlessly, until all the wooden warships had become floating wrecks on the sea surface. it was only after they successfully landed and discovered that all the residents had disappeared that they understood the intentions of those soldiers. they had sacrificed their lives to buy time for the residents to evacuate. when ferode learned of this, he felt not admiration but anger. damn it, these weaklings dared to play him like this! they could have just stood there and let him cut off their heads! in a fit of rage, he personally set the harbor and the water fort on fire and led the soldiers of the naval marine force in an attack. although the resistance on the other side was remarkably tenacious, and their soldiers were of diverse kinds, including pirates, merfolk, lizardmen, half-orcs, and even strange creatures like alchemical creations, with the support of the fleets artillery fire, they easily broke through one defensive line after another, forcing the remaining majority of the enemy troops back to this castle. he knew that the lord of glorys castle, under such an assault, would lose most he knew that the lord of glorys castle, under such an assault, would lose most of its resistance, vulnerable to anyones exploitation. in this way, that elusive lord of glory, who had remained hidden from the beginning to the end, would have no choice but to come out, and he could then personally put an end to them, cleansing himself of the shame! with this in mind, ferods mood grew increasingly cheerful, and he shouted fiercely. continue the attack! the first person to breach the castle will be rewarded with 3,000 gold coins and promoted by three ranks! as soon as these words were spoken, the eyes of all the marine corps soldiers turned red. 3,000 gold coins were equivalent to several years worth of their salary. beneath the weight of heavy gold, brave souls would emerge. many soldiers immediately raised their shields and ladders, braving the arrow rain pouring down from the castle, eager to become the first to breach it. however, it seemed that they had underestimated the defensive capabilities of this lords castle. ji chen had long considered the possibility of a break-in and had been enhancing the castles defenses well in advance. this included, but was not limited to, digging a moat several meters deep outside the castle, filled with sharp wooden stakes, and surrounding it with caltrops. ballistae, falling rocks, greek fire, and more were set up at the castles shooting ports and windows. if it werent for size constraints and limited space, he would have even placed several cannons. it could be said that his lords castle was like a hedgehog, causing harm upon contact. arrows flew from the castles openings and high walls, piercing enemy archers in the distance like hitting targets at a fair. large stones tumbled down, crushing the enemy soldiers attempting to scale improvised ladders, their heads splitting open on impact. meanwhile, a group of lizardmen warriors cooperatively lifted a hefty bucket of scalding oil, pouring it over the outer walls. the unfortunate ten soldiers carrying siege logs let out painful cries as they were scalded. the determination of the soldiers of the crown of the ocean and the difficulty of the attack far exceeded ferods expectations. watching marine corps soldiers falling outside the castle, his face became unusually grim. seeing hundreds of lives already sacrificed without any sign of capturing the castle, ferod realized that even if they won, it would be a pyrrhic victory. as a baron of the kingdom of bas, he couldnt accept such an outcome. he made a tough decision. send my orders to temporarily withdraw our forces and have the fleet bombard the castle directly from a distance! the chief of staff nodded in acknowledgment, picking up a peculiar alchemical device and initiating contact with the two escort ships stationed in the eastern harbor. they were the only vessels with a range covering this location. however, soon his brow furrowed. no matter how many times he called, there was no response from the other side. commander, theres no response from that side. ferod began to curse angrily. damn it, are those guys neglecting their duties? is no one at their posts!? after the battle, well definitely bring them to military court! but the chief of staffs expression subtly changed. in a state of wartime readiness, the soldiers on the escort ships couldnt possibly be off their posts. if that wasnt the reason, then there was a high probability that something had gone wrong! in an instant, he thought of a possible scenario. he quickly said, commander, the escort ships might be in trouble, most likely because of that previously unseen lord of glory! ferod paused for a moment, realizing the same. send two squads of soldiers back to investigate! no need, ive already arrived. the voice that suddenly appeared in their ears made them all change their expressions, scanning their surroundings until they fixed their gaze on three figures emerging from the nearby woods. one man and two women. the man in the center was the lord of glory. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only no need to contact them anymore; those two ships of yours are probably already resting at the bottom of the sea. the soldiers on board have paid the price for their actions, and now, its your turn. the lord of glorys chilling words sent shivers down their spines. ferod was now completely tense. years of warfare had taught him to recognize extreme danger emanating from this man. this lord of glory was a formidable adversary! Chapter 387 - Chapter 387: Ferode, Subduing the Enemy Without Fighting, Daro Severely Wounded chapter 387: ferode, subduing the enemy without fighting, daro severely wounded translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation when ji chen and his companions appeared, a look of pleasant surprise washed over aninas face as she stood on the top floor of the castle. the lord had finally returned! a few days ago, when they had spotted these unfamiliar enemies through the warning lighthouse, she realized their malevolent intent. immediately, she ordered the evacuation of many residents of the crown of the ocean to the kobold caves and the underground lizardmen world for refuge. she led the remaining defending forces to withstand the enemys onslaught. however, facing the formidable firepower of the enemys warships and the sheer number and average strength of their soldiers, even her personal strength couldnt withstand the direct assault of the cannons. thus, they had to retreat, step by step, back to the lords castle. although they had temporarily held the castle, without reinforcements, it was only a matter of time before it would be breached. but fortunately, the lord had returned in the nick of time. at this moment, her heart, as well as the hearts of others, hung in suspense, but now they could finally breathe a sigh of relief. as long as the lord was here, no enemy was invincible. this unwavering belief had supported them through many victories. morale surged suddenly, stabilizing the lords castle. however, ferode had no time to pay attention to these developments. his whole body was tense, and his expression was incredibly serious because he had been completely locked onto by this lord of glory. if he made even the slightest move, he would undoubtedly be subjected to a storm of attacks. damn it! ferode had seen those lords of glory before and naturally knew their despicable nature and feeble strength. up until now, he hadnt paid any attention to those guys at all. but at this moment, he completely reconsidered. how could there be a lord of glory with such immense power? not only did he dispatch two escort ships at lightning speed, annihilating them without a survivor, but he also prevented them from sending out a distress signal. among the many lords of glory, this was truly an exceptional and unusual occurrence! ferode admitted that at this moment, he felt somewhat intimidated. the bravado and revenge-driven mindset from before had quietly disappeared. doubts crept into his mind. he had just started thinking about how to escape when he quickly dismissed the idea. he had brought his fleet into someone elses territory, and he had set a fire that had nearly destroyed half the domain, causing hundreds of casualties among their soldiers. he had even been prepared to breach the lords castle where they found shelter. in essence, he had done everything to draw their hatred. after deep contemplation, ferode reluctantly managed to muster an awkward smile, tossing his weapon to the ground and raising his hands. i surrender! this left the chief of staff, who had been prepared to sacrifice himself for his country, dumbfounded, his eyes filled with disbelief. his subordinates were ready to fight to the death, so why was their commanding officer surrendering first? even with the chief of staffs excellent qualities, he couldnt help but curse inwardly. what the hell happened to your earlier ambitions? werent you the one who said youd take down this lord of glory and redeem your honor? how come youre surrendering before the battle even starts? what a disgrace! feeling the gaze of the lord of glory fixed upon him, the chief of staff took a deep breath and also cast aside his weapon. 1 surrender too! seeing their top two commanders surrender, the other soldiers of the kingdom of bass exchanged bewildered glances and began to surrender as well. then, under ji chens threat, the four warships that had blockaded the new moon islands from the other three directions, following ferodes orders, came to the harbor and were unexpectedly seized by the prepared soldiers of the crown of the ocean. the soldiers on board became captives. this abrupt battle ended in a dramatic fashion. ferode and his companions were disarmed and placed in cages, awaiting their fate. inside the lords castle, ji chen sat in the main seat, listening to the report that had come from wilus, who had returned from the kobold caves. at this moment, wilus didnt look well at all. his face was marked by an unmistakable sense of discouragement. lord, this time, the crown of the ocean has suffered the heaviest losses since its establishment. the bass kingdoms army launched an attack from the east of the new moon islands, using long-range artillery to destroy all wooden warships and subsequently the fortress on the northeast sub-island. after causing extensive damage to defensive structures like the elemental arrow tower, they landed through the harbor and along the way, they burned down a large number of residential houses. preliminary estimates indicate that over seventy percent of the housing has been burned or destroyed. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only our military recruitment camps have also suffered severe damage. two murloc ranger camps, one giant octopus recruitment camp, ten self-detonating water spider camps, and two deep sea prowler camps have all been reduced to ruins due to indiscriminate artillery fire. the rest of the recruitment camps have varying degrees of damage. as he spoke, a trace of sorrow crossed wiluss face. the losses among the garrisoned troops were even more devastating. all ruins guardians were destroyed during the harbor defense, and the ocean guardians are now reduced to fifty. sky guardians have also suffered significant losses, with less than half remaining. half-orc warriors and lizardmen joined in the harbor defense and endured the onslaught of the second artillery bombardment. except for his excellency daros survival despite severe injuries, all other half-orc warriors perished under the artillery fire. four thousand lizardmen warriors saw three thousand casualties, and their formations were shattered. all self-detonating water spiders and murloc rangers sacrificed themselves to buy precious time for the retreat of the remaining troops, allowing them to fall back to the lords castle. ji chens heart sank as he realized the extent of the losses for the oceans crown. this time, the defending army had suffered nearly catastrophic casualties, with thousands of troops reduced to just a few hundred. even daros half-orc warriors had all perished under the relentless artillery fire, leaving him as a commander without a force to lead.. Chapter 388 - Chapter 388: Ferode, Subduing the Enemy Without Fighting, Daro Severely Wounded (2) chapter 388: ferode, subduing the enemy without fighting, daro severely wounded (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation fifteen military recruitment camps were reduced to ruins under the relentless artillery fire, representing the loss of countless resources. over a dozen warships, along with their crew members, were mercilessly shattered into pieces by the bombardment. fortunately, it was thanks to the sacrifice of these troops that wilus managed to evacuate all of the oceans crown residents. apart from a few unfortunate souls who accidentally broke their legs during the evacuation, not a single resident died or was injured. this was a silver lining amidst a series of bad news. as long as the people were safe, the losses, no matter how great, could be gradually recovered. moreover, the recruitment camps for several main unit types were not completely destroyed, and they could still produce formidable units like the tyrant azure dragon, naga berserker, dragon blood murlocs, elemental sea pixies, and lobster riders. the foundation remained. with each loss he mentioned, wilus felt a pang of sorrow. when it came to his feelings for the oceans crown, he was one of the most passionate among all. as one of the earliest residents to arrive in the oceans crown, he had followed his lord every step of the way, nurturing the oceans crown like a child. despite the difficulties, he had managed to bring some improvement, ensuring that the residents could eat their fill. but now, facing such a disaster, his heart bled! even though his temperament was usually quite mild, at this moment, he couldnt help but curse those bastards and wished he could execute them immediately to vent his hatred. seeing the grief-stricken expression on wilus face, ji chen offered some words of comfort. i wont let them get away with this i heard that these enemies are from the bass kingdom, right? wilus nodded. thats right. when we captured the one leading them, a man named ferode, he initially put up a tough front. however, after a bit of interrogation, he spilled everything. this fleet belongs to the bass kingdoms mid-ocean navy, and ferode was their commander. they came all the way to the stormy sea with a mission to destroy the oceans crown and occupy the new moon islands, turning this place into an overseas territory of the bass kingdom. through interrogation, we learned that they discovered the existence of the new moon islands and the oceans crown by bribing and interrogating sailors from the radiant envoy ship, which had previously visited the oceans crown. at this point, wilus paused for a moment. because of this, the bass kingdom found out that it was us who helped the radiant envoy and its crew return to the lienhardt grand duchy. ferode was the one who pursued the radiant envoy at that time. because he ensured their safe return to the lienhardt grand duchy, he was held accountable by the bass kingdoms king. he considered it a disgrace, so he volunteered to lead the attack. ji chens thoughts were somewhat complex. although he had already roughly guessed that it was because of monica and her group, and he had mentally prepared for this information to leak, he still hadnt expected it to happen so quickly. moreover, the timing of the attack was so precise, coinciding with his departure with the elite forces of the oceans crown. if it had happened a little earlier or later, he would have been able to deal with it in time, and his home wouldnt have come so close to being looted. other than that, did the wine workshop, vineyard, wood processing plant, blacksmithy, and other buildings suffer any damage? it seems that the enemy intends to use these important buildings after they occupy them, so they didnt damage them at all. ji chen nodded. if these crucial buildings had been damaged, it would undoubtedly have dealt a significant blow to the oceans crowns production capabilities, especially the wine workshop and vineyard, which were essential industries for the territorys future. if they were destroyed, he would be heartbroken. however, as he thought about the extensive damage to the residents defenses and the port, he felt a bit frustrated. with so many homes destroyed, it would probably take some time to fully repair and rebuild them. he immediately said, wilus, you should go organize a group of residents to return from the kobold caverns and the underground lizardmen world and begin post-war reconstruction work. prioritize the repair of housing; we cant leave the residents of the oceans crown homeless. besides that, i will expand the oceans crown in the next few days, so you should consider the size and location of the territory and coordinate the reconstruction of various buildings. the enemys massive fire had destroyed half of the territory, reducing countless houses and buildings to ruins. however, this also provided the oceans crown with an opportunity to redesign the territory and buildings, making the layout more rational. wilus nodded earnestly. from ji chens words, he could sense the importance of this task. being able to independently coordinate the reconstruction of an entire territory was both a challenge and an opportunity for him. i will definitely complete the task and not disappoint your expectations, my lord. ji chen nodded in satisfaction. he trusted wilus to handle the task well. although he was only a rare-tier hero, his impact was greater than that of legendary-tier heroes in some cases. after instructing wilus to continue with his work, ji chen entered a heavily guarded room. lizardmen soldiers stationed at the door immediately saluted and greeted him with great respect, their faces showing infinite reverence. they knew that when the enemy was on the verge of breaking through the territory, their lord had returned in time. by using a show of strength instead of fighting, he had forced the enemy to surrender. what kind of mighty victory was this? to them, their lords radiance was like that of the sun! ji chen looked at the excited and enthusiastic lizardmen warriors. this time, he had gained a newfound appreciation for the lizardmen race. according to wilus and aninas descriptions, the lizardmen warriors had shown exceptional bravery and fearlessness during the enemys invasion. they had actively boarded ships to confront the enemy, buying precious time for the residents to retreat. they had followed the resistance against the enemy throughout, even enduring heavy casualties without retreating. such performance made ji chen begin to consider that perhaps he could trust the lizardmen race more and allow them to play more significant roles in the oceans crown, rather than just being cannon fodder. they nodded slightly to him and entered the room. inside, they saw several maids helping daro with his wounds. daro, who had defended the harbor with the half-orc warriors during the enemys attack, had suffered severe injuries from the bombardment of the warships. he had miraculously survived, but his condition was critical. this half-orc hero, born on king kong island, known for his strength and valor, now lay weakly on the bed, his entire body wrapped in bandages. the blood-red stains beneath the pristine bandages were particularly conspicuous. only his eyes were visible through the bandages, and when he saw ji chen, there was a significant emotional fluctuation. he attempted to struggle and sit up, but the wounds that were just beginning to heal reopened, causing fresh blood to seep through the bandages. ji chens expression changed immediately, and he urged daro to lie still, trying to prevent further damage. daro couldnt move, but his eyes were filled with self-blame. he hadnt been able to stop the enemys attack, and he felt guilty for failing to protect his lords domain. facing daro and the others, ji chen actually felt somewhat guilty. he had promised them a better life when he brought them from king kong island to the oceans crown. however, this promise had yet to be fulfilled, and they had gradually lost members in each battle, including the recent defense where all half-orc warriors were annihilated, leaving only daro and some elderly or infirm half-orcs. daros intense gaze made ji chen feel uncomfortable, and he couldnt meet it directly. in a somewhat solemn tone, he said to the maids around him, summon irona, and have her prepare healing potions for daro. take good care of him, and if theres anything you need, you can come to me directly. the maids nodded in haste. after ensuring that daro would rest, ji chen walked out with a heavy heart. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only leaving the lords castle, he arrived at the shallow sea stone forest on the north side, which used to be the habitat of a group of shallow sea trolls. after they were cleared out, ji chen had utilized the terrain and shallow waters here to transform it into a water prison for detaining prisoners. former residents of this prison included willow from the hanseatic chamber of commerce, gassani, and a group of chamber of commerce guards. now, it was occupied by ferode, over two thousand marine corps soldiers, and more than a thousand crew members. this water prison, which originally could hold fewer than four hundred people, was now packed with over three thousand prisoners, making the conditions even worse than those on a slave ship. however, the soldiers guarding this place showed no mercy in their eyes; all they felt was anger and hatred. for these invaders who had nearly destroyed their homeland, such punishment was far from enough! Chapter 391 - Chapter 391: The Six Major Troops, The Alarm Resounds chapter 391: the six major troops, the alarm resounds translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation before officially proceeding with the upgrade, ji chen first used the resurrection altar to resurrect a large batch of troops that had died before. this included the naga berserker and dragon blood murlocs who had died during the trip to the northern continent, as well as the murloc rangers and self-detonating water spider which had perished in the defense against ferodes fleet. although the recruitment camps for the latter had been destroyed and could no longer expand in scale, the resurrection altar had the advantage of being able to resurrect a sufficient number of troops, and the resources consumed each time were fixed. therefore, resurrecting them together was not a problem. unfortunately, the half-orc warrior, lizardmen warrior, and ruins guardian were not recruited from the recruitment camps and could not be resurrected using the altar. after resurrecting these troops, ji chen proceeded to recruit the four troops that were about to be upgraded: the naga berserker, dragon blood murlocs, and two others. currently, recruiting these units only demands regular resources, but once they are upgraded, it could necessitate rare resources. after recruiting all the troops that had been accumulated for two weeks, he opened the military talent tree interface. at the top of the interface, there were two new troop sub-pages. he clicked on one to take a look. to advance the water nymph archer from tier 2, 7 stars to tier 5,1 star, required 210,000 ordinary resources and 40,000 rare resources, while advancing the crab guardians from tier 2, 4 stars to tier 5,1 star, required 200,000 ordinary resources and 45,000 rare resources. just these two troops alone required 410,000 ordinary resources and 85,000 rare resources. fortunately, the population of the crown of the ocean was now large, and the rate of resource collection was very fast. the ordinary resources had already filled the warehouses, numbering in the millions, and there was no need to worry at all. without a moment of hesitation. ji chen directly upgraded them. with a burst of light, the recruitment camps of the two new troops became more magnificent and grand in the white light. then, he shifted his gaze from these twenty new troop recruitment camps to the recruitment camps of other troops. after some consideration, he decided on four troops. naga berserkers, elemental sea pixies, lobster riders, and dragon blood murlocs. the reason was simple; these four troops were the main troops of the crown of the ocean. he had great confidence in their potential, and there were a sufficient number of recruitment camps for them, making it easier to expand their scale. these four troops covered a meat shield in close combat, a spell-based ranged attack, a charge and breakthrough, and a mobile support role, forming a relatively complete combat system, with none being dispensable. setting aside distractions, he began the upgrades. consuming 260,000 ordinary resources and 50,000 rare resources, he upgraded the 4th tier 5-star naga berserker to the 5th tier 3-star, renaming it naga guardians. consuming 250,000 ordinary resources and 50,000 rare resources, he upgraded the 4th tier 3-star elemental sea pixies to the 5th tier 2-star, renaming them silver sea pixies. consuming 250,000 ordinary resources and 45,000 rare resources, he upgraded the 4th tier 1-star lobster rider to the 5th tier 1-star, renaming it lobster guardian knight. when it was time for the dragon blood murlocs, ji chen took out the batch of dragon blood crystals he had obtained from slaying the marshland dragon and chose to upgrade the dragon blood murlocs on that talent tree. consuming 300,000 ordinary resources and 55,000 rare resources, he upgraded the 4th tier 3-star dragon blood murlocs to the 5th tier 3-star, keeping their name as dragon blood murlocs. this wave of upgrades for the six troops cost a total of 1.47 million units of ordinary resources and 285,000 units of rare resources. the resources in the crown of the oceans account had significantly decreased, with almost a third of the recently acquired rare resources disappearing. however, no matter how he looked at it, the reduction in resources always left a sense of disappointment and regret. but the results it brought were quite pleasing. all six troops had become 5th tier troops, with their strength increased by several times, if not more. their external appearance had also clearly become much more powerful. the naga guardians had become even more robust and fierce. its already massive body had expanded by two more layers, and its height had reached an imposing 2.5 meters, making it look like a small giant. the bulge on the head of the dragon blood murlocs was even more pronounced as if a pair of dragon horns would burst through the skin at any moment. the scales on their bodies had a more streamlined feel, naturally emitting a strange dragon aura. even their fellow troops couldnt help but instinctively keep their distance from themsuch was the power of their aura. as their name suggested, the silver sea pixies had several strands of silver on their skin, and their emanating magical fluctuations were even more turbulent the lobster guardian riders donned heavy armor, and the four-meter-long lance in their hands seemed capable of tearing through any defense with greater power came higher recruitment costs. water nymph archers, 5th tier 1-star, with recruitment of 14 per week, costing 900 units of rare resources per individual. crab guardians, 5th tier 1-star, with recruitment of 14 per week, costing 950 units of rare resources per individual. lobster guardian riders, 5th tier 1-star, with recruitment of 14 per week, costing 1050 units of rare resources per individual. silver sea pixies, 5th tier 2-star, with recruitment of 14 per week, costing 1200 units of rare resources per individual. naga guardians, 5th tier 3-star, with recruitment of 14 per week, costing 1250 units of rare resources per individual. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only dragon blood murlocs, 5th tier 3-star, with recruitment of 14 per week, costing 1400 units of rare resources per individual. just like the tyrant azure dragon, which was also a 5th-tier troop, recruiting these units now required rare resources. looking at the recruitment costs, even just recruiting these six troops per week ji chens mind raced, and he finally arrived at a number that left him dumbfounded. 94,500 units of rare resources. if you added the recruitment of three tyrant azure dragons at 7,200 units each per week and one tidal sea spirit at 500 units, the total cost for a normal recruitment wave would be 102,200 units of rare resources.. Chapter 392 - Chapter 392: The Six Major Troops, The Alarm Resounds (2) chapter 392: the six major troops, the alarm resounds (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation taking a closer look, of the 690,000 rare resources, 285,000 have already been spent, leaving only 405,000, which should be sufficient for recruitment for just under four weeks. ji chen initially thought that with this much-accumulated resources, it would be enough to last for quite some time. however, he didnt expect the recruitment cost for tier 5 units to be so extravagant, depleting his resources so quickly. fortunately, he had pre-recruited the accumulated number of units for the next two weeks, saving him a considerable amount of resources. but thinking about the upcoming hero upgrades, it was clear there would be more expenses ahead. ji chen shook his head with a hint of a headache, already contemplating where he could obtain another batch of rare resources. the cost was significant, but recruitment was necessary. with a light tap of his finger, 33,600 units of rare resources were instantly deducted from his account, and one by one, units with impressive auras emerged from various recruitment camps. in an instant, the number of troops on the record of the crown of the ocean surged dramatically. apart from the water nymph archers, crab guardians, two new units, and the tyrant azure dragon, the quantities of the other four units had all surpassed the four-digit mark, with thousands of units densely arranged from the open space all the way into the forest. the current main unit quantities were as follows: water nymph archers, tier 5,1-star, 140 units. crab guardians, tier 5,1-star, 140 units. lobster guardian knights, tier 5,1-star, 1,090 units. silver sea pixies, tier 5, 2-star, 1,200 units. naga guardians, tier 5, 3-star, 1,100 units. dragon blood murlocs, tier 5, 3-star, 1,120 units. tyrant azure dragon, tier 5, 5-star, 18 units. tidal sea spirits, tier 4,1-star, 10 units. as the vendor had described, the water nymph archers were ail charming and graceful, with well-defined figures. however, upon closer inspection, their bodies emitted a faint blue light C their bodies were composed of water, and they could heal themselves when injured. they wielded elegant crystal bows, with the bow made of crystal, and the string and arrows made of water, making them quite eye-catching. as for the crab guardians, they were just as their name suggested, tali crab-like creatures in humanoid form, clad in heavy armor. they held large crab shell-shaped shields in their left hands and crab-claw-shaped polearm weapons in their right hands, truly embodying the characteristics of their unit. their fierce presence was no less impressive than that of the naga guardians. standing beside the water nymph archers, who were known for their beauty, the crab guardians formed a striking and visually impactful combination, resembling a fusion of beasts and princesses. and their panel data also had some highlights. [water nymph archers] [race]: nymph [tier]: tier 5,1-star [level]: 25 [skills]: water condensation (red skill, allows the arrows to condense using water, increasing the range by 50%. in a watery environment, an additional 50% range and 50% power increase) water recovery (red skill, can use water to recover injuries, immune to certain death skills and curses) quick arrow draw (red skill, increases firing speed by 50%) water vine bind (red skill, 10% chance for arrows to burst into water vines, binding nearby enemies) [unit traits]: spell penetration (arrows carry spell burns and penetration) [fit for both the battlefield and the bedroom] [crab guardians] [race]: crab [tier]: tier 5,1-star [level]: 25 [skills]: crab shield (red skill, raise a large shield to form a shield array, greatly reducing damage taken) rapid recovery (red skill, increases recovery speed by 300% after taking damage) resistance (red skill, increases physical and magical resistance by 100%, enhances the shields resistance to impact) taunt (red skill, can taunt enemies within a certain range, greatly increasing their hostility) [unit traits]: life link (can share a portion of damage and life with each other) the combat capabilities displayed by water nymph archers in environments with and without water were entirely different. especially in the ocean, their ammunition was almost endless, and their combat power would reach another level. the crab guardians, on the other hand, were more dedicated to their role as meat shields. their skills all emphasized one thing: come and attack me. especially the classic meat shield skill, taunt, would undoubtedly make them a headache for enemies. crab guardians could not only protect water nymph archers but they could also shield the extremely fragile silver sea pixies under the cover of their large shields. this created an ideal environment for enhanced combat effectiveness and allowed the naga guardians to be fully utilized. from the results, strengthening these two units was definitely worth it, and it was even a profitable decision. after all, enhancing units through the talent tree involved a certain degree of luck. for example, a low-tier unit might look good initially, but after enhancement, it might only improve its existing skills to a limited extent. however, some units, despite having unimpressive starting stats, could gain powerful new skills after enhancement, making them take off directly. ji chen couldnt help but admire his excellent judgment. at this moment, an eerie alarm sounded throughout the ocean crown, echoing through the sky. ji chens expression suddenly changed. enemy attack!? the alarms in the ocean crown had three levels. the first was a mild alarm, indicating that roaming monsters of low threat level were approaching in groups. residents didnt need to take shelter and could continue their normal activities, as the military would quickly eliminate the threat. events like mild alarms occurred every one or two days. the second was a moderate alarm, signifying an attack by enemies with some level of threat. the territory would be put on alert, and residents needed to gather and follow commands for possible evacuation. this level of alarm was rare, with only a few instances over the past few months, such as the hanseatic chamber of commerce invasion. the third and highest level of alarm meant entering a state of war. all residents had to immediately stop what they were doing and follow emergency plans to seek refuge in the kobold caves. the entire military would be placed on high alert and take up combat positions. this level of alarm, representing the highest threat, had only been triggered by the invasion of the sea heirs and the recent attack by the ferode fleet. now, as the alarm signaling the highest level of threat rang out, it meant that either hostile creatures or another indigenous faction were invading. various possibilities flashed through ji chens mind in an instant. he quickly made up his mind. without wasting any time, ji chen led the newly recruited units to the stone plaza. at this moment, numerous residents had gathered in the square. they didnt show much panic on their faces. under the command of wilus and some lizardmen warriors, they orderly began moving toward the kobold caves. upon seeing ji chen, wilus quickly walked over. ji chen spoke with a serious tone. report the information about the invaders. wiluss expression changed, and he hurriedly replied. report, my lord. the warning lighthouse has detected fifteen large objects approaching from the northeast of the stormy sea. based on the size of the red dots and the formation, it is highly likely to be a fleet. but we currently cannot determine which faction they belong to, whether they are friend or foe, and we are unable to assess their strength at the moment. for safety, i have dispatched a few sky guardians and ocean guardians for reconnaissance. we estimate that we will soon have more information about them. ji chens expression became serious. you did the right thing. however, ensure that the residents evacuate as quickly as possible. people are the most precious wealth of the ocean crown, and we cannot let any harm come to them. i will evacuate the residents as soon as possible. wilus nodded earnestly. the sky guardians had the ability to soar through the skies, and their falcon-like forms made them highly efficient in reconnaissance. they quickly transmitted the information they had gathered. the fifteen red dots were indeed fifteen steel warships, more than double the number of the ferode fleet, and their firepower was formidable. however, the flags flying on these warships were not from the kingdom of bass, but from another nationthe lienhardt grand duchy. upon learning this information, ji chen couldnt help but feel puzzled. this was a time when tensions were running high between the two nations. why would a fleet from the lienhardt grand duchy arrive here? although he was puzzled, ji chen remained vigilant, without letting his guard down. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only thinking in a more sinister direction, ji chen speculated that these might be warships from the kingdom of bass, disguised with the flags of the lienhardt grand duchy to deceive others. setting aside these thoughts, ji chen wasted no time. with a commanding gesture, he led his troops and anina into the sea, swiftly heading towards the direction of the fleet. if this was indeed the latter scenario he suspected, the best course of action would be to intercept this fleet in the open sea, far away from the new moon islands. he couldnt afford to let the already battered ocean crown face the threat of artillery fire once more. after the recent strengthening and recruitment of numerous tier 5 units, hundreds of them now stood ready, brimming with determination to face the enemy. ji chen had confidence that he could keep them all here! Chapter 393 - Chapter 393: Special Task Fleet, Surprise, Her Highness’ Favor? chapter 393: special task fleet, surprise, her highness favor? translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen and his group advanced at a rapid pace, soon spotting a fleet of fifteen steel warships on the sea. the majestic lion flag on the bridge fluttered in the wind. the warships were bustling with activity, and their cannons were slightly raised, clearly in a state of readiness for battle. something seemed suspicious about this. after some thought, ji chen ordered the entire army to submerge into the sea and prepare for combat. with a wave of his hand, he led anina forward. after a moment, the fleet with the lion flag noticed them and changed course, heading in their direction. several escort ships on the flanks moved forward diagonally, and their gun turrets slowly rotated, positioning themselves for the best firing angles. from ji chens perspective, this formation appeared hostile. he hesitated for a moment. with a determined expression, ji chen knew that ensuring his own safety was the top priority. mana within him surged like a powerful engine, spreading substantial energy in all directions. countless bodies of seawater defied gravity and floated upwards under the influence of his mana. then, like magnets attracting each other, the seawater bonded together, gradually forming a colossal water giant, standing at around forty to fifty meters tall. this giant was clad in armor, wore a helmet, and held a war spear. standing on the giants shoulder, ji chen raised his right hand as if preparing to throw something, and the water giant mirrored his action, pointing its spear towards the center of the fleet. once launched, this attack would create massive waves, enough to deal a significant blow to the fleet. simultaneously, thousands of uniform fifth-tier troops lurked silently underwater, ready to burst forth and deliver a devastating assault at ji chens command. as the fleet drew closer, ji chens eyes narrowed, preparing to launch the spear. however, at that moment, all the warships lowered their gun barrels, deactivated all exposed weaponry, and raised banners bearing the crown of the ocean and other flags arranged in a specific pattern. the arrangement of these flags conveyed a message a message of friendship and goodwill. seeing this, ji chens slightly furrowed brow relaxed. he lowered the raised war spear. one of the warships approached rapidly, showing no signs of hostility. at the bow of the ship, a soldier gazed at the towering giant with some apprehension and spoke loudly. may i inquire if you are lord of the stormy sea, the master of the oceans crown, ji chen? ji chen remained expressionless and replied calmly, yes, it is i. what brings you here? we are a special envoy fleet from the lienhardt grand duchys royal fleet. her highness monica received news of the crown of the ocean and its situation, so she has specifically sent us to provide support. did monica send them? ji chen suddenly realized and, after some thought, pieced together the situation. it seemed that monica also knew that their information had been leaked. the kingdom of bass was undoubtedly taking action regarding the crown of the ocean, so they dispatched this fleet for support. the idea was good, but it was a bit too late. the war had ended almost a day ago, and they were only arriving now. their arrival could be seen as adding icing on the cake but not as timely assistance. therefore, ji chen had no particular gratitude toward them. he replied with a cold attitude, i understand. ji chens response left the soldier puzzled. huh, why was his reaction so different from what we had expected? shouldnt he be grateful and excited that we came to the rescue? in the soldiers eyes, when a prestigious lord like ji chen learned that a small territory like the crown of the ocean was facing off against the kingdom of bass, even if it was just a small reconnaissance fleet, he might have been frightened. so, when he learned that the lienhardt grand duchy was coming to support, shouldnt he have been overjoyed? why does he seem so indifferent? the soldier had mixed feelings, but he focused on his mission and asked, your excellency, has the fleet from the kingdom of bass arrived yet? ji chen nodded without hesitation. where are they now? they have been captured. the soldier was once again taken aback. captured? is it the capture hes thinking of? seeing the soldiers reaction, ji chen didnt want to waste more time there and casually said, the leader of your troop can follow me back to the island while the rest of you remain here. after saying this, he waved his hand, dispersing the colossal water giant, and mounted a tyrant azure dragon, taking anina with him. without looking back, they headed back. the soldier watched ji chens receding figure and, after a moment of confusion, promptly reported all this. a ship from the special envoy fleet docked in the harbor. soldiers and sailors on the deck looked at the devastated port and the five steel warships anchored not far away. they were familiar with the banners on those ships; they belonged to the kingdom of bass and were the target of their mission. however, at this moment, those warships were quietly docked in the harbor. some people were moving on them, but it was evident that they were not soldiers of the kingdom of bass. taking another look at the scene of devastation, it resembled the ruins of a port that had just endured a major battle. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only among the ruins, there were many robust men working diligently under the supervision of some lizardmen, earnestly clearing away the remnants of buildings. this made them believe in the fact that this territory had successfully repelled the kingdom of bass fleets attack and had even captured five out of six warships. among the soldiers and sailors, a young lienhardt grand duchy officer felt particularly conflicted at this moment. just a while back, when her highness monica personally called him, he was absolutely thrilled. after all, she was the grand dukes prized gem, the most esteemed and gorgeous woman in the lienhardt grand duchy, brimming with talent.. she was the ideal romantic interest for every man in the grand duchy! Chapter 394 - Chapter 394: Special Task Fleet, Surprise, Her Highness Favor(2) chapter 394: special task fleet, surprise, her highness favor(2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation he was no exception. her highness monica was still single, and it could be because she recognized his talent and good looks, which made her appreciate him. just the thought of that possibility filled him with excitement. however, when he learned that her highness had instructed him to lead a special expeditionary fleet to rescue a territory belonging to a glory lord, and her words showed admiration, agreement, and closeness to that glory lord, he felt a strong sense of reluctance. why should a mere glory lord receive such favor from her highness? moreover, during this tense standoff with the kingdom of bass, she had specifically dispatched him to lead a fleet for support? why!? sob, sob did the prized gem of the lienhardt grand duchy, the one he held in high regard, really need to be claimed by some unknown glory lord? although he was reluctant, her highnesss orders were absolute, so he set sail with his fleet, feeling somewhat uneasy. because he was going to save someone whom his beloved woman might be interested in, it made him feel like a pitiful figure. so, he couldnt help but entertain some sinister thoughts, wishing that the kingdom of bass would eliminate this glory lord, preventing the lord from taking her highness away. it wasnt until just now. witnessing this glory lords ability to summon such a fearsome water giant and discovering that the kingdom of basss fleet had suffered defeat, with all of them taken prisoner, his feelings of disdain disappeared in an instant. instead, a sense of approval arose. indeed, he was a person recognized by her highness, and his reputation was well-deserved! suppressing his complex emotions, he, under the guidance of a fearsome young woman, arrived at a heavily armed castle still bearing the scars of war. there, he met the lord of glory. a handsome and extraordinary young man sat casually on a throne on the steps. the undeniable air of authority exuding from the glory lord gave him the impression that he was encountering a high-ranking noble in the grand dukes court. it was quite imposing. i heard that you were sent by monica to support the crown of the ocean? the young commander wiped the sweat that had appeared on his forehead at some point, nodded, and replied, thats right, your excellency. her highness learned that news of the crown of the ocean had been leaked. additionally, there were reports from the front indicating that a reconnaissance fleet from the kingdom of bass vanished in the ocean, and their disappearance was in the direction of the stormy sea. because of the concern that the crown of the ocean might come under attack from this fleet, she specially appointed me to lead a special expeditionary fleet to provide support. your excellency, youre really lucky. youve made her highness monica care so much about you his words were filled with a sour tone. ji chen glanced at the young commander, who wore a sour expression as if he had just tasted something extremely bitter, and couldnt help but chuckle. monica had indeed put her heart into it this time. in such a tense moment with the kingdom of bass, she actually dispatched such a fleet for support. but what she didnt expect was that, in just a short month or two, ji chen had become so powerful that he could single-handedly destroy two warships and make ferode and the others surrender willingly through his virtue. thanks for monicas concern, but the crown of the ocean has already defeated them and emerged victorious. the young commander nodded without reservation. although it seemed like they had suffered quite a bit of damage and appeared somewhat chaotic, being able to build such a promising territory and defeat a fleet was truly remarkable. moreover, he had witnessed several powerful heroes, and the fleet had detected a hidden army of thousands in the sea, a military force that, even if placed in the lienhardt grand duchy, would undoubtedly be considered a main army. the young commander thought for a moment and started feeling sour again. darn it, young, handsome, and powerful, with such a strong army under his command. is there any room left for anyone else? however, he was, after all, a well-trained commander, and he quickly suppressed his emotions and explained the other purpose of their visit. your excellency, besides coming to provide support though it seems thats no longer needed, her highness also instructed us to deliver a batch of rare resources and information to you along the way. ji chens expression changed. what a pleasant surprise! it seemed that monica, unlike elin, thotmudo, and those guys, was quite trustworthy. this batch of rare resources and materials should be the reward she had promised before. of course, this was probably only a part of it. saving a duchesss daughter and offending a kingdom wouldnt come cheap. ji chen was in a good mood and said loudly, please convey my thanks to monica. since i am her good friend, the crown of the ocean is a friend of the lienhardt grand duchy, and therefore, the kingdom of bass is our enemy. the young commander also nodded at this response. this was what her highness hoped to hear, and it was what he had heard as well. when her highness summoned him earlier, she mentioned multiple times that the crown of the ocean was a highly potential territory, and its lord was an existence with boundless potential. at that time, he had been somewhat skeptical and dismissive, thinking it was just an embellishment for someone she admired. but after witnessing everything here, he began to agree to some extent. the lienhardt grand duchy was currently facing threats and pressure from the kingdom of bass, and having as many allies and friends as possible was undoubtedly a good thing. for some reason, he had a subtle feeling that the crown of the ocean might give the kingdom of bass a big headache. setting aside these thoughts, the young commander politely said, your excellency, may i make an earnest request? feeling good after receiving the reward, ji chen casually agreed, go ahead. this time, the crown of the ocean defeated the fleet of the kingdom of bass and captured five warships and so many soldiers. can you hand over the senior officers and their fleet commander to us? currently, the grand duchy and the kingdom of bass are engaging in a war of words and actions in the public eye. the tension is increasing, and having these not-so-ordinary captives at this moment would undoubtedly allow us to gain some benefits after a brief consideration, ji chen readily agreed. to him, ferode and the others werent of much use. even if he kept them, they would only serve as miners. having one more or one less of them didnt make much of a difference. it was better to go with the flow and send them to the lienhardt grand duchy. after all, they were the ones footing the bill. thinking it over, ji chen continued, the lienhardt grand duchy and the kingdom of bass will have a showdown sooner or later, and youre probably making preparations for war right now, arent you? the young commander didnt hide anything and nodded. it was obvious to anyone with common sense that the kingdom of bass had gone completely crazy. their king and the warlords within the kingdom were becoming increasingly warlike, and the smoke of war had started to rise. thats right, but why do you ask, your excellency? the crown of the ocean has a large number of lizardmen skilled in forging, so the warehouse is stocked with a lot of weapons, equipment, and military supplies. however, the crown of the ocean doesnt need this much, so the young commander quickly realized his intention. he smiled and nodded. the grand duchy is currently importing weapons, equipment, and military supplies through various channels to prepare for the war with the kingdom of bass. 1 suppose we wouldnt mind another channel like the crown of the ocean. but this is not a small matter. however, as you are a good friend of her highness, i believe her highness and the lord grand duke will gladly approve. this time, 111 load a batch of these goods to take back to the grand duchy. i hope their quality will satisfy our soldiers. ji chen smiled confidently. dont worry, the goods from the crown of the ocean have already passed the market test. they will definitely meet your satisfaction. the young commander nodded. his words werent just empty promises. before leaving, her highness had indeed granted him a certain degree of authority, emphasizing that he should try his best to fulfill the requests of your excellency ji chen. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only one of the privileges included the authority to obtain provisions, so he could accept this arrangement for the time being. but as he contemplated, he started feeling a bit frustrated. her highness seemed to place a great deal of trust in lord ji chen. he couldnt help but be infinitely curious about what transpired between her highness monica and lord ji chen during her stay here. it made him increasingly uneasy the more he thought about it. he resolved to report this matter to the grand duke when he returned, as it was starting to seem like a potentially serious issue.. Chapter 395 - Chapter 395: Reduce Inventory, Cultivate Mindset, Herald chapter 395: reduce inventory, cultivate mindset, herald translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation in fact, ji chen had provided weapons and gear to gilder and his team in the northern continent, but this didnt impact his sales to the lienhardt grand duchy. the reason these four countries along the northwest coast of the midland sea, including the lienhardt grand duchy, were distinct was due to a colossal mountain range stretching from southeast to northwest, setting them apart from countries like the maple principality and the elven empire. so, these four countries were nominally part of the northern continent, but geographically, they werent. however, ji chen was quite pleased with the opportunity to promote products from his own territory. thanks to his ongoing reduce inventory efforts, the weapons and equipment that the lizardmen had accumulated in warehouses over the years had mostly been depleted in several large-scale exports. the order from the lienhardt grand duchy had also cleared out the last batch of inventory. what was exported next were weapons and equipment products that had incorporated dwarven forging techniques and contained higher technological content. after chatting for a while, the young commander took the initiative to bid farewell. ji chen agreed without hesitation and arranged for someone to escort them to their guest room. the next afternoon. the port. dont you want to stay here for a few more days to rest? after all, you have come all the way from the lienhardt grand duchy, and despite the comfort on the ship, there must still be some fatigue from the journey. the young commander shook his head. this mission is to support the crown of the ocean and intercept the fleet of the bass kingdom. since your excellency has already defeated them, we have no reason to stay any longer. moreover, the naval power of the bass kingdom is stronger than that of the grand duchy, and by taking this special task force away, the pressure on the grand duchys sea area will only increase. so we need to hurry back to prepare for any possible conflicts and wars that may erupt at any time. ji chen couldnt deny this and nodded. then 1 wish you a safe journey. thank you for your advice, your excellency. as if remembering something, ji chen took out an envelope with the seal of the crown of the ocean and handed it over. facing the young commanders puzzlement, he revealed a mischievous grin. please deliver this letter to monica for me, and be sure to hand it to her personally. he added with a supplementary remark, there are some secrets concerning the crown of the ocean and the lienhardt grand duchy inside, so please do not open it before delivering the smile disappeared from the young commanders face, and his mouth twitched uncontrollably. damn it! what secrets could there possibly be? could it be a love letter youre sending to her highness!? and 1 have to personally deliver it to her highness, too. this is too much! he gritted his teeth and said, 1 will absolutely make sure no one else sees its contents. your excellency, so please rest assured. ji chen looked at the young commanders changing expressions and the awkward way he received the envelope, nearly bursting out in laughter. young man, go through some challenges in life and strengthen your mental fortitude. fortunately, at this moment, shouts from the soldiers on the warship came from above. sir, the last batch of cargo is loaded and ready to depart at any time! the young commander nodded to them, then turned back to look deeply at ji chen. after giving a naval salute, he walked up the gangplank onto the deck. a long and drawn-out ships horn sounded gradually. this special task force, which had visited the crown of the ocean and made a brief stop, set sail once again for the open sea, returning to their homeland to defend against ambitious adversaries. ji chen watched them disappear on the distant sea horizon, then turned and headed back. this time, monica had sent a whopping 200,000 units of rare resources, partly due to the limited capacity of the warships warehouse. such extravagance was fitting for the daughter of a grand duke. the saplings planted during their earlier adventure had now grown into abundant fruits. this unexpected windfall significantly expanded the crown of the oceans inventory. it replenished most of the rare resources spent on upgrading units, bringing the quantity back to approximately 570,000 units. this gave him more confidence for the upcoming hero upgrades. meanwhile, the severely injured half-orc hero, daro, and the weakened verena were recuperating. thanks to ironas potions, daros injuries were fully stabilized. with the half-orcs robust vitality, he was quickly regaining his strength and would be combat-ready in just two weeks. verena, on the other hand, was a bit more challenging. centuries of continuous damage had left her body riddled with hidden injuries. despite the assistance of potions, her recovery was slow. her current level had only recovered to 28, and her combat strength was less than one-thousandth of her prime. it seemed unlikely that she could carry a significant burden in the near future. ji chen had to focus his attention on the bottle of deep sea naga original bloodline. according to the systems explanation, it could create a powerful naga hero, but the specifics were unknown. without wasting time, he summoned a blue excellent-tier naga guardian hero. only naga guardian heroes with a certain foundation of strength could withstand this original bloodline enhancement pressure, and only hero units could maximize the value of this vial of original bloodline. he handed it over. drink it. the naga guardian hero didnt hesitate and immediately downed the bottle. even if ji chen had ordered him to die right now, he would have cut off his own head without hesitation. in the eyes of the units, the lord was the supreme being, and his commands were like divine decrees. the original blood quickly took effect. the naga guardian hero turned bright red all over, with bulging blood vessels and clenched teeth, as if enduring immense pain. crack! perhaps because the energy was too intense, the scales on his body shattered one by one. drops of blood fell from his body, and his bones crackled like popcorn. under the raging energy, his breath gradually weakened until there was no vitality left. alice and anina on the side widened their eyes. did he die from being unable to resist the energy? my lord, he ji chen made a gesture for them not to speak and kept his eyes fixed on the naga guardian hero, who remained motionless on the ground. suddenly, everyone present heard a heartbeat coming from the lifeless body. one beat, two beats, three beats. like thunderclaps, the heartbeats continued, gradually becoming regular. a vast and surging energy radiated from his body, stirring up countless specks of dust on the ground, creating a whirlwind around him. an invisible force shot straight into the sky, dispersing nearby clouds. until he slowly opened his eyes, revealing a gaze as cold and sinister as the depths of a 10,000-meter-deep sea. the system notification sounded in ji chens ears. ding- naga berserker hero has successfully evolved, bloodline evolved into deep sea naga, tier upgraded to orange (legendary). ji chens gaze slightly intensified. the crown of the ocean had gained another legendary hero. upon closer inspection, his body had expanded to a height of three meters, resembling a giant. resilient scales covered his entire body, even his face was covered in blue scales, with only cold and malevolent pupils visible. his eyes faintly flickered with thunderous light. the broad bone blades on his hands transformed into a pair of claws, each thirty centimeters long, gleaming with a metallic sheen. no one would overlook their lethality. most striking were the bone wings on his back. as they trembled lightly, the sharp edges of the wings gave off an extreme sense of danger. from head to toe, he was born for slaughter and combat, destined to be accompanied by death. this appearance somewhat resembled the four-winged naga ji chen had seen in the kreig laboratory. the snake-like pupils of the deep sea naga hero rotated slightly, then fixed their gaze on ji chen before lowering his head deeply. in a hoarse and shadowy voice, he said, great master, thank you for granting me a new life. please bestow upon me a name, and let me carry your fame. ji chen nodded slightly. your name shall be herald. herald the deep sea naga hero murmured to himself, his shadowy gaze filled with excitement. from now on, my name is herald, and 1 will prove it with slaughter and combat! [herald (hero)] [race]: deep sea naga [level]: 1 [current tier]: orange (legendary) [potential]: orange (legendary) [skills]: thunder control (orange skill, deep sea nagas are naturally adept at manipulating lightning, capable of releasing terrifying lightning attacks on enemies) bloodline instinct (orange skill, the bloodline contains countless experiences of deep sea naga battles, granting formidable combat abilities) body of the deep sea naga (orange skill, the deep sea naga bloodline strengthens the body, increasing endurance and protection by 150%, immune to most curses, poisons, and other negative effects) naga wings (orange skill, flapping the wings on the back can increase swimming speed by 150% in w^ater and allow flight in the air) undying (orange skill, when life is threatened, all recovery abilities increase by 500%, and combat powder increases by 200% until the threat is eliminated) [unit characteristics]: naga lord (when leading naga units, an additional 50 morale is granted, and combat power is increased by 300%) [evolved into a deep sea naga, destined to make countless ocean races tremble] wow! is this a legendary hero? five orange skills were extremely luxurious. not to mention his terrifying combat power, he could also provide significant bonuses to his naga units. a 200% combat power boost would make fifth-tier 3-star naga guardians as powerful as sixth or seventh-tier 5-star units. the addition of a legendary naga hero significantly increased the strength of the crown of the oceans heroes. with herald, he now had two legendary-level forces. if he counted himself, the crown of the ocean possessed three legendary forces. among the indigenous people, this was enough to establish a large-scale power. ji chen was in a great mood. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only heralds bloodline had changed, and as a result, he had reset his level. to tap into his full potential, he would have to gain experience and level up. currently, the crown of the ocean had seven main units, but the newly recruited army units were mostly at the initial level, ranging from level 15 to 25. this was clearly insufficient to face increasingly powerful enemies. therefore, the next thing he needed to do was to properly level up his army and the various heroes. so, he immediately ordered alice and anina, the two heroes, to take a portion of the army and herald and go out to hunt monsters and level up. the two heroes complied with the orders and departed.. Chapter 396 - Chapter 396: Everyone Leveled Up, Learning Techniques chapter 396: everyone leveled up, learning techniques translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation taking advantage of this opportunity, ji chen also seized the chance to gain some experience. at this moment, his level had already reached level 39, with about half of the experience bar remaining until he reached level 40. with the armys dedicated efforts in battle, the experience bar was steadily progressing toward being filled. every ten levels was a significant milestone. ordinary professions could learn a new skill every ten levels, which was one of the stable channels for ordinary profession players to acquire skills. however, this clearly did not apply to ji chen. after all, the tidal dominator was a legendary profession. he hadnt learned any skills when he reached level twenty or thirty. besides the initial skills he received when he obtained the profession, he acquired the rest through skill scrolls or various opportunities. skills like the tidal domain, triple casting, and multitasking ji chen recalled the multitasking skill. he had inadvertently comprehended this skill while helping the elves clear a collapsed cave. although it was only a purple-tier skill, there was a tremendous potential waiting to be explored. during this calm period, he planned to study it carefully. with a wave of his hand, three water beings with spears appeared in front of him. controlling three of them simultaneously was relatively easy for him. under his control, they formed a simple three-person formation and charged towards the front line. a few minutes later. all three water beings were torn apart by the monsters and their bodies melted back into the ocean. ji chen didnt immediately recreate them, his eyes filled with contemplation. based on the brief test just now, the strength of these water beings was roughly at the level of tier 4, 2-star to tier 4, 3-star. they had some autonomous combat capabilities, but they werent exceptionally strong. this might be related to the skill level, his current mana, and spiritual power. then, ji chen continued his experiments to see how many he could generate and control at the moment. he went from three to five. the mental pressure increased slightly, feeling like a small stone pressing on his head. with a wave of his hand, he continued to generate more. from five, he directly went to ten. the mental pressure was like a gentle cushion enveloping his head, gradually warming up, almost as if an idle graphics card suddenly began its cooling fan. pressure was beginning to build. ji chens face showed some interest. controlling ten entities that felt like extensions of his body was a strange sensation. it was like an extension of his physical self. the number of water beings increased from ten to twenty. the mental pressure abruptly increased, but it was still manageable. then, they became thirty. the pressure increased further but was not at its limit. he focused all his attention, and the ongoing battle in front of him couldnt disturb his concentration. in front of him, the row of water beings increased from thirty to forty, then from forty to sixty, finally coming to a halt at a hundred. this quantity represented the limit of what ji chen could currently control. if it were merely about generating, he could easily create hundreds or even thousands at will, but the ideal number for both generation and control rested at a hundred. he had experimented with generating more than a hundred water beings, and it proved challenging to control them. they became unruly, almost as if suffering from a seizure, making it difficult to even move, let alone command them in battle. ji chen was quite satisfied with this experimental result. compared to the fifth-tier units like naga guardians and dragon blood murlocs, these hundred tier 4, 2-star water beings were nothing special. but ji chen remained optimistic. now, multitasking was only a purple-tier skill. once it advanced to a red-tier skill or even an orange-tier skill, the combat capabilities of the water beings would undoubtedly see significant improvements, possibly reaching tier 5, tier 6, or even the top-tier tier 7. the water beings possessed a natural undead characteristic C as long as there was water nearby and ji chen had mana, these water-bodied soldiers were practically immortal. this was a unique combat style resulting from the interaction between the tidal dominator profession and the multitasking skill. ding- due to your experimentation and development, the skill multitasking (purple-tier skill) has extended into a sub-skill: condense water into soldiers (purple-tier skill). the strength of the sub-skill is determined by the main skill, and it will improve as the main skill does. well, theres another setting he had never seen before. this made him even more certain about the potential of the multitasking skill! following behind the leveling army on the back of a tyrant azure dragon, he seized both experience and time to practice and ponder. soon, he had the hundred water soldiers under his complete control. due to the nature of water, aside from the spear-wielding soldier form, they could also transform into archers, sword and shield infantry, cavalry, and even some non-humanoid forms. so, an odd scene unfolded during the ocean crown armys clearing of monster dens. among the army, there were strange and diverse unidentified creatures. originally, due to ji chens previous absence, the number of monsters in the stormy sea had risen. however, the ocean crown army quickly cleared them out like locusts devouring crops. the results were remarkable. three days later. on a small island at the southern edge of the stormy sea, roughly the size of a basketball court. as the last monster fell, aside from the ocean crown army and the heroes, there were no more living enemies around. the area was littered with the corpses of monsters floating in the water. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only herald, destroy this monsters nest. yes, my lord. herald, the double-winged naga, raised his right hand, and lightning flickered in his palm. a thunderous orb flew out and obliterated the monsters nest on the island. ding- your hero, herald (deep sea naga hero), destroyed a tier 4 monsters nest and gained experience ding- as a result, you have gained 8,920 experience points, and your level has increased (39^40).. Chapter 397 - Chapter 397: Everyone Leveled Up, Learning Techniques chapter 397: everyone leveled up, learning techniques (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation with this wave of experience pouring in, a golden light enveloped ji chen, and a surge of energy flowed into his body, sweeping away his fatigue. ji chen opened his personal panel and saw the number 40 on his level, nodding in satisfaction. over the past three days, he had been leading his army to clear out wild monsters and raid their nests all around. having all his units at tier 5 meant that no wild monster in the stormy sea could stand up to them; they were defeated effortlessly, like slicing through vegetables. countless wandering monsters fled in panic, and hundreds of nests scattered on various islands and the seabed were destroyed. through this systematic extermination, heralds level was skyrocketing, reaching level 36. while he couldnt match heroes like anina and alice, who had already hit level 40, he could still showcase remarkable combat abilities. over these days, ji chen closely observed the performance of this deep sea naga hero. not only did he possess terrifying strength and speed, but he could also control lightning. a single strike of lightning from him could either kill the enemy on the spot or leave them paralyzed, helpless against him. a lightning ball he conjured had destructive power equivalent to an alchemical cannonball explosion. apart from herald, the newly recruited units were also leveling up rapidly and had already reached an average level. among the main heroes of the crown of the ocean, except for daro, who was still lying in bed, as well as verena, and benbo, who were on his way back, the rest had all reached level 40, stepping into a new stage. ji chen had just reached level 40, and his mana capacity increased significantly, equivalent to 120% of a level 39 mages mana. however, he couldnt help but feel a bit disappointed that he hadnt comprehended any new skills. observing the troops with a minimum level of 35 around him, ji chen was in high spirits. he glanced at the sky and broke into a smile. with a grand gesture, he declared, lets head back! finishing his words, he rode ahead on the tyrant azure dragon. alice and anina exchanged glances and followed suit, with herald closely behind, and finally, a massive army numbering in the thousands. the group raced across the sea surface and quickly returned to the crown of the ocean. ji chen walked through bustling construction sites and returned to the lords castle. he called for wilus. how is the post-war reconstruction going? wilus, who hurriedly came, exclaimed with excitement, the reconstruction is going even smoother than we anticipated. the residents, faced with a territory reduced to ruins, arent feeling disheartened at all. in fact, their enthusiasm is soaring. at this rate, the reconstruction time may be significantly shortened! its all thanks to you, my lord. youve bestowed homes upon the residents, filling them with hope! ji chen smiled and contemplated, realizing that it wasnt just him who instilled hope in the residents; they had discovered hope from within themselves. wilus, remember that the prosperity of a territory is not something one person can achieve alone. the residents themselves are the true heroes who have contributed greatly to the growth of the crown of the ocean. i understand, wilus nodded, his eyes filled with admiration. indeed, their lord was different. he didnt claim ail the credit for himself but attributed it to the seemingly ordinary residents. when compared to rulers, nobles, and landlords on the mainland, who could achieve such a level of communal unity? wilus increasingly felt that his fortunate arrival here due to a shipwreck and his decision to become the lords internal affairs officer were incredibly wise choices. oh, by the way, how is the implementation of the crown of the ocean resident technology learning program that i asked you to announce earlier? reporting to you, my lord, everything is progressing smoothly. the institute dedicated to teaching technology has already started construction, and its expected to be completed in ten days. the response from the residents to this program has been very positive. many of them are eager to learn new skills to contribute to the territory. ji chen nodded in approval. this was a project he had initiated long ago, and as the name suggests, it was a program for learning various skills. these skills included but were not limited to, agriculture, wood processing, tool forging, shipbuilding and repair, weaving, and sewing. essentially, any skill beneficial to the crown of the ocean could be learned at that institute. apart from non-human races like the lizardmen, the crown of the ocean had around 3,000 human residents. some of them were part of the original indigenous tribes and specialized in managing the sea rice paddy fields, numbering over 400. another group consisted of residents who already possessed various skills, along with those responsible for construction and management of the settlement, totaling around 1,100. the majority of the residents, over 1,500, were engaged in manual labor. while they would have been a valuable workforce in the past when resources were scarce, they had now become somewhat of a burden. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only this was because the most physically demanding tasks, such as logging and mining, had been taken over by a large number of slaves, prisoners of war, and even non-human races like kobolds and lizardmen, who were better suited for such strenuous work. therefore, approximately one-third of the formal residents of the crown of the ocean were in a state of prolonged low-efficiency operation. in simple terms, it was a waste of manpower. thus, training these residents to acquire skills and deploying them to perform technical work in various parts of the territory was an inevitable trend. as the crown of the oceans industries continued to grow, the demand for skilled workers would only increase. whether it was the wood processing plant, the brewery, or the jungle plantation, they all required skilled workers to function properly.. Chapter 398 - Chapter 398: Everyone Leveled Up, Learning Techniques (3) chapter 398: everyone leveled up, learning techniques (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation only the residents who knew how to work hard could handle these technical tasks. you need to keep a close eye on the implementation of this plan. if there are any difficulties or needs, just tell me directly. this is a major development for the crown of the ocean, and it should not be underestimated. 1 understand. wilus nodded seriously and then, as if he had thought of something, asked, my lord, what about those slaves who have made a certain contribution? should we promote them to residents? the crown of the ocean currently has a total of 4,500 slaves. some of them were purchased by raymond from the outside, and the number of slaves purchased was around 2,000. at that time, he had promised them that if they made enough contributions to the crown of the ocean, they could be freed from slavery and become full-fledged residents. now, the first batch of slaves had been in the crown of the ocean for several months, and this issue should be discussed openly. for this issue, his answer was to allow slaves who had made contributions to obtain full resident status. this was easy to understand. if he wanted these slaves to show initiative and stimulate their enthusiasm for work, he had to offer them incentives. in addition to the issue of food and clothing, the biggest temptation for them was to become full-fledged residents. after getting ji chens exact answer, wilus nodded. another part of the slaves were prisoners of war, totaling more than 2,500, from the hanseatic chamber of commerce and the gassani kingdom, two forces that once extended their dirty claws to the crown of the ocean. wilus wisely did not mention these prisoners of war, because these prisoners of war would not and did not qualify to become residents. in a mysterious hall. the burning braziers on both sides provided illumination, revealing rows of deceivers kneeling half-covered in robes. in front of them was a figure sitting on a thick throne, with the upper half of the body shrouded in darkness. but the faint golden glow emanating from the mask in the darkness showed her extraordinary identity. revered envoy, the situation of the maple principality branch has been investigated. the elves and the maple principality launched a joint siege, secretly wiping out the branch members who were gathering and discussing matters in the city. in addition, they found the suburban base through the data that was not destroyed in the meeting point. so, in just two days, almost all of our personnel in the maple principality were lost, and the base fell. and playing a crucial role in this was a divine patron, also a lord of glory. after the failed assassination attempt on the maple principality branch, the informant was not dealt with in a timely manner, which led to the divine patron tracing back to the gathering place in maple city, resulting in a series of events. in addition, this lord of glory was able to pinpoint the escape route of the branch members, set up an ambush in advance, and single-handedly killed hundreds of iron mask personnel while capturing the silver mask leader. at this point, the silent figure in the golden mask spoke slowly. do you know his specific identity? his name is ji chen, and he is the lord of a territory called the crown of the ocean. the location of his territory is most likely on some overseas island, but the exact location is currently unknown. a moment passed. the war between the bass kingdom and the lienhardt grand duchy is about to begin, and the organization needs to gather nearby forces to complete a plan. we cannot allocate resources to deal with this lord of glory in the near future. however, we will continue to send a small number of personnel to investigate information about this person. after the plan is completed, i will personally send someone to his territory to capture him and torture him in the soul cage for a hundred years. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only all right, you may all leave. the deceivers who had been kneeling stood up, raising their palms forward as if performing some kind of ritual, and then slowly retreated. after a while. lord of glory? interesting. Chapter 399 - Chapter 399: Integration of the Refugees, Graveyard, Ghost Ship chapter 399: integration of the refugees, graveyard, ghost ship translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the day after ji chen completed three days of continuous leveling, the fleet that was returning from maple harbor arrived at the port at a leisurely pace. however, they were all taken aback when they saw what looked like a combination of ruins and a construction site, interspersed with the remains of the crown of the ocean. especially the several steel battleships that looked fierce in terms of firepower made the dwarf thotmudo widen his eyes. hey, kid, how did you manage to get your hands on such good ships? as soon as he disembarked, he hurriedly ran over on his short legs and asked anxiously. these were confiscated from the bass kingdom ji chen didnt explain much, lets head back first. ill fill you in on what has happened these past few days on the way. okay. thotmudo looked at the ruins that had yet to be cleaned up but were obviously damaged by explosives. he had a hunch about what had occurred and nodded in comprehension. after some explanations, thotmudo finally understood the enmity between the crown of the ocean, the bass kingdom, and the lienhardt grand duchy, as well as the events that had occurred a few days ago. so, you clashed with the bass kingdom this time? is there a possibility theyll send more fleets in the future? ji chen nodded, unable to deny it. yes, this time, the surprise attack was partly due to our lack of preparedness, but it also exposed the fact that the crown of the ocean lacks sufficient defensive facilities. sir thotmudo, we might need to ask for your help in this matter. thotmudo reassured him, patting his chest. you can count on me. ive been busy on the way back too, getting ready with some defense installations thatll work well for your territory. ji chen expressed his gratitude. thank you for that. oh, by the way, 1 dont know if this information will be useful to you. with that, he took out a stack of blueprints, covered in characters that resembled a mixture of text and numbers. these were another batch of support materials sent by the special envoy fleet of the lienhardt grand duchy. according to the young commanders explanation, these were data on three military alchemical technologies. according to the data on them, they could be manufactured. these were not the common blueprints that could be constructed or generated with a single click. in other words, someone who understood them would be needed to manufacture them. clearly, as a legendary dwarf blacksmith with considerable expertise in alchemy and forging, thotmudo was the best choice. thotmudo took a look at the blueprints and quickly gave a definite answer, no problem, i completely understand this level of technology, and i can produce it for you soon. however, youll need to provide me with a group of apprentices to assist me, or else it would be too slow with just me working. ji chen readily agreed, no problem, 111 have wilus select fifty apprentices to send over. if you have any specific requirements, you can directly discuss them with him, and 111 do my best to meet your needs. thotmudo was very satisfied with ji chens attitude towards him, which made him feel that this place was indeed a good one. kid, youve earned the favor of the great legendary dwarf blacksmith thotmudo! the return of the fleet brought nearly three thousand refugees who were willing to come to the crown of the ocean. like the residents who had come here before, they felt unfamiliar and uneasy about this land. as usual, ji chen gave them a speech to initially calm their emotions. he then had wilus arrange their housing and assign them jobs. after multiple waves of population influx, the crown of the ocean had gained quite a bit of experience in pacifying refugees. allocating housing, providing food and clothing, assigning work, holding regular feasts, organizing lectures, and so on C these were all effective means of pacification. they not only helped the newcomers alleviate their anxiety and integrate into the life of the territory but also quickly turned them into a labor force. inside the lords castle. ji chen stood by the window, gazing at the undulating sea in the distance, with a hint of worry on his face. when he returned from the northern continent, he had sent benbo with some dragon blood murlocs to investigate the mystic realm gate located in the middle of the ocean. however, it had been seven or eight days, and they had not returned yet. this made him suspect that there might have been an accident on the way. however, when he checked the territory panel, it showed that benbo had not died. otherwise, he would have already set out for the mystic realm gate. ill give it another two days. if benbo hasnt returned by then, ill depart immediately, ji chen thought to himself. the return of the fleet didnt bring much turbulence to the crown of the ocean. this was because, except for a small number of native residents, most of the crown of the oceans population had come from the outside world, mainly as refugees. since most of the residents in the crown of the ocean had come from the outside, there was little reason for them to reject newcomers. therefore, the majority of the residents welcomed the new arrivals to the territory. as a result, this group of refugees, equivalent in number to the original residents, quickly integrated into the crown of the ocean, providing significant assistance in the post-war reconstruction efforts. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only in less than a week, new houses sprouted up rapidly, and the roads damaged by artillery fire were repaired and even expanded. the bodies and wreckage floating near the coast were collected, and the chaotic harbor returned to normal operation. under ji chens orders, a large cemetery called the heroic cemetery was established based on the burial grounds of the fallen half-orc warriors. this cemetery was designated for burying soldiers who had died in battle. ji chen believed that this was an excellent way to foster cohesion within the territory. after all, besides recruiting various military units, such as lizardmen, kobolds, and half-orcs, the crown of the ocean had received invaluable contributions from these non-human races, and he couldnt overlook their contributions.. Chapter 400 - Chapter 400: ntegration of the Refugees, Graveyard, Ghost Ship (2) chapter 400: ntegration of the refugees, graveyard, ghost ship (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation in addition, there was also a cemetery set aside nearby for burying ordinary residents. as soon as this news circulated from the most authoritative place in the crown of the ocean, the lords castle, to the entire region. all the residents couldnt believe it. lord, the great one, wanted to set up a dedicated cemetery for the residents and the fallen warriors!? was this real? when this news came out of the mouth of the chief minister, wilus, all the residents and warriors were ecstatic. such a practice they had never heard of it before. according to the usual practices of the nobles on the continent, ordinary residents who died could only be buried far away from the settlement, in a customary burial groundmost of which were mass graves with no fixed boundaries and no long-term protection, meaning that their graves could possibly be disturbed by wandering monsters, leaving their bodies exposed in the wilderness. those landowners or merchants with more substantial means could, at most, build a small cemetery in the wilderness and maintain it according to the prosperity of their families. as for those fallen warriors, it was even more direct. if it was possible to retrieve their bodies, they would be taken back and sent to their respective homes. if they couldnt be brought back, they would be directly cremated and their ashes scattered to the winds. only those native nobles could renovate cemeteries within the precious city, occupying vast land, lavishly maintained, and with dedicated soldiers patrolling and guarding the graves. therefore, for the residents who had earlier become refugees, the biggest hope after death was not to be dug up, with no expectation of having a cemetery to bury themselves. so when this news came out, most peoples first reaction was disbelief. it wasnt until someone took the time to visit the cemetery location. our lords words are true; someone has already started building walls there! thats right, my friend from the mine was reassigned to build the cemetery; this cant be faked. longlive the lord!! even those foreign warriors were quite excited. especially the lizardmen, they almost knelt down to thank the lord for his grace. due to the unique terrain of the underground lizardmen world, most of the underground was composed of rocks and magma, and soil, which was limited, was primarily used for cultivating various crops. after death, most lizardmen were simply thrown into the magma river, which was time-saving and effortless. therefore, anyone who could be buried in the soil had to make significant contributions to the lizardmen. lord, the great one, saying that they could be buried in the soil after death, didnt that mean their actions had been acknowledged? that was unexpected. whether it was human residents or the residents and warriors of other races, their sense of belonging and identification with the crown of the ocean was slowly increasing. this was precisely the effect he wanted to achieve. ding- due to your policies and actions, the populaces approval has increased by 4 points, and the current approval rating is 91 points. with the populaces approval rating exceeding 91 points, the efficiency of the citizens has greatly improved, the speed of learning has increased, and the probability of hero production has risen. when the system prompt came, ji chen smiled after a moment of astonishment. well, the approval rating had finally reached over 90. previously, no matter how he renovated luxurious houses or provided delicious food, the approval rating always hovered between 87 to 89, making him believe that it was impossible for the approval rating to reach 90 points or higher. but now it seemed that it wasnt unattainable; it just required a special approach. the benefits of increasing approval were also quite significant, not only did it greatly improve work efficiency, but it also accelerated the speed of learning. the former was beneficial for the reconstruction efforts, while the latter had a significant impact on the ongoing crown of the ocean resident technology learning program. it could be described as a timely boon. and the most outstanding effect was the increased probability of producing heroes, which was quite exciting. heroes, well, one could never have too many of them. combat heroes, lifestyle heroes, and administrative heroes, especially the latter two, were scarce in the crown of the ocean. if they could cultivate heroes who knew how to brew like leysha or heroes who could forge like thotmudo, it would be a huge gain. heroes were meant to be superior to ordinary people, possessing extraordinary talents and abilities. another day passed. just as ji chen was considering leading troops into battle, news arrived of benbos return. upon receiving the news, he immediately changed into his attire and went to the port. at first glance, he saw benbo and the dragon blood murlocs, all of them covered in wounds, some more severe than others. benbos injuries were particularly serious, and the neatly arranged scales on his body looked like they had been cut by dozens of steel knives, broken in various places, exposing the flesh underneath. his trident was also broken in half. clearly, they had encountered a fierce attack from the enemy. although many were seriously injured, fortunately, there were no casualties. lord, i benbo limped forward, holding his trident, his face filled with anxiety. the lord had ordered him to lead a group of dragon blood murlocs to investigate the mystic realm gate, a task that should have taken five days, but it had almost taken ten days. this made him feel somewhat anxious. ji chen waved his hand and interrupted him. lets not talk about that for now. first, drink this potion to recover. your safety is the most important. a hint of gratitude flickered in benbos eyes as he nodded gently. he took the healing potion handed to him by irona and drank it all. his complexion improved noticeably, and his breath was no longer as weak. seeing this, ji chen allowed him to start recounting what happened on the way back. at that time, i followed your orders to go to the mystic realm gate for investigation. we arrived at the location very smoothly there was indeed a mystic realm gate there, and the types and numbers of monsters outside the gate were roughly as you described. we observed from a distance, confirmed it without any mistakes, and then silently left without alerting them. then how did you end up like this? did you encounter powerful enemies on the way back? ji chen furrowed his brow and asked. although benbo was not among the most outstanding heroes, it was only relative to top-tier heroes like alice, anina, and verena. his purple-rare tier strength, combined with the hundreds of dragon blood murlocs who shared a strong bond with him, made for formidable combat power. furthermore, if they couldnt win, they could always rely on their powerful mobility and speed to escape, couldnt they? benbo smiled wryly and said, we did encounter enemies, but the enemies were quite peculiar peculiar? yes, it was an extremely strange ship. ji chens expression changed slightly, and a hint of interest appeared in his eyes. continue. yes, after investigating the mystic realm gate, we immediately set off to return. however, not long after, a dense fog appeared at sea, and within the fog, a very dilapidated wooden warship suddenly appeared. at first, we thought it might be a pirate ship or something similar, and because we were in a hurry to return, we didnt pay it much attention. instead, we continued on our way. but what was strange was that this ship seemed to be tracking us. no matter how we changed course or submerged into the sea, we couldnt shake it off considering that we couldnt bring back such an unidentified ship, my subordinates made the decision to deal with it before continuing our return but when we boarded the ship, we found that there were no living creatures on board just as we were thinking of leaving, a large group of translucent soldiers suddenly appeared, wielding similarly translucent weapons and attacking us. however, our counterattacks simply passed through them, causing no harm in desperation, my subordinates could only escape with our people. fortunately, this time, we dived deep into the sea, and after resurfacing, the ship did not follow us read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only ji chens brow furrowed deeply. this sounded so much like a maritime legend from earth, a ghost ship! could there be something similar in this world? but upon further thought, this was a fantasy world, and the existence of strange and supernatural things shouldnt be surprising at all. the problem was, why had this ghost ship targeted his heroes? Chapter 401 - Chapter 401: Attack of Benbo, Eight Major Legions, Several Achievements chapter 401: attack of benbo, eight major legions, several achievements translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation after thinking for a long time and still not getting any clue, ji chen had to temporarily put aside this nonsensical matter. regardless, the ghost ship did not follow them, perhaps it was just randomly choosing to follow passing creatures. now, he had more important things to doraising the tier of his heroes. even though ji chen already had many heroes, some of them even legendary and just a step below the epic tier, with an impressive total of two such heroes, which would amaze any player, he still felt it wasnt sufficient. thinking back on the challenging months he had endured, ji chen had encountered foes ranging from lowly tier 2 kobolds to the formidable bass kingdom. he had already gained a preliminary understanding of the bass kingdoms strengthhundreds of steel warships and tens of thousands of soldiers, a force capable of sweeping the crown of the ocean. even though his own strength was not considered low at this point, he still couldnt resist such power. not to mention that behind these sea-like soldiers, there were unknown numbers and strengths of hero units. ji chen found it hard to believe that in a kingdom as ancient and expansive as the bass kingdom, there were no heroes to be found. there were rumors that the king of the bass kingdom was a formidable legendary figure who had seized the throne through sheer strength. in a nation that revered strength, how could they not nurture a batch of hero units? the crown of the ocean needed to become even stronger. and heroes with extraordinary combat abilities were one of the key factors. even alice, who was only at the legacy tier, could rival thousands upon thousands of enemies with her unique telekinetic abilities. her combat prowess was equivalent to half a legion on her own. not to mention verena and herald, who were even more formidable. a sufficiently powerful hero possessed the power to change the course of battle, and this was no empty talk. without hesitation, he opened the military talent tree and found the interface for hero enhancement. alice, benbo, herald, and the names of other heroes appeared one by one. the higher the tier of the hero, the more resources were needed to upgrade, starting with a large amount of rare resources from the purple rare tier. ji chen looked at the strings of numbers on the screen and couldnt help but be shocked. [half-orc hero: daro (blue excellent tier -> purple rare tier) requires 60,000 units of rare resources.] [merfolk hero: benbo erba (purple rare tier -> red legacy tier) requires 500,000 units of rare resources and 1,000 dragon blood crystals.] [siren hero: alice (red legacy tier orange legendary tier) requires 4.5 million units.] daro needing 60,000 units of rare resources to upgrade to the purple rare tier made sense to him. benbo needing 500,000 to reach the red legacy tier was also understandable. but for alice to ascend to the orange legendary tier, it required a whopping 4.5 million units of rare resources? were legendary tiers really this expensive? the corner of ji chens mouth twitched, and his gaze towards herald changed as well. just thinking about the deep sea nagas original bloodline given to him by yasen, it was getting hard to hold back. he had been given millions of units of rare resources for free. 1 need to thank you. if upgrading to the orange legendary tier was this terrifyingly expensive, how much would it take to reach the even higher epic tier? ji chen opened heralds page and stared at the string of zeroes. it left him somewhat numb. the first digit was a 6, followed by seven zeros. in other words, for herald, who was already at the orange legendary tier, to upgrade to the epic tier, he would need a whopping 60 million units of rare resources, more than ten times what alice required. such a staggering amount, he wondered how many years it would take to collect. epic tier experts were currently the most top-notch figures in the world, each one a leader in their respective forces. the difference between forces with epic-tier experts and those without was like night and day. a high-level epic-tier expert could make tens of thousands of troops hesitate to make a move and could deal with multiple legendary-tier experts. so, with thotmudo guarding the crown of the ocean for the time being, it could be said that his territorys defense is incredibly secure. thinking about this, ji chen felt somewhat relieved. at present, thotmudo, a level 78 epic tier hero, had a request for himto use his power to gather the dwarves and revive the dwarven race, a mission of the s rank. so, when the crown of the ocean was invaded, he wouldnt just stand by. he had to stabilize the situation first. after a moment of contemplation, ji chen decided to upgrade benbo first. with a thought, a faint column of light, as if from the void, enveloped the murloc hero. over ten minutes later, as the golden light gradually dissipated, benbos figure also reappeared, exuding an even more formidable aura that startled the surrounding dragon blood murlocs. ding- consumed 440,000 units of rare resources, 1,000 dragon blood crystals, benbos tier has been upgraded to the red legacy tier. [benbo (hero)] [race]: dragon blood murloc [level]: 39 read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only [current tier]: red (legacy tier) [potential]: red (legacy tier) [skills]: dragons wrath (red skill, the increasingly rich dragons blood in the body grants a powerful dragons wrath, with strong suppression against any lower-ranked races) dragons power (red skill, the dragons blood in the body grants formidable strength, increasing strength by 200%) tidal surge (red skill, possesses powerful water control abilities, can manipulate water currents to attack enemies, reduces water-based damage to self by 50%) Chapter 402 - Chapter 402: Attack of Benbo, Eight Major Legions, chapter 402: attack of benbo, eight major legions, several achievements (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation combat power throw (red skill): concentrating all the strength in the body, throw the trident of mana, increasing its penetration capability by 100% and causing splash damage. dragon blood murloc physique (red skill): immune to some curses, viruses, and toxins, with a 35% increase in spell resistance and physical resistance. oceanic murloc (red skill): movement speed increases by 250% while active in the ocean, and murloc armies under your command enjoy a 50% bonus. [unit trait: murloc commander (provides an additional 40 morale when leading murlocs, immune to fear and retreat, and all attributes of the murlocs under your command increase by 125%, with a shared understanding).] [this was becoming an increasingly powerful murloc hero.] [ribbit- ribbit!!] the panel underwent a significant transformation, with six red skills signifying an unprecedented upgrade. especially the unit trait, similar to the deep sea naga hero herald, it brought more prominent improvements to the subordinates. benbo felt a much stronger power within him and was extremely excited. as a hero with only blue excellent-tier talent, he would probably have stayed at this level forever without any accidents. but everything changed since the master summoned him from the void. first, he went from the blue excellent-tier to the purple rare-tier. at that time, he was already very satisfied. later, he merged with the dragon blood crystals, replacing his bloodline with that of a dragon, completing the leap of his racial bloodline. but now, his master had used his great power to elevate him to the red-legacy tier. his strength had increased dozens of times. what an incredible favor and blessing! immediately, benbo knelt down, saying in the most devout manner, thank you for your grace, master! rise, i wont mistreat any of my loyal subordinates. i hope you can live up to this blessing. i will repay this trust with flesh and soul, with loyalty spoken through slaughter and the trident in my hand! ji chen nodded slightly, thinking for a moment. from now on, all dragon blood murlocs will directly obey your command. create a legion of your own, and name it the dragon blood legion. yes! this decision was one he had wanted to propose when he was increasing the unit tier. as the number of main unit types continued to increase, many had already surpassed the ten-thousand mark, making command much more challenging. ji chen was well aware that his command abilities were not exceptionally outstanding. instead of tightly holding onto the command authority, it would be better to delegate some of the command authority for specific unit types to heroes who understood how to command them. he only needed to retain overall command. in his initial plan, the formation of various units and legions was as follows: dragon blood murlocs would form the dragon blood legion, directly commanded by benbo. naga guardians would form the naga legion, directly commanded by herald. silver sea pixies, water nymph archers, and crab guardians would form the guardian legion. lobster guardian knights would form the knight legion, temporarily commanded by one of the blue excellent-tier lobster guardian knight heroes. tyrant azure dragons would form the azure dragon legion, serving as ji chens personal guard and commanded by him directly. alice, due to her uniqueness, would form the servant legion, consisting of her and the soul servants she controlled, operating as an independent unit. as for the lizardmen, kobolds, half-orcs, and other diverse races, they would come together to form the production legion. this legions primary duty would be focused on tasks related to production and construction. however, during times of war, they would transition into a militia force and actively engage in combat. the overall command of this force would be under the supervision of grand steward wilus. the remaining tier four and below units would form the guard legion, specializing in protecting the territory, conducting patrols, and vigilance duties, temporarily commanded by daro. with this organization, the crown of the ocean had established eight legions, each with specific roles in combat and production. as a result, the various unit types were no longer mixed haphazardly but had distinct leadership and clear commands, enhancing their combat effectiveness. this was the decision ji chen had made regarding unit command, hoping to see corresponding results in future battles. during the time of waiting for daro to recover, perhaps due to a war that had nearly devastated the entire territory, the residents had burst with great work enthusiasm, resulting in multiple impressive achievements. first, there was thotmudo, who had obtained three sets of alchemical technology data from lienhardt. he had already analyzed one set and manufactured a prototype. it was an alchemical anti-aircraft cannon with four long barrels, two on the left and two on the right, with an alchemical targeting device in the middle. to operate it fully, it required at least three people to cooperate: one to rotate the base turret, one to load ammunition, and one to aim and fire. if modern military enthusiasts saw it, they would surely be amazed because this multi-barrel cannon was essentially an otherworldly version of a quad anti-aircraft gun. in fact, this alchemical anti-aircraft cannon, known as the ripper, was designed for anti-aircraft defense but could also be used horizontally to deal with targets without armor or low armor. according to thotmudos explanation, this alchemical anti-aircraft cannon could fire a dense barrage of explosive shells, boasting formidable firepower that posed a significant threat to aerial targets. the only drawback was its significant ammunition consumption. ji chen was prepared for this and immediately had wilus dispatch a group of residents to the cannon manufacturing plant to start producing the required alchemical shells. the cannon manufacturing plant, besides being capable of manufacturing cannons, could naturally produce ammunition as well. with the vast mineral resources in the underground lizardmen world, there was no shortage of minerals. secondly, leyshas winemaking business had also achieved some results. she had come up with two grape wine recipes, one with a richer taste suitable for men and another slightly milder but more suitable for women. leysha named them blue sea wines, signifying wines coming from the blue ocean. due to the climate and rules, it took less than two months from planting to mature grapes. as a result, the initially planted grapes had grown quite lush, with vines climbing up wooden frames, showing remarkable growth. according to leysha, the crown of the ocean was a land highly conducive to grape cultivation. as for the issue of liquor sales qualification in the maple principality, ji chen wasnt too worried. he planned to find miligas later, perhaps with assistance from yasen or gilder if needed. alternatively, they could sell the crown of the oceans wine elsewhere, not necessarily limited to the maple principality. they could also consider selling it directly to the lienhardt grand duchy through monikas connections. ji chen might not have much, but he had some influential friends among the natives and held a decent position in their society. thirdly, thanks to the residents overtime efforts, all twelve three-star black hawk arrow towers had been completed. these towering thirty-meter structures, crowned with eagle heads on top, capable of firing specially crafted crossbow bolts, stood evenly along the long southern shoreline, creating a formidable network of firepower. in the past, whenever enemies invaded, the previously unobstructed southern beach was always the first point of enemy breakthrough, causing the crown of the ocean significant losses. however, with the completion of these twelve three-star arrow towers, this embarrassing situation would come to an end. fourthly, perhaps boosted by the high popularity of 92 points, the crown of the ocean had two new lifestyle heroes within a few days. both were white common-tier heroes, originally blacksmiths. although they were just the lowest-tier white common heroes, they were hero units nonetheless. this gave ji chen an unexpected delight, and he immediately arranged for them to learn the technology from thotmudo. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only even if hero units were of the lowest tier, their learning abilities were still superior to ordinary people, making it easier for them to grasp dwarven forging techniques. if one were to visit the spacious factory in the jungle clearing on the northern side of the crown of the ocean, they would see thotmudo there, wielding a hammer to instruct his apprentices in the techniques and secrets of dwarven forging. this time, he was truly focused, wholeheartedly teaching the technology. ji chen was quite satisfied with this development, and he started thinking about when to send people to the western continent to explore the kugi mountains and find those reclusive dwarves. but all of this would have to wait until after he had explored the mystics realm.. Chapter 403 - Chapter 403: The Deployment of New Units, Ocean Mystic Realm, and the Canyon chapter 403: the deployment of new units, ocean mystic realm, and the canyon translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation on the tenth day since returning from the northern continent, ji chen led six legions of warriors and departed, marching towards the ocean in a formidable procession. on the right side was the naga guardian legion, numbering over a thousand units, each one more robust than rhe half-orcs, exuding a fierce aura. on the left side were the lobster guardian knight legion, clad in heavy armor and wielding lances. 1hey were the oceans heavy cavalry, unstoppable in their advance. in the rear were rhe royal guards, with water nymph archers and silver sea pixies, protected by the crab guardians as they moved forward. in the center, there were only eighteen but extremely powerful azure dragon legion. ji chen, alice, and other heroes stood on some of them, in the safest position. ahead was alices soul servant legion, a diverse group of units that didnt necessarily signify weakness. their fearlessness in the face of death made their enemies shudder. surrounding them, the dragonblood legion formed a spider-web-like pattern evenly spread within a circular range of five hundred meters, providing vision and early warning for the main force. such a massive and orderly army moved at a high speed on the sea, cutting through waves and leaving white streaks in their wake. the mystic realm gate guarded by a variety of sea creatures was three to four days journey away from the new moon islands. but with ji chens urging, they managed to arrive in just two days. in the center of a calm sea, a ten-meter-high and twenty-merer-wide deep blue gate stood in the water, half above the surface and half submerged. due to its nearly identical color to the sea, it might go unnoticed if not for the wild monsters circling around it. [mystic realm gate (short-term)] [scale]: small [type]: two-way portal [description]: leads to a marine realm. please pay attention to whether your units are suitable for entry. currently, there is a remaining opening time (17 days, 2 hours, 34 minutes). please leave within the designated time, or you will be trapped in the realm. those players were not wrong; this was indeed a short-term mystic realm gate with about 17 days left to its opening, which was quite sufficient. next were those wild monsters. as ji chen looked from afar, he quickly assessed them in his mind. guarding the mystic realm gate, there were three types of wild monsters. shrimp soldiers C tier four, 9 stars, level 33, quantity: 800 units. crab warriors C tier four, 9 stars, level 33, quantity: 800 units. giant turtle sorcerers C tier five, 1 star, level 34, quantity: 500 units. just the wild monsters guarding the entrance already numbered nearly two thousand units, and their tier and level were quite high. it seemed that rhe inside of the realm would be even stronger. but ji chen had no fear or hesitation. instead, he felt excited. the stronger the enemy, the more precious treasures were likely hidden inside. this was a constant rule. moreover, the crown of the oceans army had recently undergone a transformation, and he wanted to test their strength against formidable foes. prepare to attack, everyone!1 with a command, the armys momentum suddenly shifted from being as sturdy as mountains to sharp as blades, closing in on the enemy. perhaps sensing their imposing aura, the enemy realized that these newcomers were not to be underestimated, and their eyes turned red. especially when they saw the dragon blood murlocs emanating dragons might, their anger flared. in their hearts, there was only one true dragon, and these despicable murlocs must have obtained dragon blood through some lowly means. these outsiders from who-knows-where dared to provoke them with such mottled bloodlines? damn it! they were the noble children of the great dragon, their bloodlines were pure, how could they tolerate the insult from another race? the leader of rhe blue-tier monsters raised the bone spear in his hand, a blood-red aura enveloped the army, and he roared loudly. kill these lowly creatures with impure bloodlines and offer their heads to the great dragon king! it was as if the horns of war were sounding in their ears. the shrimp soldiers and crab warriors, armed with bone spears and pincers, surged forward like a torrent. the giant turtle sorcerers, carrying their thick turtle shells, raised their badges and unleashed hundreds and thousands of water arrows that were just as deadly as metal arrows, raining down like a torrential downpour. fire! however, the crab guardians had already prepared themselves, raising their broad shields to protect their comrades behind them. the water arrows rained down in the blink of an eye, crashing against the shields surface with a violent roar, splashing water everywhere but causing no harm to the massive shields. after blocking the attack, the crab guardians tilted their shields slightly, revealing the water nymph archers behind them, each of them already having drawn their bows. shoot! as the command echoed, 140 arrows, carrying special magic power and glowing with a deep blue hue, were shot out. although the number was small, there was no doubt about their killing power. they followed a graceful arc in the air, heading straight for the giant turtle sorcerers. even the most inexperienced players knew that in battle, you target the backline first, especially the squishy mages. the expression of the giant turtle sorcerers changed, and without hesitation, they turned around, presenting their turtle shells to the enemy. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only the shells emitted a faint yellow glow, clearly not ordinary shells. they possessed significant defensive capabilities, which was the advantage of these giant turtle sorcerers C the ability to use their shells to resist ranged attacks. however, were the arrows shot by rhe water nymph archers ordinary arrows? [unit trait]: spell penetration (arrows fired carry spell burning and penetration effects). swish! one arrow after another pierced through rhe turtle shells with only slight resistance, deeply embedding themselves in the vulnerable flesh of the giant turtle sorcerers.. Chapter 404 - Chapter 404: The Deployment of New Units, Ocean Mystic Realm, and the Canyon (2) chapter 404: the deployment of new units, ocean mystic realm, and the canyon (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation a wave of arrows rained down, killing dozens of giant turtle sorcerers. they were severely wounded but hadnt had a chance to counterattack before the next wave of arrows, carrying the spells of the silver sea pixies, struck once again. after two waves of onslaught, nearly all of the hundreds of giant turtle sorcerers were wiped out. seeing this scene, the blue monster commander leading the shrimp and crab soldiers into the attack was furious, almost losing his sanity. f*cking outsiders! youve just wiped out a quarter of my troops? 111 make you suffer the same pain! crossing the final distance, they launched a charge, their tails and limbs moving rapidly like electric fans to increase their speed. however, among the so-called outsiders, there was a fully armed unit prepared to counter them. at some point, over a thousand lobster guardian knights had already sprung into action, their speed increasing rapidly. if the ground tremor was caused by the cavalry charging on land, the commotion caused by the knights charging in the water was the splashing of water, with torrents surging. gradually, the monster commander realized that something was amiss. he felt the sea water churning violently, and a terrifying armored lobster cavalry charged at them from the side. his mind cleared instantly, fear etched across his face. ji chen observed how the shrimp and crab soldiers were easily defeated by the lobster guardian knights, who skillfully skewered them on their spears as if they were toy figurines. he expressed his approval with a nod. indeed, they were fifth-tier units, and their terrifying suppression of fourth-tier units made it look like childs play. the two new units, the water nymph archers and the crab guardians, also performed admirably, achieving the desired effects. the lobster guardian knights skillfully cut through the enemys formation, dividing them into smaller pieces, rendering them unable to organize their forces to resist, and devoured them like pieces of pie. soon, the only one left on the sea surface was the heavily wounded monster commander, who looked like a chick and was being carried over by several knights. without wasting words, ji chen spoke directly. tell us about the monster leader within this realm, the number, types, and strength of your forces, and the information about the so-called dragon king you mentioned, or face death. the blue monster commander cursed loudly, youre dreaming! our mighty dragon king will surely avenge us. you, outsider, are walking into a one-way path to death! upon hearing this, ji chens face showed no surprise. he turned to alice and said, use mind control to manipulate him and extract his spirit, memories, and soul. mind control wasnt limited to controlling enemies; alice, who could control souls, naturally had the ability to access memories. however, most wild creatures memories held little value, but this was a blue-tier monster commander, so there might be something in its mind. yes. alice nodded in response, then turned her gaze towards the monster commander. her sapphire-like eyes devoid of emotion, she slowly activated her skill. the blue monster commander, listening to ji chens words and seeing alices expression, couldnt help but panic. he struggled, what are you going to do!? however, the hands of several lobster guardian knights held him like iron clamps. he was already heavily wounded and couldnt resist, so he had no choice but to endure the mental assault from alice. a few minutes later. the blue excellent-tier monster commander was no longer struggling. his eyes were vacant and lifeless as if he were a walking corpse. alice slowly opened her eyes and said, master, i have extracted some information from its soul. the internal environment of this mystic realm is entirely underwater, and theres an underwater city called dragon king city. its ruler is a dragon, but we dont know the specific type of dragon, and its strength is unknown the dragon kings palace has eight thousand-strong squads of shrimp soldiers, eight thousand-strong squads of crab soldiers, four thousand-strong squads of giant turtle sorcerers, and four thousand-strong squads of 3-star deep sea sawtooth beasts. each thousand-strong squad is led by at least one blue excellent-tier monster commander. however, it seems that the dragon also has a secret force numbering in the thousands, but i couldnt obtain information about their tier and level from its fragmented soul ji chen nodded. mind control was a rather brutal intrusion method, often resulting in damage to the soul and memory. however, this information was sufficient. currently, they were at a significant disadvantage in terms of the number of troops. but ji chen felt no fear or worry. quantity was not the sole determining factor in victory. tier, coordination, tactics, hero units, environment, and other factors could lead to different outcomes in battle. he had strong confidence in the current ocean crown army. the defending forces at this location had been wiped out, and the gateway to the mystic realm stood open. without wasting any time, ji chen waved his hand, and the army reformed its ranks at the watery gateway. the crab guardians, move into the mystic realm and protect our allies with your shields! with the command given, 140 crab guardians approached the gateway, forming more than ten rows and holding up their shields without hesitation as they entered. the water rippled as the crab-shaped shadows disappeared one by one behind the door. once all the crab guardians had entered without incident, the naga guardians followed suit. only then did ji chen wave his hand, allowing the ocean dragon legion to enter. the mystic realms gateway conveniently accommodated one tyrant azure dragon at a time. one by one, the tyrant azure dragons entered, and ji chen, standing on one of them, felt a momentary coolness enveloping him. the surroundings immediately quieted down. when he came to his senses, he was already submerged in water. there was no light coming from above, indicating that they were deep underwater. for ordinary players, entering the mystic realm through this gateway would have turned them into minced meat due to the underwater pressure. however, for ji chen, it was no problem. even without the protection of the oceans favor talent, he could control the water pressure and move as freely as on land. the first to enter, the crab guardians and naga guardians had already established a defensive perimeter around them, and there were no signs of battle. taking a look around, ji chen saw that they were now in a long and narrow underwater canyon, with underwater cliffs on both sides that extended out of sight. looking upward, all he could see was an undifferentiated darkness. behind them was the gateway, which rippled with water waves. further behind was another rocky cliff, and apart from the path ahead, there were no other exits. in the crevices between the seabed and the rocky wall, some fluorescent sea grass and corals grew, providing a little illumination. there was no sign of any enemies in the vicinity. seeing this, ji chen relaxed slightly and waved his hand to urge the remaining troops to enter quickly. one hour later, all six legions had fully entered. looking at the long and narrow canyon in front of him, ji chen pondered for a moment before giving orders. benbo, take a portion of the dragon blood murlocs and explore further along the canyon, investigate the terrain, and search for any enemies ahead. if you encounter enemies, do not startle them; immediately return to report. benbo nodded and led three hundred dragon blood murlocs to swim deeper into the canyon. ji chen led the main force forward, but due to the narrowness of the canyon, the progress of the thousands-strong army was slower than a tortoises. there were also some creatures living in the canyon, such as deep-sea fish with big copper bell-like eyes, deep-sea crabs with long legs, and octopuses with transparent bodies that revealed their organs but as soon as these creatures heard their movement, they immediately fled and hid in the crevices of the rocks or behind large corals. it wasnt until ji chen and his troops had passed by that they ventured out again. this underwater canyon was exceptionally long, and even after half an hour of advancing, they still hadnt seen an exit. the cliffs on both sides remained unseen, but luckily, the path was gradually widening. after a full hour of traveling, benbo, who had been sent ahead for reconnaissance, finally returned. lord, if we continue along the canyon for another five kilometers, well reach the canyons exit. outside the exit is a large basin with a coral settlement that looks like a village. it seems to be inhabited by some marine residents. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only besides that, we havent detected any enemies similar to those outside the mystic realm. marine residents? ji chens interest was piqued. he had been in this world for quite some time, but it was the first time he had heard of an underwater village. what did these marine residents look like? Chapter 407 - Chapter 407: So, You’re Actually… Lost Ruins, Undersea Architectures chapter 407: so, youre actually lost ruins, undersea architectures translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation this vast sea basin wasnt small at all, at least equivalent to half the size of the maple principality. it took ji chen and his group half a day to reach what was known as the luminescent forest. it was an area covered with countless giant seaweeds, each stretching hundreds of meters long. these flat seaweeds emitted a faint blue light, standing on the seabed like towering skyscrapers glowing in the dark, quite spectacular. according to the words of the fallen prince, andal, this luminescent forest had existed for thousands of years, occupying half the size of the entire basin, hiding numerous lost relics deep within the thick seaweed. shortly after entering this forest, the dragon blood murlocs exploring ahead relayed a message. in the distance, they found two different seafood armies locked in battle. one side, quite familiar to ji chen, consisted of shrimp soldiers, crab warriors, and giant turtle sorcerers, undoubtedly the army of the dragon king city, numbering around a thousand. the other side was a combination of caterpillars and jellyfish, and andals exclamation had already revealed their identity. thats the coral palaces army! ji chen squinted and took in the information. thorned sea worms, 9-star creatures of the fourth tier, 500 in number. azure jellyfish, 2-star creatures of the fifth tier, 300 in number. the former was a type of caterpillar, about four to five meters long, covered in thorns and tough skin that emitted a faint green glow, clearly indicating its extreme toxicity. using their thorns and tough skin, the thorned sea worms had constructed a thorny defense line that caused the shrimp soldiers and crab warriors rushing in to die from poisoning. protected by them, the transparent azure jellyfish waved their tiny tentacles, forming bundles of ice spikes, constantly injuring the dragon king citys army. surprisingly, the coral palaces army, which had slightly fewer numbers than the dragon king citys army, seemed to have some advantages. both sides had leaders who were blue excellent-tier creatures. it had to be said that the difficulty of this great luminescent sea mystic realm was much higher than the blood sea mystic realm and the skeleton mystic realm they had encountered before. in the blood sea mystic realm, not to mention heroic or leader units, most of the units were second or third tier; in the skeleton mystic realm, although there were many troops, their levels were uneven, and there were only a dozen or so of the high-end units like the skeleton wyvern, and most of the monster leaders were white or green excellent-tier. in contrast, here, even a thousand-man team had blue excellent-tier leaders, and the lowest-ranked units were at least fourth tier, 9-star creatures. if a few such seafood teams were unleashed in the player crowd, they could wreak havoc. however, ji chens army had become even more sea-like since the joining of the lobster guardian knights and the crab guardians, which had very distinct aquatic features. the scent of seafood had grown stronger. the monster leader from the dragon king city took on the appearance of a shrimp soldier and, despite having more troops, couldnt gain the upper hand. he roared in anger. you fools, you cant even defeat enemies fewer in number than you. youre embarrassing water dragon lord! we must not let those idiots from the coral palace seize the relics before us. the relics belong to the dragon king city, to the great water dragon lord! attack them! as his words fell, his armys assault became even fiercer, instantly killing dozens of thorned sea worms and nearly breaking through their defense line. however, they were quickly stabilized by the leader from the coral palace, and the battle once again became a tug of war. watching this back-and-forth, ji chen, who had been observing from the sidelines, grew a bit impatient. just as he was about to order his troops to attack, andar, who was beside him, spoke up. your excellency, which side do you want to help? help? yes, if you help the coral palace, i implore you not to kill the dragon king citys army. just restrain them, thats enough. why? although theyve chased after me, and theyve done a lot of bad things in the great luminescent sea over the years, they were deceived and manipulated by that jerk diago. as long as we explain things to them, theyll surely understand and stop this meaningless conflict. after all, even the most heinous criminals have the right to reform, dont they? ji chen looked in astonishment at andar, who seemed devout and had a radiant glow on his face. well, it turns out this guy is a bit of a goody-two-shoes? why are you so sure theyll lay down their weapons after listening to you? andar, on the other hand, looked puzzled. of course, as long as we clarify diagos evil deeds, they will definitely understand and join me in raising the banner against diago. besides, arent there your excellencys troops? damn, turns out hes just a naive idiot. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only in movies, these kinds of naive idiots are usually the engines of team wipes. generally, its best to kill the saintly motherf***ers first when something happens. in just a few words, ji chen had lost the desire to argue with him. if it werent for the supposed secret treasure of the dragon king city, he would have wanted to drive this guy away. remember, what 1 said earlier was to help you return to the dragon king city and reclaim the throne of the water dragon lord. i have no obligation to teach these armies. ji chen said seriously and then ignored andars reaction, waving his hand. all troops, surround them and await my orders. with a command, the hidden ocean crown champion team emerged and encircled the two battling sides.. Chapter 408 - Chapter 408: So, You’re Actually… Lost Ruins, Undersea chapter 408: so, youre actually lost ruins, undersea architectures (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation seeing a strange army suddenly appear and surround them, both the dragon king city and coral palace armies were momentarily stunned, some unsure of what to do. however, under the respective orders of their leaders, they retreated to their own formations, remaining on high alert. the two monster leaders looked wary, their expressions alert as they observed the sudden appearance of this foreign army. their gazes swept over soldiers of various types they had never seen before in the great luminescent sea, but without exception, each of them exuded a powerful aura. in their hearts, they couldnt help but marvel in amazement. where could such an elite force come from? could it be the secret army of the dragon king city or the coral palace? but as they glanced at each other, they quickly dismissed this guess. just as both sides were speculating about their origin and intentions, the unfamiliar army slowly parted, revealing a figure that no one had expected. a human!? it cant be, how could a human appear in the depths of the sea?! the shrimp leader exclaimed, his face filled with disbelief. the half-fish being leader of the coral palace was also somewhat incredulous. humans were supposed to live only on the surface of the sea, so how could they survive at such depths? ji chen looked at both sides, who were equally shocked. he calmly said, tell me the location of the relic you mentioned. its impossible! it belongs to water dragon lord! the shrimp leader of the dragon king city immediately retorted without hesitation. they had searched for so long and had only recently found some clues. along the way, they had even clashed with the coral palace army that tried to seize it, resulting in the deaths and injuries of many soldiers. he had hoped to present whatever they obtained from the relic to the water dragon lord to earn his favor. furthermore, according to the clues, that relic contained a powerful treasure now, this human wanted to take it away with just a few words? the half-fish being leader of the coral palace hesitated slightly but responded decisively, as long as you help us eliminate the dragon king citys thousand-man team, then we of the coral palace are willing to tell you the location of this relic. although they didnt know what had happened or where this army had come from, they had learned that the dragon king citys army had found a lost relic, and they simply wanted to obstruct them from obtaining it. as long as it didnt fall into the hands of the latter, it would be acceptable. ji chen nodded, and it became clear what needed to be done. with a sweeping gesture, the vigilant ocean crown army moved into action. water nymph archers and silver sea pixies unleashed a storm of arrows and magic upon the enemy formation. the scales of the shrimp soldiers and crab warriors were no match for the sharp arrows and magical energy bombardment. they fell one by one. lobster guardian knights transformed into makeshift battering rams, charging through the enemy ranks. their giant lobster mounts impaled the enemy lines with their sharp spikes, creating chaos. with the acceleration of their mounts, the knights long spears pierced through multiple enemies like skewered candy apples. in just over ten minutes, the remaining less than a thousand dragon king citys thousand-man team members had all fallen, their blood staining the seawater. ding- your subordinates have eliminated a dragon king citys thousand-man team, gaining 69,800 experience points. nearly 70,000 experience points from one thousand-man team was quite good. if he considered the 24 thousand-man teams officially claimed by the dragon king city, it would be approximately 1.6 million experience points. this substantial experience would be enough to level him up from level 40 to 42. if combined with the coral palaces army, wouldnt he reach level 45? hmm- just thinking about it was rather tempting. the half-fish being leader of the coral palace didnt know what this powerful human, capable of walking on the seabed, was thinking, but he felt that the way the human was looking at him had become somewhat unsettling. it was as if he was looking at a piece of meat. suppressing his anxiety and worries, he quickly swam up to approach ji chen and respectfully said, mighty one, may i ask where you come from? what brings you to the great luminescent sea? a moment ago, he witnessed those powerful unknown forces effortlessly defeat the dragon king citys army, a force they had been struggling to combat. he could imagine that if ji chen wanted to eliminate them, it would probably be effortless. i am ji chen, the lord of the ocean crown. 1 come from another world, and the reason for my arrival here is to search for rare resources, powerful treasures, and military recruitment camp cores. now that ive helped you deal with the dragon king citys thousand-man team, you should fulfill your promise. the half-fish being leader immediately nodded and said, of course, we of the coral palace always keep our promises. 1 will take you to the location of the relic. however, before that, please allow me to send a team of soldiers back to the coral palace to report this victory. after all, directly eliminating an entire dragon king citys thousand-man team is excellent news. ji chen nodded slightly, agreeing to this arrangement. after sending his trusted subordinates, the half-half-fish being leader led the way through the dense seaweed forest. on the way, he curiously asked, lord ji chen, you mentioned that you come from another world. what is that world like? is it even larger than the great luminescent sea? at the very least, its billions and billions of times bigger than the great luminescent seas. billions and billions of times!? the half-fish being leader was greatly astonished. in his concept, the great luminescent sea was already enormous, so how could there be a place billions and billions of times bigger? he couldnt even imagine it. however, he vaguely remembered that there were rumors that the great luminescent sea used to be connected to another much larger world long ago. the two were connected through a gateway. but for some reason, starting from a certain point in time, the gateway had closed, and the connection between the two worlds had abruptly ceased. did ji chens origin match the world talked about in those rumors? he kept musing as they quickly reached the depths of the forest. according to the intelligence, it seems that the relic is nearby, the half-mermaid leader muttered while looking around. but ji chen had already sensed it. on the omniscience map, there was a blank area nearby, devoid of giant seaweed. ignoring the still-puzzled half-fish being leader, ji chen took the lead and moved forward. passing through several giant seaweed structures resembling towering skyscrapers, the scenery suddenly opened up before them. on a very spacious open area stood a series of underwater structures. the walls made of bluestone were meticulously constructed, and stone pillars with exquisite sculptures stood tall everywhere. temple-like buildings were scattered throughout. fish swam through the triangular spaces formed by collapsed stone pillars and the hollows of the structures, creating a serene and pleasant atmosphere. ji chens expression became more serious. judging from their appearance, this was undoubtedly a long-lost architectural complex. however, how could there be buildings with such a human civilization style here? from the moment he left catfish village, ji chen knew that in this great luminescent sea, the houses inhabited by sea creatures were either composed of giant corals, located within rock caves, or even made from the shells of giant snails. but it was definitely not these stone-built structures with a human civilization style. the sea creatures had neither the necessity nor the desire for such structures. when the half-fish being leader who had followed up saw this scene, he immediately froze. he had never expected that in such deep-sea depths, clearly within the world of sea creatures, there would be human-like structures. without thinking too much about it, ji chen led his army inside, weaving through the ruins. observing the white stone walls and pillars, even though they had collapsed, he could still glimpse the grandeur of the temples and palaces when they were intact. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only however, in this world that belonged to sea creatures, in a place that ordinary people could not reach, these structures appeared, making him think of atlantis, submerged by a great flood. although this was definitely not atlantis, it was undoubtedly related to humans, or rather, the humans of this hidden realm. according to the catfish village chiefs words, there were still many humans living on the surface. once he finished here, he planned to float to the surface to see what these humans were like. on the ever-present omniscience map, red dots gradually appeared as they delved deeper. ji chens expression hardened, and he ordered, all personnel, be on guard, form up, and prepare for battle! Chapter 409 - Chapter 409: Clear the Ruin, Enchanted Anchor Points, Wilderness Ambitions chapter 409: clear the ruin, enchanted anchor points, wilderness ambitions translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation a large group of underwater lizards had unknowingly built their nests in this ruin, and now, they sensed the approach of intruders and scrambled out of the wreckage. ji chen gazed at them, and the information panel appeared before him. underwater lizards, tier 4, 9 stars, in groups of three thousand. herald, benbo, lead your legions to attack and eliminate these reptiles. alice, send out the legion of soul servants. dont worry about casualties; you can replenish the ranks from these reptiles. the guardian legion will provide all of you with firepower support. ji chen remained composed, issuing commands in just a few words. the three heroes nodded in agreement and led their legions into battle. the first to arrive on the battlefield was alices legion of soul servants. at first glance, this legion, numbering only twelve hundred, had at least thirty different species, including half-fish beings, reptiles, octopuses, jellyfish, and more. the variety was so extensive that it could fill an aquarium. among the many legions, the legion of soul servants had the highest casualty rate, but each time, ji chen deliberately left a portion of incapacitated monsters for alice to enslave and replenish the lost forces. in this way, despite the high casualties in each battle, they could quickly replenish their troops through war. under alices control, the legion of soul servants rushed out ferociously, using their teeth to bite, their tentacles to bind, their claws to tear, and attacking in the most primitive and brutal manner, fearless of life or death. they immediately disrupted the enemys formation, entangling them like a tangle of ropes. the next assault was launched by the guardian legion, and they showered the enemy with arrows. these arrows, fired by the water nymph archers and silver sea pixies, had distinct colors that stood out against the deep blue sea. the water nymphs arrows had an icy blue hue, making them easily noticeable. the torrent of arrows created ripples in the water as they hit their targets, further disrupting the underwater lizards from the legion of soul servants. then, the naga guardians, making their debut after their advancement, under the leadership of herald, demonstrated their terrifying combat power. the naga guardians, each resembling a small giant, swung their bone blades, and with a swing, they could cut an underwater lizard in half or decapitate it. and these reptiles, with claws that could tear through iron armor, only left a light scratch on their thick scales. leading the charge at the forefront, herald, who had somewhat separated from the main force, had a cold expression. he conjured a blue-white lightning ball in his hand, only about ten centimeters in diameter, but anyone could feel the terrifying energy from it. in an instant, this dazzling lightning ball became the most eye-catching presence in the surroundings. herald gently waved his hand, and the lightning ball was thrown towards the densest enemy position. boom! after a brief delay, the throwing point suddenly swelled into a semicircular dust cloud, and then the blue-white branching lightning, like venomous snakes, shot out and instantly spread to any position within forty to fifty meters. the underwater lizards that were affected first stiffened their bodies and then ceased to move. their bodies remained completely intact, but their vitality was completely severed at that moment. after the explosion, there were still remnants of lightning in the area, flashing silently in the seawater. a silent massacre. seeing this, even these beasts who only knew about killing and eating felt fear. they carefully bypassed and turned to find relatively smaller dragon blood murlocs. but before they could reach them, the dragon blood murlocs suddenly released a burst of draconic power. the racial gap and bloodline suppression made them slump to the ground, losing their fighting ability. they were effortlessly skewered to death with a light stab. just at a glance, this battle had no suspense. under absolute power suppression, they had little room for resistance. these underwater lizards, who had claimed dominance here, faced a devastating blow. in a little over ten minutes, the entire group of underwater lizards, capable of wreaking havoc on a town, was wiped out. only a portion of them remained subdued by the dragon blood murlocs draconic power, ready to be enslaved and used to replace the losses, all under alices mental command. within the vast ruins, it once again fell into silence. but there were now thousands of corpses on the ground, with limbs and body parts floating with the currents. ji chens earlier decision to eliminate the dragon king citys legion of a thousand soldiers had left andar, who was already quite upset, in utter disbelief. this brutal display of power was overwhelmingly one-sided. in fact, it completely reshaped andars perception of the ocean crown teams strength. it made him wonder if such a powerful army could defeat even the dragon king citys most formidable secret units. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only this made him even more conflicted. just now, andar saw ji chen ignore his thoughts and directly slaughter the entire legion of a thousand people from dragon king city. it made him almost want to part ways with him. his principles did not align with the actions of this human lord from another world, but he had to rely on him to reclaim the throne. so, he had to endure it. this kind of situation, where he had to rely on someone he clearly disliked, drove him almost to madness. but andar had planted a seed in his heart. after reclaiming the throne, he would definitely work with the coral lord to expel this human lord from this world. otherwise, such a powerful army, led by a lord who was so indiscriminate in killing, would undoubtedly pose a significant threat to the safety and peace of the great luminescent sea in the long run.. Chapter 410 - Chapter 410: Clear the Ruin, Enchanted Anchor Points, chapter 410: clear the ruin, enchanted anchor points, wilderness ambitions (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation ji chen certainly had no idea what the simple-minded andar was thinking at this moment. if he had known, he would probably have just sneered. after dealing with the wild creatures occupying this area, the ocean crown army continued to move forward, following the faintly visible path. after crossing a fallen stone pillar, a spacious square surrounded by hundreds of tall stone pillars suddenly appeared in front of them. from a distance, there was nothing noteworthy except for a towering arch in the center. ji chen felt somewhat disappointed. it didnt seem like there was any treasure buried here, despite this place being called a ruin. however, he couldnt shake off the feeling of regret. he gave the command, apart from the guardian legion and the dragonblood legion, all other legions should spread out and explore whether there are any other notable areas in this ruin. the naga legion is responsible for the west of the ruin, the dragon blood legion is responsible for the east, the soul servants legion is responsible for the north, the lobster guardian knights are responsible for the south, and the guardian legion are responsible for this square. pay special attention to relatively well-preserved buildings, and dont leave any corner unchecked! faced with the order, the five legions executed it without hesitation, rushing to their respective areas. even alice urged the soul servants legion to start searching the northern ruins. ji chen, on the other hand, stood still with the dragonblood legion, patiently waiting. this ruin was quite large, and even with several thousand units from the ocean crown legion, it took a considerable amount of time to search it thoroughly. the result was C they found nothing. perhaps it was due to the passage of time, which had worn everything down to a state of continuous ruins, or perhaps the humans or civilization that built this place had taken away everything valuable when they left. in any case, besides worthless stones, the ruin was filled with the corpses of lizards. the naga guardian legion did discover the lair of the underwater lizards in the west, where there were also many newly hatched lizard hatchlings. to eradicate the threat completely, they decided to eliminate them all. this made andar glare angrily again. clearly, these lizard hatchlings posed no threat, so why did they have to be cruelly killed? but this time, he had grown wiser and kept it to himself, letting his conviction about his previous thoughts strengthen even further. fortunately, andar didnt voice it out; otherwise, ji chen would have given him a big scolding. theres nothing in the east. in the west, apart from the lair of the underwater lizards, we found nothing. no gains in the north. the same for the south as the various legions returned, the news they brought back was not particularly cheerful. ji chen felt somewhat frustrated. had they fought in vain just now? at this moment, the guardian legion, who had set out last, returned with news that lifted his spirits. the outer layer of the arch in the center of the square has fallen off, revealing metal inside. metal? just the word made ji chen feel something was amiss. without wasting any time, he waved his hand and rode the tyrant azure dragon towards the center of the square. the square located at the center of the entire ruin was quite large, entirely constructed from neatly arranged white stone, and could easily accommodate at least a hundred thousand people. the arch positioned in the center of the square was a staggering thirty meters tall and eighteen meters wide, resembling a majestic little mountain peak. on the right side of the arch, a section of white stone detached, revealing a peculiarly patterned metal beneath. the stone was merely an outer shell, concealing what lay beneath, the metal. ji chens interest surged, anina, break open this layer of stone! upon hearing this, anina excitedly nodded and clenched her fist to strike it. under the relentless barrage of punches, the arch shivered, and the enclosing stone crumbled like dust, gradually revealing the underlying metal. a few minutes later, the final piece of stone fell, and the arch assumed its true form. compared to before, the arch, now devoid of its outer shell, appeared somewhat slender but still towering. the metal surface was adorned with intricate runic patterns, and embedded within it were metallic protrusions resembling nodes, indicating that it wasnt just a decorative design. it was peculiar, magnificent, and visually stunning. ji chen spotted a metal pillar about half a persons height on the left side of the arch. it had a slot at the top that looked like a keyhole. [mystic realm anchor point] [effect]: insert a dimensional key and provide a substantial and stable energy source to permanently anchor the entrance of the mystic realm. the anchor point for the main worlds mystic realm gate needs to be secured with a dimensional key. [a device that can be used to initiate a permanently anchored mystic realm gate, seemingly left behind by a departed civilization, with the dimensional key lost somewhere in this mystic realm.] mystic realm anchor point? could it generate a permanently existing mystic realm gate? this had some potential. ji chens mind raced as he considered the pros and cons of this discovery. originally, this was just a temporarily opened mystic realm, so he initially planned to reap some benefits and leave. however, the appearance of this mystic realm anchor point changed his plans. if he could directly bind the mystic realm gate of the great luminescent sea mystic realm near the new moon islands, wouldnt the ocean crown gain a rear base similar to the skeleton mystic realm? moreover, compared to the lifelessness and desolation of the skeleton realm, the great luminescent sea mystic realm was teeming with life. it was abundantly rich in resources, with most areas being underwater environments, perfectly suited to the ocean crowns characteristics. the more ji chen thought about it, the more he felt that this had potential. once he was certain of this, his mindset quickly shifted from merely reaping some benefits and leaving to how to make the ocean crown the sole authority in the great luminescent sea. he began pondering the next steps of his plan. since he intended to carry out the ocean crowns will, he knew that eventually, he would have to contend with the dragon king city and the coral palace, the two local powers in the region. he had two options. either back one side while eliminating the other, thereby making the remaining faction the representative of the ocean crown in the great luminescent sea and enabling continuous resource extraction. or maintain a balance between the two and profit from their conflicts. or simply and forcefully wipe out both factions, clearing the field, and have the ocean crown take charge personally. all three options were viable, but the main considerations were the costs and the time involved however, what was more critical was finding a dimensional key to anchor the densely anchored mystic realm gate. otherwise, once these remaining ten-plus days passed, the great luminescent sea mystic realm would disconnect from the main world, drifting aimlessly in the boundless void, with almost zero chances of encountering it again. considering this, the upcoming ten or so days started to feel somewhat pressing. how could he locate that dimensional key? judging by the explanation of the arch in this ruin, the dimensional key might have been taken away by the civilization that built this city when they departed. their descendants were likely a human civilization on the surface of the sea. secondly, it could be stored in the dragon king city or the coral palace. they were the two largest powers beneath the sea, and logically, they were the most likely candidates to possess the dimensional key. in that case, he had to make contact with both sides. the thought of reaping a vibrant, resource-rich mystic realm as spoils of war made ji chens heart race with excitement. however, at this moment, andar asked in a low voice, sounding weak, what is this arch? has something happened? nothing ji chen looked at the fallen prince with a vengeful past. after changing his plan, the promises made by andar seemed less important. after all, if, in the end, the great luminescent sea became his possession, then wouldnt everything here belong to him? why bother making an effort to send this naive prince back to his throne? however, andar still had some utility, and perhaps the dimensional key was in that so-called secret treasury. andar seemed to sense a change in ji chens gaze and suddenly felt a chill in his heart. a thought suddenly flashed through his mind. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only could this human be planning to eliminate me? but he quickly dismissed that thought. it was impossible. this human still wanted me to tell him the secret treasury of the dragon king city. there was no way he would act against me now. but andar had no idea. ji chens mindset had shifted from the initial plan of just reaping some benefits to a grand ambition of swallowing the entire great luminescent sea.. Chapter 411 - Chapter 411: Lord of Coral, Secret of the Mystic Realm chapter 411: lord of coral, secret of the mystic realm translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation the great luminescent sea, the dragon kings city. a crab soldier commander swam in from outside the palace and knelt before a curtain made of fist-sized ivory pearls, reporting. water dragon king, the two thousand troops we sent out earlier to investigate the gate have been completely wiped out. completely wiped out? a voice of impatience came from behind the curtain, i simply instructed them to guard the area and prevent anything from entering. how could they mess it up? these two thousand troops are more than enough to defeat three thousand troops from the coral palace. theyre truly worthless! the owner of this voice seemed more concerned about the failure to guard the gateway than the lives of the two thousand troops. based on the scene and the traces in the canyon, an external army found the gate, defeated them, and entered the great luminescent sea, the crab soldier commander said, his head pressed firmly against the ground. but we learned about these intruders from nearby villagers. hmm? the leader is a human. a human? the water dragon king sounded frustrated. are you trying to deceive me? how could a human survive here? do you think ive been in this palace for so long that ive lost my common sense?! i would never deceive you, my lord. the crab soldier commander quickly reassured, the villagers said that this human was accompanied by a very powerful army. they emerged from the canyon of the gate and claimed to be the lord of a territory called the crown of the ocean from a world beyond. before leaving, they gave a large amount of food to the villagers, and our investigations confirmed that the food was only suitable for humans. at this point, the water dragon king calmed down and his tone remained steady, devoid of fluctuation. where did this human go? the crab soldier commander breathed a sigh of relief and replied, there is a high probability that they are headed to the luminescent forest on their way to the coral palace. but aside from this, weve also gathered some additional information. that human also took away the second prince, who was originally hiding in that village. what? that fool is there? the water dragon king once again displayed emotional fluctuations in his tone, filled with murderous intent. a few years ago, 1 accidentally let him escape from the dragon kings city. this time, i will definitely eliminate him completely! if that old fool really handed the throne over to that naive idiot, the dragon kings city would have been destroyed long ago! only under my leadership can the dragon kings city unify the great luminescent sea! convey my orders. mobilize the first and second divisions and head to the luminescent forest at all costs. ensure the extermination of that human and that fool, andar! furthermore, take a thousand troops and clear out that village. they provided information to the outsider and sheltered that fool. that should be enough for them to pay with their lives. ji chen didnt say anything, remembering the location of the arch, and then left the ruins with his army. andar hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and followed. as a completely powerless weakling, staying here alone would only make him a snack for the wandering monsters. silently leaving the ruins, the half-fish being commander of the coral palace, who had been waiting outside, saw ji chen and his group returning and immediately approached. lord ji chen, 1 heard that there was a battle inside just a group of lizards, ive already taken care of them. the half-fish being commander nodded without thinking much. if there were monsters guarding here, there should be some gains inside. lord, since you helped us earlier, we would like to invite you to visit the coral palace. with a guest like you, the lord of the coral should be pleased. if there was such a powerful figure, it would be foolish not to try to win them over. the military strength of the coral palace was already slightly lower than that of the dragon kings city, but if they could recruit such a powerful ally, the balance of power would shift. ji chen nodded slightly and agreed, going along with the flow. however, andar on the side became anxious. didnt you say you would help me return to the dragon kings city? why are we going to the coral palace now!? in his mind, with the ocean crowns army, he could definitely avoid persecution by diagos henchmen and safely return to the dragon kings city. then, he could reveal his true identity. with the support of the loyal generals and troops, he could easily regain the throne. with the ocean crowns army and the dragon kings citys forces combined, victory would be assured. andar seemed to have already envisioned himself on the throne, with all the troops and residents of the dragon kings city kneeling at his feet, and his elder brother diago filled with guilt and regret for letting him escape. in his mind, all he needed was to summon the ocean crowns army, and those loyal to the former king would rally to his side. he could almost see himself taking back the throne effortlessly. when that time comes, he would reconcile with the coral palace, live in peace, and bring tranquility to the great luminescent sea. ji chen looked at andar and knew that he was being naive again. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only without saying a word, he communicated with alice with just a glance. she understood and waved, signaling two soul-bound servants to come forward and escort andar to the back. ji chen nodded. were ready. the half-fish being commander was speechless. despite his curiosity about the feeble catfish in the midst of strong men, he wisely refrained from asking more questions and promptly took the lead. the group marched out of the luminescent forest in a grand procession, entering a vast underwater plain.. Chapter 412 - Chapter 412: Lord of Coral, Secret of the Mystic Realm (2) chapter 412: lord of coral, secret of the mystic realm (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation in the glow of luminescent plants, they swiftly crossed the plains covered in knee-high green grass, entering the territory of the coral palace. from a distance, a cluster of grand coral palaces, adorned with numerous giant corals, rose within an underwater basin. among them, fluorescent trees grew, casting a gentle glow. hundreds of stone pillars encircled the edges in a pattern, adorned with runes and emitting a faint light, indicating they were more than just decorations. small marine creatures darted between the palace structures like tiny specks. however, the most eye-catching feature was the large, inverted-bowl-like white canopy that enveloped the entire palace cluster. this appearance easily brought to mind the protective arrays of sects one might find in a cultivation novel. as the forces of the crown of the ocean appeared, several coral palace patrol teams rushed over, but upon seeing the half-fish being leader of the army at the forefront, they all converged towards him. the half-fish being leader swam forward to explain. soon, the coral palace soldiers regarded ji chen with friendly eyes. no matter who you were, as long as you are here to deal with the scoundrels from the dragon kings city, you are their friend. while excited about their achievements in eliminating a dragon kings city thousand-strong squad, they couldnt help but be curious about ji chen. a human lord from beyond the world what does the world outside look like? on this day, the normally tranquil coral palace suddenly buzzed with activity. a human lord from beyond the great luminescent sea had visited with his formidable army. inside the central area of the coral palace, within a coral-made hall. ji chen sat at a table made of some kind of coral, with alice and anina standing behind him on either side. behind other tables in the hall sat various coral palace nobles, each with their own unique aquatic features. at a glance, he could find shrimp, crabs, fish, and more, almost in their complete variety. in the entire hall, he was the only human, and being scrutinized by all these seafood creatures felt somewhat surreal. but he noticed something peculiar C all these coral palace nobles had some humanoid characteristics to varying degrees. for instance, the shrimp had hands instead of pincers, and the crabs had legs instead of crab claws. they couldnt be considered humans because they appeared somewhat unlike typical humans, while they might represent shrimps, yet they were not entirely shrimp-like. at first glance, it seemed like a mishmash of creatures that had escaped from some kind of biological laboratory. are all the sea clans in the deep sea like this? upon hearing ji chens muttering, anina lowered her head and whispered in his ear. not all of them. sea clans typically follow two evolutionary paths. they either retain a purely biological form or shift towards a more human-like appearance. both alice and i fall into the latter category, but we are both high-ranking sea clans, capable of freely shifting between our biological and humanoid forms. with this explanation, ji chen began to understand. soon, this banquet, which served both as a welcoming celebration and a commemoration of the defeat of the dragon kings city thousand-strong squad, began under the strange melodies played by several shrimp people blowing some seashell instruments. as soon as the music started, many coral palace nobles began to enjoy themselves. just when they wanted to chat with the human who claimed to be from another world, they realized that the man had disappeared without them noticing. in front of a more luxurious coral palace in the central area, the half-fish being leader stopped. lord ji chen, the lord of the coral awaits you inside. but only you may enter; these two guests must remain outside ji chen nodded slightly, gesturing for alice and the others to wait outside, and then he entered. the coral door behind him closed, and he began to assess his surroundings. this coral palace was approximately the size of three basketball courts, standing over twenty meters tall. its irregular but aesthetically pleasing top was supported by thick coral pillars. the interior was adorned with luxurious decorations. luminous pearls hung from the ceiling, illuminating the place like daylight. even the tables and chairs made of coral were embedded with large pearls and gemstones, engraved with beautiful patterns and designs. just placing one of these chairs in the northern continent market could fetch an exorbitant price. the level of intricacy and beauty was enough to make even elven designers feel ashamed. however, he furrowed his brow. he had already found something peculiar in the banquet hall earlier. why were the houses used by the sea clans filled with human-style furnishings? this included the tables and chairs they used, interior decorations, and various furnishings, all of which seemed designed for human use. ji chen had observed in the catfish village before. the giant corals where the catfish resided mainly had a single layer of soft seaweed for sleeping, with nothing else. in other words, these sea clans in the coral palace didnt require unnecessary human furniture, which made it all the more unsettling. just as he was puzzled, a figure emerged from behind the pearl curtain deep within the palace. with a graceful face and dressed in a white gown, she had ivory-like bare feet, giving the initial impression of a human woman. however, the white scales on her forehead and behind her ears indicated that she wasnt human but a sea clan. [sonia (monster leader)] [race]: ivory sea clam read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only [level]: 50 [current tier]: red (legacy tier) [potential]: red (legacy tier) [skills]: torrential wealth, whirlpool, mana surge, sea clam protection [unit trait]: lord of coral (when leading the coral palace army, morale never decreases, and combat strength increases by 150%) Chapter 413 - Chapter 413: Lord of Coral, Secret of the Mystic Realm (3) chapter 413: lord of coral, secret of the mystic realm (3) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation [in the vast and ancient coral palace, the lord of the coral, who had existed for an unknown period of time, possessed formidable magical attack powers.] this sea sovereign was none other than the ruler of the coral palace, the lord of the coral. as ji chen had previously speculated, she was a red-legacy tier monster leader unit. the coral lord, sonia, approached with a smiling face. your excellency, you dont seem surprised, do you? after all, the lord of the coral is in human terms, a weak woman? ji chen replied calmly, 1 do not judge a person or creature solely by appearance. besides, looking weak doesnt necessarily mean being weak in power. just like alice and anina, they are all strong in their own right. sonya nodded in agreement. she could feel the immense power emanating from the two sea races outside, which exceeded the capabilities of any leaders she had under her control. if thats the case, then i may have been a bit narrow-minded. sonia lightly lifted her skirt with both hands, performing a gesture only noble human women would use. perhaps your excellency has already noticed why, deep beneath the sea, within the coral palace, there are so many things and customs related to humans. just like the human saying, drawing a snake and adding legs well, that should be the phrase. in fact, this world was originally completely dominated by humans. in that era, the sea clans were just a weak race that survived on scraps, thanks to the pity of the prosperous human civilization. sonia calmly revealed the ancient secrets hidden in this realm. ji chen raised an eyebrow, feeling a great deal of interest. your excellency, if you dont mind, please sit down and listen to my story. ji chen nodded slightly and sat on a coral chair, just as if they were on land. sonias eyes filled with nostalgia. back then, they sat across from me like this. before ji chen could ask who they were, she began to narrate. thousands of years ago, most of this realm was still land. the human civilization that emerged was incredibly prosperous, and they even used alchemical technology to create portals connecting to a much wider world outside. at that time, the sea clans were just a weak race that had flowed in from the outside world. then something terrible seemed to have happened in the outside world, and the human civilization within the realm voluntarily closed the portals. but for some unknown reason, as the last portal was completely closed, the sea level began to rise wildly, submerging the harbors, farmlands, and homes. over a thousand years passed, and the sea had already submerged more than one-third of the land. it was at this point that the humans in the realm realized that civilization had gradually developed underwater, but the sea clans were still naive and weak. perhaps considering the ongoing rise of the sea in the future, they decided to nurture these sea clans to become loyal servants so that they could continue to obtain resources for survival in the ocean after the water levels rose. indeed, they did contribute to the development of the sea clans. through their retrieval of lost technology and resources from the ocean, they once again achieved the prosperity of their heyday. their proudest and most powerful sea clan servants were one called the dragon king and another named coral. however, the good times didnt last long, as the rate of sea level rise far exceeded their expectations. the sea gradually submerged half of the land, and during this process, the sea clans, which had been artificially nurtured, had gained enough living space. they no longer needed the assistance of humans and could live freely on their own. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only as a result, more and more sea clans no longer obeyed humans and instead spread throughout the ocean, evolving into various sea clan divisions. at the same time, due to humans becoming increasingly greedy for resources, the loyal dragon king and coral also chose to leave. they each went to opposite ends of the great luminescent sea and used their power to establish their own divisons, gathering sea clans. listening to this, ji chen had already understood what sonia meant by the dragon king and coral establishing tribes. the dragon king founded dragon king city and called himself the water dragon king. coral established coral palace and claimed to be the lord of the coral.. Chapter 414 - Chapter 414: Two Dimensional Keys, Sonia’s Compromise, and Terrifying Undercurrent chapter 414: two dimensional keys, sonias compromise, and terrifying undercurrent translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation as for what came next, ji chen had already guessed most of it. with the continuing rise of sea levels and the loss of support from the sea clan, the people of the mystic realm had no choice but to migrate to higher ground, ultimately struggling to survive on scarce land. meanwhile, the ocean that gradually occupied most of this realm brought unprecedented prosperity to the sea clan. one of the two most powerful servants of the past, the current lord of coral, sonia, chose to leave, but she still cared about humanity, yearning for the human civilization that had nurtured them like parents. therefore, within the coral palace, human architecture, layouts, decorations, and even manners and actions were meticulously replicated everywhere. sonia noticed the change in ji chens expression and smiled gently. it seems that you have already figured out what comes next, so 1 wont waste effort recounting it. ji chen nodded slightly. but 1 have a question. what do you want me to do by telling me all this? the question had come, and sonia had revealed the long-hidden secret of this realm to him, not simply to tell a story. he couldnt believe that his charisma alone could make sonia, whom he had just met, go to such lengths. there must be something she needed from him. she gave a bright smile. indeed, you are an intelligent person. i do have a favor to ask of you. you should have seen the metal archway in the luminescent forest, havent you? that used to be the portal they used to enter and exit the main world, but they closed it when they left. i hope you can use that archway to reconnect the great luminescent sea with the outside world. ji chen furrowed his brow slightly. sonia, as one of the rulers of the great luminescent sea, naturally knew more secrets here that were not known to the public. she probably had already learned about his visit to that ruin from the half-fish being leader. after some consideration, he spoke. if you just want to go outside and take a look, you can use the mystic realm gate i came through now. but thats only a temporary opening, isnt it? sonia shook her head. what i want is to permanently connect the great luminescent sea to the outside world, just like it was thousands of years ago, so that it can be entered and exited at any time. if you havent seen it, you might get used to it, but after experiencing the splendor and conflicts of the outside world, youll start to find the petty conflicts of this small piece of land over the centuries increasingly distasteful. i hope that the coral palace can witness a broader world, rather than spending life meaninglessly in the small great luminescent sea, even if it means paying the cost of life. ji chen nodded in realization. so thats it. as one of the proudest servants, sonia might have followed humans to the main world before. in common parlance, its like seeing the nightlife of the outside world and finding it hard to tolerate the monotony of life here. he seemed to understand such feelings. ever since he left the new moon islands and saw the prosperity of the continent and the abundance of powerful individuals, he couldnt bear to stay confined on the islands. he wanted to venture outside to witness more prosperity, defeat more enemies, and conquer more powerful beings. and this request happened to align with his plans and desires. but to activate that mystic realm gate and make it permanent, we need a dimensional key and a massive, stable source of energy. i can handle the latter, but i have no clue about the whereabouts of the dimensional key i know where both dimensional keys are. ji chen looked at her in surprise and quickly realized, you mean there are two dimensional keys? thats correct. sonia nodded. ive observed their operation on one occasion and learned the secrets behind them. one dimensional key is used to anchor a specific location in the outside world, while the other is used to activate the archway at that location. after the archway is activated, the great luminescent sea will establish a stable portal with the main world. ji chen nodded; this explanation sounded reasonable. you could liken the great luminescent sea realm to a ship, the main world to the seabed, and to keep the ship fixed on the seas surface, you needed to throw an anchor into the sea. the two dimensional keys were the two ends connecting the ship and the seabed. i can agree to your request, but i want to tell you that i didnt come here just for a casual visit. i want something far more than you can imagine. sonia replied without hesitation, as i mentioned earlier, i can sacrifice everything, even my life. the coral palace has collected a vast amount of treasures and resources from the great luminescent sea over thousands of years. they can all be offered as rewards if you desire. but what if what i want is the entire great luminescent sea? sonia looked up at ji chen in shock, and only when she saw his undeniable ambition on his face did she realize that he wasnt joking. his heart was in turmoil. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only consider the pros and cons carefully, and then tell me the location of the dimensional key. of course, if you choose not to tell me the location of the dimensional key, it doesnt matter. the iron boots of the ocean crowns army will march across the entire great luminescent sea until they find it. after speaking, ji chen looked at her quietly, waiting for a response. at the same time, the ocean crowns army stationed outside the coral palace abruptly began to move. legions of soldiers marched out, surrounding the coral palace with a menacing aura. once the lords command was given, they would not hesitate to raise their weapons and exterminate all life here.. Chapter 415 - Chapter 415: Two Dimension Keys, Sonia’s Compromise, chapter 415: two dimension keys, sonias compromise, terrifying undercurrent (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation seeing the ocean crown s forces, who had been friendly just a moment ago, suddenly change their demeanor and draw sharp swords, all of the coral palace s troops had their faces change color. they hurriedly reached for their weapons, preparing to face off. however, they all felt somewhat uncertain. facing an armed force and heroes numbering over 15,000 from the coral palace against just over 5,000 ocean crown troops was a daunting prospect, not to mention winning the battle. over 15,000 coral palace soldiers gathered, but they appeared cautious in the face of the ocean crowns well-armed troops and heroes, just standing there put immense pressure on them, let alone winning the battle. tension filled the air outside the coral palace, and it was on the brink of conflict. inside the central palace of the coral palace, the atmosphere was equally tense. sonia stood frozen, her expression extremely nervous. she felt the human man standing less than two meters away from her, and his presence was locked onto her. if she dared to make any move, she would face a storm of attacks like a raging tempest. even though they were separated by the icy seawater, she could still feel the surging power, like mighty waves. this was not what she had anticipated! sonia believed that her strength surpassed that of this human, which was why she had agreed to meet with him alone, in the same room. but now, it seemed like she had dug herself into a hole! didnt you say 1 should consider it carefully? doesnt this appearance suggest that if 1 dont agree, im going to die!? moreover, outside the coral palace, there were two heroes of equal strength waiting for him. the three of them were more than capable of capturing her. furthermore, a formidable army was stationed outside the coral palace. since this human man dared to act like this, it was likely that the army had also started moving. sonia couldnt afford to gamble with her life, and neither could the entire coral palace. after a long silence, with a heavy sigh, sonias face was filled with helplessness, and her body relaxed. your excellency, please have your subordinates and troops stand down. continuing like this may lead to disaster. however, ji chen remained calm and composed. have you made up your mind? the coral palace is willing to submit. as these words fell, sonia felt the pressure on her shoulder disappear completely, causing her to let out a sigh of relief. she moved her body, which had become somewhat stiff due to excessive tension. with a somewhat resentful look in her eyes, she gazed at ji chen. your excellency, you are quite skilled. you used the entire coral palace and my desire for the outside world to force me into submission. if i had known that you had such power, i would never have been so careless as to meet you alone. ji chen smiled and replied, if you hadnt been careless, the coral palace might have faced dire consequences. moreover, the reason 1 decided to do this on a whim is because you mentioned knowing the whereabouts of the dimensional keys. sonia pursed her lips, mentally scolding herself. but upon reflection, without ji chens assistance, she wouldnt have seen even a glimmer of hope for the great luminescent sea to connect with the main world. waiting for another outsider who could cooperate peacefully might take an eternity. so perhaps this was the price she had to pay? since it had come to this, she had no choice but to accept it. adjusting her mindset, sonia continued, thousands of years ago, when the dragon king left, he took one of the dimensional keys with him and built the dragon kings city. if im not mistaken, that dimensional key has been passed down through the generations of water dragon kings and should be with the current water dragon king. the other one is still in the hands of the human kingdom on the surface of the sea. they consider it a royal heirloom and have been preserving it well. ji chen nodded, confirming his suspicions. one dimensional key was likely in the possession of the dragon kings city, and the other he glanced at sonia. was it because those humans were descendants of the people from thousands of years ago that they hesitated to take it? but that didnt matter to him. he wouldnt be concerned about that. if they were unwilling to hand it over, he would use diplomacy to achieve his goal. excellent, both dimensional keys now had clear leads, and the next step was to recover them. at that moment, the urgent voices of alice and anina, who had been guarding the entrance, echoed from outside. my lord, theres been a change in the situation. the dragon kings city army has suddenly attacked, and their numbers exceed twenty thousand. sonias expression changed, twenty thousand troops? had the dragon kings city decided to go to war at any cost and unify the great luminescent sea? you both go to the front lines, ill join you shortly. yes! turning to sonia, ji chen smiled and said, it seems i won t have to exert much effort to find them now. seeing his calm demeanor, sonia, who had been somewhat flustered, suddenly regained her composure. indeed, with the ocean crown s forces and your excellency present, what could the dragon kings city possibly achieve? if we manage to defeat rhe dragon king s city army, then i am willing to pledge my allegiance to you and become the blade in your hand, she said earnestly. ji chen smiled but didnt say anything. he simply turned and pushed open the door, swiftly heading outside the coral palace. with each step, an immense surge of mana, vaster than the deep sea itself, flowed like a volcanic eruption. the charged ring on his finger emitted a faint warmth. the next spells damage is increased by 30%. skill: torrential giant wave consumes a large amount of mana to create a terrifying wave, dealing physical and magical damage to enemies. skill: triple casting able to consecutively cast three times skills of up to orange grade. the energy in his hand had reached its peak. standing above the buildings, ji chen no longer controlled it. he swung his right hand heavily, sending out three currents, each over a kilometer wide, carrying terrifying power. in front of the coral palace, amidst the towering luminescent forest, formations of a thousand soldiers from the dragon kings city emerged one after another. guided by their leaders, they arranged themselves in orderly formations and marched together toward the coral palace. annihilate the coral palace, today is the day! after today, the great luminescent sea will belong only to the dragon kings city! to battle, even to the death! hail to water dragon king! the morale of the dragon king s city army was exceptionally high as they looked at the not-so-distant coral palace, their eyes filled with excitement. they had been waiting for this day for a long time. after today, the only remaining power in the great luminescent sea would be the dragon kings city! seeing the sudden appearance of the dragon kings city army, the coral palace forces were first stunned, then panicked. they were already outnumbered by the dragon king s city, and now they were surrounded by the ocean crowns forces, making their situation even more dire. damn it! i knew this suddenly appearing army was allied with the dragon kings city. now we re truly done for! does this mean that the coral palace, which has survived for thousands of years, is going to fall today!? even if we have to die, well die fighting! for lord of the coral! just as they wore faces filled with sorrow, preparing to face death in battle, the ocean crowns army suddenly collectively turned towards the outer side, marching forward in unison, their formations directed straight at the dragon kings city army. but before they could react, they suddenly felt a violent disturbance behind them. after only a slight perception, these soldiers, extremely sensitive to the flow of the ocean, had their expressions change once again. terrifying ocean currents were approaching! while there were no tsunamis in the water, the constant presence of these ocean currents was just as powerful as the raging waves. the power of the three currents they sensed was comparable to waves several tens of meters high, and anyone caught in them would be swept away, with little hope of survival. these three currents, at a terrifying speed, passed over their heads and then surged towards the dragon kings city army. the dragon kings city army, as though their weight had vanished, had their bodies effortlessly wrested from their control by the powerful currents. they coiled together like strands of dough and rolled backward even faster than before. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only in the frantic rolling, many ordinary soldiers and commanders gradually lost their life force and lay scattered on the ground, turning into lifeless corpses. the first current passed, then the second, followed by the third. the plain that had been filled with dragon king s city forces moments ago now appeared empty, with barely a tenth of them left standing and capable of fighting. at this moment, the ocean crowns army, which had been poised for action, finally revealed their fangs. led by various heroes, they tore apart the remaining enemies one by one. they left no survivors, ensuring that they completely crippled the military strength of the dragon kings city in one fell swoop! Chapter 416 - Chapter 416: Destructive, Diago’s Method, Secret Army chapter 416: destructive, diagos method, secret army translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation herald led the naga legion ar the forefront, constantly hurling thunderbolts filled with terrifying energy, causing lightning to burst forth. the naga guardians swiftly dispatched the dragon kings city army, who were still recovering from the previous dark stream storm, decapitating them. with their high mobility, the dragon blood murlocs plunged into the enemy formation, unleashing their draconic might and effortlessly spearing down the suppressed foes. the massive tyrant azure dragon merely shifted, sending over a dozen enemies flying as he exhaled a freezing breath that turned them into ice lumps. several legions acted like speeding war chariots, tearing through the enemy ranks, and harvesting lives along the way. the coral palace s troops watched this scene in shock and unease. if they were standing on the opposite side, would the outcome be any better for them? if this army had attacked them earlier, they might have been the ones lying on the ground. among the many onlookers, ji chens figure gradually appeared in the rear. they all knew that the three decisive surges of dark currents that had determined the battle were released by this human from another world. behind that human, their leader, lord of glory, followed obediently, taking a lower position. recalling the sudden actions of the ocean crowns troops earlier, they seemed to realize something. ji chen looked down at the coral palaces people below, his tone calm. from today onwards, the coral palace shall submit to the ocean crown.11 the faces of all the coral palace residents showed no surprise, but their expressions were extremely complicated. it wasnt that they didnt want to resist, but when their leader had chosen to bow down, there was little they could do. but in return, 1 will lead you to conquer dragon kings city and unite the great luminescent sea. with these words, the coral palace residents hesitated for a moment, their eyes filled with excitement. they looked at each other. raising their weapons, they shouted loudly. we are at your service, my lord! tens of thousands of coral palace troops followed ji chen and the ocean crown, marching towards dragon kings city. prince andar, who was caught in the midst of it, had a frightened expression. i wanted you to help me regain the throne in dragon kings city, not conquer it! if dragon kings city is gone, whats the use of me regaining the throne!? vaguely, he felt that he had brought the wolf into his own home and deeply regretted it. but no matter how andar struggled and shouted, none of the sea clans paid him any attention. they all followed closely behind ji chen, their expressions filled with fanaticism. together, the ocean crown and the coral palace had over twenty thousand troops, rampaging through the great luminescent sea. everywhere they went, chaos and panic ensued, with countless wandering sea clans watching in fear as this massive army passed by. when they saw the direction they were heading, a thought suddenly arose in their minds. could it be that they are going to attack dragon kings city? regardless of which side emerged victorious, it seemed that the fate of the great luminescent sea was about to change. dragon kings city was originally the capital of the ancient human civilization of the mystic realm, dating back thousands of years. it was from here that the first tribes and city-states were born. however, as the sea level rose, humans were forced to abandon this place and move to higher ground for habitation. after many sea clans left behind the greedy humans, one of the two powerful servants, the dragon king, also known as rhe first water dragon, chose to return here and established dragon kings city, gathering the sea clans to thrive and multiply. but it was clear that the dragon king did not have rhe same affection for humans as coral did, nor did he appreciate everything about humans. therefore, during the thousands of years he resided here, the once towering city walls, adorned with countless exquisite statues and masterfully designed buildings, had been reduced to a state of ruin. exquisite statues had rheir heads chopped off, their bodies adorned with inexplicable bone trophies. elaborate urban sewage systems had become dwelling places for some subterranean sea clans, and the theaters once used for drama and dance performances had become places for brutal and savage bloodsport. the entire city, apart from its relatively intact city walls, had long since lost its former glory. and within the palace at the city center, the water dragon kings furious roar could be heard. are you kidding me!? two legions of ten thousand soldiers each were defeated in less than half a day? if you dare to report false information, ill skin you alive and hang your hide at the city gates! a legion commander who had a position towards the rear and had grasped the horrifying nature of the dark currents wisely led his troops to retreat early, barely managing to survive. facing the water dragon king s questioning, he trembled all over, recalling the horrific scenes that had unfolded earlier. it wasnt half a day, it was in an instant! we had just surrounded the coral palace when we were suddenly attacked by three terrifying dark currents. more than half of our soldiers died in the onslaught. read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only there was also an entirely new and unfamiliar army present. once the dark currents ceased, they commenced a ruthless massacre of our soldiers. they are a band of merciless executioners! at this point, the commander of the thousand-strong team seemed to recall something, his face filled with fear as he said, it must be that human who caused the dark currents! that unfamiliar army must be the subordinates of that human! since your comrades have already perished on the battlefield, why are you still alive? the commander of the thousand-strong team hesitated for a moment, then immediately knelt down and begged, lord water dragon, please spare me. 1 promise to fight bravely next time! the water dragon king emerged from behind the curtains, appearing as a crystal-headed catfish with double horns that resembled deer antlers, exuding a powerful aura of magic.. Chapter 417 - Chapter 417: Destructive, Diago’s Method, Secret Army (2) chapter 417: destructive, diagos method, secret army (2) translator: dragon boat translation editor: dragon boat translation this was the hallmark of the water dragon lineage and the source of power. however, compared to the coral lord, who had lived for thousands of years without decline, the lifespan of the water dragon lineage was much shorter. over the course of thousands of years, dragon king city had experienced more than ten generations of water dragon kings. the current water dragon king, diago, who ascended by slaying his father and driving out his brother, gently placed his hands on the head of the legion commander and spoke softly. dragon king city does not need deserters, nor does it need soldiers who have already been frightened to the bone. in his words, a hint of killing intent had already surfaced. the legion commander dared not move a muscle and continued to tremble, pleading for mercy. at this moment, the giant turtle grandmaster, who stood on the side, stepped forward and made a suggestion. your majesty diago, i believe we can spare his life for now. after all, the attacking army has suffered heavy losses, and those cowards from the coral palace may harbor some ill intentions because of it. so, keeping him alive can at least serve as a deterrent, a way to make use of this waste. upon hearing this, the legion commander quickly begged, yes, your majesty, please spare my life, and i will redeem myself with future victories. after pondering for a moment, diago released his grip and reluctantly agreed to the proposal. very well, then. take your legion and continue to the front lines. do not return until you have annihilated three enemy legions. be off with you. yes! hearing these words, the legion commander felt as if he had been granted a reprieve and quickly retreated, leading his legion away. the giant turtle grandmaster said, your majesty, judging by the current situation, the coral palace has likely allied with that human, and they may already be planning an attack on dragon king city. furthermore, even the second prince might be involved. no, this time it probably has nothing to do with that fool, diago said, sitting back on his throne and stroking his chin. andar probably thought he had found a savior after meeting that human and placed all his hopes on him. he might have been manipulated. perhaps even the secret treasury that the old fool refused to disclose might have been revealed as a price. this idiot, he still doesnt understand how naive and foolish he is. the giant turtle grandmaster fell silent. as a member of the long-lived giant turtle clan, he had accompanied several generations of water dragon kings and was well aware of the hidden secrets. in a world where the strong preyed on the weak and deceit was common in the great luminescent sea, prince andars simple-minded thinking was rarer than pearls the size of heads. in other words, he was a one-of-a-kind oddball. on the contrary, diago, who he now served as an advisor, was ruthless and cunning, possessing the qualities of a conqueror. in just a few years of his rule, dragon king city had gained an advantage over the coral palace, shifting the power balance between the two. between andar and diago, the latter was undoubtedly more suitable to be the ruler, perhaps capable of achieving the long-held aspirations of the water dragon lineage. your majesty, i believe it is time for dragon king city to mobilize its soldiers and strengthen its vigilance in preparation for the threat posed by that human and the coral palace. that human will not stop here; he desires more! i am well aware of that. they may think that two legions of ten thousand soldiers represent most of dragon king citys forces, but they certainly havent considered that i have hidden our true strength. diagos face revealed a wicked smile. this is the perfect opportunity to utterly destroy the coral palace and unite the great luminescent sea. as for that human, i will personally deal with him, avenging my foolish brother. the giant turtle grandmaster bowed respectfully and said, may your majesty fulfill the long-standing aspirations of dragon king city. to unify the great luminescent sea and achieve unprecedented greatness! ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! diago burst into maniacal laughter, envisioning himself ruling the entire ocean with the coral lord groveling at his feet. whoosh a loud alarm sounded from outside, somehow reaching the palace. enemy attack! the coral palace army is attacking! diago was momentarily surprised, then his face twisted into a sinister grin. these pests came so quickly. well, the sooner i eliminate you all, the sooner i unite. hidden warriors, reveal yourselves and show the enemy what youre made of! today, i shall make my name known throughout the ocean! a large building in dragon king city suddenly collapsed, raising a cloud of underwater dust. from the dust emerged black-scaled unicorn whales and half-fish men wielding spears. black unicorn whales, tier 5, 5-star, 2000 in number. silverlight half-fish men, tier 5, 5-star, 2000 in number. these two types of troops were the hidden forces that diago had cultivated over the years since he seized the throne, pouring all available resources into their development. their might far exceeded that of the ordinary dragon king city army. this force of four thousand, working together with perfect harmony, was potent enough to rival several times, if not ten times, the coral palaces army. the appearance of these two types of troops immediately quelled the anxiety in dragon king city. countless citizens fervently cheered for diagos name. diagos figure appeared in the sky, and the crystal horns on his head emitted a dazzling radiance, further fueling their excitement. he was their great ruler, the hallmark of the water dragon lineage, and the symbol of dragon king city! looking into the distance, the coral palace army had arrived outside the city. upon seeing these two small but incredibly powerful armies, their expressions turned grim. when did dragon king city have such a formidable army? coral lord sonia also furrowed her brows deeply. when had the current water dragon king secretly cultivated such a force? ji chen my lord, she hesitated for a moment, then changed her address. this army doesnt seem easy to deal with no worries. leave them to the crown of the ocean to handle, and the coral palace will be responsible for surrounding and attacking the rest of dragon king citys forces, ji chen replied calmly. although both of these troops were tier 5, 5-star units, except for the tyrant azure dragon, no unit in the crown of the ocean was of higher rank. but tier alone didnt tell the whole story; combat strength depended on coordination, skills, leadership, hero support, and other factors. ji chen had enough confidence in the units of the crown of the ocean. herald, take your naga legion to deal with those black unicorn whales. alice and the soulbound servant legion will assist you. benbo, the half-fish men who are neither human nor fish are entrusted to your dragon blood legion. you will also temporarily control the knight legion. furthermore, the guardian legion and the tyrant azure dragon legion are ready to support you at any time. when the heroes heard that they would be fighting, they all became excited and promptly went to fulfill their orders. when herald led the naga units, they received a 300% boost in combat power, despite being two stars lower than the black unicorn whales in tier. with the assistance of the soulbound servant legion, the guardian legion, and the tyrant azure dragon legion, if they couldnt win, ji chen felt they could go back home and till the fields. similarly, when benbo led the murlocs, they enjoyed a 125% increase in combat power. the dragon blood murlocs had inherent dragon power, which naturally had a suppressing effect on the half-fish men. their actual combat strength might even surpass the latter. with heroes of red-tier legacy and even orange-tier legendary heroes in command, there shouldnt be any major problems. seeing the enemy showing no fear and even daring to actively approach, diagos anger flared, and even the crystal horns on his head gleamed with intensity. attack! take down these worms for me! read latest chapters at wuxiaworld.site only a quick glance showed that the coral palace army was already facing off against the other dragon king city armies, and his secret forces couldnt be spared for the moment. diago decided to take matters into his own hands. to catch a thief, one must catch the leader. in an instant, a red energy-like lightning bolt shot out from his twin horns, crossing several hundred meters in the blink of an eye and heading straight for ji chen. sonias expression changed slightly, and she swiftly moved to create a white shield in front of her, blocking the lightning bolt. sonia, you deal with this long-horned catfish, ji chen said. it was just what he wantedto see how strong this coral lord really was.. Chapter 418 - Chapter 418: Diago Defeated By Sonia, the Situation Has Been Decided, Dimension Key Chapter 418: Diago Defeated By Sonia, the Situation Has Been Decided, Dimension Key Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Yes, my lord. Sonia replied with a lowered head. For her, this was an opportunity. Originally, she thought that she could gain Ji Chens attention with rhe power of the Coral Palace, but after witnessing the terrifying strength of rhe Ocean Crown Army, she realized that the Coral Palaces forces were insignificant. At most, they could serve as cannon fodder or a suicide squad. In the ruthless Great Luminescent Sea, only the sea clans with value would be respected. Therefore, she had to use this opportunity to showcase her worth, so that the Coral Palace could receive better treatment from the Ocean Crown after surrendering. Sonia quickly stepped forward, confronting Diago. In a deep voice, she said, Surrender, and Lord Ji Chen will forgive you, Diago chuckled and looked at her with a mocking rone. The Coral Palace, which has ruled for thousands of years, has surrendered to an outsider in just a few days. How laughable. It seems like youre reminiscing about the days when humans used to ride on your neck. Its truly the shame of the sea clans in the Great Luminescent Sea. Sonias face remained emotionless, and she naturally ignored these words, which were clearly meant to provoke her. Lord Ji Chen will lead the Coral Palace and the sea clans of rhe Great Luminescent Sea our into the outside world. Its more dangerous, but its also much broader. Thats why Im willing to dedicate my strength to him. The outside world? Diago furrowed his brow deeply. It was precisely because he knew about the dangers of the outside world that he had immediately sent troops to stop outsiders from entering as soon as he discovered the opened portal, and he had kept it closed until now. The Dragon King s City could dominate rhe Great Luminescent Sea, bur in the outside world, they would be easy prey. He preferred to rule and dominate in this small corner of the Great Luminescent Sea rather than becoming a weak presence in the outside world. But as he looked into Sonias eyes, shining with determination and hope for the future, Diago felt a sharp pain in his heart, and a surge of anger rose within him. So, you want to take the Coral Palace to the outside world, huh? 7hen I will utterly destroy it, shatter your hope completely! The twin horns emitted an unprecedented bright light, gathering a terrifying energy. A red lightning bolt formed above the space between the horns, gradually growing into a red lightning sphere, which continued to expand. After a dozen seconds, the lightning sphere had grown to a diameter of two meters, containing extremely intense energy. It shone brightly in the deep water, resembling a small red sun. Seeing this, the nearby Coral Palace and Dragon Kings City forces turned pale and scrambled to get as far away as possible. A wicked smile appeared on Diagos face. Die! The lightning sphere shot out as if released from an invisible bow, racing forward, leaving behind a trail of red lightning. Sonia remained calm. She raised her hand once again to create a white shield, catching the lightning sphere as if catching a falling stone. In a matter of moments, she dissipated it effortlessly, without a ripple. Impossible!!! Diago stared wide-eyed. This was one of his most powerful techniques, how could it be so easily dispelled? Sonia looked at Diago, who appeared incredulous, and her tone carried a hint of admiration. The first-generation Water Dragon King also liked using this move. He thought it was both cool and straightforward. However, the lightning sphere you conjured is too small. The first-generation Water Dragon Kings lightning sphere had a diameter of ten meters. Her tone of admiration, when seen by Diago, felt more like mockery, making him extremely angry. He gritted his teeth. I hope when 1 have you crushed under my foot, you can still talk like this. The twin horns emitted another flash. Dozens of red whirlpools suddenly appeared behind Diago. From them, hundreds of tiny lightning bolts shot out, raining down like drops of water. Sonia effortlessly waved her hand, and an even larger white shield easily blocked all the lightning bolts. This made Diago even more frantic, unleashing various skills and techniques. But no matter how he tried, Sonia could effortlessly defend against everything. At this point, the difference in their abilities was crystal clear. Diago, who had only practiced for a few decades, was clearly no match for Sonia, who had been alive for thousands of years and had become a master of combat through experience and wisdom. The former s attacks were either blocked by the latters shield or evaded effortlessly. How is this possible?! How is this possible?! 1 was supposed to be the destined ruler to unify the Great Luminescent Sea! You, an old relic whos lived for thousands of years, should have died along with that old immortal! I refuse to accept this!! Diago, looking like a madman, continued to use various skills, but without exception, they all dissipated like water into snow. In this state, he exposed countless vulnerabilities. Sonias patience was finally exhausted. She had initially hoped that Diago, as the descendant of the first-generation Water Dragon King, would realize the situation and willingly submit to Lord Ji Chens command, leaving a path for the fellow dragon king who also served humanity. But now, it seemed that not only had he not inherited the power, but he had also inherited none of the virtues. At this point, she no longer held back. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only With a wave of her hand, she sent a water stream that knocked the unguarded Diago away, leaving him severely injured. Just as she was about to deliver another blow, Ji Chen called her to a halt. Spare his life; 1 have plans for him. Sonia nodded and immediately withdrew. However, she soon spotted a Dragon Horn Catfish, its eyes wide like copper bells. While being watched over by a dozen Tyrant Azure Dragons, he was fixated on the severely injured Diago, who was drifting in the water.. Chapter 419 - Chapter 419: Diago Defeated By Sonia, the Situation Has Chapter 419: Diago Defeated By Sonia, the Situation Has Been Decided, Dimension Key (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation That gaze, somewhat familiar Curiosity got the better of her as she asked, Lord Ji Chen, who is he He is Diagos brother, Andar. Sonia was stunned. How did Diagos brother end up in the hands of the lord? And what about the crystal horn on his head? Seeing her puzzled expression, Ji Chen briefly explained, and she finally understood. Diago suffered a severe injury from a single strike, causing a sharp decline in the morale of Dragon King Citys army. They were eventually overwhelmed by the relentless assaults from the Coral Palace forces and forced into retreat. The expected chaotic slaughter by the Black Unicorn Whale and the Silverlight Half-fish beings did not occur. Instead, they were mercilessly beaten by several teams from the Crown of the Ocean. The Naga Legion, led by the legendary hero Herald, tore through the enemy formation like a drill, breaking it into several pieces. This prevented the Black Unicorn Whale, which relied on its horn to attack enemies, from effectively charging forward. They were forced to engage the Naga Guardians in close combat and quickly fell one by one under their bone blades. On the other side, the Dragon Blood Murlocs once again played a decisive role in the battle. Under the natural intimidation of their bloodline, the Silverlight Half-Fish being couldnt withstand the Tridents shots. Moreover, the Lobster Guardian Knights were constantly watching, launching sudden charges that caught them off guard. As the Black Unicorn Whales and Silverlight Half-Fish being fell one by one, the morale of the Dragon King Citys army plummeted to its lowest point. Soon, as the last leader of a thousand-man squad was bombarded from a distance by the Guardian Legion, they completely collapsed, dropping their weapons and fleeing towards the city. The Crown of the Oceans forces pursued them, surrounding the entire Dragon King City. Countless residents of Dragon King City looked on with fear and anxiety. On this day, right before their eyes, their once invincible Water Dragon King fell, and the mighty Dragon King Citys army was utterly defeated. Even the two secret armies were completely wiped out. In the ruthless Great Luminescent Sea, for hundreds of years, Dragon King City had either enslaved or slaughtered other factions, plundering all their wealth. They had enjoyed this windfall without a care in the world. But they had never thought that one day Dragon King City would be attacked by an enemy. Their fear had reached its peak. Ji Chen slowly approached Dragon King City from above, overlooking the uneasy crowd below, and signaled for Sonia to bring Diago and Andar over. Diago was already seriously injured and was carried over like a doll, looking weak, but his eyes glared fiercely at Ji Chen as if he wanted to devour him. Ji Chen just glanced at him indifferently and then turned to look at the bound Andar. Andars expression was filled with anger. I asked for your help to regain the throne, not to kill so many Dragon King City soldiers! This is not what we discussed before! Ji Chen felt that this guy was becoming more and more unreasonable. He calmly said, nodding towards Diago, Your elder brother went to great lengths to find you, even launching two ten-thousand-man armies to attack. Do you think we could have come to Dragon King City so effortlessly under the threat of so many Dragon King City troops? Do you think that war is just childs play? Do you think you can reclaim the throne with just your words? It seems you still havent figured out why your fathers so-called loyal subordinates chose your brother over you. Its because of your simplicity and naivety. Nobody had faith in you. Andar instinctively wanted to retort but was interrupted by Diagos maniacal laughter. Hahaha, my foolish little brother, you still havent understood this until today? If you had stayed hidden in that little village, I might have pretended not to know where you were. After all, with just you, you posed no real threat to Dragon King City. But for all these years, you never gave up your obsession to come back, so I had no choice but to eliminate you. Its just a pity that your plan to unify the Great Luminescent Sea under Dragon King City has been shattered by your collusion with humans. You are guilty! Diago gritted his teeth, in his view, if this human hadnt encountered Andar in the first place, none of these subsequent events would have happened. Perhaps this human might have chosen to stand with Dragon King City rather than the Coral Palace! He hated it! Hearing his bloodline elder brother speak like this, Andar felt as if he had been struck by lightning, trembling all over, with an incredulous expression on his face. He kept muttering, This cant be You must be lying to me I am the most suitable to be the Water Dragon King He still appeared as if he couldnt believe it. Sonia, witnessing this, shook her head. These descendants of the Dragon King were one worse than the other. If it werent for her long lifespan and control over the Coral Palace, the Coral Palace might have faced a similar situation by now. The army had suffered nearly complete casualties, and the Water Dragon King was taken prisoner. It appeared that Dragon King City, once a formidable power in the Great Luminescent Sea, was heading for its demise today. Ji Chen watched all of this with cold eyes. He wasnt concerned about this; he only cared about one thing. Where is the dimensional key that is kept in the Dragon King City? Diago hesitated for a moment, then burst into laughter. So, you want that thing, and destroying Dragon King City is just a means to an end! The dimensional key is hidden by that old man who wouldnt die in the secret treasury. He only revealed the location and entry method to my naive second brother. Everyone turned to look at Andar, who had gradually come to terms with the situation. He said angrily, I wont tell you, and youll never get your hands on it! The Great Luminescent Sea belongs to the Great Luminescent Sea Sea Clan, not to ambitious humans like you! Well, that was quite the ultimate statement. But Ji Chen wasnt surprised by this and had a plan in mind. He said coldly, If you dont tell me, I will slaughter every inhabitant of Dragon King City, whether its the army or the civilians. Id like to see if youll choose to keep the secret or watch the innocent residents you want to protect die one by one. You! Andars eyes widened in anger. Shameless human, if you have the guts, come after me, but dont involve innocent civilians! Ji Chen remained unfazed, appearing as the ultimate antagonist. And your own bloodline elder brother will be the first victim under the blade. Andar looked at the increasingly weakened Diago and then at the citys residents, his eyes filled with hesitation. For him, this was a choice he couldnt make. It was an agonizing decision. If he agreed, the Great Luminescent Sea would be ruled by this human, but if he refused, the residents of Dragon King City would die because of him, which was also unacceptable to him. With his injuries worsening and struggling to speak, Diago, who had become somewhat incoherent, looked unsurprised. This naive and foolish younger brother of his was entangled by something irrelevant, not even recognizing this humans feigned threat. Hmph, Dragon King City would undoubtedly face decline or even destruction in his hands. However, he had second thoughts. It seemed that Dragon King City wouldnt fare any better in his own hands. He had never imagined that it would meet its downfall under his rule. Thinking of this, Diago couldnt help but let out a self-deprecating smile. On the other side, as he coldly gestured, the Naga Legion was about to charge into the city, causing chaos everywhere. Andar compromised. He gritted his teeth and revealed the location of the treasury and the method to enter it, one word at a time. Ji Chen gestured for Anina to go and check. She immediately left the group and headed to the location mentioned by Andar. Two hours later. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Anina returned, holding a diamond-shaped crystal that emitted a white light. [Dimensional Key] [Effect]: Anchors the realm, fixes the realm gate Ji Chens expression changed slightly as he inspected it and confirmed its authenticity before stowing it in his backpack. Finally, he had obtained a dimensional key. With this one and the one in the hands of the humans above the sea, the realm would belong to the Crown of the Ocean.. Chapter 420 - Chapter 420: Human Kingdom, Royal Token, One of the Greatest Gains Chapter 420: Human Kingdom, Royal Token, One of the Greatest Gains Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Having glanced at Diago and Andar, Ji Chen gave his orders. Detain them and station a strong guard. Now that the Dragon King Citys army had dispersed, and its ruler, Diago, was captured, along with the commanders who had perished in the previous battles, it could be said that the downfall of Dragon King City was a foregone conclusion. He ordered the Coral Palace troops to stay in the city to maintain order. Then, under the leadership of a blue-tier hero, the Knight Legion would guard the secret vault of Dragon King City. According to Aninas description, besides the Dimension Key, the treasury of Dragon King City contained a vast amount of resources and treasures accumulated over ten generations of Water Dragon Kings. This would be enough to significantly boost the power of the Ocean Crown. Although Ji Chen was curious about the extent of this wealth, he knew that the most important thing now was to secure the other Dimension Key, leave before the Mystic Realm Gate closed, and anchor the Great Luminescent Sea realm. Take me to the human kingdom above the sea surface. Sonia nodded in agreement, her eyes showing a hint of curiosity once again. Ji Chen and his group followed Sonia, making their way through the Luminescent Forest. Within this dark expanse of towering structures, they began swimming upstream. Tall seaweed obstructed their view on both sides, but the fluorescent glow it emitted provided illumination. After swimming upstream for hundreds of meters along the direction of the seaweed growth, they moved away from the Luminescent Forests illumination, and the surroundings suddenly darkened. Looking back down, they realized that the Luminescent Forest and the distant glow were shining brilliantly. My Lord, the reason why its called the Great Luminescent Sea is that there are numerous luminescent plants growing on the seabed, ranging from hundreds of meters to over a thousand meters deep. These plants not only provide some illumination but also serve as the basic food source for the lower-sea clans. The existence of these luminescent plants provides a space for the creatures of the Great Luminescent Sea to survive. However, the waters from over a thousand meters below the surface to the sea surface, spanning thousands of meters, are pitch black, like a dead zone. Primitive sea clans, lacking intelligence and driven only by killing and feeding, inhabit this area. There are also many remnants and structures left behind by humans who migrated continuously over the years. Inside, there may still be some resources and treasures. Ji Chen nodded in understanding. So, the Great Luminescent Sea realm still held many secrets. So, does that mean we need to eliminate those primitive sea clans along the way to reach the sea surface? Not exactly, Sonia replied with a smile and shook her head. Over the past few thousand years, the Coral Palace has explored and found a safe passage above the Luminescent Forest that allows us to ascend to the sea surface without being attacked. After crossing the top of the Luminescent Forest, the group continued to ascend. The surroundings grew darker and darker, making everyone feel uneasy. But soon, a faint light appeared in the endless darkness ahead. As they drew closer, the light changed from a point to a circle, gradually dispelling the shadows in their hearts. It wasnt until they had shortened the distance to ten meters that they realized it was a cave with a diameter of seventy to eighty meters, stretching vertically upwards. Inside the cave walls, some luminescent plants had been deliberately cultivated. Lord Ji Chen, as long as we follow this cave all the way up, well reach the sea surface. Ji Chen nodded slightly and wasted no time. He led the troops into the cave and continued their ascent. The inside of this cave was quite straight and spacious, with plenty of luminescent plants providing illumination along the way. It didnt feel cramped or narrow. Without a moments pause, the group continued to ascend. Several hours later, they finally reached the end of the cave. After passing through the opening, they looked up and saw sunlight once again. However, this wasnt the light from luminescent plants; it was the familiar sunlight. It shone through the shallow surface of the water into the sea, transforming the deep blue water into a lighter shade of blue. The atmosphere around them instantly became more relaxed. On the boundless azure sea, a fishing boat had come to a stop, and the fishermen on board were about to cast their nets. However, suddenly, a dozen or so massive Azure Dragons burst out of the sea not far away. Their colossal bodies leaped high above the waters surface and then crashed down heavily, creating towering splashes. Just as the fishermen thought they had witnessed an entire pod of whales and felt excited, the area around these Azure Dragons swelled up with hundreds of water bubbles. Various marine creatures of different shapes and sizes leaped out of them, instantly filling the entire sea surface. A man also emerged from the water, standing on the head of one of the Azure Dragons. Ji Chen looked around, basking in the sunlight that streamed down from above, and heaved a long sigh of relief. Compared to the overall dim and cold-toned underwater environment, the surface of the sea was much more comfortable. Sonia, who was beside Ji Chen, also looked around with a touch of nostalgia. It had been hundreds of years since she had last come to the surface. Without paying much attention to the nearby fishing boats, the group continued to move toward their destination without stopping. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The exit of the cave was not far from the human kingdom on the sea surface. After half an hour of marching, Ji Chen could already see a cluster of islands in the distance. On the largest island among them stood a human city. Behind walls that were less than ten meters high, there were rows of low-rise houses that didnt even compare to Maple Citys Black Gold District, except for the slightly more dignified palace and castle in the city center. It was more like a small town than a kingdom, with a population of no more than ten thousand people at best. A few ancient twin-sail warships were anchored in the harbor near the city, and the artillery emplacements had small crossbows that were, at best, suitable for shooting at mosquitoes.. Chapter 421 - Chapter 421: Human Kingdom, Royal Token, One of the Biggest Gains (2) Chapter 421: Human Kingdom, Royal Token, One of the Biggest Gains (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation As they drew closer, Ji Chen couldnt help but feel a tinge of disappointment upon seeing the panicked soldiers at the harbor. These soldiers were at most Tier 2, level 20, and their combat abilities were sorely lacking. There was no nation was immune to external challenges or dangers. It seemed that over the millennia, with the closing of the Mystic Realm Gate, these human inhabitants not only lost their land but also their fighting prowess. The arrival of the Crown of the Ocean army naturally drew the attention of this human kingdom. More than a hundred human soldiers in cotton armor rushed out to the harbor upon receiving news of the enemy invasion. However, when they saw that the Crown of the Ocean forces outnumbered them by more than tenfold, fear gripped their legs, and they showed no inclination to fight. Instead, they scrambled back into the city and closed the gates. Inside the cramped royal palace, the general rushed in, panicking, to the kings chamber. Your Majesty, I have urgent news! The overweight king, who was playing blindfold hide-and-seek with his concubines, impatiently removed his blindfold. Speak quickly; dont interrupt my enjoyment! We have an enemy invasion, and there are at least three thousand of them! The kings face turned pale instantly. Three thousand? His kingdoms army consisted of only four to five hundred soldiers! Where did so many enemies suddenly appear from!? Where have they reached? Theyve already reached the harbor! But they seem to be like some marine creatures, perhaps only capable of staying in the water and not coming ashore? The overweight king breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, returned to his throne, and wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief provided by one of his concubines. Thats good, thats good However, at that moment, panicked voices from outside reached their ears. Your Majesty, the enemy has come ashore! They are heading straight for the city gates! The overweight king slipped off his throne and fell to the ground, his eyes vacant, muttering to himself, Its over, my kingdom is doomed Ji Chen observed the terrified soldiers on the low city walls and turned to Sonia. These Mystic Realm humans are the descendants of those humans from the past, and it seems they have completely deteriorated. Sonia wore a complex expression. The rising seawater has been pressuring their living space, and without land for cultivation, their population has dwindled But 1 didnt expect them to have fallen to this extent. They cant even muster a thousand soldiers for their entire country. Lord, I have one request. Sonia implored with sincerity. If they choose to surrender the dimensional key, may we spare their lives? After a brief contemplation, Ji Chen nodded. Yes, I agree to your request. I do not relish bloodshed; my intention is solely to acquire the dimensional key. Upon hearing this, Sonia expressed her gratitude and respectfully bowed. Thank you for your mercy, my Lord. 1 am willing to go and persuade them on your behalf. On the city wall, the overweight king, seeing the formidable enemy forces waiting outside, turned even paler. His legs almost gave way, but the general quickly caught him. At that moment, they saw a woman who looked as beautiful as a celestial being stepping out from the enemy ranks. She spoke coldly, Surrender your royal token, and we may spare your lives. The overweight king was momentarily stunned. Surrender his royal token? Although he didnt understand why, he suddenly felt a surge of courage and asked through gritted teeth, May 1 ask who you are? I am Lady Sonia, subordinate to Lord Ji Chen, the Lord of the Crown of the Ocean. Crown of the Ocean? Sonia? The overweight king found these names somewhat familiar as if he had heard them somewhere before. He looked at the womans face, so cold and noble, with a few white scales on her forehead, and suddenly recalled. In an ancient royal tome passed down through the royal family, there was mention of a time when the kingdoms territory was countless times larger than it was now. In those ancient days, their ancestors had two powerful sea allies, one being the Dragon King, and the other, Coral. The images in the tome seemed to bear some resemblance to the woman before him! The overweight king swallowed hard and cautiously asked, Do you happen to know Coral? Sonias expression darkened, Coral was my name in the past. This, your ancestors should know. The overweight kings mind was in turmoil. Could this sea woman be Coral? That would mean she must be at least a thousand years old! He looked towards the human man standing at the center of the unfamiliar army, obviously their leader. To be able to subdue a sea woman who had survived for over a thousand years, and to command such a formidable army, this man must be an extremely terrifying presence. Have you made your decision? Surrender the royal token, and we will leave. The overweight king wasnt foolish; he just needed something of symbolic value. If giving it away meant they would leave, then so be it. I agree! Soon, the city gates opened. The overweight king, with his protruding belly, walked out, holding a wooden box in his hands. He trembled as he approached Sonia. With a flattering expression, he said, Inside this box is the royal token. Please accept it. Sonia casually opened the wooden box, and a white crystal lay peacefully on a red silk cloth, emitting a faint glow. After confirming its authenticity, she nodded and closed the box. The overweight king looked around and cautiously asked, Lady Sonia, may I know where Lord Ji Chen comes from? Is it from the depths of the ocean? You dont need to concern yourself with that. Just know that this world now belongs to Lord Ji Chen. You only need to advise your descendants and subjects to live peacefully as they did before, and you wont have to worry about any harm coming to you. Sonias cold words left him pale, and he quickly nodded, saying, I will remember that! In any case, he wasnt particularly interested in these matters. As long as these formidable armies wouldnt return here in the future, that was enough for him. Sonia watched as the overweight king, who could barely walk, returned to the city and closed the gates. Then, she turned to Ji Chen and presented the dimensional key. My Lord, mission accomplished. Ji Chen nodded slightly, suppressing his inner excitement. He picked up the dimensional key, placing it alongside the one he had obtained earlier, and examined them together. Faintly, he could sense a connection forming between these two dimensional keys. By placing them separately at the arch and the outside world, he could establish a stable link between this mystic realm and the main world. At this moment, he finally let go of all his worries, and a smile crept onto his face. The entire Great Luminescent Sea was about to become the territory of the Crown of the Ocean. Inside it lay wealth, both known and hidden, from a complete mystic realm. It would all belong to the Crown of the Ocean. Regarding the tiny human kingdom, just as he had previously assured, as long as they didnt stir up any problems, he had no interest in bothering with them. Ji Chen put away the two dimensional keys and didnt waste any more time. With a wave of his hand, he commanded, Lets go! At his command, the army returned to the sea, retracing their path through the underwater cave. Back in the Luminescent Forest. When the mystic realm connects to the main world, it may cause some anomalies. Sonia, 1 want you to stabilize the hearts of the people in the Coral Palaces army. This place will be an important reserve base for the Crown of the Ocean in the future, and I wont tolerate any mistakes. This is the task Im giving you. Sonia nodded with a serious expression. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only She had completely embraced her role as a subordinate, and when she heard the orders, she felt a sense of familiarity, as if she had returned to the time when humans ordered her to do things thousands of years ago. It left her feeling a bit nostalgic and also pleased. After going through this period of experiences, Sonia was certain that Ji Chen was an ambitious lord with a far-reaching vision and remarkable abilities. Encountering such a talented and strategic lord was a stroke of luck. Naturally, she intended to make the most of this opportunity. Seeing Sonias complete lack of arrogance, Ji Chen nodded in satisfaction. A Red-Legacy Tier heroic unit was one of the biggest gains of this journey. Moreover, she was a hero with extensive experience in management, leadership, and combata priceless asset that couldnt be bought with money.. Chapter 422 - Chapter 422: Underwater Cave, Mystic Realm Anchored Chapter 422: Underwater Cave, Mystic Realm Anchored Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Watching Sonia hastily leave, Ji Chen waved his hand and led the army through the dense sea of grass, arriving at the metal archway. Some time passed, and the archway remained the same as before, except that there were some wild creatures wandering in from other places around it. Sensing their approach, they were frightened and fled. Ignoring these insignificant creatures, he approached the metal pillar on the left side of the archway and took out a dimensional key, slowly placing it into the groove. As soon as the dimensional key touched the groove, it stuck to it as if glued, and then emitted a white light, dazzling like a moon, causing everyone to involuntarily take a few steps back and squint their eyes. Ji Chen knew that the first step in opening the gate to the mystic realm was completed. Next, with a thought, he took out a golden gem the size of an adults head from his backpack. Even under the dazzling white light, this gem still emitted a captivating and brilliant light. Energy gem. This was obtained from the gnome merchant Ernesto, who had once visited the Crown of the Ocean but was ultimately dealt with by Alice. According to Ernesto, this energy gem was capable of providing a massive and stable source of energy for an alchemical workshop, making it invaluable. Although he didnt have a specific concept of this, he believed that it must contain extremely remarkable energy, perhaps serving as the energy source to open the gate to the mystic realm. At this point, he had no other options and no more time to obtain a reliable source of energy from elsewhere, so he decided to give this a try. With a single thought, he held the energy gem in his hands and approached slowly. Like iron sensing a magnet, the energy gem left his hands and floated towards the metal archway. Sensing something, Ji Chen immediately ordered, Everyone, retreat a hundred meters! At his command, the Crown of the Oceans army quickly stepped back to the edge of the square. By now, the energy gem had floated to the top of the archway, and strands of golden energy were drawn out and absorbed into the archway. The metal archway, which had been silent all this time, began to tremble. The runic patterns on it lit up with red light from the center at the top and extended to the sides until they disappeared at the bottom. The red light contrasted sharply with the pale silver metal, resembling a creation of future technology on Earth. But Ji Chen knew that this was a product of alchemical technology. In ancient times, the alchemical technology level of various races was sufficient to create devices that could generate gates to mystic realms, allowing people from the main world and countless mystic realms to travel freely. But as the gods gradually disappeared from the world, this alchemical technology gradually faded, leaving behind scattered devices hidden all over the world, which had also worn down and become damaged over time. Thinking of this, he remembered the experiment notes he obtained from the secret chamber of the Lich Kriegs laboratory. The Lich Krieg, according to Elin, had lived for at least tens of thousands of years. With such a long lifespan and being a Lich skilled in alchemical technology, there might be a method for creating the alchemical device that generates the gate to the mystic realm hidden in those notes. Unfortunately, he hadnt found an alchemist yet and could only let the notes gather dust. But it seemed that he needed to prioritize this now. As the energy was absorbed, the patterns on the archway became even more vibrant, and the surrounding seawater gradually began to boil. Boom With a muffled roar, a wave of energy spread out from the center of the archway, raising countless underwater dust. The powerful shockwave even lifted the paved bricks on the square. When the dust gradually settled, everyone looked closely. The square that had been paved with bricks had disappeared, revealing a metal base below covered in crimson patterns. It turned out that the alchemical device that generated the gate to the mystic realm not only consisted of the archway but also had a base with an area of thousands of square meters underneath! The metal archway had also undergone a change. The energy gem had been completely broken down, transformed into pure energy that merged into the device. The entrance of the archway was now filled with a rotating, pitch-black vortex. Dark, mysterious, and ominous. Ji Chens expression slightly tightened; that was the void. Due to the fact that only one dimensional key was in place, even though the archway had started, it was still connected to the void. If someone accidentally got caught in it and was banished to the void, it would be a dire situation. The void was filled with endless corrosive energy, and ordinary creatures entering it would die instantly, not even lasting a millisecond. Only a few top-tier experts could move through the void. At present, Ji Chens strength was not enough for him to operate within the void. What was even more terrifying, according to Elins description, there were the horrifying void creatures within the void. If luck was on his side, these void creatures might detect the opened gateway as they passed by. They could potentially break in, wreak havoc before the worlds rules expelled them, and turn the surroundings into a death zone. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Realizing the immense danger, Ji Chens expression turned serious, and he immediately gave an order. Herald, you, along with the Naga Legion and the Guardian Legion, will stay here to prevent any creatures from approaching until I return. Herald nodded in silence, but the determination in his eyes showed his resolve. Now, everything was almost complete. Ji Chen set out once more, leading the remaining army out of the Luminescent forest and returning to the basin. However, he found that the catfish village that had stood in the center of the basin had turned into a death zone.. Chapter 423 - Chapter 423: Underwater Cave, Mystic Realm Anchored (2) Chapter 423: Underwater Cave, Mystic Realm Anchored (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The village made up of giant coral had completely collapsed, reduced to a desolate grey, and the remnants around hinted that a massacre had occurred here not long ago. Upon sensing that something had gone wrong with the army guarding the Mystic Realm Gate, the Dragon Kings City evidently dispatched another army to investigate. Naturally, they found their way to the catfish village, which lay on the path in and out of the basin. Clearly, the Dragon Kings City had vented their anger on the catfish villagers, killing them. However, without paying much attention and after a quick look, they passed by from the side. Advancing through the narrow underwater canyon, they quickly arrived at the end of the canyon, where the Mystic Realm Gate still stood silently before the rock wall. Without hesitation, Ji Chen urged the Tyrant Azure Dragon and was the first to step through. Upon entering, the surroundings instantly came alive, a gentle sea breeze brushing against their faces, and the sunshine exceptionally bright. After scanning the area, there were no enemies in sight. Once the Crown of the Oceans troops had all emerged from the Mystic Realm Gate, the group continued their journey. As the saying goes, Delay leads to changes. They were at least two days away from the Crown of the Ocean, and not a moment of time could be wasted. At this point, he was left with only three legions: the Dragonblood Legion, the Azure Dragon Legion, and the Soul Servant Legion. The other three legions each had their own tasks. The Knight Legion was guarding the Dragon Kings Citys treasury, while the Naga Legion and the Guardian Legion were protecting the archway. Without the burden of these legions, their travel speed increased significantly. In just over a day, they returned to the New Moon Islands. Wilus had received word of their return through the warning lighthouse and was waiting at the harbor in advance. My Lord, didnt you say youd be away for quite some time this time? Why have you returned so soon? How many days have I been away? Approximately ten and a half days, Wilus replied. Ten days? Ji Chen was secretly surprised. Excluding the three and a half days of travel, he had spent a full seven days in the Great Luminescent Sea Realm? But then he thought about it. The Great Luminescent Sea was located in the deep sea and relied solely on fluorescent plants for illumination. There was no distinction between day and night, so not feeling the passage of time was entirely normal. Back to his senses, Ji Chen gave an order. Later, I intend to permanently anchor a Mystic Realm Gate near the New Moon Islands. Do you know of any suitable places to place it? A Mystic Realm Gate? Wilus was momentarily puzzled. He certainly knew what a Mystic Realm Gate was, but he had never heard that a Mystic Realm Gate could be artificially anchored. Seeing his puzzled expression, Ji Chen briefly explained. Wilus suddenly realized, and a look of admiration appeared in his eyes. He hadnt expected that in such a short period, Lord Ji Chen would actually conquer an entire realm. He truly deserved to be their lord! He quickly began to think, and after a moment, he nodded in agreement. My Lord, since this is intended as a backup base, the entrance and exit should be placed in a relatively hidden location, not easily discovered. Considering the possibility of future discovery, we should choose a location that is easy to defend and difficult to attack. Furthermore, since most of the realm is filled with seawater, it should be placed underwater, preferably in the ocean. And there happens to be a suitable location near the New Moon Islands! Wilus, as the steward of the Crown of the Ocean, was well-informed about the Crown of the Ocean and the New Moon Islands. After a brief moment of thought, he quickly came up with a solution. Its located beneath the cliffs on the north side of the main island. According to the investigations of the Guardian Legion, there is a large underwater cave in that area that is exceptionally well-hidden. It connects to several different entrances at different locations. Regardless of the direction, you can access it through those underwater caves, making it an ideal placement for the Mystic Realm Gate! Upon hearing this, Ji Chen didnt hesitate and immediately said, Take me there. Please wait for a moment. I will have Lord Daro of the Guardian Legion accompany you Soon, a group of soldiers from the Guardian Legion arrived, escorting Ji Chen to the north side of the main island. The north side of the main island was mostly dominated by steep cliffs, and the area was filled with numerous rocks and treacherous sea waves. Due to the terrain and the strong sea winds, the waves here were extremely turbulent, and there were many hidden underwater currents. One small mistake by a ship could result in it being smashed against the rocks and cliffs, utterly destroyed. Any ship that saw this place would instinctively steer clear of it. With their familiarity with the area, the Guardian Legion was able to dive underwater at an inconspicuous spot, avoiding the invisible yet dangerous underwater currents, and descended to a depth of four to five hundred meters underwater. This depth was sufficient to isolate most non-aquatic creatures from prying eyes. They entered a dark underwater cave in a black rock wall, and after descending about a hundred meters, they arrived in a space the size of several football fields. There were a dozen or so openings of varying sizes on the surrounding rock walls, leading to different places. Ji Chen looked around and was very satisfied with the location. This place was extremely hidden, and without the guidance of the Guardian Legion, it would be very difficult to find, even with the omniscience map. The only minor drawback was that it was a bit too dark, but once the Mystic Realm Gate was anchored, they could transplant some bioluminescent plants from the Great Luminescent Sea to solve that issue. Standing at the central position, Ji Chen took out another dimensional key. These two dimensional keys were like twin siblings. As soon as this dimensional key appeared in the main world, it faintly established a connection with the Great Luminescent Sea realm drifting in the endless void. A nearly invisible ribbon floated between them, allowing them to be connected. The key emitted a brilliant white light, illuminating the entire cave as if it were daytime. After a moment, the white light gradually dissipated, and a slowly forming arch-shaped Mystic Realm Gate emerged, its rippling color not black but a deep blue. At the same time, the Great Luminescent Sea suddenly began to violently tremble, the seawater roiled intensely, and giant rocks fell, terrifying countless aquatic beings and leaving the human kingdoms staring at the sea with immense fear as massive waves surged. Sonia, who was stationed at the Dragon Kings City, watched as the buildings in the city shook violently, her expression turning solemn. Has it begun A soldier from the Coral Palace exclaimed in panic, Lord of the Coral, the entire Great Luminescent Sea is suddenly trembling, and many buildings in the Dragon Kings City have collapsed! Dont panic; this is the commotion caused by Lord Ji Chens connection between the Great Luminescent Sea and the main world. It will soon be over. A Coral Palace soldier hesitated for a moment and asked, My Lord, do we really have to submit to that human Lord? Cant we remain independent? After all, the Great Luminescent Sea belongs to our aquatic race, not that human Lords Sonia shook her head. Who the Great Luminescent Sea belongs to is no longer something we can decide. Without Lord Ji Chens intervention, the Coral Palace might have already been destroyed by the Dragon Kings City. And dont forget, the power of Lord Ji Chen He alone is capable of destroying half of the Coral Palace. Upon hearing this, the Coral Palace soldiers recalled the invisible currents outside the Coral Palace that had routed the Dragon King Citys army, and they shivered in fear, no longer daring to speak. Dragon King Citys prison. Diago watched the constantly shaking buildings, his face filled with a hint of despair. He knew that the Great Luminescent Sea had already connected to the main world, and there was nothing that could stop that human from ruling over the Great Luminescent Sea anymore. Thinking about this, he glared at Andar in the opposite cell and cursed vehemently. You fool! Look at what monsters youve brought in! If I ever get out of here, Ill drag you to the tomb of the Water Dragon Kings from all eras and beat you to death! Andar was already at a loss, and he began to regret his actions. If he hadnt asked that human for help in the first place, perhaps none of this would have been discovered, but there were no ifs now Underwater cave near New Moon Islands. Looking at the fully formed Mystic Realm Gate in front of him, Ji Chens face showed a trace of joy. He waved his hand and had Alice control one of the Soul Servant Ocean Guardians to enter and test if it could pass through. The Soul Servant disappeared into the gate and reappeared after a moment. At this point, it was almost certain that the Great Luminescent Sea had connected to this place. Seeing this, he confidently stepped inside. Before him were Herald, the Naga Legion, and the Guardian Legion who had been guarding the gate, and he finally let go of his worries. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He almost wanted to laugh out loud. Looking at everything around them, it seemed somewhat unreal. Did this incredibly rich realm really belong to the Ocean Crown? Thinking about the immense resources contained within, Ji Chens mood was ecstatic. This was far better than the Skeleton Realm with just a bunch of skeletal sticks, by a factor of tens of millions.. Chapter 426 - Chapter 426:1.5 Million Rare Resources, Sea Beast Tide Chapter 426:1.5 Million Rare Resources, Sea Beast Tide Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation This time, from the Dragon Kings treasury, a total of one and a half million units of rare resources were harvested, which was more than double the yield from the previous expedition to the Northern Continent. Ji Chen couldnt help but exclaim that the rewards from this expedition were truly remarkable! The influx of these resources significantly enriched the stockpile like never before. Sticking to his original idea, he opted to relocate the ten Dragon Horn Catfish Recruitment Camps to the Crown of the Ocean. Additionally, he chose to transform five of the empty Recruitment Camps into Tyrant Azure Dragon Recruitment Camps. With a mighty roar, five imposing golden pyramids abruptly emerged on the southern shoreline. This brought the total count at the Crown of the Ocean to six, each capable of enlisting 18 units of Tyrant Azure Dragons per week. Not only could they recruit on a large scale, but the expansion rate had also increased several-fold. With the conclusion of the Great Luminescent Sea expedition, about ten days had passed. There were now some matters in the Crown of the Ocean that required his personal attention. Upon his return, Ji Chen immediately began his work within the Lords Manor. Wilus reported in detail, The post-war reconstruction work has entered the middle phase. Seventy percent of the residential houses have been repaired and rebuilt. Functional buildings like the blacksmiths workshop are more than halfway restored The prisoners of war from the Bass Kingdom have been allocated to various resource points and are under strict control. There is not much resistance The sea rice harvest has been completed, and we can begin planting again. Leyshas vineyard has expanded its cultivation scale, and the first batch of grapes is in the growing stage. The crops in the jungle plantation are also about to enter the harvest season Various matters, big and small, from the Crown of the Ocean were first gathered by Wilus, and then, based on their significance and importance, a selection of valuable reports was presented to Ji Chen for judgment and decisions. However, this was only a small part. With his support, Wilus selected some talented individuals from the refugees and residents, forming the initial administrative team, which laid a solid foundation for the future development of the Crown of the Ocean. Most of the trivial matters in the Crown of the Ocean were handled by Wilus and this group of administrative personnel. The cultivation area of sea rice needs further expansion. It is currently one of the main sources of food for the Crown of the Ocean Of course, we can also have the residents go fishing outside. The stormy sea area has abundant seafood, enough to meet a significant portion of our food needs. However, we should be careful not to deplete the resources thoughtlessly. Even the richest of seas will eventually run dry if not managed properly. Despite having the fluorescent mushrooms from the Lizardmen as a reliable food source, Ji Chen believed it was necessary to regulate the dietary structure reasonably to maintain high morale. Wilus nodded earnestly, taking note of this. Lord, I have made a new discovery, Wilus continued. Ive heard that the fluorescent plants produced in the Great Luminescent Sea are also suitable for human consumption. Ji Chen was taken aback. It was the first time he had heard of this. He had only known that the Sea Clan in the Great Luminescent Sea used fluorescent plants as food. Could humans really consume those underwater plants that emitted their own light? However, he didnt mind and promptly said, If thats the case, then you should conduct a taste and texture test. If they meet the standards, we can promote large-scale cultivation. After all, the Crown of the Ocean is abundant in seawater. After some time, 1 will have the Sea Clan from the Great Luminescent Sea expedition come out. With their involvement, planting fluorescent plants on the seabed wont be a problem. Understood! Afterward, Wilus continued to seek guidance on a few more matters. Once he received clear responses, he excused himself. Watching Wilus disappear behind the door, Ji Chen leaned back in his chair, not having a moment to relax before another guest arrived. From afar, the booming voice of Thotmudo could be heard. Ji Chen saw his stocky figure emerge from behind the door, striding confidently toward a nearby chair, where he plopped down without ceremony. Kid, I heard youve got a prosperous ocean realm? Youre really lucky, living in the favor of the heavens, Thotmudo exclaimed without any pretense. Seeing Thotmudos casual demeanor, Ji Chen didnt mind and smiled as he asked, Thank you for your praise. How are those apprentices doing in their studies? While Thotmudo was busy forging defensive alchemical apparatuses, he also served as an instructor, teaching a group of apprentices the art of blacksmithing. Upon mentioning this, Thotmudo started grumbling, Those fools are too slow in their learning. If I had such dim-witted apprentices back in Black Iron Fortress, I would have kicked them out long ago. At their current rate of learning, when will they ever finish mastering the basic dwarven blacksmithing techniques? There are even more challenging skills ahead! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Clearly, humans and Lizardmen couldnt compare to Dwarves in terms of blacksmithing. Dwarves were like blessed individuals when it came to forging, with natural talent and genius bestowed upon them. Among the top ten renowned blacksmiths, seven were Dwarves. If you want to forge top-quality weapons and equipment quickly, youll need to recruit more Dwarves. Oh, by the way, when are you going to help me gather other Dwarf tribes? Ji Chen shook his head and replied, This matter will likely be postponed for a while. The war between the Kingdom of Bass and the Lienhardt Grand Duchy may start at any moment, and we must be prepared. Through reports from players in chat channels and on forums, Ji Chen learned that there had been increasing friction between the two sides in the past half month. Both public opinion and military movements seemed to be hinting at an impending conflict.. Chapter 427 - Chapter 427:1.5 Million Rare Resources, Sea Beast Tide (2) Chapter 427:1.5 Million Rare Resources, Sea Beast Tide (2) anslator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Additionally, in these past few days, players hailing from the Kingdom of Bass and the Grand Duchy of Lienhardt had received camp missions from both nations. The missions shared similar objectives, emphasizing that players would be required to join rhe war when it erupted between rhe two nations. By gathering intelligence and defeating enemies, they could earn contributions in exchange for rewards. This immediately excited players from both nations, leading to lively discussions on rhe forums. They began to deliberate whether they should collaborate ro accumulate war achievements and exchange intelligence to gain various advantages. Seeing this, Ji Chen shook his head. These players seemed to be underestimating rhe two nations. If they were issuing camp missions to players, they had undoubtedly considered the players situation during a war. However, players might come up with some tricks and find loopholes in the missions. The Western Continent is quite far from rhe New Moon Islands. After landing, it will take a considerable amount of rime to reach the Dwarven gathering place. With a round trip, if everything goes smoothly, it will take at least half a month. 1 need to stabilize everything before I can handle it. Hearing this, Thotmudo nodded and understood that this matter couldnt be rushed. His tone also softened. I trust you, kid, bur I hope you wont disappoint me. I will do as 1 promised. Hearing this, Thotmudo nodded in relief, jumped off his chair, put his hands behind his waisr, and walked away casually. Just as he was about to reach the main door, he seemed to remember something. The second of the three blueprints you gave me will be able to produce a sample soon. When the production is complete, I will personally come ro see it. Watching Thotmudo leave, Ji Chen stood up and stretched lazily. At this moment, a shrill alarm suddenly rang from outside. The highest-level alert! Another enemy invasion? Ji Chen twitched at the corner of his mouth. It hadnt even been half a month since the last invasion by Ferodes fleet. The collapsed buildings hadnt even been rebuilt, and now another wave of enemies was coming!? What was this? Scheduled monster spawn? Hastily walking out of the Lords Castle, the residents were evacuating in an orderly manner, the Guardian Legion was heading to their posts, and the main legions were entering a state of readiness as quickly as possible. Soon, a soldier came forward to report the situation. My lord, a large number of unidentified enemies are approaching from the south near the Stormy Sea. Based on their trajectory, it is certain that some of them will enter the sea area and pass by the New Moon Islands! After the previous lesson, the Crown of the Ocean had expanded its warning range to the edge of the Stormy Sea. Patrol teams were patrolling irregularly to guard against unexpected enemies from outside the sea. This time, it was evident that a patrol team had detected the danger in advance. What are the enemies, and how many are there? They are various sea creatures, and their numbers are so vast that we cant see the end. They have covered almost the entire sea surface, with at least a million or more! A million? What kind of joke was this? If a million sea creatures surged up, even one spit from each of them would be enough to submerge the Crown of the Ocean. But thankfully, the soldier continued, saying, However, this wave of sea creatures spans hundreds of kilometers of sea, and there are about two hundred thousand that will directly hit the New Moon Islands. Upon hearing this, Ji Chen breathed a slight sigh of relief. Two hundred thousand, while a significant number, was not impossible to handle. However, even if it were two hundred thousand pigs, it would still take several days to slaughter them all. This quantity of enemies, even if the army could eventually eliminate them all, would still deliver a heavy blow to the recovering Crown of the Ocean. The highest-level alert sounded, and all the heroes arrived one after another. Anina hurriedly came forward and exclaimed, My Lord, this must be a sea beast tide! Seeing Aninas serious expression, Ji Chen knew that these attacking sea beasts were not ordinary and asked, What is a sea beast tide? A sea beast tide is a rare phenomenon that occurs in the middle ocean. In simple terms, it happens when an extremely powerful sea beast appears in a certain area, forcing nearby sea beasts to migrate. The mass migration of sea beasts gradually forms a sea beast tide. In some part of the ocean, there must have been the birth of a terrifying sea beast to cause such a large-scale sea creature tide. Ji Chen instantly understood that these sea beasts were not specifically targeting the Crown of the Ocean. The Crown of the Ocean just happened to be in their migration path. Sea beast rides typically come in multiple waves. The stronger the fearsome sea beast, the more it compels other sea beasts to migrate, resulting in each successive wave having more creatures than the one before it. My mother once told me about a sea beast tide that covered hundreds of sea areas in the Eastern Middle Ocean, with a total number reaching billions in the nine waves of sea beast tides. When Ji Chen heard that sea beast tides often consisted of multiple waves, his expression turned serious. Now, the sea beast tide had already reached beyond the Stormy Sea, and the first wave confronting the Crown of the Ocean numbered as many as two hundred thousand. That meant the subsequent waves would be even larger. Thinking about this, he had a headache. The Crown of the Ocean had not fully recovered from the previous war, and now it was facing such a disaster. It was truly beset by numerous challenges. But given the circumstances, they could only face the sea beast tide head-on. With this in mind, Ji Chen immediately gave the order. All personnel, enter combat readiness mode. Deploy all combat legions to a position 500 meters south of the main island s beach, to defend against the sea beast tide! Get those steel warships and wooden vessels moving for me! Park them in front of the beach as obstacles and gun emplacements! The use of the steel warships from the Bass Kingdom in this manner was out of necessity. The Crown of the Ocean hadnt trained crews capable of handling them perfectly yet, and using the prisoners of war to operate them was not a reliable option. Therefore, they had no choice but to repurpose them as artillery platforms. Taking advantage of the fact that the sea beast tide hadnt fully arrived, Ji Chen hurried to the recruitment camps and filled the recruitment quotas for the week. The Crown of the Oceans military forces saw another increase in size. Ding- A total of 1,271,100 units of rare resources were consumed, recruiting a total of 1,006 units of troops. Fifth-tier troops indeed consumed resources like this, depleting a significant portion of the resources obtained from the Great Luminescent Sea. Their inventory now held less than 230,000 units of rare resources! War was all about resources! But Ji Chen believed it was worth it. With over a thousand additional troops, the Crown of the Oceans military strength had significantly increased. The entire Crown of the Ocean entered a state of readiness. Residents evacuated to the caves in an orderly manner, and the military was deployed systematically along the eastern stretch of the southern beach, constructing a defensive line spanning roughly three kilometers. Ji Chen stood on a high point of the southeastern cliff, looking out at the distant sea. In his line of sight, a long, dark line suddenly appeared on the distant horizon. As it drew closer, it became clear that this dark line consisted of ferocious sea beasts, roaring and surging with terrifying momentum. He squinted his eyes. The ranks of these sea beasts varied, ranging from fourth-tier to first-tier, but overall, there were more low-tier sea beasts, primarily first and second-tier, with very few fourth-tier ones. However, no one could ignore their sheer numbers; a momentary lapse in concentration could lead to their overwhelming force scattering the defenders. The sea beast tide gradually approached the New Moon Islands. These sea beasts, forced to migrate and hungry, quickly spotted rhe living presence of the New Moon Islands. Their blood-red eyes were filled with madness and hunger, and their speed increased, closing the gap further. When rhe sea beast tide entered a range of 1,500 meters from the beach, more than ten Black Hawk Arrow Towers standing behind the beach had already preset their parameters. The firing mechanisms within the towers worked frantically, and a swarm of arrows shot our from the honeycomb-like firing ports, numbering in the hundreds. Over a thousand arrows formed a wave of projectiles, instantly killing hundreds of sea creatures. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The Alchemy Death Cannons, which had been repaired and restored, erupted with flames as well. Bombs exploded among the sea beast tide, sending nearby creatures flying and creating a rain of blood and flesh. The ten Ripper Alchemy Cannons that Thotmudo had manufactured in recent days also fired under skilled operation, unleashing tongues of fire. Each fist-sized alchemical bomb caused considerable damage. The steel warships opened fire, and powerful shells shattered sea beasts. Even the old-fashioned cannons on wooden vessels roared to lifethere was hardly any need for precise aiming due to the overwhelming number of sea beasts; a casual shot could hit its mark. However, the vacant spaces left by the slain sea creatures were quickly filled by those behind them. The scent of blood only fueled their animal instincts further, and some even resorted to tearing apart the corpses of their fallen comrades. The battle had already entered a state of intense ferocity from the very beginning.. Chapter 428 - Chapter 428: Dragon-Horned Catfish’s Performance, Glorious Achievements, Meat Harvest Chapter 428: Dragon-Horned Catfishs Performance, Glorious Achievements, Meat Harvest Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Outside the southern beach of the main island of the New Moon Islands. The sky had unknowingly gathered a mass of dark clouds, turning the daylight abruptly dim, with the rumbling of thunder echoing through the clouds. Beneath the black clouds. A fleet of warships spanned the coastline, their decks and gun barrels protruding from the cabins spitting flames, sending cannonballs into the midst of the sea beast tide, each blast causing water to splash several meters high, with large-caliber shells even stirring up waves tens of meters high. Amidst the sky of splashing water, the broken bodies of sea beasts and vivid blood were intermixed. Outside the range of the explosions, many sea beasts were stunned by the blasts, only to be engulfed in an instant. In everyones eyes, under the dim sky, the entire sea area was filled with pairs of blood-red pupils, their madness and bloodlust chilling to the bone, with their fierce roars seeming to resound right beside ones ears. Behind the area bombarded by artillery, several main force legions stood solemnly on the sea surface, facing the approaching sea beasts without a trace of fear. For them, recruited from the endless void, the mission of battle had been their burden since the moment of their birth. To die in battle was not the end, but a rebirth, an honor! Everyone could see the tall figure standing on the cliff, their eyes gradually igniting with fervor and the will to fight. Woo woo The sound of a giant conch horn, made from a sea snail, emitted a deep, resonating sound, echoing through heaven and earth. This seemed to become the signal for the attack. Following the commands of various hero units, under the crisscrossing artillery fire, the main force legions charged towards the enemy. Ji Chen, from atop the cliff, watched as the Crown of the Ocean champion team and the sea beast tide merged into one massive entity below. Meanwhile, the artillery fire also adjusted its parameters, targeting the sea beasts further back. A single sea beast was undoubtedly very weak, but thousands of them together were terrifying, swarming like locusts across the sky, capable of overwhelming a smaller number of enemies in an instant. This was the terrifying aspect of the Sea Beast Tide. The sky had unknowingly started to drizzle, making the already dim light even more gloomy, and the sea surface, no longer calm, began to churn with waves. But amidst these layers of waves, slaughter was constantly unfolding. The sea beasts surged forward, initially driven by expulsion, but now driven by a hunger-induced frenzy, each craving to take a bite of their prey. Among the Sea Beast Tide, many were entire tribes migrating together. The sea beast monsters leading these tribes possessed considerable intelligence, not blindly charging forward but constantly restraining their kin, observing the battlefield situation, looking for weak points in the defense line to viciously bite into their enemy. However, to their disappointment, the defense line formed by the Crown of the Ocean champion team appeared weak but was incredibly resilient. The main force legion, all of Tier 5, now became a battlefield meat grinder. The immensely strong and robust Naga Guardians, even in front of sea beasts of waterfall-like size, still appeared quite large, their heads resembling dragons, imposing and awe-inspiring. Their hands, evolved into heavy bone swords, were like flesh-cutting machines, their alien bloodlines granting them almost endless strength. With one swing, a sea beast was beheaded, swift and efficient. This scene of slaughter could be imagined as over a thousand enhanced versions of Dwayne Johnson wielding chainsaws amidst a horde of zombies. And the Dragon Blood Murlocs, vastly different in stature from the Naga Guardians, presented a different style. With their Dragon Might skill, they easily suppressed the lower-bloodline sea beasts, calmly using their tridents to kill. The Guardian Legions Water Nymph Archers and Silver Sea Pixies, under the protection of the Crab Guardians, calmly shot volleys of arrows, their terrifying output clearing swathes of sea beasts. The Silver Sea Pixies were still okay, having reached a number over a thousand. A round of their spells could at least kill two to three thousand sea beasts. But the voice of the Water Nymph Archers was somewhat lower, the flaw being that their numbers were still too few. Archers as a military unit needed to be numerous; only with sufficient numbers could they shoot more arrows and exert enough suppressive force. Ji Chen still remembered watching a movie called Hero back on Earth, where the Qin army launched a magnificent volley of arrows while attacking an enemy city, a sight truly terrifying. He thought that no enemy would want to face such a horrifying barrage of arrows. Just a few rounds before the battle could probably plummet the enemys morale to rock bottom. Maybe he should seize the opportunity to buy a few more cores for recruiting Water Nymph Archers? But then Ji Chen thought about the millions of rare resources needed for each recruitment round and quietly dismissed the idea. Having resources for one meal but not the next, even with many recruitment camps, wouldnt be effective. Other legions were also fighting fiercely. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The Dragonblood Guardian Knights used their mobility advantage on the edge of the battlefield, frequently attacking the fringes of the battlefield, slicing through the sea beast horde like a knife cutting through dough, then devouring them with their charge. In this way, the output of these sea clan knights, clad in armor and wielding spears, was surprisingly no less than that of other legions standing on the front line. Their armor and bone spears were continuously stained red with blood, then washed clean by the rain and seawater. Just as he was observing the overall situation of the battlefield. A flickering red light on one side of the battlefield caught his attention. Looking closely, it was the Dragon-Horned Catfish, a new unit type of the Crown of the Ocean, accumulating energy. As a new unit type of the Crown of the Ocean, Ji Chen was extremely interested in them.. Chapter 429 - Chapter 429: Dragon-Horned Catfish’s Performance, Chapter 429: Dragon-Horned Catfishs Performance, Glorious Achievements, Meat Harvest (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Dragon-Horned Catfish, a Tier 5, 4-star unit, commands a recruitment price of a staggering 1,950 units of rare resources per unit, double that of the Water Nymph Archer, and only slightly less expensive than the mightiest unit, the Tyrant Azure Dragon. Just the first wave of recruitment, bringing forth one hundred and forty Dragon-Horned Catfish, amounted to a total of 273,000 units of rare resources. Such a hefty expense was exchanged for an extremely terrifying spell output capability. Unlike the Silver Sea Pixies, the Dragon-Horned Catfish couldnt cast spells immediately after a short chant. They often required a significant amount of time to prepare their magic. Red lightning orbs, twinkling on their crystalline horns, grew larger as energy accumulated. In watery environments, their lethality was greatly amplified. Once the energy was fully charged, red lightning orbs, over a meter in diameter, were launched, evenly landing amidst the sea beast horde. After a brief delay, over a hundred circular red electric fields suddenly appeared on the battlefield. Lightning, with a voltage reaching up to a million volts, rapidly spread from the explosion points. The high-energy current instantly turned the surrounding sea beasts into charred remains, and not even the increasingly intense rain could prevent the smell of scorched flesh from spreading. After killing the nearby sea beasts, the electric current continued to spread through the seawater, paralyzing and causing convulsions in the bodies of more distant sea beasts. A single lightning orb could kill dozens of sea beasts and paralyze and rout hundreds more. Just one round of attack from the one hundred and forty Dragon-Horned Catfish temporarily incapacitated tens of thousands of sea beasts. Ji Chen, standing atop the cliff, witnessed the entire process and couldnt help but nod in approval at the output and battle achievements. He thought to himself that this expenditure of resources was incredibly worthwhile. By comparison, the Silver Sea Pixies, the traditional magic wielders of the Crown of the Ocean, seemed somewhat inferior. After a long battle, the sea beast horde on the ocean surface finally thinned out a bit, no longer giving that suffocating, overwhelming feeling. And the defensive line, from the start of the battle, had not retreated an inch, showing remarkable resilience. This sight brought great satisfaction to Ji Chen. This battle undoubtedly showcased the formidable military strength of the Crown of the Ocean. Although their numbers were far fewer than those of kingdom-level powers, the quality of each unit had caught up remarkably. Such a performance bolstered his confidence for the upcoming battle with the Bass Kingdom. Previously, the Bass Kingdoms fleet had nearly destroyed a large part of the Crown of the Ocean, a devastation from which they had yet to fully recover. Ji Chen had etched this grudge deep in his heart. When the time came for the Lienhardt Grand Duchy to wage war against the Bass Kingdom, the Crown of the Ocean would seize this opportunity for revenge perhaps even utterly crushing the Bass Kingdom to the point of no return! His thoughts whirled and turned. From day to night, the battle raged on. The situation on the battlefield became increasingly clear. The onslaught of the sea beast horde was terrifying, but the troops of the Crown of the Ocean were even more fearsome. Like an unyielding wall, they repelled every assault, resulting in countless deaths and injuries among the beasts. Amidst such horrific casualties, many sea beasts regained their senses, fear gradually appearing in their eyes, hesitating to advance. Roars and howls echoed. The leaders of various tribes standing behind the sea beast horde, witnessing the inability of so many beasts to break through and instead being slaughtered in large numbers, began to contemplate retreat. After hearing weird roars, the sea beasts that were now fully awake started biting the dead bodies of their own kind. They followed their leaders and went around the New Moon Islands to make their escape. Before long, the crowded battlefield thinned out further. Apart from a few sea beasts that had lost their sanity in the killing frenzy, the rest had all departed. When the Naga Guardian split the last beast into two, there were no more living sea beasts in the ocean. Only a mass of corpses were floating on the water. However, Ji Chens expression remained tense. As he looked at the sky, which was becoming darker and more oppressive instead of clearing, he felt a deep sense of seriousness. It seemed this was only the first wave of the Sea Beast Tide. At least a second wave was imminent. And in this second wave, both the number and quality of the sea beasts would significantly increase. The Sea Beast Tide was so named because they surged like waves, one after another. If one wave couldnt be withstood, it would engulf everything, leaving not even bones behind. But now, it seemed that the Crown of the Ocean still possessed considerable resilience in resistance. Soon, reports on military casualties and material consumption were presented. Naga Legion: 4 dead, 6 critically injured, 297 lightly injured; Dragon Blood Murlocs death is The main army corps in total 35 dead, 98 critically injured, 468 lightly injured. The Guardian Legion, having not engaged in battle yet, suffered no casualties. Various types of alchemical ammunition have depleted two-thirds of our stockpile, and the Black Hawk Arrow Towers have used up a third of their arrows. After hearing the report, Ji Chen breathed a sigh of relief. These casualty figures were nothing short of remarkable. Over six thousand troops of the Crown of the Ocean faced two hundred thousand sea beasts, yet only thirty-five had died, with just over a hundred critically injured and less than a thousand lightly wounded. And they had slain at least one hundred and eighty thousand sea beasts. Estimating roughly, the casualty ratio was an astonishing 1:5142. Such a figure, if released, would likely be met with disbelief. But upon careful consideration, Ji Chen found all this to be quite reasonable. Firstly, this wave of defense wasnt solely reliant on the military. Various defense installations, dozens of wooden warships, and several steel warships also contributed significantly to the offensive, accounting for a large number of slain sea beasts, not much less than the army. Secondly, the participating troops were all from the main army corps, averaging Tier 5, with levels reaching 35, except for the Dragon Horn Catfish. It was like an army of all strong men. An organized scale, coupled with excellent coordination and rich combat experience, facing a sea beast horde of mixed quality, unorganized and relying solely on brute force, with the highest only at Tier 4, was like a dimensional strike. If they had suffered more casualties under these circumstances, he would have started to question life itself. Thinking of such a splendid victory, Ji Chen couldnt help but smile. But then, remembering the thirty-five fallen units, each worth tens of thousands of rare resources, his smile gradually faded. Howeverwith the existence of the Resurrection Altar, this issue was no longer a problem. The Resurrection Altar, although not labeled as divine, was undoubtedly a divine-level structure, its formidable nature becoming increasingly apparent in the later stages. For a mere few thousand resources, one could resurrect units worth tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of rare resources. This was truly a blessing for lords following the elite troop strategy. With the ability to resurrect up to ten thousand units of troops twice a month, its value was comparable to that of a divine artifact! With this thought, Ji Chen refocused on the present situation. Issue my command: all troops are to rest temporarily, recover from injuries, and reload the alchemical ammunition! Dispatch scouting teams to locate the next wave of sea beasts! Yes! After a moments thought, Ji Chen added, Send someone to the Great Luminescent Sea Mystic Realm, and instruct Sonia to lead the Coral Palace troops for support if necessary! Understood! Although the Great Luminescent Sea was not yet completely stable, with remnants of the Dragon King City still lurking and waiting for opportunities, Ji Chen couldnt concern himself with that now. If the Crown of the Ocean were to be breached by the sea beast tide, the stability of the Great Luminescent Sea would be meaningless. Over ten thousand Coral Palace troops, averaging around Tier 4, 9-star level, would be a formidable force anywhere, capable of turning the tide of battle. However, if possible, he didnt want to deploy them just yet. But having such a force as a backup gave Ji Chen some peace of mind. Scouting teams hurriedly set out to locate and assess the scale of the next wave of the sea beast tide. After half a day of fierce battle, the New Moon Islands suddenly entered a brief period of calm. The Guardian Legion, which had stayed in the rear until now, took on the role of cleaners, beginning to clear the sea beast corpses floating on the sea. Over a hundred thousand sea beast bodies densely covered the entire southern sea area of the main island, their blood staining the water red for several meters deep. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The task of clearing so many bodies was extraordinarily difficult, but Wilus, the chief steward, was incredibly excited upon hearing the news. Such a large number of sea beast corpses were all food, and moreover, they were a type of meat supply that was not abundant in the Crown of the Ocean. With Ji Chens permission, Wilus immediately led a large group of physically strong residents to hastily clear the abandoned Kobold caves, digging new ones to serve as storage for the meat. Otherwise, given the climate of the Stormy Sea, the meat would spoil and rot in just a couple of days. The Kobold caves, located underground with low temperatures, served as a natural cold storage, suitable for temporarily storing the meat. After the battle was over, it wouldnt be too late to excavate a proper cold storage facility.. Chapter 430 - Chapter 430: The Second Wave of Sea Beast Tide, Combo Punch Chapter 430: The Second Wave of Sea Beast Tide, Combo Punch Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The threat of the Sea Beast Tide had not subsided, leaving everyone in the Crown of the Ocean on edge, even the usually carefree Daro, who now showed signs of worry. After half a month of recuperation, Daros injuries had largely healed. However, as the main battlefield this time was at sea, he, being a landlubber, could only stay on the island with Verena, preparing for a possible land battle. Verenas level had recovered to thirty. Although her strength had not fully returned to its peak, she was already capable enough to take on significant responsibilities. A legendary hero unit was not to be underestimated. Ji Chen gazed towards the southern seas, feeling somewhat anxious. According to Anina, the Sea Beast Tide had emerged due to the birth of a powerful overlord sea beast, prompting other sea beasts to migrate en masse for survival. This first wave of the Sea Beast Tide alone amounted to a million beasts, suggesting that this overlord sea beast was extraordinarily powerful. What worried him was whether this overlord sea beast would follow the Sea Beast Tide to the Stormy Sea in search of food. The sea beasts could flee, but his territory could not. The more he enhanced his strength and the longer he stayed in the ocean, the more he felt the immeasurable vastness of the sea. The ocean was mysterious, and even though he had mastered some tidal powers, he still worried about what might be hidden in the unexplored deep seas and far oceans C terrifying marine behemoths, remnants left by long-gone deities, or ancient evil artifacts lost by old gods. The ocean was too vast. So far, the Crown of the Ocean had only explored the Stormy Sea and a few adjacent areas, a fraction so small compared to the entire Mediterranean that it didnt even amount to one ten-millionth. As he pondered, the pride that had swelled due to the continuous victories of the Crown of the Oceans army and his rare opposition since becoming the Tidal Dominator began to subside. At this moment, his arrogance, which had been inflated by his rare defeats since becoming the Tidal Dominator, gradually subsided, and he slowly regained the reverence he had when he first entered this world. His entire demeanor seemed more restrained, and the previously unrestrained aura and fluctuations of his spells were now all drawn in. He appeared like an ordinary lord with a somewhat handsome face, but a closer look revealed eyes as deep as an unfathomable ocean. Alice, who had been quietly following by his side, keenly sensed this subtle change in Ji Chen and couldnt help but take a few more glances. My Lord, you Ji Chen shook his head and touched her hair, which was brighter than the sun, Alice, will you stay with me until we reach the end of this world and uncover the truth behind it? 1 will always follow you, even if the world ends, Alice replied earnestly. Ji Chen said nothing more, just smiling and nodding his head. Looking towards the distant sea again, a scout team was rapidly returning. Report, my Lord, the second wave of the Sea Beast Tide has reached twenty kilometers outside the Stormy Sea. It is estimated that it will pass through the Stormy Sea in eight hours. About 350,000 of them are heading towards the New Moon Islands, with their tiers leaning towards higher levels. A large number of fourth-tier sea beasts have been spotted, and the presence of fifth-tier sea beasts cannot be ruled out. Moreover, weve discovered that this wave of the Sea Beast Tide is not as chaotic as the last one. A significant part of it consists of organized sea beast tribes, commanded by numerous sea beast leaders. Three hundred and fifty thousand C thats a whole one hundred and fifty thousand more than the first wave, creating a formidable numerical advantage. By this calculation, the more than six thousand units of the Crown of the Oceans army would have to face about 58 sea beasts each, including fourth and even fifth-tier sea beasts. Not just in numbers and quality, but the defensive difficulty of the second wave of the Sea Beast Tide would also climb several levels. The reason why the first wave could be crushed with low casualties was that most sea beasts charged forward mindlessly, like the undead, without any organization or strategy, directly clashing with the defense line. However, this wave, according to the scout teams findings, included a considerable number of sea beast tribes. These tribes, possessing certain organization and intelligence, would be much more troublesome and might bypass the frontline to attack the hinterlands of the Crown of the Ocean. This pinpointed a weakness of the Crown of the Ocean C insufficient army numbers. Even with high-quality individual units, most of the forces had to be deployed on the frontline. Ji Chen stroked his chin, deep in thought. How should he respond? Should he really call out the Coral Palace army? As he pondered, a voice rang out. My Lord, leave those sea beast tribes to me. I can handle them. Turning to look, Alices expression was serious but filled with confidence. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen frowned slightly, quickly understanding the source of Alices confidence. The sea beast tribes posed a threat because of their leader units. If they could capture the leader first, neutralizing the leader units, then the remaining ordinary sea beasts would be less of a concern. Alices mind control had the ability to disrupt souls. With the cover of soul slaves, intervening and interfering at critical moments seemed like a good approach. Alright, Ill leave them to you and the Soul Slave Legion. Hearing the response, a look of joy appeared in Alices eyes. Alleviating the Lords worries was her greatest desire.. Chapter 431 - Chapter 431: The Second Wave of Sea Beast Tide, Combo Punch (2) Chapter 431: The Second Wave of Sea Beast Tide, Combo Punch (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Guardian Legion transported cannonballs of various sizes from the warehouse to the frontline, piling them up next to the alchemy cannons. However, two-thirds of the previously stockpiled ammunition had already been consumed in the unrestrained firing during the first wave of the Sea Beast Tide, and the remaining third would likely not last long once the battle commenced. Therefore, Ji Chen decisively ordered to fire cautiously in the upcoming battle, aiming for high-efficiency output. The military units that were injured in the first round had quickly recovered in just a few hours, thanks to their strong vitality, and had returned to the frontline. This time, the defense line was extended, stretching from the southeast cliff to the middle of the main island, approximately six kilometers long, which was double the length of the previous one, consequently dispersing half of the military forces. In this urgent situation, he also temporarily conscripted an army of 2000 Lizardman Warriors, equipped with a large number of city defense weapons, to supplement the land forces, temporarily led by Verena. Once everything was ready. The second onslaught of the Sea Beast Tide emerged on the horizon, larger than before. It spanned from the left to the right of our field of vision, nearly merging with the entire southern coast of the New Moon Islands. This time, the Crown of the Oceans forces didnt hunker down in defense. Instead, they took an offensive approach. Under the leadership of the hero unit named Wilun, a legion of 1250 Lobster Guardian Knights raised their reins, driving their lobster mounts slowly out of formation, heading towards the incoming sea beasts. The thousand-plus units, compared to the 350,000 sea beasts, seemed so insignificant as if they could be swallowed up by a wave. Wilun, with fearless eyes beneath his armor, led the legion forward, maintaining a steady speed, until they were one kilometer away from the sea beast horde, then raised his bone spear. He shouted. Follow the plan! Yes! The twelve centurions of the Lobster Guardian Knights behind him responded in unison, leading their hundred-man squads to turn left and right. The entire legion turned without any disorder, and the thousand-plus knights successfully evaded the approaching sea beasts before they reached them. Seeing living creatures coming towards them, the sea beasts, as if already smelling the scent of flesh and blood, were too eager to let their prey escape. Affected by this, the sea beasts on the edges of the horde broke away from the main group, chasing after the hundred-man squads. But the Lobster Guardian Knights were bona fide cavalry units, far faster than these disorderly sea beasts. Under deliberate control, they led the sea beasts towards the open sea at a moderate pace. This chase led away about forty to fifty thousand sea beasts, significantly reducing the size of the originally massive horde. The original count of 350,000 sea beasts was temporarily reduced to 300,000, significantly lowering the threat. The Dragon Blood Legion wasnt just passively enduring attacks. More than a thousand Dragon Blood Murlocs propelled themselves forward with powerful kicks of their fins, launching out like cannonballs. On the edge of the massive, cumbersome sea beast horde, they used the advantage of their tridents for ranged attacks, continuously inflicting damage on the outer sea beasts. The Dragon Blood Murlocs expertly employed guerrilla tactics: they advanced when the enemy retreated and harassed them when they halted. When the sea beasts, angered by the attacks, chased after them, the Dragon Blood Murlocs would flee, quickly retreating to a safe distance, then turn around and strike with their tridents. If they encountered sea beasts of similar speed, the Dragon Blood Murlocs would use their Dragon Might skill to intimidate them before attacking. It was a fight to the death or severe injury. Under this tactic, the sea beast horde was gradually whittled down from the outside, appearing scattered but in reality, the killing efficiency was astonishing. Over just a few kilometers, thousands of sea beasts perished miserably under their tridents. Twenty Sky Guardians soared under the dark clouds, shuttling through the gloomy sky. The sea beasts on the surface looked up at them, roaring in anger but helpless to act. Upon closer inspection, the Sky Guardians claws held large spherical bombs. Reaching above the sea beast horde, the soldiers perched on their backs took out specially made ignition devices from their waists, inserted them into the bombs to activate them, and then let the Sky Guardians release the bombs before swiftly ascending to safety. The bombs, now unrestrained, fell freely towards the midst of the sea beast horde. Suddenly, dozens of towering water columns burst forth below, accompanied by wails that even the fierce winds couldnt disperse. These simple yet brutally effective bombs killed and injured hundreds of sea beasts. With a flap of their wings, the Sky Guardians returned to the island to pick up more bombs, repeating the process. As the sky was in action, the sea was not to be outdone. Large sea mines had been stealthily placed at a depth of two to three meters along the route of the advancing sea beast horde. Unaware of these hidden dangers, the sea beasts, agitated by the attacks from the Dragon Blood Murlocs and the Sky Guardians, heedlessly crashed into these submerged metallic devices. After a brief delay, thunderous explosions resounded as the sea mines were triggered, sending countless sea beasts flying into the air, raining blood from the sky. The surrounding sea beasts, not directly affected by the explosion, were also shaken by the terrifying shockwaves, bleeding from all orifices, their internal organs reduced to mush. As the sea beast horde moved forward every 500 meters, multiple sea mines detonated. Each mine had enough force to obliterate a warship, making them more than capable of killing the flesh-and-blood sea beasts. Even fourth-tier sea beasts were severely injured in such explosions, with those directly affected having no chance of survival. The bombs from the sky never ceased, the sea mines in the water were relentless, and the surrounding area was constantly harassed by the Dragon Blood Murlocs. The fury of the sea beasts had reached its peak, roaring angrily as they madly surged forward, intent on devouring all living beings in their path. At that moment, they saw dozens of small boats floating ahead on the sea, giving off a strong scent of blood. This scene immediately sparked their hunger and fury, causing them to speed up significantly. They surrounded and ripped apart the boats, uncovering fresh sea beast carcasses. As they were trying to make sense of this, Self-Detonating Water Spiders, each with a swollen abdomen, suddenly emerged from under the corpses and jumped right into the center of the sea beast horde. Boom, boom Explosions like firecrackers erupted, scattering smaller spherical bombs, causing a wider area of devastation and instantly clearing the surrounding sea beasts. In a short time, the collective explosion of 1,400 Self-Detonating Water Spiders inflicted another heavy blow on the sea beast horde, creating swathes of death around the dozens of small boats. Even the most frenzied sea beasts, witnessing such a horrific scene, dared not approach and instead chose to bypass it. By this point, the sea beast horde, after enduring continuous setbacks, finally reached the New Moon Islands in a disheveled state. However, of their original massive numbers, only a little over two hundred thousand remained, many of them injured. Ji Chen watched this scene and finally smiled satisfactorily. All along the way, these were his arrangements, preparations made in the time leading up to the sea beast tides arrival. The Lobster Guardian Knights used themselves as bait to attract a portion of the peripheral sea beasts away, then the Dragon Blood Murlocs continuously bit them like mosquitoes. Then, the Sky Guardians, utilizing their aerial advantage, dropped bombs like airplanes, while sea mines were strategically placed in the water along their path. These sea mines were concocted by Thotmudo, originally intended to defend against enemies like the fleets of the Bass Kingdom, but were instead used in this defensive battle. But now, it seemed the effect was excellent. These sea beasts, clearly unacquainted with the power of technology, had blundered headfirst into them. If time was not a constraint, and only about a hundred sea mines had been produced, Ji Chen would have liked to place one every ten meters, deploying thousands to evaporate most of the sea beasts. And the Self-Detonating Water Spiders, resurrected from the Resurrection Altar, were put to use once again. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only First, using the fresh corpses of the first wave of sea beasts as bait, when the sea beasts gathered, the hidden Self-Detonating Water Spiders were detonated, ensuring a high kill rate and number of casualties. At this point, after such a combination of tactics, the sea beast horde was clearly bewildered. They hadnt even reached the New Moon Islands, hadnt even caught a glimpse of the enemy, and yet nearly a hundred thousand of their number had already been killed or wounded, with countless others injured. Now, what lay before the Crown of the Ocean champions was a group of enemies whose threat level had significantly diminished. The battle. reignited once more! Chapter 432 - Chapter 432: The Sea Beast Leaves, the Sea Beast Riot, and a Huge Harvest of Meat Chapter 432: The Sea Beast Leaves, the Sea Beast Riot, and a Huge Harvest of Meat Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Sea Beast Tide, having been suppressed throughout their journey, finally saw their enemy and immediately swarmed to attack. The Crown of the Oceans army, well-rested and prepared, did not hesitate to unleash a barrage of arrows and spells, raining down upon the enemy. The melee troops formed an unbreakable defensive line, preventing any sea beast from breaking through. If this trend continued, the battle would undoubtedly end in victory for the Crown of the Ocean. The only variable was the sea beast leaders. Observing the formidable frontline, a cunning, almost human-like slyness glinted in their eyes. Roar A tribe of Grey Scale Serpent humanoids, numbering one thousand five hundred Tier 5, four-star sea beasts, heeded their leaders call. They broke away from the main force, planning to bypass the defense line and infiltrate the island from the side. Their plan was to let the foolish, barbaric sea beasts hold off the defenders while they sneaked in for a feast. Ji Chen, ever vigilant on the battlefield, quickly noticed the Grey Scale Serpent Humanoids movement. He ordered Alice to intercept them. She immediately led the waiting Soul Servant Legion to rush to the scene. Soon, Alice, with her powerful mind control abilities, annihilated the Grey Scale Serpent Humanoid tribe, adding many of them to her ranks of Soul Servants. Several sea beast tribes attempted to bypass the defense line and infiltrate the Crown of the Oceans territory, but all were discovered and promptly stopped, meeting total annihilation. As time passed, the strong-willed Crown of the Oceans army caused many sea beasts to start doubting their purpose. No matter how they attacked or charged, the few kilometers of defense line stood unyielding, with countless of their kin perishing under gunfire and blades. Unable to break the frontline and ineffective in stealth attacks, some of the more rational sea beasts, or rather, the Sea Clans, began to ponder whether it was worth it to forcefully challenge this tough nut to crack. When sea beasts possess wisdom and order, they become Sea Clans. Often, the difference between a sea beast and a Sea Clan is just a matter of thought. What Ji Chen didnt know was that this Sea Beast Tide wasnt merely caused by the emergence of powerful sea beasts; there were more secretive reasons behind it. This tide, starting from the southern part of the Western Mediterranean Sea, was massive and gathered countless sea beasts, driven by some will and purpose towards the northern part of the Western Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, every ship they encountered and every human-inhabited island fell under their razor-sharp fangs, turning into nothing more than food in their bellies. Although only a fraction of the Sea Beast Tide passed through the Stormy Sea, not the largest in number or quality, they still destroyed hundreds of villages and towns along the way, devouring countless lives. But today, these usually invincible creatures faced a Waterloo on this seemingly insignificant island. This surprised the attacking sea beasts. Many intelligent sea beast leaders, seeing this situation, chose to retreat wisely, leading their people around this area to avoid delaying their subsequent plans. The original army of 350,000 sea beasts first lost 50,000 lured away, then another 100,000 were depleted in various ways along the journey, leaving just over 200,000. After a large number of Sea Beast Tribes retreated, only less than 100,000 mindless, bloodthirsty sea beasts remained on the field, still furiously attacking, completely unaware that most of their kind had already left. Although they retreated, the Crown of the Ocean, situated in the open ocean and deep within the Sea Clan territory, was now etched in the memories of many Sea Beast Tribes. Ji Chen, who had been closely observing the situation, was surprised to see the usually mindlessly charging sea beasts unanimously bypassing and leaving the Crown of the Ocean. Even Anina was baffled, not understanding why this was happening. Logically, a Sea Beast Tide wouldnt disperse unless most of the sea beasts were killed. The sight of over a hundred thousand sea beasts voluntarily leaving was undoubtedly reshaping her worldview. Although Ji Chen didnt know why they had given up the attack, it was undoubtedly good news. The remaining beasts were mostly lower-tier and posed little threat to the Crown of the Ocean. They could be cleared out with some time. At the same time, he didnt let his guard down and dispatched dozens of scouting teams to track the departing sea beasts paths, preventing any potential surprise attacks. The remaining sea beasts gradually disintegrated under the attack of the Crown of the Oceans army, their numbers significantly decreasing. Have you ever seen anything like this? Ji Chen asked. Unheard of, Anina replied, equally puzzled. This is completely out of character for sea beasts. Once they join a Sea Beast Tide, they are filled with the desire to feed. The Crown of the Ocean has so many people; its impossible for them to just give up like that. Unless Unless what? Aninas face showed a hint of seriousness. Unless there are other factors that overcame their feeding desire. Other factors? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen furrowed his brow. Could it be that powerful sea beast causing the Sea Beast Tide? Maybe, but theres too little information known right now to make a judgment, Anina shook her head. At that moment, Ji Chen suddenly noticed he had received a private message. Upon opening it, he saw it was from l_Love_Black_Stockings, whom he hadnt heard from in a while. Big Boss, Big Boss, have you been attacked by sea beasts? Weve got a lot of them here, swarming in groups and wreaking havoc in the surrounding seas.. Chapter 433 - Chapter 433: The Sea Beast Leaves, the Sea Beast Riot, and a Huge Harvest of Meat (2) Chapter 433: The Sea Beast Leaves, the Sea Beast Riot, and a Huge Harvest of Meat (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Its not just King Kong Island alone; the sea beasts are showing up in the seas nearby and in different player territories, with their numbers increasing as you head further south. These sea beasts are coming from the south, and since your position is even farther south than ours, youve probably already faced their attacks, havent you? Sea beast tide on King Kong Island too? Ji Chens expression changed, and he quickly opened the chat channel and forums. Sure enough, it was already in an uproar up there. 1 just woke up, and suddenly there are so many sea beasts. Is this some kind of large-scale mission? Large-scale mission? Awesome, now we can have a good grind. What the f*ck do you want to grind? Didnt you see how ferocious those sea beasts are? A group of sea beasts just swallowed the troops I sent out to scout, and now theyre squatting at the entrance to my territory. Im asking for help! No, there are too many sea beasts. I just used flying troops to scout outside, and I found that the number of sea beasts in some areas is outrageous, like locusts covering the entire sea It appeared that the main bulk of the sea beast tide had not yet reached north of the Crown of the Ocean. Around King Kong Island, there were only a few scattered groups of sea beasts, and they werent in large numbers. But for other players, this was obviously also a significant challenge and threat. After reading the players comments for a while and gathering enough information from them, Ji Chen replied. Today, weve suffered an attack from a sea beast tide, and were just wrapping up the last part of it. I_Love_Black_Stockings seemed to be waiting for his response, and just a few seconds later, sent another message. Is it almost resolved, big boss? Ah, 1 was still wondering how to deal with them. These creatures have damaged several of my aquaculture fish farms, causing a huge loss of food. Oh, by the way, do you know how these sea beasts came about? Ji Chen didnt hide anything either. Its probably because an extremely powerful sea beast was born, oppressing a large number of sea beasts to flee, forming a sea beast tide. We just happened to be in their path of escape. I see, thats why there are suddenly so many of them But this sea beast tide is really not small. There are at least tens of thousands of them just outside King Kong Island, and their tier and level are not low. Tens of thousands? Ji Chens face looked a bit strange. The sea beast tide is definitely not just this small. What youre seeing there are just some scattered sea beasts. The real sea beast tide hasnt arrived yet. Just today, Ive encountered attacks from two waves of sea beast tides here. The number of sea beasts directly assaulting the New Moon Islands alone exceeds 550,000, and this is just a part of it. The first and second waves combined have millions of sea beasts, and its possible that there could be a third, fourth, or even fifth wave in the future. You need to tell King Kong Island and other players in the Western Mid-Ocean to be prepared. Otherwise, the consequences will be extremely severe. Far away on King Kong Island, I_Love_Black_Stockings, lying on a chair in black stockings, was stunned. A look of shock appeared in her eyes. She didnt read that wrong, did she? The big boss said there are millions of sea beasts in the sea beast tide, and this is just the number for the first and second waves? I_Love_Black_Stockings rubbed her eyes with her hand and looked again. The next moment, her body couldnt help but shiver. Millions of sea beasts, what a terrifying force? Enough to destroy any village and town along the way, devouring any living creature. Under such circumstances, do King Kong Island and other players have any chance of survival? But fortunately, what Ji Chen said next eased her anxiety a bit. However, these millions of sea beasts are not acting collectively; they are divided into many groups. If youre lucky, you may only encounter one of them. If you can unite and resist together, self-preservation shouldnt be a big issue. I estimate it will take another two or three days for them to arrive where you are. You need to pay close attention to these sea beast groups. Their intelligence is not much inferior to humans, and they understand various tactics. Dont underestimate them. Besides, I think theres a more profound cause behind this surge of sea creatures, beyond simply the emergence of powerful sea beasts. We will definitely be on high alert, and Ill pass this message on to other players shortly! I_Love_Black_Stockings quickly replied, and her face showed a hint of bitterness when she read the last sentence. This sea beast tide, which was so terrifying that they might not even be able to withstand it, had them contemplating deeper into the underlying causes. But she noticed what Ji Chen said earlier C The number of sea beasts directly assaulting the New Moon Islands alone exceeds 550,000 and Now, were just wrapping up the last part of it. It was not hard to imagine why the big boss could speak like that; it just meant that he had basically resolved the sea beasts attack. 550,000. I_Love_Black_Stockings couldnt help but shudder at the thought of such a horrifying number of sea beasts. How were they dealt with? Had the big boss strength reached such an absurd level? Soon after, I_Love_Black_Stockings informed many players about the impending sea beast tide and warned them to be vigilant. At first, most players didnt believe it, but when they heard that the message came from the Islanders, the atmosphere suddenly changed. Many players finally started to take this matter seriously, reinforcing their territory defenses, recruiting troops, and actively contacting nearby players to resist the sea beasts. However, a small group of players held a pessimistic attitude. They believed that millions of sea beasts were an unbeatable force, even if it was just one of the groups with hundreds of thousands. They didnt think they could contend with it. So, they began packing up their belongings, abandoning their territories, and planning to take boats to the mainland to seek refuge with indigenous forces and countries. After all, no matter how formidable the sea beasts were, they couldnt go ashore to attack them. Watching the commotion in the chat channel, Ji Chen had a vague feeling that a sea beast upheaval would sweep across the entire Western Mid-Ocean, causing profound consequences. After closing the chat channel and forums, Ji Chen looked back at the battlefield. At this point, most of the remaining sea beasts had been cleared out. These stubborn sea beasts were mostly low-tier creatures, so they had little resistance against the Crown of the Ocean. They were easily eliminated as if slicing through melons and chopping vegetables. Two to three hours later. The system finally issued a notification sound. Ding- After a difficult struggle, your army successfully resisted and defeated large groups of sea beasts Your level has increased (IV4044). Your heroes: Alice, Herald, Benbo Level up Your units: Naga Guardians, Dragon Blood Murlocs, Dragonfin Catfish Level up Killing over three hundred and fifty thousand sea beasts brought them terrifying amounts of experience. Ji Chens level increased by 4 levels in one go, jumping from level 40 to level 44. All the hero units benefited greatly. Alice reached level 44, Herald reached level 40, Benbo reached level 44 The average level of units also saw a significant increase, with most of them gaining 4 to 5 levels compared to their original levels. Units like the Dragonfin Catfish, which were recruited at level 1, skyrocketed to level 22, which was a terrifying boost. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only In this way, this sea beast tide turned out to be a great opportunity for experience and leveling up. They might even be able to raise their levels to 50 during this sea beast chaos. A large number of sea beast corpses remained on the surface of the sea, looking as densely packed and eerie as ant corpses submerged in water when viewed from the cliff. In the relatively calm Stormy Sea, over three hundred and fifty thousand sea beasts had met their demise, and these corpses were a massive source of meat. Therefore, as soon as the battle ended, Wilus led many residents, guardian legions, and lizardmen warriors to start harvesting the bodies and transporting them back to the island for processing and storage in temporary cold storage. According to his estimate, they could recover around one hundred and fifty thousand bodies before they began to rot. This could be translated into nearly forty million units of meat, enough to sustain the Crown of the Ocean for several months without any food imports.. Chapter 436 - Chapter 436: Nightmare, Underground Workshop, Destroyer Chapter 436: Nightmare, Underground Workshop, Destroyer Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Fishmouth Canyon. The leader of the Dragon Kings Citys thousand-strong army watched as they once again repelled the attack from the Coral Palace troops, his face filled with excitement. He couldnt help but feel elated. When Dragon Kings City was about to be breached, he originally intended to sacrifice himself for his country, to repay the Water Dragon Lords previous mercy of sparing their lives. However, when faced with thousands of enemies, he hesitated and chose to lead his remaining troops away from the battlefield. Along the way, they gathered the scattered soldiers and brought along thousands of residents to this easily defensible location, where they could plan their next move. But shortly after arriving here, the Coral Palace troops had found their whereabouts, and three thousand-strong armies led by none other than the Coral Lord herself had come marching in. Initially, they felt despair, thinking there was no escape, but what happened afterward left them astonished. The Coral Palace troops not only failed to quickly conquer them, but they were also seriously wounded in their relentless counterattacks. Three thousand against their one thousand, yet the enemys assaults were repelled time and time again, and hundreds of them were even killed by his forces, with minimal casualties on their side. Even the Coral Lord herself couldnt defeat them when leading the charge, which made them feel rather smug. As long as we hold onto Fishmouth Canyon and train these residents, we might be able to launch a counterattack to reclaim Dragon Kings City and rescue the Water Dragon Lord! Thats right, those Coral Palace fools who are content with the status quo cant possibly match our battle-hardened warriors. We are bound to retake Dragon Kings City! Whats the big deal about the Coral Lord? She only colluded with humans to sneak attack the Water Dragon King. In a fair battle, we will surely emerge victorious! Long live Dragon Kings City! Listening to the soldiers cheers, the leader of the thousand-strong army couldnt help but smile as if the Coral Palace troops that had driven them away were nothing, and the recapture of Dragon Kings City was imminent. However, at that moment, a soldier suddenly exclaimed, Look outside, there are about a dozen big fellows coming our way. The leader of the thousand-strong army followed the gaze and immediately saw more than a dozen Azure Dragons descending slowly among the Coral Palace troops. At the head of one of these dragons stood a tall figure. Due to the distance, he couldnt make out the details of this figure. He watched as the Coral Palace troops kneeled before this figure. Those Azure Dragons he vaguely remembered them appearing during the Battle of Dragon Kings City. They seemed to be the army of that outsider, the human! So, that figure could it be the same human!? At that thought, the leader of the thousand-strong army turned pale. Memories hed rather not recall flooded his mind, and he would never forget the day when the Dragon Kings Citys formidable army, with all its might, had approached the Coral Palace, only to be effortlessly decimated by that emotionless human who merely waved his hand. Endless fear surged through him like a bursting dam, causing his body to tremble uncontrollably. There was only one thought in his mind. These humans are absolutely unbeatable!! In the eyes of the Coral Palace troops, Ji Chen was like a savior, but in the Dragon Kings City army, he was an unshakable nightmare. At this moment, the other soldiers, seeing the expression on their leaders face, seemed to have guessed something. They all wore terrified expressions, unable to even hold onto their weapons, with morale completely depleted and a look of fear and confusion on their faces. Leader, what should we do How about we surrender? Otherwise, that human will surely kill us all. I heard that the Coral Palace doesnt kill surrendered sea creatures. If we surrender, maybe we can survive The leader of the thousand-strong army remembered the Water Dragon King, who was rumored to be imprisoned in the dark and miserable dungeons of Dragon Kings City, likely enduring torture and interrogation by the Coral Palace, resisting the persecution of the enemy. If even the Water Dragon King was in such a state, how could they, as his subordinates, surrender without a fight? The Water Dragon King gave him a chance to redeem himself. How could he betray the expectations of the Lord? The leader of the thousand-strong army clenched his teeth and shouted loudly, We absolutely cannot surrender! The Water Dragon King is still waiting for us to rescue him, and Dragon Kings City is still waiting for us to reclaim it! For the loyalty to the Water Dragon King!! As if inspired, the other soldiers exchanged glances and mustered some courage. They raised their weapons and cried out, For the loyalty to the Water Dragon King! At this moment, the Coral Palace troops, which had paused for a moment, suddenly moved again, launching a vigorous attack. They had just prepared to defend themselves when they saw the tall figure also advancing, raising his right hand slowly. A whirlpool suddenly formed, growing larger and larger, as if it connected heaven and earth. Even from a distance, one could sense the terrifying power contained within it. Seeing this scene, the little bit of courage they had mustered disappeared like smoke. They knelt on the ground, their faces filled with fear. The leader of the thousand-strong army, seeing this, inwardly cursed them as cowards, then rushed forward with a resolute expression. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Even if he were to die, he would die on the battlefield! Soon, his figure was overwhelmed by the Coral Palaces vast army. This battle, which was supposed to continue for much longer and result in more casualties among the sea creatures, abruptly ended with Ji Chens arrival. The thousand-strong army from Dragon Kings City in Fishmouth Canyon chose to surrender. After being disarmed, they were escorted to Dragon Kings City and locked away in its dungeons. They returned to the city in a different way. In the palace that originally belonged to Diago, Ji Chen sat on the golden throne steps.. Chapter 437 - Chapter 437: Nightmare, Underground Workshop, Destroyer (2) Chapter 437: Nightmare, Underground Workshop, Destroyer (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Under the steps, Sonia stood, awaiting orders. Ive come this time to instruct you on some matters. Please, speak, my lord. I will act according to your will. No need to be so tense, have a seat. Ji Chen glanced at the solemn-faced Sonia and smiled. Sonia hesitated for a moment but eventually sat on one of the stone chairs, only halfway, keeping her back straight. Seeing this, Ji Chen didnt say anything more and continued, Currently, the Western Mid-Ocean is under attack by a Sea Beast Tide. Our connections with settlements like the Northern Continent have been forcibly severed, which has a significant impact on the development of the Crown of the Ocean. Sonia nodded. The Lord had previously mentioned the outside world to her to some extent, and she was aware of places like the Western Mid-Ocean and the Northern Continent, so understanding now was not a problem. Although the Sea Beast Tide has passed through the Stormy Sea, there are still many scattered sea beasts roaming. In the coming days, I will lead the Legion to the Starshine Islands, which are several days journey away from our territory, to acquire the resources needed for the development of our domain. So, you must quickly pacify the Great Luminescent Sea and, if necessary, lead the Coral Palace army to take on some of the defense responsibilities. Sonias face lit up with joy. Didnt this mean that they would soon be able to visit the colorful Main World? While Ji Chen spoke, he observed Sonias demeanor discreetly, and after seeing that her worries had been dispelled with the prospect of visiting the Main World, he nodded in approval. Her concerns were all but gone. After a moment of joy, Sonia stood up again and saluted. 1 am willing to issue a military order that the Coral Palace will resolve the remaining remnants of Dragon Kings City as soon as possible. And handle other matters in the Great Luminescent Sea promptly, and, if necessary, lead the Coral Palace army to take on defense duties. Seeing Sonias commitment, Ji Chen nodded with reassurance. Besides this matter, you should also dispatch reconnaissance teams to explore the terrain, enemies, and other aspects of the Abyssal Layers of Darkness. Sonias expression changed slightly. My lord, do you intend to explore the Abyssal Layers of Darkness in the Great Luminescent Sea? Ji Chen nodded without hesitation. Dragon Kings City had once obtained a large number of precious resources from the Abyssal Layers of Darkness in the Great Luminescent Sea. With such a treasure trove before them, it would be a waste not to explore it. However, they knew nothing about the current situation inside, and it was clearly not suitable for large-scale exploration. Sonia proposed, We can go to the human kingdoms above the sea. They are descendants of those humans and may still possess and preserve important information about the Abyssal Layers of Darkness. Sure, Ill leave this matter to you. Ji Chen considered the approach feasible and agreed with a sweeping gesture. Feel free to be bold with your ideas as long as they align with the interests of the Crown of the Ocean. He didnt want a mere obedient robot who followed orders blindly. He wanted someone who could oversee the bigger picture. All along, he had been consciously or unconsciously nurturing the autonomy of his subordinates. For example, Wilus was the best representative of this approach. By establishing legions, he aimed to transform his heroes into generals who could both fight and command, rather than mere brutes charging into battle. Heroes like Alice, Herald, Benbo, and others were progressing in this direction. As for Anina, it seemed she lacked such talents, so she would be treated as a super-powered individual. After explaining these matters to Sonia, Ji Chen left the Great Luminescent Sea with Alice. The current inventory of the Crown of the Ocean had just over two hundred thousand rare resources, barely enough for one round of recruiting units. Therefore, he decided to use this limited resource to strengthen the core heroesthose who played crucial roles in the Legion. It typically took around 50,000 to 70,000 rare resources to upgrade a blue excellent-tier hero unit to a purple rare tier. With just under 240,000 rare resources, he could roughly upgrade four heroes. The list of upgrades had long been in his mind: Half-Orc hero Daro, Lobster Guardian Knight hero Wilun, one Naga Guardian hero, and a Water Nymph Archer. The Naga Guardian hero would take on temporary leadership duties when Herald fought alone, while the Water Nymph Archer would command the Guardian Legion. When four new purple rare-tier hero units appeared on the territory panel, it signified that the Crown of the Ocean had become stronger and that its rare resource inventory had been completely depleted. If no new resources came in, they would be left with nothing to recruit more units. As Ji Chen was preparing for another sea expedition with great enthusiasm, Thotmudo brought good news: the object from the second alchemical blueprint had been successfully manufactured. During the previous Sea Beast Tide attack, Thotmudo stayed in the underground lizardman world, working tirelessly in the blacksmiths forge. His goal was to create the prototype from the second alchemical blueprint as quickly as possible. Upon receiving this news, Ji Chen quickly made his way through the lengthy tunnels and returned to the underground. The underground lizardman world remained the same, with molten lava and rocks constituting its eternal landscape. However, outside the capital of Dork City, on the vast surface, there stood imposing workshops. Molten lava, redirected from the lava rivers, flowed through designated channels, providing ample heat and energy for the workshops production operations. Piles of ore as tall as mountains accumulated on the nearby open ground. Under the supervision of the legendary dwarf blacksmith Thotmudo, several large-scale production workshops were established here. They utilized the abundant ore resources and the continuous flow of lava to produce various iron tools, weapons, alchemical cannonballs, arrowheads, and ammunition. It could be said that this place was the industrial park of the Crown of the Ocean, occupying more than eighty percent of its industrial capacity. This was Ji Chens original plan, to leverage the secrecy and security of the underground lizardman world to ensure the production of various supplies. In addition to being an excellent refuge, the underground lizardman world also served as a backup production base. Ji Chen walked into one of the towering workshops and saw Thotmudo standing in front of a pitch-black cannon platform. Sir Thotmudo, I heard that you have successfully manufactured the prototype from the second blueprint. Is this it? Upon hearing this, Thotmudo turned to look and confidently replied, Of course, this little thing doesnt require much technical skill. It took a bit of time, but 1 managed to make it. Ji Chen smiled and didnt press him further. Instead, he looked at the cannon platform. The hexagonal metal base of the cannon platform extended diagonally in the middle, with an extremely thick barrel that was longer than a battleships cannon, exuding a terrifying aura with its jet-black color. At a glance, it exuded a sense of security. This cannon is called the Destroyer. Its a type of coastal defense alchemical cannon with a considerably long attack range. It can accurately hit targets several kilometers away, and its power is quite impressive. A single shot can sink small iron warships immediately or render them combat ineffective. But the drawbacks are also quite evident: slow ammunition loading, high craftsmanship requirements, and a relatively long manufacturing cycle. However, these shortcomings cannot overshadow the power of the Destroyer cannon. Thotmudo, who was usually critical and proud, couldnt help but show a hint of admiration. It seems that over the past few thousand years, humans have made some progress in alchemical technology. Whats the relationship between you and that daughter of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy? Is she your mistress? How could she be willing to give you a blueprint for something like this? Thotmudo questioned, wearing an expression that said he found it hard to believe. Ji Chen almost spat out his drink and chuckled, saying, Monica is just a friend of mine, not my mistress. Thotmudo gave him a skeptical look. Would an ordinary friend give such a valuable item as a gift? However, he didnt dwell on it and continued, Right now, this Destroyer is only the prototype, and there are some adjustments needed in terms of design and craftsmanship. It cant be put into use immediately if you want to deal with those sea beasts. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen waved his hand and had an air of confidence. Thats okay. We can go at your pace. The Crown of the Ocean can afford to wait. Youre easy to talk to, and I bet you get along well with other dwarves. Ji Chen smiled. Thank you for your praise. Theres one more thing weve run out of alchemical cannonball inventory. Can you produce another batch quickly? Of course, thats not a problem. Ill have the apprentices work overtime to produce them. Thotmudo nodded.. Chapter 438 - Chapter 438: Depart, Divine Ruin, Masked Woman Chapter 438: Depart, Divine Ruin, Masked Woman Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In fact, Thotmudo had now become the head of industrial production for the Crown of the Ocean. In terms of both strength and position, even Wilus dared not show any disrespect to him. He was responsible for the entire industrial park of the underground Lizardman world. Ji Chen was also pleased with this. Since Thotmudo was willing to take on this position, he didnt mind delegating authority and sharing some of the pressure. At the same time, this seemed to be a way to tie Thotmudo to the Crown of the Ocean. Killing two birds with one stone. Sir Thotmudo, in a couple of days, I will lead my army to the Starshine Islands. I hope that when Im not around, you can intervene if the Crown of the Ocean is in danger. Although Ji Chen had already taken several precautions, he didnt mind adding another layer of security. The aftermath of the last incident caused by the Kingdom of Bass was still fresh in his memory, and he didnt want to be robbed again. Thats certainly not a problem. As long as you remember the promise we made back then. Thotmudo waved his hand, making a hammering motion with one hand. Ill smash those sea beasts one by one, and knock their brains out. With the assurance of this dwarven powerhouse who stood at the pinnacle of the world, Ji Chen felt much more at ease, and his worries disappeared. After visiting several workshops that were dozens of meters high and bustling with activity, Ji Chen returned to the surface. He checked the time. The Sea Beast Tide should be about halfway through its journey by now, and it would arrive at the Starshine Islands in seven or eight days at most. It was time for him to set out. Assemble the entire army! The main legions gathered here. This time, there were six main legions, and the Dragon Horn Catfish, as a magical damage output unit, was incorporated into the Guardian Legion. The Dragon Horn Catfish had performed exceptionally well in the previous Sea Beast Tide, with its lightning magic output being explosive. After the army was fully assembled. Ji Chen waved his hand, and thousands of troops set off towards the open sea. Along the way, they encountered many scattered groups of sea beasts, ranging from a dozen to over a hundred, but in front of the Crown of the Oceans army, they were no match. Any legion could easily deal with them. After five days of sailing, the group arrived safely in the waters where the Starshine Islands were located. Upon entering this sea area, they could feel the strange atmosphere pervading the place. It seemed that even the sea breeze had become tense. The news that the Sea Beast Tide was about to arrive here had already spread throughout the entire sea area. Countless natives and players chose to leave, taking all their belongings with them. On the sea surface, one could see ships fleeing from this place everywhere. Ji Chen even saw some players rowing fishing boats to leave, and he couldnt help but shake his head. Fishing boats could barely be used in the nearshore areas, but once they entered the open sea, they would capsize in no time. By then, they might have to witness a maritime survival drama. The Crown of the Ocean army, going against the current, stood out among the many teams fleeing outward. Many natives and players looked at Ji Chen and his group with curiosity, not quite understanding why they had come here at this time. Ignoring these curious looks, Ji Chen led the army closer to the Starshine Islands. The reason why it was called the Starshine Islands was because it was a large group of islands. Thousands of islands, large and small, were embedded in the sea like stars, forming a relatively calm sea area with layered island chains. Before players arrived, this was a bustling archipelago where countless ships passed through for resupply and trade. When players arrived as foreign visitors, the local authorities here quickly sensed the players extraordinariness and potential. Not only did they show a very friendly attitude, but they were also willing to give all these islands to the players as territories, as long as they followed the local rules. This way, they could both earn goodwill and maintain order here, and harness the power of the players to explore islands that they couldnt even consider. This would make the area even more prosperous. It could be said that the Starshine Islands were a perfect example of friendly coexistence and integration between the native forces and players. Everything was developing in a better direction. Then, the sudden Sea Beast Tide disrupted the prosperity and stability here. On the largest island near the center of the archipelago, there stood a castle complex on the central mountain, which was the headquarters of the Starshine Islands governing power C Starshine City. In a magnificent hail, more than a dozen councillors of Starshine City sat at the conference table, their faces filled with worry. I heard that another Lord of Glorys group has chosen to leave. At this rate, Im afraid everyone will run away. Not only Lords of Glory, many merchants have left in advance, and some even sold their island properties. Shouldnt we intervene? No, the Starshine Islands have always advocated for free trade, and this would disrupt the very soil on which we depend for survival! But how long can we hold on like this? As soon as the Sea Beast Tide arrives, everything will get destroyed, so why cling to these principles? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Why the hell did this accursed Sea Beast Tide appear?! And it had to conveniently hit our place. At this point, the councillors all sighed. In the end, all of this was the result of the impending Sea Beast Tide. If someone could resist it, the Starshine Islands could be saved Councillors, there is hope for the Starshine Islands! At this moment, the cry of a guard suddenly came from outside the hall. The councillors looked at each other, not knowing what had happened. Chapter 439 - Chapter 439: Depart, Divine Ruin, Masked Woman (2) Chapter 439: Depart, Divine Ruin, Masked Woman (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Just as the Starshine Islands were feeling uneasy about the impending Sea Beast Tide Thousands of miles away, on the New Moon Islands. Inside the Great Luminescent Sea Dragon Kings prison. The leader of a thousand-person squad slowly regained consciousness as he awoke from his stupor. Upon seeing the unfamiliar ceiling above him, he hesitated for a moment, then quickly got up. Memories flooded back to his mind like a tide. He remembered charging alone, and the last thing he recalled was being overwhelmed by the incoming Coral Palace troops. Despite the pain coursing through his body, there was no doubt that he was still alive. Muttering to himself, he pondered, Why didnt they kill me But where am I now? Without dwelling on the question of why the Coral Palace hadnt executed him, the leader of the thousand-person squad looked around at his surroundings in bewilderment. Soon, he realized that he was in the prison of the Dragon Kings Castle! He had heard that Lord Diago was imprisoned here! Lord, are you here As he reached the edge of the cell, intending to find Lord Diago, he witnessed a scene that shattered his world view. You idiotic piece of trash! If I were you, I would have smashed my head against the pillar and died long ago! Betraying the Dragon Kings Castle and still having the audacity to live?! Do you even know whose hands the Dragon Kings Castle fell into? Youre just the Water Dragon King, and merely the last one at that. If the previous generations of Water Dragon Kings heard this news, theyd probably roll over in their graves! Youre the one who led the way and not only allowed outsiders to breach the Dragon Kings Castle but also exposed the treasury. In terms of defying fate, youre at the top! H 11 In the adjacent cell, the figure that he had once regarded with immense dignity and power, Lord Diago, was now engaged in a heated exchange of insults with a fish-like creature that had equally long horns. Although he didnt fully comprehend the odd use of auxiliary verbs at the end of sentences, the scene before him was undeniably real! Diago also noticed the awakening leader of the thousand-person squad and, after a moments thought, furrowed his brow. You look somewhat familiar. Have we met before? Lord Diago, I am the leader of the thousand-person squad you once gave a chance to redeem himself. After a brief moment of contemplation, Diago suddenly realized, Its you. So, youre not dead yet. The leader of the thousand-person squad swallowed hard. Thanks to your mercy, Lord Diago. After the Coral Palace captured me, they didnt kill me but instead brought me here. Is that so? Tell me everything about your experiences until now. Taking a deep breath, the squad leader recounted everything, from the defeat at the Dragon Kings Castle, the defense of Fishmouth Canyon, to his solo charge and being overwhelmed by the Coral Palace troops. Diago was somewhat surprised and praised, 1 didnt expect to have such a courageous leader among my ranks. Youre at least a leader of a thousand-person squad; its not beneath you. Lord Diago, now that the Dragon Kings Castles army has been completely wiped out, there are no more thousand-person squads. Thats true May I dare to ask, Lord Diago, who is the sea creature who bears a striking resemblance to you? That idiot? Oh, hes my younger brother. Younger brother? The leader of the thousand-person squad looked bewildered. Because he had left with his subordinates after the Dragon Kings Castles defeat, he didnt witness the scene where Ji Chen used Diago to threaten Andar. Naturally, he didnt know that Diago had a younger brother. However, this was clearly a minor issue. After looking around to ensure there were no guards or soldiers nearby, he spoke in a low voice. Lord Diago, 1 have something to report to you that may be related to whether the Dragon Kings Castle can rise again. Upon hearing this, Diagos expression turned serious, and he finally regained a trace of his dominant aura. Speak. I previously defended Fishmouth Canyon with a thousand-person squad and several thousand residents. While exploring the canyon, 1 accidentally discovered a ruin deep within the canyon walls. That ruin was definitely not constructed by the Great Luminescent Seas sea creatures or humans. It exudes an aura of profound holiness and nobility, as if it was left behind by a deity. The Great Luminescent Sea had long been connected to the main world, or rather, there were traces of external civilizations there since the time when the people of the Mystic Realm were still weak. As a result, concepts like deities had also made their way here and continued to be passed down. I didnt have the chance to explore that suspected divine ruin because of the intervention of the Coral Palace. The leader of the thousand-person squad seemed excited. But since it might be a divine ruin, there could be some artifacts inside that could help us drive away the outsiders, overthrow the Coral Palace, and reclaim the Dragon Kings Castle! Diago also felt a twinge of interest. Is this information reliable? I swear on my life and honor! If they could truly obtain artifacts from that ruin, perhaps they could defeat Sonia, destroy the Coral Palace, and then he could break the Mystic Realm Gate, permanently severing the connection with the outside world. In that case, the Great Luminescent Sea would ultimately return to his control. In that case, well need to plan our escape carefully As the master and servant quietly discussed their plan, Sonia, who had been observing them from the shadows since the beginning, gradually lit up with anticipation in her eyes. Previously, the decision not to kill the leader of the thousand-person squad who had charged alone but to imprison him was initially to appreciate his talent. Being able to command a thousand-person squad to hold off several attacks from the Coral Palace was impressive, and he might be of use. The arrangement of the cell next to Diagos was just a casual choice to see if they had given up hope. For this reason, she intentionally kept the prison guards and soldiers at a distance. But little did she expect that such a casual decision would yield a pleasant surprise. A divine ruin Sonia murmured to herself. This news needed to be told to Lord Ji Chen In the Starshine City Council Hall. The council members looked at the tall, masked woman before them. Even though most of her face was concealed by the mask, the remaining part revealed that she was exceptionally beautiful. However, they had no time to appreciate this beauty. Just a moment ago, the guards reported that a masked woman wanted to see them, claiming she could help the Starshine Islands withstand the Sea Beast Tide. Maam, may 1 ask for your name? We heard that you can help us defend against the Sea Beasts, said Hadman, the chairman, in a serious tone. The masked woman slightly parted her vermilion lips and spoke with an ethereal voice, My master has sent me. If you are willing to pay the price, we can assist you in resisting the Sea Beast Tide. Your master? Why doesnt he come here in person to negotiate with us? Furthermore, this time, there are hundreds of thousands of Sea Beasts flooding through the entire Starshine Islands. Not just anyone can stop them. What confidence does your master have to block them? If youve come here, you should be aware of the consequences of deceiving us! Faced with Hadmans skeptical words, the masked woman showed no emotional fluctuations and simply replied, Whether you believe it or not is entirely up to you, but without us, the Starshine Islands will be reduced to ashes in the clutches of the sea beasts. My master is occupied with many matters and doesnt particularly care about this place. However, upon passing by and witnessing the calamity befalling the Starshine Islands, he didnt wish to see too many lives lost needlessly. Thats why he sent me here to inquire. Moreover, the extent of my masters power is beyond your imagination. All you need to know is that we can save your lives. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Hadman, the chairman, had a changeable expression on his face. He found it difficult to gauge the truth in the words of this masked woman. But they seemed to have few other choices. The Sea Beast Tide would arrive in two days at the earliest, and by then, even if they had to abandon much of their heritage and leave, they would still risk becoming the prey of the Sea Beasts if they stayed. But if possible, they are unwilling to abandon the legacy and wealth passed down through generations here. Perhaps we can discuss the price you mentioned. Behind the mask, the stunning woman raised a faint, delicate smile. Very well, youve seized the opportunity to survive.. Chapter 440 - Chapter 440: The Parliament, the Price, and the People’s Hearts Chapter 440: The Parliament, the Price, and the Peoples Hearts Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the council chamber. Several dignified, well-dressed council members sat at the long table, facing off against the woman standing in front wearing a mask. Although just a mere woman, her presence alone seemed to subtly overwhelm the council members on the other side. Sunlight streamed through the glass dome on the roof, forming shapes due to the refraction of the glass. These regular patterns cast onto the woman while the council members and the table were shrouded in darkness. At this moment, it was as if the council members were beings trapped in darkness, and the woman was an angel descending from the heavens to save them. With a voice as lovely as that of an ancient fairy gifted with a beautiful singing voice, the womans captivating words resonated throughout the grand hall. My master instructed me that if you wish to seize this unique opportunity, you must offer ten percent of your familys wealth. After a moment of silence, the council chamber, which had always represented the highest ruling body of the Starshine Islands, erupted like a marketplace. This is impossible! The council members exploded in anger, like enraged lions. Even the most expensive and powerful mercenary guilds on the Western Continent wouldnt demand such an exorbitant fee! Ten percent of our familys wealth? You might as well just rob us! I believe youre just playing with us! Guards, seize this woman and throw her into the sea as fish food! The council members glared at her, some clenched their fists, some became furious, and others called for the guards. They displayed various forms of anger, like a microcosm of beings before a catastrophe. Even Council President Hadman had a dark expression. Despite having prepared to pay a hefty price in advance, he was still shocked by the womans tone. Ten percent of their familys wealth. The Starshine City had occupied the Starshine Islands for centuries. Initially established by a group of immigrants from the mainland, they quickly assimilated with the local indigenous tribes, thriving on these scattered islands. Passed down through these immigrant noble families, thirteen council families gradually formed. Each family had a representative council member to safeguard its interests. Every five years, an election was held, choosing the Council President, symbolizing the highest authority. The thirteen council families maintained connections with each other, preserving and upholding this order on the Starshine Islands for hundreds of years. Over these centuries, each family had accumulated a wealth that could rival the treasuries of dragons. Even though they suffered losses in an accident a century ago, their wealth was still unimaginable to outsiders. And now, this woman with a mask was demanding ten percent of their familys wealth!? What kind of outrageous joke was this? The fully armed guards heard the shouts of the council members and immediately pushed open the gates, surrounding the woman. If she showed even the slightest hint of resistance, the sharp edge of their swords would fall upon her. Confronted by the guards sharp blades, the masked woman remained unfazed and composed. She stood there with composure, her gaze steady, and a touch of scorn in her eyes as she regarded the guards. Stop. The voice of Council President Hadman made the guards pause. After exchanging glances, they sheathed their weapons but remained in place, ready for action at any moment. Does your master know the concept of ten percent of our familys wealth? His appetite seems insatiable. Isnt he afraid of biting off more than he can chew? Hadmans temples throbbed as he resisted the urge to curse. The masked woman smiled faintly. My masters generosity can encompass an ocean. So, youre saying theres no room for negotiation? Life is non-negotiable. Hademans forehead veins bulged as he restrained himself from swearing. He waved his hand. Then please depart, madam. Upon hearing this, the masked woman showed no displeasure. Instead, she performed a departure gesture more elegant and refined than palace etiquette. If you are willing to accept this modest condition, you can find us on the islands at the northern edge of the archipelago. We will stay there for some time. With that, the woman didnt linger any longer. She turned around gracefully, the sea breeze lifting her, and disappeared among the guards behind the gates. After a brief silence, the hall erupted in arguments once more. This condition is too harsh! I cant believe this so-called savior is like this, taking advantage of us! I suspect shes just a fraud. She doesnt have the power to stop the sea beast tide at all. Dont think Starshine City is defenseless. We have a formidable army, and we can rely on the coastal artillery on the island. We can resist. Thats right, Id rather sink all my money into the sea than give it to someone with such a voracious appetite! But what should we do? The sea beast tide is set to arrive in two days Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Hadman looked at the bickering council members, feeling a headache and frustration. This was the nature of a parliamentary system, often noisy and filled with debates that yielded no effective solutions. In the end, he slammed the table with force. The noise in the hall gradually subsided. Hadman spoke in a solemn tone, Regardless of the situation, we need to send someone to monitor this masked woman. We must prevent them from making any moves on the Starshine Islands when the sea beast tide approaches! Thats right, we must protect our wealth! The sea beast tide is a threat, and these newcomers who suddenly appeared are also a threat.. Chapter 441 - Chapter 441: The Parliament, the Price, and the People’s Hearts (2) Chapter 441: The Parliament, the Price, and the Peoples Hearts (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation This time, concerning matters of safety and wealth, the council members quickly reached a consensus. On an island on the outer edge of the Starshine Islands, Ji Chen stood on a high ground, gazing at the islands arranged like a chessboard. Behind him was a group of Ocean Crowns heroes, and not far away, thousands of heavily armed troops stood like statues on the sea, waiting for the Lords command. Soon enough, a figure appeared in the distance, speeding across the seas surface. When it reached the islands edge, it leaped lightly, creating a few splashes as it landed gracefully and then walked over. The masked woman removed her mask, revealing a face that could enchant the world. This person was Alice. After departing from the council hall in Starshine City, she quickly returned to this place. Once she had regained her composure to some extent, she began to speak. Lord, they have refused. Ji Chen nodded slowly without the slightest surprise. Convincing the natives to part with one-tenth of their wealth all at once was clearly an ambitious goal, and he didnt expect to persuade them in one go. However, he had no worries about it because those council members would come to them voluntarily. Set up camp! Well rest here for a while and wait for the show to begin! Council hall entrance. Two scribes walked out, raising their hands to shield their eyes from the somewhat dazzling sunlight. After their eyes adjusted to the light, they lowered their hands. Seeing that there was no one around, one of the scribes whispered. Who do you think that incredibly beautiful masked woman was just now? A native or a player? Of course, shes a native. Didnt you see the transparent fins behind her ears? Shes probably some intelligent sea creature Wait, how do you know shes very beautiful when she was wearing a mask? Another player asked in astonishment. The former scribe patted his chest confidently and said. I guarantee, based on my ten years of experience at the Pleasure Palace, that woman is absolutely stunning! The Pleasure Palace was a legal red-light district in Starshine City, offering all-in-one entertainment, dining, and leisure, comparable to heaven on earth. It was a place that both players and natives loved. Weve only been in this world for a few months, and you already have ten years of experience!? Never mind, whether shes beautiful or not doesnt concern me, and she said she already has a master. Shes probably someones subordinate. She sounded so passionate with full of worship for her master Gee, gee Another player fell silent for a moment and muttered, Damn, this accursed otherworld! Do you think what she said is true? Is there really a native force that can help Starshine Islands resist the Sea Beast Tide? I dont know, but the price they proposed is quite intimidating. It seems unlikely to reach a deal. Sigh, if those council members really cant come up with a way to fend off the Sea Beast Tide, then well have to pack up and leave. Even though they offered a lot of money, our lives are more important. The latter nodded in agreement. Since losing their territory, they needed to rely on their experience on Earth to become scribes in Starshine City. They thought that having such a stable job would allow them to live in peace. However, they hadnt enjoyed the comforts for long before the Sea Beast Tide suddenly arrived. Tomorrow and the unexpected, they didnt know which one would come first It was really a messed-up world. At this moment, something crossed their minds. Since that masked woman said she could help Starshine Islands resist the Sea Beast Tide, why dont we spread this news to other players? Maybe theyd be willing to contribute. Maybe we can persuade this native force. Thats a good idea. At least it would help us keep our jobs. Other players probably dont want to abandon their territories either I remember she said she would be waiting on an island on the northern edge of Starshine Islands, right? Yes, thats right The two of them opened the forum and began to compile what they had seen and heard in the council hall. Since they had integrated themselves among the scribes of Starshine City, they gained certain insights into the councils policies, catching the interest of many players on Starshine Islands. When a prominently featured proposal appeared on the forum, it quickly caught the attention of many players. Forum information spread rapidly, and soon, players across Starshine Islands became aware of the arrival of a native force that could help defend against the Sea Beast Tide. Some players, half-believing, went to the northern edge island where the two had mentioned the native force was located. When they saw a rather intimidating army stationed there, they became excited and quickly shared the news on the forum. Wow, its real? But its just a few thousand troops. Can they really hold off millions of sea beasts? Although its just a few thousand troops, I saw that theyre all at Tier 5. Dealing with those low-tier sea beasts should be a piece of cake, like chopping vegetables, just slashing away! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only So, is this army made up of natives or players? Of course, it must be natives! Players have only been here for a few months; how could they have such an awesome army? If its not true, Ill abstain from going to the Pleasure Pavilion for a year! Bro, youre hardcore, I admire you! After receiving confirmation of the news, many players began to consider whether to contribute money and resources to enlist the help of this army. Their territories were in Starshine Islands, and they had already become deeply rooted here. They had a sense of belonging, and they couldnt bear to abandon the land or their not-so-clever but very sincere subjects.. Chapter 442 - Chapter 442: The Parliament, the Price, and the People’s Hearts (3) Chapter 442: The Parliament, the Price, and the Peoples Hearts (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The only variable was how much that army would demand. If they were to ask for an exorbitant sum, we wouldnt be able to afford it. As the sun gradually set and a full moon rose into the sky, many people found it hard to sleep. Starshine City was a tiered city built around the central mountain. The higher up the residential houses and estates were located, the wealthier and more powerful the inhabitants. The Thirteen Council Families, as the rulers of the Starshine Islands, naturally had their estates in high-altitude positions. They occupied the only few flat lands on the mountainside, boasting elegant surroundings and beautiful scenery. From their vantage point, they could overlook the lower Starshine City and the distant sea. Here, the Council Families had established independent facilities to ensure that their descendants could enjoy a life of luxury from birth. In contrast, the crowded lower valleys were home to a multitude of impoverished residents. They huddled in tin-roofed shanties, wrapped in thin blankets stuffed with cotton to fend off the chilling sea breeze, enduring the gnawing sensation of empty stomachs. Since the news of the impending Sea Beast Tide had spread across the islands, the residents had become increasingly restless. Especially when there were rumors that the noble councilmen planned to escape with their wealth, the anxiety grew. The nobles should be using their resources to defend against the Sea Beast Tide, shouldnt they? Why would they want to leave? When some bold residents approached the city hall to inquire, they were brutally beaten by the fierce guards stationed there. This seemed to confirm the truth of the rumors, and it sent all the residents into a state of panic. While the nobles could afford to leave on grand ships, safely accompanied by their servants, the common people had no means to cross the vast sea in those small boats. Just as the residents were overwhelmed with fear, another rumor surfaced. A powerful army from a distant continent had arrived on the Starshine Islands, and their strength was sufficient to withstand the terrifying Sea Beasts. All it would take for the noble councilmen to call upon them for help was a small price to pay. But the nobles, even in their desire to escape, were unwilling to part with even that small sum. Why are they doing this? A mere trickle of gold from their fingers could save us. Why wont they do it? Theyre already so wealthy. Why are they so heartless Are you out of your mind? If the guards hear you saying these things, theyll beat you to death! These rumors and whispers circulated in the streets, eventually reaching the ears of the council members, infuriating them. How could this be considered a small price!? This was a tenth of their wealth, an amount you commoners couldnt earn in ten thousand years! They immediately dispatched soldiers to arrest those who spoke these words, throwing them into dungeons, but they couldnt stop the spread of the rumors. At the same time, the fleet of the Starshine Islands finally spotted the oncoming Sea Beast Tide from the south and received orders from the council to engage. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only However, the ferocity of the Sea Beast Tide far exceeded their expectations. Countless sea beasts, braving artillery fire, charged relentlessly. In just a brief encounter, they caught up with the warships, devouring all the crew members and leaving only a dozen or so battered vessels adrift on the surface of the sea. This turn of events left the council members in a state of utter panic. They had never imagined that a mere dozen powerful warships couldnt even slow down the advance of the sea beasts. At the same time, word of the fleets loss quickly circulated among the people of Starshine City, intensifying discussions about the mysterious but powerful armys role. Despite the council members efforts to calm the situation, their attempts were in vain. You cant defeat them.. Do you realize that you lack the capability? Chapter 443 - Chapter 443: Nothing Without Escaping: Price Surges and Pocket Formations Chapter 443: Nothing Without Escaping: Price Surges and Pocket Formations Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In just one day, the public opinions within the Starshine Islands had completely changed. The defeat of the Council Fleet had thoroughly eroded the remaining confidence of the merchants. They simply abandoned their industries here, taking their wealth and leaving on ships overnight. Even the privileged residents paid to board the merchants ships, departing together from these islands soon to be ravaged by sea beasts. The sun barely had time to rise and set. What used to be bustling islands now stood deserted. The once crowded commercial streets were now eerie and quiet. Shops were emptied, leaving only a few rats searching for food. The docks, once filled with arriving ships, now only had a few lonely vessels. Fat merchants urged the sailors to load the last batch of cargo, took a regretful last glance at the place, and set sail without looking back. No one wanted to end up in the belly of a sea beast, only to be digested and excreted. However, on the other side of the city, the town hall was crowded with residents. Please, sirs, beg those powerful armies to join the battle! They can surely fend off those dreadful sea beasts! It will only take some gold coins, please have mercy! Sob, sob, I dont want to die!! The soldiers guarding the town hall entrance were dutiful, their expressions stern. They would strike without hesitation if anyone dared to rush them. But there was a hint of complexity in their eyes. Even the naval fleet couldnt halt the advance of the sea beasts, and these people were certainly no match for them. These loyal soldiers couldnt help but wish that the council members would allow that powerful army to join the battle. Then, everyone wouldnt have to die, and the Starshine Islands could return to what they once were. The carefully guided public opinion was pushing the Council to pay the price for the assistance of that army in resisting the sea beast tide. However, the doors of the council chamber remained tightly closed, showing no sign of opening. Some players observed this scene in secret and whispered among themselves, These council members can really stay calm in a crisis. It had already reached this point, and they still didnt want to help. Weve put in a lot of effort to shape public opinion, but it seems these council members dont care about the residents at all. Of course, this world has a strict hierarchy, and the gap between nobles and commoners is even greater than the Mardong Rift. Dont be fooled by their politeness towards us players; they look down on us, and they see us as tools. Are they really that cold-hearted? Well, its hard to say whats going through their minds. When it comes to situations where theres a cost and life-and-death decisions, isnt it clear which one is more important? True, but that indigenous army seems to have quite an appetite. One-tenth of the wealth of the thirteen council families, they could probably buy a whole town with that, right? If this continues, well have to make a run for it too. Is the ship ready? It has been ready for a while now. The ship is stocked with enough supplies to get us to the Northern Continent, and there are some residents who are willing to go with us. Its a stable group! As time passed, the sea beast tide, far away and thousands of miles distant, gradually approached. It was less than a days journey from the Starshine Islands. At this moment, the long-closed doors of the Council Hall were finally opened. A group of soldiers streamed out and boarded giant sea eagles, flapping their wings and flying toward the northern side of the Starshine Islands. Seeing this, the players hiding in the shadows were instantly excited. Look, these little guys couldnt hold back any longer! Darn, does this mean the Starshine Islands are saved? Its too early to say that. Who knows if that army can successfully fend off the sea beasts? If they cant, well still have to run. Running away is essential in everything, right? Im sweating from all the stress. Ji Chen stood on a high point of the island, hands behind his back, gazing at the distant sea. Suddenly, he heard a faint commotion in the wind. In the distance, dozens of black dots appeared in the sky, and the army immediately became alert. The Water Nymph Archer held her bow and arrow, aiming toward the distant sky. The Dragon Horn Catfish and Silver Sea Pixies also prepared their spells, gazing towards the southern sky. The Guardian troops reorganized their formations and kept a vigilant watch. Several heroic units were about to approach and guard Ji Chen, but he raised his hand to stop them from attacking. He then gestured to Alice, who put on her mask and walked forward. Whoosh- The giant sea eagle slowly descended from the sky, and a group of Starshine City soldiers jumped off it. The soldiers looked at the powerful army before them with mixed expressions, containing both apprehension and a hint of hope. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This army was the only hope to save the Starshine Islands. The leader of this team stepped forward and came before Alice. He saluted with a fist over his chest. Lord Hadman, the head of the council, sent us here to inform you that Starshine City is willing to accept your terms. Please dispatch your army to the southern side of the islands to fend off the sea beast tide as soon as possible. Alice smiled faintly, recalling the arrangements made by the Lord earlier, and calmly replied. Please tell Council Head Mr. Hadman that due to their delayed response, our preparations for resisting the sea beasts couldnt be completed in time. Therefore, my master has decided to offer a bit more on top of the previously agreed-upon terms. Its approximately three hundred thousand rare resources. Otherwise, we might not have the motivation to confront the sea beast tide.. Chapter 444 - Chapter 444: Nothing Without Escaping: Price Surges and Pocket Formations (2) Chapter 444: Nothing Without Escaping: Price Surges and Pocket Formations (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The squad leader looked bewildered, swallowing hard. Although it sounded a bit strange, he was just a small player, and these matters should be left to the council members to decide. I will convey these terms to Council President Hademan. The giant sea eagles came and went in a hurry, quickly turning into black dots on the horizon. The Starshine City Council, upon receiving this message, exploded with anger. Damn, how dare that guy! Isnt he just raising the price while sitting comfortably!? This person is even more cunning than those gnome merchants! Does he think thirty thousand rare resources are just a small sum? Its enough to buy a small island! They were infuriated, as the previous conditions were already quite painful for them. Now, the so-called master of the masked woman continued to negotiate at this critical moment, using the excuse of not having enough preparation time. These thirty thousand rare resources were not much compared to their wealth, but it was nauseating to bring it up at this final moment. It was as if he had deliberately provoked them. It was simply outrageous! They had no choice, though. Council President Hademan suppressed his inner anger and spoke loudly. Everyone, we dont have time to argue further. The Sea Beast Tide is about to arrive in less than a day, and time is life. The growing outrage among the people was likely orchestrated by them, all to force us into submission. Otherwise, how could those ordinary folks have the guts to assemble in front of City Hall and protest? This behavior is despicable, but even if the conditions proposed by this cunning wolf are hard to accept, we have no choice. We must cooperate with them first. Only by using them to repel the Sea Beast Tide can we have a chance to settle this score! Most of the council members agreed with these words. Thats right, afterward, we must make them pay! Let them know that Starshine City is not to be trifled with. We can also offer some rewards secretly through commissions to manipulate those Glory Lords into assassinating the master of the masked woman. Thats a good idea. After all, those Glory Lords are all people who value money above all else and are keen on small profits. 1 believe they would be happy to accept such a commission. Ji Chen had no idea that he had suddenly been burdened with a few black pots. He didnt guide the public opinion of Starshine Citys residents, nor did he need to. After all, besides relying on them to repel the Sea Beasts, the Starshine Islands had no other choice. Moreover, he really wasnt raising the price while sitting comfortably. To prepare to repel the Sea Beast army with thousands of troops, advance arrangements were necessary. That thirty thousand rare resources was indeed a price that wasnt meant as a scam Well, not entirely. But when the squad of soldiers once again appeared on the horizon riding giant sea eagles, Ji Chen knew that the deal had been made. The Ocean Crowns army, which had rested for a long time, moved again and headed south towards the Starshine Islands under the command of various heroic units. Tell your Council President Hademan that 1 need your assistance. Before coming, he had already received orders from the council to cooperate fully with the other side, so he nodded without hesitation, saying, All the soldiers of the Starshine Islands will obey your command and cooperate fully with you. Alice, who still wore a mask, didnt hold back and continued to speak. I need you to evacuate the residents of the southern islands of the Starshine Islands. Then, place a large amount of meat on the central part of each island, preferably the kind thats fresh and bloody. Do it as quickly as possible, and we will send troops to distract them for some time. Besides that, you need to follow our commands to use the coastal defense artillery on the islands to minimize the range of the Sea Beasts impact. You need to defend Starshine City and the port. According to our experience, there are some scattered Sea Beasts in the Sea Beast Tide who might get lost. They might even wander near the gathering point. Thats all. Well take care of the rest. When theres money involved, they were very dedicated and serious. The squad leader summarized the key points. Understood. The squad leader remembered all of this and quickly mounted the giant sea eagle to leave. After they left, Ji Chen came out from the military formation. My lord, I have conveyed your orders to them without missing a word. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen nodded slightly. Unlike the Ocean Crown, the Starshine Islands had a significant strategic depth. Thousands upon thousands of islands formed a vast battlefield. This way, they didnt need to stubbornly defend a single frontline like the Ocean Crown. They could fully utilize space to buy time and kill the Sea Beasts at the lowest cost. To complete the arrangements mentioned earlier, the remaining time was certainly not enough. Therefore, they sent the Legion of Soul Servants to distract the Sea Beast Tidethese were Soul Servants who worked without payment, so even if they all met their demise, it wouldnt be a significant loss. Under Alices clever manipulation, the Legion of Soul Servants attracted the attention of the Sea Beast Tide, making their path slightly more meandering. While it didnt divert them completely, it did delay their arrival at the Starshine Islands by half a day. This extra half-day, combined with the original time, gave them just enough time to complete the preparations. The additional thirty thousand rare resources were meant to compensate for the losses incurred by the Legion of Soul Servants. After all, capturing over a thousand qualified soul servants was not an easy task.. Chapter 445 - Chapter 445: Nothing Without Escaping: Price Surges and Pocket Formations (3) Chapter 445: Nothing Without Escaping: Price Surges and Pocket Formations (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation A large amount of meat was transported from the icehouse in Starshine City. After being drenched in fresh blood, it was sent to dozens of islands on the south side of the archipelago or placed on fishing boats, which were anchored in specific water locations to act as bait. These meat placements seemed random, but when viewed from above, they formed a pyramid-like pattern. T he wider side faced outward, while the pointed side pointed towards the deeper part of the archipelago. Sea beasts had a penchant for meat, and once they caught the scent of blood, they went into a frenzy, desperate to feed. So, Ji Chen reused an old trick and placed meat at specific locations, following the principle that the Ocean Crown used small boats as bait. This way, the attracted sea beasts would gradually enter the pocket formation, narrowing the battlefields width. This ensured that the sea beasts obediently advanced towards the defensive line and didnt scatter elsewhere. After all, no matter how high the quality of the Ocean Crowns forces, they numbered only a few thousand, and their defensive range was limited. If the sea beast horde ran amok, they would be helpless. The coastal defense artillery on various islands was reactivated, and troops from the Starshine Islands took up positions. Its unclear whether the Starshine City Council had a change of heart or for some other reason, but they finally made up their minds to resist the sea beasts. As a result, shiploads of cannonballs and torpedoes, originally used for defending against enemy ships, were placed in the waterways that the pocket formation had to pass through, guided by the Ocean Crown. As time passed, thanks to everyones efforts, a vast net covering the southern side of the Starshine Islands gradually took shape. At the pinnacle of the pyramid, there were two islands situated close to each other, resembling a pair of upright figures, stretching for over ten kilometers in the southeast and southwest directions. These islands had steep, knife-edged cliffs, and in between them, there was a strait about three kilometers wide. This was where the final defense line was located. If the plan went smoothly, most of the sea beasts would be lured here, and thanks to the natural terrain, they would be confined to this area. The narrowness of the defensive line would stop them from making full use of their huge numbers, making them repeatedly assault this three-kilometer-long defensive barrier with just a small portion of the sea beasts until the very last one was defeated. Of course, this was the most ideal outcome. Ji Chen stood at the highest point of the western mountain peak, gazing at the layers of islands in the distance. He clenched his fists tightly as if he could see the massive sea beast tide surging toward them. To say that there was no nervousness would definitely be a lie. After all, it was a million-strong sea beast tide. Even if this number was an exaggerated figure, there would definitely be some variations in the actual count, but there was no doubt that there were eighty to ninety thousand sea beasts. This meant that each of their military units had to kill a whopping 150 sea beasts. Even with the assistance of alchemical cannons, torpedoes, and the like, they could only kill a small portion. The outcome of this battle still depended on the Ocean Crown. If they won, they could take away a substantial reward, and they wouldnt have to worry about the resources needed to recruit the next round of military units. If they lost, they could only run away in embarrassment, and the Starshine Islands would be engulfed by the sea beast tide, turning into a dead zone, with countless natives becoming food for the beasts. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Suddenly, he felt a weight on his shoulders. Wu-wu A muffled horn suddenly sounded. Ji Chens expression sharpened. The sea beast tide was here! Chapter 446 - Chapter 446: Sea Beast Tide! Players Join the Battle! Chapter 446: Sea Beast Tide! Players Join the Battle! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation At the far end of the meeting point of sea and sky, a long, dark line suddenly appeared. The eerie howls echoed gently in the sea breeze as tens of thousands of sea beasts surged forward through the roiling waves. This was the almost extinct Sea Beast Tide that nearly wiped out half of the Western Mid-Ocean. Even though they witnessed Sea Beast Tides of two or three hundred thousand before, they were still amazed by the scale of this one. From the leftmost to the rightmost horizon, their entire view was dominated by an endless sea of sea beasts. These creatures were like unsightly blotches on the oceans surface, consuming everything in their path, whether it be fish or plants, and transforming it into a single, voracious mass. The Sea Beast Tide was nor originally this large. It started with just tens of thousands of sea beasts migrating collectively, but as they forced more and more sea beasts to join them on the way, it grew like a snowball, gradually forming this Sea Beast Tide that numbered in the millions. As the sea beasts advanced on the sea surface, they suddenly smelled the rich scent of blood carried by the sea breeze. Their eyes turned blood-red in an instant. Their appetite, which had not yet subsided after devouring an enemy force earlier, was stirred up once again. It was as if their stomachs were growling, and without any hesitation, they surged toward the direction where the scent of blood was blowing from. Ahead, an island chain came into view, and the scent of blood was emanating from those islands. All the resistance they encountered along the way was easily overwhelmed with a single charge, and nothing could stop their advance, just as it was this time! All the creatures standing in their way would become their food! Therefore, the vast horde of sea beasts rushed in without any hesitation. Amphibious sea creatures rushed onto the islands, seeing a large amount of meat piled up on them, the strong scent of blood constantly stimulating their appetites. They rushed up without any hesitation and began to devour it ravenously. Marine sea beasts charged toward the spaces between the islands, tearing the floating fishing boats into pieces and feasting on the scattered flesh and blood. Such a small amount of flesh and blood could not satisfy the desires of nearly a million sea beasts. After devouring all the flesh and blood here, they continued to surge toward the next location with the scent of flesh and blood. The final defense line. A makeshift tent on a western mountainside. Alice hurriedly entered the tent, a hint of joy on her face. My lord, the Sea Beast Tide has entered the trap as planned, and the formation is gradually closing in. They are moving step by step deeper into the islands along the predetermined route. According to the pre-established plan, the key to the successful plan lay in using flesh and blood to guide the sea beasts in the desired direction, compressing their range of influence as much as possible, and ultimately gathering all the sea beasts that had originally spread over a range of dozens of kilometers into this narrow strait. Now that they had been lured in, it was equivalent to the plan being half successful. Ji Chen naturally understood this, but he didnt show any signs of excitement. He spoke in a solemn tone, Continue to closely monitor the movements of the sea beasts, and report to me immediately if anything happens. Yes, sir! On the front lines. On a small island with lush vegetation, two Starshine City scouts hid among the dense branches and leaves. At this moment, they were watching the Sea Beast Tide passing by the island with anxious expressions. Sea beasts one after another filled the sea between the islands, and the roars of the beasts echoed incessantly, sending shivers down their spines. Because the sea beasts were all attracted by flesh and blood, none of them had climbed onto their island. There are so many of these sea beasts. It feels like theyre everywhere, quite eerie. If they come up, 1 guarantee I wont make a sound. Indeed, I wont even make a sound even if they were to swallow me whole. Ahem Lets not digress. Do you think theyll collide with it? After all, with such a big, ominous iron sphere in the water, anyone would think somethings not right, right? Well, that person in the mask said that the intelligence of these sea beasts has hit rock bottom. If they can charge through, they wont think twice, so they wont avoid it But Im not entirely sure. Sigh, I hope the plan succeeds. My family is still in Starshine City. If we cant hold back these sea beasts, it will be disastrous Look, theyre getting ready to reach the location of rhe water mines! The two Starshine City scouts squinted their eyes and saw that the Sea Beast Tide, upon seeing the water mines, did not stop but instead charged straight into them. Boom! A muffled thunderous sound and rhe water mines exploded among the sea beast horde. A water column several tens of meters high shot into the sky, spreading out like scattered fireworks. In the midst of the splashing water, sea beasts were launched into the air, and torrential rain of blood began to fall from the sky. One water mine directly killed hundreds of sea beasts, achieving remarkable results. Just as they were feeling jubilant, an astonishing scene unfolded before their eyes. Other sea beasts, upon witnessing the explosion of the water mines, didnt react by fleeing quickly. Instead, they charged towards the explosion point with red eyes, gnawing on the corpses of their fallen comrades. This left the two St arshine City scouts astonished, and they couldnt close their mouths for a while. After a moment, one of them swallowed hard and said, These sea beasts are really savage, arent they? Whos denying that Lets go, we need to hurry back and report this before we miss any opportunities. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Agreed. Soon, two giant sea eagles took off from the forest and sped towards the final defense line. With the help of the giant sea eagles from Starshine City, Ji Chen was able to quickly obtain updates on the battlefield situation and the sea beasts movements in real-time. As things stood, everything was going smoothly. The sea beasts obediently followed the predetermined route, even in the presence of the water mines, without deviating from their path.. Chapter 447 - Chapter 447: Sea Beast Tide! Players Join the Battle! (2) Chapter 447: Sea Beast Tide! Players Join the Battle! (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Viewed from above, the massive sea beast tide, which had once spanned tens of kilometers, was now coming together in a pyramid-like formation. They were lured by the scent of flesh and obstructed by the islands geography, all making their way towards the ultimate defense line. Intermittent muffled thunder signaled the triggering of underwater mines, each causing hundreds of casualties. Dealing with these irrational sea beasts with human intelligence was remarkably easy. The only problem was their sheer numbers. Soldiers from the Starshine Islands flew through the air on the broad backs of giant sea eagles. This caused the sea beasts below to roar and claw at the air in frustration. Many sea beasts with ranged attack abilities launched bone spikes, but due to the height difference, the giant sea eagles easily evaded them. The soldiers gazed down at the densely packed sea beasts below, their hearts racing. They clung tightly to the reins, aware that a single misstep could lead to being swallowed and digested, becoming a pile of waste. At that moment, they suddenly noticed something unusual among the sea beasts, furrowing their brows in deep concern. A large gap appeared in the center of the crowded sea beast tide, with only a massive group of sea beasts numbering in the thousands, among which one sea beast stood out conspicuously. All other sea beasts maintained a certain distance from it, seemingly fearing it. He tapped the giant sea eagle, urging it to descend for a closer look. But as he did, the soldier who had been staring intently suddenly saw the strange sea beast lift its head and look in their direction. Instantly, alarm bells rang in his mind. He immediately commanded the giant sea eagle to leave. However, it was too late. The group of sea beasts numbering in the thousands raised their massive tails hidden beneath the water, and the crystals at the tips of their tails emitted beams of blue light in rapid succession, much like a burst of machine gun bullets. The soldiers pupils contracted sharply, reflecting flashes of intense blue light. Swoosh! A beam of light precisely struck the wing of the giant sea eagle, effortlessly piercing through it like a hot knife through butter, leaving behind a searing wound and a cavity. Losing one of its wings, the giant sea eagle tumbled helplessly a few times before plummeting straight into the sea beast horde, torn to shreds amid the soldiers terrified cries. Ji Chen quickly received this message: In the center of the sea beast tide, there is a formidable sea beast capable of emitting blue beams, and among them is a suspected commanding unit. Due to the harsh living conditions in the sea, there were not many sea beasts with long-range attack capabilities among them. If they did possess such abilities, it was usually through means like launching bone spikes. Sea beasts capable of emitting laser-like beams, like the ones before them, were unheard of. The ocean was vast, and the diversity of sea beast species within the marine race was countless. It was only due to this sea beast tide that these sea beasts, which had never been seen by outsiders, were forced to reveal themselves. However, just this single tribe of sea beasts numbering in the thousands was evidently not enough to change the overall situation. He merely instructed Alice not to get too close to that particular group of sea beasts, and everything else should proceed according to the plan. The sea beast tide had completely entered the archipelago, devouring one bait after another, heading straight into the trap. These sea beasts, known for their relentless aggression, were utterly oblivious to the fact that they had walked right into a trap. At this moment, they were immersed in a frenzied feast of flesh. Even if some among them sensed that something was amiss, they were compelled to press forward by the throngs of sea creatures behind them. Stopping meant being trampled into a pulp and devoured by their fellow kin. At this point, there was no turning back; everything had reached an unstoppable point. When the sea beasts finished consuming the last few baits in front of them and began searching for the next one, they saw something in the distance. Two cliffs stretching for tens of miles and thousands of enemies standing between them. Without any hesitation, the tightly packed sea beast horde charged forward. They didnt even notice the formidable aura emanating from these enemies. The towering cannons protruding from the islands on both sides, and the underwater mines scattered throughout the strait. In an instant, the waters between the two islands were filled with ferocious sea beasts, every inch of the sea surface occupied by them, and even more beneath it. Thanks to the natural terrain, the Ocean Crown army only needed to guard this three-kilometer-long sea passage. The density of their defensive forces was extremely high. Having prepared for a long time, they gazed coldly at the approaching sea beasts. However, the first round of counterattacks didnt come from them but from the numerous artillery positions on the islands. Adjust the cannon firing parameters! Load the shells! Shells loadedfire! As soon as the soldiers in the artillery positions heard the command to fire, they instinctively pulled the ropes, instantly tightening them. The cannon barrels suddenly recoiled. Amidst a burst of orange-red flames, projectiles of various sizes rained down from the sky like a downpour. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The surging sea beast tide hadnt even reached the defensive line yet when it was bombarded relentlessly. A multitude of sea beasts were devoured by the flames, and even the splashes of water were evaporated. But their numbers were simply too great. The gaps cleared by the shells were filled in the next moment, with even more sea beasts than before. Their speed didnt diminish in the slightest, resembling a black tidal wave that crashed violently against the defensive line in a matter of seconds. The most brutal and crucial battle on the Starshine Islands had begun. Regardless of victory or defeat, it would leave a profound mark in the annals of history.. Chapter 448 - Chapter 448: Sea Beast Tide! Players Join the Battle! (3) Chapter 448: Sea Beast Tide! Players Join the Battle! (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Boom The thunderous roar of cannons echoed between the cliffs, proclaiming their dreadful destructive power to the flesh and blood creatures; the intense explosion of sea mines turned countless sea beasts into fragments. However, the true protagonists of this battle were not these lifeless weapons. Looking from afar, the most intense part of the battlefield was undoubtedly a relatively short defensive line, where every second was filled with death and slaughter. But most of the time, it was the sea beasts that fell. The average strength of the Ocean Crown army was simply too overwhelming. Whether it was in terms of tier levels, cooperation, or combat experience, they were many times stronger than these sea beasts, who seemed to have nothing on their minds but eating. Arrows fired by the Water Nymph Archers, water arrows from the Silver Sea Pixies, and lightning balls thrown by the Dragon Horn Catfish. Red, blue, and flashes filled the scene. Bone blades, spears, and tridents were thrust with the powers of dragons, drawing blood with every strike. Each attack claimed the life of one or several sea beasts. But there were just too many sea beasts, and after several hours of bombardment and carnage, it seemed that the sea beast tide had only slightly diminished. The seemingly endless sea beasts still crowded the sea surface, extending from one end to the other as far as the eye could see. If they followed conventional methods, it would probably take several days for the Ocean Crown team to eliminate this massive wave of sea beasts, no matter how efficient their killing was. Therefore, they had to resort to unconventional methods. Lord, I request to join the battle! Alice spoke with determination, offering to fight. Ji Chen looked at this hero unit who had followed him for the longest time and had made significant contributions. The soul servant legion under Alice had been completely wiped out during the previous delay, leaving only her. However, ninety percent of the entire legions power was concentrated in her alone. It could be said that Alice possessed the strength of a legion. But Ji Chen gently shook his head, Lets not be hasty; we need to wait a little longer. Alice was somewhat puzzled but obeyed the command. Just as the battle grew more intense, she noticed that shadows suddenly appeared on the cliffs on both sides of the defensive line. The number of these shadows almost filled every hilltop. Upon closer inspection, they turned out to be other Lords of Glory, just like her lord! F*ck, we finally made it up. This island is quite tricky to climb Oh my god, there are so many sea beasts? So many sea beasts Were going to be rich! Players who saw the sea filled with sea beasts didnt react with fear but excitement! All these sea beasts represented live experience points. Now that a powerful native army had led the sea beasts to this location, attracting their attention and holding off their attacks, this was the perfect opportunity for them to gain experience! Second Battalion Commander, where thef*ck is your Italian cannon? The Italian cannon is right here! Good, bring it up and lets give these sea beasts a good pounding! In addition to bringing their armies, players also brought a batch of portable war machines, such as ballistae, small-caliber alchemical cannons, and the like, which displayed formidable firepower. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only After a brief pause, players launched their attacks one after another, and arrows, bolts, and cannonballs poured down like rain, catching the sea beasts off guard. Seeing this scene, Alice couldnt help but look surprised. Lord, were you waiting for these Lords of Glory? Ji Chen smiled, neither confirming nor denying it. To be honest, he was also somewhat surprised by these players. Werent they afraid that the Ocean Crown wouldnt be able to hold back the sea beast tide, and theyll all be wiped out together? All he could say was that these casual players were even more audacious than he had imagined.. Chapter 449 - Chapter 449: Players Withdraw for the Time Being, Might of the Dragon Horn Catfish Chapter 449: Players Withdraw for the Time Being, Might of the Dragon Horn Catfish Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The arrival of the players was a pleasant surprise. The sea creatures were suddenly under a barrage of firepower, and some of them turned their attention towards the players, charging forward. However, the players were positioned on a cliff that was dozens of meters high, and the creatures couldnt climb the nearly ninety-degree cliff wall. They could only claw at the air in frustration. Seeing this, the casual players became even more enthusiastic, enjoying the thrill of exploiting the terrain. The cannons roared, and arrows rained down. Although the average level and tier of the third wave of sea creatures were higher than the previous two waves, most of them were still first, second, or third-tier. Except for a few with strong defenses, the rest couldnt withstand the attacks of arrows and cannon fire. They perished one after another. Even the fourth-tier creatures were heavily injured and became frenzied. The Crown of the Oceans army firmly held the defense line. The narrow width of the area prevented the sea creatures from utilizing their numerical advantage, and most of them could only be targets for the players. If they could speak, they would surely curse the despicable outsiders. Ji Chen looked at the battlefield situation that was barely holding up and nodded slightly. As long as they could hold the line in the early stages and prevent the sea creatures from breaking through, the rest would be easy. He looked at a few hero units eager to let their weapons be stained with sea creature blood and advised, Dont join the battle for now. The fifth-tier sea creatures havent launched an attack yet, and these lower-tier ones arent worth your efforts. Upon hearing this, Alice and the others suppressed their excitement and quietly watched the battle below. This battle continued from day to night. After the sun completely disappeared on the horizon, the world suddenly grew dark. Perhaps the heavens werent being merciful, as tonight, the moonlight was blocked by layers of dark clouds, plunging the Starshine Islands into darkness. Only the torches lit by the players provided some illumination. Fortunately, there were so many sea creatures that even if they fired spells and arrows haphazardly in the general direction, they could easily hit their targets. The efficiency of their output didnt drop much. However, as the players looked at the blood-red eyes of the sea beasts below, scattered throughout the bay like light bulbs, they couldnt help but shiver with fear. Damn, they still look a bit scary There are way too many sea beasts. Weve been killing them all day, and were still not done. My hands are almost worn out. Damn it, Im out of arrows. Do you guys have any left? Give me some. I ran out of them too. Both arrows and cannonballs were used up a long time ago Should we go back for resupply and come back tomorrow? As night fell, the players began to retreat. They had underestimated the sheer number of sea beasts, and the ammunition supplies were running low. Moreover, most of them and their troops were experiencing fatigue after a day of continuous battle. Although they knew it wasnt the time to rest yet, they simply couldnt go on. Ji Chen also noticed this and didnt display any disappointment; this situation was already part of his plan. He signaled to Alice, and she quickly understood his intention. Stepping forward, her crimson lips parted. Esteemed Lords of Glory from afar, I thank you for your contributions in defending against the sea beasts. After a day of fierce battle, I have witnessed your fearless valor, and your courage shines brighter than the stars. Therefore, let us take over from here. Her ethereal voice echoed throughout the battlefield, causing many players to stop and look at each other in surprise. At this moment, a player shouted loudly, Well go back to rest and resupply for a while, and well be back soon! Thats right, Miss, wait for me for one night, and tomorrow Ill bring back an army of a hundred thousand to rescue you! Hoo, hoo, hoo! Alice blinked in surprise and gave a faint smile. These Lords of Glory might not be as powerful and wise as her lord, but they had their merits. Soon, the players began to withdraw, taking their troops with them and returning to their territories for resupply. Watching them leave and disappear into the night, Ji Chen took a deep breath and said with a smile. Next, its time for our performance. A hint of excitement appeared on the faces of the heroes; they had been eagerly waiting for this moment. Yes! We will bring you victory! With the players gone, they could finally unleash their full potential. Indeed, they hadnt fully exerted their strength before. After all, was the Crown of the Oceans army only this powerful? A million sea beasts? Certainly, the sheer numbers posed a significant threat, but facing troops that were all fifth-tier, they didnt seem quite as intimidating. This was evident in the resource consumption. The main forces of the Crown of the Ocean had troops with the lowest tier, and the water nymph archers, which required the least rare resources, needed 900 units of such resources each. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only In the player market, trading 900 units of rare resources could get him a significantly larger amount of common resources in return. By using these common resources to recruit lower-tier troops, he could amass a substantial number of units. The gap between lower-tier and higher-tier troops was not just in terms of recruiting resources but also in the vast difference in strength and life levels. A thousand lower-tier sea creatures couldnt match a higher-tier unit! As night fell. Not only did the sea creatures go into a frenzy, but the Crown of the Oceans army also seemed to have completely unleashed themselves. Their gazes gradually turned icy and ruthless.. Chapter 450 - Chapter 450: Players Withdraw for the Time Being, Might of the Dragon Horn Catfish (2) Chapter 450: Players Withdraw for the Time Being, Might of the Dragon Horn Catfish (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Their blood began to heat up, and it felt like their hearts might leap out of their chests. The legions and heroic units in the Crown of the Ocean all had impressive bloodlines, each from different races. The Naga Guardians possessed ancient Naga bloodlines, the Dragon Blood Murlocs had the blood of dragons, Alice was a Siren, Anina was an ancient Dragon Whale, Herald hailed from the deep-sea Naga, and Benbo also had a rich dragon bloodline. In this territory of the Crown of the Ocean, such a gathering of noble bloodlines and races was indeed a testament to the abundance of talent. Powerful bloodlines and races translated into formidable combat strength. There was no doubt about their strength. The Crown of the Ocean, with its hands unshackled, soon displayed crushing power. The already robust Naga Guardians swelled even further, their bone blades sharper and more terrifying than a cutting machine, leaving a trail of carnage wherever they went. After killing one sea beast, another would charge forward? No problem, they would just kill it too. No matter how many came, beneath the relentless slashes of those bone blades, they all met the same fatereduced to piles of minced flesh. Their bloodlines provided them with almost inexhaustible power, and even if they were injured, they quickly healed. This was the strength of high-tier units. Unless they encountered enemies stronger than themselves, they stood like mountains, preventing any foes from passing without first toppling them. The Crown of the Ocean had always adhered to the path of elite troops, and now it was proving its worth. Although their numbers werent particularly high, each one was of high quality, and in this long-duration, high-intensity battle, they proved remarkably sturdy and enduring. Especially the magical units specifically chosen by Ji Chen, the Silver Sea Pixies and the Dragon Horn Catfish, could recover mana over time, ensuring they wouldnt run out. The Water Nymph Archers were the same; compared to ranged archer units that required arrows and ammunition, as long as they had water, it was equivalent to having an endless supply of arrows. Ji Chens eyes shone slightly; as a Lord, his talents and legendary profession granted him the ability to see in the dark as if it were daylight. As clear as day. In his eyes. The seemingly massive sea beast tide had now shrunk considerably, no longer as towering and immense as before. After a day of fierce fighting, the sea beasts had suffered losses of at least three hundred thousand, which meant there were now at most less than six hundred thousand remaining. This number was now almost on par with the two previous waves of sea beast tides that had attacked the New Moon Islands. This left him with a sense of illusion. Perhaps the sea beast tide was nothing more than this. Looking at the sky, Ji Chen decided to expedite the battle. Have the Dragon Horn Catfishes prepare, and throw them toward the center of the sea beast tide. Lets blast those high-tier sea beasts hiding there. The command was given. After a short time. On the pitch-black sea surface, bursts of crimson flashes suddenly appeared. Upon closer inspection, it became evident that the Dragon Horn Catfishes, positioned at the back, had lifted their horn-like crystals, unleashing a powerful surge of energy. Strands of red lightning converged on the horns, swirling and interweaving like an electromagnetic field with a regular pattern. Then, the Dragon Horn Catfishes gently raised their heads, and the lightning on top of their heads leaped into the air. Hundreds of strands entwined with each other, and after several minutes, the chaotic lightning gradually formed a lightning sphere with a diameter of over ten meters. The constantly bursting light illuminated the entire sea surface, even the dark clouds in the sky were lit up. Even the least intelligent sea beasts could feel the terrifying energy from it, and a hint of fear appeared in their chaotic and frenzied eyes. Their trembling bodies and souls told them that this lightning sphere was extremely frightening. Out of instinct for survival, these frenzied sea beasts actually had the thought of retreating for the first time. Then, this lightning sphere condensed to the extreme, and it flew towards them while they watched helplessly. It was like the moment of a cosmic explosion. The lightning sphere didnt explode immediately; instead, it compressed several times, and the energy was suppressed to the extreme before quietly bursting. All that could be seen was a light as if one were staring at the explosion of a nuclear bomb. In the moment when the light blossomed, countless red lightning serpents burst forth. The darkness was completely dispelled, the seawater evaporated and burst, and ripples with lightning coursed outwards, sweeping in all directions. Countless sea beasts, like ragdolls, were carried into the sky by the terrifying energy and turned into charred remains. On the sea surface, which was originally crowded with sea beasts, a hole with a diameter of hundreds of meters suddenly appeared. The seawater hadnt even had a chance to fill it back up, and lightning darted around in the water, pulling even more sea beasts into the depths of the sea. The soldiers of Starshine City had just removed their hands from their eyes when they saw the deep hole in the sea surface, which extended several dozen meters deep. The faces of those resolute soldiers were filled with astonishment and awe. What is this Could it be some kind of terrifying bomb? Until they saw this scene with their own eyes, they would never believe that any creature could create such a terrifying attack. Is this the power of this unknown army? Deep down, they felt a shiver of fear and panic. It had nothing to do with being scared of the enemy; these were emotions born out of instinct. A Starshine soldier suddenly felt something land on his face and couldnt help but look up in confusion. The dark clouds still dominated the sky, but there was no rain. He reached out and touched it, then looked down; there was a black object with a bloody hue on his fingertip. Before he could recognize what it was, more objects fell from the sky with a pattering sound. Thinking back to the terrifying lightning sphere just now, he finally realized. These were the flesh and blood fragments of the sea beasts that had been turned into charcoal by the electricity! Looking at the scattered flesh and blood fragments around them, they were momentarily at a loss. Boom However, a sudden burst of blue beams appearing in front of them snapped them back to reality. The sea beasts were launching a counterattack! Ji Chen watched the beams of light that were shot out from the center of the sea beast tide and let out a soft snort. Had those sea beasts finally lost their patience? The ones firing these beams were the same sea beasts that had launched the counterattack with the giant sea eagles earlier. These sea beasts had a snake-like appearance, were covered in diamond-shaped scales, and had sharp teeth. But the most eye-catching feature was the blue crystal at the end of their long tails, and it was from within these crystals that the beams were emitted. These beams were fast and sharp, like meteors streaking backwards as they shot into the defensive line. For the first time, the champions of the Ocean Crown suffered significant casualties in a single round of attacks. Dozens of Naga Guardians were pierced in their vital areas by these beams, leaving terrifying, gaping wounds, resulting in instant death. Over three hundred units of military troops perished under this barrage of beams. This kind of attack was not something low-level sea beasts could produce. Only sea beasts of Tier Five and above could kill Tier Five units with a single blow! Ji Chens expression hardened; he couldnt allow this attack to continue! All ranged units, focus fire on those sea beasts! Dont let them have a chance to continue firing! All hero units, charge! Kill these savage sea beasts! The heroes, with expressions of fervor and excitement, joined the battle one by one. The three major ranged units under the Guardian Legion, after a brief pause, simultaneously unleashed spells and arrows towards the center of the sea beast tide. The east wind scatters a thousand trees in the night. A dazzling round of attacks streaked through the dark night sky, leaving glowing trails as they descended into the sea of creatures. Ding- Your troops have slain 25 Serpent-Necked Dragon Beasts. Ding- Your troops have slain 158 Serpent-Necked Dragon Beasts. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ding- Your troops have slain 89 Serpent-Necked Dragon Beasts. From the densely packed system notifications, it was clear that the counterattack by the Ocean Crown had dealt a severe blow to the enemy, with more than half of them being killed. In the next round, only a scattered three to four hundred beams flew towards them, with most of them being blocked by the well-prepared Crab Guardians. The casualties were less than a hundred. Terrified by the previous combination attack of the Dragon Horn Catfish, as Ji Chen had expected, those high-tier sea beasts that were hiding could no longer restrain themselves and joined the fray. However, the numerous hero units of the Ocean Crown that had already entered the battlefield were waiting for their appearance.. Chapter 451 - Chapter 451: The Killing Begins, Gradually Changes in Chapter 451: The Killing Begins, Gradually Changes in Mentality, Dreadful and Monstrous Hiding Inside Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation A group of deep blue fifth-tier giant jellyfish charged towards the defensive line, their tentacles poised to strike with deadly venom. Before they could make their deadly move, a towering figure appeared before them, sporting broad wings and a serpentine lower body covered in blue scales. In an instant, a silver streak slashed through the air, cutting apart over a dozen of the giant jellyfish like sheets of paper. The shattered tentacles and bodies were flung high into the air. Herald, with cold determination in his eyes, watched the foolish creatures before him. A cruel smile curved on his long, slender mouth. The remnants of blood on his claws fueled his boiling blood, and the unmistakable scent of blood hung in the air, further exciting him. His body trembled uncontrollably. The slaughter had begun. Heralds massive serpentine tail suddenly swung, and his formidable body shot forward like a cannonball. He left a trail of afterimages in the air and crashed into the enemy ranks within the blink of an eye. His clawed hands were like the sharpest forged weapons of the dwarves, gleaming with silver light. Wherever he struck, it resulted in dismembered limbs, flying gore, and a rain of blood. Not a single sea beast could withstand the sharpness of his claws, not even the fifth-tier sea beasts! A gigantic whale-like sea beast, its maw wide open like a devouring abyss, charged in, attempting to swallow him whole and crush him to pieces. Heralds claws clasped together, energy surged, and in an instant, he conjured a blue lightning sphere, which he casually threw into the beasts gaping mouth. Sensing an unexpected intruder in its mouth, the whale-like sea beast tried to spit it out, but the next moment, it felt an intense and scorching heat engulfing its entire body. Boom! Its massive body exploded violently, turning into a rain of scattered flesh and gore. This was a one-sided massacre! In other parts of the battlefield, similar scenes were unfolding. Whats more, with the participation of hero units, the main army units, benefiting from their formidable racial characteristics, experienced a tremendous boost in their attributes. The Naga Legion and Dragonblood Legions combat prowess surged several times over. The Ocean Crown forces, which were already holding their ground effectively, now became even more formidable with the hero units leadership, cutting through their enemies with ease. If they hadnt been ordered to construct defensive lines here, they might have burst out to engage the enemy directly. Soldiers from the Starshine Islands, who had witnessed countless incredible things throughout the day, couldnt help but be astonished once more. Were they for real? After a whole day of fighting, they were still so full of vitality, and they seemed even more powerful now. Just as they were becoming somewhat numb and their bodies were gradually tiring out, a hauntingly beautiful song suddenly echoed in their ears. Strangely, this song instantly washed away their physical and mental fatigue, igniting their blood, and filling their bodies with newfound strength. The momentum of the Crown of the Oceans army soared once more, and their combat strength increased once again. Meanwhile, a change occurred among the sea beasts. Unbeknownst to them, many of their kind had experienced a peculiar transformation under the influence of this song. Their gazes grew vacant, and without hesitation, they turned their claws and fangs on their own kind. Alice, compared to when she first gained control over mind manipulation skills, had come a long way. At level forty, she was now several times more powerful. In just a matter of seconds, she seized control of thousands of sea beasts, catching them completely off guard and causing them to turn on their own kind. Seeing this scene, the soldiers from the Starshine Islands were once again bewildered. Whats happening? Why are the sea beasts turning on each other? They followed the source of the song, and their eyes fell on a slender figure standing on a high cliff, a beam of moonlight piercing through the clouds and casting a delicate veil-like glow upon her. This was the masked woman!? The soldiers were astonished once again, exchanging bewildered glances. Suddenly, someone seemed to recall something and spoke with trembling words. Its a Siren! Only Sirens possess the ability to enchant sea beasts with their songs! As these words were uttered, the other soldiers also began to react, their faces filled with shock. Clearly, having grown up on these islands, they had heard rumors about Sirens. According to the sea legends, Sirens were often associated with malevolence, as their ability to control minds made them seem inclined to commit evil acts. No one wanted to be controlled and turned against their comrades. Stories and tales abounded of Sirens luring kings to their doom, seducing sailors with their songs to steer ships into treacherous rocks, and other enduring legends and tales from the worlds seas. Initially, they assumed that the masked woman was perhaps a servant or attendant of this so-called Master, similar to a messenger or a vase. But they never imagined that her true identity would be that of a legendary Siren. No wonder she was so calm and fearless when facing the council members. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only For a moment, these soldiers felt somewhat lost and unsure of how to react. However, someone quickly realized, Whats there to fear? Even if shes a Siren, shes still fighting alongside us against the sea beasts! Hearing this, the other soldiers soon came to the same realization. Though it sounded frightening, this Siren lady had not done anything to harm them. Instead, she came to aid the Starshine Islands in resisting the sea beast tide. In reality, she seemed quite different from the ominous tales, and there didnt appear to be anything to fear. In fact, Sirens mostly reside and thrive in the deep sea, rarely venturing to the surface. So, a lot of the stories about their wickedness were mostly made up by sailors or adventurers. They did this to make their journeys seem more thrilling and challenging. They took existing rumors and exaggerated them to convince others that they had gone through a dangerous and extraordinary adventure.. Chapter 452 - Chapter 452: The Killing Begins, Gradually Changes in Chapter 452: The Killing Begins, Gradually Changes in Mentality, Dreadful and Monstrous Hiding Inside (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In all honesty, why would the Sirens, who live in the deep sea, be bothered by you folks on land who cant even breathe underwater on a regular basis? As various hero units joined the battle, the sea beasts were horrified to find that they seemed to have a hard time suppressing these thousands of enemy units in this area. How was this possible!? They had overwhelming numerical superiority, even if they lost some before, they still had hundreds of thousands of them. Even if it was hundreds of thousands of sea creatures, they should be able to overwhelm the enemy, right? But those few hero units were just too terrifying, like sharp arrows deeply embedded in their flesh, impossible to remove. Even when the Tier 5 sea creatures rushed in, the result was the same: instant death. At this moment, they felt weaker than pigs. Whats even more distressing is that some of their kind seemed to have gone mad, suddenly attacking each other. This made these originally barbaric and frenzied sea beasts lose all their reason and start killing each other. The front couldnt break through, and the rear turned into chaos. The attacking force of the sea creatures, still numbering in the hundreds of thousands, became weaker and weaker. As time passed, the Crown of the Ocean army fought as if they had boundless energy, and many sea beasts were beheaded. At first, the leaders of the sea beast units with some intelligence were indifferent and apathetic when they attacked, even if they vaguely knew they had fallen into a trap, they didnt care because they knew there was nothing that could stop their advance. But soon, their mentality changed slightly. These obstructing enemies seemed to be stronger. But it didnt matter; they would make a move. As long as the fifth-tier sea beasts joined the battle, everything would start to improve. Shortly after that, as they entered the fight but were met with a terrifying enemy ambush, resulting in countless casualties, they finally became panicked. Damn, these enemies were a bit abnormal, why couldnt we beat them no matter how we fight? After sacrificing the lives of hundreds of their own, they managed to inflict only minor injuries on the enemy. When facing such a vast power gap, its inevitable that anyone would feel utterly defeated. They originally had the advantage, but now they were being beaten senseless. That narrow defense line, like an ever-running meat grinder, ground the surging sea creatures into pulp, scattering and becoming nutrients for the ocean. At this moment, they finally admitted that they felt a hint of fear. Even though there were still many of their kind, it couldnt give them a shred of security. And what happened next completely crushed them. Ji Chen looked at the still intense battle below and then at the sky. Unknowingly, they were fighting all night. The dim sky gradually showed a glimmer of light, and although the sun had not yet risen in the distance, its selfless light had already spread out eagerly. The time has dragged on for too long, its time to end this Ji Chen muttered to himself, gradually making up his mind. At this point, the sea beasts had completely lost any chance of victory, and finishing them was only a matter of time. He decided to expedite that time. Herald, all of you, fall back. Upon hearing the order, several hero units that had already been slaughtering enemies in the enemy ranks did not hesitate to abandon their current opponents and fought their way back. Ji Chen slowly raised his right hand, forming a clenched fist. The next moment, the center of the sea beast tide began to rotate rapidly, turning into a swirling vortex. This vortex expanded rapidly like a propeller, encompassing all the sea creatures within a kilometer in an instant. As the water continuously spun, the tremendous suction prevented them from escaping the vortexs capture. Whether they were low-tier sea creatures or Tier 5 sea beasts, they had no resistance in the face of this terrifying vortex that appeared without warning. At this moment, their lives no longer belonged to them. If one were to dive into the water, they could see that this vortex extended several hundred meters deep, narrowing from top to bottom, connecting the surface of the sea to the deep ocean. In this horrifying vortex, a large number of sea beasts were swept into the sea, continuing to rotate madly until they reached the bottom and were thrown out like garbage, lifeless. This vortex continued until Ji Chen exhausted all his mana and finally slowed down. The sea surface returned to calm, but there was a significant reduction in the number of sea creatures on the battlefield. The remaining sea creatures finally lost their sanity completely as the last strand of their rationality snapped. Eerie howls filled the air, and large groups of sea beasts began to panic and flee toward the rear. The massive sea beast tide instantly disintegrated, turning into a disorganized retreat. The speed of this retreat was even faster than their advance yesterday. Ji Chen endured the discomfort of running out of mana and shouted loudly, Pursue the fleeing enemy and try to inflict as many casualties as possible! The solid defensive line that had held for a day and night collapsed instantly. Legions broke down into smaller groups, chasing and killing the fleeing sea creatures. Along the way, thousands more bodies were added to the battlefield, adding significantly to the achievements of the Crown of the Ocean. It wasnt until the remaining sea creatures had completely fled from the Starshine Islands that the forces of the Crown of the Ocean gradually returned. Looking at the drifting sea creature corpses on the sea surface, the soldiers of the Starshine Islands were momentarily stunned, their eyes filled with confusion and doubt. Is it over? The sea creature tide has been repelled? Such a large group of sea creatures, and now theyve been defeated? They all felt that this was somewhat unreal. But soon, their bewilderment and doubt turned into excitement and jubilation. The soldiers of the Starshine Islands raised their weapons, as if they were venting the pent-up emotions, and cheered loudly. We won!!! The sea creatures have been repelled! Victory for the Starshine Islands! Hail to Miss Siren!! The news of the victory quickly spread back to Starshine City. The shadow looming overhead dissipated, and all the residents came out of their houses, celebrating and rejoicing in the streets, letting out their joy of surviving the disaster. Inside the council hall of Starshine City. When the news of successfully repelling the sea creature tide reached here, it made the previously quiet hall even quieter. When the dusty soldiers brought the good news, what they saw were not the joyful expressions of the council members but rather more solemn faces. After a moment of silence. Hadman spoke with a dark expression, Did that army really repel the sea beast tide? The soldiers suddenly felt something was amiss, but they quickly replied, Yes, Council President, that army did indeed defeat the sea beast tide. Most of the remaining sea creatures have already fled from the Star shine Islands, and only a few scattered ones remain, which we can handle shortly. So, how are their losses? Were they heavily damaged by the sea creatures? They did suffer very severe losses, about one-third of the army perished, and over half of them have varying degrees of injuries. Their physical strength, energy, and mana are almost depleted Hadmans eyes lit up slightly upon hearing this, and he proceeded to ask many more questions, most of which were about the army rather than the aftermath of the sea beast tide. This puzzled the soldier even more. Shouldnt this be the time to inquire about the losses suffered by the Starshine Islands or the post-sea creature tide issues? Over ten minutes later. Alright, you may leave now, Hadman said emotionlessly. Although he felt that something was very wrong, the soldier still gave a salute and left the room. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The doors of the hall closed again, isolating the sounds from inside and outside. The soldier shook his head and walked outside. But as he remembered the many questions asked by Council President Hadman, a terrifying thought suddenly flashed in his mind. Could it be that the council As he thought about it, cold sweat dripped from his forehead, and with a mixture of fear, resentment, and confusion in his eyes, he turned back to look at the closed doors of the council hall, as if something dreadful and monstrous was hiding inside.. Chapter 456 - Chapter 456: Condensing Water into Soldiers, Occupy or Return Chapter 456: Condensing Water into Soldiers, Occupy or Return Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Just a momentary daze, a gleam of wild delight flickered in Hadmans eyes. This is what you asked for. Weve aiready given you a chance. If you insist on pursuing that unrealistic reward, then youll be stuck here forever. Once weve dealt with ail of you, well eliminate anyone in the vicinity who has witnessed this, thus concealing everything. Then, they would publicly declare that Starshine City repelled the Sea Beast Tide. The merchants would return, and the Starshine Islands would regain their former prosperity. In an instant, lladman had the future all planned out. His thoughts returned. A fierce expression appeared on his face, and he raised his right hand, gesturing firmly, Seal this place off and eliminate them. His familys private army suddenly sprang into action, and upon seeing this, the other council members also issued attack orders. The warships on the sea raised their cannons slightly, and the well-trained sailors immediately loaded ammunition and then pulled the ropes vigorously. After a brief pause, the cannon muzzles emitted sparks of orange light, and the shells traced a smooth arc, ready to rain death upon the enemy. Ji Chen watched the councils private army approaching steadily, sighing softly. Deal with them. This sentence was like a command, and the Crown of the Oceans forces suddenly sprang into action. All their units quickly submerged, disappearing from the waters surface in the blink of an eye, leaving only ripples of turmoil behind. In the next moment, gunfire spread across the waters surface, but under the surging spray, not a single body could be seen. Just as the sailors on the nearest warship were preparing to drop depth charges to prevent the enemy from approaching underwater. They were suddenly shaken violently by the ships intense tremors, falling in all directions. Before they could regain their balance, they heard cries of terror coming from inside the ship. Waters leaking into the hold! Those damn things are boring holes in the ship! Quick, perform damage control and repair the hull! The torpedo team, use depth charges to kill those damn things! The sailors turned pale, the enemy came too fast, it had only been a short ten seconds before they reached the bottom of the ship? They didnt even have the time to launch the depth charges! The ones responsible for boring holes in the ship were the Dragonblood Legion, the fastest unit in the Crown of the Ocean. The moment they submerged, they split into dozens of teams and charged toward the enemy ships. With precision, they used tridents to bore holes in the ships bottom. In just over ten seconds, they turned the entire ships bottom into a sieve, and seawater desperately poured in. When the sailors rose from the shaking and tossed depth charges into the water, the Dragon Blood Murlocs who had completed their hole-boring mission had already withdrawn to a safe distance, watching as the depth charges exploded pointlessly. And soon, they found that they could not stop the seawater from flooding the ships hold. If they did not leave now, they would also sink into the sea. They could only reluctantly escape, jumping into the sea from the deck, swimming to a distance, and then helplessly watching the warship sink. But at this moment, they suddenly found something terrifying in the water As the warships quickly went under the water, numerous sailors found themselves in a desperate situation, struggling on the surface like dumplings in hot water. They were pulled down by unidentified foes, and soon, there was a shocking scene of blood in the water, with cries and screams filling the air without end. lladman and the council members were dumbfounded, followed by a sense of heartache. The heartache was not for the sailors; sailors could be hired for a pittance from the Nightingale Tavern in the harbor, and their lives were expendable. But a warshipeven if it was made of woodwas worth tens of thousands of gold coins, and it took a considerable amount of time and resources to build them. In addition, no matter how many sailors lives were sacrificed, it couldnt make up for the various cannons and bomb launchers equipped on the ships. For them, this was a significant loss of money! Now they realized that their navy couldnt possibly match the native and adept sea clan units in battle. Their gaze shifted to Ji Chen and Alice not far away. In that case, lets capture the ringleader first. Since they couldnt defeat the sea clan and couldnt capture them, they would start by catching this human who seemed to have little combat capability. They believed that if they were to control their leader, the rest of the army would crumble on its own! Capture him for me! The private army surged forward, their weapons poised for a frontal assault. Ji Chen looked slightly astonished, and there was even a hint of amusement in his expression. It was the first time he had been underestimated like this. Did these council members not learn about the situation on the battlefield against sea beasts from their soldiers? They actually thought they could capture him with these feeble private troops? Alice. No need for many words, no need for many questions. Alices expression turned cold, her eyes filled with a hint of killing intent. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only A strange, ancient rhythm, as if it came from the deep sea, suddenly echoed in the harbor, penetrating the ears of everyone around, just like seawater flowing into their ears. The frontmost group of a thousand private soldiers suddenly halted in unison, disrupting the rhythm of the following private troops. At the very moment when others were in doubt, they, like humanoid alchemical robots receiving a signal, collectively turned around and swiftly raised their weapons to strike at their colleagues. In an instant, screams echoed from the sea surface to the harbor, and the scent of blood filled the air. The other private military forces had never anticipated that their colleagues would suddenly attack them, resulting in heavy losses.. Chapter 457 - Chapter 457: Condensing Water into Soldiers, Occupy or Return (2) Chapter 457: Condensing Water into Soldiers, Occupy or Return (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The horrifying scene left everyone present in shock. Even the players who were spectating on the sidelines were dumbfounded, completely unaware of why the councilors private army was attacking their own comrades. Could it be because their paychecks hadnt been delivered? Hademan and the other councilors were also bewildered, and one of the councilors suddenly shouted angrily, What are you idiots doing!? Stop it! This thousand-strong unit belonged to him as his private army. But no matter how he angrily berated them, this private army continued to viciously attack their fellow comrades, their strikes exceptionally brutal. However, they quickly noticed something unusual about them. These private soldiers who had turned against their own comrades had lifeless eyes and moved in an unusually stiff manner as if they were soulless husks who only knew how to swing their weapons. With a simple connection of thoughts, they quickly linked it to the song that had been lingering around them. Could it be that the singing of the masked woman had transformed them into this state? Seeing that this rebellious private army was on the verge of going berserk, other councilors also became uneasy and ordered their private armies to eliminate them. Under overwhelming numerical superiority, this thousand-strong private army was soon slaughtered to the last man. But what filled them with despair was that another thousand-strong unit suddenly turned on them, catching them off guard. At this point, they understood that as long as the singing didnt stop, there would be a continuous stream of private soldiers enchanted by the song, losing their sanity and attacking their own comrades. Contain this thousand-strong unit first, the rest attack. This song can only affect a portion of us, no need to worry. Everyone, charge together, and once we kill that woman, everything will be fine. As the President of the Council, Hademan had a keen eye and quickly realized the influence of Alices singing. He shouted with authority. At his command, ten thousand-strong private armies broke formation and charged directly at Alice. Their eyes filled with hatred and a hint of fear. The power of this womans singing was so terrifying that, in their minds, this mind-controlling ability was no different from that of demons. Seeing this, Ji Chen nodded slightly; they reacted swiftly. But it didnt matter; he would take action. He raised his hands, and clusters of seawater leaped into the harbor, transforming into a hundred and fifty humanoid sailors. It was his skill, Condense Water into Soldiers. With the increase in his level, he could now condense and control a significantly larger number of water soldiers. Threads of aqueous connections, akin to umbilical cords, linked the water soldiers to the ocean, continually transferring energy. The private army of the councilors looked at these water soldiers and swung their weapons without hesitation, intending to kill them. However, when the sword edges pierced their bodies, it was as if they had encountered no resistance and went straight through. They could even see the sword edges passing through the water soldiers backs! Anyone who saw this would be momentarily bewildered. However, the water soldiers didnt hesitate for a moment. They swung their weapons, directly tearing through the armor of the private soldiers and inflicting severe wounds. Then, they ignored the multiple weapon strikes that came at them, swiftly decapitating the private soldier in front of them. In the face of enemies who couldnt be harmed in any way, the outcome of the battle had been known from the very beginning. The more the private army of the councilors attacked, the more hopeless they felt. Their weapons were utterly useless. They could cut off a water soldiers arm, and the next moment, it would grow back, and it would counterattack. Less than half a minute had passed, and they had lost hundreds of their own soldiers, while the enemy hadnt suffered a single casualty. How could they even compete? A mere hundred and fifty water soldiers appeared before them like a hundred and fifty towering mountains, inspiring fear. Even the most loyal and fearless warriors would feel fear and confusion when facing such stubborn opponents. They didnt even know how to overcome them. While the water soldiers held off the enemy, the battle on the seas surface was coming to an end. Dozens of warships were sunk without mercy by a single one, and hundreds of sailors drowned or were killed. The sea surface was littered with pale-skinned corpses and debris from the ships. Faced with the Crown of the Oceans army who held an absolute environmental advantage, these outdated traditional warships and sailors had no chance of resistance. When the nearly unscathed Crown of the Oceans army appeared in the harbor, and even after they had landed, the balance of the battle was completely disrupted. The Crown of the Ocean demonstrated the brutal nature of soldiers born for warfare and the distinction between fifth-tier soldiers and those who truly fought like fifth-tier warriors. Those two private armies of fifth-tier soldiers were even more fragile than paper before the Naga Legion and the Dragonblood Legion. They were easily scattered by a single charge. Over thirty thousand fourth-tier soldiers lost their significance in the overwhelming magical light and arrow rain, falling one by one. At this moment, human lives were worth less than the lives of sea beasts. Especially when a few councilors and the President of the Council, Hademan, died in the chaotic and violent magical energy, the remaining private soldiers completely lost their will to fight. Except for a small number who continued to resist, most of the surviving ones chose to surrender. As they watched the few remaining councilors being tied up with pale faces, the players of the Starshine Islands finally came to their senses after the initial shock. They took a deep breath. The heavens of the Starshine Islands were about to change. The events here were immediately posted on the forums. Shocking! The Starshine Islands are about to undergo a major transformation! Especially with a post title reminiscent of a certain news website, it piqued the curiosity of many players. They clicked on it while grumbling about what kind of clickbait these guys were using. But after reading the post, they were all stunned. Oh my god! Is it really going to change? Intertribal conflicts among native forces were common in this not-so-peaceful world. However, what was happening on the Starshine Islands was beyond their imagination. But what happened in the Starshine Islands was beyond their imagination. A passing indigenous army came to Starshine Citys aid in repelling the sea beast onslaught, but after paying a steep price to fend off the oceanic threat, they discovered that Starshine City was unwilling to fulfill the promised rewards. In a fit of anger, this indigenous army ruthlessly defeated Starshine Citys forces, leaving them in disarray. They also captured the mastermind behind it all, a member of the council, and seized control of the entire Starshine Islands. What kind of magical plot was this? While the casual players were surfing the internet like madmen, one of the main figures in all of this, Ji Chen, was now seated in the council chamber at the center of Starshine City. Looking at the council chamber, which symbolized the highest authority in Starshine City, he appeared somewhat troubled. Wait a minute, wasnt he here to demand the reward for repelling the sea beast tide from Hademan? How did they end up conquering Starshine City, and even the Starshine Islands, in such a haphazard manner? All of this exceeded his original expectations. But now, the die had been cast, and Ji Chen began to contemplate how to handle the situation. Firstly, it was impossible for him to invest a significant amount of effort in completely taking over this place. There was no time for it, and he didnt have enough manpower. Building the Crown of the Ocean and managing the Great Luminescent Sea was already taxing enough. Managing these islands hundreds of kilometers away would be even more challenging. Distance was a problem that needed consideration. So, should he simply return this place? He quickly dismissed that thought. After just capturing this place, giving it back immediately would be pointless. Besides, most of the councilors were already dead, and even the President of the Council, Hademan, had perished due to the magic. There was no one to return it to. At the very least, he needed to secure the reward he was entitled to first. Of course, one-tenth of the council families wealth was the original price, and now he wasnt going to settle for anything less. As he contemplated, a thought gradually emerged. After a dozen or so minutes, Ji Chen concluded his contemplation and with a determined expression, gave his orders. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Spread my command: Have the Naga Legion and the Dragonblood Legion block the estates of the Thirteen Council Families. Plunder their storerooms and treasuries, and bring me everything C resources, treasures, valuables, anything of worth, all of it! Gather all the oceangoing ships in Starshine City. I need a sufficiently large fleet to transport these goods. The Knight Legion and the Guardian Legion will maintain order in Starshine City and the surrounding waters. At least while we still occupy this place, everything must remain stable! At the same time, have Anina return to the New Moon Islands as fast as possible. Notify Sonia to lead a Coral Palace army here at the fastest speed. 1 need their forces now. Yes! Chapter 458 - Chapter 458: Submission, Spare Their Lives, Didn’t I Say I’m the Lord of Glory? Chapter 458: Submission, Spare Their Lives, Didnt I Say Im the Lord of Glory? Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the dark prison cell, Xhakas eyes were lifeless, his lips parched, and his throat felt like it had swallowed a stone, causing immense pain. He looked at the other two councilors who clung to the cell door, staring outside with no glimmer of hope in their eyes. Despair gradually filled his heart. Under the terrifying onslaught of magic, the Star shine City Council was reduced to just the three of them. He remembered clearly how Hadman and the other council members were torn apart by the relentless onslaught of spells and arrows. Their once-proud private army fell apart like fragile sea beasts being mercilessly slaughtered by that powerful force. Thinking of these memories, a look of pain flashed in Xhakass eyes. At this moment, he was filled with intense regret, regretting why he didnt simply hand over the one-tenth share of his familys wealth willingly back then. Instead, he had allowed himself to be misled by the foolish Hademan into refusing to pay. Now, not only were they imprisoned here, but the Starshine Islands, which they had managed for centuries, were also occupied. He lost everything, and he wasnt even sure if he could keep his own life. However, since they had been locked up here for a whole day, it was as if the man had forgotten about them. They were left here like a pile of garbage, with no one to guard them and no food brought to them. They had gone without water the entire day. No matter how much they shouted, no one paid them any attention, and their voices only echoed in this dark and desolate prison. They felt uneasy, fearing that in the next moment, fearsome sea clan soldiers would come in and execute them. The physical hunger and constant mental oppression had pushed them to their physiological limits. At this moment, footsteps suddenly echoed from outside, resonating heavily within the prison. The three of them turned pale instantly. To them, these footsteps seemed like an ominous and terrifying sound, and the fear in their hearts surged like an overwhelming wave, threatening to engulf them completely. Several figures appeared one after another outside the cell. Xhakas squinted to get a better view and identified the leader of the group, who was also the commander of the army. The commander wore a mask, and behind it, his eyes were profound, resembling stars, as if they held the ability to discern everything in the world. Yet, his gaze was also that of a ruthless sovereign, capable of bringing death and destruction at any moment. The leader of the group spoke slowly. Are you the council member of Starshine City, Xhakas? Xhakas recognized this man as the commander of the army. His throat rolled, and he swallowed hard. He wanted to burst out with curses, to demonstrate the courage and honor of one of the Thirteen Council Families that ruled the Starshine Islands for centuries, and then to be killed by him with dignity. But at this moment, he felt that he couldnt say anything in front of those eyes. He even felt his body trembling continuously. In the end, he yielded. His legs slowly knelt on the ground, and his forehead pressed against the damp floor, adopting the most humble posture. I am, Lord. Ji Chen looked at Xhakas kneeling before him, a hint of surprise in his eyes. Then he looked at the other two senators, Councilor Kieran, Councilor Herman? The two men glanced at Xhakas kneeling motionless on the ground, and then remembered Hadman, who had been reduced to ashes in the explosion of magic. They clenched their teeth and knelt down, saying, Yes, Lord. With their response, Ji Chen nodded slightly. Do you know what crimes you have committed previously? We should not have failed to fulfill our promises and attempted to use force to compel you, Lord, and even plotted to take your life. We are guilty. Xhakas stated without hesitation, surprising the other two councilors with the speed of his confession. Goodness, had he already planned all of this in advance? What a coward, just looking out for his own life! While they grumbled and complained, they didnt want to fall behind in confessing their own crimes. I should not have coveted that reward; I am guilty Offending you, Lord, is our greatest sin! Seeing them confess so straightforwardly, Ji Chen, who intended to find fault with them, found it difficult to find any fault. He abandoned the script he had prepared in his mind. After a moment of thought, he decided not to dwell on these trivial matters. So he simply said, I have occupied the Starshine Islands, but I wont invest too much energy here now. Therefore, I need people familiar with this place who can assist me in managing it. Upon hearing this, Kieran and Herman quickly understood Ji Chens intention. As long as they could avoid death and regain their previous power, they were willing to pay any price. We are willing to work for you, Lord. We hope you can give us a chance to make amends for our past crimes, they hurriedly said. Ji Chen looked at each of them in turn, and finally, his gaze passed over the silent Xhakas. In a calm tone, he said, But 1 want you to sign a master and slave contract. A master and slave contract!? Kieran and Hermans faces showed a hint of hesitation. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Naturally, they were aware of such a contract. Once signed, the soul of the slave party would be under the control of the master, and the servants life would no longer belong to them. Unless the master party voluntarily released them, the contract would exist forever. For them, who had held high positions as councilors and were nobles with a long history, it was difficult to accept. After all, they migrated from the mainland and had a deep historical background. How could they become someone elses slaves? Seeing their expressions, Ji Chen sighed inwardly. Indeed, such matters couldnt be entrusted to these people.. Chapter 459 - Chapter 459: Submission, Spare Their Lives, Didn’t I Say I’m the Lord of Glory? (2) Chapter 459: Submission, Spare Their Lives, Didnt I Say Im the Lord of Glory? (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Im willing! At this moment, Xhakas, who were silent since all this while, raised his head with a serious expression. Ji Chen narrowed his eyes, a hint of admiration flickering in them. Without delay, he extended his index finger and began to draw a floating contract in the air. As his fingertip moved, the contract text gradually appeared. With a gentle push, it flew in front of Xhakas. Without the slightest hesitation, Xhakas immediately signed his name on the contract. The text containing the rules dissipated in the air, and Xhakas felt a certain connection between himself and Ji Chen, an inexplicable sense of awe and subservience rising from the depths of his soul. With just a thought from Ji Chen, his soul would instantly dissipate. Xhakas lowered his head again, showing profound respect, and said, Thank you for your forgiveness, my Lord. 1 will do my utmost to assist you in controlling the entire Starshine Islands. Ji Chen nodded. Rise. Xhakas straightened up, supporting himself with his arms, but his waist remained bent, his face filled with respect and awe. This turn of events left Kieran and Herman dumbfounded. They hadnt expected Xhakas to be so decisive. Did he have no sense of noble honor left? Having held high positions for a long time, they understood very well that if a person lost their utility, the price of their life would plummet. In short, it seemed that they no longer had much value to Ji Chen. In an instant, Kieran and Herman felt a sense of impending doom looming over them. My Lord, Im also willing! Please grant us another chance, and we are willing to sign the Master and Slave Contract! Ji Chen looked at the two who had belatedly come to their senses. There was no emotional fluctuation in his eyes as he gestured for the Naga Guardians following him to deal with them. Witnessing this scene, Kieran and Herman turned pale and collapsed on the ground. At this moment, the sea clan warriors, wielding double-edged swords, appeared to be demons of doom in their eyes. My Lord, I think we can spare their lives. However, at this moment, a voice as if from the heavens granted them a reprieve. Ji Chen furrowed his brow, his gaze turning toward Xhakas, who had once again knelt down. He slowly raised his hand, instructing the Naga Guardians, who served as executioners, to halt. State your reasons. I wont keep those who have no value. Feeling the immense pressure, Xhakas took a deep breath and spoke in a concise and articulate manner. The Thirteen Council Families have occupied the Starshine Islands for hundreds of years, gradually cultivating their respective industries. For example, under my banner, theres the Radiant Commerce Guild, which is the largest guild in the Starshine Islands, controlling the largest trading fleet and possessing a comprehensive system for both domestic and foreign trade. Through the Radiant Commerce Guilds fleet and a skilled workforce, we can import goods from the Western Continent at the fastest speed, and, of course, export goods to the Western Continent. In addition, the Radiant Commerce Guild has multiple offices in coastal cities of the Western Continent. Apart from handling commercial affairs, they also gather various news and intelligence. Ji Chens interest piqued, and his brow relaxed slightly. Continue. Seeing that Ji Chens tone had softened, Xhakas cleared his throat and continued. Kieran is the largest agricultural producer in the Starshine Islands, and he owns several large food processing factories. These factories can produce and process a large amount of food, practically sustaining the entire food supply of the Starshine Islands. Herman, on the other hand, possesses a large shipyard, the only one within the Thirteen Council Families capable of manufacturing steel warships. He has a significant reserve of alchemical technology and even a large alchemical cannon manufacturing plant, capable of producing various alchemical cannons and shells. So, instead of killing them, it might be more beneficial to grant them a chance at redemption. They can use these industries and advantages to serve you better. This way, my Lord, you can have better control over the Starshine Islands and gain greater benefits. After all, someone familiar with these affairs can better leverage their value. Finishing his explanation, Xhakas cautiously observed Ji Chen, feeling a bit apprehensive. However, when he saw a hint of approval on Ji Chens face, he finally breathed a sigh of relief, his heart swelling with hope. Ji Chen couldnt help but admit that Xhakas words had indeed convinced him. At the same time, he hadnt anticipated that these Council Families did have some redeeming qualities. For instance, Xhakas Radiant Commerce Guild. While the Ocean Crown had gained the expertise of seasoned merchants like Raymond, its position in commerce and trade was not very strong. Welcoming a well-established guild like the Radiant Commerce Guild could greatly enhance the Ocean Crowns ability to export goods to the untouched Western Continent. On the other hand, Kierans agricultural production and processing were quite impressive. Food was an essential daily necessity, and often the market demand for it was the greatest, with a tremendous utility. What caught his attention the most was Herman. He hadnt expected that his shipyard could manufacture steel warships, something he had always dreamt of. For Ocean Crown to face increasingly powerful enemies in the future, products like these, containing the crystallization of alchemical technology in this world and capable of traversing the vast oceans, were indispensable. Very well, 1 will give you another chance. Ji Chen didnt hesitate and drew up two sets of master and slave contracts, pushing them in front of the two men. This time, Kieran and Herman didnt hesitate for a moment. They immediately signed their names. The contracts were now established, and a hint of melancholy flashed across their faces, but they quickly accepted it. Although becoming slaves felt a bit awkward, the fact that they could survive was already a good thing. Moreover, according to Ji Chens intentions, they would still have control over their own industries. They just had to acknowledge there was someone they needed to serve. Seeing the contracts signed, the three remaining council members of Starshine City also submitted. Ji Chen wasted no more time. He led the three of them out of the prison and into the council chamber. He immediately issued his orders to them. Starting today, the Starshine City Council is dissolved, replaced by the Ocean Crown Starshine Islands Office. The highest authority belongs to Ocean Crown, and the supreme ruler is me, Ji Chen. Besides your own industries, you three need to take control of the properties left behind by the deceased council members as soon as possible and coordinate all available resources. The regular city and private armies of Starshine City will all be disbanded. They can only join the newly established Starshine Islands Guard after passing several rounds of assessments. During this time, defense duties will be handled by the Coral Palace troops. Oh, by the way, the Coral Palace is an affiliated force of Ocean Crown. As for the sea beast carcasses, you dont need to worry about them. The Glory Lords will be responsible for their disposal. For now, maintain the previous policies regarding the Glory Lords and avoid excessive interference. They just need to adhere to the order here. The buildings and facilities on the southern islands of this archipelago, destroyed by sea beasts, will also be prioritized for repair In addition, you need to spread the news that Starshine Islands have successfully repelled the sea beast tide. This place needs new blood injected by those merchants Oh, by the way, the slums in Starshine City need to be demolished and rebuilt as soon as possible. Dont let the food in the warehouses go bad either. Allocate some of it to help the residents. At least ensure they all have warm shelter and enough to eat The numerous decrees were delivered one by one, and the sheer quantity left the three of them feeling a bit overwhelmed. However, having previously served as council members, they possessed some administrative capabilities and could grasp the meaning behind these decrees. I understand, we will take action as soon as possible. Xhakas respectfully replied but had a question on his mind, My Lord, I have a question. Go ahead. Your domain is named Ocean Crown? It sounds similar to the names of those Glory Lords Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen looked at him strangely, Did 1 ever say that I am a Glory Lord? Hmm I dont think 1 did. Xhakas and the others stared blankly, their faces filled with disbelief. A storm of shock surged within their hearts. The Lord is a Glory Lord!? How is that possible! Chapter 460 - Chapter 460: Talent as a Dog, Huge Resources,” Chapter 460: Talent as a Dog, Huge Resources, Acknowledge Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation At this moment, the three of them stood there as if thunderstruck. This couldnt be possible! How could a Lord of Glory have amassed such an extremely powerful army in just a few months? They witnessed his army holding off tens of thousands of sea beasts, even wreaking havoc on the armed forces of the Starshine Islands. Are you telling them that hes a Lord of Glory!? Why are you feeling so surprised? Ji Chen glanced at them. Xhakas quickly said, No matter what the Lords identity is, 1 will remain loyal. Just as the other two were about to express their loyalty, Ji Chen waved his hand, Dont waste time with meaningless flattery. 1 need your actions, not words. Im a lord who has always been fair in rewards and punishments. If you perform well, you will be rewarded; if you make mistakes, you will be punished. As long as you can complete the tasks I assign, everything will be fine. The three of them hurriedly saluted in response, but thoughts were brewing in their minds. It seemed that this Lord they were forced to serve not only possessed immense strength but also seemed to be an ambitious individual. Apart from the rather annoying master-slave contract, they hadnt been mistreated. In fact, he entrusted them with industries and resources across the entire Starshine Islands, something they had never had before. The situation didnt seem so bad? Ignoring the three who were lost in thought, Ji Chen left on his own. In the vast dome-shaped hall, they were left staring at each other. Xhakas looked around, observing the unchanged council chamber, feeling like he had entered a different world. Just a few days ago, they were sitting here high and mighty, dressed in suits, casually deciding the fates of many in the Starshine Islands, wielding the highest authority. Now, returning here once more, they had become servants to others, with their lives at the mercy of someone else. I never thought that we would end up like this, Kieran sighed. Can we consider this like we had invited trouble into our home? We did stop the sea beast tide, but we lost our wealth and even the entire Starshine Islands. Its all Hadmans fault. If it werent for his instigation, we wouldnt be in this situation. Getting blasted by magic was a punishment too lenient on him! Herman spat on the ground and complained. Well, now we can only accept our fate. A contract set by a legendary-level powerhouse is not something we can resist Xhakas, what do you think? Xhakas didnt respond; he just gave them a cold look and reprimanded, We should remain loyal to Lord Ji Chen and do more work, rather than secretly complaining here. Loyalty is the highest virtue. Kieran and Herman looked a bit taken aback and annoyed. You, with those thick eyebrows and big eyes, youve quickly embraced your role, huh!? Why didnt we know you were naturally talented at being a dog!? The three of them parted ways, not in the best of spirits. Xhakas walked out with a cold face, his expression gradually relaxing. He glanced sideways at the two who were still in the hall, a hint of a cold smile playing at the corner of his mouth. These two fools. Despiting knowing they had reached this point, they still dared to secretly complain behind the Lords back, and clung to their old ways. Werent they afraid of the Lords blade? Their foolishness would eventually be his gain. Thinking that the Lord would exclude them and trust him alone. By then, hed be the one ruling over the Starshine Islands. As a result, Xhakas was feeling quite pleased with himself. With these thoughts in mind, Xhakass mood improved slightly, and he left with his hands behind his back. Halfway up the mountain. The estate that originally belonged to a certain council member of Starshine City had become spoils of war for the Ocean Crown after the council member died in the previous battle. This vast and beautiful estate was now temporarily used as Ji Chens office. In a luxurious room. Ji Chen sat at his desk, leaning back in a soft chair made from the fur of some unknown sea creature, listening to Alices report. Since joining Ji Chen, Alice was exposed to various tasks and developed good administrative abilities alongside her formidable personal strength. As Wilus and the others were currently on the New Moon Islands, Alice temporarily took on the role of secretary. All the resources in the warehouses of the Thirteen Council Families, except for those of Xhakas, Kieran, and Herman, are currently undergoing inventory, but due to the large quantity and disorganized state, it will take several additional days to finish the complete inventory. However, we have already prioritized the rare resources, the ones you are most concerned about, my Lord. There is a total of four million units of rare resources. This seems a bit low, Ji Chen frowned and shook his head. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Yes, indeed, Alice nodded in agreement, maintaining her poised secretary demeanor. The Thirteen Council Families and the Starshine Islands dont have a significant demand for rare resources. Most of their internal and external trade relies on gold coins as the trading currency. So, compared to other things, there arent many rare resources, but the quantity of gold coins is quite substantial. At that level of quantity Alice recalled the warehouses filled with gold coins she had seen earlier and used an analogy, Its piled up like a massive underwater mountain. Oh? Approximately how many are we talking about? Initially estimated to be over thirty million gold coins, with a specific quantity ranging from thirty million to thirty-three million.. Chapter 461 - Chapter 461: Talent as a Dog, Huge Resources, and Acknowledge (2) Chapter 461: Talent as a Dog, Huge Resources, and Acknowledge (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen took a sharp breath, a pleasant surprise appearing on his face. Thirty million gold coins, enough to equip several armies of the same scale as the councilors private forces. He couldnt help but wonder why these councilors preferred to hoard their gold instead of using it to strengthen their military or develop their holdings. However, this is only a part of the Thirteen Council Families wealth. When they faced the Sea Beast Tide, they had a two-pronged plan. One was to seek our help in defending against it, and the other was to transport most of their easily portable wealth, as well as their families and trusted aides, aboard their private fleets. They secretly left the Starshine Islands before the Sea Beast Tide arrived. Except for Xhakas, Kieran, and Hermans fleets, which are currently returning, the private fleets of the other councilors should have completely left the nearby waters. They probably heard the news that the Starshine Islands have changed hands and are unlikely to return. Finding them in such vast oceans is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Ji Chen nodded. He already learned about the last point from Xhakas. This was undeniably a massive loss. The councilors, especially Hadman, had made detailed preparations. They moved most of their wealth and families on ships as a precaution in case the Crown of the Ocean couldnt withstand the Sea Beast Tide. This way, they would have the resources to make a fresh start. As for the residents of the Starshine Islands? Xhakas reported that Hadman had included the residents in the evacuation plan, using them as bait to attract the attention of the Sea Beast Tide, allowing them enough time to escape. Once the Sea Beast Tide passed through the Starshine Islands, they would return and regain control of the highest authority here. They didnt particularly care about the population; in this world, the population was the least valuable. As long as they had enough money, they could easily acquire a large labor force. In this way, apart from losing a large number of buildings, they didnt suffer too much. As long as they return, the Thirteen Council Families would still be the supreme rulers here! However, for these private fleets loaded with a wealth of resources but lacking sufficient armed forces, they were like a juicy piece of meat in the middle of the ocean, quickly devoured by anyone who coveted it. Therefore, he wasnt too worried that these family members and trusted aides would come back for revenge. Even if they did, the Crown of the Ocean would only give them the same fate as those councilors C death and destruction. Your father couldnt defeat me, and you believe that you and your descendants can? Putting aside these thoughts, Ji Chen signaled for Alice to continue. It wasnt until an hour later that all the various matters were reported. Even for Alice, who was a Siren, she couldnt help but breathe a sigh of relief at the end. For her, dealing with these human affairs wasnt particularly enjoyable. She preferred the simplicity of battling enemies. Seeing her relieved expression, Ji Chen felt a twinge of sympathy but could only come over and pat her little head. Youve been through a lot. Once Wilus sends someone over, you wont have to do these things anymore. Alice gently shook her head and looked at Ji Chen earnestly, My Lord, as long as you need it, Im willing to do it for you. Ji Chen had no words in response and could only embrace her with comfort. But in his heart, he began to contemplate whether it was right to involve someone like Alice, born into the boundless ocean with pure blood, in these disgusting and worldly matters of humans. They were originally living in the vast ocean, singing freely with their voices, without having to pay attention to all this. It could be said that Alice, who was originally a blank canvas, was gradually being colored by him with various shades. After some thought, Ji Chen realized he might be overthinking things. Even though Alice was bound to him through that potion, after so much time of interaction and communication, the relationship between Alice and him had evolved beyond just a bond of loyalty. Her approval of him was why she was willing to do so much. Similarly, many residents of the Crown of the Ocean, the different races, and even newcomers like Raymond were willing to follow him, recognizing the order and rules he established. Because they believed Ji Chen could lead them towards a brighter and better life, perhaps even usher in a new era. This, ultimately, was the reason why Alice and many others were willing to charge into battle for him. Unbeknownst to him, his shoulders were gradually bearing the expectations of many. For some reason, Ji Chen began to feel more attached to this world. He was slowly moving away from seeing it solely as a hyper-realistic game like the other players did. The people and things here had long become inseparably connected to him. Sensing the changes in Ji Chen, Alice, with her keen perception, merely glanced to the side and nestled herself once again in that warm chest. No matter how this world was, she would always accompany the Lord. The sea breeze was slightly cool. Ji Chen stood by the harbor, gazing at the sea illuminated by the bright moonlight. Xhakas and a few others stood respectfully nearby. They were preparing to welcome the Coral Palace army from the New Moon Islands, located thousands of miles away. As affiliated forces of the Crown of the Ocean and colleagues, coupled with the fact that this Coral Palace army was about to take over the defense of the Starshine Islands, they felt it was necessary to make contact. However, when they saw the army that numbered as high as ten thousand, each one emitting a much stronger aura than the private armies of the councilors, their faces couldnt help but show a hint of shock. They exchanged glances and saw the astonishment in each others eyes. Even an affiliated force possessed such a powerful army. What was the true strength of the Crown of the Ocean?! The Coral Palace army arrived near the shore, and a tall figure leaped onto the pier from the sea, swiftly approaching and kneeling down with a respectful expression. My Lord, Sonia has brought ten thousand Coral Palace soldiers to answer your call. This person was none other than the Coral Lord, Sonia. A few days ago, when she received Ji Chens order to lead her army away from the Great Luminescent Sea and head to the Starshine Islands, she was overjoyed. This meant that, after thousands of years, a Great Luminescent Sea sea clan had finally arrived in the main world. She could finally fulfill her long-cherished wish. Filled with joy, she immediately organized her troops and rushed here overnight. Rise, I said a simple salute is enough. Ji Chen smiled and extended his hand to help her up. I hope you didnt encounter any unexpected issues on your journey. Sonia stood up, still somewhat shocked, and shook her head. We didnt encounter any unexpected issues. We only encountered scattered sea beasts on the way, which we quickly dealt with. But 1 must admit Im a bit surprised. The main world doesnt seem as? As dangerous as you thought? Ji Chen finished her sentence and looked at the well-organized Coral Palace army on the sea. The strength of the Coral Palace army is indeed an excellent force. However, the Intercontinental Ocean is much wider than the Great Luminescent Sea, and there are some extremely secretive and terrifying existences within it. Dont let your guard down. I understand, Sonia replied obediently. Ji Chen clapped his hands. Alright, lets start patrolling as soon as possible. Many sea beasts are causing trouble on various islands. But be careful not to approach the territories of other Glory Lords and avoid conflicts with them. Yes! With the command given, the ten thousand Coral Palace soldiers divided into several teams and began patrolling with the Starshine City island as the center, clearing out scattered sea beasts. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The Coral Palace army quickly took over the defense of the entire Starshine Islands. When their presence appeared everywhere, it surprised many players. When they learned that this was a subordinate army of the indigenous people who had occupied the Starshine Islands, they were left speechless. Damn, although this army may not be as strong as the initial one, their sheer numbers are intimidating. The masked indigenous leader must be a High-level Indigenous with so many troops. Even today, they still considered Ji Chen as a full-fledged indigenous person.. Chapter 462 - Chapter 462: Players Behind the Scenes? Once Again, The Ghost Ship Chapter 462: Players Behind the Scenes? Once Again, The Ghost Ship Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation As they watched the sea clan soldiers known as the Coral Palace Army patrolling and hunting scattered sea beasts in the vicinity, a sudden message from Starshine City was sent to the players. Ding- Xhakas, one of the remaining three councilors, has issued a commission to all players in Starshine Islands. Commission Details: Assist in rebuilding Starshine Islands after the sea beast attack, including reconstructing buildings and facilities on the southern islands, hunting remaining sea beasts, and constructing residential houses and facilities. Commission Rewards: Generous rewards including regular resources, rare resources, gold coins, weapons and equipment, military recruitment camp cores, various treasures, etc. Rewards are substantial; for example, every contribution point can be exchanged for an equal amount of gold coins. The top one hundred contributors will be awarded the honorary title and status of Honored Citizen and will have access to various special privileges within Starshine Islands. To accept, please go to the entrance of the Starshine City Hall and look for the staff to register and receive the tasks. The accumulated wealth of the Thirteen Council Families over centuries, which could not be transported away, had now become the bait to attract players to participate in the reconstruction of Starshine Islands. When the casual players heard this news, they were all excited. Various types of sailboats and even rowing boats all headed towards Starshine City. Receiving such a generous commission was a first for them. After just a few days, how did these councilors become so generous? Oh, right, the Starshine City Council no longer exists now, and the councilors have become someone elses lackeys? Well, there will no problem then. On the second floor of the City Hall, Ji Chen watched the players excitedly registering and accepting the commission on the street below, with a hint of a smile on his face. This opportunity to issue commissions to players was obtained from factors such as Xhakas and other Glory Lords not knowing his player status. Afterward, Ji Chen took the initiative to search and investigate thoroughly in chat channels and forums. Perhaps it was because his combat power and army had far exceeded the current player limits, so all the Starshine City players subconsciously assumed that he, wearing a mask, was a legitimate native and didnt even consider him as a player. Therefore, upon learning of this strange misunderstanding, he took advantage of it. Since you all think of me as a native, Ill go along with it and act like a genuine native. Being a native, its only natural for me to assign tasks and commissions to you, right? As a player himself, Ji Chen fully understood the characteristics, principles, and motivations of players. In this way, he devised such commissions and rewards. Generous rewards were the most basic motivation, but what really got them fired up were some bizarre things that natives would find hard to imagine. For example, the title of Honored Citizen was something they could obtain that held special significance, something that regular people could not have. This title satisfied their desire to show off, and that was the most important thing! Xhakas clearly couldnt understand these players motivations. He looked at the excited players outside, a puzzled expression in his eyes. My Lord, are we really entrusting these Glory Lords with so much reconstruction work? Based on my impression, they are somewhat unpredictable, and it might be challenging for them to complete the commission. They might even delay the completion time. Oh, tell me more about your impression of them, Ji Chen leaned back in his chair and asked. My impression Xhakas pondered his words for a moment. Just as I mentioned at the beginning, they are truly unpredictable. Most of them are very short-sighted, only caring about immediate gains, and they are driven by personal profit. Moreover, its like they suddenly dropped from the sky, full of uncertainties. No one knows what they will do next moment. Xhakas recalled a few months ago when these Glory Lords appeared overnight on various islands of Starshine Islands. Their first question upon arriving in Starshine City was always, Do you have any quests? In addition, they could be found wandering the streets and alleys, looking for beggars, helping elderly people cross the street, or even entering residents homes and rummaging through their belongings, among other bizarre actions. These incidents even reached the attention of the Council. In the end, after arresting dozens of Glory Lords who had broken into residents homes and detaining them for a whole week, these antics came to a halt. Although later, the Council made the decision to loan those deserted islands occupied by the Glory Lords to them and expressed a certain level of goodwill. But honestly, Xhakas still had some contempt for them, and this inherent impression continued to influence him. They should consider themselves lucky if they didnt cause trouble, and they actually expect to accomplish something? However, at this moment, Xhakas suddenly remembered that Ji Chen was also a Glory Lord. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and he hastily added. Of course, my Lord, you are a unique and different entity from them. Ji Chen waved his hand, not paying much attention to the remark. If you simply see them in that light, it might be a bit short-sighted. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Just wait and see; they will surprise you. Xhakas nodded hesitantly, but he didnt really believe it. However, what happened next completely changed his perspective. The players displayed an unexpected level of initiative and efficiency in this endeavor. Hundreds of Glory Lords, after accepting the commission, immediately brought their troops to Starshine City. They acted like bulldozers, demolishing the slums where residents had already been evacuated, clearing vast areas of leveled ground.. Chapter 463 - Chapter 463: Players Behind the Scenes? Once Again, The Ghost Ship (2) Chapter 463: Players Behind the Scenes? Once Again, The Ghost Ship (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation To his astonishment, they used numerous sailboats and even rowing fishing boats to transport large quantities of building materials such as wood and bricks from various islands, embarking on a massive construction project. In just less than half a day, the open land was dug into numerous foundation pits that resembled burial grounds. After just one day, the houses, although not large, had already taken shape, much better than the previous slums. In addition, the players who took on the task of exterminating sea beasts were plundering the islands, eagerly attacking the sea beasts on sight, and going on a killing spree. The indigenous people of the City Hall said that they only needed the heads of the sea beasts as evidence; they didnt want anything else. In other words, besides gaining contribution points by defeating sea beasts, they could also obtain sea beast corpses as food. Unexpectedly, the indigenous people who occupied the Starshine Islands were really quite conscientious! They were much better than the bunch of idiots in the Starshine City Council from before! Xhakas, Kieran, Herman? Even so, Xhakas was truly frightened by their enthusiasm. One could imagine a group of Glory Lords wearing strange equipment, working day and night with their respective subjects and troops. The noise on the construction site never stopped, and the clanging sounds echoed throughout Starshine City all day long. This level of efficiency was astonishing. Through the hard work of a substantial labor force, along with round-the-clock overtime to speed up the construction, the initial set of ten residential houses was completed by the third day since the commission was initiated. When that player finished the task, they would receive 20 contribution points, which could be used to exchange for twenty gold coins at the City Hall. In addition, their names and contribution points would appear on the leaderboard displayed at the entrance. Everyone was ecstatic. Wow, they could actually make this much money!? One contribution point could be exchanged for twenty gold coins, which was equivalent to the food for hundreds of subjects for a month, and they had only worked for a few days. What a lucrative opportunity! However, the contribution points leaderboard was the key! If they could obtain a special title, that would be impressive, turning them into top-notch players in no time! While players were fighting hard to earn more contribution points, Ji Chen had already set off to return to the New Moon Islands with all the precious resources. With Sonia and the Coral Palace army in place, he wasnt too worried about enemies or sea beasts attacking, nor was he concerned about any ulterior motives from Xhakas and the others. Or maybe he deliberately sent Sonia over to suppress the Starshine Islands. Ji Chen stood atop the Tyrant Azure Dragon, leading the army in a swift march. Although their speed was already faster than ordinary ships, the long journey still required quite some time. If it were an ordinary day, there shouldnt be any issue, but if they encountered a powerful enemy invasion during this several-day journey, it would become the biggest obstacle, and they might get attacked and defeated. Looking at the vast sea before him, with no end in sight, he suddenly sighed. If only the ocean had something like highways on land, he could travel quickly between the two places. Or perhaps if there were a way to open a spatial gate, traveling between the two locations would be a matter of moments. But no matter which faction it was, opening a spatial gate was an extremely challenging task that required a massive amount of resources, let alone maintaining a spatial gate for an extended period. He still had a long way to go. Just as Ji Chen was contemplating these matters, a sudden mist began to rise before him, enveloping them all in a white expanse. Visibility was reduced to less than two hundred meters, and the surroundings became incredibly calm, with only the faint sound of water as their bodies swayed. In this mist, not only was their vision obscured, but it seemed that even their voices were suppressed. Benbo suddenly exclaimed, My Lord, this is the same mist I encountered back then! Ji Chens expression turned stiff, and he became vigilant. Stay alert, be prepared for battle at any moment. During their previous return from the Northern Continent, Benbo and the Dragonblood Legion had split into two groups, with Benbo leading the Dragonblood Legion to investigate the Mystic Realm Gate in the Great Luminescent Sea. On their way back, they encountered the mist and a mysterious pirate ship. And now, it seemed that the mist had targeted them once again. In this world, there were many things that ordinary people couldnt comprehend, and in the vast ocean, there were countless strange and abnormal phenomena. He wasnt afraid of powerful enemies because they could be seen and defeated through continuous growth. But things of the unknown were unsettling. If it had targeted Benbo last time, could it be targeting him this time? Ji Chens expression became extremely solemn. Within this white mist, he seemed to have lost his sense of direction, and even his spiritual power was compressed within a two-hundred-meter radius. This was astonishing because, with the dual bonuses of the Tidal Dominator profession and the territory talent of the Crown of the Ocean, he had never lost his sense of direction at sea. This indicated that this was not a common occurrence. Before they could travel much further, a massive black shadow suddenly appeared in the depths of the white mist. Squinting his eyes, Ji Chen looked closely. It was a colossal ship, no less impressive in size than the New Moon, slowly advancing through the dense white mist. Just as Benbo had described, the ships exterior was extremely dilapidated. Tattered sails hung from towering masts, and the source of propulsion was lost. One of the masts poles was even snapped in half, with one end wedged into the ships side. The ships hull was maintained for who knows how long, with large, dark holes scattered around, some of them almost at the waterline. However, even with such a dilapidated ship, it could still navigate the sea smoothly, making one wonder if it was powered by nuclear energy. The ghost ship came to a stable halt about a hundred meters away from them, as if in a standoff, and no one made a move. After a long while, Ji Chen attempted to maneuver around it. But every time he moved, whether to the left or the right, the ghost ship adjusted its position to keep its bow pointed directly at him. Yet, it didnt close the distance, as if teasing him, neither approaching nor departing. ??? What do you mean by this? As time passed, both sides remained motionless. Just as Ji Chen was considering whether to initiate an attack, a voice that seemed to come from beyond the heavens suddenly echoed softly from the ship. this is your missiongrowth blessingconsumption time is running outthey will return soon The voice was unlike that of any creature, and it was even impossible to discern its gender. It spoke intermittently, with only a few words audible. Before he could think much about it, the ghost ship suddenly retreated and quietly disappeared into the white mist. Subsequently, the white mist seemed to lose its source, gradually thinning and dissipating. The sound of the rolling sea once again filled their ears, and sunlight poured down from the sky. However, Ji Chens face was filled with confusion. What was that all about? Did you hear what it was saying? he asked the others. It? Who is it? Alice asked in confusion. Ji Chens expression darkened, and he suddenly felt that something was amiss. He spoke in a low voice, Didnt you hear a voice coming from the ship?! We didnt hear any voice, Alice said, a hint of surprise flashing across her face as she shook her head. The other heroes also looked puzzled and shook their heads, indicating that they hadnt heard anything. Seeing this, Ji Chen furrowed his brow deeply. Could it be that only he could hear the voice? That would be quite strange. At this moment, he had a thousand questions in his mind but no answers. But he knew that this was no ordinary occurrence; otherwise, the ghost ship wouldnt have sought them out, as if trying to convey something to him. Blessing Could this be related to the military talent tree cheat? They could it be something about to manifest? My mission It was utterly perplexing. After pondering for a long time, Ji Chen rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Although he desperately wanted to understand what was going on, he lacked crucial information and couldnt derive any useful conclusions. At this point, he couldnt help but grumble at the dilapidated ghost ship. Couldnt it have said a few more words? He could only temporarily bury these questions in his heart. Ji Chens brow gradually relaxed, and he said in a deep voice, Lets continue on our journey. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only With that command, the halted army once again set off, speeding towards the direction of the Crown of the Ocean. Time gradually passed. After nearly ten days of travel, they finally returned to the New Moon Islands. It was evident that Wilus and the others hadnt slackened in their efforts to rebuild the territory in Ji Chens absence. Now, at a glance, most of the structures in the Crown of the Ocean had been rebuilt, and there were even some new additions, giving it a fresh and rejuvenated appearance.. Chapter 464 - Chapter 464: Recruiting Again, A Submarine from Another Chapter 464: Recruiting Again, A Submarine from Another World? His Highnesss Beloved Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Upon returning to the Crown of the Ocean, the first thing Ji Chen did was to resurrect all the units that were lost in the battle and then recruit all the units accumulated over the past three weeks. Ding- Consuming 3,813,000 units of rare resources, a total of 3,018 units of troops have been recruited. The current main unit numbers are as follows: C Water Nymph Archers, Tier 5,1-star, 700 units. C Giant Crab Guards, Tier 5,1-star, 700 units. C Lobster Guardian Knights, Tier 5,1-star, 1,670 units. C Silver Sea Pixies, Tier 5, 2-star, 1,788 units. C Naga Guardians, Tier 5, 3-star, 1,660 units. C Dragon Blood Murlocs, Tier 5, 3-star, 1,680 units. C Dragon Horn Catfish, Tier 5, 4-star, 560 units. C Tyrant Azure Dragons, Tier 5, 5-star, 90 units. A total of 8,848 units. This recruitment consumed nearly four million units of rare resources, bringing the primary military force of the Crown of the Ocean close to the size of a ten-thousand-man army. Whats even more terrifying was that, unlike some other players who achieve a ten-thousand-man army by recruiting low-tier troops, his army consisted of incredibly high-quality units, consisting entirely of Tier 5 units. The strength of this army was enough to rival the main forces of kingdom-level and duchy-level powers. At this point, the Crown of the Ocean truly possessed the strength to contend with the Kingdom of Bass. Ji Chen was overjoyed. After a period of development in secret, they finally had the power to establish themselves in this world. Kingdom of Bass, huh? When the time comes, Ill pluck your hair and break your ass! Im telling you, even Jesus cant save you! Afterward, Ji Chen went to the underground world of the Lizardmen and found the Dwarf Thotmudo, who supervised the apprentices forging. He explained the encounter with a ghost ship on the return journey. Thotmudo was one of the top-tier experts in this world and might know some secrets not widely known. A ghost ship? Yes, that ghost ship had previously tracked one of my subordinates, and this time it came after me. Its quite large, not inferior to the New Moon. Thotmudo furrowed his brows, his rough palm rubbing his beard. This is somewhat unusual. Ghost ships are quite well-known in the Mid-Ocean. I know of at least a dozen versions, some are warships, some are fishing boats, but Ive never heard of one as large as this. Other than what you have mentioned, did you spot anything else unusual? Ji Chen pondered for a moment. It might sound strange, but I heard the ghost ship speaking at that time, and no one else heard it, only me. I could only vaguely make out a few words, like mission and blessing. Thotmudo looked puzzled, and a gleam of interest flashed in his eyes. Ji Chen sensed these reactions and asked anxiously, Sir Thotmudo, do you know anything about this? I dont know more than you do, he said, shaking his head. But I believe that this ghost ship didnt appear by chance. There must be a reason for it to seek you out. Perhaps its trying to remind you of something. Ji Chen felt a sense of frustration. Remind me of what? Are they about to return? But who are they? Just saying that doesnt help at all! This feeling of being kept in the dark was uncomfortable, especially when it was such an unusual occurrence. He felt like a clown searching in vain without enough clues. Seeing Ji Chens frustrated expression, Thotmudo tried to console him. Kid, if you cant think of anything, its better not to dwell on it. As long as you become stronger, these things will eventually become clear. Focusing too much on things that are unclear right now would be putting the cart before the horse. Ji Chen looked at Thotmudo with some surprise. He hadnt expected this rough and irritable dwarf to speak in such a manner. However, it did bring him to his senses. He realized that dwelling on these unfounded matters would only be a waste of his energy. Thank you for your reminder, Sir Thotmudo Oh, theres one more thing. He proceeded to explain how he conquered the Starshine Islands, acquired a shipyard capable of producing steel warships, and a large alchemy cannon manufacturing plant. This piqued Thotmudos interest greatly. Werent you supposed to help others resolve the Sea Beast Crisis? How did you end up taking over their base of operations? Ji Chen coughed and simplified the explanation, Long story short, those councilors failed to keep their promises, and in the midst of confronting them, we accidentally took over. Thotmudo didnt pay much attention to those details but was more intrigued by the mention of the shipyard. A shipyard? Can it produce steel warships like the ones docked in the surface harbors of the Kingdom of Bass? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Close, but the level of technology is significantly lower, and its only capable of making smaller escort ships. After all, this is the limit of what an island could do. In terms of technological sophistication, the warships produced by the Starshine Islands were essentially steel civilian ships equipped with alchemy cannons. They were far from reaching the systematic shipbuilding capabilities of the Kingdom of Bass. Their combat capabilities were naturally limited, but still better than wooden sailboats. Moreover, even if they didnt produce warships, they could make some steel cargo ships and merchant ships for transporting goods and people, which were much sturdier than fragile wooden ships. However, this time Ji Chen had other ideas.. Chapter 465 - Chapter 465: Recruiting Again, A Submarine from Another Chapter 465: Recruiting Again, A Submarine from Another World? His Highnesss Beloved (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Lord Thotmudo, I have a question. Can alchemical technology be used to create steel ships that can travel rapidly underwater? Underwater steel ships? Thotmudo looked puzzled for a moment, then furrowed his brow in thought. 1 havent heard of such ships, but it sounds very interesting. Unlike on the surface of the sea, if you want to travel underwater, you must consider the steels sealing and water pressure resistance, which places great demands on the type of steel and alchemical craftsmanship. At the same time, when underwater, the conventional weaponry used on warships wouldnt work, so we might need other weapons capable of attacking underwater. Perhaps we can draw inspiration from the sea clans methods of attack However, the propulsion system might be similar to the propellers used on surface ships since they both operate in water As he spoke, Thotmudos eyes brightened, and he seemed to ignore Ji Chen as he walked over to the table, picked up a pen, and began sketching on parchment. Little did Ji Chen know, Thotmudo stared at him in astonishment, a look of delight surging in his eyes. Indeed, Thotmudo was a legendary dwarf blacksmith. After Ji Chen merely mentioned the concept of submarine, Thotmudos mind swiftly connected a series of crucial elements. Perhaps they could indeed create a version of a submarine in this otherworldly realm! Seeing Thotmudo so enthusiastic, Ji Chen didnt want to disturb him and quietly left. Outside, several workshops were operating with a loud rumble, and the clinking sounds of various metalwork filled the air, creating a symphony of steel. Hundreds of lizardmen craftsmen worked here, constantly producing weapons, ammunition, and various metal goods. It was like a heart, pumping a continuous flow of blood and energy into the entire territory. Connected to the workshops was a track leading to the surface, where a peculiar alchemical locomotive pulled dozens of minecarts, shuttling between the surface and underground, transporting surface materials and workshop products. This was the otherworldly version of a mining locomotive that Ji Chen had commissioned Thotmudo to create. Thanks to the advanced alchemical and runic technology in this world, the construction of such an alchemical locomotive, similar to a steam train, was not very difficult. However, the principles behind its construction seemed rather baffling to him. He still remembered the time when Thotmudo explained the alchemical and runic principles involved. Ji Chen couldnt help but feel utterly bewildered during that explanation. This only reinforced Ji Chens belief that he lacked the innate talent for such matters. In the future, he planned to lay tracks throughout the underground lizardmen world and the New Moon Islands, allowing goods and manpower to circulate at the fastest speed possible. Goods produced in the underground lizardmen world would be transported via the tracks to the docks and then directly loaded onto ships for overseas markets. It was simply perfect. A spark of industrial revolution was quietly blooming in the depths of these remote island territories, far from the mainland. However, Ji Chen heard in chat channels and forums that there were gnomes who excelled in alchemy and possessed the technology to create alchemical mechs for mining and even warfare. He didnt know if he would have the chance to acquire such technology. After all, mechs were every mans dream, and who wouldnt want to pilot a mech that could wreak havoc like a Gundam? He remembered that he still had a key to the gnomes main city, Gigantooth City, in his backpack. This gnome city was located on the Western Continent. Apart from gnomes, the dwarf tribes that Thotmudo entrusted him to gather were also located there. Furthermore, the appearance of the Radiant Commerce Guild belonging to Xhakas gave the Ocean Crown an opportunity to expand its market there. It seemed like it was time to prioritize a trip to the Western Continent. Ji Chen thought to himself, but first, he needed to wait for the conclusion of the Sea Beast Tide. After that, he would quickly resolve the matters between the Bass Kingdom and the Lienhardt Grand Duchy. Thinking about it, he boarded a conveniently available train back to the surface. Back at the Lords Castle. He began contemplating how to get involved in the affairs of the two countries. First and foremost, his enemy would undoubtedly be the Bass Kingdom, and his natural ally would be the Lienhardt Grand Duchy. Regardless of the cause of the conflict, the Bass Kingdom had launched a reconnaissance fleet to attack the Ocean Crown, forging an irreconcilable enmity between them. Ji Chen wanted to lend his support to the overthrow of this kingdom, while the latter aimed to eliminate the Ocean Crown, which they considered weak but troublesome. In this stance, he naturally leaned towards the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, or more precisely, Princess Monica. When he first met Monica, the Ocean Crown was still an inconspicuous small territory with only a few hundred troops and a human population of just over a thousand. The territory consisted of only one island, the New Moon Islands, and didnt even have any noteworthy goods or commodities. But after several months, his power had expanded rapidly. Almost reaching the size of a ten thousand-strong army. The Great Luminescent Seas mystic realm was brought under control, and the renowned and prosperous Starshine Islands also submitted to his rule. The goods from the Ocean Crown were selling well on the Northern Continent, greatly increasing its reputation. He thought that all of this would surely surprise Monica. Thinking of that elegant and lively young girl who longed for freedom deep within, Ji Chen couldnt help but smile. Perhaps they would meet again soon. Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in the city of Tressburg. If one were to ask the indigenous people along the northwest coast of the Inner Ocean which coastal city was the most beautiful, they would undoubtedly answer Tressburg. As the capital of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, Tressburg was nestled by the seaside, surrounded by the sea on two sides, backed by mountains on one side, and bordered by a river on the other, boasting a long and excellent coastline. Not only did it have excellent large sheltered harbors, but it also had long stretches of beautiful white sandy beaches. Flocks of seagulls soared in the sky, overlooking the city below, which stretched for dozens of miles. The white-walled, blue-tiled houses clustered together, winding around the high ground and built into the mountainside, but they did not appear steep. With the nearby deep blue sea, it gave the feeling of a paradise on earth. At the highest point of the entire city, the castle was the residence of the rulers of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, the Valencia family. At this moment, in a spacious room within the castle, Monica, dressed in a pristine silk gown, held a quill in her delicate hand and was fully focused on painting a piece of parchment in front of her. Judging by the faint smile that unconsciously curled up at the corners of her mouth, her mood seemed to be quite good. Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on the door, causing Monica to startle. She quickly stowed the parchment carefully into a drawer, then forced herself to regain composure and calmly said, Come in. The door was pushed open, and several maids entered, with the mature head maid leading the way, who respectfully said, Lady Monica, His Majesty requests your presence in the hall. Father? Monica blinked slightly, perhaps this had to do with inquiries about the conflict and war between the Grand Duchy and the Bass Kingdom. I understand. I will come over shortly. With the help of the maids, Monica put on an exquisite blue dress. The ordinary dress, when worn by her, radiated a unique beauty that made the maids nearby dazzled. The floral shoulder straps delicately hung on her pure white, soft shoulders, and beneath the modest neckline was an astonishing curvature. The form-fitting waist of the dress outlined her slender waist perfectly. Her swan-like graceful neck was adorned with a necklace adorned with sapphires, adding the finishing touch. Your Highness looks so beautiful. I wonder who Your Highnesss future husband will be. He must be so lucky to marry a woman who combines beauty and wisdom, the head maid sincerely praised. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This made a faint blush appear on Monicas cheeks. I wont be getting married. I am determined to devote everything to the Grand Duchy and witness its prosperity and strength. However, as she spoke these words, her mind wandered to someone, and her gaze became slightly unfocused. Seeing Monicas expression, the astute head maid couldnt help but realize that there was someone in her heart. She wondered whether it was a young noble from a prominent family or a prince from another country who had won the heart of their Highness. Nevertheless, this could be a good thing. If she married into a prominent noble family, it would undoubtedly further stabilize the position of the Grand Duke and fulfill the Grand Duchys long-cherished wishes. If she married into another kingdom, it would be even better. With the intelligence and abilities of their Highness, they would surely outmaneuver and outwit their spouse, and when the two countries reconciled and exchanged resources, the Grand Duchy would only become stronger and more prosperous.. Chapter 466 - Chapter 466: Monica’s Sorrow, the Cargo Ship from the Southern Continent, Ari Chapter 466: Monicas Sorrow, the Cargo Ship from the Southern Continent, Ari Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Seeing the teasing look in the head maids eyes, Monica blushed even more, feeling her cheeks burning. She had to force herself to maintain a composed demeanor and said, Lets go quickly. Father must be getting impatient. The head maid, seeing Monicas discomfort, stopped teasing and reverted to the dignified manner she had cultivated while serving the Lienhardt court for decades. She followed Monica to the castles main hall. In the hall, two figures had been waiting for a while. One was a burly figure with muscles like layered rocks, and a face adorned with a dense beard that resembled the dark forests. The thick, black eyebrows exuded an imposing air. He sat there like a slumbering lion. This was Julius Valencia, the Grand Duke of Lienhardt. However, the fierce gaze that was pressuring the attendants softened the moment it fell upon Monica. His booming voice filled the hall. My dear daughter, youre finally here! Dont be so loud! Dont you realize your booming voice is like a bears!? The slim figure sitting next to him scolded him gently. Although the voice was soft, it made the lion-like Julius lower his volume instantly. With a hint of reluctance, he muttered, I was just so happy to see my daughter Didnt you meet her just yesterday? Do you want to see her every moment of the day? As Monica watched her mother, who appeared delicate, admonishing her father, who was as massive as a bear, a smile couldnt help but appear on her face. For the past two to three decades, the queen and the king had been inseparable companions. They bickered every day, but it was their way of getting along. In reality, they were deeply in love, supporting and bolstering each other. In the duchy, their relationship had long become a heartwarming tale. Monica followed the customary practice of politely greeting both of them before taking a seat on the opposite sofa. Father, is there something you want to discuss with me? Julius cleared his throat and said, My daughter, Ive called you here to discuss the matter of the sea beast tide. Sea beast tide? Monica furrowed her brows slightly, feeling a sudden sense of unease in her heart. Julius nodded, his eyes showing a hint of seriousness. Yes, according to information gathered from various sources, a once-in-a-century sea beast tide has fully formed in the southern parts of the Western Ocean and is heading northwest towards the coast. Based on reports from fleeing merchants and residents, the sea beast tide has already swept through and ravaged the central sea areas of the Western Ocean, with numbers reaching tens of millions. Many islands and archipelagos have been submerged under the iron hooves of these sea beasts. This will undoubtedly have an impact on our war with the Kingdom of Bass Seeing Monicas face suddenly turn pale, Julius was taken aback, becoming flustered as he spoke, Whats wrong with you, my daughter? Are you feeling unwell? Why are you all still standing there? Quickly, call the palace physician! Im fine! Monica bit her lip, her eyes showing signs of panic. Father, among the fleeing residents, were there any from a territory called the Crown of the Ocean? Julius paused for a moment. I havent heard of it for now. But is there anything noteworthy about that territory? At this moment, he suddenly remembered that his daughter had sent a small fleet to the central sea area of the Western Ocean. Could this territory called the Crown of the Ocean be related to their expedition? Seeing his daughters complexion grow even paler, he hurriedly spoke, My dear daughter, dont worry. First, tell me why youre so concerned about that territory. Monica tried to calm herself down, her voice trembling as she said, The Crown of the Ocean is the territory of the Lord of Glory who rescued me and the Radiant Envoy and others when we were attacked by the Kingdom of Bass on our way back. Its location is in the central sea area of the Western Ocean. Julius suddenly realized what was happening. He heard about a Lord of Glory who had risked offending the Kingdom of Bass to save his daughter. Later, his daughter withdrew a batch of rare resources and a few blueprints from the treasury to send as a reward. He chose to turn a blind eye, considering it as payment for rescuing his daughter. However, apart from that, he hadnt paid much attention to that Lord of Glory or the territory, as with the Kingdom of Bass as a major threat, anything that couldnt help them immediately had to be set aside. But now, he didnt know what to say. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Such a large-scale sea beast tide might have already submerged that territory. He didnt believe that a Lord of Glory could withstand the onslaught of a large number of sea beasts. The Queen timely took a seat beside Monica and comforted her, saying, My daughter, try to think positively. Maybe that Lord of Glory has already sensed the danger and evacuated to a safe place in advance. Perhaps he didnt come here to the duchy but chose to go somewhere else, or maybe hes still on the way. Those Lords of Glory have exceptional information networks, and they should have received warnings from others. Seeing the worried expressions on her father and mothers faces, Monica nodded with an effort to hold back her inner sadness. Yes, its likely that hes taken precautions. He defeated a reconnaissance fleet of the Kingdom of Bass and captured several warships. With those warships, they should be able to evacuate in time, even with the sea beast tide approaching. Father, Mother, Im sorry for startling you earlier. I just didnt expect this, and I panicked.. Chapter 467 - Chapter 467: Monica’s Sorrow, the Cargo Ship from the Chapter 467: Monicas Sorrow, the Cargo Ship from the Southern Continent, Ari (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Seeing Monica calmed down, and the two of them breathed a sigh of relief. Julius asked curiously, Daughter, you mentioned that the Lord of Glory defeated the reconnaissance fleet of the Bas Kingdom? Thats right. At that time, I sent a fleet to the Crown of the Ocean because I learned that the Bass Kingdoms spies discovered that they had saved me and sent a fleet for retaliation. But when our fleet arrived, the Bass Kingdoms fleet had already been defeated, and even the fleet commander was captured. Julius realized at that moment.So, those several Bass Kingdom military officers you brought here earlier were sent by the Lord of Glory? Monica nodded proudly, Thats correct. But in order to protect him, 1 didnt reveal his territory or name to the outside world. Instead, we spread the word that our fleet had sunk their reconnaissance fleet. Otherwise, the Bass Kingdom, for the sake of their reputation, would have sent troops to retaliate. We cant let those who helped us suffer more hardships. Youre absolutely right, my daughter! Julius laughed heartily but then, realizing that the Lord of Glory might have lost his territory, his laughter seemed somewhat impolite. He cleared his throat a few times and stopped. It sounds like this Lord of Glory is truly remarkable. He managed to deal with a reconnaissance fleet and captured so many naval officers. With these actions, he not only saved my daughter but also sent us several high-ranking captives. His contributions are significant. Well, when he arrives in the kingdom, Ill make sure to meet him in person and bestow rewards upon him! The Queen suggested, How about granting him an honorary title and then offering some rare resources or treasures? Excellent idea! Lets proceed with that plan! Seeing the joy on the faces of the Queen and the King, Monicas heart sank to the bottom. Only she knew that the Crown of the Ocean was located in the Stormy Sea, which was in the southern part of the central ocean, very close to the southern region, and there were hardly any inhabited medium to large islands in the south. The Crown of the Ocean might not have received any warning at all, and the sea beasts passed through the area like locusts. By the time they were spotted with the naked eye, there was no chance to evacuate. In other words, Lord Ji Chen was very likely Thinking of this, Monicas heart ached. She could still recall those peaceful islands, the hardworking and hopeful people who lived there, and the eyes that shone as brightly as the stars. However, the conflict between her Kingdom and the Bass Kingdom had reached a critical point, and the sea beasts were ravaging the area. She couldnt send anyone to check on it because of her personal feelings. Monica could only keep these thoughts hidden in her heart and endure the pain. Father, lets continue discussing the impact of the sea beast tide on us Little did she know that in Monicas heart, Lord Ji Chen, who was currently inspecting the territory, had just received a message. A merchant ship from the Southern Continent had crashed on the reefs outside the Stormy Sea. Upon hearing this news, Ji Chens interest immediately piqued. He promptly dispatched troops to rescue all the survivors. Several hours later. In the great hall of the Lords castle, Ji Chen looked with curiosity at the dozen or so people bowing on the steps below. Among them were men and women. The men wore turbans and white robes, with slightly dark skin. The women, on the other hand, also wore hoods but were dressed in black robes. Their faces were covered with black silk scarves, and even their hands were adorned with black silk gloves. The only exposed part of them was the upper part of their faces, which had complexions as fair as ivory. This exotic style and attire reminded Ji Chen of a nation in a certain region on Earth. Leading the group was a man with a golden-patterned mask. Judging from his bodys contours and the color of his clothing, he appeared to be male. After a brief assessment of them, Ji Chens expression became serious. I am Ji Chen, the ruler of the New Moon Islands and the Lord of the Crown of the Ocean. 1 heard that you came from the Southern Continent? Yes, Your Excellency. The man with the golden-patterned mask continued, My name is Ari Camp, a merchant from the Kingdom of Ugisai. These are my guards and attendants. We embarked on a long journey across the vast ocean to trade in the distant Northern Continent. However, we encountered severe sea conditions and suffered damage to our ship. We even collided with rocks and sank outside this area of the sea. We were fortunate to have Your Excellencys assistance, which allowed us to survive the treacherous waves! Thank you for your generosity! May the spirits of the sands protect you! Upon hearing this, Ji Chen became even more interested. Indeed, they had the distinct flavor of people from the Southern Continent. Unlike the Western and Northern continents, 85 percent of the Southern continents area was dominated by a massive desert known as the Barren Desert. Only in the oases, along the riverbanks, and in the delta regions at the mouths of the rivers did human settlements and civilizations exist. The people born and bred in this environment naturally differed from those of other continents. As for the Kingdom of Ugisai, Ji Chen heard about it from casual players. It was a desert nation located within the Barren Desert. As for the spirits of the sands, they were a pantheon-like belief system unique to desert regions, akin to the concept of certain deities. However, the protection of desert spirits did not extend to the turbulent waters of the vast Central Ocean. Nevertheless, Ji Chen found their presence intriguing. Regarding the merchants identity, it was a matter of debate. Although Ji Chen couldnt see their faces clearly, their exposed, delicately nurtured skin didnt seem typical of desert merchants. Instead of pointing it out, Ji Chen smiled and said, Extending a helping hand to travelers lost at sea is something that all Central Ocean dwellers should do. Upon hearing this, Ari was deeply affected by Ji Chens words. In the vast and equally treacherous desert, they shared similar customs and expressions, creating an instant bond between them. Forgive my curiosity, but may I inquire about your destination in the Northern Continent? Ari hesitated for a moment and said, Originally, we planned to go to the Maple Principality in the Northern Continent. But it seems that our journey will be delayed now. The Maple Principality? Ji Chen smiled slightly. My territory already has fleets that were heading to Maple Harbor in the Maple Principality. However, they are temporarily halted due to the Sea Beast Tide. Aris face brightened. Your Excellency, could you please allow us to travel with them when they set sail? 1 am willing to pay for the fare and expenses! Of course, you can stay here at the Crown of the Ocean for a few days to rest while waiting for the Sea Beast Tide to end, Ji Chen replied. Wikis, prepare guest rooms, food, and fresh water. Ari once again expressed his gratitude and bowed to him before following Wilus to leave. Ji Chen didnt rush to learn about the cultural aspects of the Southern Continents people. The Sea Beast Tides duration was uncertain, and there was plenty of time. Inside a building at the Oceans Crown that was specially arranged for guests and resembled a courtyard. Ari and his group were led into the courtyard. As they watched Wilus depart, they began to converse. Prince Quiet. Dont use that title outside the kingdom, even when its just us. Remember our current identities! Ari whispered harshly. I understand. The guard nodded and cautiously glanced around. He continued in a hushed tone, Your Excellency Ari, this Lord seems somewhat friendly, but I still think we should remain cautious, especially on this remote island Ari couldnt deny it. Just like in the ocean and the desert, there were both good-hearted people who helped lost travelers and malevolent individuals with hidden intentions. Since leaving the Kingdom of Ugisai, they have encountered many similar situations. However, it seemed that this Lord Ji Chen might fall into the category of good-hearted people. Aris eyes became resolute, and he spoke in a serious tone. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Our ultimate goal for this journey is to reach the Elven Empire in the Northern Continent and seek the elves assistance in warding off the Sand Plague. Only the formidable natural abilities of the elves can drive back the relentless sandstorms, halt the shrinking of the oasis, and ensure the survival and growth of our people in the Barren Desert. Everyone, this time we carry the hopes of our kingdom, and failure is not an option! YpsJ Numerous guards and handmaidens replied with determination.. Chapter 468 - Chapter 468: Malicious Existence, Resources in Hand, and Rush to War Chapter 468: Malicious Existence, Resources in Hand, and Rush to War Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The next day at noon, Ari was once again invited by Ji Chen to share lunch. On the dining table were various specialties from the Crown of the Ocean and food with a strong marine theme. There were deep-sea monsters three to four meters long, strange arrowfish with unique horns, giant squids two to three meters long that were only found in the depths of the ocean, and deep-sea clams the size of washbasins. The appearance and taste of these foods were eye-opening for Ari, who had always lived in the desert. His hands didnt stop as he stuffed various things into his mouth, all the while praising them. Lord Ji Chen, the taste of these clams is simply amazing. Ive never had such delicious seafood before! The meat of this fish is also excellent, very tender and it tastes like desert scarab beetles. Ji Chen had a smile on his face and waited until Ari ate his fill before casually asking, Im very curious about the Southern Continent. Would you mind giving me an introduction later? Ari couldnt refuse, especially since it was just an introduction. He considered it as the cost of accommodation and meals during his stay here. After finishing the meal, Ari followed Ji Chen to a small lounge area. They sat on soft sofas, and a fireplace on the wall was burning with a warm, orange flame. Most of the Southern Continent is occupied by Barren Desert I suppose youre aware of that, Yes, I am, Ji Chen replied with a smile. Although 1 live far out at sea and have never been to the Southern Continent, Ive learned some basic information through other means. Ari nodded. He was informed that Ji Chen was a Lord of Glory, and the Ugisai Kingdom had given birth to quite a few of them. From what he knew, there seemed to be a peculiar way for Lords of Glory to quickly transmit messages, so he wasnt surprised by Ji Chens knowledge. Among the few habitable places in the Barren Desert, there are a few large oases, scattered riverbanks, and a few river mouths leading to the sea. The rest of the land is just as desolate as the name suggests Listening to Aris introduction as a local expert, Ji Chen occasionally nodded, gaining a rough impression and outline of the continent he had never set foot on. Everywhere he looked on the surface was a sea of yellow sand, filled with dangers that outsiders could hardly imaginesandstorms, getting lost, extreme temperature differences between day and night, wild beasts, monsters, and bands of marauding bandits. However, within the yellow sand buried countless civilizations and relics that had disappeared in the river of history, waiting for someone to discover and excavate them. It could be said that the vast desert of the Southern Continent was a miniature version of the Small Ocean, full of opportunities and dangers. But within the boundless desert, there were some oases that shone like pearls, allowing humanity to survive. Listening to Aris somewhat enthusiastic words, Ji Chen became somewhat curious about the continent. However, it was only curiosity, and he had no intention of going thereof course not. For someone like him, whose strength was entirely focused on the water, going to a place without water was simply seeking discomfort. Furthermore, he didnt like overly arid environments, whether it was due to the influence of being a Tidal Dominator or other preferences. However, there was an opportunity to send trade caravans there for lucrative business ventures. Despite the deserts scarcity of resources, its unique environment occasionally yielded rare items not found elsewhere, which resulted in substantial profits when transported to other continents. So, you mean these naturally formed oases sustain the entire Ugisai Kingdom? No, the oases arent naturally formed, Ari said seriously. They are the sacred gifts bestowed upon us by the Sand Spirit, our precious homeland for every desert dweller. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow as if he had heard a hidden piece of information known only to the indigenous people. Ari seemed to have fully opened up and wore a serious expression. Lord Ji Chen, for certain reasons, I have knowledge of some hidden information that ordinary people dont know. Consider this information as your reward for helping us. Ji Chens interest grew significantly. Hidden information? It seemed that Aris identity was not that of an ordinary merchant; he must be a noble of the indigenous people. In this world, nobles firmly controlled knowledge and information. Please go on. In a time long, long ago, in an era so ancient that there are no records of it, the Southern Continent wasnt like what it is today. Most of the regions were covered by endless yellow sand, but it was once a prosperous continent filled with lush grass and boundless vitality, stretching from the west coast to the east coast. Everyone lived happily under the guidance of the Sand Spirit. However, one day, the sky suddenly tore open a black rift, like endless malevolence extending its tentacles towards the land, seeking to devour all living beings. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only At the moment when all living beings were in panic, the Sand Spirit stepped forward for the sake of its people. Aris face was filled with pride as he continued. The Sand Spirit possessed boundless power, and its will permeated the heavens and the earth. With their combined efforts, they repelled the malevolence and sealed the rift. However, the power of their battle was too overwhelming. During the fight against malevolence, it affected the entire continent, destroying its vitality. The frenzied yellow sand spread at a terrifying speed. But in the last moment before departing, the Sand Spirit used its final strength to create several places that were immune to the encroachment of the yellow sand. These places are the large oases in the Barren Desert today, leaving hope for its people to survive.. Chapter 469 - Chapter 469: Malicious Existence, Resources in Hand, and Rush to War (2) Chapter 469: Malicious Existence, Resources in Hand, and Rush to War (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Listening to Ari narrate this ancient mystery, Ji Chens mind surged with waves of curiosity. These pieces of information seemed to correspond with some of what he knew. Having the knowledge from Earth, certain terms were quite comprehensible. A crack appeared in the sky, and malevolence descended upon the worlddid this mean that some kind of entity invaded this realm? The being known as the Sand Spirit, probably a deity, drove these malevolent entities out of the world but exhausted its power in the process. It created a few large oases with its last ounce of strength and then departed. Did these deities not willingly leave but rather expend their power resisting the invasion, forcing them to abandon their divine realms and people? At this moment, he recalled the words of the ghost ship. They were about to return. So, did they refer to the malevolent entities that had invaded in the past? Furthermore, were these malevolent entities about to invade once again? The more he thought about it, the more uneasy Ji Chen felt. It was clear that even the most powerful beings in this world, the deities, could only repel but not slay these malevolent entities. They even depleted their power and left. Motherfucker, did 1 just learn about something important? Based on the ghost ships words, it seemed like it was urging him to grow quickly and defend against these malevolent entities. Ji Chens mouth twitched. What kind of otherworldly joke was this? After months of hard work, he only reached level forty-something and acquired quite a few heroic units. Although he now possessed a decent army, it was still not much stronger than ants compared to the power of the deities. Throwing such a massive challenge at him now placed immense pressure on him. After the conversation, Ari left the side hall, and Ji Chen leaned back on the sofa, his brow furrowed. A sense of urgency suddenly surged within him. If he truly had to face enemies of that level of power, his current growth rate was far from sufficient. He needed to strengthen the power of the Crown of the Ocean more rapidly. Based on the ghost ships words, it seemed that there wasnt much time left before the malevolent invasion arrived. Moreover, these malevolent entities wouldnt be limited to the now desolate South Continent; their evil influence would undoubtedly reach every corner of this world. He had to accelerate his path to strength! Everything needed to be expedited! Ji Chen immediately checked the current inventory of rare resources. Out of the four million rare resources brought back from the Starshine Islands, only less than two hundred thousand units remained after the previous recruitment. This meager amount wouldnt even cover the costs of the next recruitment cycle. The most significant reliance for rapid strength enhancement now lay in the Military Talent Tree. Therefore, he needed to acquire more rare resources through various means to enhance the strength of both his military units and hero units, recruiting more troops. He began to contemplate what information and resources he had at his disposal. The Crown of the Oceans trade, by exporting various goods, could steadily obtain rare resources. However, this method, although reliable, required a significant amount of time to traverse the vast seas and couldnt yield large quantities of rare resources in the short term. The Abyssal Layers of Darkness in the Great Luminescent Sea was a clear indication of the vast resources concealed within. However, he knew nothing about it at present and would need to send an exploration team to pave the way before conducting extensive exploration. He once obtained a handbook of adventures and learned about the lost underwater city of Argo, which, according to the adventurers notes, contained a vast amount of mithril. However, the location of Argo was in the Eastern Central Ocean, and unless there was a fast means of travel like a portal, it was currently too far away for exploration. The key to Gigantooth City, which he took from the Gnome merchant, was potentially valuable, and he might get unexpected rewards The elven treasury of Gloria, an ancient elven city, held promise, but he only had one treasury key at the moment, and he didnt even know its location, so that was a no-go for now Similarly, the enslavement contract scroll he obtained from the Gnome merchant could forcibly enslave a higher being, but there didnt seem to be a worthy target at the moment The divine realm key that could lead to a divine realm was extremely dangerous, and even epic-level powerhouses dared not enter it recklessly Upon closer reflection, Ji Chen had many valuable items at his disposal, but none of them could be used at the moment. As he contemplated, it seemed that the ongoing war between the Lienhardt Grand Duchy and the Kingdom of Bass was the most immediate opportunity. War often brought unexpected gains, and if he could take a substantial piece from the Kingdom of Bass while they were preoccupied with the Sea Beast Tide, it would be enough to make the Crown of the Ocean prosper. So, he couldnt just sit back and wait for the Sea Beast Tide to end. While the Sea Beasts were causing chaos and the Kingdom of Bass was distracted by the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, it was the perfect time for him to strike from behind. Calming his thoughts, Ji Chen summoned Wilus. Seeing his solemn expression, the loyal Chief Minister of Internal Affairs realized the gravity of the situation. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Convey my orders. I will leave with the army in the coming days to participate in the war between the Kingdom of Bass and the Lienhardt Grand Duchy. During this time, you must protect the Crown of the Ocean diligently and ensure that you wait for my return. Wilus didnt hesitate and bent his tall posture, his demeanor resolute. I shall follow your supreme will. One day later. Chapter 470 - Chapter 470: Malicious Existence, Resources in Hand, and Rush to War (3) Chapter 470: Malicious Existence, Resources in Hand, and Rush to War (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Less than two days after the shipwreck, Ari and his group once again boarded a Crown of the Ocean warship. They would part ways with Ji Chen halfway, following their agreement to head to the Maple Principality, while Ji Chen and his team would proceed to the Starshine Islands, and then make their way towards the northwest coast of the Central Ocean, where both nations were located. Ari had no objections to this plan; it seemed the sooner they reached the Maple Principality, the better for him. Two days later. Both parties arrived at their designated separation point. Ari expressed his gratitude to Ji Chen, saying, Thank you, Your Excellency, for extending your hand to us. If you ever come to the Kingdom of Ugisai, I will surely repay your generosity. Ji Chen nodded with a smile, appreciating the desert dweller whose identity was not entirely clear. If the man hadnt voluntarily disclosed some long-buried secrets from history, Ji Chen might not have realized the significance of the situation and might still be taking things slowly. After a simple farewell, the fleets and armies separated. In this instance, the fleet of the Ocean Crown, braving the risks of sea beast attacks, chose a relatively safe route to forcefully traverse the ocean towards the Maple Principality. Ji Chen, too, was willing to risk sea beast assaults as he journeyed to the northwest coast. And that place was precisely where the colossal sea beast tide, with all its grandeur, would ultimately reach. He believed that something must be drawing the sea beast horde collectively to that location, and this expedition might provide an opportunity to investigate further. Two days later, they arrived at the Starshine Islands one day ahead of schedule due to their accelerated travel. While Ji Chen was away, Sonia and the Coral Palace troops kept things under control. Xhakas, Kieran, and Herman dutifully carried out Ji Chens policies, motivating players to participate in developing the Starshine Islands. In just a few days, the islands southern side, which had been destroyed by Sea Beasts, was revitalized and returned to life. And the once conspicuous slums in Starshine City were completely razed and replaced with two-story buildings. The sounds of residents laughter and joy faintly echoed in the air. After a brief update and instructing them to continue implementing the policies, Ji Chen departed from the Starshine Islands once more, heading towards his destination. As Ji Chen left, Xhakas, Kieran, and Herman couldnt help but show concern in their eyes. They had no choice but to worry because, due to the master-servant contract, if one party died, the contract rules would directly erase the other party, which was extremely overbearing. At this moment, all they could do was silently pray in their hearts, hoping that Ji Chen would return safely. At the border between the Kingdom of Bass and the Lienhardt Grand Duchy. The night fell, and the moon was obscured by dark clouds. A soldier stood guard on a watchtower at the duchys border, holding a crossbow. Suddenly, he noticed flickering shadows in the distance within the jungle and squinted his eyes to get a better look. However, the night was too dark, and he couldnt see anything. Just as he thought it might be his imagination, a glimmer appeared in the darkness. The next moment, an arrow whizzed through the air and struck the soldier, causing him to fall. In the darkness, a skilled marksman from the Kingdom of Bass put down his powerful bow, looking grave. He gestured to the rear. Soon, a group of plain-clothed soldiers from the Kingdom of Bass emerged from the jungle, moving quietly toward a gap in the border between the two nations. Their eyes gleamed with cruelty and coldness. But just as they were about to cross the border, the soldier who was shot down by the marksman earlier suddenly propped himself up against the railing. In the moment he saw the glint, he instinctively shifted his body slightly, and the arrow had not hit a vital spot. Now, the soldier stood up, enduring the pain, and saw thousands of enemy troops sneaking in. A flash of shock crossed his eyes. The Kingdom of Bass was actually planning to attack under the cover of night!? Damn it, they must not succeed! The soldier, clutching his wound, quickly triggered the alarm. Woo A piercing sound shattered the silence of the night, and the Lienhardt Grand Duchys military camp erupted into chaos. Many soldiers hurriedly donned their equipment. The moment they saw this soldier stand up, the Bass Kingdom soldiers knew something was wrong. Without further concealment, they sprinted at full speed, crossing the border and charging towards the enemy soldiers. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only An officer raised his longsword high and shouted loudly. All forces, charge! The first one to breach the enemy camp will be rewarded with a noble title and an audience with His Majesty! Today, we shall bring ruin to the Lienhardt Grand Duchy! Attack! Chapter 471 - Chapter 471: Herald Is Injured? Battle Situation Chapter 471: Herald Is Injured? Battle Situation Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After leaving the Starshine Islands, Ji Chen headed northwest and, after four full days at sea, arrived near the northwest coast of the Central Ocean. This journey was made possible by the Ocean Crown naval forces and Ji Chens use of tidal acceleration, which significantly shortened the travel time compared to the usual one to two weeks it would have taken on a regular ship. This vastness of the Central Ocean was truly astounding. The sun was shining brightly, and the sea and sky merged into one. When he saw a hint of brown amidst the usual blue and white in the distance, Ji Chens heart relaxed. They had arrived! This marked their second journey to the mainland. As they drew closer, more of the land became visible: rolling mountains, verdant trees, black cliffs, and seagulls hunting by the seashore. However, this was evidently not their final destination. Because Ji Chen didnt know the capital of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy or the location of their military encampments, he had no idea which part of this countrys territory they had reached or which city was nearby. To get involved in the affairs between the two countries, he needed to locate the Lienhardt Grand Duchys forces first. With this thought in mind, Ji Chen spoke in a solemn tone. Benbo. Master, Im here. Have the Dragonblood Legion send out two hundred-person teams to scout along the coastline, one on the left and one on the right! Remember not to initiate any hostilities, hide yourselves, and return promptly to report! Yes! Benbo went to the Dragonblood Legion formation with his trident and soon dispatched two hundred-person teams. The Dragon Blood Murlocs shot out like white streaks on the sea, resembling a hundred boats racing on the water. About twenty to thirty minutes later, the two Dragon Blood Murloc hundred-person teams returned with news. They discovered a camp under attack about twenty to thirty kilometers to the right of this location on the coastal side. Ji Chens spirits soared. He immediately waved his hand and led the army towards the camp. In his line of sight, a camp with flames soaring into the sky quickly appeared. The sounds of battle echoed through the sky as soldiers, resembling black dots, defended against the enemys assault using the camps wooden walls and fortifications. By focusing on their flags, he soon identified the two sides. The defenders were from the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, while the attackers were unmistakably from the Kingdom of Bass. The exact number of defenders was unclear due to the fortifications, but it didnt seem to be many. On the other hand, the attackers numbered at least three thousand soldiers. Judging by the situation, it wouldnt be long before the camp would be forcibly captured by the Kingdom of Bass. Ji Chens eyes lit up, but he also felt a sense of confusion. This level of combat was clearly not a minor skirmish but a full-fledged war. Could it be that while he was on his way, the two countries had already gone to war? Seeing allies under attack right before his eyes, Ji Chen naturally couldnt stand idly by and immediately spoke up. Herald, take the Naga Legion to support the soldiers of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, yes, the defending side. I will follow your will and bring you a perfect victory. A hint of excitement and cruelty flashed in Heralds eyes as if he could already smell the enemys blood. He let out a low growl, and with the Naga Guardians, he surged forward like a dark blue-black wave. The Naga Legion now had over sixteen hundred Naga Guardians, all at Tier 5. After the battle against the sea beasts in the Starshine Islands, their average level had reached 42. They possessed formidable strength. Upon landing, they suddenly struck the flank of the Kingdom of Bass formation, causing chaos among the soldiers. The soldiers of the Kingdom of Bass had never expected an enemy to appear suddenly on their flank. They were caught off guard, and the Naga Guardians, over two meters tall, were like rolling sharp blades, rapidly widening the gap, and the soldiers lives flowed away as fast as blood. The officers of the Kingdom of Bass, witnessing this scene, were both shocked and furious. Where had these sea creatures come from? They were on the verge of breaking through the Lienhardt Grand Duchys camp to complete Marshal Russells mission. They would not allow this merit to go to waste. All reserve units, charge out and kill those damned snake-tailed sea creatures! Victory belongs to the great Kingdom of Bass, for His Majesty! Two reserve units immediately charged out, including a cavalry unit of three hundred soldiers. He believed that under the iron hooves of the cavalry, these enemies would be crushed like rotten flesh. Thud The hundreds of hooves trampled recklessly, shaking the ground. The eyes of the Kingdom of Bass cavalry behind their helmets were filled with coldness and cruelty. Under the charge of the organized cavalry, any enemy would be torn to pieces. These snake-tailed sea creatures were no exception. However, Herald, who felt the ground tremble, immediately sensed the enemy cavalrys approach. In his vertical pupils, there was no fear but rather a sense of joy. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The more enemies there were, the happier he became. His muscles, as solid as rock, rippled across his entire body. His menacing wings on his back suddenly spread, reaching a width of four to five meters. With a powerful flap of his wings, Herald, amidst the swirling dust, shot into the sky like a rocket. He traced a half-circular arc in the air, transforming into a streak of blue light. Rip- Four stunned heads were sent flying, and blood gushed skyward from the severed necks. The sound was akin to tearing silk, and the enormous wings acted like the sharpest of blades, cutting straight through the torsos of the four riders at the front. Even their warhorses were torn into two pieces, twitching on the ground.. Chapter 472 - Chapter 472: Herald Is Injured? Battle Situation (2) Chapter 472: Herald Is Injured? Battle Situation (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Merciless and bloody. Herald, plummeting from the sky into the midst of the enemy, pierced through like a deadly blade, forcibly halting the entire cavalry unit. Their once proud cavalry, in the presence of this winged creature, appeared fragile. Arrows couldnt penetrate its thick scales, and even lances left nothing more than a white mark. His elongated claws seemed like weapons left by the gods, effortlessly breaking through the heaviest armor, leaving a trail of severed limbs and mutilated bodies wherever he went. In just a matter of minutes, the cavalry unit, capable of shredding thousands of infantry, had been reduced to a gruesome pile of unrecognizable flesh and limbs under the sweeping strikes of its claws. The soldiers of the Kingdom of Bass, their faces filled with horror, instinctively backed away. On the vast battlefield, for a moment, no one dared to approach. Herald extended its slender tongue, licking the fresh blood splattered on its chin, revealing a satisfied smile. That almost insane grin sent shivers down the spines of all the soldiers of the Kingdom of Bass. The officers of the Bas Kingdom, seeing this scene, gritted their teeth, their eyes filled with fear. Damn it! Where did this monster come from? He hadnt expected the combat prowess of this serpent-tailed sea creature to be so terrifying. In just one encounter, it had effortlessly slaughtered hundreds of cavalry like killing babies. Not even a scratch on its body, not even a minor wound. Under the influence of the kingdoms ethos that exalted strength and a martial spirit, he had always considered himself an outstanding iron-blooded soldier both physically and mentally. But now, an involuntary sense of retreat crept in. But soon, the officers face was replaced by a look of humiliation and shame. As an outstanding soldier of the Kingdom of Bass, he should not have such fear. Otherwise, how could he repay the trust and expectations of his Majesty? Perhaps to cover up the lingering fear that couldnt be shaken off, he shouted loudly. Dont be afraid! Kill it! Crossbow teams, prepare! I refuse to believe that even crossbows cant take down this monster! Following the officers orders, the soldiers behind brought out three heavy crossbows crafted from steel, calibrated their angles, and took aim at Herald, who was wreaking havoc in their ranks. Report, Commander. The ballistae are in position, ready to fire! Excitement flickered in the officers eyes as he yelled hysterically. Die, you monster! Fire! Soldiers hammered the firing mechanism with wooden mallets, infusing the steel-tipped arrows with terrifying kinetic energy using bowstrings made of bull tendons. Three heavy iron arrows disappeared from the crossbows in succession. Suddenly, Heraldor sensed something and swiftly took two steps to the right. Two steel-tipped arrows, as thick as adult arms, brushed past him, piercing through several soldiers from the Kingdom of Bass behind him. Then, he reached out his right hand, and the last iron arrow, shot at high speed, was caught firmly in his hand. The remaining tremendous energy caused the heavy arrow to rub violently in his thick palm, oozing a trace of blood. Heraldor was finally wounded. The officer from the Kingdom of Bass was now in a state of immense shock. Did he just catch arrows flying at high speed with his bare hand? How was this possible? Wasnt this a dream!? At this moment, he saw the monster looking at him, and his fear spread like a tide, freezing his body, instantly dissolving his anger and resentment. Monster!! He screamed meaninglessly, then turned to mount his horse to escape. However, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, and tremblingly lowered his head. He saw a steel-tipped arrowhead embedded in his chest. His vision darkened, and he slowly fell to the ground. Seeing their leader also killed, and in such an unprecedented way, the remaining soldiers from the Kingdom of Bass lost the last trace of their fighting spirit. They dropped their weapons and knelt on the ground, choosing to surrender. However, these enemies had no sense of honor at all. The Naga Legion and Heraldor received orders to support the Lienhardt Grand Duchys soldiers. So, in order to support, they just needed to kill all the enemies to consider it a support, right? Therefore, when they saw those who surrendered, they didnt care at all. They directly ended it with a single blow, causing a lot of confused and resentful souls for no reason. So when Ji Chen arrived and made them stop, out of the originally five thousand-strong army of the Bass Kingdom, only less than five hundred remained. They huddled on the ground, trembling, and their eyes looked like they were gazing at some demon. Ji Chen looked at the corpses strewn across the ground, feeling no emotional fluctuations. He observed this massacre earlier and, while satisfied with the performance of the Naga Legion, he also gained a certain understanding of the Kingdom of Bass soldiers combat capabilities. Just as he was contemplating, the tattered camp gate from the previous attack creaked open, and several soldiers walked out, led by a Lienhardt officer. The Lienhardt officer looked at the scattered limbs, the blood flowing like a stream, and felt a slight nausea in his stomach. Even though he had risen from the ranks of lowly soldiers and experienced more than a dozen battles, he still found it hard to breathe when he saw this scene. Had he ever seen such a slaughter in battle before? These sea-dwelling creatures with serpentine tails were more ruthless and brutal than executioners, wielding their cleavers to slaughter the Kingdom of Bass soldiers. Especially the one with wings, what kind of logic was it to catch heavy arrows fired from ballistae with one hand? What was even more terrifying was that even after the enemy had surrendered, they hadnt stopped. If it werent for the man who appeared to be their leader making them stop, he felt that these sea-dwellers might have wiped them all out. To be the leader of these sea-dwellers, that man was probably not a simple character. Maybe even more ruthless than these sea-dwellers As his thoughts swirled, the officer cautiously approached Ji Chen with his own bodyguards. His face displayed reverence. Your Excellency, thank you for extending a helping hand to us. May 1 ask for your name? Ji Chen replied indifferently, 1 am Ji Chen, the Lord of the Crown of the Ocean, arriving from the distant seas. Where is this place? Is it within the territory of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy? The officers face showed some caution, unsure whether he should answer. Seeing this, Ji Chen smiled faintly. I am a friend of Her Highness Monica. I came from afar to assist you in resisting the Kingdom of Bass. You can rest assured. The officer was taken aback. A friend of Her Highness Monica? Looking at the bodies of Kingdom of Bass soldiers strewn about and the formidable army, he began to believe it. After some thought, he nodded and said, Yes, this is the southern coast of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, about a hundred kilometers from here is the city of Tressburg. We are the coastal defense unit stationed here. Ji Chen furrowed his brow. The southern coast? He remembered that this place was not a border area. Although it was not at the heart of the Grand Duchy, it was still a considerable distance from the mainland border. The Kingdom of Bass bordered the western side of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, and yet, there were already organized Kingdom of Bass land forces here. Did that not mean The Lienhardt Grand Duchy is in full-scale war with the Kingdom of Bass? The officers face revealed a bitter smile. Your Excellency Ji Chen, it seems you are not aware of the recent events. Yes, the Grand Duchy has been in full-scale war with the Kingdom of Bass. Three days ago, without any warning, the Kingdom of Bass launched a massive attack on the border under cover of night. In less than one night, eighty percent of the western border of the Grand Duchy fell. After breaking through the border defenses, their offensive momentum remained extremely fierce, with more than ten separate forces relentlessly advancing, and our territory quickly fell. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Just two days ago, before the communication was cut off, seven fleets from the Kingdom of Bass poured out and engaged in a decisive battle with five Royal fleets of the Grand Duchy in the Whirlpool Sea, about two hundred kilometers southwest of the capital city, Tressburg. I dont know the outcome The last piece of news said that the coastal fortress, Feiguang City, fifty kilometers west of here, has been heavily surrounded by Kingdom of Bass troops. If Feiguang City falls, then there will be no more defenses on the western coast towards the capital city, and the enemys forces can head straight for the capital Listening to the officer recounting the situation, Ji Chens expression became increasingly solemn. The disadvantage of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy was much greater than he had imagined. Not to mention a slight disadvantage; they were being pushed back on all fronts.. Chapter 473 - Chapter 473: Battle of Feiguang City, Revered Envoy Chapter 473: Battle of Feiguang City, Revered Envoy Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In just one night, most of the border control was lost, and in just over a day, they were pushed back to Feiguang City. As for the outcome of the decisive battle between the two naval fleets, it was an easy guess. Either the Royal Fleet of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy of Rheinhardt had been defeated or was in a disadvantaged position. The fleet of the Bass Kingdom had already gained control of the sea, allowing them to transport a large number of troops to the coastal hinterland of the Grand Duchy. Otherwise, why would there be such organized Bass Kingdom troops in this remote military camp far from the border? However, Ji Chen was somewhat puzzled. Although the military strength of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy was not as great as that of the Bass Kingdom, it should not have deteriorated to such an extent. There were probably some unusual factors at play here. Do these Bass Kingdom troops have anything unusual or suspicious about them? J Anything suspicious The officer pondered for a moment. Well, it seems that their weapon equipment suddenly improved a lot. In the past, our Grand Duchy had much better quality weapon equipment than them, even though our numbers were smaller, we always had an advantage in battle. But this time, we found that the weapons and equipment of the Bass Kingdom soldiers underwent a significant upgrade, even better than ours. They even have a lot of expensive siege equipment, which has made our situation quite challenging. Ji Chen furrowed his brow slightly. Their weapon equipment had improved significantly? He picked up a Bass Kingdom soldiers longsword and examined it closely. Indeed, the quality was quite good, even better than what was produced by the Crown of the Ocean, which had not yet absorbed the Dwarven forging techniques. Clearly, the Bass Kingdom probably received substantial support in the form of high-quality weapon equipment from somewhere. In this war, there were not just two sides involved; there was also a third party lurking in the shadows, watching closely. Suddenly, Ji Chen noticed a hidden mark on the back of the swords blade, illuminated by the sunlight. A pair of narrow, eerie eyes. He recognized this mark; it belonged to the Deceiver! Their masks all had such narrow eye marks on their foreheads. He also remembered Thotmudo mentioning that the Deceiver had likely obtained the Dwarves treasure, the Solar Furnace, which gave them the ability to produce a large quantity of high-quality weapon equipment. It seemed that they were the ones providing these weapons, but he wondered what role they played in the war between the two nations. Ji Chen didnt believe that these rats hiding in the sewers were merely providing weapon equipment; there had to be other motives at play. But now, what needed to be done was to help the Lienhardt Grand Duchy hold off the Bass Kingdoms advance. Otherwise, if the former was completely defeated, he wouldnt be able to help them even if he wanted to. With this thought in mind, Ji Chen asked the officer, Where exactly is Feiguang City located? Its on the coast about fifty kilometers west of here. You can see it as long as you spot a towering mountain peak. Ji Chen nodded without delay. He waved his hand, and with the army in tow, they returned to the sea, swiftly heading west just as they had come, at an astonishing speed. The officer and many soldiers from the Lienhardt Grand Duchy stared in amazement as Ji Chen and his troops departed, their eyes wide at the devastation on the ground. Although they hadnt completely figured out what was going on, they had a vague premonition that this formidable army that claimed to come from afar might be able to turn the increasingly dire situation around. Ji Chen and his group quickly returned to the point where they had initially arrived, which happened to be the midpoint between the military camp and Feiguang City. If the Dragon Blood Murlocs who were to explore to the left had ventured a bit farther, they might have already discovered Feiguang City. Without pausing, the group set off once more, heading towards Feiguang City along the coastline. Most of the Crown of the Oceans troops were sea creatures, which gave them unparalleled mobility in the water. Even the slowest among them, the Water Nymph Archer and the Crab Guardians, had speeds that were beyond human comparison. Fifty kilometers was no more than half an hours time for them. Ji Chen turned a corner around a cliff, and in the distance, he saw a towering mountain peak and, beneath it, Feiguang City standing on the coast. The city walls, about fifty meters high and adorned with defensive runes, along with the numerous towering arrow and spell towers that outnumbered the citys houses, and the tens of thousands of Lienhardt Grand Duchy soldiers stationed inside, made this military stronghold, which had stood here for a century, resemble a hedgehogready to pierce any claw that reached out to it. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only However, this city, known as the Beacon of the Northern Coast and considered a magnificent city even within the Northern Continent, was now shrouded in smoke and the sounds of battle, as if it were a battlefield. Two days ago, as the border faced a full-scale crisis and the land forces were advancing swiftly, the Bass Kingdoms Eighth Fleet seized the opportunity. They surrounded this city, which acted like a crucial barrier on the main advance route, with a substantial force armed with heavy weaponry. This move occurred while the Lienhardt Royal Fleet and the majority of the army were engaged elsewhere. As long as they could capture it before the Lienhardt Grand Duchy could react, the Bass Kingdom would firmly grasp the initiative in this war. They could either march straight to the capital, Tressburg, or cooperate with the land forces to sweep away any coastal resistance, leaving the Lienhardt Grand Duchys naval forces with no place to stand. Time was of the essence. Therefore, the supreme commander of this lightning-fast Bass Kingdom offensive, Marshal Russell, demanded that it be captured at all costs within two days, even if it meant turning it into ruins in the end.. Chapter 474 - Chapter 474: Battle of Feiguang City, Revered Envoy (2) Chapter 474: Battle of Feiguang City, Revered Envoy (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation So, the fierce assault on Feiguang City far exceeded everyones expectations. Facing the ocean, more than thirty warships of the Bass Kingdom were arranged in a line on the sea, firing cannons from their decks, raining down on the city walls like drops of rain. Behind these warships, there were over a hundred transport ships. Landing crafts continuously rushed out from the openings at the bow of the ships, delivering fully armed soldiers to the beach under the counterfire from Feiguang City. Strange beasts bred through special methods, clad in heavy iron armor, descended from large landing vessels. The arrow rain shot from the city walls couldnt harm them, as it clinked and clanked against their armor. Only a few heavy crossbows equipped with armor-piercing arrowheads and alchemical cannons could effectively damage them. Small alchemical cannons mounted on the backs of these beasts kept firing, causing the defensive runes inscribed on the city walls to flicker erratically. Teams of soldiers followed closely behind the beasts, attacking in accordance with the infantry assault tactics. In the sky, Pegasus knights clad in runic light armor and giant eagle archers relied on their agility and mobility to evade the limited anti-aircraft fire angles. They skillfully found gaps between the barrages and dropped enchanted arrows at valuable targets, throwing alchemical bombs. With their formidable killing power, they dove repeatedly to eliminate the defending forces on the city walls and destroy defensive equipment, arrow towers, and spell towers, reducing resistance for the landing forces. Soldiers kept losing their lives in the artillery fire and attacks, both from the Bass Kingdom and Lienhardt Grand Duchy. This grand battle unfolded before him without any concealment. At this moment, Ji Chen felt like he was transported to the D-Day landing scene on Earth. The strange beasts were tanks and armored vehicles, the Pegasus knights were dive bombers, and the giant eagle archers were combat aircraft. The arrow towers and spell towers on the city walls were machine guns and anti-aircraft artillery. As the largest coastal military city on the southwestern border of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, Feiguang City was naturally armed to the teeth, with ample ammunition reserves and troops, indestructible city walls, and a well-organized fortification system. The Lienhardt Grand Duchy was well aware that after the outbreak of war outside Feiguang City, they would undoubtedly face a heavy attack. Therefore, after the conflict with the Bass Kingdom, they further strengthened and consolidated the city walls runes, enabling them to withstand seven days of sustained attacks under the expected firepower. This time was enough for them to dispatch reinforcements from various places in a timely manner. However, they never expected that the Bass Kingdom would brazenly launch a blitzkrieg, catching the northern defense zone off guard. They were unable to organize reinforcements in time and were in a state of chaos. In addition, they used the advantage of the naval forces to tie down the Royal Fleet, and subsequently, the fleet deployed a large number of troops on the eastern coast of Feiguang City, delaying or annihilating the Lienhardt Grand Duchys forces that were preparing to depart for reinforcement. At the same time, they scattered numerous annihilation squads to block communications between Feiguang City and other areas, turning it into a shadow on the intelligence communication map. They also carried out many deceptive actions and targets. Leaving Tressburg hesitant due to the lack of intelligence C would the Bass Kingdom intentionally let them send out a large army for support and then attack the capital directly from elsewhere? And this moment of hesitation would become the key to the Bass Kingdoms victory in this war. All this planning left Feiguang City isolated and alone, relying only on the thirty thousand soldiers stationed in the city and the defensive efforts to withstand the Bass Kingdoms forces, which outnumbered them several times. If that were all, there would still be a glimmer of hope for salvation. As long as Tressburg City could react promptly and send elite troops from the capital to reinforce them, this city with strong defensive forces might endure until the arrival of reinforcements. However, the Bass Kingdoms army at the citys gates had a surprise in store for them. The fleet, orderly arranged on the sea like a battlefield, abruptly ceased the bombardment that was going on for several hours. The sudden silence made the entire sea seem quite still. Even the landing troops, who were charging like madmen, now halted their advance, stopping three hundred meters away from the city walls. Heavy infantry, sharpshooters, elite mage units, and even airborne units all ascended to higher positions. In the sky hundreds of meters away, they watched attentively. All the soldiers who could still move received orders to stop. Even the most fervent warmongers suppressed their restless hearts and obediently took cover behind the strange beasts that had crouched down. The Lienhardt Grand Duchys defenders, protected by rune-inscribed city walls amidst the deafening artillery fire, were puzzled by this scene. Even the slowest among them realized that something significant seemed to be about to happen. From within the fleet, the colossal flagship slowly aimed its bow at Feiguang City. With a roar of gears and machinery, a black obsidian-like alchemical cannon ascended from the ships bow. Its black color seemed to swallow even the sunlight, and the massive barrel, capable of accommodating a person, drew the reverence of all the soldiers on board. Inside the command room, the commander of the Bass Kingdoms Eighth Fleet, Admiral Shalifa, looked at this enormous cannon that almost occupied the entire ships bow deck, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. Are you sure this cannon can blast open the walls of Feiguang City? Of course, Your Highness Harifa. The one speaking was a deceiver wearing a golden mask. The narrow eyes on the masks forehead sparkled, and the loose gray robe struggled to conceal her fiery physique. Beneath that mask, a pair of equally golden eyes resembled the noblest of bloodlines, radiating majesty at all times. Even though Harifa was a senior noble of the Kingdom of Bass, the supreme commander of the Eighth Fleet, he still felt a sense of unease when dealing with this mysterious and enigmatic woman. If it werent for the direct order from the king, he would never have agreed to travel alongside such a person. He remembered that the king once said that this woman seemed to be the Revered Envoy of an organization called the Deceivers? The Annihilator Cannon is only produced and exists in solitary numbers. It has consumed resources equivalent to emptying ten cities, and just as its name suggests, it brings destruction and annihilation. No city wall can withstand its bombardment. With its assistance, the walls of Feiguang City will crumble in the blink of an eye. Its just that, Your Highness Harifa, you seemed to have some doubt about it. Your hesitation had caused so many soldiers to be sacrificed needlessly at the citys gates. The envoy shook her head as if lamenting for the fallen soldiers. Harifas expression darkened, and he snorted, This commander doesnt need your lessons. With that, he became even more wary of this so-called Revered Envoy and the Deceivers organization. He wondered what they had done to make the king trust them so blindly. Not only were they allowed to participate in this honorable war, but they also resided within the palace, holding esteemed positions as advisors, and taking part in every aspect of the courts affairs. It was shortly after the appearance of these individuals in the kingdom that the king suddenly proposed war with the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, fulfilling the ancestral wishes and the kingdoms centuries-old ambition. Although this delighted the hawkish faction, including himself, he couldnt shake the feeling that something was amissit all seemed too sudden. After all, at that time, although the kingdoms military strength surpassed Lienhardt by a considerable margin, the cost of defeating a power of the same tier would undoubtedly be heavy and costly. However, the emergence of the Deceivers expedited this process dramatically. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This organization, seemingly springing out of nowhere, not only brought in vast quantities of high-quality weapons, equipment, arms, and alchemical apparatus that could equip half of the kingdoms forces, but they also showcased remarkable alchemical expertise, catapulting the Kingdom of Bass to the forefront of alchemical technology among the four northwestern coastal nations. Even more astonishing was their intelligence capabilities. Information on enemy military camps, military forces, fortifications, and more flowed in like water, giving them complete control over the information necessary for the war. At this point, the kingdom resembled a rapidly fattening individualthough there might be some excess weight, it undeniably possessed the power to overthrow a nation. As a result, launching a war against the Lienhardt Grand Duchy seemed to be perfectly timed. Under this influence, the doves turned into hawks, and the hawks became even more hawkish. Then, through a series of overt and covert pushes, the war finally arrived as scheduled.. Chapter 478 - Chapter 478: Just This? Starting an Internal Strife Chapter 478: Just This? Starting an Internal Strife Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation More than 1,600 Naga Guardians, led by Herald, swiftly surfaced from the depths of the water with the power of Ji Chens tides. Before the Bass Kingdom fleet could react, they successfully boarded the ships in a lightning-fast maneuver, catching them off guard. The naval crew on these ships were caught completely off guard, without even decent weapons in their hands. They were slashed and crushed like fruits. In addition to the Naga Legion, the Dragonblood Legion, and the Guardian Legion, which all had the capability to board ships, participated in this surprise attack. After the Naga Guardians initially gained control of the decks, they quickly emerged from the water and joined the action of slaying the enemy. The decks were filled with screams as seawater mixed with blood and shredded flesh flowed into the sea. As more and more enemies boarded the ships, the naval officers and sailors were in a panic. They tried to accelerate and escape, but no matter how they pulled the throttle, even at full speed, the ships showed no sign of moving forward. Get the ship moving! The ship wont budge!! The propellers may be damaged! Underwater, Lobster Guardian Knights stuffed clumps of seaweed into the propellers. When the blades started to turn, the seaweed instantly wrapped around them, jamming the propellers. Unless there were frogmen who could slowly cut them off underwater, or the ships were towed back to port by other vessels, there was no way they could generate any power. Now, these warships were like iron coffins floating on the sea, completely immobilized. In this situation, the Ocean Crowns forces became even more audacious. Those legions that could only operate in the sea watched from the sides, eagerly waiting by the ships sides. The Lobster Guardian Knights used their spears to impale any enemies who attempted to flee into the sea in a panic or were dragged into the water by their lobster mounts, ensuring they met a watery grave. The Dragon Horn Catfish and Silver Sea Pixies worked in coordination with their allies who boarded the ships, clearing the resisting enemy soldiers from the decks. As the battle raged on, the resistance from the Bass Kingdom grew weaker. Most of the surviving crew members retreated into the cabins, stubbornly resisting in the familiar corridors and passageways. The Revered Envoy looked at the gruesome scene unfolding on the deck, with more and more crew members lying in pools of blood. She began to suspect. Where did these creatures come from? Clearly, they werent just passing by and attacking on a whim; they planned this in advance and possessed considerable intelligence. Otherwise, how would some mindless sea creatures know to sabotage the propellers and leave the warships powerless? Old lady, what are you thinking about? A clear voice of a young girl brought her attention back. The Revered Envoy chuckled softly, Child, it seems you know my identity, so can you get these sea creatures outside to leave? Otherwise, with so many casualties, its going to be difficult for a young lady like me. Anina looked surprised, Youre calling yourself a young lady at your age. Dont you feel shame? You Deceivers wear masks all the time, not showing your true faces. Old lady, are you ashamed to show us how you look because youre too ugly? The smile on the Revered Envoys face gradually disappeared. This annoying child was really hateful. Hasnt your master told you that speaking like this is impolite? Look, youre getting agitated. The Revered Envoys mouth twitched, her fists clenched, and her temples bulged with anger. You sharp-toothed little brat, I hope your strength matches your mouth, or else Ill use iron wire to sew your mouth shut. She suddenly flashed forward like a phantom, appearing right in front of Anina. A dangerous runic blade slipped out from her sleeve, gleaming with a menacing edge, and stabbed straight at her. Aninas pupils slightly contracted as her extensive combat experience instinctively made her take a step back to evade. However, in the next moment, she regretted her decision because it exposed the position of the door. The Revered Envoys eyes lit up, and she transformed into a phantom once more, passing through the doorway onto the open deck. Seeing the Revered Envoy now on the spacious deck, Anina felt a bit frustrated. She initially planned to trap this woman with the golden mask in the narrow cabin and shut the door, but now that she had escaped, it would be difficult to execute that plan. Slightly annoyed, Anina regained her resolve and charged forward, wielding her Dragon Slayer Great Sword. She casually cut down several Bass Kingdom soldiers blocking her path and swung the sword like a staff. The Revered Envoy once again used her phantom-like flash to evade this attack, and a frosty aura materialized in her hand. With a flick of her wrist, the frost transformed into a dozen ice blades that flew toward Anina. Without hesitation, Anina used her Dragon Slayer Great Sword to shatter them. However, as the ice blades shattered, they clung to the sword like a festering sore, enveloping it in deep blue ice that quickly spread toward her arm and even began creeping toward her body. Ugh, such a hassle. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Aninas face showed a hint of impatience. This woman with the golden mask was proving to be the most troublesome opponent she had ever encountered. She always kept her distance and used spells to hinder Aninas movements. She clenched her arm tightly and exerted force, causing the encasing ice to shatter. Her small mouth opened slightly, and the sound of an ancient Dragon Whale, capable of cracking stone and piercing the clouds, suddenly resonated, leaving all nearby enemy soldiers, including the Revered Envoy, stunned in their tracks. [Warriors Intimidation (Red skill, can forcibly stun enemies for 1 to 20 seconds with a roar, and even annihilate the souls of lower-level beings, the effect depends on the rank and level of the enemy and us)] Forget about 20 seconds; even a mere half-second could have determined the outcome of the battle and the matters of life and death between formidable foes.. Chapter 479 - Chapter 479: Just This? Starting an Internal Strife (2) Chapter 479: Just This? Starting an Internal Strife (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Seizing this opportunity, Anina suddenly exerted force under her feet, leaving a deep footprint on the steel deck before disappearing from the spot. She reappeared only four or five meters away from the Revered Envoy. With her left hand clenched into a powerful fist, she struck with great force. Her fair-skinned fist was accompanied by swirling vortex-like whirlwinds. If an ordinary human were to receive such a blow, their entire body would likely shatter into pieces. The Revered Envoy had just recovered from a brief daze when she saw this fist, carrying terrifying power, rapidly approaching. The pupils under her mask shrank dramatically, and she quickly formed seals with both hands, trying to harness all of her magic to create an ice shield. However, this shield couldnt withstand the power akin to that of an ancient dragon whale. The fist only encountered a momentary obstruction before shattering the ice shield, sending the Revered Envoy flying across the deck like a volleyball, tracing an arc in the air before plunging into the sea. Hmph, 1 thought you were so strong, but it turns out youre only at this level? Anina looked at the Revered Envoy as she splashed into the water, a disdainful expression on her face. Remembering the instructions to spare the life of the Revered Envoy, she quickly jumped into the water to rescue the busty woman. It seemed that the battle at the other end of the deck had also concluded. Herald picked up the limp Shalifa, who felt like dead weight and held him at eye level, his eyes showing a hint of disdain. Too weak. Shalifas body trembled, and his eyes were filled with fear. Where did this monster come from? Its strength was so terrifying! Recalling how he was toyed with like a plaything just moments ago, completely helpless, he closed his eyes in pain. Big guy, are you done over there? Anina shouted loudly toward Herald while holding the Dragon Slayer Great Sword in one hand and dragging the soaked Revered Envoy with the other. Herald, having dropped the completely incapacitated Shalifa, looked around. The Naga Guardians had completely gained control of the deck and pinned the remaining enemy soldiers down in the lower compartments. There was nothing left to threaten them now. The task given by the Lord hasnt been completed yet, theres one last step. Herald slithered toward the front of the ships deck where the Destroyer cannon was located. With a casual swipe of his claws, he cut open a wooden crate, revealing alchemical cannonballs inscribed with runes inside. Aninas eyes lit up as she dropped the unconscious Revered Envoy. She reached for the cannonballs, which required several soldiers and a loading mechanism to lift, and placed them directly into the cannon, closing the breach. Then, she began adjusting the firing parameters. Unlike other precise alchemical cannons, this Destroyer cannon looked more like a coastal defense cannon, and its adjustments were straightforward. As long as one knew the approximate distance between the current position and the target, it was easy to adjust. With a few swift movements, Anina quickly aimed the cannon at the collapsed section of the wall in Feiguang City. She looked at her handiwork, clapped her hands, and chuckled, Done! She then motioned for Herald to move further away with Shalifa and the Revered Envoy to avoid being carried away by the shockwave. Once they were in a safe position, Anina excitedly grabbed the railing and pulled a rope. Boom! The Destroyer cannon roared once again, but this time, the target was the very defenses constructed by the Bass Kingdoms army. The red-runed cannonball soared into the air, following the set parameters, and accurately struck the previously collapsed section of the city wall -the very location where the Bass Kingdoms forces had built their defenses. A soldier from the Bass Kingdom heard a muffled boom behind him, turned around in confusion, and saw a red tail streaking through the sky straight toward them. His face displayed a mix of astonishment and terror. Get down Before he could finish his sentence, his ears were filled with a deafening roar, and his vision was completely enveloped in red light. Then, everything went dark, and consciousness faded away. A red mushroom cloud rose at the breach in the city wall, and the power of this explosion was even greater than the previous one. The collapsed city wall had created a flat terrain, maximizing the impact of the explosion. Rippling shockwaves like folded edges swept countless soil and rocks into the air, sending hundreds of meters of landing soldiers flying. Even the monstrous creatures had to lower their bodies to withstand the shock. Rings of shockwaves created waves several meters high, causing the landing craft to roll backward. As the dust settled, the thousands of Bass Kingdom soldiers who were stationed at the breach had turned into nothingness. Not even a trace of their bodies remained. Apart from the residual heat and dust from the explosion, there was nothing left. Inside the city, the defending soldiers stared at this scene in disbelief, looking at each other with wide eyes. What just happened Could it be that the Bass Kingdom was in the midst of a civil war? Were their own people attacking each other? What was the reason for this enmity? Although they didnt understand what had happened, they realized that an opportunity had arisen. This single cannon blast had wiped out over five thousand enemy troops, cleared the previously fortified breach in the city wall, and the shockwave prevented the next wave of invaders from returning in time. Now was the best chance for a counterattack! Realizing this, the commanding officer of the defending forces immediately ordered the soldiers who were prepared to retreat into the city to return and rebuild the defense line at the breach in the city wall. They focused all their attention on preparing for the impending counterattack. However, to their surprise, they saw the Bass Kingdom soldiers in panic, rushing back to their ships and evacuating with haste. But then, an even more shocking scene unfolded when these landing vessels were halfway to safety. On the calm sea surface, three colossal waves, each several kilometers long and towering to a height of twenty to thirty meters, suddenly surged without any apparent cause. The engulfing spray instantly swallowed up those landing vessels. The sea surface was left with only a few floating corpses and the wreckage of the ships. The soldiers were utterly bewildered. What had just happened? In the blink of an eye, the once formidable enemy forces were decimated. First, a devastating cannonball rained down upon their warships, causing countless casualties among their own ranks. Then, during their retreat, they were inexplicably engulfed by three massive waves out of nowhere. The once mighty Bass Kingdom army now lay in disarray, almost completely annihilated. Even with their vivid imaginations, they could not fathom what had occurred. Look, the fleets flags have been lowered, and white flags are flying! People strained their eyes to see. Indeed, the flags of that fleet had disappeared, replaced by high-flying white flags. With their warships immobilized and a blockade of burly sea creatures, the crew of the Eighth Fleet had lost hope. After hearing that their supreme commander, His Excellency Shalifa, had been captured and that surrendering could spare them from death, they had little will left to resist. After a brief standoff, they chose to lay down their weapons, one by one raising their hands and lining up on the deck, waiting obediently. This scene played out simultaneously on over thirty warships of the Eighth Fleet. Ji Chen emerged from the sea, walking on a water ladder. Once his feet touched the steel deck, the water ladder collapsed with a resounding splash. My lord, weve completed the mission! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Anina was the first to notice and ran over to boast. Ji Chen smiled and patted her small head. Well done, Anina. Youve done splendidly. Feeling the warmth of that big hand, Anina giggled and pointed to the side. The one you wanted to capture with the mask and the fleet commander are both here. Ji Chen glanced over and saw the Deceiver with the golden mask lying drenched but still slightly moving, indicating that she was alive. The other one was bound tightly like a dumpling, slumped against the wall with lifeless eyes. After a moment of consideration, Ji Chen said, Keep the Deceiver, and hand the other one over to the Lienhardt Grand Duchy.. Chapter 480 - Chapter 480: Battle Damage, Interrogation Chapter 480: Battle Damage, Interrogation Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The nearly hundred thousand soldiers besieging Feiguang City from the Bass Kingdom had suffered heavy casualties in less than two days, with only a small number surviving. Or rather, they had lost seventy to eighty percent of their soldiers in just two or three hours. Among them, apart from the one or two percent lost in the intense early stages of the siege, the rest of the casualties were directly or indirectly caused by the Ocean Crown. Some were blasted into bits by the treacherous Defenders cannons, while others, though not directly hit, had their internal organs shattered by the shockwaves. Some were sent flying over ten meters and turned into unrecognizable mosaics upon impact with the ground. Moreover, more than thirty percent of the soldiers lost their lives while retreating, swept away by the three colossal waves. Thanks to Ji Chens precise command, the waves capsized hundreds of landing boats, but miraculously disappeared just before reaching the muddy shore. They didnt even come close to the city walls of Feiguang City, let alone causing any harm to our own forces. After all the losses, there were less than twenty thousand surviving soldiers. Some were crew members of the Eighth Fleet who chose to surrender, some were from the airborne troops who returned in an attempt to rescue the fleet after it was ambushed but were driven away by long-range attackers like the Dragon Horn Catfish and Water Nymph Archers, suffering the loss of several hundred-person squads before reluctantly retreating. The last group were soldiers who hadnt had time to board the boats and survived the waves. However, they had lost their will to continue fighting, with most choosing to disarm and surrender, while a few fled in panic into the mountains and jungles, heading towards the border. When the last enemy airborne unit disappeared from the northwest horizon, this multi-day urban defense battle quietly came to an end. This time, the Bass Kingdom not only couldnt swiftly seize the vital coastal city of Feiguang, resulting in the loss of nearly a hundred thousand soldiers but also saw almost thirty steel warships from the Eighth Fleet captured in pristine condition. This essentially handed over an entire fleets power and firepower to the enemy. It was estimated that Russell, the overall commander of this war, would be fuming upon hearing this news. A hundred thousand versus thirty thousand, and they got counterattacked, plus losing an entire intact fleet. Were they even capable of waging war? Regardless, this could be considered the Bass Kingdoms most significant loss since the start of the war, one that would impact the overall strategic situation and direction of the entire conflict. While nearly a hundred thousand soldiers might not be the entirety of the Bass Kingdoms current military forces, they constituted an essential auxiliary force in this war. Besides the sheer numerical loss, it was also a declaration of the failure of their blitzkrieg tactics. Failing to capture Feiguang City swiftly gave Tressburg time to react, making the task of taking this city much more challenging. It could be imagined that the Bass Kingdom would not set its sights on this city again in the short term. At least, Feiguang City, which was severely battered, now had some breathing room. The instigator of all this, Ji Chen, was slowly making his way onto the land while being watched by the soldiers of Feiguang City with a mix of awe and gratitude. Awe, reverence, admiration, and various other emotions played across their faces. Many soldiers had vividly witnessed this man unleashing those catastrophic waves that had engulfed the enemy. In their impression, only deities could wield such power, right? Perhaps due to this almost divine reverence, the soldiers dared not approach him. They simply watched him with eyes filled with awe, leaving Ji Chen, who walked onto the mudflat with his hands behind his back, feeling slightly awkward as he awaited their cheers and welcome. Why are you all just standing there and watching? Wont anyone come and greet me? Ji Chen thought to himself. Just as Ji Chen was pondering what to say as an opening remark, a native of the city approached him briskly. The one leading them wore military attire and exuded an imposing aura, likely a noble of the indigenous people. He came up to Ji Chen and spoke with an expression of reverence, Respected powerful one, 1 am the Lord of Feiguang City, Sylvansai. Thank you for extending a helping hand to us in our time of peril, for crushing those detestable invaders, and allowing countless people to survive. On behalf of the entire citys military and civilians, we express our profound gratitude. We will surely remember this debt of kindness in our hearts. Ji Chen nodded and replied, Hello, I am Ji Chen, the Lord of the Ocean Crown, and 1 have come from the distant seas. The Ocean Crown? Sylvansais heart stirred; he seemed to have heard that name somewhere before. Oh, right, not long ago, a shipment of weapons and equipment had arrived, and it seemed to have originated from a territory called the Ocean Crown. Lord Ji Chen, if 1 may be so bold as to ask, does your territory produce weapons and equipment? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen paused for a moment and then replied, Yes, the Ocean Crown does indeed produce weapons and equipment, but our primary market is the Principality of Maple. Thats right, Sylvansai chuckled and said, In the time before the war erupted, there was a merchant named Gilder who came here and sold a batch of weapons and equipment to Feiguang City. I believe it was purchased from your territory. Well, Gilder managed to sell weapons and equipment from the Ocean Crown all the way to Feiguang City, which was thousands of miles away from the Principality of Maple. He truly lived up to his reputation as a merchant. How are our weapons and equipment? They are excellent. Many soldiers find them quite handy, and the quality is impressive. Sylvansai glanced around. But this is not the place for discussion.. If its possible, why dont we continue our conversation in the city? Chapter 481 - Chapter 481: Battle Damage, Interrogation (2) Chapter 481: Battle Damage, Interrogation (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen nodded slightly, agreeing to the proposal. Just as he was about to step forward, as if remembering something, he turned his body and gestured to Shalifa, who was being held by Herald. According to the fleet captives, this man is their fleet commander and the commander of this attack on Feiguang City. Perhaps he could be of some use to you. Shalifa, who was trying to reduce his presence, shivered slightly, but managed to maintain his composure. Fie was aware of his identity, as a noble and a senior officer, he still had some value. At the very least, he would not be executed immediately. However, in the hands of the enemy, he would likely suffer some punishment. Lord Ji Chen, I have a question in my mind. Why did you voluntarily help us? After all, you are a Lord of Glory, and the Bass Kingdom is not a natural enemy. Feiguang City. Inside a luxurious building at the center of the city. Ji Chen smiled faintly. This is thanks to Her Highness Monica. Sylvansai was taken aback and asked in surprise, Your Lordship, do you know Her Highness? Ji Chen smiled and briefly explained his previous acquaintance with Monica. Listening to this, Sylvansai suddenly realized and was overjoyed. In this way, they had a natural affinity with Ji Chen, at least from the current perspective, they could consider him an ally. Other soldiers may not be fully aware of what happened, but they had been observing Ji Chens performance and the actions of the sea clan army throughout the battlefield. From the instant the sea clan forces ambushed the enemys eighth fleet from below the waters surface, swiftly seizing command of the deck, to the critical deployment of the alchemical cannon that not only demolished the walls of Feiguang City but also eliminated the Bass Kingdom soldiers in the breached area, enabling them to retake control of the city walls. Then, taking advantage of the enemys panic and their retreat by ship, Ji Chen singlehandedly created a massive wave that submerged them. Only a few soldiers managed to escape, and the nearly hundred-thousand-strong army attacking Feiguang City completely collapsed, with only the aerial units and a few surviving soldiers managing to flee. Such a powerful individual, if they could join the kingdoms side, would undoubtedly be a tremendous asset. With this sea clan army completely obedient to him and possessing much greater combat strength in the ocean than ordinary armies, they could turn the tide in favor of the kingdom in naval battles. The captured eighth fleet of the Bass Kingdom was the best evidence. However, your willingness to come all the way to help the kingdom defend against the Bass Kingdoms attack is a commendable act. 1 believe Her Highness Monica is aware of this, and she will be immensely pleased with your arrival, Sylvansai said enthusiastically. Ji Chen smiled and wasnt surprised by Sylvansais respect and enthusiasm. In this world, strength was the best passport. Not only would they be warmly welcomed like this, but even entire nations would treat powerful individuals as honored guests, providing them with the finest food and drink. Sir Sylvansai, did you know that behind this war, theres an organization called the Deceiver secretly aiding the Bass Kingdom? This includes, but is not limited to, supplying a large number of weapons, war machinery, and even providing the alchemical cannon. Damn it! 1 knew there must be a reason why the Bass Kingdoms weapons and war machinery quality improved so much, leading to our heavy losses! Sylvansai clenched his teeth in anger, but then his expression turned puzzled. But 1 remember we havent provoked them. Weve only heard about their activities in the central part of the Northern Continent. How did they end up working with the Bass Kingdom? Ji Chen shook his head. I want to figure that out too. In fact, Ive had dealings with them in the Maple Principality. In simple terms, they are fanatics who hate anything related to deities. Since the Deceiver is working with the Bass Kingdom, there must be something they value greatly, or they wouldnt expend so much effort helping them wage this war. Or perhaps theres something within the Lienhardt Grand Duchy that they want. Ji Chen looked at Sylvansai and chuckled, Maybe we can ask that captive named Shalifa. After all, he is a fleet commander, and he must know something. Following his suggestion, Shalifa was brought over, his face remarkably composed. I wont say anything, dont try to challenge my loyalty to His Majesty and the kingdom. Thats alright, 1 was planning to have you speak with your mouth shut, Ji Chen said casually, approaching him and speaking softly. 1 have ways to obtain what I want from inside your head. Do you know that theres a mysterious race in the ocean that excels in manipulating minds? They can effortlessly invade your brain and browse through your memories like reading a book. However, this forced intrusion comes with a rather significant side effect, a high probability of turning you into a simpleton or causing mental instability. Halifas throat rumbled, and from Ji Chens eyes, he sensed that these words werent mere bluffs. Still, he stared back defiantly. Dont think you can trick me with those words. Im not easy to deceive! Ji Chen remained expressionless and clapped his hands lightly. Alice walked over, her sapphire eyes beneath the mask fixed on Shalifa, making him suddenly feel anxious. Then, he suddenly heard a strange singing voice in his ears, flowing like water into his ears, causing a searing pain in his head, as if his mind were being torn apart. Wait, Ill talk! The singing ceased, and Shalifa, pale-faced, glanced at Alice, his eyes filled with fear. Damn it, what they said was actually true! He really felt a force entering through his ears, attempting to infiltrate his brain. He was a noble of the Bass Kingdom! His status was high, and how could he become a simpleton here!? As long as he could return alive, he would promise anything. Shalifa looked at Ji Chen as though he were facing a demon, his throat somewhat dry. What do you want to know? Why did the Deceiver suddenly collaborate with the Bass Kingdom? What role are they playing in this war? Ji Chen asked solemnly. The Deceiver Shalifa paused for a moment, it goes back a long time ago. Two years ago, one day during a royal audience, a person with a golden mask suddenly appeared by His Majestys side. They claimed to be Shalifa hid nothing, and to ensure the safety of his own head, he revealed everything he knew about the Deceivers. This included their sudden appearance, their rapid gain of the Kings trust, astounding alchemical technology, substantial support in terms of weaponry and equipment, and their formidable intelligence capabilities. The more Ji Chen listened, the more surprised he became. The Deceivers scheme might be even larger than he had imagined. This is all 1 know. For more, you may have to ask His Majesty, Shalifa said cautiously, watching Ji Chen, who was deep in thought, fearing that he might be forced to divulge more information by more invasive means. So, youre saying the Deceiver had been plotting to attack the Lienhardt Grand Duchy for two years already? Probably, but back then, they only participated in court discussions as advisors and didnt reveal their intent to launch a war. At this point, Shalifa seemed to understand as well. The Deceiver had supported the Bass Kingdom for the sole purpose of waging this war. As he thought about it, Shalifas complexion visibly changed. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only If the Deceiver was catalyzing the war, did His Majesty know about this? After all, the current monarch seemed much more impatient than two years ago, even showing signs of wanting to go to war at ail costs. However, all of this was obscured by the prevailing warlike sentiments. Ji Chen glanced at Shalifa and continued to ask, Who is the woman with the golden mask who was with you? What is her status within the Deceiver? She is a Revered Envoy; thats what the lower-ranking Deceivers call her. His Majesty assigned her to assist me, and she also provided the Destroyer Cannon along with two matching shells, which have now been used up. As for the rest, I dont know.. Chapter 482 - Chapter 482: Hundred Thousand Army Destroyed, Ji Chen Reappears Chapter 482: Hundred Thousand Army Destroyed, Ji Chen Reappears Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Watching the soldiers escort Shalifa away, Sylvansais expression grew solemn. I never thought that the Deceiver would hold such a crucial position within the Bass Kingdom. Its hard to imagine that theyve been preparing for this war for two whole years. Ji Chen nodded in agreement. From what I know about them, they must have made even more preparations behind the scenes before making their presence known. Otherwise, they wouldnt dare to launch a war so boldly. Sylvansai nodded in deep agreement. Today, without this unexpected support, Feiguang City would have likely fallen under the bombardment of the cannons. Even he had never witnessed the terrifying power of the alchemical cannon, combined with an army of one hundred thousand troops fully equipped. It proved the depth of the Deceivers resources. Ji Chen decided to stay in Feiguang City for now. The citys external intelligence channels had not yet been restored, and their information about the situation elsewhere was several days old. Without sufficient intelligence and information, launching a blind attack would not be a wise choice. In addition, the Bass Kingdom army that had besieged Feiguang City was almost entirely wiped out. The Eighth Fleet, captured as spoils of war, was taken back to a military port. In reality, the Bass Kingdom could no longer maintain a complete blockade. The Bass Kingdoms special forces, scattered in the mountains and forests, responsible for intercepting messengers sent by Feiguang City, initially couldnt believe it when they received news of the complete annihilation of the main army. How could nearly a hundred thousand troops, along with naval firepower support, be nearly wiped out in less than half a day? Were they killed by falling boulders from the sky? However, when they secretly sent scouts to investigate and saw the wreckage of landing ships floating on the sea, the corpses of their allied soldiers, warships bearing their lowered flags in the harbor, and the Lienhardt Grand Duchy flag still flying unyielding on the city walls, they had no choice but to accept the undeniable truth. All signs indicated that the campaign to attack Feiguang City had failed, and it seemed pointless to continue the blockade. Now they had a new mission: to withdraw and regroup with other Allied forces. They needed to inform the rest of their forces about what had happened here. Realizing that the Bass Kingdom had lifted its information blockade on them, several Feiguang City communication teams were quickly dispatched. They spread the news of everything that happened here, including the Deceivers alchemical cannon, the citys defense, the arrival of a powerful figure from the distant seas who resurrected the Eighth Fleet, and the decimation of nearly a hundred thousand enemy soldiers in this battle. This news spread like a sea breeze towards the capital city of Tressburg. The tremendous victory that occurred here was excellent news for the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, which had already seen half of its territory engulfed in ruthless warfare and was in a disadvantaged position. It was enough to boost the morale and confidence of the entire nation. Meanwhile, the airborne troops who decided to retreat when the situation started to change managed to convey all the events in Feiguang City back to their headquarters in just two days of non-stop flying, faster than any other unit. In a town on the border between the two countries. Several days before the war broke out, this border town, originally belonging to the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, had fallen immediately and become the central command center for the Bass Kingdoms army. Within the Lord Manor at the town center. A voice filled with both skepticism and anger could be heard. Almost the entire hundred-thousand-strong army attacking Feiguang City has been wiped out? Damn it, how is that even possible!? Hearing this news, Marshal Russell, the overall commander of this war, nearly jumped out of his chair. He grabbed a subordinate officer by the collar, attempting to find any trace of deception in his eyes. But soon, he felt disappointed, for the officers eyes held the same disbelief. Report to the Marshal, this information comes directly from the airborne unit that returned from Feiguang City, and it has a high level of credibility. Furthermore, based on reports trickling in from other sources, it does appear that the army responsible for attacking Feiguang City has indeed been defeated. Only three units of a thousand soldiers each, along with a few troops, were able to withdraw. What about the Eighth Fleet? The naval command mentioned that the Eighth Fleet didnt send any messages or reports last night and this morning, so its feared that they might have Receiving this answer, even Russell, a seasoned commander, was momentarily at a loss. He slumped in his chair. A complex mixture of fear, anger, and disbelief flashed through his eyes, unable to accurately capture the turmoil within him. Those were a full hundred thousand people, not a hundred thousand pigs! And even if they were a hundred thousand pigs, it would take a whole day to slaughter them, wouldnt it? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Just yesterday afternoon, they were saying that everything was going smoothly, that the soldiers were about to breach the city walls, and now they were suddenly reporting that almost the entire army had been wiped out? Not only that, but the fleet powerful enough to destroy a small nation was captured, and all of this against Feiguang Citys garrison of thirty thousand? What kind of joke is this? Are you telling me that ships at sea can be captured by people walking on land? Are your propellers just for show? Even before the war began, he had obtained comprehensive intelligence from the Deceivers about Feiguang Citys military strength and fortifications. It could be said that the entire city was almost transparent to them, and they could attack it however they pleased.. Chapter 483 - Chapter 483: Hundred Thousand Army Destroyed, Ji Chen Reappears(2) Chapter 483: Hundred Thousand Army Destroyed, Ji Chen Reappears(2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation But considering its crucial position in the overall strategy, for cautions sake, he dispatched soldiers several times the number of the garrison, and had the Eighth Fleet provide a Destroyer Cannon capable of easily demolishing the city walls. The power of that cannon was something he witnessed before, and no city wall could withstand its bombardment. Even Feiguang Citys most relied-upon walls could be destroyed, coupled with the fact that Rheinhardts fleet was pulled hundreds of miles away from the sea, he couldnt think of any reason why they would lose this surefire battle, let alone suffer such a degree of defeat. Shame, it was simply a disgrace! What the hell was that guy Shalifa doing!? The officer looked at Marshal Russell, who remained silent, hesitated for a moment, and then bit his lip. Marshal, when I returned from the evacuation, I heard some news from the air force of the Eighth Fleet. The failure of the Feiguang City battle was actually caused by the sudden appearance of a foreign army. Russells expression brightened, and he squinted his eyes, emitting a hint of danger, and said slowly, Bring them over and have them talk to me personally. The officers throat rolled, and he replied nervously, Yes! Ill bring him to see you right away! Watching the officer leave with a somewhat flustered figure, Russell slightly composed himself, took a deep breath, and sat in his chair deep in thought. The consequences of the defeat in Feiguang City werent limited to the loss of a hundred thousand lives and the Eighth Fleet. It also signified that his meticulously planned and personally executed blitzkrieg had reached a halfway point of failure. Failing to quickly capture this strategically vital city that stood before Tressburg while enemy forces were distracted elsewhere, at a time when they hesitated, made it challenging to achieve coherent phase victories in other regions. Feiguang City was like a nail firmly driven into their path along the coastal route to Tressburg. As long as this city remained secure, Reinhardt was always able to face any attack with ease. When Tressburg City realized this and comprehended his entire strategic intent, this war could potentially drag on indefinitely. Furthermore, it signified the collapse of the attack plan he had personally crafted, leading to potential doubts from nobles in other kingdoms, a challenge to his status, and even an inquiry from the King himself. Thinking of this, Russell was itching with hatred, wishing to throw that idiot Shalifa into the sea to feed the fish. Fie really wanted to know what kind of enemy could defeat them in half a day. Time passed, and the officer soon brought in an air combat soldier in runic light armor who had evacuated from Feiguang City. Marshal, he is the air combat soldier who evacuated from Feiguang City. Russell looked at the pattern of armor on his body, which was indeed equipped for the Air Force, but the light armor on his chest looked like it was struck by lightning, smoldering, and his face was covered in soot, obviously having gone through a fierce battle. He furrowed his brows slightly. Where is your commander? The air combat soldier, with a look of fear and dejection in his eyes, said softly, Our commander was shot down while attempting to regain control of the fleets deck. Regain control of the fleets deck? Russells heart stirred, and he withdrew his gaze, saying in a deep voice, Tell me everything you saw in Feiguang City. Hearing this, the air combat soldier trembled. Yes! I belong to the First Squadron of the Eighth Fleets air combat unit, and we entered the battle as soon as we attacked Feiguang City As we had anticipated before the battle, the garrison at Feiguang City couldnt withstand our overwhelming forces and quickly found themselves at a disadvantage without reinforcements After our fleet launched an extremely powerful shell that blasted open the city walls, the balance of the battle shifted completely in our favor. The ground landing forces surged through the enemys defenses, firmly securing control of the breached city wall gap caused by our bombardment. With our coordination, they dealt a severe blow to the wyvern unit. Russell nodded when he heard this; it was the strategy he had devised earlier. They used the Destroyer Cannon to breach the city walls and then used pre-prepared anti-air weapons to deal with the only threat to them, the Wyvern unit. At least for now, Shalifa had faithfully executed his strategy. At this point, the air combat soldier seemed to recall some unpleasant memories and spoke with a trembling voice. But at this time, we suddenly found our fleet under a surprise attack from a powerful and unfamiliar aquatic army that emerged from underwater. They quickly occupied the fleets deck Powerful aquatic army? Russell inquired. Yes, it was a formidable army composed of several types of aquatic beings, including those with serpent tails, catfish, and even knights riding giant lobsters. Their combat prowess was in no way inferior to our main forces, and they were even stronger. It was a nightmare for the unarmed crew members on the ships. Our air unit tried to help the fleet regain control of the deck, but the anti-air firepower of those aquatic beings exceeded our expectations, and we couldnt get close. Then, those aquatic beings used that massive cannon to attack our ground forces. Five entire battalions were turned into ashes on the spot, and thousands of soldiers were sent flying. The battlefield that was sounding the victory horn instantly turned into a hell on earth We lost control of the breach in the city wall, forcing the ground forces to temporarily retreat. The air combat soldier swallowed hard. At that moment, three terrifying waves, dozens of meters high, rose up on the calm sea. Even in the sky, I could feel the horror of those waves. They instantly swallowed up the retreating ground landing forces in the sea. Finally, only our air combat unit and a few soldiers remained. Oh, I think I saw a person standing behind those waves before I left! Russell, upon hearing this, deeply furrowed his brows, and the layers of wrinkles on his forehead resembled the furrows of a field being plowed. With narrowed eyes, he said in a stern voice, Are you saying that it appears that a human, accompanied by a sea tribe army, launched a surprise attack on the Eighth Fleet, used our artillery to defeat the advancing soldiers, and then summoned colossal waves to engulf our forces? Yes, Marshal. The air combat soldier nodded vigorously as if beating a drum. Before we withdrew, we also saw Fleet Commander Lord Shalifa and Revered Envoy lying on the deck, their fates unknown Phew, you can leave for now. As the door closed with a resounding sound in the study that originally belonged to a noble of Reinhardt, it fell into silence once again. From behind a bookshelf filled with books, a figure emerged, wearing a silver mask with elongated eyes engraved on its forehead. Lord Russell, it appears I may know who that human is. Russell, who was still contemplating, was momentarily stunned. How did your intelligence become so strong? You already know about the person who was just reported? He asked eagerly, You know who he is? The deceitful figure in the silver mask nodded, and his voice, just like other Deceivers, was hoarse. If the intelligence is correct, he should be called Ji Chen, a Lord of Glory with the power to control water. His followers are all aquatic warriors, and he used to operate around the Maple Principality. Based on the information provided by your soldiers, its likely 80 percent him. I didnt expect that we havent found him yet, and he would show up right in front of us. Russell detected a hint of intrigue in the tone of his words. Do you have a vendetta with him? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Well, you could say that. The deceitful figure in the silver mask nodded without reservation. As one of the masterminds behind the destruction of the entire Deceiver branch in the Maple Principality, Ji Chen, the Lord of Glory, had long been in the sights of all Deceiver branches across the Northern Continent. His priority for elimination significantly rose. If they could capture or eliminate him here, it would be a significant achievement. Regardless, we will seize this opportunity to apprehend him, and you will help us, just as we have aided you. Russell gritted his teeth and continued as if he had remembered something. I must catch him. He killed so many soldiers and disrupted my plans. No matter if hes a man, a ghost, or some Lord of Glory, anyone who crosses paths with the Kingdom of Bass will meet their end! Chapter 484 - Chapter 484: Bounty Orders, What Gave You the Courage? Chapter 484: Bounty Orders, What Gave You the Courage? Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Furthermore, you need to launch another attack on Feiguang City immediately. There is something we require there. But breaking through Feiguang City now is almost impossible, Russell replied without hesitation and frowned. Do you think the people of Tressburg are fools? This time, without breaking through, they will definitely see through the mist I set up earlier and wont give us such an opportunity again. In addition, with the loss of the hundred thousand-strong army attacking Feiguang City and the capture of the Eighth Fleet, I need to formulate a new offensive strategy. Its impossible to commit a large force to that city in the short term. Upon hearing this, the tone of the Silver Masked Deceiver also turned cold. This was the condition we agreed on earlier. You dont have the right to refuse. Without our support, do you think you would have come this far today? Do you really believe that you can defeat the Lienhardt Grand Duchy on your own? These words were spoken without reservation, even with a hint of disdain, infuriating Russell. Veins bulged on his forehead, fists clenched, and his copper-bell eyes stared angrily. The Silver Masked Deceiver stood his ground, his eyes carrying a barely noticeable hint of contempt. Before the organization intervened, the Kingdom of Bass was one of the weakest among the four nations along the western coast of the Western Midland Sea. They wouldnt have even considered such a weak kingdom if they didnt have a specific purpose in mind. Once the organization withdrew all its forces, the rapidly expanding Kingdom of Bass would quickly revert to its original state within just a couple of years. As a Marshal, Russell was clearly aware of this, and even in his current state of anger, he had to grit his teeth, hold back his anger, and say, We will attack Feiguang City again, but not now. And dont forget, if we fail, you wont get anything either! The Silver Masked Deceiver fell silent for a moment. Alright, we can allow you more time, but it must be as soon as possible, and you must also rescue the Revered Envoy. Russell nodded with an unpleasant expression. Seeing this, the Silver Masked Deceivers gaze softened slightly, and he said in a deep voice, Now focus your attention on that Glory Lord named Ji Chen. He may become our biggest obstacle in the future. Kill him as soon as possible, and you can salvage some prestige. But that Glory Lord wont be stupid enough to engage our army head-on. Once he escapes back into the ocean, it will be difficult for us to find an opportunity to capture him. The Silver Masked Deceivers eyes gleamed with a hint of cunning. Perhaps we can make use of other Glory Lords. As long as theres enough interest, they can be very useful tools. Hundreds of miles away, standing by the seaside, was Feiguang City. A day passed since the siege. Ji Chen reclined on a plush sofa, his feet resting on a luxurious carpet made from the fur of some unknown magical beast. Through intricately carved windows, he gazed at the finely trimmed flowers and plants in the courtyard. As the one who had saved the city in its hour of need, he naturally received the respect and gratitude of the entire citys military and civilians. Under Sylvansais arrangement, he stayed in a luxurious mansion at the city center, a place meant for hosting distinguished guests. In this sprawling estate covering thousands of acres, he enjoyed the finest things the city had to offer, with dozens of maids and servants attending to his needs around the clock. However, according to Sylvansai himself, the value of these material possessions, which could be measured in terms of money, didnt even compare to one-thousandth of what Ji Chen had done. Without his intervention earlier, its likely that the city would have been reduced to ruins beneath the iron hooves of the Bass Kingdom by now. Ji Chen took full advantage of these luxuries without any guilt. He wasnt the kind of hero from adventure novels who defeats a dragon and saves the world but lives a humble life. For him, the more he did, the more respect he deserved. After all the effort he had put in, wasnt he allowed to enjoy himself a little? The great victory in the Battle of Feiguang City didnt mean the overall victory in the entire war. Tens of thousands of Bass Kingdom soldiers were still deployed in the vast northern regions of Feiguang City, either in battle or in a standoff with Lienhardt soldiers. There were still at least seven well-armed steel fleets roaming the expansive ocean, and within the Bass Kingdoms borders, there were many more reserves. The loss of a hundred thousand soldiers was indeed heavy, but it didnt render the enemy incapable of launching further attacks. In terms of military strength, the Bass Kingdom still held a certain advantage at this moment. Therefore, post-war Feiguang City remained a bustling hub of activity. The city walls were repaired, damaged structures restored, wounded soldiers treated, the dead buried, reserves mobilized, and scouts dispatched to monitor enemy movements. This bustling scene was in stark contrast to Ji Chens nearly idle state, much like the difference in the number of cicadas on a tree branch. Just as he was contemplating what to do next, a system notification reminded him, and suddenly, he received a private message request. With a casual click, he saw the senders name: I_Love_Black_Stockings. Big boss, are you currently in Feiguang City in the Lienhardt Grand Duchy? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Could it be that events happening here had quickly spread hundreds of kilometers away to King Kong Island? That seemed unusually fast. Yes, whats the matter? Ah! Its really you! Weve got a big problem. Hurry and check the forum! Ji Chen furrowed his brow. Judging from I_Love_Black_Stockings words, it seemed like something related to him had occurred.. Chapter 485 - Chapter 485: Bounty Orders, What Gave You the Courage? (2) Chapter 485: Bounty Orders, What Gave You the Courage? (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Suppressing the doubts in his heart, he casually opened the chat channel and the forum, only to discover some posts about him. More precisely, it was about the name Ji Chen, not the forum name Islander. Based on a highly popular post, just a few hours ago, the Kingdom of Bass suddenly issued a wanted notice to players in the northwest coastal area, and the target was none other than him. [Kingdom of Bass Wanted Notice] [Target]: Ji Chen (Lord of Glory) [Targets Recent Location]: Lienhardt Grand Duchy, Feiguang City [Reward]: Five million Aureus gold coins, one million units of rare resources, ten 2~4-star treasures A wanted notice from the Kingdom of Bass? Ji Chen thought for a moment. It was probably the surviving airborne forces that attacked Feiguang City, and they had transmitted information about him back. The Kingdom of Bass didnt choose to send troops to attack here again; instead, they publicly issued a wanted notice to cause him trouble? Was it because they were angry about their failure in Feiguang City and wanted to eliminate him directly by using other players who were also Lords of Glory? He could only say, Wow. The reward amount was five million gold coins, one million units of rare resources, and ten treasures. Perhaps, for Ji Chen, this wasnt much, not even enough to cover the cost of recruiting a round of units. But for most players, this was a huge fortune that could make their hearts race and go crazy. Just by looking at the comments below the post, he could tell how many people were tempted. Five million gold coins, one million units of rare resources!? Oh my god, I would die to have so many resources and money! Is this player named Ji Chen his real name? What on earth did he do to incur the wrath of the Kingdom of Bass, such a kingdom-level power, to the point where they lowered their dignity and issued a wanted notice to hunt him down? Did he maybe flirt with the wife of some native noble and got a big noble cuckolded? Haha, this reward is ours, the Edge Guild. Brother, please dont blame us for going all out. We can only say that you provoked the wrong person. Humph, this person is our Sea Tide Alliances target. Just stay in Feiguang City and wait for death. Dont make us expend too much effort. This wanted notice had exploded among the solo players and player guilds near Lienhardt and the Kingdom of Bass, tempting countless people. Among them, players who had chosen the Bass Kingdom faction in this war were the most excited. Through the factions channels, they learned that if they killed this guy named Ji Chen, they could not only claim the reward but also receive the honor title conferred by the Kingdom of Bass. In a world where tiers were strict, an honor title was something that money couldnt buy. Fueled by such excitement, they were all boasting on the forums about taking his head within two days. Amidst the chaotic clamor, only a few people could maintain their composure and think. Since the Kingdom of Bass has issued this wanted notice, doesnt it mean that even they cant handle this Ji Chen? They can only resort to a reward notice to seek help. I dont think this guy is that simple. I think the same. If he were so easy to kill, how could those natives, who are smarter than monkeys, be willing to offer so much? +1,1 agree However, these rational comments were quickly drowned out by the much larger clamor. Faced with such a huge reward amount, many players had lost some of their rationality and ability to think. Watching more and more players flood into the post, creating a frenzy with thousands of comments, Ji Chen shook his head. He really didnt know what gave these players the courage. Even a bunch of them couldnt muster three digits of fourth-tier units, let alone qualify for him to take them seriously. Arent there any standards? But he was somewhat puzzled. How did the Kingdom of Bass know it was him who was involved? He remembered that, apart from briefly appearing when he finalized the giant waves at the end, he had hardly shown himself in front of the enemy Could it be that those deceivers recognized him? Ji Chen pondered for a moment and felt that this possibility was highly likely. I_Love_Black_Stockings sent a message. Big Boss, what did you do to make the Kingdom of Bass target you like this? He replied casually. Its not a big deal. I just helped the Lienhardt Grand Duchy withstand the Kingdom of Bass armys attack. Maybe because there were more casualties, so they issued the reward. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only I_Love_Black_Stockings, sitting in her Lord Manor, showed a subtle expression on her face when she reached this point. She also had some understanding of the situation between the Kingdom of Bass and the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, but the war had been going on for several days, and many players were involved in the conflict between the two nations. However, she never heard of any player being so specifically targeted by a kingdom-level power and even rewarded with such a huge amount of resources. She had a faint feeling that there should be quite a few soldiers from the Kingdom of Bass who had died at the hands of this boss; otherwise, they wouldnt be so desperate. Seeing so many players on the forum saying they wanted to trouble Ji Chen, I_Love_Black_Stockings quickly wrote: Big Boss, those players clamoring to find you dont even know that you are actually Ji Chen. Ill immediately clarify this misunderstanding with them, and they probably wont dare to continue.. Chapter 486 - Chapter 486: Bounty Orders, What Gave You the Courage? (3) Chapter 486: Bounty Orders, What Gave You the Courage? (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation No need, some folks wont learn until they experience the consequences. 111 make sure they understand that not all cash is worth claiming. I_Love_Black_Stockings clicked her tongue in response, silently praying for those players who had been blinded by the reward amount. She still remembered the scene when she first met Big Boss Ji Chen who effortlessly submerged those players with a terrifying tsunami. It was a situation that ordinary players couldnt resist. Moreover, he commanded thousands of sea clan troops. As time passed, Ji Chen, who was already ahead of most players in terms of strength, should have become even more formidable. His strength had probably reached a whole new level. Facing a kingdom-level power like the Kingdom of Bass, only absolute strength could prevail. Terrifying, it was truly terrifying. Then, l_Love_Black_Stockings felt a sense of pride and happiness. Her decisive decision to cling to the Big Boss had turned out to be wise. Nevertheless, I am now the leader of the King Kong Island Players Alliance, and I command nearly a thousand Tier 4 troops. How about I lead the King Kong Island players to support you? Youve been taking care of me and helping me all along. If I dont do something now, Ill feel guilty, l_Love_Black_ Stockings said sincerely. Ji Chen smiled at this and saw that the seeds he had planted earlier had now grown slightly. It wasnt in vain that he had watered and fertilized them. No need, I can handle this. You continue to grow, and when the time comes when I need you, Ill let you know. Okay, Ill take that as your word! My Lord, whats happening? Seeing Ji Chens strange expression, Alice asked softly. In simple terms, during this period, we not only need to be on guard against the Kingdom of Bass but also keep an eye out for other Glory Lords. Other Glory Lords? Alice was a bit puzzled. Ji Chen nodded. Yes, the Kingdom of Bass has issued a bounty on me, and many other Glory Lords are interested in taking my head to claim the reward. As the words fell, Alice suddenly burst forth with a chilling aura, her eyes icy. How dare those ants? No need to worry. Ji Chen smiled and shook his head. As a fellow player, he understood the mentality and actions of other players who were like doing quests. However, the key issue was knowing ones own limitations and capabilities. No one should risk ones life to complete the quest. However, with these casual players participating, this war might not be so boring, and he could find some enjoyment in it. At this moment, on the outskirts of Feiguang City. Four players who had come together hastily arrived at a high ground with thousands of troops. Having previously pledged their allegiance to the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, they had not encountered any resistance from the duchys soldiers and entered the warning range of Feiguang City. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The four of them looked down at Feiguang City below, exchanged excited and fervent glances, and their eyes sparkled. It looks like were the first to arrive here. Now we can be the first to deal with that player called Ji Chen. Thats right, although we pledged to the Lienhardt Grand Duchys camp, compared to what the reward offers, the rewards from the duchy are nothing. Besides, our territory isnt here. We need to find him quickly, eliminate him, and leave as soon as possible. We should take action immediately. The four of them discussed and, under the pretext of supporting Feiguang City, swaggered into the city, inquiring about the player named Ji Chen.. Chapter 487 - Chapter 487: Silly Players, Twists and Turns, the Tycoon’s Smile Chapter 487: Silly Players, Twists and Turns, the Tycoons Smile Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Although on the surface they had already joined the Lienhardt Grand Duchys camp, it was evident that the natives knew the players temperaments very well, and they could turn hostile in the blink of an eye. For safety reasons, no player was allowed to enter the city with their armies. They had to stay in specific areas outside the city under supervision. The four players first stationed their thousands of troops outside the city before proceeding through the city gates. As soon as they entered, they noticed a massive breach in the south city wall, spanning one to two hundred meters wide, and their expressions turned baffled. Damn, did this wall take a nuclear blast? It broke open such a huge hole. They hurriedly came here without stopping as soon as they received the reward offer from the Kingdom of Bass. They had crossed mountains and forests on their journey and hadnt had the chance to explore the local communities, so they were unaware of the exact situation in this area. Their only knowledge was that the Kingdom of Bass had launched an attack here two days ago, but it had been repelled. Looking at the enormous breach in the wall, which allowed an unobstructed view of the distant ocean, all four of them couldnt help but admire the defense of Feiguang City. Even with the wall in such a state, they had managed to hold it. However, after a brief moment of admiration, they began to think about how to find their bounty target. Boss, Feiguang City is so large, with a population of several hundred thousand at least. How can we find a player named Ji Chen among so many people? The player known as the boss pondered for a moment. Since that player was targeted by the Bass Kingdoms bounty, its likely that he did something during the defense of Feiguang City a couple of days ago that angered the Bass Kingdom. He might have gained some reputation here. In that case, why dont we simply ask the natives here? The other three suddenly realized and nodded. Boss, youre brilliant! Your thinking is crystal clear! Indeed, Boss, youre outstanding! Hearing the praise from his three subordinates, the boss player felt a sense of satisfaction and confidence. Alright, let me show you my excellent information-gathering skills! Under the admiring gazes of his three subordinates, the boss player confidently approached a female native and greeted her with what he considered an elegant bow. With what he considered a confidently charming smile on his face, he calmly said, Hello, maam, Id like to ask Dont block my way; Im busy! The female native glanced at him disdainfully and walked past him from the side. This Glory player had a scruffy beard and an appearance that gave the impression he wasnt a particularly pleasant character. The scruffy-bearded player was speechless. What the f*ck with that attitude? Are you looking down on me? Once 1 collect the bounty, 111 make you understand what retribution means! While cursing inwardly, the scruffy-bearded player forced a smile on his face and, with thick-skinned determination, walked up to another native resident. Brother, I have a question for you. This native resident was relatively friendly and stopped. Do you know if theres someone named Ji Chen in Feiguang City? The native resident glanced at them and said, You must have just arrived and dont know what happened in Feiguang City two days ago, right? The scruffy-bearded player blinked and nodded, Yes, but what does that have to do with my question? Its quite relevant. The person youre asking about saved the entire Feiguang City from the clutches of the Bass Kingdoms army two days ago. All four players were stunned, and they exchanged incredulous glances. The surprise in each others eyes was evident. What? Saved the entire Feiguang City? Seeing their bewildered expressions, the native residents eyes held a trace of reverence. He seemed to be enjoying himself as he continued. Let me tell you, at that time, Feiguang City was besieged and attacked by a massive army of 100,000 soldiers from the Bass Kingdom, along with a formidable steel fleet As the native resident described the situation at that time, the players expressions went from surprise to astonishment, then from astonishment to shock, and finally from shock to fear. The situation seemed quite different from what they had imagined. Thats roughly how it was. Lord Ji Chen is the savior of our entire city. Its hard to believe that he is a Glory Lord. If all the other Glory Lords could do even one percent of what he did As they watched the native resident walk away, the four players were left with complex emotions. They had never expected that the player named Ji Chen had accomplished such an earth-shattering feat. Leading an army to ambush the Eighth Fleet, capturing its fleet commander, and then using artillery fire to deal with the attacking enemy forces, driving giant waves to engulf thousands of retreating soldiers. Single-handedly reversing the situation that was originally destined for defeat and the citys fall. Even just listening to the story, they could sense the grandeur and epicness of that moment. No wonder the Bass Kingdom had gone crazy, offering a bounty of five million gold coins, one million rare items, and ten equally valuable treasures. Who wouldnt hold a grudge after that? Besides admiration, jealousy also began to rise within them. Motherfucker, you are a player like us, so how could you single-handedly confront an army of 100,000? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Such a terrifying achievement made them question everything. Boss, what should we do now? Should we continue looking for him? Look? Look for what? the scruffy-bearded player cursed. Are you seeking for death? We cant possibly touch someone with such terrifying power. So, are we leaving now? Of course! Do you want to stay here and play in the mud? The scruffy-bearded player replied irritably, but then he noticed a handsome and extraordinary-looking man standing not far away, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.. Chapter 488 - Chapter 488: Silly Players, Twists and Turns, the Tycoon’s Smile (2) Chapter 488: Silly Players, Twists and Turns, the Tycoons Smile (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation By his side, there was a masked woman with an exceptional figure. He paused, looking at the extraordinary aura these two exuded. They were probably some noble natives, werent they? Could it be that while the heavens closed one door for him, they opened a window to wealth? Who knows, they might get some high-paying tasks from these two. With this thought in mind, the scruffy-bearded players face instantly broke into a smile, and he walked over with his companions. Respected sir, may 1 inquire what brings you here? Is there anything we can assist you with? Ji Chen looked at them with surprise. Respected sir? After some contemplation, a hint of amusement appeared on his face. Could these four casual players have mistaken him for a native? Seeing the bemusement on Ji Chens face, the scruffy-bearded player also realized his mistake. He raised an eyebrow and awkwardly said, Brother, you guys are players too, arent you? You should have told me earlier. Now 1 feel awkward. What brings you here He suddenly realized, winking slyly. Oh, 1 see, youre here because of that bounty too, arent you? Too? Ji Chens mind stirred. Seeing that Ji Chen remained silent, the scruffy-bearded player thought he might be wary of them snatching his bounty target. He immediately shook his head with an astonished expression. Brother, weve already decided not to pursue that bounty. Why? Ah, you probably dont know what the player named Ji Chen has accomplished here. According to the descriptions from the local natives, he has done something earth-shattering. The scruffy-bearded player wore a look of amazement. In any case, based on the accounts of the natives here, hes definitely not someone we ordinary players can handle. What do you mean? One person took out thousands of soldiers from the Bass Kingdom. Do you know what that means? Its said that he also has a Tier-5 sea clan army under his command. With that kind of power, not even a hundred players combined could defeat him. Moreover, were just one step away from the ocean here. He can escape into the sea at any time. If we cant take him down in one go, well have to be on guard against this fearsome fellow all the time. Just thinking about it gives me a headache. Having said that, the scruffy-bearded player adopted a somewhat paternal tone, emphasizing his point. So, 1 advise you not to get involved in this matter either. Its too complicated, and you wont be able to handle it. Those five million gold coins and one million rare resources might seem tempting, but theyre not that easy to obtain. Besides, that player called Ji Chen probably already knows that the Bass Kingdom has issued a bounty for him. Who knows, he might be hiding in some corner of this city right now, ready to unleash chaos. Ji Chen looked at him with slight surprise. He hadnt expected this guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes to have such clear thinking and understanding. Indeed, one of the most intimidating aspects of Ji Chen was the certainty that he could escape safely into the sea. This confidence came from his current level 40 and legendary class, which made him the undisputed king of the sea. Even the steel fleet that could destroy an entire city was incredibly vulnerable in the face of the mighty waves and vast ocean. Just one massive wave could deal a devastating blow to them. In the sea, he was an unchallenged ruler. The entire ocean was his stronghold! The scruffy-bearded player, observing Ji Chens silent contemplation, couldnt help but ask with curiosity, Brother, since weve crossed paths, it must be fate. Whats your forum username? Lets add each other as friends; maybe we can cooperate in the future. My forum username is Islander. Islander? Let me check The scruffy-bearded player froze, looking at Ji Chen in disbelief. Are you sure your name is Islander? Yes. What the hell! At this moment, it felt like ten thousand grass-mud horses were galloping through his mind. The legendary Islander was actually here!? Ji Chen looked at the four dumbfounded casual players with a faint smile. You can call me Ji Chen. If theres only one Ji Chen in Feiguang City, then youve probably found me. The scruffy-bearded players face displayed a smile even more awkward than crying. B-B-Big Big Boss, if I were to tell you that we are here for a vacation would you believe us? At this moment, a storm of thoughts and emotions raged within them. In just a few seconds, the flood of information hit their minds like a tsunami, nearly robbing them of their ability to think. Ji Chen, the one who had a bounty issued by the Bass Kingdom, was less than two meters away from them. Ji Chen was a well-known figure on the forums, known as Islander. Suddenly, everything fell into place. Recalling the words they had spoken just moments ago, the four players trembled, their scalps tingling, and they almost collapsed. Especially the scruffy-bearded player, who felt like death was only a centimeter away, with the Grim Reapers scythe gently resting on his neck. Seeing the scruffy-bearded player trembling, Ji Chen patted his shoulder and said with a smile, No need to be afraid. I admire those who can change their minds. Since youve decided to give up on the bounty, 1 wont trouble you any further. I just have one question for you. The scruffy-bearded player bit his tongue, letting the pain snap him out of his stiffness and fear, and quickly said, Big Boss, you can ask anything, and I promise to tell you everything! Ji Chen nodded. How many players have accepted the bounty this time? Were not sure about the exact number, the scruffy-bearded player replied, but before we left our territory, we heard that several guilds from the Bass Kingdom and the Lienhardt Grand Duchy were mobilizing to come to Feiguang City. There are at least three-digit numbers of solo players in the nearby area who have expressed their intention to come. But in reality, there should be even more. We estimate that players will arrive soon. We four are just here quickly due to our proximity. However, 1 think, sir, you dont need to worry too much about those guilds. Even though there are people who want to harm you to claim the bounty, there are also some who want to protect you. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow, curious, and asked, Why is that? The scruffy-faced player, feeling that Ji Chen had no intention of harming them, began to calm down a bit and continued, The player guilds based in the Kingdom of Bass, in addition to claiming the bounty, can also earn noble titles, albeit ones without real power But as long as they successfully plot against you, the Kingdom of Bass will undoubtedly be very pleased. This offers their guilds more benefits. As for you, being the savior of Feiguang City, the city of Tressburg should surely be grateful and appreciative of you. In this protective atmosphere, player guilds based in the Lienhardt Grand Duchy will undoubtedly choose to protect you. The reasons are the same as mentioned earlier; they can also gain significant benefits from this, which is more important than a mere five million gold coins and one million rare resources. Ji Chen nodded in understanding. He hadnt realized there were these intricate motivations at play. Previously, when he saw all the malicious comments on chat channels and forums, he thought he might have to face hostility from all sides. Although he wasnt afraid, he didnt want to see his actions negatively impact the war between the two nations. The scruffy-beared player cautiously asked, Big Boss, do you have any other questions? If not, well take our leave. Its fine, you can go Wait. The four players, who had instinctively started to run, abruptly stopped and turned around with bewildered expressions. If you dont have anything else to do, you can stay by my side for a while and help me with some tasks. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Facing the four players puzzled looks, Ji Chen smiled faintly and casually tossed out a burlap bag. The bag landed on the ground, producing a jingling sound as coins collided and rubbed against each other. The scruffy-beared players eyes widened; he was familiar with this sound, the clinking and rubbing of coins. Judging by the size of the bag, there were at least tens of thousands of gold coins inside. Ji Chen smiled like a rich tycoon. Work under me. There will be benefits for you. Consider it a welcome gift.. Chapter 489 - Chapter 489: Journey to the West Group, Amnesiac Katie, and Sylvansai’s Visit Chapter 489: Journey to the West Group, Amnesiac Katie, and Sylvansais Visit Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The player with a scruffy beard really warned to refuse, but his eyes couldnt help but look at that bag of gold coins. His body trembled, and his limbs seemed to be out of control as he picked up the bag. Clang, clang- The coins collided, producing the most wonderful melody in the world. Upon hearing this sound, the player with the scruffy beard s face became intoxicated, as if he were in ecstasy. The four of them looked at each other and shouted in unison. Boss, we ll follow your lead! If you say west, we wont go east! Its not that they lacked backbone, but what was offered was just too much. Since they couldnt win, they decided to join. They believed that being dogs for Ji Chen would probably yield rewards no less than those of the natives. Ji Chen looked at the four of them, who were now loyal and willing, and smiled gently. Ever since he plundered the thirteen council families of the Starshine Islands, the Crown of the Ocean had amassed a staggering 32 million gold coins. Even though most of it was used to help Xhakas and the others rebuild the islands, develop industries, and fill granaries, he still had six to seven million left, enough to fill a granary. This mere ten thousand gold coins was nothing, not even worth mentioning. Tell me your forum usernames. Im Sun Wukong. The scruffy-bearded player made a playful gesture that the character Monkey King would use. Ji Chen paused, his expression somewhat peculiar as he looked at the other three. Im Sha Wuqing! Im Tang Seng! Ji Chen turned to the last player, who had a belly similar to Raymonds, and asked somewhat puzzled. So, you must be Zhu Ba Jie, right? The player scratched his head with some embarrassment. Uh, no, Im called Lao Ba. Ji Chen paused, then asked with a hint of curiosity. Is it just the four of you? Isnt there also a Xiao Bai Long? Sun Wukong chuckled. Of course, but Xiao Bai Long is staying back in the territory to help guard it. Otherwise, if the wild monsters steal our home, wed be in big trouble. Arent they lovely? The five of them were like the novel version of the Journey to the West with a slightly strange twist. But Ji Chen was used to the eccentric usernames of casual players; some players usernames were so bizarre that they were unbearable even in the games cutscenes. Just as Ji Chen was thinking about having these four goofballs do something, Benbo came running over from a distance. His large fins made him look a bit comical and clumsy on land, but the Journey to the West players didnt show any contempt. Instead, they looked solemn. Because what they saw on the interface panel was a string of question marks, except for the name and race indicating that the level and strength of this hero unit had completely exceeded their detection capabilities. The few of them whispered among themselves. Boss, this hero looks pretty strong. i cant even scout its interface panel. My scouting skill has reached the purple level, and 1 still cant figure it out. Its probably at least the Red-Legacy Tier or higher. F*ck, its just like that masked lady then. Doesnt that mean theyre both at least Red-Legacy Tier heroes? Im so envious Ignoring the banter of these guys, Ji Chen headed towards the hastily arriving Benbo. Is there something wrong? Benbo stopped in front of him, bowed respectfully, and then spoke. Master, rhe Deceiver with the golden mask has awakened. Ji Chen squinted slightly. Perhaps Anina s punch had been too powerful, because ever since the battle ended a day ago, rhe Deceiver, who wore a golden mask and was known as the Revered Envoy, was in a coma. It seemed as if her body had triggered some sort of protective mechanism, causing her to fall into a deep slumber. She had piqued Ji Chens interest, as the branch leader killed in the Maple Principality had worn a silver mask, while this so-called Revered Envoy wore a golden one, indicating a higher status. She must know more about the Deceivers and their intentions in launching this war. Extracting information from her about the war or uncovering the Deceivers secrets would undoubtedly be a great help in winning the war. If he could also learn more about this mysterious organization, the Deceivers, that would be even better. With this in mind, Ji Chen signaled Benbo to wait and turned to the Journey to the West players, who were whispering to each other. You guys should find a place to settle in the city for now. 111 let you know what you need to do later. Watching their departing figures, Ji Chen then headed towards where the Deceiver with rhe golden mask was being held. Is she still in good condition? Benbo, who was following closely, looked a bit strange. There doesnt seem to be anything wrong with her physically, but mentally, it seems like somethings amiss. Did that mean she had gone crazy? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen was puzzled because he remembered that Anina had struck her in rhe stomach, so there shouldnt be any reason for her to have a problem with her brain. To be more specific, it seems like she has amnesia. Lord, I can guarantee that 1 punched her in the stomach, not the head. Her current condition is really not my doing! Anina explained with a distressed look. Since the battle had ended, she had been guarding the high-ranking captive to ensure nothing went wrong. She became so bored that she had started counting the leaves on the treetops outside the window. When she finally saw signs of the Deceiver waking up just now, she thought the tedious waiting was over.. However, to her surprise, after the Deceiver with the golden mask woke up, she appeared completely bewildered, showed no hostility, and upon probing, it was discovered that her mind seemed to be damaged! Chapter 490 - Chapter 490: Journey to the West Group, Amnesiac Katie, and Sylvansai’s Visit (2) Chapter 490: Journey to the West Group, Amnesiac Katie, and Sylvansais Visit (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen gently patted Aninas head and spoke in a soothing tone, I know this isnt your fault, dont worry. Anina looked quite aggrieved and swore to the sea that if she had known this woman was going to be so weak, she would have been a bit gentler with her earlier. After comforting Anina, Ji Chen turned her gaze towards the frightened Revered Envoy sitting on the bed. She had already removed her mask, proving that the Deceivers mask wasnt a permanent fixture on her face. Beneath the mask was a face as sharp and commanding as her well-toned body would suggest. Her long eyebrows, paired with phoenix-like eyes, gave her a fierce and imposing look. However, the confusion and fear in her eyes at that moment completely shattered her image, making her appear vulnerable. Who are you? What do you want with me? Why am 1 here? She asked in quick succession, rendering everyone momentarily speechless. Ji Chen glanced at her for a moment, his expression gradually turning colder. He turned his palm upward and produced a scroll radiating a forbidden aura. [Enslavement Contract Scroll] [Tier]: Special [Effect]: Can forcibly enslave a high-level being, establishing a binding contract between the user and the target, making them a servant of the user. Do you know what this is? Katies face turned pale, and she trembled under the covers. Please, dont harm me. 1 dont know anything! Ignoring her, Ji Chen continued, This is something I acquired from a gnome merchant. Its called the [Enslavement Contract Scroll]. Its effect is quite simple; it can forcibly enslave high-level beings, including dragons, high-level elemental creatures, and of course, humans. This scroll has been lying idle with me for a long time, as I hadnt found the right opportunity to use it. After all, under the influence of this scroll, the enslaved individual becomes even more subservient than a mere slave. Their life and death are entirely at the whim of the master, making it even more potent than a traditional master-servant contract. Of course, I wont use such a rare scroll lightly, but when necessary, I wont hesitate to use it Katies expression gradually changed, and the fear in her eyes transformed into a trace of resentment. Until these words were spoken, she had turned into a completely different person, her face filled with anger and hatred. That damned Lord of Glory dared to disrupt their grand plan, causing her to fall in front of this small city of Feiguang and making her look like a drowning dog pulled out from the sea. Despicable! Damnable! She would surely make this Lord of Glory pay a heavy price! First, she would immobilize his body with the extreme cold of the Far North, then use a club to crush his bones inch by inch. After that, she would throw him into the Hellish Dungeon to endure the burning of the Soulfire, tormenting his soul. She would use a skinning knife to scrape his flesh off one cut at a time, all the while keeping him alive, making him taste the most excruciating torture!! Thinking like this, Katies furious heart calmed down slightly. As Ji Chen looked at Katie glaring at him with a malicious gaze, as if she were avenging her fathers death, he couldnt help but smile. Whats the matter? Not going to pretend anymore? Katie gazed back at her coldly, devoid of any emotional fluctuations. Perhaps the punch from earlier had been too powerful, as her body was now in disarray. Not only were her internal organs damaged to varying degrees, but her blocked meridians and magical pathways also hindered the flow of mana. For a mage, this was catastrophic. Without potions and healing spells, she had no idea how long it would take to recover. Her combat capabilities were now weaker than a wild dodo. As she pondered the situation, Katie couldnt help but feel a bit uneasy as she glanced at the petite girl. She couldnt fathom how someone with such a fragile appearance could possess such formidable strength. Was she perhaps a creature in human form, a kind of monstrous being? Ji Chen, seeing her indifference, paid no mind. However, with her vengeful look, it was evident that it would be difficult to extract any information from her at the moment. Torture and interrogation methods like those used on Deceivers were probably not effective on someone with a certain faith. So, for now, they had to leave her here and extract information using other means later. Anina, keep an eye on her. Upon hearing this, Anina immediately jumped up. Seriously? How long do I have to guard her!? Id rather infiltrate enemy lines and risk my life than stay here! But Ji Chen had already walked out without replying. Katie watched the figure that disappeared behind the door and a hint of confusion crossed her eyes. Did this Lord of Glory just leave like this? Arent they going to interrogate her about the Deceivers or this war? Such a strange man Just as they left the courtyard, a maid dressed in classical servant attire hurried over, her expression respectful and fervent as she bowed. Lord Ji Chen, Lady Sylvansai has come to visit. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow slightly and nodded. Please bring her to the reception room. Of course. In the Mediterranean-style hall, Ji Chen and Sylvansai sat on comfortable sofas. A precious incense burner on the exquisite coffee table emitted a fragrant smoke, creating a soothing atmosphere. Lord Ji Chen, are you comfortable staying in this mansion? Its very comfortable, Im quite satisfied. Sylvansai smiled. Thats wonderful. As the savior of Feiguang City, the entire citys residents and soldiers hope you can feel our hospitality. After some small talk, Sylvansai got to the point. I wonder how Lord Ji Chen plans to deal with the Revered Envoy. From what I know, her status among the Deceivers is likely significant. Ji Chens interest was piqued, and he asked, What do you mean? The Deceivers have been active on the Northern Continent for a long time, but they operate in extreme secrecy, and not much is known about them From what 1 know, the Deceivers rank their members by the color of their masks You should be aware of this. I wont say more. The Deceiver with the golden mask holds a high position and undoubtedly knows many things about this war, even the overall strategy. So, if we can extract some information from her, it will undoubtedly be helpful for our victory in this war. Ji Chen nodded in agreement. Rest assured, I will extract information from her, but it will take some time. Sylvansais face lit up, as Ji Chen, who had directly defeated the 8th fleet of the Bass Kingdom and captured the golden-masked Deceiver, was well within his rights to claim these as his spoils of war. Yet, he hadnt done so, and Sylvansai couldnt inquire further. Otherwise, he would have already employed various means to extract information from her. Thank you for your generosity and righteousness, Lord Ji Chen. Feiguang City is grateful for your efforts and actions. Sylvansai seemed to remember something and said with a serious expression, Besides that, the Bass Kingdom has issued a bounty on you, Lord Ji Chen. Soon, some glory lords who dont know their place might come. Please be careful. Most of them may not have strong combat abilities, but they often possess some peculiar items that could pose a threat to you. Ji Chen smiled. I already knew about this. I will be careful. Sylvansai paused, then laughed, I almost forgot that you are also a Glory Lord. You probably knew about this sooner than 1 did. I was too anxious. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Dont worry. As long as you stay in the city, we wont let those glory lords do anything harmful to you. After seeing off Sylvansai, Ji Chen sat on the sofa, lost in thought. Since so many players wanted to exchange him for a bounty, he couldnt just sit here and wait for them to come to him; that would be too embarrassing. After all, he was considered the number one player in the Western Mid-Ocean. He had to make a good impression. With that in mind, Ji Chen opened the chat channel and summoned the Journey to the West group, those four humorous guys.. Chapter 491 - Chapter 491: Boss, You Know Me, All Buried Here Chapter 491: Boss, You Know Me, All Buried Here Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Just as the four of them had found a place to rest in the city, they received a message and immediately set off without delay. Following the hints, they arrived at a luxurious mansion covering thousands of acres in the center of Feiguang City. However, as they stood before the imposing gates, they hesitated and dared not approach. Boss, is this the place Big Boss Ji Chen mentioned? Lao Ba asked in a hushed tone, looking at the hundred-person team of serpent-tailed guards stationed outside the mansion gate. In the private chat, he mentioned this place, Sun Wukong replied uncertainly. But why hasnt anyone come out to greet us? And look at the way those guards with serpent tails are looking at us like theyre eyeing a pig for slaughter. Maybe we should move away for now, Tang Seng suggested, his face filled with apprehension. Yeah, I heard that some high-level native residences dont allow strangers to get close. If they catch us, we might get locked up for half a month. Its not worth it, Sha Wujing quickly agreed. The Journey to the West team had managed to survive in the game from the beginning, relying on one word: stability. Feeling scrutinized by the guards, they felt like they were about to be in trouble at any moment. Sun Wukong hesitated for a moment, thinking it over. Just as he was about to turn and run, the grand gates of the luxurious mansion were opened from the inside, and a maid dressed in black and white stepped out. She looked around and focused her attention on the four individuals not far away, seemingly verifying their identity. Soon, she nodded. The appearance of these four individuals matched what the boss had described: one with a scruffy beard, one tall and fair-skinned, one chubby, and one rather simple-looking. Are you the guests invited by Lord Ji Chen? Sun Wukong was momentarily stunned and vigorously nodded, as if beating a drum. Yes, yes, it was Big Boss Ji Chen who asked us to come. The maid nodded, not saying much, and simply gestured for them to follow her. The four members of the Journey to the West team followed eagerly, their gazes inevitably drifting towards the maids slender thighs and her graceful waist. Their hearts were filled with envy. Damn, having strength is great, especially when you have such a beautiful native maid serving you. It makes sleep so much more comfortable. Several minutes later, after navigating through corridors and gardens in the vast mansion like a maze, the maid led them to the guest lounge and knocked on the door with great care, respectfully saying, Lord Ji Chen, the four guests have arrived. A gentle voice emanated from behind the door. I understand, please let them in. Upon hearing this, the maid gently pushed open the door, gesturing for the four members of the Journey to the West team to enter. Then, with a respectful expression, she closed the door. The four members of the Journey to the West team walked in and soon spotted Ji Chen sitting on the central sofa in the reception room. They quickly approached but didnt dare to sit down as they felt out of place amidst the luxurious decor. Although each of them commanded over a thousand troops, which would be considered some strength in the eyes of outsiders, the reality was that they were still leading a rather difficult life. Let alone ordinary houses, even their Lord Manor was not as luxurious as this. Recruiting troops required resources, repairing buildings and facilities required resources, and taking care of their subjects required resources. The heavy burden almost crushed them, which was why they were willing to travel thousands of miles to Feiguang City to take on bounties, all in the hope of supporting the operation of their territory. Seeking resources and adventures was the true lifestyle of most Glory Lords. In comparison, players who had lost their territories for various reasons appeared to be living a more comfortable life. Each of them could eat their fill, and their time was filled with post-meal entertainment. Watching the four of them appear somewhat awkward, Ji Chen didnt seem to mind. He took on the demeanor of a mansion owner and gestured for them to sit down. Ive called you here to give you a task. The task is pretty straightforward. Your job is to spread a message using different platforms, whether its in chatrooms or on forums. Ill willingly leave Feiguang City and travel to a peninsula area located fifty kilometers to the west of here to face all the players whove accepted bounty missions. Sun Wukong was momentarily stunned, his expression changing, and he quickly said, Big Boss, you want to leave Feiguang City and go to such a distant place!? Isnt that too dangerous? Yeah, as long as you stay in the city, other players wont be able to do anything to you! the other three also tried to persuade him. As the hero who saved Feiguang City and was even targeted by the Kingdom of Bass for a bounty, the Lienhardt Grand Duchy would not ignore Ji Chens safety, whether to win hearts or maintain an image. They would undoubtedly provide protection. Although Feiguang City suffered considerable damage in the previous war, it still retained around fifty to sixty percent of its defensive infrastructure, with tens of thousands of soldiers stationed there. Not to mention the continuous influx of reinforcements in the future. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The current players were far from being able to independently break through Feiguang City. It could be said that as long as Ji Chen stayed in Feiguang City, his safety was absolutely guaranteed. But now he wanted to actively go out to confront!? Ji Chen shook his head and continued, this has nothing to do with you. You just need to spread this message. Of course, you cant reveal that it was me who said it.. It should be disseminated in a way similar to a piece of gossip, Im sure you understand that, right? Chapter 492 - Chapter 492: Boss, You Know Me, All Buried Here (2) Chapter 492: Boss, You Know Me, All Buried Here (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation We understand. Lao Ba nodded, a hint of worry crossing his face. But Big Boss, have you reconsidered? As long as you stay in the city for a while, 1 think other players might change their minds. You can leave later. Ji Chens face revealed an unprecedented determination, like a sharpened blade unsheathed. His absolute confidence shone in his eyes, dazzling the four of them, as if he were a bright star that dominated the entire night sky. They watched his expression and felt a surging wave of emotions in their hearts. Big Boss had a look of anticipation?! Could it be that he wasnt anxious or worried about the hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of players who would come for his head in the future? Instead, he looked forward to confronting other players head-on? Is this the number 1 player of the Western Mid-Ocean, the Islander? They couldnt help but feel a deep sense of respect. Regardless of whether he would ultimately succeed, this proactive attitude and courage to face disaster were enough to illuminate the entire sky. Sun Wu Kongs throat was dry as he said, I understand, Big Boss Ji Chen. We will spread this message as quickly as possible. Thats right, weve never acknowledged or admired any player before, but from now on, you are the one we respect the most! After receiving the generous reward from Ji Chen, the four members of the Journey to the West team left the mansion. Soon, they departed from Feiguang City with their respective armies, heading in different directions to reach nearby indigenous gathering places and begin spreading the information entrusted to them by Ji Chen. Shocking news! The target of the bounty mission, a player named Ji Chen, seems to be afraid of the pressure from numerous bounty hunters and has left Feiguang City! According to reliable information from indigenous residents of Feiguang City, he left through a side gate overnight and headed westward. Surprise! Ji Chen, upon hearing of the bounty issued by the Kingdom of Bass, left with a large amount of valuable loot to a peninsula located forty to fifty kilometers west of Feiguang City, planning to wait out the storm before returning to his territory! After spreading the message as agreed, the four members of the Journey to the West team regrouped. Have you all spread the message? Sun Wu Kong asked. Of course, you can trust our efficiency and professionalism. We used to be internet water army, so spreading this level of information is no problem for us! The three of them patted their chests confidently. Sun Wu Kong nodded but seemed a bit concerned as he asked, Did anyone notice you while you were on the move? If something happens later, we might be implicated. Whether Ji Chen succeeded in slaughtering the players in the large army and safely withdrew, or if he was defeated in battle and killed, if it became known that they had helped spread the message, it could have led to big trouble. The principle of our Journey to the West group is stability. Leaking information would be seen as a betrayal. Sun Wukong looked at Sha Wujing, his brows furrowing as he said, Sha Wujing, you go first and explain how you spread the message. Sha Wujing had a simple and honest look on his face. Boss, you know me well. Im the most steady among us five. So, before 1 took action, I disguised myself and blended in with the crowd, casually mentioning it in the taverns as if I had too much to drink. No one noticed me, and even if they did, they wouldnt recognize me. Sun Wu Kong thought for a moment, nodded, and then turned his attention to Tang Seng. The latter chuckled and said, Boss, you know me well. Im the most cautious among us five, so I wore a mask and hired a few local kids to spread the message. I didnt show my face to anyone, and no one recognized me! Sun Wukong thought for a moment, then nodded and looked at Lao Ba. Lao Ba wore a disdainful expression and said, Boss, you know me well. Im the cleverest among us five, so I climbed onto rooftops and scattered flyers onto the streets. 1 never showed myself, and no one could find me! Sun Wukong contemplated for a while, a pleased expression crossing his face, and he burst into laughter, It looks like our brothers are all quite clever! With this, we can earn this money without much effort! Of course! Hahaha! At this moment, Lao Ba, curious, asked, Boss, how did you spread the message? Sun Wu Kong wore a smug and confident expression. Heh, I posted anonymously on the forums. The buzz is off the charts now. 1 reckon a lot of people already know about this! The other three were momentarily stunned and then showed admiration on their faces as they gestured towards Sun Wu Kong. Boss, impressive! Sun Wu Kongs expression turned serious, and he also extended a hand in a high-five gesture. Brothers, rock on! Finally, facing in the direction of Feiguang City, the four of them shouted in unison, Big Boss Ji Chen Boss, youre both impressive and rock solid! Meanwhile, Ji Chen had long left Feiguang City, carrying the loot. Katie had already set out on the road to the peninsula. For the Ocean Crowns troops, the distance of fifty kilometers would take only half an hour. As he was lost in thought, he saw the triangular-shaped peninsula with three sides facing the sea. On the peninsula stood some dilapidated buildings, suggesting that there used to be a seaside town here, but for some unknown reason, it was abandoned and now lay desolate and deserted. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only But this was exactly what he had in mind. Form up the formation! Naga Guardians in the front, Guardian Legion in the rear, with the Dragonblood Legion providing support on both flanks. Knights Legion guards the sea on both sides, while the Tyrant Azure Dragon Legion remains hidden in the shadows. Hero units, stay hidden for now, concealed among the ruins! Chapter 493 - Chapter 493: Boss, You Know Me, All Buried Here (3) Chapter 493: Boss, You Know Me, All Buried Here (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After giving the orders, Ji Chen picked a top-floor building in the ruins, completely exposed, and sat down on a creaky wooden chair, facing the land. He waited in silence. Katie, who was abruptly brought here from the warmth of Feiguang City, looked somewhat bewildered. She couldnt understand why this human didnt stay in the safety of Feiguang City but instead led an army to this place. Although it was estimated to be only tens of kilometers away from Feiguang City, as long as she left the heavily guarded city, the organization and the Kingdom of Bass had a chance to rescue her. Thinking about this, Katies heart suddenly raced a bit, and she became slightly excited, still maintaining her composure. Anina, who was standing next to her, glanced at her and said, Are you thinking that your people can rescue you after leaving Feiguang City? Katie, whose inner thoughts were instantly exposed, felt a bit embarrassed and annoyed, but she remained calm. Humph, instead of staying in a safe place, you actually took the initiative to come out to seek death. It seems 1 overestimated you. I guess youre just one of those ignorant fools who think theyre invincible after a small victory. The power of the organization is beyond your imagination, and it wont take much effort to kill you. Anina wasnt going easy on her, and she grabbed her small fist and punched her in the stomach, wearing an evil expression on her face. Killing you wont take much effort either. A sharp pain surged in her abdomen, and Katie, whose hands and feet were bound, curled up on the ground, convulsing and trembling. At this moment, she wished she could give herself a big slap. Why did she have to be sarcastic? Anyway, these people would die soon. Ji Chen noticed the commotion over there but didnt pay much attention to it. The reason he had come out of Feiguang City this time and allowed the Journey to the West team to spread the news was precisely because of the Kingdom of Bass bounty. He had no doubt about the temptation of that bounty for players. Thousands of players rushed here from nearby regions and countries, bringing their armies with them, creating a Sea Beast Tide on land. Roughly calculating, even if each player only brought a hundred units, a thousand players would have at least a hundred thousand troops, and five thousand players would have at least five hundred thousand troops. Even if a large portion of them were second or third-tier units, this was still a considerable force. In terms of quantity and quality, perhaps it was comparable to the Sea Beast Tide, if not slightly inferior. However, the leaders of this army were not some somewhat intelligent but mostly instinct-driven sea creature leaders. They were living, breathing players, and players were the most unpredictable group. This meant that their level of commanding the army would pose another level of difficulty. They wouldnt just charge head-on but would also employ tactics. Moreover, as Sylvansai mentioned earlier, who knew what peculiar items they might have in their possession, such as one-hit-kill treasures. These hidden and concealed items were what Ji Chen feared the most. The reason for actively leaving Feiguang City to confront them was precisely because of these factors. If this massive player army were to besiege the city, there was a chance that the Kingdom of Bass might seize the opportunity to make a comeback and join forces with the player army in attacking. In that case, Feiguang City, which had suffered a significant breach, might not be able to withstand the assault. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This was far from his initial plan, which was why he took the initiative to come here for the battle. With this thought in mind, Ji Chen stood up and gazed into the distance as if his eyes could penetrate through layers of mountains and dense forests, seeing the player armies swarming towards him. His gaze gradually became resolute. Since you want to exchange my head for a bounty, then come at me with all youve got. In the name of the ocean, I will bury all of you here! Chapter 494 - Chapter 494: Share Allocation, Wu Lun’s Confidence, Chapter 494: Share Allocation, Wu Luns Confidence, Moment of Slaughter Has Arrived Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The efficiency of the Journey to the West team in spreading information was quite high. In just half a day, more than twenty players arrived from nearby areas, all belonging to the Bass Kingdom camp. Despite the unprecedented defeat in the Feiguang City battle, the Bass Kingdom still maintained control over the region hundreds of kilometers east of the border. If one were to look at the current strategic map, one would see that Feiguang City and its surrounding areas were among the few places not yet fallen under the control of the Bass Kingdom, like a conspicuous protrusion on an otherwise smooth and gentle line, very eye-catching. However, this also meant that players belonging to the Lienhardt Grand Duchy camp needed to avoid the control zone of the Bass Kingdom and take a longer route to reach Feiguang City, requiring more time. These players, who without exception, wanted to claim Ji Chens head for the bounty, were pleasantly surprised when they saw thousands of unfamiliar troops openly stationed on the peninsula. They had also heard the rumors on their way to Feiguang City. Initially, they were just passing by to take a look, but they didnt expect the news, which had no clear source, to be true. That player named Ji Chen was really hiding here. They exchanged glances, and excitement and anticipation shone in their eyes. Moreover, it seemed that the major guilds had not arrived yet, so perhaps they could be the first to pluck the fruit! Wu Lun stood on a high point, gazing at the peninsula in the distance, shrouded in a faint mist, a hint of delight in his eyes. The player who was wanted didnt seem to be thinking clearly due to the bounty on his head. He actually left the heavily guarded Feiguang City, where many soldiers from the Lienhardt Grand Duchy were stationed, and brought his army back to this place. He already sent out reconnaissance units and learned that this peninsula was basically a dead end. Three sides were surrounded by the sea, and one side was connected to the land. The terrain of the peninsula was mostly flat, except for this abandoned small town, there was no place to defend. There were only a few stranded dilapidated small boats on the shore, and there were no transport vessels to cross the waters. And the peninsulas only exit had already been firmly blocked by them. It could be said that the player named Ji Chen was already a trapped turtle in a jar. Thinking of this, a greedy look flashed in his eyes. The reward for the bounty was a whopping five million gold coins, one million units of resources, and ten 2~4-star treasures! Even if he could only get a portion of it, for a solo player like him, it was enough to become incredibly wealthy overnight! Wu Lun looked at the other players who had also arrived and said with a smile. Brothers, since weve all come here for the bounty, let me be straightforward. Its probably impossible for one person to claim it all now. Wed better be open and discuss the distribution issue together to avoid any conflicts! Other players nodded in agreement. Their strengths were quite evenly matched, and if they started fighting among themselves over this, they might not only fail to get the bounty but also end up severely wounded, leaving themselves vulnerable. They came all this way for a reason, and meaningless bloodshed wasnt it. So, how do you suggest we split the bounty? a player with a stern expression asked. Wu Lun smiled and said, Its simple, well allocate based on the troops each of us has sent. Since the player were after has a personal bounty set by the Bass Kingdom, hes bound to be formidable, so dont underestimate him. In a life-and-death situation, even a rabbit will bite, and if we push him to the brink, he might use all means to resist. By doing this, those who send fewer troops will suffer fewer losses, and those who send more troops will naturally incur more injuries. What do you think? Hearing this, the other players pondered for a moment and then voiced their agreement. The distribution method seemed fair, and it followed the principle of the more you contribute, the more you get. I agree. This plan sounds good, 1 support it! 1 think it can work too Seeing that everyone agreed, Wu Luns face was filled with satisfaction. This feeling of being recognized and obeyed by everyone was immensely enjoyable, much like his supreme and authoritative position in his own territory. After a moment, he spoke with a self-satisfied tone, Now that everyone is on board, lets discuss the issue of troop strength. Ill set an example. Im willing to contribute eight hundred 2-star elite werewolves and three hundred 4-star bloodthirsty werewolves. The expressions of the other players changed slightly. Werewolves were known as a formidable race among the Orc units, excelling in speed, assault capabilities, and their bloodthirsty nature. They were strong in combat and particularly suited for complex terrains like ruins. No wonder this guy was so delighted earlier. The other players couldnt help but think to themselves. But, to be fair, an army of this caliber was already quite powerful among solo players. Who knew how many solo players were still developing, with their troop strengths at the 3rd tier. Seeing the change in their expressions, Wu Luns smile grew even more pronounced. 1 wonder how many troops you are willing to contribute? A player with a face full of freckles stepped forward slightly and looked around before speaking, 111 contribute nine hundred 2-star elite Forest Barbarians. Forest Barbarians were a primitive tribe that lived in mountainous forests. They were known for their brute strength, resilience, and savage nature. While they possessed formidable power, they couldnt be recruited through military recruitment camps. It seemed this player had found a way to subdue a tribe of Forest Barbarians and lead them into battle.. Wanna gift the story? Try one. Vote 3 left COMMENT 0 comment SEND GIFT Chapter 495: Share Allocation, Wu Luns Confidence, Moment of Slaughter Has Arrived (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Another player chimed in, saying, Ill contribute fifteen hundred 5-star tier 3 Muck Dwellers. Upon hearing this, the other players couldnt help but be taken aback. In the eyes of many, Muck Dwellers were among the weakest races in terms of combat capability, even less formidable than the hybrid half-fish races. Fifteen hundred 5-star tier 3 Muck Dwellers alone had combat power that could rival three hundred Forest Barbarians, which was quite a laughable contribution. It appeared that this player was here just to get by. However, they had still provided fifteen hundred cannon fodder troops, and their share in the final distribution would undoubtedly be smaller. So, the other players merely sneered in secret without saying much. This player was clearly aware of the situation but showed no signs of embarrassment or awkwardness on their face. In this world, having thick skin was essential to survive. Resources and wealth were the true currency! Soon, more than twenty players had stated the types of troops they were sending and the number of troops. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only There were humans, orcs, various other races, and some less common troop types. After months of development, players had already developed thousands of troop growth paths, and no one had exactly the same troop composition. Naturally, the troops sent by Wu Lun were the most powerful among them. However, what surprised him slightly was that two players had brought sea races, totaling fifteen hundred in number. These sea-based troops, capable of freely traversing shallow waters, would serve as a safeguard in case Ji Chen attempted to escape through the ocean, thus perfecting their encirclement. As the various players assembled their armies in front of them, excitement lit Chapter 495 - Chapter 495: Share Allocation, Wu Lun’s Confidence, Chapter 495: Share Allocation, Wu Luns Confidence, Moment of Slaughter Has Arrived (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Another player chimed in, saying, Ill contribute fifteen hundred 5-star tier 3 Muck Dwellers. Upon hearing this, the other players couldnt help but be taken aback. In the eyes of many, Muck Dwellers were among the weakest races in terms of combat capability, even less formidable than the hybrid half-fish races. Fifteen hundred 5-star tier 3 Muck Dwellers alone had combat power that could rival three hundred Forest Barbarians, which was quite a laughable contribution. It appeared that this player was here just to get by. However, they had still provided fifteen hundred cannon fodder troops, and their share in the final distribution would undoubtedly be smaller. So, the other players merely sneered in secret without saying much. This player was clearly aware of the situation but showed no signs of embarrassment or awkwardness on their face. In this world, having thick skin was essential to survive. Resources and wealth were the true currency! Soon, more than twenty players had stated the types of troops they were sending and the number of troops. There were humans, orcs, various other races, and some less common troop types. After months of development, players had already developed thousands of troop growth paths, and no one had exactly the same troop composition. Naturally, the troops sent by Wu Lun were the most powerful among them. However, what surprised him slightly was that two players had brought sea races, totaling fifteen hundred in number. These sea-based troops, capable of freely traversing shallow waters, would serve as a safeguard in case Ji Chen attempted to escape through the ocean, thus perfecting their encirclement. As the various players assembled their armies in front of them, excitement lit up their faces. Although each player had only sent a portion of their troops, the combined forces of over twenty individuals amounted to more than twenty-one thousand troops C a sizeable force, to say the least. With such a massive army, they couldnt imagine how Ji Chen could resist this overwhelming force. To put it into perspective, even if he had a single army of ten thousand, all at 4-star tier 1 level, they would still be outnumbered two to one! Furthermore, from a distance, this abandoned town couldnt possibly conceal ten thousand people! Six or seven thousand would be a stretch! Wu Lun wore an expression of confidence on his face as he smiled and said, Indeed, theres strength in numbers. It looks like well easily secure this bounty. Other players also displayed smiles, as if they could already envision themselves receiving their share of the bounty. All right, lets move out quickly. If the members of those major guilds show up, this bounty wont have anything to do with us. The player who had contributed the Forest Barbarians urged them on. Others nodded in agreement. They, as independent players, couldnt compete with the members of major guilds, who could easily field tens of thousands of troops. A single word from those guilds could drown them in an ocean of troops. As the strongest player here, Wu Lun took on the role of the temporary commander for this offensive. Forest Barbarians, Muck Dwellers and other slower troops, launch your attack directly from the front of the abandoned town. Werewolves, Jackalweres and other fast and agile troops, initiate a swift assault from both flanks, targeting the enemys ranged units and squishy targets. Archers and spellcasters, take up positions outside the ruins, occupying elevated points for ranged support. If everything goes smoothly, well clear out the enemys entire force, kill, or even capture our target! Wu Lun methodically laid out the attack directions and tasks for each type of troop. He appeared to have the demeanor of a great commander, which reassured the other players, who showed signs of approval in their eyes. Finally, he turned to two players who had been silent and reticent. As for Brothers Windforest and Mountainside, well entrust your sea race soldiers to surround the coastline and prevent the enemy from escaping. The players named Windforest and Mountainside remained silent but nodded slightly. Wu Lun paid no mind to their silence and gave them an appreciative smile. He was deeply engrossed in the feeling of commanding and controlling the battle. After all, this was a force of over twenty thousand troops, including 4th-tier units, and despite his efforts over the years, he only had slightly over a thousand 4th-tier units and less than a thousand 3rd-tier units. Wu Lun suppressed his excitement. He vowed that after obtaining his share of the bounty, he would acquire more recruitment camps and recruit even more powerful units. He wanted his name to be known throughout the Northern Continent! Attack! With great enthusiasm, Wu Lun shouted loudly, fearing that Ji Chen, who was hidden in the abandoned town, might not hear. He wanted Ji Chen to hear it, to make him face the impending outcome in fear. However, upon hearing the distant cries resembling the buzzing of mosquitoes, Ji Chen didnt even furrow his brow. He simply sat in his chair, wearing a perplexed expression. Why did this group of players believe that they could defeat the Ocean Crowns army with troops that didnt even reach the 5th tier and at best were 4th tier 4-star units? Was it their numbers? Just because they had two armies of around ten thousand troops each? The pressure from this mixed force, which lacked both quantity and quality, didnt faze him in the slightest. Ji Chen didnt even have the desire to see the outcome. He shook his head and said, Have the Naga Legion launch an attack, and let the Dragonblood Legion take care of those low-tier sea race units they sent out. As for the other legions, including the heroes, let them rest for now. The commanders of the two legions, Herald and Benbo, lowered their heads respectfully and responded, Yes, we shall follow your will. Soon enough, the players mixed forces descended from the high ground and entered the desolate abandoned town in several waves. The faint mist lent an eerie atmosphere to the surroundings. Although their formation appeared somewhat disordered due to the absence of a lords direct command, it couldnt quell their strong desire to advance. Having a force of up to twenty thousand troops was their greatest confidence! Watching their countless allies, shoulder to shoulder, creating a sea of people, nobody believed they couldnt clear out the hidden enemy within the ruins. Perhaps it was because the enemy saw their overwhelming strength, or maybe they were intimidated even before the battle began, but they hadnt encountered any resistance so far. They successfully penetrated the town. The ranged units had already taken positions on the outer heights, eagerly watching the depths of the abandoned town, ready to unleash their firepower and overwhelm the enemy at any moment. Seeing this scene, Wu Lun, standing on the high ground, felt elated. He chuckled and said to the players around him, I didnt expect it to go this smoothly. Its my fault for being too hasty; I forgot to grab a bottle of good wine from my territory. We could have celebrated here with all our brothers. Others chuckled as well, and the two previously silent players, Windforest and Mountainside, even wore a rare look of pride on their faces. As part of this temporary team of players, they were the only two with sea race units, and they understood the combat prowess of sea race units in the water very well. As long as they didnt encounter ships with projectile firepower and underwater defense capabilities, sea race units had an absolute advantage against all land-based units on the seas surface. They could easily create holes at the vulnerable bottoms of those ships or damage the propellers. Those ships would then become floating coffins, and once the enemy on board fell into the water, their fate was sealed. The player known as Ji Chen, if he wanted to escape from the sea, would have to leave his life at the mercy of the depths! In this battle, they had no idea how they could lose! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only However, just as this makeshift army, composed of dozens of different unit types, brimmed with high spirits and advanced towards the fog-shrouded heart of the abandoned town. Amidst the increasingly dense white mist, within the uniform remnants of ruins, suddenly appeared pairs of blood-red eyes. The Naga Guardians, gazing through the mist at the approaching enemy, gradually acquired a look of cold-blooded and murderous intent in their eyes, their breath becoming heavy. The unit, whose bone blades were so sharp that not even the mist could conceal their ferocity, slowly raised their weapons, as if emanating a relentless thirst for blood. The moment of slaughter had arrived.. Chapter 496 - Chapter 496: Don’t Worry, This Must Be the Strongest Enemy Hero, Betrayal Chapter 496: Dont Worry, This Must Be the Strongest Enemy Hero, Betrayal Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Leading the way were the Forest Barbarians, their eyes wide as they gazed into the fog, which limited visibility to just forty to fifty meters. They carried rusty and worn iron axes and large knives, bearing marks of dried blood that suggested the numerous foes who had met their demise at their hands. Although their vision was greatly hindered by the fog, they became even more excited. The enemies trembling in the ruins gave them a sense of thrill, like cats hunting mice. The chieftain of this tribe of Forest Barbarians held a rune-inscribed war axe in each hand, his face revealing a cruel and bloodthirsty smile. You little mice better hide well. Dont let me find you so quickly, or it will be very boring for me. All of you, stay alert! Open your eyes wide and find those mice hidden here for me! The chieftain shouted loudly. Hoo Following the chaotic formation, the Forest Barbarians also responded with some primitive roars, as if the surrounding fog was being dispelled. The chieftain nodded in satisfaction, not caring that their formation had already become chaotic. After all, as long as they launched a charge, those frail insects would collapse under their axes, and they would easily follow behind to collect a heap of skulls. Gradually, this army of Forest Barbarians distanced themselves from the main force and ran ahead. The other intelligent units didnt say much since they didnt belong to the same lord and had no authority to command. Wu Lun who could command these barbarians remained in the rear. Leading the tribes warriors into what looked like a small square, there were no building ruins here, only a collapsed statue and some debris. The chieftains eyes, like copper bells, rolled around and finally stopped in the middle of the square. There stood tall and robust figures. He breathed a sigh of relief, and a sly smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. Little mice, youve finally stopped hiding, havent you? Very well, let me taste the flavor of your blood. All of you, use your axes to split open their skulls, tear their flesh with your teeth, and kill them in the cruelest way possible! Let them know the terror and power of our barbarians! Charge!! With a command, the nine hundred forest barbarians rushed forward with wild enthusiasm, resembling a pack of unleashed wild dogs charging towards the enemy. Only when they got closer did they see the faces of the enemy. Snake-tailed serpents, draped in green scales, wielding bone blades in each hand. Their numbers on this road were not many, just a few dozen, but the emotionless blood-red eyes sent shivers down his spine. However, he soon broke into a cold smile. After all, he was a green-tier elite hero, ten times more powerful than his fellow warriors of the same kind. How could he possibly be defeated by these snake-tailed creatures! Kill! Facing the oncoming forest barbarians, those snake-tailed creatures slowly raised their menacing bone blades. On both sides of the peninsula Ten meters underwater Teams of half-snake soldiers were moving towards the coastal blockade zone. Occasionally, they extended and retracted their snake tongues, sensing the fluctuations in the surrounding water. Once they detected the presence of an enemy, they would transform into aquatic executioners, using their bone sickles to sink any vessels attempting to leave the surface, killing all enemies in the water. At this moment, they suddenly sensed unusual and faint movements from below and looked down one after another. As half-snake creatures, they mainly operated in shallow waters. They wouldnt venture into waters deeper than a hundred meters because the immense water pressure would crush their bodies, which had adapted to shallow waters. The ability to withstand such tremendous water pressure undoubtedly belonged to a more formidable race. Uruto, a white common-tier half-snake hero who led the half-snake people, extended his snake tongue and carefully sensed the surroundings. As a hero unit, he possessed a much more powerful sensing ability. His expression suddenly changed, and he rapidly shook his snake tongue, transmitting a different frequency of waves. Quick, take cover! High-speed objects are approaching! Before the other half-snake individuals could react, tridents emitting endless eerie light shot rapidly from the depths, effortlessly piercing their bodies like blades through fabric, leaving sharp tips to penetrate their chests. Then, as if pulled back by some force, the tridents retracted, returning to the deep waters, leaving behind only turbulent water currents. But before the few surviving half-snake individuals could feel lucky, another round of tridents shot out like the scythes of death, ruthlessly harvesting their lives. The half-snake hero stared in horror at the pitch-black deep water. He could sense the unusual movements hidden in the depths. The consecutive deaths of his companions made him feel fear for the first time. In what seemed like an emotional release, he transmitted a specific frequency wave that only sea creatures could hear, cursing vehemently. Do you dare to come out from there!? Only cowards hide in the darkness for ambushes! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Do you dare to face Uruto head-on! You despicable and shameless scoundrels! However, the darkness did not respond to him, as if an elephant ignored the cries of ants, simply sowing death with every step. Several tridents, accompanied by intense water currents, rushed toward them. Urutos face changed drastically, and he quickly raised his bone sickle to block. Thunk A powerful force emanated from the tridents, causing his arms to go numb, but he had to forcibly resist. The tridents struck the bone sickle one after another, and blood seeped from the corners of Urutos mouth, diluted by the seawater.. Chapter 497 - Chapter 497: Don’t Worry, This Must Be the Strongest Enemy Hero, Betrayal (2) Chapter 497: Dont Worry, This Must Be the Strongest Enemy Hero, Betrayal (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Finally, after blocking the eighteenth trident, the bone scythe, which was already covered in cracks, exploded with a deafening roar. Uruto hurriedly turned to escape, but after only a few steps, he was riddled with holes by the pursuing metallic constructs and fell weakly into the depths of the sea. In his last moments, he seemed to see hundreds of murlocs with bumps on their heads, like messengers in the shadows, lurking in the water, projecting their murderous weapons upwards. The death of this half-snake hero was quickly known by a player named Mountainside. His face looked ugly. Damn! My half-snake hero is dead! As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of the other players also changed, and they looked at each other. They seemed to realize that something was amiss. The mist surrounding the peninsula became denser, and they could no longer see the specific battle situation from the high ground, only the outlines of the ruined town and wreckage in the vast whiteness. At the same time, screams and howls suddenly came from inside, like the terrified screams before dying in the hands of demons in a horror movie. It made people shiver and their hair stood on end. The player who sent the forest barbarians had an especially ugly expression because among the screams were the unique cries of the forest barbarians, who were known for their aggression and bloodlust. They wouldnt easily make such weak sounds. Moreover, it wasnt just one or two screams; it was one after another. The screams of human soldiers, the fearful howls of werewolves, and the sharp tones of the murlocs, all echoed in succession in the white fog. And a strange and unheard-of roar, like the sound of hell, reverberated among the ruins and floated throughout the peninsula. A player swallowed hard and said, 1 think that player named Ji Chen might not be as easy to kill as we thought Yes, someone who has a kingdom-level bounty on them cant be simple. Maybe we This fog might be something he created, which is not conducive to our battle Listening to the words of others who were starting to have doubts, Wu Luns face became extremely gloomy, cursing inwardly. These were a bunch of greedy cowards who only saw their own interests and wanted to retreat when they encountered a little difficulty! You guys, dont be anxious. Im more anxious than you! At this moment, he still had to rely on the strength of these players, so Wu Lun gritted his teeth and endured his impatience. Dont forget that we have two full armies with tens of thousands of troops in terms of numbers, which should be enough to crush him. And the commanders of my werewolf army and the forest barbarian army are both green elite-tier heroes with strong combat power. Do you think Ji Chen, no matter how powerful he is, can take on this army and these two heroes? With these words, the other players regained some confidence, their faces showing less worry as they spoke. Yes, the combat power of a green elite-tier hero is equivalent to a whole battalion. We dont need to worry too much. After stabilizing the troops with words for the time being, Wu Lun breathed a sigh of relief and turned his gaze back to the abandoned town. Regardless, he must kill Ji Chen and claim that bounty! Otherwise, all his troops would have died in vain! The chieftain of the forest barbarians exerted all his strength to block the massive cleave, and with this force, he retreated more than ten meters. However, he couldnt help but spit out a mouthful of blood as he looked at the axe covered in cracks and the serpent-tailed monster taller than him with a horrified expression. Damn it, how could the combat power of these monsters be so strong!? Especially the one in front of him. The strength he was proud of was completely ineffective in front of this monster, even suppressed. Whether it was strength, speed, endurance, or explosive power, he had no advantage whatsoever. He was a green elite-tier hero, and also the strongest warrior in the tribe! The pair of bone blades, sharper and harder than metal, and the wound that ran across half of his chest, almost cutting him in two, were the best evidence of this. Damn it, this must be the enemys most powerful hero! The chieftain, enduring the pain coming from all over his body, hoarsely questioned, What the hell are you!? However, the serpent-tailed monster did not speak, only gazing at him with cruel coldness, revealing two rows of razor-sharp teeth in its mouth. The powerful snake tail suddenly leaped out, and the twin blades swung. Following the sound of ripping fabric, a head as large as a fighting rooster was propelled high into the air, and a geyser of blood spouted into the sky. A chieftain of the forest barbarians who had once dominated a forest hastily ended his modest life. Ding- Naga Guardian Hero (Blue Excellent Tier) has killed the enemy Forest Barbarian Hero (Green Elite Tier). Ding- Naga Guardian has killed the enemy Bloodthirsty Werewolf Hero (Green Elite Tier). Ji Chen glanced at the system notifications but wasnt surprised. The strongest hero units of these independent players were only green elite-tier, and there were several of these hero units within the Naga Legion alone. It was nothing remarkable. However, a few of the enemy heroes had already been slain, and it seemed that there was no suspense left in this battle. Seeing their own chieftain being killed by the enemy, and their comrades being harvested like wheat, it was the forest barbarians who first collapsed, desperately wanting to retreat. But the many friendly forces that previously gave them a sense of security had now become obstacles to their retreat. Due to their large numbers and the fog, only the front part of the army was engaged in combat with the Naga Legion. Most of them had not even seen what the enemy looked like and were simply following their comrades subconsciously, pushing forward in the complex ruins and muddy paths full of obstacles. The forest barbarians watched as their comrades continued to move forward, pushing them toward the direction of death. They became anxious, and the violent and chaotic elements coursing through their blood made these physically strong but simple-minded barbarians raise their axes and swing them at their comrades. The attacked comrades were stunned, their eyes suddenly turning red, and their anger surged. They didnt originally belong to the same territory, and coming together was only at the lords command. Being suddenly attacked was naturally something they couldnt tolerate, so they immediately picked up their weapons and fought back. In the small abandoned town, a miraculous scene unfolded where allies were fighting allies. When Ji Chen received this news from the rear, it was as if a thousand question marks had appeared in his mind. They suddenly started fighting each other in the middle of the battle. What kind of operation was this? Even though he was filled with a thousand puzzlements, Jichen immediately said, Let the remaining Naga Guardians join the battle and annihilate the enemy. The Dragonblood Legion will deal with the enemies in the sea, then flank the enemy on both sides and use ranged attacks to damage the backline and squish as much as possible. Since they already chased them this far, they had to make them bleed heavily and pay a price. The massive front army was suddenly thrown into chaos due to the forest barbarians betrayal. Some units had no idea what was going on and had their heads chopped off, while others, driven to madness, swung their weapons crazily, as if these barbarians were their real enemies. However, the Naga Legion didnt understand the concept of chivalry or martial virtue. They charged headlong into the midst of the enemy. At this moment, life became the most worthless thing. These armies that players had high hopes for had no units that could withstand the sharpness of the bone blades. The Naga Guardians transformed into harbingers of hell, reaping lives with the power called slaughter. Several white common-grade, green elite-grade, and blue excellent-grade heroes among the Naga Guardians played a significant role in this chaotic battle. In the absence of the leadership of Herarld and Ji Chen on the frontline, they were able to organize and command the other ordinary Naga Guardians effectively. They formed attack squads, pinpointing the weak points in the enemys defense lines and penetrating fiercely. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Despite being in the midst of chaos, they appeared highly organized. In contrast, this ragtag army of twenty thousand, after the forest barbarians betrayal, completely lost its organization and descended into chaos. The front lines were slaughtered savagely, cries and blood filled the air; the middle ranks watched their comrades being killed with anxious helplessness, unable to break through the numerous ruins to provide support; the ranged forces in the rear were blocked by the fog, lacking both visibility and accurate targeting coordinates. Of course, expecting these players to be as extravagant as Ji Chen by incorporating hero units into their armies to serve as middle forces and commanders was a difficult task. Seeing the continuous notifications of unit deaths from the system, the players on the high ground could no longer sit still.. Chapter 498 - Chapter 498: Gambler, Another Massacre, You’re Too Despicable! Chapter 498: Gambler, Another Massacre, Youre Too Despicable! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Especially when the constant notifications of units being killed came in, but there wasnt a single message of killing the enemy, that was truly terrifying. From the start of the battle until now, they still didnt know the names of the enemys units! A young player with bloodshot eyes fell to the ground, his face pale. Because his Barbarian hero and all the other Forest Barbarians had been wiped out, a total of 901 blood-red system notifications filled the interface. These were his strongest forces, and he had spent countless resources and effort to acquire them, and now they were all gone!? Not only the Forest Barbarians, but the armies of other players had also suffered heavy losses, and at this moment, their faces were extremely grim, and their bodies were trembling. Damn it, how strong were the enemies!? Now, the accumulated casualties were almost one-third of the entire army, which amounted to a total of six to seven thousand units, enough to fill a football field when lined up! With such a large number of troops, one could even land a few hits on a dragon, right? Despite the significant casualties, not a single enemy soldier has been eliminated. Its almost like a ridiculous joke, isnt it? This is not a bounty mission; its a suicide mission! Youre right; my army has already lost half its strength. If we keep losing like this, its probably going to be a total wipeout. Im done with this! Someone angrily cursed, and anyone would have their mentality shattered after losing so many units without gaining anything. Seeing the continuous screams coming from the abandoned town, most people began to consider retreating. They were not part of the large and powerful guilds. The soldiers they had brought with them accounted for nearly seventy to eighty percent of their forces. Once they lost them all here, it would truly be game over, and months of effort would go up in smoke. We cant retreat! A fierce roar stopped the players who wanted to leave with their armies, and they looked at the silent Wu Lun in surprise, feeling a bit startled. They saw that his once clear and handsome face was now twisted like a demon, his eyes filled with bloodshot veins, and he had lost his previous composure and arrogance. After a moments thought, a hint of pity appeared in their eyes. Wu Lun sent a werewolf unit to execute a flanking assault on both sides. Given the total annihilation of the Forest Barbarians, it was probable that the werewolves, including a hero unit of Green Elite-Tier, experienced a similar outcome. With such a significant loss, it was no wonder he had become like this. Wu Lun, although its hard to accept, its almost impossible for us to continue fighting. Stopping now would allow us to limit our losses No! Wu Lun forcibly suppressed the overwhelming negative emotions in his heart, and his eyes cleared slightly. The greater the loss, the more we need to go all-in with our chips! Its not just my Werewolf unit; your units have probably suffered heavy casualties as well. If we dont take down Ji Chen, this enormous loss will be in vain, and we wont gain anything! We came all the way here; are we just going to die and go back empty-handed!? Moreover, do you dare to enter the town and bring out your units? Upon hearing this, the other players hesitated. They had never imagined that they would be in this situation, and they hadnt thought about establishing wartime communication methods either. Seeing that the entire abandoned town, and even the entire peninsula, was shrouded in fog, like the mouth of a white demon devouring everyone, they were genuinely afraid to enter. To be honest, most of them were physically weak lords, and they really didnt dare to go in. Seeing their hesitation, Wu Lun, as if pushing all his remaining chips onto the gambling table, spoke with the desperation of a desperate gambler, his throat hoarse. We have no choice! 1 propose to put all our remaining forces into this battle. Either we all perish or we kill Ji Chen and claim the bounty, only then can we make up for our losses and even go further! Even if the enemy is a demon well make sure to squeeze the life out of them!! The enemys main force must have been engaged by the large army, so well go around the flat beach from the shore and head straight for the heart of the matter! As long as we capture the enemy lord, everything will turn for the better! The players stared in astonishment at the somewhat crazed Wu Lun, their minds wavering. Indeed, they still had a portion of their forces that hadnt been deployed due to previous allocations. If they could truly succeed in a surprise attack to capture the enemy lord as Wu Lun described, it could change everything At this moment, a voice, extremely gloomy and with a touch of madness, spoke up. I agree with your proposal. Im willing to commit the remaining four teams of a hundred men! Today, its either Ji Chen dies, or we perish! The player who spoke was the one who had sent the Forest Barbarians, and he was the only one whose entire force had been wiped out. In the hands of that Barbarian chieftain, there was even his only 3-star artifact! In terms of sunk costs, he suffered the most loss! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Seeing his immediate response, Wu Lun seized the opportunity, Im also sending out all eight hundred-man squads of the remaining third-tier units! With the strongest two players showing their determination, the others quickly gained some confidence and voiced their agreement. Im in too, I dont believe we cant kill that player! Damn it, all in! Either we get rich or we lose everything! However, one of the players hesitated and seemed tempted but ultimately shook his head, saying, Ill pass, 1 dont want this bounty.. Chapter 499 - Chapter 499: Gambler, Another Massacre, You’re Too Despicable! Chapter 499: Gambler, Another Massacre, Youre Too Despicable! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After saying this, he didnt pay attention to the others, and he even abandoned the attacking army, leading the remaining troops to leave this sorrowful place. Anyway, the troops he had sent were Muck Dwellers. Although their numbers were large, the recruitment cost for this unit wasnt particularly high, and he could bear such losses. Whats even more significant was that he had a feeling that Ji Chen, the player in question, was much stronger than he appeared at the moment. While he was already formidable, one players army could hold its own against a force of twenty thousand troops. But this no longer concerned him. He felt it was better to return to his territory and rest. As Wu Lun watched the players departing figure, he was slightly annoyed by the players lack of gratitude, but he didnt care much. This departure included him and twenty other players. After organizing the remaining forces into teams, they took a quick look. Although the quality was certainly not as good as before, they all averaged at Tier 3, 5-star units, and the quantity reached four thousand units, which was enough to deal with the enemys defense gaps in the rear. In addition to the troops, they reluctantly revealed some of their hidden cards, just in case Ji Chen had any tricks up his sleeve. The second army was roughly divided into two teams, with a centurion appointed for every hundred soldiers, and each team had a thousand-man commander. Under the hopeful gazes of many players, the teams slowly disappeared into the fog. They carefully bypassed the frontlines, moving along the coastline of the peninsula like rats sneaking around for food, silently feeling their way along the shores. The fog quickly engulfed them, reducing visibility to just over ten meters. They couldnt see the formation of the teams in front and behind, relying solely on following the friendly forces ahead. The surroundings suddenly fell silent. Even the screams from the middle of the abandoned town, which had never stopped, became much quieter. All they could hear clearly were the tides crashing against the coast and the sound of their footsteps on the moist, soft sand. No one knew how far they had gone. The centurion leading the way could only follow the contours of the mudflats, groping forward. As for the originally orderly formation behind them, due to the terrain and the fog, it had stretched out like a sausage. The centurion at the front lowered his footsteps, widening his eyes as he looked ahead. When he saw a dilapidated fishing boat stranded on the mudflat, his face suddenly lit up. The position of this dilapidated fishing boat was on the west side of the abandoned town, which meant that they had already bypassed the front lines and arrived in the rear of the enemy! Just as he was about to turn his head to signal the army to prepare for the attack, he suddenly noticed more than a dozen figures slowly emerging from the fog ahead, each of them about the height of a child, holding a slender object that was narrow at the top and wide at the bottom in their hands. After a moment of daze, his pupils contracted sharply, and he shouted in a sharp and harsh tone, Enemies Before he could finish his sentence, more than a dozen metallic creations shot out from the dense fog, turning him into a hedgehog. From within the fog came a sharp and piercing sound, like the shrill cries of a nightmare from the deep sea, imposing immense pressure on everyone. But in just a few short seconds, like machine gun bullets, hundreds of metallic creations pierced through the mist and shot towards them. It was only then that they could see that these were extremely sharp tridents! Whether at the front or in the middle of the formation, they were now under a fierce attack. They looked around in panic, surrounded by thick fog, completely unaware of the exact location of the enemy! They felt as if tridents were flying over their heads, and while each strike might not necessarily cause harm, it inflicted tremendous psychological pressure on them. Centurions attempted to organize their forces to counterattack, but the archers fired in the direction of the attacks. However, the arrows seemed to disappear into a quagmire, with no feedback whatsoever, not even a hint of the enemys groans. Many brave units, under the centurions organization, moved forward in the direction of the incoming attacks, but even as they stepped into the icy sea water, they still couldnt see the enemys appearance. It turned out that the enemy was launching their attacks from the surface of the sea! This revelation left them dumbfounded. They were all land-based units, and the only sea race unit had already been wiped out. The sudden and terrifying attack, coupled with the enormous casualties and the feeling of helplessness in the face of an enemy they couldnt counter, injected fear and powerlessness into their hearts. Their morale plummeted to rock bottom. As their morale plummeted below the critical point, uncontrolled routs began to occur. Some of them ran in the direction of the incoming attack, while others, in their panic, fled in the opposite direction, taking refuge in the nearby ruins of the small town. Regardless of how the captains and centurions tried to stop and organize them, it was all in vain. Even they themselves were among the fleeing group. Coincidentally, a similar scene unfolded on the other side of the peninsula. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only However, the Naga Legion, who heard the commotion, quickly responded by dispatching two White Common-Tier Naga heroes, each leading a hundred-man squad, for support. Those player units that had rushed into the ruins of the town quickly encountered these Hell Messengers, who were covered in blood, with broken flesh hanging from their bone blades. Another massacre began. On the high ground. Listening to the screams of agony and fearful cries coming from both sides along the coast, Wu Luns face completely lost its color, turning deathly pale, and his eyes were filled with disbelief.. Chapter 500 - Chapter 500: Gambler, Another Massacre, You’re Too Despicable! (3) Chapter 500: Gambler, Another Massacre, Youre Too Despicable! (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation How is this possible? Could it be that the other side had already guessed his plan? Otherwise, its impossible for the second team to be attacked so fiercely right after entering! Damn it, what kind of opponent was he facing? Not only did they have a powerful army, but they also had a superior strategy. Wu Lun admitted that he was finally feeling a hint of regret now. He shouldnt have gotten involved in this mess from the beginning, or he should have cut his losses in time! Thinking about the two thousand units of troops smashed into this abandoned town, a trace of pain flashed in his eyes. Upon hearing this commotion, the other dozen or so players also began to realize something, looking dazed and unrepentant. Several of them angrily approached Wu Lun, grabbing him and shouting, Damn it, its all your lousy idea. You compensate me for the losses in troop units! Do you think you can act all high and mighty without the strength to back it up!? Ive been fed up with your pretentious attitude for a long time! Wu Lun pushed them away forcefully, taking two steps back, coldly scanning the surroundings. You want to reap benefits without making sacrifices? Thats not how the world works. In this world, the strong get everything, and the losers know nothing. You should be prepared for that. Instead of blaming me, you should blame your own weakness! The other players were taken aback, their anger rising, and they were about to roll up their sleeves to teach this fool a lesson. Wu Luns lips curled into a cold smile as he took out a round metal object, saying, Are you sure you want to fight? Once I press this button, the gnome alchemical gold compression bomb in my hand can blow up everything within a hundred-meter radius. Since you dont want to live, Ill accompany you. The players who were about to charge forward suddenly froze, their dry throats swallowing hard. You madman! Wu Lun didnt care, and instead, he burst into laughter. Hahaha! So what if Im a madman? In this screwed-up world, only madmen can survive better! He then glanced deeply at the ruins still shrouded in thick fog and made a silent vow in his heart: he would definitely seek revenge on Ji Chen in the future! However, just as he was about to turn and leave, a figure suddenly appeared behind him, pounced on him, and Wu Lun was caught off guard, falling to the ground. The alchemical bomb in his hand rolled away with a gurgling sound. A crowd of people watched in astonishment as two figures dressed in night cloaks and wearing bat masks pinned Wu Lun down tightly. An older player slowly stepped forward, carefully picked up the alchemical bomb, and smiled lightly at everyone. Fortunately, 1 had a contingency plan in place and had these two Black Bat Assassins lurking nearby, or we might have been killed by this madman. The expressions of the others changed. This old man with bushy eyebrows and big eyes had said that he sent all his troops out, right? Why did he leave two of them behind, and they turned out to be such sneaky assassins? They suddenly felt their butts clenching. Fortunately, this madman was stopped, so they didnt say anything, just looked mockingly at Wu Lun, who was pinned to the ground. However, at this moment, another unexpected event occurred. Two blood-red cold glows suddenly appeared in the nearby woods, instantly hitting the two Black Bat Assassins, and a bloody mist burst out, covering the ground in an instant. Before they could react, a hundred-strong team of werewolves rushed out of the woods, protecting Wu Lun behind them. The latter got up from the ground, not caring about the blood on his face, and vented his anger by kicking the corpses of the Black Bat Assassins a few times, looking at the older player with resentment. You damn guy, since you want to die, then 111 fulfill your wish! Frost, tear these stink bugs apart for me! A muscular werewolf hero, much larger than the average werewolf, immediately howled, ready to go on a rampage. The other players faces turned green instantly. Why is he taking it out on us when hes the one after you!? And, youre even more shameless, hiding a hundred-person team, and theres even a White Common-Tier hero among them! Youre too despicable! The older player, who was being coldly stared at by the werewolf hero, looked panicked but suddenly saw the gnome-compressed alchemical bomb he was holding in his hand, and his eyes lit up. They immediately lifted him up and said, If you dare to come any closer, Ill detonate the bomb. Your hero might be able to withstand it, but can you? Wu Lun hesitated for a moment, and his mouth visibly twitched. Damn it, why did he foolishly take out the bomb? He could have just let the remaining hundred-person team finish them off! Wu Lun felt regret for the second time today. But the others were instantly on edge, trying to persuade him. Brother, dont be so impulsive, we can work things out! Big brother, please dont tremble, dont actually set it off. Although they had some cards to save their lives, none of them had one that could instantly escape a hundred-meter radius. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only If they were blown up by this bomb, it would be too frustrating. Just as the group of people were in a stalemate, the last sound in the abandoned town suddenly disappeared, and the entire peninsula became incredibly quiet. Whether it was Wu Lun or the others, their faces slightly changed, and cold sweat dripped from their foreheads. A thought rose in their hearts simultaneously. Damn it, they almost forgot that there was an even more terrifying enemy there.. Chapter 501 - Chapter 501: Wasteland Guild, What’s Going On? Chapter 501: Wasteland Guild, Whats Going On? Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation I think we should temporarily cease the hostilities for now; otherwise, it will be troublesome if Ji Chen catches up. Wu Lun gazed at the abandoned town, now immersed in silence, his eyes flickering with apprehension and a hint of deep fear. After a moment, he suppressed all his emotions, clenched his teeth, and said, Everyone, retreat! Seeing Wu Lun leading his last hundred-man squad away, including the player who had obtained the alchemical bomb, everyone else breathed a sigh of relief. However, their faces were filled with frustration and regret. This time, they had truly suffered losses. Not only did they fail to receive a single coin of reward, but also the army they brought with them had been decimated here. Without even a single unit to protect them, they were unsure if they could safely return to their territory in the face of the threats from the wildlife in the forest along the way. Just as they sighed heavily and contemplated leaving as soon as possible, several high-pitched eagle cries suddenly echoed from above, carrying a soul-piercing force. High-speed objects swiftly streaked across the sky. These were several formations composed of giant eagles, massive in size with wingspans of six to seven meters, each carrying an archer wielding a longbow. Then, at the far end of the plain on the high ground, a black line suddenly appeared, causing the ground to tremble. Several heavy cavalry formations charged forward with terrifying momentum, their silver armor gleaming in the sunlight. Following them were various formations of races and diverse soldiers, including human infantry, archers, and heavy shield bearers, as well as orc heavy infantry, wolf cavalry, orc shamans, and elemental creatures. Each formation ranged from a few hundred to over a thousand soldiers, and they occupied half of the grassland, with hundreds of formations maintaining their basic formations while advancing. This made the army look disciplined and imposing. Thousands of various flying units soared in the sky, flying low over the army from both sides, stirring up countless blades of grass and dust. They also saw a logistics convoy following the army, with pack horses pulling dozens of unassembled war machines, including catapults and expensive siege equipment, such as heavy bed crossbows. Looking at this awe-inspiring army and recalling their previous losses, it was clear that they were not on the same level in terms of organization and power. One group was the forest bandits armed with only a few birdshot cannons, while the other was a proper army with firearms At least they were at the level of a pseudo-military. They gaped in astonishment as they watched this massive army slowly approach them. The air was filled with a palpable sense of battle as if it had already enveloped them. Is this the large guilds? There was no doubt about it. Yes, it was the main army. Zunong, dressed in high-quality equipment and riding a group of Bass Kingdom warhorses, looked ahead and asked, Where are we now? One of his trusted subordinates replied respectfully, Guild Leader, according to the information from the aerial reconnaissance team, we are almost at our destination. It should be behind the high ground up ahead. Zunong nodded and gave orders, Send three teams of a thousand troops to clear the left and right forests of the grassland. Dont let any players get close. We will temporarily halt here in this plain. Also, send two aerial reconnaissance teams and one land-based team of a thousand soldiers to thoroughly scout the hiding place of the player named Ji Chen and investigate the surrounding terrain and structures. Yes! the subordinate player nodded. However, he looked a bit puzzled and said, Guild Leader, do we need to be so cautious? After all, no matter how strong that player is, hes just one person. Although this bounty came suddenly, we managed to gather nearly two hundred members, and our combined forces are more than enough to easily overpower him. Zunong smiled and shook his head. When a lion pounces on a rabbit, it still needs to use its full strength. That player, no matter how strong he may be, must have some extraordinary abilities if the Bass Kingdoms Marshal Russell issued a bounty for him. We mustnt take him too lightly, to avoid being marked by a few minor scratches. Besides, 1 heard from some friendly indigenous people that this bounty is likely related to the significant defeat of the Bass Kingdom in Feiguang City. The subordinate player looked curious. Although news of the Bass Kingdoms major defeat in Feiguang City had spread, Marshal Russell had not publicly disclosed the specifics of what happened in that battle, perhaps to save face. All they knew was that a powerful force had intervened in the battle, helping the defenders of Feiguang City defeat the attacking Bass Kingdom army, even capturing the Eighth Fleet. Could it be that the player named Ji Chen is the force behind that victory? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Zunong shook his head decisively and said, How could one player possibly determine the outcome of a war between indigenous kingdoms and the kingdom? Dont you think thats beyond their capabilities? That player is probably involved in something that has made the Bass Kingdom feel disgusted but doesnt want to go to great lengths to deal with it. Or perhaps he is hiding under the protection of the Leinhart Grand Duchy. Thats why they issued a bounty for us Glory Lords, to clean up this little trouble. Although their Wasteland Guild now had hundreds of members and a combined force exceeding seven digits, they were still fragile compared to kingdom-level powers like the Bass Kingdom and Leinhart in terms of combat strength and resources. So, how could a single player able to take on the Bass Kingdom when the Wasteland Guild couldnt? Chapter 502 - Chapter 502: Wasteland Guild, What’s Going On? (2) Chapter 502: Wasteland Guild, Whats Going On? (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation So, since he established the guild, he had always adhered to the principle of attaching himself to the big tree. In simpler terms, it was like being a lapdog for the Kingdom of Bass, and in return, they received the resources and supplies the guild needed to grow. Although this submissive behavior of theirs was looked down upon by many players and guilds, Zunong didnt care at all. Even Goujian was willing to bide his time and endure hardships to seek revenge for his country. Why couldnt he swallow his pride and live a better life in this world? Now, they had become the most trusted player guild under Marshal Russell and the most powerful guild in the Kingdom of Bass, far surpassing others in terms of strength. As long as they continued to grow step by step, they would eventually become the most powerful player guild in the Northern Continent, and perhaps even in the entire world. They would expand their territory in this world, and maybe even establish their own kingdom! A faint ambition flickered in Zunongs eyes. Upon hearing this, his trusted subordinate nodded in understanding. It should be just as you said, Chairman. Those native aristocrats are always too proud to get their hands dirty, so they need us to handle some of the things in the shadows. As he spoke, he seemed to remember something and spoke with a hint of excitement in his voice. I heard Marshal Russell say that if we can complete this bounty, assist the Kingdom of Bass in capturing Feiguang City, and eliminate Lienhardt, he will not only grant you an honorary title of glory but also request the king to reward us with a city as our headquarters. Zunongs heart rate quickened slightly. A city with a spacious land area, complete infrastructure, and strong defenses, all belonging to the native inhabitants, was the reason he was so eager to take on this bounty. This would be the starting point for him to achieve his ultimate ambition! This time, he brought so many members and troops all the way here, not only for the bounty but also to prepare for cooperation with the regular army of the Kingdom of Bass in the future. Thinking of this, his gaze became resolute. No matter what, that player named Ji Chen must die! No one can stop him from achieving his great ambition! Soon, the thousand-person team responsible for scouting the highlands returned with a hundred werewolves and twenty players. Faced with Zunongs suspicion, the leader of this team pointed at them and said. Report to the Chairman, we found these players and werewolves on the highlands. They said they came here for the bounty as well. However, their troops have already been taken out by the target of the bounty. Zunong looked at the twenty players, their faces filled with unease, and a trace of hostility flashed in his eyes. These small-time solo players still want to compete with him for the bounty? Are they tired of living or something? But when he heard the last sentence, he suppressed his displeasure and casually asked. Your troops were taken out by a player named Ji Chen? Wu Lun wore a pleasing smile on his face as he spoke first, Yes, but we were just about to leave. Zunong glanced at Wu Lun, a hint of disdain in his eyes. Twenty people were wiped out by one person. It seems your strength isnt much either. Wu Luns expression froze, and he could only put on an awkward yet polite smile, nodding repeatedly. Youre right, were nothing special at all. But with someone like you around, that player named Ji Chen wont be so arrogant anymore. On the surface, he appeared cheerful, but inside, he was cursing. Just a little over ten minutes ago, as he was finally giving up and leading his remaining hundred-man team out of the bounty mission, they suddenly collided with a massive army as soon as they descended from the high ground. If he hadnt desperately explained that they were also bounty players, these few remaining werewolf units would probably have been taken down as monsters. Seeing Wu Luns timid and weak appearance, Zunong lost interest and asked dryly, Since youve already clashed with that Ji Chen, how many troops does he have? Uh They exchanged glances, looking quite embarrassed, and stuttered, Ji Chens hiding place is shrouded in thick fog, and we have no idea how many troops he has Zunong frowned deeply, showing clear disdain in his eyes. Indeed, they were a bunch of trash who didnt even know the enemys troop strength. He lost interest in continuing the conversation and waved his hand dismissively as if shooing away a fly. Ill let all of you witness the strength of our Wasteland Guild. A player who tried to steal a few small advantages will get to witness how I crush him under my foot. Lord, those players have already left but a much larger army has arrived, with a wide variety of unit types, seemingly the player guild you mentioned. Ji Chen nodded. How many troops do they have? There are approximately forty legions of ten thousand, including five legions of heavy cavalry and five legions of aerial units with a thousand people each. We havent detected any ocean units yet, but its highly unlikely they have any. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Theres also a group of heavy bed crossbows and siege engines behind them, Alice added. Forty legions of ten thousand troops. Ji Chen clicked his tongue, truly acknowledging the power of a guild. They easily assembled four hundred thousand troops, proving the guilds formidable organizational strength and demonstrating the concept of strength in numbers, which was common in many online games. Like many online games, most solo players were no match for guilds. Even if they had elite units, guilds could overwhelm them with relatively less elite forces, thanks to their sheer numbers.. Chapter 503 - Chapter 503: Wasteland Guild, What’s Going On? (3) Chapter 503: Wasteland Guild, Whats Going On? (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In addition, the guild could organize manpower and resources to complete a plan or a specific goal at any time, something that solo players couldnt compare with. Seeing so many enemies, Ji Chen felt that the battlefield he had set up seemed a bit small. But he had to make do with it. So, this is the guild lets show them what were made of? Zunong stood on a high ground, looking at the distant peninsula shrouded in mist, and the ruins of a small town that was faintly visible in the vast whiteness. He furrowed his brow slightly. At this moment, he somewhat doubted whether these dense fog was intentionally set by the enemy. However, he had no worries at all. This area was probably not even big enough to accommodate a hundred thousand people, and they had a total force of four hundred thousand. It would be a piece of cake to take down a single player. With this in mind, Zunong didnt want to waste any more time. After completing this bounty, he had to rush to Feiguang City to join forces with the Bass Kingdoms army. He immediately gave orders. Send a thousand Minotaurs, seven thousand Heavy Infantry, a thousand Blood Wolves, and three thousand Crossbowmen for fire support. Three hours from now, 1 want to see the head of that player named Ji Chen. Yes, Sir! A formation of ten thousand five hundred troops advanced slowly, organized into arrays of a hundred soldiers each. Leading the way in the center were human Heavy Infantry wearing armor and wielding longswords and shields. Following them were Crossbowmen with powerful crossbows. On the flanks were giant wolves with dark green fur, each about two meters long. What was truly astonishing was the Minotaur warriors at the front. They possessed explosive muscles like solid rocks, wielding giant axes the size of washbasins, and exhaling heavy breaths from their noses. With a Tier 4, 7-star strength, they were a nightmare for most enemies. Even among the Wasteland Guild, Minotaur warriors were considered advanced units, with only a few dozen members having their recruitment camp. These four thousand Minotaur warriors were more than capable of breaking through the defenses of five times their number of ordinary troops. Among them, there was also a blue-excellent-tier hero leading them, and his direct deployment confirmed Zunongs intention to end the battle as quickly as possible. Wu Lun and his gang, who had been pushed to the side, were now filled with excitement and anticipation as they witnessed this scene. Was Ji Chen finally going to face retribution? He had caused their entire army to be wiped out, and now he would probably receive a similar punishment! Hoo~ The Minotaur warriors, wielding giant axes, roared in anger and led a swift charge across the grassland. The Blood Wolves on both flanks also moved with rapid and agile steps, transforming into dark specters. Both forces quickly separated from the main army and rushed towards the abandoned town. According to the plan, they would use their formidable breakthrough abilities to disrupt the enemys defenses, and then the human Heavy Infantry and Crossbowmen would enter the battlefield to deal with the already disarrayed foes. However Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Just as they were about two to three hundred meters away from the abandoned town, hundreds of blue rays of light suddenly appeared within the town, breaking through the layers of fog and falling like raindrops, evenly sprinkling on the spacious grassland. Boom! As if hundreds of alchemical bombs had exploded simultaneously, a violent surge of magical energy swept out in all directions, cutting and striking the Minotaur warriors and Blood Wolves as if they were rolling knives. Amidst the blue radiance, large pieces of torn flesh and blood sprayed out, causing more than a thousand Minotaur warriors and five hundred Blood Wolves to fall under this wave of attacks. Zunong, who was sitting comfortably on the high ground, almost sprayed out the water he had just drunk. What the hell was going on!? Chapter 504 - Chapter 504: Sneak Attack While the War Is Going On! Chapter 504: Sneak Attack While the War Is Going On! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The group led by Wu Lun was dumbfounded. How come they hadnt encountered such an attack before? A vague suspicion began to form in their minds. Could it be that what Ji Chen had shown earlier wasnt his full power? Spells with blue-glowing arrows continuously emerged from the mist. The grassy area, only a few hundred meters wide, was bombarded by spells like the Normandy landing, with magical arrows falling like raindrops and exploding with frenzied energy upon impact. A Minotaur warrior and a Blood Wolf were blown to pieces on their charge, rising into the air amidst the dust and debris. In the brief moment of shock, casualties began to mount. Zunongs face grew darker. He hadnt expected Ji Chen to have such firepower. Even the Minotaur warriors couldnt withstand this kind of magical bombardment. But he also knew that they couldnt stop now. This was the time to keep charging. Only by letting the Minotaur warriors and Blood Wolves charge into the abandoned town to distract the enemy could the following forces avoid being harassed. Although the damage caused by the magical arrows was astonishing, there was a cooldown between each release. The Minotaur warriors quickly noticed this and took advantage of the intervals to hide behind scattered deadwood and rocks. While this couldnt completely negate the power of the bombardment, it slowed it down significantly, enough to prevent them from being wiped out in a single round. However, as they once again endured the bombardment and continued running with awkward steps, a new wave of arrow rain suddenly appeared in the mist. Compared to the magical arrows, these were thinner, with a faint blue spiral tail. The Minotaur warriors, who were focused on charging, were caught off guard and turned into sieves. Zunongs face grew even darker, and there was anger in his tone. Bring up the bed crossbows and catapults for me. One of his trusted subordinates nodded and waved to the rear. Soon, dozens of catapults and heavy bed crossbows were pulled up by giant bulls with long horns, arranged in a single-file formation on the high ground. Target the outer edge of the abandoned town, adjust the parameters. Parameters adjusted! Load the ammunition. Ammunition loaded! Watching his subordinates cleanly and efficiently complete the firing preparations, Zunongs expression improved slightly. He slowly raised his hand and then waved it down abruptly. Fire! The sound of the bowstrings being released suddenly rang out, and hundreds of thick and long crossbow bolts, along with over a hundred half-head-sized stones, shot out and fell into the dense fog. The previously intense arrow rain suddenly cleared. Zunongs expression showed a hint of satisfaction, knowing that the enemys long-range firepower had been affected. He shouted loudly. Infantry of a thousand, accelerate forward! Crossbowmen of a thousand, provide fire support as soon as you reach range! The Minotaur warriors, who had been wounded by the arrow rain earlier, now saw that the enemys firepower had suddenly diminished. They roared in anger and put all their strength into their legs, charging forward. They would use their axes to chop these damn enemies who only knew how to shoot arrows from hiding in the fog into two! The heavy infantry unit and crossbowmen unit that had been waiting all this time finally began to move. Under the cover of bed crossbows and catapults, they slowly advanced towards the small town. When three groups of crossbowmen with a thousand men each reached firing range, they immediately loaded their crossbows and, under the command, all released their triggers at once. The spectacle of the arrow rain formed by three thousand crossbow bolts was quite impressive. The sky seemed to have a black cloud descending as if even the dense fog had been pierced. Under such an onslaught, the hidden firepower within the mist suddenly faltered, and right after that, Minotaur warriors and Blood Wolves plunged into the small town, disappearing into the fog. Seeing this scene, Zunong also relaxed. The battle was decided. As long as they closed the distance and prevented Ji Chens long-range firepower from taking effect, the Minotaur warriors, invincible in close combat with the support of the Blood Wolves, would surely be able to pierce through the enemy lines. Then the heavy infantry and crossbowmen could come in to finish the job. Yes, it was perfect. Seeing Zunong looking relaxed and content, Wu Lun couldnt help but remind him. Lord Zunong, its impossible for Ji Chen to be so easily dealt with. We sent tens of thousands of troops to attack before, and we couldnt even make a dent. Thats because its you guys. Zunong sneered. All of us in the Wasteland Guild are elite troops, not like your trashy units. Wu Lun and his companions were furious but chose to keep their anger to themselves. In their hearts, they silently cursed Zunong and wished he could fall under Ji Chen, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of lives before he realized the gravity of the situation. But they didnt believe that Ji Chen could survive under the encroachment of the Wasteland Guilds hundreds of thousands of troops. Today, this player who had caught the attention of the Bass Kingdom was likely to meet his end in this abandoned town. However, it wasnt in vain for Ji Chen to come to this world, considering that he could make so many people care about him. Nevertheless, they noticed that Zunongs expression was visibly souring, as if he had just witnessed something unfavorable. In Zunongs line of sight, the system was sending a flurry of notifications. The Minotaur warriors who had charged into the abandoned town were being slaughtered in large numbers. Damn it, how could this be different from what he had expected!? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Wasnt it supposed to be the Minotaur warriors slaughtering the enemy on their own? Remembering what he said to Wu Lun and his group earlier, Zunong felt like his face was on fire, and he said with a fierce tone. A thousand-strong heavy infantry, get in there as soon as possible and help the thousand-strong Minotaur warriors tear through the enemy lines! In the small town. One-sided slaughter was indeed taking place, but it was the Naga Guardians unilaterally slaughtering the Minotaur warriors. The former had a tier as high as Tier 5 3-star, while the latter were only Tier 4 7-star. In between, there was a one-tier difference and a 7-star disparity in strength, creating a vast gap in combat power.. Chapter 505 - Chapter 505: Sneak Attack During the War! (2) Chapter 505: Sneak Attack During the War! (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In addition, with the Naga Guardians boasting several hero units to suppress the situation, their advanced combat power far surpassed that of the Minotaur Warriors. Even if the Wasteland Guild was wealthy, it was challenging to equip every Minotaur Thousand-Man Unit with hero units. Hooo The Minotaur Warrior roared angrily at the Naga Guardians in front of him, wielding his enormous axe and striking with all his might. This attack had enough force to shatter a rock. However, the Naga Guardians merely raised their left bone blade to intercept this powerful strike. Simultaneously, their right bone blade swung, swiftly beheading the massive Minotaur. Under the bombardment of spells, the Minotaur Warriors and Blood Wolves who had managed to rush in were draining their last drops of blood beneath the bone blades. Just a few minutes later, the small town had once again returned to tranquility. Lord, the enemys Minotaurs and Blood Wolves have all been eliminated, but seven Thousand-Man Units of Heavy Infantry and three Thousand-Man Units of Crossbowmen are entering. Ji Chen nodded with a smile as if everything was under control. Seize this opportunity while the enemy is vulnerable and launch a few waves of spell bombardment and arrow rain at them. Yes!! The Water Nymph Archers and Silver Sea Pixies, lurking in the ruins, quickly reached their firing positions after receiving the command. They waved their wands and drew their bows. The seven thousand-man Units of Heavy Infantry, who were running on the grassy field, were suddenly stunned by this unexpected attack. Wasnt it said that the Minotaur Warriors had already drawn the enemys ranged firepower? How could there be such a massive counterattack? Spells and arrows rained down like artillery shells on the grassy field, soil, and grass blades scattered everywhere, and small stones flew overhead like shrapnel, hitting helmets and armor. Such intense firepower could only be unleashed by Thousand-Man Units of spellcasting units! The morale of the Heavy Infantry, who were suffering significant casualties, was rapidly declining. If it werent for a Green Elite-Tier hero among them commanding and boosting their morale, many Heavy Infantry would have probably stopped advancing by now. Observing the direction of the incoming attacks, the Green Elite-Tier hero from the Wasteland Guild shouted loudly. Crossbowmen, counterattack towards the middle of the town! The three subsequent Thousand-Man Units of Crossbowmen immediately formed up and raised their heavy crossbows at a 45-degree angle to the sky. They decisively pulled the triggers, causing a cloud of arrows to sweep across the sky and rain down into the thick fog. However, the Water Nymph Archers and Silver Sea Pixies had already taken cover again under the command. The bolts fell from the sky at an angle, but they pinned into the dense rubble and ruins, raising some dust but achieving no discernible results. Guild Leader, 1 havent received any kill notifications. Me neither. Several members from the Wasteland Guild who had dispatched the three Thousand-Man Units of Crossbowmen shook their heads in response. Zunongs expression grew increasingly grim. So far, they hadnt even managed to eliminate a single unit of Ji Chens forces! In fact, they didnt even know what those units looked like! Those four thousand-strong teams of Minotaur warriors and one thousand-strong pack of Blood Wolves were like big, meaty dumplings, gone without a trace. In just this half-hour, they had lost more than 7,000 units of troops without gaining even a hint of accomplishment. Was this reasonable!? Watching as the Thousand-Man Units of Heavy Infantry, mixed with the Thousand-Man Units of Crossbowmen, had already entered the small town, Zunong could only have the bed crossbows and catapults temporarily cease fire, hoping that these few units could bring him some surprises. The Heavy Infantry and Crossbowmen units were roughly organized in a 3:1 ratio, forming groups of a hundred soldiers each. They proceeded slowly on the roads of the abandoned town. The Heavy Infantry carried shields and longswords, while the Crossbowmen held loaded heavy crossbows with alert expressions, scanning the thick fog around them. However, to their surprise and bewilderment, from the entrance all the way to the central square of the small town, there was no sign of any enemies along the way, except for corpses covering the ground and the strong smell of blood. Even the vigilant hero among the Wasteland Guilds Heavy Infantry was puzzled when he saw this scene. Had the enemy already fled? Thinking this, he gestured for the troops to continue forward. Passing through the town square, there were no more bodies on the ground. The soldiers who had attacked this place earlier had been wiped out before reaching the town square. They were the first batch of visitors on the path ahead. Hundreds of groups of a hundred soldiers were densely scattered on the towns roads and ruins. Once one of them was attacked by the enemy, nearby groups would quickly provide support. The hero of the Wasteland Guilds Heavy Infantry, Ulu, kept a close watch on the front. Suddenly, he saw about a dozen shadows and was on the verge of giving the order to attack, but he restrained himself. These shadows emerged from the mist C they were another group of allies. Ulu let out a sigh of relief and furrowed his brow as he asked, Didnt you find any enemies on your side? No, the towns harbor is up ahead, replied the leading Centurion, looking somewhat frustrated. Where could the enemy have gone? They cant have grown wings and flown away, right? Soon, other groups of a hundred soldiers from different routes also arrived and confirmed that they hadnt encountered any enemies. Ulu was once again puzzled. They had thoroughly swept the entire abandoned town and found nothing. So where could the enemy be hiding? As he faintly heard the sound of the sea not far away, his expression suddenly changed, and an idea popped into his mind. Could it be that the enemy had entered the water and circled around behind them along the coastline? To verify his guess, a thunderous battle erupted behind them suddenly. Naga Guardians and Dragon Blood Murlocs leaped out of the sea from both sides of the peninsula, launching a lightning-fast assault on the flanks of the Wasteland Guilds Heavy Infantry and Crossbowmen. At the same time, countless arrows rained down from the direction of the sea, scattering into the enemy ranks like a deluge. In the previously dense white fog, flashes of red light suddenly appeared. Hundreds of red lightning orbs were hurled into the enemy ranks, unleashing branching lightning bolts of extreme intensity. One lightning orb could injure or kill dozens of soldiers, leaving them either dead or wounded. If viewed from the sky, one could see that the soldiers of the Wasteland Guild were surrounded from three directions. Their vulnerable flanks were perfectly exposed to the enemys blades. Damn it! These cunning enemies! Ulu cursed as he listened to the continuous screams. Just as he was about to lead reinforcements, not far behind, the sound of splashing water and heavy objects hitting the ground reached his ears. Turning around to look, he saw massive and robust creatures emerging. And Ulu finally saw the appearance of the enemy sea serpent-headed creatures with double-edged weapons, and fish-like beings wielding tridents. Enemies equivalent to the size of two hundred soldiers each leaped from the sea in the direction of the harbor, immediately launching a fierce attack on them. Tridents struck with a preemptive force, instantly taking the lives of the first ten or so Heavy Infantry soldiers. Following that, two dazzling red lightning orbs exploded above them, covering dozens of Crossbowmen below, turning them into smoldering charred remains. Next, the exceptionally robust serpent-tailed creatures charged forward in perfect coordination. They used their grim bone blades to cleave through the Heavy Infantrys shields, and with another swing, they sent soldiers and shields flying, landing as lifeless waste to the side. On the high ground, as they watched the previously quiet town, there suddenly erupted a deafening roar of battle and explosions. Zunong had a sense that something was amiss, especially when he saw the brilliant flashes that not even the dense fog could conceal. He couldnt hide his unease. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He immediately called for Wu Lun and his group and asked, Apart from the current displayed combat abilities, is there anything else noteworthy about this player named Ji Chen? Wu Lun pondered for a moment, his gaze shifting to the town that was now ablaze, and his throat felt dry as he replied, Apart from deploying our land-based units, we also sent a half-thousand strong sea-based unit previously, but they were completely annihilated. Its likely that Ji Chen has access to a maritime or amphibious army. Zunongs expression changed, and he cursed, Why didnt you tell me about this earlier? Wu Lun looked somewhat aggrieved and said, I was just about to mention it when you told me not to. Upon reflection, Zunong realized that this was indeed the case, but it only fueled his frustration.. Chapter 506 - Chapter 506: Disperse the Fog, Release That Man, Let Me Do It! Chapter 506: Disperse the Fog, Release That Man, Let Me Do It! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Apart from the Knight Legion and the Tyrant Azure Dragon Legion, which couldnt land and lacked long-range firepower, therefore did not participate in the battle, the remaining four legions, without exception, joined the extermination battle against this combined force of over ten thousand heavy infantry and crossbowmen. Before this, the Ocean Crown army made a deliberate choice to leave the abandoned town. They capitalized on their amphibious forces to slip into the sea, which created a clear path for Wasteland Guild soldiers to enter the town without any obstacles. From there, they mounted attacks from the sides and rear along the coastline. From the current performance, this strategy was undoubtedly very successful. The soldiers of the Wasteland Guild had no idea that the place they had previously scouted was suddenly swarming with enemies. Caught off guard, they were thrown into disarray. Especially the frail crossbowmen who followed the heavy infantry, they were taken by surprise and some didnt even have a chance to fire a single crossbow bolt before their heads were chopped off. Damn it, how did these enemies get behind us! The soldiers of the Wasteland Guild were both shocked and angry. They formed small teams to counterattack, but it was practically futile. The Ocean Crown troops had an absolute advantage in terms of military strength, and their coordination was superior in every way. Several heavy infantry raised their shields to form a simple defensive line, but the Naga Guardians paid no attention to their fancy formations. With a single stroke of their blades, they effortlessly split the shields and then proceeded to slaughter this heavy infantry one by one. Hearing the sound of enemies all around them within the thick fog, and the cries of their comrades never ceased, the morale of the Wasteland Guild soldiers plummeted. They quickly fell below the critical point, with many of them discarding their armor and weapons in a state of panic, attempting to flee. But on the road, they were pursued and hunted down, and in the end, only a small fraction of the soldiers managed to escape from the town. Looking at the over ten thousand soldiers who had originally entered the town in an orderly manner, but now less than a thousand had escaped, even the Guild Leader, Zunong, couldnt bear it any longer. Grabbing a soldier who had managed to escape, he angrily questioned, How did you end up in this state!? How many enemies are there? The soldier whose collar was seized looked frightened and shook his head in confusion. I dont know. Weve searched the entire abandoned town, but we dont know why the enemies suddenly appeared from behind us and on our flanks, completely breaking our formation. 1 saw General Ulu being cut into two pieces by the enemys hero Seeing that he couldnt extract any more useful information, Zunong let go of the soldier, his expression incredibly gloomy as he gazed at the town still enveloped in fog. Damn fog! Damn Ji Chen! If 1 ever catch you, Ill use the crudest torture on you! So far, the Wasteland Guild had suffered losses of over fourteen thousand troops in this nameless abandoned town, and the damage inflicted on the enemy was surprisingly only in the single digits. If he hadnt seen it with his own eyes today, he would never have believed that someone could incur such an outrageous casualty ratio. Is this reasonable? But the angrier and more puzzled Zunong felt, the more he realized he couldnt let his emotions control him. He took a deep breath, calming his mind, and began to think. The loss of fifteen thousand troops was not without value. At the very least, it gave him an understanding of the enemys strength. As he had said earlier, someone who could be the target of a bounty issued by the Kingdom of Bass must have extraordinary qualities. Although these extraordinary qualities were shocking to the point of disbelief, Zunong knew he could no longer underestimate Ji Chen. Otherwise, the significant loss of troops for the Wasteland Guild in this player would affect the future siege of Feiguang City, and in turn, his domination. Contemplating the information from the returning soldiers and everything he had seen, Zunong began to weave a web of information in his mind. He looked at the thin but still dense fog, a faint smile forming on his lips. Since this fog greatly hindered their assault, why not disperse it? Fortunately, the Wasteland Guild had recently acquired a team of wind-element mages. Perhaps they could use wind-based magic to dissipate the thick fog shrouding the town and expose the enemy in plain sight. Without concealment, the bed crossbows, catapults, and long-range firepower could then exert their full killing potential. Spread my orders, let the wind mages take the field! Use magic to blow away this damned fog for me! Hundreds of human mages in blue robes, wielding wooden staffs, formed a straight line on the high ground. They raised their staffs in unison and chanted incantations. Soon, chilling gusts of wind were attracted from the horizon, swirling and spiraling in the sky before rushing forward. Whoosh- Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Breezes swept across the grasslands, picking up tufts of grass and the lingering scent of blood, all surging toward the abandoned town. The thick milky fog, even after such an abrupt blow, gradually retreated toward the ocean, revealing the remnants of the towns buildings. A spark of excitement gleamed in Zunongs eyes, and he exclaimed, Increase the power of the spells! Dont worry about the mana consumption; we have plenty of mana potions! Hundreds of thousands of wind mages nodded in agreement, intensifying their magical output. On the grassland, it was as if a category-eight hurricane had swept through, rapidly driving the fog away. Several minutes later, what had originally been just vague outlines of the abandoned town was now completely exposed to their view.. Chapter 507 - Chapter 507: Disperse the Fog, Release That Man, Let Me Do It! (2) Chapter 507: Disperse the Fog, Release That Man, Let Me Do It! (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation But what made the members of the Wasteland Guild collectively gasp in astonishment were the bodies that covered every inch of the ground. The casualties of the Wasteland Guilds soldiers, combined with the previous army of Wu Luns, had reached over forty thousand in this nameless town. This number was roughly equivalent to the population of an ordinary small town. However, as they scanned their surroundings, they couldnt spot the player named Ji Chen. Instead, they saw the vague silhouettes of sea clan soldiers scattered among the ruins of buildings. I estimate that this player named Ji Chen has at most six thousand units hidden within this wreckage. As the mist dissipated, members of the Wasteland Guild relied on their experience to estimate the enemys troop size. However, as soon as these words were spoken, they were left speechless in astonishment. Motherfucker, six thousand players attacking and annihilating forty thousand soldiers, four entire divisions, it had to be said that Ji Chens army was truly formidable. Although the distance was too great to discern the specific attributes of these diverse sea clan soldiers, the sight of their bodies, as if drenched in blood, sent a shiver down their spines. This army was undeniably powerful! Guild Master, should we initiate artillery fire in advance to inflict as much damage as possible on the enemy before they deploy their troops? Zunong frowned and shook his head. We dont have much time left. Another army from the Kingdom of Bass is already on its way to Feiguang City. If we cant deal with Ji Chen quickly, we might miss the siege, and we cant afford the consequences of that. Moreover, if the Kingdom of Bass sees that we havent resolved this issue for so long, they may start to question our competence, which could be detrimental to the guilds future development. His trusted aide nodded in agreement. The reason why the Wasteland Guild had grown to its current stature, possessing various resources that other guilds lacked, was all thanks to the support from the Kingdom of Bass. Without that support, their situation would plummet. Zunong gazed at the now-exposed town in the distance, suppressing the shadows of doubt in his heart, and gave the order. All bed crossbows and catapults, smash them with all your might! Deploy the remaining three units of crossbowmen, two units of elemental mages, and two units of longbowmen, for continuous suppression and cover fire, keep the enemy pinned down! Have other members send out their elite units, along with one unit of heavy infantry as the vanguard. We must ensure Ji Chen is trapped within this town! Yes! His trusted aide respectfully nodded and hurried off to make the arrangements. In Zunongs eyes, a hint of determination and ruthlessness flickered. This time, he was truly going all out. The minotaurs, blood wolves, heavy infantry, and crossbowmen previously sent out were collectively owned by the guild, recruited and supported with guild assets. So even if they died, it wouldnt cause too much heartache among the members. However, the other force of the Wasteland Guild consisted of the private armies belonging to individual members. These elite troops, personally recruited and maintained by members themselves, were the true core of their strength and the guilds true reserve. The clarion call of war resounded once more. One after another, diverse formations of thousand-member units marched forth. High-level vampires, advanced werewolves, heavy-armored halberdiers, Wasteland giant wolves, fire elemental creatures, and ogre-like beings Fourth-tier units were plentiful, and the combat power of these organized fourth-tier units was no less than that of the regular army of the Kingdom of Bass. Each bed crossbow was drawn taut, launching hundreds of finely-crafted iron bolts into the sky, which plummeted down with enough force to penetrate rock. The trebuchets, on the other hand, rained stones upon the abandoned town like a celestial shower, further shattering the already dilapidated buildings. Companies of crossbowmen and longbowmen fired in unison, sending forth a swarm of arrows, vowing to fill the entire ruins with projectiles. Similarly, elemental mages held their staves high, sending dozens of fireballs soaring together. Faced with such a concentrated barrage, even the well-defended Naga Guardians dared not confront it head-on. They sought refuge among the ruins, and other units cautiously hid behind cover, waiting for the bombardment to cease. Under the cover of such overwhelming firepower, a legion of heavy infantry and numerous elite thousand-member units spread out across the grassland, advancing toward the small town. Seeing that the enemy, under the relentless bombardment, couldnt even lift their heads, Zunong nodded in satisfaction. A hint of triumph gradually crept into his expression. In the face of absolute power, nothing could halt their advance! Their previous failures were simply due to their lack of vigilance. Next, he intended to make Ji Chen, although they had never met in person, understand the might of the Wasteland Guild and the irreconcilable enmity they had incurred. A few minutes ago. Inside an abandoned seaside church at the rear of the small town. Ji Chen gazed through shattered glass windows, observing as the mist that had enveloped the surroundings slowly dissipated under an unusually strong wind, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes. Lord, it seems the enemy guild has used some wind-based magic to forcibly disperse the mist, Alice deduced after inspecting the situation outside. Ji Chen nodded without denial and pondered for a moment. Without the cover of the mist, well be vulnerable to the enemys powerful long-range firepower. Moreover, the enemy wont miss this opportunity and will likely deploy more troops and even more elite units. Send my command: have our troops retreat behind cover to avoid incoming fire and be ready to counterattack any advancing enemies. If necessary, fall back into the ocean. Except for the Naga Legion and Dragonblood Legion, all others should immediately return to the sea, awaiting my next orders. If it werent for the need to engage the players from the Kingdom of Bass, Ji Chen wouldnt have risked placing the Ocean Crown army, which should be fighting in the sea, in a precarious land battle. He stood here, like a piece of sweet-scented cake, aiming to attract as many enemy players as possible to this small peninsula and persist until players from the Lienhardt Grand Duchys camp arrived. Just now, he learned from the forum that the Kingdom of Bass has increased the reward for the bounty from five million gold coins, one million rare resources, and ten 2-4-star treasures to twenty million gold coins, five million rare resources, twenty 2~4-star treasures, and one 5-star treasure. Such a generous bounty, as he expected, immediately sparked a wave of discussions. Countless players were curious about who this player named Ji Chen was and how he could make the Kingdom of Bass offer such a high price to have him killed. Naturally, with the increase in the bounty, many players who had not originally planned to get involved in this matter started to consider it. Especially the players from the Bass Kingdom camp, they rushed to the front lines in groups. But this made the players from the Leinhardt camp extremely anxious. They needed some time to reach Feiguang City, and the problem was that they didnt even know Ji Chens forum username, so they couldnt contact him at all. Moreover, under the threat of the Wu Luns group, there was no leak in the information about the battle here, which made them extremely anxious, wishing they could grow two more legs for a faster journey. Because the Leinhardt Grand Duchy also issued a special commission to them. [Special Commission] [Commission Content]: Rescue the player [Ji Chen] at all costs. [Commission Reward]: One hundred million gold coins, ten million units of rare resources, one 6-star treasure, the lordship and control of a town, honorary title, [Note]: All losses in this rescue operation can be compensated. When they saw the reward, they all went crazy. One hundred million gold coins!! Ten million units of rare resources!! The lordship and control of a town!! Even the ability to compensate for all losses during the operation! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only What did Ji Chen do to make the Leinhardt Grand Duchy willing to spend so much to rescue him!? Could it be that he hooked up with the daughter of the Grand Duke!? At this moment, even the players who initially just wanted to watch the show couldnt sit still, and they immediately led their own armies to the front lines. Release that man and let me handle it!! The impact brought about by the protagonist of a bounty that affected two nations and tens of thousands of players was by no means limited to this.. Chapter 508 - Chapter 508: Boss’ Wisdom, Seventy Thousand Troops, Bloodline Abilities Chapter 508: Boss Wisdom, Seventy Thousand Troops, Bloodline Abilities Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In a sea area hundreds of kilometers away, a large fleet of various ships, numbering over a hundred vessels, was sailing on the surface of the sea. On the forefront of the fleet, l_Love_Black_Stockings stood on the bow of a large ship. One foot clad in black stockings was placed on the ships railings, and her arms were crossed. She was blowing in the oncoming sea breeze with a satisfied and triumphant expression on her face. At this moment, she felt like the Pirate Queen of the sea, ruling over the entire expanse of the ocean. However, a sudden surge of waves rolled up, causing the entire ship to tremble abruptly. l_Love_Black_Stockings lost her balance in an instant and almost fell to the ground. Her subordinate, the Kobold Strategist, looked at their leaders embarrassing situation and couldnt help but shake his head while holding his forehead. l_Love_Black_Stockings managed to steady herself, her face filled with embarrassment, and she coughed lightly. How much longer until we arrive? The Kobold Strategist replied, It will probably take about two more days. Two more days? l_Love_Black_Stockings felt a sense of urgency, and her brows furrowed involuntarily. The Kobold Strategist hesitated for a moment and said, Boss, do we really need to get involved in the conflict between the Kingdom of Bass and the Lienhardt Grand Duchy? l_Love_Black_Stockings glanced at him and asked, Are you scared? The Kobold Strategist quickly nodded and said with a wry smile, Of course, this is a war between two kingdom-level powers. Even if one side sneezes carelessly, it could blow us away. Although we are going to support the Islander this time, he has indeed helped us a lot. But taking most of our forces with us seems like a huge risk No, taking risk is a form of wisdom, l_Love_Black_Stockings said confidently, but she coughed lightly and explained when she saw the strange expression on her subordinates face. Rather than adding icing on the cake, its more impressive to send help when its most needed. The Islander is currently besieged by so many players, and he must be feeling overwhelmed. If we show up like a godsend, and defeat the other players, the Islander will surely be very grateful. Hehe, at that time, well have great benefits! The Kobold Strategist looked at I_Love_Black_Stockings, who was acting like a general, and twitched his lips. But, Boss, how can you be sure that the Islander will survive this siege, even with our support Currently, the forums are all saying that the Kingdom of Bass has increased the bounty several times. 1 dont know how many players and guilds are eager to take his life in exchange for the reward. Our guilds strength is not that strong compared to them. Im just afraid that by the time we get there, our troops will be wiped out, and the Islander will be gone, along with our resources. The Kobold Strategists concerns were valid. Not only were solo players getting involved, but many guilds from the Kingdom of Bass were also joining the siege to claim the bounty. Although the King Kong Players Alliance, or the King Kong Island Guild, had developed quite well, with more than a hundred members, it was still far inferior compared to other guilds that were established on the prosperous continent with a higher starting point. Facing the Kobold Strategists worries, l_Love_Black_Stockings raised her right index finger and shook it, wearing a mysterious expression on her face. Taking risk is a form of wisdom. If we continue to develop steadily like we do, well likely never catch up with those large guilds in terms of growth speed. This is when we need certain opportunities to enable us to overtake the curve. Therefore! I_Love_Black_Stockings suddenly raised her voice, startling the Kobold Strategist. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we can quietly take a big bite of the fat and lucrative beast called the Kingdom of Bass, our guild will soar to new heights! Becoming the most powerful guild in the Western Middle Ocean is not a problem, and we can even compete for supremacy in the Central Plains! Watching I_Love_Black_Stockings, who was full of enthusiasm and seemed to have a light in her eyes, the Kobold Strategist was stunned. He hadnt expected that the boss would have such grand ambitions and such a keen mind. At that moment, a sense of admiration welled up in his heart. This was the leader he served and believed in. She was the heroine who used various means to transform the initially cooperative King Kong Players Alliance into the authoritarian King Kong Island Guild. l_Love_Black_Stockings smiled and patted the Kobold Strategist on the shoulder. Believe in my vision, and trust in the Islander. He will definitely surprise everyone. At dusk. Over a thousand soldiers of various types fled in panic from the ruins, not daring to look back, as if there were demons lurking inside the abandoned town, ready to devour them. On the high ground, watching the failed attack once again, Zunons expression was somber, and his eyes revealed a mix of intricate emotions that were hard to put into wordsanger, fear, and lingering resentment, among others. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only His fists clenched tightly, and his fingernails seemed as though they would pierce his palms. Through gritted teeth, he managed to utter a sentence. I really dont understand. Its been a whole day, and with an entire force of seventy thousand troops, we still havent captured this tiny town? All of you arent done dealing with just a few thousand enemies? What are you all good for?!! The last sentence showed signs of emotional breakdown, and his almost raging tone made the other members lower their heads deeply, afraid to respond. To be honest, they didnt understand either. That small town was like a voracious mouth. No matter how many troops they poured into it, what they ultimately got was not the triumphant shouts of victory but the mournful bugle of death and fleeing soldiers who had discarded their weapons and armor.. Chapter 509 - Chapter 509: Boss’ Wisdom, 70,000 Soldiers, Bloodline Ability (2) Chapter 509: Boss Wisdom, 70,000 Soldiers, Bloodline Ability (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Those enemies, numbering less than six thousand units, repeatedly thwarted their five waves of attacks, ultimately sacrificing seventy thousand troops. This amounted to one-fifth of the grand army they had deployed, and among them were elite troops painstakingly nurtured by guild members. Even Zunon himself had sent two squads of elite troops, each comprising a thousand four-tier 6-star soldiers, into the fray. However, without exception, they all met their demise. Reflecting on the resources spent to cultivate these two squads, even Zunon, who was accustomed to vast resources, couldnt help but feel a pang of regret. One member cautiously spoke up, Guild Leader, to eliminate so many elite troops, including your two squads of four-tier 7-star soldiers, its highly likely that Ji Chens army is on a different level from ours, possibly fifth-tier troops. The mention of fifth-tier troops caused everyone present to catch their breath. If fourth-tier troops represented high-tier intermediate units, then fifth-tier troops undeniably belonged to the upper echelons. At this level of troops, recruitment consumed not ordinary resources, but rather more valuable and rarer exotic resources. The resources required to sustain a fifth-tier unit were equivalent to dozens of fourth-tier units. In other words, only extremely wealthy and powerful individuals could afford to maintain fifth-tier troops, typically limited to native aristocrats. Yet this player called Ji Chen had somehow managed to maintain six thousand fifth-tier troops? Who was he exactly? The bounty only provided his name and approximate location, revealing nothing about his background, identity, or strength. After todays disastrous failure, these proud guild members couldnt help but ponder who Ji Chen really was. A player of such immense power couldnt remain anonymous for long. Motherfucker, we got played by those bastards, one member suddenly cursed under his breath. Others understood whom he was cursing. The Kingdom of Bass certainly knew that a player named Ji Chen was no ordinary adversary, yet they hadnt disclosed what he had done in Feiguang City or the extent of his strength. It was fine that the Kingdom of Bass didnt inform the others, but how could they not inform the Wasteland Guild and treat them like outsiders? They felt like the Bass Kingdom was treating them like dogs, making them bite anyone whom they pointed at. For a moment, many Wasteland Guild members harbored a sense of resentment. Zunon evidently thought of this too but forcibly suppressed it for the time being. He said in a deep voice, Regardless, we must eliminate Ji Chen. This is the task our Wasteland Guild needs to accomplish now. If we wait any longer, other guilds will arrive. Members nodded one after another. This bounty was essentially a prerequisite for attacking Feiguang City. If they couldnt even complete this task, it would be difficult to proceed with what lay ahead. Moreover, with seventy thousand troops lost to Ji Chen today, letting him go would be unacceptable. They couldnt stop here. Zunon looked at the members, who all wore expressions of deep resentment. Peoples hearts could still be swayed. He continued, Tonight, lets set up camp on the grassland nearby. Well launch our attack early tomorrow morning. One member voiced their concern, Its so close; wont Ji Chen launch a night raid? Zunon shook his head, Its unlikely. Remember, even though weve suffered some losses, we still have over three hundred thousand troops. A few thousand fifth-tier troops, even if theyre as powerful as you say, will struggle to make a significant impact against our overwhelming numbers. If fifth-tier troops can defeat ten four-tier troops, can they defeat a hundred? Moreover, on the flat grasslands, my heavy cavalry isnt just for show. Upon hearing this, many members nodded in agreement, their faces showing acknowledgment. Zunons elite troops included those five squads of heavy cavalry, two of which were the only fifth-tier squads in the Wasteland Guild. They were at the fifth-tier four-star level. Several months ago, the entire Wasteland Guild had dedicated significant effort to complete a lengthy and complex task, which they had finally obtained these fifth-tier squads from a noble in the Kingdom of Bass. Zunon regarded them as the troops capable of turning the tide. Heavy cavalry was invincible on the flat terrain of the grasslands, and no fifth-tier unit dared to face the terror of massed heavy cavalry charges. Ji Chen? Hmph! He would pay dearly for his actions! Lord, the enemy is retreating. Alice hurriedly entered, her voice gentle and pleasing. Ji Chen nodded. The sky was getting dark, and since there had been no renewed attacks for such a long time, it seemed the enemy had no intention of fighting in the dark. Where have their troops retreated to? Ji Alice shook her head. It seems they dont plan to leave. Theyve already started cutting wood, setting up camps, and constructing fortifications on the grassland behind the high ground. Ji Chen paused for a moment and then smiled. It seemed the enemy was not giving up easily, and they were putting in maximum effort for the bounty. But he also knew that the enemy guild had already suffered significant losses by deploying tens of thousands of troops in the abandoned town. Their sunk costs were mounting, and they were likely unwilling to give up before reaching the threshold they could bear. The greater the losses, the stronger the urge to go all-in, just like those solo players who realized their mistake only after they had exhausted their last drop of blood. Although the Ocean Crown squad achieved a remarkable victory today, there were still some losses. It had to be admitted that an army with a commander was more difficult to deal with than mindless sea beasts. Despite the Ocean Crown squads overwhelming strength, well-coordinated enemy attacks had caused them some trouble. So far, there were more than eighty Naga Guardians killed, over a hundred Dragon Blood Murlocs, and about two hundred other unit casualties, totaling around three hundred casualties, roughly one-fifth of the losses. A significant portion of these casualties had been heavily injured by the precision iron bolts from the heavy crossbows, then dragged to their deaths by the enemy troops surging in like a tide. Others were unable to evade the precise attacks and were killed by the barrage of arrows and abundant spell damage provided by the aerial reconnaissance from the giant eagle archers. Thinking about this, Ji Chen shook his head slightly. It seemed that the current strength of the Ocean Crown squad was not sufficient to ignore the troubles these people brought. He once heard from the Elven Martial Officer, Black, in Maplewood City that the sixth-tier soldiers, beyond the fifth tier, began to possess something that ordinary-tier soldiers didnt havesoldier bloodline abilities. In fact, units that could reach the sixth tier were definitely advanced units, most of which possessed powerful bloodlines. These bloodlines either originated from ancient powerhouses, were part of some lineage, or were derived from certain exotic creature bloodlines. Without exception, they all had special abilities far surpassing fifth-tier units. For instance, according to the information Ji Chen picked up from casual discussions, the sixth-tier Elven troop known as the Horned Eagle Marksman had a unique mount called the Horned Eagle. This majestic bird traced its lineage back to the Ancient Horned Eagle, the guardian beast of the Elven tribe. This heritage had been carefully preserved by generations of druids, who consistently nurtured these descendants with their bloodline. The Elven sharpshooters who rode them also had pure bloodlines, all descending from the ancient Elves without intermarriage or intermingling with other races. The combination of these factors resulted in the Horned Eagle Marksman, a unit with a sixth tier and seven stars. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only As for their bloodline ability, Black hadnt concealed it, as the battle power of Elven mainline units had long ceased to be a secret. The bloodline ability of the Horned Eagle Marksman was to enter a focused state both for the rider and the mount, greatly increasing the riders reaction speed and firing rate. The specific increase was at least ten times or more over the base values. The Horned Eagle mount also greatly improved its flight speed and responsiveness, at times even rivaling that of dragons. But the terrifying part was that only a few units had these powerful bloodlines that matched their combat strength. It could be said that units without strong bloodlines would likely never reach the sixth tier in their lifetime. While there might be many types of fifth-tier units, the drop-off was staggering from the sixth tier onwards. Even more terrifying was the fact that after Ji Chen had upgraded all his mainline units to the fifth tier in the last upgrade, there was still a large expanse of fog in the unit talent tree, hinting at something more beyond.. Chapter 510 - Chapter 510: Zunong Wants to See Ji Chen, You’re Here? Part of the Plan 1 Chapter 510: Zunong Wants to See Ji Chen, Youre Here? Part of the Plan 1 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation A new sun rose slowly from the horizon, symbolizing hope as its radiant sunlight bathed the vibrant forest and even penetrated the desolate, gloomy abandoned town. It cast an even more dazzling light on the fiery pyres of corpses that burned fiercely. Last night, Ji Chen didnt dispatch troops to raid the enemy guild camp like in Three Kingdoms novels. The Crown of the Oceans forces excelled in maritime warfare, not on flat grasslands. Aware that the enemy had a sizable cavalry force, he certainly wouldnt foolishly engage head-on. Of course, he didnt idle away the night. He organized his people to gather and cremate the numerous bodies scattered throughout the town under the cover of darkness to prevent the spread of disease. Diseases could inflict prolonged negative effects on the troops, which would undoubtedly be detrimental to the upcoming battle. As the day began to break, the Wasteland Guilds camp came alive. Fully armed soldiers marched out of the camps gates, preparing for action on the high ground. Zunong stood on the elevated terrain, his eyes bloodshot, watching the dozens of blazing pyres in the town in the distance, nearly trembling with anger. They didnt burn it last night, nor in the early morning today, and now they decide to burn it just when were about to attack! Damn it, is this mockery? Are they flaunting their achievements to me!? In my hands, Ill skin and dismantle you once I catch you! Zunong cursed vehemently in his heart, then looked at his trusted aide. Prepare for the assault! Today, we must capture that damned guy and take him down! Yes! Other members also responded, their hearts burning with rage. The Wasteland Guild had never faced such humiliation before. These burning corpses were like stones engraved with shame! Only the enemys blood and victory could wash away this disgrace! But before the battle began, Zunong sent a ten-person squad with his message, holding a flag, cautiously approaching the outskirts of the town. Upon learning of this, Ji Chen ordered the Crown of the Oceans forces not to launch an attack and allowed them to approach. Seeing the squad entering the towns shooting range and noticing no attacks coming their way, they all breathed a sigh of relief, wiping the cold sweat from their foreheads. The squad leader shouted loudly, My Lord wishes to meet with Lord Ji Chen. The meeting place is on the grassy field in the middle of both sides defensive lines. Each side may bring a maximum of ten unit types, with no hero units, curses, explosive units The squad leader spoke rapidly, not caring whether anyone could hear him. After he finished, he saw a monstrous creature with a serpentine tail emerging from the town, speaking in human language. My Lord has agreed. Hearing this, the squad leader looked relieved and hurriedly returned with his team. Returning to Zunong, they saluted him and reported, Lord, theyve agreed. Zunong nodded and gazed deeply at the even more dilapidated town bathed in sunlight. He wanted to see the player responsible for burying his seventy thousand troops before completely destroying this place, to understand what kind of person they were. With ten heavily armed infantry soldiers wielding heavy shields and spears as his guards, Zunong headed toward the agreed-upon location. Upon reaching the middle ground between the high ground and the town, he waited for a moment. Then, he saw a slender figure appear on the originally empty, reddish-brown dirt road. Zunongs expression changed slightly because he saw only one person, with no soldiers guarding him. Is this person so brave? He didnt even bring any guards. Isnt he afraid that they might plot against him and attack him directly? Regardless of whether it was sheer boldness or confidence, this person unintentionally earned Zunongs admiration, creating a sense of camaraderie. Soon, Zunong could clearly see the face of this figure and instantly wore a disgusted expression. Damn, was this guy really that handsome, or did he mix in some technology and cosplay? Clearly, the appearance that had been approved by elves, who were known for their aesthetics, had also made Zunong, a fellow player, quite jealous. The newcomer stopped about twenty meters away and initiated the conversation. Ji Chen. Zunong collected himself and responded with a stern face. Zunong. After these brief exchanges, they fell into an uncomfortable silence, creating an eerie atmosphere. Suddenly, Zunong couldnt hold back and blurted out, Youve come. Ji Chen almost lost his composure, looking at Zunong with a strange expression. I didnt expect you to have this side. Nonsense! Zunong instantly lost his cool, his emotions running wild. His face turned red, and amid these emotional fluctuations, he blurted out, Ji Chen, I have one question for you: surrender or not? Ji Chen sighed and responded to the question with an expression, Would I surrender, just for you to claim my head for a bounty? Zunong suddenly realized how foolish his words had been and felt even more ashamed. He blurted out in frustration, Just wait to be buried here by our Wasteland Guild! Wait. Zunong furrowed his brows, turning to look at Ji Chen. Is there anything else? Ji Chen smiled faintly, radiating a handsome grin that evoked envy. I have something to say. Do you mind listening? Despite his confusion, Zunong nodded inadvertently, his expression impatient. If its your last words, then spit it out. Dont waste time. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen paid no heed to the remark and began to speak. Several minutes later. Are you insane!? Zunong stared at Ji Chen in utter disbelief and astonishment, his eyes filled with incredulity. Ji Chen remained unfazed and smiled.. Chapter 511 - Chapter 511: Zunong Wants to See Ji Chen, You’re Here? Part of the Plan (2) Chapter 511: Zunong Wants to See Ji Chen, Youre Here? Part of the Plan (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation As long as this objective is achieved, you can also obtain unimaginable enormous benefits from it. Dont you feel even a hint of temptation? Ji Chens words made Zunong furrow his brows. It wasnt entirely true that he wasnt tempted, but what Ji Chen was proposing seemed too insane. This was a kingdom with a million troops, countless elites, hundreds of cities, and a kingdom-level force with formidable naval fleets! It was not something they could challenge, even for the entire Wasteland Guild. Ji Chen ignored his changing expression and continued with a casual tone, The natives arent as frightening as you think. They are people too, and they are not invincible to us. Just like the setbacks they faced in Feiguang City. Compared to players, the natives are like a massive pile of code, long in development time, but essentially just as bloated and overweight as a three-hundred-pound fat guy. As long as we are given enough time, we will undoubtedly surpass them quickly, no longer dependent on others. Dont you want the Wasteland Guild to become an independent and powerful entity? These words seeped into Zunongs mind like insidious poison. Even though he knew Ji Chen was trying to manipulate him, he couldnt help but contemplate this potential future. Zunong wasnt always in command of a powerful army from the beginning. He had to gather like-minded members and build the guild through hard work, enduring disdain, discrimination, and exclusion from the natives. The bitterness and hardships hidden within this journey were known only to him. However, hearing Ji Chens words, a strong sense of curiosity arose in Zunongs heart. What had really happened in Feiguang City that day? So he asked. Ji Chen didnt expect this sudden question and responded with some confusion, Werent you working for the Bass Kingdom? How come you accepted the bounty without knowing what happened back then? They didnt inform you? Thats strange These words left Zunong feeling suffocated. While he found it odd, Ji Chen didnt seem to hide anything and briefly described the events. Zunongs eyes went from being shadowed with suspicion to astonishment, and finally to silence. The warm and radiant sunlight couldnt reach his lowered face, and his eyes were shrouded in darkness. He attempted to see a trace of guilt or falsehood in Ji Chens eyes, but to his disappointment, Ji Chens gaze remained as calm as a still lake, perpetually confident and genuine. And when he saw a water orb in Ji Chens hand that seemed to contain terrifying energy akin to a nuclear bomb, combined with the fragmentary pieces of information he had heard on his journey, he had no choice but to believe this fact. Ji Chen, with his own strength, captured the Eighth Fleet and defeated the Bass Kingdoms army attacking Feiguang City. Such a powerful individual, can the Wasteland Guild really contend with him? At this moment, Zunongs heart was filled with anger and frustration towards the Bass Kingdom. His face contorted, and his body tensed. Damn it, what did those native bastards think of them as? Dogs? Even dog owners knew to take care of their dogs and not let them launch meaningless attacks on lions. This was like using them as cannon fodder! They were mere disposable pawns which they used once after sending them to deal with Ji Chen and the players of the Lienhardt faction. Observing Zunongs unusual demeanor, Ji Chen was somewhat able to guess what was going on. In a solemn tone, he said, If Im guessing correctly, the Bass Kingdoms army is once again at the gates of Feiguang City. They seize this opportunity to pull out the nail that threatens to invade the Lienhardt capital. According to their plan, the Bass Kingdom camp, including a large group of your players and guild, will engage in meaningless battles with the Lienhardt factions players, guilds, and me, all for the sake of a small bounty, causing mutual harm. I, on behalf of the Wasteland Guild, accept your proposal. Who knows, they might not even pay in the end Ji Chen paused, looking at Zunong, who was determined. He then smiled, Very well, it seems we have reached a preliminary consensus. Zunongs face revealed the enthusiasm only young people possessed. His posture straightened, and he appeared full of vigor. It was a far cry from his previous appearance, which, despite his authority and confidence, couldnt conceal the shadowy and submissive side of him. After all, they were players known as the Fourth Catastrophe! How could they be bent over by something like this!? We come from another dimension, bearing a certain mission to this world. Though we may have thrived in the muddy mire and murky waters, we still share the same sky with those who reside in this world. We must make the people of this world look up to us! Zunongs tone grew somber as he continued, Ji Chen, you are the first player Ive encountered in this timeline who has maintained such self-confidence and strength. To be honest, I envy you. I hope you can continue like this. Over the past few months, Ive seen too many players falling into despair including myself. 111 remember what you just said. I hope youll remain steadfast in carrying out this plan and survive in the hands of the Bass Kingdom. Otherwise, I wont lead my entire guild of brothers to follow you into danger. Ji Chen became extremely serious, speaking with utmost solemnity, 1, as the Lord of the Ocean Crown, ruler of the New Moon Islands, master of the Stormy Sea, and heir of the Tidal Dominator, solemnly promise that 1 will firmly execute my plan, just as 1 have steadfastly defended this place. Zunongs worried expression faded, replaced by a smile. Damn it, can your Lords Mansion accommodate so many people? Ji Chen paused for a moment, then smiled and replied, Certainly, my house is quite large. If you have the time, you can also stay there for a while. Zunong nodded with a smile and didnt say much. Zunong left, taking the soldiers back to the high ground. As he turned around, he happened to see Ji Chens figure disappearing at the town entrance. Other members of the Wasteland Guild noticed his return and gathered around. They suddenly felt that their guild leader seemed different, but they couldnt quite put their finger on it. However, they quickly dismissed the thought and asked, Guild Leader, should we continue the fight? Looking at the nearly two hundred members around him, all of them filled with trust, Zunong felt incredibly gratified and nodded without hesitation. Of course, well continue, and well make it spectacular! Members exchanged glances, their eyes filled with soaring determination, and they exclaimed together. F*ckhim! Damn it, whats a Tier 5 unit to us? Ill drown you in a sea of troops! United we stand, divided we fall! Urah! A deep, muffled sound echoed through the sky as horns made from bull horns resounded. Wasteland Guild soldiers, like a swarm of locusts, descended from the high ground, rushing toward the blazing town. In the town, Sea Tribe monsters were numerous, their faces displaying cold and ruthless expressions, appearing particularly fearsome in the flickering flames. This scene resembled the legendary tales told by bards throughout the continent, tales of a multiracial alliance fighting against foreign tribes. In reality, however, the side of the multiracial alliance had been influenced by sinful motives, while the foreign tribes were forced to defend themselves. To avoid a scenario where, similar to the Huluo brothers tale of rescuing their grandfather one by one, Zunong employed a straightforward and ruthless strategy. He kept sending troops, maintained constant pressure, and gradually wore down Ji Chens forces. If ten thousand wasnt enough, send fifty thousand; if fifty thousand wasnt enough, send a hundred thousand, until the enemy was completely eliminated! He just wouldnt believe it. Over three hundred thousand troops couldnt wear down those mere six thousand fifth-tier units! As the battle unfolded, Ji Chen also sensed Zunongs determination and couldnt help but smile. He, too, felt a spark of interest. If you want it this way, then well play along. At this moment, on a chessboard with an established trajectory, two pieces no longer followed the puppeteers thoughts and began to act unnoticed but with remarkable harmony. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only After a short break overnight, when the horn that seemed to carry the scent of gunpowder was blown again, the unrelenting slaughter and war were part of the plan. Watching the fiery battle raging on, Zunong stood atop the high ground, full of enthusiasm, a mad grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. Toppling a kingdom perhaps that was quite an interesting proposition. The other members of the Wasteland Guild watched their guild leader suddenly flash a sinister and maniacal smile, causing a shiver down their spines. Every time their guild leader showed such an expression, it meant someone was in for trouble. So, the unlucky one should be that player named Ji Chen, right probably. right? Chapter 512 - Chapter 512: The Second Attack of the Kingdom of Bass, Chapter 512: The Second Attack of the Kingdom of Bass, The Royal First Fleet, The Opportunity Has Arrived Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Marshal, the Wasteland Guild has successfully cornered Ji Chen on that peninsula. Meanwhile, both our allies and the Glory Lords from the Lienhardt Grand Duchy are converging in that same direction. Your strategy is really killing two birds with one stone. Firstly, it allows us to avenge our previous loss at Feiguang City. Secondly, it draws away those troublesome Glory Lords, creating a second opportunity for us to attack Feiguang City! And the cost is only a few gold coins and rare resources, the Chief of Staff said flatteringly to the man in front of him. Russells face showed a hint of pride. Hmph, let those Glory Lords fight amongst themselves; thats their limited value and purpose. flow far is Feiguang City? After crossing these hills, well be there. Soon, the two hundred thousand troops of the Bass Kingdom crossed the rolling hills and saw the towering city by the sea. Russell, sitting on his horse, couldnt help but feel excited and ambitious. As long as they wiped this city off the map, they would need only three days to reach the gates of Tressburg City, and the nation would be engulfed in the flames of war. As the Marshal commanding the three armies, his prestige would reach its peak in this war of annihilation. After a few days, many of Feiguang Citys defensive structures and fortifications had been repaired. However, the massive breach on the south side of the city wall, which was hundreds of meters wide, remained open. Only a simple slope made of broken wall bricks and soil had been piled up to a height of about ten meters at the breach. Just a few days were not enough for the garrison of Feiguang City to repair such a large breach. High on the city walls, Sylvansai looked at the Bass Kingdoms army that had begun to camp ten miles away, his eyes showing a trace of concern. He hadnt expected that just a few days later, Russell would be so relentless in launching a second attack, and the banner he raised was still the same one he personally brought. Beside him, his trusted subordinate said, Lord of the City, weve received quite a bit of support from the rear these past few days. Our forces have been replenished to fifty thousand, and our supplies are ample. We might be able to hold off the enemy. Sylvansai shook his head gently. Feiguang City had suffered heavy losses even with its complete walls when facing an enemy force of a hundred thousand. This time, with the enemy force reaching two hundred thousand and Feiguang City lacking the protection of complete walls, if the Bass Kingdom were to launch another bombardment like they did that day, the other side of the city wall would break again, and no matter how many troops they had, they wouldnt be able to hold it. Alas, we can only take it one step at a time. His trusted subordinate had a look of puzzlement on his face. Its been several days already. Tressburg City should have received our message by now. They should also know the importance of Feiguang City. Why havent they sent reinforcements? Sylvansai wore an expression of who can 1 ask on his face, eventually turning it into a sigh. Regardless, as the lord of the city, he knew he had to stand by the city, for as long as the city existed, its people had a chance. But thoughts of Ji Chen, who disappeared without a word a few days earlier, left him with mixed emotionshope, disappointment, and a hint of relief. Ji Chen wasnt originally from Lienhardt, and his earlier rescue of Feiguang City was a significant favor. Sylvansai couldnt rely on him to swoop in and save them every time. Lienhardt needed to be saved by its own people. When Lord Ji Chen departed, it was for the best. With his abilities, as long as he retreated into the vast sea, not even the fleet of the Kingdom of Bas could harm him. Meanwhile, the Ji Chen who left without notice was resisting wave after wave of enemy attacks on a peninsula fifty kilometers away, diverting a large amount of firepower away from Feiguang City. After meeting with Zunong for a day, solo players, groups of players, and guilds from various places gradually arrived here. However, when they saw the tens of thousands of corpses that had spread from the abandoned town into the grasslands outside, their faces couldnt help but change. Ravens and vultures, as numerous as dark clouds in the sky, circled overhead, eagerly watching for an opportunity to feast. Next, their gazes turned to Zunong, who stood on the elevated terrain with a dark expression. Some of them couldnt help but smirk with satisfaction, but beneath that, confusion also lingered in their minds. Even the Wasteland Guild hadnt managed to resolve the situation so far, and instead, so many people had died. Who was this player named Ji Chen? Brother Zunong, it seems your Wasteland Guild isnt doing well. A man with a sinister face, sharp eyes, and an ominous presence walked over amidst the crowd of hundreds of players. Although they addressed each other as brothers, it didnt hide the gloating in his words. Zunong glanced at him without saying anything. This man was Pando, the leader of another player guild in the Bass Kingdom, the Jungle Guild. Their guilds strength was second only to the Wasteland Guild, and they had often clashed over territorial disputes. Seeing that Zunong didnt respond, Pandos face immediately revealed a disinterested expression. He looked at the abandoned town, which was about to fall into dusk once again, and made a suggestion. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Why dont we, the Jungle Guild, give it a try? After all, youve been struggling for two days and still havent dealt with a small solo player. Zunongs eyes flared with anger, and he stared at Pando as if provoked. After a long while, he squeezed out a few words from between his teeth. Then go ahead and try. Lets see if you can handle this tough nut. Pando shrugged indifferently, watching as Zunong left in a huff, and even a trace of disdain appeared on his face. His subordinate whispered beside him, They sent so many people these two days and still havent defeated a solo player. The Wasteland Guild has really fallen.. Chapter 513 - Chapter 513: The Second Attack of the Kingdom of Bass, Chapter 513: The Second Attack of the Kingdom of Bass, The Royal First Fleet, The Opportunity Has Arrived (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation It seems that this time, the bounty will be in the hands of our Jungle Guild. When that happens, the Kingdom of Bass will take notice of us and commence supporting us. Thus, surpassing the Wasteland Guild is only a matter of time. Pando heard this and nodded in agreement. Could a mere player truly pose a threat to their Jungle Guild? He was tempted while thinking about the massive resources that the Kingdom of Bassw was providing to the Wasteland Guild. Without further hesitation, he immediately ordered the attack. Little did he know that he was facing an opponent he couldnt shake or match. Nighttime. Thousands of miles away in the Kingdom of Bass. Inland coastal city, Ilkand. This city, with its vast size and a major military port, was the second-largest city in the country. Even though the Kingdom of Bass was at war with Lienhardt, this place still appeared bustling and lively. Shops on both sides of the streets stayed open day and night. Alchemical lamps created captivating lights, and neon lights from taverns, casinos, department stores, and even brothels illuminated the city, making it a place that never slept. Even the tall city walls couldnt conceal the radiant lights. Beams of alchemical light shot from the ground into the sky, as if illuminating even the gloomy heavens. The Ninth Fleet of the Kingdom of Bass was stationed here, tasked with guarding hundreds of kilometers of coastline. However, most of the fleets ships were currently docked, and the sailors on duty were drinking heavily in their cabins. Were they afraid of enemy attacks? Humph, their biggest enemy, Lienhardt, was currently being crushed by Marshal Russells expeditionary force, with their territory falling and engulfed in warfare. They were too busy to spare the time and resources to launch an attack thousands of miles away in the open sea. Even if an enemy did come, they werent afraid. They would make the enemy understand their power! In the dreams of some of the sailors who were already deep asleep, they were punching Lienhardt, kicking the coastal areas to the northwest, and even sailing their warships to the capital of the Silvermoon Dynasty, where they plundered freely, adorned with jewelry, and slept with two beautiful elf maidens. While these sailors were dreaming away, a shrill alarm abruptly awakened them. Enemy attack! Dozens of large lamps instantly pierced the night, illuminating a dark stretch of the ocean. However, in the next moment, they witnessed a scene that made their souls tremble, and their pupils contracted sharply. A massive fleet of steel warships was slowly moving less than two kilometers away from them, with alchemical cannons on their sides radiating a menacing black aura, all pointed at them. And the flags already flying on the ships revealed their identity. The Kingdom of Lienhardt, Royal First Fleet. Its impossible mumbled a naval officer who had just awakened from a dream. According to the information they received, the Royal First Fleet was constantly guarding the capital of the Kingdom of Lienhardt, Tressburg. They should never leave so easily. Just like their Ninth Fleet guarding Ilkand. But how could such a fleet appear here, thousands of miles away? The officer seemed to be in disbelief, rubbing his eyes vigorously and looking again. Damn it! The enemy is the Royal First Fleet of Lienhardt! Start the warships and prepare to face them! What about our coastal artillery positions!? The sailors were in a state of panic. Sir, starting the warships will take at least half an hour. Theres no response from the coastal artillery positions. The soldiers there are probably either drunk or out looking for fun. The officer trembled with anger, These idiots!! They dared to go out during their duty hours!? He cursed without realizing that he had been drinking heavily himself. I must bring them to a military tribunal Sir, take a look. The trembling voice of a sailor made him stop and look into the distance. In the direction of the Royal First Fleet of Lienhardt, hundreds of orange-red flames suddenly appeared, and then their harbor and warships were engulfed in a blaze, explosions erupting like firecrackers. In the dark night, mandalas of orange-red blossomed, pulling the soldiers into an inferno of flames and explosions. Perhaps it was a main cannon shell that exploded in a warehouse hundreds of meters away from him. The intense shockwave sent the officer flying, crashing heavily against a railing, feeling like several of his bones had just been shortened. The officer, who managed to get up from the ground, now had a look of terror and despair in his eyes. It was over, everything was over. After destroying the warships and the naval base, without sparing any shells, they continued to fire at the civilian harbor. One by one, merchant ships near the mouth of the harbor sank amidst the explosions, completely blocking the entrance and exit. Even the surviving ships that might still be operational couldnt get through. This was also one of the objectives of the Royal First Fleet. To first cut off Ilkands maritime route for external communication. Taking advantage of the element of surprise after destroying Ilkands warships, dozens of transport ships that had been hiding behind released landing craft one after another, bypassing the citys defensive weapons on the walls and landing on the mudflats beyond their range. Watching the marines forming up in squads on the mudflats, a senior officer of the Lienhardt Navy looked serious. On the orders of the Grand Duke, weve rushed here from thousands of miles away, becoming the first wave of troops to land in the Empire in this war. We should feel the utmost honor. But from now on, we need to strive for more glory and medals. Each team will follow the previously agreed-upon plan, capture the outposts on the inland road leading to Ilkand, form guerrilla teams in the forests, block information, and cut off Ilkands communication with the outside world. Just like the Kingdom of Bass did to Feiguang City! The longer we delay, the more advantageous it is for the Principality, and the more likely we are to win this unjust war! Everyone, move out! Yes! Their thunderous shouts expressed their determination as they swiftly entered the thick forests, launching surprise attacks on Ilkands outposts. Two days later, when the news of the sneak attack on Ilkand City was deliberately released and reached the capital of the Kingdom of Bass, the entire city was in an uproar. Ilkand, as the second-largest city in the Kingdom of Bass and one of the most important naval ports in the middle of the ocean, was supposed to be protected by the Ninth Fleet. The fact that it had been attacked so easily by the enemy left them extremely shocked. The Royal Second to Seventh Fleets of Lienhardt were all tied up at sea, so where did this fleet, which appeared like a ghost, come from? Due to the blockade of Ilkand City, they couldnt get any information from there, like a shadow on their intelligence network, leaving them anxiousjust as they had previously blocked Feiguang City. Moreover, they were worried about the vast stockpile of resources, including supplies, food, ammunition, weapons, and more, stored within the city. The quantity of alchemical cannonballs alone in the arsenal could supply ten fleets a hundred times over. These reserves were originally meant for expeditions. As a result, a controversy erupted within the court of the Kingdom of Bass. The hawkish faction believed in continuing the expedition and sending troops from the capital to break the siege and regain control of Ilkand City. The dovish faction, on the other hand, believed that they should recall the other fleets and even the expeditionary force. Otherwise, if Ilkand City really fell, the impact on the kingdom would be extraordinarily significant. Sitting on the throne behind the pearl curtains, the king listened to the arguments of his courtiers, and his impatient voice rang out. Silence! The courtiers all fell silent, looking toward the vague figure. The king turned to the deceiver standing behind him, wearing a mask. Advisor, what do you think? The deceiver emitted a sharp, eunuch-like voice. Hehe, Your Majesty- Ilkand City has strong defenses, not something a fleet coming from a thousand miles away can break through. 1 estimate that Lienhardt simply wants to block the information, unsettle us, and hinder the supply lines to the front. But leaving it alone isnt a good idea either, so why not send out a small number of soldiers and then issue commissions to those glory lords? As long as theres enough profit, those cuties will certainly complete the commissions without hesitation. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Despite the courtiers strong aversion to the deceiver who had seemingly emerged out of nowhere and quickly gained the trust of His Majesty, they found this suggestion to be quite favorable. It wouldnt require diverting too many forces to defend the capital, saving a substantial amount of military expenses. They only needed to pay a minuscule fraction to compel those glory lords to work for them, achieving the goal of defending Ilkand City. A good idea! Lets proceed with that. In his tent, Zunon sat in a chair, watching the commissions from the Kingdom of Bass regarding the recapture of Ilkand City posted on the forum, his eyes shining. Wait, it seemed like he was given an opportunity. Chapter 514 - Chapter 514: Retreat, Who Is This Person? Chapter 514: Retreat, Who Is This Person? Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Players from all corners witnessed the terrifying prowess of a player named Ji Chen. In the wake of the Wasteland Guilds abandonment of tens of thousands of troops in the grasslands and abandoned towns, the number of corpses doubled once again. Tens of thousands of resentful spirits swirled overhead, emitting bitter cries. This left everyone puzzled. Who was this person, really? Pando watched as another wave of over ten thousand troops from the Jungle Guild entered the town but not a single one came out. His face twisted with shock and rage. That bastard, Zunong, he knew all along that Ji Chen wasnt easy to deal with. He didnt even warn me before! Motherfucker, does he want to weaken my strength with this method, so they can secure the position of the top guild in the Kingdom of Bass? Thats despicable!! Watching Pando curse and grumble, his confidant standing nearby couldnt help but feel speechless. After all, the Wasteland Guild had been attacking for a full two days without success, so it was quite obvious that this wasnt an easy opponent Although he thought this way, he wisely refrained from saying it out loud. He asked, Boss, its only been a day, and weve lost nearly a hundred thousand troops. But theres no sign of weakness on their side. If we keep going like this, we might not even succeed in taking them down even if we use up our entire army. Should we continue? Of course! Why wouldnt we continue!? Pando had the appearance of a stubborn man who would see things through to the end. He gritted his teeth and said, Motherfucker, if we withdraw like this, wouldnt that mean we have wasted so many troops for nothing? Besides, Ji Chen isnt invincible. 1 refuse to believe we cant deal with him! Pando had been in this world for a long time and never encountered an independent player with such incredible strength. Those units of fifth-tier troops, each consisting of a thousand people, were incredibly intimidating. He even thought he might have encountered a figure like the Islander. However, even though he lost so many troops, he couldnt afford not to continue the battle. He just talked to that little rascal Zunong earlier, telling him that they would take over, but to say they couldnt hold out after just one day was like slapping himself in the face. Blood could be shed, but pride could not be lost. Just as Pando was thinking of sending more troops to attack, someone suddenly privately messaged him. Taking a closer look, his eyes widened. What the hell? Several hours later, when Pando, the leader of the Jungle Guild, angrily left after throwing his troops into yet another attack and achieving no results, the onlookers were in an uproar. With the Wasteland Guild in front and the Jungle Guild behind, both major guilds had been defeated by a player named Ji Chen. This was a rare occurrence. Some players knew better than to persist and chose to withdraw, despite the tempting bounty. They understood that it required the capability to claim it. They stood by and watched. However, some small guilds and independent players were not willing to give up. They wanted to verify it for themselves. Yet, when they sent what they considered powerful troops into the abandoned town, none of them returned. They were left dumbfounded and shouted in frustration. This was too outrageous. How could a mere few thousand troops stop them? Just when they were at a loss, fifty kilometers away in Feiguang City. The flames of war once again spread across this land. Hundreds of cannonballs soared high into the sky, bypassing the city walls and wreaking havoc on the recently repaired fortifications. A sky filled with arrows accompanied by the sound of breaking wind pierced through flesh. Soldiers of the Kingdom of Bass surged forward like a tide, intent on devouring all living beings within the city. As Russell watched the city, increasingly on the brink of collapse under the onslaught of the large army, the wicked grin on his face became more pronounced, and his mood grew even more exhilarated. This is the fate of those who oppose him. No one could stop them from conquering Feiguang City, from laying waste to the Lienhardt Grand Duchy! After annihilating Lienhardt, they would continue to march against the other two nations along the northwest coast, unifying this land completely, fulfilling the great ambition left unaccomplished by their predecessors. Russell, in this glorious vision of the future, would rise to unprecedented prominence! Russell seemed to have already envisioned this bright future. He drew his long sword and pointed it forward, shouting with authority. Spread my command! The Second Pegasus Knight Squad, advance! Use alchemical bombs to assist our allies in breaching the city walls! With that order, a squad of a thousand Pegasus Knights quickly took flight from the camp, flapping their wings as they soared over the breached section of the city walls, dropping alchemical bombs onto the defending forces. This became the final straw that broke the camels back. The raised earthworks and the soldiers guarding the breached city wall crumbled as the alchemical bombs exploded, creating numerous holes. Countless soldiers of the Kingdom of Bass swarmed in like wild beasts, ferociously attacking. On the other side, the city gate on the western wall finally succumbed to the relentless bombardment and explosions. It collapsed with a thunderous crash, and the soldiers of the Kingdom of Bass flooded in like locusts, engaging in a furious battle with the citys defenders. In the eyes of the defenders, Feiguang City had become like a faint candlelight in a storm, extinguishing at any moment. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Despair and helplessness flickered in the eyes of Sylvansai on the city wall. Feiguang City was destined to fall Russell burst into wild laughter, mocking the feeble resistance of the enemy. At this moment, a squad of giant eagle archers from the direction of the Kingdom of Bass arrived, bearing a letter from the king. They landed in the military camp. Soon, a roar filled with bitterness and anger echoed from within the camp, as Russell received the kings letter.. Chapter 515 - Chapter 515: Retreat, Who Is This Person (2) Chapter 515: Retreat, Who Is This Person (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Convey my orders, everyone retreat! The soldiers who received this order had puzzled expressions. They were on the verge of capturing Feiguang City, so why suddenly call for a retreat? However, military orders were absolute. Despite their confusion and disbelief, many soldiers began commanding their troops to withdraw. The once bustling battlefield now felt deserted, leaving the Feiguang City defenders dumbfounded. Though they didnt know what had transpired, they couldnt help but cheer. A high-ranking officer from the Bass Kingdom who had been commanding on the front lines hurried back. He saw General Russell sitting with a stern expression in his command seat and asked, Marshal, why are we retreating when Feiguang City is about to fall? Russell remained silent, simply tossing a letter to the officer. Another officer picked up the letter and read it, his face turning pale. Two days ago, the Royal First Fleet of Lienhardt Royal Duchy raided llkand City from a thousand miles away, interrupting internal and external communications and cutting off reinforcements. One day ago, the Thorey Kingdom and the Pelan Kingdom accepted Lienhardts proposal and declared war on the Bass Kingdom. Their armies have already advanced to our borders. The expeditionary force must return at full speed to defend our homeland. How is this possible? The officer expressed his disbelief, How did they manage to do this? Russell looked weary. Regardless of how, its a fact now. Our supply lines have been cut, and we not only have to halt the attack on Feiguang City but also withdraw our forces back home. Though the Thorey and Pelan Kingdoms are relatively weak, their alliance is not to be underestimated. Once their armies threaten the safety of our capital, the politicians and ministers will surely use this as an excuse to challenge us. The officers clenched their fists in frustration. They paid a heavy price for this expedition, with tens of thousands of soldiers dying far from home. But now, they were ordered to retreat like rats fleeing. Russell saw the discontent in their eyes and a flame ignited in his own. We will return once more. None of this will defeat the great Bass Kingdom. This land will eventually belong to us, and the mighty Bass Kingdom will reign supreme. Report! The Bass Kingdom army is withdrawing! Really? Yes, we saw their camp has emptied. Sylvansai stood up from his chair, a mixture of confusion and joy on his face. Great, Feiguang City had been saved! A soldier added, But they seemed to have left in great haste, leaving behind a lot of supplies After the initial joy, Sylvansai stroked his chin in thought. Russell had given up the almost easily acquired prize of Feiguang City, which meant there must be something even more important at play. Before he could ponder further, a report came in. Lord, a messenger from Tressburg has arrived! Sylvansais eyes brightened. Bring him in. A tired-looking messenger entered and handed over a letter sealed with a fiery emblem. Sylvansai opened it immediately, and after reading the last word, his face gradually lit up with determination. He exclaimed Good, good, good! three times in succession. Then, he dispelled the previous air of defeat, his eyes shining brightly. Convey my orders, send soldiers to a peninsula fifty kilometers west from here to assist with Lord Ji Chen! Lord Ji Chen must be protected at all costs, as this is the second time he has helped us! Yes! At this moment, Ji Chen was still leading the Ocean Crown forces in a fierce battle against the players. Driven by the desire for rewards and their inner greed, they had become consumed by madness, determined to break through the abandoned town. Thousands of troops were thrown into this small peninsula, gradually sealing off the land inside and out. Under the relentless assault that continued for days without respite, even the mighty Ocean Crown forces suffered losses. Four-fifths of the Naga Guardians and Dragon Blood Murlocs fell, but the Lobster Guardian Knights and Dragon Horn Catfish remained intact. Currently, in the entire abandoned town, only a small area near the tail end of the peninsula remains under their control, while the rest has already fallen Inside the abandoned church building, Ji Chen and a group of heroes stood, listening to the approaching sounds of battle through the shattered windows. Yes. Up to this point, Ji Chen had not allowed advanced heroes like Alice and Herald to join the battle. For days, they relied on mid-tier heroes and regular troops to resist the enemy. Lord, why dont we join the battle now? The enemy is almost at our doorstep, Herald said, his hand on his chest, ready to fight. Ji Chen shook his head gently. Its not time yet. After several days of battle, he had a fairly good understanding of the approximate strength of these players and guilds. They mainly relied on sheer numbers rather than individual strength, posing little real threat. If that was the case, he could delay for every moment possible. And time was precisely what Feiguang City needed. As he watched the system notifications of the Ocean Crown forces falling one by one, Ji Chens heart grew heavier. Just when he was considering unleashing the heroes to delay the final wave of attackers Suddenly, a loud eagles cry echoed in the sky, followed by dozens of flying units plummeting from above. These players watched in astonishment as the indigenous army approached them without hesitation. Soon, someone shouted, The Bass Kingdoms army has already retreated; these are the defenders of Feiguang City! This caused instant chaos among them. They came here to attack Ji Chen with confidence, relying on the Bass Kingdoms army that was supposed to attack Feiguang City. Now that the Bass Kingdoms army had retreated, did that mean they had to retreat too? But as they looked at Ji Chen, who was pushed to a dead end, there was a sense of unease in their hearts. Just a little bit more! Many players were unwilling to give up and wanted to continue their assault during this last moment. However, Ji Chen emerged from the abandoned church at this moment, calmly looking at the thousands of enemy soldiers in front of him, and the players behind them. All of you should leave now. I dont want to kill more people. His calm demeanor in the face of such a massive army left many players stunned. Then, the leader of a small guild sneered. If you were to give us a little more time, youll meet your end here! Ji Chen looked at him and sighed. Do you think youve pushed me to a dead end? Otherwise? The leader of the small guild frowned. I admit that your Tier 5 units are strong, but Im afraid there arent many left now, right? Your last reliance is about to be resolved by us! Thats right! Yes, give us a little more time, and your army, no matter how strong, will be slaughtered here! Ji Chen looked at the players who were determined and full of anger, feeling somewhat speechless. They are pushing their boundary, arent they? Then, he slightly relaxed his furrowed brows, opened his palms, and a vast amount of mana surged out. Strands of seawater floated in the air, lifting him up in front of everyones eyes, and more seawater condensed behind him. Suddenly, these players felt that something was amiss. Their faces gradually stiffened, showing the emotion called shock. A colossal ocean giant, several tens of meters tall, materialized behind Ji Chen. It was clad in armor, holding a giant spear, and its eyes were cold and imposing as if it possessed the might of the heavens. The sea surged, but it couldnt shake the giant in the slightest, as they were one and the same. The massive ocean giant raised its hand deliberately, aiming its colossal spear at the group of players who believed they were safe, anticipating the order to wipe them out instantly. Watching this scene, the players scalps went numb, and their mouths went dry. The units surrounding them couldnt provide even a hint of security. Damn it. What he said was true; this person actually possessed such terrifying power. Just as they were at a loss, Ji Chen spoke calmly. My name is Ji Chen, and my forum name is also known as the Islander. If you have any grievances or grudges, you can come to me directly. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Huh? Countless players were stunned. Then a colossal wave of emotions surged within them. They were fighting all this time, and it turned out they were fighting the Islander?! The famous Islander!!! Chapter 516 - Chapter 516: Wang Shanyue, Meeting Monica Again, Gossip Flames Chapter 516: Wang Shanyue, Meeting Monica Again, Gossip Flames Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Tonight, silence served as the bridge for those gathered there. Players present exchanged looks of astonishment and awe. Their doubts vanished in an instant. No wonder this person was so strong; he was none other than the Islander himself. Everything made sense now. Some players who came from the mainland havent heard much about this name and look puzzled, asking in hushed tones, Is the Islander famous? A player nearby spat and replied, Being called the number one player in the Western Mid-Ocean, isnt that famous enough for you? Number one player Looking at the towering ocean giant, a hint of recognition flashes in everyones eyes. Remembering the fierce attacks by the two major guilds earlier, and how they, with so many players, couldnt eliminate his army in days, they couldnt help but feel a sense of admiration. So, are we going to continue fighting? Someone cautiously asked. Fight my ass? Why bother? Cant you see that the Islander still has strength left? Besides, the defenders of Feiguang City will arrive soon, and I dont want to be stuck here getting beaten up. As this statement was made, many players nodded in agreement and began ordering their armies to retreat. Ten minutes later, the players and units that once filled the entire peninsula scattered in all directions, leaving it empty. They came with such a show of force, but now they departed so lightly. Apart from the thousands of corpses left behind, everything seems to return to its original state. Ji Chen relaxed his brow, casually waving his hand as the ocean giant transformed into a spray of water, merging back into the sea. Returning to the ground, he watched as over a hundred giant eagles circled in the skyland, and soldiers jumped down from them. Lord Ji Chen, the Lord of Sylvansai City has sent us to escort you back. The leading centurions expression was respectful, his tone deferential. What courage this was. Facing a powerful invader, Lord Ji Chen didnt choose to flee but instead came here voluntarily. He used a bounty to draw thousands of Glory Lords here, reducing the pressure on Feiguang Citys defense and holding on until the last moment. Whats even more terrifying was that, even when facing so many enemies, he didnt exert his full strength. Just the three heroic units standing beside him emit an aura that made others shudder. And Lord Ji Chen himself was a formidable presence capable of turning the tide of battle Seeing the centurions increasingly respectful expression, Ji Chen casually waved his hand and said, No need, Ill rest here for now. The centurion hesitated, feeling a bit troubled. But the Lord of the city said we must bring you back. I heard that Princess Monica will be arriving soon. Ji Chens eyes light up. Monica is coming? Come to think of it, he hadnt seen that lovely girl in several months. If she was coming to Feiguang City, it might be worth meeting her. All right, you go back first. Ill be there shortly. The centurion nodded and boarded the giant eagle to return to Feiguang City with the message. After these messenger soldiers departed, the entire peninsula was finally left with only them. Stepping on the corpses strewn about, Ji Chen arrived at a high point and looked inland. It seemed that the players had indeed left. Except for the remnants of the camp ruins, there was nothing alive on this grassy plain. He turned around. From the high ground to the abandoned town below, all that met the eye was a reddish-brown color. Blood had seeped into the soil and bricks, forming a stream of blood that twisted and spread on the ground like the capillaries of a human body. The ground, bombarded by artillery and magical spells, was pockmarked with craters filled with countless bodieshumans, orcs, undead, sea creatures Hundreds of thousands, even millions of troops would forever remain there. On that land, all races were equal in death. Watching that gruesome scene, Ji Chen remained calm, showing no signs of discomfort or pity. Ones triumph had led to the withering of countless lives. What he could do was selectively bestow death. Let the unjust and the greedy perish, while the loyal and upright survived. Woo- At that moment, a distant, muffled horn suddenly sounded again, and a massive player army appeared at the end of the grassland, coming into view. Ji Chen instantly became alert. Could it be that those players hadnt given up and wanted to continue the fight? Stay alert, be ready to counterattack at any moment! The surviving Ocean Crown army showed no fear. With just a word from their lord, they could unleash their full combat power, rivaling their complete formation strength, and bring death to their enemies. As that players army approached, Ji Chen slowly raised his hand, preparing for a thunderous attack. Brothers, dont open fire! We are allies! Ji Chens expression momentarily froze, and he lowered his hand slowly. Seeing this, the player army approached, led by a player in his thirties who seemed to be the leader of a guild. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He raised his hand to signal the army to stop several hundred meters away and then, along with a few players, climbed the high ground and greeted Ji Chen with a respectful smile. Brother Ji Chen, Im Wang Shanyue, the president of the Shanyue Guild. Nice to meet you. Im Ji Chen. Ji Chen nodded slightly and looked at the army not far away, numbering as many as four to five hundred thousand, asking, Why did you come? We are guilds from the Lienhardt Grand Duchy camp, Wang Shanyue said with an air of familiarity. Weve come to support you. Havent you checked the forum? With great enthusiasm, he continued, With us here, you dont have to fear those little rabbits from the Kingdom of Bass. This time, Ive brought a whole three million troops. These are just the vanguard.. Chapter 517 - Chapter 517: Wang Shanyue, Meeting Monica Again, Gossip Flames (2) Chapter 517: Wang Shanyue, Meeting Monica Again, Gossip Flames (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen suddenly realized that these were the players and guilds of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy faction. However, it was a bit too late; they had already finished the battle. He shook his head with a smile and said, Thank you, but theres no need. Wang Shanyue, with his mature demeanor, exuded a unique charm. He warmly replied, No need to be so polite to us. Youve been holding out on your own for so long. Our guild members admire you greatly. Oh, by the way, what about the players from the Kingdom of Bass? Ji Chen gestured behind him. Wang Shanyues gaze passed over Ji Chens shoulder and when he looked at the scene behind, his entire face froze. His little brother standing beside him also stared in curiosity and froze in place, his eyes filled with shock. In their line of sight. From the high ground to the abandoned town, even inside the town, there were countless bodies strewn about. The soil was soaked with blood, turning it a reddish-brown color. Even the sea breeze that blew in carried a strong scent of blood. If one were to describe it in one word, it would be a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood. This is Wang Shanyue withdrew his gaze, still filled with shock. Ji Chen shrugged and said, As you can see, these are the player armies from the Kingdom of Bass who wanted to exchange me for a bounty. Unfortunately they didnt succeed and left their army here. Wang Shanyue fell silent for a moment and then said with a wry smile, It seems, my friend, that youve taken care of those people. We arrived too late. We only got here when everyone had started looting Ji Chen nodded and smiled, That metaphor is quite apt. Wang Shanyue sighed. They hadnt been able to rescue anyone this time, which meant they wouldnt receive the rewards for the mission. Putting aside the one billion gold coins and ten million units of rare resources, the control and lordship of a whole town were the main prizes. But now, it seemed like those rewards were out of reach. Thinking about it, he couldnt help but feel a bit regretful. Ji Chen didnt notice Wang Shanyues thoughts and asked, Now that theres nothing left to do here, what are your plans? Well probably join the war between Lienhardt and the Kingdom of Bass. After all, bringing such a large army from a distant place like this cant be for nothing, Wang Shanyue nodded. As the saying goes, Before the troops and horses move, the provisions should go first. (T/N: This phrase emphasizes the importance of logistical preparation and supplies before engaging in any military or strategic operation.) The sheer amount of resources used by this massive army of three million during their journey was immense. While the Shanyue guild was deeply concerned about the cost, they realized that unless they could benefit from the conflict between the two countries, they would face significant financial setbacks. This was also why many large guilds could muster millions of troops but rarely used such a massive force. Since thats the case, lets head to Feiguang City first. The Lienhardt Grand Duchy should have a use for you there. Youre right, Brother Ji Chen. They decided to travel together to Feiguang City. During the journey, Ji Chen took the opportunity to learn about the current situation of the war. He found out that Lienhardt had launched a surprise attack on a crucial city of the Kingdom of Bass and persuaded the Thorey Kingdom and the Pelan Kingdom to declare war on the Kingdom of Bass. The Bass expeditionary force was forced to retreat back to their homeland. No wonder Feiguang City hadnt provided any reinforcements all this time. It turned out that Tressburg City had long made such plans and preparations. Ji Chen nodded when he heard this. This turn of events had completely changed the course of the war. Lienhardt now had the upper hand, and they could choose to rest and recuperate or pursue the advantage further. With this development, it seemed that the two hidden moves he made earlier might also have a greater impact Brother Ji Chen, Feiguang City is just ahead. Wang Shanyues words brought Ji Chen, who was lost in thought, back to reality. After several days of absence, Feiguang City, which suffered a second attack by the Kingdom of Bass, was even more battered. There was not a single intact place in the entire city. Arrow towers were severed in half and stood alone behind the walls. The once smooth and towering city walls were now uneven with numerous pockmarks and holes. The broken city gate indicated that the city was just a step away from being captured. Ji Chen was about to step forward and enter the city when he saw a familiar yet unfamiliar figure running towards him with light and agile steps from the city gate. Lord Ji Chen! A voice as melodious as a valleys nightingale instantly caught everyones attention. Ji Chen looked at the graceful lady before him, and a genuine smile appeared on his face. Monica, its been a while. The person who arrived was Monica, whom he hadnt seen for a long time. She was currently dressed in a heroic hunting outfit, with a brown leather jacket draped over her graceful shoulders. Beneath a blue and white striped shirt, her slender, tight-fitting riding pants accentuated her long and shapely legs. A knights sword hung from her waist, giving her a touch of valor. At this moment, Monicas cheeks were slightly flushed from her sprint, making her look very cute. Her excitement was evident between her brows. Monica saw that Ji Chen was completely uninjured, and the worry that had been hidden in her heart dissipated. Replaced by joy, and her eyebrows arched like two crescent moons. Lord Ji Chen, Im so relieved that youre unharmed. If my father finds out that 1 let the hero who saved Feiguang City twice get injured, hell definitely scold me. Ji Chen smiled and said, They werent enough to injure me, but Monica, why did you come to Feiguang City? Monica had a charming smile on her face as she replied, Of course, I came to see you just kidding. I came with the army from Tressburg City to provide support and supervise the transportation of supplies. With that said, Ji Chen noticed that there were indeed more elite soldiers around, and the sky was filled with flying units. At this moment, with the sudden influx of so many soldiers, could it be Confused, Jichen looked at Monica, but he saw her respond with bright eyes, not concealing anything. Thats right, after driving the enemy out of our borders, well sound the horn of counterattack. Jichen was certain in his heart. Indeed, the Lienhardt Grand Duchy wouldnt let this situation slide; they would make the Bass Kingdom feel the same pain. He was about to inquire further, but Monica shook her head, resembling a young girl as she spoke. But now is not the time to discuss this. Lets go into the city first. I have many things 1 want to talk to Lord Ji Chen about. Oh, by the way, my father said he wants to meet you Princess Monica, good day. At this moment, Wang Shanyue, who was observing from the side, suddenly interjected with a smile on his face. Hello, Monica replied softly with impeccable manners, but her eyes were fixed on Ji Chen, and her large, expressive eyes revealed her curiosity C who is this person? Ji Chen cleared his throat and introduced, He is Wang Shanyue, the guild master of the Shanyue Guild. He came from a distant place to support me. As soon as Monica heard that he came to support Ji Chen, her enthusiasm noticeably increased. She curtsied gracefully and said, Thank you for helping Lord Ji Chen. Lienhardt Grand Duchy is grateful for your efforts. Its my duty, my duty, Wang Shanyue waved his hand and smiled, but he couldnt help but complain inwardly. Hey, isnt her attitude a bit too different before and after? She became so enthusiastic as soon as she heard I came to support Ji Chen. Wang Shanyue admitted that he felt a bit sour. Despite being the guild master, he still didnt count for much in the eyes of high-ranking natives like the princess. This was the first time he had ever spoken to the daughter of a grand duke. You, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, why do you look so close to Monica!? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ignoring Wang Shanyues playful gestures, Ji Chen smiled at Monica and said, Lets go into the city first. I also have some things I want to discuss with you. Upon hearing this, Monica nodded happily, as if she were all ears. This made Wang Shanyue even more sour, as if he had just bitten into three big lemons. His curiosity was also ignited. Ji Chen, who are you really, and why do you seem so familiar with a grand dukes daughter? Did something secretive happen between you two in the past?! In an instant, the curiosity of this man in his thirties was piqued.. Chapter 518 - Chapter 518: Changing Sides, Complete Corruption Chapter 518: Changing Sides, Complete Corruption Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In his heart burned the fervent fire of curiosity, and Wang Shanyue followed Ji Chen and the others into the city. Anyway, it was good to have some contact with these advanced natives. Moreover, considering that Monica was the Grand Dukes daughter, the jewel in the crown of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, it would be ideal if he could obtain some advantages through Ji Chens connections. Hence, it was evident to everyone that a man in his thirties was accompanying them, making an effort to gain their favor and approval, occasionally chiming in with his input. Your Highness Monica, have you not seen that battlefield? Brother Ji Chen displayed great power, with just a wave of his hand in the end, he buried a million enemy troops there, like a born demon-slaying deity, truly a god among men! Wang Shanyue, who could manage such a large guild, was quite clever, knowing that Monica was very close to Ji Chen. So he praised wildly, vividly describing that battle as if he had been there himself. He exaggerated it to the point where Ji Chen felt a bit embarrassed. But Monica fell for it. Her eyes sparkled like gemstones as she looked at Ji Chen with admiration. Lord Ji Chen, did you really single-handedly eliminate a million enemy troops? Feeling the adoring gaze of the girl, Ji Chen cleared his throat and said, Its not that exaggerated, at most a few hundred thousand. Monica smiled sweetly. Thats still amazing. If it werent for Lord Ji Chen delaying the enemys Lords of Glory for so long, Feiguang City would have fallen long ago. This was the key to victory in this war. Plus, your previous contribution in saving Feiguang City when the war is over, I will request my father to bestow upon you a Radiant Cross Medal. Upon hearing this, Wang Shanyue showed a look of surprise and envy. The Radiant Cross Medal was the most prestigious honor medal in the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, and receiving it granted an honorary title that money couldnt buy for many players. Ji Chen smiled faintly, not caring too much. Soon, they arrived in front of the luxurious mansion where they had previously resided, and their expressions became somewhat more serious. Turning to Wang Shanyue, Ji Chen said, Brother Shanyue, you should go and arrange the troops of the Shanyue Guild first. Wang Shanyue, who was looking around the luxurious mansion, was stunned and had an incredulous look in his eyes. He seemed to be thinking, You, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, I spoke so highly of you earlier, letting you receive the admiration of a fangirl. Now, youre kicking me out? Dont you have any conscience? Fortunately, Monica was quite reasonable, she smiled and said, The Shanyue Guild is one of the most powerful Glory Lord organizations in the Lienhardt Grand Duchy. We still need your help in the upcoming war. 1 will issue missions to you according to the situation. With that said, Wang Shanyue suddenly nodded enthusiastically, a delighted expression washing over his face. Well, she should have said that earlier! This was exactly the promise he wanted. Seeing Wang Shanyue happily leaving, Ji Chen led Monica to the reception hall. Lord Ji Chen, do you have something you want to discuss with me? Monica sat gracefully on the sofa, even in her hunting attire, she couldnt hide her noble temperament. Her soft and strong face appeared exceptionally beautiful. She truly deserved to be the daughter of the Grand Duke, a beauty and elegance that ordinary natives couldnt compare with. After a slight sigh of admiration in his heart, Ji Chen explained the agreement he had made earlier with Zunong and Pando. After listening to all this, Monicas eyes widened as if she had seen something extremely surprising, and she looked adorable in her amazement. You said you convinced the two Glory Lord guilds of the Kingdom of Bass to switch sides? Ji Chen nodded, In simple terms, thats the case. Monicas gaze changed, and besides surprise, it was also filled with genuine admiration. What kind of ability was this? Even when surrounded by tens of millions of enemy troops, he could still convince the two most powerful enemy Glory Lord organizations to change sides. But they may not necessarily fully honor the proposal. After all, its only verbal, with no contractual obligations. But Monica shook her head, a flash of wisdom in her eyes. This is enough. Based on my understanding of Glory Lords, as long as we have an absolute advantage, they have no reason to die along with the decaying and dying Kingdom of Bass. Destroying them from within is much easier than attacking from the outside. As long as they act at the crucial moment, their impact will surpass our imagination. Ji Chen nodded in agreement. The Wasteland Guild and Jungle Guild, two major guilds, could muster millions of troops if they went all out, even if most of them were low and mid-tier units. It would still be an extremely formidable force. If such a force appeared in the heartland of the Kingdom of Bass, it would be like playing with fireworks in your pants C an instant explosion. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The two of them discussed for a long time, and they parted ways only after having dinner together in the evening. Watching Monica gradually disappear at the street corner under the guard of her attendants, Ji Chen began to contemplate. Finally, he said in a deep voice, Bring the deceiver called Katie here. After a moment in the reception hall, two burly Naga Guardians brought Katie over like picking up a chick, tossing her carelessly onto the floor. Her plump bottom hit the ground hard, distorting her face with resentment. Then, she gasped for air and struggled to get up, her face filled with anger.. Chapter 519 - Chapter 519: Changing Sides, Complete Corruption (2) Chapter 519: Changing Sides, Complete Corruption (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation However, looking into Ji Chens eyes, there was not as much resentment as before. This wasnt the first time she was surprised by this Lord of Glory. Previously, she thought he left Feiguang City out of fear or something similar. But she hadnt expected that he wanted to entangle many Lords of Glory from the Bass Kingdom. In fact, Ji Chen also achieved the purpose of this action, successfully delaying the defense of Feiguang City for a few days, directly or indirectly leading to the Bass Kingdoms comprehensive retreat. In reality, she was the only outsider who knew that Ji Chen hadnt gone all out in that battle. If he wanted to, he could have retreated into the ocean, using the advantage of aquatic troops to annihilate the pursuing enemy, instead of stubbornly defending. And the several heroic units accompanying him were each more powerful than the last. The Naga hero on the surface was the strongest, even Katie couldnt see through his true strength and heroic tier. The hero of an unknown race named Alice appeared fragile, but the sense of danger she brought was the most obvious. The Murloc hero named Benbo was not to be underestimated either, displaying a dragon-like aura with every move, and the bump on his head hinted at his unusual bloodline. And then there was the powerful little girl who resembled a whale In Katies several months of observation among the Lords of Glory, none of them possessed such powerful heroic units and armies. There was a clear gap in strength between Ji Chen and the other Lords of Glory. Katie couldnt help but feel curious. What was the reason behind this significant strength gap? Of course, this curiosity vanished instantly after she fell on her butt, leaving only resentment. I am a Revered Envoy, a high-ranking captive. How dare you treat me like this!? When I return to the organization, Ill bring a million-strong army to crush you! Ignoring her displeasure, Ji Chen asked directly, Why did you drive the Bass Kingdom to start this war? Katie sneered. Do you think Ill tell you? Ji Chen glanced at her and revealed a gentle smile. Katie felt a strong sense of unease creeping over her. Just as she was about to say something, she suddenly felt a pair of hands on her head. Turning her head, she saw the hero named Alice staring at her coldly. Alice is a Siren, born with the power to manipulate minds. I believe she can see what you have hidden in your mind. Katie was left in shock, feeling like a tidal wave had washed over her as her mind raced with fear and uncertainty. She tried guessing what race Alice was, but she had never expected her to be a Siren! Sirens, the legendary deep-sea mythical race, were rarer than a handful of rare gems and they hadnt been seen by the world for more than a thousand years. And youre telling her theres one right in front of her? Is this some kind of a joke? Seeing the depth in Alices eyes, a power that seemed to penetrate the soul, Katie involuntarily swallowed her saliva. She knew that once her mind was forcibly invaded, her soul might not be destroyed, but there was a high probability she would become a simpleton. But when she thought of her faith in the organization and her vows, she hesitated once again. Ji Chen seized this opportunity and calmly said, Im not interested in what you Deceivers do. 1 only want information about the Bass Kingdom and this war. As long as I get enough information, letting you go is not impossible. You probably know that my territory is located on a remote island in the open sea. If 1 were to capture you and take you there, you might spend the rest of your life locked in a cage. Ji Chens words made Katies expression tremble slightly, just the thought of that possibility was infinitely repulsive to her. Her mind wavered in an instant. Anyway, its just about the Bass Kingdom, and sharing some information shouldnt be a big deal right? After a long silence, she finally spoke, What do you want to know? Ji Chen raised a smile and quickly asked the first question, Did you control the Bass Kingdoms king through some means, causing him to launch this war? Isnt that related to us? Answer quickly, or the consequences will be severe, Ji Chen said with an unmistakable tone. Katie froze and then fell into silence. Seeing her reaction, Ji Chen immediately understood. He then asked the second question, Does the Bass Kingdom have any hidden moves? Something that could completely change the situation? Katie hesitated for a moment and replied, As far as 1 know, the Bass Kingdom has a secret army inherited from the previous king, numbering around ten thousand troops, and their strength is unknown, but at least at Tier 5, 7 stars or higher. Ji Chens eyebrows twitched. A secret army of around ten thousand troops, at least at Tier 5, 7 stars or higher. This was a force that couldnt be ignored, and it might have unimaginable impact at certain moments. Next question Ji Chen asked four or five more questions, none of which were related to the Deceivers, making Katies complexion improve considerably. At least it wouldnt force her to choose between becoming a simpleton or betraying the organization. However, she didnt realize that, under this deliberate conditioning, her moral boundaries were gradually lowering. From the initial firm stance of not saying anything, it gradually turned into a firm refusal to divulge anything about the organization. Ji Chen observed all of this and nodded in approval. After asking the final question, he knew better than to press further. Pushing too hard would only awaken Katies awareness, making it lose its meaning. To fully exploit her last ounce of value, she needed to fall completely into depravity. Ji Chen didnt make things difficult and simply instructed Anina to continue watching Katie. Then, he left the place. The next day, Ji Chen met with Wang Shanyue. As soon as they saw each other, Wang Shanyue warmly greeted him with excitement on his face. Big Bro Ji Chen, no, Islander, you really kept me in the dark! Ji Chen paused slightly, knowing that Wang Shanyue had found out through other sources, and replied, 1 didnt deliberately hide it; you just didnt ask. Wang Shanyue jokingly scolded, Am 1 supposed to ask every random solo player I meet if theyre the Islander? After some small talk, they got down to business. Thanks to you, Ji Chen, that daughter of the Grand Duke sent a mission to our Shanyue Guild this morning. The mission is to follow the Reinhardt army and launch a counterattack on the Bass Kingdoms mainland. It seemed that this war was far from over. However, this was in line with the interests of the players. If the two countries had stopped fighting, they wouldnt have benefited from it. Players from both the Bass Kingdom camp and the Reinhardt camp didnt want the conflict to end, especially Wang Shanyue, who had brought three million troops into the field. Ji Chen was about to say something when a familiar voice reached their ears. Lord Ji Chen, good morning. They turned to see Monica approaching with a large group of maids and servants. Ji Chen casually greeted her, but Wang Shanyue was more respectful in his response. Monica, 1 heard that youre about to sound the horn for a counteroffensive? Yes. Monica nodded, her eyes gleaming with excitement. The Thorey Kingdom and the Pelan Kingdom have already pressed their armies to our borders. Once we finish our preparations, the three countries will collectively attack the Bass Kingdom and teach those ambitious invaders a lesson. She blinked her big, innocent eyes and asked softly, Lord Ji Chen, will you continue to help us? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen smiled confidently and said, Of course, there are still some matters to be clarified between me, the Bass Kingdom, and the Deceivers. Monicas face lit up with a smile, and she clenched her small fist with determination. Thats great! With your assistance, we have even more confidence. Ji Chens strength was well-known, and even the Reinhardt Grand Duchy couldnt ignore such a force. Especially when Feiguang City was first besieged, those who had witnessed him in action couldnt possibly forget the scene of him summoning massive waves that swept away tens of thousands of enemy soldiers. Ji Chens power as an individual was equivalent to the strength of several tens of thousands of troops. This statement was by no means an exaggeration.. Chapter 520 - Chapter 520: You Deserve to Die! Divine Relic Chapter 520: You Deserve to Die! Divine Relic Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Monica had a vague feeling in her heart that Ji Chens current display of strength was by no means his full power. No one knew what level of combat power he and the Crown of the Ocean could unleash. Just as she was about to say something, a group of soldiers hurriedly ran in from outside the city and came before her. The young soldier captain at the forefront saluted respectfully and quickly spoke, Your Highness, a large fleet has appeared in the southern sea area and is heading towards Feiguang City. Monicas expression became serious, Is it the fleet of the Bass Kingdom? Well its unlikely. This fleet is entirely made up of wooden warships, and the Bass Kingdom shouldnt have such outdated warships. Oh, by the way, their flag bears the image of a gorilla. Ji Chens face took on a strange expression, and he casually opened a private chat channel. A few minutes later, he received a reply. He cleared his throat and said, This fleet is an organization of players from King Kong Island. They are also my friends. Theres no need to worry. Upon hearing this, Monica felt relieved and nodded. Since they are Your Excellency Ji Chens friends, theres no need for caution. Instruct them to dock. Yes! The soldier captain immediately responded, without any objections. After Ji Chen saved Feiguang City for the second time, he became one of the most respected individuals in the city. Since they were friends of Ji Chen, there was nothing to worry about. Soon, the fleet, consisting of various types of ships numbering in the hundreds, slowly approached the shore. l_Love_Black_Stockings disembarked from one of the ships and looked at the city before her with a mixture of awe and surprise. Although it was heavily damaged, the city still stood tall. Is this a major city on land? Its amazing She seemed like a country person visiting a city for the first time. On King Kong Island, they didnt even have proper city walls, let alone such a towering city gate. Just as I_Love_Black_Stockings and her companions were marveling at the city, Ji Chen and his group approached. l_Love_Black_Stockings was momentarily stunned, her face filled with joy as she waved and called out, Big Boss Islander!! Ji Chen nodded in her direction and smiled. I didnt say I couldnt handle it. Why did you still come? I_Love_Black_Stockings grinned, Big Boss, youve helped us so much before. How could we just stand by and do nothing? Ji Chen smiled. Well, youre a bit late. Ive already repelled all the enemy players from their camp. I_Love_Black_Stockings was taken aback and said with a hint of regret, Then 1 missed a chance to save you like a hero! Everyone was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. At this moment, Wang Shanyue spoke thoughtfully, King Kong Island Are you the leader of that player guild from King Kong Island? l_Love_Black_Stockings glanced at him with an expression that seemed to say, Who is this old man with a rugged face and scruffy beard? He is Wang Shanyue, the leader of the Shanyue Guild, and he brought quite a few troops with him. l_Love_Black_Stockings quickly changed her expression, wearing a friendly smile. So, youre Chairman Wang. My apologies for not recognizing you earlier. Wang Shanyue also smiled warmly, No need to be formal. Your guild, King Kong Island, has quite a reputation around here. Ji Chen had already deduced that Wang Shanyue was referring to the King Kong Island guild. He still couldnt help asking. Wang Shanyue appeared somewhat surprised, Brother Ji Chen, didnt you know? This Black Stocking lady is the current guild leader of King Kong Island. She and her members have completed many large-scale tasks in cooperation with the nearby indigenous people, which has significantly boosted the guilds strength. Even on the mainland, Ive heard about it. Ji Chen was momentarily taken aback. He hadnt actively kept tabs on King Kong Island for some time and was surprised to learn about all the things I_Love_Black_Stockings had accomplished. Clearly, while he had been busy expanding his own strength through conquest, others had not remained idle. l_Love_Black_Stockings felt a bit embarrassed as she said, Thanks to the early support and assistance from Big Boss Islander, we wouldnt have had the strength to take on so many tasks. Ji Chen smiled and shook his head, The fact that youve come this far is a testament to your abilities. My relationship with you isnt as significant as you may think. Both I_Love_Black_Stockings and Wang Shanyue were touched. The reason I_ Love_Black_Stockings held Ji Chen in such high regard was not only due to his strength but also because he never displayed arrogance or condescension towards others. In a world where power often led to arrogance, this quality was indeed precious. Over the past few months, they witnessed many players who had grown arrogant due to their increasing strength, only to eventually self-destruct. It seems like you all have a good relationship. Monica approached them with a light smile. She then looked at Ji Chen and said, Lord Ji Chen, could you introduce this lady to me? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Of course, shes Ji Chen started but suddenly hesitated. He remembered I_Love_Black_ Stockings unconventional name and was unsure whether to reveal it. I_Love_Biack_Stockings, on the other hand, was stunned by Monicas beauty, which rivaled that of Alice. She exuded nobility and seemed to be a high-ranking indigenous noblewoman. Her eyes widened as she gazed at Monica. When Ji Chen hesitated while introducing her, l_Love_Black_Stockings quickly realized the reason and felt a tinge of embarrassment. She cursed herself for choosing such an unconventional name. With a somewhat awkward tone, she said, My name is Jiang Xueqing, and thats my real name.. Chapter 521 - Chapter 521: You Deserve to Die! Divine Relic (2) Chapter 521: You Deserve to Die! Divine Relic (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Monica was not surprised at all; she had known for a long time that the Lord of Glory had two names. One was like an alias, and the other was his real name. But why did they both have such strange expressions on their faces? Was there something inappropriate about this name? Although she had doubts in her mind, the tactful Monica didnt inquire further. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Ji Chen stepped in and said, President Jiang is here to assist the Lienhardt Grand Duchy. Monica, I hope you can include them in our counteroffensive force. We welcome any force that opposes the tyranny and ambitions of the Kingdom of Bass. Monica blinked and smiled, saying, Just as Lord Ji Chen said back when we were walking in the woods of the New Moon Islands, you told me that we should unite all the forces we can. With these words, I_Love_Black_Stockings and Wang Shanyue both looked at Ji Chen, their eyes filled with shock and admiration. Did you really manage to bring the daughter of a Grand Duke to your territory? Clearly, the relationship between Monica and Ji Chen exceeded their imagination. Ji Chen thought for a moment, realizing that he had indeed said that casually at the time. He was surprised that Monica remembered it. Yes, we must unite all the forces we can, as a great figure from our land once said. Monica nodded, Now we have joined forces with the Thorey Kingdom, the Pelan Kingdom, and many other Lords of Glory. It is based on this principle that we are proceeding. Over in Tressburg, the decision has already been made. We will march out the day after tomorrow, launching an attack from the eastern border of the Kingdom of Bass, directly towards Ilkand City. We will occupy it with the help of the naval fleet, use their resources for supplies, and then proceed to attack the capital of the Kingdom of Bass, Victory City. Although the Eighth Fleet of the Kingdom of Bass was captured by you, and the Ninth Fleet was defeated by us, the enemy still has seven fleets roaming the seas. Once we launch a direct attack on Ilkand City, they are bound to attack like a pack of wolves Lord Ji Chen, we need your help. Looking at the hopeful expression in front of him, Ji Chen showed a gentle smile and reached out to touch her hair. Of course, I will help you. Monica smiled in response, her beautiful smile instantly brightening the surroundings. I_Love_ Black_Stockings looked at her in a daze, while Wang Shanyue had a bitter expression on his face, muttering something like, You really are something, making me feel worse than if you had killed me. The day of departure came quickly. On the previous day, a total of two hundred thousand troops from the Lienhardt Grand Duchy had also arrived at Feiguang City from the rear. While this army was far smaller in number compared to the players army, their quality was on a completely different level. The lowest-ranked soldiers in this two hundred thousand-strong army were Tier 5,1-star units, well-equipped and well-trained, looking much more formidable than the players haphazardly assembled troops. On the right flank of this indigenous army were the players, including the Shanyue Guild, King Kong Island Guild, and some smaller guilds. Their numbers were much larger, nearly reaching tens of millions, extending from the city walls to the distant forests, appearing endless and magnificent. However, the armies of the solo players were not included in this count. Most of them had small forces, so they were tasked with smaller missions like infiltration, assassination, sabotage, and other small-scale operations within the Kingdom of Bass. Monica began with an inspiring pre-battle speech as the daughter of the Lienhardt Grand Duke. Afterward, the massive army set off. Ji Chen did not mix with them but instead led the Ocean Crowns forces into the sea. According to intelligence from the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, aside from the Eighth Fleet that had already been captured and the Ninth Fleet that had been defeated, the Kingdom of Bass had ordered the return of the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Fleets to defend their waters due to increased pressure. The First and Second Fleets had also been dispatched to reinforce Ilkand City several days ago. The remaining Third and Fourth Fleets disappeared in the open sea two days ago, seemingly to lurk just beyond sight, exerting invisible pressure on the Lienhardts fleet. But Ji Chen always felt there was something fishy about it. Therefore, the first thing he did when he set out was to search for the traces of these two fleets. The Ocean Crowns forces raced across the sea, entering the area where they were last reported in the intelligence. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only For an ordinary person, trying to locate two fleets on the vast ocean would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. But for Ji Chen, who possessed the Tidal Dominator profession and commanded a powerful marine army, it wasnt an impossible task. He had insider information from a certain source. On the night before departure, Revered Envoy Katie finally revealed a clue. Several months ago, it seemed that the Kingdom of Bass had found a divine relic in a certain sea area. That relic appeared to contain something capable of bringing about the destruction of a nation. In this moment when the Kingdom of Bass was facing a siege from three nations and was on the brink of destruction, they might be pinning their hopes of a comeback on this relic. However, Ji Chen also noticed something peculiar. The location of the relic seemed to coincidentally overlap with the direction and gathering point of the sea beast tide that had plagued the entire Western-Mid Ocean in the past.. Chapter 522 - Chapter 522: You Deserve to Die! Divine Relic (3) Chapter 522: You Deserve to Die! Divine Relic (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Combining various pieces of information and clues, it seemed that there was indeed a divine relic attracting the attention of sea beasts and the Bass Kingdom. If the Bass Kingdom had truly obtained a divine relic capable of reversing the situation, it would not be good news for them. Regardless, they had to stop the Bass Kingdom! With this thought, Ji Chen made up his mind. The sea area was far from land, and it took the Ocean Crown fleet an entire day to reach it. As they entered this sea area, Ji Chen could clearly feel a strange fluctuation emanating from the center of the sea, casting hues of light into the sky, and creating a beautiful yet eerie atmosphere. However, upon closer inspection, things didnt look good at all. Countless sea beasts occupied every inch of the sea surface, and it seemed like an endless array of various sea beast heads. The constant low growls echoed from the edge of the sea all the way to its center. Ji Chen, witnessing this spectacle, couldnt help but shudder. Just how many sea beasts were there here? Alice, check if there are any sea beasts in the water. Alice dived into the water, and soon resurfaced, saying, Lord, the sea beasts are only on the surface of the water; they havent occupied the underwater. Ji Chen nodded slightly; that made things easier. Since they couldnt pass through on the surface, they could go deep underwater. The prerequisite was not to attract the attention of these numerous sea beasts, as they would be outnumbered. Everyone, submerge into the water, but dont attract the sea beasts attention! Yes! With that command, numerous heroes and military units followed Ji Chen, diving into the water and slowly advancing toward the center of the sea at a depth of about a hundred meters. However, the deeper they went, the more alarmed Ji Chen became. There were tens of millions of sea beasts occupying this area. Under the influence of some unknown force, it seemed that sea beasts from the entire Western-Mid Ocean had gathered here, appearing as if they were waiting for something This eerie sight made everyone uneasy. The sea was dark, and the seawater, blocked from the sunlight by the densely packed sea beasts, was pitch-black. One couldnt see their own hand in front of their face. Under Ji Chens leadership, they approached the center of the sea, where the strange fluctuations grew stronger. It was a type of energy that couldnt be emitted by ordinary things. Ji Chen became even more convinced that there must be a divine relic here, and it might be on the verge of awakening. As Ji Chen cautiously advanced, he suddenly noticed a large area of clear water on the sea surface where no sea beasts were present. Moreover, this clear area was slowly moving. In their line of sight, dozens of dark shadows resembling ships were moving within this clear space. This left Ji Chen feeling puzzled; why werent the sea beasts bothering these ships? Benbo, infiltrate the sea beast group and find out whats going on with those ships. Benbo followed the order, transforming into the form of a Murloc, and successfully infiltrated the group of sea beasts. The sea beasts around him even moved away because of the Dragons aura emanating from him. As he beheld the scene before him, he couldnt help but be surprised. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Dozens of Bass Kingdom warships were slowly sailing on the sea surface. For some unknown reason, although the sea beasts around them kept roaring, they showed no intention of attacking. It was as if there was something within those ships that made the sea beasts dread them. The sea beasts could only watch helplessly as these warships advanced toward the center of the sea. Benbo seemed thoughtful as he returned underwater and recounted the details to Ji Chen. Hearing this, Ji Chen furrowed his brow. It appeared that these warships were indeed the two Bass Kingdom fleets. They arrived here, yet the sea beasts werent attacking them Could it be that they possessed something that made the sea beasts wary? Chapter 523 - Chapter 523: Army of Stags, Mysterious Behemoth – This is the ‘Graveyard’ Chapter 523: Army of Stags, Mysterious Behemoth C This is the Graveyard Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The flagship of the Bass Kingdoms third fleet. The things youve provided are quite useful, Inside the steel-clad command room, Duoru, with a slightly surprised expression on his face, gazed at the sea beasts lurking around the fleet. The sea beasts appeared reluctant to approach. The Deceiver, who had never taken off his mask, spoke in a throaty voice as if he had eaten charcoal. We used a powerful tool and some interesting materials to create this treasure that can drive away and repel sea creatures. A powerful tool? Duorus interest showed on his face. The Deceiver chuckled ominously. You dont need to inquire about that, sir. Just know that we can help you enter that graveyard. Upon hearing this, Duoru no longer pressed for details but instead looked with increasingly fiery eyes toward the depths of the sea. A few days ago, when they received the news of the declaration of war from the Thorey Kingdom and the Pelan Kingdom, and the retreat of the land expeditionary force, they had been planning to return to the kingdoms waters to assist in the defense. However, they suddenly received direct orders from the king C to go to this sea area and explore what appeared to be a relic left by the gods, searching for divine treasures that could turn the tide of war. As the highest commander of the third fleet, which was second in military strength only to the first and second fleets, Duoru still didnt believe that the kingdom would fail even if they had to wage war against three nations simultaneously. As long as their mighty navy sank the Lienhardt Royal Fleet and gained absolute naval supremacy, then transported soldiers like dumplings to the enemys rear, everything would turn out fine. At that time, they could make up for the mistakes made by those damn land-based fools. However, this was a direct command from the king, and as a loyal soldier, he could not disobey it. Therefore, on the way back, he and the fourth fleet had detached from the main force and took a different route. But even so, Duoru couldnt help feeling angry and disdainful. Those damn land-based fools were consuming so much of the military budget, yet they had not gained an advantage in the war. Their efforts to tie down the Lienhardt Royal Fleet were all in vain. And that Eighth Fleet, led by that fool Shalifa, was a disgrace to the Bass Kingdoms navy. An entire fleet was captured, and even the personnel were taken as prisoners. Duoru didnt care about the life or death of that idiot Shalifa, but his actions undoubtedly severely damaged the honor and image of the navy. He had heard that the Eighth Fleet was captured by a Lord of Glory. Thinking about it, he couldnt help but sneer. If that Lord of Glory appeared before him, he would make him understand the anger of a Bass Kingdom soldier. He was no Shalifa. After calming his emotions, Duoru looked towards the depths of the sea, his emotions surging. In that place, there was a divine relic, and inside it, there was a high probability of the existence of powerful treasures left behind by the gods, which could reverse the current situation of the kingdoms defeat. They were determined to obtain it. Soon, the two fleets gradually approached the depths of the sea and began to see a colossal blue water gate hundreds of meters high. In front of this gate, the warships, tens of meters tall, seemed like insects, and they themselves were like ants. Duorus gaze became even more fervent. Such a magnificent gateway could only have been created by the gods who once controlled this world and possessed supreme power. As long as he obtained the divine treasure from it, he could more quickly reverse this damned situation. At that time, even someone like Russell, who had a reputation but lacked the ability, would be crushed under his feet! Just as he was envisioning this beautiful scene for the future, the warship he was standing on suddenly slowed down, and eventually, it crawled at a speed like a turtle. Duoru cursed, Whats going on? Why did we suddenly slow down!? Ill go check the situation, the vice-captain left the command room and quickly returned. Reporting, Commander, the engineering department says that two propellers suddenly stopped spinning as if something was jamming them. Duoru frowned, feeling a growing sense of unease, but he knew that getting agitated now wouldnt help. He could only suppress his anger and urge, Then go and clear it! Yes, sir! Damn it, why is there a problem at this crucial moment. Duoru grumbled, then had the vice-captain inform the other ships to reduce their speed. Since the flagship had a malfunction, the other ships couldnt just leave it behind. They had to slow down together. In the deep waters, a group of Dragon Blood Murlocs, led by a Murloc hero, returned. Lord, weve used seaweed to jam the propeller of that warship. Ji Chen nodded with a sinister smile. This seaweed trick was really effective; it could render a warship useless in no time. However, once the enemy saw that it was seaweed causing the issue, they would quickly realize that someone was causing trouble covertly. So, they had to enter the so-called divine relic as quickly as possible. While the Bass Kingdom fleet slowed down, Ji Chen and his group moved underwater, gradually approaching the colossal gateway that seemed to connect heaven and earth. This gateway was not entirely above the water; it extended to a depth of dozens of meters below the surface. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Underwater, the gateway still rippled like water, as if it concealed another world inside. Ji Chen paused for a moment and quickly realized something. Could this gateway be something like a portal to a realm? Did this so-called divine relic turn out to be a mystic realm? Several heroes realized this possibility, and Alice spoke cautiously, Lord, there might be danger inside. Let us go in first.. Chapter 524 - Chapter 524: Army of Stags, Mysterious Behemoth – This is the ‘Graveyard’ (2) Chapter 524: Army of Stags, Mysterious Behemoth C This is the Graveyard (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Benbo and Herald also said one after another, Let us go in first to investigate, my lord, and you can follow. Ji Chen didnt refuse. As a lord, his safety was undoubtedly a priority among all. He didnt hesitate and said, Let Benbo go in first, and if he encounters danger, he can quickly withdraw using his speed advantage. Benbo nodded, picked up his trident, and swiftly swam towards the portal, plunging into it, creating ripples and disappearing. They waited in silence. More than ten minutes passed, and Benbo still hadnt returned, but the lords panel showed that he hadnt died. However, the time without his return made Ji Chen furrow his brows. Time continued to pass slowly, half an hour had already gone by, and there was still no sign of Benbo. Alice whispered, My lord, the Bass Kingdoms warships have started moving again Ji Chen nodded, and suddenly his face changed because he felt a tremendously powerful energy rapidly approaching from the sea beyond. This energy was as enormous as a mountain, as vast as the deep sea, and its unbridled frenzy caused the sea to churn with towering waves, transmitting through every inch of seawater. Wave after wave of savage, ferocious, ruthless, and cold-blooded auras surged forth, crowding every inch of space in this world in an instant. These were far from the emanations of ordinary creatures. Before this, he had only felt something similar from the elf Elin, who was an epic-tier powerhouse. Meanwhile, on the surface of the sea, the horde of sea creatures grew restless, their excited roars echoing in a chorus, as if welcoming their king. Ji Chen furrowed his brows deeply, pondering the unusual behavior of these sea creatures gathering here. The hints and pieces of information slowly connected in his mind, all pointing to the presence of an unidentified entity and a formidable surge of energy. He suddenly raised his head, could it be that this was the mighty sea beast that triggered the sea beast tide!? At this moment, the deep sea Naga hero Heralds face was also filled with seriousness, and his hoarse voice rang out, My lord, the bloodline of this thing has already had a certain influence on me Ji Chens heart sank even further. Even the legendary-tier Herald had been affected to some extent by its bloodline, indicating that this was probably that powerful sea beast. But he had no interest in directly confronting such a formidable sea beast that could trigger a sea beast tide. At this moment, a piercing and indistinguishable cry, like no known creature, resounded throughout the entire world, even though they were underwater, they could hear this sound carrying a psychic attack. There was no more time to waste. Ji Chen ordered in a deep voice, Everyone, enter the portal! The Ocean Crown army didnt hesitate, and under the leadership of various heroes, they entered the portal one after another, disappearing entirely. On the surface of the sea, Duoru stared in stupefaction at the terrifying behemoth in the distance, taller than a city wall. His entire being was plunged into a state of shock, and his soul trembled. What in the world is this? Beside him, the Deceiver urged, Your Excellency Duoru, the purpose of this massive sea beast is also this divine relic site. Wed better enter the relic as soon as possible, or both you and I, along with the two fleets, will perish here. Duoru suddenly erupted in anger, grabbing the Deceivers collar forcefully. His voice was as icy as the coldest winter, You knew in advance that this monster would come here, didnt you!? The Deceiver replied calmly, Whether 1 did or not, we are still here. You need the divine treasures to turn the tide of the war, and we also need whats inside. Its a mutually beneficial arrangement. Duoru glared at him but eventually let go and turned to his adjutant, speaking sharply, Spread my orders, all ships accelerate into the portal! Once those sea beasts attack, use the cannons to greet them mercilessly! The ships of the two fleets maximized their power, their propellers spinning rapidly, propelling the vessels straight toward the enormous portal. At the same time, the cannons on their decks erupted in flames, shattering into pieces the sea beasts that had already gone out of control and charged towards them from both sides and the front. One by one, the warships collided with the massive portal and then disappeared. Seeing this scene, the giant beast let out an angry roar and rushed forward in a frenzy. It crushed countless sea beasts beneath its massive body without any restraint. However, when its body touched the portal, it emitted a painful sound. Its entire body recoiled as if it had touched a scorching hot anvil, only able to let out an unwilling roar and wildly swing its enormous body, smashing innocent sea beasts around it into pieces. Ji Chen entered the portal, and everything in front of him turned white. He found himself in another unfamiliar sea area. The water was very cold but with high clarity. This was a sea area that seemed like it was in the polar regions. Above, a thick layer of ice formed on the sea surface. Enormous icebergs, larger than hills, connected between the ice layers, reflecting the surrounding environment. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Plump giant fish swam lazily between the underwater icebergs, looking curiously at the group of people. The sunlight struggled to penetrate the ice layer, but it couldnt make anyone feel even a hint of warmth. Everything before their eyes was an interplay of white and blue. The ice-blue color dominated this world. Ji Chen surveyed the surroundings, confirmed that there was no immediate danger, and finally let out a sigh of relief. Lord, all the troops have assembled, and not a single one has been left behind, said Herald, adding.. Chapter 525 - Chapter 525: Army of Stags, Mysterious Behemoth – This is the ‘Graveyard’ (3) Chapter 525: Army of Stags, Mysterious Behemoth C This is the Graveyard (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen nodded slightly, Maintain formation, stay vigilant. We move forward. Yes. The heroes nodded in agreement, their eyes gradually filled with seriousness. As they entered this icy sea, they sensed a peculiar disturbance in their souls, as if something was constantly wailing and moaning, these whispers, like a drizzling rain, infiltrated their minds, carrying negative energies that induced fear. But soon, they realized the source of this strange disturbance. As they approached those icebergs, weighing tens of thousands of tons each, they discovered that these icebergs were frozen with corpses. There were humans, elves, orcs preserved in the icy seal, these corpses looked lifelike, frozen in the moment of their death. Their faces displayed expressions of pain, fury, or madness. Some had their hands raised as if trying to reach the surface but drowned midway while fighting with weapons. However, the sudden ice instantly froze them all, without distinction between allies and enemies, preserving them until now. It was not just one iceberg; all the icebergs around them held a large number of bodies. The total number of corpses was incalculable. Ji Chen realized the truth; this place was not a divine relic, but an ancient battlefield. Or rather, it was an ancient battlefield from an ancient divine war. In a distant era, a protracted battle took place among the gods, and their followers followed suit, waging wars in the name of their faith, which was later referred to as the Divine War. These souls, frozen in the ice, were soldiers, believers, and fanatics of different races who wielded their weapons for their respective faiths, aiming to exterminate the heretics. Perhaps due to their intense hatred, anger, lust, and the collective negative emotions generated after their deaths, these emotions persisted and expanded over an unknown period of time. This negative energy still enveloped this ice sea, making people feel uncomfortable at the very least and driving them insane to the point of killing each other at the worst. However, the Ocean Crowns army was all at the fifth tier, and they had a certain resistance to this negative energy. The heroes, in particular, were even more immune to it, thanks to their extraordinary bloodlines and legendary professions. Ji Chen, in particular, felt a slight anomaly at the beginning but easily adapted to it. However, it was a different story for the other people who entered this place. As soon as the Third and Fourth Fleets of the Bass Kingdom entered this ice sea, a large number of soldiers began to display abnormal reactions. Their eyes turned bloodshot, and despite their disciplined training and strong willpower, they were affected. They became irritable, and any slight abnormality almost led them to fight each other. This surprised Duoru. Surrounded by nothing but glaciers, icebergs, and floating ice, this was clearly not what was known as a divine relic! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only What the hell is this place? The Deceiver wearing a mask muttered ominously, Ive already told you; this is a graveyard, the resting place of countless foolish, despicable, and ignorant believers. This is a battlefield left behind by them after their battle. What we need is deep within this battlefield. Duoru gave him a deep look, and a strong sense of wariness rose in his heart. These masked individuals seemed to know everything, even about this eerie place. Working alongside someone with such an unclear background made it difficult to trust them. However, they had no choice now. The giant beast had already blocked their way outside.. They could only delve deeper to obtain the treasures they needed and then use those treasures to break free! Chapter 526 - Chapter 526: Tree of Life, Deviant Ghost Chapter 526: Tree of Life, Deviant Ghost Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Even though the godly battle had long passed, its lingering effects continued to influence this icy sea, undeterred by the passage of time. It wasnt just the negative energy left behind by countless fallen believers, but also the remnants of power that the gods had once wielded, which lingered in this ancient battlefield turned mystic realm. The towering ice mountains and sprawling glaciers served as undeniable evidence. Ji Chen and his companions navigated through the ice mountains with caution, avoiding the icy grip that had frozen the believers. Suddenly, he sensed a peculiar fluctuation, akin to stumbling upon a hot spring in the midst of a vast, freezing tundraconspicuous and inviting, a source of warmth amidst the cold. The direction was north, approximately seventeen to eighteen kilometers away. Ji Chen swiftly determined the general location and wasted no time, leading the Ocean Crown expedition in that direction. Whatever lay ahead, he felt it was essential to investigate. After all, this was the ancient battlefield of the gods, a place that potentially concealed ancient treasures. These remnants that had withstood the relentless passage of time were bound to be extraordinary. Several minutes later, they halted about a kilometer away from their destination. Countless layers of ice blocked their path, leaving them with no clear route forward. Looking up at the thick ice above, Ji Chen spoke solemnly, Blast open the ice layer above. The expert shooters of the Ocean Crown expedition, consisting of the Silver Sea Pixies and Lobster Guardians, immediately unleashed powerful magical energy. Hundreds of magical arrows and bolts of red lightning streaked upward from beneath the waters surface, colliding forcefully with the ice that had covered millions of years. With a resounding boom, accompanied by the violent surging of seawater and a deep rumble, the several meters thick ice layer exploded upward, sending shards of ice and seawater shooting into the sky. A gaping hole, tens of meters wide, appeared in the thick ice layer. Under Ji Chens command, the Ocean Crown expedition passed through the opening, steadily ascending to the icy surface. Taking in their surroundings, they found themselves on an ice plain, with steep ice mountains jutting out haphazardly, like a collection of swords thrust into the ice, exuding an awe-inspiring aura. With a quick glance, Ji Chen spotted a vibrant grassland to the north, teeming with life. Flowers adorned the landscape, and in the center of the grassland stood a towering tree. The lush, verdant canopy nearly obscured half of the grassland, like a semicircular shield sheltering the entire area. The howling, frigid winds swept across the ice plain but couldnt even sway the trees branches, merely causing them to rustle gently. On this tree, which stood dozens of meters tall, golden droplets of liquid flowed slowly from a hollow in the trunk, forming a small pool about twenty centimeters wide at the intersection of the trees roots. Anyone could easily sense that these liquids were filled with a majestic vitality, akin to an elixir of immortality that could grant eternal life with a mere sip. On the other side of the tree, the group also noticed a humanoid crystal skeleton. This lush and vibrant grassland stood in stark contrast to the pale and lifeless ice plains that surrounded it. Ji Chen, observing this scene, couldnt help but feel astonished. In the midst of this ancient battlefield filled with death and corpses, there appeared such a vibrant and out-of-place oasis of life. At this moment, he was filled with numerous questions. How had this tree survived in the icy wasteland? What was the nature of those golden liquid droplets? Who was the owner of the crystal skeleton? Just as his mind was filled with a myriad of thoughts, the thunderous roar of artillery fire erupted in their rightward direction. A massive ice mountain, whose age was indiscernible, shattered into countless ice fragments under the relentless bombardment of artillery fire. The ice layer beneath it was also shattered, revealing seawater mixed with floating ice. Ironclad warships plowed through the broken ice, their deck cannons belching flames as they shattered the ice obstructing their path, creating a clear channel for navigation. Ji Chen furrowed his brow slightly; the fleet from the Kingdom of Bass had unexpectedly arrived here. This complicated matters. However, as he looked at the grassland, the fleet boldly clearing a path with artillery fire, a faint smile played on his lips. In that case, let them go ahead and explore, draw out any potential dangers, and step on any possible traps first. He didnt believe that this ancient battlefield was devoid of danger. Everyone, return beneath the ice layer and await further orders! Yes! The Ocean Crown expedition once again submerged beneath the ice through the previously opened hole, clinging to the underside of the ice like ghosts, patiently awaiting their lords instructions. Give me full firepower and clear a navigable route! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Duoru shouted loudly, his words filled with aristocratic authority. He watched as the ice shattered one after another under the continuous barrage of artillery fire and nodded in satisfaction. Whether it was the enemy or the obstructive ice, anything standing in their way would be ruthlessly crushed! However, shortly after, Duoru frowned deeply as he looked around. Apart from the icebergs, glaciers, and frozen corpses, there was nothing else in this icy wasteland. He turned to ask, Where is what youre looking for? The Deceiver shook his head, and beneath his mask, his cloudy eyes seemed somewhat lost. This is our first time in this place, and we dont know its exact location. But based on the clues that have been passed down, that thing is hidden somewhere within this icy wasteland.. Chapter 527 - Chapter 527: Tree of Life, Deviant Ghost (2) Chapter 527: Tree of Life, Deviant Ghost (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Damn it, how big is this icy wasteland? How is he supposed to find that thing? These masked rodents dont even reveal their names! What about the divine relic were looking for? The Deceiver chuckled. As long as you help us find that thing, we can certainly help you locate the divine relic. Duoru cursed inwardly at this cunning fox. Report! A large tree has been found ahead! Upon hearing this, Duoru, who had been fuming, suddenly shouted in anger, Are you kidding me? How can there be trees on the ice? Has the cold wind frozen your brain? The scout looked aggrieved and said, But I really saw a tree not far ahead. Duoru, in frustration, pushed him aside and took a look through the binoculars himself. I want to see if youre blind or if I Duoru froze. In the scope of the binoculars, a lush and towering tree stood between the icebergs and glaciers, and beneath it, a verdant grassland contrasted vividly with the pale ice. The Deceivers excited voice rang out, Thats what we need on this journey the Elfs Tree of Life and the life-giving water it produces! Duoru was stunned. Why is there a Tree of Life here? In this desolate place, why was there such an incredibly precious thing? It was rumored that in ancient times, the ancestors of the elves would plant a Tree of Life on every land they settled, using it to improve the soil and the surrounding environment. The Tree of Life would also produce a precious liquid called the Water of Life, which not only increased strength and healed fatal injuries but also enhanced the elves breeding capabilities. The most famous and significant effect, however, was its ability to purify bloodlines. This liquid, as if a gift from the gods, had the power to purify the elfs bloodline. Ancient elves continually refined their own elven bloodlines with high concentrations of blood, which allowed them to maintain combat prowess far surpassing other races. However, perhaps the departure of the gods later caused the elves to lose their protection, and the once flourishing Trees of Life withered and died one by one. Until this era, only one Tree of Life remained in the most central lands of the elven kingdom. But how could one tree satisfy the needs of so many elves? Without an adequate supply of the Water of Life, the elves bloodlines had gradually diluted over generations, and many elven spells that relied on bloodlines could no longer be cast. And now, there was actually a Tree of Life here. How could he not be astonished? The Deceiver looked at the vast icy wasteland around them and spoke with a hoarse voice, This is an ancient battlefield of divine wars. The elves who worship the Mother Goddess first occupied this land and planted the Tree of Life here. The orcs, who worshiped the savage gods, were incited by their deities to attack this place, intending to claim it as their own. And at that time, even humans, who were allies of the elves, participated in this battle. In the end, the elves paid a great price to hold this place, but they couldnt sustain the land. Therefore, under the guidance of the Mother Goddess of the elves, they destroyed the Tree of Life before leaving. At this point, the Deceiver chuckled ominously. They didnt expect this Tree of Life to be so tenacious, absorbing the essence of many deceased believers, allowing it to survive until now Duoru suddenly realized. So, even the elves dont know that a Tree of Life still exists here? Of course, if they knew, they would spare no effort to obtain it Upon hearing this, Duorus expression changed, and a fiery determination ignited within him. Although this Tree of Life couldnt grant them immediate strength, they could use it as a bargaining chip to get the elves involved in the war and threaten them to destroy the three nations of Lienhardt, Thorey, and Pelan. And the elves would definitely agree to such a deal for the sake of one of the only two remaining Trees of Life. This was a matter of purifying their bloodlines! Yes, this Tree of Life was the so-called divine relic, the divine relic that could help them turn the tide! Duoru couldnt wait to seize it now and immediately negotiate with the elves. Suppressing his excitement, he eagerly said, The first Marine Corps of the Third Fleet, land on the ice surface and dig up that Tree of Life. Its the key to reversing the situation! Wait. The Deceiver stood in front of Duoru, a hint of anger in his cloudy eyes. This belongs to us, not to you. Seeing that they were about to obtain such a divine object, Duoru had no intention of stopping, and he had long grown tired of the faceless person who always wore a mask. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Take him to the detention room. Hmph, do you think you can handle me? Just as the two sides were about to come to blows, a chilling scream echoed from deep within the ice, a sound that even the heavy bulkhead couldnt block the eerie chill it contained. Then, like the first howl of a wolf in a pack of wolves, more screams followed one after another, getting closer and closer. Report, there are a large number of unidentified black creatures rapidly approaching from the north side. Chapter 528 - Chapter 528: Tree of Life, Deviant Ghost (3) Chapter 528: Tree of Life, Deviant Ghost (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Duorus face changed as he snatched the binoculars and looked to the north. A large group of black creatures were swiftly running across the snowy ice field, heading straight for the fleet. These creatures had limbs as well as tough skin covering their bones. They had sharp teeth in their mouths, three rows of menacing bone spikes on their backs, and metallic-like hooks growing at their joints. Their humanoid body structure made them chilling to behold. Those are deviant ghosts, likely survivors from the war who failed to leave in time and evolved into these grotesque beings Its probably your previous bombardment that woke them up from their nests. Youd better deal with them from a safe distance, or your soldiers wont be enough for them. Duoru gave the Deceiver a deep and penetrating look, then issued his order without the slightest hesitation. Without hesitation, Duoru issued the order, All cannons, shift your aim to the enemy deviant ghosts, unleash saturated firepower. Dont hold back the firepower; eliminate these damned creatures from a safe distance. Listening to the commotion outside once again, Ji Chen crawled out of the hole and observed the situation outside. He saw thousands of black creatures aggressively attacking the Bass Kingdom fleet, and he couldnt help but smile. Well, it seemed like there were treasure chest-like creatures here, after all? Watching the Bass Kingdom fleet trying hard to stop the monsters from getting closer with their cannons, Ji Chen felt that if he didnt take advantage of this opportunity now, it would be unfair to them for all their hard work and intensity in battle. Herald, take a hundred Naga Guardians with you, and follow me to explore that grassy area. The rest of you stay here and provide support at any time. The heroes nodded in agreement, and Ji Chen wasted no time. With a wave of his hand, he led the Naga Guardians and Herald to land once again, relying on the cover of the towering icebergs as they headed towards the grassy area. The Bass Kingdom fleet was completely absorbed in dealing with the incoming monsters, oblivious to anyone passing right under their noses. One kilometer was not far, and over a dozen minutes later, they arrived at the edge of the grassy area. Following his signal, several Naga Guardians advanced first and did not encounter any attacks. Even when they reached the tree canopy, they remained unharmed. Seeing this, Ji Chen walked in with confidence, treading on the soft grass until he reached the shade of a large tree. He then looked at the faint golden liquid. Under the sunlight penetrating the branches and leaves, this liquid displayed a remarkable brilliance, reflecting a color more dazzling than gold itself, resembling liquid amber. A sweet fragrance wafted around, making one feel that even a sip could prolong ones life. As Ji Chen looked at the liquid that could fill only a wine jug, his throat gulped, and he had a faint feeling. If he were to drink this liquid, perhaps his strength would experience a growth that rivaled the blessings from the gods. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only As the sounds of artillery from the other side gradually subsided, Ji Chen no longer hesitated. He took out a crystal bottle with the intention of collecting the liquid. Little one, if you use a regular bottle, the Water of Life will lose its effectiveness quickly. Suddenly, a voice sounded in his ears, causing Ji Chen, who was caught off guard, to take a few steps back and instinctively place his hand on the Void Ring, ready to teleport at any moment. However, when he saw the familiar figure in front of him, he couldnt help but be stunned. Lady Elin!? Chapter 529 - Chapter 529: Ocean Power, You Thieves! Chapter 529: Ocean Power, You Thieves! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The owner of the sudden voice was none other than the long-unseen epic-level powerhouse, Elin Apocalis. At this moment, the enchanting elf, whose voice alone was highly seductive, sat atop the treetops. She swayed her shapely, fair thighs concealed beneath her robe and wore an enigmatic smile on her face. With her vibrant appearance and the strange aura of magic emanating from her, it seemed that her strength had fully recovered. Lady Elin, its been a while. Elin smiled coyly, appearing quite pleased. She lightly pushed off the tree and gracefully descended, her body moving as gracefully as a leaf in the wind. Her skirt billowed, revealing her snow-white legs. She casually smoothed out the wrinkles in her robe, exuding the grace of an elf as she approached with a smile. Its been a while, little human who aided me in escaping captivity. I didnt expect to encounter you here. Ji Chen smiled and replied, Perhaps its fate. Elin also smiled, understanding that in such a vast world, meeting again without deliberate effort could indeed be called fate. Perhaps, she said. But how did you end up here? This place is quite far from your territory. Ji Chen briefly explained the war between the Lienhardt Grand Duchy and the Bass Kingdom, as well as the unusual behavior of the sea beasts. Elin nodded in understanding. 1 see. Despite covering most of the Western Mid-Ocean, the sea beast tide has gathered here. Its normal that you sensed something amiss. Ji Chen nodded and asked curiously, Lady Elin, did you see that big creature outside? It should be the mastermind behind this sea beast tide. Since its driving the sea beasts to gather outside, does it want to obtain this liquid? After all, I can sense that this liquid contains a vast life force, which might make it even more powerful. Elin shook her head, smiling mysteriously, and her gaze suddenly became profound. That little thing doesnt know about the Life Water here. What it wants is something that can control the ocean. Control the ocean? Elin gazed into the depths of the icy wasteland and slowly said, That is an artifact left behind by a powerful deity, containing a certain degree of oceanic power. It can harness the vast power of the sea and possesses a terrifying ability. Ji Chens expression also changed slightly. Deities, the most powerful and revered beings in this world. Anything related to deities seemed to be enough to make people eager to obtain it. And this item, astonishingly, contains the power of the ocean, allowing it to harness a trace of authority to wield the might of the sea? Doesnt that bear some resemblance to his Lord-given talentOcean Favor, and his mastery over water and oceanic forces? Elin seemed to have realized this as well and looked at Ji Chen with a thoughtful expression, as if she had suddenly understood something. So, it seems that everything has already set its course Ji Chen didnt understand and asked, What are you talking about, Lady Elin? Elin shook her head, retracting her profound gaze, and smiled. This tree is called the Tree of Life, a treasure of our elf clan with extraordinary properties. And this liquid is the Water of Life, possessing incredibly magical effects. Ji Chen nodded in realization. The tree was an elf treasure, which explained why Elin was here. However, it was astonishing that even in this desolate icy wasteland, the tree could still flourish, and its name was quite fitting. What are the effects of this Life Water? Elin extended a few fingers and replied, The effects of Life Water are numerous. It can heal injuries, enhance strength, serve as a precious alchemical material, improve the breeding capabilities of elves, and even enhance ones bloodline. Even a small amount of Life Water, diluted several times, can heal the wounds of a dying person. But the quantity here is equivalent to that of a wine jug. It seems that it has accumulated this much because this place has been isolated from the world for a long time and lacks nutrients. Ji Chens eyes lit up. Such potent effects? If he could carry some with him, wouldnt it be a life-saving treasure? He quickly asked, What kind of instrument is needed to store this Life Water? Elin pursed her lips and said, Its simple. You just need an instrument made from Elfwood, grown by elven druids. Ji Chen furrowed his brow. Where could he find Elfwood? Unhesitatingly, he turned to Elin and asked, Since youve come here, you should have it, right? Elin gave Ji Chen an exasperated look. Youre not very polite, are you? The Tree of Life belongs to us elves. Shouldnt you ask me if Im willing to give it to you first? Ji Chen shrugged. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only When you left the Crown of the Ocean, you said you were returning to the Elven Empire to support the Crown of the Ocean. But now, youre nowhere to be seen. Instead, 1 had to personally go to the Maple Principality and establish trade relations with the elves there. If Im not mistaken, you havent even returned to the Elven Empire, have you? Seems like youve been playing around outside. Elin was caught off guard by Ji Chens directness and looked somewhat embarrassed. She stammered, No, its not like that. I just stopped by for a bit Ji Chen seized the opportunity to continue, clutching his chest and wearing a pained expression. Sir Thotmudo completed his tasks and actively came to find me. He fulfilled the contract honestly and even stayed in the Crown of the Ocean to help build workshops and impart knowledge. But you? After leaving, you disappeared without a trace, leaving me feeling quite disheartened.. Chapter 530 - Chapter 530: Ocean Power, You Thieves! (2) Chapter 530: Ocean Power, You Thieves! (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation This is not what I know, and its not what noble and promise-keeping elves should do! Elin felt even more embarrassed by these words, but after all, she was an elf who lived for thousands of years. She had thick skin, and her expression remained unchanged. She simply turned her hand and magically produced a wooden bottle emitting a faint woody fragrance, handing it over with a light cough. These Water of Life can be considered a gift for our meeting, but I must take the Tree of Life with me; 1 cannot give it to you. Of course, I cant take such a big tree with me either. As Ji Chen spoke, he accepted the wooden bottle, a smile on his face. He raised his hand slightly, and a thread of magic emerged, transferring all the pale golden Water of Life into the bottle, not leaving a single drop. Looking at the wooden bottle in his hand, a hint of satisfaction flashed across his face. Even though it was contained in the bottle, the life force that could make people excited with just a whiff could still be felt from it. Well, now this journey had finally yielded a substantial harvest. Ji Chen put the wooden bottle into his backpack, calming his emotions. He walked to Elins side. Is taking away this Tree of Life your purpose for this journey? Elin nodded and looked at the large tree that was still lush despite the biting cold wind, sighing slightly. The elves once had hundreds of Trees of Life, and we were incredibly prosperous at that time. But now, only a few of them remain, our bloodline is becoming thinner, and our strength is declining. 1 have doubts about whether the elves can continue to exist when facing the inevitable darkness and terror of the future He was puzzled; the elves were one of the most prosperous races in this world. The Elf Empire and the Silvermoon Dynasty were among the most powerful nations, with numerous strong individuals and millions of soldiers. What enemy could threaten them? Ji Chen shook his head, and then as if remembering something, he said in a deep voice, Lady Elin, two fleets from the Bass Kingdom have also entered this icy wilderness. They may be here for the Tree of Life and the Water of Life you mentioned. Furthermore, they may want to obtain the divine relic that is located deeper in the ice wilderness. Those black creatures probably wont hold out for long. Having Elin, an epic-tier powerhouse, take action would undoubtedly settle things here and save him from expending more effort and energy. Besides, if Elin helped on the journey ahead, that divine relic imbued with the power of the ocean might also become his. Ji Chen encouraged Elin without changing his expression, These small fries dare to covet the possessions of your elves. Its truly despicable. They need to be taught a lesson. However, Elin, being a crafty individual who had lived for thousands of years, furrowed her eyebrows slightly, but soon she thought of something. She raised the corner of her mouth with a sly look and said without a smile. They will still be your problem to deal with. 111 leave immediately after taking the Tree of Life. If you want that divine relic, go and get it with your own power. With that, Elin used her magic to perform a certain elven secret technique. A majestic golden magic enveloped the tens of meters tall Tree of Life, pulling it out of the ground and suspending it in mid-air. Elins expression was solemn as she formed hand seals. The Tree of Life rapidly shrank until it became the size of a human head. The Tree of Life, which had been reduced countless times in size, floated in her hand like a miniature model. Then, in the midst of the astonished gazes of the onlookers, Elin casually opened a one-person-high, eye-shaped void tunnel. She walked into it without haste, and with a swish, she disappeared, leaving behind a disarrayed group of people in the cold wind. Ji Chen was speechless. He didnt know when the artillery fire had stopped, and on the ship, they watched as the oncoming deviant ghosts were all blasted to pieces. Only the wreckage remained. Duoru breathed a sigh of relief and shifted his attention back to this side. However, when he looked over here, he couldnt help but freeze. The lush tree that stood on the grassy field had disappeared, leaving only a huge pit in the ground. Where had his massive Tree of Life gone to? How did it vanish in the blink of an eye!? Duoru saw Ji Chen and his eyes turned red instantly. It must have been this person who dug up his Tree of Life and took away what belonged to him! This thief was the one who had previously entangled the propellers with water plants, trying to get here ahead of them and claim the Tree of Life and Water of Life for himself! You damn thief! Duoru trembled with anger, his voice becoming hoarse. All cannons, target the enemy! Blast him to death! At the same time, Ji Chen also noticed that the Bass Kingdom fleet took notice of them. The corner of his mouth twitched. Damn it, it seems like Im the scapegoat. Seeing that the warships and their cannons were turning towards them, Ji Chen knew that they couldnt withstand artillery bombardment head-on. Without hesitation, he led Herard and a hundred Naga Guardians to start retreating. Quickly retreat below the ice layer! They had barely moved away from their initial location when a relentless barrage of cannon fire wreaked havoc on the grassy field. Shells poured down like bullets, making sharp whistling sounds as they plummeted from above. The resulting explosions and shattered ice fragments resembled a powerful, advancing force, mowing down everything in its path. It shattered the icy surface and towering icebergs into countless pieces. Under the relentless bombardment of artillery fire, the thick ice layer cracked and shattered, revealing the seawater beneath. Ji Chen remained calm, and with a thought, he drew out pieces of seawater, quickly condensing them into a massive water curtain tens of meters high and tens of meters wide in front of him. It was like a city wall, blocking the incoming barrage of shells. The rain of artillery fire exploded on the water curtain, splashing water everywhere but showing no signs of breaking through. Several tens of seconds later, the water curtain collapsed with a thunderous roar, but there was no trace of Ji Chen and his group behind it. There was only a gaping hole in the ice layer, seemingly mocking their incompetence. Duoru slammed his fist heavily on the table, his face contorted, and his molars almost crushed. Damn it, they let those thieves get away!! Right under their noses!! Beside him, the Deceiver looked at the gaping hole, his tone as dark as water. They must also be heading for the divine relic. As long as we find the divine relic first, we can lie in wait and retrieve the Tree of Life and Water of Life and capture them. At that time, I will torture their bodies and souls with the most brutal torture, making them wish they were dead. Duoru took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down forcibly. His eyes were still bloodshot, and his words were filled with suppressed rage like a volcanic eruption. Advance towards the depths of the glacier, continue searching for the divine relic. If you encounter suspicious enemies, use saturation fire cover without hesitation, do not spare any shells. 1 will make those thieves perish and be buried here! Three kilometers away from the grassy field, behind an ice mountain. Ji Chen watched as the Bass Kingdom fleet sailed slowly between the floating ice and glaciers, a faint smile curling up at the corner of his mouth, feeling quite pleased. The commanders of these two fleets must be furious, right? Disappearing right under their noses is like a slap in the face. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only My lord, should we continue entangling their propellers with water plants? Benbo asked with a sly look. Ji Chen shook his head. This tactic can only work once. We used it before, and they must be on high alert now. Using it again would only result in pointless losses. Now what we need to do is to find the divine relic first. Even if we sink these two Bass Kingdom fleets here, it wont matter if we dont deal with the extremely powerful sea beast and millions of ordinary sea beasts outside. We cant leave until we deal with them. After a moment of contemplation, he continued, The Dragonblood Legion will spread out in a fan-shaped formation under the ice layer to search. The other legions will conduct surface searches on the glacier. If you find any clues, report back immediately. Yes! Chapter 531 - Chapter 531: Zunong’s Action, True Buffet, Elf Squad Chapter 531: Zunongs Action, True Buffet, Elf Squad Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After several days of travel, the Wasteland Guild led by Zunong, the Jungle Guild led by Pando, as well as many smaller guilds and solo players from the Bass Kingdoms camp, finally withdrew from the front lines and returned to the Bass Kingdoms territory. They coordinated with some Bass Kingdom soldiers who had rushed from the city of Kaiserven and successfully cleared out the Lienhardt Marine Corps that had been blocking llkand City, regaining control of the mountainous areas outside llkand City. As for the Lienhardt fleet that had traveled a thousand miles to launch a surprise attack on llkand City, upon seeing numerous enemies and the arrival of reinforcements, they chose not to stay and fight but promptly retreated, disappearing into the vast sea. It was at this moment that they received news of the Thorey and Pelan Kingdoms declaring war on the Bass Kingdom and the Bass Kingdom Expeditionary Force retreating and entering a defensive phase. Many were shocked. Just yesterday, they heard about the Bass Kingdoms imminent capture of Feiguang City, with a seemingly unstoppable offensive that could have wiped out Lienhardt. Now, why had the situation suddenly taken a turn for the worse, plunging into such a negative outlook? However, among the Bass Kingdom camp players who felt that things were not going well and had become somewhat pessimistic, there were very few who felt a burst of joy. Inside a mansion in llkand City. The Lienhardt army has entered the territory of the Bass Kingdom, and their morale is extremely high. The Bass Kingdom Expeditionary Force has left only a small portion of its troops to delay the enemy, while the main force has retreated to llkand City. I heard that the Northern Thorey Kingdom and Pelan Kingdom have also launched their full-scale attacks. Guild Leader, why do I feel like the Bass Kingdom is about to fall? Shouldnt we consider running away? Looking at the anxious expression of his trusted subordinate, Zunong calmly took a sip of tea and replied, No rush. No rush? Guild Leader, the enemies are about to kill us upfront! As the Wasteland Guild, aligned with the Bass Kingdom camp, they would undoubtedly be targeted by Lienhardt once the Bass Kingdom was defeated. They would either face annihilation or expulsion, and either way, it would spell their doom. Seeing Zunongs calm demeanor, the subordinate suddenly calmed down and asked in a low voice, Does Guild Leader already have a plan? Zunong smiled without answering and instead asked, Have our brothers all returned to the city? Most of them have gathered in the city, but llkand City doesnt allow our troops to enter. We can only camp and build defenses outside the city to confront the Lienhardt army. Its clearly using us as cannon fodder! Zunongs expression darkened. Keeping their troops outside the city without the protection of walls was essentially making them cannon fodder. Damn it, they really dont treat us like human beings. Zunongs expression grew serious, and he said in a deep voice, Since they dont treat us as equals, then we wont serve them either. What do you mean by that, Guild Leader? Ive reached an agreement with Ji Chen. If we turn against the Bass Kingdom and help Lienhardt win this war, not only will Lienhardt not hold us accountable for our previous mistakes, but they will also reward us handsomely. His trusted subordinates expression changed, almost shouting out, but after looking around to make sure there was no one nearby, he cautiously spoke, Can we trust this? Setting aside whether it can be achieved, what if Lienhardt turns on us afterward? In this place, deception and intrigue were common, and no one could guarantee the authenticity of such promises. Zunong was no fool, and he wouldnt take his entire guild on a risky venture based solely on Ji Chens words. Setting down his teacup, Zunong stood up with a solemn expression. So, we must send our men to the Lienhardt army first and get a commitment from someone with enough credibility. Ji Chen told me that we could send someone to approach Monica, the daughter of the Duke of Lienhardt. A commitment from a native of her caliber would be credible enough. Right now, have our contacts get in touch with Monica immediately. Ensure all communication is done privately, without the Bass Kingdom finding out; they are wary of us as well. The in-game chat system was the most discreet means of transmitting information between players. Even if the natives monitored it, they couldnt know when the information was being passed. Watching his trusted subordinate depart, Zunong took a deep breath, loosening his clenched fists. He realized his palms were sweaty. He was not a person to sit and await his fate. If the Bass Kingdom was destined to fall, he wouldnt go down with it. However, he also didnt mind giving a gentle push from behind to a Bass Kingdom that was already teetering on the edge. Coincidentally, in another mansion located on the opposite side of llkand City, Pando, the leader of the Jungle Guild, also issued similar orders to his trusted subordinates. Beneath the calm surface of the sea, there were hidden undercurrents swirling. At the same time, deep within the ancient battlefields mystic realm, on a moss-covered slopes steep face. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Benbo rushed down from the slope and came before Ji Chen, saluting and saying, Master, weve found a hidden mountain valley entrance about three kilometers ahead. There are a large number of black creatures there, and it seems to be one of their habitats. Ji Chen nodded; he was curious about these creatures that were as black as charcoal and resembled crawlers. What were these creatures surviving on? Setting aside the incredibly tough conditions of the desolate ice fields and ignoring the vast icebergs and various dead bodies, there was nothing else.. How could they possibly discover sufficient food to support such a large population of dark creatures? Chapter 532 - Chapter 532: Zunong’s Action, True Buffet, Elf Squad (2) Chapter 532: Zunongs Action, True Buffet, Elf Squad (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Could it be that they eat corpses? This thought flashed through Ji Chens mind, and when he subconsciously denied it, he suddenly realized something. Wait a minute, maybe these creatures survive by eating corpses. After all, in this vast ancient battlefield, there are frozen intact corpses everywhere, and they dont even need preservation. The eternal ice is a natural refrigerator for storing food. As long as they get hungry, they can dig it out and eat it. Today they eat humans, tomorrow they eat elves, the day after tomorrow they eat orcs, without repeating a meal. A true buffet. Coming back to his senses, Ji Chen asked, Is there anything else youve discovered? Benbo shook his head and said, Nothing else. It seems that apart from the monotonous glaciers, theres nothing noteworthy here. Ji Chen furrowed his brow slightly. After leaving the Bass Kingdom fleet, they ventured more than a hundred kilometers, but they found nothing. Here, it seemed that there was no distinction between day and night. The cold sunlight constantly shone on this icy plain, without any prominent landmarks. This made him lose track of time; he only knew that it had been one or two days. And there was still no sign of the so-called divine relic. Then lets proceed to that valley. Understood. These black creatures resembling crawlers also had names. [Deviant Ghost] [Race]: Deviant Ghost [Tier]: Fourth Tier, 8 stars [Level]: 35 [Skills]: N/A [Note]: These deformed monsters evolved over a long time from surviving believers of the God War. When the Ocean Crown army appeared near the entrance of the valley, hundreds of Deviant Ghosts, who were wandering near the valley entrance as guards, instantly noticed the unwelcome guests. They emitted sharp cries and rushed towards them, their blood-red eyes filled with a desire for food. These creatures that could move emitted an extremely delicious aroma, and this fresh flesh and blood must be much tastier than the dried-up corpses frozen in ice. The Deviant Ghosts, having spent a long time on the icy plains, had developed claws that enabled them to move swiftly on the slippery ice. These claws acted like spikes, giving them better traction than even the Desert Wolves and making them faster. When this wave of Deviant Ghosts rushed within a hundred meters, the Water Nymph Archers did not hesitate to release a rain of arrows, instantly nailing over a hundred Deviant Ghosts to the ice, and the black, foul-smelling blood flowed all over the place. Immediately after that, a wave of magical arrows rained down from the sky. The violent explosion of magical energy easily tore their bodies apart, scattering their limbs all over the place. Two clean and efficient waves of attacks resolved hundreds of Deviant Ghosts. There was no joy of victory. Ji Chen waved his hand calmly, and the Ocean Crown army stepped over the broken bodies of the Deviant Ghosts and arrived at the entrance of the valley. Inside the valley, it wasnt as desolate as the outside ice plains. Shielded from the frigid wind, the temperature suddenly warmed up. An ice river meandered through the valley, and lush vegetation grew on both sides of the river. Bushes scattered along the banks bore red wild fruits, giving a sense of vitality. It seemed that this ice plain wasnt just ice glaciers; there were also places teeming with life. Ji Chen looked at the steep slopes on both sides of the valley, which looked like they had been gnawed by dogs. They were littered with hundreds of large holes, which should be the nesting places of the Deviant Ghosts. At this moment, the Deviant Ghosts inside the holes also reacted to the commotion outside. They crawled out like ants, and their numbers quickly reached over a thousand, still increasing rapidly. Without exception, they detected the scent of fresh blood and meat in the air, and their eyes were greedy and cruel. Without hesitation, they charged towards the source of the aroma. As the Deviant Ghosts swarmed like locusts, Ji Chen slowly raised his right hand and then swung it down firmly. Boom! Many units that had already formed their formations erupted with a powerful momentum. There was no fear on their faces, only a resolute fighting spirit that could break through the sky. Whoosh! A sharp whistle echoed in the sky. Waves of arrows carrying terrifying killing intent shot up into the air and pierced through the bodies of the Deviant Ghosts before they could react, causing them to fall to the ground in agony. But the ones behind them did not evade; they marched straight ahead, trampling over their fallen comrades and turning them into a pile of flesh pulp. The filthy blood seeped into the muddy soil of the valley, staining the ice river with a hint of blackness. However, such casualties did not deter these malformed monsters, who knew nothing of what life meant. The strong scent of black blood and gore only further stirred the murky blood coursing through their bodies like a hodgepodge. Their charging speed increased, and they charged toward the frontlines, arrows raining down upon them like raindrops. After previously helping to relieve the pressure on Feiguang City and engaging in numerous battles against players and guilds, the Ocean Crown army suffered significant losses. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The Nagas Legion and the Dragonblood Legion, in particular, had suffered heavy casualties. The two legions now had a total of just over 700 units, but they still formed a formidable force. Relying on the narrow valley entrance, they had forged an unshakable defense line with their own flesh and blood. Ding- Your army has killed a small group of Deviant Ghosts and gained 19,500 experience points. Ding- Your army has killed a small group of Deviant Ghosts and gained 18,000 experience points. Although there were many Deviant Ghosts, under the relentless onslaught of the Ocean Crowns rolling cutting edge, they amounted to nothing more than experience points on the experience bar. After countless battles and clashes, Ji Chen had finally reached level 48. Looking at the slowly increasing experience bar, a hint of satisfaction flashed across his face.. Chapter 533 - Chapter 533: Zunong’s Action, True Buffet, Elf Squad (3) Chapter 533: Zunongs Action, True Buffet, Elf Squad (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Although killing these Deviant Ghosts didnt yield much, the experience points they provided were quite generous. As one of the factors that make up their strength, level played a crucial role for magic-based professions. For example, among legendary-tier magic-based professions, the power displayed by a level 40 mage and a level 50 mage was evidently not on the same level; the gap in their strength could be several times over. And individuals like Elin, an epic-tier mage who was nearly at the maximum level, could easily handle a hundred of them without breaking a sweat. Recalling the immense power that Elin demonstrated in the past, Ji Chen couldnt help but feel a sense of admiration and motivation. He believed that one day, he could reach that level, and perhaps even surpass it! Full-scale assault, leave none behind! Hearing the supreme command from their leader, the morale of the legion surged, and they pushed back the thousands of approaching Deviant Ghosts, cutting them down one by one. A team in robes advanced on the icy plains, climbing up from the side of the valley, cautiously peeking over the cliff edge towards the valley below. The pointed ears and graceful faces peeking out from beneath the hoods, unmistakably marked them as elves. At this moment, these elves watched the Ocean Crown Army slaughtering the Deviant Ghosts in the valley, and they couldnt help but reveal expressions of surprise and curiosity. They began whispering to each other. Captain Arlin, where did these peculiar creatures come from? Weve never seen anything like them. Thats right, that human leading them doesnt seem like the army from the human settlements on the eastern ice plains, does it? It doesnt seem likely. If they had the strength to confront the Deviant Ghosts head-on, they would have already attacked us and tried to seize our land. The elf they referred to as Captain was a mature-looking female elf. She frowned when she saw the young elf squad members chattering away without any sense of caution and scolded them. Dont discuss it. Deviant Ghosts have keen hearing. We dont want to alert them. We cant handle this many. The young elves immediately fell silent, clearly regarding Captain Arlin with great respect. In any case, the sudden appearance of this unfamiliar army on the isolated ice plains must signify some kind of change. We need to report the situation here to the elders immediately. Just as Arlin was about to lead the young elves away from the area, she suddenly noticed the human in the middle of the unfamiliar army directing his gaze towards their direction. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly signaled her team members to stay still. How is this possible? From such a distance, they could still perceive us!? Arlins heart pounded in her chest, and she dared not move a muscle until she saw the human turn his head and continue directing the battle. Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief. She gestured for the young elves to slowly crawl backward, and when they had all descended, they stood up and hurriedly ran in the direction of the village. Ji Chen looked towards the cliff on the left side of the valley, his brow furrowing. Why did it feel like someone was spying on them from the side? Could it be the soldiers from the two Bass Kingdom fleets? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only That possibility was slim; they wouldnt have set foot on land, and without the firepower of their warships, they were essentially powerless. Moreover, it was highly unlikely that they would have coincidentally found them in such a vast ice plain. It was strange. Were there any other living beings here besides the Deviant Ghosts and the soldiers from the Bass Kingdom fleets? After a moment of contemplation, Ji Chen, who couldnt shake off his concerns, secretly called for Anina. You, go around this valley secretly and check if theres anything on the left side of the cliff. Anina nodded, wielding her large sword as she maneuvered through the rear of the army, circling around towards the left side of the valleys cliff.. Chapter 534 - Chapter 534: What Year Is It Today? Chapter 534: What Year Is It Today? Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation As the battle in the valley gradually subsided, with the last approaching deviant ghost falling under the blade, Anina also returned, her face showing some excitement. Lord, Ive found some footprints on the cliff over there, as well as traces of someone lying in wait. Ji Chens expression grew serious. There were actually humanoid beings in this icy wilderness? Where did they leave from? It should be to the northwest. Heading deeper into the icy wilderness in the northwest direction, it seemed that there was indeed a settlement of natives hidden in inconspicuous places. Ji Chen felt it necessary to find them. As residents of this land, they might know clues about the divine relic. Clean up the battlefield. After slaying all the approaching deviant ghosts, the Ocean Crown team entered the holes on both sides of the valley. After a simple exploration, they found nothing of value except for some deviant ghost hatchlings and a large number of corpses used as provisions. However, in the inconspicuous corners of these dark and damp caves, some broken weapon and armor fragments were found, but it was difficult to determine whether these were stripped from the bodies of believers by the deviant ghosts or obtained from elsewhere. There was no significant gain, and Ji Chen quickly led the army to the location where unidentified traces were found, following Anina. At a cliff on the left side, although some had been wiped away by the wind and snow, it was still possible to faintly see that more than ten humanoid creatures had recently lain in this place, peering into the valley where they slaughtered the deviant ghosts. Ji Chens expression slightly brightened, finally some traceable clues. He didnt stay long and waved his hand. Alice, lead the knights and lobster guardians who cant land ashore, and follow beneath the ice. The rest of the legions and units follow me, following the traces to find these natives! With a relatively clear goal, their pace quickened considerably as they rapidly advanced along the still visible traces. After traveling for more than ten miles, the remaining traces finally disappeared. The other side probably realized this as well and began to conceal the traces they left behind. Ji Chen wasnt too disappointed. Since the other side wanted to erase the traces they left, their pace would inevitably slow down. If they were lucky enough, they might even catch up to them. Divide into teams of ten, spread out in a fan shape towards the northwest. The army quickly dispersed under his command and explored the area ahead. Ding- Your army is in combat mode. The system prompt came, and Ji Chens eyes lit up as he looked in the direction slightly to the northwest. Under his control, all the scattered armies converged towards that direction, and more and more combat alerts indicated that the unidentified group had been surrounded and engaged. Ji Chen, along with a group of heroes, quickly rushed over and soon saw the Ocean Crown team encircling a snowy slope without attacking. A group of more than ten elves wearing white robes were trapped on the slope, looking desperate. Ji Chens face suddenly became strange. The group that was spying on them earlier turned out to be elves? Arlin held her bow and aimed it at the enemies trapped on the slope below her. Although her expression remained calm, a hint of despair welled up in her heart. She hadnt expected this army to catch up with them so quickly; they were even better at tracking than those savage orcs! Looking at these peculiar soldiers with powerful auras and a strong martial presence, it seemed unlikely that they could return to their village now. Arlin managed to keep her composure, but the other young elves were trembling with fear, their hands shaking as they held their bows. They heard stories of their fellow elves being captured by humans or orcs and tortured beyond recognition. Ji Chen walked out from among his troops, revealing himself to the elves. With a gentle smile on his face, he proactively expressed goodwill. Stranger elves, hello, Im Ji Chen, the lord of this army, and I mean no harm to you. Arlin hesitated for a moment, signaling the young elves to lower their bows and stepped forward to say, Human, if you truly mean us no harm, then let us leave. Seeing that they still appeared wary, Ji Chen smiled and said, Theres no need to be so cautious. In the main world, we humans have a good relationship with your elven kin. Weve engaged in trade cooperation, and I even know the ambassador and military attache from your presence in the Maple Principality, as well as the highest commander of an elven fleet. After speaking, Ji Chen noticed the confusion on the mature elf leaders face. Considering that this icy plain was once a battleground of gods and ancient wars, he had a sudden realization. It seemed that these elves had long lost contact with the elves of the main world, completely unaware of what had happened outside, and the time span might not be ordinary either. With this thought in mind, Ji Chen took out the piece of elven envoy token from his backpack and showed it to the elves. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only If possible, 1 would like to visit your gathering place. This was given to me by your kin from outside, and it can serve as proof of my goodwill. Arlin looked at the elven envoy token with a puzzled expression. This was undoubtedly an item of the elven race; there was no mistaking it! Could it be that this human truly had friends among the elves from the outside world? In the end, Ji Chen let the group of elves go and asked them to return with a message, instructing his army to wait in place.. Chapter 535 - Chapter 535: What Year Is Today?(2) Chapter 535: What Year Is Today?(2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In that frozen wilderness, there was no concept of day or night. The sun never stopped shining, bathing the glaciers and snow in its eternal light. This created an expansive and dazzling white world that could momentarily overwhelm and mesmerize anyone who beheld it. Lord, do you think theyll come back? Anina asked with boredom, using her large sword to scrape the snow on the ground. Ji Chen smiled and, to be honest, he didnt know either. However, in order to make them let down their guard, he had no choice but to do this. After about half a day, when he was beginning to doubt if the elves would return, more than ten figures appeared in the distance, striding briskly toward them. It was the same group of elves as before, with Arlin taking the lead. She glanced at Ji Chen with a cautious expression. Elder said 1 should take you to the village, but you can only bring ten guards with you. Ji Chen nodded with a smile. Of course. Seeing him agree so readily, Arlin also breathed a sigh of relief and lowered her guard even more. She nodded and said, Then please follow us. Following those words, Arlin proceeded to take the lead. She moved with purpose, and a strand of hair peeked out from beneath her hood, gently swaying in the cold breeze, adding a touch of heroism to her demeanor. They followed Arlin and her group of elves across the frozen wilderness. They seemed to move east and west at random intervals, and Ji Chen had no idea how these elves were navigating on the uniform ice field. If it were up to him, he would have gotten lost by now. After traveling for about thirty to forty miles, they arrived at a bare, brown rocky beach. Arlin led the way to a seemingly ordinary rock, and with a slight golden glow from her hands, she pushed the rock aside effortlessly, revealing an irregular hole below, from which a faint flicker of firelight emanated. Ji Chen was quite surprised. If the elves hadnt pushed it open, he wouldnt have known that there was a hole hidden there. After Arlin pushed the rock aside, she turned to Ji Chen and said, Please leave your army outside, and you can bring in a maximum of ten guards. Ji Chen nodded. There was no need to hesitate about this. Benbo, youll stay outside with the army. Herald and Anina, the two of you will come with me. After that, he looked at Arlin and said, Were ready. Seeing that he only brought two guards, Arlin was somewhat surprised, but she didnt say anything. She simply nodded and then jumped into the hole. When the other elves followed suit, Ji Chen also led his two heroes and jumped down. As they all entered, the rock above slowly returned to its place, blocking out the sunlight. After a brief moment of darkness, the surroundings gradually brightened up again. Inside the cave, there was a man-made passage about two people wide, with torches hanging on both sides of the stone walls at regular intervals. Arlin and the other elves didnt say much. They just led the way with their heads down. After walking a few hundred meters in the slightly dim passage, they passed through an exit bathed in white light and arrived in a tranquil and beautiful valley. It was as if they had stumbled upon a hidden paradise, warm as spring, with flowers and grasses blooming across the ground. Tall trees stood in the valley, and on their trunks were various treehouses, not as grand as those in the main world of the elves but still exquisitely beautiful. Waterfalls, like white ribbons, hung from the cliffs surrounding the valley, converging into streams on the ground, nourishing the land on both sides of the river. Ji Chen was amazed by the beautiful scene before him. He hadnt expected to find such a vibrant valley here, so different from the lifeless ice field outside. Please follow me. Elder Marianne is waiting for you. Arlins voice woke him from his reverie. Ji Chen nodded and followed behind her, arriving at a massive and sturdy tree. The trunk of this tree seemed to have been hollowed out, and inside was a chamber set up like a meeting room. About a dozen elderly elves sat on either side of a wooden table, with the foremost one standing up. Presumably, this was Elder Marianne. She smiled kindly and said, Welcome to the Vale, Lord Ji Chen. Good day, Lady Marianne, Ji Chen replied with a slight bow, performing the elven courtesy. This gesture immediately earned him the goodwill of the elders present, and their expressions softened considerably. Regardless of the purpose of his visit, his polite manners already indicated a friendly attitude, far superior to the savage orcs who were known for their brutality. Marianne looked at the extraordinary-looking human before her and asked curiously, Lord Ji Chen, I heard from Arlin that you come from the main world. How is the situation outside now? Ji Chen was about to respond to the first part of her question when he heard the second part and froze. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Lady Marianne, do you mean? Of course, Im referring to the war between our Orderly God faction and the Barbaric God factions barbarian races. Which side has won? Or is the battle still ongoing? Although its been a long time since those battles, our power has waned considerably, but were still here, fighting against the remnants of the barbaric believers. However, since this realm is disconnected from the main world, we have no way of knowing whats happening outside. Youre the first human Ive encountered from the outside world in all these years, Elder Marianne explained. Ji Chen seemed a bit dazed at the moment, and it took him a while to come to his senses. He seemed to have realized something, and his expression turned somewhat peculiar.. Chapter 536 - Chapter 536: What Year Is Today?(3) Chapter 536: What Year Is Today?(3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Lady Marianne, if youre referring to the godly war that once swept across the entire world, where followers of various races clashed, then that war has long ended. Perhaps to put it into perspective, that godly war concluded tens of thousands of years ago. The deities of both the Order and Barbarian factions, as you mentioned, vanished from this world after that war, and the outside world has long become the realm of ordinary races. Marianne and many other elders of Vale displayed looks of incredulity. How is that even possible!? Observing their expressions, Ji Chen patiently explained. As he narrated, the elven elders expressions shifted from skepticism to shock, then from shock to bewilderment, eventually settling into silence as they struggled to digest this immensely profound revelation. However, some of the elves, perhaps due to the sheer magnitude of this information, openly expressed disbelief. They even suspected Ji Chen of being a spy sent to undermine their resolve by fabricating false information. Their apparent unwillingness to believe the truth, though known to be factual, left Ji Chen somewhat bemused. It reminded him of a war movie from Earth, where soldiers from a nation held a small island against all odds. Regardless of how the enemy or allies tried to explain, they refused to accept that the war had already ended, convinced it was a deceitful ruse created by the enemy, persisting in their resistance. These elves trapped within this mystic realm appeared to share a similar sentiment. Thats roughly the situation. The godly war has indeed concluded, and everything Ive said is true. Whether you believe it or not depends entirely on you, Ji Chen stated. The elven elders bore complex emotions on their faces, emotions too intricate to be expressed in words. Their hearts were in turmoil. Every elf present here was at least eight centuries old, but in relation to the time that had passed since that war, which had affected countless realms, including the main world, their lifetimes seemed as insignificant as grains of sand. Since their birth, they were taught to remain faithful to their beliefs, upholding the ideology of the godly war. Over centuries, this belief had grown ever more deeply entrenched in their hearts. Now, to suddenly learn that what they had clung to was falsehood rendered their long-held convictions meaningless. It was a bitter pill to swallow, and anyone would struggle to accept it in such a short span of time. Ji Chen could somewhat empathize with their emotions and couldnt help feeling a pang of nostalgia. After a lengthy pause, Marianne composed herself and spoke with a bitter smile, I believe you, Lord Ji Chen. You didnt travel all this way to this frozen wasteland just to deceive us with a lie. In truth, our previous generation of elders had a suspicion long ago but lacked sufficient information to confirm it. The fact is, we havent received divine revelations for a very long time, and that part is undeniably true. The only explanation could indeed be what youve mentioned. You believe as you see fit. Marianne seemed to have eased a bit, and she continued, Thank you for sharing this with us. You took the initiative to contact Arlin and express your intention to visit us, old folks. I assume you have something youd like our assistance with. If its within our power, well certainly offer our full support. Ji Chen felt relieved and nodded, saying, Indeed, 1 do have something Id like your help with. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Do you happen to know of a relic left behind by a deity on this frozen wilderness, one imbued with the power of the ocean? A glimmer of clarity appeared in Mariannes hazy eyes. Lord Ji Chen, are you seeking to obtain that item? Ji Chen, now understanding the situation, brightened and nodded. Hehe, we do indeed know about the relic you mentioned. Chapter 537 - Chapter 537: Isn’t Pre-Battle Supplies Normal? Scrolls, Chapter 537: Isnt Pre-Battle Supplies Normal? Scrolls, Robes, and Blue Dragon Blood Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation This used to be a weapon wielded by a god from the Orderly Divine Lineage, infused with the immense power of the ocean he controlled, granting it unparalleled strength. This god once used this weapon to single-handedly take on three deities from the Barbaric Divine Lineage during a battle that erupted in this realm. But later, a deity of the main god level from the Barbaric Divine Lineage disregarded righteousness and made a ruthless move, causing this god to ultimately fall, but his weapon remained in this frozen wilderness. Ji Chens heart was stirred, never expecting to learn about ancient god battles here. To be able to single-handedly face three opponents, apart from the gods formidable strength, the weapon must have been extraordinary. In a low tone, he asked, So, what was the name and domain of this god? Marianne shook her head. Due to the passage of time, his name is no longer known, but there is no doubt that he was at least of the upper god level, possessing several powerful authorities. Ji Chens eyes flickered slightly. The data from Lord of Glory clearly stated that gods were classified into lower gods, upper gods, and main gods. The more powerful the god, the more authorities they possessed, and this Ocean God, who was at least an upper god, was considered powerful even among the Orderly Divine Lineage. The oceanic power contained in that weapon was a perfect match for his own strength. If he could obtain this power, he would undoubtedly undergo another transformation. In life, strength was the foundation of existence. The power of the ocean, he was determined to obtain it! However, at this moment, an elven elder suddenly spoke, Lord Ji Chen, since you came from the main world to this place, you should know how to leave this frozen wilderness, right? Of course. Ji Chen nodded naturally. Seeing this, the other elven elders, including Marianne, showed a hopeful look on their faces. Since the ancient god battle had long ended, there was no reason for them to continue staying in this desolate frozen wilderness. Especially after hearing Ji Chen talk about the relatively peaceful world outside, no elf was willing to stay here, surrounded by endless ice and snow. Ji Chen could sense the excitement in their eyes and smiled faintly, The gateway to leave is located in the southeast direction, approximately 150 kilometers from here. Marianne furrowed her brows. She was well aware of the harsh conditions in the frozen wilderness outside. A distance of 150 kilometers might not be much for young elves, but if the entire Vale Village, including the elderly, the weak, and the children, had to traverse through the howling snowstorms and endless glaciers, not to mention the various monstrous lairs scattered across the frozen wilderness, it would be a daunting journey. Such a long distance, if anything unexpected happens on the way, Im afraid Ji Chen glanced at their changing expressions and spoke in a casual tone, Apart from that, outside the gateway, theres a powerful sea beast coveting that divine relic. Beyond that lies an endless expanse of water. Even if you can reach there, without a ship, its impossible to leave. Upon hearing this, Marianne and the other elven elders couldnt help but show a hint of despair on their faces. Where could they find a ship large enough to carry all the elves from Vale Village? Not to mention defeating a powerful sea beast out there! Although they were descendants of the survivors of that ancient god battle, due to their isolation, their strength was not strong. Vale Village had a fighting force of only three to four hundred people, and the strongest among them was only at the fourth-tier, level 9. Otherwise, they would have already dealt with the Barbaric Orcs on the other side of the frozen wilderness. The most hopeless and cruel thing in the world is to give a glimmer of hope and then ruthlessly extinguish it. Mariannes heart was in turmoil as she looked at the human before her, who seemed as calm as ever. It was as if she had grasped a lifeline and she spoke in a pleading tone, a tone she herself hadnt realized. Lord Ji Chen, do you have the means to help us leave? As soon as these words were spoken, all the elven elders turned their eyes to him, their eyes filled with a glimmer of hope. Since this human could pass through the gateway and even easily slaughter deviant ghosts, perhaps he could help them leave. Ji Chen felt their gazes and nodded slightly, but he didnt continue speaking. There are no free lunches in the world, and everyone understood that. An elven elder, second only to Marianne in status and at least a thousand years old, stepped forward and said, As long as Your Excellency can lead us out of this place, we are willing to offer generous rewards. Yes. Mariannes eyes flashed with determination. Over countless years, we have collected many rare resources left behind from that ancient god battle in this frozen wilderness. As long as you agree, all those rare resources will be yours. Ji Chen squinted his eyes slightly. If he could successfully complete the upcoming task, then helping these elves leave would be a simple matter. Being able to earn a generous reward on top of that was an added bonus. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only After a brief consideration, Ji Chen nodded and said, 1 can agree to your request, but I have one more condition. Please go ahead. You need to tell me the location of that divine weapon. Marianne hesitated for a moment and exchanged glances with the other elven elders before nodding slightly. That divine weapon is in the Fallen Sea.. Chapter 538 - Chapter 538: Isn’t Pre-Battle Supplies Normal? Scrolls, Chapter 538: Isnt Pre-Battle Supplies Normal? Scrolls, Robes, and Blue Dragon Blood (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Fallen Sea? Mariannes expression grew solemn, her tone heavy. That was once the most intense and bloody battleground in this area, where the blood of countless elves, humans, and orc devotees was spilled. Even after tens of thousands of years, the countless restless spirits there cannot find peace. Their fanatical beliefs and bloodlust during their lives turned it into a realm of death, where countless deviant ghosts roam. The divine weapon is located right at the heart of the Fallen Sea. To approach it, you must risk being attacked by a horde of deviant ghosts. Furthermore, even if you manage to get close, its not guaranteed that youll obtain it. Despite the passage of countless millennia, it still holds a power that ordinary individuals cant bear. Perhaps just getting near it might already crush you with the terrifying force it radiates. Lord Ji Chen, please think carefully. Marianne spoke with great sincerity. In truth, she didnt hold much hope for Ji Chen and his ability to acquire the divine weapon. After all, gods were gods, creators of rules, masters of authority, and supreme beings. The weapons they used were equally formidable, not to mention this divine weapon, which contained the boundless power of the ocean. If a top-tier epic-level powerhouse were to come, there might be a slim chance of obtaining it. However, Marianne had already noticed that Ji Chens level was not even fifty, though it might qualify him as a strong individual outside. But for obtaining a divine weapon, the gap was still too vast. Furthermore, Ji Chen was their only hope to leave this place. If he were to die in the Fallen Sea, that glimmer of hope would be extinguished. But seeing the unwavering determination in Ji Chens eyes, Marianne knew she couldnt stop him. Thank you for your warning, Lady Marianne, but my mind is made up. Please tell me where the Fallen Sea is. With a sigh in her heart, Margaret reluctantly said, The Fallen Sea is in the core region of the frozen wilderness, about a hundred kilometers from Vale Village. I will have Arlin guide you there. Thank you for your generosity. Looking at the group of elven elders, Ji Chen continued, Regarding the matter of the ships, I have a plan. Ji Chens words instantly lifted their spirits. Two fleets from human kingdoms have also entered this frozen wilderness. If we can obtain their ships, you can use them to cross the ocean and leave this place. As long as I can acquire that divine weapon, capturing their ships will be effortless. It will also help us deal with the powerful sea beast outside and clear the obstacles for your departure. Marianne looked at Ji Chen with a knowing expression. Are you suggesting that you need our assistance? Ji Chen nodded with a smile. Of course, if you can provide some powerful treasures that can make it easier for me to obtain that divine weapon, it would be even better. These elves, who had survived that divine war and had been living in this desolate frozen wilderness for tens of thousands of years, surely possessed valuable items. Besides, there must be supplies before a major battle. Marianne and the others knew that Ji Chen was bargaining, but they had no choice but to agree. They led Ji Chen to a heavily guarded ancient tree, which had also been hollowed out on the inside. This seemed to be the warehouse of Vale Village, and Marianne didnt linger outside. She led Ji Chen to the deepest part. Three wooden platforms, each entwined with dozens of vines, stood there, each holding a different item. A scroll, a robe, and a potion. Ji Chens eyes lit up. [Forbidden Curse Scroll C Thunder Abyss] [Level]: 7 Stars [Effect]: After use, it can unleash the Forbidden Curse C Thunder Abyss, turning everything within a radius of 500 meters into a forbidden zone of life. [A one-time spell scroll crafted by an ancient elven powerhouse, with some minor flaws] [Deep Sea Dragon Scale Robe] [Level]: 7 Stars [Effect]: 0 When using water-based spells, it increases spell power by an additional 200% in aquatic environments, 0 Grants the ability to move freely in water and greatly enhances vision, @ Increases mana recovery by 300%, and stores excess mana when mana is full, up to 10,000 points, @ Increases morale by an additional 30 points when commanding dragonkin troops and the wearer gains moderate dragon prestige. [Skills]: 0 Water Dragon Summoning (Summons three elemental water dragons with 50% of the users strength, capable of independent combat), @ Serene Focus (Can dispel negative effects on oneself and nearby allies, and temporarily increases resistance to various negative effects). [A powerful robe made from the scales of the Ocean Dragon, possessing incredible power in water.] [But be aware that wearing it has a certain probability of attracting the hostility of dragon-type creatures.] [Blue Dragon Blood] [Level]: Special Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only [Effect]: Can be used for the evolution of dragonkin creatures. [The hearts blood of an adult blue dragon, possessing terrifying energy.] All three items were impressive. The Forbidden Curse Scroll C Thunder Abyss was a one-time-use spell scroll capable of casting a forbidden curse that only epic-level powerhouses could perform C it was the most powerful and advanced spell that could be used outside of divine magic. Essentially, it was akin to an epic-level powerhouses ace in the hole, with immense destructive power.. Chapter 540 - Chapter 540: Gods and Giants Chapter 540: Gods and Giants Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After reuniting with Alice, under the guidance of the elven party led by Arlin, they headed towards the Fallen Sea. This frozen wilderness was covered in a labyrinth of intersecting ice rivers, and beneath the thick ice layers were navigable waterways, so there was no need to worry about the Lobster Guardian Knights and Dragon Horn Catfish, pure water-based troops, being unable to march. However, it did take a bit more time. As they approached the core area of the frozen wilderness, the howling winds grew stronger, and a snowstorm gradually swept in. Snowflakes, like flying blades, fell, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound. Elf Arlin, struggling against the blowing snow with her cloak, spoke loudly. Lord Ji Chen, 1 think we should find a place to take shelter from the snowstorm, or we could easily get lost in this frozen wilderness. Ji Chen, who was already wearing the Deep Sea Dragon Scale Robe, squinted at the relentless snowstorm, which showed no sign of stopping and even seemed to be intensifying. He pondered. How far are we from the Fallen Sea? About two-thirds of the way there. Alright, lets take a break. After saying that, to the surprise of Arlin and the other elves, Ji Chen commanded the army to blast a large hole in the ice and then had them jump in one by one. Jump in. Arlin and the others exchanged glances. Experience told them that if they jumped into the water, they would be quickly swallowed up by the frigid seawater. However, when they opened their eyes, they saw a huge bubble enveloping them, keeping the seawater out. Ji Chen and his troops moved freely in the water as if they were on land. Arlin and the others instantly understood that this was a military unit capable of underwater combat! No wonder they could cross the ocean to reach this frozen wilderness and even go to the Fallen Sea to obtain that thing. Thinking of the harsh conditions in the Fallen Sea, Arlin felt that this journey might have a better chance of success with Lord Ji Chen leading them. Perhaps he could really obtain the divine weapon and then lead them out! This sudden snowstorm not only halted Ji Chens advance but also had a similar effect on the Bass Kingdoms fleet approaching from a different direction, making them come to a sudden stop as well. Even the most formidable steel warships had no choice but to anchor and tremble in the presence of this devastating snowstorm, enduring its relentless onslaught. Damn it, how could a snowstorm suddenly arise? Duoru looked at the snowflakes crashing against the windowpane with an angry expression. Since setting out on the journey to find the divine relic, he felt like he had been having a streak of bad luck. First, the propeller was entangled in underwater plants, almost leading to an attack by a ridiculously large sea beast. Then, they were attacked by a large group of deviant ghosts right under his nose. Following that, a group of thieves stole his Tree of Life and Water of Life, and now they were suddenly caught in a snowstorm. Damn it, was someone or something working against him!? How far are we from that divine relic? Deceiver Duanbi, holding a glowing ancient compass in his hand, answered in a hoarse voice, About forty to fifty kilometers. Duoru cursed silently again. If not for this damn snowstorm, they would have arrived long ago. What worried him most now was whether those thieves would find the divine relic ahead of them. That was something he couldnt accept. But with the snowstorm raging outside so fiercely, those thieves probably cant make any progress either, right? A day had passed since the snowstorm began. Ten meters below the ice. The snowstorm above the ice had no impact here. Thousands of aquatic troops floated like statues around, awaiting the orders of their supreme lord. Lord Ji Chen, shall we continue forward? Arlin looked surprised at the man before her, dressed in splendid robes and exuding an extraordinary aura. Ji Chen nodded slightly. Just now, he received a message from Wang Shanyue that the Lienhardt army had already reached the gates of Ilkand City, and the siege would begin shortly. If everything went according to plan, the downfall of the Bass Kingdom was already a countdown. He couldnt afford to waste more time here. It was essential to acquire the divine weapon quickly and head to the Bass Kingdom to participate in the final battle. But the snowstorm is still raging, and we cant proceed on the surface. Then well move forward underwater, Ji Chen said with an authoritative tone. You just need to indicate the general direction. I wont lose my way underwater. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Arlin seemed stunned by Ji Chens words, and she couldnt muster any objection. She nodded obediently. Using his water control abilities, Ji Chen isolated Arlin and the other elves in a bubble, protecting them from the seawater. With their guidance, the group moved forward under the ice. Although the need to accommodate the elves significantly slowed their pace, they were, in fact, making progress toward their destination. Two days later. The snowstorm gradually subsided, and Ji Chen and his group were now very close to their destination. Finally, after bypassing an ice mountain about the size of a small island, the Ocean Crown troops leaped out of the water like flying fish and landed steadily on the ice. They had reached the so-called Fallen Sea.. Chapter 541 - Chapter 541: God and Giant (2) Chapter 541: God and Giant (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Before them lay an enormous crater, seemingly formed by the impact of a massive meteor. Seawater had poured in, creating a vast expanse akin to an ocean. Countless chunks of ice floated on the surface, each one housing frozen skeletons. In the gaps between these floating ice chunks, there were numerous bodies, packed together like dumplings in a boiling pot. The water was filled with an uncountable number of corpses, their expressions frozen in their final moments of life. Even though Ji Chen and his companions had mentally prepared themselves, they couldnt help but be deeply moved by this sight. How many bodies were here? It was astonishing that they nearly filled the entire surface of the water. Lord Ji Chen, this is indeed the Fallen Sea, Arlin whispered softly, her eyes still filled with shock. Despite having been here before, she remained awed. There were at least a hundred thousand corpses of faithful believers just on the waters surface, with many more submerged deeper below. From this spot, one could catch a glimpse of the brutal battle of faith that occurred tens of thousands of years ago. Under the guidance of the gods, countless fanatical believers fought to the death for their faith. The river ran red with blood, and broken weapons piled up like mountains. Ji Chen nodded slowly, his expression puzzled as he asked, So, where is that divine weapon? Its right at the deepest part of this water area, in the enormous crater that created this place when the object fell from the sky. Ji Chen gazed at the expanse of water before him, spanning at least several kilometers, and couldnt help but be amazed. Indeed, it was a divine weapon, and its grandeur was truly impressive. If an ordinary person were to arrive here, they would undoubtedly be at a loss when faced with the profound depths of the water. They would be unable to overcome the obstacles of oxygen and water pressure to venture deep beneath the surface. However, for Ji Chen and his companions, this was no obstacle at all; the aquatic environment was their domain! We can only wait for you here, Lord Ji Chen. We wish you every success. Ji Chen nodded slightly. Without wasting any time, he waved his hand, and one by one, they leaped into the water. As Ji Chen and the others disappeared on the waters surface, Arlin and the other elves began to pray silently. Oh great Mother Goddess of the Elves, may you protect Lord Ji Chen and grant him his wishes. The moment they entered this water expanse, Ji Chen felt an icy chill, not just physically but also in his soul. In these dark and gloomy waters, filled with drifting corpses, countless souls, both human, elven, and orc, seemed to converge upon them. They appeared grotesque, with vacant eyes, pallid faces, and dry, skeletal arms reaching out as if to drag them into the depths, all destined to perish in an eternal abyss. Ji Chen snorted coldly. The majesty of his legendary profession and the aura of the Deep Sea Dragon Scale Robe suddenly burst forth. These vengeful spirits screamed in terror as if they had encountered scalding hot oil, their eyes filled with boundless fear. They vanished from sight without looking back. The strong presence of his profession, his noble lineage, and his own robust power had a powerful and deadly effect on these vengeful spirits, which were essentially undead beings. To them, it felt like a toxic force. After driving away these vengeful spirits, Ji Chen waved his hand, leading the troops deeper into the water. As they moved through the sea filled with numerous floating and sinking bodies, when they descended to a depth of several hundred meters underwater, a brilliant blue light suddenly emerged in the dark and murky depths. A colossal pillar, which required the embrace of a dozen men and was thicker than the ancient trees in the Hidden Vale Village, was thrust diagonally into the seabed. Its material composition couldnt be discerned from the surface, but it was engraved with sacred and vast runic patterns. Soft blue radiance continuously emanated from it, casting the surroundings into a world of deep blue. With a single glance, it seemed as though one could see an immense expanse that filled the entire world, with surging waves at sea and tens of thousands of towering waves crashing toward them. Ji Chen instinctively held his breath. From the moment he first saw it, he couldnt take his eyes off it. He could distinctly feel a power emanating from it, as though controlling it would mean controlling the entire ocean. Was this a divine weapon? How f*cking long was this thing? The front end was deeply embedded in the rocks, and only a structure resembling the tip of a trident could be vaguely seen. As for the handle at the rear, it extended all the way to the waters surface, not to mention the parts that couldnt be seen for now. This divine weapon was unexpectedly hundreds of meters long! With such a massive weapon, was this divine being some kind of titan giant? As Ji Chen gazed at this behemoth, he couldnt help but fall into silence. How could he even pick up this weapon? Just as he remained silent, the map of the entire area suddenly displayed a multitude of bright red points, rapidly approaching their location. Ji Chens eyes narrowed. Everyone, prepare for battle! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He just issued the command when thousands of aquatic monsters with webbed feet, gills on their cheeks, and fin-like structures on their limbs, clearly a subspecies capable of living in water, swarmed toward them, contrasting with the ones on land. Aquatic Deviant Ghost, 5th tier, 1 star. The Aquatic Deviant Ghost coming from the other side all avoided the divine weapon as if they were deeply afraid of it. Ji Chen keenly noticed this and immediately gave the order. Form up a battle formation with the divine weapon at our backs! Chapter 542 - Chapter 542: God and Giant (3) Chapter 542: God and Giant (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Ocean Crowns army quickly moved into action. Their extensive experience in long-term battles and coordination allowed them to execute the command with precision. The Naga Legion, Dragonblood Legion, and Crab Guardians formed an outer defense, while the Silver Sea Pixies, Water Nymph Archers, and others formed an inner circle. At the center of it all stood Ji Chen and a group of heroes. Ji Chen glanced at the divine weapon not far away and spoke in a deep voice, Give it your all and buy me some time. Alice and the other heroes nodded solemnly. Anina led the charge, her Tier 5,1-star Aquatic Deviant Ghost appearing fragile in her hands as she effortlessly dispatched numerous foes, shattering them with each swing. Herald was even more brutal, hurling lightning orbs that annihilated hundreds of Aquatic Deviant Ghosts. His massive claws acted like the sharpest of swords, creating a bloody storm. Benbo, Alice, and the rest showcased their formidable combat abilities as well. The imposing presence of the heroes and the army stabilized the situation. Seeing that his heroes and troops had the situation under control, Ji Chen let out a sigh of relief and turned to approach the colossal divine weapon. When he reached a distance of fifty meters, an overwhelming pressure suddenly descended upon him. It felt as if he were carrying a massive boulder on his back, instantly pinning him to the seabed. His feet sank deep into the muck. Ji Chen clenched his teeth and unleashed the power of the Tidal Dominator. The Tide Domain expanded rapidly, reducing the pressure from the surrounding seawater. Although the pressure remained immense, it was bearable. He freed his legs from the muck and took one step at a time toward his destination. With each step, he sank back into the muck, and the pressure on his shoulders increased. When he was just twenty-five meters away, despite his best efforts to use the power of his domain, he found it increasingly difficult to withstand the pressure exerted by the divine weapon. He spat out a mouthful of blood and half-kneeled on the seabed. His vision darkened, and his consciousness began to blur. Just as Ji Chen was about to be completely engulfed by darkness, something deep within him seemed to be triggered. Ding! Your hidden Ocean Bloodline has come into effect. A warm current surged through his body, gradually awakening him. He was still facing the colossal divine weapon, but the pressure on his shoulders had vanished. It seemed that the pressure from the first twenty-five meters was merely a test for him. After a brief pause, Ji Chen gritted his teeth and stood up, continuing to move forward. He staggered forward, step by step, until he finally reached the enormous divine weapon, which was now within arms reach. With his right hand outstretched to touch it, his surroundings suddenly turned white, and he felt as if his body and soul were being drawn into a pure white world. In this white expanse, shades of deep blue began to appear, and Ji Chen caught a faint scent of the sea. In just a moment of daze, he found himself standing in the boundless ocean, with his feet on the waters surface but not sinking. In the distance, a giant figure connected the heavens and the earth. The clouds and mist in the sky only reached its chest, concealing its true appearance above. But it was not just that; this specific, mighty figure had no trace of clumsiness or bulkiness. The perfectly sculpted muscular lines and body contours were like a work of divine craftsmanship, showcasing the epitome of the golden ratio in the human body. It seemed even more flawless than the finest sculptures crafted by Michelangelo. In the colossal giants right hand, there was a stunning trident that stood hundreds of meters tall, akin to the Needle of the Sea God, suspended above the seas surface, exuding boundless power. Ji Chen knew that this was the divine weapon. And this giant was the fallen deity. This place was likely the inner consciousness space of the trident, which once served as a divine weapon, retaining a fragment of the deitys consciousness. Suddenly, Ji Chen felt that the gaze of this deity, high above in the clouds, seemed to glance at him in curiosity. But in the next moment, the trident radiated a blue light as brilliant as the sun or a meteor, directly descending into his chest. A vast, ocean-like power surged into his body. Ding! You are absorbing the power of the ocean. Ding! Your body is undergoing a transformation. Ding! Your primary profession is undergoing a change. Ding! Your Lords Talent is evolving. System notifications continued to chime, but Ji Chen no longer had the spare attention to read them. He was fully focused on absorbing this power. Energy was coursing through his body uncontrollably, and every cell in his body seemed to be expanding, with his heart pounding as if it were about to burst. But Ji Chen persevered. He knew that as long as he successfully absorbed the power of the ocean, he would enter a completely new and more powerful realm. This seemingly chaotic rush of energy was widening Ji Chens meridians and pathways, transforming his internal organs, spell circuits, and remaking them into new forms. With each collision, his cells grew stronger, weaker cells were crushed, and more powerful ones were born. Simultaneously, his body and appearance gradually changed, moving towards a more perfect form. Even the strands of his hair gradually turned deep blue. Outside. The Ocean Crown heroes who were engaged in battle suddenly noticed a burst of endless blue light behind them. They turned their heads and saw Ji Chen touching the divine weapon with his right hand. However, his face was filled with pain, and they couldnt help but show concern. Anina even subconsciously wanted to go back to him but was stopped by Alice. Our Lord is at a critical moment; do not disturb him! Well continue to resist the deviant ghosts and allow our Lord to complete everything without hindrance. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Upon hearing Alices words, Anina stopped and watched Ji Chen, who was growing stronger despite the apparent pain. She clenched her teeth and returned to the battle. Upon hearing this, Anina halted and observed Jichen, who, despite the pain on his face, was growing increasingly powerful. She gritted her teeth and returned to the fray. A sudden surge of her noble bloodline sent a long, mournful whales song from her lips. In its place, she transformed into a massive whale, measuring around forty to fifty meters in length, sporting dragon-like whiskers on her face. With a low growl, she advanced toward the horde of deviant ghosts. Her aim was clear C to unleash her fury upon these relentless specters! Chapter 543 - Chapter 543: The Fall of Ilkand City, Absorbing the Power of the Ocean Chapter 543: The Fall of Ilkand City, Absorbing the Power of the Ocean Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ilkand City. The estate of the Wasteland Guild. Zunong paced anxiously in the hall, his face filled with worry, glancing at the halls entrance from time to time. His clenched fists revealed his inner tension. When one of his trusted subordinates rushed into the hall, Zunong hurriedly approached and asked eagerly. How is it? Gasping for breath, his subordinate showed a letter covered in writing. This is a reply from Lady Monica. She promises that everything she said before is effective! As Zunong took the letter, a system prompt sounded. Ding- You have accepted the quest: Overthrow the Kingdom of Bass. Quest Provider: Monica, the daughter of the Grand Duke of Lienhardt. Minimum Requirement for the Quest: Open the east gate of Ilkand City at midnight today and complete the mission of inside-outside collaboration. Good, good, good! Zunong repeated good three times in a row, his face showing excitement that was hard to conceal. With the promise of such a high-ranking native, they no longer had to worry about retribution after the war and could ascend to a higher level! He quickly calmed down and gave orders in a low voice. Have our brothers prepare tonight. Once we open the east gate from inside, they will immediately launch an attack on the city, heading straight for the central Lord Manor at all costs, and capture the nobles of Ilkand City. This is our declaration and the key to determining our future status in the Grand Duchy of Lienhardt! Time passed slowly, and night fell. Zunong quietly left the estate, traversing the streets under curfew and evading the patrols of the Kingdom of Bass soldiers, eventually arriving at an abandoned and desolate drill ground not far from the east gate of the city. Looking at the silver moon hanging in the sky, a thought crossed his mind. The time is almost here; its time to begin. Zunong took out a Space Storage Sphere scroll from his backpack. It was a rare item he obtained from a high-level treasure chest a long time ago. When used, it could create a short-lived spatial gate connecting two locations. At this moment, this Space Storage Sphere scroll was their key to breaking through the heavily guarded city gate and capturing Ilkand City! Without hesitation, Zunong tore it open, and with a rippie of spatial fluctuations, a pale blue spatial gate, ten meters high and fifty meters wide, slowly formed in front of him. Due to the obstructing buildings around, no soldiers noticed the appearance of the spatial gate. After it stabilized, a unit of heavily armored cavalry that had been prepared in a hidden place outside the city began to enter. The spatial gate vanished only when two squads of one thousand elite heavy cavalry, each at the fifth-tier four-star ranking, had assembled on the deserted training field. People held their breath, horses gripped their bits, and hooves muffled in cloth. Under the leadership of the hero units, they advanced towards the eastern city gate. But the noise of so many cavalrymen running within the city quickly drew the attention of the soldiers of the Kingdom of Bass. Rapidly, flames lit up, and curses were heard. But it was too late. When the two units of heavily armored cavalry, a total of two thousand men, some of them leading, were exposed, they no longer concealed themselves and quickly charged toward the east gate. Some soldiers of the Kingdom of Bass rushed out from the side streets wanting to block their way, but when they saw heavily armored cavalry charging at them in the darkness, they were instantly frightened out of their wits. They had no desire to block infantry against heavily armored cavalrywhat were they thinking? However, there were also some brave soldiers who rushed forward, but under the iron hooves of the cavalry, they were as fragile as dolls and could not offer any resistance. When they saw the brightly lit east gate at the end of the street, the leading hero units eyes filled with madness. He raised his weapon and shouted loudly. For our lords loyalty, seize the city gate! Roar! The heavily armored cavalry began to accelerate, and in the frightened eyes of the soldiers guarding the gate, they violently collided. In a wooded area outside the east gate, five units of Lienhardts thousand-strong troops lay hidden, carefully peering into the distant Ilkand City. The towering and formidable city walls of Ilkand City, resembling hills, completely concealed the situation inside. Despite watching the city gate closely, there was still no sign of movement. The officer looked at the sky and whispered. So far, theres been no activity. Are those lords of glory feeling timid or have they abandoned the cause? Lets wait a bit longer. The officer furrowed his brow, feeling a sense of unease as well. For those Lords of Glory, breaking promises and flip-flopping were all too common occurrences. No one could guarantee if this was for real. But they received orders from Lady Monica, and all they could do was wait. As time ticked away, it quickly approached midnight. Seeing that there was still no sign of the city gate opening, the officer shook his head in disappointment and was about to leave with his subordinates. Then, the excited voice of his subordinate rang out. The city gate is opening! The officer fixed his gaze and saw that among the nine gates on the eastern city wall, a ten-meter-high gate was slowly opening from the inside, and there were people holding torches swaying. This was the signal that the city gate had been successfully controlled! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Could it be that those Lords of Glory actually succeeded? Without time to dwell on his astonishment, the officer immediately shouted loudly. All attack! Charge into the city and secure the gate! Over a thousand cavalrymen quickly mounted their horses and galloped forward, leading the way into the fully opened city gate. The rest of the soldiers followed suit, passing through the gate, which was several tens of meters thick. They set up defensive lines at the gate alongside the cavalry and opened even more city gates on the eastern city wall.. Chapter 544 - Chapter 544: The Fall of Ilkand City, Absorbing the Power of the Ocean (2) Chapter 544: The Fall of Ilkand City, Absorbing the Power of the Ocean (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The army of the Wasteland Guild, stationed outside the city, had been preparing for a while. The moment they received the news of the city gate being opened, they quickly established contact with Lienhardts army and rushed through the city gate into the city. Although the quality of the Wasteland Guilds troops was far inferior to the soldiers of the Bass Kingdom, their sheer numbers made up for it. The army of the Wasteland Guild stationed outside Ilkand City numbered in the hundreds of thousands. Under the Lords command, they fearlessly charged ahead. By the time the defenders of Ilkand City fully realized what was happening, over a hundred thousand player armies had already poured into the city and were heading towards the citys central Lord Manor. Lienhardts grand army also began its assault. Thousands of troops poured out from their camp and advanced towards Ilkand City. Inside the city. On the high tower of the mansion, Zunon leaned against the railing, watching as the flames soared high from the Eastern city gate. He excitedly clenched his fist, feeling the weight of worry lift from his heart. Its happening! As long as the city gate was fully breached, their Wasteland Guilds army, in conjunction with Lienhardts forces, would enter the city. The situation would then tilt entirely in their favor. With the city walls no longer protecting Ilkand City, its fall was only a matter of time. Guild Master, look at the western city wall! The previously silent western city gate had also erupted in towering flames. The deafening sounds of battle echoed, and fire-breathing dragons poured into the city through the gate, heading toward the city center. Zunons expression changed slightly. He remembered that the western city wall was where the Jungle Guild was stationed. Could it be that they also received a task from the Lienhardt Grand Duchy and decided to switch sides, just like them!? Damn it! If Pando and his group managed to capture the nobles of Ilkand City before them, wouldnt everything their Wasteland Guild had done be in vain? He couldnt accept that! Tell our brothers to accelerate the attack, at any cost! We must capture those Bass Kingdom nobles! Our future prosperity depends on this wave! With the sudden betrayal of the two major guilds, the smaller guilds and solo players belonging to the Bass Kingdom camp were at a loss, not knowing what to do. Fighting back might lead to their immediate annihilation, but not fighting back felt like they were betraying the Bass Kingdom. However, looking at the current situation, they all understood that Ilkand City was definitely on the brink of falling, and its surrender was just a matter of time. Damn it, why not just join the rebellion together? Who knows, we might even gain some benefits from it. At this moment, someone unexpectedly spoke up, suggesting an alternative course of action. This proposal garnered agreement from many players. They couldnt accept fighting alongside the Bass Kingdom to the death. However, there were also some players who refused the suggestion and chose to leave, wanting to avoid getting involved in this situation any further. As a result, a portion of the players willingly abandoned the commissions given to them by the Bass Kingdom and attempted to join the attacking forces. The Bass Kingdom soldiers stationed in Ilkand City numbered over a hundred thousand, and when combined with the player armies, defending the city wouldnt have been a significant challenge, thanks to the sturdy city walls and various fortifications. However, with the sudden betrayal of the Wasteland Guild and Jungle Guild, and the loss of control over the eastern and western city gates, the defenders of Ilkand City faced over two hundred thousand Lienhardt troops outside the city. The citys defenders no longer had the means to hold the city. Inside the Lord Manor, as the sounds of battle echoed throughout the city and flames leaped into the sky, the nobles of Ilkand City could no longer maintain their composure. Fear was evident in their eyes. At this point, they also understood that the fall of Ilkand City was only a matter of time. All the city gates, both east and west, had been seized, and their remaining forces were insufficient to reclaim them. The northern city wall was blocked by Lienhardts massive army, leaving no escape route there. Therefore, their only path to survival now lay to the south. That was the harbor of Ilkand City, which was cleared of the chaos left by the previous Lienhardt fleet attack. The first and second fleets were already on standby. Their only chance of survival was to board these ships. Without much hesitation, these nobles, who had once boasted of honor and courage but had gradually grown decadent in their opulent lives, now abandoned the hundred-thousand-strong army still fighting and rushed onto the warships with their families and personal guards to escape to the safer heartland of the kingdom. Only a small number of nobles, who still held onto a glimmer of courage, chose to stay behind and face the citys fate. The battle continued throughout the night. As the sky began to brighten with the orange hues of dawn, the suns rays illuminated the smoky Ilkand City. With the exception of a few scattered Bass Kingdom soldiers who persisted in resisting within the city, the majority of the territory had come under the rule of the Lienhardt army. The citys dominion, represented by the Lord Manor, now bore the flag of Lienhardt, signifying the shift in power within the city. Ilkand City had fallen. Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away in a remote sea area, a towering gateway still stood above the surface of the sea. The colossal sea creature that loomed in front of the gate seemed to sense something amiss and emitted sharp, urgent cries. Its thick, powerful tentacles thrashed about on the seas surface, its massive body rolling beneath the waves, creating surging tsunamis. In its house-sized head, crimson eyes revealed a deep-seated anger. The power of the ocean had disappeared. It was those thieves, those thieves who had stolen its power of the ocean! They must pay!! Anina reverted from her whale form to her human form, her complexion slightly pale. She watched as the defense line, which had been cleared just moments ago, was now being overrun by even more aquatic deviant ghosts. She clenched her silver teeth in frustration. These aquatic deviant ghosts seemed endless. For every one they killed, more came pouring in, filling every inch of their vision. Facing these aquatic deviant ghosts, who were just as fearless, their army suffered increasingly heavy casualties. The once-solid defense line now resembled a sieve, and the deviant ghosts frequently broke through, wreaking havoc among the rearranged units. Over two-thirds of their forces were now dead, and the remaining soldiers were wounded to varying degrees. To make matters worse, they had no choice but to stand their ground here; any retreat, even a slight one, would disrupt Lord Ji Chens process of absorbing power. After a brief respite, Anina once again joined the battle, wielding her greatsword. Youve all worked hard, a familiar voice suddenly sounded in their ears, causing the heroes to tremble with joy. They wore expressions of happiness on their faces. My Lord! Ji Chen smiled and nodded. A glint of focus shone in his eyes as he clenched his fist slightly, feeling the immense power coursing through his body. His mood was incredibly joyful. If he were a slightly turbulent river before, he now resembled a vast and mighty sea. Deeper and more majestic. With every movement. As long as he wished, it seemed like he could unleash earth-shattering, mountain-moving power. His perception, which used to be limited to nearby surroundings, now spread infinitely into the distance. Every drop of seawater felt like an extension of his body. He could easily notice the subtle shifts in the waters movement, the ripples created by things moving within it, and the various elements and energies that filled the surroundings. And the changes brought by the ocean power contained in the divine weapon were not limited to just that. Looking at the significant changes happening on his personal panel, Ji Chen revealed a satisfied smile. This journey was indeed right on the mark. His strength had grown several times more than before, almost undergoing a transformation! Watching the countless Aquatic Deviant Ghosts rushing towards him, a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only With a slight thought. The formidable magic power erupted like a volcanic eruption. All the Aquatic Deviant Ghosts within a radius of two hundred meters were crushed as if by a hydraulic press, instantly turned into mush by the surrounding seawater. Just one strike obliterated tens of thousands. Seeing this gruesome scene, even the craziest Deviant Ghosts couldnt help but be stunned. They remained frozen until another wave of their kind turned into mush, and only then did they react in a panic, scrambling to crawl away on all fours. However, in just a short moment, they disappeared from the sight of everyone.. Chapter 545 - Chapter 545: Transformation, The Ship Is Here Chapter 545: Transformation, The Ship Is Here Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Seeing that he could inflict such damage with just a casual strike, Ji Chen couldnt help but smile again. In the past, he had to use specific weapons like swords, spears, and axes to harm his enemies. But now, he could inflict harm through the compression of seawater, a significant demonstration of his enhanced water manipulation abilities. The former method was superficial, while the latter delved into the essence of water control, resulting in a significantly faster killing speed. He called it efficiency. The changes brought about by the power of the ocean were enormous. His primary profession, the Tidal Dominator, which was originally at the Orange Legend tier, had evolved into the Golden Epic tier as the Ocean Dominator. Though both held the title of Dominator, one was Tidal and the other was Ocean, making it clear who was superior. Looking at the series of golden skills on his panel, anyone would feel immense joy. Furthermore, his Lord Talent, Seas Favor, had also evolved, acquiring a brand new feature. Within the ocean s range, immunity to certain death, curses, and tracking effects and skills. This directly nullified a considerable number of malicious skills. Ji Chen wasnt afraid to confront opponents head-on, but he dreaded those sneaky creatures lurking in the shadows, casting curses and tracking spells on him, making him feel sick and uncomfortable. What surprised him the most was gaining a chance at resurrection, even though it was a one-time opportunity, its immense value couldnt be concealed. This meant having an extra life! With an additional life in the game, he could take even bolder actions. Lt was like having an added layer of insurance. Apart from this, Ji Chen could sense that there were more changes to his body and strength, but he would need to take the time to experience and feel them in the days to come. Returning to his senses, Ji Chen looked at the enormous trident. After absorbing the power of the ocean, it had become dim and lifeless, as if it had lost all its spirituality. The gentle ripples of water suddenly turned into a burst of powder. This so-called divine weapon was, in essence, a manifestation of the ocean s power condensed by that giant divine being. The trident s form was merely an external representation. Once the ocean s power that composed it was completely absorbed by him, it naturally couldnt maintain its form and disintegrated. Without wasting any more time, Ji Chen beckoned, leading the heroes and the remaining troops back to the shore. When rhe elves on the shore saw them emerging from the water, a deep sense of joy appeared on their faces. Arlin stepped forward, intending to say something, but when she saw Ji Chens face, her face suddenly turned uncontrollably red. Why did she feel that Ji Chen had become even more handsome? His eyes were as deep and captivating as obsidian, and his aura was as mysterious and profound as the vast ocean. With a trembling voice, she asked, Lord Ji Chen, did yousucceed?11 Ji Chen climbed onto the shore, smiled faintly, and nodded. 1 didnt disappoint you. Thats wonderful! The elves showed expressions of joy, but at that moment, the sound of artillery fire suddenly rang out in the distance. Ji Chen raised his head and quickly grinned. Those two Bass Kingdom fleets were under heavy attack by a large number of aquatic deviant ghosts, looking quite disorganized. If he guessed correctly, those must be the aquatic deviant ghosts that had besieged Anina and her group but were frightened away by his strike. It was quite a coincidence that they had run into the belated Bass Kingdom fleets. Ji Chen turned to Arlin and said with a smile, Look, our ride is here. Duoru looked at the grimacing deviant ghosts crawling on the ships rails and decks, and his eyelids twitched. Damn it, how could these ghostly creatures still move underwater? They took them completely by surprise. One of the escort ships suffered a dire fate. These relentless ghostly creatures threw themselves recklessly into rhe slowly rotating propeller. The propeller overheated and triggered an explosion, blasting a hole in the ship s rear. Sea water surged in, bringing the deviant ghosts directly into the compartments, where they ruthlessly devoured every soldier within. This was the first battleship they lost since the third and fourth fleers set out on their expedition. Lt sunk dramatically in the icy sea. But if they could obtain that divine relic, these losses would be tolerable. How far are we from that divine relic? Its gone What do you mean, its gone? Duoru frowned and pressed for more information. The aura of the divine relic has disappeared. Duoru looked at the Deceiver, who was staring blankly at rhe compass spinning wildly in his hand as if he had realized something. Doesnt this meanthe divine relic has already been taken?! His expression suddenly changed, and he gritted his teeth. Damn it, it must be those thieves. They found the location of the divine relic before them. With the guidance of the compass, they spent a full two days traversing this dozens of kilometers of icy and glacier-covered terrain. Duoru couldnt understand how those thieves could find the location of the divine relic so quickly and accurately. However, since the aura had just disappeared, it meant that the thieves hadnt gone too far yet. If they could catch up to them, they might still have a chance to recover it! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only With that in mind, Duoru gave a stern command, Full firepower, rake care of these damned deviant ghosts! Keep moving forward! Were going to reclaim whats rightfully ours from those vile thieves! No need to search anymore, Ive arrived. A faint voice echoed in Duorus ears, and his expression instantly changed as he looked up at a figure not far away. A young man in a deep blue robe, with several rings on his fingers and a wisp of blue in his hair, was standing calmly on the waters surface, looking at him with a hint of mockery in his eyes.. Chapter 546 - Chapter 546: Transformation, The Ship Is Here (2) Chapter 546: Transformation, The Ship Is Here (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Seeing the appearance of this man, Duoru couldnt help but feel a surge of jealousy. How could this man be so handsome? He was even more handsome than the male elves secretly raised in his mansion! His demeanor was also extraordinary, as if he walked on the water with the composure of the vast and boundless sea, naturally instilling a sense of awe and submission in peoples hearts. With the arrival of this man, the deviant ghosts, who had been growling and scratching moments ago as if they had encountered something terrifying, suddenly changed their fierce expressions to ones of fear and panic. They hastily leaped off the warship and vanished into the water. Duorus mind abruptly jolted, snapping him out of his emotions, and his eyes were now filled with anxiety. Who are you to dare to snatch something from our Kingdom of Bass? You should be very clear about my identity, Ji Chen replied with a faint smile. I was present the first time you attacked Feiguang City. Oh, by the way, the Deceiver next to you should also know me. I even captured a Revered Envoy named Katie from your side. Duoru was slightly stunned but quickly realized. His eyes almost spewed fire. So, it was this guy! The Lord of Glory who singlehandedly destroyed their Bass Kingdoms attack on Feiguang City, captured the Eighth Fleet, and outwitted the fool known as Shalifa. He dug up the Tree of Life right under their noses and even got his hands on divine treasures before them. After causing so much damage to their interests, this guy actually dared to appear in front of them so brazenly!? This is outrageous!! Thinking of being played all the way, Duoru shouted in anger. All cannons, aim at him, blast him to pieces!! Watching as the muzzles of dozens of warships from two fleets slowly pointed at him, Ji Chens face showed no fear, and a faint smile curved at the corner of his mouth. Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river (T/N: a Chinese idiom that suggests that circumstances can change over time, and what is dominant or advantageous in one place or period may become less so in another). Do you still think Im the same as before Uh, sorry, I got carried away there. Ji Chen just raised his right hand, and clumps of seawater quickly filled the various-sized gun barrels, hardening like cement. Skill: Cement Seal! Duorus pupils shrank dramatically, cursing in anger, Cease fire! But it was too late, other warships had already pulled down the firing levers. Boom The completely blocked gun barrels suffered a detonation, and the slender, integrated gun barrels were violently torn apart into several pieces by the intense energy, opening up like petals, which was quite comical. Report, all of our gun barrels are now scrap! Duoru was so furious that he almost wanted to spit blood. He didnt expect Ji Chen to have such a cunning trick. Youre too despicable! Without the cannons on their steel warships, they were essentially like lifeless steel coffins adrift on the water, no longer capable of posing any danger. Ji Chen casually created water ladders, arrived at the bow of the ship, and said in an unwavering tone. You now have two choices. One is to surrender and become prisoners, so you can still return alive. The second is death. You have one minute to consider. Looking at the cannons of his warship that could be blown up with ease, and facing such a powerful enemy, all the soldiers fell silent, filled with fear, waiting for orders from Duoru. However, Duorus eyes were extremely red. He punched through the command rooms glass and jumped out, and his body suddenly burst with a powerful aura. Do you think that destroying the cannons will allow you to capture us? Im not that fool Shalifa! 1 will make you pay!! Saying that, Duorus body expanded several times, instantly turning into a tall man over two meters high. His footsteps left shallow footprints on the deck as he roared lowly, charging towards Ji Chen with a surging momentum. Many soldiers eyes filled with hope. Their commander was a famous warrior in the kingdom, who once fought and killed hundreds of giants single-handedly, and even defeated a ground-dwelling dragon! Perhaps he could teach this arrogant enemy a lesson! Watching the charging Duoru, Ji Chen shook his head and waved his hand. Suddenly, a figure rushed out behind him, moving at the speed of a cannonball, and in the blink of an eye, collided with Duoru. Immediately after, one of them was sent flying backward. Many soldiers of the Bass Kingdom widened their eyes, dumbfounded. Because the one sent flying was their commander, Duoru! Anina let out a sigh of relief and looked disdainfully at Duoru, who was embedded in the steel plate on the bridge, unable to move. Punching the Eighth Fleet commander, Shalifa, and kicking the Third Fleet commander, Duoru, into submission. Do you understand the value of being the commander killer of the Bass Kingdom fleet? Witnessing their own commander being thrashed on the bridge like a ragdoll, all the soldiers of the Bass Kingdom lost their will to fight. They exchanged helpless glances and, in the end, chose to raise the white flag. Its not that they didnt want to fight, but the truth was that there was no chance of winning this battle. When even their own commander was beaten into such a state, what could these little soldiers possibly do to resist desperately? Ji Chen saw that the soldiers were cooperating like this, and nodded slightly. If they chose not to surrender, fought to the death, or even destroyed the warships, it would mean there would be no ships to transport the elves of Vale anymore. At this moment, he suddenly noticed that the Deceiver had arrived on the deck, looking somewhat unusual. Ji Chen furrowed his brows. Surrender now. You have no chance of winning this war. When he said you, he was not referring to these two fleets but rather the Deceiver organization. Only to see that the Deceivers eyes were filled with resentment and bitterness. They planned for this war for so long, paying an immeasurable price. Everything was going smoothly. If they had successfully taken Feiguang City at that time, they would have been able to quickly annihilate Lienhardt and use its resources for the war, followed by the destruction of the Thorey Kingdom and the Pelan Kingdom. This would have allowed them to unify the vast land along the northwest coast under the control of the Bass Kingdom. And the Deceiver would have reappeared before the world, no longer hiding like sewer rats, ending thousands of years of oppression. But all of this was ruined by a Glory Lord named Ji Chen. How could they not feel resentment? Do you think you already have won the game? You lowly Glory Lord! You, who gain power from those deities, vile and dirty Divine Patron, I will make you pay!! A hint of madness appeared in the Deceivers eyes as he sneered and took out a scroll and a dagger. Ji Chen immediately felt that something was wrong and wanted to intervene, but it was already too late. The Deceiver stabbed the dagger into his own heart, and the bright red blood sprayed onto the scroll, instantly emitting a dazzling red light. Immediately after, the scroll broke free from its bindings and flew into the air, exploding into a red dot. Ji Chens expression became serious at this moment because he felt that the nearby spatial nodes were becoming fragile, and the previously stable spatial structure was gradually collapsing. Suddenly, a dark crack-like line appeared in the sky, and then, like shattered glass, a spiderweb-like crack blossomed in the air, connecting into a ten-meter-wide eye-shaped rift in an instant. Amidst a piercing, soul-chilling screech akin to a steamships whistle, a jagged tentacle, as thick as several human arms, reached out from the collapsing tear in space. It kept widening the fracture, and the monstrous sea creature from the outside world was making its way through the ruptured spatial rift! Ji Chens expression changed slightly, and he immediately said, Alice, take Arlin and the others away from here quickly! Realizing the urgency of the situation, Alice nodded and quickly led the elf team away. As the tentacles continued to shift and press, the rift kept expanding and tearing apart. The colossal body, akin to an iceberg, was squeezing its way in. Once Alice and her team had retreated over a thousand meters away, the full appearance of the tentacles master became completely visible. Eight massive tentacles, as thick as ancient trees, capable of raising waves several meters high with a single movement, covered in countless suction cups, and inside those suction cups were rows of razor-sharp teeth, emitting a chilling cold light. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only On the head, which was as large as a castle, there were two huge crimson eyes like windows, projecting beams of light. The creature before his eyes, towering over sixty to seventy meters above the sea surface, single-handedly causing a tidal wave that swept through most of the Western Ocean, was none other than a giant octopus. [North Sea Monster: KrakenJ [Tier]: Gold-tier Epic [Level]: 55 Chapter 547 - Chapter 547: Kraken, a New Move Chapter 547: Kraken, a New Move Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation When this colossal octopus, the Kraken of the Northern Sea, floated on the waters surface, it cast a massive shadow below. The Bass Kingdom soldiers standing on the deck were already dumbfounded, their faces filled with shock and fear. If the warships cannons were still intact, they might have had the courage to launch an attack. However, most of the cannons had already exploded, and the remaining ones were as feeble as small water pipes. It seemed unlikely that they could inflict any effective damage on this behemoth. The Kraken, with eyes like crimson spotlights, scanned these steel constructions floating on the water. It flashed a hint of disgust and anger. On its way here, it was attacked by more than ten of these metallic creations. Although it eventually submerged them all, it sustained considerable damage from the high-speed projectiles, slowing down its progress. But now was not the time to deal with these metal constructs. The Kraken turned its attention to the human not far away, detecting an aroma more enticing than food itselfan aroma that it had longed for in its dreams. Greed filled its eyes. The power of the ocean was within this human! As long as it could obtain this power, it would gain the capital to command countless sea creatures and become the master of this vast ocean! It raised one of its tentacles, wielding it like a whip, a simple motion that appeared terrifying due to its immense size, akin to a giant tree crashing down. Ji Chen remained unfazed, controlling the water to carry himself out of the range of the tentacles attack. He conjured hundreds of water-formed weapons without sparing a glance, then casually launched them. The Krakens body was too massive; even casual shots were bound to hit. To Ji Chens amazement, when the hundreds of water-formed weapons, capable of piercing through solid gold and breaking rocks, hit the Krakens body, they were all repelled by a see-through layer of scales. All that remained were faint white marks. This colossal creature had a formidable defense, even on such a colossal body? This thought only flashed in Ji Chens mind briefly. He didnt have time to dwell on it. He swiftly moved to the side, barely leaving a ten-meter gap between himself and the tentacle. The next moment, the tentacle crashed into the water, creating a massive splash, sending water sprays tens of meters high into the air. The Krakens size was simply colossal, and it was the first time Ji Chen had ever seen such a massive behemoth. Each tentacle had a width of three to four meters, and their lengths reached nearly sixty to seventy meters. Any casual strike formed a vast attack area. The eight tentacles swung almost without any attack intervals, forming an impenetrable web of attacks. This was enough to make any ordinary enemy despair. However, Ji Chen maneuvered skillfully between these tentacles, seemingly on the verge of being struck each time but narrowly avoiding them. This performance left the Bass Kingdom soldiers in awe, and they couldnt help but exclaim in astonishment. In their hearts, they couldnt help but pray for him. If Ji Chen were to be struck down by the tentacle, their situation would truly be hopeless. They didnt believe that this giant octopus would spare them; to it, they were delectable morsels. As they watched Ji Chen narrowly escape being slapped to death by the tentacles time and time again, the Kraken finally realized what was happening and let out an angry roar. This human was toying with it! Seeing the Krakens reaction, a smile appeared on Ji Chens face. After all, sea creatures were still sea creatures, and they would ultimately follow their savage instincts. His previous evasion without retaliation, which appeared quite miserable, was deliberate. He was observing the Krakens attack patterns. The power of the ocean endowed him with a keen perception. Whether the Kraken swung its tentacles horizontally or struck vertically, whether it attacked to the right or the left, the disturbance of the seawater had already been pre-sensed by him, allowing him to evade in time. At first, he was very cautious and alert in his mind. After all, the Kraken was the first epic-level enemy he had faced head-on. With the title of epic-level, it should have had a powerful attack method, such as formidable magic or bloodline abilities. However, during these dozens of minutes of evasion and probing, he realized a problem. This big guy seemed to only know how to use its tentacles to attack in a straightforward and brutish manner. It was just too stupid! If the Kraken knew what Ji Chen was thinking, it would probably argue righteously. It only needed its massive body and eight swinging tentacles to flatten all kinds of enemies. Why bother evolving other attack abilities? After completely understanding the Krakens attack pattern, Ji Chen lost patience with further entanglement. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only After narrowly evading another powerful tentacle strike, he retreated several hundred meters away. His deep-sea dragon scale robe glowed faintly, and three fully blue, approximately ten-meter-long elemental water dragons appeared abruptly, soaring towards the Kraken. [Water Dragon Summoning (Summons three elemental water dragons with 50% of the users power, capable of independent combat)] Having possessed half of Ji Chens strength referred to half of his power in the magical sense, not the power of the ocean. It pertained to the Lords innate talent for this more profound form of power. Three elemental water dragons spewed water arrows, causing obvious discomfort to the Kraken. Even the speed of its swinging tentacles increased. However, the elemental water dragons flapped their wings with agility, evading the attacks, and soared into the sky beyond the reach of the tentacles. They continuously spewed water arrows, making the Kraken very uncomfortable.. Chapter 548 - Chapter 548: Kraken, a New Move (2) Chapter 548: Kraken, a New Move (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The originally crimson eyes became even more vibrant as if they were about to radiate a red glow. You despicable human, youve actually summoned elemental creatures! In that case, it shall summon as well! The Kraken ignored the elemental water dragons attacks. Instead, its tentacles delved into the shattered space rift behind it, churning it vigorously. Over time, this caused a rift to emerge near the waters surface, measuring tens of meters in width and more than ten meters in height. A multitude of sea creatures poured out of the rift. Ji Chens eyes showed some surprise. There were actually such methods? The Kraken waved its tentacles to maintain the creation of the rift. Under the web-like cracks that filled the sky, hundreds of sea creatures rushed forward with bared teeth and claws, while Ji Chen faced them alone. This scene resembled a legendary mural, depicting a lone hero confronting evil. However, he was not alone. Suddenly, in the distant sky, a shower of arrows appeared, falling down in torrents and piercing through hundreds of sea creatures instantly. It was Alice and her team, who had returned to support. Following the arrow shower were spells and lightning bolts, shining like shooting stars as they fell into the surging sea creature horde, bursting like fireworks. Flesh and blood splattered, and the seawater was dyed red in an instant. Immediately afterward, other melee units rushed into the battlefield, dealing death to the enemy with their weapons. Lord, weve come back to support you! Alice hurried over and immediately used her singing to incite over a thousand sea creatures to rebel and attack their own kind. Ji Chen nodded and wasted no time. Alice, Benbo, leads the army to engage the sea creatures. Anina, Herald, assist me in attacking this giant octopus. Anina nodded, facing the epic-tier Kraken, she didnt dare to underestimate it. This was the most formidable enemy she had ever faced in her life, but she felt no fear in her heart. In an instant, she transformed into a giant whale and charged forward. Herald also vibrated his wings and flew towards it. As a raging bloodline of the deep-sea Naga, he felt no fear. Because it needed to maintain the spatial rift, the Kraken could only summon four of its tentacles to counterattack. Anina, transformed into a giant whale, was about forty to fifty meters long, and even relative to the massive body of the Kraken, she didnt appear small at all. After dodging the first wave of fierce attacks, she quickly clamped her bloodthirsty jaws onto the tentacles break point. Her bone-crushing teeth penetrated the protective scales, sinking deep into the flesh and continuously tearing and shaking. The intense pain from the tentacle made the Kraken roar in anger, trying to shake off the giant whales bite by swinging it around. However, the giant whale seemed as if it was firmly anchored and couldnt be shaken off no matter how hard it tried. The Kraken had no choice but to use another tentacle to strike. The giant whale felt as though it had been struck by a heavy hammer, and with a painful groan, it released its grip. The tentacle that had been bitten was almost severed, with only a small portion still attached. However, the damaged part was visibly regenerating at an astonishing speed, and it wouldnt be long before it healed completely. Just as the Kraken was about to continue its attack on the giant whale, Herald, who had circled around to the side, launched an attack. He flashed like a streak of blue light, leaving several deep wounds on the tentacle. Utilizing his advantage of flight, Herald agilely maneuvered between the three remaining tentacles, leaving behind a trail of wounds. The Kraken was both shocked and furious. Since it had ascended to the epic level, it had never been in such a sorry state before. The blood within its body boiled like boiling water, and immense power surged from its several hearts. The wounds on its tentacles rapidly healed, and its strength increased several times over. The Kraken seized the opportunity when Herald was about to launch another attack. Its tentacle swiftly struck, sending Herald flying like a ball. This strike contained terrifying power, enough to shatter an iceberg. Even with Heralds formidable constitution, he still suffered fractures in more than a dozen bones and coughed up a large amount of blood, looking dejected. The giant whale, Anina, emerged from underwater, intending to bite once more, but her body was bound by the Krakens four tentacles. The suction cups on the tentacles teeth deeply pierced her body, releasing a massive amount of paralyzing toxin and sucking her blood. The giant whale let out a mournful cry. Although the paralyzing toxin had little effect on her due to her bloodline, a large amount of blood was being sucked away, and her strength was dwindling rapidly. Thousands of sharp teeth continued to tear into her flesh as if she had been thrown into a meat grinder. It was as if her body was being constantly cut by a thousand sharp blades. At this moment, several streaks of blue light suddenly flashed, cutting through the tentacles that had bound the giant whale, and she quickly escaped to a safe distance. She reverted to her human form, covered in injuries, her face pale as snow. Lord, I Anina looked at the Lord, a hint of self-blame and fear flashing in her eyes. Ji Chen shook his head and said, You both rest for now. I will deal with it. Anina and Heralds performances were within his expectations. After all, one was a Red-Legacy Tier and the other an Orange-Legend Tier, which were far inferior to the already Epic Tier Kraken. Tier was an important factor in determining strength, and the gap in power between two tiers was quite substantial. Moreover, both of them were of lower levels than the Kraken, making the difference even more pronounced. Ji Chens expression turned solemn as he suddenly activated his Domain. [Ocean Domain (Golden skill, can expand a domain with a radius of eight hundred meters, reducing all enemy attributes within the domain by 0-90%, the effect depends on the difference in strength between enemies and the user, reducing 50% physical and magical damage, reducing 50% mana consumption; the domain can absorb nearby water sources, forming a suspended water domain in the air).] His primary profession had evolved into an Epic Tier, and the Tidal Dominator, which was Orange Tier, had evolved into the Golden Tier Ocean Dominator. The domain instantly covered the Kraken with a radius of eight hundred meters. Ding- The Ocean Domain envelops the enemy: North Sea Monster Kraken, reducing its attributes by 30%. The immense power of the domain directly stripped away 25% of the Krakens attributes, equivalent to weakening it by almost a third. This effectively compensated for the power difference between the two sides due to their levels and even tilted the balance in favor of Ji Chen. Feeling his body and strength suddenly weaken significantly, the Krakens crimson eyes showed a look of shock. This a domain? This human actually possessed the power of a domain!? It couldnt be, absolutely impossible! Even it, the Kraken, didnt have a domain. How could this human possess one? Even though the Krakens mind was not mature, at this moment, it felt jealousy towards humans. Fueled by anger and jealousy, it retracted the four tentacles that were maintaining the spatial rift. The rift was instantly repaired by the power of the Mystic Realm, and some sea beasts that were caught in the middle were instantly split into two, with one part inside and the other outside. The Kraken churned its massive body and swung its eight tentacles wildly, intent on tearing this human apart on the spot. However, when the Kraken voluntarily entered the domain and didnt retreat, its fate had already been sealed. Ji Chen raised his hand and, with the domains enhancement, easily condensed thousands of water-based weapons. They fell like a shower of rain, easily penetrating the Krakens previously impenetrable scales, sinking deep into its flesh like silver needles. The Kraken screamed in agony but showed no intention of stopping, instead putting all its effort into using its bloodline power to repair its injuries. However, the water-based weapons that had entered its body didnt dissipate. They remained lodged in its flesh like thorns in the throat. Ji Chen watched as the Kraken charged towards him without regard for its own safety and lightly snapped his fingers. Bang- Bang A series of crisp and short explosions rang out, and blue blood mist burst from the Krakens body. Milky-white chunks of flesh tumbled, and its body was covered in craters. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Those water-based weapons that remained inside its body became small explosives, constantly exploding within its body. When the commotion subsided, the Kraken had already collapsed onto an iceberg, no longer capable of launching an attack. Its alluring blue blood spread on the icy surface. Ji Chen slowly revealed a smile. This was a new technique he had developed after absorbing the power of the ocean. He infused mana into the water-based weapons, then detonated the mana when they penetrated the enemys body, causing massive damage. The Kraken had become the first victim of this technique.. Chapter 549 - Chapter 549: Sandbag, the Giant North Sea Monster Submits Chapter 549: Sandbag, the Giant North Sea Monster Submits Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation However, the Krakens recovery speed far exceeded Ji Chens imagination. In just a few seconds, the wounds on its body were visibly healing at an astonishing rate, and its tentacles became active once more. After all, an epic tier creature possessed innate, powerful bloodline strength. The Krakens bloodline power was a terrifying regenerative ability, as long as it didnt suffer catastrophic damage in an instant, the power surging from deep within its bloodline could continuously heal its body. Furthermore, the Kraken belonged to the family of sea creatures with exceptionally robust vitality, making it nearly indestructible when combined with its bloodline power. Ji Chen was initially surprised, but then a peculiar smile crossed his face. Being able to heal wounds rapidly, wasnt this just a living punching bag? Coincidentally, he advanced to the epic tier and he had many new techniques he wanted to try. So, he decided to use this giant octopus as a test subject. After recovering most of its injuries, the Kraken charged towards him vigorously once more. In its crimson eyes, excitement was evident. Human, you cannot kill me; my power is endless! Suddenly, a rapidly spinning vortex appeared on the seas surface. In just a few seconds, it expanded to hundreds of meters in size. The massive Kraken was caught off guard and was pulled into it. Despite its efforts to move its body, it was still drawn in by the enormous suction force of the vortex. As the vortex rapidly spun, every drop of seawater inside it turned into sharp blades, rotating at high speed under the influence of magic. The Kraken let out a painful cry as it was pulled into the depths of the sea, reaching a depth of a hundred meters. It was disoriented and then forcibly pushed back to the surface of the sea with great force, in a sorry state. Ji Chen looked at the Kraken, now paralyzed once again, and couldnt help but wear an evil smile. Anina and Herald watched the arrogant North Sea Monster being toyed with like a plaything by the Lord. They were dumbfounded. A deep sense of reverence arose in their hearts. On this day, in this desolate frozen wilderness, the endless and desolate screams echoed. Once again, the Kraken was pounded onto an iceberg like a lump of mud, miserable. At this point, it was covered in various wounds, and its recovery speed was no longer as impressive as before. Bloodline power was not limitless; it had a threshold. After being knocked down dozens of times, the Krakens bloodline power was approaching depletion. The force pumped by its heart was as dry as a dried-up riverbed, unable to squeeze out another drop. Ji Chen was contemplating whether to continue when he heard the Kraken emit a sound that resembled a babys crying. He paused, perplexed. Was this the Kraken crying because it got beaten up? At this moment, the Kraken was deeply saddened. It originally believed that after lurking for hundreds of years and ascending to the epic tier, it could become the master of this ocean like its ancestors. However, reality handed it a big slap in the face. A tiny human could humiliate it, slapping it around like trash. Its proud and mighty regenerative power became the other partys means to play with it at will. Who could endure such humiliation? The Kraken felt that its dignity was being trampled upon ruthlessly. Seeing that Ji Chen seemed inclined to continue, it suddenly begged. Chirp! (Stop it, I surrender!) Ji Chen was slightly taken aback; this octopus could speak? In fact, when any race evolves to a certain extent, they develop ways to communicate with other species. This was a commonality among higher beings. Chirp! (I dont want the power of the ocean anymore; Ill leave immediately!) With that, the Kraken, battered and bruised, tried to leave. However, when it turned around, it found itself surrounded by thousands of solidified water weapons. Having suffered from this once, its hair stood on end in fear. At its current state, it couldnt withstand another such attack, or it would definitely meet its demise. Chirp! (Human, youve gone too far! I said I dont want the power of the ocean anymore. What else do you want?) Ji Chen stared at the Kraken with a cold expression. You came here on your own accord. Wouldnt it be an embarrassment for me if you just leave as you when you want? Hmph, you coveted my power of the ocean and injured my two subordinates. Shouldnt you compensate? The Krakens eyes rolled around, trying to understand. According to the memories it inherited from its bloodline, relationships in the sea were typically based on the law of the jungle, where everything was obtained through plunder, and there was no concept of compensation. Could this be a human thing? The Kraken secretly thought and then carefully used its tentacles to gently roll up a shark-shaped sea creature nearby, placing it on the waters surface not far from Ji Chen. Chirp! (Human, this is compensation. Can you let me go now?) ? This time, Ji Chen was truly stunned, as he had never expected such a turn of events. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only After thinking it over, it seemed he understood something. He calmly stated, Ill give you two choices now. One is death, and the other is to enter into a master and slave contract with me. Chirp!!! (A master and slave contract? Impossible! The great bloodline of the North Sea Monster will never submit to anyone!) The Krakens reaction was extremely intense. As a being with a powerful bloodline, the ruler of the North Sea, it had never submitted to any other race. As far as it could trace its ancestry, there were no memories of the North Sea Monster ever submitting to another race.. Chapter 550 - Chapter 550: Sandbag, the Giant North Sea Monster Submits (2) Chapter 550: Sandbag, the Giant North Sea Monster Submits (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The only existing memory it had was from ancient times when one of its ancestors signed a contract with an extremely powerful entity to help manage the ocean. However, even then, they were considered equals! Apart from that, there were no memories of the North Sea Monster bloodline ever submitting. They were always the ones enslaving other sea races. There was no memory of anyone else enslaving them, let alone a mere human! Ji Chens expressionless face revealed a cold smile, causing the Kraken to instinctively close its mouth. Several tens of minutes later. Chirp- (I agree, 1 agree, please dont attack me again), the Kraken weakly said as it lay helplessly on the ice, tears of despair flowing from its window-like large eyes. It looked at Ji Chen with fear in its eyes. This human was simply not human. He used such horrifying methods to torture it. No wonder the memories left by its ancestors warned it not to provoke powerful humans, as it could very well lead to the extinction of their bloodline. It just became an epic-tier sea creature and didnt want to die so soon. Seeing this, Ji Chen didnt waste any time and immediately drafted a master and slave contract. Under the witness of the worlds rules, he completed the contract with the Kraken. The moment the contract took effect, the life of this giant octopus was entirely in his hands. Ding- The master and slave contract is in effect. North Sea Monster: Kraken (Epic Tier) has become your servant. Ji Chen couldnt help but reveal a smile. Excitement welled up within him. A giant octopus with a length of nearly a hundred meters was an extremely powerful force. Although the Kraken appeared weak and powerless in front of his Ocean power and domain, it was actually quite formidable. Even Herald, the legendary-level Deep Sea Naga, would only be able to withstand a few rounds against it. After all, an epic-tier being was still an epic-level being. No matter how weak it was, it was still epic. It could easily crush legendary-level beings. The Kraken could drive millions of sea creatures on its own, demonstrating its immense strength, robust vitality, and the bloodline power that allowed it to engage in prolonged battles. Its eight robust tentacles and massive body were a nightmare for ordinary enemies. Since the Kraken was willing to sign the master and slave contract, Ji Chen also saved himself from using the Enslavement Contract Scroll. Feeling that its life was now in someone elses hands and that its freedom would be restricted, the Kraken couldnt help but feel a bit dejected. The whole octopus collapsed weakly onto the ice, its tentacles limply hanging on the surface, and its head resting on the iceberg, looking completely disheartened. Portraying an image of I dont want to live anymore.jpg. For now, Ji Chen didnt pay much attention to the dejected giant octopus and began to examine its status panel information. [North Sea Master: Kraken (Hero)] [Race]: North Sea Behemoth [Level]: 55 [Current Tier]: Gold (Epic Tier) [Potential]: Gold (Epic Tier) [Skills]: C Tentacle Slam (Gold skill, uses tentacles to randomly attack enemies, with a high probability of causing damage) C Tentacle Bind (Gold skill, uses tentacles to bind enemies and absorb their blood for self-healing) C Spatial Piercing (Gold skill, able to detect the weaknesses of spatial nodes and possesses the ability to open short-distance space rifts) C Ancient Bloodline (Gold skill, significantly increases physical strength and stamina by 500%) C Ocean Blessing (Gold skill, receives blessings from the ocean, greatly enhancing swimming speed and perception abilities) [Unit Traits]: C Bloodline Inheritance (Will die after breeding offspring, with a portion of its own memories and combat experience merging into the bloodline) [Bloodline Power]: C Possesses powerful healing abilities, capable of rapidly recovering from injuries within a short period and greatly enhancing strength, speed, and other attributes [This is a young ocean overlord, still in the process of maturing but possessing formidable power in the sea.] This was quite a good status panel. Although it was far from Ji Chens own level, the series of gold-tier skills was quite luxurious. Ji Chen noticed one skill in particular: Spatial Piercing. He thought for a moment. The Deceiver sacrificed himself to disrupt the stability of the nearby spatial nodes, allowing the Kraken to cleverly use its spatial piercing ability to enter this realm. He asked in a deep voice, Kraken, can you open a space rift here again? The Kraken, who had reluctantly accepted its status as a servant, regained some of its spirit as it replied, Chirp! (Yes, but if its between different realms or between realms and the main world, it can only be done in places with fragile spatial structures.) Ji Chen nodded. With this ability, he wouldnt need to travel back hundreds of kilometers to the portal. He could simply use the rifts here to leave this icy expanse. He then commanded, You stay here and guard these warships. Dont destroy them, and dont let the soldiers on board take the ships away. These are my spoils of war, and this is your first task. However, seeing the Krakens listless appearance, he thought for a moment and softened his tone. If you can satisfy me later, maybe 1 can release you from the master and slave contract and set you free. When dealing with an employee who had lost their motivation to work, the most effective strategy was to offer them a tempting reward to reignite their enthusiasm. Upon hearing this, the Kraken suddenly became spirited and widened its eyes. Is that true!? Of course. The Krakens small brain immediately started working. Although it wasnt smart, it wasnt foolish either. It knew that the credibility of these words was not high, but it thought of something else. In its memories, humans had relatively short lifespans, usually no more than one or two hundred years at most. On the other hand, the North Sea Monster had a lifespan of thousands of years. By the time this human passed away, the master and slave contract would naturally be released, and it could regain its freedom, right? Its just a mere hundred years; it can handle it! Seeing the sly look on the Krakens face, Ji Chen knew it was up to some mischief, but he didnt mind. The master and slave contract was in place, and no matter what schemes the Kraken had in mind, its life was in his hands, and it couldnt overturn that. But if he knew what it was thinking, he might just smile knowingly. With the boost of an epic-tier profession and the power of the ocean, his vitality had received unprecedented enhancement. While he might not be able to live for hundreds of thousands of years like those legendary races, he would have at least a thousand years, and as his level continued to rise, this time would increase exponentially. Perhaps he might even outlast the Kraken! After the Kraken submitted, the sea beasts that had surged in also lost their will to fight and fled with their tails between their legs. After instructing the Kraken to wait here, Ji Chen returned to the Hidden Vale Village with the heroes and the remaining army. There were still some rare resources that needed to be collected there. Several kilometers away from the battle site, Arlin and her group of elves lay in the snow, their faces filled with worry. After escorting them here, Alice returned with her army. They were now worried because they could no longer hear the terrifying tentacle monsters roars coming from that direction. In this situation, it could only be one of two things: either the tentacle monster had been killed, or Lord Ji Chen and his group had been killed. The latter was something they couldnt accept because Lord Ji Chen was the key to whether they could leave the Hidden Vale Village. However, when they saw Ji Chens figure appear, joy appeared on their faces. Arlin couldnt help but run up to him. Lord Ji Chen, did you kill the tentacle monster!? Ji Chen looked at the excited Arlin, and gently shook his head. Arlin was puzzled. Then, did you drive it away? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Not exactly. 1 subjugated it. Ive left it there to guard the ships, and youll see it later. Arlin swallowed hard, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes. She had seen that tentacle monster. Just one of its tentacles was as thick as an ancient tree, and its head was as large as a house. Just looking into its crimson eyes made her difficult to breathe, and even her limbs went numb. And such a monster had been subjugated? Goddess of Heaven, just how powerful was Lord Ji Chen?! Chapter 551 - Chapter 551: Millions of Resources, Elysia Chapter 551: Millions of Resources, Elysia Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation A member of the elven team from Arlins faction returned to Vale to deliver the message. When Ji Chen and his group rushed back to Vale, thousands of elves were already waiting outside the passage. Seeing Ji Chen returning safely, their faces lit up with excitement. Marianne, accompanied by a group of elven elders, approached Ji Chen. She looked at Ji Chen, who had undergone significant changes in appearance and temperament, and restrained her emotions as she spoke. Lord Ji Chen, did you succeed? Did you really obtain that divine weapon? Ji Chen nodded slightly. Yes, 1 have returned to fulfill the promise I made earlier. I will take you away from here and reunite you with your kin. As soon as he finished speaking, all the elves erupted in cheers, including the elven elders, who couldnt hide their excitement. After so many years, they could finally leave this desolate frozen wilderness and embrace the spring of the main world freely. Once the excitement subsided, Marianne spoke loudly. Everyone, go and pack your belongings. Remember to bring only the essentials and a months worth of provisions. You have at most half a day, so hurry! Yes! The elves scattered to prepare, and as Marianne watched her peoples happiness and excitement, she felt deeply satisfied. She then turned to Ji Chen with a grateful expression. Thank you for everything youve done for Vale. Without you, we might still be in the dark, without hope of leaving this place. Ji Chen chuckled. It was a minor effort. Marianne shook her head and then, as if remembering something, a request gleamed in her cloudy eyes. Lord Ji Chen, before we leave, could you make a slight detour? Theres a place where one of our kin is sealed. Ji Chen furrowed his brows but eventually nodded. Lead the way. Following the guidance of the elf Arlin, Ji Chen arrived at a resource warehouse carved deep into the mountainside. He received his reward. This warehouse stores crystals, that one holds mithril, and the farthest one contains adamantine. Oh, and there are two thousand units of spirit crystals here. Spirit crystals are incredibly rare, and weve only managed to collect this much over the years. Arlin pointed to the milky white crystals stored in several large crates. She looked somewhat regretful. However, Ji Chen was pleasantly surprised. He knew how precious spirit crystals were. Despite his best efforts, he had only managed to gather barely a thousand units from various sources over the past few months. Yet here, there were a total of two thousand units, doubling his stockpile! Spirit crystals were a strategic resource needed for recruiting higher-tier units, making them an invaluable resource. Ji Chen didnt hesitate and directly stashed these spirit crystals into his possession. Next, he looked at the piles of rare resources stacked in the warehouses. With a wave of his hand, he collected these treasures, more dazzling and captivating than gold coins. First, he dealt with the crystals. With each wave, large sections of crystals vanished, producing pleasant tinkling sounds as they rolled away, disappearing completely in no time. Soon, an entire crystal mountain had been collected and vanished without a trace. Arlin watched this efficient collection process, her mouth hanging open. She vividly remembered the painstaking effort it had taken to transport these crystals here from the outside world over several months, and now, in just over ten seconds, they were gone. However, she had no objections to this. Ji Chens actions for Vale Village were worth far more than the value of these crystals. Ding- You have obtained three million units of crystals and three million units of mithril Looking at the system notification, Ji Chen felt a sense of delight. In just a short ten minutes, he had collected tens of thousands of units of rare resources, totaling a staggering 12 million units. This was the largest windfall he had ever received, equivalent to three times the rare resources he had gained on Starshine Islands. With such a substantial amount of resources, he wouldnt have to worry about recruiting units for some time. Lord Ji Chen, 1 have a question to ask you, Arlin suddenly asked in a low voice. Ji Chen paused, then smiled and said, Go ahead. His mood was good at the moment, so a small question like this was nothing. A faint excitement appeared on Arlins reserved face. What is the outside world like? Does it really have four seasons and day and night? Are there many different races besides orcs, humans, and elves? Ji Chen smiled as he replied, Of course, there are. The sun brings the day, and the moon brings the night. At night, the sky darkens, and the moon and stars shine brightly. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Trolls, dwarves, halflings, seafolk, and many other races thrive on the continent and in the oceans. You will see them all when you go out As he described the outside world, Ji Chen saw a glimmer of hope and longing in the eyes of this elf who had always been quiet and reserved. It made him feel a sense of pride and mission. All these elves were born after the God War, and their first sight was this icy wilderness, devoid of knowledge of the vibrant world beyond. They were like caged birds, confined to this narrow world. Thinking that he would take these caged elves to a much broader world, Ji Chen felt an inexplicable sense of pride and purpose. After you go out, maybe you can look for an elf named Kris. I think you two would get along well. Chapter 552 - Chapter 552: Millions of Resources, Elysia (2) Chapter 552: Millions of Resources, Elysia (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Half a day later. In Vale Village, the elves had already prepared their things for departure. They had harnessed sturdy and majestic long-horned elks to sleds loaded with their belongings. These elks were larger and more impressive than regular steeds. Elderly and young elves sat on canvas sleds made for passengers, while the young and robust elves carried weapons on either side. After their preparations were complete, with a signal from Marianne, thousands of elves began to move. There was more than one exit from this valley, and the elf convoy left through another, wider passage that allowed the long-horned elks and sleds to pass. Then, they sealed it off completely with stones, as a farewell to their past hardships. Because of the long-horned elks and sleds, their progress was not slow. In just half an hour, they had covered over ten kilometers, and soon they would reach the embarkation point. But before that, the group made a detour and arrived at a massive ice fissure that stretched for several kilometers and was dozens of meters wide, more than ten kilometers from the valley. Marianne stood by the edge of the ice fissure, a hint of sadness in her eyes. Is this the place you mentioned, where your people are sealed? Yes its a seal, but also a confinement, Marianne said in a somber tone. Lord Ji Chen, the reason we know the location of that divine weapon and the danger it poses is all thanks to one of our kin. She was the first to discover the location of the Fallen Sea. She was a very brave elf, full of adventurous spirit. Kind-hearted yet resolute, she showed strong learning abilities and combat talent from a young age, along with natural leadership qualities. So, we did our best to teach and nurture her, hoping she would become a leader among the young elves of Vale Village, and we expected her to lead our people in continuing the God War, though the God War is now in the past. She did not disappoint us. Her combat skills became increasingly adept with age, and soon she became one of our most powerful elven warriors, even awakening her bloodline to become a heroic unit. At this point, pride filled Mariannes face, as if this were her proudest achievement. Ji Chen didnt interrupt but listened quietly. Mariannes expression then dimmed, and she continued, However, when she discovered the Fallen Sea and that divine weapon, something changed within her. She was too exceptional, too burdened by responsibility, to the point where she developed unwarranted pride and arrogance. She believed she could control the divine weapon and use it to eliminate our enemies. Despite our repeated warnings, one day, she secretly went to the Fallen Sea Ji Chen probably understood the subsequent developments. That trident contained the power of the ocean left behind by the gods. Its power was far beyond what ordinary races could bear, and the pressure it exerted, as if it could crush both body and soul, made it particularly memorable to him. She couldnt control the divine weapon and nearly got herself destroyed by it. Though she ultimately survived, she had gone insane. Her mind became extremely unstable, and she resorted to extreme behavior, consuming raw flesh and blood, no longer recognizing us, and even becoming aggressive. In the end, we had no choice but to confine her in this sealed ice fissure, attacking and detaining her without harming her, while regularly sending her food. At this moment, a glimmer of light suddenly appeared in Margerys sorrowful eyes. Lord Ji Chen, although this request may seem abrupt and excessive, the one who can undo the seal must be the one who has control over that divine weapon. Since you now possess it, perhaps you can save this poor child. A long pause followed. Ji Chen let out a slow sigh and said, I cant guarantee that I can save her. Margery quickly responded, Even if theres only a slight possibility, we would like to try. We wont hold it against you if its not successful. Perhaps this is the fate of this child. What is her name? Tears welled up in Mariannes eyes, as if she had recalled something. With a hoarse and raspy voice, she spoke the name, as if it hadnt been uttered in a long time. Elisya, her name is Elisya. Upon hearing this, Ji Chen didnt say anything more; he simply nodded slightly. Turning around, he instructed, Alice, the three of you stay above to guard the elves. Herald, come with me down below. Among them, only Herald truly had the ability to fly and enter the ice fissure that was over a hundred meters deep. Ji Chen needed Herald to guide him down. Herald bent down, exposing his wide and robust back. Heralds body was very sturdy, more than capable of carrying Ji Chen. With a flap of his wings, they descended quickly to the bottom of the ice fissure. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen jumped down and looked around. He didnt spot any humanoid creatures in sight. The bottom of the ice fissure was quite narrow, with an average width of only twenty to thirty meters. Most of the bottom and sides were covered by a thick layer of ice, with only a few exposed rocks adding some color to the otherwise icy landscape. There were remnants of frozen food and the bodies of some deviant ghosts on the ground. A series of shallow footprints extended deeper into the ice fissure. Ji Chen, accompanied by Herald, followed the footprints. After passing a corner, they suddenly came upon a cave, where the trail of footprints disappeared at the entrance. The all-seeing map showed a red dot deep within the cave. That should be the elf named Elisya.. Chapter 553 - Chapter 553: Millions of Resources, Elysia (3) Chapter 553: Millions of Resources, Elysia (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Just as he was thinking of entering the cave, the red dot on the map swiftly moved and arrived at the entrance in just a dozen breaths. Herald, deal with Elisya, but dont harm her. Upon hearing this, the deep-sea Naga hero stood at the entrance like a wall, with his right claw blocking his left chest, just in time to block a slender pale hand that reached out from the dark cave. The faint rays from above revealed the appearance of the owner of this hand. Under the tangled and ghostly hair was snow-white skin, and grayish lips with vampire-like fangs protruding. She appeared thin, with long fingers that had sharp, blade-like nails, and there were faint reddish-brown marks on her skin. She emitted a low growl like a wild beast from her mouth, and if it werent for the fact that this ice crevice had only one Elf, Elisya, and that she had a pair of iconic pointed ears on her head, he might have thought this unidentified humanoid creature was some kind of savage. Elisya, who was easily blocked by Heralds attack, seemed particularly angry. In the face of the formers non-harming approach, she managed to break free and return to the cave, keeping a distance of more than ten meters from Ji Chen and the others, emitting a low growl that was similar to the intimidation of invading enemies. At this point, Ji Chen took the opportunity to bring up her information panel. [Elisya (Hero)] [Race]: Elf [Tier]: Purple (Rare Tier) [Potential]: Gold (Epic Tier) [Level]: 30 [Skills]: N/A [Possesses the powerful bloodline of an ancient Elf hero but has not yet awakened] [Oppressed by the formidable power of the divine weapon, leading to a state of madness, hostile towards any living beings, especially those invading her territory] An Epic-tier potential!? Ji Chen couldnt help but be surprised. He didnt expect this Elf, who had fallen into madness due to the divine weapon, to possess such potential. No wonder the Elves, including Marianne, spoke so highly of her. She truly had the potential to become an epic-tier powerhouse if she grew steadily. Of course, having this potential didnt guarantee reaching that tier; without enough resources and opportunities, it would still be impossible. Just as he was pondering this, Elisya launched another attack. Her pair of cold, sharp claws moved like swords, swiftly and silently. If it were ordinary troops, their lives would have been easily harvested by this attack. However, she was facing Herald, who was already at the legendary tier, and he held a clear advantage in both tier and level. Herald effortlessly blocked the attack with his left claw and, with his right claw, swiftly grabbed Elisya, who was trying to retreat. Her emaciated body, along with her hands, was completely held in the giant claw, and she couldnt move no matter how much she struggled. Ji Chen approached, and Elisya began to scream at him again, stretching her neck to bite him, with a beastly gleam in her eyes. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Upon closer examination, her skin was as fair as snow, with a well-defined nose and distinctive facial features. Ji Chen could deduce that Elisya was probably a breathtakingly beautiful elf when she was still sane. Its just that after descending into madness, she transformed into this eerie and otherworldly appearance, neither human nor ghost-like. After a brief examination, Ji Chen quickly extended his right hand, covering Elisyas forehead with his palm. With a thought, the power of the ocean suddenly spread out. This surge of oceanic power was not meant to harm but to heal.. Chapter 554 - Chapter 554: Ancient Elf Bloodline, Marianne’s Proposal 1 Chapter 554: Ancient Elf Bloodline, Mariannes Proposal 1 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The ocean is not only filled with devastating storms and tsunamis, but also nurtures countless creatures, offering gentle healing. This gentle power of the ocean slowly entered Elisyas body, flowing through her gradually. However, as she felt this incredibly familiar sensation, an expression of extreme fear appeared on Elisyas face. Even though she had gone insane, deep within her soul, she still vividly remembered the power that had almost destroyed her. Her frail body struggled frantically, and from her mouth came cries like those of a young animal. Her remaining consciousness was like a small boat drifting in a raging sea, at any moment, it could be overturned by the waves. It was like a faint candlelight in a fierce storm, as if it could be extinguished in the next moment. Ji Chen could sense her memories and fears through the power of the ocean. It was an ordinary day, Elisya led her team on a patrol outside the valley. After it ended, she made an excuse to send her team members back while she embarked on a journey to the Fallen Sea. As long as she could obtain that divine weapon, she would be able to slay all her enemies and protect her comrades and village. This kind of determination always lingered in Elisyas mind, but she had underestimated the power of the divine weapon. That power did not acknowledge her and rejected her. Elisya had a chance to leave at the beginning, but she chose to resist, and in the end, her spirit was destroyed by that vast power. Ji Chen could clearly feel her fear before she lost consciousness, a fear that invaded her body and soul like poison. Watching Elisyas extremely painful appearance, Ji Chen hesitated for a moment. Why did it feel like he was reopening old wounds rather than healing them? Just as he hesitated, a surge of power suddenly erupted from deep within Elisyas bloodline. Noble, divine, ancient. That was the bloodline of the ancient elves! Under the intense fluctuations of her spirit, her bloodline broke through the threshold of its limits, allowing Elisyas power to undergo a breakthrough. She went from being a purple-rare-tier hero to a red-legacy-tier hero in an instant. Her aura became dozens of times stronger, like a mountain torrent bursting forth. Even Herald could feel the overwhelming pressure of this ancient elf bloodline, a bloodline even more powerful than the deep sea Nagas. However, this breakthrough seemed to consume all of Elisyas energy. After a brief climax, she suddenly plummeted into a valley. Her life force rapidly declined. In just a few breaths, Elisya had fallen into a state of shock. Ji Chens expression changed, and he quickly took out the bottle of Water of Life from his backpack. Without much thought, he pinched Elisyas mouth and poured in about three fingers worth of the potion. The amber-colored essence of life entered her body and quickly turned into the purest energy, spreading throughout her entire body. It was like a parched land receiving a torrential rain, or a dried-up river being replenished by a surging current. Elisyas body, which should have withered away many years ago but had managed to survive due to her bloodline power, now released astonishing vitality as if a dead tree had suddenly come back to life in spring. The Water of Life not only has the ability to repair physical injuries but also possesses a significant capacity for mental healing. Moreover, Elisya herself is an elf, perfectly attuned to the effects of this Water of Life, resulting in a peak level of effectiveness. In just a short span of a dozen minutes, her complexion became rosy and soft, her furrowed brows relaxed, her hair became as silky as a Dove chocolate bar, and her breathing grew more stable and powerful. The scars and frostbite on her body were rapidly repaired and restored. Pieces of dead skin fell away, leaving behind new, tender skin akin to that of a newborn baby. What the heck!? Ji Chen stared at the remarkable transformation that had occurred in Elisya in just a few minutes and was so astonished that he could hardly react. The effect of this Water of Life was unbelievably terrifying. It was indeed a valuable creation from the Life Tree of the elves. Elin had mentioned that a single drop of diluted Water of Life, equivalent to just one finger, was enough to save an ordinary person on the brink of death. However, Ji Chen had just given Elisya a whole three fingers worth of undiluted Water of Life. The strength of its effect was beyond doubt. Looking at the approximately one-fifth of the Water of Life that had been consumed, Ji Chen felt a bit sorry but carefully put it away. Turning his gaze to the now calm and stable Elisya, he took out a fur coat from his backpack and wrapped her naked body in it. Lets go up. With a flap of his wings, Herald carried Ji Chen and Elisya into the air, returning to the ice crevice. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Seeing their return, Marianne and the other elves immediately approached. They looked at Elisya, who was placed on the ground, with a mix of excitement and disbelief. The Elisya who had been like a wild person was now wrapped in a thick fur coat, her complexion rosy, breathing peacefully, and her expression serene, like a princess from a kingdom. Mariannes voice was filled with suppressed excitement, and her words trembled as she asked, Lord Ji Chen, have you healed Elisya? Ji Chen nodded. Only her body has been repaired. She suffered severe mental trauma from resisting the power and pressure of the divine weapon. So, her mental state may not have fully recovered. Marianne sighed and shook her head. Thats already more than enough. As long as Elisya doesnt show hostility or attack us, we can live together with her and heal her over time. We can afford to wait.. Chapter 555 - Chapter 555: Ancient Elf Bloodline, Marianne’s Proposal (2) Chapter 555: Ancient Elf Bloodline, Mariannes Proposal (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Elves had long lifespans, and the elves in the main world were very powerful. Maybe there was something that could heal mental injuries. Ji Chen believed that when Marianne and the others arrived in the Elven Empire, those elven nobles wouldnt hesitate to invest in this elf with an ancient bloodline. As Elisya lay on the ground, her eyelids suddenly twitched, drawing everyones attention to her. Eventually, Elisya slowly opened her eyes, sat up on the ground, and gazed around in confusion. Marianne held her breath, seeing that Elisya showed no signs of hostility. A joyful expression appeared on her face, and she softly called Elisyas name while reaching out to touch her. However, when Elisya saw Marianne approaching, she reacted as if she had spotted a ferocious beast. Panic filled her eyes, and she instinctively crawled away, taking refuge behind Ji Chen. Clutching Ji Chens robe tightly, she peeked out from behind his shoulder, looking pitiful. Ji Chen:? All the elves:? Mariannes face stiffened, and she managed to force a smile. Elisya, dont you recognize me? Im your grandmother, Marianne. However, Elisya appeared entirely unfamiliar with Marianne. She hid most of her face behind Ji Chen and clutched his robe even more tightly, as though she feared he might leave. Marianne then called over some elves who Elisya used to be familiar with, but every one of them was rejected by her. The confusion and unfamiliar emotions in her eyes seemed genuine. There was no doubt about it; Elisyas mind hadnt fully recovered. While she no longer posed a threat, it appeared that she had amnesia and didnt trust her own kin. What should they do? Marianne looked at Elisya, who was still hiding behind Ji Chen, and said in a pleading tone, Lord Ji Chen, it seems that Elisya trusts you a lot. Could you help me persuade her? Ji Chen lowered his head, looking at Elisya, who was crouching behind him like a child and scratched his head. He tentatively reached out to pat her head. To the astonishment of the many elves present, Elisya didnt avoid it; in fact, she moved closer and nuzzled Ji Chens large hand, looking quite content. It seemed that she had a high level of trust in this human. This left the other elves with mixed feelings. Ji Chen spoke softly, Elisya, do you still recognize Elder Marianne and these kin of ours? Elisya glanced at them and shook her head, speaking for the first time, Elisya? Who is that? I dont know her. Well, she didnt even remember her own name, let alone these elves. Ji Chen tried asking a few more questions, but all the answers were negative. She seemed to have forgotten not only her own name but also everything about herself, including why she was beneath the ice rift and the events leading up to it. The current Elisya seemed like a newborn baby, completely unaware of everything around her. However, surprisingly, she had a deep trust and closeness towards Ji Chen. Ji Chen ran his hand through Elisyas hair with one hand while stroking his chin in thought with the other. A sudden thought crossed his mind. Could it be that when he infused the power of the ocean into Elisyas mind during the healing process, it had some sort of lasting impact, making her naturally trust him? He sighed; he couldnt fully understand the reason behind it, but what was evident was that Elisya now trusted and bonded with no one but him. She couldnt even bring herself to stay with Marianne and the others. After careful consideration, Ji Chen decided to share his speculation with Marianne. The elder of Vale shook her head. This is something none of us could have foreseen, and its not your fault. We are already grateful that Elisya has recovered to this extent. Mariannes expression at this moment was incredibly complex. She had anticipated that Elisyas mental state might not fully recover, but she hadnt expected her to forget everything, nor did she expect her to distance herself from them. If they couldnt make contact with her, they wouldnt be able to take her along. She had already made up her mind. Lord Ji Chen, I have a proposal. Elder Marianne, please go on. Since Elisya is unwilling to make contact and follow us, why not let her stay with you? Ji Chens eyes displayed a hint of surprise as he asked, You dont want to take her with you? Mariannes face carried a trace of bitterness. Even if we wanted to, its impossible given Elisyas current condition. Watching Elisya, who was staring wide-eyed and happily playing with Ji Chens hand, Marianne seemed to have reached a conclusion. She continued, Back then, I constantly reminded her and had high expectations of her, putting pressure on her with my words and actions, which might have led her to take risks and go off alone to obtain the divine weapon. I bear an inescapable responsibility for what happened to her. Now that I see this child recovering from that state of madness, with a smile on her face once again, I am already content. I cannot ask for more. Therefore, I hope that you can take her with you. Perhaps, in the future, she might remember us and recall everything that happened before. Marianne lowered herself slightly, bowing respectfully to Ji Chen. Furthermore, the other elven elders and the elves also followed suit, their expressions solemn. Elisya, whether she was their companion, their junior, or someone they grew up with, had once shone brightly on the frozen wasteland. So, seeing her fall into a state of madness had been a source of great sorrow and regret for them. Therefore, if following Ji Chen could help Elisya recover and lead a happier life, they were willing to do so. After a long pause, Ji Chens expression became very serious as he nodded solemnly towards them. I will accept your request. Ding Elven Hero: Elisya (Red Legacy Tier) has joined your ranks. Mariannes expression softened, returning to her kind and gentle demeanor. Then lets continue our journey. After a brief pause, the group resumed their journey towards the boarding location. What was different from before was that Ji Chen now had an elven girl with him, following him closely like a child, never leaving his side. Ji Chen couldnt help but feel a bit amazed by the turn of events. He had set out to rescue an elf on the way and ended up adding her to his team. It happened so suddenly, catching him somewhat off guard. Furthermore, she was a Red Legacy Tier hero, with the potential even to become an Epic-level hero. Elisyas potential was undeniable, but Ji Chen had no intention of forcing her to become a warrior or anything else. Whether she wanted to pursue ancient battles or take a different path, it was entirely up to her. Unlike Ji Chen, whose mind was filled with various thoughts, Elisya was ecstatic. She bounced and skipped along, following behind him like an inquisitive child, eagerly surveying her surroundings. When she saw the Kraken, she didnt show any fear; instead, her eyes widened with curiosity. The reactions of the other elves were quite dramatic. They only heard that Ji Chen had defeated a powerful sea beast, but they hadnt heard that the sea beast would be so massive, floating on the waters surface like an intimidating iceberg. Chirp!! (Master, youre back!? Ive been impatiently waiting!) Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Have you kept an eye on those warships? Chirp- (Of course, with me, Kraken, around, they are all behaving obediently.) Indeed, the two fleets of the Bass Kingdom were behaving obediently. No matter what they did, they couldnt escape from under the watchful eye of such a colossal sea monster. It was better to stay put and might even safely make it back home. Even though the elves traveled over a hundred kilometers and were already quite exhausted, they couldnt contain their excitement when they saw these warships. Without hesitation, they began boarding. Amidst the enthusiastic looks of the elves, and with dozens of warships transporting thousands of them, Kraken, following Ji Chens lead, gradually created a rift in space wide enough for the warships to traverse.. Chapter 556 - Chapter 556: The Battle of Eiben Fortress Chapter 556: The Battle of Eiben Fortress Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation At this moment, the fleet soldiers who remained in control of the warships came into play. Under Ji Chens coercion and threat, they obediently began to manipulate the warships. One by one, warships carrying elves gradually sailed into the rift. A burst of white light flashed, and suddenly, a warm sea breeze blew in front of them. Unlike the ice-blue sea of the frozen wilderness, what appeared before the elves was a deep blue ocean. Clouds lazily floated in the sky, creating a peaceful scene. Fish leaped out of the sea and then splashed back in, whales spouted water columns, and rainbows appeared in their wake. Marianne looked at this scene with excitement, her eyes filled with tears. After so many years, they finally arrived at the main world they had longed for day and night! Ji Chen stood on the bow of the ship, and as soon as he left the frozen wilderness and arrived in this vast ocean, he could feel a powerful force rapidly gathering. The ocean was responding to his return, and the gentle sea breeze seemed to carry a sense of joy. His spiritual tentacles extended far and wide, sensing the undulating waves of the sea, the rippies caused by the movement of marine life as if everything were under his control. A joyful expression appeared on Ji Chens face, and he couldnt help but shout loudly. As if in response to him, the sea suddenly raised waves tens of meters high, and numerous water columns shot into the sky. Even the unintelligent marine creatures all came towards this direction, floating on the surface of the water as if in submission. Was this the power of the ocean? At this moment, his power was not just the strength within his body; he also had the assistance of the ocean. Even in battle, the ocean would help him. As long as he was in the ocean, his strength and injuries would recover rapidly, and the power of his spells would also be enhanced. Compared to before, his strength had increased several times over. The elves looked at Ji Chen, who seemed to have triggered a response from the ocean, and a look of astonishment appeared in their eyes. Marianne couldnt help but show a gratified expression. With Ji Chen so powerful, Elisya would probably be safer with him, and maybe he could even tap into her full potential. Looking back, this journey had been quite fruitful. Not only had his main profession been promoted to the epic tier, but he also absorbed the power of the ocean. This kind of growth had brought his personal strength to a whole new peak. Furthermore, he obtained a bottle of extremely precious Water of Life. This rare liquid from the outside world possessed incredibly potent effects and could be considered priceless. Then there was the taming of the North Sea giant, Kraken. With the addition of this epic-tier oceanic monster, the Ocean Crowns dominance in the sea was further solidified. Ji Chen couldnt imagine any enemy that could kill this hundred-meter-high, extraordinarily robust, and highly regenerative sea monster when coordinated with the various units of the Ocean Crown. Lastly, there was the unexpected delight of Elisya. Her potential was beyond question, and if she were willing to fight, she would also become a pillar of the Ocean Crown. Her epic-tier potential was proof enough of her capabilities. After months of hard work, Ji Chens current strength had reached a level where he unknowingly gained the capital to climb to the pinnacle of this world. Since his profession had already reached the epic tier, his next major goal was to raise his level to its peak. Only then would he truly possess the ability to change the course of events and protect his territory. Ji Chen snapped out of his myriad thoughts. Seeing that all the warships and Kraken had emerged from the spatial rift, he didnt waste any more time. With a sweeping gesture, he exclaimed loudly, Forward to our destination, Kaiserven City in the Kingdom of Bass! With this command, the fleet began to accelerate towards their destination. Before delivering the elves of Vale to the Maple Principality, Ji Chen needed to thoroughly resolve the conflict between the Kingdom of Bass and the Lienhardt Grand Duchy. When Ji Chen entered the frozen wilderness, the Lienhardt army had already successfully collaborated with and received assistance from the Wasteland Guild and the Jungle Guild. They launched an attack, broke through the city gates, and successfully captured the city of Ilkand. This second-largest city of the Kingdom of Bass and the massive supply center had now fallen into Lienhardts hands. This indicated that the Kingdom of Bass had completely lost its chance for a counterattack. The Lienhardt army, with abundant supplies, was in high spirits and had extremely high morale. According to the latest reports, the Kingdom of Bass was now under siege by the three nations and had lost control of more than half of its territory. Only the capital city, Kaiserven City, and its surrounding areas were still putting up resistance, with over four hundred thousand soldiers stationed there. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only These three hundred thousand soldiers of the Kingdom of Bass were equipped with the most advanced weapons provided by the Deceiver, and their combat strength was formidable and astonishing. Together with the armies supported by the Deceiver, they stopped the advances of the three nations several times. Kaiserven City stood on the river delta where the Kingdom of Bass mother river, the Kaiserven River, and the largest river, the Eiben River, converged. The Eiben River allowed them to sail upstream and reach the outskirts of Kaiserven City. Therefore, regarding this important river, the Kingdom of Bass wisely chose to consolidate its defenses. They called back the remaining five fleets and mobilized two hundred thousand troops. They relied on a large number of coastal defense cannons to block the rivers entrance, preventing the Lienhardt fleet from sailing up the Eiben River directly to the city. In the vicinity of the mouth of the Eiben River, both sides were engaged in extremely intense and brutal battles. On a high ground more than ten kilometers away from the river mouth, Wang Shanyue watched the distant battlefield where the thunderous sounds and billowing smoke filled the air. His expression was extremely solemn.. Chapter 557 - Chapter 557: The Battle of Eiben Fortress (2) Chapter 557: The Battle of Eiben Fortress (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the past two days, the Shanyue guild deployed over a million troops, in coordination with more than ten thousand Lienhardt troops, to attack the Eiben Fortress located at the mouth of the Eiben River. However, this fortress was heavily fortified, equipped with numerous large-caliber cannons, and relied on an extremely robust defense system to firmly withstand their assault. Like a meat grinder, of the initial million troops deployed, now there were less than four hundred thousand remaining. If we added the troops from other guilds, it was likely that the losses in front of the fortress had already exceeded a million player troops. Even Lienhardt himself had lost around thirty to forty thousand soldiers there. The determination of the Kingdom of Bass to defend the Eiben Fortress far surpassed everyones expectations. Did your King King Island Guild make any progress? Wang Shanyue shook his head with a headache, looking at I_Love_Black_Stockings beside him. The King Kong Island Guild was based on overseas islands, so it naturally nurtured many maritime units as part of its forces. Various types of maritime and amphibious units made up four-fifths of the guilds unit count, and they excelled in battles on both the sea and rivers. I_Love_Black_Stockings shook her head. The Kingdom of Bass has filled the sea with mines and alchemical bombs at the mouth of the river. The connecting water gates are very sturdy, and theres also a contingent of high-level aquatic units numbering around five thousand guarding the area. Coupled with coastal artillery suppression, its difficult for us to launch an underwater assault. All, if only Big Boss Islander were here; he could definitely wipe out those soldiers. Wang Shanyue stayed quiet. They began their expedition from Feiguang City together, but once Ji Chen delved deep into the ocean to find the two missing fleets, he never came back. However, he didnt think that Ji Chens presence would make a qualitative difference in the current situation. The scale of this war had already reached the level of several million. Tens of thousands of troops might have perished in just half an hour. In such a massive war of head-on confrontation, thousands of troops thrown into the fray would barely make a ripple. Thats also why, as time passed, solo players were gradually decreasing, and player organizations like guilds and alliances were on the rise. Even if solo players were well-developed, they would have at most ten thousand troops, while player organizations could easily muster tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of troops. Individual strength was simply too weak in comparison. Unless that individuals power had reached a level where they could contend with thousands of troops. Watching I_Love_Black_Stockings fangirl expression, Wang Shanyue felt that he shouldnt say much more on this topic to avoid any tension. He sighed and said, Regardless of whether Ji Chen comes or not, we must break through the Eiben Fortress. Otherwise, we wont obtain any loot or Lienhardts reward, and the losses weve suffered with the troops will be irreparable. Even though he held the prestigious position of a guild leader, he had a duty to his guild members. If they invested so much but didnt see adequate returns, it would not only dampen morale but also harm his reputation. His expression turned resolute. I will deploy another five hundred thousand troops to assist in drawing their fire. Once you, the King Kong Island, launch another attack, make sure to break through the Eiben Fortresss water gate. Internal defenses are often easier to breach than external ones. Once you breach it, I will immediately send in the remaining troops to help you finish the job! I_Love_Black_Stockings nodded and instructed the Kobold strategist beside him. After noon, deploy a hundred thousand aquatic forces to launch an assault on the fortress water gate defenses. Yes! Just after noon, a new round of attacks began. The Shanyue Guild dispatched five hundred thousand troops, collaborating with Lienhardts fifty thousand troops to launch another assault. On the other side, the King Kong Island Guild also sent a hundred thousand aquatic troops, quietly arriving at the estuary via the water route and heading towards the fortresss canal gate. The cannons roared, arrows flew like locusts, and death spread and flourished freely on this land, where life became the cheapest commodity. Soldiers fell every moment and every second. However, what disappointed them was that the Eiben Fortress stood as solid as a mountain in front of them. No matter how many troops they poured in, it remained unyielding. The King Kong Island Guilds attack was also blocked. The defenders of the Eiben Fortress seemed determined to hold on, directly sealing off the water gate, completely collapsing the passage for entry. The King Kong Island Guilds aquatic troops could only watch as the passage crumbled before their eyes, feeling helpless. In desperation, Lienhardts army chose to sound the retreat, temporarily stopping their advance. The soldiers retreated like a tide, leaving behind a sea of corpses. Wang Shanyue and I_Love_Black_Stockings felt immensely disappointed seeing this scene, but they could only order their troops to retreat along with them. Witnessing their successful repulsion of the enemys attack once again, the morale of the Eiben Fortress defenders soared, their spirits high. They even let out coarse taunts, filling Lienhardts soldiers with a sense of anger. Wang Shanyue didnt have much of a reaction; he just sighed and said, It looks like we wont be launching another attack today. Lets withdraw our troops for now. Wang Shanyue was about to leave when he noticed I_Love_Black_Stockings standing still, her face filled with surprise. Big Boss Ji Chen is here; he wants us to coordinate with him for an attack on the Eiben Fortress! Wang Shanyue was puzzled and asked, How many troops did Brother Ji Chen bring with him? Um it seems like hes the only one. Wang Shanyue couldnt help but smile bitterly and said, Without Lienhardts artillery cover, even if we want to get close, well have to endure significant casualties, not to mention other factors. And if the reinforcements really consist of only Brother Ji Chen, its impossible to break through the Eiben Fortress. Warfare was not a matter of personal will, nor could it be influenced by one person alone. This was the lesson Wang Shanyue learned over the past few months. I_Love_Black_Stockings also realized this, but there was only a moment of hesitation before her eyes became determined. She gritted her teeth and said, I believe in Big Boss Ji Chen. He wont do something without confidence. All King Kong Island troops, prepare for an attack at any moment! Wang Shanyue found himself at a loss for words. As he gazed at I_Love_Black_ Stockings resolute determination, memories of rumors surfaced. These rumors had been shared by a noble from the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, suggesting that Ji Chen had once bravely fended off an army of a hundred thousand from the Bass Kingdom when war broke out. He always thought the rumor was partly true at best. If Ji Chen had played some role in helping Feiguang City repel a hundred thousand troops, that claim might have some validity. But to single-handedly repel them? That seemed a bit far-fetched. A hundred thousand troops were not a hundred thousand pigs. How could one person possibly repel them? Was this some kind of joke from another world!? At this moment, seeing l_Love_Black_Stockings unconditionally trust Ji Chen, Wang Shanyue couldnt help but ask in confusion, Why do you trust Brother Ji Chen? I_Love_Black_Stockings looked distant, as if recalling some profound memory, and slowly said, I once witnessed Big Boss Ji Chen in action. He merely waved his hand lightly, summoning a huge wave that surged over like a tidal wave, instantly engulfing the enemy and saving me. I can say that without Big Boss Ji Chens help and continued support, I would never have reached the position I am in today. He has done me a great favor, and I cannot ignore it. But theres one thing you must believe: some people are naturally suited to this world, able to reach heights that others cannot in a short period of time, leaving everyone else far behind. Big Boss Ji Chen is one of those people. Wang Shanyue felt a bit resentful. He had built the Shanyue Guild with his own hands in just a few months, developing it into such a large guild with hundreds of thousands of troops. Naturally, he had some pride in his heart. However, he didnt show any of it on his face and had no intention of sending more troops to their deaths. At this moment, a member of the Shanyue Guild hurriedly ran over and said urgently, Guild Leader, theres a message from Lienhardts army. They want us to prepare our troops and wait for their attack. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Wang Shanyue furrowed his brow and said, Didnt we just withdraw our troops? Why are they suddenly launching another attack? Im not entirely sure, replied the messenger. I heard its an order from Monica and the commander of Lienhardts army. It seems to be in coordination with someone named Ji Chen. Wait a minute, that name sounds somewhat familiar Ji Chen? Wang Shanyue was left in a state of bewilderment, unable to comprehend how this individual had gained such trust, even from the Lienhardt Grand Duchy. Could it be that Monica, the daughter of the Grand Duke, was really romantically involved with him?! Chapter 558 - Chapter 558: Catastrophic Waves, the Power of the Kraken Chapter 558: Catastrophic Waves, the Power of the Kraken Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Since the Lienhardt Army was already planning to launch an attack, Wang Shanyue had no choice but to follow suit with his forces. Joining the Shanyue Guild and King Kong Island Guild in this offensive were the armies of the Wasteland Guild and Jungle Guild. Just a few days ago, the Wasteland and Jungle Guilds had managed to open the gates of llkand City according to their mission instructions. This inside-out maneuver had allowed the Lienhardt Grand Duchy to capture llkand City at minimal cost. This achievement had earned them the trust of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy and Monica. Consequently, they quickly changed their allegiances and joined the advancing army. Despite suffering significant losses in terms of troops while capturing llkand City, they were now barely able to muster a force of five to six hundred thousand soldiers, which was sufficient to follow the ongoing offensive. Currently, the leaders of the Wasteland Guild, Zunong, and the Jungle Guild, Pando, were on cloud nine. They transitioned overnight from guilds on the brink of collapse within the Bass Kingdoms camp to guilds about to achieve victory within the Lienhardt camp. The feeling of going from a defeated guild to a triumphant one was incredibly satisfying. It was akin to the time when they had blindly trusted Ji Chens proposal. They now felt incredibly fortunate for having made that decision. So, when they heard that Ji Chen wanted them to coordinate in the attack once again, they didnt hesitate to send all their remaining troops. It was an investment. Their prior choice to believe in Ji Chen had paid off handsomely. And this time, they were going all-in! Watching the two guilds commit all their remaining forces, Wang Shanyue was left dumbfounded. Had Ji Chen given them some kind of enchanted potion? How could they have such unwavering trust in him? Was this even rational? Drums of war resounded, and numerous armies were gathering once more, preparing for another assault. The sky darkened with thick clouds, thunder rumbled, and a storm was imminent. Millions of soldiers formed countless formations, their weapons densely packed like a forest, and the gleam of their armor illuminated the sky. The rhythmic marching of the soldiers made the entire land tremble. The garrison at the Eiben Fortress, who just celebrated their victory, were utterly shocked by this sight. They never expected the enemy to regroup and launch another attack in such a short span of time, and their morale was unexpectedly high. They couldnt comprehend it! In the Lienhardt Armys camp, Monica looked at the large sand table in front of her, planted a small flag representing their allied forces south of the Eiben Fortress at the sea mouth, and asked, Are the soldiers prepared for the attack? They are all ready. We can launch the attack as soon as Your Highness gives the order, the officers replied solemnly, showing no signs of dissatisfaction or objection towards a mere woman commanding them in the military camp. The army respects strength above all else. For the first time in this war, Lady Monica displayed exceptional military and diplomatic talents. From the initial defense against the Bass Kingdoms lightning offensive, to convincing the Thorey Kingdom and Pelan Kingdom to join the war, to launching the surprise attack on llkand City with the First Fleet, and then infiltrating the enemys Glory Lord organization to help capture llkand City C a series of military strategies and thinking. Her unique insights into warfare and rational judgments left even these seasoned soldiers, who had been immersed in war for decades, astonished and admiring her. With the weight of numerous glorious achievements, Lady Monica naturally became the overall commander of the counteroffensive. Lady Monica was like a gift from the gods to Lienhardt, destined to lead the Grand Duchy to unprecedented heights. However, even such a wise and rational woman could have a lapse in judgment. At this moment, the officers cast subtle glances at the graceful girl standing beside Monica. Not long ago, this girl, carrying a large sword, had suddenly visited the camp. She conveyed her masters request to Lady Monica, asking her to launch another attack. However, this request had neither a sufficient reason nor any military value, yet Lady Monica inexplicably agreed. It left people bewildered. Sensing the officers perplexed expressions, Anina, who was standing nearby, shot them a fierce glare. Then, she spoke in a low voice, Ive delivered the message, and our Lord will arrive soon. As if remembering something, Anina scratched her head and added, Our Lord also said to be cautious of the Deceivers; they might send someone to assassinate you out of desperation. Lady Monica smiled gently. I understand. Tell Lord Ji Chen that we will launch the attack in one hour. Anina didnt say anything more. She nodded and left the camp, heading back to the sea. One hour quickly passed. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Lady Monica, dressed in hunting attire, stood with her hands on the sand table, looking at the officers on both sides with a solemn expression. Gentlemen, this will be our most important battle. Once we break through the Eiben Fortress, we can follow the Eiben River upstream, directly reach the outskirts of Kaiserven City, and create a pincer attack with the armies of the Thorey Kingdom and Pelan Kingdom to the north. Then the Bass Kingdom will officially begin its countdown to extinction, and we will fulfill our centuries-old aspiration. In this battle, we must emerge victorious! Lady Monicas resounding words ignited the spirits of all the officers.. Chapter 559 - Chapter 559: Catastrophic Waves, the Power of the Kraken (2) Chapter 559: Catastrophic Waves, the Power of the Kraken (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Tran slat ion In their eyes, excitement gleamed, and they shouted loudly, Lienhardt will win! The sky was filled with rolling dark clouds, and lightning serpents crackled, creating a stifling atmosphere that hung over the land. The air felt suffocating. Finally, rain began to pour from the sky in torrents. The raindrops were as big as beans, seemingly intent on crushing anyone beneath them without mercy. Powerful sea winds howled in from the depths of the ocean, chilling them to the bone. Monica watched this scene, her expression devoid of joy or sorrow, and she timed her command precisely. Attack!11 The drummers swung their arms in unison, and the war drums resounded. This sound seemed to ignite the flames in the hearts of countless soldiers, driving away the cold brought by the rain and wind. The long, melodious horn signal served as the cue for the assault. Over ten thousand troops began to march, brandishing their weapons high as they advanced towards the towering fortress. The defenders on the walls of the Eiben Fortress saw the densely packed army approaching under the pouring rain, their weapons and armor glinting ominously. The heavy footsteps sounded as if they were echoing in their hearts, stirring a hint of fear. Do not be afraid! Eiben Fortress is unbreakable. As long as you swing your weapons, you can slay the enemy beneath the walls! For those who hesitate or retreat, there will be no mercy 1 The officers of the Bass Kingdom raised their weapons high and shouted, boosting the morale of the soldiers. However, at this moment, they suddenly heard a strange sound, one that the mighty rain couldnt mask. Some soldiers cried out in fear. Look over there, a tsunami!!! A tsunami? The officers of the Bass Kingdom turned their gaze towards the sea, and their pupils shrank to their limits. At the distant horizon of the ocean, beneath the gloomy sky, a terrifying wave, almost seven to eight meters high and several kilometers wide, resembling a natural disaster, surged towards the Eiben Fortress. The thunderous sound of the rolling waves grew even louder, completely drowning out the rain and the orderly footsteps of rhe enemy, becoming the only sound in this world. Both Lienhardts side and the defenders of Eiben Fortress were left stunned. Soon, the former reacted with fear and began to flee. However, this immense wave was unstoppable, and there was no way to evade it. Boom! The gigantic wave rushed forward, crashing heavily into the fortress. The section of the wall closest to rhe sea was instantly demolished by this terrifying force, taking the soldiers on it along. Then, due to a brief obstruction, the surging seawater poured into most of rhe fortress from above like water from the sky. The alchemical cannons, defensive machinery, soldiers, flags, and watchtowers placed on top were all swallowed by the waves. Before the soldiers from Lienhardts side could regain their composure, two more enormous waves attacked the Eiben Fortress successively, one after the other. When rhe calm finally returned, this fortress that stood on the eastern bank of the Eiben River, with its tall and sturdy walls and numerous defensive structures, had been submerged in a sea of water and lay in ruins. The guild leaders of Zunong, Wang Shanyue, and others srared in disbelief as if they had witnessed something unbelievable. Only I_Love_Black_Stockings displayed a heavy look of surprise on his face. This is Big Boss Ji Chens signature skill. Fie showcased it on King Kong Island before, although it wasnt this terrifying This is Ji Chens doing!? The group of people exchanged shocked and unbelieving glances. It couldnt be, it was absolutely impossible! Such a natural disaster tsunami, only gods could do it, right!? How could a player possibly possess such terrifying power? Monica stood on high ground, her expression also filled with shock. This was her first time witnessing Ji Chen personally take action, far exceeding her imagination. In her heart, she felt extremely fortunate. She felt lucky to have formed a strong friendship and connection with Ji Chen before he became one of the most powerful figures in rhe world. The effort she put into building that relationship was now paying off immensely. After witnessing this scene, she had no doubt that Ji Chen could grow into the worlds top powerhouse, reigning over a vast land. And their Lienhardt Grand Duchy would receive his friendly treatment and even his protection. This was their greatest gain! After a brief moment of shock, Monicas face lit up with joy, and she shouted loudly, Attack! Seize the opportunity to take down Eiben Fortress! In reality, rhe three waves had completely shattered Eiben Fortresss defenses, even the city gates were torn apart by the violent onslaught of the waves. More than half of the fortress was submerged in water. Perhaps it was a coincidence, but after the waves passed, the rain and wind gradually subsided. They effortlessly entered the fortress, and upon seeing the dire situation inside Eiben Fortress, they couldnt help but frown and shake their heads. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Within this vast fortress, there were still some surviving defenders. However, without exception, their faces were pale, and they lacked any will to resist, to the point where they even showed joyful expressions when they saw Lienhardts soldiers and willingly surrendered. Perhaps sensing that something unusual had occurred here, a fleet from the Bass Kingdom sailed upstream on the Eiben River, attempting to use artillery fire to drive away Lienhardts invading soldiers from the fortress. But before they could approach, a massive serrated tentacle emerged from the river and slammed heavily onto one of the warships, instantly causing an explosion. Swoosh A gigantic octopus, seemingly only existing in legends, revealed its enormous body from the river, with water flowing down from its head, forming cascades like waterfalls.. Chapter 560 - Chapter 560: atastrophic Waves, the Power of the Kraken (3) Chapter 560: atastrophic Waves, the Power of the Kraken (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation A figure seemed to stand atop his head. As soon as it appeared on the surface, the giant octopus immediately waved its tentacles, wrapping around the nearest escort ship and pulling it into the river, as if trying to sink it. Seeing this, other warships opened fire, causing bursts of blood mist on the giant octopus. Squawk The Kraken looked at these ants daring to attack it and roared angrily. It activated its bloodline power, and its wounds quickly healed. Its thick tentacles, like tree trunks, lifted and smashed down one after another, breaking the masts of the ships, bending and snapping the cannons, and sending the soldiers on board tumbling into the water like dumplings. With such close proximity, this fleet had no resistance at all. Each ship was either submerged into the river by the tentacles or capsized on the waters surface. In just over ten minutes, the entire fleet was sunk by the Kraken, and the river was littered with steel wreckage and struggling soldiers from the Kingdom of Bass. Seeing this scene, the Kraken proudly cried out, finally venting the pent-up frustration it had accumulated from the previous beating and forced servitude contract. Its tentacles struck the water surface, creating splashes dozens of meters high and pulling many escaping Bass soldiers into the water. Take me ashore. The human on top of its head spoke softly, and the Kraken immediately stopped, obediently coming to the shore and lowering its head. Ji Chen jumped down from above, looking at I_Love_Black_Stockings and the others, who were running towards them. l_Love_Black_Stockings appeared very excited and thrilled, Big Boss Ji Chen, youre amazing!!! That trio of giant waves just wiped out this crappy fortress. 1 was almost moved to tears Listening to l_Love_Black_Stockings exaggerated words, Ji Chens expression became somewhat subtle. Did this fortress hold you back for a long time? Yeah, its been several days. If it werent for you, we wouldnt know how much longer it would have taken. Zunong also said excitedly, Brother Shanyue suffered a big loss in front of this fortress, and many troops died. It was really tragic. Wang Shanyues face darkened instantly. You little brat, why mention my loss in front of everyone? He coughed lightly. Brother Ji Chen, what have you been up to these past few days? Why do you seem to have changed so much? Only now did everyone focus their attention and realize that Ji Chen seemed much more handsome. His hair appeared to have a strand of blue, and his overall demeanor had undergone a significant change, as deep and vast as the ocean, arousing a sense of awe. Ji Chen smiled faintly. This was probably the side effect of absorbing the Crown of the Ocean. He could feel that after absorption, his body had undergone a tremendous change. His physical abilities greatly improved, and he felt extremely relaxed. It was as if he had boundless energy and strength within him, somewhat resembling the concept of breaking marrow and washing the muscles in martial arts novels. The exquisite aspects of this experience were not something to be shared with outsiders. Lets not dwell on this for now. Eiben Fortress has been captured, and the Kingdom of Bass has lost yet another fleet to the Kraken. The power of Kaiserven City has weakened significantly. The immediate task is to besiege Kaiserven City and launch the final assault as soon as possible. The Kingdom of Bass has only five fleets left? Big Boss, are you saying Ji Chen said matter-of-factly, The two Bass Kingdom fleets that ventured far into the open sea have been captured by me and are currently anchored in the outer sea. Everyone was speechless. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only But that was quite normal. They looked at the giant octopus on the river, which was as massive as a mountain. With such a creature around, those warships were essentially just toys. However, they were also eager for action. This long-lasting war was about to enter its final act. They were actively participating in this war, and as long as they took down this last city, it would be time to reap the rewards. Thinking about the immense benefits they could gain after capturing an entire kingdom, I_Love_Black_Stockings and the others were filled with excitement.. Chapter 561 - Chapter 561: The Final Battle, the Fall of the Kingdom of Chapter 561: The Final Battle, the Fall of the Kingdom of Bass, Monicas Thoughts Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The next day. With tremendous momentum, a million-strong army marched towards the city of Kaiserven, located upstream along the Eiben River. Their morale was exceptionally high. Many soldiers frequently glanced at the young man standing atop the giant octopus, his figure tall and upright. Yesterday, they witnessed this young man using colossal waves to destroy the Eiben Fortress that blocked them for two days, making it easy for them to conquer it. The colossal octopus, resembling a mountain, had sunk an entire enemy fleet right before their eyes. With such a powerful ally, confidence surged within every heart. Sensing the soldiers soaring morale, Monica felt quite satisfied. The armys spirit was at its peak. She gazed at the figure atop the giant octopuss head, her eyes revealing a trace of joy. It was essential to build a strong connection between Ji Chen, the Crown of the Ocean, and Lienhardt, as such a young and formidable individual needed to be brought closer to her objectives. In this world, powerful individuals were always a scarce resource. Failing to act promptly might lead to regrets when other forces moved in. While the Lienhardt Army advanced with great vigor, the city of Kaiserven was in a state of chaos. They received news of the fall of the Eiben Fortress, with over a hundred thousand troops stationed inside it annihilated, and the fifth fleet, sent for reinforcement, completely sunk. This news struck them like thunder on a clear day, leaving the people in the city filled with anxiety. Even this seemingly impregnable fortress, their last line of defense, was breached. With no reinforcements in sight, Kaiserven City would likely fall to the enemys iron hooves soon. Many commoners and nobles sought to escape under the cover of night but were met with the Kings orders to seal all city gates, preparing for a last stand. In a sense, King Bass showed a certain resolve, embodying the grand tragedy of a kingdoms downfall alongside its ruler. However, as the soldiers of Bass fortified the city walls and defenses, preparing for a desperate struggle, a heinous massacre unfolded within the royal court of the Bass Kingdom. Thousands of Deceivers, wearing iron masks, mercilessly wielded their blades, slaughtering everyone within the palace. No matter if it was the kings concubines or maids, none were spared. The palace guards had long been dispatched under the pretext of reinforcing the citys defenses, leaving the entire court defenseless. The towering palace walls and castle concealed everything happening within. Within the vast castle, the obese King of Bass ran down the long corridor, his expression filled with terror. Behind him, an individual with a silver mask wielded a bloodied blade, trailing him deliberately, their eyes cruel and mocking. The Kings gaze was met with the same indifference as one would look at a pig destined for slaughter. Even though the King felt exhaustion to the extreme, he dared not stop, for he knew that once he did, the blade would pierce his body without mercy. However, as he passed by a set of doors, his foot stumbled over a raised threshold, causing him to fall abruptly to the ground. His mind went blank for an instant, and by the time he regained his senses, the sound of footsteps behind him was dangerously close. A look of sorrow and anger appeared on the kings face. Ive done everything you asked. Why do you still want to kill me? Ever since this group of masked individuals poisoned and controlled him, he was forced to obey them, even launching a full-scale war against Lienhardt to save his own life. Now, as the enemy approached the gates of Kaiserven City, they were turning against him, seeking to eliminate him and conceal their sinister plot. The silver-masked Deceiver sneered. Youve been obedient, but you know too much. Leaking information would not bode well for our organization. Desperation filled the kings face as he pleaded, I can join you, leave with you, and I wont be a threat anymore. Perhaps that could be a solution? Unexpectedly, the silver-masked Deceiver began to consider the offer, raising the kings hopes. Quietly, the king reached behind his back and retrieved a dagger. I also know many secrets of the Bass Kingdom. Even after the kingdoms fall, 1 can join you with the remaining soldiers under the banner of restoration. This way, youll have a more legitimate and justifiable means to establish a nation a nation solely for the Deceivers As the king vividly described this enticing vision, he discreetly closed the distance. Just when he was about to enter striking range with the dagger, he saw a mocking glint in the silver-masked Deceivers eyes. A chill swept over him. Splat! The sound of flesh being pierced echoed, and as a heavy thud followed, the king, clutching his bleeding chest, collapsed on the ground, his pupils dilating. The silver-masked Deceiver wiped his blade clean on the kings clothing, sneering. A fat pig wants to join us? Do you have the qualifications? However, there was no hint of joy in his expression, as an insurmountable shadow lingered in his eyes. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This time, everything had seemingly gone smoothly from the start. They successfully manipulated this foolish pig into starting a war, and with their support, the Bass Army advanced swiftly. But it all crumbled in front of Feiguang City, a defeat they had not anticipated. Losing one step meant losing every step! It directly resulted in decades of their efforts and investments going down the drain. All of this could be attributed to that Glory Lord named Ji Chen! With the return of the powerful Glory Lord Ji Chen, it seemed probable that his comrades who had embarked with the third and fourth fleets to seek divine relics in the icy wilderness might have met their demise. The divine relic, most likely in his possession, would have greatly enhanced his strength.. Chapter 562 - Chapter 562: The Final Battle, the Fall of the Kingdom of Bass, Monica’s Thoughts (2) Chapter 562: The Final Battle, the Fall of the Kingdom of Bass, Monicas Thoughts (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Thinking of this, the Deceivers eyes filled with anger. Hateful! So hateful! He felt a surge of frustration in his heart. What frustrated him the most was that, despite the enemys provocations right in front of them, they couldnt do anything to him. Nevertheless, their groups scheme faced an unexpected setback, resulting in significant losses to their ranks. While it wasnt currently advisable to pursue further conflicts with Ji Chen in the near future, they were determined to seek revenge eventually! When a million-strong army arrived, the entire Kaiserven City was already prepared to defend itself. As the capital of the Bass Kingdom, Kaiserven City had walls even taller and sturdier than Eiben City. Towering arrow turrets stood, and countless siege engines were hidden between the citys battlements. Tens of thousands of soldiers were stationed on the city walls, ready for battle. Without any delay, Monica immediately ordered the attack. Hundreds of field alchemical artillery pieces covered the soldiers advance, and the cannonballs rained down on the city walls, creating ripples of runes. Several teams of Royal Lienhardt aerial units launched attacks from the sky, constantly inflicting casualties on the Bass soldiers on the city walls. Lienhardts three royal fleets sailed upstream on the Eiben River, engaging in combat with the two Bass Kingdom fleets guarding KaiservenCity. Ji Chen also sent out the Kraken without hesitation. Before this ocean monster, the hundred-meter-long steel warships had little resistance. Under the bombardment of artillery and the tentacles attacks, they could only sink one after another in despair. At this point, Lienhardt had completely gained control of the river and began bombarding Kaiserven City with naval artillery, causing countless casualties. With the continuous replenishment of abundant resources from Eiben City, Lienhardts army and the player army continued to siege the city. Finally, three days later, the city gate was breached, and Lienhardts soldiers stormed in, marking the beginning of the fall of Kaiserven City. The battle inside the city lasted for two days and nights. As the last hundred-person team of stubborn resistance chose to surrender, the entire Kaiserven City fell into Lienhardts hands. When Lienhardts banner was planted at the top of the castle representing the royal power of the Bass Kingdom, all the surviving Bass Kingdom soldiers and countless residents had pale faces and lifeless eyes. The Bass Kingdom had fallen! When the soldiers entered the Bass Kingdoms palace, they found that a massacre had occurred here several days earlier, with rotting corpses everywhere. They finally discovered that the Bass Kingdoms king had died on the throne several days ago, holding a dagger in his hand, his heart pierced, and his decaying face showed signs of despair. It looked like suicide. But Ji Chen felt that there must be something fishy about it. All of this was closely related to the enigmatic organization, the Deceiver, even though they didnt show up everywhere, this war was inseparable from them. It seemed that he would have to continue questioning this so-called Revered Envoy, Katie. But no matter what, this long-lasting war finally came to an end, and it was time to discuss the distribution of benefits with the Thorey Kingdom, the Pelan Kingdom, and even many player guilds. However, all of this was not very relevant to Ji Chen anymore. As a significant participant in this war who turned the tide several times, he believed that the Lienhardt Grand Duchy and Monica would offer him satisfactory sincerity and rewards. All he had to do was wait. Sure enough, one day after the capture of Kaiserven City, Monica sent an invitation for him to meet. In a side fortress of the Bass Kingdoms palace, after Monicas people cleaned it up, she set it up as a temporary palace where she could rest and handle post-war affairs. Ji Chen was led by a maid all the way to a side hall and saw Monica, whom he hadnt seen for a day. At this moment, Monica was wearing a white silk gown with golden threads, and a golden ribbon tied at her waist highlighted her astonishingly slender waist. She wore a platinum necklace on her chest, matching her delicate collarbone beautifully. Her golden hair was tied up with a ribbon, and the slightly curled ends hung on her right shoulder, making her look both noble and elegant, with a touch of charm. Monica, you look beautiful today. Even the stars in the sky cant compare to your radiance, Ji Chen complimented in a noble tone as he entered. To his surprise, Monicas face immediately blushed, and she stammered, 1-1-Is that true? Lord Ji Chen, do you really think 1 look beautiful today? Ji Chen nodded. Of course, if you were to openly seek a husband, Im afraid that the talented young men would line up from Tressburg City to Feiguang City. Monica blushed even more, and she playfully said, There wont be so many, and I havent thought about getting married so soon But if it were you Monica didnt say this out loud; she kept it to herself. Ji Chen didnt think much of it and chuckled, patting his head. It seems like Im overthinking things a bit. Its indeed too early for you. Although Monica appeared very mature in her actions, she was at most in her early twenties. At her age on Earth, she would still be in school. Oh, by the way, Monica, what did you want to talk to me about? Seeing Ji Chens lack of reaction to her earlier words, Monica couldnt help but sigh inwardly and forced herself to stay focused. Lord Ji Chen, 1 recently received information about the Deceiver. It seems that those masked individuals have suffered a setback in the Bass Kingdom and have completely withdrawn from this land. Theyve taken their remaining forces to the Western Continent, where their main headquarters seems to be located. The Western Continent? Ji Chen nodded thoughtfully. He had already planned to visit the Western Continent once the war between Lienhardt and Bass was over. There were two main reasons for this trip. First, he needed to fulfill his agreement with Thotmudo and gather the dwarf tribes there. Second, he wanted to expand his market. The Radiant Commerce Guild of the Starshine Islands had provided a channel for Ocean Crown products to enter the Western Continent. To ensure the sustainable development of the Ocean Crown, he needed to further expand the market. The journey to the Western Continent was inevitable, and it seemed that he would encounter these schemers again in the future. However, Ji Chen no longer feared them as much as before. The journey in the frozen wilderness had significantly boosted his power. In this war, his strength had directly crushed their conspiracy, and years of their planning had gone up in smoke. They fled with their tails between their legs, leaving in disgrace. But the Deceiver also possessed something that made him enviousthe Solar Furnace they stole from the Dwarven Black Iron Forge thousands of years ago. This artifact was a true treasure of their clan. If he had the chance to snatch it back for the dwarves during his trip to the Western Continent Ahem, he meant help the dwarves retrieve it, he would be quite pleased. The Deceivers, who were currently retreating to their main camp, had no idea that Ji Chen had already set his sights on them. In addition, regarding the spoils of this war, Monicas words brought Ji Chen back to attention. I will use my utmost authority to secure as many spoils as possible for you, Lord Ji Chen. We will allocate at least one-tenth of the Bass Kingdoms national treasury as a reward for your assistance. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Furthermore, we will designate a piece of land in the occupied territory of the Lienhardt Kingdom within the Bass Kingdom as your residence Of course, this doesnt require you to accept a noble title as a prerequisite, as Lienhardt no longer has the authority to grant you one. After all the actions taken thus far, apart from seeking revenge to some extent, wasnt it all for the sake of interests? Ji Chen was not the kind of person to forget his principles for the sake of profit, but he also didnt want to do things for nothing. The national treasury of a kingdom was undoubtedly vast, more than enough to fill an entire castle. In addition to that, a designated residence was a substantial reward, essentially a second territory. In the future, Ocean Crown would have a place to establish itself within the Lienhardt Duchy.. Chapter 563 - Chapter 563: The Elves’ Rumors and the Nation’s Promise Chapter 563: The Elves Rumors and the Nations Promise Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Besides, there are many other rewards. You can find out more when you come to Tressburg later. Monica gathered her hair and smiled. My father has wanted to meet you for a long time and wants to thank you in person. Lienhardt Grand Duke, Julius? Upon learning that this Grand Duke had led armies in numerous battles, expanding the Lienhardt territory twofold, and was a formidable individual at level sixty or higher, renowned for both his combat skills and strategic intelligence, Ji Chen suspected that there was a strong link between him and the Kingdom of Bass hasty declaration of war. Such a formidable native leader piqued his interest. Ji Chen nodded thoughtfully. Very well, I will visit the Grand Duke after that. Seeing Ji Chen readily agree, Monica became even happier, her eyes forming crescent moons with her smile. Thats good. We shouldnt delay. Lets set off tomorrow morning. After confirming the time, Ji Chen returned to the temporary residence in the city. The first to greet him was Elisya, an elven girl who appeared mature but carried a childlike dependence in her expression. She opened her arms and hugged his waist, rubbing her cheek against his chest. Big Brother! Ji Chen, who just entered the door, was almost out of breath. He looked at the heroes who followed Elisya with a strange expression. Who taught Elisya to call me like this? Master, it was Lady Aninas suggestion, Benbo quickly chimed in. Anina, casting a scornful glance at Benbos overly flattering conduct, placed her hands on her hips and remarked, We cant have Elisya pick up terms like master or anything of the sort. Considering her current demeanor, addressing him as brother should be the most suitable choice. Alice showed an approving look. In fact, when she heard this suggestion, she was sure that the lord would accept it. During their intimate moments, the lord always preferred her to call him big brother. If it werent for the significant age difference between Elisya and the lord, she would have suggested using daddy or something similar. Ji Chen thought for a moment and found it reasonable. Truth be told, being called big brother by such a beautiful elf gave him a peculiar feeling. He reluctantly accepted this reason. Have the elves from Vale been settled in? While walking towards the eaves with Elisya, Ji Chen asked. Alice nodded. The people from the Lienhardt Grand Duchy have been very cooperative. They quickly cleared more than ten mansions for the elves to rest in and immediately delivered a large amount of new food, clothing, and supplies. They all seemed a bit nervous as if they were afraid of causing any trouble First, the elves from Vale were brought here by Ji Chen, so they received such treatment. Second, perhaps even the secluded Lienhardt Grand Duchy, isolated from the Northern Continent, knew that the Elven Empire was not to be trifled with. Regardless of where Ji Chen brought so many elves from, the fact that they were elves was enough. If something went wrong with these elves here, they couldnt bear the consequences. When a nation becomes powerful and prosperous, the status of its citizens also rises, earning respect and awe from other nations. Of course, the arrogant and protective behavior of the Elven Empire had a significant impact on this. Whenever harm befell their people and the news reached Elven ears, the Elven Empire promptly dispatched a formidable army to ruthlessly annihilate anyone who had crossed them, a practice that had been consistent since the reign of the then-current Elven Empress. This led countless nations, whether human or of other races, to form a common notion and impressionnever to provoke the Elves, or at least not openly. Any dealings involving the trade of Elves were conducted discreetly, far from the Elves watchful eyes. However, there were rumors suggesting that some factions destroyed by the Elves due to involvement in the Elf trade had been orchestrated by the Elves themselves, with the goal of eliminating dissent and securing their own interests. Yet, nearly five thousand Elves in Vale were already a significant number, considering the diminishing breeding capacity of the Elven Empire. It should be noted that there were only three to four thousand Elves stationed in the vast Maple Principality. This sudden increase of five thousand Elves would have been a significant achievement for any Elven official or field agent working abroad, and it would surely have been reported to the Elven Empress. So, Ji Chen had already contemplated how to reap some benefits using the Elves of Vale through Elven Ambassador Miligas cooperation. When it came to making money, why hold back? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only However, it seemed that Miligas had already returned to the Elven capital to attend the Empress birthday celebration. In that case, Ji Chen would have to approach Military Officer Brett On the other hand, the Elves from Vale were praising Ji Chen without knowing he was currently contemplating how much price each of the elves would fetch him after he transported them back to the Elven capital. They were completely unaware of the current status of the Elven race. In their eyes, the respect and treatment they received from these humans were all because of Ji Chen. Therefore, when they boarded the ship again the next day and saw Ji Chen, their faces were filled with respect and gratitude. The young female Elves, in particular, did not hide their admiration for him.. Chapter 564 - Chapter 564: The Elves’ Rumors and the Nation’s Promise (2) Chapter 564: The Elves Rumors and the Nations Promise (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen found himself perplexed by what he saw. In any case, they set off, with Monica accompanying them on the ship, aiming for a swift return from the Kingdom of Bass to Lienhardt via sea travel. In theory, if they followed the Kaiserven River downstream from Kaiserven City, returned to the ocean, sailed along the route back to Feiguang City, and then continued forward, they could reach Tressburg, which was also located by the sea. This route would take approximately five days. However, Ji Chen couldnt afford to wait that long. Leaving behind the Kraken and the legions, excluding the Tyrant Azure Dragon, to protect the Elves of Vale, he immediately took Monica aboard the Tyrant Azure Dragon as their mount and sped up their journey, breaking away from the fleet. Under the influence of Ji Chens Lord Talent and the power of the ocean, they arrived at the colossal blue and white city by the shores of the Inner Sea in just a little over two days. When Ji Chen first laid eyes on this gigantic city, which was partly built on plains and partly on highlands, he couldnt help but be amazed. The white walls and blue-tiled roofs, characteristic of the Mediterranean architectural style, were a refreshing sight. The long stretch of white sandy beach, like a milky ribbon sandwiched between the deep blue sea and the green plains, exuded a romantic atmosphere. As Monica gazed upon this city with a landscape rating at maximum level, a sense of pride filled her eyes. The fame of Tressburg City was renowned even on the Northern Continent. This place was the cradle of her Valencia familys rise to prominence. Starting as a mere baron in a vast territory once ruled by an ancient empire, they overcame challenges, expelled monsters, defended against invaders, and eventually established the powerful Lienhardt Grand Duchy. The story of their rise and fall, glory and shame, could fill thick volumes of history. Ji Chen could sense Monicas pride and admiration for her hometown. He complimented her on the beautiful scenery, adding to her sense of accomplishment. However, before they could get much closer, a patrol boat swiftly approached them. Its cannons were already aimed in their direction, and a voice amplified by alchemical speakers warned them, Strangers, you have entered the territory of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy. State your intentions and immediately remain in your current location Lady Monica!? The soldiers on the ship were taken aback. Based on the information they had received, Lady Monica should still be on her way back. How had she returned to Tressburg City so quickly? The patrol boat drew nearer, and the soldiers cautiously inquired, Your Highness? Yes, its me. Lord Ji Chen graciously offered to accompany me on his fleet, which allowed us to arrive here more quickly, Monica replied calmly. The soldiers suddenly understood and cast curious glances at Ji Chen, their expressions showing a mixture of awe and admiration. Was this the renowned Lord who repeatedly intervened and turned the tide of battle, single-handedly eliminating over a hundred thousand enemy troops and several enemy fleets? He looked exceptionally young and handsome, standing next to their Princess Monica, giving off an aura of a perfect couple. The soldiers shook their heads, putting aside these thoughts, and respectfully said, If His Grace learns that Your Highness has arrived ahead of schedule, he will surely be delighted. Please come aboard, and we will escort you to shore. Monica nodded and turned to Ji Chen with a smile. Lord Ji Chen, lets go. Ji Chen nodded, gesturing to stop the soldiers from lowering the gangplank. With a wave of his hand, he conjured a series of water steps that extended from the back of the Tyrant Azure Dragon, reaching several meters high up to the deck. With Monica and a group of heroes, Ji Chen boarded the deck. This unheard-of way of boarding left many soldiers staring in amazement. They soon met the legendary Grand Duke Lienhardt in the castle perched on the steep cliffs, Julius Valencia. He was a man as sturdy as a lion, exuding the dignity of a high-ranking individual. After absorbing the power of the ocean, Ji Chen, too, could feel the strength flowing within Julius, as well as the overwhelming presence. While Ji Chen observed Julius, the latter was also sizing up the young man standing next to his daughter. Despite his scrutiny, Julius couldnt find any faults. His appearance was top-notch, even surpassing that of an elf. His demeanor was confident and poised, and his posture was upright, with an outstanding aura. What surprised Julius the most was that he couldnt gauge the depth of his strength, as if it were as profound and boundless as the ocean itself. Who was this young man? His daughter mentioned that Ji Chen was a Lord of Glory, but those Lords of Glory had only arrived a few months ago. Yet this Ji Chen managed to increase his strength to the point where he could single-handedly destroy tens of thousands of enemies within a few months? Moreover, he heard that Ji Chen had painstakingly built a sizable territory and established thriving relations, even selling products to the elves. It was quite an accomplishment. As Julius thought more about it, he couldnt help but feel impressed, and his gaze became more appreciative. Such a young and talented individual, even in Lienhardt, was a rarity! Monica looked at her fathers changing expression and breathed a sigh of relief, smiling. Father, this is the Ji Chen I told you about. Julius also regained his composure and gave a hearty smile. Indeed, he is the hero who has turned the tide of battle multiple times, just as I imagined. Ji Chen smiled modestly and said, Your Grace, you are too kind. 1 have merely done what was within my capabilities; its not worth mentioning. Julius raised an eyebrow. If killing tens of thousands of enemy soldiers, destroying and capturing several fleets of the Bass Kingdom, and even obliterating the Eiben Fortress in one blow are not worth mentioning, then perhaps there is no accomplishment worth boasting about. To be honest, 1 am deeply grateful to you. First, you saved my daughter, and then you wholeheartedly joined a war that had nothing to do with you. You have even helped us turn the tide of the battle multiple times. You are a hero of our Lienhardt Grand Duchy, Julius said with a very serious expression. In addition to the reward mentioned by Monica earlier, 1 can make you a promise. As long as it doesnt harm Lienhardts interests and is within our capabilities, we can do something for you as a nation. This was his utmost sincerity towards Ji Chen, and even Monicas expression changed slightly. She had not expected her fathers promised reward to be of such magnitude. Ji Chen was also taken aback. The entire nation doing something for him? The weight and value of this promise were immeasurable in terms of money and resources. Feeling the gravity of this commitment, Ji Chen nodded solemnly. Juliuss expression softened, and his gaze became much gentler. He chuckled and said, Truly a dragon among men. Youve accepted so easily. This is much more straightforward than those noble youths who receive medals from me and still hesitate and shed grateful tears. You are a Lord of Glory worth befriending for our Valencia family! Monica is lucky to have accidentally entered your territory during her escape on the boundless sea, meeting such a talent. Ji Chen also smiled and replied, 1 feel very fortunate to have met Monica. Your Grace, having such a daughter who possesses both beauty and wisdom, is truly enviable. Youre right! My daughter Monica is indeed outstanding! Watching her father and Ji Chen engage in a pleasant conversation, Monica felt a heavy burden lift from her heart. Hearing Ji Chens praise made her feel as sweet as honey. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only At this moment, Monica looked around and asked with some curiosity, Father, where is Mother? Juliuss expression paused for a moment. Your mother has been ill for the past few days. She is currently resting and unable to come out to greet you. What? How is that possible? She was perfectly fine when I left. I dont know either, but the court physician has examined her. Its probably just a slight cold, nothing to worry about. Listening to the conversation between Julius and Monica, Ji Chen couldnt help but feel a strange sensation wash over him.. Chapter 565 - Chapter 565: A Country Within A Country, The Poison Of The Sea Heir Chapter 565: A Country Within A Country, The Poison Of The Sea Heir Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Since gaining the oceans power, Ji Chens ability to sense things in specific directions had greatly improved. Right now, he sensed a dark, corrupted, and evil presence in the air, spreading and filling the surroundings. While conversing with Julius and Monica about the Grand Duchess, this feeling grew even stronger. This was the Lienhardt Court, not some den of monsters. It was the most heavily guarded place in the entire principality, the center of power. How could there be such an ominous, corrupt, and even evil aura here? Seeing that Julius and Monica seemed oblivious to it, Ji Chen thought for a moment and spoke up. Your Grace, I wonder about the condition of the Lady. How is she feeling now? Julius shook his head and replied. Milorna has been ill for several days now. Its quite strange, to be honest. Although its just a common cold, she looks completely drained, cant even get out of bed, and shes been talking nonsense. Milorna was the name of the Grand Duchess, and upon hearing this, Monicas face also showed a worried expression. She initially thought it was just a minor cold, but now her mother couldnt even get out of bed. She immediately expressed her desire to go see her mother, but Julius stopped her, saying, Your mother is resting now. You can visit her after she wakes up. Monica reluctantly nodded, suppressing her anxiety. Listening to this, Ji Chen had a vague premonition. This pervasive sense of disdain, corruption, and evil might be related to the Grand Duchess. However, it wasnt the right time to confront it directly. Ji Chen took out several bottles of high-level life potions that had been prepared by his subordinate alchemist, Irona, from his backpack. Your Grace Julius, these are high-level life potions concocted by my subordinate alchemist. They might be beneficial for the Ladys condition. Life potions? Julius didnt place much hope in these life potions, but as the Grand Duke, he naturally possessed an abundance of such elixirs, which he had already given to Milorna. However, these were Ji Chens heartfelt intentions, so he accepted them with a smile. Thank you for your kind gesture. Ji Chen nodded and didnt rush to resolve this matter immediately. It wouldnt be appropriate to bring it up abruptly. After a while of conversation with Julius, he took the initiative to bid farewell. Under the guidance of several maids, he left the Lienhardt Court and temporarily rested in an adjacent mansion. The next day, Monica came to visit the mansion. Lord Ji Chen, my father has already decided on the land division. Considering that most of your troops are ocean-based and you are an ocean-type Lord, your territory will be located approximately eighty kilometers west of Feiguang City, on an island called Fish Tail Island. Theres a village there with about five hundred people. The actual land area is about twenty square kilometers, and its located two to three kilometers from the mainland. Moreover, its near a busy shipping route, which is very conducive to trade development. In addition, the waters within a radius of ten kilometers around Fish Tail Island are your private exclusive zone. Within this range, any resources belong to you, and no one else is allowed to enter or harvest resources without your permission, not even the Lienhardt Court. Any commercial and economic activities that occur on this land do not require taxation, nor do they require participation in the principalitys wars or labor. Ji Chens eyes brightened. Twenty square kilometers, isnt that about one-fifth the size of the main island of the New Moon Islands? In terms of actual land area, twenty square kilometers was already quite substantial. This wasnt an isolated island in the open sea; it was land close to the mainland, with high economic value. What pleased him even more was that the designated territory was an island not far from the mainland. It allowed him to leverage his identity as an ocean-type Lord while maintaining close ties with the mainland. However, what surprised Ji Chen was that according to Monicas words, this territory seemed to be like a country within a country. As long as he didnt do anything detrimental to the interests of Lienhardt, he would be like a warlord there. On the other hand, other players had territories within the territories of various nations. Over the past few months, these players had already reached an understanding with the indigenous people. They had to regularly pay a certain amount of taxes and send a portion of their subjects for labor to maintain their right to exist in the countrys territory. Otherwise, they might be expelled by the indigenous people. This was one of the differences between players who resided on indigenous land and those in desolate, uninhabited areas. The former received some protection from the indigenous people, making them safer and enjoying richer resources. The latter had to rely entirely on themselves, with scarcer resources but no need to depend on others. The fact that Julius was willing to give Ji Chen an entire country within a country was a testament to his enormous goodwill. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Im very satisfied. Thank the Grace for the generosity. Monica smiled playfully and blinked. With Fish Tail Island, you can now directly transport Ocean Crowns products to sell in the Lienhardt Principality without going through customs. This saves quite a significant amount of taxes. Ji Chen couldnt know whether to laugh or cry. Why did you just say it so directly? The taxes youre helping me save belong to the Lienhardt. The money belongs to the principalitys finances and my father. It got nothing to do with me.. Chapter 566 - Chapter 566: A Country Within A Country, The Poison Of The Sea Heir (2) Chapter 566: A Country Within A Country, The Poison Of The Sea Heir (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Monica gave a charming smile. Anyway, with all youve done for us, this little tax is nothing. If it werent for the risk of arousing dissent among other nobles, 1 would suggest directly granting you a few cities. That way, it would also save you the effort and money of building a new territory. Ji Chen chuckled lightly. If you do that, His Grace might be heartbroken. His most beloved daughter is giving away cities. Monica covered her mouth and giggled, her eyes forming crescent moons. Her ample bosom shook uncontrollably, a sight to behold. Oh, by the way, how is your mother doing now? Is she feeling any better? As soon as this topic came up, Monicas face immediately turned sorrowful. 1 dont know why, but my mothers condition has worsened. Father said that yesterday morning, she could still speak, but now she cant even utter a word, and she has fallen into a coma. Ji Chens expression subtly changed, confirming his earlier suspicions. There were indeed some dark elements within the Lienhardt court. He thought for a moment and decided to share this suspicion with Monica. What? Is what youre saying true, Lord Ji Chen? Monica exclaimed. Is my mother really afflicted by something? Ji Chen nodded gravely. Theres a certain possibility. Yesterday, when I was at the court, I sensed a sinister and malevolent aura there. It may be related to the Duchess. But why didnt Father and 1 sense anything? Ji Chen shook his head, sounding certain. This might be related to my recent journey in the Frozen Wilderness and the increase in my strength. It seems to have heightened my ability to perceive curses and malevolence. Worry painted Monicas face. She anxiously bit her lip, and in reality, she had also felt something unusual in the court last night. It was always chilly, and a cold atmosphere lingered around her. She even had nightmares, something unusual for her. In this state, it felt like an invisible specter was wandering around the castle. So, what should we do now? Monica didnt doubt Ji Chens words at all. Her expression was a mixture of panic and desperation. She instinctively grabbed Ji Chens hand, her eyes showing distress. Lord Ji Chen, do you have a way to get rid of whatever lurks in the shadows and help my mother recover? Sensing Monicas urgency, Ji Chen gently freed his hand and patted hers to reassure her. 111 do my best. But to understand the situation better, Ill need to see your mother in person. Upon hearing this, Monica seemed to regain some composure. She realized that she had impulsively grabbed Ji Chens hand earlier, and her snow-white face turned slightly pink. She quickly let go and said, Very well, lets go to the court now and inform Father of the situation. With Alice, Anina, and other heroes, Ji Chen followed Monica back into the court. As soon as they entered the castle, he instantly felt the ominous presence that was even stronger than yesterday. It was almost tangible now, and he could sense it more distinctly. A wispy black mist, like a strand of ink, was emanating from the depths of the castle. It was the same hall as yesterday, and Julius hurriedly entered through a side door. His complexion was pale, and his eyes were bloodshot, showing signs of prolonged sleep deprivation. Father, theres something 1 need to discuss with you! Monica walked up to Julius and spoke hurriedly. My dear daughter, if its not urgent, lets talk later. I need to be with your mother right now to take care of her. Julius replied with a hint of anxiety, about to leave. This matter is about Mother, Monica quickly said. Lord Ji Chen mentioned that Mother might be afflicted by something! Julius immediately halted in his tracks, his thick black eyebrows furrowing. Afflicted by something? Is there any concrete evidence? Monicas complexion changed slightly. Not yet, but Ji Chen promptly stepped forward, his demeanor composed. Your Grace Julius, may I have the opportunity to see Monicas mother in person? That way, I can make a more accurate assessment. Julius gazed intensely at Ji Chen, like a vigilant lion, his eyes revealing no emotional fluctuations. After a long pause, he said, Very well. Ji Chen nodded and instructed, Alice, come with me. Anina, you both stay here. Yes! Monica breathed a sigh of relief and quickly led the way. Passing through corridors and arches, Ji Chen and the others arrived at an isolated part of the castle. Upon entering, they found themselves in a lush garden. However, the flowers and plants seemed ailing, with a wilted appearance. Numerous maidservants hurriedly moved about, their faces filled with solemnity and fear. In a room within the castle, Ji Chen saw a woman lying on a bed, her eyes closed tightly, her complexion pale. This woman was none other than Juliuss wife and Monicas mother, Milorna. Despite the warm seaside atmosphere, Milorna seemed to be in the midst of winter. She was covered with thick blankets, and her body trembled uncontrollably. Sensing the evil and malevolent aura concentrated deep within her body, Ji Chens eyes glinted, and he quickly confirmed, She has been poisoned. What? Poisoned? Julius blurted out, his face filled with shock and disbelief. The court physicians have examined her multiple times and found no traces of poison. This cannot be! Monica also asked softly, Lord Ji Chen, are you sure youre not mistaken? There are no signs of poisoning in Mother Ji Chen, with a determined expression, shook his head. She has definitely been poisoned, and its not a poison that ordinary races use. This is neurotoxin from the Sea Heirs. Sea Heirs? Julius and Monica exchanged puzzled glances, their faces showing a hint of confusion. They had never heard of this race before. What emanated from Milorna reminded Ji Chen of the neurotoxin used by the Sea Heirs when they attacked the Ocean Crown! Sea Heirs possessed a natural ability to launch neurotoxin attacks, which not only operated in secrecy but also became more severe over time. Many units of the Ocean Crown had not died from direct attacks but had been tortured to death by the poison. Their symptoms were almost identical to Milornas current condition. Ji Chen briefly explained the Sea Heirs to them. Goodness, theres such a terrifying race in the ocean? Hive-like thinking, Sea Heir leaders Monicas face displayed incredulity. Even Julius furrowed his brows deeply. Lienhardt has stood by the seaside for so long, and has never encountered this race Ji Chen nodded. Sea Heirs typically remain in the deep sea, several thousand meters below the surface, and rarely venture close to land. Its normal not to have encountered them. But whats strange is how Lady Milorna contracted the Sea Heir Sea Heir? Julius looked at Milorna lying on the bed, his eyes filled with concern, and shook his head. I dont know either. Milorna hasnt left the court in recent years, and most of the time, shes been taking care of the flowers and plants in the garden, hardly ever coming into contact with the outside world. Ji Chen furrowed his brows. Is there any certainty that someone intentionally poisoned her? Upon hearing this, Juliuss expression turned dark, like a lion about to rage. We cant rule out that possibility. Milorna is kind-hearted, generous to others, and has no suspicion towards those around her. Perhaps someone took advantage of this to carry out this malicious act! Julius regained his former dignity and issued a stern command to those outside. Spread my orders, seal the court, and investigate anyone who has had contact with my wife in the past month. Interrogate them thoroughly! If anyone forcefully breaks the seal, disable their limbs on the spot and bring them back for questioning! Yes! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The palace guards rushed outside, and heavily armed soldiers stood guard in every corner and at the entrances. The once peaceful court was instantly shrouded in a solemn atmosphere, and even the air felt stifling. Lord Ji Chen, Monicas voice trembled slightly, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at Milorna. Do you have a way to neutralize this Sea Heir Poison and save my mother? As she spoke, Julius also turned his gaze towards Ji Chen, his hands clenched tightly. In the lion-like eyes, a glimmer of hope seemed to emerge. Facing their gaze, Ji Chen, expressionless until now, slowly revealed a reassuring smile. Of course.. Chapter 567 - Chapter 567: Milorna Awakens, The Deep Sea Church Chapter 567: Milorna Awakens, The Deep Sea Church Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the past, during battles with a group known as the Sea Heirs, many soldiers and residents in the territory of the Ocean Crown suffered from their poison. This toxin was extremely hard to detect and challenging to eliminate. The only expert alchemist in the territory, Lady Irona, conducted research and manufactured antidotes to neutralize this neurotoxin under the guidance of Ji Chen. Ji Chen turned his hand and handed over a vial containing a shimmering silver liquid, saying, This is the antidote to neutralize the poison. After drinking the antidote, Milorna, who had been in a coma, gradually regained some color in her face. Her eyebrows relaxed, her breathing steadied, and her body stopped trembling. For the first time, a serene expression appeared on her face, causing Julius and Monica to breathe a sigh of relief. Especially Julius, visibly relaxed when he saw his wifes condition improve. He sat by her bedside, tightly holding Milorna, his eyes fixed on her, like any ordinary husband deeply concerned for his wife. Ji Chen and Monica left the room, leaving it to the Grand Duke and Duchess. Based on past experience, after taking the antidote, it wont be long before she wakes up. However, her body is still weak and needs sufficient rest and proper nourishment. The advanced life potions 1 provided earlier will help to some extent in facilitating the duchess recovery. Monica nodded quickly, wiping away a tear from the corner of her eye, and said with a choked voice, Lord Ji Chen, if it werent for you this time, my mother might have Ji Chen shook his head. Whats more important is that you should quickly find out how Lady Milorna was poisoned and, more urgently, determine the source of this neurotoxin. Otherwise, if it spreads on a large scale, it will attract attention and could pose a serious problem. Based on his own impressions and the accounts of oceanic heroes like Anina, the Sea Heirs, aside from their leader, were not known for their intelligence. Most of the time, their only thought was to devour. They were unlikely to use such methods as poisoning a human duchess. There was no necessity or feasibility in it. The eerie and otherworldly appearance of the Sea Heirs was something that anyone would find extremely malevolent. Therefore, he speculated that it was the work of humans, who had somehow obtained the neurotoxin and used it to poison someone, possibly with some hidden agenda. Monica nodded with a grave expression. If what Ji Chen had said earlier was true, then this matter was not just about her mother; it also concerned the safety of the entire duchy. I will take it very seriously and ensure that everyone remains vigilant. Ji Chen nodded and was about to say something when they suddenly heard Juliuss excited voice from the room. My wife, youve finally awakened! Ji Chen and Monica exchanged glances and entered the room together. Milorna, lying on the bed, had indeed awakened. She leaned against the headboard, but her eyes still held a sense of confusion and weakness. Her well-maintained face exuded grace and elegance, with a regal air. It was evident that Milorna had been a rare beauty in her youth. What happened to me? I feel like 1 had a very long and terrible nightmare with lots of evil monsters trying to devour me Milorna said with a frown as she looked at Julius. Julius, full of concern, gazed at his wife and whispered, Its nothing, just a dream, nothing serious. Suddenly, Milorna looked at Julius and furrowed her brow. You must be hiding something from me. Is there something between us that cannot be spoken of? Julius initially wanted to conceal something, but after being glared at by Milorna, he sighed helplessly and briefly explained the events of the past few days. Does that mean someone secretly poisoned me? Julius nodded heavily and softly inquired, My wife, do you remember encountering anyone suspicious before this happened? Suspicious individuals? Milorna looked a bit puzzled. 1 dont think I paid much attention to that. But the people around me were my maidservants who have been serving me for decades, so its unlikely to be them. I do remember that I was watering the garden at the time, and then I sat in the pavilion to have some food. It was the fruits and wine offerings. After that, I felt a bit tired and went back to my room, and then Ji Chen and Monica exchanged glances. Fruits and wine offerings? Julius suddenly realized, gritted his teeth, and said, Those fruits and wine were originally offerings for me. Milorna accidentally consumed them, which is why This mans face was filled with self-blame and guilt. He would rather have been poisoned himself than let his wife endure such a nightmare and suffering. What are you talking about? The duchy cannot afford to lose anyone, especially not you Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Milorna noticed Monica and Ji Chen standing behind and her eyes suddenly brightened. You must be Ji Chen, the one Monica mentioned earlier, right? Ji Chen smiled slightly and bowed. Yes, I am Ji Chen, Lady Milorna. Previously, you saved Monica, and now youve saved my life as well. In addition to the contributions you made in this war, I truly dont know how to repay your kindness. Milorna looked at the distinguished Ji Chen and chuckled. You look much more handsome than the Grand Duke did in his youth.. How about as a token of gratitude, we betroth Monica to you, and you come to serve in our Valencia family as our son-in-law? Chapter 568 - Chapter 568: Milorna Awakens, The Deep Sea Church (2) Chapter 568: Milorna Awakens, The Deep Sea Church (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Mother- Monicas face suddenly turned shy, and even her neck reddened. She sat by the bedside and coquettishly said to Milorna, 1 havent even thought about getting married yet! And when you woke up, you didnt pay any attention to me, your daughter; instead, you gave your attention to Lord Ji Chen instead. Whats going on? Milorna had a smile on her face, and Monica was whispering in a caring manner, completely unaware of Julius, whose face had darkened on one side. Her daughter was going to get married!? No, he wouldnt agree!! If someone wanted to marry his daughter, they had to pass his test first!! And how did Ji Chen become more handsome than he was when he was young? Back in his youth, he was known as the most handsome man in Lienhardt, capturing the heart of his wife with his handsome and masculine face! Ji Chen felt Julius sudden hostility and malice towards him and couldnt help but twitch at the corner of his mouth. He cleared his throat and said, Lord Julius, the immediate priority is still to trace the source of the poison. Monica also nodded. Exactly, Father and Mother are victims of the Sea Heir poison, and we need to find the culprit as soon as possible! Julius nodded heavily, his eyes seemingly filled with the eruption of a volcano, I will definitely find the culprit and make them pay! Now, with a very clear lead, all they needed to do was find the person who provided the poisonous fruits and wine for the tribute. Julius immediately ordered an investigation and soon traced it back to a baron named Bessos, who had offered the fruits and wine. Soldiers quickly stormed his mansion and arrested Bessos, who was about to leave. They escorted him all the way to the palace, where Julius personally interrogated him. Your Highness, you must have made a mistake. 1 havent done anything! Baron Bessos, who was tall and thin, had a look of panic on his face. As a noble of the Grand Duchy, do you know what crime youve committed!? I I dont know. You dared to offer poisonous fruits and wine with the intent to harm the Valencia Family?! Baron Bessos froze, his face filled with fear. Those fruits and wine!? I bought them from a merchant in the Mid Ocean. Ive personally tasted them, and they couldnt possibly be poisoned! Julius was on the brink of rage, angrily questioning him, If thats the case, why were you in such a hurry to leave Tressburg? Your Highness, its because the Grand Duchy won the war, and the newly acquired land urgently needs various supplies. So, 1 planned to lead a team personally to see if there were any business opportunities. Baron Bessos looked wronged as if he had been genuinely misunderstood. From his words and actions, this Baron Bessos didnt show any signs of deception. Everything he said seemed to hold up under scrutiny. The Kingdom of Bass suffered during the war, and the vast land ravaged by conflict did indeed require a large amount of supplies. There were many business opportunities present. Baron Bessos wanting to investigate the situation wasnt unusual. Your Highness, I am loyal to you, there must be a misunderstanding! Julius furrowed his brow deeply. In reality, the fruits and wine that Milorna consumed had already been disposed of, leaving no concrete evidence behind. In other words, there was no solid proof that the fruits and wine were poisoned since the evidence was gone, and there was no way to prove it. However, at this moment, Ji Chen spoke up calmly. May 1 ask, Baron Bessos, from which Mid-Ocean merchant did you purchase these items? Baron Bessos looked at Ji Chens attire and raised an eyebrow. You are a Lord of Glory? Thats correct. Upon hearing this, a hint of disdain flashed in Baron Bessoss eyes. He thought, how could a lowly Lord of Glory dare to speak to him, a noble, like this? Shouldnt he bow deeply first and then respectfully request information? Suddenly, Monica spoke up. This is Lord Ji Chen. Ji Chen? That name sounded familiar Wait a minute. Baron Bessoss face showed a trace of shock. Could it be the Lord of Glory who had repeatedly helped the Grand Duchy turn the tide of war in various battles? Such a powerful individual should be treated with the utmost respect, even by nobles. Shouldnt he, as a lowly baron, bow deeply and make a formal request after that? He couldnt help but gulp nervously, revealing a smile that looked even uglier than someone crying. I bought them from a merchant named Fite. He claimed these were locally sourced specialties from the Mid-Ocean Island, transported back with a special alchemical preservation device. It was something oh yes, from the Starshine Islands! Baron Bessos face took on a resolute expression, speaking with confidence. However, Ji Chen slowly revealed a smile. I ordered the Starshine Islands to stop exporting their products a few months ago. How did that merchant obtain fruits and wine from there? Baron Bessoss expression froze. Lord Ji Chen, what do you mean Just what it sounds like. The Starshine Islands have already submitted to me and are part of my territory. Julius was slightly surprised, and Monica covered her mouth in astonishment. When did Ji Chen conquer another group of islands? Ji Chen stared intently at Baron Bessos and said, word by word, Youre lying. Baron Bessoss body trembled, filled with regret. Damn it, how did he coincidentally run into the lord of the Starshine Islands? A bead of cold sweat trickled down his forehead as Baron Bessos stammered, I must have made a mistake; it wasnt the Starshine Islands, it was But Ji Chen cut him off, speaking loudly, Your Highness Julius, Baron Bessos is highly suspicious. 1 believe a thorough interrogation is necessary. Julius glanced at the bewildered Baron Bessos and said solemnly, Can we entrust you, Lord Ji Chen, to assist in the interrogation? Of course. Upon hearing this, Baron Bessoss spirits lifted. He was confident that he had left no traces behind in his actions. As long as there was no concrete evidence, even a Grand Duke couldnt accuse him of attempted murder. At most, there would be a punishment. With this thought in mind, Baron Bessos straightened his posture. Ji Chen looked at him and said with a smile, I have a method to easily examine a persons memories to prove their innocence. Alice is a Siren, naturally gifted with the ability to access memories and souls. If there are no issues after the examination, then Baron Bessos is likely innocent. Julius, silent since entering the court and following Ji Chen, showed a surprised expression once more. He recalled Milornas condition, and his eyes turned cold as he slowly nodded. Baron Bessoss face turned pale instantly. Several minutes later, Alice slowly opened her eyes and released her hand from Baron Bessos, who was already foaming at the mouth, unconscious. She whispered softly, The residual memories tell me that Baron Bessos is a devoted follower of the Deep Sea Church. He visited an underground gathering at 66 Avenue des Champs-Elysees a few days ago. The Deep Sea Church? Ji Chen looked puzzled, but Julius furrowed his brow, appearing thoughtful. Your Highness, what is the Deep Sea Church? He ordered Baron Bessos to be taken away, his tone heavy. The Deep Sea Church is a religious group that emerged along the coast of Lienhardt about a year ago. Most of its members are fishermen, and its main purpose is to protect the ocean and seek its blessings. There are countless such faithless religious organizations in Lienhardt, and as long as they dont pose a threat, 1 dont pay them much attention. But 1 didnt expect this incident to be connected to such an ordinary religious group, and even a Baron has become their follower Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen raised an eyebrow. Great, this matter is getting more and more complicated, and its becoming quite interesting. It was quite intriguing that a seemingly fisherman-dominated religious groupwas somehow linked to this poisoning murder. Interesting This trip to Tressburg City was indeed worthwhile.. Chapter 569 - Chapter 569: Embrace Evolution! Chapter 569: Embrace Evolution! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The night grew deeper. The sky was as dark as ink, and the once-bright moon that had shed its white light upon the earth was obscured by layer upon layer of thick, black clouds. At this moment, Tressburg City had already fallen into silence and darkness. The streets were empty, with no one in sight except for the occasional sound of footsteps from the night patrols. Jon hid in a corner, draped in a black linen robe that concealed him in the shadows. He waited until a group of patrolling soldiers passed by on the street before carefully crossing it, navigating through a labyrinth of dark alleyways, and finally arriving at the unassuming door of a four-story building with a grimy facade. After ensuring that there was no one around, Jon extended his hand and lightly knocked on the door in a specific pattern. With a soft click, the door opened, revealing a small window about the size of a palm. A pair of alert eyes peered out. Jon crossed his arms over his chest and spoke in a low voice, Embrace the deep sea, embrace evolution, and thank the Lord for His blessings. With another click, the door swung open, revealing a middle-aged man clad in a black linen robe. His face bore the roughened skin of exposure to wind and rain, and his back was slightly hunched. Large calloused hands betrayed his occupation as a fisherman, as the lingering scent of fish clung to him. After letting Jon in, the middle-aged man also crossed his arms over his chest and whispered, Embrace the deep sea, embrace evolution. In the faint light, Jon could see a few greenish scales on the mans exposed neck, surrounded by pale skin. The green scales seemed to pulse with life. Jon couldnt help but feel a tinge of envy. Those scales were a gift from the High Priest, proof that the man had consumed the Water of the Deep Sea. Rumor had it that this gift had not only increased his swimming speed but also allowed him to stay underwater for over an hour. This enabled him to catch more fish, earning him extra silver coins each month. It had significantly improved his quality of life. Jon thought to himself that if he could receive such a blessing from the High Priest, he could earn more silver coins, perhaps enough to afford an extra blanket for his wife and make sure his children slept more comfortably at night. Why are you so late? Youre nearly a quarter-hour late. Jon cursed softly, I was delayed on the way, trying to avoid the patrols of soldiers. It seems like the patrol routes and frequencies of those hawk-dogs have changed. The middle-aged man furrowed his brows. Jon was brought into their secret circle by him. If Jons presence somehow led to the exposure of their churchs secrets, they would both face punishment from the High Priest. With a serious tone, the man asked, Did they discover you? Did you leave any traces? Jon quickly shook his head. No, 1 was extremely cautious the entire way. They havent found me, or they would have chased after me by now. The middle-aged man thought for a moment and seemed to agree with Jons assessment. He relaxed slightly and continued, The other brothers and sisters have already arrived. Youre the last one. Jon nodded and followed the middle-aged man deeper into the house. The middle-aged man continued speaking as they walked. Tonight is the churchs semi-annual gathering, so the ceremony will be more complex. But with it comes the High Priests blessing, as more of our brothers and sisters will embrace evolution and share in the Lords grace. His voice grew more excited with each word. In addition, I heard that the Archbishop will be attending this gathering! Jon paused, surprise evident on his face. Is it true? Ive heard that the Archbishop was nurtured and grew up in the ocean, noticed by the Lord at an early age, and blessed with tremendous power? The middle-aged man chuckled. You havent been in the faith for long, so you might not know much. Archbishop not only possesses the power to manipulate weather but also has frequent communion with the Lord Himself. So, if you wish to get closer to the Lord and seek his blessings, winning the favor of the Archbishop is the best way. Who knows, we might even have a chance to witness the majesty and appearance of the Lord. Seeing Jons hopeful expression, the middle-aged man patted his shoulder. As long as you sincerely devote yourself to the faith, offering all your loyalty and belief, you will inevitably receive blessings, get closer to the Lord, and become a faithful disciple under his seat. Jon nodded earnestly, but in his mind, he thought about how receiving the Lords blessings could grant him tremendous power and potentially improve his familys life. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The two of them arrived at a room deep within the underground. The middle-aged man fumbled on the floor, lifting a piece of floorboard to reveal a staircase leading underground. Jon, being quite familiar with the routine, stealthily made his way to the entrance. He descended into the underground passage, taking advantage of the dim torchlight on either side of the walls until he reached a relatively spacious underground hall. Apart from the route he had taken, this underground hall had several other passages, one of which led directly to the sea, providing a quick escape route in case of emergencies. The underground hall was already filled with hundreds of believers, all dressed in black robes with their features obscured. They stood in orderly rows, waiting in silence. Not a sound echoed through the huge hall. Jon observed this scene, his heart skipping a beat. He quietly lowered his steps and joined the rear of the queue, waiting in silence.. Chapter 570 - Chapter 570: Embrace Evolution! (2) Chapter 570: Embrace Evolution! (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Soon, a priest dressed in a silky black robe emerged from one of the passages and walked to the front of the hall. Jon lifted his gaze slightly to get a better look. The priest, who had received more blessings from the Lord, had neck scales of a deep blue hue and grayish skin on his face. Compared to the middle-aged man who had introduced him to the faith, the priest possessed even greater power. When Jon had first joined the faith, he found the scales and gray skin rather peculiar and unusual. But now, he saw a certain beauty in it, as if this was what humans were meant to transform into, the evolution they should undergo. Being a fisherman, he had spent most of his life dealing with the ocean, understanding its dangers and its vast treasures. He knew that before they could explore and excavate, a necessary evolution was indispensable. Only by receiving the Lords blessings could people like them, born at the bottom rungs of society, gain enough capital to embrace the boundless ocean. The priest surveyed the hundreds of believers before him and spoke in a raspy voice, Thank you, my brothers and sisters, for gathering here for this biannual assembly. 1 am deeply honored. But before we commence our gathering, there is something regrettable and infuriating that 1 must share with you all. We have a traitor among us! As these words were uttered, a murmur of surprise and discussion swept through the crowd. The priest gazed at the bewildered and angry faces of the believers and firmly struck his staff on the ground. The dull sound reverberated throughout the hall, silencing all voices. I can openly declare that one of our former brothers, Baron Bessos, who was also one of the five stewards of Tressburg City, has betrayed us! He willingly disclosed to the enemy the type of poison the Lord Bishop bestowed upon us and even assisted the enemy in neutralizing the toxin! Otherwise, the enemy would not have survived until now! Jons mind was shaken, his eyes filled with confusion. Enemy? Did the church he had joined have enemies? At this moment, he heard a believer in the middle of the crowd asking, Revered Priest, may 1 ask who our enemies are? The priest glanced at him, a glint of determination in his eyes, and spoke in a deep voice, Our enemies are the nobles who rule Lienhardt and the Valencia family! As this revelation unfolded, apart from a few believers who remained unfazed, the rest wore expressions of shock and disbelief. Wait a moment, werent we gathered here to offer our faith to the Lord in exchange for power, so that we could help each other and improve our lives? How did we suddenly jump to the point of being hostile to noble lords? Most of the believers present were impoverished residents. In this strictly hierarchical world, commoners had no capital or thoughts of rebelling against the nobility, who possessed unlimited resources and absolute power. They just wanted to gain strength to earn more money and support their families. The priest, observing the reactions of the believers, couldnt help but curl the corners of his mouth in a wry smile. It was unfortunate that they had to reveal the churchs intentions so early. Baron Bessos was one of the five stewards of Tressburg City, and a few days ago, he was pursued for poisoning Duke Valencia. According to the initial plan, the poisoned offerings, which had been bestowed by Lord Bishop, were supposed to be consumed by Duke Julius of Lienhardt. If Julius had died from the poison, it would have thrown the entire Lienhardt into chaos, and they could have openly recruited more believers to fulfill the Lords decree without the need for covert operations. The idea was crude but effective enough. The priest knew the potency of those toxins. They were odorless, tasteless, and nearly impossible to detect by ordinary means. Ingesting them would likely result in a near-death experience. By having Baron Bessos, a noble, offer the tainted offerings, Duke Julius would have lowered his guard considerably. However, according to reports from the court believers, the offerings meant for Julius was consumed by the Dukes wife, leading to the failure of the plan. Baron Bessos was subsequently apprehended as well. The priest believed that Baron Bessos, who had been in the faith for a long time and had gained the Lords attention, wouldnt reveal everything about the church. However, the failure of the plan would undoubtedly have a significant impact on their missionary activities in Tressburg City. In such a situation, they needed to accelerate their plans. The captured Baron Bessos would most likely not survive, and they could use him as the spark to ignite the anger of the believers. Watching the reactions of the believers, the priest was well-prepared for their response and continued to speak. Yes, our enemies are those nobles who control vast resources and exploit us, especially the Valencia family who rules this land! We are ordinary citizens struggling to make ends meet. However, we are constantly exploited and humiliated by those nobles and their lackeys, making our lives even more miserable! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The money we earn from selling the fish we catch at sea is subject to a tax, and then the rotten and vile soldiers at the docks take another portion from whats left. In the end, we are left with a pitiful half-silver coin! Is this fair? Should we endure all of this? The persuasive words of the priest stirred up resentment on the faces of many believers. Thats right, those soldiers at the docks always extort from us because of their status. My one-year-old child starved to death because of this! Those soldiers even protect the bullies.. After my poor wife was humiliated, there was nowhere for her to seek justice! Chapter 571 - Chapter 571: Embrace Evolution! (3) Chapter 571: Embrace Evolution! (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The way those nobles look at us is like were nothing more than livestock Suddenly, within this closed and dark hall, many believers began to lament the wicked deeds of the nobles and their lackeys. The emotions of anger and sorrow infected other believers, causing them to recall the injustices they had suffered. This made Jons expression shake as well, images of his own mistreatment by the nobles flashing through his mind. He couldnt help but curse, Damn nobles! The priest, observing this scene, displayed a satisfied expression on his face. Taking advantage of the increasingly intense emotions of the believers, he spoke loudly. But the appearance of the Lord has changed everything! The Archbishop told me that the Lord is willing to bestow abundant blessings upon us, granting us the power to resist the nobles! As long as all the brothers and sisters here can receive the blessings personally bestowed by the Archbishop! In the passage leading to the front of the hall, suddenly, a wriggling sound was heard. Amid the expectant gaze of numerous believers, a tall figure walked out. However, the appearance of this figure left the believers breathless. It had a humanoid body with a grotesque and eerie form, its pallid bones exposed, grayish-blue muscles intertwined between the bones. Its hands had mutated with sharp, grayish-blue claws, and instead of human facial features, there were several horizontal strips of flesh. Fins and similar organs adorned its neck and body. What sent shivers down ones spine the most was the fact that it had no legs; it moved using a hem of flesh and blood composed of tentacles wrapped around its waist, writhing and undulating. The priest spoke in a hoarse voice, This is the Lords blessing. We should accept it sincerely and praise the Lords generosity! Is this the Archbishop? Oh my, its so repulsive and horrifying. I dont want to become such a monster Such a non-human appearance instantly generated a sense of rejection among many believers. The excitement they had felt earlier subsided in an instant. I dont want this power anymore. 1 want to leave the church A young believer who recently joined the church also wanted to leave, but as soon as he turned to run towards the passage, he was knocked to the ground. The priests hand had transformed into a tentacle, piercing through the young believers chest, and blood quickly spread beneath his body. Going against the Lords will shall incur punishment. The strong smell of blood made other believers shiver, dispelling any thoughts of leaving. Seeing this, the priest smirked and turned to the monstrous figure C the Archbishop. Your Excellency, Archbishop, please purify these lost believers and let them join us, into the embrace of the Lord and the deep sea! The Archbishop, with its writhing tentacle hem, moved forward and suddenly opened a large hole in its chest. It extended a small, thin tentacle, which forcefully pierced into the body of the frontmost believer. What followed was the injection of some kind of liquid into the believers body. His face contorted in pain, and he let out agonizing screams. His body developed numerous bumps, his skin peeled away, and his facial features changed. Tentacles emerged from the bumps In just under half a minute, this believer transformed into a monstrous entity of tentacles and flesh. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This horrifying scene made the other believers tremble, and they couldnt help but try to escape from this place. However, without exception, they were all killed by the priest with his tentacles and brought before the transformed tentacled monstrosity to be devoured. The priests eyes gleamed with benevolence. Feast, my brothers and sisters. Embrace evolution with serenity; this is the Lords gift. We are destined to come into this world to fulfill the will of the Lord. While the underground hall was in the midst of a cult-like conversion ritual, the door of the house above suddenly rang. The middle-aged man guarding the door leaned cautiously against it, asking in a hushed voice, Who is it? Open up! Tressburg City Guards! Chapter 572 - Chapter 572: Sea Heirs Turning Into Humans, Humans Becoming Sea Heirs Chapter 572: Sea Heirs Turning Into Humans, Humans Becoming Sea Heirs Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The middle-aged mans face turned pale, and he instinctively tried to lock the door to buy some time. However, in the next moment, the soldiers violently burst through the door and streamed in. Behind the shattered door, the middle-aged mans eyes turned bloodshot, veins bulging on his neck, and his skin grew pale gray. It was as if something was crawling under his skin, forming grotesque bumps. A thick, damp, and viscous smell, like that of the deep sea, filled the air. Feeling a surge of immense power coursing through his body, the middle-aged man believed he could now punch a bull to death. A maniacal grin spread across his face as he lunged at the soldiers with a powerful fist. The soldiers, seasoned in combat and clad in armor, were unafraid. One of them swung his short sword, piercing the man right through. However, as the sword was withdrawn, black blood spurted out, filling the air with a nauseating stench. The middle-aged man, wearing a crazed smile, continued to swing his fists as if nothing happened until he was finally decapitated by a sword blow. In the underground hall, the priest felt a disturbance from above and his face turned grim. Danin it, who leaked the information that Jed the city defense guards of Tressburg to this place!? His serpent-like eyes scanned the faithful below, wishing he could kill the traitor on the spot. It seemed these believers had not yet shown enough loyalty and devotion to the Lord, as His blessings had not fully manifested in them. At this critical moment, with problems suddenly arising, the priest knew that the Churchs power was still not strong enough to confront the Lienhardt Grand Duchy head-on. So, he respectfully said, Lord Archbishop, those humans who have not yet undergone the transformation have discovered this place. To safeguard the Churchs secret, it would be best for us to leave with our newly reborn faithful as soon as possible. The faceless Archbishop nodded stiffly and, his tentacles wriggling, led the way through the passage. The priest followed with dozens of successfully transformed faithful in tow, navigating a deep and winding tunnel until they reached the seashore. As they beheld the pitch-black ocean ahead, the priest finally breathed a sigh of relief. As long as they returned to the sea, there was no way Lienhardt could catch up to them. They were the offspring of the ocean, protected by the great sea! As he was about to step into the water, he suddenly noticed a few individuals standing ahead. The leader was a young, handsome man in a robe, looking at them with a smile that seemed both friendly and sinister. Ji Chen looked at the group rushing out of the hidden passage with a hint of surprise on his face. After learning that Baron Bessos participated in a gathering of believers in the basement of 66 Avenue des Champs-Elysees and that an annual meeting was scheduled to take place soon, with many believers attending, he and Julius decided to launch a surprise attack on this night to capture the Deep Sea Churchs faithful and trace the source of the Sea Heirs poison. To be fully prepared, Ji Chen voluntarily joined the mission, and he hadnt expected to stumble upon this situation just outside the tunnel. At first glance, he almost couldnt believe his eyes. Ignoring the humanoid creature and human running ahead, what were those monstrous beings following them? Tentacles, flesh, twisted bodieswasnt this the Sea Heir!? The Deep Sea Church was indeed closely tied to the Sea Heir! Just as Ji Chen was filled with astonishment, the priest, seeing Ji Chens group blocking their path, showed a flash of annoyance. How could these people dare to stand in their way so recklessly? Tonight, they had suffered significant losses, and so many of their kind had been transformed into seeds. It was the perfect opportunity to convert these people into believers! Without hesitation, he mutated his left hand into tentacles and thrust it straight at Ji Chen. However, a blue light flashed, and a section of the tentacle fell to the ground with a splat, black blood oozing from the wound. The priests expression changed drastically because he saw that the blue light was actually a blade formed from condensed seawater. Immediately after, he sensed an overwhelming aura emanating from the man, and dozens of water-formed blades shot towards him. Smelling the thick scent of death, the priest hastily shouted, Brothers, kill these enemies! Lord Archbishop, save me! In what seemed like a commander-subordinate relationship, dozens of Sea Heirs behind him rushed forward, their twisted bodies moving. The Archbishop, who had been motionless, hesitated for a moment but finally took action. He moved in front of the priest, his clawed hands as resilient as metal, swatting away the water-formed blades that were flying towards them. Although he temporarily blocked the attacks, the other ordinary Sea Heirs couldnt withstand the onslaught of the water-formed blades. Under the barrage of the blades, they fell one by one, their flailing tentacles and putrid flesh scattering all over the ground. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen furrowed his brow slightly and, with a thought, increased both the intensity and frequency of his projectile attacks. The creature referred to as Lord Archbishop, with its fleshy drapery, waved its hands as if weaving a net, deflecting all the water-formed blades aimed at it. However, as time passed, it seemed to exhaust a considerable amount of energy, and its swinging speed gradually slowed down. One of the water-formed blades managed to pierce through its defense, instantly puncturing the right shoulder of the priest standing behind it. In a brief pause, the blade suddenly detonated with intense explosive energy, leaving the priest with only half of his shattered body. What was astonishing, though, was that the remaining half of the priests body began to writhe abruptly. Flesh and blood rapidly regrew, and even the visibly diminished head was swiftly returning to its previous state.. Chapter 573 - Chapter 573: Sea Heirs Turning Into Humans, Humans Becoming Sea Heirs (2) Chapter 573: Sea Heirs Turning Into Humans, Humans Becoming Sea Heirs (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After dozens of seconds, the priest, who had fully restored his humanoid form, stood up. Ji Chen looked at him with a hint of surprise. Rebirth from a mangled state was not an ability that ordinary humans could master, not to mention the strange ability to transform their hands into tentacles. Watching as the newly transformed believers were all wiped out, the priest felt a deep sense of regret. My newly converted believers! The priest looked at Ji Chen with a resentful expression and said in a tone full of bitterness, Damn human, I will make you pay and condemn your soul to be forever immersed in the depths of the sea! Human? Ji Chen raised an eyebrow slightly. So, you dont consider yourself a human anymore? The bodies of creatures like humans are too fragile. The priests face showed a trace of disdain, and he coldly snorted, I have long abandoned that weak body, pledging loyalty to the Lord and willingly embracing the evolution bestowed by the Lord. Transforming ones body into this monstrous appearance was called evolution? As Ji Chen gazed at the priest with elongated tentacles, the bishop who was swaying his own tentacles, and the scattered bodies of the sea heirs, a sudden realization struck him. His eyebrows furrowed deeply as a memory resurfaced. Hadnt he just seen this priest commanding these sea heirs? Connecting the dots about the so-called evolution, could it be that this priest and bishop were both sea heirs? Ji Chens heart skipped a beat, and he focused his gaze to bring up their information panels. [Sea Heir Priest: Primo] [Race]: Half-Sea Heir [Sea Heir ArchBishop: Isaiah] [Race]: Sea Heir Ji Chens heart grew heavy. This revelation was nothing short of shocking to him. In his impression, sea heirs were either adorned with large, flowery crowns on their heads or had tentacles covered in slime. In any case, they had absolutely no resemblance to humans. And now before him, two sea heirs with striking human-like appearances had emerged, one of whom even admitted to transforming from a human into a half-sea heir. The other, although somewhat unsightly, had a humanoid appearance that hinted at some significant revelations. These sea heirs were evolving to resemble humans in their outward appearance. What was even more unnerving was that the sea heirs were no longer treating humans as mere food sources but had developed some form of social logic. They were assimilating specific humans, turning them into their own kind, and covertly forming a religious organization. Did this not indicate that sea heirs had undergone significant evolution in their learning capabilities? Ji Chen, who once fought against a sea heir tribe, instantly sensed the complexity of the situation. The best way to deal with sea heirs was to act swiftly and decisively, eradicating them all before they could develop powers that countered their weaknesses. However, it now appeared that this deep-sea church, consisting of humans turned into sea heirs and sea heirs becoming humans, had become active in Tressburg City. They absorbed an unknown number of followers, and even Baron Bessos, a noble, was compromised. Especially concerning individuals like the sea heir priest, who showed no obvious differences in appearance when not provoked, sea heirs transformed into humans had been lurking within human society, quietly probing human weaknesses and abilities. They were evolving powers that would be absolutely devastating. Ji Chen spoke with a cold and indifferent expression, Is your Deep Sea Church active only in Tressburg City, or are you active elsewhere as well? The priest didnt conceal anything and responded candidly, Wherever the will of our Lord is sown, our footsteps are there. Sooner or later, the will of the Lord will be spread across this land, and all believers will experience rebirth. The sea heir priests eyes wandered, and he spoke with surprising seriousness, Why not join us? The Lord will grant you greater blessings and bestow upon you even more powerful abilities. Ji Chen sneered and said, The price is becoming a monster like you? This is precisely the necessary path for us to gain immense power and become loyal followers of the Lord. But Ive killed so many of your believers. The sea heir priest wore a cold-blooded smile on his face. If these believers knew that their sacrifices had guided a lost newcomer to the Lord, they would feel extremely honored. Ji Chen rolled his eyes. It seemed like a waste not to recruit this guy as a pyramid scheme leader. With a mischievous thought in mind, Ji Chen whispered a few words to Alice. Alice nodded and brought out the sea heir heart core. As the Sea Heir Core emerged, both the Sea Heir Priest and the Bishop instantly fixated their gazes on it. The Sea Heir Priest displayed a look of disbelief, as if he had witnessed something incredible. He actually sensed a trace of the divine aura emanating from this object!? Could it be that this human and these other races were also followers of the Lord, and the Lord had sent them to test him? But he hadnt sensed any familiar aura from them! For a moment, the sea heir priest considered many possibilities, without even noticing the playful look in Ji Chens eyes. However, the sea heir archbishop suddenly reacted and uttered a hoarse voice resembling speech for the first time. Lord fellow humans killed Take it back for the Lord! Before the sea heir priest could react, the archbishop rushed towards Ji Chen, emanating a strong, damp, and putrid odor. Without the need for further words, Anina stepped forward, her feet touching the seawater as she wielded her large sword. The Dragon Slayer Great Sword, a 6-star artifact, possessed immense power even when not slaying dragons, capable of cutting through metal and stone. With a swift strike, the sharp blade broke through the archbishops defenses, almost cutting him in half at the waist. However, in the next moment, the flesh and blood at the wound rapidly regrew, returning to its original state within a dozen seconds, leaving no trace of damage. Compared to the sea heir priest, who had transformed from a human into a sea heir, the pure sea heir bishop possessed a much more robust regenerative ability. Whether it was the sea heir archbishop, who seemed to be a leader among the monsters, or their powerful regenerative abilities, it was the first time Ji Chen had witnessed such things. The Sea Heir tribes he wiped out before only had a Sea Heir chieftain as a monster leader, and the others were just ordinary foot soldiers with no rapid recovery abilities. Clearly, the strength of these sea heirs was far greater than the sea heir tribes Ji Chen eliminated back then. Boom! A loud explosion rang out as the fists of the sea heir archbishop and Anina collided heavily. Then, both of them quickly retreated, wearing grave expressions. Although Anina had a massive advantage in terms of strength, the sea heir archbishop managed to hold his ground with his formidable regenerative abilities. Seeing that Anina had not achieved any results, her face turned resolute as she prepared to continue the battle. However, she watched as the sea heir archbishop suddenly began muttering to himself and then turned to flee toward the ocean. His flesh and blood skirt wriggled, and he swam rapidly on the waters surface. Trying to escape? A glint of cunning flashed in Ji Chens eyes. He raised his right hand, and a towering wall of water several meters high shot up around them. Sharp water spikes protruded from the wall, trapping the sea heir archbishop inside. Then, one by one, chains pierced through his body like sharp arrows, pinning him to the waters surface. No matter how he struggled, he couldnt move an inch. On the other side, Anina didnt remain idle. Seeing that the sea heir archbishop was restrained, she turned and charged toward the sea heir priest. At Ji Chens command, they decided to spare his life for now. By the time the citys defense guards came rushing out of the passage, the battle here had already ended. As they looked at the bodies of tentacled monsters strewn about and the eerie-looking sea heir archbishop, the guards couldnt help but show horrified expressions. They had seen their fair share of gruesome creatures, but this was the first time they encountered something so grotesque with human-like features. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The battle here has already ended. Hows the situation inside? Weve already taken control inside. All surviving Deep Sea Church believers have been subdued, and those who mutated into monsters were executed on the spot. Ji Chen nodded in approval. This operation was relatively successful, capturing most of the Deep Sea Church believers and successfully apprehending the Sea Heir priest and the Sea Heir archbishop, two crucial figures. This was of immense value for his research on human-turned-sea heirs and sea heir-turned-humans, this was of immense value. Without further delay, Ji Chen began escorting the two captives back.. Chapter 574 - Chapter 574: The Sealed Spell Map Chapter 574: The Sealed Spell Map Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation However, just as Ji Chen was using the water chain to secure the Sea Heir Archbishops neck and moving forward, a sudden change occurred. The Sea Heir Archbishop suddenly gave up struggling, and with a swift motion, plunged sharp nails into his own neck. His entire body rapidly dissolved like ice and snow, and within moments, it had completely turned into a pool of black blood, leaving no trace of bones behind. Ji Chen was momentarily stunned, then turned to look at the other side. Before he could say anything, he witnessed the heavily injured Sea Heir Priests hand transform into tentacles once again. In his terrified expression, those tentacles ruthlessly pierced into his own heart. Why, my lord I was your faithful believer The Sea Heir Priest spat out black blood, his words incomprehensible, his eyes filled with unwillingness. He attempted to struggle but felt as though his body weighed a thousand pounds. His consciousness gradually faded, and he finally lost his breath. Looking at the puddle of black blood on the ground and the gradually dissolving body of Sea Heir Priest, Ji Chen fell into silence for a moment. Then, accompanied by a few heroes, he left. Back at the Lienhardt Palace, Julius and Monica were waiting at the palace gates. They rushed forward when they saw Ji Chen returning. Monica asked with a concerned expression, Lord Ji Chen, are you unharmed? Ji Chen smiled and shook his head, saying, No, how could some believers harm me? Monica carefully examined him from top to bottom and found no traces of injury. She then let out a relieved sigh and smiled. Thats a relief. My mother instructed me to ensure your safety. If anything happened to you, I would be scolded. Is Lady Milorna doing better now? Thanks to your help, my mothers condition has improved significantly. She should be able to get out of bed and move around soon. Julius watched as Monica and Ji Chen engaged in a pleasant conversation, seemingly ignoring his presence. His large lion-like face turned dark. Why did he feel like an outsider? Clearly, he was Monicas father! Julius cleared his throat loudly and interrupted the two, saying in a deep voice, Have the priests and the so-called archbishop of the Deep Sea Church been captured? It was evident that Julius had already received the news of the successful raid from the citys defense guards and knew that the priests and archbishop had escaped through another passage. Ji Chen nodded but then shook his head with a hint of regret on his face. He said, After I captured the priests and archbishop of the Deep Sea Church, they committed suicide. Suicide!? Yes, it seems they didnt want to reveal any secrets or information about themselves. Even their bodies turned into a puddle of black blood. Ji Chen briefly described the situation of the Sea Heir Priest and Archbishop. It can be confirmed that the Deep Sea Church is a cult formed by a group of human-turned-Sea Heirs and Sea Heirs who have taken on human forms, and they are actively recruiting followers in coastal areas. Their ambitions must be significant. Julius also looked solemn. This group of sea monsters hidden among humans, disguised as a church, and secretly recruiting followers was like a time bomb placed among them. No one knew when it would explode. Monica furrowed her eyebrows and asked, Lord Ji Chen, how can we identify the hidden human-turned-Sea Heirs? Based on the current situation, those who have become Sea Heirs tend to exhibit some mutations, such as growing blue scales on their necks and their skin turning gray. Ji Chen observed the pensive faces of the two. But 1 believe we should pay more attention to the Sea Heirs who have taken on human forms. Although their appearances still differ significantly from humans, no one knows if they will continue to evolve until they become indistinguishable from humans. Julius nodded; this was indeed his greatest concern. Human-turned-Sea Heirs would only become slightly more powerful, and the soldiers of the principality could handle them. However, Sea Heirs in human form were a much greater problem. Judging from Ji Chens encounter with the Sea Heir Archbishop, their tier was at least five, and their level was over 40. Your Grace Julius, the Deep Sea Church has likely already spread and become active in coastal cities. Please be vigilant, especially considering that the war between Lienhardt and the Kingdom of Bass has just ended, leaving many homeless refugees. This might provide the Deep Sea Church with an opportunity for rapid expansion. Juliuss expression turned grave, and he didnt say much, just nodded in acknowledgment. After a pause, Ji Chen continued, Since things have settled for now, its time for me to leave. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Monica hastily spoke up, Lord Ji Chen, are you leaving so soon? Wont you stay a bit longer? Ive been away from my territory for over half a month, and 1 have no knowledge of the current situation in the Crown of the Ocean. The army 1 brought with me on this journey suffered heavy losses, and its time for me to return and recuperate. Hearing this, Monica felt a tinge of guilt. She understood how difficult it was for the Lord of Glory to assemble a tier-five army. These thousands of soldiers had likely depleted all the resources of one of his territories. Especially the Crown of the Oceans army, sacrificed in a foreign land for Lienhardts sake, made her feel even more remorseful. In Ji Chens puzzled gaze, Monica pulled Julius aside and whispered, Father, Lord Ji Chen has done so much for us. Perhaps we should offer him more in terms of rewards to show our gratitude.. Chapter 575 - Chapter 575: The Sealed Spell Map (2) Chapter 575: The Sealed Spell Map (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Julius reflected on how Ji Chen had aided him in securing victory during the war and had exposed the Deep Sea Churchs hidden threat. He had also generously compensated most of the troops for their efforts. Offering a modest bonus or additional reward as a token of appreciation is not a challenging task. This request was entirely feasible. It can be done, but what kind of reward should we give? Monica answered eagerly, For example, we could grant Lord Ji Chen control over several towns near Fish Tail Island. Ive been to the Crown of the Ocean, and Lord Ji Chen has shown great talent in governing territories. 1 believe he can make these towns even more prosperous! When Julius heard this, his eye twitched suddenly. He had a complex expression and sighed. Daughter, in the history of the Grand Duchy, non-noble families have never been granted such a high degree of autonomy over land. When I previously granted Fish Tail Island to Lord Ji Chen, many nobles expressed their dissatisfaction. If we grant control over several towns as well, it may lead to even more discontent I see Monicas face was filled with disappointment, and even her eyes dimmed, which made Julius somewhat flustered. He quickly tried to console her. I fully agree to grant him more reward, but it should be something other than additional land. Really? Monica became more attentive and asked in a hushed tone, her eyes revealing a touch of doubt. Julius, seeing this, vigorously patted his chest and assumed the role of a reliable father. Of course, after all, I am the Grand Duke. 1 can afford such a reward! Monicas eyes gleamed mischievously. Let Ji Chen pick a few things from the warehouse. No Julius was about to instinctively refuse, but he held back, feeling somewhat trapped. The Valencia familys warehouse was filled with a vast amount of gold, silver, rare resources, and precious treasures collected over hundreds, even thousands of years. Even he hesitated to use them, let alone give them away. Julius quickly realized that he had fallen into a trap as he saw the mischievous look in Monicas eyes. Well, this was a clever setup by his dear daughter! Seeing her fathers realization, Monica immediately employed her playful tactics, hugging Juliuss arm, which was thicker than her leg, and swaying it gently. Father-, youve already agreed to grant him a reward other than towns-, you cant go back on your word! In the eyes of outsiders, Grand Duke Julius, who was majestic and brave enough to fight lions and tigers barehanded, had no resistance when faced with his daughters cute act. His stern lion-like face gradually softened. Finally, he could only sigh heavily. At most, only two items! Monica suddenly beamed with joy, jumping up and down with excitement. Father, youre the best! Julius had an extremely complicated expression, and the emotions in his eyes were so complex that they could be charted as a pie chart. His daughter, whom he had raised with his own hands, now even had him wrapped around her little finger. It truly saddened this old father. He couldnt bring himself to hit her, and he couldnt bring himself to scold her. In the end, he could only glare angrily at Ji Chen. Ji Chen looked at Julius suddenly glaring at him and felt puzzled. Whats going on? What did I do to provoke him? The two of them quickly approached, and Monica generously said, Lord Ji Chen, my father said that as a token of our gratitude for helping us uncover the Deep Sea Church, he is willing to let you choose two items from the Valencia Familys treasury as our thanks. Ji Chens eyebrows twitched, his interest piqued. Oh, this is rather embarrassing. I just did what I could. If he was truly embarrassed, he could decline, Julius rolled his eyes internally but still managed to force a reluctant smile under Monicas suggestive gaze. This is our way of expressing our gratitude to you. Please dont refuse again. A faint curve appeared at the corner of Ji Chens mouth. He could actually get two items for free? In that case, he wouldnt be polite. Please follow me. After saying that, Monica couldnt wait to lead the way, which made Julius roll his eyes once again. This daughter of his was beyond salvation. Where was the intelligence and rationality she had displayed earlier? Why did it disappear when facing this guy? And another thing, was it really a good idea to bring an outsider to take items from their own familys treasure trove? The Valencia Familys treasury was located within the palace and was heavily guarded by numerous guards. It had very strict rune mechanisms and magical seals in place, making it impenetrable even to a fly. However, this was not a problem in front of the current Grand Duke. Julius directly bypassed the security layers and arrived at the door of the underground treasury. Using a certain passphrase, spells, and keys, he opened the door and led Ji Chen inside. Inside was a spacious domed space, with dozens of intricately carved stone columns supporting the topmost stained glass dome, through which some source of light projected a colorful and vibrant spectrum. In the radiant glow, countless piles of gold coins, enough to make a dragons heart race, filled nearly one-fifth of the enormous storage room. Ji Chen glanced at it with mild surprise before shifting his gaze to the other side, where rows of wooden shelves displayed various treasures and rare items. Julius pointed in that direction, saying with a touch of annoyance, Go ahead and pick two items, but remember, only two! Ji Chen nodded and walked confidently toward the shelves, starting to inspect them row by row. As the ruling family of Lienhardt for over a thousand years, the Valencia Familys treasury contained many rare treasures rarely seen in the outside world. With just a cursory glance, Ji Chen found no less than five 4 to 5-star treasures, several high-level spell scrolls, potent alchemical potions, and more. Any item taken from here would undoubtedly arouse the fervor and competition among players. Among them were also some high-level military recruitment camp cores and rare building blueprints. Ji Chen glanced briefly at a few recruitment camp cores but quickly lost interest. These cores were either land-based units or unsuitable for the Ocean Crown, rendering them useless to him. Taking a cursory look, he stopped in front of a wooden shelf in the middle of the third row. He gazed at an item on the third tier. It was a roll of silk exuding a faint magical aura. From the exposed side, one could see intricate runic patterns and unfamiliar, archaic inscriptions etched in golden threads. Julius leaned over to take a look and suddenly realized. He spoke in a relaxed tone, This is a spell map, but it has been sealed for centuries because no one could unlock it. It was probably created by a powerful ancient figure, maybe to record the location of some treasure or a specific relic. It has been lying here for so long without anyone being able to unlock it. If you forcibly break the seal, it will likely be damaged. Ji Chen picked up the map, a glint of interest in his eyes. [Sealed Spell Map] [Level]: Special [A mysterious map that, if the seal is unlocked, may reveal its secrets.] Ding- Detected an item in your backpack that can unlock the seal. Ji Chen was slightly stunned and felt a surge of joy in his heart. Well, it was quite a coincidence that he happened to have something capable of unlocking the maps seal, wasnt it? The first item is this! Ji Chen declared confidently. Julius was taken aback, wearing a peculiar expression. Are you sure about this? Ji Chen nodded calmly. Of course, I believe this item is destined for me. Lord Ji Chen, if you cant unlock the seal on this map, it will be of no use. Perhaps you should choose something else, Monica said anxiously. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen shook his head, but Julius furrowed his brows in response and spoke with a deep voice. If you think I would feel resentful or hostile towards you for talcing something valuable from here, then you are mistaken. Its only two items, Yurius Valencia can afford that. Ji Chen was slightly astonished and somewhat amused. He replied, Your Grace, I really didnt choose this item for that reason. 1 have a way to unlock the seal on this map. You have a way to unlock it? Julius was skeptical, but seeing Ji Chens honest expression, he slowly nodded. Since youre certain, I wont say more about it. Lets proceed to choose the second item now.. Chapter 576 - Chapter 576: Elisya’s Realization Chapter 576: Elisyas Realization Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen nodded and didnt rush to unfold the map, placing it in his backpack before continuing to select the second item. Various rare treasures from the outside world were displayed on the shelves, each of them worth a fortune. There were at least hundreds of them, a testament to the heritage of a native family that had been passed down for thousands of years, not to mention the indigenous forces that had inherited their legacy for tens of thousands of years. This made him increasingly interested in the biggest reward of this warthe tenth of the wealth of the Kingdom of Bass treasury. No doubt, among these treasures, there was a significant amount of gold coins, enough to satisfy his desires. Finally, Ji Chen chose a rare architectural blueprint. [Architectural Blueprint: Hero Fountain] [Tier]: 7 Stars [Effects]: 0 Increases the chance of heroes being born in the territory (2) Slowly enhances the life potential of the residents in the territory Talent is always a valuable resource that can greatly drive the development of a territory. The girl, Leysha, created the brewing industry of the Crown of the Ocean, while the interior minister, Wilus, allowed him to set aside the complicated affairs of the territory and efficiently manage resources and construction. The half-orc hero, Irona, created potions, reducing the mortality rate of the residents. Heroes like Alice and Anina fought alongside him, achieving countless victories in battles These clearly showed the tremendous impact of hero units. The military talent tree could improve the tier of heroes, but it couldnt conjure heroes out of thin air. The Hero Fountain could increase the chance of hero units being born, which held extraordinary significance for the Crown of the Ocean. When Julius saw Ji Chen choose this blueprint, a look of approval appeared on his face. In terms of preciousness, this Hero Fountain blueprint was easily in the top five here. The next day. Ji Chen received a message sent by Julius messenger, stating that two fleets of thousands of elves had already arrived at the City of Tressburg. This meant that they were about to embark on their return journey. After a brief stop to refuel and resupply, the fleet set sail once again with Ji Chen and his companions. Before departing, the young girl Monica had a reluctant expression on her face. However, she also knew that Ji Chen had many things to do next, and the residents of the Crown of the Ocean needed him more than she did. It was impossible for him to stay here forever. So, she suppressed her feelings of reluctance and waved goodbye to Ji Chen on the deck with a smile. With the loud sound of ship horns, the fleet slowly moved away from the mainland, gradually becoming indistinct on the horizon. Ji Chen stood at the bow of the ship, feeling the sea breeze blowing against his face, and his heart was filled with a pleasant emotion. The gains from this trip to Lienhardt exceeded what he had initially imagined. Not only did he settle the score with the Kingdom of Bass, but he also obtained a vast amount of wealth. It also resulted in a significant boost in his own strength. It felt akin to hitting a jackpot, just like when Qin Shi Huang struck gold! Ji Chen, as if recalling something, opened his backpack and glanced at the eight-digit gold coin balance. A satisfied smile curved his lips. This was only a small portion of what Julius had promised earlier, a tenth of the wealth from the Kingdom of Bass treasury. Although the Kingdom of Bass had spent more than eighty percent of its gold coins for the war, the remaining twenty percent was still an enormous fortune. It amounted to billions of gold coins, and a tenth of that was nearly seven hundred million gold coins. To be more precise, it was 698,680,000 gold coins, which was almost seven hundred million. At a literal glance, it was an astonishing number. For this wealth, Ji Chen only took a small portion. The rest would be entrusted to Julius to exchange and purchase rare resources before he left. He wasnt the kind of dragon who liked to sleep in a mountain of gold coins; the gold itself held little meaning to him. It could only be put to better use when converted into various resources. This nearly seven hundred million gold coins were expected to bring him a considerable number of rare resources, in the tens of millions of units. The fleet sailed southeast in the sea for several days, gradually heading towards the central part of the Western Central Ocean. One day, Marianne, the Elder of Vale, approached Ji Chen. The elderly elf, who was at least a thousand years old, appeared somewhat anxious and asked with a puzzled tone, Lord Ji Chen, why arent we following the northern continents coastline directly to the Maple Principality? Instead, were taking such a roundabout route? Ji Chen looked at Mariannes somewhat impatient expression and could somewhat understand her feelings. Isolation for hundreds of thousands of years and being separated from the main clan for so long naturally made them eager to meet their kin from the outside world. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen smiled and reassured her, Lady Marianne, its not that I want to take a roundabout route, but 1 have no choice but to do so. With that, he took out a map and pointed to a long, narrow stretch of sea in the northwest of the Western Central Ocean, extending from the coast of the northwestern continent to the central region. This long, narrow sea area is a forbidden zone of life, known as the Death Zone. It was the battleground of the gods tens of thousands of years ago, and there are rumors of fallen gods there. Even to this day, the lingering divine power still runs rampant there. Its constantly shrouded in storms and raging waves, making it unsuitable for safe navigation. For your safety, 1 had no choice but to take the fleet on a detour. Marianne suddenly realized and looked apologetic. 1 see now, I misunderstood you.. Chapter 577 - Chapter 577: Elisya’s Realization (2) Chapter 577: Elisyas Realization (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen waved his hand nonchalantly. No worries. My plan is to first detour and reach my territory for a brief rest and resupply. Then, Ill head to the Maple Principality. Looking at the map, this long and narrow sea region spanned hundreds of kilometers. In terms of marine geography, it directly separated the eastern coast of the Northern Continent, where the Maple Principality and the Elven Empire were located, from the northwestern coast, where Lienhardt, the Bass Kingdom, and four other countries were situated. This forced numerous trade ships crossing the Central Ocean to take detours. Commercial ships traveling east-west in the northern part of the Western Central Ocean had to head southeast or southwest first, bypass the southernmost tip of the Death Sea Region, and then continue their normal routes. This created a highly prosperous trade route south of the Death Sea Region, often referred to as the lifeline of trade. The Stormy Sea, where the Ocean Crown was located, served as a critical node on this route. Both the Hanseatic Chamber of Commerce and the Bass Kingdom had shown great interest and desire for this area, and that was precisely why. Setting up a supply point here would lead to numerous merchant ships anchoring for rest and resupply, bringing in a considerable amount of gold coins. After four days of sailing on the ocean, the fleet finally returned to the New Moon Islands. When Ji Chen saw the appearance of the Ocean Crown, he looked somewhat astonished. In just a months time, a prosperous town area, no less impressive than the native settlements, stood before him. Eight streets, wide enough for four carriages to pass side by side, radiated out from the Lords Castle in eight directions. On either side of the streets were either already completed buildings or building frames springing up like mushrooms after the rain. Well-planned stone-paved roads connected other important areas. To the east was the harbor, to the west was the agricultural area, and the northern road directly passed through the jungle, linking the Kobold caves, several jungle plantations, and the vineyards on the hillside. Such organized urban development clearly owed much to Wiluss efforts. Wilus came to report on the situation in the territory the moment Ji Chen returned. The sea rice cultivation area had expanded several times, now capable of providing normal food for tens of thousands of human residents. Grape vines grew rapidly in the plantations, and they would soon yield the first batch of grapes for wine production, among other things. Wilus reported truthfully, Lord, during your absence, the territory exported a total of fifty-two ships of various specialty goods to the Maple Principality and the Elves, with total earnings of 350,000 units of rare resources. 350,000 units of rare resources? Ji Chen wasnt particularly surprised. This figure was close to his previous estimate. Currently, the Ocean Crowns main exports included deep-sea Merfabric, weapons and equipment collected from the Lizardfolk, premium coffee beans, and precious jungle wood, among others. As production capacity expanded and quality improved in the future, export benefits were expected to soar. Moreover, the territory had yet to tap into its potential with grape wine and Dwarven weaponry, two highly profitable industries in the future. The future looks promising. Lord, Sir Thotmudo mentioned that after your return, hed like you to visit the underground Lizardfolk world. He mentioned that he has created the alchemical weapons from the third blueprint and has also manufactured alchemical vessels capable of operating underwater. Ji Chen nodded slightly, pleasantly surprised that Thotmudo had managed to create what he had described earlier. Thotmudo truly lived up to his legendary status as a Dwarven blacksmith. I understand. I will make time for the visit, Ji Chen replied. He then took out the Hero Fountain blueprint from his hand and said, Coordinate the resources and manpower to construct this. Its crucial for the territory. Wilus respectfully received the blueprint and, after examining it, showed a pleased expression. This was a valuable item that could increase the chances of hero units being born. If they could produce more administrative-type heroes, they could better manage the increasingly busy affairs of the territory. Moreover, he heard that the Lord had acquired land in the Lienhardt Grand Duchy mainland, which would also require administrative heroes to oversee. Yes, I will start construction as soon as possible. After hearing Wiluss report and dealing with some matters that required his personal decisions, Ji Chen left the Lords Castle with Elisya. The elves from Vale were staying in guest houses specially set up for them. These elves, who had lived in the icy wilderness, were pleasantly surprised and filled with delight when they saw the stunning surroundings of the New Moon Islands. With Ji Chens approval, they got together in groups to explore the island, bringing the cheerful laughter of elves to the area. Elisya, the amnesic elven hero, followed Ji Chen closely, her eyes filled with curiosity as she looked around at the place where she would be living in the future. Brother, are we going to live here from now on? Thats right. This is my territory, Elisya. You can consider this place your home from now on. Elisya obediently nodded, This will be my home from now on! Ji Chen thought for a moment and opened the Military Talent Tree, navigating to Elisyas page. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only [Elisya] [This hero possesses ancient elven bloodline with immense potential but is currently sealed, with Tier remaining at the Red-Legacy Tier.] [Requires a sufficient amount of resources to unlock the seal.] [Resource requirements]: 5 million units of crystals, 5 million units of mithril, 5 million units of adamantite. Unlocking Elisyas seal required a whopping 15 million units of resources, a quantity even higher than what it took for Alice to advance to the Legendary Tier. This immense requirement showcased just how powerful this ancient elven bloodline truly was.. Chapter 578 - Chapter 578: Elisya’s Realization (3) Chapter 578: Elisyas Realization (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Thinking about this, Ji Chen asked in a relaxed tone, Elisya, do you want to handle internal affairs or become a warrior? Elisya didnt hesitate at all and replied with certainty, I want to become a warrior. Can you tell me why? Because I want to protect you, big brother. Elisyas obsidian-like black eyes stared intently at Ji Chen. If I dont fight, then you, Alice, and Anina will have to divert your attention to protect me. I dont want to be a burden to any of you. Ji Chen was somewhat speechless; he hadnt expected this reason. Even though Alice said Ive forgotten many things, even if you tell me, 1 wont remember, Elisya continued. But theres one thing 1 still remember, and thats how you saved me back then. Without you, I would have died long ago, or perhaps perished in the ice crevices. Elisyas eyes were filled with determination. I want to do something for you. In Elisyas blank mind, there was one thing she had never forgotten C the warmth brought to her by that ill-fitting coat in the icy wilderness. It was something she would remember for eternity. After a moment of silence, Ji Chen nodded slowly. Seeing this, Elisya smiled mischievously, her eyes narrowing into crescent moons. Ji Chen gently ruffled her hair and said, If youre eager to be a warrior, Ill arrange for you to learn from a skilled elf fighter. Elf Arlin looked at Elisya, who was hiding behind Ji Chen, with a curious expression on her cold face. Lord Ji Chen, did you just ask me to teach Elisya how to fight? Thats right. A look of disbelief suddenly appeared on Arlins face, as if she thought Ji Chen was joking. When Elisya became the strongest elf warrior in Vale and was held in high regard by all the elves, Arlin was still practicing basic archery skills. It seemed a bit too much to ask her to teach an elf hero. Ji Chen cleared his throat and said, Actually, after Elisya lost her memory, maybe because she was in a state of madness for a long time, she seems to have forgotten her previous combat and archery skills. And there is no tutor in my territory who is skilled in archery. So, I can only ask for your help. Arlin suddenly realized and looked at Elisya with a hint of pity in her eyes. Without any hesitation, she nodded. Thats not a problem. 1 will do my best to teach Elisya in these few days before I leave. Two days later. Elisya was leaping swiftly between the trees, her bow raised quickly in her hand, and a bright red elemental arrow suddenly materialized as she made a quick gesture. Explosive Arrow. With an expression as calm as still waters on her face, she softly chanted the incantation and released her right hand, holding the arrow. The bright red arrow, carrying scorching heat, disappeared with a trail of red light. Two hundred meters away, a tree in the open ground exploded as if it had been hit by a shell. Wood splinters and sparks filled the air, leaving only a large crater on the ground. Great shot! Ji Chen applauded as he walked up, smiling in approval. Elisyas cold expression quickly melted, and she jumped down from the tree with some embarrassment. Hehe Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Arlin looked at Elisya with admiration in her eyes and sighed. Lord Ji Chen, I think theres nothing more I can teach Elisya. Elisyas performance in these two days had shown Arlin what true talent and heroic potential were. In just a short amount of time, Elisya mastered all the combat techniques and used them more skillfully and accurately than Arlin herself. These combat skills were not completely forgotten by Elisya but were deeply hidden within her body and soul, only waiting to be awakened. And as Elisya had already advanced to the Red-Legacy Tier, she would only become even more formidable in the future.. Chapter 579 - Chapter 579: Submarine From Another World: Verena’s Complaints Chapter 579: Submarine From Another World: Verenas Complaints Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The underground lizardman world had now become the heavy industrial base of the Ocean Crown. Various workshops of all sizes stand tall within the towering caves, and the sound of hammering nails and the operation of alchemical machinery echo day and night throughout the entire cave. Thousands of robust lizardmen laborers carry mining picks, excavating the abundant ore found everywhere. They collect the ore at gathering points, then transport it to the workshops near the magma river using ore carts connected to various mining tunnels. Finally, lizardman blacksmiths forge these ores into various iron-made products. The Ocean Crown exports various weapons and military equipment, with more than half of the product export share originating from here. This place is like the heart of the Ocean Crown, continuously pumping out resources to support the development of the entire territory. After being away for nearly a month, it has become even more bustling. In the distance, several dozens of meters high new forging workshops have sprung up. Elisya observes the surroundings, finding that this underground world, unlike the jungle-filled islands on the surface, consists mainly of uniform rocks and rolling magma. The stark contrast in styles makes this young elf feel extremely curious. Big brother, where are we going? Ji Chen pats her head and replies with a smile, Were going to visit a dwarf. Elisya nodded, her expression unchanged. However, she heard from Arlin that they had a grudge against dwarves as if they were some bitter enemies. But what she didnt understand was that the elves of Vale, secluded within the frozen wilderness, had never had any contact with dwarves, let alone seen them. So why the animosity? Ji Chen leads Elisya into one of the spacious workshops. Upon pushing the door open, they see an airship made entirely of some kind of metal, with two rotor wings front and back, each adorned with a circular ring, giving it a somewhat futuristic appearance. Thotmudo, a small but incredibly sturdy figure, squats in front of the airship, stroking his chin, seemingly pondering something. Lord Thotmudo! Thotmudo turns around, and upon seeing Ji Chen, he stands up and claps his hands. So its you, kid. Finally back from the outside. Then he quickly noticed Elisya and his expression became somewhat displeased. A elf has come here? Yes, its a long story, but there are several thousand elves temporarily staying in the Ocean Crown. Thotmudos expression became even less pleasant, and he spoke through his nostrils, Hmph, it seems Ill have to stay underground for the next few days, or else I might be suffocated by the elfs stench. He glanced at Elisya, who was looking at him curiously, and suddenly furrowed his brow. This elf seems a bit peculiar as if she possesses some special bloodline Ji Chens eyes flashed, proving his reputation as an epic-tier powerhouse with his keen perception. Elisya was brought back by me from a sealed ancient battlefield of the gods. She possesses the bloodline of ancient elves, with the potential to reach epic-tier, Ji Chen explained briefly about their experiences in the frozen wilderness. After hearing this, Thotmudo was somewhat surprised. He hadnt expected Ji Chen to have such experiences during his time outside. Then, as if he remembered something important, he spoke seriously, You must not let the elves of the Elf Empire know about her existence. Ji Chen asked with some confusion, Why? Thotmudo looked at him deeply and said, From hundreds of thousands of years ago to the present, the bloodline of ancient elves within elves has become increasingly diluted. If they were to discover the existence of a pure-blooded ancient elf with the potential to become epic-tier, they might take her back for reproduction to increase the purity of their bloodlines for future generations. The elves obsession and fanaticism for bloodlines in this aspect far exceeds your imagination. At least until she truly becomes epic-tier, dont let them learn about her. Ji Chens expression turned serious. Was there such things going on? Wasnt this akin to being seized for breeding like livestock? Were elves truly that imposing? For a moment, he didnt know if Thotmudo was exaggerating or if he had been given a skewed perspective of elves. Ji Chen nodded nonetheless and said, Ill be careful. However, Elisya, with a dissatisfied expression, added, I wont be taken away! Ill stay with my brother forever! Thotmudo snorted and didnt say anything further. Ji Chen seized the opportunity to change the topic and pointed at the airship, Is this the alchemical contraption recorded in the third blueprint? Thotmudo became more animated and nodded, saying, Yes, its called the Alchemical Airship. The blueprint only covers the basic version, which can only carry passengers. Considering your needs, Ive modified it into a maritime version. It can not only be loaded onto the sea surface vessels and accommodate about ten people, but it can also carry dozens of alchemical bombs for attacking enemy surface vessels and underwater targets. To enhance its firepower, Ive also installed small-caliber alchemical cannons on both sides, which can be used to eliminate soldiers on the decks of enemy ships Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Thotmudo explained enthusiastically, a self-satisfied look crossing his face, clearly quite pleased with his creation. Ji Chen was taken aback. It could ride on surface vessels, carry passengers, drop bombs, and even use small cannons to clear enemy ship decks. Wasnt this like an otherworldly alchemical version of a naval helicopter!? Well, this was going to new heights! If Thotmudo were given more inspiration and time, who knew, he might even replicate war machines like aircraft carriers and fighter jets.. Chapter 580 - Chapter 580: Submarine From Another World: Verena’s Complaints (2) Chapter 580: Submarine From Another World: Verenas Complaints (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation However, what intrigued Ji Chen the most was that submarine from another world. The alchemical submarine that can operate underwater? Submarine? Thotmudo suddenly paused, his face lit up with delight. Submarine, a vessel that submerges underwater, what a fantastic name! I was struggling to come up with a name, but this is perfect! I didnt expect you to be so good at naming things. The alchemical submarine is stored in the shipyard by the harbor, and its not small in size. Ji Chen smiled, not saying much. Drawing inspiration from the modern weaponry on Earth, using its original name felt fitting. The duo, along with the dwarf and elf, rode a converted minecart back to the surface and arrived at the shipyard beside the harbor. There, a roughly train-car-sized alchemical submarine, narrow at the front and wide at the back, was docked in a dry dock. Compared to the sleek and long submarines Ji Chen was familiar with, this one was much smaller, measuring only around ten meters in length and three to four meters in width. It had numerous exposed gears, pipes, and illuminated devices, giving it a distinct steampunk style. Seeing his creation, Thotmudo became visibly excited. I dare say even those gnomes dont have an alchemical submarine that can operate underwater like this! This is my first masterpiece, and whether its in dwarf history or alchemical manufacturing history, the name of Thotmudo the Dwarf will be remembered! Ji Chen, somewhat skeptical, asked, Have you tested it yet? Thotmudo coughed lightly in response. 1 was waiting for you to return before trying it out. Liar! Youre just afraid it might sink! Ji Chen shook his head. Regardless, he knew he could handle it. Ji Chen looked at the alchemical submarine being pulled up from the water by dozens of Naga Guardians, still emitting sparks and black smoke, and couldnt help but wear a wry expression. On the relatively small vessel, there were more than ten holes of various sizes due to explosions and leaks, causing seawater to gush out like waterfalls as it was lifted up. Thotmudo wore a rather embarrassed expression. Um, this is the First Unit. Its the first one weve ever made, so its normal to have a lot of issues. Ji Chens lips twitched. If it werent for the fact that the pilot was a water soldier he had created using magic, immune to pain and injury, a normal pilot would have been blown to bits long ago. This was truly a death submarine! However, we did make progress. This time, it dived to a depth of over thirty meters and operated normally for a full five minutes. Thats a significant improvement, Thotmudo said earnestly. Give me a bit more time, and Ill definitely make the alchemical submarine operate more stably! However, Ji Chen understood that alchemy, much like science and technology, often required a long period of research and improvement before mature and stable devices could be deployed. Therefore, he didnt expect things to be completed so quickly. At that moment, he didnt say much. He simply nodded and left, gazing at the damaged submarine, pondering what might have gone wrong with Thotmudos creation. As Ji Chen returned with Elisya, he suddenly felt a powerful energy fluctuation emanating from a jungle. Curious, he walked over. Seeing Ji Chen approaching, a vigorous figure in the clearing of the forest, who had been swinging punches and kicks, causing trees to snap, stopped and looked at Ji Chen with a beautiful and enchanting woman, Elisya, by his side. She approached with a slightly melancholic tone. Oh, isnt this the busy Lord Ji Chen? How come you have the time to visit me today? But I guess its no surprise, with such a young and beautiful elf accompanying you, why would you think of an old geezer like me? This person was Verena, who had been rescued by Ji Chen at the Deceivers base in the Maple Principality and had signed a thirty-year loyalty contract to fight alongside him. Hearing Verenas somewhat complaining words, Ji Chen felt a bit awkward. It seemed like he had genuinely forgotten about Verena, and he realized that Verena was expressing her frustration about being left aside since he brought her back from the Maple Principality. However, he couldnt solely hold himself responsible. Verena, being a legendary figure, had already achieved an impressive level of strength, reaching level fifty, and possessed the most extensive combat experience within the entire realm of the Crown of the Ocean. Her prowess in land-based combat placed her among the top two heroes in this regard. The problem lay in the fact that Verena was a human. Unlike Ji Chen and the various ocean heroes who had the ability to fight freely in the sea, she couldnt make much use of her strength in the water. Most of the time, Ji Chen found himself engaging in battles either on the seas surface or underwater. Consequently, he often had no choice but to assign her to the Crown of the Ocean for defense. However, for Verena herself, it felt like Ji Chen had brought her back from the Maple Principality only to forget about her, leaving her here as if she didnt matter. For a warrior who cherished battle like her, being forgotten was even more painful than death itself. It was a profound humiliation she couldnt easily bear. Nevertheless, Ji Chen had already thought of a place where Verena would be needed. I came this time to give you a task. As soon as she heard that, Verena immediately showed an eager expression. What task? I have acquired a piece of land in the Lienhardt Grand Duchy with a high degree of autonomy. I plan to establish a defensive army there. 1 intend to appoint you as the martial officer to help me organize and train the troops. Regarding Fish Tail Island, Ji Chen didnt plan to deploy the forces of the Crown of the Ocean to garrison it. Instead, he wanted to train a regular army to provide a certain level of defense and deterrence. After all, Fish Tail Island was within the influence of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, and there was unlikely to be any overly powerful enemies attacking it. In his plan, Fish Tail Island would become a commercial transit hub for the Crown of the Ocean to export products to Lienhardt and other regions of the two countries, or rather, a duty-free zone. With Verena, a legendary hero, guarding the island, it couldnt be more suitable. Hearing that she was being entrusted with such a serious task, Verenas previous frustration vanished, and she responded enthusiastically. You can leave this task to me. Im not just good at combat; 1 excel at training soldiers too. Ji Chen smiled and nodded, 1 look forward to your performance. Oh, by the way, before you depart, please help instruct Elisya in combat techniques. With Verenas current excellent mood, she patted her chest and readily agreed. Leave this small matter to me; I promise to train her well. After settling Elisya with Verena and taking care of urgent matters, Ji Chen was finally able to enjoy a brief period of leisure. At the southern edge of the Death Sea. A fleet of three two-masted merchant ships sailed in a T-formation on the sea surface, heading from east to west. Whether it was the ships captain, sailors, or merchants, they all appeared relaxed. They had been shuttling between the Maple Principality and the Western Continent for years, making this journey almost a dozen times or more. Their experience was extremely rich, and as long as there were no unexpected incidents, they would complete this trip smoothly. As the sailors chatted casually by the ships railing during their uneventful moments, they suddenly noticed a black line appearing on the sea surface in the far distance to the right of the ship. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Whats that? one sailor questioned with suspicion. He turned around, raised his voice, and called out, Pete! Take a look at whats appearing in the north! On the lookout tower, a man named Pete, the lookout, picked up a spyglass and, when he clearly saw the black line, his pupils contracted to the extreme. Thousands of aquatic troops formed neat formations, surging forth from the direction of the Death Sea. There were various lower-ranking creatures like merfolk, crab soldiers, shrimp footmen, and even higher-tier units such as naga, sea elementals, and water drakes among them. This was unquestionably a well-trained army. Behind this army, a water tornado burst forth with tremendous momentum, and within it, there were faintly discernible pairs of eyes fixated on the approaching fleet. Soldiers, sink these human wooden boxes! Announce the arrival of your master, Lord of the Waves! We shall establish a magnificent ocean kingdom in these waters! Chapter 581 - Chapter 581: Blue Dragon Murlocs, Expanding the Route Chapter 581: Blue Dragon Murlocs, Expanding the Route Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation [Benbo] Detected Dragons Blood, do you want to use it for this heros advancement? Yes. Murloc Hero: Benbo is currently advancing. Ji Chen looked at Benbo, gradually enveloped in a cocoon of blue light, and let out a slow breath. Looking at the bottle containing the Blue Dragon Blood obtained from the elves in Vale, there was now less than half left. Half was used for Benbos advancement, and the other half was allocated for enhancing the Dragon Blood Murloc unit. This was a distribution plan he had already thought out. Not long after returning from Lienhardt, Ji Chen resurrected all the Tier 5 units that had died from the Resurrection Altar. Looking at the armys restored numbers, a smile couldnt help but appear on his lips. The Resurrection Altar was terrifying; it only required thousands of rare resources to resurrect a total of ten thousand units. From another perspective, every activation meant earning several million units of rare resources for free. A real win. Then, he recruited all the remaining unit recruitment balances from the past month. In total, he recruited a whopping 4,024 units, bringing the total military strength to 12,868 units, equivalent to the size of about thirteen thousand-man teams! Such expansion consumed a tremendous amount of resources. It used up a whopping 5,084,000 units of rare resources, which was more than two-fifths of the 12,000,000 units obtained from the elves in Vale. However, when tens of thousands of troops were arrayed in front, with a spectacular sight stretching as far as the eye could see, the pride and sense of achievement brought about were difficult to put into words. Only with an army of this size did he start to feel some genuine lordly sentiment. Many subjects also gathered on the side, looking at this scene with awe. They shouted Ji Chens name, celebrating the growing strength of the Crown of the Ocean. Especially for some residents who had arrived in the Crown of the Ocean very early, they were witnesses to the growth of this territory, from just over ten Murlocs to the current tens of thousands, all within a few months. Each surging crisis had not led to the destruction of this territory, but had instead made it stronger. This made everyone proud. Unknowingly, the peoples loyalty had risen by a few points, reaching a total of 95 points. Ding- Detected that the loyalty of the territory has reached 95 points. The efficiency of the subjects work increases by 30%, their enthusiasm for learning increases by 50%, and the chances of a hero being born increase by 20%. Ji Chen was slightly surprised, feeling unexpected. This high loyalty had many benefits. Now, the efficiency of the Crown of the Oceans residents was two to three times that of when loyalty was at 50 points, whether it was in planting or production speed. Especially the increased chances of heroes being born, this was something that money couldnt buy. Once the Hero Fountain was completed later, the two bonuses would stack up to a considerable chance. Ji Chen ordered the other armies to disperse, leaving only the Dragon Blood Murlocs. He used the remaining half bottle of Blue Dragon Blood for their advancement. [After using Dragon Blood, Dragon Blood Murloc (Tier 5, 3 stars) advances to Blue Dragon Murloc (Tier 5, 9 stars).] The momentum of more than two thousand Dragon Blood Murlocs evolving was extremely grand. Surging energy and the aura of dragons spewed out, creating waves around them. The meat buns that had bulged on their heads now sprouted like bamboo shoots. A pair of ice-blue dragon horns, about thirty centimeters long, suddenly extended, exuding strands of icy aura, freezing the surrounding seawater into a thin layer of ice. This was the natural ice power inherent in the Blue Dragons bloodline, inherited by the Blue Dragon Murlocs. The Murlocs, who originally could only inflict physical damage, now possessed some spellcasting abilities. After evolution, the Dragon Blood Legions bodies differed significantly from before, becoming tall and muscular, resembling strong men. Apart from some fins and scales, there were no longer many Murloc characteristics on their bodies. They looked somewhat similar to half-dragon beings. Just from the name change, it was evident that the Dragon Blood Legion had crossed the most crucial threshold on their path to becoming dragons. Previously, they were Murlocs with dragon blood in their bodies, but now they were genuine dragon-blooded creatures. Looking at the formidable aura emanating from the more than two thousand Blue Dragon Murlocs, Ji Chen couldnt help but nod in satisfaction. If he were to return to the time when the Sea Beast Tide attacked, he had confidence in leading the Dragon Blood Legion to fight in and out successfully. While Benbo was advancing, Ji Chen instructed Herald to watch over him and headed to the sea east of the New Moon Islands. Kraken. He called out mentally, and within half a minute, a large bulge emerged on the seas surface. A massive octopus head suddenly emerged, and a gigantic octopus, the size of a mountain, rose to its feet. Do you have something for me? Kraken stared with its large eyes, two tentacles still coiled around a whale that had been partially devoured. Ignoring the still-screaming whale, Ji Chen asked, How are the tasks 1 instructed you to do? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Krakens action of chewing the whale meat suddenly stopped, and its eyes visibly stiffened. It stammered, Uh Well, of course, Ive already Ji Chen watched Kraken, who looked extremely guilty, and his face suddenly turned cold. In the following instant, the Kraken experienced an intense soul-deep agony, akin to countless man-eating sharks gnawing at its very essence, and it seemed as though it was engulfed in the searing flames of damnation. Screech! Its massive body rolled on the sea surface, causing waves and turbulent waters, and its mournful cries echoed throughout the entire sea area.. Chapter 582 - Chapter 582: Blue Dragon Murlocs, Expanding the Route (2) Chapter 582: Blue Dragon Murlocs, Expanding the Route (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Im going to do it now, Im going to do it now, ahhhh!! Please spare me, Master, I know I was wrong!!! Ji Chen paid no attention to its pleas, his expression indifferent as he watched it suffer, not stopping until ten minutes later. At this point, the entire Kraken, like a pile of mud, convulsed and sank into the sea, as if it were dead. It took several minutes for it to recover and resurface again. But its eyes were now filled with fear and reverence, not daring to be unruly, its tentacles hanging in the water obediently. Ji Chen remained indifferent. My patience is very limited, and 1 dont want there to be a next time. There will definitely be no next time, Ill go east when you tell me to go east, and Ill go west when you tell me to go west!! The Kraken hastily replied, completely devoid of its previous wildness. Seeing this, Ji Chens expression eased slightly. This octopus had clearly learned its lesson. It had dared to defy his orders, and it would need a good lesson to understand who was the master and who was the servant. Go now, thoroughly search all the deep sea and underwater areas within the Stormy Sea, use your own aura to drive out any hidden sea beasts, and also search for underwater resource points, sunken ships, and any suspicious places. Yes! The Kraken shook its body and tentacles, quickly diving into the water like a mouse. As the opening time of the Ocean Crown approached, Ji Chen also decided to launch a special cleanup operation. Only a relatively safe and stable environment could provide the conditions for trade development. He wasnt afraid of shipwrecks due to extreme sea conditions within the Stormy Sea. But the sea beasts that lurked in the depths of the ocean and occasionally attacked from the sea surface posed another threat. The deep-sea environment was incredibly complex, with numerous trenches, seabed rock formations, basins, and underwater forests crisscrossing each other. The difficulty of cleaning them up was visibly significant. But Ji Chen couldnt just sit idly by. The arrival of the Kraken provided an opportunity to address this problem. Since the Kraken could trigger sea beast tides, it could naturally also drive away and deter the sea beasts hidden in the Stormy Sea, forcing them to leave or face annihilation. Ji Chen hoped that the Stormy Sea would become a safe zone on the prosperous maritime route, and the New Moon Islands would become a shelter for many merchant ships, which would greatly benefit the development of the Ocean Crown. For this purpose, he had instructed Wilus to build some guest rooms and basic infrastructure near the port for foreign merchants, preparing for future openness and trade. The Ocean Crown possesses various industries, but it still needs some time to fully develop. Export income has been in a slow growth situation. The meager weekly income of a few hundred thousand rare resources could no longer satisfy Ji Chens appetite. It was not even enough to cover the weekly recruitment expenses for troops. Therefore, opening up was a necessity. Back in the Lords Castle, he once again summoned Wilus. He inquired whether there were other industries that could be developed in the Ocean Crown or ways to increase income. Ji Chen could have a comprehensive understanding of the Ocean Crown through the system panel, but when it came to the details of various aspects, Wilus, the chief administrative officer, was undoubtedly more knowledgeable. Upon hearing this question, Wilus pondered for a moment and said, My Lord, do you remember the merchant who came from the Kingdom of Ugisai in the Southern Continent, by the name of Ari Camp? Ji Chen nodded, of course, he remembered. Ari Camp, with a golden mask, looked more like a noblemans son than a merchant. We might open a route to the Southern Continent through this local merchant. I believe that for the sake of generous profits, merchants from the Northern Continent will travel all the way to the Southern Continent. Given the current circumstances, once the Stormy Sea is accessible, the New Moon Islands will play a crucial role as a supply hub for ships traveling between the Maple Principality, the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, and the Western Continent. If we can establish a dependable route, the New Moon Islands will also serve as a convenient stopover point between the Maple Principality and the Southern Continent, which will lead to a boost in our revenue. Ji Chen nodded repeatedly. This made a lot of sense. Compared to the journey to the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, the journey from the Maple Principality to the Southern Continent would take much longer, at least half a month for a one-way trip by sailboat. Whats even more important is that there is currently no reliable route from the Maple Principality to the Southern Continent. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The Middle Ocean was not a place where one could travel freely. Strange thunderstorm areas, powerful sea beast habitats, rampant sea beast territories, and active pirate zones, among other things, had created no-go zones in the Middle Ocean. If one were to roam around carelessly, hed become sea beast dung or pirate food in no time. Wilus, seeing Ji Chens agreement, nodded and continued, If we can have that Southern Continent merchant named Ari Camp lead the way and send reliable and experienced explorers to accompany him to map out a safe and navigable route, the route might be successfully established. The latter condition wasnt difficult. The Radiant Commerce Guild in the Starshine Islands had many experienced sailors and captains, and a few strong men could be recruited to set sail. However, Ari Camp had already gone to the Maple Principality, and now they didnt know where he was. Finding him might take some effort. Ji Chen rubbed his chin and continued to ponder.. Chapter 583 - Chapter 583: Blue Dragon Murlocs, Expanding the Route (3) Chapter 583: Blue Dragon Murlocs, Expanding the Route (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Perhaps in the future, he could ask the elves from Vale Village to seek help from either the elves or Gilder, the well-informed merchant. I will arrange this matter. Suddenly, a commotion from outside interrupted their conversation. Ji Chen furrowed his brow. Lets see whats happening. Wilus nodded and left. He returned about ten minutes later, sounding surprised, My Lord, a two-masted merchant ship has entered the Stormy Sea and is approaching the New Moon Islands. Ji Chens face showed astonishment. Merchant ships arriving at the New Moon Islands so quickly? He hadnt even disclosed the location or coordinates of the Crown of the Ocean yet. However, this was a good thing. Ji Chen nodded and said in a deep voice, Have them dock, and I will personally meet with them. Yes! Lein leaned against the ships railing, gazing at the vast harbor and the town with numerous houses beyond it, a look of shock in his eyes. Since when did the Stormy Sea have such a bustling island!? This town had a population of at least twenty thousand, making it a significant settlement among the oceanic islands! What surprised him even more was that this settlement possessed multiple steel warships, with over a dozen of them visible from where he stood. In the distance, there were even more moored in the towering water forts. So many steel warships clearly indicated the extraordinary nature of this place. As Lein curiously observed his surroundings, he saw a young man passing through the crowd under the escort of soldiers. He could immediately tell that this young man held a remarkable status. Seeing the gangway lowered, Lein hurriedly disembarked. Greetings, sir. I am Lein, a merchant from the Maple Principality. Thank you for allowing us to dock! Ji Chen looked at the tall, middle-aged man before him and smiled, Welcome to the New Moon Islands. I am the lord here, Ji Chen. You are the lord of this place!? Lein exclaimed in surprise. Then, are you a Lord of Glory? Thats right, Ji Chen smiled. May I ask how you knew about the New Moon Islands being inside the Stormy Sea? Lein sighed heavily and said with a bitter smile, Its quite a coincidence, to be honest. I was forced into this situation, and Lord Ji Chen, you might not be aware of what happened before. I originally set out with three merchant ships from the Maple Principality, carrying a shipment of silk to Lienhardt. Initially, our journey was smooth sailing. However, when we passed the southern edge of the Death Sea, we were suddenly attacked by a sea clan army coming from the direction of the Death Sea. It was a close call, and we almost lost our lives! Ji Chen couldnt help but ask, A sea clan army coming from the direction of the Death Sea? Lein nodded, a hint of fear flashing across his face. It was a highly organized and disciplined sea clan army, numbering in the thousands. They were accompanied by a massive water tornado and attacked us without hesitation! Thinking about the two merchant ships left behind as bait, Lein couldnt help but feel distressed. By now, Ji Chen had deeply furrowed his brow. The southern edge of the Death Sea was less than a hundred kilometers away from the Stormy Sea, which was not much of a distance for the sea clans. They could reach it in half a day at full speed, posing a potential threat to the Crown of the Ocean. The sudden appearance of a sea clan army had put him on high alert. After some contemplation, Ji Chen said, Sir Lein, would you like to continue your journey, or Lein shook his head. We had to discard quite a bit of supplies earlier to escape quickly, and were running low on resources. I would greatly appreciate it if Lord Ji Chen could allow us to resupply here. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen smiled slightly. Of course, the Crown of the Ocean will be open as a supply point for merchants. That would be wonderful! After a brief conversation with Lein, Ji Chen instructed Wilus to handle all the arrangements for Lein. He then immediately called for a lobster guardian knight hero and instructed, Take a hundred-man team to the southern edge of the Death Sea to investigate the situation. If you encounter the enemy, do not engage, and return promptly. The lobster guardian knight hero nodded and urged his lobster steed into the sea, heading towards the southern edge.. Chapter 584 - Chapter 584: Lord of the Waves, This Is Part of the Plan Chapter 584: Lord of the Waves, This Is Part of the Plan Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen waited patiently for the return of the scouting team. However, what they received was not intelligence about the unidentified sea tribe army but a severely wounded and diminished lobster guardian knight unit. Only ten of them remained, all bearing various injuries. However, the blue-graded excellent lobster guardian knight hero was not among them. One of the lobster guardian knights recounted what they had encountered. As they approached the southern region of the Death Sea, they did indeed spot an unidentified sea tribe army, numbering in the tens of thousands and featuring high-tier units. They seemed to be constructing a fortress floating on the seas surface. They intended to get closer for reconnaissance but were suddenly detected for unknown reasons. A large number of high-tier sea tribe units launched an attack on them, causing heavy casualties during their escape. Even the blue-graded excellent lobster guardian knight fell in the pursuit of a large number of pursuers. The losses this time were significant, as ordinary units could be resurrected at the Resurrection Altar, but hero units could not. This marked the first time Ocean Crown suffered the loss of a hero unit. Ji Chens expression gradually grew solemn. This unidentified sea tribe army was far more powerful than he had imagined. Based on the description, this army had at least six ten-thousand-men-sized fourth-tier units, three ten-thousand-men-sized fifth-tier units, and perhaps even some sixth-tier units! At least from an overt perspective, this army was significantly stronger than the Ocean Crowns forces, even when combined with Sonias Coral Palace army. At this moment, Marianne and other elder elves arrived, looking at the lobster guardian knights covered in injuries with a puzzled expression. Marianne inquired, What happened here? A sea tribe army from the Death Sea has taken control of the route to the Maple Principality, Ji Chen explained. I believe, Lady Marianne, that you and your companions may need to stay with the Ocean Crown for a while longer. Mariannes expression changed, and she asked, When can we restore navigation? Ji Chen shook his head. Im not sure about that. It seems like the sea tribe army has begun to establish a long-term presence, and no one knows what they intend to do. Unfortunately, if things take a pessimistic turn, we may need to eliminate them before we can reopen the sea route. A trace of sorrow flashed across Mariannes face. Why did they always encounter so many obstacles and troubles on their journey home? But she quickly rallied and said with determination. Lord Ji Chen, if you need any assistance, please dont hesitate to ask. We will provide help to the best of our abilities. Ji Chen nodded in agreement without refusing. These elves, who had survived for hundreds of thousands of years in the vast frozen wilderness, surely possessed unique skills that might come in handy at any time. With this group that had already launched an attack on them squatting right at their doorstep, everyone had to remain vigilant. Ji Chen decisively activated the Ocean Crowns second-level alert, prepared for any potential threats. Meanwhile, in the southern region of the Death Sea, a sea wyvern carried a sea tribe hero to the massive waterspout. The hero knelt before it, burying his head deeply on the wyverns back. Master, about ten enemies managed to escape. A cold voice resonated from the colossal waterspout. Worthless fools, you cant even capture a hundred enemies. What use are you? The sea tribe hero dared not raise his head and replied fearfully, Please forgive me, Master. I will lead the soldiers to pursue and search for them immediately! Hmph, theres no need. The colossal waterspout emitted a cold snort. Your top priority now is to build my palace and forward base. Dont let some insignificant pests distract you. Once the construction is complete, this sea area will fall under my rule. Under my shadow, those weaklings who hide and cower will naturally bow down in submission! Besides, building the palace, gathering resources, and maintaining the future vast kingdom territory will require a substantial servant army. Send people to the surrounding sea areas to gather ordinary sea tribe members and make them serve us. Im giving you one more chance. If you dont seize it properly, you might as well take your own life. Yes! As the sea wyvern flapped its wings and flew away, The Lord of the Waves, overlooking the endless expanse of vibrant waters, couldnt help but show a hint of delight in his eyes. The ocean outside was much better than the harsh environment of the Death Sea. Here, there was almost endless food, calm ocean currents, and an untamed power that was never suppressed or hindered. In just a few days since coming out, he had already experienced the wonders of the outer ocean. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Not only were the sea beasts weak and frighteningly insignificant, but there were also no decent sea tribe settlements to be found. The largest sea tribe they encountered had a mere five hundred members. Such feeble forces could easily be dealt with by his thousand-person team! He couldnt believe how beautiful the ocean outside was compared to the wretched life in the Death Sea. It was thousands of times better! Recalling the miserable existence in the Death Sea, Lord of the Waves face revealed a trace of displeasure. However, it didnt matter. In this ocean beyond, he was unquestionably the king. All marine creatures would prostrate themselves at his feet! After constructing the palace, his first task would be to conquer all the sea areas and islands within hundreds of miles, establishing his kingdom and proclaiming to the world the arrival of the Lord of the Waves! Chapter 585 - Chapter 585: Lord of the Waves, This Is Part of the Plan Chapter 585: Lord of the Waves, This Is Part of the Plan Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation As for the dozen or so fleeing Lobster Sea Clan members, they were probably just a small tribe lurking nearby. Even their leader was killed, so there was no real threat. Lord of the Waves quickly brushed this matter aside and continued to imagine a better future. However, what Lord of the Waves didnt know was that this place had recently experienced a sea beast tide. All the sea clans and sea creatures in the nearby waters had been moved to the northern seas, leaving behind only a handful of sea creatures. Moreover, they were regularly cleared out by the Crown of the Ocean, so the organized sea clan tribes were naturally reduced. New Moon Islands. The residents were in a hurry, and even the air carried a sense of urgency. Half a day ago, the territory had issued a level two warning, and everyone knew that a powerful hostile army had appeared less than a hundred miles away in the sea. Although the Crown of the Ocean had not been discovered yet, once it was, the rich and beautiful New Moon Islands would undoubtedly be coveted by this army, and everything would be looted and destroyed. However, no one felt fear or wanted to flee. Through countless trials and tribulations, they developed unity and the courage to face any difficulties. Everyone had their own roles and responsibilities. At times, they would glance at the castle standing in the center of the territory. This time was no exception, as everyone believed that their lord could lead them to victory once again and overcome this crisis. Has the reconnaissance team been sent out? Alice nodded. Weve already dispatched ten teams of ten people each. Based on the preliminary information we received, the unidentified sea clan army doesnt seem to be immediately focused on starting a battle. They appear to be more interested in building a camp, and its quite large, covering an area of about half a kilometer in length and width. Ji Chen stroked his chin thoughtfully. I recall that the sea area there didnt have any large islands, at most a few rocky islets for migratory birds to roost. How did they manage to construct such a large camp? Alice shook her head in puzzlement, equally baffled by the question. Ji Chen quickly set aside this issue. Currently, the most important thing was to prepare for the impending threat. It could be imagined that once this camp was completed, the unidentified sea clan army was very likely to launch attacks and conquests in the surrounding waters, bringing them under their rule. And the New Moon Islands, less than a hundred miles from the camp, would undoubtedly be their target. Rather than waiting for others to point their weapons at them, it was better to take the initiative and fight for control. Ji Chen began to contemplate how to face the nearly one hundred thousand well-trained sea clan army, the unknown number of enemy hero units, and a leader who had not yet appeared but likely possessed great power. The advantage that the Oceans Crown currently held was that the enemy was in the open while they remained hidden. The opposing side was unaware of the existence and strength of the Oceans Crown. This primarily capitalized on information asymmetry. Furthermore, it seemed that the enemy didnt care much about the Lobster Guard hundred-man squad sent earlier. They hadnt dispatched any pursuit forces, to some extent, indicating their confidence in their own strength and a lack of concern for retaliation. This might have presented an opportunity. Gathering all the favorable, unfavorable, and exploitable information Ji Chens index finger rhythmically tapped on the tabletop. In his mind, the rough outline of a plan quietly took shape. What day is it today? Alice hesitated for a moment and then replied, Today is the twenty-ninth day of this month, and in one more day, well enter the next month. Ji Chen nodded. After one more month, the Resurrection Altar would refresh its activation count, which meant they would have two more opportunities to resurrect a total of ten thousand units. This was a turning point. At this moment, the reconnaissance team sent back another message. The unidentified sea clan army was actively searching for ordinary sea clan members, seemingly to escort them to the construction site of their camp. This revelation excited Ji Chen; it seemed like a golden opportunity. He immediately issued orders. Alice, send several teams of Murloc Rangers to roam near the camp. Instruct them to pretend to be ordinary sea clan members living in the vicinity. Alice quickly grasped Ji Chens intentions and nodded, saying, Ill take care of it right away. Wait, also send a hundred-man squad of Lobster Guards to that location. Have an elite-tier hero lead them and tell them to join because they admire the enemys strength. Lets test the enemys attitude first, and if theres an opportunity, well continue to infiltrate more of the Crown of the Oceans forces. I understand. Alice understood, and she exchanged a knowing look with Ji Chen, seeing a hint of cunning in his eyes. The five Murloc Ranger squads and a hundred-man squad of Lobster Guards set off promptly. The former pretended to roam in the area and were captured by Lord of the Waves troops, who were out to capture able-bodied individuals to work at the camp. The latter, however, were discovered before they could get close. They were surrounded by a patrol of five-tier sea creature Knights of the Sea Horses. What are you doing here!? The leading hero, a green-elite-tier Lobster Guard, immediately put on a fearful expression and explained using the words Ji Chen had taught him. Were here to join you! To join us? Seeing the enemys puzzled expressions, he continued, Our leader led a hunting party through this area, and you killed him. Our Green Armor Tribe lost our leader, and we cant survive in this sea anymore, so we wanted to join you! Hearing this, the commander of the Knights of the Sea Horses suddenly realized. I see. Indeed, there was a Lobster Sea Clan similar to these ones killed by them earlier, known as the Green Armor Tribe. As for them wanting to join, it wasnt surprising at all. Sea clans dont hold the same sense of honor and disgrace as human or elf land races. In the brutal ocean, when a tribe leader is killed, its quite normal for the tribe to submit to a stronger power for protection. The one with the stronger fist is the natural leader, and that makes perfect sense. The centurion didnt have many doubts at the moment. After all, these Lobster Sea Clan members were at least five-tier mounted units, much stronger than the mere four-tier servile troops. Since they wanted to join because they admired their strength, it seemed there was no reason to refuse. Alright, come with us to meet the master. If the master agrees, youll become one of us! And so, this hundred-man squad of Lobster Guards was led back and brought in front of the enormous water tornado. The Centurion of the Knights of the Sea Horses respectfully said, Master, these Lobster Guards wish to join you! The gaze that emerged from the water tornado was somewhat skeptical. Other sea clans would run when they saw him, so why were these sea clans coming to him willingly? However, after hearing the explanation from the Centurion of the Knights of the Sea Horses, the skepticism in the eyes of the water tornado diminished significantly. Hahaha, very good, youve made a wise choice! You are a five-tier unit. I allow you to form your own independent hundred-man squad and infiltrate the ranks of the servile troops for combat. The elite-tier Lobster Guard hero immediately said anxiously, Thank you for your generosity and kindness! Go then. The group of sea clan members quickly left, and a hint of darkness flashed in the depths of the Lobster Guard heros eyes. They were told to form their own squad, but in reality, they were placed in a very peripheral position, not much better than the four-tier servile troops, serving as cannon fodder. Clearly, the Lord of the Waves hidden within the water tornado wasnt so easily convinced, but this was already within the expectations of the higher-ups, and everything was proceeding according to plan. Seeing the Centurion of the Knights of the Sea Horses looking somewhat dejected, the Lobster Guard hero couldnt help but speak up to comfort him. Its normal. As long as you can slay the enemy and earn military merits afterward, youll soon be integrated into our regular army. As fellow mounted units, I have high hopes for you! Seeing this, the heroic Lobster Guard Knight couldnt help but curse those fools in his heart. Thinking about the plan the master had told him, he felt extremely excited. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This is part of the plan! At this moment, he pretended to muster some spirit, nodding quickly, and a spark of determination seemed to ignite in his eyes. The Centurion of the Knights of the Sea Horses nodded approvingly at this, thinking to himself that the young ones can be taught. When Ji Chen received a report from the reconnaissance team that the hundred-man squad of Lobster Guards had successfully infiltrated the enemy ranks, a smile couldnt help but appear on his face. The most crucial step of the plan had been executed smoothly! Chapter 586 - Chapter 586: All Undercovers, Diago Enlisted Chapter 586: All Undercovers, Diago Enlisted Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Lobster Guardian Knight hero, who had pretended to join, led his hundred-man squad, assisting the Seahorse Knight Centurion in searching for the sea clans. Their rich combat experience and exquisite combat skills quickly caught attention. The Lobster Guardian Knight hero led his hundred riders, forming a standard wedge formation, much like a sharp knife thrusting into the resisting sea clan tribe. With just one charge, they shattered the enemys formation, which was ten times their size, and then, with great coordination, split into ten smaller squads, further dismembering the enemy formation, reaping lives with their bone spears. They felt no psychological burden about this since the nearby waters were supposed to fall under the jurisdiction of the Ocean Crown. Therefore, these sea clans were considered threats to their territory, and now was an excellent opportunity to clear them out. Under such terrifyingly efficient attacks, the sea clan tribe soon chose to surrender and were escorted back by the Lobster Guardian Knights. Your combat prowess is impressive. 1 truly didnt misjudge you! praised the Seahorse Knight Centurion as he approached, patting the heros shoulder. Their exceptional combat skills and flawless teamwork were on par with the regular army. These courageous warriors should join forces to conquer the sea alongside them! Its just a small trick replied the Lobster Guardian Knight hero modestly, but in his heart, he couldnt help but smirk. They had followed their Lord in numerous battles, encountering all sorts of enemies and situations. Even in situations where almost the entire army was annihilated, they had developed combat skills and awareness that were beyond the reach of ordinary sea clans. The Seahorse Knight Centurion was unaware of what was going on in the heros mind. He let out a sigh tinged with disappointment and remarked, Its unfortunate that your tribes population is still relatively small. If we had more of your folks, we could assemble a thousand-strong unit and catch the Lords attention. The Lobster Guardian Knight heros heart trembled, and he respectfully replied, In fact, our Lobster Knight clan isnt just limited to our Lobster tribe. There are several tribes scattered in other areas of the sea. If you need, I can try to call them to serve under Lord of the Waves. The Seahorse Knight Centurion was momentarily stunned, then pleasantly surprised, That would be excellent! If you can bring them here, and if more sea clans join the Lords cause, feeling His grace, it would be a great achievement! The Lobster Guardian Knight hero nodded. I will send my clansmen to inform them right away. A squad of ten individuals broke away from the group and left in various directions. On the second and third days, they brought back nine hundred clansmen, forming a complete thousand-man formation with the original hundred-man squad. The most terrifying aspect of cavalry was their numbers. After forming a thousand-man formation, the Lobster Guardian Knights combat prowess increased several times over, and each of them was incredibly brave, fearless in the face of death. In each battle, they charged at the forefront, and the heads of the sea clans they killed could easily pile up like a mountain. Such outstanding achievements and performances caught the attention of Lord of the Waves, and most of his initial doubts were dispelled. It seemed that there were indeed fierce sea clans out in the ocean. After several days of battle, the Lobster Guardian Knights gained more trust and were allowed to bring in more clansmen. The size of their group once again increased, reaching over two thousand three hundred members. Unbeknownst to anyone, all the Lobster Guardian Knights had seamlessly integrated into the Lord of the Waves army, holding the highest positions among all the subordinate forces. During this time, the search range of the Lord of the Waves; army gradually approached the Stormy Sea. Milord, according to the reports, the Knight Legion has infiltrated the enemys army entirely, Alice said with an expression of astonishment she couldnt contain. She hadnt expected it to be so easy to blend in with the enemy, and it seemed they had gained considerable trust. Ji Chen smiled, and in truth, he was also somewhat surprised by how smoothly the plan was proceeding. If it werent for the Resurrection Altar as a backup, he wouldnt have risked sending the Knight Legion into the enemys midst like this. Over two thousand fifth-tier units were mixed among nearly a hundred thousand enemy troops. Once discovered, it would almost certainly mean death. However, if these two thousand-plus units were used effectively, they could provide a crucial advantage at critical moments. We also learned that the leader of this sea clan army is called Lord of the Waves. He usually hides within the water tornado and rarely reveals his true appearance to others. Under Lord of the Waves, there is also a sixth-tier unit army, estimated to consist of three thousand troops, but we dont yet know the exact type of units. Ji Chen expression grew slightly graver as he thought about these sixth-tier units. Each sixth-tier unit was not to be underestimated. Among his subordinates, perhaps only the recently promoted 5th Tier 9-star Blue Dragon Blood Murloc could contend with one or two, aside from that, there was also Benbo, who had recently risen to Legendary tier not long ago. Thinking of the tremendous boost Benbos promotion had brought, Ji Chen felt a bit more confident. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Has Sonia returned? She should be back on New Moon Islands today. After some consideration, Ji Chen decided to recall her from Starshine Islands. Although this left Starshine Islands without protection, and problems might arise, New Moon Islands and the Ocean Crown were his fundamental bases and couldnt afford any mistakes. Facing Lord of the Waves, this formidable adversary, he knew he had to unite all available forces to contend with him.. Chapter 587 - Chapter 587: All Undercovers, Diago Enlisted (2) Chapter 587: All Undercovers, Diago Enlisted (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation He was still aware of which one held greater significance. In the afternoon. Sonia led a Coral Palace army of over 12,000 back to the Crown of the Ocean. This high-tier hero, ranked as Red-Legacy Tier, who had successfully reclaimed the Great Luminescent Seas mystic realm, maintained an elegant and dignified demeanor even after the long journey. She respectfully saluted. Lord, Sonia returns as per your orders. Ji Chen briefly explained the current situation to her. Sonias Coral Palace army was primarily used by Ji Chen to counter the enemys large force of servile troops, relieving the pressure on the Crown of the Oceans army. With the return of the Coral Palace army, their forces now numbered over 25,000 units, roughly the size of twenty-five thousand-man squads. Although they were still at a disadvantage compared to Lord of the Waves hundred-thousand-strong army, they at least had a fighting chance. What gave Ji Chen confidence in this war was the presence of several high-tier, high-level heroes in his command. Kraken, Epic Tier, level 55. Herald, Legendary Tier, level 47. Benbo, Legendary Tier, level 46. Verena, Legendary Tier, level 50. Alice, Red-Legacy Tier, level 46. Anina, Red-Legacy Tier, level 47. Sonia, Red-Legacy Tier, level 47. Elisya, Red-Legacy Tier, level 30. With three Legendary Tier heroes, four Red-Legacy Tier heroes, and the Epic Tier Kraken, their hero lineup was more than a match for a force of over ten thousand. Not to mention Ji Chen himself, another Epic Tier hero, their high-end combat strength reached a terrifying level. What further bolstered Ji Chens confidence was the fact that there was Thotmudo, the Epic Tier hero who had been conducting research in the underground world. If the Crown of the Ocean found itself in dire straits, this Epic Tier powerhouse, who had placed the hopes of dwarf revival on Ji Chen, would not remain indifferent. Upon hearing Lord of the Waves threat, Sonia proposed a suggestion to Ji Chen. Lord Ji Chen, perhaps we can try to recruit the former Water Dragon King, Diago, who is imprisoned in the Dragon Kings Castle dungeon. This long-horned catfish spirit, even though hes only at the Red-Legacy Tier, wields considerable lightning magic power. If he can join this war, our chances of victory should increase significantly. Ji Chen was somewhat surprised. He didnt expect Sonia to voluntarily propose releasing Diago. Wasnt she concerned that Diago might pose a threat to her position? Perhaps seeing the confusion in his eyes, Sonia smiled faintly and explained, For the sake of your cause, for the safety of the Crown of the Ocean, I dont mind sharing the power and position youve given me. Ji Chens eyes showed a hint of appreciation. This was why Sonia was the only hero under his command who, originally a faction leader, had willingly submitted to him without signing a contract. She was smart enough and loyal enough to put his mind at ease. Sonia knew that even if Diago were released, it wouldnt significantly affect her position. Diago was, in fact, a brute; he was good for fighting but not much else. Other matters might prove a bit challenging for him. Meanwhile, she possessed the ability to oversee and safeguard a territory for Ji Chen. Theres simply no comparison between the two. Ji Chen, accompanied by Sonia, entered the heart of the Great Luminescent Seas mystic realm. After several months of both soft and hard governance, the rebel forces in the Dragon Kings City had been completely eliminated. The sea creatures here had also recognized and submitted to the rule and governance of the Crown of the Ocean. Those who harbored thoughts of restoring their country had lost their ground for survival. Numerous exploration teams had begun to explore the abyssal waters, mapping out detailed charts. They had already successfully discovered and excavated several ruins, acquiring a significant amount of resources to replenish the Crown of the Oceans stores. Inside the prison of the Dragon Kings City. Diago, looking at Ji Chens sudden arrival, had long lost his previous rebellious demeanor. He now appeared like a fish that had given up on life. Ji Chen didnt beat around the bush and straightforwardly said, Sign the Master-Servant contract to fight for the Crown of the Ocean against external enemies, and Ill release you. Diagos resigned expression instantly changed. He glanced at Sonia, who looked respectful, and then at Ji Chen, who remained composed. He asked with suspicion, Really? You wont hold me accountable for what 1 did before? If I wanted to hold you accountable, 1 would have killed you a long time ago. Theres no need to keep you until now. Diago fell silent, his expression shifting. He said, If you want me to agree, can you also release the fool in the adjacent cell? Ji Chen turned to look at Andar, who was in the opposite cell, wearing a surprised expression. Without hesitation, Ji Chen nodded and said, Sure, as long as he doesnt leave the Great Luminescent Sea. Diago gritted his teeth and said, Fine, 111 work for you! Once the contract was formally signed, Ji Chen had another Red-Legacy Tier hero under his command. As he watched the contract text slowly dissipate, he said indifferently, Ill give you command of two thousand Dragon Horn Catfish squads. As long as your performance satisfies me, you can also command all the spellcaster units of the Crown of the Ocean in the future. Diagos face lit up with joy. Having an army to lead immediately upon his release, while not a massive force, certainly made him more than just a commander in name. He began to have some respect for Ji Chen, his demeanor becoming more respectful. I understand. I will prove my worth. Diago cast a final glance at Andar, whose expression was complex, and let out a light snort before leaving. With the range of Lord of the Waves conscription expanding further, the nearest locations recently targeted were only thirty to forty miles away from the Stormy Sea. Ji Chen decided to launch a preemptive attack. He organized raids using fully equipped thousand-man squads, conducting surprise assaults. Lord of the Waves missions to capture young sea creatures primarily involved groups of two to three hundred men, along with seven or eight servant-army squads of the same size, forming a combined force of approximately a thousand for their missions. In terms of fighting prowess, they were naturally inferior to a full fifth-tier troop of a thousand. These mixed squads, which had become careless after capturing weak sea creatures to build their camps outside, had never anticipated that a sea creature army would suddenly launch an attack on them. They suffered heavy losses in a short time, with nearly their entire force annihilated. The results of the first days surprise attack were quite fruitful, wiping out a total of eight mixed squads and eliminating over two thousand regular soldiers and more than six thousand servant soldiers. The Crown of the Ocean had suffered losses of less than a hundred units. A splendid exchange ratio of 1:80 left Ji Chen very satisfied. On the other hand, when the Lord of the Waves army noticed that so many mixed squads that went out had not returned, they quickly realized that something was amiss. They sent scout teams to investigate, but when they arrived at the scene, all they found were corpses scattered on the seas surface and lingering traces of unfulfilled magical energy in the air. They had been attacked by the enemy! When this news reached them, Lord of the Waves was furious. What! Sea creatures dare to attack us? Who is it!? I dont know. These enemies seemed to have planned in advance, ambushing our mixed squads on the way without leaving any traces. None of the attacked mixed squads had survivors. The centurion of the Sea Horse knights reported with a fearful expression. You useless bunch! You dont even know who attacked you. What use do I have for you!? Damn it! If 1 find out whos hiding in the shadows and launching sneak attacks, Ill make them endure the pain of being hit by waves a thousand times in their souls! The water cyclone suddenly expanded several times, sucking in thousands of tons of seawater. An aura of terror enveloped an area of a thousand miles in radius, causing waves to surge on the seas surface. The splashes of water struck the centurions body, stinging like a thousand needles, but the heroic centurion of the Sea Horse dared not move and kept his head lowered to his chest. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only After a long time, the water cyclone calmed down, and the voice of Lord of the Waves, whose gender was indistinguishable, once again emanated from it. Were the lobster knights who joined us attacked? No, today they happened to be resting outside the camp and didnt go out. Lord of the Waves felt suspicion rising in their heart once more. His intuition told him that these lobster knights were somehow related to this sudden attack. Monitor their every move. If theres any unusual behavior, kill them directly! .Yes! Chapter 588 - Chapter 588: The Might of the Resurrection Altar, Giant Turtle! Chapter 588: The Might of the Resurrection Altar, Giant Turtle! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the midst of the Ocean Crowns assault, Lord of the Waves, who had already suffered significant damage, did not retract his forces and hid away. Instead, he intensified his efforts to capture sea creatures and gather resources, while also accelerating the construction of palaces and bases. Nevertheless, the expedition teams grew significantly in size, often including three to four thousand servant-army soldiers and one or two complete regular army units of a thousand each. If the Ocean Crown kept up these skirmishes, they would suffer significant losses. Over the next few days, both sides suffered losses in a series of surprise attacks and counterattacks. They faced a massive, seemingly immovable waterspout. Several dozen regular army centurions knelt on the backs of sea wyverns, reporting the recent battle situation to their master. Master, today we lost one regular army unit of a thousand soldiers and three servant-army units of a thousand each. We managed to kill more than three thousand enemies. The enemy, relying on their familiarity with the environment, harassed our resource collection and frequently attacked our resource transport teams. This has significantly slowed down our resource gathering, and the construction of your palace is now expected to be extended by 50%. Lord of the Waves was both surprised and angry, and his voice revealed his frustration. Damn it, do these lowly sea worms not fear death? What about the enemys losses? Under our strong counterattacks, we have already killed over ten thousand of the enemy. However, it seems that the enemy has no intention of weakening their attacks Damn these vile sea creatures! Insignificant sea leeches! How dare these lowly sea clans act like this! Lord of the Waves erupted in anger again, and the waves caused by the waterspout made the sea wyverns sway. The centurions held onto the bone spikes on their backs tightly to avoid falling off. After a long while, Lord of the Waves seemed to have vented his frustration and spoke with a cold tone. Is there anything noteworthy about these enemies? One of the centurions wore a perplexed and bewildered expression on his face. These enemies have no fear of death at all. Every time they attack, they go all out, even if their bodies are pierced, they would bite off a piece of our flesh before dying. They are like emotionless killing machines Even in the Sea of Death, I have never seen such relentless and, dare I say, insane sea warriors. Upon hearing this, other centurions nodded in agreement. Despite being warriors who had followed their master and fought their way out of the Sea of Death, they were somewhat intimidated by the sheer determination of these enemies. Initially, they thought that these hidden enemies would suffer significant losses after several days of intense fighting and might reduce the intensity and frequency of their harassment. However, to their surprise, these enemies not only showed no signs of relenting, they fought even fiercer. The harassment frequency had increased from twice a day to five or six times a day, occurring in various sea areas within an eighty-mile radius, morning, noon, and night. This significantly reduced their efficiency in gathering resources, and the construction speed of the palace and bases continued to decline. So far, Lord of the Waves had lost six regular army units of a thousand soldiers each, and more than eleven servant-army units of a thousand each. Their total forces had been reduced to less than one-fifth of their original strength. If this continued, their army would be depleted in no time. They believed that the enemy must have suffered losses as well, but did the enemy really not care about their losses at all? Is this reasonable? These worms hiding in the trenches harass and attack us so frequently, preventing us from exploring further into the sea. Theres a good chance its because were getting closer to their habitat, which is why theyve become so frantic in their attempts to deter us. The more so, the less we can afford to halt our progress. Which direction have the scouting teams been attacked the most from? A centurion quickly responded, Its been the southwesterly direction on the southern side! Weve faced a total of eight attacks there over the past few days! Immediately send out more reconnaissance teams, spreading out to covertly investigate in that direction! If you discover the enemys habitat, report back immediately! But the construction of the palace and bases must not stop; continue to intensify resource collection! I want to see how many of those lurking worms will be worn down here! Yes! The centurions departed, leaving behind the Seahorse Knight Centurion. Any unusual activities among the Lobster Riders? The Seahorse Knight Centurion respectfully replied, Reporting to the master, theres nothing unusual about them; everything is as usual. In fact, they seem even more valiant than before, showing no mercy. Over the past few days, theyve killed over four thousand enemies! Oh? A puzzled voice came from within the waterspout. Is that so? I personally witnessed it, and many soldiers can attest to it! Lord of the Waves fell silent. He had initially suspected that these Lobster Riders, who had suddenly come to join him and displayed extraordinary combat prowess, might be infiltrators sent by the hidden enemy. But now it seemed he had been overly suspicious. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He couldnt fathom them being so ruthless toward their own people. He had, in fact, kept those Lobster Knights who had willingly joined him away from the main force, and this had somewhat dampened their enthusiasm. A hint of strangeness and guilt flickered in his mind, but it was just a momentary thought. You no longer need to monitor the Lobster Riders. Incorporate them into the regular armys organization, granting them the same privileges, and allow them to come and go from the camp. Yp Chapter 589 - Chapter 589: The Might of the Resurrection Altar, Giant Turtle! (2) Chapter 589: The Might of the Resurrection Altar, Giant Turtle! (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After all the centurions had departed, Lord of the Waves gazed down upon the camp that was bustling not far away. Rows of spell towers and arrow turrets, constructed with special materials, rose from the edges of the camp, shimmering with the radiance of magic. Once the enemy approached, they would unleash a terrifying barrage of spells. At the center of the camp, a towering structure, akin to the legendary Tower of Babel, was under construction. Out of the one-third of the camp it currently occupied, only a quarter had been completed, standing at around sixty to seventy meters tall. This towering structure served as his palace and a formidable magical artillery platform. Once it was completed and he took residence, its firepower would cover a radius of a hundred miles at sea. Any enemy approaching would face a barrage of devastating magical attacks. At that moment, the foundation for his oceanic kingdom would be laid, and no one could stop him from reigning supreme over these waters! Sixty miles to the west of this location, within the ruins of an underwater basin. A battle was raging. A battalion from the regular army of Lord of the Waves, consisting of a thousand soldiers, along with three battalions of servant-army soldiers, were defending against an onslaught from the Ocean Crowns forces, using the ruins as their stronghold. The centurion in command of the regular army was shouting himself hoarse, directing the defense to prevent the enemy from entering the ruins. Just moments ago, they had arrived in this sea area to conduct a search and, coincidentally, discovered that this ruin held a substantial amount of resources. However, as they sent the servant-army soldiers inside to search, the enemy suddenly appeared, surrounding them from the outside. How did he not see through this!? Damn it, it was a trap set by the enemy, and they were just waiting for them to fall into it! The centurion gazed at the enemy outside, his eyes filled with anger, but as he looked at some of the faces among them, he suddenly froze. Why did it seem like he had seen these faces before? He remembered personally hacking apart several Naga sea clansmen with an axe, but now, how could he see them standing right in front of him? Could this be his imagination!? New Moon Islands. How is the current situation of our losses? My lord, your harassment strategy has been highly effective. The enemys speed in gathering resources and constructing camps has greatly slowed down, and we have inflicted casualties on over 17,000 of their troops, with more than a third of them being Tier 5 units! But our actual losses have been minimal, thanks to the Resurrection Altar. Our core army has suffered almost no casualties. While the cumulative death count is 15,000 units, the actual deaths amount to 12,000 units, all of which were soul-bound servants. Alice spoke in a cheerful tone. Ji Chens face was filled with a smile. The Resurrection Altar was the core and key of this plan. With the ability to resurrect fallen troops at the Resurrection Altar, Ji Chen could commit a significant number of forces to engage the enemy without worrying too much about casualties. In addition to that, there was Alices legion of soul-bound servants. She continuously controlled a large number of Tier 4 sea beasts that had been driven out by the Krakens, compelling them to launch a frenzied assault on the enemy. He didnt hesitate to throw away this disposable force, and in fact, it had achieved outstanding results. So, on the surface, it appeared that the Ocean Crown had lost over 15,000 units, but in reality, only 12,000 soul-bound servants had died, and the 3,000 core units could be resurrected. This meant there were essentially no casualties. In contrast, the enemys losses were genuine. Ji Chen stopped smiling; it wasnt time to celebrate yet. The Ocean Crown had already suffered more than 17,000 casualties, but Lord of the Waves still had over 80,000 troops, putting them at a disadvantage. My lord, the Lobster Guardian Knights have gained the complete trust of the enemy. They have been allowed into the enemys camp and have gathered some information about it, Alice said with a solemn expression. That camp has already constructed a significant number of spell towers. The giant tower under construction is Lord of the Waves palace and a powerful magical artillery platform. Once he takes residence, the firepower of that tower will cover a radius of a hundred miles at sea. His magical abilities within the tower will be terrifying, and the range of his magical attacks will encompass a vast area, she added. This was probably why Lord of the Waves had ordered the recruitment of able-bodied men and resource gathering everywhere. After completing the giant tower, he would have a solid base and wouldnt fear any attacks. Attacking this place would become much more difficult. Sonia, increase the intensity of patrolling in the coming days. I suspect that Lord of the Waves has already sensed the general location of the Ocean Crown. If you encounter enemy reconnaissance teams, eliminate them directly to delay their discovery of the Ocean Crown as much as possible. Sonia nodded in response. Starting tomorrow, Herald, Anina, Alice, and Diago, each of you will lead your respective armies to launch surprise attacks on the enemys resource-gathering teams and try to inflict casualties. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The three heroes saluted in acknowledgment. After several days of attacks, the enemy had become much more vigilant, and it was challenging to achieve the same remarkable results as before. Even if they continued to exchange Tier 5 troops at a ratio of approximately 1:2, taking into account the resurrection, they could at most deal with 20,000 Tier 5 enemy troops. If they continued to fight in this manner, the Ocean Crown would eventually bleed out. So, they needed to introduce some variables into the equation. The Ocean Crown possessed numerous high-end combat forces, and the addition of any one of them could trigger a significant chemical reaction in this war.. Chapter 590 - Chapter 590: The Might of the Resurrection Altar, Giant Turtle! (3) Chapter 590: The Might of the Resurrection Altar, Giant Turtle! (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The participation of the three heroes, all of whom were at least of the Red-Legacy tier, caught the enemy off guard. Despite their desperate resistance, they found it extremely difficult to withstand the onslaught of such powerful heroes. Alices enchanting voice rendered them powerless, even leading some to turn on their own comrades. Anina transformed into a gigantic whale, smashing and trampling countless foes. Herald executed seven consecutive strikes, his dual claws and wings causing a bloody frenzy. Hero units surpassed regular troops, and these legendary and Red-Legacy tier hero units were superior to ordinary heroes. Although Lord of the Waves had dozens of elite hero units, some of them even classified as rare-tier, they were still overwhelmed by the presence of Red-Legacy and legendary heroes. They couldnt intimidate the enemy; instead, they became prime targets for the heroes of the Ocean Crown. In just three days, over nine thousand captains were slain, two regular army regiments were disbanded, and seven auxiliary army regiments lay lifeless on the sea surface. This enraged Lord of the Waves beyond measure. He had never anticipated that the enemy possessed so many high-tier hero units, as they had not revealed a single one before. Under such immense casualties, even the construction of the half-finished tower had come to a halt. Without resources pouring in, the completion of the tower was indefinitely postponed. However, there was a somewhat reassuring aspect to this. After many days of reconnaissance and the sacrifice of dozens of scout teams, the location of the enemys stronghold had finally been pinpointedwithin a hundred miles of the stormy sea! He was no longer interested in playing the childish game of cat and mouse with these vermin. He wanted to crush these bugs immediately! Everyone, assemble! Bestow upon the enemy destruction! Boom! With a tremendous and violent tremor, the entire camp, along with the tower, suddenly rose into the air. It was an enormous turtle-like creature, resembling a mountain. This was a true behemoth of the sea, with a body spanning hundreds of meters over the oceans surface, casting a thick shadow below. Its limbs were as massive as buildings, and its head, adorned with sharp scales, gaped wide enough to devour an entire castle. The colossal turtle shell morphed into solid ground, providing a stable foundation for the entire encampment. It simply stretched its limbs gently, creating waves dozens of meters high. Even a slight exhalation produced an airflow that rolled up waves of more than ten meters. Woo! The colossal turtle emitted a deep, earth-shaking roar, and its massive golden eyes, larger than a wall, slowly opened, surveying the surroundings. A deep, muffled voice emanated from its mouth. Victor, why have you awakened me again in such a short time? Lord of the Waves remained unfazed. Unexpected events have occurred, and we need to eliminate a local power in the vicinity. A hint of curiosity flashed in the giant turtles eyes as it spoke directly, Are you telling me that your army, under your command, cannot deal with such a small local force? Do you need to personally intervene? Lord of the Waves displayed a hint of annoyance on his face but chose not to argue. Both of us are cursed. You have lost your long-lasting lifespan, and the curse continues to erode your vitality, only sustained by me. As for me, I have lost the ability to move freely and can only nest on your back. We share a common interest, and if I make a mistake, you wont fare any better. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The giant turtle spoke in a deep, resonant voice, So, after all this time, have you found the legendary power of the ocean? Only the power of the ocean can remove the curse imposed by this divine mark. The power of the ocean is not something easily found, Lord of the Waves replied with a hint of discomfort. He snorted and continued, Only by helping me establish a kingdom do you have a better chance of finding it. The giant turtle remained silent for a while before slowly speaking, I hope you will keep your promise and find the power of the ocean as soon as possible. 1 dont like carrying too many burdens on my back. I dont need to be told; I will do it. As the giant turtle began to move slowly, more than seventy thousand troops assembled, driving over twenty thousand sea slave laborers towards the stormy sea.. Chapter 591 - Chapter 591: The Power of the Ocean, God Bless Victor! Chapter 591: The Power of the Ocean, God Bless Victor! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation When this news reached the New Moon Islands, a piercing alarm suddenly sounded. The residents exchanged glances and, as if by unspoken agreement, dropped their work and followed the routes they had practiced and trained for, heading underground to seek refuge in the lizardman world. However, among them, the elves of Vale seemed somewhat bewildered as they watched the humans evacuate one after another, feeling a bit lost. Marianne hurried to the Lords castle and found Ji Chen. Your Excellency, have the enemy reached here? Ji Chen looked at the map on the table, glanced up, and nodded. The enemy has scouted the approximate location of the Crown of the Ocean. Seventy thousand troops, accompanied by twenty thousand sea slave laborers, are pouring out and heading straight towards the Stormy Sea. Worry crept across Mariannes face. With a total force of ninety thousand against the Ocean Crowns meager twenty thousand, they were clearly at a severe disadvantage in terms of manpower. Not only had their territory been discovered, but now they also had no room to maneuver. Marianne couldnt help but feel that the odds were stacked against them this time. If they could seize this moment to leave by ship, they might still have a chance Seeing Mariannes changing expression, Ji Chen spoke in an understanding tone. Lady Marianne, if thats what you desire, I can provide you with several ships to leave. However, there wont be any military escort. Every unit is crucial for the Crown of the Oceans defense now. Please understand. Marianne looked conflicted. Without the Ocean Crowns army for protection and guidance, they could easily get lost in the vast sea, not to mention reaching the Maple Principality. Since an immediate departure was not feasible, they had no choice but to stay and face the impending challenges together. She finally let go of her fleeting hope. Her expression became more serious as she said, In that case, Your Excellency Ji Chen, if theres anything you need assistance with, please dont hesitate to ask. We will do our utmost to help secure the safety of the Crown of the Ocean. Ji Chen slowly revealed a smile and nodded without hesitation. The enemy has repeatedly dispatched reconnaissance teams. Although all of them were intercepted outside the sea, their deaths have allowed the enemy to gradually pinpoint the approximate location of the Crown of the Ocean. Despite our repeated interceptions, the enemy has come to believe that the Crown of the Ocean is indeed within the Stormy Sea. He pointed to the map on the table and used his index finger to indicate over a dozen red marks on the outer edge of the Stormy Sea, marking the positions where the Crown of the Oceans forces had intercepted Lord of the Waves scouting teams. Even though they were on the verge of the Stormy Sea, none of the teams had actually entered the sea itself or come close to the New Moon Islands. Marianne was puzzled and asked, Is there anything wrong with the fact that the Crown of the Ocean is indeed located within the Stormy Sea? Ji Chen nodded with a smile, then shook his head slightly. Thats true, but 1 believe they dont actually know that the Crown of the Ocean is really here. Its just a guess based on our actions. From their perspective, it appears that the Crown of the Oceans team is vigorously blocking their scouting squads. This could be to safeguard their territory from being found, or it might be for different reasons, like concealing a recently uncovered and yet-to-be-explored ancient relic with divine significance. What do you think they would decide to do in response to this situation? Theyll probably change their target without hesitation, after all, its the inheritance of ancient gods. 1 understand your thinking, Marianne looked puzzled. But how do we make them both believe and discover? With such a powerful sea clan army, the Lord of the Waves shouldnt be a fool Ji Chen snapped her fingers. Leave the belief part to me. As for discovery, we may need your help. I remember you elves are skilled in illusion magic, right? Of course, but illusion magic is mostly used to hide buildings or conceal entrance points. How does it fit into your plan? I need you to cast a massive illusion spell, the kind that can create an illusion of a relic out of thin air. Marianne suddenly realized and nodded quickly. We need some time for that. Producing an illusion spell that can make a relic look real isnt something we can do in a moment. Ji Chen nodded, Well buy you enough time. The Lord of the Waves camp was over a hundred miles from the Stormy Sea, and it would take a considerable amount of time for tens of thousands of troops to march here. In theory, they had at least a days time, which should be enough to set up everything. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only As long as there were no unforeseen circumstances. The elves quickly got to work, selecting the spellcasters and explaining the materials they needed to Wilus. Ji Chen also made several preparations, such as the possibility of the illusion plan being discovered or the Lord of the Waves army arriving. At this point, it was a matter of life and death, and all means, whether high or low, righteous or despicable, had to be used. This included, but was not limited to, using the lower-tier troops of the Guardian Legion as suicide bombers with alchemical explosives, mobilizing and arming all residents of the Crown of the Ocean to fight against the invading enemy, and even involving the elves. In other words, even thousands of elves could keep the enemy occupied for a while.. Chapter 592 - Chapter 592: The Power of the Ocean, God Bless Victor! (2) Chapter 592: The Power of the Ocean, God Bless Victor! (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the worst-case scenario, Ji Chen would spare no hesitation in using all available resources and means, disregarding any morals or ethics. Of course, he hoped that such a moment wouldnt come. The entirety of the Crown of the Oceans forces had already returned, without choosing to harass the advancing enemy army. With a total of seventy thousand troops, plus an additional twenty thousand coerced sea clan laborers, it was a formidable force that couldnt be easily shaken. Thinking about this, Ji Chen scratched his head in frustration. Why did Lord of the Waves have to be so provocative? He had barely defeated less than twenty thousand of his troops and left behind the palace and camp they were constructing, only to rush over here directly. Could he not handle it? If the Crown of the Ocean continued to harass for a few more days, the gap in their military strength would decrease to a point where they could confront each other directly, and Ji Chen wouldnt need to prepare so many unconventional methods. With his current strength, he wasnt too afraid of Lord of the Waves, who had been hiding mysteriously in the waterspout for so long. He wanted to see if he, as the Ocean Dominator, could outdo a Lord of the Waves! Shaking his head, Ji Chen pushed these thoughts aside and called for Alice. Now that Lord of the Waves army has set out, his palace and camp should be without significant defenses. Send the Dragon Legion to destroy them, so they wont be used against us later. I understand. Alice nodded. However, half a day later, unexpected news reached him. Lord of the Waves camp had vanished without a trace! Hearing this news, Ji Chen was taken aback. How could such a large camp simply disappear!? But the fact remained. According to the report from the Dragon Legion, it wasnt due to invisibility, illusions, or submersion in the sea. The camp had genuinely and inexplicably vanished! This was truly bizarre! Ji Chen was puzzled, but he couldnt dwell on it any longer because the plan was about to commence. The elves had already prepared to cast a massive illusion spell. Thirty miles east of the Stormy Sea, on a stretch of sea. The elves arrived here on their ships, with the assistance of the Crown of the Oceans forces, they spread out across the sea surface. The elves magical talents were truly enviable. Among the less than five thousand residents of Vale, there were more than two thousand elf spellcasters capable of casting large-scale illusion spells. This meant that as long as they were of adult age, they could possess quite formidable magical power. The two thousand elf spellcasters were roughly divided into ten groups, each led by an elf elder. Marianne stood solemnly at the forefront, slowly raising her staff. Magical energy flowed from the gem at the top of the staff, stopping about fifty meters above the sea surface. It condensed into an elemental array, with a diameter of over a hundred meters, resembling a vortex. First team! With Mariannes low command, the leftmost team of elves simultaneously raised their staffs. A more majestic surge of magical energy poured into the elemental array, making it emit even brighter light. Second team! Third team As each team of elves poured magical energy into the elemental array, a colossal portal suddenly appeared in the space fifty meters above the sea surface. It exuded a magnificent aura. If one looked closely, they would notice that this portal was identical to the one used to enter the Divine Relic Battlefield! Even the aura was strikingly similar. Originally, Ji Chen considered creating a decrepit and ruined relic illusion, but he thought it would be better to simply create the portal. It would be easier to confuse the enemy this way. At first glance, if he didnt know it was fake, he would have thought that there was indeed a portal leading to the frozen wilderness standing right in front of him. Ji Chen nodded in satisfaction and looked at Marianne. Thank you for your help. The Crown of the Ocean will remember that you once extended a helping hand. Marianne seemed a bit weak, as the enormous illusion spell had nearly depleted her magical power. Youve helped our Vale, so we naturally have to do something in return. This illusion spell can last for a day. I hope Lord Ji Chen will successfully eliminate the enemy. Marianne bowed respectfully. Now, please send us back. The battlefield is yours. The ships carried the elves back to the New Moon Islands, leaving behind only the massive portal, along with eleven thousand Crown of the Ocean troops and twelve thousand Coral Palace troops. Ji Chen stood before the portal, slowly raising his right hand. A thumb-sized azure light dot appeared in his palm. The power of the ocean. It seemed like the purest and most supreme essence of the sea, attracting the attention of all sea clans present the moment it appeared. The Kraken stared at this light dot with widened eyes, displaying shock, desire, greed, and longing emotions. Eventually, it returned to calmness and lowered its head toward Ji Chen. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Alice, Herald, Benbo, and all the heroes silently lowered their heads as well. That was the most supreme and pure essence of the boundless ocean. Controlling it meant having a slight chance of giving birth to divinity. Following a lord who might become a deity was their long-cherished wish. In addition, the power of the ocean had more extraordinary attributes. For example Ji Chen gazed at the light dot in his palm, communicating with it in his mind. An intangible force, invisible and untouchable, emanated from him, spreading in all directions with the sea breeze and currents, swiftly transmitting across the seas for miles in all directions.. Chapter 593 - Chapter 593: The Power of the Ocean, God Bless Victor! (3) Chapter 593: The Power of the Ocean, God Bless Victor! (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Countless beings in the ocean, devoid of much intelligence and relying mostly on instinct to survive, all turned their gazes in a certain direction at this moment and then rushed toward it without hesitation. Swordfish, toothed arrowfish, waterborne beasts, saw-toothed whale sharks, colossal octopuses Countless marine creatures formed groups and advanced together, creating a spectacular scene on the ocean. But at the same time. The Lord of the Waves, who was heading straight for the Stormy Sea, suddenly looked to the southeast, his face filled with astonishment. That was the power of the ocean!? He sensed a strange aura, and there was no mistaking it; it was the power of the ocean! It could release him from the malicious curse branded upon him! Filled with boundless joy in his heart, the intense emotional fluctuations left the giant turtle puzzled. The Lord of the Waves burst into laughter, Its the power of the ocean, theres oceanic power in this area! The giant turtle immediately widened its eyes and asked eagerly, Where is it? Just about twenty miles in the southeast direction 1 finally understand why those sea worms have been obstructing us from searching the southern seas. They must have discovered this oceanic power but havent had the chance to excavate and acquire it yet, so theyve been continuously hindering our progress! God is blessing me! The Lord of the Waves looked up to the sky, laughing heartily, and shouted impatiently, All troops, turn to the southeast direction! Full speed ahead!! Tens of thousands of troops turned in unison and rushed toward the southeast. Ji Chen slowly infused a trace of the power of the ocean into the portal, giving it a touch of mystery and vastness, making it even more lifelike. After completing all of this, Ji Chen looked at the heroes and the army, all of whom had their attention focused on him. Get into position now; the enemy will be here soon. The heroes woke up from their reverie, Yes! Under the leadership of various heroes, the legions quickly submerged into the sea, hiding and conserving their strength. Meanwhile, Ji Chen stood before the portal, closed his eyes, and quietly waited for the arrival of the enemy. Time passed slowly. When tiny black dots appeared on the distant sea surface, Ji Chen slowly opened his eyes. When he saw a particularly massive black dot among those black dots, he was stunned, despite his mental preparation. A giant turtle was approaching, and compared to it, the nearby sea clan soldiers looked like ants. He had thought that the Kraken was already a colossal creature, but this giant turtle was ten times larger. The difference between them was like that between a child and an adult. Such a colossal creature seemed to come from ancient times, and just looking at it filled people with dread, a fear of massive entities. When Ji Chen saw the structure carried on the back of the giant turtle, he couldnt help but twitch the corners of his mouth. He finally understood how the Lord of the Waves had managed to build a base on the ocean surface out of nowhere. Building a base directly on the back of this giant turtle was indeed quite unbelievable. The Lord of the Waves had really caught him off guard with this move. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This giant turtle only needed to move its body to easily destroy the entire Crown of the Ocean. While the actual movement speed of the giant turtle was extremely slow, its immense size made it seem not so slow, like a small island moving towards him, with that tremendous pressure coming at him. Whoosh- Ji Chen took a deep breath and rallied his spirits. This was going to be quite a battle.. Chapter 594 - Chapter 594: The True Body of the Waves Lord, the Scene of Betrayal Chapter 594: The True Body of the Waves Lord, the Scene of Betrayal Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The giant turtle stopped thousands of meters away, but still created waves several meters high under its feet, which extended hundreds of meters before gradually subsiding. Lord of the Waves could already see the massive gateway, reaching up to a hundred meters, exuding the aura of the coveted power of the ocean. The power of the ocean should be hidden within this gateway. Victors eyes filled with fascination and greed. As long as he could obtain the power of the ocean, not only could it remove the divine curse on him, but the power of the ocean itself was also an extremely unique force. It underwent a transformation from the divine power of the ocean god, possessing a certain ability to control the ocean. This ability was highly compatible with the Oceanic profession. If he could absorb it, his Lord of the Waves profession would undoubtedly undergo a massive evolution! Thinking about the enormous benefits it could bring, Lord of the Waves became even more excited. It was only at this moment that he noticed Ji Chen standing in front of the gateway, and a hint of doubt crossed his mind. How could there be a human here? Could it be that he came to compete for this power of the ocean? This thought flashed through his mind, and he chuckled at his own idea. Other sea races were one thing, but a mere human dared to come and contend with him? Perhaps on land, he still held some respect for the numerous human beings, but in the vast sea, no race could match the sea races; the sea races were the rulers here! Lord of the Waves casually sent out a water wave, enough to destroy a reef. Ji Chen raised his hand nonchalantly, and a spray of water rushed in the opposite direction, perfectly dissipating the attack. Oh? Lord of the Waves finally took a closer look at Ji Chen. Although this attack was just a casual one, it was equivalent to a full-power strike from an elite-level hero. Not just anyone could handle it, and it was resolved with a spray of water. Perhaps because he was about to obtain the power of the ocean and was in a good mood, he didnt feel angry about it but instead asked with interest. Human, why have you appeared in this vast sea? Ji Chen smiled slightly. Sir, youve entered my territory with your army, slaughtering my soldiers, and now youre asking me why Im here. Isnt that a bit excessive? Lord of the Waves suddenly realized, So, youre the master of those sea race soldiers? More accurately, I am their lord. I dont care about lords or not. Lord of the Waves spoke arrogantly, From now on, the sea area within a radius of five hundred miles is my territory, and all the resources and creatures here belong to me. It seems youve noticed this gateway. If you surrender with the remaining army and become slaves, I might spare your life. Otherwise, with just your twenty thousand troops hidden in the sea, you wont even be able to move a single hair on me. Lord of the Waves spoke with an air of benevolence, completely dismissing Ji Chen. In fact, it seemed to be the case. Lord of the Waves commanded a massive army of seventy thousand, along with twenty thousand cannon fodder laborers, giving him an absolute advantage against Ji Chens force of over twenty thousand at the Crown of the Ocean. If they continued to disperse their forces and harass with covert attacks as before, they would be ineffective in a direct confrontation. Ninety thousand against twenty thousand; the advantage was clearly on his side! What if I refuse? Ji Chen said calmly. Lord of the Waves tone instantly grew darker. Humph, ignorant human, you will pay a heavy price for your ignorance. Full attack, crush these lowly worms! With a command, the vast army covering the entire sea surface launched a charge. The momentum was fierce, with a ferocious battle cry and the grim-faced sea race warriors brandishing their cold, sharp weapons, their killing intent surged forward. Amidst this overwhelming charge, Ji Chens figure appeared extremely small, as if he might be trampled into pulp by the enemys iron hooves in the next moment. However, at this moment, a series of narrow white fabrics that looked like waterfalls spread across the sea surface in the distance, rapidly approaching this location. Upon seeing clearly, Lord of the Waves couldnt help but be stunned. Tens of thousands of marine creatures were swiftly swimming, leaving white waves in their wake. Whale sharks, octopuses, schools of fish As if they were responding to some call, they all rushed towards this place, hundreds of twenty-meter-long hammerhead sharks in a wedge-shaped formation rammed directly into the advancing army. The powerful impact sent hundreds of sea race soldiers flying, creating two visible gaps in the once orderly charging formation. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Following the hammerhead sharks, thousands of marine creatures of various species and forms, even those lower in the food chain, began to attack the sea race soldiers one after another. In the depths of the sea, owners of red eyes revealed their forms, launching attacks on the charging troops from below. They used their sharp teeth to bite, their claws to tear, and even their sucker tentacles to bind and strangle their prey. Lord of the Waves army, suddenly attacked by hundreds of thousands of marine creatures, fell into chaos. Even as they fought back fiercely, they inevitably became embroiled in the confusion. Lord of the Waves stared in disbelief. What had gotten into these marine creatures? They actually had the audacity to actively attack his soldiers! Then, he seemed to recall something and looked at Ji Chen with an incredulous expression.. Chapter 595 - Chapter 595: The True Body of the Waves Lord, the Scene of Betrayal (2) Chapter 595: The True Body of the Waves Lord, the Scene of Betrayal (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Its the power of the ocean! Only the power of the ocean can command these marine creatures to attack without hesitation! Damn it, this human has obtained the power of the ocean! A faint smile appeared on Ji Chens face as he slowly raised his right hand, which fell decisively like a sword blade. Swish The Crown of the Oceans army had already surrounded the enemys flanks at some point, their eyes burning with fierce determination. Led by numerous heroes, they pierced into the battlefield like sharp knives. The Lord of the Waves army, entangled by a massive number of marine creatures, couldnt free themselves to respond to the Crown of the Oceans attack. They could only watch in despair as this unfolded. With several heroes, at least at the level of legacy-tier, leading the charge, the Crown of the Oceans army tore open gaps in the enemy formation, rolling and tearing until they completely penetrated it. At this moment, tens of thousands of troops couldnt utilize their numerical advantage and were instead entangled by a large number of marine creatures. They watched helplessly as they were divided into several parts, forced to fight individually. The mere twenty thousand-strong Crown of the Oceans army overwhelmed them completely. In this large-scale battle, several heroes from the Crown of the Ocean displayed terrifying killing power. Herald, relying on his flying advantage, continuously flew to seek out the enemys hero units for assassination, preventing them from organizing a counterattack. Anina, in her gigantic whale form, wreaked havoc within the enemy ranks, causing chaos. Many heroes followed the plan, each performing their designated tasks with clear roles. In a short time, the enemys forces were in complete disarray. The Lord of the Waves was shocked and angry at the sight. He remembered what he had said earlier, feeling as if he had been slapped in the face. In an instant, he was furious, and the water vortex that manifested his power surged violently. Human, youre asking for death! A large amount of seawater separated from the water vortex, flying into the air and forming countless handleless water blades, raining down like pouring raindrops. Seeing this, Ji Chen couldnt help but smile; this move was something he was very familiar with. With a slight thought, a number of water blades, twice as many as those of the Lord of the Waves, rapidly formed within half a breaths time. Half of them precisely hit and shattered the Lord of the Waves water blades. The Lord of the Waves water blades disintegrated instantly, and with a slight delay, they headed straight for the water vortex, emanating a deadly intent. The Lord of the Waves expression changed, and he hurriedly attempted to create a water screen with seawater, but found that the seawater, like it had been coated with glue, was not easily controlled by him. It generated at a much slower speed, and it wasnt until the water blades were about to hit that he barely managed to create a water screen that was only two people tall and wide, unable to block all the incoming water blades. A muffled groan came from within the water vortex. Gradually, the splashes of water dissipated, and the water vortex, as if severely injured, slowly came to a stop, revealing the true form of the Lord of the Waves. When Ji Chen saw the figure clearly, he almost couldnt hold back his disgust. This was a serpent person? Within the now-still water vortex, there was indeed a massive serpent person with a human upper body and a snake lower body. Their body was as robust as an ancient tree, stretching dozens of meters long. The long snake-like body coiled around, standing tall above. At first glance, this physique might have given the impression of a marine behemoth, but the tumor-like growth on the head, resembling a lump of flesh, made it incredibly grotesque. The decaying flesh with bones visible in various places on the snake body, along with the pockmarked lumps and depressions, was enough to make anyone feel extremely nauseous and repulsed at first sight. Ji Chens expression was full of disgust. It was no wonder that he needed to hide himself within the water vortex; walking around in such a repulsive appearance would scare children. Not only Ji Chen, but even the marine soldiers were shocked. Some of them found it difficult to accept that their master, whom they served, had such an ugly appearance. Seeing this scene, the Lord of the Waves felt his face burning even more, and his body trembled with anger. On his partially rotting face, his snake-like eyes glowed with intense, deep-seated hatred and bitterness. It was all because of this human! He deserved to die! In the brief exchange just now, he had already realized that he was no match for the human who had already mastered the power of the ocean. Continuing to fight like this would undoubtedly result in his defeat. But fortunately, he wasnt alone today; he had another partner. Giant Turtle, kill this human! As long as we kill him, the power of the ocean will be ours, and we can remove the curse on us! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The giant turtle had no name; it was simply known as the Giant Turtle. He had encountered it thousands of years ago by chance in the Death Sea, and this marine behemoth had been alive for at least tens of thousands of years. Both of them were burdened by a curse from the gods, which led them to form an alliance. They established a cooperative relationship where the Giant Turtle provided him with a place to reside within its shell. In return, he commanded his army to capture living beings from various places to replenish the Giant Turtles fading vitality. Over the course of thousands of years, their interaction had been quite harmonious. It could be said that the Giant Turtle was his ultimate trump card, boasting a terrifying defensive power that even the abominations within the Death Sea couldnt penetrate. In his view, as long as the Giant Turtle took action, this human would be left powerless. Hurry up! If this human escapes, who knows how long it will take to encounter the power of the ocean again.. Chapter 596 - Chapter 596: The True Body of the Waves Lord, the Scene of Betrayal (3) Chapter 596: The True Body of the Waves Lord, the Scene of Betrayal (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Lord of the Waves urged in a commanding tone. However, the Giant Turtle did not act as he had imagined. Instead, it spoke to the human. Human, how about we make a deal? Ji Chen was puzzled, furrowing his brows, unsure of what the Giant Turtle had in mind. Nevertheless, he asked, What kind of deal? I will help you eliminate Victors army, and in return, you will use the power of the ocean to lift the curse from me. Both Ji Chen and the Lord of the Waves were left dumbfounded. The Lord of the Waves was the first to react, speaking with incredulity, Giant Turtle, what are you saying? This human is our enemy! How can you help him kill my army? The Giant Turtles voice was deep and slow, much like its long lifespan, as it explained, Victor, my life force has been suppressed by the curse for far too long. The curse has deeply marked my body, causing me immense suffering and agony, pushing me closer to the end of my life. For thousands of years, you have indeed been diligently searching for the power of the ocean, but all your efforts have been in vain. You were even driven out of the Death Sea, and you cant even defeat a human from the outside ocean. You are simply too weak. I no longer have the time or patience to wait for you. 1 must seize this rare opportunity. The Lord of the Waves expression shifted from shock to astonishment, then anger, and finally, humiliation. At this moment, he had only one thought in his mind: the Giant Turtle had betrayed him, all because of a human, and in front of everyone! Especially the words, You have tried hard, but its all in vain and You are too weak, cut deep into his heart, reopening wounds he didnt want to talk about. This made the Lord of the Waves fume with rage, and he was on the verge of grinding his teeth. However, the Giant Turtle paid no further attention to him and turned to Ji Chen once again. How about this deal? Having witnessed this rather dramatic betrayal unfolding before him, Ji Chen shook his head at the proposition. The stakes in this trade arent equal. I can deal with these sea clan soldiers without your help. The Giant Turtles tone grew slightly more urgent. Then what are your conditions? Ji Chen smiled faintly. 1 dont need your assistance in dealing with these sea clan soldiers. Instead, I propose that you enter into a master-servant contract with me and serve me for a hundred years. A gigantic turtle, with a body akin to a small island, held tremendous strategic value, and it was indeed worth subduing. After only a moment of hesitation, the giant turtle nodded its massive head and said, I agree to your terms. A hundred years might seem incredibly long, but for him, as long as he could break free from the curse of the gods, he could live for another ten thousand years. He had already endured a thousand years; what difference would a mere hundred years make? As soon as the words were spoken, the giant turtle vigorously shook its body. The violent tremors caused the camp and the towering structures on its shell to collapse with a resounding crash. Even the Lord of the Waves, caught off guard, tumbled down and fell awkwardly into the sea. Following this, the giant turtle stepped aside, showing no intention of further interference. Ji Chen nodded, looking at the Lord of the Waves, who had landed on the seas surface, and a faint smile crept across his face. You, the little pretender, who got expelled from the Death Sea like a stray dog, thought you could rule and dominate here, huh? Did you actually think there were no tigers in the mountains, allowing the monkeys to proclaim themselves as kings? Seeing the genuine smile on Ji Chens face, the Lord of the Waves shivered and began to reconsider his choices. In a deep voice, he said, Human, I will no longer intrude into your territory, and I will no longer seek your ocean power. Let me leave. Ji Chen responded with a mocking expression as if he had just heard a joke. He didnt say much and began to channel his magic. Inside the mind of the Lord of the Waves, alarm bells rang loudly. He just thought of driving the seawater to escape when, in the next moment, one hand made of condensed water seized his head, while another hand held a blade that pierced through his chest. AHH The Lord of the Waves let out a painful scream. In his struggle, he spat out a blue crystal. The crystal shimmered, and he disappeared from his current location, reappearing several kilometers away. The Lord of the Waves had no time to rest; he endured the intense pain and used the seawater to swiftly move away from the area. That damned human! He will pay for this! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen watched the Lord of the Waves rapidly fleeing and couldnt help but be stunned. The Lord had just abandoned his entire army and teleported away? However, Ji Chen didnt pursue him. He simply watched with a cold smile. As the Lord of the Waves fled, several massive serrated suction cup tentacles suddenly shot out along his escape route, tightly binding him. Following that, a gigantic octopus head emerged from the water. Squelch The Kraken looked smug as it gazed at the bound Lord of the Waves, emitting a joyful cry.. Chapter 597 - Chapter 597: Sea Crystal Wyrm: The Death of Victor Chapter 597: Sea Crystal Wyrm: The Death of Victor Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Lord of the Waves exerted all his strength, but he was as helpless as an ant trying to move a giant tree when caught in the tight grip of the octopus tentacle suckers. The razor-sharp teeth of the creature rolled through his flesh, causing excruciating pain akin to a thousand insects tearing at his body, nearly making him lose consciousness. The Kraken, with a greedy expression, attempted to taste the lords blood, but the next moment, its eyes widened, and it hastily expelled the blood it had taken in. This blood is too foul! It was like drinking water mixed with oil! After expelling the Lord of the Waves blood, the Kraken shuddered a few times, feeling nauseated but forced to continue restraining its victim, as per its masters command. It was an unbearable ordeal. Lord of the Waves felt as though he was about to be crushed into a pulp by the tentacle army. As he saw the human approaching calmly on the waters surface, wearing a smirk that seemed to say, Do you have any more tricks up your sleeve? Go ahead, use them all, he felt a sense of humiliation, even though he had already suffered plenty today. All!! You damned human, Ill have you killed! Lord of the Waves vented his pain-filled scream. Suddenly, on the nearby sea, a military force of three thousand soldiers appeared. They were entirely composed of crystal, resembling miniature Earth Dragons. They all opened their mouths simultaneously, unleashing meteor-like blue beams of light. Thousands of beams combined to create a sky-covering light curtain that shot toward the Kraken, cutting across its wounds like blades. Screech! The Kraken emitted a sharp and agonized cry, but the tentacles restraining the Lord of the Waves didnt loosen a bit. The mouth beneath its head spewed a purplish-black venom towards these new foes. However, the three thousand troops, with surprising agility, suddenly sprouted three pairs of large blue diamond-shaped crystal wings from their backs and swiftly ascended, evading the venomous spray. Screech!!? Ignoring the Krakens furious cries, Ji Chen watched this army demonstrate its agility in dodging the venom spray. In his eyes, a glimmer of understanding shone. This should be the sixth-tier unit under the command of the Lord of the Waves, right? [Sea Crystal Wyrm] [Race]: Crystalized Sea Creature [Tier]: Sixth Tier, 3 Stars [Level]: 40 [Skills]: Not disclosed [Bloodline Ability]: Hidden [A special crystalline construct creature with flight capability and a combination of physical and magical attack abilities] This was the first time Ji Chen had encountered a sixth-tier unit, let alone faced one in battle. To be able to deal effective damage to a colossal sea monster like the Kraken, which was at the epic tier, demonstrated the formidable power of these troops. The Sea Crystal Wyrm, relying on its flight capability, hovered in the air and continuously emitted sharp beams during the intervals between avoiding the venom spray. These beams bombarded the Krakens body, leaving pockmarked craters on it due to the scorching heat. At this moment, Benbo arrived with the Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs, a fifth-tier unit at 9 stars. Without much hesitation, he immediately directed the spears towards the enemy. The Sea Crystal Wyrm instantly shifted its target, spewing beams to intercept the spears. Most of the spears missed, but a few managed to hit them. However, despite the spear tips, which were capable of shattering rocks, only left shallow dents on their crystal-like bodies. Ji Chens eyelids twitched slightly; it seemed that the Sea Crystal Wyrms defenses were equally astonishing. The Sea Crystal Wyrm roared and emitted beams at the Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs on the seas surface, causing significant damage in an instant. It then dove down in unison, its crystal wings generating a piercing sonic boom. Its sharp claws effortlessly tore through the scales of the Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs, leaving deep, bone-revealing wounds. Many of the Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs were caught in mid-air and thrown down to the seas surface, severely injured. The Sea Crystal Wyrm effortlessly countered any counterattacks, leveraging its flight and altitude advantages. In just a few brief exchanges, the disparity in strength between the two sides became clear. The Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs, fifth-tier at 9 stars and on the cusp of reaching the sixth tier, surprisingly had little resistance against the Sea Crystal Wyrm, which was sixth-tier with 3 stars. This was still without the Sea Crystal Wyrm utilizing its bloodline ability. Ji Chen hadnt expected such a substantial power gap between fifth-tier and sixth-tier units. Seeing his legion displaying such a pitiful performance in front of the lord, Benbo seemed to be growing furious. His body emitted a blue ripple, spreading onto the Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs. [Unit Trait]: Lord of the Murlocs (Leading Murlocs grants an additional 50 morale, preventing them from being demoralized or fleeing. All attributes of Murloc units under command are increased by 200%, and skill power is increased by 100%.) The Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs momentum surged dramatically. With Benbos enhancement, their strength advanced further, approaching the sixth tier. In their palms, strands of frost emerged, clinging to their tridents, emitting a chilling and oppressive cold. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Benbo roared, Throw!! Countless tridents were hurled, flying at a speed several times faster than before, exploding into blossoms of icy blue flowers in the air, akin to high-velocity artillery shells. Within the exploding blossoms, the Sea Crystal Wyrm was caught in the burst of frost, and its smooth crystal body was covered in numerous craters. Roar! The Sea Crystal Wyrm was equally furious. They soared in the skies and dived into the depths of the ocean, never before subjected to such humiliation by mere fifth-tier units.. Chapter 598 - Chapter 598: Sea Crystal Wyrm: The Death of Victor (2) Chapter 598: Sea Crystal Wyrm: The Death of Victor (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Flapping its wings, it once again dove down, facing the incoming frost, its power boiling within. Around its body, dozens of diamond-shaped crystal facets appeared, constantly rotating, blocking most of the bursting frost. Like meteors, they crashed into the sea, creating a massive impact that sent the Blue Dragon Blood Murloc directly into the water, causing a towering column of water. Seizing the opportunity, the Blue Dragon Blood Murloc fixed itself onto its opponent, relentlessly attacking with its claws, even willing to perish together with the enemy. These two troops engaged in a brutal battle, and for a moment, it seemed impossible to determine the victor. However, Ji Chen knew that the most probable victor would be the Sea Crystal Wyrm, as its greatest trump cardits bloodline abilityhad not yet been used. This was the key difference between sixth-tier troops and fifth-tier troops. Sure enough, in the brief entanglement, the Sea Crystal Wyrms one by one activated their bloodline powers. In Ji Chens eyes, their strength increased significantly. They used their claws to knock the Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs off their bodies. With diamond-shaped crystal wings flapping behind them, they rocketed through the seas surface and into the sky like missiles. They lined up in the sky, opened their mouths, and a sphere of intense blue light was gathering, emitting violent energy fluctuations. Anyone could see that they were about to unleash a more powerful spell attack. Ji Chen had thoroughly understood the strength of sixth-tier troops by now and couldnt afford to stand by idly. He raised his hand. Countless water arrows pierced through the sea surface into the sky, interrupting the Sea Crystal Wyrms as they were casting their spells. The energy spheres in their mouths exploded, leaving their mouths in a mess. However, after the water arrows shattered, the water droplets did not obediently fall due to gravity. Instead, they condensed again into water ropes, pulling the Sea Crystal Wyrms down towards the sea. Seizing this opportunity, Benbo leaped out of the water like a cannonball, swinging the trident in his hand fiercely towards one of the Sea Crystal Wyrms. Ding The sharp sound of metal colliding with a hard object. One of the Sea Crystal Wyrms had its body shattered by the trident, and immediately, Benbo did not stop. He stepped on the remaining half of its body and leaped towards another nearby one, piercing its head with the trident. Benbo, who had evolved his bloodline not long ago, had already abandoned the usual clumsiness and vulnerability of the Murlocs. At this moment, he possessed strength comparable to that of an Orc. Chop, smash, swing, lift; not a single Sea Crystal Wyrm could withstand the force of his trident. It wasnt until he had killed several of them that he descended back to the ground. The battle at the portal of the illusion spell seemed to gradually subside. Herald led a large army to support, joining forces with Benbo and the Dragon Blood Legion to massacre the Sea Crystal Wyrms. The Sea Crystal Wyrms, deprived of their power to return to the sky, had their combat effectiveness significantly reduced. Despite the sharpness of their minions, facing the Ocean Crown forces, who feared nothing and were willing to bite even if they were cut in half, the numbers of the Sea Crystal Wyrms were slowly decreasing. In addition to the support of many Ocean Crown heroes, the balance of victory was slowly tilting. One hour later. Ding- You have killed a large group of Sea Crystal Wyrms (Tier 6, 3 stars), gaining 300,000 experience points. All of Lord of the Waves armies under your command have been completely eliminated, earning you an additional 100,000 experience points. The battle ended. Bodies floated all around, and the sea was stained crimson, with blood spreading for miles. There were now only a few troops left standing. Lord of the Waves, Victor, watched this scene in despair, his heart as cold as ashes. He had exhausted all of his trump cards and had no means of resistance left. At this moment, he deeply regretted why he had provoked this human. If none of this had happened, he would still be the mighty Lord of the Waves. Ji Chen approached Victor, using a casually indifferent tone. Do you have any moves left? If not, then your time is up. Victor glared angrily, Human, youve won this time. You can kill or torture me as you wish! Youve just been lucky. If we were to start over, I wouldnt give you any chances. Victor thought bitterly. He blamed his failure on his own complacency and carelessness. If he hadnt rushed into the attack but instead completed the construction of his palace and magic artillery towers first, his strength would have increased tenfold, and he might have had a chance to defeat this human. Hes quite resilient! Ji Chen looked at Victors defiant and unwilling expression and could tell what kind of person he was. At this point, he had no desire to continue talking to him. He gently waved his hand, and the Kraken understood, tightening its tentacles around Victors body, completely binding him. Crack, crack As the tentacles continued to squeeze, the sound of bones breaking and shattering echoed loudly. Victors eyeballs bulged, and his body gradually went limp. Ding- Your hero, the Northern Sea Giant Kraken: Kraken, has killed the enemy leader, Lord of the Waves: Victor The Kraken released its tentacles, allowing Victors body to slip into the sea and slowly sink into the depths. Ji Chen looked back at the chaotic sea surface, feeling a certain way. This battle had given him a very clear understanding of Tier 6 units. Three squads of Sea Crystal Wyrms, totaling a thousand, had inflicted casualties on more than thirteen thousand of his Ocean Crown forces, with over half of them being Tier 5 units. This was even with the Sea Crystal Wyrms losing their flying advantage and not fully utilizing their bloodline abilities due to his interference. If they had been allowed to unleash their firepower to the fullest, the casualties could have been much higher. My lord, look At this moment, Alice approached him, pointing in the distance. Ji Chen followed her slender, fair finger. The marine creatures summoned from various parts of the ocean to support them were swimming towards him in groups, filling the sea in front of him. Their eyes shimmered with a strange light, as if they were trying to convey something. Ji Chen nodded at them, and then, as if he had remembered something, he raised his right hand, and a surge of oceanic power appeared in the palm of his hand. Then he gently lifted his hand, and wisps of deep blue energy floated up from it like smoke. With a casual wave, the energy drifted towards them and was absorbed by them. After absorbing this energy, these marine creatures showed a comfortable and joyful expression, chirping happily, and then they turned and left. Alice looked puzzled, My lord, why Ji Chen smiled, They helped us, but its not without cost. We have to give something in return. Alice nodded thoughtfully, watching as these marine creatures gradually disappeared from sight. As the surviving Ocean Crown forces were cleaning up the battlefield, a giant turtle approached, with a hint of anticipation in its eyes. It spoke in a deep, booming voice. Human, its time to fulfill the agreement. Of course, Ji Chen didnt waste any time, skillfully drawing up the master-servant contract and quickly signing it with the giant turtle. The moment the contract was completed, Ji Chen felt the immense and profound vitality of the giant turtle, like a mountain and an endless sea. He also sensed the curse hidden deep within its flesh and soul. This curse was like a locust clinging to the heart of the giant turtle, constantly draining its life force, making it weak and experiencing pain that ordinary beings could hardly bear. The more it regained its life energy, the more the curse grew stronger as it absorbed it. Who placed this curse on you? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The giant turtle spoke slowly, It was a deity. Ji Chen asked in surprise, But arent deities no longer active in the world? How could they place a curse on you? After a moment of silence, the giant turtle said, To be more accurate, it was the Ocean Gods Shrine that cursed me. Its a divine artifact left behind by the Ocean God, and under the Ocean Gods instructions, it curses any sentient beings who covet it with greed and desire. Ji Chens heart skipped a beat. A divine artifact? Chapter 599 - Chapter 599: Strategic Mobile Fortress, Establishing Victory Day Chapter 599: Strategic Mobile Fortress, Establishing Victory Day Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation I was blinded by greed back then, seeking greater power, nurturing forbidden desires, so 1 ended up enduring the curse for thousands of years Although you possess the power of the ocean, I advise you not to have any thoughts about that artifact; it could bring disaster upon you. The giant turtle spoke with a solemn tone, laden with warnings. Ji Chen nodded and decided to change the subject, saying, Let me help you remove the curse now. The giant turtle nodded in anticipation. Ji Chen raised his hand, and the azure light in his palm flew into the giant turtles body. The power of the ocean entered the turtles body, following its veins and blood vessels, quickly reaching the deep-seated curse. It was like a warrior engaging in a fierce battle with the deeply rooted curse. The clash was as explosive as throwing sodium into the water, causing a violent reaction between the two. Despite the intense reaction, which caused even the millennia-old giant turtle, who had endured immense pain, to tremble uncontrollably, the curse was gradually being eliminated. Several hours later, Ji Chen, with a tired expression, withdrew his hand and said, It should be completely removed. Even without Ji Chens words, the giant turtle could feel it. Its body, previously shrouded in darkness, was now bursting with vitality. Its life force surged like a flood, effortlessly lifting a mountain off its shoulders. The giant turtle roared in excitement, its distinctive, melodious cry echoing throughout the entire sea clan, dispersing the clouds in the sky. After a long time, the giant turtle finally calmed its turbulent emotions and looked at Ji Chen. It spoke slowly, Human, you have helped me lift the curse. As agreed, 1 will serve you for a hundred years. As if recalling something, it continued, Victor built his palace on my back, and it seems he left a spell tower core and a treasury on it. Those things should be useful to you. Hearing this, Ji Chen became interested. Without further ado, he was transported to the giant turtles back, which was dozens of meters high. When the giant turtle shook Victor off its back earlier, the camp and the giant tower on top of it collapsed, leaving behind a mess. Ji Chen went directly to the collapsed giant tower, and with careful searching, he quickly discovered a head-sized, glowing blue orb buried under the ruins. Covered with runic patterns, it looked extraordinary. [Spell Tower Core] [Tier]: Legendary (1-7 stars, then Legendary Artifact) [Effects]: Functions as the core for constructing a spell tower. [Attack Range]: 0-50 kilometers [After constructing the spell tower, it can operate autonomously or be manned by hero units.] [When manned by a hero unit, it greatly enhances their spellcasting abilities, including but not limited to significantly increasing spell damage, reducing mana consumption, greatly reducing spell cooldowns, and expanding the range of spell attacks.] A Legendary-grade treasure! Ji Chens eyes showed a hint of surprise, followed by excitement. There was such a treasure? It was fortunate that Lord of the Waves hadnt completed the construction of this tower. Otherwise, winning this war would have come at a tremendous cost, and victory might not have been certain. Victors split-second decision swiftly tilted the balance of this war, leading to a complete rout. This seemed to serve as a reminder to him C never underestimate any enemy. When confronting adversaries, give it your all. The highest form of respect for an enemy was to eliminate them completely. Among the ruins of the giant tower, he also found Lord of the Waves treasury, which contained five hundred units of spirit crystals, likely brought out of the Death Sea by Lord of the Waves. Aside from the spirit crystals, he discovered a map depicting the entrance to the Death Sea. Thinking about the Death Sea, Ji Chens interest was piqued. The Death Sea wasnt as lifeless as outsiders believed. This vast and mysterious sea, stretching for hundreds of kilometers, contained far more than one might imagine. This place, he would explore sooner or later. Folding the map, Anina suddenly approached, her face filled with excitement, and said, My Lord, Ive found some intact recruitment camps for units! Ji Chen blinked and immediately said, Lead me to them. Ji Chen followed Anina to a spot near the ruins, where five recruitment camps, resembling coffins, stood amidst the collapsed buildings. [Sea Crystal Wyrm Recruitment Camp] [Tier]: Tier 6, 3 stars [Recruitable Unit]: Sea Crystal Wyrm (Tier 6, 3 stars) [Weekly Recruitment Limit]: 10 [Current Available Recruits]: 10 [Recruitment Cost]: 20 units of spirit crystals It was actually a Sea Crystal Wyrm recruitment camp!? Ji Chen was stunned; this was a genuine Tier 6 unit! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The power of the Sea Crystal Wyrm was unquestionable. Besides its rare ability to fly, it possessed formidable physical and magical damage. A squadron of Sea Crystal Wyrms, consisting of a thousand individuals, could easily slaughter several times their number of Tier 5 units without sustaining any damage. Ji Chen happily accepted these five recruitment camps, then patted Aninas head with a smile, saying, Well done. Anina giggled happily and suddenly spoke a bit hesitantly, My Lord, Id like to ask you a favor. Ji Chen smiled and spoke in a gentle tone, Of course, what is it? Chapter 600 - Chapter 600: Strategic Mobile Fortress, Establishing Victory Day (2) Chapter 600: Strategic Mobile Fortress, Establishing Victory Day (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Tell me. I want to become stronger. Aninas face lit up with a hint of desire. She had always considered herself very powerful, relying on her iron fists to defeat enemies from all walks of life. Previously, her exceptional combat abilities had earned her recognition and importance. However, during their recent journey through the frozen wilderness, when facing the Northern Sea Giant Kraken, she felt as helpless as a child. It deeply wounded her pride and left her feeling fearful. Compared to her colleagues, she seemed to have become less significant. Benbo had recently reached Legendary Tier and now led the Dragonblood Legion. Alice possessed a unique power of mind control that was irreplaceable. Herald was a Legendary hero who led the Naga Legion, and Sonia controlled the vast Mystic Realms Even the defector, Diago, had shone brightly in this war. It had been a hard-won opportunity for her to find a place that could accommodate and value her. Anina feared being overlooked and abandoned. Ji Chen looked at the reluctance and confusion in Aninas eyes, seemingly understanding her concerns. He comforted her by gently patting her head. In reality, he already thought about helping Anina advance further, but breaking through her potential limits would require more than just rare resources. [Deep Sea Dragon Whale Hero: Anina J [This hero possesses the Deep Sea Dragon Whale bloodline but has reached the potential limit. Breaking the potential limit requires additional resources.] [Requires Rare Resources]: 4 million units of crystals, 4 million units of mithril, 4 million units of adamantite [Requires Additional Resources]: Higher-level Dragon Whale bloodline Resources were manageable, but the challenge lay in obtaining the higher-level Dragon Whale bloodline, which left Ji Chen somewhat perplexed. He slowly conveyed this information to Anina, who suddenly seemed to recall something, her eyes sparkling. A higher-level Dragon Whale bloodline? 1 know where to find it! Ji Chen was taken aback, You do? Anina nodded. Our Deep Sea Dragon Whale clan, before reaching the end of our natural lives or when severely injured and near death, would return to the Dragon Whale Abyss to await death. My mother once told me that if 1 ever reached the limit of my bloodlines potential, 1 could seek a breakthrough in the Dragon Whale Abyss. We have so many of our kin slumbering in the Dragon Whale Abyss; perhaps some of them possess higher-level Dragon Whale bloodlines! Ji Chens expression turned somewhat peculiar. Was this about to become a quest to dig up your familys ancestral grave? This is incredibly filial, like the utmost respect for the departed! If you dont mind, its doable. But Anina, do you remember the location of the Dragon Whale Abyss? Anina waved her hand dismissively, looking like a dutiful daughter. Whats there to mind? The Dragon Whale Abyss is deeply hidden within the bloodline of the Deep Sea Dragon Whale clan. I certainly know where it is. Its not very far from the Stormy Sea and lies in a seabed area at the southern border of the East-West Ocean! It seemed like their busy schedule was about to have another item added to it. With the battlefield now mostly cleared, Ji Chen led the heroes and the army onto the back of the giant turtle and commanded it to head back to the New Moon Islands. Standing on the shell of the giant turtle and overlooking the ocean was a different experience. The sea appeared as if it were beneath their feet, like riding on an aircraft carrier. With each stroke of the giant turtles limbs, they covered a significant distance. It seemed slow, but in reality, it was much faster than riding on creatures like the Lobster Guardian Knights. Ji Chen contemplated the possibilities. The giant turtles shell was oval-shaped, with an area of 2.5 square kilometers. If the Lord of the Waves could build a camp here, even a magical artillery tower, using it as a mobile fortress, then he certainly could as well. He planned to rebuild the existing camp, including the central tower, and make full use of it. A war fortress that had abundant firepower, could house recruiting camps, defensive towers, and various facilities, and could accommodate a large number of troops while being highly mobile. Wasnt this a perfect otherworldly version of a strategic mobile fortress!? Just thinking about it, he could see its enormous potential. Going a step further, if they could implement some waterproof measures, they could even submerge in the sea to evade threats from the sky, increasing its concealment! A brilliant idea flashed in Ji Chens mind. He rummaged through his backpack and quickly found a multi-faced geometric solid with dozens of edges and lines. He smiled with satisfaction. [Tidal Surge Core] [Grade]: Special [Effect]: Can create a waterless area suitable for land creatures to survive in water. [Range]: 1 kilometer in diameter [Duration]: Permanent This was a possession he had acquired for the first time when he came to the Maple Principality. It served as proof of his status as Young Master Zhao and was obtained through a player auction in the Black Gold District. He had nearly forgotten about it. This Tidal Surge Core had been sitting in the corner of his backpack, collecting dust all this time. Unexpectedly, it could come in handy now! As long as this Tidal Surge Core was placed on the giant turtles back, it could create an area that isolated seawater from entering. This would not only allow aquatic races to settle but also enable humans to stay there for an extended period. Then, they wouldnt need to swim when going out. They could simply travel on the back of the giant turtle and reach any part of the ocean. This was much more impressive than any ship! While others used boats for their journeys, he was using a turtle. He could comfortably lie down, bring various facilities with him, and be considered an otherworldly version of a cruise ship. Thinking about this, Ji Chen couldnt wait and urged the giant turtle to return to the Crown of the Ocean, ready to start construction. When the residents of the Crown of the Ocean were informed to return from the underground lizardman world, they were shocked to see the giant turtle floating on the sea like a mountain. How could such a large turtle be here? Later, they heard rumors that this giant turtle had originally been the mount of an enemy leader but had abandoned the dark side to join Lord Ji Chen because of its admiration for him. Or they heard that Lord Ji Chen had effortlessly defeated the giant turtle with his supreme power and forcibly tamed it. In any case, various rumors and speculations spread across the Crown of the Ocean along with the sea breeze that followed Ji Chens triumphant return. Countless residents praised Ji Chens wisdom and strength, leading the Crown of the Ocean through another crisis. When Ji Chen returned, he received the highest honor from the residents. They lined up to greet him, and every face was filled with excitement and joy. Some young girls looked at him with eager eyes, as if they wanted to rush forward and give him a passionate kiss, but they restrained themselves due to Ji Chens dignity and the watchful gaze of Alice following behind him. But one person, or rather one elf, rushed forward without any hesitation and threw herself into his arms. Elisyas face lit up with joy. Brother, youre finally back! Ji Chen smiled and nodded. Yes, Ive come back victorious. Did you listen to Sister Verenas advice and protect the New Moon Islands with her? Of course, Elisya said proudly, tilting her head up. Ive been patrolling with my bow, not letting a single fly get through! Ji Chen lovingly ruffled her small head and looked at the elves from the Vale Village who were approaching. Lady Marianne, Ive already slain the enemy, thanks to your earlier assistance in diverting the enemys attention, preventing the conflict from spreading to the New Moon Islands. Marianne, the leader of the elves, smiled and shook her head. It was also to help ourselves. 1 couldnt bear to see such a beautiful island consumed by war. Ji Chen didnt say much and nodded. The enemy has been defeated, and the waterway is now clear. In three days time, we will set sail for the Maple Kingdom. But before that, 1 hope you can attend the celebration banquet the day after tomorrow. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only To celebrate the victory over Lord of the Waves and to commemorate the journey of the Crown of the Oceans growth, Ji Chen immediately decided to hold a grand celebration banquet. The residents showed great enthusiasm for this, and under Wikis coordination, they began preparations. Celebration banquets and regular festival celebrations were excellent ways to increase a sense of belonging and cohesion. Ji Chen intended to create a holiday called Victory Day after defeating the Lord of the Waves, to celebrate the Crown of the Oceans ongoing victories and their resilience in the face of challenges. This also provided a small measure of solace to the now-defeated Lord of the Waves.. Chapter 601 - Chapter 601: Victory Day Celebration Chapter 601: Victory Day Celebration Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The celebration for Victory Day was in full swing, and the entire Crown of the Ocean was immersed in a whirlwind of festivity and busyness. As the initiator and advocate of this festival, Ji Chen had a short two-day break after the war ended. As the saying goes, even the toughest ropes can break under prolonged pressure, so he felt justified in enjoying this brief respite. During this time, he used the recruitment quotas for the five recruiting camps he had newly acquired to recruit a total of fifty Sea Crystal Wynns. Its worth noting that recruiting Sea Crystal Wyrms, a sixth-tier unit, required the consumption of extremely rare resources called Spirit Crystals. Each Sea Crystal Wyrm required 20 units of Spirit Crystals, and recruiting fifty of them would cost 1000 units. Ills inventory of Spirit Crystals was only 3500 units, so he was just two rounds of recruitment away from running out of resources. It seemed that his upcoming journey to the Maple Principality would need to focus on finding more Spirit Crystals. The day of the Victory Day celebration banquet arrived quickly. It was called a dinner, but it had actually started since noon. The streets were adorned with colorful decorations, red fabrics, red lanterns, and various festive items were hung everywhere. Even the residents were dressed in red clothing to some extent. It looked quite festive. Originally, in this world, there were no customs or traditions of wearing red items to celebrate special holidays. However, at some point, Ji Chen mentioned to Wikis that the color red symbolized celebration in his homeland. Wilus remembered this and told the residents, suggesting that the Crown of the Ocean should incorporate red elements into its future festivals. This made Ji Chen somewhat amused but also pleased. Being able to see a glimpse of his homeland in this foreign world seemed like a good thing. Even more importantly, this could bring people long-lasting, beautiful memories that could inspire and motivate them to move forward. In comparison to pure force and violence, Ji Chen believed that this could create a powerful territory. A powerful territory was not solely determined by absolute military strength; civilian development was also an indispensable component. Standing by the window and looking at the residents on the street, who wore genuine smiles on their faces, Ji Chen smiled knowingly. My lord, the Victory Day celebration banquet is about to begin, and its time for you to make the opening speech, Alice said in a low voice. Ji Chen withdrew his gaze and nodded gently. Under the gaze of thousands of people, he stepped onto the stage set up at the main venue. Looking at the thousands of eyes staring at him, those eyes filled with hope, joy, gratitude, excitement, and respect, Ji Chen spoke loudly in a relaxed and gentle tone. My people, once again, the Crown of the Ocean has triumphed over its enemies. Since its establishment, we have defeated countless ambitious enemies who sought to claim our home for themselves. But without exception, they were all defeated by our unity and our courage to stand up to formidable foes! During this time, we have painstakingly built a dazzling pearl in this vast and desolate ocean! Even the elves in the far North Continent have recognized our unity and courage! Our territory continues to expand, and the number of like-minded friends grows. The Starshine Islands joined us not long ago, the honorable lords of King Kong Island are now our friends, and even the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, thousands of miles away, has gifted us land to show their friendship! Let us celebrate loudly! We are witnesses to all of this, and we deserve this honor and celebration! With the last sentence delivered in an impassioned tone, the venue erupted into a deafening cheer. The residents, with faces flushed red, seemed eager to unleash the emotions they had been suppressing, shouting at the top of their lungs. Long live the Crown of the Ocean! Hail to our Lord! After finishing his speech, Ji Chen descended from the stage and mingled with the crowd. A warm smile graced his face as he moved through the path the residents spontaneously made for him. He watched their excited, red faces, some of which were so overwhelmed with emotion that they couldnt even speak. Suddenly, a fire ignited within him. It seemed that in this world, he had found a new purpose. The elves of Vale watched all this unfold in silence, their eyes filled with emotions that indicated their inner turmoil. Beside Marianne stood Arlin, who involuntarily clenched her hands as if something was surging within her. She didnt know what it was, but at that moment, she envied the residents. The smiles on their faces were genuine because they had a wise lord, a guide who sincerely led them in creating a better life with their own hands. She liked it here because the residents, regardless of their races, had joined hands to create their own paradise. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Marianne noticed Arlins unusual state and asked, Arlin, whats wrong? Arlin, somewhat bewildered, shook her head and said, Great Elder, I Marianne looked at her for a moment, then suddenly smiled kindly, patting her head and speaking gently, If you want to stay here, then stay. I will support you. Im not Arlin instinctively tried to deny it, but Marianne shook her head with a smile and said, Elves should confront their own inner selves. We have long lifespans, but as a cost, weve cultivated arrogance, selfishness, disdain, and greed over the centuries. It almost led to our extinction.. Chapter 602 - Chapter 602: Victory Day Celebration (2) Chapter 602: Victory Day Celebration (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation But there is one thing we must insist on, to confront our inner selves and take that brave step at a certain moment. Just like tens of thousands of years ago, we elves set aside our arrogance and chose to ally with humans, resisting the invasion of the Barbaric Divine Lineage. Just like our Vale bowed our heads and sought help from Lord Ji Chen, breaking free from the barren frozen wilderness. We may not always make the right choices, but as long as we take the right path at the most crucial moments, it will suffice. Lord Ji Chen is a far more enlightened lord than we could have imagined. If you were to follow him, perhaps you can have a different life and future, Marianne paused and added, and give the elves a different future. Arlin didnt fully understand, but she nodded in the end. Elder, 1 will request Lord Ji Chen to allow me to stay. So be it. After leaving the gathering, Ji Chen went to the underground lizardman world to find the dwarf Thotmudo. Initially, he had invited Thotmudo to join the banquet, but Thotmudo had declined, citing the strong stench of elves on the surface that was worse than breathing the iron fumes underground. Ji Chen had no choice but to let it go. Ji Chen carried two large barrels of liquor that he got from Lienhardt and found the dwarf who was hammering away at the alchemical submarine with a wrench in the workshop. Sir Thotmudo. Thotmudo turned to look, his small eyes scanning Ji Chen and the two barrels of liquor. He sniffed hard, and his expression suddenly became animated, breaking into a rare smile. Young man, what kind of liquor is this? It smells pretty good. Ji Chen patted the two barrels of liquor with a smile. 1 brought them back from Lienhardt. Today, 111 let you taste this liquor. Thotmudo removed the barrel stopper and took it in his mouth, gulping down one-third of it in one go. Good liquor! Thotmudo drank the rest of the liquor, looking satisfied. I heard you defeated an enemy called Lord of the Waves this time? Yes, a snake-person from the Death Sea to the north. The Death Sea Seeing Thotmudo deep in thought, Ji Chen couldnt help but ask, Do you know what the Death Sea is like inside? Well, 1 know some things about it. That place isnt where ordinary people can stay Thotmudo began to explain what he knew. The Death Sea was formed due to the prolonged and devastating divine war tens of thousands of years ago. Various dispersed divine powers caused its environment to become extremely harsh and desolate. What was known was that the orderly divine lineage, barbaric divine lineage, and chaotic divine lineage once engaged in a large-scale and brutal battle there, resulting in the downfall of at least five or more deities. The powers they erupted with after their deaths extinguished all vitality at the time. Due to this harsh environment, the Death Sea remained isolated from the world year-round, with no signs of life. However, just like the resilient grass that grows from concrete, even in desolation and decay, life can still sprout from the muck, from the corners, gradually forming powerful marine communities over time. These communities resemble warlords sea forces, occupying various locations in the Death Sea, engaging in wars and conflicts with each other for thousands of years, vying for scarce resources and limited living space. At this point, Ji Chen understood that Lord of the Waves, Victor, was probably one of the warlords in the Death Sea, likely driven out due to his weakness. But Ive only heard about it, never been inside. The ocean is not the dwarfs domain. Thotmudo took another sip of his drink. But you are as comfortable as a fish in the ocean. You might consider taking a look sometime. Ive heard there are quite a few rare resources in the Death Sea. Ill consider it. Thotmudo waved his hand. If you have nothing else, you should go. Your subjects are still waiting for you. Ji Chen nodded and left. Back on the surface, the residents were still in the midst of revelry and celebration. The streets were filled with a continuous flow of people, humans, sea creatures, and lizardmen, crowded together with no signs of discord or conflict. Even the half-orcs with hidden violent genes wore smiles, mingling with other residents, drinking beer after beer. Wilus stood on the side, watching them drink alcohol like water, and sighed. He pondered how many resources this banquet would likely consume. In the evening, a giant bonfire was lit in the open space, extending the joy from the day into the night. A few days ago, the merchant Lein had mistakenly entered the Stormy Sea due to Lord of the Waves, but now he was marveling at the residents of the Crown of the Ocean dancing around the bonfire. In these days on the New Moon Islands, he had truly opened his eyes. He had witnessed the harmonious coexistence of various races, the cohesion of this territory, and the strength of its lord. This place seemed like a paradise amidst the perilous sea, making people want to linger. As he sipped on a small drink and enjoyed some barbecue, watching the residents dancing in a peculiar but unexpectedly charming manner around the bonfire, a voice came from beside him. Lord Lein, have you been enjoying your time on the New Moon Islands these past few days? Lein was surprised, and when he saw the person, he couldnt help but look flattered. Lord Ji Chen, do you remember my name? Ji Chen looked at the only merchant poisoned by Lord of the Waves and said with a smile, Of course, you are one of the few merchants who have come to the Crown of the Ocean. So you mean there were other merchants who entered the Stormy Sea before? Ji Chen nodded, recalling Raymond, who was now overseeing the trade between the Crown of the Ocean and the Northern Continent in the Maple Principality. Lein didnt give it much thought and remarked with a touch of nostalgia, In a stunning and thriving place like this, and with such a prime location, its hard to believe there arent any merchants whove heard about it. Lord Ji Chen, 1 know many merchants who engage in trade between the Maple Principality and Lienhardt, as well as across the Western Continent. When I reach my destination, I will definitely tell them about the existence of the New Moon Islands and encourage them to stop here for supplies and rest. In that case, I thank you, Lord Lein. This was exactly what Ji Chen had in mind. As they say, quality will always find its audience. If nothing unexpected happened, the merchant ships on these trade routes probably wouldnt even know that this island existed. To quickly spread the reputation and location of the Crown of the Ocean, he would need the help of well-connected merchants like Lein. Lein quickly shook his head and said, Having a place like the New Moon Islands for supplies and rest along the way is what makes us long-distance merchants feel fortunate. After a night of revelry, Ji Chen was about to set out on his journey to the Maple Kingdom. Taking advantage of the fact that a week had just passed, he carried out another round of recruitment, recruiting another fifty Sea Crystal Wyrms, forming a squadron of one hundred Sea Crystal Wyrms. These Sea Crystal Wyrms, each the size of a small truck, looked extremely majestic when soaring in the sky. Their take-offs and landings around the giant turtle were reminiscent of aircraft on an aircraft carrier. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Due to the need to build a camp and magical artillery platforms on the turtles back, the giant turtle remained at the Crown of the Ocean. Ji Chen, on the other hand, departed with a fully organized Naga Legion, Dragonblood Legion, and this squadron of one hundred Sea Crystal Wyrms. Its worth mentioning that about three hundred elves chose to stay on the New Moon Islands last night and pledged their allegiance to him. The leader of this group was the elven warrior Arlin. Ji Chen welcomed this development, as the residents of the Crown of the Ocean already comprised multiple races, and he didnt mind having more elves. It also gave Elisya some elven companions. Moreover, elves seemed to have a unique expertise in improving plant cultivation, which could provide valuable assistance and advice for the agricultural development of the Crown of the Ocean. Under the watchful eyes of many of his subjects, with the sound of a loud steam whistle, Ji Chen and his group set off.. Chapter 603 - Chapter 603: Meeting Miligas Again Chapter 603: Meeting Miligas Again Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The clear sky bathed in sunlight, with a few lazy clouds drifting by, and the gentle rolling of the waves. Occasionally, flying fish leaped out of the sea next to the fleet, creating a soothing and tranquil scene. After the fleet left the stormy sea, it followed a route that converged around the south end of the Death Sea and headed northeast from the southwest. With Ji Chens presence, the Ocean Crown fleet would never encounter storms. Even the prevailing winds were in their favor, and the sea remained calm. After sailing on the sea for several days without any mishaps, the fleet safely reached the Maple Principality. As soon as they anchored, Ji Chen dispatched someone to inform Raymond, the portly man who handled trade affairs for him in the Maple Principality. Raymond quickly appeared in his sight, his belly noticeably larger than the last time they had met. Ji Chen couldnt help but tease him. Raymond, it seems like youve been living well here. Hehe, Ive been eating quite a bit lately, Raymond replied somewhat awkwardly, scratching his head. Ji Chen chuckled but didnt dwell on the topic. He got straight to the point. Ive come to the Maple Principality this time to send a group of lost elves back to their homeland. Is Sir Black, the official dealing with matters in Maple City, still here? Raymond was momentarily surprised. How could his Lord find elves every time he went out? However, he didnt ask any more questions and nodded. Sir Black is indeed still in Maple City, but hes probably quite busy right now, especially considering the serious incident involving the elves that occurred recently. Ji Chen furrowed his brow. He had only been gone for two or three months, and the elves were already causing trouble again? Seeing Ji Chens concerned expression, Raymond quickly explained, Its about the incident on the Elf Queens birthday. A few days ago, during the celebration ceremony in Silvermoon City for the Elf Queens birthday, a group of criminals infiltrated the procession of envoys from various countries who had come to congratulate her. They launched a violent attack at the celebration ceremony. Although they were quickly captured and killed by the Elven Guard, this incident undoubtedly severely embarrassed the elves and the Silvermoon Dynasty. The Elf Queen was furious about it and ordered a thorough investigation to find the culprits and those behind the attack. Preliminary investigations suggest that some of the criminals may have come from the Maple Principality. As a result, the elves from the Maple Principality are now fully engaged in searching for clues and leads. Ambassador Miligas and Consul Black are both overwhelmed by this situation. Ji Chen nodded in understanding. He had heard about the Elf Queens birthday celebration when the Fifth Fleet returned to the capital. As the capital of the elves, Silvermoon City naturally had tight security measures in place. The celebration ceremony for the Elf Queens birthday should have been even more cautious and vigilant, yet such a major breach had occurred. Ji Chen had a nagging feeling that something was amiss. After a moment of contemplation, he decided to first find Miligas and resolve the matter concerning the elves from Vale Village. You handle this shipment for now. Im going to Maple City. Yes, Raymond replied respectfully. Ji Chen had only brought two heroes with him, Alice and Anina, and left the elves from Vale Village on the ship. He hired a carriage to enter Maple City. Upon entering the city, he immediately sensed a tense and solemn atmosphere. Pedestrians hurried along the streets, and fully armed soldiers patrolled in squads. Many shops along the streets were closed. For the Maple Principality, the Silvermoon Dynasty was like their parent. Nearly half of their prosperity relied on the elves, and a significant portion of elven goods flowed through the hands of the Maple Principality to other places, bringing them enormous profits. Politically, they were fully aligned with the elves. The ruling Gremolagen family of the Maple Principality was essentially a lapdog of the Silvermoon Dynasty and the Elf Queen, obediently following the elves commands. Culturally, any aspect of Silvermoon Dynastys culture that arrived here would instantly become the fashion and trend in Maple City, whether it was good or bad. All of this was attributed to the elves strength and their long-standing influence, making the Maple Principality a complete puppet under their control. In this stark disparity of status, it was evident that the elves could act with impunity here, even bypassing Maple Principalitys soldiers to directly arrest suspicious individuals within the city, and the Maple Principality soldiers could only watch in silence. Apart from the Maple Principality, several surrounding nations near the Elven Empire were in similar situations, resembling puppet states. After crossing the streets and reaching the embassy district, teams of elven warriors guarded the front of the Elven Embassy, scanning pedestrians with a vigilant gaze. When they saw Ji Chens carriage approaching the Elven Embassy, their eyes were fixed on it as if they were looking at a criminal. Several elven warriors approached and halted the carriage. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Stop right there in front of the Silvermoon Dynastys Embassy in Maple City! The captain leading the team spoke in a solemn tone. However, when he saw Ji Chen getting out of the carriage, his expression changed, and he respectfully said, Lord Ji Chen, my apologies, I didnt know it was you. Ji Chen looked slightly surprised at the elven captain. How did you know it was me? Commander Black instructed us to look at your portrait and told us that if it was you, there was no need to stop you, and you should be allowed inside. Ji Chen nodded in understanding and didnt waste any more time. In that case, please lead me inside. I have a matter to discuss with your Ambassador.. Chapter 604 - Chapter 604: Meeting Miligas Again (2) Chapter 604: Meeting Miligas Again (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The elven squad leader nodded and instructed the other warriors to guard the entrance. Then, with Ji Chen and the others, he entered the embassy, arriving in the reception hall they had visited before. In just a few minutes, Miligas and Black, who they hadnt seen for a long time, walked in from outside. Miligas greeted Ji Chen with a hearty handshake and a smile, Lord Ji Chen, youve finally come to visit me again. Why didnt you tell me earlier? I would have prepared a banquet to welcome you. I just arrived in the Maple Principality a while ago and came here as soon as 1 got off the ship. Oh? Is there something urgent? Ji Chen smiled and nodded. At this moment, Black, who was standing nearby, spoke in a solemn tone, In just a few months, it seems that your strength has increased. Miligas was slightly surprised and secretly delighted. The fact that Ji Chen was becoming more powerful indicated that his earlier investment had been wise. Ji Chen waved his hand with a smile, Ive had some opportunities in these few months, nothing worth mentioning. After some casual conversation, they got to the point. Sir Miligas, some time ago, while exploring a sealed ancient battlefield of the gods, I accidentally discovered some elves who were stranded there Ji Chen briefly recounted the events that had occurred in the frozen wilderness, but he omitted the details about Elisya and her connection to the ancient elven bloodline and the power of the ocean. So, theres still a group of our kin trapped in that ancient battlefield. Miligas expressed his gratitude, Thanks to your help, 1, on behalf of the Silvermoon Dynasty, am grateful for everything youve done. Where are these elves now? Didnt they come with you? Ive left them on the ship for now because there are quite a few of them. Miligas asked in surprise, How many are there? Close to five thousand elves. Five thousand? Let me send a few carriages to pick them up Wait, five thousand!? Miligas was dumbfounded, and his mind seemed to have been swept away by a tidal wave. He couldnt find words to express his shock. Five thousand elves, what kind of concept was that? The entire Maple Principality didnt have five thousand elves! Ji Chen nodded, Thats correct. If 1 remember correctly, Lady Marianne told me it was five thousand. Miligas controlled his astonished expression, but his mind was still reeling. When reason and wisdom regained the upper hand, he quickly realized the significance of this matter. The return of a full five thousand elves was a momentous event for the dwindling elven population, struggling to reproduce. Most importantly, if these five thousand elves were returned to the dynasty through his efforts, it would be a significant achievement. Seeing Ji Chens half-smile, Miligas quickly realized that this achievement was specially delivered to him. He felt grateful and satisfied with Ji Chen. The last time Ji Chen had sent the Deep Sea Merfabric, he had made quite a splash in front of his colleagues during the queens celebration ceremony and even earned the queens approval. If he could achieve such a significant political achievement this time, perhaps he could earn the queens appreciation and even further advancement in his position. Ji Chen smiled and said, Lord Miligas, do you think this achievement Ive brought is substantial enough? Its more than substantial; it feels like a dream come true, Miligas replied with a hearty laugh. You personally bringing our fellow kin back to the embrace of the Empire is a testament to the great friendship between you and the elves. As an elven ambassador stationed outside the Silvermoon Dynasty, he was no stranger to the intrigues, negotiations, and exchanges of interests with other races and nobles. He understood the nature of Ji Chens act of delivering this achievement very well. This actually made him feel more at ease because only relationships based on mutual benefit were dependable. He was most afraid that Ji Chen would be a single-minded brute who only sought to become stronger, much like those foul-smelling dwarves. After silently looking down on the dwarves for a moment, Miligas led Ji Chen to sit on the sofa. He clasped Ji Chens hand with both of his, his gaze gentle as he said, If you have any needs, please dont hesitate to tell me. I will do my best to assist you. Seeing Miligas affectionate expression, Ji Chen suddenly felt a chill and discreetly withdrew his hands, coughing lightly. Do you know where theres a large quantity of Spirit Crystals? Spirit Crystals? Miligas hesitated for a moment. He certainly knew what Spirit Crystals were. These high-grade resources had a wide range of uses, but they were most commonly used as the necessary resource for recruiting Tier 6 units. Unexpectedly, in the short time since his return to Silvermoon City, Ji Chen had already reached the level of recruiting Tier 6 units. His judgment was indeed accurate. After a brief pause, Miligas said, Spirit Crystals are more advanced and, naturally, rarer than Mithril Crystals. They have always been in high demand, even among us elves. The quantities are limited, and they are tightly controlled. If you want to acquire a large quantity of Spirit Crystals in a short period, besides regular purchases, 1 suggest you visit the Irante Temple on the eastern coast. Irante Temple? What is that? Ji Chen asked curiously. Miligas explained, The Irante Temple was left behind by the gods of the Orderly Divine Lineage tens of thousands of years ago. It is a special area used to test our people and promote strong individuals. It is also a place where Spirit Crystals are naturally abundant. There are many challenges left behind by the gods at that place, and the more challenges you overcome, the greater the rewards. Its a place thats very suitable for you and other honorable lords. Such a place existed? The eastern coast was not far from Maple City, which was located to the east. Perhaps he could visit it sometime. Thank you for your suggestion; 1 will consider it. Besides that, I also know of another way to acquire a large quantity of rare resources and Spirit Crystals in a short period. Miligas picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and casually continued, 1 believe youve heard about what happened at the Queens birthday celebration ceremony, right? I heard about it from my subordinates stationed in the Maple Kingdom. That saves me the trouble of repeating it. Miligas paused and said, The Queen has ordered us to investigate the mastermind behind this, but to be honest, for the past few days, both me and Black, as well as our colleagues from the Maple Kingdom, have been clueless. However, the pressure from Silvermoon City is increasing Ji Chen raised an eyebrow. What do you mean? If you could help us find the hidden mastermind in the Maple Kingdom, 1 can reward you with the Spirit Crystals stored in the kingdoms reserves. And this amount is at least in the five digits, Ji Chen looked at Miligas with a hint of cunning in his eyes, asking in confusion. Even someone like you cant find any trace of that elusive mastermind, how can you expect me to find him? Miligas shrugged. Perhaps its possible? There are many things in this world that I cannot predict. Just like a few months ago when the Lords of the Glory descended, I never thought you could grow so rapidly, to the point where you single-handedly defeated the tens of thousands of armies of the Bass Kingdom and helped Leinhart overthrow the Bass Kingdom. Ji Chen was slightly surprised and then chuckled. It seemed that everything he had done in Leinhart had already caught the elves attention. He wasnt sure if they had deliberately investigated or simply stumbled upon the information. But he didnt mind. With a relaxed tone, he said, I can give it a try, but 1 cant guarantee success. Of course, I wont rely solely on you, Miligas laughed heartily. But if you really find the mastermind, perhaps Her Majesty the Queen will summon you. What 1 mean is, after I present the Deep Sea Merfabric you brought to Her Majesty the Queen as a tribute, your name has already caught Her Majestys attention. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen was slightly stunned, feeling a bit displeased. The Elven Queen wanted to meet him? It depended on whether he was willing or not. He wasnt her subject! However, he was curious about this Elf Queen, known for her power and influence in the world, who ruled the Elven Empire with an iron fist. After all, in some colorful stories on Earth, the Elven Queen was often associated with orcs, green-skinned beings, and dark creatures. Curiosity was a part of being human, right? Chapter 605 - Chapter 605: Cultivating Fields, Extraordinary Excellence Chapter 605: Cultivating Fields, Extraordinary Excellence Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Miligas had no idea what Ji Chen was thinking in. When he saw a hint of curiosity on his face, he thought he really wanted to meet Her Majesty the Queen and smiled. If you really help us find those rats hidden in the sewer, there might be a chance to meet Her Majesty the Queen. Ji Chen didnt argue and nodded without denying it. Miligas suddenly became serious and looked at Ji Chen, saying, Since youve brought me such a merit, I should offer something of corresponding value. 1 intend to submit an application to the council to grant the title of Silvermoon Dynasty Friendly Territory to your territory, the Crown of the Ocean. Ji Chen paused for a moment and asked hesitantly, What does this title mean? Miligas explained, This is a title based on a comprehensive assessment in various aspects, including economics and politics It is a certificate with certain efficacy, representing the recognition of the Silvermoon Dynasty for a particular territory. Upon Ji Chens inquiry, he understood the purpose of this title. In simple terms, it was similar to a Michelin restaurant evaluation list on Earth. Entering this list meant that the territory had been recognized by the elves. As one of the wealthiest and mightiest nations at the time, the Elven Silvermoon Dynastys business ventures stretched well beyond the Northern Continent. Elf caravans, along with those hired by the elves, traveled through mountains, rivers, and oceanic canyons to reach different parts of the world. However, since the elves main base was in the Northern Continent, their power couldnt always reach every far-flung corner, whether it was thousands or tens of thousands of miles away. If an elf caravan entered a territory that appeared to be a legitimate one but was actually a den of bandits, it would be like walking into a trap. Therefore, this title, resembling the Michelin Guide, was born over a thousand years ago under the advocacy of the previous elf queen. Obtaining this title meant that the elves recognized the value of this territory. It also implied that it was safe enough for trade caravans to visit and stay on their way, avoiding walking into a bandits lair. In addition to elves, caravans from other races frequently consulted this list as well. After all, earning the approval of the proud elves, who were known for their high standards, wasnt a simple feat and demanded some expertise. Of course, to apply for this title, one must be a certain level of elf, at least a noble or a high-ranking official in an embassy or consulate, and the elf applying for the title would act as a guarantor. Each year, there were countless territories hoping to obtain this title, but only a few could make it. After all, requiring a high-level elf as a guarantor meant that one needed to be cautious and thorough in their assessments. If Ji Chen hadnt brought such a generous gift and demonstrated his abilities, Miligas wouldnt have taken this risk. After Miligas finished explaining, Ji Chens eyes were shining like light bulbs. This was like receiving a pillow when you were feeling sleepy! What the Crown of the Ocean lacked right now was fame, wasnt it? With the help of the elves in building a reputation, he could save a lot of effort. Of course, if you want to obtain this title, you need to provide the specific location of your territory. It depends on whether youre willing. Ji Chen didnt hesitate and replied, Of course, thats no problem. The Crown of the Ocean was no longer weak like it used to be. It now had over fifteen thousand fifth-tier units, dozens of warships, and an increasingly sophisticated city defense system. It had the power to protect itself and was no longer afraid of outsiders discovering or coveting it. The location of the Crown of the Ocean is in the central part of the Western Mid-Ocean, within the Stormy Sea. You can reach it by sailing towards the center of the Stormy Sea for dozens of miles. Miligas was momentarily stunned. He had heard of the Stormy Sea, which seemed to be a place that made sailors turn pale at the mere mention of it. He didnt expect the Crown of the Ocean to be located there. Could it be that the most dangerous place is also the safest? All right, in addition to that, we also need to mention some of the specialties of the Crown of the Ocean as references for commercial activities on the list. We cant let those who guess what goods you have there blindly Ji Chen nodded and began listing the specialties of the Crown of the Ocean. In addition to the goods we previously traded, such as timber, coffee beans, Deep Sea Merfabric, we also have high-quality weapons, equipment, and military supplies. We have luminescent mushrooms that can quickly satisfy hunger, various types of ores, various marine products, and soon-to-be-launched premium wines Miligas adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose and said with some surprise, It seems that the Crown of the Ocean has quite a few specialties. Its clear that you manage it with great care. Ji Chen smiled and felt a sense of satisfaction in his heart. The Crown of the Ocean was like his child, growing step by step from a toddler who could barely speak into a warrior capable of defending itself. The tremendous sense of achievement brought about by watching her grow up was beyond words. This was probably the happiness brought by farming, right? The extraordinary result of farming! Ji Chen and Miligas didnt talk much longer and Ji Chen took the initiative to bid farewell. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only As he watched Ji Chens carriage gradually disappear at the street corner, Miligas looked thoughtful and sighed, This cunning little fox. Although he had paid a certain price, he had still obtained this merit. After a moment of contemplation, he turned and asked. Black, how is Ji Chens current strength? Blacks expression gradually turned serious, and he shook his head.. Chapter 606 - Chapter 606: Cultivating Fields, Extraordinary Excellence Chapter 606: Cultivating Fields, Extraordinary Excellence Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation I cant see through him anymore. Lord Ji Chen, even though he doesnt exhibit any outward momentum right now, appears like a vast ocean, mysterious, powerful yet not overt, hidden and restrained, naturally evoking a sense of reverence. Pausing for a moment, he added, Ive only felt this way from members of the Judgment Temple. Miligas felt somewhat surprised. The Judgment Temple was one of the Silvermoon Dynastys high-end combat organizations. Its members were, without exception, at least of the Red-Legacy Tier, with an average level of sixty. How could a human like Ji Chen, who had only arrived a few months ago, compare to them? Ji Chen appeared to be in his twenties or thirties, but those temple judges were all at least two or three hundred years old! Miligas pondered, recognizing that in just a few months, Ji Chen had established a flourishing territory and possessed the strength of at least a temple judge. Ji Chen couldnt be viewed with ordinary eyes anymore. He needed to raise his level of attention. Ji Chen hadnt been back at the port for long when he saw a procession of carriages arriving at the dock, stopping beside the Ocean Crowns ships. Elven warriors jumped down from the carriages, forming battle formations with great coordination. They cleared the area, removing any unrelated bystanders. Ji Chen quickly spotted a familiar face among them. A female elf, exuding a sense of authority and determination, jumped down from a carriage and soon fixed her gaze on him. Surrounded by several other elves, she walked over. Lord Ji Chen, we meet again! The female elf was none other than Kris, and she approached him with warmth. Ji Chen nodded with a smile and, noticing the elven officials accompanying Kris, asked with curiosity, It seems youve been promoted again? Kris chuckled, Thanks to your help, Ive achieved some accomplishments over the past few months. Im now a Centurion. The speed of her promotion was astonishing. Just a few months ago, Ji Chen had sent Kris back to the Maple Principality. Now, she had rapidly risen from a regular soldier to a Centurion. This was quite unusual among the long-lived elves, where high-ranking positions often had terms of several decades or even centuries. Kris was only in her sixties or seventies, making her promotion quite remarkable. After all, elves typically had a much longer lifespan, and her swift rise was a testament to her luck in outlasting her predecessors. Ji Chen thought about it and didnt expect Kris to suddenly come closer and whisper in his ear, Please dont tell anyone, but a significant reason for my rapid promotion is my distant relative. One of my distant relatives is a council member of the Silvermoon City Elven Council. Ji Chen was genuinely shocked. It turned out she had powerful connections in her family! He had overlooked that fact. He had to apologize for underestimating her. Kris had come to pick up the elves from Vale, and Marianne couldnt hold back her tears of joy as she descended from the ship. After enduring so many trials and tribulations, they finally reunited with their kindred from the main world, returning to the embrace of their tribe. Ji Chen didnt witness the deeply moving scene of their reunion. He discreetly left, changed his attire, donned the Illusory Mask, and transformed into Young Master Zhao, heading back to the Black Gold District of Maple City. His return to the Black Gold District immediately caused a stir. After the last auction, most players in Maple City had become familiar with this extravagant and wealthy super tycoon. As he entered the Black Gold District, many players eagerly surrounded him, greeting him. Hello, Young Master Zhao, long time no see! What brings you here? Ji Chen fanned himself with an antique folding fan, wearing a silk outfit worth thousands of gold coins. He adorned five or six gemstone rings on his fingers, giving off the appearance of a nouveau riche tycoon. Following him were Alice and Anina, both wearing masks but unable to conceal their graceful figures, making him look like a dandy. Upon hearing the players greetings, Ji Chen casually nodded and maintained an indifferent expression as he walked into the Cat Tail Tavern, where Luo Yang hurriedly descended the stairs to welcome him. Young Master Zhao, a pleasure to have you back! Boss Luo, long time no see, Ji Chen greeted with a nod and a slight bow. Please follow me; lets talk upstairs. As they entered an office on the upper floor, Luo Yangs demeanor immediately turned respectful. Young Master Zhao, is there something you need me to do this time? There is indeed something. Do you know anything about the Elf Queens birthday ceremony? Of course, this matter has already spread throughout Maple City, Luo Yang quickly replied. Ji Chen nodded and said without haste, Im here this time because of that. The elves have tasked me with investigating this matter, finding the mastermind behind it. I need you to rally the players of Maple City to search for clues. Luo Yang frowned. Even the elves couldnt find any clues. Can players find them? Those culprits who dared to disrupt the Elf Queens birthday ceremony must have hidden themselves well. Ji Chen nodded in agreement. Exactly, thats why the elves have likely searched every place they consider suspicious. Our task is to search the places they dont find suspicious. Luo Yang shook his head. These past few days, the elves have turned Maple City and Maple Port upside down. Theyve searched everywhere. No, theres one place they havent searched yet. Ji Chen looked through the glass window, gazing toward the center of Maple City. Luo Yang looked puzzled but then his expression changed abruptly. Are you saying the Gremolagen family is behind this? But the Gremolagen family is a loyal ally of the elves. The prosperity and decline of a nation depend entirely on the elves, so they have no motive to do such a thing. Ji Chen shrugged. I dont know either, but that doesnt stop us from investigating quietly. In fact, there doesnt seem to be any other direction to explore, and it seems to be the reason why Miligas specifically entrusted me with this task. Luo Yang hesitated for a moment, then realized something and swallowed hard. Isnt it too dangerous for us to get involved in the affairs between the elves and a principality Until now, Luo Yang was aware of Ji Chens considerable power but had no inkling of his real identity as Ji Chen and his connection to the Crown of the Sea. From his perspective, getting involved in the affairs of two native factions as a Lord of Glory didnt appear to be a wise decision. Ji Chen spoke slowly, Thats why everything must be done covertly. Right now, you should go and find players who have had contact with the Gremolagen family. I will cover all expenses. Unable to resist Ji Chens insistence, Luo Yang reluctantly agreed. Over the next two days, Ji Chen continued to play the role of Young Master Zhao in the Black Gold District, spending money lavishly. His portrayal as a wealthy playboy was so convincing that even Alice and Anina, who were aware of the ruse, almost believed it was real. Soon, a player who claimed to have information approached Luo Yang. On the third floor of the Cat Tail Tavern. Ji Chen sat casually in a chair, looking at the young male player with a fresh face. He casually raised an eyebrow and asked, Do you have any connections with the Gremolagen family? The good-looking young player, who could easily be called a pretty boy on Earth, nodded immediately. Young Master Zhao, 1 have some connections with a noblewoman from the Gremolagen family. I know some of their internal secrets. Some connections with a noblewoman? The young player scratched his head somewhat awkwardly. Well, you could say its that kind of connection. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow, his expression slightly strange. Well, this player was apparently living off a noblewoman! But living off a noblewoman from a principalitys family wasnt something just anyone could do. It required a certain level of skill and charm. I dont care about the gossip. 1 want to know if there have been any unusual activities within the Gremolagen family recently. Unusual activities? The young player hesitated for a moment, seemingly recalling something. However, instead of immediately revealing it, he extended his index and middle fingers and nervously rubbed them together. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen immediately understood and gestured to Luo Yang. The latter nodded knowingly and took out a bag containing at least a thousand gold coins, placing it in front of the young player. The young players face lit up with a smile, happily accepting the gold coins, and then cleared his throat before speaking seriously, If were talking about something unusual, that woman mentioned something about the elves about a month ago Elves? A glint of interest flashed in Ji Chens eyes.. Chapter 607 - Chapter 607: Setting the Dark Scheme, Irante Temple Chapter 607: Setting the Dark Scheme, Irante Temple Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The young player nodded and said, One time, after we finished you know, the deed, perhaps because her mind was relaxed, she started complaining about the elves, saying they treated her Gremolagen family like dogs, looked down on them, and expressed her hatred. She also mentioned that if there was a chance, she would definitely settle this score. Complaining about the elves? Ji Chen nodded inwardly, realizing that the Gremolagen family wasnt as loyal to the elves as the outside world portrayed them. At least this noblewoman seemed quite dissatisfied with the elves. He signaled to continue. In addition, about half a month ago, when I visited her mansion, I heard her arguing with her elder brother in her room. 1 didnt catch exactly what they were arguing about, but I vaguely heard words like ritual and reckless. Thats all I know. The young player shrugged nonchalantly. Ji Chen nodded, his face showing no special expression. He simply gestured for Luo Yang to give the young player another bag of gold coins and then sent him away. While the information was limited, it hinted at something the Gremolagen family might have been planning during the recent Elf Queens ritual. Soon, more players arrived, all of whom had some form of contact with the Gremolagen family, including tasks they had undertaken or relationships with family members, and they shared what they knew. Most of the information was sparse, consisting of fragmented details. But as they say, every little bit helps. The clues werent complete; they were laid out for all to see. Moreover, it required piecing together tiny fragments of information, like solving a jigsaw puzzle. It involved a series of steps: searching, assembling, combining, analyzing, supplementing, and more, to gradually bring these pieces together, like fitting them into a puzzle until the final picture emerged. After a whole day, Ji Chen extracted a crucial piece of information through the contributions of dozens of players That was the first players target of freeloading Ivana Gremolagen. In the information provided by many players, without exception, they all had some level of connection with this lady. Ivana Gremolagen seemed to be plotting something in the recent past. Ivana Gremolagen had quite a reputation within the Maple Principality. She was the fifth daughter of the Gremolagen Duke. She was married off to the eldest son of a vassal when she was young, but her husband met a tragic end on the battlefield just one year into their marriage. Furthermore, the vassal and his wife both fell seriously ill and passed away without leaving any heirs with inheritance rights several years later. Thus, the hereditary title, which had been passed down for centuries, dramatically passed to Ivana Gremolagen, granting her a vast territory and a river valley castle. Although Ivana Gremolagen possessed these lands, she spent most of her time in the luxurious mansion in Maple City, maintaining a lavish lifestyle filled with banquets, entertainment, and debauchery. On the surface, she appeared to be a noblewoman who enjoyed life and accomplished little else. However, it seemed that her true nature might be quite different. Ji Chen decided to focus on Ivana Gremolagen. Of course, he wouldnt personally undertake this task. He had Luo Yang call back the young player who had shared information about Ivana Gremolagen, but the player seemed hesitant about infiltrating Ivanas circle to gather information. After all, she was a native aristocrat, a member of the ruling Gremolagen family in the Maple Principality, and wielded immense power within Maple City. If she were to discover their motives, it could lead to major trouble. However, Ji Chen noticed that the young player neither outright refused nor readily accepted the task. His tone and attitude indicated something else entirely. He wanted more money! So, Ji Chen decisively unleashed his financial power. With a sweeping gesture, he placed a wooden crate containing thirty thousand gold coins onto the ground. This is the down payment. If you provide essential information and if the mission succeeds, there will be extra rewards. Moreover, if youre concerned about any risks afterward, I can arrange for your safe departure from the Maple Principality. In an instant, the young players demeanor changed completely. He patted his chest and looked resolute. Leave it to me. Ill do my best to extract the information! It wasnt that he was willing to betray the wealthy woman; it was just that the young aristocrat had offered him an incredibly generous sum. Moreover, Ivana had more than one lover, and there was fierce competition among those living off her. Who knew when she might tire of him, and then he would be left with nothing! Seizing the opportunity to make a big score was what truly mattered! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He consoled himself with this thought. While thirty thousand gold coins was a substantial sum, it paled in comparison to the five-digit spirit crystals promised by the elves. Ji Chen also understood why Miligas had entrusted him with this investigation. It was because of his status as the Lord of Glory. Miligas undoubtedly knew that this matter was closely tied to the Gremolagen family. Only the Gremolagen family had the power to conceal events within the Maple Principality to the extent that no clues could be uncovered. However, due to their status, they couldnt openly investigate without concrete evidence linking the Gremolagen family to the case. It wouldnt be wise to confront an organization that appeared outwardly loyal and practically fatherly, especially without solid evidence.. Chapter 608 - Chapter 608: Setting the Dark Scheme, Irante Temple (2) Chapter 608: Setting the Dark Scheme, Irante Temple (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Well, for the five-digit crystals, Ji Chen felt that it was worth investing some effort into the investigation. This could be considered an exchange of interests with Miligas. After all, Miligas must have had a reason to present these supposedly elven spirit crystals to him as a reward. As for how long it would take to gather intelligence, he couldnt just wait around. During this time, Ji Chen decided to visit the Irante Temple that Miligas mentioned. He had a significant interest in this temple established by the gods of the Orderly Divine Lineage. The power of the ocean within him was indirectly bestowed by a god from the Orderly Divine Lineage. Perhaps he could learn more about this power within the Irante Temple. On the third day of his arrival in Maple City, Ji Chen led his heroes and army of the Crown of the Ocean to the border of the Maple Principality. The Irante Temple was located on the eastern coast of the Maple Principality and could be quickly reached by sea. Although Ji Chen didnt know the exact location, he didnt need to search meticulously. Along the way, there were many player-owned ships heading to the Irante Temple, so a little inquiry would reveal the way. The Irante Temple had a reputation throughout the Northern Continent. To begin with, it was due to the divine gifts left behind, and secondly, because numerous beings had received the blessings of the gods for hundreds of thousands of years, resulting in their swift ascent. Thirdly, when challenging the Irante Temple, units wouldnt truly die; they could be resurrected after exiting, which attracted many players. Many players sustained their lives by continuously challenging the temple to receive rewards. When Ji Chen arrived at this massive temple built of white stone on the coast, the square in front of the temple was bustling with activity, with people flowing like a market. Among them, one could easily spot players sitting on the ground and shouting, wearing all sorts of mismatched equipment. Looking for a team, three people to challenge the tower, small-scale war scenario! At least three hundred Tier 4 1-star units needed! Two-person tower challenge, large-scale war scenario, hilly terrain, need a partner with a lot of tank units! I have plenty of powerful ranged units, absolutely reliable! City defense mode, medium-scale war scenario, need three more for a ten-person team, looking for someone with strong ranged harvesting units, a rare opportunity, hurry! This scene of players shouting to form teams made Ji Chen feel like he had entered a scene from an online game dungeon group. The Irante Temple had special rules; creatures entering the nearby area couldnt use any mana or energy, and unit troops could only be stored in a few special unit storage areas around; they couldnt enter the square. This is to prevent fighting and overcrowding issues. Ji Chen didnt bring his army with him, but he still attracted the attention of many players, who looked at him with either surprise or envy Of course, this was a given. Anyone surrounded by so many powerful hero units would elicit such reactions, especially when they couldnt even see the panel information of these heroes; it was all question marks. It was obvious that he was not an ordinary person. At this moment, Ji Chen wasnt wearing a mask but had voluntarily hidden his panel informationthis was the effect of a high-level character. However, his handsome face and extraordinary aura caught the attention of some female players involuntarily. This guy looks so handsome. I wonder if hes a player or a native? He must be a native! Players dont have hero units that look this strong, do they?! He might even be a member of an indigenous noble family that has been around for tens of thousands of years Once this was said, the surrounding players nodded in agreement, and one player breathed a sigh of relief. Thats great then. My position as the most handsome player is secured. Several female players nearby looked at the male player with a sly grin, feeling dumbfounded. How could this sneaky guy have the courage to say something like that? While there was talk and speculation about Ji Chen, no one dared to approach him, given his imposing presence and unknown background. Ji Chen continued to approach the massive temple, pondering how to enter and start the challenges within. As he stood there contemplating, a mature-looking male player, surrounded by a few younger players, came over and greeted him with a slight bow. Player, is this your first time at the Irante Temple? Ji Chen looked at him in surprise and asked, You know Im a player? In general, if there was a significant level difference between the two parties, the lower-level player wouldnt be able to see any information about the higher-level player unless the higher-level player was willing to share it. Ji Chen had already reached the high level of 48, so logically, those below level 40 shouldnt be able to peek at his information. The mature-looking player explained, As I entered, I happened to notice you placing your army in the unit storage area, which gave away that youre a player. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only My forum name is Tian Shu, and Im the captain of this team. Ji Chen finally understood and nodded, saying, My forum name is Islander. Oh, Islander. Are you the same Islander who goes by the title of the number 1 player in the Western Mid-Ocean on the forums? Tian Shu was stunned, and his face displayed astonishment as he quickly asked, leaving the other six members of his team equally shocked. Ji Chen gave a faint smile and nodded, Thats just a nickname bestowed upon me by some well-meaning individuals; its not that significant.. Chapter 609 - Chapter 609: Setting the Dark Scheme, Irante Temple (3) Chapter 609: Setting the Dark Scheme, Irante Temple (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation He was essentially confirming the question with his words. Tian Shus expression changed, no wonder there were so many powerful hero units around him. If it was Islander, then it wasnt surprising at all. He looked at Islander with some respect and said, I cant believe our luck today, meeting the legendary Islander in person. This trip was definitely worth it. A young and inexperienced-looking player in the team was also excited and said, Ive heard about the big boss appearing near the Maple Principality before, but 1 never thought wed actually meet you! Im your fan! If it werent for the posts you made on the forums in the early days, helping us with survival issues, we might not have made it! It was the first time Ji Chen faced his fans in person, and he couldnt help but smile and say, Its great to be able to help you all. Were all players, and helping each other is only natural. Seeing that Ji Chen didnt have a hint of arrogance and was friendly, Tian Shu couldnt help but sigh. Indeed, Islander is worthy of being a legend. The stronger a person is, the more humble they tend to be. Islander, this is your first time at the Irante Temple, so let us introduce it to you. Ji Chen smiled and said, Thats great because I was just wondering how to enter the temple for the trial. Tian Shu nodded and began to explain, The Irante Temple was left behind by the gods of the Orderly Divine Lineage. Only races from the Orderly faction can enter and participate in trial challenges. It has various challenge modes, such as siege battles, field encounters, and more. You can personally join the battle or command from the rear. The field encounters have different terrains, such as deserts, oceans, swamps, plains, and more. If you choose randomly, the final rewards will be greater. You can also choose the scale of the war, whether its a small-scale battle or a large-scale one, from hundreds of units to millions of units. Each level will be more challenging than the previous one, but the rewards will be richer. However, if you fail midway, the accumulated rewards will be reset. This is the basic challenge mode. In addition to the challenge mode, theres a special dungeon mode. Only by collecting special dungeon keys can you unlock these special dungeons within the temple. These are the places that truly contain treasures and opportunities. At this point, Tian Shu looked around to make sure no one was too close before lowering his voice and saying, We accidentally obtained a dungeon key before, which can accommodate eight people. If Islander wants to, we have seven members here, and with you, we would have a full group of eight. We can try to complete this dungeon together. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow and curiously asked, Do you really trust me that much? Are you willing to give me the last spot? Tian Shu smiled bitterly and said, Well, the truth is, weve tried that dungeon many times before, but weve never lasted more than ten minutes. Plus, the use of the dungeon key is limited, so we need someone strong enough to help us get through it. Fortunately, we met you today Ji Chen nodded slightly, and it made sense. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He was quite interested in this so-called dungeon, and without hesitation, he immediately agreed. Alright, I agree to join you. Tian Shu and his groups faces lit up with excitement. This dungeon is called the Battle of Panas, which is about a divine war that took place tens of thousands of years ago Listening to Tian Shus explanation, Ji Chen finally understood the reason they had failed so many times in their attempts.. Chapter 610 - Chapter 610: Battle of Panas Instance, These Annoying Elves Appreciates Good Looks Chapter 610: Battle of Panas Instance, These Annoying Elves Appreciates Good Looks Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation [Instance: Battle of Panas] [Difficulty]: 7 Stars [Terrain]: Coast, Ocean [Races]: Humans, Elves, Orcs, Demons, Sea Clans [Average Tier]: Tier 5,1 Star [Average Level]: Level 40 [Instance Background]: This is a massive-scale naval battle that took place after humans joined forces with elves against the Orcs and Demons belonging to the Barbaric and Chaotic Divine Lineages. The defenders on the Panas Coast were clearly unprepared and gradually fell into a significant disadvantage against the incoming Orc fleet and the lurking demon army hidden in the shadows. [Maximum Participants]: 8 [Completion Requirement]: Help the humans and elves stationed at the Panas Coast win the war. [Hint 1]: If assistance can be obtained from the neutral Sea Clans, it may help to turn the tide to some extent. [Hint 2]: The instance will not lead to real deaths; all troops that die during the instance will be resurrected at the end. [Hint 3]: In the normal course of events, hundreds of thousands of human and elf troops will be completely wiped out in the Battle of Panas. The Orcs and Demons will establish a forward base on this coast, using it as a springboard to attack the core of the Orderly Divine Lineages territory. The focus of this operation is to stop the Orc army from successfully landing on the coast while facing the harassment of demons. [Hint 4]: Since the human-elf alliance has formed not long ago, the elves still have some disdain and wariness towards humans. In this instance, humans will be somewhat excluded by the elves. [Hint 10]: Instance rewards depend on completion rate; the higher the completion rate, the richer the rewards. After reading the information shared by Tian Shu, Ji Chen gained a rough understanding of this instance. With a 7-star difficulty, it was one of the highest-level instances among players, and none of the other 7-star instances that had appeared had been completed by players. Based on the instance background and hints, it was clear that this was a massive battle involving hundreds of thousands of soldiers that took place hundreds of thousands of years ago. The average strength of Tier 5,1-star, and level 40 units made most players hesitate. However, it was evident that this instance was not limited to Tier 5,1-star enemies No wonder Tian Shu and the others looked so grim. After a moment of contemplation, Ji Chen looked at them and asked, How did you fail in your previous attempts? Tian Shu sighed and said, Some were turned into sieves by the Orc fleets ballistae, some were overwhelmed by the Orc landing forces, and some were devoured in one bite by the sea beasts tamed by the Orcs. There were various ways to die. The longest we held out was a little over fifty minutes. As he spoke, a look of indignation suddenly appeared on Tian Shus face, and he glanced around before speaking softly. There were even those killed by those proud elves. Ji Chen hesitated for a moment and asked, Arent the elves supposed to be allies? How could they be killed by friendly forces? A young female lord in the team frowned and said indignantly, The elves in the instance are much more arrogant than they are in reality. Big Boss, you must have seen the hints, right? At that time, the elves had just formed an alliance with humans, but internally, they still looked down upon the relatively weaker humans. On our fourth attempt in the instance, we were finally making some headway. However, out of the blue, we received news that the elven commander and over ten of his subordinates had been brutally killed by a formidable Demon Hunter. This shocking event threw the elven army into disarray, and before we knew it, the Orcs had launched a swift invasion. During our fifth try, we had the intention to offer a friendly reminder to the elves. However, before we could even get close to them, we were wrongfully charged with neglecting our duties and executed immediately. This left us feeling incredibly frustrated, and for nights on end, we lay awake, gnashing our teeth in frustration. The most infuriating part is that after so many deaths, our completion rate is still not even 0.1%! Ji Chen struggled to maintain his composure. If you want to laugh, Big Boss, you can go ahead. Tian Shu sighed again. In this instance, the elves and humans were weaker than the enemies, and yet, they still rejected each other during the crucial battle. Its no wonder they were easily defeated by the Orcs and demons. To be honest, we couldnt think of any methods to change the course of the instance in just one hour before the battle began. Indeed, they could only enter the instance with eight people and their respective armies, but they would have to face a powerful, fanatical Orc and demon army numbering in the hundreds of thousands, unafraid of death and guided by prophecies. They didnt even know if they could survive. In addition, the completion requirement for the instance was to help the human and elven armies stationed at Panas Coast win the war. According to common sense, this difficulty was far from ordinary. Alright, lets enter the instance and give it a try. Let the Big Boss get familiar with it first. Tian Shu clapped his hands, and the team members all rallied. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Thats right, with the Big Boss Islander faction, maybe we can complete it before our usage limit is exhausted. The rewards will definitely be amazing! Exactly! Tian Shu and the others appeared quite optimistic, which brought a smile to Ji Chens face. Ill do my best. Tian Shu nodded and took out the instance key. After a brief pause, they were enveloped in a beam of light descending from the sky, disappearing from their original location. The next moment, they found themselves in a circular floating plaza, surrounded by the vast expanse of stars. Eight smaller circular floating platforms were suspended around them, resembling the interior of the Irante Temple or a preparation hall of some sort. Big Boss Islander, you just need to silently focus on placing the selected army units on the platforms in your mind.. Chapter 611 - Chapter 611: Battle of Panas Instance, These Annoying Elves Appreciates Good Looks (2) Chapter 611: Battle of Panas Instance, These Annoying Elves Appreciates Good Looks (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Tian Shu explained as he deployed his army. Dragon Slayer Swordsman, Tier 5,1-star, a thousand troops. Dragonkin Spearman, Tier 4, 8-stars, a thousand troops. Ji Chen nodded slightly, acknowledging his units. He glanced at the armies belonging to the rest of Tian Shus team. Each of them possessed at least half of a Tier 5 unit, comprising a thousand soldiers, and one Tier 4 unit also consisting of a thousand soldiers. Altogether, they had six Tier 5 units and seven Tier 4 units, all with a thousand troops each. As a small group rather than a large guild, the strength of the seven members of Tian Shus team had already surpassed most small guilds and solo players, reaching a relatively powerful category among players. Once they had all deployed, Ji Chen didnt waste any more time. With a thought, the armies that had come with him appeared on the platform. Naga Guardians, Tier 5, 3-stars, 2360 of them. Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs, Tier 5, 9-stars, 2360 of them. Sea Crystal Wynns, Tier 6, 3-stars, 100 of them. The numbers werent that large, but each one exuded extraordinary momentum. Naga Guardians with thick waists and strong bodies, wielding dual blades, half-dragon, blue-scaled Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs. And there were Sea Crystal Wyrms that looked like exquisite works of art, their crystal bodies reflecting the infinite stars, radiating an extreme sense of danger. Tier 6 units! They were actually Tier 6 units! At the same time, Ji Chens various hero units also appeared on the platform, emitting an aura that amazed them. That aura was like a spring gushing up from the ground, with each heros appearance, the combined aura surged into the sky, disappearing into the vast starry sky. Legacy-tier! Legacy-tier! Legendary-tier! With each appearance of a hero, the shock on the faces of Tian Shu and his team deepened by one degree. Rarely seen in the past, high-level hero units were now emerging in abundance. Among them, two belonged to the Legacy-tier and there were even two Legendary-tier heroes in the mix. At this moment, they had only one question in their minds Where did the Islander find so many high-level heroes, and how did he make these heroes submit!? In the presence of a group of high-level armies and heroes, they finally had a clear understanding of the strength of the Islander. Tian Shu recovered from the shock and was immediately overwhelmed with joy. With so many powerful heroes and high-level armies, maybe they could really complete this nightmare-like instance! He wanted to speak, but he found his throat extremely dry. Before he could speak, he heard the Islander speak in a casual tone. I left the other legions and high-level heroes behind this time because 1 was in a hurry to come here. 1 dont know if this is enough to handle this instance. Tian Shu and his team looked dumbfounded, their eyes filled with disbelief. Damn, isnt this still not all of your forces!? Did your resources fall from the sky? Hey! 1 want to report, someone is cheating here! After a long silence, they finally calmed their turbulent emotions and said in the calmest tone possible. Big Boss Islander, lets start entering the instance. Ji Chen nodded, and with a thought, the surrounding stars suddenly began to rotate. Stars of various sizes approached them in their field of vision, and various lights gradually filled their sight. In their ears, a soft and ethereal voice like that from ancient times could be heard. Order will surely lead to victory. May you reach the end? Ji Chen couldnt help but wonder if it was his imagination, but he seemed to hear a hint of surprise in that ethereal voice. This thought flashed through his mind for just an instant, and then colors appeared before him. The sunlight shone diagonally on his face, and a salty sea breeze filled his nostrils. Ji Chen looked around, finding himself in a rudimentary camp. Alice and other heroes and troops were dispersed within this camp, immediately entering a state of alert upon arrival. A boundless sea stretched out just a hundred meters in front of him, with the rustling waves constantly crashing against the black beach. On the right side, in the direction of the coastal area, there was a seemingly more tightly fortified military position that extended for dozens of miles, encasing this long black sandy beach nestled between hills and mountains. The position was filled with numerous bunkers, arrow towers, spell artillery platforms, alchemical cannons, hidden underground facilities, and so on. On the beach, there were also thousands of metal anti-landing obstacles. Tens of thousands of elven and human soldiers were stationed within the position. It seemed that this was the Panas Coast where the instance was located. Ji Chen thought for a moment and decided not to take any action for now. He ordered the army to stand by and waited quietly. As expected, just a few minutes later, Tian Shu and his team arrived here. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Big Boss Islander, there are only forty-five minutes left until the Orc fleet lands. We would like to hear your advice. As Tian Shu mentioned earlier, they had attempted various strategies several times, exhausting every possible solution. Unfortunately, none of these attempts had yielded any results; they either failed entirely or were cut short. To put it embarrassingly, they felt like they hadnt even passed the beginning of this instance. At least when it came to the strategy of alerting the elven commander about the demon beheading tactics, there had been no progress whatsoever. It was either an instant death sentence or getting hauled back to the camp midway, only to face the Orcs onslaught before meeting their demise once more. Honestly, if it werent for the potential massive rewards this instance might bring, they would have long become numb to the repeated cycle of death and failure.. Chapter 612 - Chapter 612: Battle of Panas Instance, These Annoying Elves Appreciates Good Looks (3) Chapter 612: Battle of Panas Instance, These Annoying Elves Appreciates Good Looks (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Looking at Tian Shu and his team with a hint of anticipation in their eyes, Ji Chen stroked his chin and said, I believe the most crucial thing right now is to prevent the elven commander from being beheaded. If the elven formation falls into chaos in this war, there will be no hope of victory. Tian Shu nodded in agreement, furrowing his brow. But we have no way to even see the elven commander, let alone get into the elven headquarters. However, if you, Big Boss, want to take this route, then well head to the elven headquarters to see if theres a breakthrough. As Tian Shu and his team were about to set off, Ji Chen interrupted, Time is limited; lets ride the Sea Crystal Wyrms directly. Tian Shu and his team were momentarily taken aback but didnt hesitate. They climbed onto the back of a Sea Crystal Wynn that had landed nearby. The back of the Sea Crystal Wynn was quite spacious, easily accommodating all seven of them. Ji Chen led the heroes, each boarding a Sea Crystal Wynn. With a wave of his hand, they began to ascend. After reaching an altitude of over a hundred meters, the three pairs of somewhat futuristic rhomboid crystal wings lightly flapped, and the Sea Crystal Wyrms suddenly erupted with terrifying speed. Tian Shu and his team were caught off guard by this speed and were jolted backward. If they hadnt secured themselves in advance, they would have fallen off long ago. Fast, too fast! So, this is how formidable Tier 6 units are!? Tian Shu surveyed the rapidly blurring landscape and grew visibly pale. He clung to the Sea Crystal Wynns back like a gecko, tightly gripping the crystal protrusions. The rest of the group was in a similar condition, trembling on the Wynns back. The commotion caused by a hundred Sea Crystal Wyrms racing across the sky was quickly noticed by the elves. A squadron of a thousand Falcon Riders swiftly ascended to intercept them. If it werent for the fact that these Sea Crystal Wyrms took off from the allied camp, they would have already been under fire from the camps anti-air defenses. Before they could launch an attack, Ji Chen ordered the Sea Crystal Wyrms to stop. The Falcon Riders squadron surrounded them, and the elven archers on their backs had already nocked sharp arrows, taking aim. The leading elven centurion glared at them. Humans, what are you doing? The great battle is about to begin, and youve left your own positions. Youre neglecting your duty! According to military law, you should be executed on the spot! Prepare to fire and eliminate them! As he spoke, the elven centurion was about to give the command to attack. I have extremely important information to deliver to your commander, information that concerns the outcome of this war and the safety of both armies. These calm words caused the elven centurion to pause and scrutinize Ji Chen. After a moment, his expression softened slightly. No matter how much the elf criticized this humans appearance based on elven standards, it was challenging to find any flaws. In comparison to elves, this humans looks were in no way inferior, and his exceptional presence suggested that he was far from an ordinary human. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Tian Shu and his team, when they heard that the elven centurion intended to execute them on the spot, had already mentally prepared themselves for a second death. However, they never expected that the elf would hesitate after observing Ji Chen for a while, leaving them stunned. They suddenly realized. Oh, damn it! These damn elves are actually suckers for good looks! They spared us just because Big Boss here looks handsome, huh!? They discriminate against regular folks, dont they?! Chapter 613 - Chapter 613: Demon Hunter, What’s this Amazing Feat? Chapter 613: Demon Hunter, Whats this Amazing Feat? Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Although his expression had softened somewhat, the elven centurion didnt offer a friendly demeanor, speaking impatiently. Commander Theodore is busy with military matters. Human, if you have important intelligence, tell me, and 1 will relay it. He said he would relay the message, but there was no attempt to conceal the indifference on his face. Ji Chen couldnt help but furrow his brows slightly. This information is extremely important and must be discussed in person. Upon hearing this, the elven centurions expression darkened completely, and the suspicion in his eyes grew even stronger. These humans, could they be spies for the orcs or demons, using the excuse of delivering information to assassinate Lord Theodore in person? His patience was completely exhausted, and he had always believed that the alliance between elves and humans was a huge mistake. Humans, a short-lived race, with neither long life nor the power and wisdom worth mentioning, what right did they have to be on equal footing with the elves, the descendants of the great mother goddess Eluvita!? They couldnt even compare to the vile and savage orcs! In the era of the Divine War, when various races shone brightly and developed glorious civilizations, humans were still rolling in the mud, easily suppressed by many ancient races in terms of strength and wisdom. Apart from their relatively good reproductive ability, they had nothing worthy of praise. Therefore, in the context of the Battle of Panas, where the elves, a top-tier race in the era of the Divine War, naturally looked down on humans to the highest degree. Even if the two races joined forces, they still treated humans as cannon fodder and servants, let alone talk about respect and friendship. Even though the human in front of him did seem somewhat unusual, he didnt think he had much strength. Moreover, leaving the position without authorization before the big battle was already considered negligence of duty, and there were plenty of reasons to execute them on the spot! His thoughts were gradually dominated by his ingrained prejudice, disdain, and arrogance. The elven centurion slowly raised his right hand, and the hawk-riding knights surrounding them once again drew their bows and nocked their arrows. Seeing this, Tian Shu and his companions couldnt help but show a helpless expression on their faces. It seemed that this time they were destined to fail again. Take a seat. Tian Shu and the others looked at the Islander in astonishment, not quite understanding the situation, but they instinctively grabbed the protruding horns on the dragons back. In the next moment, the Sea Crystal Wyrm vibrated its crystal wings and leaped rapidly toward the empty space below. The elven centurions pupils suddenly contracted, Release the arrows! The hawk-riding knights released their bowstrings one after another, but the Sea Crystal Wyrm was flying too fast. In just a breaths time, it had flown several dozen meters, and the arrows all missed their mark. Watching as the Sea Crystal Wyrm transformed into streaks of light flying towards the command post, the elven centurion roared with all his might. Chase after it! Inside the underground elven command post, Commander Theodore had a solemn expression as he looked at the group of elven officers and powerful members of the Judgment Temple sitting on both sides. He spoke with a heavy tone. In this battle, we must firmly block the orcs at the Panas coast. Otherwise, if they establish a foothold here, our homeland will be severely threatened, and millions of civilians will be slaughtered. Therefore, we must win this battle. Yes! The elven officers replied with serious expressions. Theodore turned to his deputy standing beside him and asked, Yanor, where is the orc fleet now? The deputy named Yanor replied, They have approached within fifty miles of the Panas coast. At the current speed, they will enter the range of the sea-based artillery in half an hour. Theodore nodded and said, Everyone, return to your positions immediately and prepare to block the orc landing. Members of the Judgment Temple, go to various positions to prevent the orc hero units from breaking through the defenses. One of the elven powerhouses from the Judgment Temple asked, What if those demons skilled in spatial traversal come to assassinate you after we leave? Theodore shook his head. The command post is located underground, in an extremely hidden location. There are also numerous defensive formations arranged around it. Although those demons are elusive, they would still need to find me if they want to get inside. Even if they attempted a frontal assault, they wouldnt be able to break in easily. Please rest assured. The elven officers and powerhouses nodded in agreement and then returned to their respective positions through underground tunnels, leaving only a group of staff officers and a guard force of less than fifty in the command post. Theodore remained focused on the strategic map hanging on the wall, completely unaware of what his deputy, Yanor, was plotting. Little did he know that Yanor had a faintly sinister smile on his face and was holding a black skull emitting an ominous aura in his hand. Just as the deputy was about to silently activate the skull with an incantation Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Theodore suddenly spoke, Whats the situation with the hundred-strong human team that the hawk-riding knights intercepted and ascended into the air? Perhaps this unexpected interruption of his train of thought caused the deputy to abruptly pause in the middle of his incantation. At this moment, Theodore turned his head around, and he happened to see the black skull in Yanors hand. His face immediately changed. In a stern voice, he asked, Yanor, what are you doing!? However, Yanor only hesitated for a moment, and his expression became manic. His eyes were consumed by a blood-red hue. At the cost of his own life force, he instantly activated the black skull. Within the billowing black mist, a skeletal claw tore through the fabric of space and lunged towards Theodore.. Chapter 614 - Chapter 614: Demon Hunter, What’s this Amazing Feat? (2) Chapter 614: Demon Hunter, Whats this Amazing Feat? (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation However, Theodore, who had already been on high alert, reacted faster. When he saw the black mist, he quickly withdrew, narrowly avoiding the skeletal claws thrust toward his heart, leaving a not-so-deep wound on his shoulder. In this momentary daze, the staff and guards in the command post also reacted. They picked up their weapons and rushed to protect Theodore. A legendary-tier demon hunter and a dozen of his minions, guided by the coordinates provided by the black skull, tore through space and arrived with the intent to execute a decapitation strategy against the elven commander. The demon hunters first strike failed, but he struck again with his claw. However, Theodore had already activated his defensive artifact, blocking the second attack. With the guards cover, he retreated outside. Curses! The demon hunter cursed and casually slew the elven guards blocking his way, then swiftly pursued Theodore. As long as they could eliminate Theodore, the elven army would crumble! Despite the sacrifices made by the elven guards to stop them, the legendary-tier Demon Hunter was still too powerful. With a swing of its bony claws, it left behind nothing but severed limbs and shattered bodies, and no elf could withstand its relentless assault. As Theodore barely escaped from the underground shelter to the outside, the bone claws that had been tearing at his flesh were still approaching from behind. Just when he thought he was about to meet his end, a piercing explosion echoed through the air. Sensing this overwhelming hostility, the Demon Hunter had no choice but to retract its claws and use its spatial abilities to retreat. At the same spot, a young human woman yanked a massive sword that had been deeply stuck in the ground. In the sky, over a hundred sea crystal wyverns surrounded it, with a human standing atop the leading one, wearing an indifferent expression. Although Theodore didnt know where this human had come from, he wisely called out loudly, Sir, help me! At this point, the elves still used the word help rather than save, highlighting the pride and arrogance of the elves in this era towards humans. However, Ji Chen didnt mind this detail and simply waved his hand lightly. Anina charged forward with her sword, while Herald and Benbo also jumped off their sea crystal wyverns. The three formed a triangular formation to encircle the demon hunter. With three hero units, Herald taking the lead in the attack and Benbo and Anina providing support, they had a significant advantage over the legendary-tier demon hunter. The demon hunter excelled in assassination but lacked strong defensive capabilities. Faced with opponents whose strength matched or even exceeded his own, he quickly found himself at a disadvantage, sustaining numerous wounds. If not for his ability to utilize spatial shifts to evade attacks, he would have been defeated long ago. Damn it, where did these sea heroes come from!? Did the sea clans decide to join the battle? No, I must relay this information back. Seeing that his attempt to assassinate the elven commander had failed, and realizing that if he didnt leave now, he would be held accountable here, the demon hunter reluctantly decided to withdraw. After a few rounds of combat, he bit the bullet, sacrificing one of his arms to create some distance, then swiftly tore through space to escape the scene. The three sea heroes charged forward but lost track of the enemy, so they had no choice but to return. Lord, its our incompetence that allowed the enemy to escape Herald and the others returned to Ji Chen, their expressions filled with self-blame. Its not your fault. Next time, well finish it off, Ji Chen waved his hand dismissively. The demon hunter was a demon unit naturally endowed with spatial traversal abilities, known for their agility and difficulty to defeat. Moreover, this one was a legendary-tier demon hunter. Now, it had to pay the price of losing an arm. Ding- You successfully rescued Elven Commander Theodore, thwarted the demons plans, and prevented the elven army from losing its leader. The completion percentage of the instance has increased by io%. Ding- Elven goodwill has slightly increased, orc animosity has slightly increased, demon animosity has greatly increased. Ji Chen nodded as he read the system prompts. It seemed that rescuing the elven commander was the correct strategy. At this moment, Elven Commander Theodore walked over with the protection of many hastily returning elven elites and soldiers. He looked at Ji Chen and the group of Ocean Crown heroes with a complex expression. He had never imagined that one day he would be rescued by a human, let alone by a group of ocean heroes and ocean units. It left him with mixed emotions. Just as they were about to be overtaken by the thousand-strong team of Hawk Riders chasing after Ji Chen and his group, Theodore finally arrived, and the Elven Centurion saw that Theodore, as well as several officers and high-ranking officials, were all there. He thought that this human had offended many high-ranking officers and looked extremely anxious. He immediately guided his hawk mount to land, dismounted, and quickly knelt on one knee, expressing his sincere apologies. Lord Theodore, I failed to stop this human. Please forgive my mistake! Theodore glanced at him and thought to himself, If you had stopped him, I might not have survived. You may withdraw for now and be on alert for the orc fleet. At this moment, the Elven Centurion realized that things might not be as he had originally thought. However, he still bowed once again before leading his subordinates away. Theodore looked at the strange combination of a human accompanied by four ocean heroes and a group of ocean units, feeling puzzled. However, after some thought, he took the initiative to say, Thank you for your assistance, sir, in driving away that demon. However, with such powerful heroes and units under your command, 1 doubt you would remain so unknown, right? Code-named the Islander, Lord of the Ocean Crown, as for my true name, I wont reveal it. They are my friends. Theodore pondered the name for a moment but couldnt recall any well-known human lords or strong individuals matching it in his memory. He also understood why Ji Chen only mentioned his code name. If the true name were known, it could potentially be used as a curse medium by enemies from the evil faction. He asked slowly, So, how did you and your group know that the Demon Hunter would come to assassinate me at this moment? Upon hearing this, Tian Shu and the others had somewhat strange expressions on their faces. They couldnt just say that this was all part of a game that they had rerun several times before, with the Demon Hunter killing him each time, right? They looked at the Islander with pleading eyes, hoping he could smooth things over for them. Ji Chen replied in a calm tone, The gods sent us to help you win this war. Tian Shu and the others immediately wore bewildered expressions. Huh? Hey! Is it really okay to use such a far-fetched reason!? However, to their surprise, Theodore did not react as strongly as they had imagined, although there was a hint of surprise on his face. They suddenly realized that the background of this war was in the era of the War of the Gods, when the gods still walked the world. Perhaps they could use this reason to bluff their way through, but it depended on whether they could pull it off. Theodore suddenly realized this as well, but he still had a trace of doubt in his eyes. Do you have any evidence, sir? After all, the supreme gods of the lawful faction are entangled with the enemys gods. How could they pay attention to us here? Tian Shu and the others felt a sudden chill, and their faces immediately tensed. However, when they saw the calm expression of the Islander, they gradually relaxed. Ji Chen smiled slightly, raised his hand slowly, and a deep blue light dot appeared in his palm. The power of the ocean. Tian Shu and his companions found the tiny speck of light to be enchanting and captivating, but for Theodore and his fellow elves, it sparked an overwhelming sense of awe and astonishment. Are you a Divine Patron? Ji Chen nodded slightly. In the era when the gods walked the world, the worship and faith in the gods by various races were unbelievable, and faith would occasionally cloud ones judgment. Theodore finally completely believed that this power could only be bestowed by the gods, and only the gods could foresee such events. If it werent for the gods sending this human to help them, there was no way he could possess such power. Sir Islander, I thank you for coming to support us, and I hope you dont mind our earlier offense, Theodore said, his tone filled with gratitude. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen also waved his hand generously. As long as its for the victory of this war and making the evil races pay the price, nothing else matters to me. A trace of admiration and respect flashed in Theodores eyes, and the arrogance and disdain he had shown earlier had completely disappeared. The sudden change in his demeanor left Tian Shu and the others stunned. Can this really happen?! Whats this amazing feat?! Chapter 615 - Chapter 615: Orc Landing Battle Chapter 615: Orc Landing Battle Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Theodore still wanted to say something, but a low and deep horn sounded gradually, and on the previously distant sea, hundreds of black dots suddenly appeared. Looking closely, one after another barbaric sailboats with skeletal decorations hanging around, shaped menacingly, raised their black sails and approached slowly. The ships were crowded with excited orcs, their eyes filled with bloodlust and cruelty. Roaring sounds echoed one after another, as if declaring their arrival to the elves and humans. Theodores expression changed slightly, but he remained calm and said, Take your positions and use the shore-based cannons to welcome these orcs. Many elven officers and strong individuals scattered and hurriedly returned to their posts. Theodore looked at Ji Chen, hesitated for a moment, and asked in a pleading tone, Lord Islander, please intervene to stop the orc landing and defend the Ranas coast. At this point in the instance, the curtain was finally officially raised on this major war, and Ji Chen, in a way that Tian Shu and the others had not expected, easily entered the sight of the elven Theodore, becoming the protagonist of this war. Ji Chen nodded slightly, with a calm demeanor, and said firmly, I will take action. For some reason, these simple words gave everyone a sense of security, as if having the Islanders involvement brought hope of victory. Tian Shu and the others couldnt help but feel relieved, and a young female player in the team blushed and muttered softly, So handsome With Ji Chens affirmative answer, Theodore also nodded as if relieved and returned to the prepared command post. Orc fleet. Countless fierce orcs saw the dark coastline in the distance and began to shout excitedly, waving all sorts of strange weapons in their hands. Wearing crude iron armor and bearing scars on their faces, the Orc Centurion, who led hundreds of them, pointed at the distant coastline with a ferocious club, speaking in an instigating tone. Small ones, do you see the coastline over there? As soon as we land, charge towards the shore with all your might! Kill all the pointed-ear and two-legged sheep that stand in your way in the cruelest way you can imagine! Cut off their heads, bleed them with weapons, devour their bodies with your teeth, and nurture our descendants with their flesh and blood! We orcs are the greatest race in this world, do not fear death, the savage gods in the sky are watching us! Even if we die, we can enter the heavens and enjoy eternal life! Their response was the increasingly fanatical and excited howls of the orcs. The Orc nodded in satisfaction and wanted to say something more, but suddenly, his body was engulfed in a ball of flames, along with dozens of orcs around him, all bursting into a mist of blood. Countless shells flew from the coast like raindrops, falling among the orc fleet, bursting into red amaryllis flowers. The decks were pierced, masts broken, hulls torn open, and the sails were scorched with a strong smell of blood. But the orcs showed no sign of fear; the scent of blood only made them more excited and fanatical. They raised their weapons and shouted. Roar Wugggggh! They were being watched by the savage gods, and after they died in battle, they would ascend to the supreme heavens and enjoy eternal life! The orc fleet advanced rapidly under the artillery fire, and once they reached the firing range, they began to man the barbaric cannons, crossbows, and fired wildly towards the coast. Some of them were so excited that they jumped directly off the ship, swam towards the shore, and were left far behind by the ship, while others lay on the shaky ship railing, pointing and mocking wildly. The elven side remained relatively calm, orderly firing their cannons, sinking one orc warship after another. Hundreds of thousands of elven and human warriors hid beneath trenches and fortifications, holding only their weapons, their eyes fixed firmly on the orc ships charging madly towards them. As the orc fleet approached within a mile of the coast, they gradually came to a stop. Landing boats were lowered, and dozens of orcs, each with an oar in hand, vigorously rowed. Orc captains stood at the front of the boats, brandishing weapons and shouting. Monstrous creatures carried orcs, paddling with all four limbs, swam vigorously on the seas surface. Occasionally, they would open their massive mouths and spew lightning, turning the elves and humans defending the positions into charred remains. Further back, on aircraft carrier-like ships, agile Gnolls, along with shamans, leaped onto giant bats, sharp-beaked wyverns, scorpion-tailed flying dragons, and took off in squadrons, forming a dark cloud heading toward the coast. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The elven and human side was not to be outdone, fully aware of the importance of air superiority. Squadrons of hawk riders, dragon eagle archers, and pegasus knights ascended into the sky to confront the orcs airborne forces. In the midst of anti-aircraft fire from the ground, two clouds clashed in the sky. The aerial forces on both sides engaged in their first direct battle. The giant bat riders hurled iron spears, piercing through the hawk riders. The werewolves, mounted on agile wyverns, maneuvered up and down, evading the oncoming rain of arrows. As they passed each other, they abruptly twisted their bodies and jumped onto a dragon eagle steed, drawing rough iron axes from their backs. Under the astonished gazes of human archers, they severed their heads. The orc shamans were fanatical, chanting incantations incessantly. Their magical artifacts fired lightning, poison mist, and flames, bringing down the elven and human riders one by one.. Chapter 616 - Chapter 616: Orc Landing Battle (2) Chapter 616: Orc Landing Battle (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the sky, a chaotic clash occurred within the ominous dark clouds, with orcs, elves, humans, and their mounts falling relentlessly, resulting in shapeless masses of crushed flesh upon impact on the ground. Blood mixed with shredded flesh fell with a squelching sound, merging into a muddy mess with the earth beneath. In the midst of this bloody downpour, orcs mounted various vehicles and landed aggressively. Ji Chen watched this scene, suppressing any surprise in his heart, and turned to say to Tian Shu and the others, Dont stray too far from me. Tian Shu and his group nodded hurriedly, running to stay within ten meters of Ji Chen, demonstrating their commitment through actions. Their position was on the far left of this coastline, not as strategically significant as the middle, so there were fewer orcs attacking here. Still, there were hundreds of orc landing boats, and even two towering savage behemoths. It seemed that a large group of werewolves were landing here, accompanied by hundreds of wolf-headed shamans wielding bizarre artifacts. Among them, there were even over a dozen heroic units. Savage werewolves, Tier 5,1-star. Wolf Shaman, Tier 5, 3-star. Kodo Beast, Tier 5, 6-star. This was a divine war! The quality of troops in ancient times was extremely high, with groups of Tier 4 or 5 troops and heroic units scattered everywhere. Soon, several landing boats were the first to land, and on board were werewolves with cruel and cold smiles on their faces. Their eyes glittered with cruelty, a bloodthirsty and disdainful aura emanating from them. It was as if the humans standing in front of them were nothing more than weak and defenseless creatures, and the ferocious and bloodthirsty atmosphere rushed over. Tian Shus group involuntarily hesitated, and the painful memories of being torn apart by these werewolves came flooding back. Their hearts were suddenly in turmoil. However, when they saw the Islanders standing in front of them, they inexplicably felt a sense of reassurance. This time, with the Islanders joining the battle, things would surely be different! No need for more words, the battle was about to begin. But it was overwhelmingly one-sided. The Naga Guardians swung their bone blades and single-handedly blocked several charging savage werewolves. With their superior Tier and level, they easily slew them one by one. The Naga Guardians formed an indestructible line of defense. With their advantages in tier and level, the werewolves were no match. Savage behemoths landed, and seawater poured off their bodies, trembling the ground with their heavy footsteps. A foul odor emanated from their huge mouths, with bits of broken flesh still stuck between their teeth, making Tian Shus groups eyelids twitch. They had never encountered a savage behemoth landing before, let alone two of them, perhaps Ji Chens intervention had made the Demon Hunters return empty-handed, altering the course of the instance. A figure suddenly darted out and charged towards one of the behemoths. It was Anina! Anina crouched down like a hunting leopard and dashed forward. With a slight dodge, she easily evaded the behemoths bite, and with agile footwork, she reached its side. As she passed, she swung her greatsword. Rip A two-meter-long wound appeared on the behemoths left front leg, blood gushing out like a torrent, revealing bone. The orc rider hastily reined in his mount. However, he had already lost sight of Anina. Just as confusion began to cloud his thoughts, a mocking voice echoed from behind. Hey there, were you looking for me? A shiver ran down his spine as he attempted to draw the dagger from his side. Yet, as his hand extended halfway, he suddenly felt his gaze plummet. He saw a headless body slumped lifelessly on the saddle. Is that me? After decapitating the orc rider, Anina leaped onto the behemoths head and plunged her greatsword straight down. Roar The behemoths eyes rolled back, and it collapsed weakly. Anina swiftly and cleanly killed one of the behemoths, greatly reducing the pressure on the defense line and boosting morale. The other behemoth, which arrived late, was blown up by Herald with a lightning bolt, leaving it crispy. Savage werewolves and wolf shamans continued to land in their boats, but they couldnt break through and left one corpse after another on the shore, staining the sea red. Realizing the situation on this side, the orcs quickly adjusted their tactics, and a wave of powerful tauren came to support. Tauren had always been a dominant tribe among orcs, not only were they strong and powerful, but they also had towering figures that ordinary humans and elves couldnt handle. However, today, they encountered their match C the robust Naga Guardians. The minotaur charged fiercely with an iron axe in hand, while the Naga guards showed no weakness, wielding their bone blades with skill. Both were fifth-tier combatants, but the Naga guards possessed more formidable bloodlines and benefited from the Heradurian traits, significantly enhancing their combat prowess. After only seven or eight rounds, the Naga guards found an opening in the minotaurs defense, and with a swift strike, they tore through his abdomen with their bone blades. Seizing the opportunity while he writhed in pain, they swiftly decapitated him. On average, for every Naga guard lost, the minotaurs suffered three or four casualties, creating a staggering disparity in their combat losses that would strike fear into the hearts of ordinary armies. However, this era belonged to the gods, and the fervor of their followers towards the divine was beyond imagination. More minotaurs rushed in small boats, fighting with reckless abandon. As they witnessed the ferocity of the orcs, the members of the Tian Shu group were filled with trepidation. If it were only them here, they would likely have been overrun by the minotaurs long ago. At this moment, Tian Shu looked around with some confusion. Where had the Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs that wielded tridents gone? The Blue Dragon Blood Murloc had already quietly submerged in the sea. Upon receiving the order, they quickly surfaced beneath the orc landing boats, creating several large holes in the hulls, causing the orcs above to fall into the water, where they struggled and cursed. The ocean was their domain. The Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs swiftly located their targets and acted decisively. Facing attacks from below the water, the orcs, who were not adept swimmers, suffered greatly. They were impaled by tridents and drowned alive, while the orcs on other boats could only watch as their comrades fell into the water, one by one, and met their deaths. The events here were soon reported back to the orc command post by scouts flying in the air. At the center of the orc fleet, there was a massive warship resembling a hill, serving as the command post for the orcs. Individual orc reconnaissance riders mounted on their steeds descended or took flight, transmitting battlefield information back and relaying orders. Inside a tent on the deck. A pale-skinned orc sat on a throne made of skulls, holding a sharpened blade. He was the grand chieftain of this orc army and the commander of this landing operation, known as Ayuug. Ayuug was one of the few orcs with exceptional leadership abilities, and it was precisely because of this that he gained the favor of the savage deity and became the commander of a million-strong orc army. At this moment, he was receiving battlefield reports from scouts and making continuous adjustments to the orc armys attack based on the information. A giant bat rider returned hastily and reported what he had seen. The 58th position on the left bank is heavily blocked. Three thousand Barbaric Wolfman warriors and two thousand Minotaurs have been stopped, and the Nagas are the ones blocking them. We also noticed that some mutated fishmen are attacking our landing ships from below the water! Ayuug furrowed his brow and hoarsely said, Are you certain that you saw the Sea Tribes participating in this battle? The giant bat rider affirmed, I indeed saw a group of Nagas guarding the coastline, and there were even a few Sea Tribe heroes among them who killed two of our Barbaric Behemoths. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ayuug erupted in anger. Damn it! The demons were telling the truth. But didnt we already make a deal with the Sea Tribes to keep them out of this war? Sure enough, just when we were on the verge of victory, those cowards hiding in the sea couldnt stay still any longer! Send my orders. If we encounter the Sea Tribes, they are to be slaughtered without mercy! Dispatch three more Barbaric Wolfman battalions and two Minotaur battalions. Also, send a Thousand-Pierced Wyvern battalion to support the attack on position 58.. We must seize that beachhead! Chapter 617 - Chapter 617: The Demon Attacks Again, Alice Makes Her Move Chapter 617: The Demon Attacks Again, Alice Makes Her Move Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The intelligence of the five orc regiments mobilizing in a mighty procession quickly reached the Elf command post. Theodore marked their advance route on the map, complemented by the continuous stream of casualty reports coming from the front lines. Soon, they sensed something and couldnt help but nod. It seems that the forces of the Islanders have already taken action. But there was not much joy in their eyes. Although they still held the orcs back from landing on the coastline and had ample strategic resources, the enemy was not limited to just orcs; there were also demons that made him uneasy. Demons belonged to the chaotic divine lineage, a race and species with a small number but high average combat power. A demon of the same tier could take on five Elf warriors. According to the intelligence, there were at least two demon armies with tens of thousands of troops, and demon heroes in the double digits participating in this war. However, up to this point, except for the demon hunter sent earlier to assassinate him, no other demons had appeared on the battlefield. This made him wary. What were those demons up to? Theodore touched his chin as he looked at the map, his eyes filled with contemplation. !!.. Suddenly, he caught sight of position 58, and it reminded him of the previous attempt on his life by the demon hunter. His face turned pale. Not good! Those demons might be trying to assassinate Lord Islander! Although the legendary-tier demon hunter had lost an arm, he did not believe that the demons combat capability had been completely compromised. Demons were known for their resilience, and realizing the great threat the Islanders posed to the orc army, the demon heroes might launch a full-scale assault using the demon hunters teleportation ability! Lord Islander was a Divine Patron and must not die here! Communications officer! Hurry to position 58 and inform Lord Islander to be on guard against a demon ambush! At position 58, another wave of landing barbaric orcs and minotaurs was effortlessly slaughtered by the Naga Guardians and Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs. The faces of Tian Shu and his group were relaxed, showing a sense of satisfaction. Was this what it felt like to be carried through a dungeon by a high-level player? It was incredibly enjoyable! The orcs that had given them such a hard time earlier now fell like wheat before the scythe, one after another. The colossal barbaric beasts that were as tall as a two-story building and could flatten a fortress were easily taken down by three powerful heroes within seconds of landing. On the beach, several thousand orc corpses were piled up densely within a hundred meters of the front lines. Anyone who didnt know better might think they were playing some kind of amphibious landing game, mowing down the enemy like cutting wheat with a machine gun, and the enemies just fell down. At this moment, Tian Shu noticed that a dense fleet of landing craft suddenly appeared on the sea surface in the distance, heading straight toward them. In the sky, a dark cloud formed as hundreds of sharp-beaked wyverns emitted piercing cries and flew towards them. The mouths of these sharp-beaked wyverns were like two serrated longswords, and when they closed, they turned into sharp cleavers. Countless elves and human warriors had been torn in half by their mouths. Just as the orc riders urged the sharp-beaked wyverns to fly towards the coast, over a hundred figures in Sea Crystal Wyrms suddenly plummeted from the clouds. They had mouths filled with crystalline saw-like teeth, and beams of light shot down suddenly, piercing through the sharp-beaked wyverns like tearing through paper. The result was large holes in the sharp-beaked wyverns heads, but not a drop of blood flowed out; the wounds had already been sealed shut by the high temperature. Three pairs of Sea Crystal Wyrms trembled slightly in mid-air and descended from high above. Their limbs carried terrifying power that instantly tore apart the bodies of the sharp-beaked wyverns and orc riders, scattering limbs and broken arms everywhere. A hundred-unit team of Sea Crystal Wyrms flew into the midst of the thousand-strong group of sharp-beaked wyverns, recklessly tearing through fragile flesh with their beams and claws, demonstrating the might of their sixth-tier class. In just over ten minutes, this group of sharp-beaked wyverns was completely wiped out by the Sea Crystal Wyrms. The Sea Crystal Wyrms w^ere not satisfied with just these achievements. They dove down once again, wielding the scythes of death against the orcs sitting in the landing craft. The orcs aboard the landing craft watched in panic as the Sea Crystal Wyrms fell from the sky towards them, desperately trying to jump off the landing craft. How strong was the impact of an object the size of a small truck plummeting from the sky like a meteor? The Sea Crystal Wyrms directly smashed the landing craft, creating a semi-circular crater with the impact point at its center. Initially, the orcs w^ere pushed into the water, but they w^ere then lifted by another even stronger force, along with water columns several tens of meters high, into the air. Ji Chen nodded as he witnessed this scene. The destructive powder of this headbutt was no less impressive than the beam attacks, and it looked even more intimidating. The Sea Crystal Wyrms emerged from the w^ater unscathed, while the orcs floated lifelessly, continuously being targeted by beam shots and body impacts. Some landing craft couldnt even get close to the shore before being destroyed. Such massive casualties made even the fearless orcs reconsider their choices. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only They w^ere not afraid of death, but dying without achieving anything was utterly pointless! At this moment, black dots appeared in the distant sky once again. Tian Shu and the others exclaimed, Watch out, Lord Islander! Those are Stormwing Wyverns, the orcs sixth-tier airborne units! Ji Chen squinted his eyes slightly. There were over a hundred of these massive creatures, each with wings fully extended, spanning more than ten meters. Their broad wings and membranes looked like giant flying plates in the sky. The Stormwing Wyverns w^ere nearly the same size as the Sea Crystal Wyrms and appeared even more ferocious.. Chapter 618 - Chapter 618: The Demon Attacks Again, Alice Makes Her Move (2) Chapter 618: The Demon Attacks Again, Alice Makes Her Move (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Stormwing Wyverns, Tier 6, 2 stars. Airborne units possess aerial awareness, and the Sea Crystal Wyrms immediately sensed it when the Stormwing Wyverns approached. They abandoned the ordinary orcs who were on the verge of collapse and soared into the sky. Roar Their high-pitched roars seemed to express anger towards the intruders in their airspace. The Sea Crystal Wynn group clashed with the Stormwing Wyverns, engaging in fierce combat in the air. As Ji Chen observed the battlefield from the ground, he suddenly blinked, and a deep blue Water Shield quickly formed in front of him. Just half a breath later, a white bone claw suddenly emerged from the air in front of him and struck the Water Shield violently, creating intense ripples. At the same time, at various positions on the battlefield, evil demon heroes with sinister auras suddenly appeared from the air and launched attacks on other unit types. The failed demonic assassins immediately returned to the spatial dimension and reappeared not far away. They watched Ji Chen with a calm demeanor, but there was some annoyance in the eyes of the legendary-tier demon assassin. However, it was more of a sense of dread. !!.. From the brief skirmish just now, he could feel the vast power contained within this human. When did such a young powerhouse appear among humans? He possessed the same spatial assassination skill that their demon assassins, who took immense pride in their expertise, had perfected over the years. Having such a talent at a young age suggested that he could potentially accomplish remarkable feats in the future. A strong sense of killing intent appeared in his eyes. This individual was terrifying; he had to be eliminated! The human in front of him seemed to have thought of something. A sly grin crept onto the edge of his lips, causing the demon assassin to pause briefly, a shiver running down his spine, before swiftly vanishing through space. In just half a second, a pair of giant claws swept across the spot where he had been standing a moment ago. Ji Chen looked at the missed strike of Herald with a hint of regret. This demon assassins awareness was quite impressive. The demon assassin had an ominous expression as he reappeared in the distance. He looked at Herald with growing anger. His arm had been severed by this Naga hero earlier, and although it had already regrown, the phantom pain of the severed limb still lingered. Sea clans, why are you violating the trade contract by helping elves and humans? If you were to Herald made no response. His wings suddenly vibrated, and he lunged forward, causing the demon assassin to swallow the rest of his words. He hastily tore through space again and appeared dozens of meters away. His gaze was extremely gloomy. Damn it! Since you no longer abide by the contract, we have no need to be concerned. When I return, I will make sure to kill all those sea clan offspring to vent my frustration! Ji Chens eyes flickered slightly, and he waved his hand. Herald pursued once more, moving like a phantom with the support of his wings, driving the demon assassin to run in all directions. In a head-on battle, the Demon Hunter was no match for Herald. He could only continuously utilize his talents to shuttle around, searching for counterattack opportunities. Ji Chen took a moment to look around. Alongside the legendary-tier Demon Hunter, hundreds of high-tier Demon Hunters appeared mysteriously on the battlefield. Their unpredictable attack methods posed a significant challenge to the Ocean Crown army. Unlike Herald, who could swiftly detect their movements, they could only passively defend and suffered considerable losses. However, with Anina and Benbos assistance, they managed to avoid immediate collapse. But if things continued like this, the Ocean Crown army would suffer the most significant losses in the end. Ji Chen nodded to Alice, who was following her closely. The latter understood and began casting a spell. The song spread throughout the entire battlefield, and the enchanting melodies penetrated the demons ears like a malevolent charm. Their momentary distraction slowed down their evasive actions, resulting in dozens of high-tier Demon Hunters being slain on the spot. Even the legendary-tier Demon Hunter was somewhat affected, causing his dodges to be half a beat slower, resulting in three deep wounds on his chest, visible down to the bone. It was only at this moment that he realized that the hero who had been standing by the humans side all along, without ever taking action, was actually a Siren! In this era of divine warfare, the reputation of Sirens was evidently more illustrious than it would be tens of thousands of years later. Their ability to control minds made countless races, including demons, dread and fear them. This made him even more convinced that the sea clans had completely betrayed the trade and contract! His murderous intent surged. With Alices participation in the battle, the demons ambush plan completely failed. Under the constant disruption of the song, one high-tier Demon Hunter after another was slain, and the tide had turned. The legendary-tier Demon Hunter could not help but feel a sense of retreat creeping into his heart. A legendary-tier Demon Hunter, actually fleeing twice in a single day before the same human. How embarrassing for a demon! However, if he didnt leave, then all of his subordinates would be doomed here. His eyes were filled with endless resentment, and he reluctantly said, Full retreat! Hearing this, the other Demon Hunters were overjoyed and immediately tore open space to leave. Sirens were their natural enemies; as soon as the song began, they became clumsy and disoriented, feeling as though they were voluntarily offering their heads to the enemys blade. It was too bizarre! In just over ten seconds, the remaining Demon Hunters had disappeared, leaving behind a field of corpses. Ji Chen shook his head slightly with some regret. If he could have kept these high-tier Demon Hunters, including the legendary one, it would have been a great gain. Unfortunately, the Ocean Crown army had no way to prevent the demons from traveling through space to escape. In the distant sky, the remaining Stormwing Wyverns, seeing that the demons had retreated, or perhaps realizing that their purpose for coming was to divert the Sea Crystal Wyrms, also left. The demons had fled, and there was no longer any meaning for them to stay and fight. The remaining few fled the battlefield. Both battlefields achieved significant victories. Of the Demon Hunters who came to ambush, three-quarters were killed, essentially crippling their forces. Over a hundred Stormwing Wyverns died, leaving only a meager twenty or so to escape. However, the Sea Crystal Wyrms also suffered some losses, roughly fifty casualties, resulting in a halving of their formation. Nevertheless, as both were Tier 6 units, a 1:2 exchange ratio still counted as a glorious battle. Is it over? Tianshu and the others emerged from the underground bunker at the battlefield. They had the self-awareness to hide during the demon ambush, and the Demon Hunters didnt bother with a few inexperienced humans, so they managed to survive. Ji Chen looked at the demon hunter corpses on the ground. They resembled shriveled bodies, with black skin etched with eerie red patterns, wrapped around bones. Their heads were skull-like, with a single horn. They looked incredibly grotesque. As if recalling something, he asked, Why is it that outside of this dungeon, there dont seem to be any demons in the world? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Thats right; it was only now that he realized there were indeed no demons outside, as if demon-type units didnt exist in the world. Tianshu smiled and explained, I did some research on this before. Tens of thousands of years ago, during the Divine War, the camp of lawful deities and other forces of order emerged victorious, allowing the world to heal and recover. The deities of the savage deity camp were sealed and lost their whereabouts. The most evil deities from the chaotic deity camp, the dark deities, were eternally imprisoned in the depths of the Chaos Abyss. As a result, along with their followers, including demons and many other extremely evil races, were all suppressed by the deities of order. Thats why there are no demons as a race outside. Ji Chen suddenly realized that this explanation made sense. Tianshu gazed at the grim demon corpses and continued, as if still haunted by the past, If creatures like these were to appear in the outside world, it would probably spark another war between good and evil in no time.. Chapter 619 - Chapter 619: Breaking Point, Path to Godhood Chapter 619: Breaking Point, Path to Godhood Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Upon hearing Tian Shus words, Ji Chen inexplicably felt a sudden unease. His mind instantly recalled the warning given to him by the ghostly ship before C They are about to return. Could they be referring to these demons, whose nature was rooted in slaughter and destruction, or even those evil deities defeated in the ancient war? However, according to Tian Shu, the evil deities should have been sealed away by the orderly deities in the depths of chaos, and they shouldnt reappear. Ji Chen shook his head, pushing these thoughts aside. Without sufficient evidence to support the argument, it would remain baseless and false. Seeing Ji Chen deep in thought, Tian Shu couldnt help but ask, Big boss, whats on your mind? Ji Chen shook his head, and at that moment, an elven communication officer hurriedly approached from the direction of the elven command post, looking anxious. Lord Islander, Commander Theodore has asked me to remind you to beware of demon ambushes! Thank you for the warning, but its no longer necessary. Ji Chen pointed to the ground and continued, Tell Sir Theodore that the legendary-tier demon slayer is unlikely to appear on the battlefield again in the short term. The elven communication officer looked at the scattered demon corpses in astonishment. !!.. The demons were nearly at the sixth tier, with a strong ambush ability. There were only two to three hundred of them, and judging from the corpses on the ground, about half of them seemed to have perished here. It appeared that not only did the demons cause no trouble to Lord Islander, but they also suffered a severe beating. The elven communication officers face showed a hint of admiration, and he spoke with a respectful tone, 1 understand. I will convey your words exactly as you said to Commander Theodore. With that, the elven communication officer hurriedly departed, and the battle continued. However, what stood out as unusual was that while there were still a significant number of orcs landing on other battlefronts, the Ocean Crown army and Tian Shu group appeared to have somehow avoided any orc landings. The orc landing ships seemed to deliberately avoid them, as though they were steering clear of a contagious disease, and instead, they headed straight for other battlefronts. This left Ji Chen somewhat bemused. He had no choice but to give orders, Anina, take your troops and go assist the other fronts. Yes! Several heroes nodded and led their troops away. The addition of the Ocean Crowns forces significantly relieved the pressure on nearby fronts, stabilizing the somewhat precarious defenses. Tian Shu watched this scene and couldnt help but smile. Lord Islander, with this trend, we might actually be able to hold the Panas Coast and complete this instance. However, Ji Chen shook his head and said, Its not that simple. Huh!? Didnt you notice that the completion percentage of the instance hasnt increased at all? Tian Shu and his group were taken aback and quickly checked. Sure enough, after their earlier rescue mission for Theodore, despite the 10% increase, the completion percentage had remained stagnant up to this moment! The completion percentage was crucial for determining the rewards, and having only 10% certainly didnt promise anything good! Did we miss something? Tian Shu and his companions pondered anxiously. Ji Chen stroked his chin and explained, In accordance with the normal course of history, during the Battle of Panas, the elves and humans did not manage to stop the invasion of the orc army, and the entire army was annihilated, involving many factors. Besides the disparity in military strength between the two sides, there is another extremely important factor, which the instance hint has already informed us about. Tian Shu and the others suddenly realized, exclaiming, Its the sea tribes! Ji Chen lightly snapped his fingers and said, Exactly, the key to victory in this war lies in maintaining the neutrality of the sea tribes; they are the game-changers! You couldnt know how many sea tribes were in the ocean, just like you couldnt count the grains of sand in the desert. The number of sea tribes in the sea was a mystery, even to the sea tribes themselves. Natural geographical barriers in the ocean made it difficult for land-dwelling creatures to enter the deep sea, providing the sea tribes with a haven away from the ravages of war. While sea tribes adhered to a principle of neutrality in the early and middle stages of the divine war, neither assisting the orderly side nor the evil side, they did indeed enjoy a relatively peaceful existence for a long period. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only However, in the later stages of the divine war when everyone went mad, the evil side cultivated a large number of troops capable of adapting to underwater environments to support the war and launched a massive invasion. The sea tribes, who had been caught off guard, suffered countless casualties and extermination of their clans. In the end, it was the intervention of the divine beings from the orderly divine lineage that allowed the sea tribes to catch their breath and gather their clans to resist the evil camp. Therefore, the sea tribes were definitely worth wooing as allies. If they had joined the orderly divine camp earlier, the activity range of the evil camp would have been greatly reduced wherever there was seawater, and the orderly divine camp could have reached any part of the world through a network of interconnected waterways. Of course, in this instance, they didnt need to do everything comprehensively; they only needed to persuade the sea tribes to join the war in this instance. After listening, Tian Shu furrowed his brow and asked, So how do we persuade the sea tribes to join us? After all, history is history, and even if we tell them that the evil camp will invade in the future, I doubt theyll believe it.. Chapter 620 - Chapter 620: Breaking Point, Path to Godhood (2) Chapter 620: Breaking Point, Path to Godhood (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen revealed a mysterious smile, offering no explanation, only saying, Tonight, I will be away for some time. Tian Shu hesitated for a moment, then nodded reluctantly. Suddenly, there was a sense of frustration in his heart. They, as part of the Northern Dipper Seven Stars, had gained some fame in the Maple Principality, having completed many challenging missions and commissions. Their strength was undeniable. But now, it felt like they were just extras, and whether they were in this instance or not, it wouldnt make much difference. They wanted to be carried by the pros, but they didnt want to be truly idle! Of course, Ji Chen had no idea what was going on in their minds. He looked at the battlefield situation and said, The Orc army is likely to temporarily retreat soon. Tianshu hesitated for a moment, not yet having the chance to inquire. In the next moment, from the direction of the Orc fleet, there came a long and primitive horn sound, echoing across the wilderness. Countless orcs abandoned their foes and hurriedly returned to their landing ships, rowing their oars for a swift retreat. Tian Shu was astonished, Hey, how did you know that, boss? Ji Chen smiled and pointed to the slightly dimming sky, where a tinge of orange was gradually spreading, Orcs dare not fight against the Elves at night. !!.. Tian Shu and the others suddenly realized. Orcs had good night vision, but it would still be somewhat affected, while the Elves night vision was exceptionally strong, almost identical to their daytime vision, and even superior. It was as if they were naturally wearing night vision goggles. Attacking the Elfs position at night would be suicidal. The coast that had been filled with the sounds of battle finally fell silent. Elves and human warriors silently cleaned up the battlefield, gathering the fallen soldiers together. Special priests performed the last rites to ease their souls, allowing them to rest in peace, temporarily placed in the rear base. The bodies of the Orcs were burned to ashes directly to prevent the spread of diseases. After a whole day of fierce battle, both sides suffered casualties, and both their energy and morale significantly declined. It was impossible to reignite the battle at night. The brief night was their time to silently lick their wounds. In a day of fighting, the Ocean Crowns team had withstood numerous consecutive attacks by several Orc units. They were then ambushed by high-level Demon Hunters, resulting in significant losses. Preliminary statistics showed that the Naga Guardians had suffered losses of more than one-fifth of their forces. As for the Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs, being a five-tier 9-star unit and benefiting from Benbos unit attribute enhancement, they had already approached the sixth tier, with only fifty casualties. Meanwhile, the Sea Crystal Wyrms had battled Stormwing Wyverns. They suffered fifty casualties but managed to eliminate more than one hundred of the enemy, achieving an impressive record. Compared to the damage inflicted on the Orcs, their own casualties were completely acceptable. However, Ji Chen didnt display much joy because he knew that tomorrows battle would be even more intense. Both sides would continuously lower their bottom line, and neither the Elves and humans nor the Orcs and Demons had fully revealed their elite forces. They were all holding back. The true core armies of both sides, the sixth-tier units, had only seen a little over a hundred Stormwing Wyverns so far, while more powerful units remained hidden. When the scorching sun completely disappeared, and a crescent moon slowly rose from the horizon, Ji Chen instructed Anina, Herald, and Benbo to guard the position with the Ocean Crowns team. He also had Tian Shu inform Theodore that he would be leaving for some time. Afterward, he disappeared into the pitch-black sea with fifty Sea Crystal Wyrms and Alice. This journey is to search for the traces of the Sea Clan. Whether it was a coincidence or some other reason, this instance seemed to be designed specifically for him. The terrain allowed him to unleash his full power in the ocean and along the coast. The enemies were all Orcs, Demons, and similar races and units that had no advantage in such terrain. Even the only breakthrough point, the Sea Clan, he could rely on his own power to search for in the ocean. If it were Tian Shu and his group, even if they could withstand the initial onslaught, they wouldnt be able to find the Sea Clan. In the end, they would likely fall before the Orcs and Demons, and Panas Coast would be lost, just as history had foretold. This was a battle and a course of events that had occurred in the God War and was not easily reversed. Otherwise, the difficulty of this instance would not be rated at 7 stars; it definitely had its challenges. As soon as he entered the sea, his mental senses extended far and wide, easily perceiving any movements within a range of several kilometers. Swimming fish, landing boats floating on the sea surface, Orc corpses rolling in the underwater currents The massive Orc fleet was anchored tens of miles away from Panas Coast. If he wished, he could simply create massive waves on the sea surface with a single thought. While it wouldnt completely wipe them out, it would deal them severe damage. However, if he did that, the completion of the instance would likely not increase at all. Even if they eventually cleared it, they wouldnt receive rich rewards. This would be contrary to his purpose in undertaking this instance. Moreover, the instance seemed to favor participants in clearing key nodes, gradually increasing the completion rate to eventually complete it. Putting aside his distractions, Ji Chen tapped his Sea Crystal Wyrm beneath him. The Sea Crystal Wyrm swiftly swam toward the depths of the ocean until it reached a point hundreds of miles from the coastline, in waters several hundred meters deep, where it came to a stop. With a thought, an invisible force began to extend. After a moment, marine creatures from all directions swam towards him without any fear, approaching with wide eyes. Soon, tens of thousands of marine creatures appeared from various corners, surrounding him and forming a huge fish tornado, as if it were something out of a fairy tale. Seeing so many marine creatures gathering, Ji Chen felt quite satisfied and nodded gently at them. Then, as if receiving some command, the marine creatures all turned and swam away in various directions. Time passed, minute by minute. No marine creatures returned, and Ji Chen didnt hurry. He simply stood on the back of the Sea Crystal Wyrm, waiting patiently in silence. Several hours later. A small fish, no larger than a palm, swam over, fanning its tail and staring with wide eyes. It swam a few meters southwest before returning, as if trying to convey something. Lord, it seems like it wants us to follow it Alice said, her eyes showing some surprise. She had never witnessed such a magical scene before. No, it was the second time she had seen such an incredible sight. The last time, when Lord Ji Chen faced Lord of the Waves, he summoned tens of thousands of sea creatures to fight for him. This time, he had once again gathered marine creatures to help them search for the Sea Clan in this area. Between Lord Ji Chen and these marine creatures, it was as if they had found a means of communication. The unintelligent marine creatures had become beings that could communicate, which was unheard of in her experience. And all of this seemed to happen after Lord Ji Chen absorbed the power of the ocean. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only In fact, it was exactly like that. After absorbing the power of the ocean, Ji Chen was surprised to discover that he could communicate with and command those instinct-driven marine creatures. He had built a network with him at the center, connecting with a large number of marine creatures. Much like the will of the ocean, the will of the plane, or the often-referenced Gaias will, had the ability to cross through space to connect with and compel the beings of this particular ocean. Although his current maximum summoning range was a hundred kilometers, which was insignificant compared to the entire ocean, as his power continued to grow, this range seemed to be constantly expanding. Perhaps in the future, his will could extend to every corner touched by seawater. And by that time, he might become a nominal deity of the ocean. At this point, Ji Chen understood some things to some extent. The power of the ocean was the initial qualification for obtaining divinity and evolving into a god. Only by continuously strengthening it could he truly embark on the path to godhood.. Chapter 621 - Chapter 621: Spectacular Underwater City, Glorious Sea Clan Civilization Chapter 621: Spectacular Underwater City, Glorious Sea Clan Civilization Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation They followed this small fish all the way to a seemingly ordinary underwater canyon hundreds of miles away. The underwater canyon, deep in the waters of several kilometers, was completely devoid of any light. However, the small fish didnt hesitate and swam right in. Seeing this, Ji Chen also didnt hesitate and said, Lets follow them in. The Sea Crystal Wyrm slowly flapped its crystal wings and followed the small fish, heading deeper into the canyon at an unhurried pace. Once inside the canyon, though it was imperceptible, Ji Chen keenly sensed a dark current slowly flowing from the outside of the canyon towards its depths. Soon, they reached the end of the canyon, where a pitch-black abyss-like hole suddenly appeared on the rock wall, slanting downward, leading deeper into the sea. The small fish stopped in front of the large hole and turned around, its eyes fixedly waiting for Ji Chen. Ji Chen understood this and gave a reward C a tiny amount of energy, about the size of half a pinky fingertip. This energy was given in the form of deducting some experience points, a power Ji Chen gained after obtaining the power of the ocean bestowing. This energy amounted to approximately 10,000 experience points. Upon seeing this small cluster of energy, the small fish appeared very happy and didnt hesitate to bite onto it, swallowing about a third of it in one gulp. Then, it continued to swallow, one after another, until it completely absorbed it into its belly. !!.. After consuming this energy, the small fishs belly expanded as if it were eight months pregnant. Its small fins vigorously moved its body, and bubbles came out of its mouth. Ji Chen couldnt help but smile as he sensed that the small fish was slowly realizing the changes. Upon closer inspection, he could see a glimmer of brightness in its eyes, and its body seemed to be evolving gradually. Given enough time, if this small fish could fully digest these energies before being preyed upon, it might have a chance to transform into a sea creature with a hint of intelligence. Leaving the small fish struggling in place with its tail, Ji Chen guided the Sea Crystal Wyrm into the large hole and proceeded in the direction of the flowing water. After advancing several kilometers diagonally downwards, the water current gradually calmed down, and the surroundings became brighter. An immense underwater cavern stretched out before them. Fluorescent algae grew in the gaps of the rocky formations, forming an underwater forest standing tall at the bottom. Glowing coral grew on the seafloor, and small shrimps and fish darted in and out of the coral. Sea serpents and trilobites slowly moved through the mud. Numerous bizarre and heavily armored fish, some with long mouths and scales, swam around. There were even creatures resembling marine dinosaurs. Looking at the entire scene, it felt as if they had traveled back to some ancient era, like the Cambrian or Cretaceous period, brimming with a primitive atmosphere. The primordial marine landscape of the Age of Gods War had, in some miraculous way, been reproduced in the present, thousands of years later, as a dungeon scenario. As Ji Chen and his companions appeared here, the creatures panicked and scattered, disappearing from their sight within a dozen breaths C the law of the ocean, where the one with the largest size was the boss. The Sea Crystal Wyrm, which was comparable in size to a small truck, was definitely a top-tier presence. Its crystal body emitted a faint azure light in the deep waters, giving the impression that it was not to be trifled with. However, it seemed that this place was not without larger creatures. After advancing several hundred meters, more than a dozen massive fish with fearsome fangs, heavy scales, and lengths of up to eight or nine meters, swam towards them. Their size even exceeded that of the Sea Crystal Wyrm by a bit. Heavy Armor Toothfish, Tier 6, 2 stars, Mount. They also noticed that on the backs of these Heavy Armor Toothfish, there seemed to be burly figures wielding metal spears. Heavy Armor Toothfish Knights, Tier 5, 8 stars, Sea Tribe. This is the sacred territory of the Sea Tribe, outsiders are not allowed to enter! Proceed one more meter, and there will be no mercy! Immediately return the way you came, and you may be spared Before they could clearly see what was in front of them, surprised voices suddenly reached their ears. The burly Heavy Armor Toothfish Knights, with astonishment in their eyes, looked at Alice, who was beside Ji Chen, and their eyes displayed surprise. This Sea Tribe member looked somewhat strange, like Ji Chen, regardless of the knights astonishment, spoke in a calm tone. We have no ill intentions; we simply wish to meet with your ruler and discuss a matter that concerns the life and death of the Sea Tribe. The Heavy Armor Toothfish Knight shifted his gaze from Alice to Ji Chen and once again his eyes changed. If his previous expression while looking at Alice was one of surprise, now, when he looked at Ji Chen, it was one of shock. Human!? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This was the deep sea, thousands of meters below the surface! How could a human possibly come to this place? The Heavy Armor Toothfish Knight seemed to see something that challenged their understanding of reality, stared at Ji Chen with an incredulous look, and even rubbed his eyes, thinking it was an illusion. Seeing their reaction, Ji Chen showed no surprise and explained. I am indeed a human, but I have the protection and guidance of the ocean, granting me the ability to move freely underwater. Upon hearing this, the Heavy Armor Toothfish Knight slightly calmed down his astonished gaze, subdued the tumultuous emotions within him, and solemnly said to his companions, Keep an eye on this human. 1 will return and report this matter; it must be decided by the king.. Chapter 622 - Chapter 622: Spectacular Underwater City, Glorious Sea Clan Civilization (2) Chapter 622: Spectacular Underwater City, Glorious Sea Clan Civilization (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen watched as the leading knight commanded the Heavy Armor Toothfish to leave. He remained calm and ordered the Sea Crystal Wyrm to wait in place. Soon, the knight returned and approached, casting a complex gaze towards Alice. Then, in a polite tone, he said, Please follow us. Our queen wishes to meet you, but apart from her, your subordinates must remain here. Ji Chen nodded in agreement. It was better to be able to meet the ruler of this sea domain directly, avoiding the complications that arose from conflicts with the elves earlier. Following these knights, they advanced deeper into the cave, encountering patrols of sea creatures along the way, all under the guidance of these knights who led them through multiple checkpoints. What surprised him was the strength of these sea tribe warriors they encountered along the way, which exceeded his expectations. These knights riding Heavy Armor Toothfish were not the most formidable units. Some sea tribe warriors, riding even larger mounts, emitted a more powerful aura than the Sea Crystal Wyrm. Moreover, their numbers were not just a hundred or two; there were thousands of them. On their journey, Ji Chen saw no less than three thousand sixth-tier units, and the fifth-tier units numbered over ten thousand. It was evident that the sea tribe possessed deep and extensive strength. The Heavy Armor Toothfish knight silently observed the human following behind and, though he showed a hint of surprise in his eyes, he didnt display any fear. He nodded in acknowledgment. However, when he saw the young Siren, who followed behind him like a servant, a trace of strangeness crossed his expression. A Siren bowing to a human? !!.. If someone had told him this before, he would have considered it a massive joke. But today, he witnessed it with his own eyes. Not only the young Siren, but even these sixth-tier sea tribe units were bowing before a human. Had something earth-shattering happened outside? Had his thoughts and impressions fallen far behind? They continued in silence until it seemed they had passed through the outer regions and reached the true heart of the sea. Upon seeing the scene before him, Ji Chens face finally showed a hint of astonishment. Before his eyes stood a massive underwater city built within a colossal underwater cave, standing proudly on a wide seabed basin. A hundred-meter-high wall surrounded the city, and countless blue buildings stood within it. Towers reaching hundreds to thousands of meters high, magnificent epic temples, neon-lit spires, massive blue stone arches, and colossal stone statues flanking the entrance. This underwater city even had roadsa floating energy road constructed from some blue material. Creatures could move swiftly on it, and these energy roads were spread throughout, with transportation vehicles powered by sea horses and giant turtles, among others, moving along them. If one ignored the fact that they were deep underwater, at first glance, it seemed like they had entered some kind of cyberpunk city. The most conspicuous among them was a towering temple located in the citys center. It was primarily made of blue stone-like material, with coral and shell materials as auxiliary constructions, and it reached heights of over a thousand meters. Its grandeur, magnificence, and intricacy rivaled any wonder Ji Chen had ever seen. It was undoubtedly the most spectacular structure he had ever witnessed. Ji Chen observed with a fleeting glance. Based on everything he had seen along the way, at least in this era, the sea tribe possessed a civilization that was no less magnificent than that of elves and humans. In the unfathomable depths of the sea, they had built a splendid and thriving society. This can be seen from the spectacular underwater buildings along the way. In appearance, it resembles a mature feudal kingdom, with a very stable social structure and social order, all smoothly operating on this foundation. However, the more it is like this, the more it makes him wonder what caused the sea tribe to become completely fragmented hundreds of thousands of years later, within the chaotic and bloody sea society, devoid of order. They turned against each other, with no order, filled with chaos and bloodshed. The knights led Ji Chen and Alice all the way to the majestic temple at the city center. Security here was extremely tight, and not even the guiding knight could enter. A sea tribe general, clad in cold iron armor and of the merfolk race, emerged from the entrance and approached them. With sharp, narrow eyes, he scrutinized the two. When he saw Ji Chen and Alice, a hint of surprise flickered in his gaze. But there wasnt much of a reaction, just a command, Follow me. He then walked towards the interior of the temple, and Ji Chen, with Alice in tow, followed the sea tribe general. They passed through a straight passage and arrived at a massive space resembling an oval-shaped arena. Around the arena, on the steps, sat numerous sea tribe members. Judging from the decorations signifying their status and identity, they appeared to belong to the nobility and officials. Ji Chen briefly scanned the area and quickly fixed his gaze on a platform positioned at a middle height, directly across from the passage. On the platform, a merfolk with a dazzling crown and adorned in luxurious attire sat on a throne crafted from white jade. Her hands rested on the armrests as she looked down. Upon seeing Ji Chen move through the water freely like a sea tribe member, a hint of curiosity flashed in her golden eyes. As they entered the arena, the surroundings suddenly fell silent. Sea tribe nobles and officials looked at them with inquisitive gazes, their eyes filled with surprise. They whispered among themselves. Ive never seen a human survive in the deep sea before. This is the first time. That human looks rather handsome, but his body seems a bit frail. I doubt he can even lift a weapon. Probably doesnt have much strength. The sea tribe accompanying that human, as I watch her, I have a strangely peculiar feeling Seeing these sea tribe members sizing him up with eyes resembling those observing monkeys in a zoo, Ji Chen felt displeased. His brows furrowed, and he released his magical power. Intense waves surged, causing the surrounding seawater to churn. The sea tribe members on the seats were thrown off balance, looking quite disheveled. Bold! To be so insolent in front of the queen! Guards, subdue this ignorant human! Just as the surrounding sea tribe soldiers rushed forward to apprehend Ji Chen, the merfolk sea tribe sitting on the throne spoke. Step back. Her voice wasnt loud, but it carried an imposing aura that made people feel the urge to submit. Upon hearing this, the sea tribe soldiers who had charged forward didnt hesitate for a moment and immediately retreated to their original positions, watching Ji Chen with vigilant eyes. The queen rose to her feet, her gaze unwavering, and spoke slowly. Human, 1 am the Ruler of the Kingdom of Heraklion. Speak of your purpose for coming here. There was nothing unusual on Ji Chens face as he replied in a casual tone. The sea tribe will face extinction. This statement caused an uproar among the sea tribe nobles and officials who had been suppressing their anger because of the queens presence. What is this human talking about? Unbelievable! He should be banished to the Abyss of Flames to endure the punishment of flames! Our sea tribe is incredibly prosperous; how could we face extinction? We will continue to thrive for tens of thousands of years! I propose executing this human! The sea tribe accompanying him is probably a servant, so they should be executed as well! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The sea tribe nobles and officials were incensed, and even the queen on the throne couldnt help but furrow her brow slightly. Her tone became less courteous. Human, I know you possess some strength, enough to be proud outside the ocean, but within the sea, the sea tribe is the true ruler, unrivaled. Ji Chen shook his head as if unsurprised and said, But its precisely because of your excessive self-confidence, disdain for the outside world, and complacency that you sow the seeds of your future demise. Seeing Ji Chens calm demeanor, as if he had nothing to fear, the queen felt a hint of curiosity but still spoke in a stern tone. Ill allow you to continue speaking, otherwise, youll pay the price for your words.. Chapter 623 - Chapter 623: Playing with a Communication Gap: What’s Gotten into Those Demons? Chapter 623: Playing with a Communication Gap: Whats Gotten into Those Demons? Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation [Theresa (Hero)] [Race]: Siren [Tier]: Above Epic [Level]: ???? [Abilities]: ???? [Ruler of the Heraklion Ocean Kingdom, a member of the Heraklion royal family] Theresa was the most powerful hero unit Ji Chen had ever encountered. The four words Above Epic prove that she was more powerful than the elf hero Elin and the dwarf hero Thotmudo, on the same level as the Infernal Fire Demon that once destroyed the Black Iron Fortress of the dwarves. Her level was most likely already above level 79, reaching level 80 or even higher. However, under the gaze of such an unfathomably powerful figure, Ji Chen neither shows arrogance nor timidity. He met her gaze without being haughty or timid, showing neither submission nor fear. His tone was calm and decisive, as if stating a fact. !!.. In the not-so-distant future, demons will extend their claws towards the sea clans and engulf this splendid marine civilization with extreme malevolence. Theresa furrowed her brows slightly and sat up straighter. Her majestic presence, like a vast ocean, permeates every inch of seawater. No matter how evil and arrogant the demons may be, they can never reach this place. The ocean is our best barrier. Human, your fearmongering words cannot shake my determination, nor can you persuade the sea clans to join that meaningless, ugly, and impure war. The queen, being a ruler, had long seen through the purpose of the human visit from their words and actions. Ji Chens eyelids twitched slightly, but then his expression became calm. I do have such thoughts indeed, but these are not empty words. Lady Theresa, if Im not mistaken, you must have already reached an agreement or treaty with the demons, probably something like non-aggression between the two sides? Theresas expression remained unchanged as she leaned back against her throne. And if 1 have? Ji Chen suddenly smiled, Since you are not afraid of the demons, why did you make such an agreement? Could it be you also have concerns of your own? Theresas eyes flickered slightly, and her expression became somewhat more serious. Ji Chen noticed Theresas subtle reaction and became certain. He guessed it right! The sea clans indeed have some kind of agreement with the demons or even the forces of evil! This was a conjecture he had made based on his knowledge of the history of divine wars and his strategic thinking. In the colossal divine war that spanned hundreds of thousands of years, involving countless races and nations, resulting in widespread suffering and devastation, the sea clans, even in their isolation, couldnt possibly be oblivious to it. Elves, humans, and other orderly divine factions may be seen as acting in self-defense, but the sea clans, perhaps, wouldnt harbor any hostility, even showing compassion. But how could they not have a shred of concern when it came to the evil faction that had actively triggered the Divine War? Imagine two neighbors wielding weapons, fighting fiercely in your yard, with blood flowing and chaos reigning. How could anyone remain indifferent to such a situation? No matter how strong one might be, they would still fear that their fence, flowers, and plants in the yard would be damaged. According to common sense, one would probably hold defensive weapons and hide behind the window, secretly observing, or even proactively warning the neighbors not to let the conflict spill over into their territory. At the very least, something along those lines. Perhaps it wasnt apparent from Theresa herself, but the changes in the expressions of those sea clan nobles and officials easily revealed these sentiments. Once this was confirmed. The next steps would be straightforward. Its all about creating an information gap that couldnt be bridged between the two sides. He knew what happened to the sea clans during the divine war, how they were invaded by demons, and so on, but the sea clans in this instance, like replicas replaying a segment of time, were completely unaware of these facts. In other words, he could exploit this foreknowledge information gap to influence Theresa and the sea clans future decisions. For example, in this replica, the Battle of Panas was nearing the middle of the divine war, the point in time when the demons and other evil forces were about to target the sea clans. He couldnt believe that the demons hadnt started nurturing new underwater units for the impending attack. In a word, its all about bluffing! Based on the information Ive obtained, the demons have been secretly cultivating a large number of units adapted to underwater environments. Their purpose is to launch a surprise attack on the sea clans at some point in the future, annihilating the sea clan civilization once and for all. Ji Chen spoke with a calm tone, saying, If you dont believe it, Lady Theresa, you can send soldiers to secretly investigate. If theres even a trace of falsehood from me, youre welcome to deal with me. Theresa looked at Ji Chen, who was confident and calm, and couldnt help but feel a hint of doubt. Could it be true? Have the demons indeed harbored malicious intentions towards the sea clans? Theresa signaled with her eyes to the merfolk general who had brought Ji Chen in and then turned her gaze to Alice, showing a hint of interest. Youre a Siren? Alice remained unfazed and just looked at Ji Chen. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen nodded slightly. Only then did Alice look at Theresa, nodded, hesitated for a moment, and then transformed back into her Siren form. As the faint blue tail fin and the aura that symbolized the Sirens spread through the vast space, the sea clan nobles and officials were astonished, looking at Alice with incredulous eyes. It was actually a Siren!? Sirens were a noble lineage among the sea clans, with an extremely high and esteemed bloodline. If one were to distinguish bloodline based on rank, Sirens would undoubtedly be at the level of dukes.. Chapter 624 - Chapter 624: Playing with a Communication Gap: What’s Gotten into Those Demons?(2) Chapter 624: Playing with a Communication Gap: Whats Gotten into Those Demons?(2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation What was even more important was that Her Majesty Theresas bloodline was also that of the Sirens! Theresa had evidently discovered this when Alice arrived here and was quite curious why her own kin would serve humans. As a noble-blooded Siren, why do you submit to a mere human? Hearing this, the usually calm Alice showed a rare moment of anger, Lord Ji Chen is not an ordinary person. Theresa chuckled and shook her head. If we talk about the ability to move in the water as a human, he might be considered exceptional, but it ends there. As members of the Siren race, our bloodline has been incredibly noble since ancient times, and we should not serve any outsiders. If you wish, I allow you to return to the tribe and join the Kingdom of Heraklion. This is your home. Without hesitation, Alice shook her head. My home is in the Crown of the Ocean, not here. Lady Theresa, is it not impolite to speak on behalf of Alice without asking for my opinion? Ji Chen said with an unkind tone. Is this how the Kingdom of Heraklion, or even the sea clans, behaves, domineering and arrogant? To be honest, Ji Chen was getting angry. This behavior of blatantly poaching in front of him, undermining him, was simply disrespectful. He hadnt been so angered in a long time! !!.. Theresa gradually restrained her smile, her eyes showing a hint of indifference and mild anger. It had been a long time since any living being dared to speak to her like this, not even the demons dared, let alone a mere human. She was naturally familiar with the human race, weak, cowardly, opportunistic, and fond of killing each other. The achievements they had created in this era paled in comparison even to the savage and impulsive orcs. Not to mention compared to the great sea clans. She admitted that this human might indeed possess some power, but it was limited to this extent. In the vast expanse of the ocean, her sea people were the absolute rulers! Theresa slowly rose from her throne, looking down on Ji Chen like a god overlooking a mortal, with a hint of disdain in her gaze. Suddenly, the sea surged like boiling water, and the momentum, as if a thousand tons of water pressure, pressed down on Ji Chen. She wanted to give this human, who didnt know his place, a little lesson. Perhaps in doing so, the young kin who had been deceived by this smooth-talking human could wake up and return to the embrace of the tribe. The sea clan nobles and officials at the table all showed excitement at this sight. They had long since found this human displeasing, but they had temporarily tolerated him because of Her Majesty Theresas reluctance to take action. As for when the displeasure started it was probably from the moment this human entered here, not looking up at them with respectful eyes, not bowing and kneeling in the manner they desired. This world is a place where the weak are preyed upon by the strong, and the strong can freely oppress the weak. The weak must grovel at the feet of the strong! And their sea clan, of course, are the strong. Humans, naturally, are the weak! Ji Chen looked at the sea clan nobles and officials who were enjoying his predicament, shaking his head. The final question in his mind had finally been answered. He finally understood why the sea clans, even though they had been wary of the demons tens of thousands of years ago, were still ultimately plundered. Decaying and outdated thoughts had completely taken over their minds. They hid in the layers of the sea, thinking they could overlook the struggles of other races like gods, just like watching actors on a stage. Their stagnant thinking prevented them from reacting to potential crises in a timely manner. They remained stuck in their past glory and achievements, closed-minded and complacent. Even when they saw danger, they still disregarded it. Just like the elves tens of thousands of years later. However, whether it was tens of thousands of years ago or tens of thousands of years later, one rule remained unchanged. Only the strong had a say. Before Theresas overwhelming force, an extreme azure light erupted like an atomic explosion. That sense of holiness and nobility far surpassed what any bloodline could offer. It transcended the realm of bloodlines, existing in a higher dimension. Compared to each other, one was earth, the other was the sky. One was mortal, the other divine. Theresas face underwent a drastic change. This ruler who had ruled the glorious Kingdom of the Ocean for centuries, the strongest being in the epic realm, showed a shocked expression for the first time. Her imposing aura involuntarily dissipated, her expression filled with astonishment and suspicion. The power of the ocean? You actually control the power of the ocean!? Ji Chen didnt speak, just calmly looked at her, but the fluctuations grew stronger, beginning to gain the upper hand. Theresa seemed to have seen something she couldnt believe, her eyes filled with resentment and unwillingness. Why? Why could the power of the ocean be controlled by a human instead of their sea clan? Clearly, their sea clan was the representative, executor, and guardian of the will of the ocean! This was also something she had longed for. As long as she could control the power of the ocean, her realm of rule would cover a broader expanse of sea, and she would possess even greater power, perhaps even the opportunity to touch the unreachable supreme power. Faced with this temptation, a hint of greed flashed in Theresas eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. The power of the ocean was a gift from the gods, a favor from the will of the ocean, not something to be barbarically seized or claimed as ones own. Theresas expression became extremely complex, and after a long while, she sighed heavily and sat back down, sounding somewhat resigned. Human, I acknowledge your strength, and I apologize for my earlier words. However, 1 cannot accept what you said earlier unless there is concrete evidence to prove it. The balance between offense and defense had shifted. Ji Chen slowly retracted his power but still had an unpleasant expression on his face. He spoke in a cold tone, Believe it or not, its up to you. The survival of the sea clan depends on your decision. Theresas current mood was quite complicated, and she hesitated somewhat. She was not completely without vigilance towards demons, and she knew that demons and evil factions were causing wars outside the ocean. However, she needed to consider the prevailing sentiments within the kingdom. At present, most of the sea folk in the Heraklion Kingdom adopted a hands-off approach, refraining from getting involved and merely observing the conflicts from a distance. She also had to consider this perspective to a certain extent. Moreover, it was mostly about interests. By using their natural resource and geographical advantages, the sea clan exported various resources and weapons to both the orderly divine faction and the evil faction, raking in massive profits. Wouldnt reckless involvement in the war result in a significant loss of profits? Those sea clan nobles and officials certainly wouldnt want that. Furthermore, she was not entirely convinced by Ji Chens words. However, this human strangely controlled the power of the ocean. The power of the ocean was bestowed by the will of the ocean. Maybe this human had received a warning from the will of the ocean about the demons conspiracy. In an instant, countless thoughts raced through Theresas mind. At this moment, a sea clan officer suddenly swam in from outside, wearing a somewhat panicked expression. Your Majesty! Demons have suddenly slaughtered our resource transportation team, looting all our supplies! They also destroyed our transit station on the sea surface! Not a single soldier there survived! This announcement not only caused a commotion among the sea clan nobles and officials but even left Theresa stunned. She subconsciously looked at Ji Chen in the center of the room. How could this be so coincidental? You just came to persuade, and the demons started attacking? Ji Chen was also taken aback. What had gotten into those demons? Could it be that they were really planning to attack the sea clan? But this didnt make sense. They were currently engaged in fierce battles with elves and humans. How could they possibly divert their forces to provoke the sea clan?! For some reason, Ji Chen suddenly remembered a tactical maneuver used by a certain country on Earth during a major war. Although he didnt understand what was happening, he took the opportunity to stoke the flames. Ji Chen maintained his composure and spoke with a tone of regret. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Those demons have finally taken action. The evil faction will never be satisfied with the status quo. Their goal is to destroy everything and spread the flames of war to every corner of the world, leaving no race or being untouched. He sighed, then continued, Its a pity for those brave sea clan soldiers Theresas expression darkened, and then her eyes narrowed. There was anger in her voice as she addressed the sea clan nobles and officials who had been doing nothing. Everyone, go into high alert and prepare for battle. Seal off a hundred miles of the kingdoms waters. Send a troop over there.. I want an immediate explanation from the demons! Chapter 625 - Chapter 625: 60% Instance Dungeon Completion Rate Chapter 625: 60% Instance Dungeon Completion Rate When the War Begins in the Future Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The coast of Panas. As night fell once again, the orc army receded with the tide, leaving behind a field of corpses. The alliance of elves and humans had once again repelled the orcs attack, but Theodore, standing on the high ground, wore a concerned expression. This was the third day of the orcs offensive, and the intensity and brutality of the battle far exceeded his expectations. The orcs relentless onslaught surprised him the most. These savage beings, whom he had always seen as bloodthirsty, did not lose morale as he had anticipated. Instead, their desire to attack only grew stronger, showing no signs of slowing down or fearing casualties. In terms of sheer willpower and battle fervor, the orcs were even more formidable than the elves. What was even more remarkable was that the orcs assault was not haphazard or disorganized. It displayed a remarkable degree of organization and order. Whether it was the selection and deployment of their troops or adjustments made based on the battlefield situation, it was evident that there was an outstanding commander behind their actions. Theodore couldnt help but feel that he had encountered a formidable opponent. In reality, despite their defensive advantage, the alliance of elves and humans had suffered heavy losses under the orcs relentless assault. !!.. In just three days, they had lost over 20% of their forces, and the field hospitals in the rear were already overflowing with wounded soldiers. Priests tasked with guiding the souls of the fallen worked tirelessly, their mouths nearly aflame from reciting the rites. Theodore believed that the orcs had suffered far more casualties than they had, but the alliances forces were significantly smaller than the orcs, and there was no possibility of receiving reinforcements from the rear in the short term. They had to rely on the dwindling army of less than four hundred thousand to persist. Among them, only about a hundred thousand elves had high combat effectiveness, while the rest were subpar human troops. The orcs alone numbered at least three hundred thousand, not to mention the tens of thousands of demon troops. Over the past few days, Theodore had also noticed that the orc commander was consciously consuming the alliances forces by continuously sending out mixed groups of orcs and demons for surprise attacks, causing them considerable trouble. Theodore thought back to the Islander. Two days ago, the Islander had suddenly left his troops behind and headed into the open sea. Those humans who had accompanied them had only received a reply from the Islander, stating that he was going into the sea to seek help from the sea clan. However, seeking aid from the sea clan was no easy task. The sea clan, protected by the natural barrier of the ocean, remained unaffected by external threats. No race could threaten them. Therefore, from the very beginning of this war, the sea clan had remained aloof, neither joining the orderly side nor assisting the evil faction. They simply watched from the sidelines. Theodore remembered the sea clans envoy who had come to the land decades ago. They had an air of arrogance and looked down on all races, displaying an unwarranted sense of superiority. Even more arrogant than the elves! If it hadnt really touched their interests, how could the sea clan have joined this war? Theodore sighed. At this point, his only hope was that the Islander could truly bring help from the sea clan. Otherwise, judging by the current trend, the alliance would have a hard time holding out against the orcs onslaught for another week. A group of sea clan soldiers raced across the sea and arrived at a small island that was only tens of meters long and wide. When they saw the grim situation on the island, their faces were filled with anger. This was the third sea clan supply depot that had been ravaged by demons. At this moment, the island was littered with the corpses of over a thousand sea clan members. Blood had tainted the soil, and the supplies that had once been stockpiled here were nowhere to be found. As soon as these sea clan soldiers arrived, they understood that the culprits behind all of this were the demons. The pervasive and malevolent aura that constantly emanated from the demons had not dissipated even now. It was disgusting. Damn those demons, they really dare! one of the sea clan soldiers gritted their teeth. The other sea clan soldiers were also filled with anger. What was even more humiliating to them was that the demons made no attempt to conceal their actions. It was as if they wanted to tell them, This is what we did, what can you do about it? This blatant act of provocation made the usually proud sea clan feel a deep sense of shame! We must report this situation to Her Majesty Theresa and seek vengeance! Heraklion. A tall building near the center of the city, on its highest floor. Ji Chen looked at the view outside the window, his expression shifting. Observing the bustling streets of Heraklion from this height was quite enjoyable. Perhaps no player could imagine that in the depths of the ocean, there existed such a prosperous and magnificent underwater city. Suddenly, he thought of a question. This instance was recreated by the gods using their divine power, and everything within it was historically accurate. This underwater city did exist in the real world. So, could it be possible to find this city in the outside world? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only With this thought, Ji Chens interest was piqued. Heraklion was approximately one or two hundred miles away from the Panas coast. As long as he could determine the location of the Panas coast in the outside world, he could trace his way back here. Only needing to confirm the approximate location and then mobilizing marine creatures for a carpet-style search, they would be able to find Heraklion tens of thousands of years in the future. The wealth hidden within a lost sea clan city was enough to tempt anyone. Ji Chen looked through the window and saw several sea clan teams entering the city from outside. They all hurried towards the temple in unison, and a smile slowly appeared on his face.. Chapter 627 - Chapter 627: Killing a Legendary-Tier Demon Hunter, Side Mission Chapter 627: Killing a Legendary-Tier Demon Hunter, Side Mission Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Leaving Heraklion, Ji Chen returned to the surface via the passage. Just as he was about to head back to the Panas coast, he suddenly stopped and looked north. For some reason, he felt an irresistible urge to explore that direction, as if something was drawing him there. After a moments contemplation, Ji Chen decided to resist this strange feeling and promptly return to the Panas coast. The orc army was still relentlessly attacking the Panas coast. Even though he had intervened and caused some losses to the demon hunters and several thousand-strong squads, the orc forces still held a clear advantage in terms of numbers and strength. He was genuinely concerned whether the alliance of elves and humans could hold on until the Sea Clan officially joined the battle. Finding the underwater travel speed inadequate, Ji Chen instructed the Sea Crystal Wynn to fly at an altitude of several meters above the sea surface. Without the hindrance of other armies and with no obstacles in the open sea, the Sea Crystal Wynn could unleash its full-speed potential. Fifty Sea Crystal Wyrms flew in a V formation at breakneck speed. As they raced across the sea, the water churned and splashed violently due to the intense force, creating dozens of silvery chains visible from the sky, spanning tens of meters. Standing on their backs, Ji Chen conjured a barrier to shield himself from the wind and calmly absorbed the sensation. The Sea Crystal Wynns top speed was estimated to have reached seven to eight hundred kilometers per hour, faster than the fighter jets in the War World II. During normal cruising, it maintained a speed of four to five hundred kilometers per hour. If it flew from the New Moon Islands to the Starshine Islands at cruising speed, it would only take a few hours. If it headed to the Fish Tail Island in the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, it would take half a day at most. The significance of this swift travel speed was self-evident. If he wished, Ji Chen could easily reach any location in the western Pacific in a short time. Just as Ji Chen was urging the Sea Crystal Wynn towards the Panas coast, he suddenly felt a strange disturbance as they passed a group of islands. After a moment of sensing, he quickly confirmed that it was the presence of demons. The foul, ominous, and evil aura could be felt even if they were several kilometers apart. Could it be a demon army? Ji Chen murmured to himself. After some consideration, he decided to take a detour and investigate. The demon race remained quite mysterious to him. So far, he had only encountered the demon hunters during this adventure. He saw this as an opportunity to gain insight into the composition of demon forces. Controlling the Sea Crystal Wynn, he ascended to a high altitude to avoid detection, gliding between the clouds stealthily. The disturbance originated from an island at the center of the group, covered in lush vegetation. Among the mudflats and trees, skeletal structures stood tall, and groups of grotesque demons patrolled the mudflats. These demons had terrifying appearances, with single horns on their heads, fleshy wings on their backs, claws for hands, and skin resembling that of a desiccated corpse. Single-Horned Fiend, 5th Tier, 1 Star. Two-Headed Hound, 5th Tier, 3 Stars. Wing Fiend, 5th Tier, 5 Stars. The more Ji Chen observed, the more surprised he felt. The average strength of the demon forces was almost on par with the elves, and in some cases, even higher. There were no less than five different types of demons patrolling the mudflats, and without exception, they were all at the fifth-tier level. He continued to observe. At this moment, several dozen transport ships slowly approached from the eastern sea and docked at the makeshift port on the island. The patrolling Single-Horned Fiends hurriedly approached. You idiots, quickly unload the supplies and move them to the island! shouted the Wing Fiend holding a long whip at the Single-Horned Fiends. He cracked the whip forcefully, causing a loud cracking sound in the air. The Single-Horned Fiends, who were at the lower ranks of the demon hierarchy, dared not disobey the order. They immediately boarded the ship and began moving large wooden crates to the island. One of the Single-Horned Fiends accidentally stumbled while carrying a crate, causing it to fall to the ground with a loud thud. Weapons and equipment spilled out of the crate onto the ground. The Wing Fiends face was filled with anger, and he lashed the Single-Horned Fiends back with his whip. You imbecile! Cant you even handle such a simple task? The Single-Horned Fiend looked terrified, enduring the pain from the whip, and quickly gathered the scattered weapons and equipment, placing them back into the crate. He then continued carrying it on his shoulder towards an open space at the edge of the forest. However, this scene caught Ji Chens attention. These weapons and equipment did not appear to be manufactured by the demons themselves; instead, they bore a striking resemblance to the style of the Sea Clan. Are these supplies stolen from the Sea Clan? Ji Chens eyes narrowed slightly. The fact that the demons were transporting these weapons and equipment here suggested that there might be a warehouse or armory of some kind on the island. These weapons and equipment could potentially be used in an attack against the allied forces. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only As the embodiment of justice and order, Ji Chen couldnt ignore this. After confirming that this was indeed a demon supply base, he immediately ordered the Sea Crystal Wyrms to launch a surprise attack. Apart from the Sea Crystal Wyrm he was riding, the other forty-nine swiftly adjusted their flight positions and descended from the sky like a squadron of dive bombers. The demons on the mudflats quickly noticed the descending enemy and erupted into chaos. The Wing Fiend, upon seeing the Sea Crystal Wyrms descending rapidly from the high altitude, shouted in anger, You fools, what are you waiting for?! Use the anti-aircraft weapons to counterattack!! The Single-Horned Fiends were jolted into action, as if they had just woken from a dream. They hastily operated the ballistae set up on the mudflats, hurriedly loading ammunition.. Chapter 628 - Chapter 628: Kill the Legendary-Tier Demon Hunter, Side Mission (2) Chapter 628: Kill the Legendary-Tier Demon Hunter, Side Mission (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Taut As the bowstring was pulled taut, powerful crossbow bolts harnessed the energy from the string and defied gravity, soaring upward towards the approaching enemies. The Sea Crystal Wyrm dived at incredible speed, slightly adjusting its posture to easily avoid this sparse barrage. It fell abruptly amid the terrified gazes of the demons. With the sound of flesh being torn apart, like the crackling of beans frying, limbs and body parts flew in all directions. In the face of the sixth-tier Sea Crystal Wyrm, whether it was the lowest-ranking Single-Horned Fiends, Two-Headed Hounds, or higher-level Wing Fiends, there was little difference under its razor-sharp claws. A single strike meant death. After completing its dive, the Sea Crystal Wyrm pulled up slightly in altitude and began spewing beams of light. The speed of light was like a machine gun firing in bursts, efficiently clearing the demons on the mudflats. When Ji Chen stepped onto the damp mudflat, there were no more demons left standing. Ignoring the broken bodies littering the ground and the nauseating stench of blood, Ji Chen walked to a wooden box that the demons had hastily dropped in their panic. He picked up a steel trident from the damaged box. The trident was engraved with patterns of the ocean, displaying exquisite craftsmanship, indicating that it was likely part of the loot from the demons raid on the marine tribes supply station. In fact, Ji Chen still didnt know why the demons had turned hostile toward the marine tribe. Did the orcs know about this? If the orcs knew, they would probably curse their bad luck. Deeper within the island, it seemed that the demons had also sensed Ji Chens sudden attack. Hundreds of demons emerged from the forest, their claws and fangs bared. The Sea Crystal Wyrm advanced once again, harvesting the demons lives like wheat. Ji Chen didnt move but instead looked in the direction of the forest. Suddenly, he raised his right hand, and a rain of blades descended from above. As soon as a claw emerged from the air, it was covered by the rain of blades and quickly retracted in pain. Not far away, the legendary-level Demon Hunter slowly appeared, his face filled with darkness and resentment. Damn it! Why does this human show up everywhere!? Previously, during the two attempts at ambushes on the Panas Coast, not only did they fail to assassinate Theodore and this human, but they also suffered heavy casualties among their own kind. Even he had been seriously injured. Contemplating a retreat to their rear base for healing and preparations for the final showdown, he was taken by surprise when this human, who had been a constant source of frustration, unexpectedly sought him out shortly after his arrival. It seemed like he was chasing them to the ends of the earth! If the Demon Hunter had known about this, he might have cursed his rotten luck. This human was no ordinary person; even the Demon Hunter couldnt fathom his true strength. The demon hunter sensed the less-than-ideal state of his body and felt a bit apprehensive. Seeing this old acquaintance, Ji Chen couldnt help but feel a sense of delight. This time, he wouldnt let this demon hunter escape. As the demon hunter noticed the delighted look in the humans eyes, he suddenly felt a chill running down his spine. Alarm bells rang loudly in his mind. He immediately tried to teleport away from his current location, but all around him, a sudden blue light enveloped him, making his body sluggish. He felt both his physical and spiritual aspects being suppressed. His heart trembled suddenly. Damn it, this is a domain! [Ocean Domain (Golden Skill, can activate a domain with a radius of eight hundred meters, reducing the enemys various attributes by 0-90% within the domain, with the reduction based on the difference in strength between enemies and allies. Reduces physical and magical damage by 50% and mana consumption by 50%; the domain can absorb nearby water sources, forming a suspended water area in the air).] Ding- The Legendary-tier Demon Hunter has been covered by the Ocean Domain, reducing all attributes by 45% and spatial movement capability by 50%. Hearing the prompt from the system, Ji Chens smile grew even wider. The most troublesome aspect of Demon Hunters was their spatial movement ability, which allowed them to move freely and made it challenging to inflict effective damage. Now, under the influence of his Ocean Domain, their escape ability was significantly reduced by half, and with few demons around to hinder them, it was the best opportunity for a kill. The legendary-tier Demon Hunter also sensed this and his face turned pale. He immediately attempted to use spatial movement to escape the suppression. However, within the domain, his body became extremely rigid, even the flow of demon blood within him slowed down, and his abilities were greatly affected. A single spatial movement could only take him a hundred meters. But the domains range was a full eight hundred meters, so he would need to teleport eight times to escape, taking at least twenty seconds to get away! Forget about twenty seconds; he felt that even staying for a second in front of this human was dangerous! The legendary-tier Demon Hunter dodged the attacks of numerous water-based weapons while feeling miserable. Soon, he had multiple wounds, and his body became weaker and weaker. Ji Chen, a nearly level 50 epic-tier profession, with the terrifying suppression power of his domain, and the acute perception brought by the power of the ocean, had an absolute advantage over the merely legendary Demon Hunter in terms of stats and hard power. The Demon Hunter, who was infamous among elves and humans, was being toyed with like a plaything by Ji Chen, desperately evading lethal water-based weapons. Finally, he abandoned his dignity and begged for mercy. Human, spare me, and Ill give you all the supplies here! Ji Chen sneered. After I kill you, the supplies here will all be mine. The Demon Hunter, seeing that Ji Chen was determined to kill him, cursed bitterly, but he was powerless to stop himself from growing weaker step by step. Ten minutes later. A blade pierced the Demon Hunters heart, extinguishing his life. Ding- You have killed the legendary-tier Demon Hunter Varudo Mubarak, gaining 250,000 experience points, and leveling up (Level 48>49). Ding- You have killed the legendary-tier Demon Hunter, inadvertently delaying the demons plan, increasing the completion rate of the instance by 10%, currently at 70%. The fall of the legendary-tier demon hunter brought about an increase in Ji Chens level and another boost in the completion percentage of the instance. Now, with a full completion percentage of 100% for the instance rewards within reach, there was only 30% left to obtain. However, what did it mean by inadvertently delaying the demons plan in the notification? Could it be that there is something hidden on this island that should remain unseen? Seeing the powerful Demon Hunter being killed, the demons morale plummeted, and a rout quickly ensued as they fled into the forest. The forest was dense, even the Sea Crystal Wyverns found it difficult to enter and pursue them. Seeing this, Ji Chen ordered them to stop and followed the path the demons had opened through the woods, heading deeper into the island. Deep within the island, there was a well-hidden natural cave, where the demons had stored all the resources they had transported and looted. In the depths of the cave was a demonic altar built by demons. The altar was made of blue stone, and its walls were carved with grotesque reliefs. Inside the altar lay the bodies of thousands of elves, humans, and sea creatures, and the dark red blood stained the entire altar. [Demon Sacrificial Altar] [Effect]: Sacrificing a large number of living beings can summon higher-order demons, current progress [8548/10000] Well, it turns out the demons were tinkering with this thing. If he had arrived a little later, they could have summoned a higher-tier demon through a ritual not inferior to the legendary-level Demon Hunter. However, it was clear that this was probably just a side quest, and it wouldnt contribute much to the instance completion. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen casually destroyed the sacrificial altar, and the system prompt sounded in his ear. Ding- You have destroyed the demons sacrificial altar, thwarting the demons plan, and increasing the instance completion by 10%, currently at 80%. Good, another 10% completion added. Now, only 20% completion is left to obtain. He had a rough idea of this remaining 20% completion. Most likely, it would be achieved when he successfully repelled the orc and demon armies and defended the Panas Coast. If thats the case, then all he needed to do now was to return to the Panas Coast, wait for the Sea Clan to mobilize, and he could complete this instance.. Chapter 629 - Chapter 629:100% Completion Rate, Rich Dungeon Reward Chapter 629:100% Completion Rate, Rich Dungeon Reward Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The battle at the Panas Coast grew increasingly fierce as time passed, with both sides determined to destroy each other and committing all their forces to win this campaign. On the fifth day of the battle, the orcs couldnt hold back any longer and began deploying sixth-tier units. They launched a massive attack with four 2-star teams of sixth-tier berserkers and three teams of stormwing wyverns. Tens of thousands of fifth-tier orcs joined the assault. The alliance of elves and humans didnt hesitate and also sent several teams of sixth-tier units, along with numerous fifth-tier warriors, to resist fiercely. However, amidst the intense battle, a demon army quietly bypassed the coastline and launched a surprise attack on the flank of the Panas Coast, putting the alliance in a precarious position. They had to repel this attack at a significant cost, with over a hundred thousand human and elven warriors paying the price in blood. After this battle, the alliance found itself in a dire situation, with only a little over two hundred thousand forces remaining, struggling to contend with the formidable orc and demon armies. As night fell, Theodores heart felt as heavy as the night itself. He looked at the officers in his tent on both sides, speaking with a solemn tone, Gentlemen, we have entered a moment of life and death. Do any of you have a strategy to break through the enemy? His words fell, and the officers remained silent for a long time. Finally, an elven officer sighed and said, At this point, there is no way but to fight to the death. Our forces are severely depleted, strategic resources are scarce, and enchanted arrows and alchemical cannonballs are nearly exhausted. Without reinforcements, we cannot withstand the onslaught of the orc and demon armies. Other officers nodded, but how could they expect reinforcements? Currently, the Orderly Faction was at war with the Evil Faction in every corner of the world, struggling to resist. This alliance of elves and humans was the last sizable army stationed in the heartland of the Orderly Faction. Once they were defeated and the Panas Coast was breached, the consequences were evident. Thinking of this dreadful outcome, both elves and humans in the tent couldnt help but feel pessimistic. At this moment, a sudden voice broke the silence. What about that Divine Patron? Didnt he go to seek aid from the ocean tribe? Aid? I think hes just afraid of the orcs and demons and made an excuse to run away! someone said in a disgruntled tone. The other officers didnt say anything, but their expressions more or less agreed with this point. Since that day, the human known as the Islander had disappeared into the depths of the ocean and hadnt been seen since. Humph, humans are indeed unreliable Suddenly, Theodore slammed the table in anger, exclaiming, Is this how you speak of a friend? Do you doubt the army that fought bravely on position 58 for the past few days? Two legendary-tier heroes, one Legacy-tier hero, and thousands of fifth-tier troops. Do you really think this is what you call running away? Theodores words silenced many elven officers, and quite a few wore unnatural expressions, seemingly feeling ashamed of their previous thoughts. If that human truly wanted to escape, why would he leave behind so many heroes and armies? At the very least, two legendary-tier heroes and one legacy-level hero were not forces that could be easily abandoned. Seeing the reaction of the officers, Theodores expression finally softened a bit. Lord Islander is working diligently in places we cannot see. We should also hold our positions and persevere until he brings back aid from the ocean tribe. Yes! This time, the elven officers all responded in unison. Though they said this, the elves in the tent understood very well that getting the ocean tribe to join the battle was not an easy task; otherwise, it would have been accomplished at the beginning of the war. At this moment, there was a sudden sound of footsteps outside the tent, followed by slightly urgent voices. Commander Theodore, Lord Islander, has returned! The elven officers were stunned, sharing looks of surprise with each other. This human had actually come back? Theodore was equally surprised, but soon a hint of joy appeared on his face as he quickly said, Please, bring him in! Yes! Soon, the tent curtains were lifted, and Ji Chen, dressed in a dragon-scale robe with a mysterious aura about him, walked in. The elven officers stretched their necks to get a better look, only to find that there were no ocean tribe members following him. Disappointment was evident on their faces. It seemed that they had not managed to secure the support of the ocean tribe after all, indicating that the Panas Coast was inevitably destined to fall. In that case, they would fight bravely until the last moment, using their blood and sacrifice to compose an epic of elven heroism that would make the orcs and demons understand their courage! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Suppressing his inner disappointment, Theodore forced a smile and said, Lord Islander, its good to see you safe. Ji Chen looked at them strangely, wondering if something had happened during the few days he was away. Has something happened while I was gone? Theodore briefly summarized the current situation in the war. As he spoke, he gradually wore an expression of noble sacrifice, his tone becoming more fervent. Even if we fight alone, the elves will not take a step back.. If the orcs and demons want to break through the Panas Coast, theyll have to step over my dead body! Chapter 630 - Chapter 630:100% Completion Rate, Rich Dungeon Reward (2) Chapter 630:100% Completion Rate, Rich Dungeon Reward (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After hearing this, Ji Chen was momentarily stunned. After some thought, his expression became even more peculiar, and he couldnt help but say, You might have misunderstood something. Ive come back to fight alongside you, and who said I didnt bring reinforcements? To be able to fight alongside you, Islander, is Wait, what did you say? Theodore was dumbfounded and quickly asked for clarification. I said the Sea Clan will send troops to join the battle against the orcs and demons. Seeing that Ji Chen didnt appear to be joking, Theodores face lit up with joy. Thats fantastic! Panas Coast can finally be defended! Lord Islander, how did you persuade the Sea Clan to join the battle!? Those guys hiding in the sea are usually very aloof and prefer to stay out of wars. Ji Chen chuckled as he explained, Believe it or not Theodore listened, and his expression suddenly became somewhat strange. He hesitated for a moment and asked with uncertainty, Is there a possibility that the Sea Clan heroes and units under your command made the demons believe that the Sea Clan was joining the battle? Ji Chen paused for a moment before realizing that it was indeed a possibility. Theresa was a Siren, and the Sirens were the rulers of Heraklion. Alice had previously demonstrated Sirens powers to the demons. It was quite plausible that the demons had misunderstood. Unfortunately, the legendary-tier demon hunter had already been eliminated by his own hands, so he couldnt ask him about it. Theodore was a bit taken aback by this unexpected turn of events, but he quickly became excited again. The fact that the Sea Clan was willing to participate in the battle meant that Panas Coast could be defended! Seeing Theodores excitement, Ji Chen couldnt help but remind him, While the Sea Clan has agreed to join the battle, it will take several days for them to complete their war mobilization. We must hold out until the Sea Clan arrives. Upon hearing this, Theodore regained his composure and nodded, saying, Youre absolutely right. Weve held on for this long, and it would be a shame to fail at the last moment. Even if it means sacrificing our lives, we must use our bodies to block the orcs and demons here! Seeing Theodores determination, Ji Chen felt reassured. He had been worried that the elves might lose their fighting spirit in the final moments before victory. The night passed quickly, and as the first rays of dawn pierced the eastern horizon, the orc landing ships once again appeared within sight. Panas Coast. With only a little over two hundred thousand elves and humans remaining, they stood ready with burning determination in their eyes. Their blood boiled within them, and they knew that the Sea Clan would join the battle. As long as they held on until that moment, they would achieve the victory they longed for. The battle began, with bodies torn apart, blood splattering in the air, and souls extinguished. The orcs were surprised to find that their enemies, who seemed to have lost their spirit, were exceptionally brave and fearless today, stopping them at all costs. Ayuug, the commander of the orc army, seemed to realize something and immediately ordered an all-out attack on Panas Coast. On the coast, hundreds of landing ships rushed onto the shore one after another, and thousands of orc warriors brandished their weapons and charged forward. In the sky, flocks of Stormwing Wyverns engaged in fierce combat with the elves and humans aerial units. The elves drew their bows and fired arrows, switching to melee combat when their arrows ran out, while the human warriors, despite their weaker strength, charged recklessly to block the enemys advance with their own flesh and blood. Under the incredibly high morale of the battle, the Allied forces miraculously managed to hold back the orc and demon armies for several days. Several days later, with the Allied forces almost running out of supplies and less than fifty thousand survivors, the moment of ending this war finally arrived when a Sea Clan army of over three hundred thousand troops appeared on the distant sea horizon. Ding- The Elf and Human Allied forces held on until the Sea Clan army arrived, successfully defending Panas Coast, and the completion rate of the instance increased by 20%. The current completion rate of the instance is 100%. With a completion rate of 100%, you have cleared this instance; you can stay in this instance world for a maximum of 24 hours. Instance rewards will be distributed after exiting the instance. When the system notification came, Ji Chen finally breathed a sigh of relief. After several days of effort, he finally cleared this 7-star instance. Although it might not have seemed difficult for him to clear, in reality, this instance had many hidden challenges. Whether it was meeting the Elf Commander Theodore and preventing his assassination or subsequently searching for the Sea Clan in the vast sea and persuading them to join the battle, each step required solid strength and a certain degree of luck. If he hadnt arrived in time to stop the legendary demon hunters killing, or if he hadnt found the Sea Clans location, or if he hadnt brought Alice into the instance, causing the demons to misunderstand, missing any of these crucial elements would have made it difficult to achieve a 100% instance completion rate. Tianshu and the others were full of admiration at this moment. They had played a minimal role throughout this instance, and the most critical moments were all resolved by the Islander. Without his help, they would never have achieved such a high completion rate, let alone cleared it. At this moment, they truly acknowledged the Islanders abilities. Big Boss, if you ever need anything from us in the future, just let us know. Well do our best to help, Tianshu said with respect as he and the team approached Ji Chen. Ji Chen didnt say much, just nodded slightly in response. Tianshu was also pleased to hear that, as agreeing to stay in touch meant that they were willing to maintain a connection. It was a valuable networking opportunity. He smiled and said, Since weve cleared the instance, we wont linger any longer. I have some matters to attend to; you all can leave first. Tianshu nodded, and with his team, they transformed into a beam of white light and disappeared into the air. Theodore, accompanied by several elven officers, approached and looked somewhat surprised as he watched Tianshu and his team vanish. Lord Islander, what about your friends? They had some urgent matters to attend to. Dont worry about it. Theodore expressed a hint of regret upon hearing this. Are they in such a hurry? I was planning to host a banquet to thank them in person. During these days of battle, they had witnessed the humans fighting bravely. They had already come to respect them. In this battle, they realized that humans were not a useless race, and their courage in the face of strong enemies was no less than that of the elves. Perhaps, forming an alliance between elves and humans was the right decision. Ji Chen remained silent. In history, Panas Coast had not been defended, and the entire Elf and Human Allied forces had been wiped out. In other words, Theodore and all the living elves before him were already dead. Lord Theodore, I also need to leave. So fast? Theodore looked surprised but then seemed to recall something and smiled as he nodded. Then 1 wish you a smooth journey. May we have the opportunity to meet again. Ji Chen wasnt one to dwell on sentimental feelings. Without hesitation, he said, Until we meet again. He immediately turned and left with his Ocean Crown heroes and army, gradually disappearing from the sight of the elves, walking on the water. Ji Chen headed to the Sea Clan armys encampment. After expressing his gratitude, he took the transformed Alice from Theresa and left the instance directly. As the white light gradually enveloped him, he soon heard a series of system notifications. Ding- You have cleared the 7-star instance: Battle of Panas, with a completion rate of 100%, achieving the highest level of reward. You played a crucial role in advancing the instance and are now calculating additional rewards Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ding- You have gained 500,000 experience points, leveling up (49>50), and unlocking a new skill. Ding- You have obtained the Wonder Blueprint: Heraklion. Ding- Your subordinate, the Siren Hero: Alice, has gained the Epic-level Siren Hero: Theresas Potential Template. Ding- As he listened to these notifications, Ji Chens face gradually showed a mix of surprise and excitement.. Chapter 631 - Chapter 631: Wonder Blueprint, Above-Epic Tier Chapter 631: Wonder Blueprint, Above-Epic Tier Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ding- You have gained 500,000 experience points, leveling up from 49 to 50, and have learned a new skill: Dragon Twister Storm (Gold-level skill). Ding- You have obtained the Wonder Blueprint: Heraklion Temple. Ding- Your subordinate, the Siren Hero: Alice, has gained the Epic-level Siren Hero: Theresas Potential Template. Ding- Randomly recruit five Tier 6 units that have appeared in the dungeons. Ding- You have obtained the Legendary-tier Druid Hero Summoning Certificate. Ding- You have acquired 5,000 units of Mana Crystals. Ding- Gloria Elf Treasury Key Fragment xi. Ding- You have received Glorias complete map xi. Several system notifications appeared, and Ji Chen quickly read through them. He couldnt help but wear a satisfied smile. The rewards from this dungeon exceeded his expectations. First, reaching a total of five hundred thousand experience points completely filled Ji Chens experience bar, allowing him to advance from level 49 to 50. This marked his official ascent into the League of the Most Powerful. The power within his body had multiplied several times compared to before as if he could effortlessly unleash earth-shattering strength with a mere wave of his hand. Ji Chen felt the mana within him surging like a mighty river, and a faint curve formed at the corner of his mouth. The growth in strength always left him feeling intoxicated. He casually opened the interface to inspect his newly acquired skills. [Dragon Twister Storm (Gold-level skill)]: Creates a giant water tornado, sucking in surrounding objects and dealing massive damage. While Ji Chen could manipulate seawater to form water tornadoes, doing so under the influence of this skill made it far more efficient. Skills followed a fixed format for casting, allowing him to cast powerful spells more effectively. This Dragon Twister Storm was indeed a valuable addition to his arsenal. [Wonder Blueprint: Heraklion Temple] [Tier]: Wonder (Unique) [Effects]: 1. Reduces recruitment costs for ocean units within the territory by 50%. 2. Keeps citizen loyalty above 95 points, preventing rebellion. 3. Greatly increases the territorys attractiveness, drawing refugees, trade caravans, and oceanic hero units. 4. Grants the ability for citizens within the influence of the wonder to operate underwater. [Special Effects]: 1. Weekly production of a unique unit: Heraklion Guardians (Tier 6, 6-star). These units cannot leave the temples radius and are limited to 50 per week. 2. Can generate a powerful, wide-ranging protective shield with a radius of one kilometer, lasting up to one week. [Construction Restrictions]: Can only be built on ocean, islands, or coastal terrain. [Required Resources for Construction]: C 30 million units of stone C 15 million units of rare resources (crystals, mithril, and adamantite, each 5 million) C 50,000 units of Mana Crystals [Note]: Can be constructed in advance and will gradually consume resources as the project progresses. The wonders effects apply only within the core territory. [The Wonder of Heraklion, the Lost Undersea City, possesses unimaginable power.] Holy shit! Ji Chens pupils contracted to the extreme as he stared in shock at the effects of this wonder blueprint. What kind of divine-tier structure was this? Leaving aside the other effects, the first one alone, reducing the resource cost for recruiting ocean units by 50%, was already mind-boggling. Given the current recruitment cost for Ocean Crowns units, cutting it in half would save hundreds of thousands of units of rare resources! With the future increase in recruitment costs and the quantity of recruits, this effect would become even more significant and terrifying, saving millions of resources in minutes. Looking at the special effects, obtaining fifty Tier 6 units every week, although restricted within a ten-kilometer radius, would still form a formidable high-level army to protect the Ocean Crown. The amount of materials required for constructing such a powerful wonder was astonishing. Fifty million units of stone was a considerable challenge. The Ocean Crown had conquered the underground lizardman world, and so far, they had mined less than ten million units of stone from there. They were still lacking a staggering twenty million. Additionally, one hundred and fifty million units of rare resources and fifty thousand units of Mana Crystals were no small price to pay. However, the pre-construction mechanism could greatly alleviate the pressure on resources. Despite the significant cost, the Heraklion Temple was still highly valuable for construction. Ji Chen decided that as soon as he returned to the Ocean Crown, he would immediately start construction, aiming to complete it as early as possible to maximize its advantages. He also realized that the rewards from clearing the Panas Battle dungeon were closely related to the Heraklion Temple, likely indicating that the temple was located at the center of Heraklion. Furthermore, the ruler of Heraklion, Theresas Potential Template, was also connected to this. [Siren Hero: Theresas Potential Template] [Tier]: Above Epic-Tier [Target]: Limited to Sirens Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only [Effect]: Can elevate a Sirens potential to the Epic level. This was somewhat unexpected for Ji Chen. In the dungeon, Alices potential had been raised to the Epic level by Theresas secret technique, which was already a rare opportunity. However, this potential template could elevate a Sirens potential to the Above-Epic Tier. How powerful was the Above-Epic Tier? Ji Chen hadnt witnessed Theresas true power in action, but based on Thotmudos description, the fire demon, an Above-Epic-Tier being that attacked Black Iron Fortress, effortlessly defeated three Epic-level powerhouses and wiped out tens of thousands of elite dwarves in the process.. Chapter 632 - Chapter 632: Wonder Blueprint, Above-Epic Tier (2) Chapter 632: Wonder Blueprint, Above-Epic Tier (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation That alone showcased the immense power of the Above-Epic Tier. After a brief contemplation, Ji Chen decided to keep this potential template for now. He would use it when Alice found it difficult to reach the Above-Epic Tier, or if there was another opportunity to subdue a Siren, using it on them would also be an excellent choice. Next were the recruitment camps of the six-tier units that had appeared in the five dungeons. They had already been automatically selected upon leaving the dungeon. Luck was on his side; all five turned out to be recruitment camps for Heavy Armor Toothfish Knights from the Ocean Tribe. Although this unit wasnt the most powerful in Heraklion, it still counted as a formidable force. Similar to the Lobster Guardian Knights, it consisted of a rider and a mount. If the Lobster Guardian Knights were considered cavalry, then the Heavy Armor Toothfish Knights were like chariots, with bodies seven to eight meters long and armor that could rival fortress defenses, capable of tearing through any enemy formation. [Heavy Armor Toothfish Knight] [Race]: Merfolk [Tier]: Six-Star 2, Eight-Star 5 [Skills]: Merfolk Unison (Orange skill, both the knight and the Toothfish mount enter a charging state, violently ramming into enemies) Ancient Bloodline (Orange skill, the Toothfish possesses ancient bloodline, causing a certain level of suppression to enemies with bloodlines lower than its own) Full Body Armorization (Orange skill, the entire body is enveloped in thick, hard armor, providing extremely strong protection, defense increased by 300%) Gluttony (Orange skill, the Toothfish rapidly regains its injuries and strength by devouring enemies violently) Hibernation (Orange skill, able to close its organs and enter a state of hibernation, minimizing its breath and avoiding detection by powerful enemies) [Unit Characteristics]: Toothfish can gradually enhance the defensive performance of their hard armor by devouring fish. [Bloodline Ability]: Ancient Heart (All attributes increased by 45%, swimming speed increased by 200%, impact strength doubled, resistance to attacks and recovery ability greatly improved) [A giant fish protected by heavy armor, but not very intelligent, it needs a knight to fully unleash its power]. [Legendary-Tier Druid Hero Summoning Voucher] [Summoned Druid Hero]: Martino [Note]: Elf race has a magical profession C Druid. They are experts among elves in agriculture, skilled in planting and cultivating crops, and they coexist with nature. They are adept at using healing spells and transformation magic. [Attention]: The summoned hero may not necessarily respond, please use it with caution. Elf Druid? Ji Chen nodded in recognition. He heard of this profession often. Elves had extremely high agricultural output, exporting various grains and crops with special effects. The help of these nature-loving Druids was indispensable. Coincidentally, the Crown of the Ocean was currently lacking a consul responsible for agricultural production. It would be a good choice to recruit a Druid. Next. The five thousand Spirit Crystals need no explanation; this item is essential for recruiting six-tier units. But what caught Ji Chens attention was the next two items. Gloria Elf Treasury Key Fragment. Complete map of Gloria. He had obtained one fragment of the treasury key from the gnome merchant before, and with this one, he now had two. This key was probably one of the long-lost two pieces, and he hadnt expected it to be hidden in the Irante Temple and become a dungeon reward. The latter, however, surprised him even more C the complete map of Gloria! This was the key to finding the ancient Elven capital lost for countless years. If the Elves were to discover this map, it would likely cause quite a stir. Ji Chen shook his head; he wasnt planning to reveal these items just yet. It wouldnt hurt to consider this option later if he couldnt gather all the key fragments. He collected both the key fragment and the map. This time, the dungeon rewards exceeded his expectations. Once he completely digested these rewards, the strength of the Crown of the Ocean would likely increase significantly. Returning to his senses, Ji Chen lightly tapped his Sea Crystal Wyrm beneath him. The wyrm let out a low roar, and the marching speed of the Crown of the Oceans army increased once again as they headed towards Maple Harbor. After a few days had passed, there should have been some progress in investigating the Gremolagen familys affairs. After arranging his troops, Ji Chen once again disguised himself as Zhao Liangchen and swaggered into the Cat-Tail Cocktail Lounge in the Black Gold District of Maple City. As soon as he arrived, he attracted the attention of the players. Young Master Zhao, do you have some free time today? Ji Chen casually replied, Ive recently closed a business deal, so Im here to relax. Suddenly, hurried footsteps were heard from upstairs. Monkey Gift and Monkey Gift Hair rushed down, and when they saw Ji Chen, their faces lit up. Young Master Zhao, Uncle Luo is requesting your presence upstairs. Seeing the anxious expressions on their faces, Ji Chen nodded. With an arrogant expression of a young playboy, he casually said, Ill cover todays expenses, earning cheers from the players and respectful looks. He then walked upstairs. Upon reaching the third floor, Monkey Gift and Monkey Gift Hair stood guard outside the door, while Luo Yang was already waiting inside the room, looking worried. He paced anxiously. Seeing Ji Chens arrival, Luo Yang hurriedly approached and said, Young Master Zhao, youre finally here! Ji Chen casually sat on a chair and asked with a puzzled tone, What happened that has you so anxious? Did something happen in Maple City while I was away? Luo Yang nodded quickly and said, Theres something important 1 want to report. The player who was supposed to be undercover beside Ivana Gremolagen suddenly disappeared and hasnt been in contact for two days. Hearing this, Ji Chen asked, Do you think he took the money and ran? Luo Yang replied anxiously, I suspect he might have been discovered by Ivana Gremolagen. Im afraid he might reveal information about you and me, and that would expose us. If it werent for staying behind to remind you, I would have considered leaving Maple City temporarily. Discovered? Ji Chen frowned. If he had truly been discovered, Luo Yang might be in danger. Ivana Gremolagen was a member of the Gremolagen family, which ruled over the Maple Principality. Dealing with a player like Luo Yang wouldnt be difficult for her. Are you sure hes been discovered? Luo Yang hesitated for a moment and shook his head. I dont know, but he hasnt replied to any of my private messages. Uncle Luo, Im here! At that moment, a voice came from outside. Luo Yang looked surprised as he saw the young player entering the room, looking exhausted and clutching his waist, as if he had been drained. Why didnt you respond to my messages? I thought you took the money and ran. The young player paused for a moment and then said with a hint of helplessness, I was trying to gather information. Gathering information to the point of disappearing? Well, 1 had to endure being squeezed by that fat lady for half a day. I almost got drained and ended up sleeping for two days straight. How else could I extract information from her? Please respect my profession! I also have professional ethics! Ji Chen couldnt help but twitch at the corner of his mouth. Sleeping for two days straight, he couldnt imagine what intense activity the young player had gone through. So, what information did you manage to extract? Only now did the young player notice Ji Chen sitting on the chair and quickly showed his respect, somewhat excitedly saying, This time, I managed to extract some important information that will definitely surprise you! Its worth several thousand gold coins at least! Oh? Ji Chen raised an eyebrow, becoming more interested. That fat lady wants me to go to her castle in her territory three days from now. She intends to take me out of the Maple Principality and secretly head to the Western Continent. Is this for real? Of course, its real. 1 went through so much trouble to make her trust me! In that state, what she said was definitely not fake! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Moreover, she mentioned that someone on the Western Continent would receive her, something about a de? Deceiver? Yes! The young player nodded quickly. Thats it. She said that the influence of the elves is hard to reach in the distant Western Continent, and she can bring a massive fortune to enjoy her days. Ji Chen and Luo Yang exchanged glances. Well, it looks like this matter is once again related to those masked individuals.. Chapter 633 - Chapter 633: 60,000 Spirit Crystals, Ocean Dragon Chapter 633: 60,000 Spirit Crystals, Ocean Dragon Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Maple City, Gremolagen Family Mansion. In a hidden underground chamber. Ivana, didnt i tell you to stay away from the Deceiver? Now, look at the mess youve caused. What are we going to do? Have the Elves conducted a thorough search of the city!? The speaker was Duke Gremolagens eldest son, Seth Gremolagen. He was angrily scolding a fat noblewoman sitting across the table, adorned in luxurious clothing and jewelry. Faced with her brothers harsh reprimand, Ivanas face alternated between pale and flushed. She looked extremely uncomfortable but didnt argue. She had indeed made a mistake this time. She hadnt anticipated that the Deceiver would be so audacious, causing trouble at the Elf Queens birthday celebration. She was frustrated with the Elves dominance in the Maple Principality, but her dissatisfaction had only been expressed in words. She had never dared to take any substantial action. But the worst part was that she had secretly provided the Deceiver with some information about the Elf Queens celebration, allowing them to infiltrate the envoy procession and enter the Elven realm. If this were to be traced back, the Elves wouldnt spare her, even though she was a noble! Enough, were beyond arguing at this point, Duke Gremolagen, seated at the head of the table, said with a heavy tone. What we need to focus on now is how to distance the Gremolagen family from this incident. Seth sneered and said maliciously, Thats easy. Make everyone involved disappear. Clearly, this wasnt an ordinary disappearance. Ivana immediately widened her eyes, her anger flaring. You dare!? Duke Gremolagen frowned and rebuked, Seth, Ivana is still your sister. How can you say such things? Seth snorted, turned his face away, and muttered, Sometimes, its better to have no sibling Duke Gremolagen was feeling a headache. He couldnt believe his children were so at odds, and his daughter had committed such a fatal mistake. If they didnt handle this situation carefully, the Gremolagen family would bear the wrath of the Elves and face ruin. At this moment, Ivana said, Given the current situation, I plan to leave the Maple Principality and head to the Western Continent in two days, at least for a while. Weve never been to the Western Continent, and we dont know what its like there. Ive already contacted the Deceiver. Their headquarters are in the Western Continent, and they can accommodate me. Seths expression changed. Ivana had dared to contact the Deceiver even now, showing no fear of the Elves discovering her involvement. Officially, the Maple Principality and the Elves were on the same side, working together to eliminate the Deceiver. However, decades ago, the Gremolagen family had secretly colluded with the Deceiver. Back then, the previous Duke Gremolagen, feeling humiliated by the Elves dominance in the relatively small Maple Principality, had supported the Deceiver by providing intelligence and assistance. This allowed the Deceiver to continuously attack the Elves stationed in the Maple Principality, with the ultimate goal of forcing the Elves to withdraw from the region. But as the contemporary Elven Queen came of age, the nations strength gradually grew, and their control over subordinate states tightened. The Deceivers attempts to act independently became increasingly futile. So, after the current Duke Gremolagen inherited the title, he gave up on this idea and chose to live peacefully under the protection of the Elves. Upon hearing this, Duke Gremolagens eyes flashed slightly, and he nodded, saying, In that case, you can temporarily leave. You can return once this matter settles down. Seths expression also softened. If Ivana was willing to leave and lay low for a while, there might still be a chance to maneuver. After all, Ivana was still his sister, and he didnt want to harm her. As long as she left, and they cleaned up those involved, relying on the Gremolagen familys power in the Maple Principality, they could completely erase all traces of this matter and bring it to a close. Watching her father and older brothers serious expressions, Ivana suddenly felt a bit apprehensive. She had told her favorite lover about this matter. He shouldnt have revealed it, right? But now that things had come to this point, she could only hope he hadnt divulged the secret. As she recalled the passionate moments they had shared in the days prior, and his devoted and loyal demeanor towards her, Ivanas mood brightened. Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ivana Gremolagen anxiously waited in her own lordly castle. However, instead of her lovers face, what arrived were stern-faced Elven warriors. Her face turned ashen as she instantly realized what was happening. Her whole being seemed to lose its spirit as she was escorted away. Among Ivana Gremolagens personal belongings, the Elves had discovered evidence of her collusion with the Deceiver and her late fathers secret alliance with them. This solidified the fact that the Gremolagen family had betrayed the Elves and facilitated the Deceivers actions. Once this news broke, the entire Maple Principality experienced a colossal upheaval, sending shockwaves through the hearts of countless elites. However, in the face of the Elves questioning, Duke Gremolagen claimed complete ignorance of the matter and publicly severed all ties with Ivana Gremolagen. He made the difficult decision to abandon his own daughter, only managing to quell the situation after paying a great, undisclosed price.. Chapter 634 - Chapter 634: 60,000 Spirit Crystals, Ocean Dragon (2) Chapter 634: 60,000 Spirit Crystals, Ocean Dragon (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation However, after the events of the past, the entire family and the principality had been thoroughly controlled by the Elves, becoming mere puppets and vassals with no chance of rebellion. The Elven Embassy, reception hall. Ji Chen sat across from Miligas, the atmosphere pleasant, with goblets clinking. Lord Miligas, are you satisfied with this outcome? Of course, I am more than satisfied. I never expected Lord Ji Chen to find the flaw in the Gremolagen family from such a unique perspective, Miligas laughed heartily, his eyes filled with delight. He truly hadnt expected that the breakthrough in solving this challenging case would come from a kept young man. The effect had been incredibly good, as they had effortlessly caused the Gremolagen family to bleed profusely, resolved the disruption to the Queens ceremony, and strengthened their control over the Maple Principality. This was killing two birds with one stone! Thinking about the credit for this matter, Miligas was in a great mood and said, I am deeply grateful for your assistance in breaking this case in just a few days. Ive already had my soldiers transport the agreed-upon crystal rewards, and they will be delivered to you soon. I assure you, it wont disappoint you! Ji Chen smiled and said, Thank you in advance, Lord Miligas. Soon, Elven soldiers brought in chests filled with luminescent crystals, and Ji Chen, to the surprise of the Elves, began to collect the crystals from each chest one by one. When the last chest was emptied, the counter on the item panel stopped its continuous movement. Ding- You have collected a total of sixty thousand units of crystal. With this sixty thousand units, his crystal inventory now reached a total of 67,500 units. It was more than enough to cover the crystals needed for the construction of the Heraklion Temple. Just by talking a bit and spending some gold coins, he could get a reward of tens of thousands of crystals. This deal was truly worthwhile! Under Miligass warm farewell, Ji Chen left the Elven Embassy and returned to the Black Gold District Cats Tail Tavern. Have you done what I instructed you to do? Luo Yang replied respectfully, As per your instructions, 1 gave that player two hundred thousand gold coins and sent him on his way to Lienhardt. Hes probably on the road by now. The young player had provided crucial information, making him well deserving of this hefty reward. Ji Chen nodded and, with a flick of his hand, placed a glass bottle containing golden liquid into Luo Yangs hands. He said lightly in the face of Luo Yangs surprised look, Youve done well with these tasks. Im very satisfied. This is a potion that can enhance your life potential. Consider it a reward. Luo Yang looked at the potion in his hand, his eyes filled with excitement. Even for a player like him who had no combat capabilities, he knew how valuable something that could increase life potential was. Enhancing career tiers, increasing lifespan, improving hero potential, and so onthis potion was an invaluable item! Thank you, Young Master Zhao! As long as you give the word, I wont hesitate to face any danger, even if it means going through hell! Ji Chen smiled faintly. As long as you sincerely help me with my tasks, 1 wont let you down. Next, youll clean up the shop on the south-facing street in the city. Well soon have a batch of wine to be delivered there for sale. But I mentioned to you earlier that selling alcohol requires Ji Chen waved his hand. Ive already talked to the Elves about this. You dont need to worry. Our wine, along with other goods, will enter the Maple Principality without tax. The permit to sell alcohol will be issued shortly. Later, youll go to Maple Port and find a merchant named Raymond to coordinate with him. Luo Yang suddenly realized the magnitude of what they had accomplished for the Elves this time, so this task seemed like a minor issue. I understand. Ji Chen thought for a moment and added, When you meet him, tell him it was Ji Chen who sent you. Ji Chen? Luo Yang paused, feeling like he had heard that name before. After a moment of reflection, he suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with astonishment. Ji Chen, wasnt that the Islander from the forums?! And the Islander turned out to be Young Master Zhao? Luo Yang realized this only now, but Ji Chen had already left. His heart remained unsettled for a long time. After leaving Black Gold District, Ji Chen went to Maple Port to instruct Raymond about importing goods. Then he led his troops back to the Ocean Crown. This trip to the Maple Principality had yielded many rewards. Tens of thousands of crystals, unique wonder blueprints, reaching level fifty, recruiting five sixth-tier units, a legendary Druid certificate, an above-epic Siren potential template, and Alices potential upgraded to epic tier Plus the title and list of Silvermoon Dynasty Friendly Territory given by the Elves. Thinking about these rewards, any one of which could drive players crazy, a satisfied smile formed at the corner of Ji Chens mouth. However, there were still some regrets on this trip. He had instructed Luo Yang and the Elves to find a merchant named Ari Camp who had come from the Desert Kingdom of the Southern Continent. According to Miligas, Ari Camp had arrived in the Maple Principality and had requested to see him at the Elven Embassy. However, he and Black were not in the embassy at the time, so the guards ignored him. Then, according to customs records, Ari Camp had seemingly left the Maple Principality with his servants not long after, by ship. His whereabouts were unknown. Ji Chens plan to develop a route to the Southern Continent had fallen through. He had asked Luo Yang, Raymond, and the Elves to keep an eye out, but he didnt dwell on it. It wasnt that he didnt want to find Ari Camp; it was just that there was no direction or clue to follow, so he could only go with the flow. This forced him to start thinking about other ways to develop the route. After thinking for a long time, he couldnt come up with any effective plans immediately. Ji Chen closed his eyes, blew the gentle sea breeze, and temporarily cleared his mind. At that moment, he suddenly felt a long and deep roar coming from the east, which surprised him slightly and made him open his eyes. Was that a dragons roar? Was there a dragon nearby?! Ji Chens interest was piqued instantly. Dragons were rare creatures, and judging from the majestic roar that sounded like it could pierce through gold and stone, it was at least a second-tier dragon species! Without the slightest hesitation, Ji Chen immediately changed the direction of his army and rushed towards the direction of the dragons roar. As the saying goes, Thirty years on the east bank of the river, thirty years on the west bank. (T/N: A Chinese idiom that emphasizes the fluidity of life and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.) The Ocean Crowns current power had grown to the point where it could contend with powerful dragon species. He had two legendary-tier heroes and two legacy-tier heroes by his side. Even if it was a second-tier dragon species, they could give it a run for its money! This unknown dragon species seemed to have no intention of concealing its whereabouts at all. It roared loudly all the way, spreading throughout the entire sea area. They soon saw a dragon with a deep blue body soaring in the sky, playfully chasing a group of large sea eagles. It was more like teasing than hunting. This deep blue dragon was about twenty-five meters long, with wings on its back and four limbs with sharp, metallic-like claws. With a flap of its scaly wings, it created a sharp hurricane that sent the panicked sea eagles tumbling in all directions. It caught up to them but didnt attack, just flying up and down around them, creating chaotic air currents that left the sea eagles in a sorry state. The high-pitched dragon roars sounded more like mockery of its prey. [Ocean Dragon (Adult)] [Race]: Dragon [Tier]: Sixth Tier, 6 stars [Level]: 50 [Skills]: N/A Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Dragons in the second generation were usually quite powerful, often at or above the sixth tier. However, this particular Ocean Dragon was comparatively weaker, sitting at the sixth tier with 6 stars. If there were a large group of Ocean Dragons, Ji Chen might have been more cautious, but a single one didnt pose a significant threat. At this moment, the Ocean Dragon, which had been chasing its prey, also noticed Ji Chen and his group of intruders. It instinctively let out a loud roar and started flying towards them. However, upon closer inspection, it saw dozens of weaker auras and a few auras that seemed unusual among the sea creatures. The entire dragon stopped in its tracks. Just a moment of hesitation, and the Ocean Dragon flapped its wings and fled into the distance. Ji Chen was momentarily stunned and quickly shouted, Chase after it! Chapter 635 - Chapter 635: Life and Death Speed, Dragon Slaying Chapter 635: Life and Death Speed, Dragon Slaying Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The speed of dragon species was quite fast, especially for winged dragons like the flying dragons. Their muscular wings were akin to engines, capable of unleashing tremendous power. In just a short while, that Ocean Dragon had surged quite a distance ahead. Its wingtips created milky-white contrails, defying aerodynamics as it soared up and down amidst the clouds. When it came to flying abilities, flying dragons were considered the top tier. Ji Chen led a formation of a hundred Sea Crystal Wyverns shaped like a flying V. This smart formation reduced air resistance, helping them fly even faster than the Ocean Dragon, which struggled to keep up closely behind them. The Ocean Dragon, seeing its pursuers hot on its tail, appeared agitated. It harnessed its magical power to further increase its flying speed. Seeing this, Ji Chen muttered, Keep up! The Sea Crystal Wyverns responded with low growls, and three pairs of diamond-shaped crystal wings changed their positions. The last pair, in particular, emitted blue beams, leaving long trails behind as their flight speed gradually increased. [Light-Speed Flight (Orange Skill, changed crystal wing posture, gradually entered high-speed flight mode, doubled flight speed, difficult to stop in this state)] By then, the Naga Legion and the Dragonblood Legion were far behind, leaving only Benbo on the sea surface, following the trail of the Sea Crystal Wyverns. Due to the excessive speed, Ji Chen had to crouch halfway, squinting his eyes to look ahead. Only the Ocean Dragon seemed to be pushing its throttle to the maximum, and its speed suddenly shot up again. At this point, its wings had retracted to the rear, taking on a triangular wing shape similar to a fighter jet. Gradually turning into an invisible dot, it was about to escape their field of vision. The Sea Crystal Wyverns couldnt bear it any longer and roared. Deep within their bodies, their blood surged, pumping a majestic power into their bodies and wings. [Bloodline Ability]: Sea Crystal Core (All attributes increased by 40%, self-recovery speed greatly enhanced, flight speed increased by an additional 150%, beam condensation speed and damage increased by 300%) A tremendous pressure pinned Ji Chen tightly to the dragons back. The surroundings became blurry, filled with shapeless remnants, and the enormous wind pressure formed a V-shaped white mark on the dragons head, with countless other white marks forming a large inverted V shape. If someone gazed up from the ocean, theyd spot a speck soaring across the sky. Several kilometers back, a line of black dots formed an inverted V shape in the upper atmosphere, zipping along at an astonishing speed, even causing clouds to scatter. The Ocean Dragon sensed the malice behind it and was going crazy! Had it done anything to provoke these sea dragons and this human? All it did was let out a few roars. What could this conflict be about? Could it be those troublesome dragon-slaying heroes causing a ruckus once more? At the thought of this possibility, the Ocean Dragons face turned pale. It imagined itself being skinned, dismembered, bled, and its heart removed. In its desperation, it couldnt slow down but wished it had more wings, forcibly squeezing every ounce of strength from its body. It flew toward its lair. As long as it could return to its lair, its companions would help eliminate these enemies! Ji Chen, who was following closely behind, saw that the Ocean Dragon didnt seem to be aimlessly flying but rather heading back to its territory. He couldnt help but smile. In the second generation of dragons, some preferred to live alone, while others chose to live in communities. This particular dragon was definitely part of the group-dwelling category. This was an excellent opportunity to obtain a large amount of dragon blood! Seeing that the Ocean Dragon was on the verge of exhaustion, Ji Chen patted its back, and the Sea Crystal Wyvern immediately understood, slightly reducing its speed, maintaining a distance not too close, but never too far, trailing behind. They followed all the way. An hour later. The Ocean Dragon in front suddenly changed direction and swooped down below, disappearing beneath the white clouds. Ji Chens expression brightened, and without hesitation, he directed the Sea Crystal Wyverns to follow suit, descending below. Passing through the cloud layer, they soon saw a steep conical rocky mountain standing alone on the seas surface, hundreds of meters high, covered in caves of various sizes. The Ocean Dragon, as if returning to its nest, plummeted straight down, crying out loudly. Even Ji Chen could sense the grievance in its voice. Suddenly, dragons clad in scales, brandishing their teeth and claws, emerged from the caves on the rocky mountain, all taking flight together by flapping their wings. A quick glance revealed there were over a hundred of them. Ocean Dragons, Tier 6, 6 stars, in groups of two hundred. Dragon species, which were rarely seen in the past, were now abundant here. They either perched on the rocky mountain or circled around it. The sheer number of dragons gathered here was enough to shake the sky. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Prepare for battle. Despite the Ocean Dragons outnumbering the Sea Crystal Wyverns and being of a higher tier, with the likes of Herald, Alice, and other legendary-tier and even epic-tier heroes, they might not be powerless. The Ocean Dragon that had been chased by them all along seemed to communicate with a few roars, and the other Ocean Dragons immediately flapped their wings and flew towards them, launching an attack. Before they could fully charge at them, the Sea Crystal Wyverns struck first. Beams of light descended from the sky like divine punishment. The high-temperature beams seared round wounds into the thick dragon scales, and scorching dragon blood flowed out instantly. Many wings that were hit had large holes torn through them.. Chapter 636 - Chapter 636: Speed of Life and Death, Slaying a Dragon (2) Chapter 636: Speed of Life and Death, Slaying a Dragon (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation However, for a dragon with strong vitality, such injuries could only be considered a brief moment of pain. After a short, painful groan, it quickly adjusted its posture, dodging the incoming beams while swiftly closing in. A shadow suddenly shot out from the formation. Herald spread his wings and glided towards the enemy. As he crossed paths with the frontmost Ocean Dragon, his wings abruptly changed position, facing outward. Like sails caught in a fierce wind, Heralds descent speed instantly slowed down. At the same time, his claws extended, resembling the sharpest blades, effortlessly tearing through dragon scales and leaving deep wounds on the right side of the dragons body. Without losing any momentum, his massive claws tore through half of the dragons wing. The Ocean Dragon let out a painful roar as a portion of its wing was torn apart. It lost balance and began to fall from the sky. Herald remained calm and unfazed, spreading his wings. At the same time, he hurled a lightning orb from his hand, which hit the dragons head directly, exploding on impact. The burst of energy tore through the dragons head, instantly ending its life. A legendary-tier hero dealing with a sixth-tier creature C it was that simple and effortless. After achieving his first victory, Herald soared once more, diving towards another Ocean Dragon nearby. With each sweep of his claw, another Ocean Dragon fell. With each burst of lightning, another dragons charred corpse plummeted. Compared to Herald, who had the ability to fly, Aninas combat style was much more conservative. She rode a Sea Crystal Wyrm, wielding a large sword as she fought like a dragon knight against the enemy. Under the swords radiance, the enemies also fell like rain. Alice had already joined the battle from the beginning, her song echoing throughout the sea and sky. It greatly enhanced her allies abilities, while the enemies struggled to unleash their full potential. Some of the Ocean Dragons sensed that something was amiss with the song. About ten or twenty of them immediately diverted from the battlefield, heading towards Ji Chen, Alice, and their group, their eyes gleaming with cruelty. Those two powerful sea clan heroes couldnt even stop them, so how could a mere human resist? Unfortunately for the Ocean Dragons, they had picked a tough opponent. Ji Chen glanced at them casually and waved his hand. Suddenly, a surge of seawater rose into the sky, transforming into hundreds of Water Sea Crystal Wyrms. [Subskill: Condense Water into Soldiers (Purple Skill: Can generate several combat-conscious water soldiers)] Each of these Water Sea Crystal Wyrms was at Tier Five with five stars, organized in groups of ten to confront the more than ten Ocean Dragons charging at them. Tier Five creatures faced off against Tier Six creatures, a substantial gap, and dozens of them were torn apart in an instant. The Ocean Dragons were initially startled when they saw hundreds of unexpected enemies appear, but upon realizing that these were imposters, they roared arrogantly. However, just as they were excited, the damaged bodies of the Water Sea Crystal Wyrms quickly mended themselves, and a moment later, they charged back at the Ocean Dragons, as if nothing had happened. Whats going on!? The Ocean Dragons were dumbfounded, but they still used their claws and lightning spells to easily kill these enemies. However, right before their eyes, they watched as the Water Sea Crystal Wyrms rapidly returned to their original state. These Ocean Dragons had lived for hundreds of years and had never seen anything so bizarre. No matter if they used their claws to bite or their lightning magic to attack, these enemies would quickly recover within moments, as if they were immortal. Oh my dragon god, are those Sea Crystal Wyrms ghosts? Just as two groups of one hundred Ocean Dragons were being slaughtered, from the largest cave in the rocky mountain, a particularly massive dragon slowly crawled out. It watched as its fellow kin fell from the sky one by one, and it let out an angry roar. This roar caught Ji Chens attention. Is that the leader of the Ocean Dragon monsters? The leader of the Ocean Dragon monsters, Red-Legacy Tier, level 55. Ji Chen looked at this leader dragon, which was at least thirty meters long with a wingspan of several tens of meters, resembling a large truck. He was slightly surprised. It was the first time he had seen a Red-Legacy Tier monster leader, especially a dragon. If he had encountered this in the past, he would have turned and run, but now he wasnt as fearful. Red-Legacy Tier? It couldnt even compare to the average level of his main hero units. However, it would be a bit of a waste to simply kill it. If they could capture it, perhaps it could become a steady source of blood production After making up his mind, Ji Chen immediately gave the order. Herald, deal with this Ocean Dragon leader. Upon hearing this, Herald, who was in the midst of battle, spread his wings and changed his target. The anger of the Ocean Dragon leader had reached its limit. When it saw the enemy approaching it voluntarily, it let out a resounding dragon roar. Its four claws pressed against the top of the rocky mountain, and its dragon mouth opened wide. A thick bolt of lightning suddenly spewed forth. Ocean Dragons excelled in wielding lightning magic, using their breath to unleash bolts of lightning instead of the typical dragonfire. Facing this erupting lightning serpent, Herald showed no sign of retreat. He tossed out a lightning orb, and the lightning orb collided with the lightning beam, instantly exploding. In the midst of the burst of electric light, another lightning orb pierced through layers of lightning, exploding directly in front of the Ocean Dragon leader. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Boom! The lightning orb burst into a web of lightning serpents, spreading through the air like a spiders web. As Ocean Dragons, lightning and thunder spells didnt cause them significant harm, but it left the Ocean Dragon leader looking disheveled, with its scales charred and blackened. Although the damage wasnt significant, the insult was profound. The Ocean Dragon leader let out a roar of fury. Its massive body, seemingly weightless, suddenly soared into the sky under the flapping of its two meaty wings. It flew high into the air, its mouth wide open with a gaping maw, ready to strike.. Chapter 637 - Chapter 637: Speed of Life and Death, Slaying a Dragon (3) Chapter 637: Speed of Life and Death, Slaying a Dragon (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The lightning spell was just one of their abilities; their formidable physique was their pride and strength! Dragons, the rulers of the skies. Nagas, the overlords of the ocean. Two races that lived in completely different realms were now locked in combat. As a legendary-tier hero, Heralds combat prowess undoubtedly ranked among the best in the realm of oceanic rulers. His physical strength and lightning spells were both impressive, but being of an oceanic race, his expertise lay in battles at sea, not in the sky. On the other hand, the Ocean Dragon Lord, despite being only a legacy-tier ruler, was a natural master of the sky. Its aerial combat abilities were exceptional, and even if it faced an opponent of equal tier, it showed no fear. Hence, their battle raged on, with neither side able to decisively claim victory. While the Ocean Dragon Lord held its own in combat, the ordinary Ocean Dragons couldnt match its strength. With the assistance of Anina and Alice, the Sea Crystal Wynns were swiftly annihilating them. A piercing dragons roar marked the fall of one of the Ocean Dragons. Ji Chen held them up in the sea and collected their dragon blood. As unit after unit of dragon blood was gathered in containers, a smile slowly formed on Ji Chens face. This wave of dragon blood would likely allow the Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs to advance further, perhaps even reaching the sixth-tier unit ranks! As the last Ocean Dragon heavily crashed into the sea, on the other side, Heralds battle with the Ocean Dragon Lord seemed to be reaching its conclusion. Herald was covered in wounds, but his serpent pupils were exceptionally bright. Using his petite physique, he constantly sought out blind spots in the Ocean Dragon Lords field of vision, skillfully evading claw strikes and bites. Rip Once again, he circled to the creatures back and struck fiercely with his claws, causing a profuse flow of blood from the newly opened wound. At this point, the Ocean Dragon Lord was no longer as active as it had been at the start. Its body was covered in wounds, both large and small, and the steadily flowing blood made it increasingly weak. Its movements became sluggish, and its attacks lost their former strength and speed. Roar!! You treacherous sea-dwelling creatures, if you have the guts, come at me head-on! The Ocean Dragon Lord roared in despair. Seeing that there were no surviving members of its clan nearby and feeling that it was truly about to meet its end here, it was filled with bitter indignation. Damn you, sea creatures! Even if I have to die, Ill drag you down with me! Crazy thoughts surged in his mind. Deep within the dragons body, the unique bloodline belonging to the dragon race began to boil madly. Wounds started to heal, and his strength returned like a rushing river, causing his damaged wings to flutter. In a matter of moments, the Ocean Dragon Lord was fully restored. Its aura became several times more powerful, and its eyes regained their luster. They clashed once more. However, this was clearly a last-ditch effort. Herald didnt engage it head-on but instead dodged with incredible agility. Ten minutes later, the Ocean Dragon Lords aura quickly dwindled, and it fell onto a rocky hill. It lay there, powerless, between the rocks, like a flickering candle, with only faint breaths remaining. Lord, mission accomplished. Herald returned to Ji Chens side and said solemnly. Ji Chen nodded slightly and handed him a vial of life potion. Suspend its life; its useful to me. Understood. Heraldor immediately flew over and used his claws to sever the Ocean Dragon Lords limbs, tear apart its wings, and turn it into a dragon pig. Only then did he pour the potion into its mouth, barely keeping it alive. Anina, go inside the rocky hill and see whats there. In theory, dragons were greedy, and their lairs often contained vast wealth. With so many Ocean Dragons occupying this area, there should be quite a bit. Anina obeyed the order, riding a Sea Crystal Wyrm into a cave and quickly walking deeper inside. Soon, she returned, calling out loudly, Lord, there are some gold coins inside, as well as dragon eggs! Dragon eggs? Ji Chens interest was piqued upon hearing this. He immediately had the Sea Crystal Wyrms land and entered the cave. The cave was very dark and damp, but it was relatively clean, without any dirt or filth like feces. It seemed that the Ocean Dragons didnt defecate in their living quarters. After passing through the dim cave, they arrived in a natural hall, where a stone platform in the center held ten dragon eggs, each as tall as a person. On one side of the hall, there was a pile of gold coins resembling a small mountain. [Ocean Dragon Dragon Eggs] [Successfully hatching can produce Ocean Dragon hatchlings, which can eventually grow into 6th Tier 8-Star Ocean Dragons] Ten 6th Tier 8-Star Ocean Dragons would indeed be a formidable force. However, Ji Chen didnt feel particularly excited. Although they could grow into proper dragons, this process would take decades, if not centuries. By that time, it would be too late. Moreover, the growth rate of the Crown of the Ocean was definitely faster than this. It was a bit of a letdown, neither appealing nor worth keeping. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Dragon eggs couldnt be stored in the backpack, so Ji Chen had a few Sea Crystal Wyrms come in to carry the dragon eggs on their backs. As for the wealth in the hall, it was likely all gold coins. Ji Chen took a quick look and collected them. Ding- Youve obtained 4,563,300 gold coins Ding- Youve acquired one fragment of Glorias Elf Treasury Key. Ji Chen was momentarily stunned.. Chapter 638 - Chapter 638: Three Treasury Key Fragments, Legendary- Chapter 638: Three Treasury Key Fragments, Legendary- Tier Druid A Martino Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation When an unexpected prompt came in, Ji Chen couldnt help but pause for a moment. His mind raced as he searched through his backpack, and quickly discovered a metal fragment emitting runic light in a corner. Another treasury key fragment? The very key fragment that the gnome merchant had mentioned as being lost in the Western-Mid Ocean was right here in this dragons nest! Including this one, he currently possessed three key fragments. He got one from the gnome merchant, another from the 7-star dungeon of the Irante Temple, and this most recent one from the ocean dragons lair. This meant he had acquired nearly half of the seven key fragments required. Currently, aside from these three, two key fragments were with the elves, one with the dwarves, and one was still missing. If he could obtain the one from the dwarves and find the elusive final fragment, perhaps he could unveil the ancient elven capital lost in the river of time. He needed to remember that he had Glorias map! However, the fact that two key fragments were with the elves posed a bit of a challenge. The elves were not to be underestimated, and he had no idea how they would react if they found out he had so many key fragments. Ji Chen shook his head, putting this matter aside for now. Regardless of the circumstances, he first needed to obtain the other scattered key fragments and then inquire and test the elves attitude on this matter. After confirming that there was nothing valuable left behind, he exited the cave. At this moment, Benbo had just arrived with the Naga Legion and the Dragonblood Legion. Benbo, youre late. Weve already finished, Anina said with a playful smile. This dragon-blooded Murloc, who had recently been promoted to a legendary tier, froze for a moment, a hint of frustration in his eyes. Damn, he had rushed all the way here, wanting to make a good impression, and as soon as he arrived, he was told that it was already over!? Seeing him feeling a bit down, Ji Chen couldnt help but smile. Take the Ocean Dragon Sovereign and these Ocean Dragon corpses with us, were returning to the Ocean Crown. Yes! Several Sea Crystal Wynns grabbed the paralyzed Ocean Dragon Sovereign and took flight, while others each carried a ocean dragon corpse. The remaining corpses were carried by Ji Chen, using the seawater to support them. They headed back in the direction of their territory. Two days later, they returned to the New Moon Islands. When the massive body of the Ocean Dragon Sovereign and the two hundred ocean dragon corpses landed heavily in the square in front of the Lords Castle, the residents of the Ocean Crown gathered around, looking at their lord with astonishment and admiration in their eyes. They cheered without exception. Even immensely powerful dragons could be defeated, cut down like a mere pig, and brought back with all four limbs removed. So, what other foe was there that their great Lord couldnt overcome? Even the three hundred elves who had pledged their allegiance to the Ocean Crown looked on in surprise. After all, the dragon that had been decapitated and had its limbs cut off was a legacy-tier Ocean Dragon Sovereign, a high-level dragon species, not some ordinary land dragon. In addition to these two hundred ocean dragons, it seemed like they had just wiped out an entire ocean dragon tribe, right? Back in the day, the dragon race had shone brightly in the Divine War, just like their elven race. Countless dragon species, under the leadership of the Dragon God, had united and occupied the fertile land of the Dragon Wilderness, building a formidable Dragon Kingdom. Unfortunately, now, let alone dragons, even the second-generation dragons and sky dragons were few and far between. What was more common were lower-tier dragon species or dragon descendants. The decline of such a powerful race was truly lamentable. Ji Chen spoke a few words to the residents before instructing the lizardmen to move the dragon corpses to the Half-Orc Tribe. Half-Orcs were skilled in handling hunting games, and they could maximize the use of materials from the dragons, reducing waste. There were a total of two hundred ocean dragons here, and just the dragon blood alone amounted to ten thousand units. Other parts were equally valuable materials that were rarely found. Dragon scales and dragonhide could be used to make armor, dragon claws, and bones for crafting weapons, dragon tendons as bowstrings, and dragon meat was also a good source of food. The harvest from this expedition was bountiful and not something that could be processed in a short time. Feeling weary from the journey, Ji Chen gave some brief instructions and then returned to his Lords Castle to rest. He lay down on the soft, cloud-like bed and fell into a deep sleep, only waking up the next morning. Ji Chen emerged from his room feeling refreshed, and the maid waiting at the door greeted him with delight. Lord, youre awake? Sir Wilus has been waiting for you in the hall since early morning. He said he has something to report. Wilus? Why didnt he wake me up? The maid looked a bit dejected. Sir Wilus said not to disturb your sleep. He thought you must be exhausted after several days of campaigning. Ji Chen paused and then said, Alright, Ill go to him now. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only In the hall, Wilus was already waiting. Whether it was his imagination or not, it seemed like Wilus had a bit more white hair on his head than before. There was a mixture of black and white strands, and a few more wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. Although he looked sharp and capable, there was an unmistakable sense of deep exhaustion in his eyes. For a moment, Ji Chen felt a mix of relief and sympathy. During his absence, Wilus had managed the Ocean Crown on his own, and the responsibilities and pressure he bore must have been immense. The Ocean Crown had grown far beyond its initial size, with tens of thousands of human residents and over a hundred thousand lizardmen. It had various industries, and managing such a territory was no easy task.. Chapter 639 - Chapter 639: Three Treasury Key Fragments, Legendary- Tier Druid Martino (2) Chapter 639: Three Treasury Key Fragments, Legendary- Tier Druid Martino (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation It looked like hed need to find a few more administrative-type heroes to help Wilus share some of the pressure. Wilus heard Ji Chens footsteps and turned to greet him, My Lord, are you awake? Ji Chen nodded and took a seat at the head of the long table. Seeing Wilus standing like this, he smiled and said, Please, have a seat. Wilus hesitated for a moment and replied, Theres a distinction between master and servant, my lord. I think its better if I stand while reporting. Ji Chen responded, I heard from the maid that youve been standing here all morning. You must be tired. If I wear you out, I wont be able to find a second person to help manage the territory. Thank you for your generosity, my lord. With some hesitation, Wilus finally sat down in the chair, but only occupied half of it. In terms of loyalty and respect, this middle-aged man was undoubtedly among the foremost in the Ocean Crown. My Lord, during your absence After sitting down, Wilus began to report on the state of the territory. Thanks to the coordination of this rare-tier administrative hero, various resources and manpower were able to flow and be utilized with relatively high efficiency during this time. The Ocean Crown had made significant progress. Agriculture and industry both experienced growth, and a new workshop was added to the underground lizardmen world. The cultivation of sea rice and other crops proceeded smoothly The construction of the 7-star hero fountain had already begun and was now two-thirds complete. It was expected to be finished this week, which would increase the chances of producing heroes for the Ocean Crown. As for the grape cultivation, which Ji Chen valued highly, the first batch had been harvested in the past two days. While the quality of the grapes did not meet the expected level, they were of relatively high quality. A few adjustments in the next planting cycle would likely yield grapes suitable for producing high-quality wine in the renowned mainland. Leysha mentioned that she needs more skilled hands, preferably those with experience in cultivation and winemaking. Ji Chen smiled and said, This time, 1 happened to obtain a legendary-tier Druid hero summoning voucher during my journey. I believe it can be of help to young Leysha. Wilus exclaimed, Thats fantastic! 1 heard that Druids are extremely skilled in cultivating plants like elves. They might even be able to cultivate sea rice. Very well. With that, Ji Chen wasted no time and took out the voucher, immediately putting it to use. Ding- You have used a legendary-level Druid hero summoning voucher, but the recipient does not respond to your summons. Such a prompt left Ji Chen somewhat stunned, followed by a wry smile. Oh, he could do something like this? Well, it seems that summoning this Druid hero might require a little extra effort. Ji Chen tried again, this time releasing an epic-level profession aura and the aura of the oceans power. This time, the voucher trembled slightly and emitted a dazzling green light. Accompanied by a beam of light that pierced through the roof, an elf with a slender figure appeared before his eyes. This elf had an extremely handsome appearance, with a somewhat androgynous quality to his aura. He wore simple clothing and held a staff adorned with a green gem. His green hair, entwined with vine-like bands, was striking but not gaudy, exuding a vibrant and lively feeling that made people feel comfortable and pleasing to the eye. Well, it seemed that elves didnt have ugly men or women after all. While Ji Chen observed, the legendary-tier Druid also looked him over. After a moment, as if satisfied, he nodded. Very well. Although the one who summoned him was a human, at least he had a decent appearance and his strength was passable, not tarnishing the name of this legendary-tier Druid. He gracefully performed an elegant gesture and spoke with a unique elven accent, Legendary-tier Druid, Martino responds to your summons. Ji Chen nodded slightly and said in a gentle tone, Martino, welcome to the Ocean Crown. I am Ji Chen, the lord of this territory. Ocean Crown? It seems, my lord, that you have ambitions as vast as the ocean. Although I do not possess formidable combat abilities, 1 am willing to contribute my expertise to help you achieve greatness. Martino smiled. Ji Chen laughed heartily, Excellent! With your presence, Martino, 1 am like a tiger with wings. Perfect, there is a task that requires your assistance. The Ocean Crown cultivates sea rice and grapes for winemaking. This is related to our food supply and the export of alcoholic beverages, and we need your expertise. Martinos face brimmed with confidence as he once again bowed. I am willing to serve you. If there was one thing he could guarantee, it was that when it came to crop cultivation and nurturing, Druids were among the foremost experts. Seeing this, Ji Chen nodded in agreement. With the help of this legendary-tier Druid, he believed there would soon be significant breakthroughs in agriculture. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Without further delay, Martino immediately went to inspect the areas dedicated to sea rice and grape cultivation. Ji Chen then came back to his senses and took out the blueprint of the Heraklion Temple, handing it to Wilus. Coordinate the resources and commence construction as soon as possible. Wilus looked at the spread-out blueprint on the table, examined it closely, and his expression changed slightly. My Lord, this wonder blueprint requires an enormous amount of resources, and we do not have such a massive stockpile at the moment. Our current stone reserves are approximately 1.2 million units, rare resources are just below 7 million units, and if we include the crystals you brought back, we have enough, totaling 66,500 units.. Chapter 640 - Chapter 640: Three Treasury Key Fragments, Legendary- Tier Druid Martino (3) Chapter 640: Three Treasury Key Fragments, Legendary- Tier Druid Martino (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen tapped his finger on the table and said, Its okay if we dont have enough resources for now. We can start building gradually, one step at a time. Ill figure out the resources for the future. Understood, Ill coordinate the manpower as soon as possible, Wilus nodded and asked, So, where should we build it? Ji Chen thought for a moment and replied, Build it on the west side of the Lords Castle by the coast. The Crown of the Ocean was centered around the Lords Castle. The best development was on the east side with a bustling port area, while the north side was an industrial area with many workshops and warehouses. The only relatively open space near the Lords Castle was on the west side. Apart from scattered cottages, there were some jungle plantations in the area. However, these could all be relocated to make space for wonders. Wilus nodded in understanding. It was indeed one of the few good plots of land left. He then presented several matters that required Ji Chens decision, and after careful consideration, Ji Chen gave clear instructions. By the time everything was completed, two hours had already passed. Thats all for now. If theres nothing else, Ill go and attend to the tasks you assigned me, Wilus respectfully said, ready to leave. However, he was stopped by Ji Chens words. Wilus looked at the golden liquid on the table with a hint of surprise, My Lord, what is this? Ji Chen smiled slightly. Consider this bottle of Water of Life elixir as a reward for you. I hope you will continue to contribute to the Crown of the Ocean. Wilus hesitated for a moment. Although he didnt know what Water of Life was, just by smelling the scent emanating from the bottle, he felt a burst of excitement in his body, indicating that this was no ordinary item. Gratitude appeared on his face. Thank you, My Lord, for your generosity! In the hall, only Ji Chen remained. Before he could catch his breath, the door suddenly swung open, and a short and stout figure entered. Kid, I heard you killed a lot of ocean dragons this time!? Ji Chen lowered his gaze and saw the dwarf Thotmudo stride in, his beard on his chin as unkempt as ever. Ji Chen couldnt help but smile. Yes, Sir Thotmudo, but this time I didnt bring back any wine for you. Thotmudo climbed onto a chair and sat down, casually saying, Its okay, you still have plenty of wine in your warehouse I came here because I want the dragon tendons from those ocean dragons to make some dragon-hunting crossbows. Dragon-hunting crossbows? Is that a dwarf weapon? Yes, its a 5-star defense weapon that happens to require dragon tendons as materials. Its extremely powerful You can decide whether to give them to me or not. If you do, Ill help you make them; if not, forget it. Seeing Thotmudo wanting to explain but finding it too troublesome, Ji Chen couldnt help but chuckle. Of course, you can ask Wilus for them. Sir Thotmudo, youre already a part of the Crown of the Ocean, and youre trustworthy. You dont need to come all the way here to ask me. Just have an apprentice inform us directly. Thotmudo immediately straightened his face upon hearing this and appeared a bit impatient, Alright, since youve agreed, Ill go get them. I dont want to go onto the surface any longer, so I can avoid those pointy-eared folks. If you have any business, go to the underground workshop to find me. Thats it. With that, Thotmudo hopped off the chair and made his way to the door, moving with a noticeable spring in his step compared to when he had entered. Ji Chen shook his head with a smile. After a short break, he got up and walked out of the Lords Castle, heading to the water area where the recruitment camps for ocean units were located. There, he placed five new recruitment camps for the Heavy Armor Toothfish Knights. [Heavy Armor Toothfish Knight Recruitment Camp] [Tier]: 6th Tier, 2 stars / 5th Tier, 8 stars [Weekly Recruitment Limit]: 10 [Current Available Recruitment]: 10 [Recruitment Cost]: 20 units of Spirit Crystals Similar to the Sea Crystal Wyrm, each Heavy Armor Toothfish Knight Recruitment Camp could recruit 10 units per week. With five camps, that was 50 units, which equaled to a thousand units of Spirit Crystals. Adding to the Sea Crystal Wyrm, recruiting these two 6th-tier units required a total of two thousand units of Spirit Crystals every week, equivalent to several hundred thousand rare resources. Looking at it this way, even if he needed to allocate some Spirit Crystals for constructing the Wonder blueprint, the sixty thousand Spirit Crystals he just acquired should be able to support him for quite some time. Ji Chen casually opened the unit talent tree and navigated to the pages for the Sea Crystal Wyrm and the Heavy Armor Toothfish Knight. [Sea Crystal Wyrm (6th Tier, 2 stars)] [Upgrade to 6th Tier, 7 stars requires three hundred thousand units of Spirit Crystals] [Heavy Armor Toothfish Knight] [Upgrade to 6th Tier, 6 stars requires two hundred and seventy thousand units of Spirit Crystals] My goodness, this is insane! Seeing the string of zeros and the astronomical amount of Spirit Crystals needed, Ji Chen couldnt help but feel a headache coming on. When would he ever be able to collect several hundred thousand Spirit Crystals? Even the entire Spirit Crystal inventory of an entire principality of Elves was only sixty thousand. It seemed like hed have to find a Spirit Crystal vein to mine in order to gather that many. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only It appeared that upgrading the units was going to be a long and challenging journey. Just as Ji Chen was about to close the unit talent tree, he suddenly noticed an inconspicuous page at the end. [Unit Fusion] Hmm? When did this appear? Why was he not aware of it? Chapter 641 - Chapter 641: Two New Tier 6 Units, Merchants Who Arrived at Ocean Crown Chapter 641: Two New Tier 6 Units, Merchants Who Arrived at Ocean Crown Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen pondered for a moment, then remembered that this feature seemed to appear when he cleared a 7-star instance in the Irante Temple and reached level 50, but he didnt pay much attention to it at the time due to the overwhelming system notifications. With a hint of curiosity, he clicked to investigate further. Soon, a look of pleasant surprise appeared on his face. This unit fusion feature had great potential! In simple terms, this function allowed two different units to merge into one, with the merged unit possessing the characteristics of both units. Of course, the results of the fusion could be good or bad. The effectiveness of the fusion depended on the compatibility between the two units. If you merged an undead unit with a light faction unit, for example, the result might turn out to be something bizarre. However, if the compatibility was high, it could produce a more powerful unit. Additionally, the difference in tier between the two units would also affect the fusion result. With a rough understanding of the rules, Ji Chens interest was piqued. Perhaps this fusion feature could bring him a different kind of surprise, offering another path to enhance his units strength. Of course, this path came with certain risks. The selection of units for fusion could only be made from the units he currently possessed. After some thought, he chose the 1-star Tier 5 Water Nymph Archer as the base unit. The reason was simple. The Water Nymph Archers, at their current Tier 5 and 1-star rating, were falling behind the current version. Their slow movement speed and single-attack method had caused their combat effectiveness to decline significantly, especially when they required the protection of the Crab Guardians. Using the Water Nymph Archer as the base, check the compatibility with other units for fusion. The fusion page refreshed. [Water Nymph Archer] [Compatibility with Tyrant Azure Dragon]: 38% [Compatibility with Sea Crystal Wyrm]: 41% [Compatibility with Crab Guardians]: 23% [Compatibility with Lobster Guardian Knight]: 95% Among a scries of compatibility percentages below 50%, the one with 95% compatibility stood out. Water Nymph Archers and Lobster Guardian Knights? One was a race of water nymphs, and the other was a sea tribe. At first glance, they seemed unrelated, yet their compatibility was the highest, leaving Ji Chen puzzled. Could it be that the fusion would produce something extraordinary and unusual? Despite his confusion, he chose to trust in the Unit Talent Tree. As his ultimate trump card, the Unit Talent Tree shouldnt let him down. Considering that unit fusion likely required resources just like unit upgrades, Ji Chen scrolled to the bottom and carefully examined the details. [Fusion of Tier 5 Units requires one million units of resources.] Well, besides the potential outcome of the fusion, the initial cost of one million units of rare resources was no small matter. Even for someone like Ocean Crown, who had accumulated some wealth, it was a significant resource investment that couldnt be taken lightly. Confirm the fusion of Water Nymph Archer and Lobster Guardian Knight? Yes. Fusion successful, Water Nymph Archer and Lobster Guardian Knight fused intoLobster Nymph Spirit Archer. [Lobster Nymph Spirit Archer] [Race]: Sea Tribe [Tier]: Tier 6,1-star [Skills]: Omitted [Unit Abilities]: Can use spears and bows as weapons [Bloodline Abilities]: Rapid Fire (Significantly increases firing speed and accuracy when using a bow, extends the shooting range) / Charge (Greatly enhances the impact force of a charge when using a spear, forms a shield in front of the mount) [The fusion of Water Nymph Archer and Lobster Guardian Knight results in a unit with the characteristics and abilities of both units.] This was incredible. Two Tier 5,1-star units had merged into a Tier 6,1-star unit! It was like turning a sparrow into a phoenix. Upon closer inspection, the fusion had combined the charge ability of the Lobster Guardian Knight with the ranged attack capability of the Water Nymph Archer. It was akin to having mounted archers, capable of both charging into combat and engaging in long-range attacks. This greatly compensated for the weaknesses of both units, resulting in a significant enhancement for each. Ji Chen couldnt help but smile, finding the expenditure of one million resources to be absolutely worthwhile! If mere Tier 5,1-star units could fuse so effectively, then it was likely that other combinations could achieve similar results. His enthusiasm was ignited, and he opened the unit fusion page once again. The first fusion had been between two physical units, so this time, he decided to choose a magical unit. Using the Silver Sea Pixies as the base, check the compatibility with other units for fusion. [Silver Sea Pixies] [Compatibility with Heavy Armor Toothfish Knight]: 9% [Compatibility with Naga Guardian]: 38% [Compatibility with Blue Dragon Blood Murloc]: 25% [Compatibility with Tyrant Azure Dragon]: 96% The Silver Sea Pixies and Tyrant Azure Dragon had an astonishing compatibility of 97%, surpassing the compatibility of Water Nymph Archers and Lobster Guardian Knights by 1%. This filled Ji Chen with anticipation. Without hesitation, he initiated the fusion. Fusion successful, Silver Sea Pixies and Tyrant Azure Dragon fused intoLeviathan Dragon. [Leviathan Dragon] [Race]: Sea Tribe [Tier]: Tier 6, 2-star Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only [Skills]: Omitted [Unit Abilities]: Echo Location, capable of hearing prey from a great distance [Bloodline Abilities]: Water and Ice Dual Mastery (Able to manipulate seawater and simultaneously cast water and ice spells) [The unit formed by the fusion of the Silver Sea Pixies and the Tyrant Azure Dragon possesses the characteristics and abilities of both species.] Perhaps due to the higher tier of the Tyrant Azure Dragon, the resulting new unit was primarily based on it. However, it also inherited the magical abilities of the Silver Sea Pixies, resulting in a Tier 6, 2-star Leviathan Dragon with both physical and magical attack capabilities.. Chapter 642 - Chapter 642: Two New Tier 6 Units, Merchants Who Arrived at Ocean Crown (2) Chapter 642: Two New Tier 6 Units, Merchants Who Arrived at Ocean Crown (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Four different units merged into two new Tier 6 units, and the fusion results were generally satisfying, with overall improvements. After the unit fusion, the recruitment camps for these units needed to be merged as well. There were ten Water Nymph Archers and ten Lobster Guardian Knights, which could be combined to form ten new recruitment camps. Tyrant Azure Dragons had six camps, while Silver Sea Pixies had seven camps, resulting in a maximum of six new camps. Ji Chen clicked the fusion button, and sixteen brand new recruitment camps were instantly created. The Lobster Nymph Spirit Archers produced 10 units per camp per week, totaling 100 units. Each unit required 18 units of Spirit Crystals, meaning they needed 1800 units of Spirit Crystals per week. The Leviathan Dragons also produced 10 units per camp per week, totaling 60 units. Each unit required 20 units of Spirit Crystals, so they needed 1200 units of Spirit Crystals per week. Altogether, these four Tier 6 units required a total of 5000 units of Spirit Crystals per week, significantly increasing the consumption rate of the available stockpile of tens of thousands of Spirit Crystals. Ji Chen shook his head, realizing that resources, no matter the phase, seemed to always be a concern. What was once ordinary resources, then rare resources, had now become high-tier Spirit Crystals. It appeared that resource management was a constant challenge. Without hesitation, he began the recruitment process. The number of troops increased once again, with the remaining four Tier 5 units gaining an additional 140 units each. However, one camp of Tyrant Azure Dragons remained unused as it was no longer needed after obtaining Leviathan Dragons. As for the four Tier 6 units, the Leviathan Dragons increased by 60 units, the Lobster Nymph Spirit Archers by 100 units, the Sea Crystal Wynns by 50 units, and the Heavy Armor Toothfish Riders by 50 units. In total, the Tier 6 units amounted to 360 units, roughly equivalent to three and a half Centurion squads. Although their numbers were relatively small, their combat capabilities surpassed thousands of Tier 5 units. After this round of adjustments, the resource stockpile saw a significant decline. The unit fusion consumed two million units of rare resources, while recruiting the Tier 5 units used up 777,000 units of rare resources. Over the past week, the Ocean Crown had received an additional 450,000 units of rare resources through exports, adding an extra 100,000 compared to before. However, considering the massive consumption, this was merely a drop in the ocean. Currently, there were around 3 million units of rare resources remaining, along with 61,500 units of Spirit Crystals. Resource usage remained a pressing issue, but Ji Chen believed that with some more time and the recovery of the Starshine Islands from the damage caused by the Sea Beast Tide, the Ocean Crown would receive an infusion of resources. The official exploration of the Great Luminescent Seas Abyssal Layers of Darkness was about to begin on a large scale, which would also bring in a substantial amount of rare resources and Spirit Crystals. Leyshas wine was about to enter the market, and the stockpile of Dwarven weapons could be shipped to the market soon. With patience, he believed that the Ocean Crowns various industries would experience explosive growth in output values. Eventually, achieving weekly gains of millions of rare resources would no longer be a fantasy. After recruiting the new units, Ji Chen headed to the port on the eastern side of the main island. Looking eastward from the port, he could see an island not too far away, where construction was underway, and a tower-like structure was gradually taking shape in the center. This island was the giant turtles shell. Since Ji Chen had helped him lift the curse and signed a hundred-year contract, the giant turtle had come to the New Moon Islands. It peacefully floated in the sea, allowing the residents of the Ocean Crown to work on its back. According to Wilus, the giant turtle had been sleeping soundly since it arrived at the New Moon Islands, without any interruptions. With the curse no longer tormenting it, the giant turtles vitality gradually recovered, and its lifespan extended for thousands of years. A few days of sleep here and there was nothing significant. Looking at the completed base of the giant tower, Ji Chen felt delighted. He could already envision the day it would be finished, standing at the towers top while the giant turtle carried him across this vast ocean. When Ji Chen arrived at the port, it naturally attracted the attention of many people. Among them were the residents of the Ocean Crown and some long-distance merchants who had heard of the Ocean Crowns existence. Lein, the merchant who had unintentionally arrived here due to the attack by Lord of the Waves, had returned to Lienhardt as promised. He used his connections to spread the word about the Ocean Crowns existence, which surprised many long-distance merchants. For these merchants who spent years traversing the seas, having a comfortable transit point and resupply station in the vast ocean was a dream come true. Even if it required spending some money, it was well worth it. Therefore, in the few days before Ji Chen headed to the Maple Principality, there were sporadic visits from merchant ships to the New Moon Islands, stopping for rest and replenishing supplies like food and freshwater. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only As for pricing, Ji Chen took inspiration from the costs on Earth, such as docking fees, layover fees, supply fees, accommodation fees, and more. Of course, the charges here were quite reasonable but around 20% higher than other Western Mid-Ocean ports. In the beginning, some merchants expressed dissatisfaction, but Wilus was firm and didnt back down, telling them to take it or leave it. The merchants had no room for complaints in this situation. With the excellent services and pleasant environment, including food and beverages, they felt quite comfortable. They only had to endure the absence of prostitutes. However, when they arrived at the Ocean Crown, they couldnt help but feel shocked. Here, there were not only humans but also sea races, half-orcs, lizardfolk, and even elves. Some even claimed to have seen dwarves.. Chapter 643 - Chapter 643: Two New Tier 6 Units, Merchants Who Arrived at Ocean Crown (3) Chapter 643: Two New Tier 6 Units, Merchants Who Arrived at Ocean Crown (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Who is the lord of this place? He can actually bring together various races and make them live together peacefully, resolving their conflicts and differences? Some clever-minded merchants, seeing the residents of the Ocean Crown looking at Ji Chen with respect and admiration, suddenly realized that he must be the lord here, and their eyes lit up. They approached one by one, getting closer. Are you the lord of Ocean Crown? I am the consul of the Shanlan Merchant Caravan i am a merchant from the White Dew Principality. Your Lordship, thank you for providing us with such a place to rest Ji Chen looked at the enthusiastic approach of the merchants, with a gentle smile on his face. Thank you for staying in the Ocean Crown. I hope you will have a wonderful time here. Definitely, Your Lordship, your territory is very well developed. It is the best territory I have seen among many Lords of Glory. Although the merchants felt that the fees here were slightly higher, they wisely did not mention it in front of the lord, so as not to provoke him. They all offered words of praise. At this moment, a tall and thin merchant clasped his hands and said, Your Lordship, I wonder if your territory has any specialty products? I intend to make some purchases. As soon as this was said, other merchants also said, Yes, your territory seems to have a large population, so the production must be very rich. If your specialty products arc good, then we dont need to detour to the Maple Principality or Lienhardt and can purchase directly from you. Ji Chen smiled faintly. Of course, we have weapons and equipment, ores, non-perishable food, precious wood, and more. It wont disappoint you. If you want to make a purchase, you can go directly to the ports Shipmasters Office. When building the inn for hosting guests and dining, a specialized agency for ship docking, fees, and trade activities was also established. Dozens of trained residents were responsible for these affairs. The merchants, seeing that there was business to be done, nodded in thanks. Besides these, do you have any luxury items? a merchant who seemed to deal in luxury goods asked. Of course, being located in the open sea, the Ocean Crown naturally produces various marine products, such as deep-sea pearls, blood jade corals, and more. Ji Chen paused. Recently, we have also brewed a specialty wine of the Ocean Crown. I wonder if you would be interested? At these words, the merchants faces showed interest. As long as the wine is good, there is no need to worry about market demand, and the profit is also very high, making it one of their favorite commodities to buy and sell. Please have someone take us to see it. No need, I happen to have some free time. Ill take you there myself. Ji Chen also became interested and personally led these merchants to the grape plantation located on the northeast slope. Several months had passed, and what used to be a barren hillside was now filled with grapevines. The grapevine plantation was well-planned, with clearly defined rows and all the necessary facilities. The grapevines wound their way up wooden frames, weaving a canopy of greenery on the top, adorned with clusters of crystal-dear, plump grapes. Some young residents shuttled back and forth between the narrow pathways, taking care of the grapes that were soon to ripen. In front of a house at the foot of the mountain, Leysha was talking to the elven druid Martino. When Leysha saw Ji Chen approaching, her cute face with freckles instantly lit up with joy, and she greeted him happily. My Lord, good day! Ji Chen nodded with a smile. Leyshas tone was somewhat excited as she continued,. I was discussing grape cultivation with Mr. Martino! Mr. Martino has profound insights into cultivation, hes a very capable person uh, elf! Martino also approached and performed impeccable elven etiquette, smiling as he greeted, My Lord. This legendary-tier druid seemed to always maintain a neat appearance and impeccable manners, no matter the circumstances. Martino, what do you think of these grapes? Martino replied, Grapes nurtured in different soils and climates vary, but obviously, the grapes here can be considered quite good. However, I can make some improvements in cultivation. Curious, Ji Chen asked, How much can the quality and yield be increased after improvement? Currently, the newly cultivated grape plantation could produce approximately ten thousand units of grapes per month, enough to brew three thousand barrels of wine. Well, it can increase the quality by about 30% and triple the yield. Leysha covered her mouth in astonishment, her eyes filled with surprise. This was more than just a slight improvement; it was practically a change in grape variety! Ji Chen smiled and said, Very well, whatever resources or manpower you need, just let me know. Martino smiled and expressed his gratitude, saying, Thankyou for your support, Lord. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The group of merchants following behind were staring at the scene in amazement, and they could see the astonishment in each others eyes. If they were not mistaken, this was an elven druid! Elven druids were experts in planting and cultivating crops, renowned on the continent. Crops under their care invariably had exceptionally high quality, often reserved exclusively for the nobility of various kingdoms and rarely making their way outside. If such a druid were to cultivate these grapes, wouldnt it be The merchants spirits lifted, and their eyes became filled with eagerness. They had detected a business opportunity! Chapter 644 - Chapter 644: Search for the Ancient Deep Sea Dragon Whale Chapter 644: Search for the Ancient Deep Sea Dragon Whale Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Your Lordship, I would like to purchase a batch of your wine. Ill take a hundred barrels! Ill take three hundred! Ji Chen looked at them with a slight surprise. But none of you have tasted the Crown of the Ocean wine yet. We believe that the wine produced here must be of excellent quality, a tall and thin merchant said with a flattering smile. Besides, with the Druids expertise, I dont think its a problem. Dont you agree? Thats right! The other merchants nodded in agreement. Another merchant added, In addition to the wine, I would also like to buy a batch of your sea rice, fluorescent mushrooms, and other local specialties. With a legendary Druid overseeing the production, the prices were naturally higher. A barrel of wine was priced at one hundred units of rare resources, a price that some merchants initially found unacceptable. Ji Chen looked at the smiles on the faces of these merchants and couldnt help but guess their hidden intentions. However, he decided not to expose them and immediately agreed to their requests. Being cultivated by a legendary-tier Druid naturally meant that these grapes were quite different from the common varieties found elsewhere, so the price was naturally higher. The selling price for a barrel of wine was set at one hundred units of rare resources, a price that was undeniably high, and initially, the merchants openly stated that they couldnt accept it. However, Ji Chen did not back down. The Crown of the Ocean wine was clearly in high demand, and these merchants were eager to profit from it. As long as it carried the name of the Elves, they were confident it would sell, especially since this wine would be exclusive to nobles in various kingdoms and duchies, targeting the wealthy rather than the poor. In the end, these merchants had no choice but to reluctantly accept the terms. They were already thinking about the prices at which they could sell the wine and make a substantial profit. Ji Chen maintained a gentle smile on his face, but there was a genuine sense of satisfaction. With each barrel of wine sold for sixty units of rare resources, at the current monthly production rate of five thousand barrels, the monthly revenue would amount to three hundred thousand units of rare resources. When Martino doubled the production, the monthly income would reach nine hundred thousand units of rare resources! Selling wine alone would yield nearly a million in profit! When the news spread that there was a Druid overseeing the island, other merchants rushed to the harbormasters office to buy the limited stock of wine. Many of them purchased hundreds of barrels, quickly depleting the five thousand barrels available. Merchants who didnt manage to secure enough wine wore regretful expressions but planned to return next month specifically to purchase more. While the wine had sold out, other specialties of the Crown of the Ocean also attracted the attention of these merchants. They soon realized that this relatively small New Moon Island had an abundance of unique products. Seeing the bustling scene at the harbormasters office, Ji Chen felt a sense of gratification. Over the past few months, the Crown of the Ocean had been steadily developing various industries, and today, it finally paid off. However, this was just the beginning. More merchants would come in the future, making the island even more prosperous and turning it into a shining gem in the middle of the ocean. In the future, as more and more merchants arrive, the issue of safety and order becomes increasingly important. No merchant is willing to trade in a place where even safety cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, Ji Chen incorporated the Crab Guardians, Tyrant Azure Dragon, and Water Nymph Archers into the Guardian Legion, forming an independent unit known as the First Guardian Legion. Previously, units like the Murloc Rangers and Ocean Guardians, which were Tier Three and Tier Four, were assigned to the Second Guardian Legion. As the enemies grew stronger, units like the Murloc Rangers, which were Tier Three and Tier Four, became less useful. At most, they could serve as lookouts and protect against sea creatures. It felt like times had changed. Little did they know that the units commonly used by players outside were generally in the Tier Three High-Star to Tier Four High-Star range. Under Ji Chens command, having Tier Five units was quite common, with only a few players possessing them. Forming organized armies of a hundred or even a thousand with Tier Five units was even rarer. Up to this point, Ji Chen had only seen a few guild leaders of medium to large-sized guilds, as well as independent players like Tian Shu who possessed organized armies of Tier Five units. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only However, that was several days, even months ago. Players progress was astronomical, going from nothing to commanding thousands in just a few months. Ji Chen himself now had Tier Six units, and who knew what he and other players would become after a similar amount of time had passed. Two days passed. Perhaps because Miligas had already spread the news and the list of territories that had earned the Elf-Friendly Territory title, over the past two days, merchants from several vassal states of the Elves, including the Maple Principality, gradually arrived in the Stormy Sea. They docked at the Crown of the Ocean, bringing quite a bit of attention to this remote island. If it werent for the Elfs guarantee, most of them would find it hard to believe that such a prosperous territory existed in this forbidden sea area. When they heard that this territory was established by a Lord of Glory, they were even more surprised. Many merchants wanted to meet this Lord of Glory, but they had to wait for days without a sighting. They were informed that he was currently not on the Crown of the Ocean.. Chapter 645 - Chapter 645: Search for the Ancient Deep Sea Dragon Whale (2) Chapter 645: Search for the Ancient Deep Sea Dragon Whale (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Two thousand kilometers southeast of the Crown of the Ocean, in the sky, Ji Chen and Anina rode on the back of a Sea Crystal Wyrm, surrounded by over a hundred Sea Crystal Wyrms. Anina, are you sure Abyss of the Dragon Whales is in this direction? Anina lay on the back of the Sea Crystal Wyrm, peering at the sea below, her face somewhat tense. Of course! Im a Dragon Whale. When have you ever heard of a whale getting lost? Ji Chen looked at her with a raised eyebrow, despite her lack of confidence, and how she tried to sound convincing, he couldnt help but sigh and facepalm, leaving a few black lines on his face. Two days ago, they embarked on a quest from their territory to the Abyss of the Dragon Whales, seeking the key to Aninas progression C the coveted high-level Dragon Whale bloodline. However, what caught him off guard was that just before they set off, Anina had sworn she knew the way to the Abyss of the Dragon Whales, but halfway through, she suddenly started to stutter and seemed disoriented, as if she had lost her way. Clearly, she was lost! Ji Chen found it strange. Even whales on Earth could find their way across thousands of miles. Could it be that the whales in this otherworldly realm were different? Anina seemed to realize that she was truly lost, and her head drooped in frustration. She couldnt understand! Why were the memories from her bloodline so clear when they had just set off, but the further they went, the more blurred they became? What was even stranger was that when they retraced their steps a bit, the bloodline memories became slightly clearer again! This was baffling. Could it be that the bloodline inside her was trying to prevent her from knowing the way to the Abyss of the Dragon Whales unless she was close to it? Seeing Aninas disappointed and frustrated expression, Ji Chen had no intention of blaming her. He gently patted her head and comforted her. If you cant remember, its okay No! Aninas reaction was quite intense. If I cant find it, then I wont be able to get stronger, and I wont be able to help you, Lord. I cant accept that Ji Chen was momentarily speechless. After a moment of silence, he suddenly smiled. Well then, lets keep searching. We have plenty of time. Feeling the change in Ji Chens tone, Anina put away her frustration and nodded vigorously. We must find it! However, reality doesnt always bend to ones will. Anina couldnt recall the specific location of the Abyss of the Dragon Whales or even the general sea area. It was as if there was a hidden long-distance signal jammer blocking the memories in her bloodline. Even when Ji Chen asked the marine creatures for help in finding it, they were of no use. These marine creatures had no idea where the so-called Abyss of the Dragon Whales was, perhaps due to its extreme secrecy and long-term isolation. For three consecutive days, Ji Chen and Anina searched in a mostly haphazard manner towards the southeast, hoping to find some clues. However, the vastness of the ocean also came with a monotonous nature. In the Stormy Sea, thousands of miles southeast of the New Moon Islands, there were only a few sparsely inhabited islands scattered around, and apart from that, all they could see was an identical sea surface and the clear blue sky. Two entire days went by with no headway. Ji Chen and Aninas excitement for the search waned considerably, made worse by the harsh weather, blistering sun, and continuous outdoor living. By the end of it all, Ji Chen was feeling somewhat numb and had little hope of finding the Abyss of the Dragon Whales. He had come to regard this journey as more of an adventure. However, he did get a glimpse of what it felt like for those traders who sailed on slow-moving sailboats, braving the open ocean for days on end. They faced the same seascape, the same sky, and the same scenery repeatedly. Ji Chen couldnt help but wonder how they coped with the loneliness of long voyages. As night fell, it was not advisable to continue their journey. They found a relatively small island, and Ji Chen had his Sea Crystal Wyrm clear it of the dozen or so amphibious sea creatures that had occupied it. They landed there to rest temporarily, seeking shelter in the shade of a few coconut trees. With a stick skewered with sea creature meat in hand, Ji Chen roasted it over a campfire. He sprinkled some spices on it from time to time. The sea creature meat was naturally rich in oil, so there was no need for additional brushing. The dripping oil sizzled in the fire, emitting a pleasing sound. Under the high-temperature roasting, the rich aroma of the meat filled the air, whetting ones appetite. Anina sat beside him, her large black eyes fixed on the food, her expression filled with longing. Occasionally, she wiped away the droplets of saliva at the corner of her mouth. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only After a while, the meat was finally cooked. Ji Chen couldnt help but smile at her, who resembled a little hungry cat. He handed her a piece of the roasted meat and said, Go ahead. This is meat personally roasted by your lord. Its not something you get every day. Aninas eyes sparkled with excitement as she thanked him. She grabbed the stick with precision and took a bite of the skewered meat. She savored the delightful texture and the rich flavor of the seasoning and meat. Two eyebrows curved upward in satisfaction, and the frustration she had felt from not finding the Abyss of the Dragon Whales faded away. Ji Chen watched Anina shake her head playfully while enjoying the roasted meat, looking adorable. His mood improved a bit, and he continued to grill his own meat. After finishing their dinner, they leaned against the coconut trees to rest. Due to the need for efficiency in their journey, they didnt take a boat, so they had to make do with resting on the ground. This made Ji Chen think about the construction of the building on the back of the giant turtle. Once it was completed, he wouldnt have to rough it like this during his travels. He could simply sleep in a bed and continue his journey comfortably.. Chapter 646 - Chapter 646: Search for the Ancient Deep Sea Dragon Whale (3) Chapter 646: Search for the Ancient Deep Sea Dragon Whale (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After satisfying her hunger, Anina regained her spirits and played on the beach. She then plunged into the sea, claiming she wanted to exercise. On the contrary, Ji Chen looked up at the flawless jade disk suspended amidst a sea of stars, relishing the exceptional and exquisite nighttime view on Earth. With a splash C Anina emerged from the water, her face filled with excitement, as if she had discovered something incredible. Lord! I heard the call of our kin! ? ? With the protection of the Sea Crystal Wyrm, Ji Chen and Anina sped underwater. Anina listened carefully, her ears tuned to the deep, sonorous song of the dragon whale. Maybe it was a matter of desiring something elusive and stumbling upon something unexpected. While Anina was having a good time in the water, she unexpectedly heard the haunting cry of a deep-sea dragon whale. Their dragon whale clan could communicate through these calls, able to hear the cries of their kin from thousands of miles away. Initially, this might not appear particularly thrilling. Deep-sea dragon whales were loners, usually only gathering when a mother whale had newborns. Once the young ones matured, they would go their separate ways. Perhaps this was just a solitary deep-sea dragon whale, making a few calls out of boredom to see if there were any others in the area. However, Anina informed him that the call of this particular deep-sea dragon whale was incredibly ancient, slow, and hoarse C a sign that it was nearing the end of its lifes journey and about to embark on its eternal rest in the Abyss of the Dragon Whales. If they could follow it, they would reach the Abyss of the Dragon Whales! From feeling helpless to finding a way, it all happened in the blink of an eye, just as in the saying, When youre at your wits end, theres a way out. Perhaps this aging deep-sea dragon whale, with its infrequent calls and slower pace, was their ticket to their destination. As they ventured through the dimly lit waters, they finally spotted the aging deep-sea dragon whale. It measured over thirty meters in length, and like its call, it appeared greatly aged, covered in wounds of various sizes. One particularly gruesome scar ran diagonally from its lower head to the rear of its abdomen, a testament to the battles it had once fought. The deep-sea dragon whale seemed to have noticed Ji Chen and his companions and instinctively perceived them as threats. Its entire demeanor swiftly changed, emitting a long, battle-ready roar. Though I may be old, Im not someone you can provoke. Let your blood paint the final chapter of my lifelong battles! With these words, it twisted its massive body and charged towards them. Anina quickly explained, Im part of your clan! The aged deep-sea dragon whale froze in its tracks, gradually ceasing its movements. It stared at them with cloudy eyes, filled with confusion, and asked, A young dragon whale? Aninas face darkened as she replied, Im not that young anymore. The aged deep-sea dragon whale gave them another look, then nodded its massive head in acknowledgment. Indeed, youre not that young anymore. To reach your potential at such a young age, it seems youve had quite the opportunities. The dragon whales gaze was sharp, able to discern even that Anina had reached her potential. It must possess formidable strength. Ji Chen squinted slightly. [Deep Sea Dragon Whale Hero: Solidus] [Race]: Deep Sea Dragon Whale [Tier]: Legendary [Potential]: Legendary [Level]: 69 ? ? A legendary-tier hero unit! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Level 69 was the highest level achievable for a legendary tier! Ji Chen couldnt help but marvel silently. The deep-sea dragon whale clan truly lived up to its reputation as a powerful marine race. Encountering one of them casually revealed such astonishing strength. Solidus looked at Ji Chen beside Anina, a hint of confusion in his eyes. A human capable of moving underwater? Quite rare Seeing the conversation shifting toward him, Ji Chen politely introduced himself, Sir Solidus, I am Ji Chen, the lord of Anina. Suddenly, the ancient deep-sea dragon whale erupted with an astonishing aura, its eyes filled with a self-imposing manner.. A prestigious deep-sea dragon whale submitting to a mere human!? Absurd! Shameful! Chapter 647 - Chapter 647: Solidus, The Power of the Water of Life, The Desolate Southern Seas? Chapter 647: Solidus, The Power of the Water of Life, The Desolate Southern Seas? Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Solidus reaction was intense, even more so than when he mistakenly thought they were enemies as if he had heard something unimaginable. The deep-sea dragon whale clan has always been unyielding, taking pride in dying in battle. Why would you submit to a lowly human lord? My Lord is not lowly! Anina detected the disdain and resentment in his words and, like an irritated kitten, retorted, It was my great lord who took in the homeless me! It was the people of the Crown of the Ocean who gave me a home! Humph! Can a deep-sea dragon whale ever truly integrate into human society? We are the rulers of the ocean, and we have never bowed to any other race! Not even the gods could make us submit! Solidus spoke with a voice that was old but unyielding, looking at the still-defiant Anina and Ji Chen by her side, his anger rising. From his perspective, it seemed that this sly human lord had employed persuasive words to trick this young descendant, simply aiming to take advantage of her abilities. No need for confirmation; it must be the case because humans have always behaved like this! As if recalling some painful memory, anger flared in Solidus eyes as he continued, Human, even though Ive reached the end of my life, Ill expend my last ounce of strength to defeat you for my people. As a proud member of the deep-sea dragon whale, known for their arrogance and strength, Solidus, at this moment, was willing to attack Ji Chen without any reservations. Anina looked worried, not wanting her own clan elder to take action against her lord. But she couldnt just stand by and watch her lord be attacked. No need to worry; I wont harm him, Ji Chen said with a gentle smile, reassuring Anina. Then he turned to face the approaching Solidus. Despite being a legendary level 69 hero, Solidus had already weakened significantly due to his aging and the waning of his life force. His strength was no longer as formidable as it appeared on the surface. [Deep Sea Dragon Whale Hero: Solidus (Aging)] ? ? [This hero unit has entered the aging phase, with all attributes decreased by 50%.] At this moment, Solidus had only about half of his normal strength, which was not much different from a level fifty-something legendary hero. He posed less of a threat to Ji Chen than Lord of the Waves. Ji Chen remained calm. He raised his hand, and the aura belonging to an epic-tier profession surged out like a volcanic eruption. The surrounding seawater instantly boiled, creating violent currents that radiated outward, tossing Solidus aside as he charged in. Epic-tier?! How is this possible? How can a human possess such power? Solidus, struggling to stabilize himself, showed a mix of disbelief and sadness in his gigantic whale eyes. He had fought his entire life, slaying countless foes and earning countless victories, only to be effortlessly tossed aside by a human in his old age. Heroes do age, indeed! Ji Chen watched as Solidus remained motionless after being tossed by the currents, not making any further attacks. He spoke calmly, Sir Solidus, I have no intention of being your enemy. We have come here, traveling thousands of miles, to find the Abyss of the Dragon Whales. Solidus, seemingly awakened from his desolation and sorrow, stopped his hostile actions and replied with a resigned tone, What do you seek in the Abyss of the Dragon Whales? This young one is not me, and she is not gravely injured either. Its far from her time to die. Could it be you want to sneak in and steal a dragon whales corpse!? As if realizing something, he suddenly grew furious. The ancient dragon whale clan was considered giant dragons living in the ocean. Their whale scales, bones, and oil were extremely precious. However, due to the isolation of the deep sea, they rarely faced threats from land-dwelling races. Seeing Solidus intense emotional swings, Ji Chens lips twitched slightly as he glanced at Anina. Its not like that. As you saw earlier, Anina has reached the limit of her potential. Therefore, we want to obtain a high-level dragon whale bloodline within the Abyss of the Dragon Whales, allowing her to break free from the constraints of her life and gain even greater power. Solidus looked skeptical. Ive never heard that a high-level dragon whale bloodline can help break through the limit of potential. Human, are you trying to deceive me? I do have a method to help Anina break through. The only thing missing now is this high-level dragon whale bloodline. Ji Chen replied with a calm demeanor. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Even so, I cannot possibly take you into the Abyss of the Dragon Whales. It is the most sacred and important place for our deep-sea dragon whale clan, where countless deep-sea dragon whales rest in peace, their souls at ease. It cannot be entered by outsiders. Solidus snorted, Even if you were to kill me now, I would never do something that goes against our ancestral teachings. Then let Anina enter. Thats also impossible, Solidas replied. Im afraid this young one has already realized it. The closer she gets to the Abyss of the Dragon Whales, the more her bloodlines memories will blur. As long as a deep-sea dragon whale is not gravely injured, near death, or dying of old age, they all experience this. Its to prevent some young clan members from attempting to sneak into the Abyss of the Dragon Whales to steal the whale corpse. In addition to that, the entrance to the Abyss of the Dragon Whales is protected by countermeasures that prevent young dragon whales from entering.. Chapter 648 - Chapter 648: Solidus, The Power of the Water of Life, The Desolate Southern Seas? (2) Chapter 648: Solidus, The Power of the Water of Life, The Desolate Southern Seas? (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen furrowed his brow; could there really be such a thing? Anina couldnt help but show a hint of disappointment upon hearing this. Wouldnt that mean she couldnt obtain high-level Dragon Whale bloodline? Without the high-level Dragon Whale bloodline, she wouldnt be able to break through her potential limits and would remain at the Legacy Tier. She couldnt accept such an outcome It seemed like they had hit a dead end. 1 can help you obtain the high-level Dragon Whale bloodline, but I have a condition. Ji Chen said, looking at Solidus with a slight surprise. Solidus, please go ahead and tell me, Ill do my best to meet your request. Solidus whale eye revealed a hint of cunning and mockery as he replied, As long as you help me find a way to extend my life by one or two hundred years, Ill assist you. Anina was shocked; this was really making things tough for them! At this point, Solidus body was like a leaky bucket, with his life force constantly draining away. The injuries he had sustained over the years of battle had left him battered and bruised. After growing old, the injuries led to his collapse. If a water bag had only one hole, it could still be patched up and used. But if it had dozens or hundreds of holes, there was no saving it. Solidus felt quite pleased with his idea at this moment. Even though he couldnt defeat Ji Chen, watching him struggle was satisfying in its own way. As for the idea of this young descendant being bound by her potential, he didnt actually believe what this human was saying. The potential limit was determined for each race at birth, and it was a rule that bound them. Only deities could change something like potential. Just like him, hundreds of years ago, reaching level 69 in the Legendary Tier, despite constantly fighting and consuming divine treasures to enhance the potential of his life, he hadnt made any progress even after hundreds of years had passed. This human claimed to be able to break through the potential limit? He didnt believe it. Okay, Just when he wanted to sec the human in misery, Solidus heard the resolute words from the human. He widened his eyes in surprise and asked, Human, you should know my current condition. If I hadnt truly lost all hope and was waiting for my downfall in the Abyss of the Dragon Whales, I wouldnt consider this. My intention is not just to extend my life by a few hundred years, but to truly add years to it, not just hang on to life. Ji Chen smiled and said, Of course, I have a way to heal your injuries, Solidus, and prolong your life. As he spoke, he produced a crystal vial filled with amber-colored liquid in his palm and gently pushed it towards Solidus. The vial floated over with the flow of water. Solidus stared at the crystal vial, his eyes filled with puzzlement. What is this? Its the Elfs Water of Life, the undiluted kind. Solidus was stunned. Although he didnt know or had never seen it, it didnt stop him from knowing that this was an incredibly valuable treasure in this era, almost priceless. He hesitated for a moment as he looked at Ji Chon, then shifted his body. In an instant, his massive Dragon Whale form transformed into an elderly man with a hunched back and a wrinkled face. He twisted open the vials cap and poured the Life Water into his mouth before it could flow out. Solidus swiftly emptied the bottle, and initially, he hesitated, but then his whole face flushed as if something was coursing through his body. His posture became upright, and the visible wounds on his body healed at an astonishing rate. His once pale hair rapidly turned black, and the wrinkles on his face vanished. In just a few dozen breaths, an elderly man on the brink of death had transformed into a middle-aged man in the prime of his life. With a head full of black hair, a robust physique, and a vibrant spirit. Anina watched this scene with wide eyes. Solidus was filled with excitement, feeling the comfort that spread throughout his body. It was a stark contrast to the pain and weakness he had experienced before. He clenched his fist tightly, feeling an endless surge of strength. Almost all the hidden injuries on his body had healed, and the vast vitality flowed through every part of his being. Solidus, have I not deceived you? Ji Chen said calmly, also surprised by the effectiveness of the Life Water. This undiluted Life Water had brought a deep-sea Dragon Whale back from the brink of death. Its power was truly astonishing. Back when he obtained a jug of Life Water from the Life Tree in the frozen wilderness, he had already used about one-fifth of it. It made him a bit regretful, but considering the possibility of helping Anina break through her potential limit, he felt that it was worth it. With this in mind, Ji Chon continued, Solidus, Ive restored your vitality. It should be effortless for you to live another one or two hundred years, or even more. So, you should fulfill your previous promise. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This statement brought Solidus, who was filled with excitement and excitement, back to reality. He looked serious as if he was contemplating something. He wanted to back out now that he had already recovered, especially since he could start anew with a fresh lease on life. However, the Dragon Whale bloodline and honor did not permit him to do so, especially not in front of this young descendant. If this matter were to become known, his reputation among his kin would undoubtedly suffer. Who would have thought that this human would possess such a rare item as the Life Water!? His emotions were now incredibly complex, a mix of joy at being freed from aging and death, and a headache over his previous words. After deep contemplation, Solidus cleared his throat and said. Chapter 649 - Chapter 649: Solidus, The Power of the Water of Life, The Chapter 649: Solidus, The Power of the Water of Life, The Desolate Southern Seas? (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation I do indeed know where to obtain high-level Dragon Whale bloodlines, but its not an ordinary place Simply put, at least a century ago, 1 discovered that an epic-tier ancient Dragon Whale powerhouse had fallen into a semi-sealed mystic realm. That mystic realm is now on the brink of destruction, filled with chaotic spatial storms, and riddled with void fissures. One wrong step, and you could be swept into the void turbulence. The bloodline of an epic-tier ancient Dragon Whale can remain preserved for thousands, if not tens of thousands of years. If luck is on your side, theres a good chance of obtaining an epic-tier Dragon Whale bloodline. However, that semi-sealed mystic realm is fraught with danger Without hesitation, Ji Chen spoke up, Sir Solidus, please tell me the location of this semi-sealed mystic realm. Solidus appeared somewhat surprised and his gaze softened as he looked at Ji Chen. This human didnt seem as he had initially thought. He looked decent and was willing to take risks for this young junior. Seeing this, he didnt hesitate much and said, Its in a sea southwest from here I can take you there, even accompany you in the search. Ji Chen responded, That would be perfect, but I need to return to my territory to make some preparations. Solidus had no objections and nodded in agreement. Both sides quickly reached an agreement, and Ji Chen gestured for him to board the Sea Crystal Wyrm. They swiftly returned to the Crown of the Ocean. With a clear goal in mind, the return journey was much faster. After an uninterrupted night of flight, they successfully returned to the Crown of the Ocean on the following day at noon. Wilus was surprised by Ji Chens swift return but immediately began preparations for the upcoming expedition upon hearing they would be setting out soon. Solidus mentioned that the semi-sealed mystic realm was inhabited by many high-level indigenous creatures. Over the past century, he wasnt sure how much had changed there. To be safe, Ji Chen pulled together a considerable force. The North Sea Behemoth Kraken, the Deep Sea Naga Herald, the Blue Dragon Blood Murloc Benbo, the Deep Sea Dragon Whale Anina, the Dragon Horn Catfish Diago, along with the foreign reinforcement Solidus, amounted to six hero units in total. Among them, one was epic-tier, three were legendary-tier, and two were legacy-tier. Additionally, several mainline legions were included in the expedition. On the morning of the next day, after completing their preparations, under Ji Chens command, they marched in the direction indicated by Solidus. This semi-sealed mystic realm was located in the southern part of the Western Mid-Ocean, approximately 1,500 kilometers southwest of the New Moon Islands. This vast sea area was marked as extremely dangerous on many merchants maps. With descriptions from Solidus, a former tour guide who had traveled extensively across most of the Mid-Ocean, and insights from Kraken, a native of the region, Ji Chen gained a better understanding of this unfamiliar sea area in the southern Western Mid-Ocean. Compared to the relatively bustling central regions, the northern and southern sea areas were desolate. For miles around, not a single island inhabited by people could be found. However, this was only in relative terms to land-dwelling races like humans. Because of the rare disturbances by other races, the southern sea area had given rise to a prosperous civilization of marine tribes. There were far more marine tribes here compared to the central and northern sea areas, turning it into a paradise for these tribes. Here, the most primitive and savage jungle laws were enacted, with the strong dominating the weak. Powerful marine tribes ruled over everything while the weaker ones struggled to survive. Lord, Im not exaggerating. As soon as I return to the southern sea area, I guarantee that all the marine creatures there will bow down and pledge allegiance. When the time comes, with a command from me Ahem, from us, thousands of marine creatures will serve us! Kraken waved its tentacles enthusiastically, its face filled with excitement. As the initial instigator of the Sea Beast Tide, Kraken had originated from the southern sea area and was naturally familiar with it. Ji Chen rolled his eyes. Well, then Ill have you lead the way later. Kraken chuckled a few times, imagining the scene where it returned and commanded obedience from countless marine creatures, showing off its might as the North Sea Behemoth! However, when they entered the southern sea area, they discovered that it was entirely different from their expectations. Not a single marine creature appeared here! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Whether in shallow waters or deep-sea trenches, it was as if they had vanished completely. Not only were there no marine creatures, but even fish were extremely rare. Ji Chen looked at this lifeless ocean, furrowing his brow deeply. Even though Kraken had initiated the Sea Beast Tide a few months ago, it couldnt possibly turn this place into such a desolation. The ocean was teeming with countless beings, and the Sea Beasts were just a small part of it. Were Sea Beasts affected like this, or were other ordinary marine creatures similarly scarce? This is strange, very strange. I remember that when I came here before, it was still thriving. Solidas, in his human form, crossed his arms and looked grave. In the rippling seawater, he faintly sensed an ominous presence.. Chapter 650 - Chapter 650: Corrupted Skeleton Lizard Chapter 650: Corrupted Skeleton Lizard Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Solidus could sense it, and so could Ji Chen, and it felt oddly familiar. This ominous aura, he had sensed it not long ago in the Panas Battle instance. Demons! Demons appearing in the main world? Or was there something related to demons? If it was the latter, it would be somewhat manageable, but if it was the former, it would be a grave matter. However, without seeing it with his own eyes, he couldnt make a definite judgment. Sir Solidus, we must be extremely cautious on this journey. Solidus hesitated for a moment, but seeing the seriousness on Ji Chens face, he nodded solemnly. The group continued to move forward. The desolation of the ocean was entirely different from that of the land. The desolation of the ocean was characterized by the lush underwater vegetation, yet it was impossible to see any signs of life for miles. The more prosperous the vegetation, the more it accentuated the desolation, like an empty city without inhabitants. Moreover, the closer they got to the semi-closed mystic realm that Solidas mentioned, the more intense and obvious the ominous aura became. Even the sea crystal wyrms showed expressions of disgust. Its right ahead. Solidus voice revitalized Ji Chen, who focused his gaze ahead. It was a vast ocean basin that stretched as far as the eye could see. It sank a hundred meters from the seafloor, and a spatial rift, dozens of meters long, hung vertically at the bottom of the basin. Its eerie purple light made it seem exceptionally scary as if it concealed some great terror. Its called a semi-closed mystic realm because this place lacks a stable entrance and exit, and this spatial rift could close at any time. Solidus looked at the eye-shaped rift that flickered like a devils eye and said with a solemn tone. If it werent for the immense favor Ji Chen had granted him this time, he wouldnt have been willing to come here. No one knew when this rift would disappear, and being trapped inside would be the most serious consequence. A spatial rift? Ji Chen paused and added, Kraken has the ability to pierce through space and stabilize spatial rifts. You can rest assured. Solidus looked at this sea monster with a hint of surprise and wariness in his eyes. This giant octopus was undoubtedly an epic-tier creature, coupled with its colossal size, its combat strength was formidable. The ocean was not the same as the land, and large sea creatures could truly dominate here. Combined with other legendary-tier heroes and legacy-tier heroes, this human unexpectedly possessed six high-tier heroes, which even someone as experienced as Solidas found extremely astonishing. Furthermore, with this army composed of fifth and even sixth-tier units, the power of the Ocean Crown on the surface was quite impressive. However, he didnt believe it was just limited to this. During his brief stay on the New Moon Islands, he had sensed several powerful and mysterious auras hidden on the island. Solidus had encountered Lords of Glory in the past few months, but he had never seen such a powerful individual before, surpassing other Lords of Glory by a wide margin. Further recalling what Ji Chen had said about having a way to break through the potential limit using the high-level Dragon Whale bloodline, Solidas seemed to understand something. If that were the case, perhaps he could ask this human for help with that matter? Seeing Solidus suddenly fall into silence and seemingly pondering something, Ji Chen couldnt help but ask, Sir Solidus, do you have any concerns? Solidus temporarily set aside his thoughts and shook his head, saying, Nothing, lets prepare to go in. Back when they were in the Frozen Wilderness of the Divine Battle Ancient Battlefield, Kraken needed the Deceiver to use a certain scroll to disrupt the spatial structure from the outside to enter. However, this semi-closed mystic realm was already on the brink of collapse. Along with its fragility came a vulnerable spatial structure. Even without disrupting the spatial structure, Kraken could easily open a space passage connecting the inside and outside. Entering the mystic realm through this spatial rift, their vision turned white, and they instantly arrived at another place. Before them was a vast expanse of water, but the sea surface was pitch-black, covered by dense black clouds that seemed ready to press down. Countless branched lightning bolts illuminated the sky. Upon closer inspection, one could see numerous small and large violet fissures pervading the air. They seemed to pulsate and throb, directly connecting to the void. If touched inadvertently, there was a high chance of being sucked into the void. Chaos, fragility, oppression. This was Ji Chens first impression of this secret realm, far worse than the Frozen Wilderness of the Divine Battle Ancient Battlefield. It made him doubt whether any lifeforms could survive here. In the far distance, a floating mountain hovered above the sea surface out of nowhere. It cast a deep shadow amidst the constant lightning, appearing magnificent against the gloomy sky. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Those floating mountains are the nests of one of the indigenous tribes living in this mystic realm, Solidas pointed to the floating island and explained, Our destination is not there, so theres no need to provoke them. Ji Chen nodded in agreement. To survive in such a hostile environment, these indigenous tribes likely possessed some unique abilities, and there was no need to provoke unnecessary conflicts. That epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale is not far from here, underwater. The pitch-black sea surface, reflected by the dark clouds, appeared terrifying, but as soon as Ji Chen entered the water, he felt like he had control over everything. His consciousness extended far, far away with the flow of the water.. Chapter 651 - Chapter 651: Corrupted Skeleton Lizard (2) Chapter 651: Corrupted Skeleton Lizard (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Hmm? Ji Chen suddenly looked towards the western direction. In his perception, it seemed that something was approaching them in large numbers. Prepare for battle, enemies are coming from the west.1 Several heroes, including Solidus, perked up, readying themselves for action. Soon, a massive swarm of giant lizard reptiles, each with only a pair of forelimbs and a sturdy tail occupying the rear half of their bodies, appeared rapidly swimming towards them. Their bone-covered heads were exposed, and their bodies looked as if they had rotted for months, with muddy decaying flesh revealing pale bones. Their eyes were filled with madness and chaos. [Corrupted Skeletal Lizard] [Tier]: Fifth Tier, Seven Stars [Indigenous reptiles tainted by some evil aura, driven to madness and chaosl Excellent, our very first encounter upon entering are lively opponents that are Fifth Tier Seven Stars. With a thought, Ji Chen ordered his Kraken to charge out. These corrupted skeletal lizards were not small, about seven to eight meters long, but compared to the colossal Kraken, they appeared rather petite. The Krakens massive tentacles seized several of the foremast corrupted skeletal lizards, flinging them hundreds of meters away with a sudden force. Other tentacles swung like electric fly swatters, shattering dozens of them into pieces, their bones sinking into the depths like mud. However, what caught Ji Chen off guard was that even those shattered skeletal remains of the corrupted lizards still attempted to struggle and swim back. There was no pain or fear in their eye sockets, only madness. It was as if something was driving them to recklessly pursue their objective, regardless of life or death. In front of a Level 55 Epic-tier hero, a swarm of corrupted skeletal lizards, numbering a thousand, was quickly cleared, though many managed to got close while their companions were being attacked. However, the wounds they inflicted with their bites and claws wore negligible to the Kraken, healing in moments. But Ji Chens expression didnt show satisfaction; instead, it revealed a slight frown. He watched the corrupted skeletal lizards rot rapidly after death, and the prefix corrupted left him with an uneasy feeling. An ominous premonition pervaded his mind, and his sense of unease grew stronger. His tone became somewhat urgent. Sir Solidus, lets quickly find the corpse of that Epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale and obtain the high-level Dragon Whale bloodline. Then, wo should leave immediately. Solidus also sensed something unusual about this ocean and nodded, The corpse of the Epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale is not far ahead. Follow me. With that, he took the lead. Ji Chen waved his hand, leading the heroes and the army to follow closely behind. However, what they didnt know was that those skeletal remains of the corrupted skeletal lizards, which had completely rotted away to nothing but bones, suddenly began to tremble after they had left. One by one, they struggled to climb up, their eye sockets ignited with a faint blue flame. After a brief moment, they regrouped and headed in the opposite direction, as if driven by some unknown force. Ji Chen and his group quickly arrived at their destination. They saw the remains of an epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale, even though all that was left were its bones, which were a whopping sixty meters long. Looking down from above, the pale skeleton resembled a sunken ship resting quietly on the seabed. The spaces within the ribcage were overgrown with underwater vegetation, adding to the sense of forgotten desolation. The enormous skull slanted into the muddy seafloor, and within the skull, a suspended bead emitted an enchanting blood-red light, casting the surrounding seawater in a crimson hue. This bead was the core of the epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale, containing its bloodline, combat skills, experiences, and even a portion of its memories. This was why the Deep Sea Dragon Whale clan always strived to return to the Abyss of the Dragon Whales, whether heavily wounded, dying, or when their lifespans were nearing the end. Only there could they pass on their accumulated combat experience, skills, and knowledge to their descendants through their bloodline memories, ensuring the continued growth and survival of their species. This particular epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale had likely suffered such severe injuries that it couldnt muster the strength to return to the Abyss, resulting in its death in this place. As Anina and Solidus gazed upon the lonely death of their fellow kin here, unable to find peace for their souls, a profound sadness filled their eyes, and an indescribable emotion welled up within them. However, Ji Chen interrupted their thoughts, saying, Anina. Anina snapped out of her reverie, turned towards Ji Chen, and saw him smiling gently while patting her head. Hurry, its time. Anina nodded solemnly, her expression becoming resolute. She swam towards the enormous skull with deep reverence and gently placed her hand on the blood-red bead. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only A majestic and resounding whale song echoed in her ears, and she seemed to see a hundred-meter-long giant whale challenging a storm, roaring defiantly amidst thunderstorms, as if challenging a presence high above in the heavens. She also witnessed the giant whale surrounded by countless enemies, showing no signs of retreat. With its colossal body, it turned the enemy formation into chaos, accompanied by a resounding battle cry filled with determination and fearlessness. Wo arc proud children of the sea, fearless and eager for battle and victory! At the same time, memories, combat experiences, and skills flowed into her mind like a surging river Seeing that Anina had started absorbing the memories without any issues, Ji Chen nodded in approval. He was about to say something when he received a warning from the Naga Guardians stationed on the outskirts.. Chapter 652 - Chapter 652: Corrupted Skeleton Lizard (3) Chapter 652: Corrupted Skeleton Lizard (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation A large number of enemies are attacking! Ji Chen looked at the massive horde of corrupted skeletal reptiles swarming in the distance, sighing inwardly. He knew this journey wouldnt be as smooth as he hoped. Regardless, they had to hold out until Anina finished absorbing! Prepare for battle, no one is to retreat without my command! Ji Chen gave a resolute order. The Ocean Crowns army swiftly established a defensive line centered around the epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whales skull, and hero units were ready for slaughter. Before the horde of corrupted skeletal reptiles reached the frontline, a barrage of light beams, like brilliant shooting stars in the night, pierced the dark waters, creating a burst of blood mist among the ferocious enemies. The Sea Crystal Wyrms beams were effective even underwater, with slightly reduced power compared to on the surface. However, they were still potent enough to deliver fatal blows to these creatures, which didnt even reach Tier Six, tearing off limbs or piercing their bodies. Between the dancing beams of light, inconspicuous ice-blue arrows suddenly exploded within the enemy group. The exploding arrows sent water splashing like flying blades, creating a storm of flesh and blood wherever they passed. After the Lobster Nymph Spirit Archers fired three rounds of arrows, they dispelled the water-formed longbows, picked up their spears, and, with a shout, charged alongside the Lobster Guardian Knights around them. Cavalry was most lethal during a charge. However, before they could charge, the fifty eight-meter-long Heavy Armor Toothfish and their knights had already accelerated to the maximum. Pledge loyalty to our Lord and charge into the enemy formation, crushing them! The massive and sturdy charge horns instantly crushed the skeletal lizards that attempted to use their heads as a defense. Fifty Heavy Armor Toothfish knights surged forward like a tidal wave, firmly halting the advancing horde of corrupted skeletal reptiles. Seeing this, the leading Lobster Guardian Knight heroes eyes lit up, realizing it was a golden opportunity. They raised their spears and shouted loudly. Everyone, accelerate! The knights swung their reins, pushing their lobster mounts to top speed. Thud A dull impact echoed as thousands of corrupted skeletal lizards were sent flying by the tremendous force of the charge. Spears protruded like silver snakes, puncturing them. Sixty Leviathan Dragons had somehow circled around to the flanks. They resembled giant snakes with two pairs of menacing pincer-like mouthparts on their heads and fluorescent blue singular horns on their foreheads. Plop- Clusters of water nymphs, seemingly harmless, descended into the enemy formation. After a brief pause, they exploded like water mines, their bursting water turning into razor-sharp blades. Wherever they passed, a storm of flesh and blood erupted. The frontal assault had been somewhat restrained and even pushed back. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Solidus looked somewhat surprised at the Ocean Crowns explosive combat prowess and chuckled, It seems I cant afford to lag behind! Transforming into his massive whale form, he suddenly appeared. Compared to before, his whale form had undergone a remarkable transformation, with wounds healed. He launched attacks in his most proficient combat style. Seeing this, several heroes of the Ocean Crown were unwilling to let outsiders steal the limelight before their lord, and they joined the fray. Ji Chen observed the battlefield and nodded. If it were only this, it would be difficult to break through their defenses. What concerned him was not these fearless corrupted skeletal lizards but the sinister presence lurking behind them. He raised his head and looked into the distance. His gaze seemed to penetrate through the crawling creatures and layers of seawater, revealing the evil entity concealed in darkness and shadows.. Chapter 653 - Chapter 653: The Hidden Secret Chapter 653: The Hidden Secret Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The transit station between the Abyss of Chaos and the main world. The sky was gloomy and oppressive, the land a foreboding black, with an evil black mist lingering in the air. The air and the land were saturated with a dense negative energy. Looking down from the sky, one could see countless dark fur tents standing on this vast land, and tens of thousands of demons occupying this sprawling campsite. Behind the campsite was a deep passage connecting to the Abyss of Chaos, while in front was a dimly lit spatial channel leading to the main world. However, at this moment, the spatial channel was blocked by a thin, iridescent membrane. It seemed to be covered with magnificent rules, making it difficult for the demons to penetrate it. When can we completely open the channel to the main world? It will take some time. The barriers constructed by the rules of the main world are tougher than we anticipated. Demon Hunters have been working hard to break through. Damn it! If it werent for that epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale obstructing us recklessly, we would have invaded the main world a hundred years ago! Now, the gods have used their supreme power to entangle the Orderly Divine Beings, making it difficult for them to stop our invasion. We want those races that have imprisoned us in the Abyss of Chaos for hundreds of thousands of years to feel the same pain weve endured. We want the main world to experience our suffering! Weve already contacted some allies from the ancient war tens of thousands of years ago C evil orcs, gnomes, goblins, trolls, dungeon creatures When were about to open the channel, they will rise up at the same time, drawing the attention of races like elves, humans, and goblins. During this opportunity, we will advance rapidly Those fools who have lived in peace and comfort, their fighting spirit long dulled, will have no idea what weve experienced in the Abyss of Chaos or how much stronger weve become over hundreds of thousands of years. If everything goes as planned, we will soon become the new rulers of the main world, turning those races into our slaves! Now, those skeletal lizards weve released to pollute the land are our experiments. Lets see how the strength of the outside worlds races has changed, and then we can formulate our invasion plan This wont expose our invasion intentions prematurely, will it? Hmph, those races nurtured by the Orderly Divine Beings are like sheep, how could they possibly know the power of demons? Theyll probably only think its the work of the undead, especially since the undead is a force we demons researched tens of thousands of years ago, a foreshadowing of our return Besides, were just experimenting in a nearly doomed, semi-closed mystic realm. Who would be foolish enough to barge in? My comrades, the world belongs to us. With the blood and suffering of those sheeps, we shall welcome the great descent of demons! ? ? The semi-closed mystic realm. The corrupted skeletal lizards kept pouring in like a relentless tide. Starting with thousands, their numbers had now swelled to thousands more, densely packed, converging from all directions. No one knew where these creatures came from, but it felt like the entire ocean was teeming with them, and no matter how many the Crown of the Oceans forces and heroes had already slain, it seemed like there were still more to be killed. At least tens of thousands had been eliminated by now. However, the surrounding pitch-black seawater seemed like the mouths of colossal beasts, continuously spewing forth these bloodthirsty monsters. Solidus punched one of the corrupted skeletal lizards, shattering its head with sheer force, then casually grabbed its tail and threw it away. The Deep Sea Dragon Whale in the form of a small giant was also busy, every punch capable of killing one, and countless had perished under its iron fists. However, the skulls of those that were smashed started to rapidly decay in the seawater in an inexplicable manner, turning into skeletons once more and attacking again, their strength not much weaker than before. Ji Chen looked at the still-dense enemies, deep in thought. Resurrection as skeletons after death was a specialty of undead creatures. Could it be that this strange situation here was the work of undead? As his thoughts raced, he glanced at Anina. Anina still held her hand out, but the epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whales blood-red pearl had shrunk considerably compared to before. There was also an increasingly powerful aura emanating from Anina, indicating that the absorption was nearing its end. Alice, can you control these corrupted skeletal lizards? I can, but its more challenging to control them than ordinary creatures. Alice nodded lightly, her expression somewhat grave. Their bodies and souls have been thoroughly corrupted and eroded, their minds filled with madness and chaos, becoming mere puppets driven solely by the urge to kill. So, does this have something to do with the undead? Surface-level indicators suggest its highly likely, but I believe there might be deeper reasons behind it. After listening to Alices words, Ji Chen couldnt help but sink into thought, his mind flashing back to that 7-star dungeon. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He had a nagging feeling that there might be something unsavory hidden here. After a moment of contemplation, he made up his mind. Once Aninas absorption is complete, well start investigating the secrets hidden within this semi-closed mystic realm and the mysteries concealed within these dcorrupted skeletal lizards. However, if there are any signs of this realm collapsing, we must leave immediately. Despite their large numbers, the corrupted skeletal lizards were still struggling to make an effective breakthrough in the face of several high-tier heroes and the defenses constructed by thousands of fifth and sixth-tier troops.. Chapter 654 - Chapter 654: The Hidden Secret (2) Chapter 654: The Hidden Secret (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation As time passed, the crimson pearl gradually became smaller until it completely dissolved. A system prompt echoed slowly. Ding- Your Deep Sea Dragon Whale Hero, Anina, has absorbed the life essence left behind by the epic-level Deep Sea Dragon Whale. The seals on combat skills, combat experience, and bloodline memories have been released. Deep Sea Dragon Whale Hero, Anina, has gained a high-level Dragon Whale Bloodline (Above-Epic Tier). Ji Chens spirits lifted as he looked at Anina. She slowly opened her eyes, and golden light burst forth, as if emitting an ancient gaze that had spanned millennia. Her entire demeanor underwent a tremendous transformation, shedding her youthful and naive appearance for a more dignified and majestic presence. Although her strength didnt seem to have changed significantly, anyone could see that Anina now stood like a bird on a mountaintop, ready to soar at the right moment. Aninas expression was calm and her eyes swept over to Ji Chen, revealing a hint of familiarity. However, her countenance soon turned solemn. Lord, I have completed the absorption, and within the memories of this predecessor, I found something related to demons. Ji Chens expression changed slightly, and he nodded without hesitation. Prepare to withdraw, everyone. With his command, they shifted from defense to offense. Clear the path! The Crown of the Oceans forces surged upstream in the black and white tides, mercilessly slaying one corrupted skeletal lizard after another. Seeing their attempt to leave, the corrupted skeletal lizards became even more frenzied. They used their bodies to form flesh and blood walls, blocking the way, and more of them rushed in from the distance. Ji Chen raised his hand expressionlessly. [Typhoon Storm (Golden Skill): Create a massive water typhoon that sucks in nearby objects and inflicts massive damage.] Suddenly, a small high-speed whirlpool appeared in the sea. It gradually expanded as it spun rapidly, forming a gigantic water typhoon that connected the sea surface to a hundred meters deep. It generated a terrifying suction force in the surrounding area. The gigantic water typhoon concealed countless sharp water blades within its whirlpool, akin to a grinder rapidly dismembering the corrupted skeletal lizards that were swept into it. They were eviscerated, dissected, and reduced to tiny pieces as they spun together. In just one strike, over two thousand corrupted skeletal lizards were reduced to smithereens. When the subsequent waves of corrupted skeletal lizards broke through the resting typhoon and whirlpool, they had already lost track of Ji Chens group. On the sea surface, Ji Chen and the others resurfaced from underwater and scanned their surroundings, finding no trace of the corrupted skeletal lizards. Rest for now, and Dragonblood Legion, spread out and be on guard! The blue-scaled merfolk of the Dragonblood Legion immediately dispersed in a semi-circular formation centered around Ji Chen, beginning their vigil. Anina, what did you see in the memories of that epic-level Deep Sea Dragon Whale? Ji Chen asked, looking at Anina. Lord, that predecessor died rapidly due to the depletion of his vitality, and the culprit was none other than demons, Anina slowly recounted everything she had seen in the memories remaining in her bloodline. A hundred years ago, a level 77 epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale, in the prime of its life, roamed the vast oceans. It arrived in the southern waters of the Western Mid-Ocean and stumbled upon a semi-sealed mystic realm out of curiosity. Driven by curiosity, it ventured inside. However, upon entering, it discovered that the spatial structure here was fragile, teetering on the brink of destruction. An evil force was silently infiltrating from the outside, trying to open a spatial passage. This malevolent force was none other than the demon race, who, according to legends, had been sealed along with the Dark God in the depths of the Chaos Abyss. This revelation shocked the epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale. How could demons, sealed in the Chaos Abyss by the orderly gods, possess the energy to open a passage? Without much time for contemplation, at that very moment, the demons were on the verge of completely opening the spatial passage. In this critical moment, the epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale resolutely used its own life to repair the shattered spatial structure, obstructing the demons progress in opening the spatial passage. It allowed this nearly doomed mystic realm to persist for another hundred years. The memory was simple, but the impact was profound. Not only Ji Chen but also several heroes were astonished by what Anina had just revealed. Demons, attempting to invade again!? A repeat of the godly battles from tens of thousands of years ago? But if the orderly gods had sealed the Dark God and the demon race in the Chaos Abyss, wouldnt they be vigilant and intervene if they sensed such intentions? Solidus furrowed his brow as he questioned. Other heroes shared a similar sentiment. If the orderly gods had the power to seal them, they would surely be monitoring any potential threats, not just from the demon race but even the Dark God itself. All I mentioned comes from the memories in my bloodline, and a hundred years ago, the demons indeed intended to open a spatial passage in this semi-sealed mystic realm, Anina affirmed with certainty. However, Ji Chens brow furrowed slightly, and he spoke slowly. If thats the case, theres a possibility that the orderly gods knew about the demon races intention to invade again but were unable to stop it. This statement was shocking, and the heroes exchanged surprised glances. Even the orderly gods couldnt prevent it? If the demons dared to open a spatial passage from the Chaos Abyss to the main world, and a hundred years ago, they were just one step away from succeeding. However, the orderly gods did not send down any divine revelations to warn the elves, humans, and other orderly races. So, the bold speculation is that the orderly gods may not have wanted to warn but were entangled by something, making it impossible to convey divine revelations to the main world protected by the rules. Seeing their shocked expressions, Ji Chen continued, And its very likely that those dark gods are the ones entangling the orderly gods, allowing the demons to secretly open the invasion channel. And those corrupted skeletal lizards might be their vanguard sent to investigate the situation. Soliduss face was filled with astonishment, and his thoughts were in turmoil. He spoke in a dry voice, This speculation its too audacious. How could the suppressed dark gods possibly turn the tables and entangle the orderly gods? According to legend, the Chaos Abyss is an extremely hostile place, filled with destruction and death, completely cut off from the outside world. The orderly gods had chosen this place to suppress and seal the dark gods, cutting off their supply of faith. The longer they were suppressed, the weaker the dark gods became, making it even less likely for them to escape. A group of prisoners growing weaker over time in a water dungeon, how could they have the strength to break free from their cell and attack the guards outside? Based on this, Solidus found this speculation unbelievable. Ji Chen smiled and said, This is just a bold speculation based on the information we currently have, one of countless possibilities, and it may not necessarily be the truth. But regardless, the fact remains that the demons intend to open a spatial passage and invade again. This matter should be shared with the elves, humans, and other orderly races. Solidus nodded in agreement. Major events like this cannot be resolved by one individual or one race alone. We must inform other races to guard against the demons. However, before that, I need to find concrete evidence to prove this point. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This information was derived from Aninas absorption of the memories of the epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale. It was intangible and would likely be considered as madness if spoken without substantial evidence. Only with solid and convincing proof could they hope to persuade the races who held unwavering belief and superstition in the gods. It seems that we need to search for sufficient evidence in this ocean filled with corrupted skeletal lizards and possibly other corrupted creatures, Ji Chen said, shaking his head. He had only intended to help Anina obtain a high-level dragon whale bloodline, but now he had become entangled in the matter of demon invasion. Demon invasion was undoubtedly a situation that required thorough preparation, and it might lead to a war that engulfed the entire world, much like what had happened tens of thousands of years ago. However, the outcome remained uncertain.. Chapter 655 - Chapter 655: Featherfolk Race Chapter 655: Featherfolk Race Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Although Ji Chen didnt know the exact number of those corrupted skeletal lizards, he was likely they now now prevalent throughout this ocean. In theory, there was no safe place in the sea. Ji Chen asked, Sir Solidus, who are the native inhabitants residing on the Floating Mountain? The inhabitants of the Floating Mountain are a group known as the Featherfolk. They are one of the original peoples of this realm. Since the Featherfolk are indigenous, they probably knew something about the specific origins of those corrupted skeletal lizards and events that occurred in this realm a century ago. If they could rest temporarily on the Floating Mountain, it would be even better for reorganizing their military forces. Ji Chen made up her mind, but he didnt immediately voice it. Instead, he looked at Solidus and said, Sir Solidus, we agreed earlier that you would lead us to find high-level Dragon Whale bloodlines. Now that Lady Anina has successfully absorbed it, the agreement is complete. Investigating the demons carries some risks, and you are free to leave this matter Solidus expression turned somewhat unpleasant, and he spoke with a hint of anger, Do you think I, Solidus, am the kind of person who fears death? As you humans often say, When a disaster strikes, it is rare for everything to remain unharmed. The invasion of demons concerns the entire world. How can I retreat just because of some danger? The epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale who arrived here a hundred years ago discovered the intent of the demon invasion and resolutely sacrificed their life to stop it. As a member of the Deep Sea Dragon Whale clan, how can I shrink back!? These words left Ji Chen speechless, and he could only nod. In that case, Sir Solidus, you can continue to travel with us and find evidence of the demon invasion. Solidus finally smiled with satisfaction, which changed Ji Chens opinion of him considerably. He continued in a gentler tone, Lets go to the Floating Mountain and make contact with the Featherfolk. After a brief orientation, they headed in the direction of the Floating Mountain. As they got closer, the Floating Mountain appeared even more magnificent. There were dozens of towering peaks suspended above their head, casting a massive, looming shadow over the sea surface. The Floating Mountains were not linked together; each one floated separately, and the lowest one was positioned at about fifty to sixty meters above the sea level. Looking up at the Floating Mountains above their heads, Solidus couldnt help but grimace, feeling a genuine aversion to the sky as a marine race. But he still asked, How do we get up there? You have over a hundred flying dragons, but it will take quite an effort Ji Chen smiled and shook his head, not answering directly but snapping his fingers. [Ocean Domain (Golden skill, can create a floating ocean domain within a radius of eight hundred meters; the domain can absorb nearby water sources and create a suspended water domain in the air).] The second effect of the Ocean Domain. Suddenly, a layer of seawater beneath their feet surged upward, lifting the Crown of the Ocean and all the heroes as if they were on an elevator, slowly ascending towards the heights. The heroes looked down in astonishment as their bodies submerged into this layer of seawater, which disappeared abruptly at a depth of twenty meters, leaving only air below. From a distance, they appeared to be floating on a lake. Solidus had a nervous look on his face, fearing he might fall. The entire whales body remained tense until they reached the same height as the lowest floating mountain. Only then did he relax a bit, jumping from the suspended water domain to a platform on the floating mountain. Ji Chen climbed onto the platform of the floating mountain, looked around, but saw no traces of the Featherfolk. They were likely living on higher floating mountains. Looking upward, the tallest floating mountain was probably hundreds of meters high, with outlines of buildings faintly visible, resembling a city in the sky. Ji Chen glanced at Solidus, who appeared somewhat uncomfortable as he peered over the edge. He smiled and said, Sir Solidus, please return to the suspended water domain. We need to continue ascending. Solidus visibly swallowed hard and, while looking at the several hundred meters high floating mountain above, instinctively wanted to refuse. However, seeing Ji Chens enigmatic smile, he gritted his teeth and jumped back into the suspended water domain. Ji Chen couldnt help but chuckle when he noticed Solidus avoiding looking down and appearing tense. He raised her hand and controlled the suspended water domain to continue ascending. The farther they were from the sea surface, the more difficult it became to control, and the faster the consumption of magical power increased exponentially. When they reached a height of about a hundred meters, it started to feel strenuous. But it was at this moment that the Featherfolk finally noticed the suspended water domain rising. Two groups of Featherfolk, each consisting of a hundred people, flew down from above with bows and spears in hand. Featherfolk Divine Archers, Sixth Tier, 1-star. Featherfolk Spear Masters, Sixth Tier, 1-star. The Featherfolk bore a resemblance to humans, including both men and women among their kind. They possessed a delicate and graceful appearance, featuring pristine white wings on their backs and a few feather-like plumes behind their ears. Their skin was as fair as snow. They were dressed in scale armor, wielding steel-tipped spears and sturdy bows. Coupled with their exceptional beauty that was no less than that of elves, they appeared quite heroic. Dont move! One more step, and we will launch an attack! shouted the lead Featherfolk Centurion loudly. Ji Chen stopped ascending to indicate a friendly gesture. However, the Sea Crystal Wyrms had taken off unnoticed and were circling around. If one were to look closely, one could see their flight paths intersecting with the trajectories of the Featherfolks arrows. Once the Featherfolk initiated an attack, the Sea Crystal Wyrms would use their bodies to block the arrows, preventing them from reaching the suspended water domain. It was necessary to take precautions before understanding the Featherfolks temperament. The Featherfolk Centurion looked at the extraordinary sight before them with a hint of amazement. This sight of something ascending as if defying gravity, carrying thousands of soldiers on top, was truly astonishing to them. Ji Chen stepped forward and spoke loudly, I am Ji Chen, the Lord of the Crown of the Ocean. We have come to discuss matters with your Featherfolk tribe. Discuss matters? The Featherfolk Centurion refused without much thought, We Featherfolk have no connection with you humans or the aquatic races, and there will be no overlap You better leave, or we will launch an attack. Perhaps seeing that two more groups of a hundred had arrived from his own side, the Centurions tone suddenly became more assertive. Ji Chen didnt appear angry and responded calmly, Are you not concerned about the corrupted skeletal lizards? Have you no worries at all? The Featherfolk Centurions complexion changed slightly at her words. You have already fought against those lizards?! More than just fighting; weve killed quite a few of them. We may even know where these corrupted skeletal lizards come from. Really!? Tell me quickly! Feeling a sudden sense of urgency, the Featherfolk Centurion spoke impulsively before realizing he had spoken out of turn. He recognized the significance of the humans words and said earnestly, Please wait here; I will go and report this. With that, the Featherfolk Centurion flapped his wings and flew towards the higher floating mountain. He left behind hundreds of Featherfolk soldiers hovering in the air on alert. Ji Chen watched as the Featherfolk Centurion gracefully flapped his wings, swiftly maneuvering between the Floating Mountains like a bird in flight. He couldnt help but admire the agility of the Centurion. The Featherfolk truly seemed like children of the sky, their agility surpassing even that of the Sea Crystal Wyrms. If a military force were formed by Featherfolk, it would indeed compensate for the Crown of the Oceans lack of aerial combat capabilities. As thoughts swirled in Ji Chens mind, the Featherfolk Centurion returned with a slightly more polite tone. You can take a few guards to the uppermost floating mountain, but these troops will need to stay here. Ji Chen glanced around and replied, Without me, this suspended water domain cannot be maintained. Please find a sufficiently deep lake or water source to accommodate my army, as I am not comfortable leaving them on the sea surface. The Featherfolk Centurion nodded in agreement. There is a floating mountain on this level that can accommodate them. Please lead them to follow me. Lord Ji Chen, you may go up, and I will stay on this level, Solidas suddenly spoke. Seeing the strange looks from the heroes, especially the disdainful expression in Anninas eyes, he quickly explained, Im just afraid you wont be able to bring so many heroes up with you. Ji Chen smiled and nodded. Very well, Sir Solidas, you can stay on this level. Annina, Alice, Herald, the three of you will follow me, and Benbo and Diago will also stay. Yes! the heroes replied. Seeing that they had finished arranging everything, the Featherfolk Centurion didnt waste any more time. He led them to a flat floating mountain a few hundred meters away. At the mountains waist, there was a lake several tens of meters deep, large enough to accommodate thousands of troops from the Crown of the Ocean. After settling the army, Ji Chen and the three heroes boarded the Sea Crystal Wyrms and followed the Featherfolk Centurion, circling and ascending around one floating mountain after another. After roughly ten minutes, they arrived at the uppermost layer of floating mountains. In front of them stood magnificent Gothic-style buildings constructed on the floating mountains. Continuous arches and spires, flying buttresses hanging from the mountains edge, elegant glass windows, round gazebos, fountains made of white stone In the dimly lit sky, this predominantly white-colored architectural complex exuded an atmosphere that was both grand and slightly decadent. The Featherfolk had built such a stunning dwelling place on these floating mountains, which truly surprised Ji Chen. Please follow me to the council hall up ahead, the Featherfolk Centurion urged. Ji Chen snapped back to attention and nodded. The group landed on a rather spacious floating mountain, walked across a square paved with stone, and entered a magnificent building where a group of Featherfolk was already waiting. Seeing Ji Chen enter, a Featherfolk with a circular gold crown stood up and politely said, I am Augustus, the chieftain of the Featherfolk tribe. Welcome, Sir. I am Ji Chen, the Lord of the Crown of the Ocean, Ji Chen replied casually. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only However, his eyes were fixed on the Featherfolk chieftain. The Feather folk chieftain was not a hero unit, but the young female Featherfolk by his side was a hero unit. [Patheia (Featherfolk Hero)] [Race]: Featherfolk [Tier]: Legacy (Red) Chapter 656 - Chapter 656: Patheia, Another Natives Chapter 656: Patheia, Another Natives Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Augustus noticed Ji Chen glancing to the side and, with a slight pause, he smiled and said, I forgot to introduce her. This is my daughter, Patheia, also one of the most powerful warriors of the Featherfolk. Patheia gave a subtle nod in Ji Chens direction, her face showing a cool demeanor with a hidden air of pride and self-assuredness. It reminded him of his first meeting with Anina, both exuding a similar sense of arrogance, as if they had no rivals. However, as they faced increasingly formidable opponents over time, Anina gradually tempered her pride, growing more composed and revealing the depth of this Deep Sea Dragon Whale Hero. Lord Ji Chen, please have a seat, Augustus gestured. Ji Chen nodded and sat down at the opposite side of the table, facing Augustus. The other heroes positioned themselves behind their respective leaders. In terms of numbers, the Crown of the Ocean had three heroes, one legendary and two legacy-tier, while their counterparts had only one legacy-tier hero. Although unintentional, this moment marked the beginning of a certain rivalry between the two sides. Patheia didnt want to appear weaker in terms of presence. Her lovely face carried a stubbornness, and her eyes radiated an unyielding pride and confidence, much like that first encounter with Anina, where they both seemed to overlook any competition. However, when faced with such a provocation, Alice, Anina, and Herald couldnt help but feel anger and a desire for confrontation. They were the representatives and support of their lord and couldnt tolerate such blatant disregard for their leader. In an instant, a clash of auras ensued, with the Deep Sea, Melody, and Sharpness auras bursting forth. The Featherfolk soldiers on both sides instinctively placed their hands on the hilts of their swords, a cold edge appearing in their eyes. This tense atmosphere filled the entire hall. However, all of this unfolded in a matter of seconds, almost too quickly for Augustus to respond. When he grasped the situation, his expression shifted slightly. All Featherfolk stop what youre doing! Upon hearing his command, the Featherfolk soldiers hesitated for a moment and then sheathed their blades. Ji Chen raised his hand in a calming gesture, and Alice and the others gradually retracted their auras. Patheias body swayed, her face pale. Her eyes no longer held the sharpness they did before, but there was still a trace of dissatisfaction on her face. Seeing this, Augustus could only ask her to leave and rest. After Patheia left, the Featherfoik chieftain wore a somewhat embarrassed expression and spoke apologetically, Lord Ji Chen, Im very sorry. Ive always spoiled Patheia, and her exceptional talent combined with the lack of encounters with strong opponents has made her somewhat arrogant. Please dont take offense. Ji Chen waved his hand dismissively and said with a smile, Its alright. Being young and powerful naturally comes with confidence. I understand. Im glad youre not offended, Augustus replied with a forced smile. However, in the brief clash between the two sides, he sensed that all three heroes under Ji Chens command were of high rank, with one even being a stronger legendary-tier hero. According to the reports from his soldiers, it seemed there were more heroes left in the lower Floating Mountain, and some of them were nearly as powerful as Patheia Oh My Feathered God, where did this human come from? The heroes under his command seemed to have been assembled in abundance, like a wholesale market. In that world, strength had always been the most esteemed currency, and even Augustus had unconsciously adopted a more courteous tone. Lord Ji Chen, lets discuss the matter of those corrupted skeletal lizards. I heard from my soldiers Do you know the source of these corrupted skeletal lizards? Seeing that the conversation had finally taken the right track, Ji Chen wasted no time and immediately inquired, When did the anomalies in this ocean begin? The anomalies? Augustuss expression darkened. I believe it began around a hundred years ago. At that time, the ocean was still tranquil, and the sky was clear blue. But one day, the sea creatures suddenly went mad, engaging in mutual slaughter, and the population dwindled rapidly. In recent years, the corrupted skeletal lizards appeared. Aside from those corrupted creatures, there arent many normal beings left in this ocean. But if we talk about the most noticeable change, it would be the Ocean Pixies living in the depths. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chens interest was piqued. Ocean Pixies were distinct from Sea Pixies; the latter were ocean-elemental creatures, while the former were a branch of the Pixies race adapted to the marine environment. Ocean Pixies came into existence after the great war hundreds of thousands of years ago, when they suffered heavy casualties, the land was desolate, and resources were scarce. To ensure their survival, Pixies tribes dispersed to various places on land. Among them, one group set their sights on the resource-rich ocean, using magic and secret techniques to transform their bodies to thrive in the aquatic environment. Over time, they evolved into the unique branch known as the Ocean Pixies. That Ocean Pixies tribe is within this Mystic Realm, and apart from our Featherfolk, they are the only intelligent race. Over the centuries, we have had periodic exchanges, trading our specialties. Augustus sighed. However, since the ocean underwent these changes, they seem to have fallen on hard times. The most recent contact we had was three years ago, and it seemed they discovered some clues about the anomalies. But since then, our communication with them has been severed by those corrupted skeletal lizards. We have no idea about their current situation.. Chapter 657 - Chapter 657: Patheia, Another Natives (2) Chapter 657: Patheia, Another Natives (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen nodded in agreement. This clue held great value. If they could locate these Ocean Pixies, it might lead them to more evidence. Augustus paused for a moment, a puzzled expression on his face as he asked, Lord Ji Chen, how did those corrupted skeletal lizards come about? Have you discovered anything in the ocean? Ji Chen looked at him solemnly and replied with a serious tone, We have found that demons are attempting to invade once again. What!? Augustus was shocked by this news and quickly stood up in surprise. He quickly connected the dots with the ocean anomalies. Are you saying that these anomalies are all caused by demons? Its very likely, Ji Chen briefly explained about Anina absorbing the bloodline memories of an epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale. He tapped his index finger on the table and continued in a heavy tone, Those corrupted skeletal lizards are probably creations of the demons, acting as their vanguard, perhaps trying to establish a hidden foothold in this secluded Mystic realm, using it as a forward base for their invasion into the main world. If we just stand by and do nothing, the demons will soon launch a massive invasion. I need to find concrete evidence to make other races aware and prepared. This is truly astonishing, Augustus muttered in disbelief, still showing the surprise in his eyes, and then he sat back down. He hadnt previously considered this possibility. Who could have imagined that the demon race, suppressed by the orderly gods, would attempt to invade the main world again? As a native of this realm, when prompted by Ji Chen, he quickly recalled the various events and anomalies that had occurred in this realm over the past century. The appearance of corrupted creatures, infighting among marine creatures, ocean pollution all seemed closely related to the malevolent demon race, and he found Ji Chens account highly credible. Lord Ji Chen, is this truly the case? It is indeed, I witnessed and heard it firsthand. An epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale willingly sacrificed its life to delay the demon invasion by a hundred years. This information comes directly from its bloodline memories, and there is no falsehood in it. Augustus was filled with respect upon hearing this. He hadnt expected that this realm, which should have been on the verge of collapse a hundred years ago, had been stabilized by an epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale. This fact alone earned his trust to a great extent. With a deep sense of responsibility, Ji Chen continued, Lord Augustus, I need you to guide me in finding the Ocean Pixies. For the safety of the main world, it is essential that we thoroughly investigate this matter. Upon hearing this, Augustus became solemn and replied with a serious tone, Of course, considering the gravity of the situation with the demons attempting to invade again, I cannot simply stand by. In the ancient divine war hundreds of thousands of years ago, our Featherfolk were also members of the anti-evil faction. This matter is a duty we cannot evade. Following that, Augustus sternly addressed the nearby Featherfolk soldiers, saying, Issue my command, assemble the first thousand troops! The Featherfolk soldiers promptly nodded and saluted, saying, Yes! Watching the Featherfolk soldiers hastily leave the hall, Ji Chen asked, Your Excellency, since this realm is on the verge of collapse, and the living conditions are deteriorating, why dont you consider relocating to the vast main world? Augustus sighed, While the main world is vast, it seems there is no place for us to settle. This realm, harsh as it may be, can still provide us with a meager existence, preventing our tribe from being annihilated. Ji Chen quickly understood the reason behind this. Featherfolk were highly sought after in the slave market, even more so than Elves. They possessed exceptional beauty, graceful bodies, and a pair of pristine white wings, making them almost as attractive as Elves in appearance. However, their influence was not as powerful as the Elves, and they often faced various threats. Featherfolk in the main world cither lived in seclusion or were under the protection of stronger powers, as they dared not roam freely, fearing capture by slave-hunting squads. The Featherfolk tribe here clearly understood the dangers that the outside world posed to their kind and chose to stay despite the harsh environment, which was perfectly reasonable. Your Excellency Augustus, I have a suggestion. Please, go ahead. You may consider joining the Crown of the Ocean. Augustus paused for a moment, immediately grasping Ji Chens intention. He fell silent for a while and then said, Your Excellency, your domain is undoubtedly powerful, but the Featherfolk tribe currently has no intention of seeking allegiance to any power, so Facing the polite refusal, Ji Chen did not dwell on it and simply smiled. He was merely trying to explore the possibility. Lord Augustus, the first thousand troops have assembled! Soon, the Featherfolk soldier who had left returned and reported. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Augustus stood up, slightly bent over, and extended his hand, saying, Lord Ji Chen, let us go. His demeanor clearly regarded Ji Chen with the utmost respect, placing himself in a subordinate position. Leaving aside other matters, this Featherfolk tribal leader was indeed both sensible and considerate. Ji Chen did not hesitate and led the way. Respect for strength was a common practice, and his actions were perfectly normal. In the square outside, a thousand-strong Featherfolk unit had already assembled, standing in formation on both sides. At the forefront was the Featherfolk hero of the legacy tier, Patheia. Upon seeing Ji Chen and the three heroes of the Crown of the Ocean, her expression became somewhat unnatural, and her hand restlessly gripped the hilt of the sword hanging at her waist.. Chapter 658 - Chapter 658: Patheia, Another Natives (3) Chapter 658: Patheia, Another Natives (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Having just experienced the events in the hall, it left her with some psychological scars. This transformation from being so timid and far from the arrogant demeanor from earlier made Ji Chen quite astonished. When did he become someone who could make a legacy-tier hero like her so wary with just his subordinates aura? Augustus glanced at Ji Chen, seeing no immediate reaction from him, he relaxed a bit and spoke. Lord Ji Chen, Patheia will take you to the area where the Ocean Pixies reside later. However, we cannot assist you on your journey underwater. Ill be waiting here for your triumphant return. Without saying much, Ji Chen nodded. All right, everyone, lets depart! With that command, the Featherfolk battalion began to rise in rows, their pristine white wings forming a breathtaking white carpet in the sky. Ji Chen and his group boarded the Sea Crystal Wyrm, flying towards the lower floating mountain where the army was stationed. Solidus, seeing so many bird people following behind, couldnt help but be puzzled. Whats going on? The Featherfolk are taking us to find another indigenous group, the Ocean Pixies. Perhaps we can obtain some valuable evidence and clues from them, Ji Chen briefly explained before delving back into his expertise in the realm of the sea. A massive stretch of seawater, seemingly defying gravity, surged upwards and formed a floating watery area about a hundred meters above, leaving the inexperienced Featherfolk warriors and Patheia utterly amazed. Is this even possible!? As they slowly descended from a hundred meters high to the seas surface, Kraken emerged from the ocean, its colossal forms nearly scaring the Featherfolk out of their wits. Swords were drawn, and arrows were nocked on bows. Dont worry; this is my servant, Kraken, Ji Chen reassured them as he observed them hastily taking to the skies. Patheia, displaying a blend of astonishment and skepticism, had her longsword at the ready until she noticed the Kraken remained still. After a moments pause, she sheathed her sword and signaled for the other Featherfolk to relax. The imposing presence of this giant octopus had a greater impact on her than the legendary Naga. So, there were many powerful individuals in the world beyond? Even a human lords group had so many impressive individuals, and none of them was weaker than her. Her sense of competition and self-assuredness took another hard hit, and she regarded Ji Chen with a hint of fear. Ji Chen couldnt help but smile when he saw that. I still prefer your untamed and headstrong demeanor from the beginning. In the sky, thousands of Featherfolk warriors flew through the air, and on the sea surface, thousands of Ocean Crown soldiers raced forward. The habitat of the Ocean Pixies lay at the far end of the sea, and it took them several hours to reach a sea area dotted with small island groups. Ji Chen stepped onto the beach of one of the islands, where some facilities remained. However, looking at the dilapidated state, it had clearly not been maintained for a long time. Patheia descended from the sky onto the beach, her wings quickly folded and hanging on her back. She hesitated for a moment before walking over to Ji Chen. We used to trade with the Ocean Pixies on this small island. However, since they failed to show up for the scheduled trade two years ago, they havent appeared on the seas surface, and our two races lost contact. If you want to Suddenly, a strange roar echoed from the island, followed by magical beasts shrouded in black mist emerging from the forest. Patheias words were interrupted, and upon seeing the approaching magical beasts, she drew her longsword and shouted, Deal with these corrupted creatures! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Featherfolk Divine Archers quickly nocked their arrows and released a barrage that turned the first wave of magical beasts into sieves. Then, Featherfolk swordsmen, armed with longswords, swooped down from the sky, effortlessly severing the heads of the corrupted creatures with their razor-sharp blades. After a few rounds of diving attacks, hundreds of attacking corrupted creatures didnt even manage to touch the hem of their clothes before being reduced to lifeless bodies. The entire battle was executed with grace, efficiency, and precision. Seeing their fellow Featherfolk cleanly dispatch the enemies, Patheia seemed to regain some confidence, nodding in satisfaction. Their Featherfolk tribe was indeed quite formidable.. Chapter 659 - Chapter 659: Ocean Pixies, Elwin Chapter 659: Ocean Pixies, Elwin Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the past, the Featherfolk tribe generally possessed high average strength. In the case of the Augustus Featherfolk tribe, their warriors were typically at the level of Tier 6,1-star. Their numbers were around two thousand in size, and this strength was still considered impressive even in the main world. However, like the Elves, the Featherfolk tribe shared a common flaw, which was their low breeding capacity. While they had high average combat prowess, their numbers were scarce compared to other races such as humans. This made them cautious in their actions, fearing casualties among their people. This, in turn, further reduced their ability to acquire resources, leading to a decrease in breeding resources. In this vicious cycle, they had become as rare as protected animals. Just as Patheia was feeling somewhat complacent, she heard Ji Chen say something. Be careful with those corrupted creatures corpses. As soon as he finished speaking, a strange sizzling sound accompanied by the friction of bones could be heard. Patheias pupils suddenly shrank as she looked at the ground in astonishment. She saw that the long-dead, corrupted beasts were rapidly turning into blood and flesh, like melting snow in spring. They struggled to stand up with their pale skeletons and rushed towards her as their mouths opened wide. Undead!? Patheia swung her longsword in a somewhat frantic manner. With her absolute strength and speed, she quickly killed several undead creatures in front of her. Seeing that her fellow Featherfolk were also dealing with the other undead creatures, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. Ji Chen, watching this scene, shook his head silently. The performance of this Featherfolk hero, who was considered the most powerful in the Featherfolk tribe, could only be described as disappointing. When facing resurrected undead enemies of Tier 5, she displayed signs of panic. Having power alone without the corresponding combat skills, Ji Chen believed that even a rare-tier half-orc hero like Daro could potentially defeat her if flight were prohibited. In other words, she was an embarrassment, and he was utterly disappointed. After snapping out of it and noticing the strange looks from Ji Chen and the other heroes of the Ocean Crown, Patheia felt her face burning with embarrassment. She wished she could bury her head in the mountain. She also knew that her performance seemed to be unworthy of her status as a legacy-tier hero. Feeling a mix of anger and shame, she didnt dare to vent her frustration on Ji Chen and the others, so she could only keep it to herself. Soon, this anger turned into disappointment, causing Patheia to start questioning her own abilities. Was she really the strongest warrior of the Featherfolk tribe? Ignoring Patheias moment of emotional turmoil, Ji Chen inquired about the residence of the Ocean Pixies, which was said to be beneath this water area. He then led the heroes of the Ocean Crown, along with the others, to dive underwater and begin their search. This ocean has been completely polluted, and even normal creatures find it difficult to survive here. Instead of turning on each other, they become corrupted creatures like corrupted skeletal lizards and corrupted beasts. This process had been ongoing for over a hundred years. Under such prolonged erosion, with the emergence of numerous corrupted creatures, Ji Chen wondered whether the Ocean Pixies could still hold out. Not long after they had dived into the sea, Ji Chen and his group were attacked by waves of corrupted creatures. Besides the corrupted skeletal lizards, other corrupted fish and even corrupted whales appeared one after another. After being corrupted, these low-tier creatures gained strength multiple times over and became incredibly frenzied and chaotic. Ji Chen even witnessed these corrupted creatures killing each other due to overcrowding. Such behavior confirmed Ji Chens suspicion that there must be some evil entity related to demons within this ocean, which not only polluted the sea but also corrupted the marine creatures. During the early stages of the Divine War hundreds of thousands of years ago, demons were able to challenge several powerful orderly races single-handedly, thanks to their ability to corrupt and transform creatures, summoning legions of corrupted minions as their servants, overwhelming their opponents through sheer numbers. This tactic continued until the mid-stage of the Divine War when the orderly faction developed specialized purification spells and breeds, effectively cleansing corrupted environments and healing corrupted creatures, turning the tide in their favor. However, after hundreds of thousands of years of demon suppression, how much power did the orderly faction have left to combat the demons? Moreover, Ji Chen couldnt believe that they would be able to wait silently for hundreds of thousands of years without making preparations to counter this kind of purification, in case demons invaded again without warning. If a demon invasion was indeed inevitable, then the Ocean Crown would need to light the torches to warn the unprepared before the impending darkness arrived. With heavy thoughts, Ji Chen and his team continued to defeat wave after wave of corrupted creatures as they gradually ventured into the deep sea. After passing through an underwater rocky forest, the residence of the Ocean Pixies suddenly appeared in the distance. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only It was a city built alongside a gigantic underwater mountain range, with predominantly white buildings densely surrounding one side of the underwater mountain and extending upwards in layers for dozens of levels until reaching the mountains peak, giving it a three-dimensional appearance. The city had walls, towers, and castles, all contributing to its grandeur. In terms of the citys magnificence, it was not much less impressive than Heraklion from the Panas Battle replica. A semi-circular blue shield was inverted over the city, enveloping the entire city within its protective barrier, as if it had become a captive cage. Outside, tens of thousands of corrupted creatures were attacking the shield, causing concentric ripples to form on its surface, resembling wrinkles on the skin.. Chapter 660 - Chapter 660: Ocean Pixies, Elwin (2) Chapter 660: Ocean Pixies, Elwin (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Inside the protective shield, the ocean pixies watched all of this with numb expressions. In a council chamber within the city. Dozens of noble ocean pixies sat on either side of tables made of coral, discussing animatedly with a mixture of unease and anxiety in their eyes. When will these corrupted creatures stop? Its been two whole years! Dont they need rest at all!? They indeed dont need rest. These corrupted creatures have been completely tainted by the demonic aura which controls their bodies and souls. They wont stop until theyve consumed their own lives. At this rate, our reserve resources will run out sooner or later. Forget about food; we can hardly maintain the shield any longer. Once the shield is gone, we wont last a day with so many corrupted creatures! But theres no other option, is there? Going outside means certain death. Staying within the shield allows us to cling to survival for a bit longer. What about our allies? You mean the Featherfolk tribe? They reside on the floating mountains and probably havent been attacked by the corrupted creatures yet. But dont count on them for support; Featherfolk cant venture into the water. Seeing the commotion in the council chamber, Chief Elwin furrowed his brows, and slammed the coral table forcefully, creating ripples in the water that gradually calmed the many noble ocean pixies. As they all turned their attention towards him, Elwin seemed determined and said, I propose a plan: we find an opportune moment to forcefully break through the encirclement of corrupted creatures and leave this realm for the main world. Forcefully break through? How many of our kin will have to sacrifice their lives for that? Indeed, Im not optimistic about this proposal. Even if we manage to break through the corrupted creatures outside the city, theres no guarantee of successfully leaving the realm; these corrupted creatures are everywhere! As soon as these words were spoken, several noble ocean pixies voiced their opposition. Elwin spoke with a solemn tone, Everyone knows that if we continue to hold our ground, its a slow death. Sooner or later, well deplete our resources, and when the corrupted creatures breach the shield, I fear not many of our kin will survive. Now, we must gather our strength and resources to carve out a path while our capabilities still suffice. We should ensure that as many of our people as possible can evacuate. Otherwise, if we delay further and our strength continues to wane, our ocean pixie lineage will come to an end. Elwin looked around and his voice grew even heavier, Whats more crucial is that we must inform the outside worlds races about the situation here, warning them to be vigilant against the demons invasion. This is our duty and responsibility. Upon hearing these words, those who had been silent earlier among the noble ocean pixies nodded involuntarily, and even the few who had opposed fell silent. After two years of investigation, they had also learned the source of these corrupted creatures C demons. More specifically, it was the Dreadlord Balzarna, a member of the demon clan, who had been the primary spreader of the corrupted beings during the ancient divine war hundreds of thousands of years ago. This time, Balzarna sought to implement the same plan from hundreds of millennia ago, intending to sow destruction and death once again into the main world. Although they had distanced themselves from their fellow pixies on the mainland for quite some time, and their physical appearances were noticeably distinct, when confronted with a worldwide crisis, they had no choice but to take a stand without hesitation, just as their pixie ancestors had done hundreds of thousands of years ago. Elwin made a decisive statement, Its settled then. Everyone, go and make preparations. Just as the noble ocean pixies were leaving, a soldier rushed in from outside with a hurried expression. Lord Elwin, theres a commotion among the corrupted creatures outside the city a human with an army has started to intrude! Elwin was momentarily surprised but quickly reacted, Quick, go and assist them! Be ready to open the shield to let them in! Several minutes ago. My goodness, there are so many corrupted creatures here! Solidus looked at the countless corrupted creatures surrounding the shield one after another, exclaiming in disbelief, It seems that this underwater city still has survivors; otherwise, these corrupted creatures wouldnt have gathered in such numbers. This might be why the ocean pixies stopped communicating with the Featherfolk tribe, Ji Chen remarked, observing the dense, swarm-like mass of corrupted beings. Seeing this scene, all the heroes understood. The ocean pixies didnt want to sever their communication with the Featherfolk tribe, but they were blocked at their doorstep by these numerous corrupted creatures, making it impossible for them to establish contact. This was good news; at least the ocean pixie race still existed. However, to enter this ocean pixie city, they would have to pass through the horde of corrupted creatures. There were at least a hundred thousand of them outside the shield, and forcibly barging through didnt seem like a good idea. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only But the solution was simple. Benbo, lead a portion of the Dragonblood Legion to distract the corrupted creatures and create an opportunity for us to enter. Utilize your speed advantage to shake off pursuit, and the Featherfoik will provide support. Benbo had done this kind of task before, and he immediately responded, 1 will follow your orders. This tactic was quite similar to the one they used during the previous Sea Beast Tide to lure the sea beasts. These corrupted creatures and the sea beasts from the Sea Beast Tide shared a common trait C when lacking proper leadership, their cognitive abilities werent very functional. Particularly when these corrupted creatures became tainted and polluted, their mental faculties were limited to thoughts of attacking and causing destruction. Saying they had an IQ. of 10 would be considered generous compliment to them. Hence, it was clear that this strategy was highly effective.. Chapter 661 - Chapter 661: Ocean Pixies, Elwin (3) Chapter 661: Ocean Pixies, Elwin (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Alice, Anina, come with ine. The rest of you wait outside. My Lord, isnt this too dangerous? What if the Ocean Pixies dont open the shield for you? Herald expressed his concerns. Ji Chen waved his hand. Dont worry. You can provide support from outside if needed. I need you all to be ready out there. Seeing Ji Chens determined expression, the other heroes had no choice but to follow his orders. Sir Solidus, you should also wait outside. Once I come out from inside, you can assist me. Of course. Solidus nodded, having already gained confidence in this human. Since Ji Chen was willing to take such a risk, he must have a plan. Soon, Benbo led hundreds of Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs to charge outside, diverting a large number of corrupted creatures in the western direction. Taking advantage of this, Ji Chen and the three heroes, along with their entire sixth-tier army, forcefully broke through the weak point and quickly slew thousands of corrupted creatures blocking their way. The Ocean Pixies in the city seemed to have noticed them and promptly opened a large entrance in the shield for them to enter, closing it in time before the pursuing corrupted creatures could catch up. Shortly after the Ocean Crown army had entered, a horde of corrupted creatures swarmed the shield, creating waves of chaos and disturbance. Yet, despite the commotion, there was no sign of the shield giving way, showcasing its impressive durability. Not long after, several groups of Ocean Pixies approached them. The Ocean Pixies had some differences in appearance compared to their mainland counterparts, with fish-like features such as gills for breathing, fin-like organs, and scales on their bodies. However, they still possessed the elegance of traditional pixies. Without the need for many words, these Ocean Pixies courteously led Ji Chen into the city. A human who could breathe underwater without gills and move freely in their domain was certainly not ordinary. Moreover, they werent blind; witnessing Ji Chen and his group forcefully breaking through the line of corrupted creatures filled them with hope. Led to a spacious plaza at the top of the city, Ji Chen encountered an imposing-looking Ocean Pixie who exuded an air of authority. The Pixie was accompanied by a group of elegantly dressed Ocean Pixies. Quickly discerning Ji Chen as their lord, the leader of the Ocean Pixies approached him directly and performed a refined Pixie-like gesture of greeting before speaking. I am Elwin, the chieftain of this Ocean Pixie tribe. Welcome to our realm. Upon hearing this, Ji Chen couldnt help but wear a somewhat peculiar expression on his face. Elwin was puzzled. Is there something wrong with my words or our customs? Ji Chen shook his head and smiled, Sir Elwin, your earlier statement is remarkably similar to the first words I heard when I met Sir Augustus. Augustus? Have you met him? Ji Chen nodded without hesitation and said, Yes, I learned of your existence from him. By the way, I am Ji Chen, the Lord of the Ocean Crown. I came from the main world. I have come here in search of clues about the demons. Upon hearing this, Elwin and many Ocean Pixie nobles displayed a pleasant surprise. From the main world, searching for clues about the demons? Doesnt that mean Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Elwin couldnt contain his excitement as he asked, Lord Ji Chen, does the outside world already know about the impending demon invasion? Ji Chen glanced at him and gently shook his head amidst their expectant gazes, It seems you are already aware of the demons imminent return, but its hard to let everyone know about such matters within a short timeframe. Youre right. Elwin reluctantly smiled, but a hint of disappointment lingered in his eyes. Then lets go inside and discuss it further.. Chapter 662 - Chapter 662: Demonic Blood Pearl, Evacuation Operation! Chapter 662: Demonic Blood Pearl, Evacuation Operation! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen and his group entered the hall with a multitude of Ocean Pixies. As soon as they took their seats, Elwin couldnt contain his curiosity and asked, Lord Ji Chen, you came from the main world. How did you discover that the demons were planning to invade again? If it werent for the troubles they had faced with the contaminated and crazed marine creatures a hundred years ago, compounded by the appearance of numerous corrupted creatures in the past two years, they wouldnt have been able to detect even the slightest trace of the demons using their advantage of being able to delve deep into the ocean. Otherwise, if people from the outside world had entered, it would probably have been regarded as a catastrophe that swept through the entire realm of the undead, without ever suspecting that it was the work of demons who had disappeared for hundreds of thousands of years. Ji Chen had to once again briefly explain the situation he had learned from Aninas memories of the epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whales bloodline, leaving Elwin and the Ocean Pixies looking very surprised. They all displayed expressions of astonishment. So the powerful Deep Sea Dragon Whale sacrificed itself to prevent the demons from opening the dimensional portal? Thats right. Ji Chen nodded and, noticing that Elwin and the others seemed uneasy, he asked, Have you encountered him? Upon hearing this, Elwins face became somewhat embarrassed, and his eyes were filled with emotions like self-blame and guilt. We did find his remains once, but we thought it was just an accident and that he died unexpectedly. We never thought it was such a serious matter. We always believed it was the doing of the undead, but it wasnt until the past two years that we realized it was the work of demons. However, its already too late Ji Chen was at a loss for words, not knowing what to say. However, for those unfamiliar with demons, it was quite likely to mistake them for undead creatures. After all, hundreds of thousands of years were an exceedingly long span, long enough to erase the vast majority of historical traces. Forget hundreds of thousands of years, even a thousand years would be enough to erase the existence of a race from memory. Demons had become a race that existed only in legends and ancient memories for most species. Lord Elwin, the purpose of my visit is to find reliable evidence of demon invasion to warn the outside races. You have been in this ocean for a long time. Do you have such evidence? For example, any information about how demons are contaminating the ocean and corrupting the marine creatures. Evidence? Elwin realized the importance of this matter, and his expression became serious. Of course, we have collected some demonic blood pearls from the deaths of corrupted creatures in our battles. These blood pearls can only be produced by malevolent entities and are the solid form of demon energy. They are bound to capture the attention of external races! Ji Chens eyes brightened, nodding in agreement. Thats excellent. I entrust this to you, Your Excellency. Elwin waved his hand, saying, This is what we hould do. Once the demons invade again, whether its the ocean or the land, it will be shrouded in darkness, and living beings will suffer. Ill have our people retrieve them from the warehouse and send them all to you shortly. Elwin exchanged glances with the other Ocean Pixies, as if they had reached some consensus, and continued, Besides this, there is one more thing Id like to ask of you, Your Excellency. Please, go on. Please, when you leave with the blood pearls, take our Ocean Pixie clan with you. Ji Chen was slightly taken aback, surprised, but it also seemed somewhat expected. Elwin sighed and said, I believe Your Excellency has noticed that we have been trapped here for two years by the corrupted creatures. Our resources are nearly depleted, and when we must consider leaving, relying solely on our own strength, even if we manage to break through, we will undoubtedly suffer significant damage Elwin didnt need to say it all, but his message was clear. Ji Chen pondered for a moment and asked, How many Ocean Pixies are there here? Approximately eight thousand, with only three thousand warriors, while the rest are elderly, weak, women, and children. Breaking through while being surrounded by tens of thousands of corrupted creatures would undoubtedly be an enormous challenge, and even if they succeeded, there might not be many left. If he could ensure their safety while taking them with him, he didnt have any objections. After a moment of contemplation, Ji Chen gave his answer. I can agree to that, but I cant guarantee that none of you will encounter any accidents. Elwins spirits lifted, and he exclaimed, Thats more than enough; we are prepared for casualties. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only In that case, please make your preparations to leave as soon as possible. Once we break through the encirclement and reach the surface, the Featherfolk clan will be waiting to receive us outside, which will reduce the pressure significantly. The demon invasion is a grave matter. If we can gain even a little extra time now, it will provide more reaction and preparation time for other races. Elwin nodded earnestly. Lord Ji Chen, I understand the seriousness of the situation, and we will make our preparations as quickly as possible. The entire Ocean Pixie city immediately became bustling with activity. At Ji Chens suggestion, they only took a few essential items, prioritizing lightweight equipment. The blood pearls collected by the Ocean Pixie clan were also delivered to his hands. Just as Elwin had mentioned, these blood pearls formed after the death of corrupted creatures were filled with an aura of evil and chaos. Ordinary beings would quickly fall into madness upon contact, and even higher-tier creatures would eventually become puppets of the demons after prolonged exposure.. Chapter 663 - Chapter 663: Demonic Blood Pearl, Evacuation Operation! (2) Chapter 663: Demonic Blood Pearl, Evacuation Operation! (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The mere dispersion of demonic energy possessed such power, indicating how formidable the Dreadlord Balzarna, the mastermind behind it all, truly was. Ji Chen speculated that the Dreadlord Balzarna must have power beyond the epic tier to have survived the several hundred thousand years of suppression. Placing hundreds of Demonic Blood Pearls back into their special container, Ji Chen stowed them away in his backpack. His heart felt heavy as a big stone. The next step was much simpler: breaking through the encirclement of the corrupted creatures and leaving this semi-closed mystic realm. One day later. All the Ocean Pixies had gathered in the square, fully prepared. Elwin, clad in armor and wielding a spear, approached Ji Chen with a solemn expression, saluting with folded hands. Lord Ji Chen, we arc ready. Through Elwins shoulder, Ji Chen saw all eight thousand Ocean Pixies looking at him closely, their eyes filled with anxiety, worry, and hope. He felt a slight sense of disappointment and chose to remain silent, simply nodding in response. At the same time, the Ocean Crown champions and heroes lurking outside, upon seeing the assembled Ocean Pixies within the protective shield and their lord, quickly understood what was happening. Herald saw this and spoke with certainty, My lord wants us to protect their breakout! Benbo, who had previously lured away the corrupted creatures and returned, nodded. It seems we also need to protect those Ocean Pixies. Solidus crossed his arms, and his exaggerated muscles swelled in his chest. He smiled indifferently. Now I can let loose and have a good fight. Since Ive recovered my vitality, I havent had a proper battle. Diago, the Dragon Horn Catfish hero who surrendered as a defeated general from the Great Luminescent Sea, had a shimmering light in his eyes, indicating his inner unrest. The Northern Continents sea monster, the Kraken, couldnt contain its desire for battle any longer. It charged forward without waiting for orders, its eight thick tentacles sweeping through the air like giant windmills. Several hundred corrupted creatures were sent flying like baseballs, and many of them lost their lives in the process. As soon as they spotted the enemy, the tainted creatures around them erupted into action, charging forward with their teeth bared and claws at the ready, much like water splashing into a hot pan. Seeing this, the other Ocean Crown heroes no longer hesitated and joined the battle with their respective armies. Solidus charged forward like a raging bull, swinging his iron fists like heavy hammers. Corrupted creatures that touched him died instantly, and even the seawater seemed to be displaced. Diago led the Dragon Horn Catfish, positioned in the rear, and brilliant lightning flashed in the dim sea. The lightning, traveling through the water, not only killed enemies but also created a strong paralyzing effect, helping the allied forces achieve better results. This hero, who had once been an adversary but had now tempered himself, was contributing his strength to the Ocean Crown. One of the two legendary heroes, Benbo, led a charge with Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs and Lobster Guardian Knights from the side, cutting through the enemy like a razor blade, closing in on the protective shield. A large number of corrupted creatures were drawn away, causing their previously tight formation to thin out considerably. Seeing this opportunity, Ji Chen decisively said, Remove the shield, were going! Elwin immediately shouted, Disable the shield and bring the shields core! Soon, the shield that had been open for two full years disappeared from view without a sound. The malevolence of the outside corrupted creatures seemed to rush in all at once, and the eyes of many Ocean Pixie civilians revealed fear. Stay close to me, dont get separated. They looked slightly astonished at Ji Chen, at his not-so-broad back, but they felt a sense of security. After the shield disappeared, the presence of the living creatures seemed to have spread, and many corrupted creatures rushed forward with greedy and cruel eyes. Their minds, completely tainted by the demonic energy, followed the most primitive thoughts of slaughter and consumption. Ji Chens expression remained unchanged. His right palm suddenly emitted a dazzling light, and a rapidly spinning giant vortex quickly formed in front of him, sucking in the approaching corrupted creatures one after another. With a push of his right hand, Ji Chens body slowly advanced, and the giant vortex also moved forward slowly. Elwins eyes widened, showing shock and horror, but he immediately reacted, Follow closely behind Lord Ji Chen! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Thousands of Ocean Pixies followed closely behind the Ocean Crown army, looking at the small but majestic figure in awe. Under the protection of the vortex, Ji Chen and his group successfully broke through half of the distance. When the vortex disappeared, there was no need for further words. Ocean Pixie soldiers took up their weapons and formed a defensive line at the edge of the group, protecting the civilians as they retreated. During this breakout, Benbo and his group were also making efforts on the other end, piercing through the enemys formation. The combined forces of the Ocean Crown and Ocean Pixies, totaling less than ten thousand troops, were like a grain of sand in comparison to the nearly one hundred thousand corrupted creatures. However, quantity did not always equate to strength. Several high-tier heroes from the Ocean Crown led the charge, creating gaps in the enemys ranks. If one looked closely, even though the corrupted creatures appeared to be numerous and had a significant numerical advantage, they were unable to halt the progress of the Ocean Crowns breakout.. Chapter 664 - Chapter 664: Demonic Blood Pearl, Evacuation Operation! (3) Chapter 664: Demonic Blood Pearl, Evacuation Operation! (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Several tens of minutes later, the bloodshot-eyed Anina suddenly noticed an empty space in front of her and saw the allied heroes like Benbo and others. Weve broken through!! This statement lifted the spirits of many ocean pixies still fighting and hastened their pace. Once all the ocean pixies had escaped the encirclement, Ji Chen didnt hesitate for a moment. He activated the Dragon Twister Storm skill once again, creating a colossal whirlpool spanning kilometers behind them to block the pursuit. Take this opportunity to retreat! The corrupted creatures will catch up soon! Anina and the other heroes wasted no time and immediately led their forces following Ji Chen outwards. Elwin gritted his teeth and urged his fellow clan members to follow suit. When they returned to the surface of the sea, Elwin looked back and felt a pang of sorrow. Of those who had followed him, fewer than six thousand remainedmeaning two thousand of their kin had fallen to the clutches of the corrupted creatures. But there was no time for grief. Elwin approached Ji Chen and asked, Lord Ji Chen, where should we go from here? Ji Chen gazed at the Featherfolk flying in from the distance and replied, Well head to the Featherfolks Floating Mountain. It wont be disturbed by the corrupted creatures. A group of a thousand Featherfolk swiftly arrived at the nearby location, led by Patheia, who observed the battered ocean pixie warriors and the Ocean Crowns forces. She understood that they had just been through a brutal battle. Without delay, she said, Lord Ji Chen, you need to leave here quickly. The noses of those corrupted creatures are sharp, and they will catch up soon. Ji Chen made a quick decision. You lead the Featherfolk warriors to cover our retreat. Elwin, make sure the ocean pixie civilians get on the Leviathan Dragon, Heavy Armor Toothfish Riders, Lobster Guardian Knights, and other units for transportation. Otherwise, well be moving too slowly. The ocean pixie civilians moved slowly, which hindered their rapid march. Elwin nodded and quickly organized his people to board these carriers. A little over ten minutes later, once all the ocean pixie civilians had successfully boarded, the group set off once more, heading towards the direction of the Floating Mountain. However, in less than an hours time, a large number of corrupted creatures were already tracking them by the scent and aura left behind. Patheia led a thousand Featherfolk who swooped down from the sky, continuously blocking the pursuing creatures with blades and arrows. The Sea Crystal Wyrms spewed beams of light and tore through their enemies with claws. Occasionally, Featherfolk warriors were pulled into the sea by the corrupted creatures during their dives, instantly torn apart. Some corrupted creatures met their end in the midst of the arrow rain, their disarrayed kin devouring them. After several hours of rushing and struggling, the main force successfully returned to the Floating Mountain group. Using the Floating Water Domain, Ji Chen allowed them to ascend the Floating Mountain. The corrupted creatures that had chased them could only watch in frustration as they roared in vain. Finally, were safe Elwin looked down at the gathering of corrupted creatures below and breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Despite the hardships along the way, they had managed to successfully withdraw. With a grateful tone, he said, Lord Ji Chen, thank you for your assistance! You are our eternal friend! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen waved his hand dismissively. You should also thank the Featherfolk clan. If it werent for them informing me, I wouldnt have found you. Absolutely! Elwin nodded and looked at Patheia, who was standing nearby. He continued, Patheia, thank you to your Featherfolk clan for coming to our aid. We are truly grateful! Patheia hesitated briefly and replied, Theres no need for such formality. Our two clans have always had a good relationship, and I simply did what I could. Helping you out of danger is something I hoped to see. Elwin shook his head and sighed. I used to hear rumors that you were extremely arrogant, looking down on everyone, and not considering others. Now, it seems that those were just baseless rumors. Patheia, you not only possess great power but also a humble heart. I believe you will reach even greater heights in the future. Patheia felt a bit embarrassed by his words and, for some reason, glanced quietly at Ji Chen, who was not paying her any attention. She couldnt help but sigh softly to herself. Those rumors were indeed factualshe had merely been humbled by a greater power than her own fantasies.. Chapter 665 - Chapter 665: Flying Corrupted Creature, Balzarna Chapter 665: Flying Corrupted Creature, Balzarna Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation At this moment, Augustus received the news brought back by Ji Chen with the Ocean Pixies, hastily flying down from the upper floating mountain. Lord Alwin! Lord Augustus! The two tribal chiefs who had been living in this hidden realm met once again after several years, and their conversation was filled with nostalgia. Ji Chen did not participate in their conversation and instead came to the edge of the floating mountain. After they had climbed the floating mountain, the corrupted creatures did not leave; instead, they gathered in increasing numbers. They emerged from the water, swimming from the distant sea like a horde of zombies, gradually covering the entire sea surface. In their crimson eyes, which were particularly conspicuous in the shadow of the floating mountain, there was greed and longing for flesh. Solidus also came over and stretched his neck to take a look. He couldnt help but sneer. What do these corrupted creatures want? Could it be that they feel unsatisfied because they couldnt catch up earlier? Patheia, who had heard the commotion, also came to look, without any surprise in her eyes. They had often been tracked by corrupted creatures on their outings to this place, but the sky was their domain, and those contaminated marine creatures couldnt even reach the lowest heights of the floating mountain, which were tens of meters high at the very least. So, the floating mountain was an absolutely safe place. Although more of them had gathered today, it wasnt surprising considering that they had just fought their way back and attracted more corrupted creatures. Have you ever seen corrupted creatures with the ability to fly? Patheia hesitated for a moment, looking at Ji Chen and shaking her head. Weve only seen corrupted ocean and land creatures, and weve never seen any capable of flight. Ji Chen rubbed his chin, his expression somewhat solemn. Since the corruptive energy can affect marine and land creatures, why couldnt it affect flying creatures as well? But its strange that youve never seen them in all this time. Patheias face changed slightly, seemingly realizing something was amiss. She whispered, Lord Ji Chen, are you suggesting Before she could say anything more, Anina suddenly pointed to the distance and exclaimed, My lord, there seems to be something unusual in the sky! Everyone turned their gaze and saw a large expanse of ominous dark clouds approaching under the gloomy and dim sky. Upon closer inspection, the black clouds were composed of flying creatures with crimson eyes, emitting an eerie black aura. Vultures, falcons, and various other birds formed a densely packed mass. Its probably that they didnt reveal their secret to you earlier, so they didnt need flying corrupted creatures to intervene. But now Ji Chen shrugged and said, Hurry, organize the warriors to prepare for the invasion. Patheia nodded with a grave expression and quickly went to mobilize the Featherfolk warriors. As if receiving a signal, the oceanic corrupted creatures gathered at the foot of the floating mountain, climbing on top of each other like a pyramid. Clearly, these corrupted creatures were not merely gathering here but had received orders from the demons controlling them from behind. They aimed to ascend the floating mountain and bury all those who knew their secretthe Featherfolk, Ocean Pixies, and the Ocean Crown armyright here. The flying corrupted creatures didnt seem to be in a hurry to launch an immediate attack. They circled in the distance as if waiting for the oceanic corrupted creatures below to land on the floating mountain. Augustus watched these flying corrupted creatures, his expression filled with horror, and his body trembling. A look of bewilderment, doubt, and unease appeared on his face as he muttered to himself, How could this be these corrupted creatures have hidden so deeply. The reason they had been able to thrive in this hidden realm for hundreds, if not thousands, of years was the floating mountain suspended above the sea. This place was like a paradise, capable of warding off the covetous intentions of any land or sea creatures. Even though the ocean beneath their feet was in chaos, infested with monsters, they could still sit securely on their fishing platform! But at this moment, this paradise faced its most direct threat, and the natural advantage of flight that the Featherfolk possessed in this hidden realm was now non-existent. Where should their Featherfolk tribe go from here? In his heart, he felt a sense of darkness looming, with no glimmer of hope in sight. Ji Chen walked over and, seeing Augustus still in shock, couldnt help but remind him, Lord Augustus, you should send people to evacuate the civilians and guide them to safety. Otherwise, once the flying corrupted creatures launch an attack, the Featherfolk will suffer many casualties. Youre right. Ill send people to evacuate the civilians right away. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Augustus snapped out of his daze, his face displaying complex emotions as he continued, Lord Ji Chen, youve done a lot to investigate demon clues and risked many dangers for the safety of the main world. I shouldnt ask you to do more. Augustus lowered his head, speaking in a pleading tone, But this time, please, save our Featherfolk tribe! Elwin also bowed and implored, We Ocean Pixies are the same. Ji Chen fell silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. I will do my best to ensure the safety of both your tribes. Thank you, thank you! Augustus repeated twice, his expression filled with excitement. In his eyes, Ji Chens promise was worth its weight in gold. Since Ji Chen had made such a commitment, the Feathcrfolk tribe could at least preserve a portion of their people, keeping the seeds for a possible resurgence.. Chapter 666 - Chapter 666: Flying Corrupted Creature, Balzarna Chapter 666: Flying Corrupted Creature, Balzarna Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Elwin also felt much relieved. If they could survive this battle by some chance, their Ocean Pixie clan would definitely leave this realm and seek a new habitat in the main world, where they would undoubtedly be safer under the protection of an epic-tier hero. More and more corrupted creatures gathered on the seas surface, with the crazed ones climbing on top of their fellow beings, using their bodies as stepping stones. Thousands of these corrupted beings piled up layer by layer, resembling a grotesque and chaotic mountain of flesh. When the first four-armed corrupted creature hooked its claws onto the edge of the lowest floating mountain cliff and hoisted itself up, the group of circling flying corrupted creatures in the distance, like a swirling school of sardines, suddenly transformed from oval shapes into contorted triangles. The black mist surrounding them seemed to form a demonic maw, bringing with it a gust of malevolent wind. All units, attention! Three squads of a thousand Featherfolk warriors swiftly ascended, breaking through, while the remaining two thousand Ocean Pixie warriors armed themselves and established defensive lines on the lower floating islands. Patheia watched the approaching enemies and said in a deep voice, Were outnumbered, and we need to make use of the terrain of the floating mountain group to engage the enemy. Our task is to entangle the flying corrupted creatures, preventing them from attacking our allies fighting against the ocean corrupted creatures. Yes! Numerous Featherfolk warriors nodded with resolute determination. The Ocean Crowns troops were also prepared for battle. Although the Kraken didnt engage in the water, it used its massive body and tentacles to connect between two floating mountains, giving it a formidable appearance. Other hero units and units capable of terrestrial movement stood on the floating mountains, while those unable to walk on land fought within the suspended water area created by Jichen. Soon, almost simultaneously, both the flying corrupted creatures and the ocean corrupted creatures launched their attacks. Arrows rained down like locusts, as the Featherfolk sharpshooters and Lobster Nymph Spirit Archers killed and wounded hundreds of flying corrupted creatures, successfully drawing their hatred and inflicting casualties while taking advantage of the various-sized floating mountains. Lances fell like iron rain, as the Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs and Ocean Pixies hurled iron javelins, forcefully pushing the ocean corrupted creatures off the floating mountains as they attempted to climb. However, the flesh mountain they stacked was not limited to just one. Several other floating mountains were similarly stacked beneath them, and more creatures ascended from different directions. Like a well-rehearsed maneuver, a type of caterpillar-like corrupted creature, after ascending, spat out thread-like strands of viscous substance towards neighboring floating mountains, constructing bridges between the two floating mountains. Other corrupted creatures climbed over these bridges. Many Ocean Pixie warriors and Ocean Crown troops found themselves surrounded due to this tactic. Under the command of several heroes, they orderly retreated to the suspended water area and returned to higher floating mountains. Seeing this scene, Augustus couldnt help but shudder. Whether it was the flying corrupted creatures or these creatures capable of spitting sticky substances like the caterpillars, it all indicated that the demons had already found a way to deal with their Featherfolk clan. If not for lichens presence, they would likely have been caught off guard and met a devastating fate. Thousands of corrupted creatures met their demise under a barrage of arrows, blades, and spells, but they were quickly replaced by more, as if all the oceans corrupted creatures had converged here. Every inch of the sea surface was filled with malevolence, forming a continuous black mist. Leaving aside the demon invasion, just the appearance of these corrupted creatures in the main world could cause a disaster no less severe than a sea-beast tide. While the corrupted creatures were numerous, they were not to be underestimated, especially the epic-tier hero unit, the Kraken. Its killing power was astonishing when dealing with large groups of enemies. With a casual swing of its tentacles, it could easily crush dozens of creatures, and a sweep would send the corrupted creatures on the floating mountains flying, crashing into the sea, and turning into a pulp. Watching this gigantic ocean behemoth, larger than a house, clearing its fellow creatures as if they were trash, even the less intelligent corrupted creatures were dumbfounded, subconsciously avoiding it. Despite the impressive display of the corrupted creatures numbers and momentum, their numerical advantage was not fully exploited due to the advantageous terrain of the floating islands. Each floating mountain below had an Ocean Crown hero stationed on it. These high-tier heroes were either of the legacy or legendary tier, and they displayed terrifying killing and suppressing power on the relatively small floating mountains. The sight of heads being shattered with a single punch and a single sword swing creating ten-meter-long sword beams that tore through a dozen enemies was common here. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Jichen observed the favorable battlefield situation and nodded to himself. Now it depended on whether the demons had any tricks or hidden cards up their sleeves. If this was all they had, victory in this battle would undoubtedly belong to them. The demons invasion hub. Damn it, how can this human lord be so powerful? At this rate, itll be difficult to keep them here even if we send all the corrupted creatures! This human lord must be an outstanding hero among humans. Even at such a young age, he already possesses such a formidable army and high-tier heroes.. Given more time, he will undoubtedly become a significant threat to us demons! Chapter 667 - Chapter 667: Flying Corrupted Creature, Balzarna (3) Chapter 667: Flying Corrupted Creature, Balzarna (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation This individual is terrifying, and he must not be allowed to live! As they watched the intense battle on the floating mountain within the light screen, the demon leaders and lords had various expressions and engaged in discussions. One demon lord, with a single horn on his head and two wings on his back, spoke up. Lord Balzarna, I believe we need to intervene more to ensure that this human lord, along with those ocean pixies and featherfolk who know about our invasion, all die in this semi-sealed mystics realm! A seductive demoness leader, who had a sexy figure and long legs casually remarked. Hehe, indeed. Not only this human lord, but the sea dweller next to him must also perish. The other demons were momentarily puzzled and looked at the female sea dweller next to the human lord, who was singing loudly. Soon, they realized that this female sea dweller was a rare siren who excelled at controlling minds, a power quite similar to the seductive abilities of the succubus. As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together, its no wonder they specifically mentioned killing her as well. Yes. Sitting in the first seat, Balzarna cleared his throat slightly, causing the discussions among the demons to cease. They waited respectfully for him to speak, even the seductive demoness had dropped her casual demeanor and showed a hint of reverence on her face. This showed the high regard Balzarna held in their hearts. This was the demon who, in the god war, led a million-strong demon army in a blitzkrieg, breaking through thirteen important cities of the orderly camp overnight, turning thousands of miles of land into a demons paradise, intimidating the depths of the chaotic abyss, and instilling fear in countless races. Even among the five great demon lords, he could be considered one of the top in terms of strength! After pondering for a moment, Balzarna spoke in a hoarse voice, Our great plan to return to the main world must not be disrupted. Release Number 17. Clear out everyone except this human and the siren. Upon hearing this, many demons showed a hint of surprise on their faces at first, followed by a mix of excitement and cruelty. The horned demon who initially spoke even said mockingly, It seems that this human lord will soon become our ally, the protector of world peace, and turn into a killer of our own kind. Hehehe, I really look forward to it. The seductive succubus, who seemed thoroughly knowledgeable, had a glint of excitement in her eyes. Her fiery-red lips curved with interest as she spoke, Weve never captured a living siren before. If we could capture one and study it thoroughly, perhaps it could enhance the power of our succubus clan Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The Dreadlord, who had once intimidated the depths of the chaotic abyss, possessed not only his unfathomable strength but also highly advanced dark alchemical modification techniques. Tens of thousands of years ago, he had a secret army of alchemical abominations, comprised of captured warriors from various demon races, transformed into merciless killing machines. As for this so-called Number 17, he was the last being captured by the demons during the final stages of the divine war, and also the last survivor to endure the modifications, he already had considerable power before, but after undergoing the rigorous and lengthy transformation, his strength had reached astonishing levels. Countless disobedient demons who had defied orders had been slain by him, earning him the gruesome title of the Blood Executioner of the Dreadlord. Due to her human origin, he didnt face severe rejection when passing through the worlds rule barriers, so he had been sent as an insurance policy in advance. Regardless of the circumstances, as long as this executioner took action, the human lord would have no chance of escape. Eventually, he would be captured and transformed into a member of the modified army! Oh, by the way, since this human lord was destined to become a part of the secret army, if he survived the modification process, his name would likely be changed to Number 18. Number 18 Hehehe, it coincidentally corresponds to the number of levels in the chaotic abyss, which is quite fitting.. Chapter 668 - Chapter 668: Palace-attired Elves and High Elven Priest, Chapter 668: Palace-attired Elves and High Elven Priest, No. 17 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Unbeknownst to Ji Chen, who had already attracted attention, as he surveyed the battlefield, he suddenly noticed a dozen or so bizarre flying creatures with protruding growths on their heads hovering not far away. They leisurely drifted around the edge of the battlefield, in stark contrast to the other frenzied attacking flying creatures. Without thinking, Ji Chen waved his right hand, and dozens of water arrows shot out from behind him, swiftly piercing through the battlefield, accurately killing them all. Far away at the transit station, the demon commanders and lords were laughing heartily. When they saw a flash of azure light on the projection screen, followed by a sudden blackout, their faces immediately turned dark. Damn human lord, he actually dared to kill their scouting beasts that were peeking at the battlefield. Hes really asking for it! Lets see how hell endure the pain of the transformation when we catch him later! They cursed inwardly. Balzarnas face showed a hint of displeasure as he coldly snorted, Send out another batch of scouting beasts. I want to see how Number 17 captures this human lord. Yes! Meanwhile, in the Elven Empire, far on the Northern Continent, there stood a towering sky-reaching ancient tree in the core area of the capital. This sacred tree had existed since tens of thousands of years ago, serving as the spiritual anchor for countless elves. It was also one of the symbols of the Elven Empire. As long as this sacred tree remained standing, it symbolized the eternal prosperity and survival of the Elven race. At the very top of this giant tree was a spacious open-air altar. It seemed like some kind of ritual had just taken place there, as the luminous patterns on the altars walls and ceiling gradually dimmed. The Elven High Priestess, dressed in loose priestly attire but unable to hide her voluptuous figure, descended gracefully from the altar. Below the altar, a veiled elf, adorned in magnificent palace attire and wearing a crown, was already waiting. Although her face couldnt be completely seen, her majestic golden eyes, revealed from under the veil, were enough to determine that she was a stunningly beautiful being, capable of making the heavens and earth pale in comparison. Still no response from the Goddess? The elf, holding a staff, shook his head gently. Just like last time, we havent received any response from the Goddess or the other orderly deities. Its as if our pleas have fallen into the void. Is it impossible to send the message, or could there be another reason? Its hard to say, perhaps the Goddess is unwilling to send a divine message, or simply chooses to ignore us, the Elven High Priestess replied after a brief pause. Theres also another possibility. What could it be? Has the Goddess been preoccupied with something, unable to attend to our requests? The palace-attired elf responded, The power of the Great Goddess is immeasurable, and her influence spreads across every inch of land. She is, without a doubt, the mightiest among all the orderly deities. Its hard to fathom what could possibly trouble or restrain her. I cannot say for sure. The Elven High Priestess spoke with a solemn tone, However, the omens of the worlds energy tell me that extreme evil and foreboding are on the verge of emerging. Yet, I cannot investigate further; it seems that something is obstructing my vision. The palace-attired elf contemplated for a moment and then spoke, Regardless, if the Goddess hasnt sent a divine message, we must rely on ourselves. I will expedite our control over the northern continents territories, bringing more resources under our control to prepare for what may come. The Elven High Priestess nodded and then suddenly said, Your performance during the birthday celebration ceremony not only impressed the Empire but also saved us decades of effort in further controlling the vassal provinces. Your ingenious methods have earned praise from the usually contrary-minded senators and elders. The palace-attired elf, on the other hand, let out a disdainful snort. Those thoughts were already present among those deviants. I simply seized the opportunity. As for the senators and elders, they only showered me with praise after reaping the benefits that satisfied them. The Elven Empire was not entirely united internally; it had fragmented into numerous factions based on different interests. Deceit, cunning, and intrigue were prevalent, far exceeding the expectations of outsiders. The Elven High Priestess couldnt help but smile, seemingly recalling something. Oh, by the way, where did you get those materials for the clothing you gave me last time? Wearing them feels as soft and comfortable as a milk bath, almost like being naked. Its truly remarkable! Do you have more? Id like to make another priestly robe! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The conversation shifted away from official matters, and the two elves became more relaxed. Hearing this, the palace-attired elf rolled her eyes with a touch of irritation. The material youre talking about is called Merfabric, and it was presented by the Ambassador to the Maple Principality. There were only two pieces given, and I already gave you one. Hmm It seems to be a specialty of some Glory Lords domain. Merfabric? I remember now. This material has been circulating quite widely among the senators and nobles lately. Its likely being sold by that Glory Lord! The Elven High Priestess exclaimed and instigated further, Since thats the case, why not have that Glory Lord sell more of it? Youre quite wealthy, and Im sure you wont run out of funds. The palace-attired elf pursed her lips and found herself tempted. Deep Sea Merfabric was indeed a rare treasure, and she also wanted to use it to create more clothing. This can be arranged. According to the reports from the Ambassador to the Maple Principality, this Glory Lord seems to have assisted us significantly in the Maple Principality. His strength might have already reached a legendary level. It would be a good idea to invite him to Silvermoon City under the pretext of rewarding him.. Chapter 669 - Chapter 669: Palace-attired Elves and High Elven Priest, No. 17 (2) Chapter 669: Palace-attired Elves and High Elven Priest, No. 17 (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Elven High Priestess was somewhat surprised and said, Its been less than a year since this Lord of Glory arrived, and hes already reached a legendary tier? The Palace-attired Elf nodded slightly, her eyes shimmering with enthusiasm. The growth rate of these Lords of Glory far exceeds our initial expectations. I also have a premonition that these Lords of Glory are somehow connected to the abnormal world energy, even to the gods. This time, lets start by investigating this Lord of Glory and see what makes them so unique. The battle on the Floating Mountain continued. Ji Chen occasionally commanded the army to fill the breaches that had been breached and moved troops between the Floating Mountains. With the joint defense of the Ocean Crown forces, Featherfolk, and Ocean Pixies, the momentum of the corrupted creatures attack was like sinking into a quagmire, progressing extremely slowly. For every Floating Mountain they captured, thousands of corrupted creatures were sacrificed. And they had only captured one-quarter of the Floating Mountains so far! This was still a situation where they were trying to preserve their strength as much as possible without excessive competition. The higher they climbed, the greater their advantage, and the more difficult it was for the corrupted creatures. At this moment, the army of corrupted creatures resembled a wounded beast, growing weaker with each step, moving slower, and reacting more sluggishly. They were slowly losing their lives to the archers arrows. Augustus and Elwin couldnt help but show a hint of joy. Augustus, as long as we hold off this wave of attacks, well find an opportunity to leave this realm and go to the main world. This place has become a breeding ground for corrupted creatures, and if we stay, well be devoured sooner or later, Elwin said with a heavy heart. Augustus hesitated for a moment and then nodded. Youre right. I dont know when the demons will officially invade. Staying here is a dead end. Seeing their proud Floating Mountain easily taken over by the corrupted creatures, he dismissed the idea of staying any longer. As for where to settle in the main world he recalled the invitation that Ji Chen had mentioned earlier. The momentum of the corrupted creatures attack became even slower, and the initiative gradually returned to their hands, and the situation slowly improved. At this moment, a figure appeared on the distant sea surface. It moved rapidly on the water, leaving no trace, and disappeared like a ghost when it approached. At the same time, the Kraken, which had been happily using its tentacles to whack-a-mole, suddenly froze and let out a cry. Master, theres an unusual spatial fluctuation! Its right near you! An alarm bell rang in Ji Chens heart. He touched the Void Ring on his left hands finger. Spatial energy suddenly erupted, and a force pulled him into a rapidly forming spatial channel. In less than a breaths time, his entire being disappeared. The next second, a blood-red sword light several meters long swept through the position where Ji Chen had just stood, even breaking apart the space itself into a shattered crack. A figure shrouded in a black robe appeared on the Floating Mountain at some point, and a rusty longsword protruded from the robe, exuding a tide-like energy of space. Several seconds later, Ji Chen appeared on the edge of another Floating Mountain, looking at the fractured space crack at the edge, his expression somewhat surprised. The same ability as the Kraken, which is spatial translocation? No, this should be short-range spatial jumping, focused on combat, rather than long-distance traversal between realms and worlds. But this sword light was indeed incredibly fast. If it werent for the Krakens warning, he might have been injured by now. Seeing the Lord being ambushed, several heroes immediately abandoned their current enemies and rushed to Ji Chens side to protect him. Lord, are you okay!? Ji Chen shook his head to indicate that he was fine and turned his gaze to the figure in the black robe. The Featherfolk warriors circling around saw an enemy appear in their territory, even attacking their allies. They immediately drew their bows, and dozens of enchanted arrows carrying enough force to pierce through gold and rock were shot toward the enemy. However, the black-robed figure waved his longsword, cutting the arrows into pieces. The remaining force carried them into the sky, tearing apart more than a dozen Featherfolk warriors. Feathers, blood, and flesh rained down from the sky, falling on the black robe and adding a glaring blood-red color. Blown by the wind, the figure under the black robe also revealed his appearance. It was a human face that seemed as cold as a machine, evil black patterns spreading on the face, the eyes occupied by the abyssal blackness, and visible black reptiles crawling in and out of the decaying skin. A broken horn on the forehead protruded abruptly as if forcibly implanted. His body was also severely decayed, and what surprised Ji Chen was that one of his arms had withered to the size of a babys, hanging like a dried twig, while the other hand holding the longsword was a demons hand. Looking down, a pair of legs seemed to have been forcibly severed from the pelvis and forcibly replaced with a pair of demon legs. If he was not mistaken, these legs were remarkably similar to those of the Demon Slayer. (Number 17] [Race]: Alchemical Modified Human Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only [Level]: 69 [Tier]: Pseudo-Gold (Pseudo-Epic) [Skills]: Omitted [A human strongman captured by demons in the final stages of the god war hundreds of thousands of years ago, tortured, and then transformed into a killing machine through the evil alchemy of the Dreadlord Balzarna, who only obeys orders] A human strongman transformed by the Dreadlord? Pseudo-Epic Tier? Chapter 670 - Chapter 670: Palace-attired Elf and High Elven Priest, No. 17 Chapter 670: Palace-attired Elf and High Elven Priest, No. 17 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chens pupils slightly constricted. The overwhelming scent of blood and malevolence permeating from the air seemed to have stimulated the man known as Number 17. He expressionlessly lifted his rusty longsword and stepped into the void. A malevolence even denser than ordinary demons, with a stench of blood, washed over them. Lord, be careful! Facing such an epic-tier figure, even with the pseudo prefix, they dared not take it lightly. That sword light from earlier, they had little confidence in being able to withstand it. This was undoubtedly the most powerful enemy they had ever encountered in their history, well, excluding the Kraken, who had been personally subdued by the Lord. Solidus saw this scene and immediately jumped over from a nearby Floating Mountain. Ill help you! Anina, Herald, and Solidus formed a triangular formation, surrounding Number 17 in the middle, while Benbo lagged behind, and Diago and Alice flanked from the side. Six heroes were now engaged in the siege against Number 17. Number 17 looked at himself being surrounded on all sides, his face expressionless. He simply raised his rusty sword and swung it towards Solidus. A dazzling blood-red sword light burst out from the tip of the sword. Solidus expression darkened, and he quickly evaded. This sword light contained powerful spatial force and had already transcended the sharpness of ordinary blades. Attempting to block it head-on would only result in being torn apart by the spatial force. As if he had foreseen this scene, Number 17 moved like a ghost, taking advantage of the opening created by Solidus evasion. His ultimate goal was clear: the human Lord. However, before he could fully charge out, a dazzling red lightning shot toward his next step, forcing him to change his mind and abruptly stop. He looked towards Diago not far away. The crystal horn on Diagos head emitted a few green sparks, and he wore a contemptuous smile. He swung his sword light toward Solidus again, attempting to break through the encirclement, but was once again hindered by the lightning. After two setbacks, Number 17 realized that unless he killed Diago, he would have a hard time breaking through the encirclement. A program-like instruction seemed to flash through his mind. He quietly changed his attack strategy. Cleverly deflecting the power of Heralds huge claws with his longsword, he immediately used a short-range space jump to appear in front of Diago, slashing down with his sword. If this strike were to connect, Diago would instantly be covered by spatial energy, just like the dozen or so Featherfolk warriors, torn to pieces. A trident covered in frost came straight at him, and Number 17 hesitated for a moment. He retracted his descending longsword, and his body twisted in a way that a normal human couldnt, evading the attack with ease and gracefully retreating. This scene made Ji Chens heart sink. The alchemical modification of this demon had turned this human into such a grotesque creature. From the last entry in the information panel, it can be learned that this so-called Number 17 was an ancient human warrior captured at the end of the divine war hundreds of thousands of years ago. The fact that this malevolent modification technique could keep him alive through countless millennia is astonishing in itself. Number 17 took a few steps back, and his sword seemed to have eyes. A slender sword beam shot out at a cunning angle and collided with Herald, who was closing in for another round of encirclement. Puchi This tiny sword beam contained an irresistible force, causing one of Heralds arms, along with its huge claw, to be sent flying high, torn into shreds by the spatial energy. As if breaking through a breach, while taking advantage of his severed arm, Number 17 once again closed in. He swung his longsword, pushing aside the other giant claw, and stabbed through the serpent tail from the reverse side. A dull explosion echoed, and a grotesque hole burst open in Heralds lower body, with half of his serpent tail falling to the ground. Roar! This Abyss Naga hero had never been in such a sorry state before. With just two strikes, he was severely injured, howling in pain. If it werent for Anina and Solidus coming to his rescue in time, he might have crossed the threshold of death. Causing such injuries, Number 17s cold face showed no emotional fluctuation. He evaded the attacks of the former like a precise machine and once again distanced himself. Herald was forced to temporarily withdraw from the battle due to his severe injuries. Like finding a breakthrough point, Number 17 used his spatial jumps to maneuver between several heroes. Despite the suppression from the differences in rank and level, the Ocean Crown side unexpectedly found themselves at a slight disadvantage. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only With the loss of the Ocean Crown heroes suppression, the corrupted creatures surged forward, pushing the defending forces back step by step. In just half an hour, they lost several crucial Floating Mountains once again. Another wave of flying corrupted creatures joined the battlefield, instantly increasing the pressure on the Featherfolk tribe. Patheia swung her longsword, consecutively slaying dozens of flying corrupted creatures. She watched the desperate battle below with a hint of worry in her eyes. But at this moment, she had no other options but to fight fiercely to relieve the pressure on her allies. In this moment, she keenly felt her own weakness.. Chapter 671 - Chapter 671: Battle Against Number 17, Lainekel Chapter 671: Battle Against Number 17, Lainekel Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In a world where alchemical modifications could elevate one to a pseudo-epic tier at level 69, much like Lu Bu confronting the Three Heroes, a lone individual dared to confront six heroes. They even managed to wound a legendary figure significantly, forcing that legendary figure to retreat from the battle. This starkly illustrated the immense power gap between different tiers and higher-level suppression. Alices singing had minimal effect on this being known as Alchemical Reconstruction Number 17. According to her, Number 17 was no longer considered human or even an ordinary being. Its soul was nearly extinguished, leaving only a mechanical shell in operation. Before things reached an irreparable point, Ji Chen decided to intervene. Number 17 made a swift and deadly assault, driving through the remaining five heroes with his swords radiance. After injuring Solidus, he didnt pursue further but instead, when the other heroes rushed to aid Solidus, he abruptly returned to the spatial realm. Two seconds later, he reappeared not far from Ji Chen, his swords edge aimed directly at him. My Lord Several heroes cried out in horror. Thud A dull sound, like thunder, reverberated as the rusty longsword clashed against a semicircular golden shield. Ripples and folds resembling water waves surged intensely within the shield. Inside it, Ji Chen held a shimmering steel sword adorned with a golden gem, thrusting it like a venomous snake. [Warblade] [Draw the Earth as a Prison (Conjure the Shield, Resist a substantial amount of damage and powerful attacks [depending on the users strength and condition])] Naturally, Number 17 wouldnt be so easily harmed by this attack. Seeing that the first strike was ineffective, he swiftly withdrew. However, this played into Ji Chens hands. With her right hand gripping the Warblade and his left hand raised, a mass of seawater coalesced into a rope, binding Number 17. The swords radiance sliced through the rope soundlessly, just as Number 17 attempted to retreat once more. However, the shattered seawater overcame gravity and rose again, enveloping him like a cocoon. His limbs were restrained, making it difficult even to swing his longsword. Without hesitation, Number 17 activated his spatial jump ability, transporting himself to a miniature floating mountain a hundred meters away. As soon as he landed, an invisible blue ripple spread rapidly, passing through his body like a ghost. Simultaneously, a pressure descended heavily on his shoulders, as if his body were filled with glue, causing his movements and strength to slow significantly. Ji Chen wasted no time in unleashing his ultimate technique, invoking the power of his Ocean Realm. Tornado Storm Suddenly, the sea surface erupted with massive water sprays, and amidst the churning water, a water tornado rapidly formed. In the blink of an eye, it reached hundreds of meters high, connecting the sea with the sky. Countless enchanted creatures were swept into it, and in a harrowing chorus of screams, they were torn apart, reduced to bits of flesh. Number 17, situated at the center of the water tornado, along with the miniature floating mountain beneath his feet, was covered by it. Under the immense suction, he lost his balance and was rapidly pulled into the swirling vortex. Even the miniature floating mountain seemed to peel away layer by layer under the countless water blades. Just when the other heroes thought that Number 17 was trapped and couldnt escape the water tornado, a dazzling red light suddenly flashed within the surging waters. A gleaming blood-red sword light, tens of meters long, cleaved the water tornado directly, revealing his figure from within. His black robe had already been torn to shreds, and his body was covered in long, narrow scars. Foul-smelling black blood oozed from these wounds, making him look even more grotesque, like a demon. Even without speaking, the blood-red in his eyes emanated a palpable and intense aura of murderous intent. With rolling veins and grains on his forehead like tree roots, the blood-red aura mixed with black mist spread from his skins surface. In this moment, Number 17 seemed to truly unleash his full power. Ji Chen remained expressionless. With a thought, three elemental water dragons emerged from his robe, roaring as they flew towards him. [?Water Dragon Summoning (Summons three elemental water dragons with 50% of the users strength, possessing autonomous combat capabilities)] Three sword lights suddenly flew in, tearing two of the water dragons apart, turning them into a shower of water droplets. Number 17s figure disappeared once again, only to reappear on the head of the one water dragon that had narrowly evaded him. His blade flashed, and the massive dragon head shattered. Three elemental water dragons were eliminated in just over ten seconds. Ji Chen didnt show surprise at this. He merely waved his right hand gently, and hundreds of water soldiers in the form of falcon-shaped beings swiftly condensed, moving like locusts toward the enemy. As if possessing intelligence, the falcon-like water soldiers dodged the fierce sword light and, at the cost of losing dozens of their own, approached the enemy. With the magical power enhancing their aquatic talons, they were capable of tearing through metal. Number 17 chose to evade the encirclement through spatial jumps, but within the Ocean Realm, his skill cooldowns were extended several times, making him no longer as agile as before. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only After hundreds of falcon-like water soldiers were nearly all slaughtered, he bore several wounds that cut deep to the bone. For the first time, a hint of emotions resembling those of an intelligent being appeared in Number 17s eyes. Anger, disgust, fury Watching this scene, Ji Chen suddenly smiled, slowly raising his hand toward Numner 17 and lightly flicking his palm. Boom An explosive surge of spatial energy erupted. In his fury, Number 17 attempted another spatial jump, but as soon as he appeared a few meters to Ji Chens side, he found himself trapped within a water prison that had descended heavily, surrounded by a dozen hovering blades outside the prison.. Chapter 672 - Chapter 672: Battle Against Number 17, Lainekel (2) Chapter 672: Battle Against Number 17, Lainekel (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Splatter The sound of sharp weapons piercing flesh echoed incessantly as 17s body was impaled by blades, wedging between bone and flesh. After a brief delay, the blades suddenly burst open, splashing water droplets accompanied by a cloud of blood. As Ji Chen contemplated delivering the finishing blow, 17s figure abruptly disappeared from the spot, only to reappear not far away. Nonetheless, he appeared quite battered. His body was covered in wounds, some of them so deep that they exposed bone, and a dark, putrid blood seeped from these injuries. There wasnt a single spot on his body that remained undamaged. In this brief clash with 17, Ji Chen ultimately gained the upper hand. Within this domain of the sea, Ji Chen was the king. Even though 17s level was as high as 69, the suppression within the domain had dropped him to nearly level 60. At this level of strength, he was on par with Ji Chens overall power. Ji Chen possessed the power of the ocean, and in a direct confrontation, he was the nemesis of spatial abilities like teleportation and dimensional travel. One could liken the Ocean Lord to a spider weaving its web, and as long as the enemy was within his domain, it was difficult to escape his perception and pursuit. Furthermore, he possessed various high-grade treasures: the Deep Sea Dragon Scale Robe, the Void Ring, the Sword of Warlords Each treasure constituted his strength, each one had the ability to turn the tide of battle. Ji Chen lowered his gaze at 17, who could barely stand, relying on his sword to remain upright. A hint of pity flashed in his eyes. In the end, he was originally a hero who fought for humanity and the Orderly faction, but he was captured by demons and brought to the chaotic abyss. After undergoing evil modifications, he became this ghastly figure. Neither human nor demon, enduring the pain that neither humans nor demons could bear. The pity in Ji Chens eyes quickly turned into determination. Since that was the case, he would grant this nameless human warrior release from the pain that had persisted for hundreds of thousands of years. Later, he would slay tens of thousands of demons, offering tribute to this unnamed human hero. The heroes of the Crown of the Ocean had surrounded them once more, and 17 no longer had any chance of escape or turning the tide. Ji Chen slowly raised the Sword of Warlords, as if he were aiming it at 17, but also at the demons lurking in the shadows. Rest in peace. He softly uttered these words, about to swing the Sword of Warlords to release its sword energy. But at this moment, 17, the half-demon with a human semblance, slowly raised his head. His eyes were no longer blood-red; within the pitch-black pupils, a glimmer of vitality appeared. You did well. A hoarse voice echoed. The surrounding heroes froze, looking at each other, thinking they had misheard. After exchanging astonished glances with their comrades, they realized something incredible. This Alchemical Modified being called 17 had actually spoken! Ji Chen furrowed his brows slightly and lowered the Sword of Warlords. He scrutinized the situation once more and noticed that the information panel had undergone some changes. [Number 17: Lainekel Kristiansen] Struggling to prop himself up with his sword, Lainekel still had black blood trickling from his body. This action made the heroes of the Crown of the Ocean vigilant, their faces adopting a serious battle stance. Dont worry, he has been sent back by your Lord, and he probably wont come out for some time, Lainekel managed a weak smile but didnt make any unnecessary movements. Ji Chen waved his hand and said, No problem. Hearing this, several heroes hesitated but eventually nodded and relaxed a bit, although their eyes remained fixed on Lainekel. How did you, a human, manage to have so many sea creatures under your command? Lainekel glanced at Anina and the others. Ji Chen didnt answer directly but instead asked, Who is this he you mentioned? Its the other me, created through demonic alchemy by Balzarna. Its the one you just saw, Number 17, like a killing machine. Ji Chen was taken aback and inquired, So, if I understand correctly, this half-human, half-demon body harbors two personalities? One is the mindless killing machine that follows orders, and the other retains its previous intelligence but has been suppressed and unable to surface? My recent attack temporarily pushed the killing personality back, allowing the benevolent one to emerge? Lainekel was astonished, his eyes filled with disbelief. He asked, Thats exactly it! How did you know that so clearly? Ji Chen rolled his eyes inwardly. This kind of plot had become so cliche in various movies, TV shows, and animations. It usually involved a once-good character captured and subjected to inhumane modifications by the antagonist, only to regain their benevolent personality after a severe beating from the protagonist. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Seeing this tired trope unfold before him was quite unexpected. I just guessed. Observing Ji Chens nonchalant response, Lainekel shook his head and sighed. Never mind, it doesnt matter. I assume you must be aware of the impending demon invasion. You need to inform the orderly races in the main world so they can prepare for battle quickly. As a alchemical-modified individual altered by Balzarna in the chaotic abyss for hundreds of thousands of years, Lainekel naturally knew that the demons had never given up their plans for invasion. They had been plotting and preparing for countless millennia, and their power had grown to terrifying proportions. If the orderly races of the main world couldnt unite and defend against this invasion, it would likely result in a catastrophic world-ending disaster.. Chapter 673 - Chapter 673: Battle Against Number 17, Lainekel (3) Chapter 673: Battle Against Number 17, Lainekel (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation No race can survive! Ji Chen nodded slightly. You dont need to worry about that. Ive obtained a batch of demonized creature-congealed Demonic Blood Pearls. After leaving here, I will deliver them to the orderly races. No, that wont work, Lainekel quickly shook his head. The demons have prepared in advance. Those Demonic Blood Pearls will quickly dissipate once they leave this realm, and they wont last long enough for you to cross the ocean and reach the land. And I dont believe that just a few pearls can convince the orderly races to set aside their conflicts and fully prepare for battle. Was there really such a thing? Ji Chen furrowed his brow. It seemed that the demons werent afraid of them obtaining Demonic Blood Pearls by slaying demonized creatures. Besides having confidence in keeping them all trapped here, they had also employed such tactics. How can we deliver such a message then? Lainekel scratched his bald head in frustration as he contemplated. What should we do, what should we do? Leaving aside the elves, even humans might not believe it themselves. If we ask them to come here and see for themselves after we leave, no, no, the demons arent fools; they will surely destroy the evidence in time Just as Lainekel was deep in thought, Ji Chen suddenly spoke up. Lainekel, I have a good plan, but I need your help. Lainekel was taken aback. Go ahead and tell me. Its you. Lainekel looked puzzled. Me? Ji Chen nodded. The Demonic Blood Pearls might not work, but your existence, having been transformed by the Dreadlord, appearing in the main world with this half-human, half-demon body, is enough to prove many things. Lainekels eyes lit up. Youre right! Im the best evidence! But then, his expression darkened suddenly as he asked, Are you sure I wont be killed on sight the moment we meet? Ji Chen pondered for a moment. Theres a possibility. However, Lainekel hesitated for a moment, clenched his fists, and said, Even if thats the case, I accept it! I must get this message out; otherwise, my countless years of suffering would have been in vain, wouldnt they? Ji Chen was filled with admiration. While Lainekels words sounded casual, his expression didnt reveal any abnormality. However, Ji Chen could sense the agony and torment hidden beneath the surface. Although he had never witnessed the demon alchemical transformation process firsthand, seeing Lainekels current condition made it clear that the process must have been excruciatingly painful. Countless years just thinking about it felt incredibly long. Ji Chen wanted to say something, but he saw Lainekel suddenly tremble, his hand involuntarily picking up his longsword. Damn it, how can it be so soon Balzarna is already activating this body. Damn, there must be surveillance creatures nearby! Lainekels face contorted severely as if he were forcibly suppressing his instincts. His fists clenched, and his teeth were almost shattered. I cant hold on much longer. Even though I dont know your name yet, youve reached the Above-Epic Tier at such a young age and have so many high-ranking heroes under your command. You must be extraordinary. Please, right now, kill me and take my body to the mainland, to humans or elves, as long as it can prove that the demons are about to invade. Ji Chen was not one to hesitate. Seeing Lainekel struggling to control himself, he furrowed his brow and once again raised the Sword of Warlords, swinging it down heavily towards Lainekel. A golden crescent moon-shaped sword qi suddenly shot out, carrying a deadly intent. However, this body had been altered beyond recognition, and Lainekel couldnt suppress himself completely. The blood-red color once again dominated his eyes, and he raised his longsword to block. The longsword in his hand, after countless strikes, finally shattered under this blow. Ji Chen didnt hesitate. With his left hand, he prepared a second strike. A water blade, imbued with the power of the ocean, descended from the sky, silent and swift as a shadow. Lainekel, who had regained his killing personality, didnt have time to evade or use spatial jumps. He was stabbed straight through the heart. His body stiffened suddenly, the light in his eyes slowly fading, and he collapsed to the ground, losing all signs of life. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Seeing this, Ji Chen breathed a sigh of relief. After a moment, as if he remembered something, he wondered, wait, why didnt the system provide a kill confirmation prompt? Be careful; hes not dead yet! Several heroes who had already let their guard down snapped back to attention upon hearing Ji Chens words. Several pairs of eyes remained fixed on the seemingly lifeless Lainekel. However, to their surprise, he slowly rose from the ground, his expression somewhat bewildered. Huh? Im not dead yet? Chapter 674 - Chapter 674: Lainekel Recovered His Mind Chapter 674: Lainekel Recovered His Mind Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The left chest was pierced, and one could even see through to the back. Surprisingly, Lainekcls heart was gone, yet he hadnt died. This scene shocked everyone profoundly. Lainekel was also stunned, slowly getting up from the ground. He looked down at the gaping hole in his left chest, his eyes filled with bewilderment. Then, as if he remembered something, he mumbled, I recall now. Balzarna implanted a demons heart in this body to enhance its strength. He pointed to the right side of his chest, where there were traces of flesh sewn back together. While the human heart had been destroyed, the demons heart was still functioning, explaining the brief loss of life earlier. Upon hearing this explanation, Ji Chens expression eased a bit. But it seems you have regained your senses now? Lainekel also noticed this and looked at his own hands in confusion. I seem to possess a strange power within me now, which helps me suppress the murderous personality. Even Balzarna couldnt control it. Ji Chen recalled the events that had just occurred, pondered for a moment, and then summoned a manifestation of oceanic power in his hand. Is it this power? Lainekels eyes brightened, nodding repeatedly. Exactly, its this power! Vast and majestic like the ocean, yet gentle and comforting like a mother. It reminds me of a powerful ocean deity I once encountered, though they perished in the divine war Feeling the faint aura of oceanic power emanating from his body, Ji Chen contemplated. If he wished, this oceanic power could turn into the most deadly poison, instantly shattering Lainekel. This situation was quite similar to the one where he had helped Elisya regain her consciousness in the frozen wilderness. Oceanic power not only possessed immense destructive capability but also had some form of miraculous healing and purifying effect. This is the power of the ocean. Oceanic power!? Lainekels face showed astonishment. No wonder even Balzarna couldnt suppress it. Oceanic power is the prerequisite for creating ocean deities and igniting the divine fire! As a witness to the divine war that had taken place tens of thousands of years ago, Lainekel clearly knew more undisclosed facts and secrets. Ji Chen became intrigued, but now wasnt the time to inquire further. Since oceanic power had successfully suppressed the murderous personality, there was no need to worry about him suddenly going berserk. Anina, you and your team go assist the Featherfolk and Ocean Pixies in resisting the corrupted creatures. Be prepared to lead the troops in a retreat if necessary! The heroes nodded and rejoined the battle. Kraken! The giant octopus, previously busy whacking moles and playing badminton, paused for a moment. Kraken, what do you need me to do? Prepare yourself; were getting ready to use spatial traversal to leave this secret realm! Got it! The corrupted creatures seemed almost endless, and it was clear that they would exhaust their last ounce of strength. Furthermore, nobody knew if the demons had any more tricks up their sleeves. Continuing to fight here didnt make much sense. Since they already had this highly credible evidence from Lainekel, there was no reason to stay any longer. Sir Lainekel. Lainekel turned around, his ugly face showing a hint of confusion and bewilderment. Coupled with his bald head, it was quite a comical sight. Putting aside his terrifying inhuman appearance due to the modifications, this ancient human powerhouse who had endured numerous trials and tribulations still maintained an optimistic and positive attitude. His spirit was not broken, nor had he succumbed to darkness. This made Ji Chen admire him. Well be leaving through Krakens spatial rift shortly, and well undoubtedly face the most ferocious attacks from the corrupted creatures and demons. Please prepare to leave as well. Lainekel nodded. Thats no problem. But can you lend me a weapon to kill a few corrupted creatures and alleviate some pressure on you guys? My sword was shattered by you earlier. It would be best if its a longsword. Ji Chen smiled and handed over the Sword of Warlords in his hand. Of course, you can use this sword. Lainekel was taken aback. Are you sure you want to lend me such a powerful and valuable sword? Ji Chen chuckled. Why not? Just considering that youve endured the torment of the Dreadlord for tens of thousands of years and still maintain a sense of self, as well as your unwavering faith in humanity and order, thats enough for me to admire. A mere sword is nothing. Feel free to use it. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Lainekel looked genuinely delighted and moved, as if his persistence had been recognized. His gaze towards Ji Chen softened as he accepted the sword. He swung it a few times, creating a magnificent sword aura filled with sharpness and killing intent. What a great sword! Its much better than the one I used before! Youre so young, and your strength is exceptional. I wonder where youve found so many high-tier treasures. Could it be that you come from a noble family or clan? Ji Chen replied calmly, Certainly not. Im just an ordinary human lord. Lainekel wore an expression that clearly said, I dont believe you. It was hard to imagine how an ordinary person could command the loyalty of so many high-tier heroes, even a kingdom or a major noble family would find it difficult to have so many high-tier heroes.. Chapter 675 - Chapter 675: Lainekel Recovered His Mind (2) Chapter 675: Lainekel Recovered His Mind (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Never mind. He shook his head. When I led the mission earlier, I harmed your heroes and even caused casualties among the Featherfolk warriors. Although it wasnt my intention, Ill go and slay some corrupted creatures to make amends for this. No need to worry. You are highly valuable to us. Lainekel nodded without saying much. He turned away, and his gaze gradually became sharper, as if he were emitting a sword aura from his eyes. Over the past hundreds of thousands of years, he had been a shining star among many orderly races, with his people placing high hopes on him, believing that he had the potential to become an epic-tier hero. However, he had been overly confident and reckless. At the time when the forces of evil were on the brink of collapse, he had embarked on a solo mission. Little did he know, he would encounter the Dreadlord, Balzarna, a being of the Five Demon Kings level, whose power far surpassed the epic tier. Lainekel, then only at the peak of the legendary tier, was no match for Balzarna. When he thought he was facing certain death in regret, Balzarna didnt kill him but instead took him captive, subjecting him to inhuman modifications in the depths of the Chaotic Abyss. The reason he could still maintain a fragment of his human consciousness after all these years was due to his strong desire to return to the mortal world. He believed that he could regain his sanity and return as a human, and he owed it all to this human lord. If he had a chance to repay the favor in the future, he would surely take it. Ji Chen looked at Lainekel, who had suddenly become motionless, wondering if something was wrong, and asked, Sir, whats the matter? Lainekels face contorted into a stiff smile. Its nothing. I was just thinking about how when he sent me out, not only did I fail to complete the mission, but I also regained my sanity and turned against him. Balzarna must be seething with anger right now. Ji Chen smiled and replied, Well, let him seethe with anger. After all, well meet sooner or later in the future. For now, lets take back some of the suffering he caused you. Youre absolutely right! Let those demon bastards see how we thwart their plans! Lainecker threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh, causing gusts of wind to swirl around him. His gaze was resolute. Taking a step forward, he released a surge of spatial energy. With a single step, he appeared among the corrupted creatures. As the creatures saw a figure suddenly appear before them, they were taken aback. However, upon sensing the demonic aura emanating from him, they assumed he was an ally and moved aside, allowing him to pass. Lainekel grinned, immediately wielding his Sword of Warlords. The swords radiance bloomed like a mandala around him. As he moved forward, the enchanted blade left behind trails of blood, slicing through the advancing, corrupted creatures. Their bodies split into two, with the rear halves remaining in place, while the front halves continued to run forward, collapsing a few meters ahead due to their inertia. Within a radius of dozens of meters, not a single corrupted creature remained standing. The putrid black blood tainted every inch of the land. This single strike had directly taken the lives of over a thousand corrupted beings. Sensing something, he looked ahead and saw a beholder slowly hovering in place. Lainekel fixed his gaze on its eye and suddenly let out a disdainful smile. He pointed his Sword of Warlords at it, and the tip of the sword lifted upward. At the same time, as Balzarna observed Lainekels mocking expression and provocation on the magic screen, his face darkened. Though he didnt say a word, his intense anger and shame were palpable. The demon lords and overlords present remained silent, afraid to speak. It was understandable, as who wouldnt feel extreme anger and humiliation when their servant and assassin sent on a mission turned against them and even taunted and mocked them? However, they were filled with confusion as well. Number 17, since its successful self-modification hundreds of thousands of years ago, had always followed orders like a killing machine, and such a situation had never arisen. Even Balzarna believed that the modification had been highly successful and sent it to this primary worlds secret realm with confidence. However, reality had slapped them in the face. Number 17 not only regained its consciousness but also suppressed the pressure imposed by Balzarna and proceeded to slay the corrupted creatures. Just at the moment when the beholder on the scene was killed, they didnt witness what happened during the process, but they more or less guessed that it must be connected to this human lord. This human lord not only had extraordinary power but also could completely suppress Number 17. Moreover, he possessed the ability to restore the consciousness of alchemical constructs! Their hatred towards him grew stronger. This youth would undoubtedly become their formidable enemy in the future! After their anger subsided, they began to contemplate how to prevent this human lord from leaving this secret realm. In order to minimize the rejection by the worlds rules, they had only sent Number 17, a high-level combatant. There were no other high-tier combatants they could afford to send to this secret realm. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only In the magic screen, Number 17 was unabashedly slaughtering the corrupted creatures and, in collaboration with other heroes, forcing the demonic army to retreat step by step. Clearly, it was impossible to kill him with just these corrupted creatures. The demon lords and overlords sneakily glanced at Balzarna, who was seated at the forefront. Balzarna appeared calm and spoke in an indifferent tone, saying, Destroy this mystic realm. Their hearts quaked. They had secretly cultivated this mystic realm for thousands of years, investing substantial resources in contaminating and corrupting the marine creatures within it. It was intended to serve as a source of troops and a forward base for future invasions of the primary worlds oceans. Destroying it now would mean a colossal waste of effort and resources.. Chapter 676 - Chapter 676: Lainekel Recovered His Mind (3) Chapter 676: Lainekel Recovered His Mind (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation But upon careful consideration, it seemed there were no other options now. Compared to the losses caused by the exposure of the plan, it was not a big deal to pay some price to destroy this mystic realm. Only by destroying this mystic realm, and letting it perish in the void together with these humans, ocean pixies, and feathered people who know their secrets, could the plan remain undisclosed! Many demon lords and leaders stood up together, bowing their heads and speaking respectfully, Yes! Seeing the corrupted creatures being completely driven off the floating mountain, the situation was settled. Augustus and Elwin were overjoyed. Great, weve finally driven these ghosts away. Just a moment ago, they almost broke through and attacked the civilian refuge on the floating mountain. When that semi-demonic, semi-human creature capable of spatial jumps restrained the heroes of the Ocean Crown, it was also the most perilous moment of this war. The corrupted creatures were on the verge of breaking into the civilian refuge on the floating mountain. However, at that crucial moment, Lord Ji Chen made a swift and bold move. He handled the situation so effectively that it seemed like he had entered a domain where no one could challenge him. He even managed to sow discord among the enemy ranks, which ultimately set the stage for our victory in the battle. What an incredibly powerful force! Augustus and Elwin approached Ji Chen, exchanged a glance, and with the utmost respect, they saluted, Lord Ji Chen, thank you for everything youve done. We will always remember your kindness. Ji Chen replied calmly, I did what I could. Without the help of many ocean pixies and feathered warriors, it would have been difficult to defend the Ocean Crown. To be honest, without the feathered warriors to deal with the flying corrupted creatures and the magical projectile firepower of the ocean pixies against the flying corrupted creatures, it would have been quite challenging to repel the corrupted creatures. Augustus and Elwin, hearing Ji Chens modesty and acknowledging their contributions, couldnt help but admire him. It wasnt just admiration for his immense power but also for his noble character. Lord Augustus, Lord Elwin, please organize our people for evacuation as quickly as possible. I will make the Kraken tear open a spatial rift and take us out of this secret realm directly. Please make it as fast as possible, and be lightly equipped. Ideally, we should be ready within half an hour. Augustus and Elwin were slightly surprised, So urgent? Ji Chen said in a solemn tone, I have a bad feeling that the demons may have further actions. Both of them sensed the gravity in his words and nodded immediately, Alright, we will prepare right away. To be honest, they were somewhat afraid of the demons methods. First, it was the flying corrupted creatures, followed by the terrifying half-human, half-demonic creatures, and who knows what other horrors the demons might unleash in the future. It was better to leave early. Watching Augustus and Elwin hastily depart, Ji Chen glanced at the still gloomy sky. He noticed that the thunder serpents bursting from within the dark clouds had become more frequent, forming a web-like pattern across the sky. In this windless and rainless environment, the frequent lightning bursts felt oppressive. Lainekel jumped back from below the floating mountain through spatial jumping, reluctantly returning the Sword of Warlords that remained unblemished to Ji Chen. Here, take back your sword. Ji Chen smiled and accepted it, casually placing it in his backpack. After all, I destroyed your dual sword earlier. When we return to the main world, Ill compensate you with a good sword. The reluctance on Lainekels face faded as he saw Ji Chens calm response. He felt somewhat embarrassed and said, No need, it wasnt your fault in the first place. If I have the chance, Ill find a replacement myself. A swordsmans sword is second only to life itself. How can I let someone else find a replacement for it? In that case, I wont insist. By the way, Sir Lainekel, do you know if the demons have any other tricks in this mystic realm? Lainekel thought for a moment and pondered, As far as I know, they shouldnt have any more. Balzarna, in order to avoid triggering the worlds rejection, only released a limited amount of demonic pollution into the ocean and corrupted those creatures. Apart from me, there shouldnt be any other high-level combatants. Even Lainekel, who was previously completely trusted by Balzarna, didnt know, so it should be secure! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen nodded in reassurance. That made things easier. They just had to wait for Augustus and Elwin to organize their people for evacuation, and then they could leave this place. But at that moment, the Kraken suddenly emitted an urgent cry. Squawk!!! (Master, the spatial structure of this mystic realm has suddenly been attacked by some external force, leading to widespread collapse. It will soon plummet into the void and be annihilated completely!) Ji Chens expression changed drastically. Damn it, a more dire outcome arrived far too soon! Chapter 677 - Chapter 677: The Mystic Realm Collapses, The Featherfolk Race Chapter 677: The Mystic Realm Collapses, The Featherfolk Race Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The spatial structure had been disrupted by external forces, and there was no need to speculateit was definitely the work of demons. Ji Chen didnt expect that the demons would actually be willing to use a realm that they had been managing for thousands of years, investing a significant amount of resources, to completely trap them. One could certainly not deny their determination. Ignoring the demons murderous intent towards them, Ji Chen calmed himself down and spoke in a hurried tone. How much time is left before the realm completely collapses? Squeak! (At most, there are only two hours left!) Although two hours were pressing, it didnt mean there was no way to complete the evacuation. Augustus had already guided the civilians to gather together for refuge, and with people assembled, the final step of evacuation would be much easier. As for the Ocean Pixies, not to mention, they had evacuated from their dwellings with minimal gear, ready to leave at any moment. According to the speed at which the Kraken opened the spatial channel, they would only need half an hour to complete the evacuation! At this point, Ji Chen felt somewhat reassured. Open the spatial channel now and get ready to leave. The Kraken nodded eagerly and raised its tentacle to draw, but there was no change in the air, just like an oar paddling through still water, and there was no sign of any transformation in the sky. After a momentary pause, the Kraken realized something and cried out mournfully. Squeak!! (Master, something terrible is happening! The realm is now detaching from the main world and drifting towards the depths of the void. I cant create a stable spatial channel between the two sides!) An unstable spatial channel? What are the chances of success under the current circumstances? With the current situation, one out of a hundred people might make it through, and thats being optimistic. Ji Chens face darkened. What the heck? Was this a never-ending series of bad luck? One out of a hundred people making it through was no different from a death sentence. Now, the realm was like a broken ship with a snapped anchor, being tossed about in a storm, and the surging seawater was pushing it towards the outside. Once it completely detached from the main worlds attachment, it would gradually collapse. Everything within this realm would quickly disintegrate, becoming the most primitive energy and matter in the void. Only epic-tier individuals above level seventy and a very few who could operate in the void races could briefly move around in the void. In other words, there was no one here who could survive exposure to the void. The spatial fissures in the sky gradually became denser, forming a web-like pattern, resembling magnificent spiderwebs hanging in the sky. Intermittent, eerie purple light seeped through the fissures, creating a visually striking but chilling scene that sent shivers down everyones spines. No one wanted to venture into the void. Ji Chen forced himself to remain calm and looked at the void ring on his left-hand finger. This 7-star artifact ring, gifted to him by the elf Elin, not only allowed for short-distance spatial jumps but also possessed another powerful skill. (Void Tunnel (Can create a brief, temporary void tunnel, passable by living creatures, with a 72-hour cooldown).] Although it was unclear whether this could create a stable channel between a collapsing realm and the main world, Ji Chen had no other options at the moment, so he had to take the risk. He immediately activated the power of the ring, and a black-purple energy, resembling spatial fissures, surged from the ring, forming a rotating three-dimensional vortex that spanned dozens of meters in width and height before him. As the vortexs rotation gradually slowed and stabilized, a trace of satisfaction appeared on Ji Chens hopeful faceit worked! Without hesitation, he shouted, Augustus, Elwin, quickly have your people enter the void tunnel! He could clearly sense that this void tunnel could only be maintained for a maximum of one and a half hours, making time extremely tight. Augustus and Elwin, realizing the gravity of the situation, immediately began organizing their respective people to enter the void tunnel. The efficiency of entry and exit through the tunnel, which was a dozen meters wide and high, was not very high. To expedite the process as much as possible, Ji Chen had the Sea Crystal Wyrm carry dozens of Ocean Pixies into the upper half of the tunnels entrance. He also handled the Ocean Crown army like a baseball, tossing them directly into the tunnel. Although this approach might have seemed a bit hasty, there was no time to be overly cautious. This operation significantly increased the success rate of passage. In just an hour, more than half of the Ocean Pixies and Featherfolk were sent into the tunnel, and two-thirds of the Sea Crown Championship team also entered. However, at this point, the spatial fragility of this realm had intensified. The spiderwebs in the sky had interconnected, forming a colossal web that spanned the heavens. The sky had plunged into complete darkness, with only the eerie purple light seeping through the fissures providing the only illumination for this world. From within the light, a gentle breeze seemingly from the void began to blow, annihilating and assimilating everything it touched, transforming them into primal energy. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen and his group witnessed the gradual collapse of this realm, which once contained an entire world. Another twenty minutes passed, and except for Ji Chen and his companions, all the Ocean Pixies and Featherfolk had already entered the void tunnel. Standing in front of the tunnel, Augustus and Elwin turned back to look at the realm that was heading towards its demise, as if they could hear its mournful cry. In their eyes, a hint of reluctance and melancholy couldnt help but surface. They had been multiplying and thriving in this place for generations, and now, in their generation, they had finally reached the end. But after a moment of reluctance, they turned their heads around, their eyes filled with anticipation for the new world.. Chapter 678 - Chapter 678: The Mystic Realm Collapses, The Featherfolk Race (2) Chapter 678: The Mystic Realm Collapses, The Featherfolk Race (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation With a mutual glance, they stepped into the tunnel and disappeared into the swirling vortex. Ji Chen took one last look at the soon-to-be extinguished realm and then moved on, leading the last few heroes of the Crown of the Ocean into the void tunnel. Not long after they entered, the void tunnel slowly shrank and disappeared. Soon, the endless void energy finally broke through the last defense line, annihilating and assimilating everything inside the realm. On a stretch of sea. Watching the disappearance of this section of the void tunnel, everyone turned their gaze to their surroundings. Back on the ocean once again, the territorial protection came into effect, allowing Ji Chen to instantly determine their location. Were still in the southern waters of the Western Mid-Ocean, but closer to the mid-western region. Its not too far from the Stormy Sea, about a four-day journey. After confirming their location, he found Augustus and Elwin, who were observing the appearance of the main world. Lord Augustus, Lord Elwin, what are your plans for the future? Elvin said, I plan to lead my people to find a suitable sea area and establish a place to live and reproduce. As he spoke, Elvins face was filled with sadness. Although they had successfully escaped, the Ocean Pixie tribe had suffered severe damage. More than 3,000 of their 7,000 members had died during the evacuation and escape, leaving them seriously weakened. What was even more crucial was the scarcity of warriors, with only a small force of fewer than a thousand, making self-defense a major concern. Seeing Elvins concern, Ji Chen smiled and said, My territory is not too far from here. If youre willing, you can choose a suitable place around there to settle down, and it will be easier for me to provide assistance. The Ocean Pixie chieftain was overjoyed and quickly said, In that case, I wont refuse your kind offer. He trusted and felt reassured by Ji Chen. From the series of events that had occurred earlier, he had come to know Ji Chens character and strength. Ji Chen nodded and then turned to Augustus, asking, What about you, Lord Augustus? Are you also looking to establish a new home like Lord Elwin? Augustus hesitated for a moment, but it seemed he had made up his mind He spoke in a deep voice, Lord Ji Chen, I would like to lead my people to join your territory. Ji Chen was slightly surprised but then nodded with a smile, You are very welcome to join us in the Crown of the Ocean. We always welcome any orderly and kind-hearted race. Augustus was relieved that Ji Chen had readily accepted his request. Ji Chen didnt show any signs of anger or resentment due to his earlier refusal. The experience of almost losing his tribe had made him realize that the Featherfolk tribe was not a particularly strong race. To have a better chance of survival in the main world and avoid becoming slaves or commodities, they needed to attach themselves to a stronger power. Lord Ji Chen, could you tell us about the Crown of the Ocean? Ji Chen smiled and said, Of course, lets talk about it on the way. Ding- A Featherfolk tribe (5,000 people) has joined your territory. Ding- Featherfolk Hero: Patheia (Legacy Tier) has joined your ranks. Ding- A 6th-tier Featherfolk Warrior Army (6th tier, i-star, 1,500 people) has joined your ranks. Apart from their expertise in flying, the Featherfolk race also possessed exceptional building construction skills, which enabled them to construct magnificent and beautiful high-altitude structures on the floating mountain. This aspect was reflected in their information panel. [Featherfolk] [Skills]: Construction Art (Greatly increases construction speed, significantly improves quality, reduces building material consumption by 20%) Lord Statue (Able to build a special structure: Lord Statue, increasing territory attractiveness and popularity) At this moment, the Crown of the Ocean was currently under construction, with the magnificent architectural wonder, the Heraklion Temple. The addition of the Featherfolk would accelerate the construction speed and save a substantial amount of resources for the next batch of objectives. At the same time, Patheia, the Featherfolk hero who had previously offended Ji Chen, also chose to follow her father and swear allegiance to him. As a Legacy Tier hero, Patheia was not as weak as she had initially thought in the main world. After going through a series of setbacks and battles, her temperament seemed to have settled down, and her strength had barely reached the expected level. The Crown of the Ocean had gained another Legacy Tier hero! After four days of continuous travel, Ji Chen and his group finally returned to the Crown of the Ocean. The Featherfolk tribe was settled on the mountain peak in the northeast of the main island, which used to be a dragons nest. There was enough space and a water source, and the high altitude suited the living environment of the Featherfolk Elwin and his people settled in the underwater forest to the east of the New Moon Islands, where the White-scaled Merfolk had once lived. It was not far from the Crown of the Ocean, had good environmental conditions, and the nearby sea creatures had been cleared out, making it a suitable settlement. Solidus also accompanied them back to the Crown of the Ocean to rest for a while. After returning to the territory, Ji Chen stayed briefly and then, with Lainekel and Patheia, boarded the Sea Crystal Wyrm and set off towards the Northern Continent. The news of the demon invasion had to be spread as quickly as possible, and the Elven Empire was the most suitable medium for dissemination. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, the Elven race was part of the lawful camp, serving as the main force against demons and the forces of evil. Countless elves perished in the few decades of the divine war, and if there was one race that harbored deep hatred for demons, it would be the elves. The Elven Empire was immensely influential. If they believed in the demon invasion, they could use their influence to rally other lawful races to discuss and prepare for the fight against the demons. This was the most effective method Ji Chen could imagine. Before that, he had no intention of revealing this news. According to Lainekels information, demons had likely secretly informed those races that were once part of the evil camp, waiting for them to rise up when the invasion occurred. Revealing this news abruptly could alert the demons prematurely and lead to an early invasion. Everything needed to be handled discreetly. After a day and a night, Ji Chen, standing on the Sea Crystal Wyrm, could already see the bustling coastal city in the distance. Sir Lainekel, are you going with me, or will you wait here? Ji Chen asked Lainekel looked at his half-human, half-demon body and thought for a moment before saying, Ill wait here. Otherwise, with my current appearance, I feel like Ill cause panic as soon as I enter. As he said this, Lainekels face seemed somewhat gloomy. Clearly, despite having arrived in his own races city and being eager to return to human civilization, he didnt dare approach because of his current appearance. Ji Chen understood this emotion and reassured him, saying, Once everything becomes clear, people will surely accept you. Lainekel nodded with a smile. I hope so. Leaving behind a hundred Sea Crystal Wyrm guards to prevent any unexpected incidents, Ji Chen took the remaining Sea Crystal Wyrms and flew towards the land. Storing the troops and entering Maple Harbor. As soon as Ji Chen and the others entered the harbor, they attracted the attention of many indigenous residents and players. The reason was none other than Patheia, who was following behind him. The Featherfolk race was extremely rare on the mainland, and now there was one here who appeared extraordinary, like a celestial being. Many players were immediately excited, and in the eyes of some malicious natives, a greedy glint flashed. Some even approached, inquiring subtly about potential trades. Ji Chens face stayed icy as he glared at them with cold eyes. A single glance from him stopped the locals in their tracks, sending shivers down their spines and making fear visible on their faces, causing them to hesitate from getting any closer. They made their way to the Elven Embassy. The Elven guards at the gate saw Ji Chen approaching and immediately greeted him respectfully, ushering him inside. In the familiar reception hall. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Lord Ji Chen, what brings you here today? a familiar voice sounded from outside the door. Miligas walked in confidently but paused for a moment when he saw Patheia standing behind the sofa. Featherfolk? However, seeing Ji Chens serious expression and sensing something amiss, he put away his smile and took a seat across from them. A few minutes later. In the reception hall, Miligas uttered words of disbelief. What? A demon invasion!? Chapter 679 - Chapter 679: Going to the Elven Capital Chapter 679: Going to the Elven Capital Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The elven ambassador, known for his refined demeanor in the Maple Principality, suddenly stood up from the sofa, his face filled with shock, abandoning all decorum. Incredulously, he repeated, Are you saying this is true? Ji Chen nodded solemnly and replied, I discovered this in a semi-sealed mystic realm in the southern Pacific Ocean. You should know that I have a deep-sea dragon whale hero in my ranks, and she gained knowledge from the bloodline memories there. I assure you, theres no falsehood in what Im saying. If possible, please convey this message to the Elven Queen. Miligas looked at Ji Chen with seriousness, devoid of any playful expression, and rubbed his nose in frustration before sitting back on the sofa. Your Excellency, I dont mean to doubt you, but the gravity of this matter is beyond ordinary. Without sufficient evidence, Im afraid What if I have irrefutable evidence? Ji Chen interjected. Miligas appeared skeptical. Do you really have it? He didnt doubt Ji Chen, but the situation was simply too unbelievable, to the point where no one would readily believe it. Demons had been sealed by the gods of order in the depths of chaos. If demons were truly invading again, why hadnt the Mother Goddess and other orderly deities sent divine warnings? Moreover, just over a decade ago, the Mother Goddess had issued an oracle to remind them of their responsibility as orderly races to combat evil races. The Mother Goddess and other orderly deities were still present, so how could demons find an opportunity? Ji Chen wasnt surprised by Miligass reaction, as he himself had doubts until he confirmed the demon invasion. After all, the reappearance of demons, a race that had disappeared for hundreds of thousands of years and was considered taboo by some, sounded absurd. While I was searching for evidence in that semi-sealed mystic realm, we were surrounded by a large number of demonized creatures. The Dreadlord Balzarna even sent an alchemical-reconstructed being to kill all witnesses. In the end, they even attempted to destroy the mystic realm to annihilate us in the void. Ji Chen paused and continued, I unintentionally awakened the consciousness of the alchemical-reconstructed being, who was once a powerful human. He is now waiting just outside Maple Harbor. Seeing that Ji Chen didnt appear to be lying, Miligas hesitated for a moment and said, Then please no, please take me to see him in person. Ji Chen agreed readily, Time is of the essence; lets depart immediately. Miligas nodded, and a carriage was arranged promptly. They set off for Maple Harbor. However, as they entered Maple Harbor, they witnessed squads of heavily armed elven soldiers rushing through the streets. Whats happening? Why are so many soldiers mobilized? Miligas inquired, pulling back the curtain of the carriage. An elven warrior guarding the outside shook his head and said, Were not sure for now. Let me find out. The elven warrior quickly stopped a passing squad of soldiers. These soldiers, upon seeing that they were being halted by an elf, didnt dare to be neglectful. They noticed the direction pointed towards a well-guarded elven carriage and showed even greater respect. Our lord has some questions for you, the squad leader hastily nodded. Its my honor to assist our lord in any way. The elven warrior didnt say anything and signaled for him to follow. Under the guidance of the elven warrior, the squad leader approached the carriage. The curtain was lifted from inside, revealing an elegant elven face. The squad leaders expression changed; this elf was the ambassador of the Silvermoon Dynasty to the Maple Principality. How could such a prominent figure be here in Maple Harbor? But what surprised him even more was that beside this highest-ranking elf in the entire Maple Principality, there was a human sitting. Who was this person? How could they be sharing a carriage with the elven ambassador? Whats happening? Why are so many of you mobilized? Miligas asked calmly. The squad leader hurriedly replied, Theres been a humanoid monster near the port area that has already injured several people and poses a threat to Maple Harbor. Your Excellency, its best for you to stay away from the port for now. I heard that the creature is quite powerful, and Im afraid it might harm you. No need to worry. What does this humanoid monster look like? Miligas waved his hand. It seems to have undergone body modifications, like a fusion of a human with some kind of creature. Its accompanied by some powerful wyverns That must be the alchemical-reconstructed being I mentioned earlier. Ji Chen was somewhat puzzled. Wasnt Lainekel supposed to stay outside Maple Harbor? How did he come close and get into a conflict with the Maple soldiers? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Miligas hesitated for a moment and then said, There must be some misunderstanding. Lets go there now and try to resolve the conflict. You lead the way immediately. Yes! The squad leader saluted and began to lead the way. The carriage advanced along the cobblestone road, making a clattering sound, but the ride inside remained smooth. The excellent craftsmanship and the use of shock-absorbing runes kept the carriage stable. They soon arrived at a dock in the harbor, where they saw a squadron of Sea Crystal Wyverns circling nearby and Lainekel standing on the dock.. Chapter 680 - Chapter 680: Going to the Elven Capital (2) Chapter 680: Going to the Elven Capital (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation At this moment, Lainekel was surrounded by a group of players, numbering about a dozen. They were attacking him, and he was retaliating, though it seemed more like self-defense. These players were only around level thirty or forty, while Lainekel, despite not having any weapons in hand, effortlessly blocked their attacks with just one hand. He wanted to leave but was entangled by these reckless players. He didnt want to hurt them, and that held him back. Come on, guys! Well catch this humanoid monster soon, and then well sell him at the slave market for a hefty sum! This creature looks like some evil race. Were definitely right to catch it! With so many indigenous soldiers helping us, we shouldnt be afraid of anything! Watching these strangely confident individuals who were clearly much weaker than him, Lainekel felt frustrated. Unable to bear it any longer, he finally spoke up. If you keep this up, Ill make you regret it. These players were surprised but even more excited. Wow, it can speak! That makes it even more valuable! Lainekel, at the end of his patience, was about to exert some force to make them understand what semi-epic tier power meant when a solemn voice intervened. If you dont want to die, stop. The leader of this small group of players instinctively wanted to argue but turned around and was immediately drenched in cold sweat. A bunch of elves were glaring at them, and beside the lead elf stood someone who looked like a player. In the Maple Principality, elves were the last beings anyone wanted to provoke. The leader hastily shouted, Everyone, stop! Hearing their leader, the players hesitated and eventually came to a halt. The leader approached quickly, wearing a flattering expression. Esteemed Elf Officer, could it be that this creature is your slave? We saw it on the sea surface and thought it was some invading monster. Miligas didnt respond immediately but glanced at Ji Chen. Seeing no objection from him, he pursed his lips and said, You, step aside for now. The lead player was puzzled by the sequence of events. How come an elf officer seemed to be more interested in a players reaction? With a mind filled with confusion and questions, he complied. Brothers, lets hold off for now. The players moved to the side, their eyes fixed on the creature, trying to figure out the connection between it, the elf, and the player. Lainekel experienced some guilt and self-blame. He knew that if he hadnt been so curious about human society and hadnt ventured out to explore it, he wouldnt have been caught. Ji Chen smiled and nodded at Lainekel, then turned to Miligas, speaking in a low voice. The matter regarding the demon is significant. I believe we should temporarily detain all witnesses here to prevent any information leakage. Miligas didnt hesitate and immediately nodded. He hadnt fully believed Ji Chens story until he saw Lainekel with his own eyes. Others might not know, but he had seen demons in ancient texts and spell records. The demons limbs and appearance bore a striking resemblance to Lainekels arms and legs. Moreover, that unique aura was the most obvious indicator. Demons were indeed on the brink of invading once more. Convey my orders! Detain everyone here for now! All those detained will receive compensation in the form of precious resources from our Elven Embassy. Please cooperate with us! Elves were known for their dominance, and when they said someone would be detained, they meant it. However, Miligas wasnt foolish and knew he needed to use something to appease the others. Sure enough, when those players who had initially considered resisting heard the second sentence, they accepted it happily. After all, they had nothing better to do, and being detained for a while would grant them valuable resources. This deal was a win-win situation! Apart from the players, the Maple soldiers who had come to guard were also taken away and detained by the elven warriors. Though they had some grievances, they realized they had stumbled upon something significant and could only begrudgingly accept their fate. Lainekel boarded the carriage, and the wheels began to turn once more as they headed towards Maple City. This is the person I mentioned, the witness who can prove the demon invasion. Ji Chen spoke. Miligas widened his eyes, gazing at Lainekel nearby with a sense of disbelief. So, what you said was true. This is truly incredible. Sir Lainekel, I wonder how did you end up like this? Lainekel forced a smile on his stiff face. Its a long story. During the final stages of the Divine War, I was captured by the Dreadlord Balzama and forcibly transformed like this. I served as his executioner for hundreds of thousands of years If it werent for Lord Ji Chens intervention, Id still be his accomplice now. The Divine War?! Miligas was shocked. He had never imagined that this half-human, half-demon being had been captured during the Divine War hundreds of thousands of years ago. It meant that Lainekel had lived for hundreds of thousands of years, far longer than elves and even dragons. Miligas couldnt help but feel a sense of admiration. Maintaining ones sanity for hundreds of thousands of years while serving under the Dreadlord Balzama was no small feat, and it set Lainekel apart from ordinary beings. Elves respected strength, and with the knowledge about Lainekel, Miligas displayed a newfound sense of respect. Ji Chen redirected the conversation towards the matter at hand. Now that we are acquainted, we should consider delivering this crucial information to Her Majesty, the Queen. Indeed, this matter must be brought to Her Majestys attention. Only when she believes in it can we quickly gather other orderly races to discuss this issue together. This time, Miligas didnt hesitate or delay. Like Ji Chen, he knew that this was not a matter that could be resolved by one person or one race. He said, Coincidentally, a few days ago, important news came from the capital. Her Majesty wishes to personally meet with you, Lord Ji Chen. We can take this opportunity to report this news to her. Ji Chen paused for a moment and agreed wholeheartedly, Thats great. When do we depart? Today in the afternoon, there will be an alchemical airship heading back to the capital, and its on our way. While Ji Chen and the others discussed their journey to the Elven capital, in the player chat channels, discussions were abuzz about the recent events at the port. Did you hear? The elves seem to have captured some players, even the soldiers from the Maple Kingdom have been detained! Thats impressive! They even arrested soldiers from the Maple Principality? What did they do? As far as I know, it seems they saw something they shouldnt have seen. The detention is temporary, and there will be compensation in the form of precious resources. Are there any of our comrades at the scene? Come forward and share some insights! Soon, players claiming to have been captured began to speak up. As for this matter, I can only say that those who know would understand. Those who dont, wont get it no matter how much I explain. After all Cut the nonsense and get to the point! We genuinely dare not speak about it. If we do, we wont get that compensation in precious resources. Its a loss But I did see a player with the Elven Ambassador, someone called Ji Chen or something Being on such good terms with the Elven Ambassador, they must be someone important. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The name Ji Chen didnt create much of a stir in the chat channels. Most players only recognized the title of Islander and had no idea who Ji Chen was. Those who did know were a handful of guild leaders who had been in the war between the Kingdom of Lienhardt and the Kingdom of Bass. When they saw this name appear in the chat channel, they couldnt help but pause. Was Ji Chen in the Maple Principality now? These guild leaders had a shared understanding: wherever Ji Chen was, something significant would happen soon. Could it be that something was about to occur in the Maple Principality, and it seemed to be related to the elves? With their keen senses, some had already started dispatching people to gather more information, even sending agents to investigate in the Maple Principality.. Chapter 681 - Chapter 681: Orcs Tribe, A Noble Lady Who Came Knocking Chapter 681: Orcs Tribe, A Noble Lady Who Came Knocking Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Before many guild members rushed here, Ji Chen had already boarded the alchemical airship heading to the Elven capital. This alchemical airship had a huge elliptical envelope, with five pairs of propellers on each side of the envelope serving as power, and a gondola below containing very advanced facilities. On both sides of the gondola, there were also a dozen alchemical cannons, along with a ship escort team, more than enough to deal with flying creatures and birds in the wilderness. Miligas led them all the way to the cabin, personally opening the door. The room was spacious, luxuriously decorated, not inferior to the opulent mansions on the ground. Lord Ji Chen, this is your room. Miligas nodded. Sir Lainekels room is next door. Thank you for your arrangements. Apart from Ji Chen, Patheia, and Lainekel, everyone else on the ship was wealthy elves. There were only so many rooms on the airship, and taking up three at once was not an easy task. Miligas smiled and said, This is a small matter, and besides, this is not a leisure trip. We are on an important mission. Lainekel, please try to stay in your room and avoid exposure. Lainekel nodded, understanding that appearing in his current state could cause panic, as he had experienced it before. The airship will ascend soon and will take about three days to reach the capital. Food will be delivered to your door by servants, Miligas said, then pointed to the corridor next to them. My room is the first one over there. Feel free to find me if you need anything. Ji Chen nodded and watched as Miligas disappeared into the corridor, then turned to Lainekel. For these three days, lets try not to leave our rooms. Caution is our top priority. Lainekel nodded in agreement. Ji Chen returned to his room, closed the door, and sat down on the soft sofa. He felt a bit impatient. If it werent for Miligas mentioning the need to take the airship to enter the Elven capital, he would have preferred to fly there directly on a Sea Crystal Wyrm, rather than slowly floating in this airship. Hopefully, everything goes smoothly, Ji Chen could only mutter to himself. With a mechanical roar, the airship left the airfield and slowly ascended into the sky. Propelled by the high-speed rotating propellers, it flew forward steadily. The room prepared for him by Miligas was located near the edge of the gondola, with a large area of special glass windows that allowed him to see the outside scenery. Clouds were parallel to the airship, and the city had become distant. Continuous mountain ranges and forests passed beneath his feet. Having seen the monotonous ocean views countless times, Ji Chen was actually quite interested in this change of scenery. One day passed, and Ji Chen and Lainekel stayed in their rooms without leaving. There were no unexpected incidents along the way, and the journey was calm, which allowed Ji Chen to relax a bit. During this free time, he came to Lainekels room and asked about demons. As the saying goes, knowing the enemy is the key to victory, and his knowledge of demons was limited to what he had learned in the Seven Stars instance. Besides that, he didnt know much more than an ordinary player. Under the description of the former human strongman who had served under the Dreadlord Balzarna for tens of thousands of years as an executioner, Ji Chen gradually formed a preliminary and comprehensive impression of demons. Demons were just as they had shown in the instance: evil, chaotic, disorderly, cunning all negative words could be used to describe them. The organizational and social structure of demons was similar to that of a kingdom with a lord system, and the Dreadlord Balzarna was the Lord, with hundreds of demon lords under his command. These demon lords were like lords of human kingdoms, with varying degrees of strength. The strongest among them reached the legendary tier, leading armies of tens of thousands, while the weaker ones were at the excellent tier, with armies of thousands. But under Balzarnas call, they each led their armies in response to the plan to invade the main world once again, a plan that demons had been preparing for thousands of years. In addition to the Dreadlord, the other four Demon Lords also responded to the call and, together with Balzarna, launched attacks in five different directions. Other four Demon Lords? Lainekel nodded and said, Besides the Dreadlord, the other four Demon Lords are the Greed Lord, the Void Lord, the Decay Lord, and the Undead Lord. The Void Lord has the largest number of Void demons and is capable of conducting long-distance surprise attacks. His personal strength is also the most formidable among the Demon Lords. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The Greed Lord may have the fewest troops in terms of quantity, but individual demons under his command excel in strength. The Decay Lord is skilled in polluting the environment, creating conditions suitable for demons to survive and fight. The Undead Lord has the largest number of troops, with countless undead and undead legions under his command. He is also the most adept at legion-level warfare among the Demon Lords. As for the Dreadlord Balzarna, he has a balanced set of abilities and a high overall level, in other words, he is the most difficult Demon Lord to deal with. Balzarna is also the most cunning of the Demon Lords, and his ruthlessness far exceeds imagination. Ji Chen nodded in agreement. He realized that if he hadnt possessed the Void Ring, he would have been buried along with the collapsing Mystic Realm. Seeing how they were unable to do anything and had to start destroying the Mystic Realm, which took only half an hour, it was clear how decisive and ruthless Balzarna was.. Chapter 682 - Chapter 682: Orcs Tribe, A Noble Lady Who Came Knocking (2) Chapter 682: Orcs Tribe, A Noble Lady Who Came Knocking (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Then do you know from which direction these Demon Lords will attack? Lainekel replied, As far as I currently know, there are only two. The Greed Demon Lord will attack the Southern Continent and establish a main base in the Main World. Balzarna, on the other hand, will launch an attack from the ocean direction, clearing any obstacles in the sea and preparing for the Demon Army to cross over to the Northern Continent. Well, that means the Ocean Crown, located in the central sea area, will face the first wave of attacks when the demons officially launch their invasion? Ji Chen only had a moment of worry before putting it aside. When the enemy were to invade, he would meet them head-on; when the water arrived, he would use the earth to cover it. To capture the Ocean Crown, he would have to break two of Balzamas teeth! With a determined heart, Ji Chen also realized that the current strength of the Ocean Crown was still insufficient. Even if you added up the numbers of all the different types of troops, there were only a little over ten thousand. In contrast, the demons could easily muster millions of demons with just a wave of their hands. He was confident in a one-on-ten battle and could attempt a one-on-fifty battle, but fighting hundreds would be quite challenging, especially since the demons tier levels were generally not weak. The Ocean Crowns army needed to reach at least fifty thousand and reach a level of tier six across the board to have the preliminary strength to resist the demon army. However, the resources required to upgrade troop tiers and increase troop numbers were not a small amount. Nevertheless, he had a preliminary plan and perhaps could find a breakthrough during his visit to the Elven Capital. In a secluded valley hundreds of miles away. This was a gathering place for a Orc tribe, and in the depths of the valley, an open-air altar stood. The shaman of the Empty Tooth tribe was reciting strange and incomprehensible incantations. Behind him, two robust Fangtooth Orcs positioned the final pair of captives onto the altar and employed their bone blades to slit the throats of these captives. Although the sacrificial victims had their hands and feet bound, they made frantic attempts to break free. However, as their blood gushed out swiftly, their resistance gradually waned. Eventually, they succumbed and lay motionless on the ground. In the altar, more than a dozen other sacrifices had already been bled, and the thick blood covered the entire altar, seeping into the engraved patterns and grooves, faintly forming a totem symbol. The priest raised his hands, stained with fresh blood, his pupils turning white as if receiving something. His body trembled like someone with Parkinsons disease. After a long time, his eyes returned to normal, and his expression became excited, with a hint of cruelty in his eyes. Demon, our ancient friends, are about to return to the world. The two Fangtooth Orcs below the altar were instantly excited. The demons were coming back? Then they could end this ugly world, reclaim the land occupied by the elves and humans, and make the Orcs great again! The priests tone suddenly became intense, full of anger, and he shouted, But theyve run into some trouble and need our help! A few hundred miles to the west, an airship will fly by, and there are traitors to the demons on board! Shoot down that airship, kill the humans, traitors, and elves on it! The orcs pounded their chests in anger and roared, Kill the enemy! Woo woo! The horn representing the battle sounded, echoing throughout the entire valley. Ferocious-looking orcs rushed out of the dilapidated houses in the valley, and sharp-beaked wyverns flew out of the caves on the cliffs. The orcs blew their unique whistles, calling their mounts. They mounted their saddles and pulled the reins, causing their mounts to take flight. In just half an hour, the valley saw the rise of five thousand-strong orc riders. The gray-brown flesh wings formed a sea of gray. A few hundred miles to the west! Shoot down the airship! Kill the enemy! Eyes clouded with anger ignited with the roar, arousing their thirst for slaughter and blood. Under the control of the orc riders, the sharp-beaked wyverns flew like a foreboding dark cloud towards the west in large groups. On the airship. Ji Chen knew nothing about all this. At this moment, he stood in front of an open door, looking somewhat speechless at the elven lady in elegant attire before him. He had originally planned to stay in his room as much as possible during this journey, to minimize the chances of getting into trouble. However, he hadnt expected trouble to come knocking on his door. May I invite you, Human Lord, to have a drink with me? The voluptuous elven lady with captivating eyes gazed at Ji Chen intently, her heart slightly ablaze. He was the most handsome human man she had ever seen in her life, even more so than the males in her group of elves. Especially his mysterious and powerful aura, the indifference in his eyes as if he didnt care about anything, made her feel a flutter of excitement as if her body was tingling just from his gaze. Being brought on board this airship reserved for elven nobility meant that his status was not ordinary. She had tasted many elves before, but human encounters were a rarity. If she could have such an experience during this short journey, it wouldnt be bad Seeing the increasingly odd look in the elven ladys eyes, Ji Chen felt a shiver down his spine. Elves have long lifespans, abundant resources, and unparalleled power in the world, which naturally breeds many bad habits. It is rumored that the private lives of some elven nobles are extremely decadent, and they have learned some of the dirty dealings between human lords and nobles. Never did Ji Chen expect to be targeted by an elven lady. He raised his eyebrows and declined, Im sorry, but I have some other matters to attend to, and I cant accompany you, madam. However, the elven lady seemed to have set her sights on him and extended her hand to block the closing door. She licked her lips, and her desire on her face grew more intense. Dont be like this; its just a simple drink. Yeah, right! Ahem, madam, please restrain yourself. Just as the elven lady was about to make further advances, a voice came from beside them. Lord Ji Chen Huh!? Hearing this voice, Ji Chen secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He gently pushed open the door and smiled. Sir Miligas, youve come. The newcomer was indeed Miligas, and at this moment, he was looking at Ji Chen with an amused look in his eyes. The elven lady glanced at Miligas and smiled softly, Sir Miligas, do you happen to know this human lord? Of course, I brought him up here to meet Her Majesty in the capital. The elven ladys eyes widened in surprise, Meet Her Majesty? Miligas chuckled. Lord Ji Chens territory has a lot of trade dealings with us, and the highly popular Merfabric in the capital is produced in his territory. Thats why His Majesty wants to meet him. The elven lady was even more astonished. Merfabric had become extremely popular in the capital over the past few months, and she had gone to great lengths to acquire a piece. She dared not wear the dress made from it to any important events, fearing that she might damage it. She hadnt expected that such a precious fabric would come from the territory of this handsome human. For a moment, she didnt know whether to be surprised by this revelation or by the fact that she was about to meet Her Majesty. Seeing the elven lady, who had initially wanted to savor human cuisine, no longer wearing that enthusiastic look, Ji Chen finally relaxed and said with a smile. Yes, what I mentioned earlier is indeed about discussing the preparations for meeting Her Majesty with Lord Miligas. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Seeing Ji Chen give him a knowing look, Miligas nodded in agreement, saying, Indeed, meeting Her Majesty requires quite a bit of preparation. The elven lady showed a look of understanding and didnt press further. She simply blinked at Ji Chen and said, If you have some free time later, you can come to my room for a drink. Its the last one at the end of the corridor. Watching her disappear down the corridor, Miligas sighed with a hint of regret, To refuse such an opportunity that came knocking at the door for free, what a waste. Ji Chen rolled his eyes. It depends on the timing. I dont have the mind for such things in critical moments. Miligas paused for a moment, then nodded. Youre right. With your abilities, theres no shortage of women. Just the news that youre the lord of the territory producing Merfabric has attracted countless aspiring young ladies and noblewomen to your doorstep. Ji Chen glanced at him, wondering why he hadnt noticed before that Miligas could be so unscrupulous at times.. Chapter 683 - Chapter 683: Fire! Chapter 683: Fire! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Miligas exclaimed, Compared to other Lords of Glory Ive encountered. Lord Ji Chen, you are truly a breath of fresh air and the most restrained Lord of Glory Ive ever seen. How can you tell? Lords of Glory, when they first arrived, may have appeared somewhat strange, but overall, they were quite earnest in their efforts to progress. However, its only been a few months, and a significant portion of them has already fallen into corruption. Ji Chen paused for a moment, then realized. Although most players still appeared to be struggling, they now possessed substantial territories, private armies, and a group of subjects for resource production, wealth creation, essentially becoming no different from feudal lords. In terms of form, they enjoyed more freedom, not needing to pledge allegiance to a king like feudal lords did. After the initial struggle to establish themselves, many players quickly became corrupt, no longer as dedicated to searching for resources to make themselves stronger as they were in the early days. They imitated the luxury lifestyles of the native aristocrats, with wives, concubines, extravagant feasts, and a life of indulgence. They simply lived day by day. Ji Chen had hoard rumors that many player lords occasionally hosted lavish parties in hidden clubs within the Black Gold District, where they exchanged slaves from their territories, sometimes living even more luxuriously than the native aristocrats. They say theres no harm without comparison. Compared to all of this, Ji Chen appeared extremely restrained. Perhaps that was why so many natives and heroes chose to stay and pledge their allegiance to Ocean Crown after coming to this world. But if he were to think about it carefully, before coming to this world, players were all different types of people with various professions. Among them were people like Wang Shanyue with grand ambitions and unwavering determination, and naturally, there were also those who were content with a life of leisure and pleasure. Before this, they could perhaps get by living like that, but the demon invasion had become an urgent matter. If they didnt make themselves stronger, they would sooner or later become victims of the demons blades. The most important thing was that he wanted to find out why players had been brought into this game world. Was it the work of the gods? Or were there even more secretive things at play? And then there was the military technology tree that seemed almost like a cheat. He had a feeling that he was getting closer and closer to the ultimate answer. Miligas saw Ji Chen seemingly lost in thought and couldnt help but speak, Your Excellency? Ji Chen snapped back to reality and shook his head, Sir Miligas, there arc some things I want to ask you. Of course, but this isnt the place to talk. Lets go to your room first. Ji Chen nodded. He had already noticed some passing elven nobles casting strange glances at him. After all, how could a human be on an elven airship? The two of them entered Ji Chens room and sat on the sofa. Miligas, when was the last time the Elven Mother Goddess sent down an oracle? Although Miligas was puzzled, he still replied. Just over a decade ago, why arc you asking this question? Ji Chen hesitated for a moment and then replied, I believe the Dark Deity has seemingly broken free from the confines of the Abyss of Chaos. -What!? Miligas exclaimed involuntarily, That cant be! Lainckel lived in the Abyss of Chaos for hundreds of thousands of years, and he had even had close encounters with the Drcadlord Balzarna. Various clues and signs support this. Moreover, the Dark Deity is highly likely to have entangled the Orderly Gods, preventing them from escaping. Otherwise, I cant imagine why demons are about to invade, and the Orderly Gods havent shown any reaction, not even sending down an oracle to alert the races. Miligas wore a hesitant expression as if agreeing, but the fact that the Mother Goddess hadnt sent down an oracle for quite some time now had already led to the conclusion that the demon invasion was imminent. In that case, it made sense to deduce this. It sounded highly plausible. Seeing his hesitance, Ji Chon asked again, Is there a possibility that the demons have already contacted their natural allies from the time of the God War, informing them to cooperate in launching a war together? Miligas pondered for a moment and then said, Theres a certain possibility. If it were me, I wouldnt overlook these natural allies. They would undoubtedly be informed in advance before launching a war. Besides demons, the evil alliance during the God War also included races like the trolls, gnomes, goblins, dungeon dwellers, evil orcs, and so on. While these races havent been suppressed in the Abyss of Chaos like the demons, they have been driven to remote areas by the Orderly races since the God War. The trolls were driven by us elves to the polar regions and the Alwin Mountains to the north of the Maple Principality. The dungeon dwellers were banished underground by the gnomes, goblins were sent to the Death Marshes, and the evil orcs were trapped in the central desolate mountains between the Elven Empire and the Maple Principality Ji Chen nodded and then suddenly asked, Where arc we right now? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Were roughly in the middle between the Elven Empire and the Maple Principality, in the barren mountains where the evil orcs arc located.1 As he spoke, Miligas suddenly realized something, and his expression changed slightly. Ji Chen sighed and said, I think its best to be more vigilant Before he could finish his sentence, the airship suddenly sounded a piercing alarm. Numerous unidentified flying objects have appeared five kilometers to the right of the airship. Preliminary assessment indicates they are the enemy. Please all passengers immediately return to your rooms for shelter..1 Chapter 684 - Chapter 684: Fire!(2) Chapter 684: Fire!(2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The broadcast sounded loudly, and the elven nobles rushed out of various entertainment facilities, their faces filled with panic. However, they managed to maintain some composure and returned to their rooms. Some armed elves emerged with guards, vigilantly scanning the western horizon. Teams of elven guards quickly reached their respective positions on the airship. The alchemical cannons at the edge of the gondola were adjusted upward, aiming towards the west. Miligas wore a grim expression, having already guessed who the attackers were. He slammed his fist hard against the wooden wall, producing a loud thud. Damn it, these evil orcs dare to attack an airship filled with elven nobles. Its enough to make them guilty of genocide! Ji Chen remained silent, realizing that this attack was likely his fault. It seemed the demons had somehow learned of his and Lainekels presence on this airship, bound for the elven capital. In response, they sent their allies, the evil orcs, to intercept. It was late at night, and the airship was slowly flying below the cloud cover. Thick dark clouds obscured the moon, leaving the surroundings pitch-black with no sign of the enemy. Only on the alchemical radar carried by the airship could one see a large number of red dots rapidly approaching from the west. The alchemical cannons on the west side of the gondola adjusted their angles and directions. Adjust firing parameters! Firing parameters adjusted! Load the ammunition! Ammunition loaded and ready to fire! The airships captain watched the radar with a tense expression. When the mass of red dots entered firing range, he shouted, Fire! Elven gunners pulled the taut ropes, and from the cannons muzzle, an orange-red burst of fireworks erupted. A ring of circular white mist billowed from the muzzle and was instantly dispersed by a high-speed flying object, causing the entire airship to shift abruptly to the left by several meters. The captain looked through the glass, only to see that within the deep darkness, several orange Mandrake flowers suddenly bloomed, illuminating the night sky. Target hit; the enemy count reduced by two hundred and ten. The first shot had hit the enemy, achieving a significant result. In the past, this would have been cause for celebration, but now they couldnt afford to smile. The enemy was simply too numerous. On the radar, hundreds of red dots swarmed out like locusts. The first volley had only taken out a negligible portion, and even more red dots appeared at the radars edges. Several alchemical rapid-fire cannons also unleashed a barrage of metal storms, forming several continuous streams of fire dragons. However, this was just a passenger airship with extremely limited firepower. The most potent armaments were only a few medium-caliber cannons and a few small-caliber rapid-fire guns. It was not like the war airships, which were bristling with large-caliber cannons and various medium and small-caliber guns. The cannons kept firing, but they couldnt stop the enemy from approaching. Soon, in the darkness, orcs riding wyverns appeared. Troop, that airship is the one. Use your claws to destroy those little tubes with fire on top! Kill all the livestock on board! Find that human and the traitor! Excited howls were the response. These seemingly chaotic evil orcs split into groups of a hundred, flying toward various parts of the massive airship. Some evil orcs leaped onto the top of the gondola in an instant, using all sorts of DIY weapons to break through the ceiling. The elves hiding in their rooms immediately screamed in terror. The ceiling above the corridor was punctured, and a burly evil orc leaped through the hole, immediately spotting Ji Chen and Miligas who had just emerged from a room not far away. Excitement and eagerness flickered in the orcs murky pupils. The human! The head of this human shall be claimed by me, Batulu! As the evil orc brandished his rusty greatsword, he charged forward aggressively. Miligas, the civil official, instinctively took two steps back in fear. However, when he saw Ji Chen standing unmoved, he suddenly felt relieved. With Ji Chen around, what threat could a mere evil orc pose? Thud! The window glass in the corridor shattered suddenly, and an agile and slender figure leaped in from outside. Swinging a longsword, the newcomer beheaded the evil orc in one swift stroke. The headless body of the orc staggered forward a couple of steps before collapsing, blood gushing from its neck in a reckless manner. Patheia swiftly approached Ji Chen, saluting, I arrived late to the rescue, please forgive me, Lord. Ji Chen waved his hand, No matter. Before boarding the airship in the Maple Principality, he had instructed Patheia to follow behind the airship with the Sea Crystal Wyrm, ready to provide support at any time. Outside the window, the Sea Crystal Wyrm had already begun battling the orcs, with beams of blue light piercing the night sky, shooting down one sharp-beaked wyvern after another. These sharp-beaked wyvern knights were probably at the fifth-tier, around 8 to 9 stars in strength, numbering at least three thousand. They clung to the airship like ants. Using their weapons to shatter the glass windows and jumping in, they pursued the elven nobles running amok in the corridor. These pampered elven nobles were experiencing the most terrifying night of their lives. Yellow-toothed, burly evil orcs leaped in from outside, using rudimentary weapons to kill their own kind before them. The walls and floor were splattered with blood. The sound of doors being violently torn open echoed from time to time, followed by screams. The elven soldiers on the airship fought valiantly, but the orcs were increasing at a much faster rate than they could kill. Many of them were even overwhelmed by the orc horde, meeting their end under swords. Hearing the commotion outside, Lainekel could no longer stay put. He quietly opened the room door slightly and saw a headless corpse lying on the ground, momentarily stunned. Lord Ji Chen, whats happening? In simple terms, demons sent evil orcs to attack the airship, attempting to thwart our journey. As Ji Chen spoke, he and Miligas retreated into the room, closing the door to buy some time. Lainekels face brimmed with killing intent. Its just some orcs, I can handle them all by myself! As long as you can eliminate them, Ji Chen shook his head. The concern is that these orcs might directly attack the airship, causing it to crash. When that happens, Im afraid not many elves on this airship will survive. Note that the elves struggling to survive did not imply that Ji Chen and the others couldnt survive. The Sea Crystal Wyrm was already in position, and they could board it to escape. Facing so many orcs, the downfall of this airship was only a matter of time. Miligas clenched his teeth as he heard the cries coming from all over the airship. Lord Ji Chen, this airship cant stay any longer. Please leave directly. Take the message to the capital; we cant let the demons conspiracy succeed! Seeing Miligas so resolute, ready to sacrifice himself at any moment, Ji Chen couldnt help but feel speechless. We can all leave together on the Sea Crystal Wyrm. Hearing this, Miligas deflated. What about the other elves? Ji Chen fell silent for a moment and then said, To escape the pursuit of the orcs, the Sea Crystal Wyrm can only rescue a small portion of us. The rest will have to be abandoned. This airship carried over a hundred elven nobles, along with various guards, soldiers, and crew members, totaling at least six or seven hundred. The Sea Crystal Wyrm could only carry so much. Miligas sighed and didnt say anything more. Outside, the orc knights began cutting the ropes between the gondolas and the gasbags. When they found that their rudimentary weapons couldnt quickly destroy them, they turned to damage the gasbags. The gasbags were made of special materials and were very resilient, but they couldnt withstand the brutal destruction of weapons. Soon, the gasbags were being tom apart bit by bit, and the propellers were firmly entangled by the ropes thrown by the orcs. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The airship slowly lost power and lift, struggling to carry the weight of the gondolas. The deck tilted, causing some elves to tumble down, resembling falling dumplings. The orcs, upon seeing this, cheered and quickly disengaged from the battle, jumping out of the windows and mounting their mounts to move away. Amidst the chaos, the Sea Crystal Wyrm swiftly glided through the vicinity, saving some elves. Ji Chen, Lainekel, and Miligas boarded one of the Sea Crystal Wyrms and quickly turned into a streak of light, flying away into the distance. A sharp-eyed orc rider spotted this scene and roared in anger, That human has escaped! Pursue! The orc riders immediately urged their mounts and gave chase.. Chapter 685 - Chapter 685: One-sided Massacre, Ancient Life Tree and Silver Moon Holy City Chapter 685: One-sided Massacre, Ancient Life Tree and Silver Moon Holy City Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Miligas lay on the back of the Sea Crystal Wyrm, occasionally glancing back at the relentless pursuit of the orcs. He tightly grasped the protrusion on its back, as if it would bring him some comfort. Where is the nearest place with water? He suddenly heard these words and looked up at Ji Chen with a questioning and uncertain gaze. Lord Ji Chen, the airship captain must have already requested assistance from nearby elven cities. As long as we continue flying in the direction of the elven capital, we will surely receive support. While the words sounded reassuring, the sudden attack by these evil orcs had left Ji Chen somewhat uneasy. Feeling uncomfortable, he felt the need to respond. Its only polite to return a greeting. This is a saying from my homeland. Seeing Ji Chens expression, Miligas knew he couldnt persuade him otherwise and reluctantly said, If I remember correctly, there seems to be a large lake nearby, but its inhabited by many evil orc tribes. Ji Chens eyes lit up; this was just what he needed. The treacherous actions of these evil orcs were already a certainty, and they would eventually go to war with the demons. It was better to start dealing with them now. Can you give me the exact location? Its in the northeast direction, but Im not sure how far it is, Miligas replied honestly. Without hesitation, Ji Chen commanded the Sea Crystal Wyrm to fly rapidly in the northeast direction. As a sixth-tier military unit, the Sea Crystal Wyrms flying speed was significantly faster than that of the orc riders. It seemed more like the orcs were trailing behind rather than chasing. The orc riders chased desperately, and every time they were about to reach striking distance, the Sea Crystal Wyrms speed suddenly increased, creating more distance between them. This infuriated them, and they cursed loudly. You despicable humans! If you have the guts, stop and face us orcs in a one-on-one battle! Running away all the time is nothing to be proud of! Suddenly, they saw the Sea Crystal Wyrm and its pursuers descend without warning, disappearing into the clouds. They quickly followed suit, and soon they saw their quarry heading for a large lake between the mountains. Their faces lit up with joy. Along the shores of that lake were dozens of orc tribes, and this human had unwittingly led them straight into their own kinds stronghold! Noticing the unusual activity in the sky, the shores of the lake quickly swarmed with orcs. With the evil orc riders pursuing from behind, Ji Chen and his party found themselves caught between two forces, their Sea Crystal Wyrm group in danger of being split into pieces. However, the rapidly moving Sea Crystal Wyrm group made a bizarre maneuver, turning at a ninety-degree angle. The orc riders on both sides were like high-speed airships, especially the ones descending from above had no way to stop in a short time. They could only watch as they collided with their fellow orcs below. Miligas watched the orc riders behind him collide into a mess and couldnt help but shout in excitement. This is so damn exhilarating! As a civilian who spent his days sitting in an office chair, Miligas had never experienced such an intense scene up close. The battlefields thick atmosphere of battle left him unusually excited. Ji Chen glanced at him and said, Theres something even more exhilarating coming up. Miligas was stunned for a moment, then suddenly saw the water surface of the lake getting closer and panicked. Wait! 1 cant swim! Ignoring Miligass screams, Ji Chen directed the Sea Crystal Wyrm group to crash into the water at an oblique angle, creating a towering splash of water. However, the anticipated impact and suffocation did not occur; Miligass body was enveloped by bubbles. Ji Chen floated in the water as if nothing had happened, smiling as he looked at Miligas. Lainekel was also enveloped in a bubble, and the other elves were concentrated in a few bubbles, looking panicked. Lord Ji Chen? Miligas whispered, and Ji Chen nodded. His voice, as warm as jade, sounded in Miligass ear, Lord Miligas, will you fight alongside me? Without any hesitation, Miligas immediately nodded. He saw the bubbles carrying him upwards, and his entire body was wrapped in bubbles. Looking around, he realized that he was standing on the shoulder of a water giant. This water giant was twenty to thirty meters tall, its body entirely made of water, but its body parts were as real as they could be, with clear textures. It had six arms, each holding a weapon, and there were two more in front, forming a water giant with six arms. Ji Chen looked up at the sky filled with orc riders, and with a slow motion, the six-armed giant also made the same motion, gradually condensing a long spear in its hand. With a sudden forceful throw, the spear shot into the sky like a rocket, exploding in mid-air, turning into thousands of water blades. The orc riders were instantly engulfed in this water blade storm, their sturdy bodies easily cut apart, and their mounts let out mournful cries. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Moments later, a large amount of blood and flesh rained down, staining the lake red. This single attack killed more than a thousand orc riders. The remaining evil orcs were both shocked and angry, their eyes showing a hint of fear. Damn it, how could this human be so powerful? Just as they were filled with doubt and fear, the second attack arrived. The six-armed giant produced a giant bow and shot out an arrow as thick as a pillar. In mid-air, the arrow split into thousands of smaller arrows.. Chapter 686 - Chapter 686: One-sided Massacre, Ancient Life Tree and Silver Moon Holy City (2) Chapter 686: One-sided Massacre, Ancient Life Tree and Silver Moon Holy City (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The sound of wailing accompanied the falling figures, creating splashes on the surface of the lake. After slaughtering the orc riders from the sky, Ji Chens face showed no trace of pity as he turned his gaze towards the evil orc tribe gathered on the shore. Because you initiated this action against me, dont be surprised if I respond without holding back. Calm waves surged on the peaceful lake, sweeping over the terrified eyes of the evil orcs. In an instant, the entire tribe was submerged, leaving behind a muddy and chaotic ground, littered with orc corpses. Miligas watched this scene in disbelief, deeply shocked. Was this what it meant to possess epic-tier power? With his incredible strength, he effortlessly took down thousands of orc riders and wiped out dozens of orc communities. Miligas was afraid that even the entire fleet of elves couldnt resist Ji Chens overwhelming power. Patheia, take the Sea Crystal Wyrm and clean up the area. I hope there are no evil orcs left alive. Patheias face was filled with respect and admiration as she bowed. As you wish, my lord. With a flap of her wings, Patheia, along with the Sea Crystal Wyrm, began to sweep along the lake shore, delivering a final blow to any surviving orcs. Miligas finally recovered from his shock, and after a long while, he managed to stammer, Impressive! Ji Chen smiled. In the water, he was nearly invincible, despite being just over level fifty. He was no less powerful than top-tier epic individuals, and if he were in the ocean, he might even surpass them. The ocean was his greatest asset. Patheia quickly surveyed the area and confirmed that there was no more danger. She then brought the surviving elf nobles ashore. At this moment, the elven reinforcements, responding to the distress signal from the airship, appeared on the horizon. The surviving elf nobles stood by the shore, waving towards the sky with expressions of joy, relieved to have escaped the ordeal. Three squads of a thousand Dragon Eagle Archers descended from the sky, and Miligas approached their leader, an elven military officer, to explain the situation. Soon, the elven officer approached Ji Chen with a look of awe and respect. He bowed and said, Lord Ji Chen, thank you for your assistance. We will escort you safely from here. Ji Chen nodded slightly, about to board the Sea Crystal Wyrm, but then he noticed some elf nobles approaching. Surprisingly, the leading figure was the elven lady, who now wore an expression of awe rather than her earlier arrogance. Before learning Ji Chens identity, she had thought that her noble status would give her an advantage. However, witnessing Ji Chen effortlessly annihilate thousands of orc riders and destroy dozens of orc tribes with a wave of his hand left her in complete awe, and she dared not show any disrespect. Could such a strong individual actually be influenced? The elven lady spoke with a respectful tone. Lord Ji Chen, thank you for saving us. If there is anything you need in the future, please dont hesitate to ask. We will certainly not refuse. The other elven nobles nodded in agreement. Watching these once proud elven nobles now looking obedient, Ji Chen couldnt help but feel amused. He marveled at the power that could make even the haughty elves bow their heads. Ji Chen and his group, under the protection of the three squads of Dragon Eagle Archers, took to the skies and flew towards the elven capital. After a day, they entered the actual territory of the elves. The ground gradually became dotted with dense elven towns and cities, exuding a more civilized atmosphere. Such a concentration of settlements was one of the signs of the strength of the Elven Empire. However, they didnt stop at all. Miligas explained that they had received a summons from the Elven Queen, which led to them being granted an uninterrupted journey. One more day passed, and when they saw the magnificent city standing on the bank of a river in the distance, resembling a heavenly kingdom, Miligas finally breathed a sigh of relief. He turned around, his face filled with pride. Lord Ji Chen, that is our capital, the blessed land under the gaze of our Goddess, the place blessed by the divine. It is the Silvermoon Holy City. Ji Chen squinted his eyes as he looked into the distance. It was a colossal city entirely white in color. While Maple City had seemed quite large to him, it now appeared like a rural village in comparison. A river broad enough to fit dozens of krakens wound its way through the city. However, it only managed to pass along one edge of the city. On its banks, vibrant ports were positioned, and ships approached leisurely, akin to a sacred journey, and berthed at the immense harbor, which could hold a thousand ships. Under the sunlight, the white city was surrounded by not very high but rune-encrusted walls. The field of vision could overlook the city battlements, where a faint protective barrier shimmered, revealing the exquisite houses that were like works of art inside the city. But the most prominent feature was the colossal tree that stood in the center of the city as if a giant resided within. The trees dragon-blood-like canopy covered half the city. Noticing Ji Chens astonished expression, Miligas exuded strong pride and introduced, That giant tree was brought out from the Goddess dwelling by the ancient elves. It grew from the sapling of the Twin Sacred Trees into a Life Ancient Tree. As long as the Life Ancient Tree exists, the elves will forever exist in this world, receiving the Goddesss gaze and protection. Ji Chen nodded in understanding, recalling the Life Tree that had survived in the frozen wilderness and was eventually taken away by the elf Elin. Compared to this towering tree that seemed to touch the sky, that Life Tree appeared quite small. He wondered where Elin went after taking the Tree of Life. Perhaps she was here in this White City? Lord Ji Chen, flying is not allowed within a ten-mile radius of the Silvermoon Holy City. We can only enter through the city gates on the ground. Lets descend. Ji Chen waved his hand, and the group of Sea Crystal Wyrms slowly landed under the escort of the Thousand Dragon Eagle Archers. They were temporarily placed in a special space opened by spatial magic, which the elves specifically used to accommodate visiting troops. In theory, once inside the elven territory, bringing an army was not allowed. However, considering Ji Chens special status and Ambassador Miligass request, they were permitted to arrive outside the Silvermoon Holy City under the protection of the Dragon Eagle Archers. After securing their troops, a luxurious carriage drawn by four groups of unicorns was already waiting, surrounded by twenty elven knights wearing armor and riding scale horses. It seems that the Queen has already received the news of your arrival and sent this carriage to welcome you, Miligas explained in a low voice. Only guests whom Her Majesty deems honorable are allowed to ride in such a four-unicorn carriage, accompanied by twenty royal elven knights as escorts. This shows the importance she attaches to you, and Im honored to be riding with you. Ji Chen nodded in realization, becoming curious about the elven Queen, who held immense power. From boarding the airship to arriving here, it had only been three days. How did the elven Queen know in advance that he had arrived here? Looking at Miligass expression, which seemed entirely unsurprised and even curious, Ji Chens curiosity grew. Lord Ji Chen, Sir Lainekel, please board the carriage, Miligas offered, stepping aside and personally opening the carriage door. As the robed figure of Lainekel approached, the unicorns showed clear signs of resistance, but the coachmen, as if forewarned, quickly calmed them down. Lainekel fell silent, his eyes betraying complex emotions. Sir Lainekel, I will explain to the elven Queen, Ji Chen gently patted his shoulder. Lainekel managed a forced smile. Ji Chen didnt say anything more; he took a step and boarded the carriage. After both Patheia and Lainekel had entered the carriage, Miligas followed suit, gently closing the doors. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The carriage started moving smoothly, with no bumps or shakes felt inside. Only the changing scenery outside the window and the gaps in the pearl curtains gave any indication that the carriage was moving forward. As they approached the massive city, the thirty-meter-high city walls gradually came into view. The elves on the road looked at the four-unicom carriage in surprise and quickly stepped aside to make way. This was no ordinary carriage. The presence of the Double Sacred Tree emblem on the carriage and the twenty fully armed royal knights clearly indicated the distinguished guests inside. People couldnt help but wonder who was riding inside. Not far away, a figure in a robe suddenly lifted her head, watching the passing carriage, her eyes showing a hint of surprise.. Chapter 687 - Chapter 687: Elf Queen Laphia Chapter 687: Elf Queen Laphia Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Elin watched the carriage as it moved toward the palace, a hint of surprise in her eyes. Although most of the runes inscribed on the carriage were hidden from view, she could sense an aura of malevolence emanating from it, even more sinister than that of the undead. The fact that a carriage that looked like it had a demon lord hidden inside belonged to the royal elves raised questions. Could it be that the elven royalty had forged an alliance with the likes of the undead? Playing such a dangerous game? Elin blinked and found herself curious about this turn of events. After all, she was on her way to meet the current Elf Queen, so she might as well see what was going on. Just as Elin was contemplating this, her body suddenly froze, and she looked back in astonishment at the slowly departing carriage. Wait a moment, how did she sense a familiar presence?? Meanwhile, inside the carriage. Lord Ji Chen, the Silvermoon Holy City is quite prosperous, isnt it? Miligas smiled and remarked. Ji Chen nodded. The specially crafted glass on the sides of the carriage prevented outsiders from seeing inside but allowed those inside to see the bustling streets outside. Looking from the inside out, the carriage traveled on incredibly wide streets, flanked by prosperous shops. The foot traffic was immense, with most of the inhabitants being local elves, along with a few members of other races. In terms of prosperity, it far surpassed Maple Harbor and Maple City, akin to the difference between a second-tier city and a metropolis on Earth. Notably, the demeanor of the elves living in Silvermoon Holy City was entirely different from what Ji Chen had seen in the Maple Principality. It was a powerful self-confidence and a sense of superiority, similar to a mighty empire. Seeing Ji Chens agreement, Miligass face displayed pride and joy, as if he himself were being praised. The Silvermoon Holy City was settled by elven ancestors ten thousand years ago. After continuous development and expansion through dozens of generations of elves, its area is equivalent to ten times that of Maple City. There are as many as tens of millions of elven ethnic groups residing here. Just the elite elven army stationed here numbers as many as three hundred thousand. Here, you are absolutely safe. As long as you honestly tell Her Majesty about everything you and Sir Lainekel know regarding the demon invasion and persuade her, a million elven troops will undoubtedly respond to the call and drive those foolish demons back to where they belong. Miligas spoke with confidence, showing no signs of worry. Ji Chen remained silent. From what he had seen of the methods of the Dreadlord Balzarna, demons were not easy adversaries. In such a harsh environment as the Chaotic Abyss, one would either completely succumb or go completely insane. And the demons, it seemed, were the latter. For this days invasion, they had been plotting for ten thousand years, and even Lainekel didnt fully understand how much power they possessed. Tens of thousands of years had eroded the memories and vigilance of many races, including the elves, such a large and powerful race, against the formidable enemy that had nearly destroyed the world in the past. Now it appeared that even elves of the ambassadorial level, like Miligas, had this blindly optimistic demeanor. It was likely that other nobles, soldiers, and commoners were not much different. This made Ji Chens heart sink a bit. Noticing the slight change in his expression, Miligas asked with concern, Your Excellency, is there a problem? Ji Chen shook his head, No, lets proceed to meet Her Majesty as soon as possible. Miligas nodded, The palace is just ahead. The palace where the Elf Queen resided was situated around the massive ancient tree. White structures encircled the tree roots and trunk in layers, resembling magnificent floating palaces in the sky. Every part of the city had a view of the palace, built high on the tree trunk, and the queen received the purest admiration and faith from her subjects. The carriage continued along the main road, and as they progressed, elves became scarcer, and checkpoints became more frequent. However, even with the royal carriage and the presence of twenty royal elven knights, the journey was not entirely smooth. It took at least two hours from entering the city gates to arriving near the roots of the ancient tree, showcasing the vastness of the elven capital. The carriage came to a stop at an archway near the base of the ancient tree, where a group of veiled elven maids awaited. Ji Chen and his companions disembarked from the carriage, and a gentle-looking head maid stepped forward with elegant steps. Lord Ji Chen, Her Majesty has instructed us to welcome you here. Please follow us. Ji Chen nodded slightly and, with Patheia and Lainekel, followed behind. It seemed that the queens residence was elevated, so the head maid led them up a staircase that circled around the ancient tree. The elven head maid led the way, her graceful curves accentuating her attractiveness as she walked. Observing this scene brought a sense of pleasure. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Miligas and Lainekel were no exception. Their gazes subtly swept over this beautiful sight, and they exchanged a knowing smile. Seeing their reactions, Ji Chen shook his head with no small degree of exasperation. However, the elven head maid suddenly stopped, causing Ji Chen to nearly collide with her. Lord Ji Chen, please join us in taking the Alchemy Ascension Lift to the reception hall. She turned her body around and gestured toward a device on the side. Ji Chen glanced at it; it resembled an elevator from Earth. A metal rope of an unknown material connected to a cage-like platform inscribed with runic symbols, with the other end disappearing into a high point.. Chapter 688 - Chapter 688: Elf Queen Laphia (2) Chapter 688: Elf Queen Laphia (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation They didnt have to climb the stairs again, which was a relief. He had been considering earlier that if they had to ascend the stairs one step at a time, it would be exhausting for the maids and guards who had to go up and down every day. * Click.* The alchemical elevator, pulled by the metal cable, ascended towards the heights. Their view gradually rose, and half of the Silver Moon Holy City came into sight. After ascending a few hundred meters, it gradually came to a stop, docking on an extended platform. On both sides of the platform stood rows of fully armed elven soldiers. When they saw Ji Chen and his group, their eyes showed a gaze that was like interrogating criminals, filled with pride and disdain. Especially towards Lainekel, who emitted an evil aura, their hostility was undisguised. Ji Chen frowned slightly and released a hint of epic-tier aura. These elven soldiers instantly felt as if a heavy stone was pressing on their shoulders, their faces turning red, and their bodies trembling. Seeing this, the head maid shouted sternly, These are Her Majestys honored guests! Put away your disrespectful looks! The elven soldiers immediately lowered their heads and apologized, no longer showing the same eyes as before. The head maid bowed to Ji Chen again and said apologetically, Lord Ji Chen, it was my negligence. Please dont take it to heart. Ji Chen dispelled the oppressive aura and said expressionlessly, Lainekel is my friend, and I dont want others to treat him like this. I understand, and I will certainly discipline them more, the head maid said apologetically again. When Lainekel saw Ji Chen speaking up for him, a trace of gratitude flashed in his eyes. He hated Balzana even more for transforming him into this monstrous appearance, swearing to make it pay a bloody price. Seeing that Ji Chen didnt pursue the matter further, the head maid breathed a sigh of relief. She had expected this kind of temperament from a powerful individual. What had happened was considered a minor incident for someone of his stature. She quickly said, Please follow me; His Majesty is just ahead. Passing through an outer stone corridor hanging on the side, they arrived at an open-air garden. Ji Chen quickly noticed a veiled female elf sitting in a pavilion. Just a glimpse of her side face already surpassed the beauty of any female from any race Ji Chen had ever seen. The magnificent palace attire gently wrapped around her perfectly proportioned body, revealing a hint of flawless, snow-white skin with no imperfections in sight. Lainekel stared at the sight and gradually went blank, his eyes fixed. As if sensing their gazes, the veiled female elf turned her head lightly, and a pair of eyes even brighter than gold gazed back. Miligas and the head maid quickly bowed and said, Your Majesty Laphia! This was the elven queen? Although the elven race had a long lifespan, their appearance wasnt static. Although Ji Chen didnt know her exact age, according to the information he had gathered, the current elven queen had been in power for three hundred years. Yet, she looked exceptionally young now, her appearance and demeanor resembling a lady in her mid-twenties. The elven queen stood up, slightly lifting her chin. She didnt speak, but her eyes, as if they could speak, had already provided an answer. She shifted her gaze towards Ji Chen. Miligas quickly introduced, This is Lord Ji Chen, the one you wished to meet earlier, Your Majesty. The elven queen nodded slightly, her eyes moved up and down, taking a closer look. Handsome appearance, exceptional demeanor, well-proportioned physique C there was an air of mystery and strength about him. Quite a charming human. She smiled faintly, her cherry lips parting, Welcome to the Silver Moon Holy City, Glory Lord of the Ocean Crown, and this half-human guest. Her voice was melodious, like a songbird in a secluded valley. Lainekel was suddenly jolted back to reality and looked embarrassed. Ji Chen nodded slightly in acknowledgment, Your Majesty, good day. Queen Lavifa looked at Ji Chen and continued, Lord Ji Chen, the Merfabric produced in your territory has become immensely popular in the Silver Moon Holy City within a short period. Countless elves have been vying for it, even the High Priest appreciates it greatly. Its because Your Majesty graciously allowed Oceans Crown products in the citys market that theyve become so popular, Ji Chen responded with a smile. If you and the High Priest are interested, I still have some of the finest Merfabric available as a gift for your visit. As the influence of Oceans Crown grew stronger, they gradually found materials to produce top-quality Merfabric. However, they only sold the lower grades, keeping the finest ones for special occasions like this. Such as the current situation. Seeing Ji Chens generosity, Queen Laphia chuckled lightly. Lord Ji Chen is truly generous. I wont take advantage of you too much. Lets set the purchase price at a thousand units of spirit crystals per piece. Ji Chen was slightly taken aback but then smiled. Since Your Majesty is so agreeable, it would be affectedly coy of me to hesitate. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only A thousand units of spirit crystals per piece? That was an astronomical profit! The Merfolk were split into two groups for production. One focused on making the lower-quality Merfabric, while the other specialized in crafting the finest silk. This resulted in a weekly output of approximately fifty pieces, which was equivalent to fifty thousand spirit crystals. Fifty thousand a week, two hundred thousand a month! With such rapid accumulation, they could easily max out the military talent tree! Meeting this wealthy elven queen was truly a rewarding experience! Chapter 689 - Chapter 689: Elf Queen Laphia (3) Chapter 689: Elf Queen Laphia (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen always enjoyed doing business with the wealthy, and it was quite evident that the Elven Queen was the wealthiest in the entire Elven Empire. Of course, this was just an appetizer to start the conversation between them. What followed was the most important part. Lainekel couldnt help but speak up, Your Majesty, we have something important to discuss Laphia smiled and interrupted him, Sit down first, and then we can discuss what comes next. Lainekel had no choice but to close his mouth and sit nervously on the stone bench. His clenched fists showed his anxiety, and he couldnt bring himself to look directly at the Queens face; his expression was full of unease. However, it was not an admiration for the beautiful opposite sex but a deep-rooted unease from the depths of his soul, a feeling of wanting to escape. The Elven Queen exuded a tide of power that made even the demonic body tremble with anxiety. Her golden eyes seemed capable of melting him directly, filling him with an uncontrollable fear. It was like the scorching sun, leaving no place to hide for this sewer rat. Sensing his discomfort, Laphia gave a slight smile and reassured him, Theres no need to be concerned. Even though Im not sure about the details of your situation, as long as youre here, speaking and acting like a human, and still considering yourself a human, then you are indeed one. Lainekel was momentarily taken aback, then nodded in relief, his demeanor visibly relaxing. Ji Chen smiled and said, Thank you for your reassurance, Your Majesty. Regarding our visit this time, it is related to Lainekels transformation. He once again recounted everything they had discovered in the semi-sealed mystic realm and the information Lainekel had provided about the demons. However, after Ji Chen finished speaking, he noticed that Laphia didnt show much surprise on her face. Curious, he asked, Your Majesty, were you already aware of these things? Not exactly. Laphia shook her head gently. Its just that the High Priest has always predicted the coming of a great evil, but he didnt expect it to be the return of the demons. However, listening to your account, everything seems to be coming together. Ji Chen squinted and spoke, Including the fact that the orderly gods havent responded to their followers, and there have been no oracle warnings? A hint of surprise flashed in Laphias eyes, How did you know? I pieced together a series of information fragments and made bold guesses. Ji Chen smiled. So, does this mean that even the event where the Elven Mother Goddess descended with an oracle more than a decade ago is also Yes, I faked it, Laphia admitted straightforwardly. The believers need the response and protection of the gods. This is for the stable development of the Elven race and to soothe their souls. As a nation that had been under the protection of the gods for countless ages, a kingdom that worshipped the gods, each reigning queen required the oracle of the Elven Mother Goddess to reassure the citizens. If the people ever discovered that the gods no longer favored them, it could lead to unpredictable and severe consequences. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Therefore, when the High Priest failed multiple times to receive the oracle, Laphia decisively fabricated false oracles. With the cooperation of the High Priest, as the highest ruler, there was no way the elves would doubt the authenticity of the oracle. They believed that they were still basking in the divine light of the gods and continued to play music and dance, maintaining the peace and prosperity of the nation. Of course, this was not what Ji Chen was concerned about. He was more interested in the attitude of the Elven Queen. Your Majesty, what is your stance on the suspicion that dark deities have entangled the orderly gods, and that the demons are about to return after hundreds of thousands of years? Chapter 690 - Chapter 690: Acting Chapter 690: Acting Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation My plan? Laphia pondered for a moment. Are you absolutely certain about the accuracy of this situation? Of course, Lainekel is the best proof. He was captured by the dreadlord Balzarna during the God Wars final stages and underwent inhuman modifications, Ji Chen explained. On our way to the Silvermoon Holy City, we were also attacked by demon-influenced evil orcs. Combined with the unusual absence of divine oracles from the Orderly Gods, I have every reason to believe that demons are poised to invade once more. However, Laphia sighed. I believe you, but the Council and the Elder Temple wont be so easily convinced. So much time has passed, and most races have completely forgotten the great war that happened hundreds of thousands of years ago, let alone seen demons Even though Lainekel is now a half-demon, half-human being, who would believe that? As for the attacks on the way they would probably think its just a group of evil orcs going mad due to the elves long-term oppression. At most, they might send some troops to exterminate a few evil orc tribes as retaliation. To mobilize an army capable of defending against a demon invasion, we need to convince the Council and the Elder Temple in a more impactful way. Otherwise, they wont risk depleting massive military resources to move troops from all over. At best, I can only mobilize the Royal Guard. Ji Chen paused, understanding the implications. The Elven Empire was vast, with most territories managed by noble elves and lords who oversaw their own lands and armies. While Laphia was revered by the elves, it would be challenging to command these noble elves and lords to deploy their forces for a war whose authenticity was unclear. Mobilizing an army required significant funds, especially for an army of millions. Despite being the supreme empress, Laphia had to consider their interests. It all boiled down to the lack of concrete evidence in front of the world, making it difficult for those noble elves and lords to grasp the seriousness of the situation. Ji Chen felt a headache coming on but suddenly had a brilliant idea. In a deep voice, he said, If we could present undeniable evidence that would convince them, would they then believe in the demon invasion and prepare for war? Laphia nodded thoughtfully. Of course. Alright. I can settle this then. Laphia glanced at Ji Chen, who appeared somewhat self-assured, with a subtle narrowing of her own eyes. Do you have a strategy in mind? Ji Chen nodded with a smile but didnt answer immediately. Your Majesty, has there been any recent events in the Silvermoon Holy City that could gather a large number of elven nobles and lords? Laphia interlocked her fingers and pondered for a moment. Let me think There is a grand banquet scheduled in three days, where most of the elven nobles and lords of the Silvermoon Holy City will attend. It includes not only the local lords but also the commanders of elite armies. If you wish to reveal this matter during the banquet, it can be done, but the problem remains C how to make them believe. Ji Chen smiled faintly. Your Majesty, actions speak louder than words. Only when they witness a demon attack firsthand, will it have the most profound impact. However, this plan requires your approval and support. Laphia chuckled lightly, crossing her legs under the table, her well-defined ankles peeking out from her gown. Although she was seated on a regular stone bench, her imposing presence made it seem like she was sitting on a throne atop a high platform. Please go on; Im interested to hear your ingenious ideas. Ji Chen snapped his fingers. Its quite simple, Your Majesty. Since your nobles and lords dont believe in demon invasions, let them face a demon attack head-on during the upcoming banquet. A glint of interest flickered in Laphias eyes. Are you suggesting that Sir Lainekel, who is half-demon and half-human, should put on a show? Your Majesty is indeed astute and quickly grasped my idea. Lainekel had been listening silently, but when the topic turned to him, he couldnt help but be taken aback. So, you mean to say, I should unleash a bloodbath at the banquet in three days, using bloodshed and death to serve as a warning? But wouldnt that be too extreme Did he want to start something this big? Though he had been transformed into his current appearance, he still had the heart of a human. He couldnt bring himself to harm innocent elves just for the sake of a warning. Such a thing was beyond his capacity. Ji Chen rolled her eyes. Who said you actually have to kill anyone? My point is to scare them. Lainekel suddenly realized. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Laphia nodded. Thats one way to go about it. However, if there are no casualties, it may not have a significant impact. Ideally, we should have a few inconsequential deaths, along with some older immortals who possess ample resources. This approach would help us consolidate our resources without drawing too much attention due to excessive casualties. Hearing this, Ji Chen and Lainekel looked at Laphia in awe. Wow, we were Just thinking of scaring them a bit, but youre already considering how many casualties would be appropriate. Are elves really this ruthless towards their own kind? If Your Majesty finds this feasible, we should start planning the details. Ji Chen cleared his throat, temporarily interrupting Laphias musings, and took out some demonic pearls from his backpack. These demonic pearls were collected from the semi-closed mystic realm and can be used to enhance the effect.. Chapter 691 - Chapter 691: Acting (2) Chapter 691: Acting (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Demonic Blood Pearl was a condensation of demonic energy. It could be reverted to its demonic form through special methods. Demonic energy was inherently negative energy, prolonged exposure to which could drive people insane, and even short-term exposure could cause dizziness and irritability. Throwing this thing into the banquet hall would be a perfect biochemical weapon, enough to condense for three days without dispersing. Not bad, this should greatly enhance the realism. Laphia nodded approvingly. After everything is over, I will also commission the High Priest to coordinate public opinion. Ji Chens eyes brightened, instantly understanding. The Elven High Priest acted as a conduit for divine prophecies. If, following the demon assault on the gathering, the mother goddess delivered a prophecy in a timely manner, it would serve as a flawless strategy to sway public opinion. In this way, it was likely that no matter what, those elven nobles and lords would choose to believe in this fact. Ji Chen turned around, patting Lainekels shoulder with a solemn tone. The success or failure of this matter lies entirely with you. The fate of the world rests in your hands, Sir Lainekel. Lainckels expression immediately became solemn, nodding hastily. Rest assured, I will definitely complete this mission perfectly, and I will not allow failure! With me here, you will surely not fail. The people present stiffened, their eyes instantly vigilant as they looked towards a stranger elven woman in mage robes standing on the garden path not far away. Just as the others were guessing who this elven woman might be and how she came here, they heard Ji Chen say a sentence. Lady Elin, long time no see. They were stunned, Elin? Laphia couldnt help but furrow her brow. She seemed to have heard this name somewhere before. Suddenly, a memory surged like a tide, causing her calm demeanor to change suddenly. Ancestor? Elin looked at Laphia affectionately. Is this how my descendants greet me? You look good, almost resembling an empress. Not bad at all, showing a bit of the imperial demeanor. Laphia quickly stood up, speaking with respectful tone, How dare I claim to be an empress in front of my ancestor? When you were in power, you led the empire to flourish, campaigning in the south and battling in the north, driving the trolls to the ends of the earth, expelling the evil orcs to the wilderness, seizing the land vital for our survival as elves. Your contributions were immense, and I have always greatly admired you. Elin waved her hand nonchalantly. Those are all old stories now. Since you have been entrusted with the hopes of many and ascended to become a queen, naturally, you also have exceptional qualities. Although she said so, from Elins gaze, one could tell that she was quite pleased, especially since even thousands of years later, a descendant still remembers her. Ji Chen was somewhat surprised. It turned out that Elin had once been a generation of Elven Empress, something she had never mentioned before. Laphia said, Ancestor, the records show that thousands of years ago, after you abdicated the throne of empress, you went out to travel the world. But after leaving, you never came back. Did something happen during that time? Elins face stiffened. Could she really say that she was captured halfway by a perverted lich and then imprisoned for thousands of years like an animal? That would be too embarrassing for the elves. This thousands-year-old epic-tier elf powerhouse was now facing one of the few embarrassing and difficult moments in her life, even more nervous than facing those epic-tier enemies. She couldnt afford to lose face in front of a descendant who admired her. Something happened during that time But just a few months ago, this Lord of Glory helped me out of trouble, allowing me to come back and take a look. Elin briefly explained in a tactful manner. Seeing this, Laphia understood and stopped asking further questions, turning to say, Speaking of which, it was Lord Ji Chen who mentioned your name to me, which made me aware that you are still active in the world. Ji Chen interjected at the right moment, I only mentioned Lady Elins surname casually to Sir Miligas. I didnt expect Sir Miligas to pass it on to Your Majesty with such a sense of responsibility. Miligas bowed nervously. Its my duty, nothing more. Truth be told, Miligas felt a little overwhelmed at the moment. Everyone else in the room, whether human or elf, seemed to wield significant power or held prestigious positions. As a simple civilian diplomat, he was likely the least influential person present, especially standing before an ancient empress who appeared eternally youthful, as if she could see right through the entire elven race. Ambassador Miligas has achieved quite a bit during his years as an ambassador, suppressing the mountain trolls in the Alvin Mountains, safeguarding the interests of the empire in the Maple Principality, and recently bringing back thousands of our people who were stranded in the frozen wilderness. Hmm, I think its time for you to return to the Holy City and take on a more important position. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Miligass face lit up with joy for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure, respectfully bowing and saying, Thank you for Your Majestys kindness! Ji Chen smiled at this and redirected the conversation, Lady Elin, what did you mean just now? Elin glanced at the pavilion, which was now fully occupied. Miligas hesitated for a moment, then tactfully made room. Please, have a seat. Elin nodded in satisfaction and took her seat. I am aware of the demon invasion you mentioned earlier, and I understand your plan. If there is a need to mobilize, I will personally take action. Moreover, there are some pests within the empire that need to be dealt with, so its a good opportunity.. Chapter 692 - Chapter 692: Acting (3) Chapter 692: Acting (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation A top-tier epic powerhouse, backed by the immense prestige of a former empress, would undoubtedly provide tremendous assistance. With Elin included, their small group now boasted three epic powerhouses, making them incredibly formidable. Under their discussion, a concrete implementation plan gradually took shape. Three days later arrived swiftly. Luxurious carriages appeared from various parts of the city, converging at a large club in the city center. Descending from these carriages were elegantly dressed elven nobles, including wealthy aristocrats and legion commanders. Inside the club, these high-ranking elves wore genteel smiles, adhering to standard elven etiquette as they mingled, discussing not only commercial news worth millions of resources and coins but also the current world situation or family matters. The younger elves formed small groups, exchanging tender glances and whispering intimate topics, or they danced together in the ballroom. On the valuable wooden tables around the room lay delicacies and fine wines from around the world. These items, considered exorbitantly expensive elsewhere, were mere common fare here, serving only as fillers for their stomachs. On a nearby platform, a band played soft classical music, adding a touch of elegance to the atmosphere. This was the daily life of the elite elves, characterized by robust national power, abundant wealth, and lofty confidence, allowing them to indulge in luxury. With vast wealth at their disposal, they enjoyed themselves, attending banquets or going hunting every day. Although the Elven Empire was powerful, signs of decay and decline had begun to appear within. Most elven nobles no longer possessed the ambition and drive they had tens of thousands of years ago to resist the forces of evil. On the second-floor indoor balcony, Ji Chen looked through the curtains crack at the scene below, where even the air seemed to be tainted with decadence, and couldnt help but sigh. You elves really know how to enjoy yourselves. Hosting a banquet like this probably costs millions of gold coins. Sensing the slight mockery in Ji Chens words, Miligas couldnt help but show a embarrassed expression. Large-scale banquets like this were something he had often attended when he was younger, each costing at least tens of millions. Although it was a lot, it wasnt much for the extremely wealthy elves. Ahem, thank you for speaking up for me in front of Queen Laphia and Queen Elin earlier, Miligas said gratefully. Ji Chen waved his hand dismissively. It was just going with the flow, nothing significant. Miligas quickly added, But this is a rare opportunity for me. If you ever need my assistance in the future, please feel free to ask. Miligas had also come to realize the reality. Ji Chens current status far surpassed his own, and what he needed to do now was to firmly grasp onto his coattails in order to rise to greater heights and reach a higher platform. Ji Chen smiled and said nothing, accepting the promise. He glanced at the time and said, Its about to begin. Get ready. Meanwhile, outside the club, an unremarkable carriage slowly approached. Seeing such a nondescript carriage approaching, the elven guards stepped forward immediately, shouting. Unauthorized vehicles are not allowed to approach. Otherwise, they will be fined and punished! However, the carriage showed no intention of stopping and continued towards the club. This immediately angered the elven soldiers, who approached with some annoyance. However, they were surprised to find that there was no driver in the carriage; it was being pulled by a single horse and completely sealed shut. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only They became instantly vigilant, gripping their weapons. Whos in the carriage? Come out now, or well shoot! Boom! The carriage exploded instantly, and an extreme malice, as if from the abyss, spread rapidly like tentacles, causing them to shiver. A figure shrouded in black mist slowly stood up, revealing only a pair of blood-red eyes.. Chapter 693 - Chapter 693: Hehehe! Chapter 693: Hehehe! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation A serene and tranquil atmosphere filled with beautiful melodies in the club was suddenly disrupted by a piercing alarm, accompanied by cries of horror and distress. The intricately carved white marble relief sculptures were pockmarked, and the elven statues in the fountain lay shattered, leaving only fragmented feet. The meticulously tended flora and fauna seemed ravaged, as if swept away by a storm. Enemy attack! Quick, stop this monster! Dont let it harm the nobles inside! The defending elven soldiers rushed forward in formation, but with a casual wave, the shadowy figure enveloped in black mist sent them flying, crashing heavily into the walls. This creature was highly focused, breaking through each layer of defense and charging straight towards the interior of the club. No elven soldier could impede its advance; even a rare-tier hero who heard the commotion and rushed over nearby was swatted away like a ball. What kind of monster is this!? A elven soldier gritted his teeth, watching as the malicious mist around the creature seemed to solidify, especially those eyes, seemingly the most evil in the world, which just staring at them made him feel stiff and cold all over. He had only felt such terrifying pressure from heritage-level experts, no, this was even stronger than legacy-tier! Watching his comrades being knocked away one by one, he suppressed his inner fear and yelled, gripping his weapon and charging forward as if to bolster his courage. Crack! The elven weapon, forged of elven steel, was sliced apart like tofu. He was sent flying tens of meters by a tremendous force, crashing into the nearby bushes. Spitting out blood, feeling like his ribs were shattered countless times, his arms twisted grotesquely, and his body limp, he could only watch in horror as the monster approached the gate. Amid the desperate gazes of many elven soldiers, the black mist monster boldly broke through the final outer defense line, charging in like a raging bull. The faceless monster looked at the terrified elven nobles inside the club, as if recalling something, and let out a hoarse, eerie laugh. Hehehe, finally found you. Ill make you feel the pain weve endured for hundreds of thousands of years! Who are you!? This is Silvermoon Holy City! If you dare to cause trouble, you will become the enemy of the entire Elven Empire! Some elven nobles shouted in horror. Who am I? It seems that hundreds of thousands of years of comfortable living have made you forget about us. The monster chuckled again. But it doesnt matter. After today, you will know who we are. The black mist of the monster spread rapidly like a tide, flooding the entire club like water pouring into a leaky boat, shrouding it in thick black mist, rendering it pitch black and disorienting. Fear spread instantly throughout this space. The monster seemed to revel in the fear and unease of the elven nobles, its unsettling voice echoing as if whispered directly into their ears. Accompanied by a piercing scream, several elven nobles were horrified to find a venerable old man beside them already cleaved in two, his intestines spilling out from the gash, the pungent smell of blood assaulting their senses. Their faces paled. This was the lord of White Sands Harbor, who had reigned over the region for centuries with unshakable power and wealth, now slain here? White Sands Harbor was likely to fall into turmoil. But soon, they pushed these thoughts aside and turned to their own safety. The monster continued to hover around them, seemingly pondering who to strike next. They still had long lives ahead of them, countless riches and resources to enjoy. No one wanted to die here, inexplicably and without purpose. What are the guards doing!? Come and kill this monster Ah!! Another scream heightened the terror of the other elven nobles. This monster wasnt just killing for the sake of it; it was randomly selecting victims among them. One died here, another there, with no pattern. Some of the more skilled elves attempted to unite against it, but without exception, they were dispatched by the monsters preternatural skill, their defenses shattered by its sharp edges. In just a few short minutes, they felt unbearably tormented, trembling with fear, each dreading that the next victim would be themselves. The evil, sinister voice echoed. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Hehehe, after hundreds of thousands of years, have you elves become so weak? Unable to withstand even a single blow from me. Well, Im tired of playing. Let me send you on your final journey Damn it! Suddenly, a beam of light pierced through the pervading black mist, illuminating the surroundings as if dispelling darkness. The monstrously evil creature appeared on the dance floor not far away. Under the light, the black mist surrounding it weakened, faintly revealing arms and legs that seemed less than human, as well as a shattered horn. Sometime during this chaos, the roof had vanished, and the majestic figure of Elin hovered in the air, looking down with an air of authority, her eyes seeming to emit sharp, tangible gazes. Bold demon, dare you escape from the depths of chaos, intrude upon our clans holy city, and slay our people!? Hasnt the demon race had enough of the pain of defeat over hundreds of thousands of years? The creature called demon chuckled sinisterly. Our race has been planning for tens of thousands of years for this resurgence.. Moreover, with these worthless elves, how can they hinder the rise of our race? Chapter 694 - Chapter 694: Hehehe! (2) Chapter 694: Hehehe! (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation My demon race shall return and become the new masters of this world! Hehehe!! Elin looked at Lainekel, who had fully embraced his evil role, almost losing her composure, but she held on, a hint of murderous intent flashing across her face. Then, perish! With a wave of her hand, a swift attack descended. The monster remained calm, disappearing in an instant and reappearing a hundred meters away, sneering, Dont be in such a hurry. When our kind breaches the barriers of rule completely, that will be the time for us to truly engage. At that time, we will settle the scores of hundreds of thousands of years ago, turning your elves into slaves of our kind, tasting the bitterness of pain! After speaking, it vanished before the next attack arrived. The surrounding elves looked around fearfully, realizing that the monster had indeed left, instantly relaxing. Many even slumped to the ground, completely devoid of their previous grace and composure. Some of the still relatively calm elven nobles recalled the conversation between the monster and this unfamiliar powerful elf. Demons? Abyssal depths? Resurgence!? The conversation, filled with such significant information, nearly made their heads spin. Some looked puzzled, not quite understanding what demons represented, while others wore horrified expressions, their minds conjuring up frightening possibilities. Although the attack lasted only a dozen minutes, the waves it brought swept through the entire Silvermoon Holy City. According to statistics, in this attack, a total of thirty-eight elven nobles and lords were killed. Without exception, they were all significant figures in the Elven Empire, either lords of prosperous territories or commanders controlling legions, wielding immense power and wealth. But now, they all lay dead in the club, killed by a demon. This incident instantly shook the entire Elven Empire. Queen of the Elves, Laphia, immediately ordered the entire Silvermoon Holy City to be sealed off after the incident, to hunt down the culprit. At the same time, to ensure the stability of the empire, she dispatched twelve fully organized royal legions overnight to various parts of the country, temporarily managing the territories of the deceased nobles, suppressing potential riots and other destabilizing factors. Soon after, the unfamiliar powerful elf who saved the attacked elven nobles made a public appearance under the accompaniment of Queen Laphia, admitting that she was the twelfth generation Queen of the Elves, Elin Apocalis. Having traveled the world thousands of years ago, she accidentally discovered traces of demons and had been tracing them ever since, returning to the Silvermoon Holy City today. For a moment, the term demon spread throughout the entire Silvermoon Holy City, and countless elves were discussing demons, even young children were aware of the evil and cruelty associated with demons. The Life Ancient Tree, in that open-air garden. The evil demon who was being hunted throughout the city and even the entire Elven Empire was now standing at the edge of the garden, looking strangely at the elven soldiers searching everywhere in the city. Turning back to look at the few people leisurely sitting in the pavilion. Lord Ji Chen, my acting skills are decent, arent they? I saw those elven nobles looking dumbfounded. Your acting is excellent. If I hadnt been sure that you still maintained your sanity, I would have thought you turned into a demon. Hearing Ji Chens teasing, Lainekcls face showed a trace of helplessness. Ji Chen smiled. Lady Elin, how do you think the performance went? Elin calmly took a sip of tea, gracefully setting down her cup. It passed muster. At least those nobles wont have any suspicions. But wiping out thirty-eight nobles and lords in a single stroke, Laphia, youre truly bold. Laphia chuckled lightly, but her eyes were incredibly cold. Those parasites, if they arc unwilling to give up the rights and resources that dont rightfully belong to them, then I have no choice but to send them to their deaths. This is also to better concentrate our strength and resist the demons invasion. Elin chuckled bitterly. Thats true. In just a few thousand years, the empire has decayed so much compared to my time that I almost didnt recognize it. She remembered what she had seen on her way back to the empires territory, shaking her head involuntarily. Those nobles and lords who managed their territories were all greedy, relying on power and family to plunder wealth recklessly. If they were plundering the wealth of other kingdoms, it would be one thing, but much of what they seized belonged to their own people. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only They ate their fill, while the citizens became increasingly impoverished. Neither Laphia nor Elin could tolerate such occurrences. However, these noble and lordly powers were too strong, deeply rooted in their territories, and their interconnections were too intertwined. The aftermath of forcibly clearing them out would be too significant. Now, they could use the name of demons to righteously deal with them, killing two birds with one stone. Lainekel looked at the sinister smiles on the faces of the two elves, feeling a chill run down his spine. Why did these two elves look more like demons than he did? Regardless, this plan has been quite successful. All we need to do now is wait for things to escalate further, and then, Your Majesty Laphia and Lady Elin, you can fan the flames a bit more. I believe other elves will soon mobilize. Laphia nodded. At that time, I will invite rulers from other human kingdoms, as well as forces from the orderly camp, to gather and discuss how to resist the demons.. Chapter 695 - Chapter 695: Hehehe! (3) Chapter 695: Hehehe! (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Thats naturally the best outcome. Ji Chen slowly revealed a relieved smile, finally pushing things to this point. Since the discovery of the demonic invasion, amidst countless attacks by corrupted creatures, encountering Lainekel, and then crossing the ocean to reach this northern continent, the journey had been fraught with peril. As long as other orderly factions learned of this matter, they would at least be on guard. Even if the demons were powerful, it would be difficult for them to sweep across the continent in one fell swoop. This also served Ji Chens purpose. If the demons assault was thwarted, perhaps the Crown of the Ocean could receive support from the orderly factions. Thinking back to Lainekels warning that the Greed Lord would attack the southern continent, Ji Chen couldnt help but worry. The southern continent was distant, and he wasnt sure of the route there. All he could do was silently pray for the people of the southern continent. While news of the demon incident spread throughout the elven empire In the barren mountains of the south, within a large basin. Here lived a massive orc tribe, one of the most powerful and evil orc tribes among the endless mountains. An orc rider descended from the sky on a wyvern with a pointed beak, handing over his mount to another orc responsible for its care. He hurriedly dashed to the center of the tribe, to a tent made of beast hides. He bowed and saluted to the supreme orc king on the throne. King, Ive heard some news from the pointed ears. Quetori Shatteredfang, with a fur-clad female orc leaning against him, ate a grape fed by the female orc before slowly asking, What news? Demons have appeared in the Silvermoon Holy City and killed dozens of elves! What? Quetori Shatteredfang showed surprise. Didnt the demons plan to conceal their invasion until they completely broke through the rule barrier before declaring their invasion? Where did you hear this news? This matter has spread throughout the entire elven empire. Otherwise, it would have been difficult for me to investigate such news. Quetori Shatteredfang signaled for the female orc to leave, then leaned back in the beast-hide chair, his eyes showing a hint of fierceness. Is this true? Absolutely! the orc rider swore, If its false, then after my death, I wont be able to go to the Hall of Heroes and will be condemned by the orc god! Hearing the orc rider make such a vow, Quetori Shatteredfangs expression softened a bit. Even so, whats the use of killing dozens of pointed ears? Those elven military forces are strong, and killing a few dozen wont make much of a difference. But I heard that dozens of elven nobles and lords were killed, all of high status and power. The entire elven empire is in turmoil now! Quetori Shatteredfangs face showed surprise, then he seemed to think of something and said excitedly, This must be the demons plan! The orc rider looked confused. Anyway, their invasion will definitely attract the attention of the pointed ears when the time comes. So, its better to take action first, secretly attacking and killing important elves. This way, we can cause chaos among the pointed ears! The more he spoke, the more confident Quetori Shatteredfang became. The pointed ears are the strongest force of the orderly factions. As long as they are in chaos, the demons will have no opponents. Plus, with our evil orcs, we can surely quickly deal with other orderly factions! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only By then, our evil faction will dominate the entire world! The orc rider, listening to their king as if he had the world in his palm, couldnt help but pause for a moment. What should we do now? What should we do? Of course, we must respond! As their allies, how can we stand idly by? Spread my orders: take advantage of this chaos, send a ten-thousand-strong force into the elven territory, and plunder along the borders! Yes, sir!! Chapter 696 - Chapter 696: The Wood Elves Chapter 696: The Wood Elves Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation When the news of the evil orcs, who had been severely beaten by the Elven Empire in the desolate mountains, actively invaded the border and pillaged, reached the Silvermoon Holy City, Ji Chen, Laphia, and Elin were somewhat bewildered. But soon they became joyful. Although they didnt know why these evil orcs, with brains no bigger than walnuts, suddenly provoked the Elven Empire, which was already engulfed in intense desires for war and strong hatred towards the evil faction due to the terrifying demon attacks, it was undoubtedly excellent news. This foolish act, resembling a child provoking an adult, instantly ignited the fuse of the entire Elven Empire, providing an outlet for the anger that had been brewing due to the inability to capture the mastermind behind the demon attacks. Seizing this opportunity, Laphia delivered an impassioned speech, rallying the national sentiment to the fullest. Faced with the surging public opinion, elf nobles and lords from all over could not sit idly by and began to mobilize. Rather, these extremely proud, self-proclaimed descendants of the Mother Goddess felt greatly offended, as if their faces were burning with fury. It was like the little rascal you usually look down upon suddenly throwing pebbles at you from behind when youre not paying attention. It didnt cause much harm but was extremely insulting. You lowly orcs, who have been beaten by us elves and can only hide in the desolate mountains, dare to actively invade our borders? Dont you know its been three days since weve had a chance to vent our anger? The incomprehensible behavior of the evil orcs indirectly accelerated the Elven Empires preparations for war. Moreover, it seemed to confirm the suspicions of those evil alliances in the Divine War. It appeared they had received a message from the demons and were planning to ignite war once again. This provided further support for the Queens assertion that the demons were about to return. Those damned creatures probably really want to extend their claws into this world once again! Soon, the Silvermoon Holy City dispatched a directly affiliated Royal Knight Order, along with armies from various elf lords along the way, forming a massive army of over fifty thousand, marching vigorously towards the border ravaged by the evil orcs. Along the way, it was like receiving royal treatment, with elf maidens offering enough flowers to pave a field. This army had an average tier of six, with the directly affiliated Royal Knight Order reaching six stars. Although there were only three thousand of them, their combat power was equivalent to more than ten times that of the evil orcs. Such a force was more than enough to deal with thousands of evil orcs, and they could even enter the desolate mountains to wipe out several orc tribes as reciprocal retaliation. As the army set out, news of the demon attacks in Silvermoon Holy City spread through the well-established trade routes to other parts of the Northern Continent, astonishing other kingdoms and powers. Among them were elders and strong individuals who were well aware of many details about the divine war that occurred tens of thousands of years ago. They were the most shocked by such events. The demons, an evil race that had long disappeared into the annals of history, suppressed by the orderly gods in the depths of chaos, had actually reappeared in the main world? They even launched a terrifying attack within the elven kingdom, killing dozens of high-ranking and influential elven nobles? They all knew the temperament of these elves. With so many elven nobles dead, there was bound to be an explosion. While they harbored some doubts and confusion, when the current elven queen, Laphia, sent invitations to various human kingdoms and orderly faction forces to discuss the demon invasion, they all responded without hesitation. The last time the elves invited them was a long time ago. In a council chamber atop the ancient Life Tree. Now, most of the human kingdoms and orderly forces in the Northern Continent have responded to the invitation, agreeing to attend this meeting. However, it may take some time for the Western and Eastern Continents to reply due to the long distance. Laphia paused, then continued, As for the distant Southern Continent, if we send the message through overland routes, it will take at least two months to reach there. It would take two months to deliver the message. Wouldnt it take another four to five months for the southern countries to prepare and come to the Elven Empire? By then, it might be too late. If they could notify the southern countries in advance and let them make some preparations, perhaps it would increase the chances of survival when the demon army attacked. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only But if we directly cross the Western Mid-Ocean, it will only take half a month. Lainekel sighed. However, without a navigable route through the southern seas, its difficult to reach the Southern Continent in such a short time. Laphia and Elin nodded slightly. Even the elves did not control the maritime routes through the southern seas. For over a thousand years, the journey to the Southern Continent had always been made either through overland routes in a large circle or along the rugged coastline. Ji Chen seemed to remember something and said, A few months ago, a merchant from the Southern Continent passed through my territory, but he disappeared after arriving in the Maple Principality. There are rumors that he seemed to be heading to the Silvermoon Holy City. If we could find this merchant from the Southern Continent, perhaps we could learn about the maritime route to the Southern Continent. Chapter 697 - Chapter 697: Wood Elves (2) Chapter 697: Wood Elves (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Whats the name of this merchant?1 He calls himself Ari. Hes quite young, and he has quite a few servants and guards with him. Ill send someone to investigate this matter. Laphia nodded slightly, glanced around, and pondered for a moment before saying, Theres another matter. We lost contact with the Wood Elves a year ago, and the entrance to their sanctuary has been sealed. I suspect its related to the demons. Her expression grew slightly grave after she finished speaking. Wood Elves? Ji Chen looked puzzled. Elin explained slowly. In simple terms, the Wood Elves were a branch of the elven tribe, much like the Ocean Pixies after the divine war, who dispersed and proliferated in various places. Unlike the Ocean Pixies, who had fully adapted to the sea, and the mainstream elves who remained in the Elven Empire in the main world, the Wood Elves were a highly revered and somewhat exclusive elven group that prioritized physical strength. After the divine war, they migrated to a secluded sanctuary west of the Elven Empire to live, avoiding contact with the outside world unless absolutely necessary, focusing solely on cultivating their physical strength. For such a long time, only the mainstream elves of the Elven Empire occasionally had contact with them. In the closed sanctuary where the Wood Elves live, we found remnants of unique spatial energy. This implies that some foreign objects used spatial traversal abilities to forcibly break through the sanctuary blockade and intrude. And this unique spatial energy At this point, Laphia glanced at Lainekel. Its extremely similar to the spatial jumping ability you demonstrated during the act. Lainekels face changed slightly. His spatial jumping ability was not originally his own; it was the ability brought about by the legs of a demon slayer transplanted by the Dreadlord Balzarna. Doesnt this mean that demon slayers may have appeared in rhe sanctuary where the Wood Elves are located? And the timing was exactly one year ago. But the specific situation will need to be known after the sanctuary is opened. The Wood Elves are also a quite powerful force. If we can get them to join the war, it will increase the chances of defeating the demons. For now, I cant personally go there. I dont trust the strength of the other elves too much when facing these cunning demons. Lord Ji Chen, can you lead a team to investigate? Of course, but Laphia smiled. Generous rewards will be sent to you at that time, allowing your territory to be more prepared when facing the demon invasion. Ji Chen liked making friends with such smart elves. The Ocean Crown was eagerly awaiting resources, and judging from the price of the previous Merfabric, a queen of the elves would surely offer quite a lot. After bidding farewell to Laphia and Elin, Ji Chen, Patheia, and Lainekel set out on the journey once again. However, this rime, they were accompanied by three elite squads of elven soldiers. Originally, when these elven soldiers saw that a human was leading them, they all seemed unruly, but after Ji Chen demonstrated his epic strength, they all became obedient and respectful. Wherever the strong go, they are respected, a common saying among the elves. The entrance to the sanctuary where rhe Wood Elves reside is located a few hundred miles east of the Elven Empire, near an inland sea called the Boro Sea. Along the way are vast plains and grasslands of the northern continent, and their marching speed is not slow. They quickly reached their destination under continuous day and night travel. It was an inland sea stretching for miles beyond sight, extending several hundred kilometers eastward from the eastern border of the Elven Empire, with the territory of another lawful race at the other end of the sea. Lord Ji Chen, ahead is the entrance to the sanctuary of the Wood Elves, but for some reason, its sealed from the inside, said the elven officer, pointing to a valley ahead. Ji Chen looked at Lainekel, who was tightly wrapped in armor. The latter nodded, and a muffled voice came from under the visored helmet, Indeed, there are residual spatial energies there, along with a faint demonic aura, Sure enough, it was the work of demons! Upon hearing this, the elven officer cast a curious glance at Lainekel. He had been wearing armor throughout the journey from the capital, not a speck of skin exposed, not even when sleeping. No one knew if he was human or another race. But it was just curiosity. A person entrusted by Her Majesty should not be ordinary. These elves probably wouldnt even imagine that this armored figure was the demon who caused the entire Elven Empire to tremble during the terrifying attack at the club. Ji Chen asked, Is there a way to open the entrance to the sanctuary? Ill try. Lainekel used the power of the demon slayers legs to communicate with rhe entrance hidden in space. Suddenly, the air in the valley vibrated, and a slow-revolving green vortex about a dozen meters wide gradually appeared. The demon had sealed the entrance to rhe sanctuary using the spatial power of the demon slayer, which collided with Lainekels familiar domain. Seeing his prowess, the elven officer and rhe other elves looked at him with different eyes. This guy is amazing! They had been struggling for so long, but he fixed it within minutes of arrival. Seeing that the entrance was open, Ji Chen wasted no time. With a wave of his hand, he commanded, Form up and proceed, stay vigilant for enemies! The three elite elven thousand-strong teams instantly shifted into battle formation, with three rows of crossbowmen in front and sword and shield bearers behind, advancing in formation under the command of the elven officer. Ji Chen and his companions walked into rhe center of the formation, while the Sea Crystal Wyverns quickly took to the sky to establish air superiority. Before them lay a desolate plain, as if scorched by a raging fire for seven days and nights. The ground was littered with charred debris, and the nearby village stood in ruins, with walls and buildings bearing the marks of scorching. A strong sense of evil and death permeated the air. Proceeding cautiously into the ruined village, the elven officer whispered, Where are the Wood Elves who lived here? Where have they gone? No one answered him, and the surroundings were eerily silent, like the silence of death. Passing through the entire village, they found no trace of any Wood Elves or any living beings. But from the remnants of life, it was clear that Wood Elves had indeed lived here. A sense of foreboding crept into the hearts of the group. We must continue deeper into the sanctuary and find the Wood Elves even if it means finding their corpses, Ji Chen looked at Lainekel. Sense where the demonic presence is strongest; thats where well likely find clues. Lainekel nodded and began to concentrate. As a half-demon, half-human who had lived in the Abyss for a long time, his familiarity with demonic aura was as high as his familiarity with his own foot odor. In just a moment, Lainekel pointed to the northwest. Ji Chen waved his hand, Proceed in that direction. From the traces along the way, it was clear that the environment here had once been excellent, with vast grasslands, lush forests, and vibrant valleys. It had been home to a large number of Wood Elves. However, now all that lay before them was a barren wasteland, polluted and stripped of life, with barren rocks and gravel scattered around. Bare, dead trees stood lonely on hilltops, under a sky obscured by murky clouds. Everything here indicated a devastating invasion. The enemy not only targeted the Wood Elves but also laid waste to this place. Looking at the grim scene along the way, Lainekel murmured softly. This must be the work of demons. They enjoy polluting the land to create a suitable environment for warfare, or they pollute and destroy after slaughtering everything, leaving behind only worthless land for the enemy to reclaim. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Polluting the environment wasnt something only the Decaying Demon King would do; all demons operated in such a manner, but rhe former did so in a more heinous and thorough manner. According to Lainekels description, the Decaying Demon King could turn an area of a hundred miles into a decaying swamp, turning it into a breeding ground for demons, Once it took root in a resource-rich area, it could continuously produce demon armies. Report, abnormality detected ahead! As they drew closer to the area thick with demonic aura, the elven soldiers scouting ahead also noticed something unusual. When they entered a spacious valley and saw the hellish scene at its center, all the elves were stunned. Chapter 698 - Chapter 698: Demon Blood Sacrifice Chapter 698: Demon Blood Sacrifice Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the middle of that valley stood a startling altar, with bodies piled up like mountains, filling the entire valley with the stench of blood and a nauseating odor of decay carried by the mountain breeze. On the ground around the altar, there were bloodstains painted with some kind of sinister and evil array, with the center of the array being the altar piled with thousands of Wood Elf corpses. This extremely shocking scene left all the elves stunned. This is the evil blood sacrifice array of the demon clan, using a large number of living beings as sacrifices to summon some powerful evil beasts, Lainekel said in a deep voice, waking everyone up. The elven officer clenched his fists, his determined face filled with anger. Damn it, these demons dare to treat our people like sacrificial offerings!? This is a field in which demons excel. In the God Wars tens of thousands of years ago, they used the corpses generated on the battlefield to continuously sacrifice and summon evil beasts, causing great trouble to the Alliance forces. Lainekel continued saying, But fortunately, such sacrifices require a lot of preparation time. Most of the time, they are discovered and cleared by the Alliance forces in advance. Judging from the situation here, the demons probably prepared for a long time to complete the sacrifice ritual recently, so the bodies have not completely decomposed yet. The elven officer looked at Lainekel in surprise. How did this armored man know so much about the God Wars tens of thousands of years ago, and even about the demons? It was as if he himself belonged to that era, which had been forgotten by most races. Ji Chen said in a deep voice, Patheia, take the Sea Crystal Wyrm to nearby and search for any remaining demons or traces of evil beasts. Patheia nodded and spread her wings, soaring into the air with the Sea Crystal Wyrm to patrol. Looking at the pile of corpses built by thousands of Wood Elves in front of him, Ji Chen said with a solemn tone, Who do you think is most likely to have orchestrated this kind of sacrifice? Lainekel pondered for a moment and said, Any of the Demon Lords could do such a sacrifice ritual, but the Undead Lord is the most proficient in blood sacrifices and summonings. This is also one of their main channels for producing high-level forces. Judging from the scale and the pattern of the sacrifice array, it is very likely the work of the Undead Lord. Ji Chen pursed his lips. Before the battle had even begun, he was indirectly facing off against three Demon Lords. Each Demon Lord was a powerhouse among demons, with at least epic-level strength. Silently, even before players arrived in this world, demons had already prepared through various channels to invade again. The Dreadlord had contaminated a semi-closed mystics realm, captured tens of thousands of corrupted creatures, and who knew how many other realms had been contaminated besides that semi-closed one. The Undead Lord invaded this place, slaughtering all the Wood Elves living here as sacrificial offerings. The Greed Lord had already begun to occupy the Southern Continent. Perhaps the Southern Continent had already become a dead land under the full-scale invasion of demons. In addition, there are also the Void Lord and the Decay Lord. Ji Chen didnt believe that they were idle; they must be plotting and implementing their schemes in some invisible place. And on the side of the Orderly faction, they were still on their way to a meeting. Just thinking about it made it feel like this world was about to end. Ji Chen shook his head, pushing these stray thoughts out of his mind. Patheia slowly descended from the sky, her face showing some concern. My lord, we found a surviving Wood Elf outside. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow. Bring them here immediately. A Sea Crystal Wyrm quickly descended, and a green-haired Wood Elf girl climbed down from its back. She was dressed in ragged clothes, emaciated, as if she hadnt eaten properly for a while. There was fear and confusion lingering in her young, inexperienced eyes as she looked at the mountain of corpses of her kin, her face full of sorrow. Ji Chen looked at those bewildered green eyes and spoke softly. Whats your name? The Wood Elf girl timidly replied, Cindia, my name is Cindia. Human brother, are you here to rescue us? Ji Chen was about to nod, but when he caught sight of the mountain of corpses, he found it hard to speak. It seemed like there was no rescue in this situation. Yes Can you tell me what happened here? Cindia nodded gently, wiping away the tears from her eyes, and began to recount the nightmare-like experiences she had encountered. That day, I was picking fruits in the forest when suddenly I heard strange noises in the sky The sky suddenly tore open, and those winged monsters flew in I wanted to run back to the village to warn everyone, but those monsters were flying around in the sky, and I was too scared. I hid in the forest and accidentally fell asleep Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only When I woke up later and returned, everyone was gone, the village was burned down, and I could only hide in the cave I found before, relying on the mushrooms and spring water inside the cave to survive Ji Chen nodded. Have those demons left? Cindia shook her head. Im not sure, but I havent seen them appear again this month, and the crack in the sky has disappeared. It seemed that after the demons completed the blood sacrifice with the Wood Elves and summoned the evil creatures, they left. Ji Chen said, Since such an incident has occurred, lets continue searching around here to see if there are any surviving Wood Elves. Then I will take you to your other kin. Chapter 699 - Chapter 699: Demon Blood Sacrifice (2) Chapter 699: Demon Blood Sacrifice (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Cindia nodded hastily. Ji Chen realized that the experiences of the past half year had truly terrified the child. Seeing this, Ji Chen wasted no more time. He instructed Patheia to carry Cindia aboard the Sea Crystal Wyrm, taking to the sky to commence a wide-scale patrol. This area, no less vast than the Maple Principalitys Mystic Realm, once housed over a hundred thousand Wood Elves. Now, it lay barren, devoid of life, with ruins and scorched earth everywhere. From the remnants, it appeared that the Wood Elves didnt immediately lose their resistance upon the demons invasion. Instead, they organized a resistance that stretched from the outskirts of the realm deep within. The scattered traces indicated intense battles, yet they were eventually overwhelmed by the relentless demons, becoming sacrifices. Not far from the valley they left, Ji Chens group stumbled upon another blood ritual altar and a mountain of Wood Elf corpses. Surrounding it were still eerie and bloody runes. As they ventured deeper, they discovered more blood ritual altars, arranged seemingly according to a pattern. Though Lainekel couldnt see the grave expression on Ji Chens face, he could sense the gravity of the situation from his tone. This is undoubtedly the work of the Undead Lord, utilizing countless sub-altars to form a massive blood ritual array, summoning evil creatures capable of city-level destruction with a large number of high-quality creatures as sacrifices. How powerful are they? At least legendary tier. With sufficient preparation, they could even summon pseudo-epic beings. Ji Chens eyelids twitched. This was too cunning. Legendary beings were already rare in the main world, let alone epic-tier ones. Even pseudo-epic beings like Lainekel could effortlessly destroy a small city. Damn it, none of these Lords were to be underestimated; they all had their own tricks. As they reached the deepest part of the realm, they were greeted by a blood ritual array spanning over ten thousand square meters, surrounded by several corpse mountains. The sheer number seemed to suggest lingering souls in unrest. In the center of the array, there were traces of a massive creature moving. Judging from the size of the traces, the creature summoned at the cost of over a hundred thousand Wood Elves was at least on par with Lainekel. Witnessing this horrifying scene, Cindias face turned pale, trembling with fear. The elven officers and soldiers were filled with shock and rage. They already harbored extreme hatred towards the demons, even though the Wood Elves had split from the mainline elves long ago, they still belonged to the elven race, a part of their identity. But the demons, by brutally slaughtering their kin and treating them as mere livestock for sacrifice, had undoubtedly provoked and declared war on them. These damned monsters dare to do such things! The elven officer glared at the corpse mountain, his eyes filled with anger. Lord Ji Chen, we must return immediately and inform Her Majesty of everything that has happened here. We cannot let these people die in vain! Ji Chen nodded. Of course. The tragic plight of the Wood Elves might push the Elven Empires preparations for war forward, making the elves fully realize the enormous threat posed by the demons. After continuing the search for some time and finding no other survivors, Ji Chen and his group left the realm with Cindia and returned to the Silvermoon Holy City overnight. When news of the Wood Elves reached back, the entire Silvermoon Holy City was instantly stirred. In the council chamber. Seated on the throne, the Elven Queen Laphia had an unprecedentedly gloomy expression, resembling a volcano on the verge of eruption. The entire hall was filled with suppression and anger. The Wood Elves have been wiped out by the Demon Clan? According to our investigation, thats the case. We only found one young Wood Elf survivor. The elven officer who had gone to the realm with them spoke with a tone full of sorrow and indignation. The other Wood Elves were killed by demons as sacrifices. The bodies piled up into hundreds of corpse mountains, serving as nodes for the blood ritual array. The corpses are rotting and stinking, with blood everywhere The entire realm has become a dead land, villages burnt down, vegetation withered, water sources dried up, and the land turned into a desolate wasteland Many elven nobles and lords imagined the scene described by the officer, their faces showing expressions of sympathy, shock, or anger. They hadnt expected the demons methods to be so cruel, using tens of thousands of lives as sacrifices to summon evil creatures. Even the Orcs, such a barbaric race, wouldnt do such a thing. After the officer truthfully recounted what he had seen and heard in the Wood Elf realm, many elven nobles and lords excitedly stepped forward to offer battle: Your Majesty, we must give the demons a sufficiently painful lesson and avenge our Wood Elf brethren! Thats right! An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, respond with war! One after another, the hall was filled with requests for battle, retribution, and revenge. Quiet. Queen Laphia used her epic-tier power to quiet the hall, looking at the many elven nobles and lords with resentful expressions, knowing that the time had come. With a solemn expression, she stood up slowly and said, My men, since the enemy has already plunged the knife into the bodies of our people, slaughtering tens of thousands of our kindred from the same origin, this is undoubtedly a blatant provocation to us, and an unequivocal declaration of war. We, the elves, are the offspring of the Mother Goddess. We have thrived and multiplied on the Northern Continent for hundreds of thousands of years, overcoming countless obstacles and challenges along the way. We have defeated countless enemies and conquered many difficulties. Tens of thousands of years ago, the demons were defeated by us and, as losers, were suppressed in the depths of the Chaos Abyss. And now, even if they stir up war again, the ultimate result will still be the same: the elves will stand as the victors in the end! Now, lets start a nationwide mobilization to be ready for the demons attack at anytime! This time, there were no objections or opposition from the elven nobles and lords. They had all truly witnessed the cruelty and ambition of the demons. The more they understood, the more alarmed they became. The demons had already begun to infiltrate, and if they had discovered it any later, the consequences would have been even more severe. At Laphias command, the entire Elven Empire was mobilized. The army stood ready, reserves were called up, and strategic resources were redirected from warehouses The evil orcs in the barren mountains to the south were immediately terrified. This situation seemed to indicate a large-scale war was about to break out. Werent we just doing a little burning, killing, and looting on your borders? Was it necessary to mobilize the entire national army to deal with us? The mobilization of an empire naturally isnt as swift as that of a territory, requiring several months at a time. During this period, representatives from various law-abiding powers in the northern continent arrived at the Silvermoon City. On the day of the meeting, representatives from various countries and powers came to the council chamber. The three countries along the northwest coast, the Maple Forest Principality, the five countries of the Eastern Land, the Mountain Giant Tribe, fairies, half-dragons Dozens of recognized kingdoms and racial representatives appeared in the Silvermoon Holy City, making Ji Chen keenly feel the diversity of the worlds races. The Mountain Giants were giants with stone bodies over ten meters tall, said to be descendants of Titans, but they suffered heavy casualties in the god wars hundreds of thousands of years ago, leading to the decline of their bloodline and a significant reduction in their population. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The fairy race is a special group consisting entirely of females. Each of them possesses captivating beauty, graceful figures, and proficiency in both magic and mental spells. The half-dragon people are descendants of ancient dragon bloodline, occupying the southeastern lands of the Northern Continent. They have even established a kingdom of half-dragons, making them a formidable force. Among these representatives, Ji Chen spotted a familiar figure. Among the ranks of the human delegation, Monica followed behind a young man. Suddenly, as if sensing something, she turned her head without any summons and spotted Ji Chen not far away. At first, she was startled, then excitedly waved at him. Chapter 700 - Chapter 700: Meeting Chapter 700: Meeting Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ignoring the young mans astonished gaze, Monica lifted her skirt and hurried over with small steps. Arriving before him, she joyfully exclaimed, Lord Ji Chen, what brings you here? I havent seen you since you left Lienhardt! Looking at the delightful face now slightly flushed from running, Ji Chen smiled gently and replied, I heard about the demon incident, so I came to see whats going on. Are you here representing Lienhardt for this meeting? Monica agreed with a slight upward curve of her eyebrows, resembling a crescent moon. Dads tied up with important stuff and couldnt make it, so he sent my brother and me to stand in for him. Its all about getting some hands- on experience and getting ready to run things here someday. Ji Chen nodded. Julius is probably still dealing with the Bass Kingdoms territorial issue, so its understandable. But I believe youll handle this meeting very well, Monica. Monica smiled shyly, her face turning even redder. At that moment, the young man approached and greeted. Lord Ji Chen, good day. Monica quickly introduced, This is my brother, Sebastian Valencia. Sebastian appeared polite and cultured, with a gracious smile on his face. He spoke with gratitude, Lord Ji Chen, thank you for helping Lienhardt defeat the Bass Kingdom and saving our mother. I was leading troops outside before and couldnt thank you in person, so I apologize. Ji Chen waved his hand dismissively. Its nothing. I simply did what I could, and I also accepted Julius reward. But Sebastian was earnest. That reward is rightfully yours, and it doesnt conflict with my gratitude. Moreover, you also saved Monica before, and she was retaliated against by the Bass Kingdom, resulting in severe damage to our territory. When I heard this news, I felt guilty as a commander, neglecting my duty. On both moral and rational grounds, I should express my gratitude to you again. After speaking, Sebastian solemnly bowed once more. Ji Chen was somewhat surprised but nodded in acceptance. Monica whispered to Ji Chens ear, My brother is always so serious and stubborn, but thats why everyone in the principality respects him and sees him as the heir to the grand duchy. Ji Chen nodded slightly. Initially, Sebastian seemed like a good candidate for grand duke. At this moment, Sebastian suddenly said, Regardless of what others think, I support your relationship with Monica. Monicas cheeks instantly turned rosy, and she retorted with embarrassment and anger, Brother, what are you saying! Sebastian froze, Monica, arent you Seeing Monica preparing to strike, he wisely closed his mouth, though he couldnt help but worry about his sister. Monicas excellence was undeniable, whether in appearance, demeanor, talents, or insight, she was one of the most outstanding women in Lienhardt. In the war between the principality and the Bass Kingdom, she demonstrated remarkable strategic foresight. It could be said that if Monica were a man, he wouldnt be the heir to the grand duchy. However, now Monicas romantic interest was Ji Chen, a epic-tier powerhouse, and such a young one at that. Did Lienhardt have epic-tier individuals? No. To his knowledge, the principality only had one legendary-tier hero, an elderly one at that, who could only hold out for about ten years at most. Regarding the heroes Ji Chen was leading at the time, there was one at the legendary tier, three at the legacy tier, and now, with the addition of a Featherfolk warrior at the legacy tier, that made a total of four at the legacy tier. At least on the surface, the high-level combat power displayed already surpassed Lienhardt by a large margin, and they were all in their prime. As the heir to the grand duchy, he couldnt help but think about marriage. If Monica could form a connection with Ji Chen, then the power of the Ocean Crown might not be directly usable by the principality, but at least it could intervene to help in certain future crises, which would be of great significance. However, the biggest problem now was that with such outstanding talents, he was somewhat worried that his sister might not be up to par. Ji Chen cleared his throat lightly and said, The meeting is about to begin. Lets go in. Sebastian temporarily set aside his thoughts and nodded. Lord Ji Chen, please. Inside the vast hall, representatives of dozens of orderly races and powers were already seated. The Elven Queen, Laphia, sat in the central seat, with representatives of powerful forces on either side. On the sides and in the distance were representatives of other smaller powers. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only In this hall, the strength of each power was clearly distinguished by their seating arrangement. The seat of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy was in the front left, in the third tier. The powers seated at the same table as Laphia were all races and kingdoms with profound heritage, originating from ancient times, and there were only two in the Northern Continent. One was the Markus Empire, the only human empire in the Northern Continent, situated in the southeast and extending its influence to the Eastern Continent. It occupied the canals and inland seas between the Northern and Eastern Continents, forming a vast empire spanning regions. Based on what players born in that region described, the Markus Empire was said to resemble the Roman Empire on Earth. Chapter 701 - Chapter 701: Meeting (2) Chapter 701: Meeting (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Another faction was Dragon Island, consisting of dragons aligned with the orderly camp. Leading them was a towering dragon woman who, aside from the horns on her head, appeared entirely human. Her power was remarkable, reaching level 68 in legend, just shy of the pinnacle at level 69. Sensing Ji Chen scrutinizing her, the dragon woman frowned and gave him a fierce glare, her eyes burning like flames. He raised an eyebrow, thinking she was quite bold. Ignoring her, Ji Chen strode to the independent seat next to the central seat, sitting beside the elf Elin, amidst the astonished gazes of many representatives. Before anyone else could speak, the dragon woman spoke up. Why can this human sit in that seat? Does he have the qualifications? It was worth noting that Elin, a highly skilled and powerful individual who had just returned, was sitting in the same row. She had achieved epic-tier strength in the Maple Empire on the Northern Continent. However, this person appeared good-looking at most and seemed quite ordinary in all respects. How could this representative from that human kingdom dare to behave so boldly? On the Lienhardt seat, Monica, seeing Ji Chen becoming the target of criticism, clenched her fists, her face showing some worry. Under the scrutiny of many eyes, Ji Chens calm demeanor actually earned him some admiration from the representatives of the human kingdom, but more were watching with amusement. At this moment, Elin, who had been silent all along, finally spoke, saying lightly, I believe Lord Ji Chen has the qualifications to sit with me. Upon hearing this, the representatives present suddenly widened their eyes. Huh!? Whats going on? The dragon woman showed a hint of incredulity, but looking at Elins expression, she quickly realized something and closed her mouth immediately. The Elf Queen, Laphia, said slowly, Lord Ji Chen is an epic-tier powerhouse and the first to discover the demons intent to invade. I also believe he has the qualifications to sit here. Now their eyes widened even more, are you kidding me? A young epic-tier powerhouse? What did he eat to grow to gain such power? As attitudes gradually changed, the gaze towards Ji Chen was no longer disdainful but rather mixed with respect and awe. The principle of strength being respected was well exemplified at this moment. Queen Laphia glanced at the quiet assembly and said solemnly, The Elf Empire has invited you all here this time to discuss the matter of the demon invasion. Feel free to speak your minds. Soon, a representative from the human kingdom spoke up, Your Majesty Laphia, is the matter of the demon invasion true? As soon as these words were spoken, many representatives nodded involuntarily, as this was exactly what they wanted to ask. If it werent for the Elf Empires personal invitation, they would have thought it was just nonsense. How could the demons imprisoned in the depths of chaos escape under the gaze of the orderly gods? Isnt this ridiculous? Laphia affirmed with unquestionable certainty, Of course, its true. As she spoke, the crystal projection in the center of the hall displayed a scene, which was the record of Ji Chen leading the team to explore the Wood Elfs mystic realm. The perspective in the projection was like that of an elf soldier, recording everything from entering the realm, seeing the desolate land, the burnt villages, the withered vegetation, to the horrifying blood sacrifice array and mountains of corpses. The sight of the pile of dead Wood Elf bodies caused a commotion in the hall. The perspective quickly advanced, finding the sole survivor among the Wood Elves, Cindia, and then continued searching, discovering more blood sacrifice array corpses and finally the core of the blood sacrifice array. The projection ended quickly, leaving behind a silent hall. After a moment, it seemed that everyone had finally recovered from the shocking scene. All those in attendance were part of the organized faction. While they often experienced friction among themselves and had observed the savage actions of certain races, they had never before witnessed the sacrifice of tens of thousands of lives on such a scale. Everyone could imagine that once those demons invaded comprehensively, it wouldnt just have been the Wood Elves who suffered. Every race and kingdom would have been involved, and countless lives would have been lost. No one wants to see the desolate land in that picture appear in their own kingdom. Queen Laphia said, Lord Ji Chen was the first to discover the demons intent to invade, and it was he who came all the way from the southern seas to inform me of this matter. All eyes in the room once again focused on Ji Chen as he slowly stood up. He stood tall like a pine tree, with outstanding temperament. Under the gaze of dozens or even hundreds of pairs of eyes, he remained calm and composed, with a peaceful heart. If he were still on Earth, facing the gaze of so many different races, he would surely feel somewhat uneasy and anxious. But having experienced so much in this world and with his increasing strength, his state of mind had also elevated, showing no signs of anxiety. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He calmly began to recount his observations of the demons within the semi-sealed mystic realm in the southern seas, as well as the demon intelligence known to the city of Lienhardt. As each piece of information was revealed, the understanding and impressions of the various forces and races towards the demons gradually became clearer. The Five Demon Lords Balzarna Corruption Demonized creatures Ji Chen looked at their suddenly enlightened expressions and shook his head quietly. If Lainekel hadnt provided him with information, he likely wouldnt have known anything about the demons. Chapter 702 - Chapter 702: Meeting (3) Chapter 702: Meeting (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation This situation, its all about sharing knowledge. Thankfully, Lainekel was saved back then. With his extensive experience in the Abyss of Chaos for hundreds of thousands of years, its safe to say that Lainekel knows more about demons than anyone else in this world. Perhaps he knew even more than some demons would. This included, but was not limited to, the composition of demon troops, their combat methods, characteristics, and breeding directions. As the saying goes, Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will win every battle. It wasnt an exaggeration to say that with this information, the odds of victory for the orderly fraction in the subsequent wars increased by at least 20%. However, aside from Laphia and Elin among the attendees, the expressions of the other representatives grew increasingly peculiar as they listened. Why are you so knowledgeable about demons? You seem to know all their weaknesses like the back of your hand. Its almost as if youve lived among demons before. Even the demons vulnerabilities have been laid bare! Monica, sitting in her seat, looked at Ji Chen talking eloquently, her demeanor confident and imposing. She couldnt help but sparkle with admiration in her eyes. This appearance made Sebastian, who was sitting beside her, shake his head. He realized his sister was hopelessly in love. Ji Chen had an attitude that was admired by many representatives. He truly had unlimited potential. Some representatives had already begun to consider whether to send their own offspring, who were excellent in appearance and behavior, to see if they could win over this young powerhouse. And those non-human races couldnt help but sigh that another brilliant talent had emerged among the human race. After Ji Chen finished speaking, he calmly sat down, while everyone was still trying to digest this information. After a moment, Laphia, who already knew this information, spoke in an excited tone, I propose that all countries and races should mobilize for war as soon as possible. The demon invasion is imminent. Only by uniting as we did hundreds of thousands of years ago can we defeat the forces of evil once again. The representative of the Mountain Giants was the first to react, saying in a deep voice, The Mountain Giants can mobilize at any time. The Markus Empire is also ready for mobilization. The representative of the burly man at the central seat said vigorously. The fairy race also agrees. The charming voice of the fairy race representative rang out. Seeing that both the Mountain Giants and the Markus Empire had responded, and the truth of the demon invasion had been confirmed, representatives of other races and kingdoms no longer hesitated, unanimously agreeing to the call. Soon, only the representative of Dragon Island had not yet made a statement. The Dragon Maiden crossed her arms, glanced at the calm and composed Ji Chen, then swept her gaze over the others in their seats, took a deep breath, and said, Since its true, and those evil things are going to come back, then the Dragon Island will also respond to the call. After her words fell silent for a moment, someone led the applause, which quickly turned into a chorus, celebrating this historic moment. Ji Chen nodded slightly. Although only the forces of the Northern Continent had reached a consensus for now, it was still a big step towards forming a united front against the demons. So, everything he had done before was not in vain. The meeting dispersed. Just as Ji Chen walked out of the gate, Monica and Sebastian approached. Wow, Lord Ji Chen, you were incredible during your speech! Monica exclaimed enthusiastically. Especially when that Dragon Maiden with the long horns questioned you, and then Queen Elin and Queen Laphia defended you. It was really impressive! Ji Chen smiled. The scene just now was a classic example of showing off and getting slapped in the face. But perhaps because of his current state of mind, he didnt feel anything special about it. Putting away his smile, he spoke with a serious tone. You must take this seriously. Go back and make comprehensive preparations under the command of Duke Julius. Ive fought the demons before and know how terrifying they can be. The danger they bring far exceeds your imagination. Sebastian solemnly replied, I will inform His Grace of everything we have seen and heard on this trip. We will definitely be vigilant and fully prepared for battle. I will also assist my brother and father in resisting the demons and protecting the people of the duchy, Monica said with some concern, but Lord Ji Chen, your territory is on the front line of the demon invasion Ji Chen smiled confidently, Do you lack confidence in me? Of course not! Monica hastened to reply, Im just worried Monicas worries were none other than Ji Chens own well-being. The Crown of the Ocean, with its excellent geographical location in the early to middle stages, had now become the first target to be attacked, just like a reef standing in the sea, destined to be hit first before the tsunami comes. If its weak, it will be crushed; if its tough enough, it will remain unscathed. However, the location where the Ocean Crown resided was also the best terrain for him and the Ocean Crowns army and heroes to display their prowess. However, the problem lay in the fact that the demons were powerful. Just the faction led by the Dreadlord Balzarna alone had millions of demons. Even with over ten thousand troops in the Crown of the Ocean, it would be difficult to fight them. Ji Chens eyes sparkled with determination. It appeared that the pivotal breakthrough had to occur within the Elven Empire. With some support, there might just be a chance Human! A shout came from afar, and Ji Chen looked up to see the Dragon Maiden from the Dragon Island walking towards them, her arms crossed. Looking at the human in front of her, Serena hesitated a bit, but still spoke in a deep voice, I was rude to you earlier and offended you. I apologize to you here. Ji Chen was somewhat surprised, but still replied, Its nothing. Serena looked at Ji Chen with some suspicion. Seeing that he didnt seem to mind much, she continued, I speak very directly. We on the Dragon Island respect the strong and only befriend the strong. You can ask me to do something that doesnt violate my principles as an apology, and then we can put this matter behind us. Ji Chen looked at Serena, who was speaking so casually, and shook his head with a smile. I havent taken it to heart, Lady Dragon Maiden Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Im Serena. Oh, Lady Serena, Im not that narrow-minded. But theres something Id like to discuss with you and Dragon Island. Serena hesitated. What is it? Well, its about engaging your services Chapter 703 - Chapter 703: Dragon Island and Gloria Chapter 703: Dragon Island and Gloria Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The position of Dragon Island was located northwest of the Elven Empire, suspended in the outer sea beyond the Northern Continent. Its power was composed of orderly fraction dragons, such as the Red Dragon lineage, Blue Dragon lineage, Gold Dragon lineage, White Dragon lineage, and several other dragon lineages, all possessing order and wisdom. As for Green Dragons, Black Dragons, and other chaotic neutral dragon lineages, they were more often the type of dragons that burn cities and plunder treasures in legendary stories, and these dragon lineages were not under the jurisdiction of Dragon Island. However, what truly astonished everyone was the dragons explosive conduct on Dragon Island, a stark departure from the majestic and formidable image typically associated with dragons. It all started a thousand years ago. When the contemporary Dragon Emperor took office a thousand years ago, the first difficult problem he faced was how to feed the hundreds of dragons on Dragon Island. The appetite of dragons was extraordinary; they could easily devour ten cows in one meal, and with a hundred dragons, that was a thousand cows per meal. The excrement piled up into mountains! Dragons were also wealthy; their long lifespans allowed them to accumulate a considerable amount of wealth. If they were to use this wealth to purchase food, it could support their daily meals. However, dragons considered wealth as important as life itself. Making them give away their own gold coins from their nests was more agonizing than killing them! If they didnt spend this money, the dragons on Dragon Island would starve, and their hearts would scatter. But if they did spend this money, their hearts would still scatter. Faced with this century-old problem, the contemporary Dragon Emperor fully utilized his subjective initiative and proposed a new idea based on assessing the worlds commercial needs. Since our dragons had long lifespans and formidable strength, crushing most of the inferior races, why not use our power to make money ourselves? At this point, a young dragon suggested, Does His Majesty mean for us to plunder human cities? The Dragon Emperor replied, Your perspective is too narrow. What era are we living in? Still resorting to these traditional methods of making money? Having done these unethical things too often, those sand-sculpting human warriors would go mad, each one wanting to be a dragon-slaying hero. The bodies would pile up on the beaches of Dragon Island! If they intended to take action, lets approach it with a wider perspective. Thus, a plan that was seen by many dragons as great, revolutionary, and comprehensive was launched. Under the proclamation of the Dragon Emperor, Dragon Island introduced a range of services including but not limited to armed guards, armed escorts, dragon knight contracts, mutual defense treaties, and one-time hiring agreements. Basically, if you pay them, theyll act on your behalf. When Ji Chen discovered the approach of Dragon Island, he almost dropped his jaw in shock. However, upon further consideration, even though this world still witnessed frequent wars and ongoing disputes among nations and races, its no longer the era when dragons reigned supreme thousands or tens of thousands of years ago. Humans, gnomes, and elves had developed means to threaten dragons, albeit at a considerable cost, and it was not impossible to resist attacks from evil dragons. As time went on, the living conditions of the dragon race gradually deteriorated. Without a stable and reliable source of wealth, as they looked at their small treasuries that hadnt changed in thousands of years, they suddenly felt itchy. So, the introduction of this plan by Dragon Island was understandable like hell it was! Ji Chen seriously suspected that the current Dragon Emperor might be some sort of time traveler, to have come up with all these things. With the implementation of this plan, the dragons had something to do during the long years. It satisfied their desires for fighting and killing, while also bringing in heaps of gold every day, without worrying about those mad dragon-slaying heroes bothering them. In the end, were just hired help; if you have any problems, take them up with our employer; its not our business. What? You cant handle our employer? Well then, my friend, maybe you should consider taking a look at the revenge services provided by Dragon Island. For Just fifteen million gold coins, we can deploy a whole dragon fleet to eliminate all your troubles and enemies with dragon flames and claws! Of course, all food expenses, accommodation expenses, possible medical expenses incurred during the process, will be borne by you! Thats about it. Anyway, it was rather magical. In any case, throughout the last millennium, whenever conflicts erupted among different kingdoms and races on the continent, they would more or less enlist dragons for warfare. Since the other side hired dragons, wouldnt I be at a disadvantage if I didnt hire any? This is a peculiar commercial system based on the strategic deterrence of dragons. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only As a result, the dragons on Dragon Island enjoyed the most prosperous period of their lives, scaring people away with their claws and teeth every day, and earning a lot of shiny gold with just a little effort. Isnt it great? Naturally, if a dragon were to spot dragons on the opposing side as well, they would need to carefully assess the situation beforehand and decide whether to engage. Otherwise, if they were to inadvertently find themselves battling against their own kin, such as distant relatives, it wouldnt bode well for familial harmony among the dragons. But to be fair, dragons still understood the importance of commercial credit. When there were no dragons on the other side, they would work very diligently. Therefore, they had maintained a good reputation all along. Dragon Island officially boasted hundreds of dragons, with at least four hundred fully grown dragons possessing combat capabilities. Each ones strength was equivalent to that of a rare-tier hero unit. Together, they formed an extremely powerful force, sufficient to have turned the tide of a large-scale battle. If Ji Chen could recruit assistance to resist demon attacks on the frontline of the Crown of the Ocean, perhaps he could delay the demons until all orderly forces were fully mobilized and ready to join the war, and then support the Crown of the Ocean on the frontline.. Chapter 704 - Chapter 704: Dragon Island and Gloria (2) Chapter 704: Dragon Island and Gloria (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Sure enough, upon hearing this, Serena hesitated for a moment. Are you looking to hire the dragons from Dragon Island? Thats right. Do you have a purpose for hiring us? Since you are already at the Epic Tier, so there shouldnt be any foolish individuals daring to provoke you, right? There are. Who? Demons. Serena paused for a moment, and Ji Chen continued, To be frank, my territory is located in the center of the Western Mid-Ocean, which is the frontline of the demon armys attack led by the Dreadlord Balzama. Serena quickly realized. I see, so youre quite unlucky. Even if you can withstand it, your territory wont, and it will probably be crushed like grass. Ji Chen twitched his mouth. This dragon maiden was certainly straightforward. Looking at Ji Chens silent response, Serena seemed to realize that what she had just said wasnt quite right. She coughed lightly and said, I understand. Since theres a business opportunity, theres no reason for us not to take it. I wonder how many dragons you want to hire? We offer services ranging from three dragons, five dragons, seven dragons, to even a whole squadron of dragons, at reasonable prices, guaranteed to satisfy you I want to hire all the dragons from your Dragon Island. What!? The legendary-tier dragon maiden widened her eyes, her expression changing. Do you know how many dragons we have on Dragon Island? At present, there are a total of four hundred and fifty-eight registered. Judging from last years average hiring price, each dragon requires an average of eight hundred and eighty thousand gold coins, and this is only for medium to low-intensity combat. Moreover, time is limited. If its a battle against demons, which pose a great threat to life, doubling or even tripling the price is normal! Are you sure you have that many gold coins? Ji Chen didnt say anything, but his indifferent expression indicated his confidence. He did have quite a bit of gold coins, with millions in his backpack and several billion temporarily stored with Lienhardt, but it was obvious that it wouldnt be enough to hire all the dragons from Dragon Island. However, he had something that Dragon Island absolutely couldnt refuse. In Serena s puzzled gaze, Ji Chen took out a map and displayed it in front of her. It had only been a second, but Serena still managed to take in the words on the map. Gloria Map. After a brief moment of thought, her face suddenly lit up, exclaiming, Gloria Ji Chen quickly covered her mouth with his hand, looked around, and said, If the secret gets out, its no longer a secret. Serenas face flushed slightly, nodding quickly and whispering, Lord Ji Chen, do you actually have the map of Gloria, the ancient elven capital? Is it real? Of course its real. Is this enough to pay for hiring? Of course its enough! The reputation of the ancient elven capital Gloria was very famous. The previous generations elven queen had even launched a grand search operation to find this city buried in the dust of history. According to ancient records, Gloria contained immeasurable wealth, with various weapons alone enough to arm a million-strong army, not to mention the invaluable lost technologies. And the key to opening this city was currently in Ji Chens hands. Serenas excitement showed on her face, Its definitely enough, and theres still a lot left. But, Lord Ji Chen, arent you afraid that the elves will come after you for trouble if you use this as the hiring fee? Ji Chens face darkened. What are you thinking? How could I possibly give the entire city to you guys? The wealth contained in the entire Gloria was immeasurable, and hiring the entire Dragon Island to serve him for a hundred years would be a breeze. The Gloria map provided such a significant fortune, yet he couldnt bypass the Elven Empire to get it. In the past, he might have had the patience and confidence to slowly uncover it, piece by piece, and eventually gather the seven treasury key fragments to secure its most valuable treasure for himself. But now Ji Chen didnt have much time left. The demons might break through the barrier of rules tomorrow or the day after, launching a full-scale invasion, and extending their claws to the Crown of the Ocean. Time was the most scarce resource now. Ji Chen needed to quickly convert the capital in his hands into resources to enhance the power of the Crown of the Ocean, making more preparations for the impending invasion. I will discuss this matter with Queen Laphia and Lady Elin, and together with them, we will find Gloria using this map and exchange it for a batch of resources. Part of these resources will serve as your hiring fee. Serena nodded in realization. That sounds reasonable. I think the elves shouldnt refuse your proposal. Ji Chen said, In that case, please return to Dragon Island as soon as possible, inform the Dragon Emperor about this matter, and dispatch the hired dragons to the Crown of the Ocean as soon as possible. Of course, as long as there is enough reward, I believe my compatriots wont refuse such a generous employer. Serena quickly set off on her return journey, and Ji Chen watched her board the carriage and gradually disappear at the end of the street, then turned and walked towards the Ancient Tree of Life. Next, it was time to deal with the elves. Back at the Ancient Tree of Life, Ji Chen and the others met Queen Laphia, who had changed out of her gorgeous court dress into portable palace attire, and Elin, who was still wearing her mage robe. Ji Chen told them about the Gloria map. The contemporary Elven Queen, whose strength was unfathomable, stood up from her chair in surprise, Are you telling the truth? Do you have the map of Gloria? Even Elin couldnt help but show a surprised look, leaning over with curiosity. Ji Chen took out the map and spread it out on the table, saying in a casual tone, I happened to obtain this map by chance. Now, with the mobilization agamst the demon invasion, I think we can use it to find this city and invest its resources into the war to increase our chances of success. Laphia and Elin didnt inquire about how Ji Chen specifically obtained the map, nor did they ask why he hadnt taken it out earlier. They didnt want to undermine the tacit understanding and relationship between the two parties. Laphia nodded. If we can obtain resources from Gloria, the Empires mobilization speed will increase significantly. Its a pity that we havent gathered all the treasury key fragments I have three here. Seeing the three scattered metal fragments on the table, Laphia and Elin couldnt help but glance at each other, their expressions changing. Not only did he obtain the map, but he also already had three treasury key fragments? Given more time, wouldnt he be able to obtain all the key fragments except for the two in the hands of their elven clan? Ji Chen said calmly, Give me some more time, and I can find the one in the possession of the dwarves and the remaining lost treasury key fragment, and I will present them along with this map to you. But I have a condition. Laphia and Elin exchanged a glance as if confirming something. Laphia said, Sir Ji Chen, please go ahead. I want a portion of the resources as compensation, including those in Gloria City and in the treasury. Having provided the map and the other treasury key fragments besides the two held by the elves, he naturally had this right. It was more like a bargain for the elves. If it werent for the fact that there was no time left to search, he wouldnt have taken such a big loss. Although finding the treasury key would take some time, the resources in Gloria City would be enough for him to pay the hiring fee for the dragons of Dragon Island. After just a brief consideration, Laphia agreed. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only I agree. Since youve brought the map and three treasury key fragments, you have the right to receive a portion of the resources and wealth. Such an attitude was for the strong. If it were anyone else proposing such conditions, it would undoubtedly be like holding a tigers whisker. Ji Chen wasnt concerned that Laphia and Elin would desire or become hostile. Strength was a significant factor, and until they entertained different thoughts, they would need to think about the severe repercussions of upsetting him. At least, the elven fleet didnt need to worry about setting sail in the Western Mid-Ocean. In terms of distributing benefits, they negotiated faster than imagined.. Chapter 705 - Chapter 705: A Million Spirit Crystals Chapter 705: A Million Spirit Crystals Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After some bargaining, both sides finally settled on the final plan. The elves would be responsible for locating Gloria and excavating resources. Thirty percent of the profits would go to Ji Chen. But this was just for Gloria City. As for the treasury within the city, its distribution would depend on the number of treasury key fragments. With at least three fragments in his possession, Ji Chen would have control over at least thirty percent of the treasury. Ji Chen was quite satisfied with this outcome. All he had to do was provide the map and key fragments, and he could sit back and enjoy a substantial income. It was quite comfortable for him. It seems weve reached a consensus, Laphia said with a hint of relief on her face. The issue of Gloria, which had troubled the Elven Empire for generations, unexpectedly took a new turn at this unexpected moment. Although thirty percent of the profits were distributed, it was still a successful transaction. Apart from the resources, what she valued most about Gloria were the racial origins of the elves contained within, as well as the various elven technologies and secrets that might offer solutions to the elves reproduction issues. As for whether she thought she was making a profit or not, that was subjective. Another task had reached its intended goal, and Ji Chens mood had improved, but there was still one thing left to do. Sigh. Both Laphia and Elin looked at Ji Chen, who sighed heavily. Laphia asked somewhat puzzled, Lord Ji Chen, we reached an agreement so quickly. Why do you seem unhappy? Elin seemed to sense something and said slowly, Could it be because of the demons? Worry creased Ji Chens face as he nodded. Exactly. The demon invasion worries me greatly. My territory is located on the front lines of the demon armys attack led by the Dreadlord Balzarna. Once they launch a full-scale assault, the Ocean Crown will undoubtedly be the first target. Elin nodded. After escaping, she stayed in the Ocean Crown for a few days and knew firsthand how dire the situation was with the demon invasion. At this moment, the Ocean Crown needs resources for development and preparation the most. But its hard to obtain a large amount of resources from Gloria or any other source in a short time. We might be powerless against the demon armys attack. Ji Chen didnt stop there; he continued, Once the Ocean Crown falls, there may be no territory or force in the Western Mid-Ocean capable of resisting the attack. By then, the Northern Continent will be in grave danger Having been empress for hundreds of years, Laphia quickly understood Ji Chens meaning. He was seeking assistance! Upon further reflection, it made sense. The Dreadlord Balzarnas attack from the sea direction aimed to quickly conquer all the territories, forces, and races on the sea and provide a springboard for the subsequent demon army to attack the Northern Continent directly. As Ji Chen had said, the Northern Continent would be bypassed entirely, directly threatened by the demon attack. No one wanted their own territory to face direct threats. What they wanted most was to keep the war contained in the Eastern and Western Continents and the Mid-Ocean, to prevent their territories from being affected by the flames of war. So, if the Crown of the Ocean could block the Dreadlord Balzarna in the central sea area of the middle ocean, it would give them more time to prepare and minimize losses. In just a few seconds, Laphia understood the interests involved. Her eyebrows relaxed, and she smiled. Lord Ji Chen, I believe we have another deal to make. The transit station between the Chaos Abyss and the main world. Central tent. The Dreadlord sat in the first seat, suppressing the anger in his heart, and said, Can someone tell me why the news about our imminent return to the main world is spreading everywhere? The demon lords on both sides had various expressions, some angry, some expressionless, some embarrassed, but none dared to respond to the question. Sostho, didnt I ask you to inform our allies to intercept the airship carrying that human lord? The demon lord called Sostho was singled out, and suddenly looked fearful, saying, Lord Balzarna, I have already informed the evil orcs to ambush on the route that the airship must pass, and dispatched five squadrons of aerial fighters, but they seem to have been completely wiped out. Sostho cursed the stupid evil orcs in his heart. Tens of thousands of years ago, evil orcs were considered one of the leading races in the evil fraction, but now they couldnt even stop an airship! Shameful! Indeed, not only elves and humans, but even the former allies of the evil fraction have become weak. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Balzarna fell silent. It seemed that he could only blame the incompetent evil orcs, but he didnt expect that even the Exile Mystic Realm couldnt kill that human lord, letting him leave safely with the ocean pixies and the featherfolk, and he didnt expect that the human lord would head straight to the elven empire, making it impossible for them to mobilize forces in time to intercept, relying only on those useless evil orcs. It was a miscalculation. A demon commander spoke up. Lord Balzarna, according to our investigation, the reason why the forces of order reached a consensus so quickly is because they discovered traces of summoning evil servants from the Undead Lord. I remember Maldonis only chose secluded mystic realms to act, and after the sacrifice, he would also let the demon hunters seal the entrance.. How could it be discovered from the outside? Chapter 706 - Chapter 706: A Million Spirit Crystals (2) Chapter 706: A Million Spirit Crystals (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation 1 Editor: Dragon Boat Translation This brings us to number 17, whose legs were transplanted from a Demon Slayer, possessing the power to open portals. Balzarnas face darkened, realizing it was that traitors doing! Who could have imagined that after diligently serving for hundreds of thousands of years, without any abnormal alchemical modifications, number 17 would suddenly regain consciousness. However, its too late for that now. Not only had number 17 regained consciousness, but he had also exposed many secrets of the demons. Now it was not just a matter of dealing with a traitor; it was about dealing with the mess he had caused, which could bring immense pressure from other demon lords and even attract the attention of supreme deities. If they couldnt swiftly break through the rule barriers and achieve strategic objectives before their mobilization was complete, even a demon lord like him would face severe criticism. With a tone that brooks no refusal, he said, Regarding the composition of our demon forces, our combat methods, characteristics of our forces, and the direction of their cultivation, almost everything has been exposed. The situation is no longer as favorable for us! According to information from our main world allies, the various orderly forces in the Northern Continent have reached a consensus and are about to mobilize comprehensively. We need to break through the rule barriers as quickly as possible, launch the war before they complete their mobilization, and achieve our strategic objectives at the fastest pace. Balzarna seemed to have thought of something, his tone becoming darker, Besides, that human lords territory is located in the central region of the Western Mid-Ocean. I want to crush it into powder at the first opportunity for attack, to avenge our grievances! Yes! On the other side, Ji Chen left the Ancient Tree of Life, feeling quite pleased. As he had expected, even if they really had to fight, the elves did not want the flames of war to spread to their homeland. At this time, he threw out the Ocean Crown to block the attack on the front line, successfully persuading Laphia to make a substantial investment. This included a large amount of resources to be paid in installments. The initial payment alone was a million units of spirit crystals, much more than he had earned before, enough to greatly strengthen the forces once again. Next, Laphia would send a well-trained elven army of five thousand troops to assist in defending the Ocean Crown against the demons. The command would be jointly controlled by him and the appointed commander, to prevent him from deliberately sending the elves to their deaths. num uciiuciaiciy acuumg inc civca iu men ucauia. Ji Chen had no objections to this. It was a good thing to have another well-trained elven army to help defend. In addition, Laphia also gave him several runes unique to the elves, such as enchanting techniques for arrows, which could enhance the power and range of alchemical cannons, and rune inscription techniques, which was a nice addition. Anyway, Ji Chen was quite satisfied. He had gained so much without spending a penny. What more could he ask for? This trip to the Northern Continent had already achieved the goals set at the time. Not only did they inform the world about the demon invasion and mobilize the orderly forces of the Northern Continent, but they also received assistance. This journey could be considered a success. However, before leaving, he still needed to find that merchant from the Southern Continent, Ari. Just now, Laphia told him that they had already obtained information about Ari. After leaving the Maple Principality, Ari did not stop but instead boarded a ship to the Silvermoon Holy City. But he encountered a maritime disaster on the way, although he did not lose his life, he lost all his wealth, and most of his servants died. According to the investigation, Ari is now in a coastal city on the eastern border of the Elven Empire. Before returning to his territory, Ji Chen first flew to this city on a Sea Crystal Wyrm. With the pass given by Laphia in advance, the noble elves of this city soon led him to a restaurant, where he found Ari serving tea. When this well-dressed merchant Ari saw Ji Chen, tears welled up in his eyes and flowed uncontrollably. Lord Ji Chen! What are you doing here!? Ji Chen looked at him, noting the signs of his struggles in society, and shook his head. Sir Ari, didnt you say you were heading to Silvermoon City? Why are you lingering here? Ah? Lord Ji Chen, how did you know? Ari looked surprised at first, but then glanced at the nearby elven nobles and quickly understood that they had investigated his background. Ari set down the plate in his hand and wiped away the tears from his eyes. The elves said I didnt have a permit and that I wasnt a merchant, so they wouldnt allow me to enter the inland. I could only stay here temporarily, earning my passage fees by serving tea and water Ji Chen couldnt help but sigh. But why do you insist on going to the Silvermoon City? I Ari hesitated for a moment but still replied, I am actually a prince of the Kingdom of Ugisai. Lord, you are aware of the situation in the Southern Continent. My homeland is facing the threat of the expanding desert, with oases shrinking. So, I came to the Elven Empire to find a way to halt the deserts expansion. Who knew I would encounter a shipwreck on the way Ji Chen wasnt particularly surprised; he had sensed that Aris identity was unusual from the beginning. He didn t ask further and simply said, Sir Ari, there is something more urgent than the desert expansion now, something that concerns the safety of the entire Southern Continent. Ari saw the seriousness on Ji Chens face and was taken aback. What is it? I need you to immediately follow the route along the southern sea and return to the Southern Continent. Inform your homeland and other desert nations that demons are about to invade. Their first target of invasion will be the Southern Continent. Demons? Ive heard some elves mentioning it while I was serving dishes these days In simple terms, they are an extremely evil race that caused a war tens of thousands of years ago, leading to the devastation of the entire world According to the intelligence weve received, the demons first invasion target is the Southern Continent, where they plan to establish their foothold. Aris face paled. Although he only heard rumors and didnt fully understand demons, he could sense the seriousness in Ji Chens tone, which made him nervous. Then, why arent the Elven Empire and other human kingdoms and orderly races providing support? We need time to mobilize soldiers and gather resources. Its difficult to provide immediate support, so you need to hurry back to remind them and ensure they are prepared in advance. To Ari, the distinction between halting the deserts expansion and the threat of demons was clear. He immediately asked, Alright! When do we leave? As soon as youre ready to depart. Then please wait for me a moment!! Ari nodded and, under the bewildered gazes of the others, removed his waiter uniform and rushed into the kitchen. Soon, he emerged with three or four humans, who looked confused and held utensils such as ladles and dishwashing gloves in their hands. Its urgent Lord Ji Chen, these are my servants. Can I take them with us? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen nodded slightly, wasting no time. He led them out of the restaurant, boarded the Sea Crystal Wyrm, and soared into the sky. They first returned to the Silvermoon City, where they joined forces with the elven army, before boarding a ship bound for the Crown of the Ocean. They traveled downstream along the river connecting the ocean with the Silvermoon City and eventually reached the sea in the heart of the ocean, heading towards the Crown of the Ocean. Accompanying them were twelve elven warships, tasked not only with transporting soldiers but also with establishing a trade route between the Crown of the Ocean and the Maple Forest Kingdom, continuously delivering resources to the New Moon Islands. The war between the Crown of the Ocean and the demons had already begun at this moment. Whoever could mobilize and prepare faster would gain an advantage in the subsequent war. On their journey back, Ji Chen opened the communication channel and informed all the players about the demon invasion.. Chapter 707 - Chapter 707: All Tier 6 Players Chapter 707: All Tier 6 Players Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In fact, players were quite well-informed. When representatives from various countries gathered towards the Elven Silvermoon Holy City, they had already pieced together the clues through various channels and methods and roughly figured out the situation. But compared to Ji Chen, who was at the center of the events, what they knew was still not the most comprehensive. Ji Chen opened the forum and began writing the latest post after several months. Dear players, I am the Islander, also known as Ji Chen. Some people already know my identity, but some still do not, but that doesnt matter much anymore. In a journey to the southern seas of the Western-Mid Ocean a month ago, I inadvertently discovered demons in a semi-enclosed sea area The post recorded the actions from the discovery of the demonic invasion, returning to the territory, going to the Northern Continent by airship, arriving at the Elven Silvermoon Holy City, persuading Laphia to convene various kingdoms and forces, and a series of actions similar to those discussed at the meeting, reflecting the results of the events truthfully. it can be said that the demonic invasion has become a fact. Please do not treat this evil race with any luck or contempt. They once started a war tens of thousands of years ago, causing devastation to this world, with only one in ten surviving. Their brutality far exceeds our imagination. Once we let our guard down, the consequences will be like the Wood Elves, who became sacrifices. During this time, everyone must develop their strength as much as possible and be adequately prepared for the impending anti-aggression war. Finally, I wish you all the best of luck in battle! After finishing the post, Ji Chen sent it out. At the same time, tens of thousands of players suddenly received a reminder in the background. They put down their work and clicked curiously, only to find that it was a post notification from the Islander. It had been several months since the Islander last posted. At that time, countless players were still exploring this world, especially players in the Western-Mid Ocean region, who were still confused about this world. The Islander posted a series of survival and strategy guides, greatly assisting these players who had no survival experience and did not know how to manage their territories, helping them through the initial difficult times. This was when the Islander gained his initial reputation. Therefore, even though he had not posted for several months, many people still added the Islander to their notification list, paying attention to whether he would post anything valuable again. As the players clicked on it, they were surprised to see the post title Regarding the Demon Invasion, and when they read the first line of the post content, they were even more shocked. What the heck! The Islander is Ji Chen? The Islanders identity was mostly known in chat rooms, forums, and around the Maple Principality, while Ji Chens identity was spread among players in Lienhardt, the Bass Kingdom, and other regions along the northwest coast of the Central Ocean. These two identities were essentially separate and unrelated. But they both had one thing in commonextremely powerful strength. The former had high prestige and demonstrated strong power in multiple events and activities. The latter was hunted by numerous bounty players during the early stages of the two-country war and repeatedly defeated the Bass Kingdom, demonstrating his strength with solid achievements. Many players had compared the Islander and Ji Chen, speculating who would win if they faced each other. This topic had sparked quite a debate, but Ji Chen was too busy with things at the time to notice. And now, telling them that the two were the same person? Was this some kind of joke? But the players were soon drawn in by the following content. After reading the post, everyones expressions changed compared to before. Solemn, bewildered, panicked, fearful Demon invasion? You mean that evil race from the God War tens of thousands of years ago? How come I remember demons being suppressed in the Abyss of Chaos? How can they come out again? Where are the orderly gods? Help us! Damn it, I knew there was something unusual about the bustling activity in front of the Elven Silvermoon Holy City a few days ago. Gathering so many orderly races, it turns out they were discussing this matter. I feel like this world is doomed. I knew this damn world wouldnt stay peaceful for long From now on, Im going all out to buy resources and strengthen my military power! Through the exchange and communication of information among players, the authenticity of the content in Ji Chens post was quickly confirmed, and they immediately began to prepare for war. Exactly how strong are the players? This was a difficult question to fully comprehend. Perhaps only the beings who brought players into this world could fully understand. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only However, Ji Chen knew that players were a tremendous force that could be leveraged. After months, approaching a year of development, the strength of players had increased manifold. Now, most players units were around Tier Four, with some particularly strong ones even possessing Tier Five units, numbering in the hundreds to thousands. Initially, it appeared that players strength couldnt compare to that of demons. After all, even the demon-infected servants had Tier Four strengths while demons themselves were Tier Five, not to mention other evil races like the evil orcs. However, this data definitely ignored the sheer number of players. Initially, one billion players entered this world. After some time, its estimated that roughly five hundred million remained, not counting the conservative estimate of two hundred and fifty million lord players who lost their territories. Chapter 708 - Chapter 708: All Tier 6 Players (2) Chapter 708: All Tier 6 Players (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Each player was assigned a thousand units of troops, totaling an astonishing two and a half billion units altogether? Who could argue that this isnt a force with the potential to make a significant impact on the world? And this estimate is likely on the low end. In times of dire need, like during a demon Invasion, this loosely organized forte would rally together and unleash even greater power than expected. The decision to share this information was driven by this belief and optimism. At the end of the post, Ji Chen also put forward his own suggestion. Based on my encounter with evil orcs who attacked me unprovoked while sending news to the Elven Silvermoon City, I have reason to believe that the demons have secretly notified the evil alliances of the ancient war of gods tens of thousands of years ago, including evil orcs, gnomes, goblins, trolls, and other evil races, to launch a war simultaneously with the demon invasion. Therefore, I propose that, considering your own strength, everyone can participate in the extermination plans issued by various orderly forces and races, clear out the lurking evil races in advance, and eliminate hidden dangers for the upcoming war. During a prior meeting, H Chen put forward this idea, which was unanimously accepted by all the organized forces present. The wicked orcs were forced into the desolate mountains, dungeon-dwelling races were subdued in the depths of the underground realm, and trolls were pushed towards the distant northern regions. These areas were scattered among different organized forces and positioned close to the frontlines. Allowing them to stir trouble during the demon invasion or when the rear was unprotected would result in dire consequences. So it was better to act first, kill them all first, and then concentrate their forces to deal with the demons. On this day, when the orderly forces were preparing to gather troops to attack the evil races, they suddenly found a bunch of glory lords coming, saying they wanted to help deal with those evil races. Based on their stereotypical impressions, they initially thought of rejecting them, but upon closer inspection, it seemed that these glory lords strength wasnt weak at all? Although their tier was not as high as their main forces, each person had at least a military unit of a thousand troops, and among them were many units of several thousand troops or even tens of thousands. Their hearts were suddenly shocked. When did these glory lords become so much stronger!? The elfs ship speed was very fast. Through unique plant cultivation techniques that created streamlined hulls and inscribed runic technologies, the ship was very light, sailing more than thirty percent faster than ordinary steel warships. In just two days, it traveled downstream from Silvermoon City to the river mouth and then spent another two days crossing the vast ocean to reach the New Moon Islands. Ji Chens return was warmly welcomed by the residents of the Crown of the Ocean. They had already learned about the impending demon invasion, but not one of them proposed to leave. Instead, they vowed to defend their hard-won homeland to the death. The morale was extremely high, causing even the supporting elven army to take notice. Ji Chen first instructed Wilus, who arrived first, to provide living quarters for the elven army and settle them in, and then opened the military talent tree. Currently, the main tier distribution of the Crown of the Oceans troops is between Tier Five and Tier Six. Apart from the Sea Crystal Wyrm, Heavy Armor Toothfish Knights, Lobster Nymph Spirit Archers, and Leviathan Dragon, which are the four Tier Six units, the rest are all Tier Five units. The one million units of spirit crystals obtained from Queen Laphia of the Elves this time will mainly strengthen the Tier Five units. According to the convention, the recruitment quotas accumulated over these days were used up. A total of four weeks worth of recruitment times were saved. Crab Guardians (15402100) Naga Guardians (25103070) Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs (25103070) Dragon Horn Catfish (14001960) Sea Crystal Wyrms (150350) Heavy Armor Toothfish Knights (50250) Lobster Nymph Spirit Archers (100400) Leviathan Dragons (60300) The recruitment of these eight units consumed a total of 3.108 million units of rare resources and 20,000 units of spirit crystals. After fixing the BUG in Kawans recruitment and advancement of units, Ji Chen opened the military talent tree and quickly determined the strengthened units. Consuming 220,000 units of spirit crystals, Dragon Hom Catfish (Tier Five, 4 stars) Dragon Horn Beast (Tier Six, 5 stars). Consuming 180,000 units of spirit crystals, Naga Guardians (Tier Five, 3 stars) Naga Iron Colossus (Tier Six, 4 stars). Both enhancements directly promoted Tier Five units to Tier Six, skipping a major tier. The enhanced Dragon Horn Catfish transformed into the Dragon Horn Beast. Its original fish-headed humanoid form evolved towards a more beast-like direction, with its hands and feet transformed into four three-clawed dragon claws, suspended with red lightning underneath, its body elongated, its fish tail turned into a dragon tail, and its head became angular, somewhat resembling the appearance of an eastern dragon. The Naga Iron Colossus seemed to evolve towards enhanced defensive capabilities. Its scales were woven together in orderly rows, like an airtight armor, yet despite its heavy body, it evolved a pair of large fleshy wmgs, evidently possessing the ability to fly. Not to mention anything else, just the appearance became extremely outstanding, a figure that one dare not provoke at first glance. Skipping a major tier, the combat power increased by tens of times, even demons could easily be killed. Ji Chen nodded in satisfaction, the expenditure of 400,000 units of spirit crystals was worth it! Besides these two units, there was one more unit that needed to be upgraded. He casually flipped to the interface of the Blue Dragon Blood Murloc. [Blue Dragon Blood Murloc] [To advance to Tier Six, 8 stars, it requires 350,000 units of spirit crystals and 10,000 units of dragon blood] [Detected the presence of Ocean Dragon blood. Recommended advancement direction: Ocean Blood Dragon] Previously, he stumbled upon an Ocean Dragon nest and collected two hundred Ocean Dragons, with over ten thousand units of dragon blood. It was just enough to use for the enhancement of the Blue Dragon Blood Murloc. Without hesitation, Ji Chen immediately started the advancement. Consuming 350,000 units of spirit crystals, 10,000 units of Ocean Dragon blood, Blue Dragon Blood Murloc (Tier Five, 9 stars) C Ocean Blood Dragon (Tier Six, 8 stars). More than three thousand Blue Dragon Blood Murlocs were enveloped in beams of light, their bodies gradually expanding, undergoing a tremendous transformation, emitting a strong dragons might. Successfully advancing to Tier Six units, originally just like muddy fish-men, after multiple advancements and enhancements, they finally evolved into dragon descendants, completely possessing the appearance of dragons. What appeared in front of him were Western dragons, about ten meters long with wings on their backs. They resembled Ocean Dragons but were more majestic, with orderly dragon scales and veins of blue blood flowing like branches and leaves under their scales, beautiful like artwork. Watching this unit grow to this level all the way, Ji Chen couldnt help but feel emotional. He had managed to pull a garbage unit that no player had faith in up to Tier Six level, the contrast before and after was so stark that even its mother wouldnt recognize it. The ocean Blood Dragon once again became the most powerful unit in the Ocean Crown, surpassing the Dragon Hom Fish-Beast and creating a significant gap with the Sea Crystal Wyrm. A total of 750,000 units of spirit crystals were spent to enhance three Tier Five units to Tier Six. Except for the Crab Guards, all other main units reached Tier Six, completing the formation of combat power! Ji Chen looked at this magnificent new army in front of him, feeling satisfied. Take to the skies! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Three thousand-strong squads of Ocean Blood Dragons, three thousand-strong squads of Naga Iron Colossus, and two thousand-strong squads of Dragon Hom Fish-Beasts immediately flapped their wings, driving the lightning under their claws, and soared into the sky one after another. For a moment, the entire Ocean Crown was filled with their flying figures, roaring incessantly, and the majestic dragons might permeated the entire sky. The newly stationed elven army looked up at this scene, exchanging looks of astonishment. In this human territory, there were so many high-tier units! With such a dense roar, the avian race thought there was an enemy attack, so they flew over in flocks. The elves were even more surprised. There were still so many avian races here? How did this human lord manage to subdue so many races? Although they didnt understand this, they felt much more confident in facing the demons. Chapter 709 - Chapter 709: Legendary Siren, Construction of Engineering Equipment Chapter 709: Legendary Siren, Construction of Engineering Equipment Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After roughly a month had passed, there had been significant progress in the various projects of the Crown of the Ocean. The 7-star building, Hero Fountain, had long been completed. It covered the entire territory with a BUFF that increased the chance of hero births. In just half a month, the Crown of the Ocean had already produced two hero units. Although they were only of white common-tier, it was enough to demonstrate the power of this building. The wonder building, Heraklion Temple, had made considerable progress, reaching about 60% completion. The main structure had slowly taken shape. This was a temple building towering tens of meters high, occupying tens of thousands of square meters of land. Though not yet fully completed, its grandeur was already evident. As for the spell tower mounted on the giant turtles back, its outline was already visible. The spiral tower-like structure stood atop the island-like turtle shell, surrounded by a large number of arrow towers, spell towers, cannons, and even barracks accommodating troops. This mobile strategic platform, akin to an aircraft carrier, would become an important means of defense against demon invasions in the future. The first batch of rare resources, totaling five million units, purchased by Lienhardt using funds from the Bass Kingdom treasury, had already been delivered. During this time, the Crown of the Ocean had sold specialty goods, totaling one million six hundred thousand units of rare resources. Among them, three hundred thousand units were wine, with the rest being fluorescent mushrooms, ores, and other products. This total income of 6.6 million units of rare resources was enough to replenish the resources consumed in the previous round of recruiting troops. Although it was not enough to upgrade Anina, who had absorbed the dragon whale bloodline, to epic-tier, it could allow Alice to advance from the legacy level to the legendary level. Ji Chen took out the epic-tier potential template of the Siren hero Theresa obtained from the 7-star instance: Battle of Panas. Originally, he had planned to find another Siren at some point in time and use this template to add another hero of epic-tier potential to the Crown of the Ocean. But now, as the crisis approached, there was no time to spare, and he directly applied it to Alice. Summoning Alice over, he informed her of the matter. Thank you for your kindness, my lord! Alices expression was quite excited. Previously, she witnessed her colleagues advance to higher tiers. Although she showed no outward signs, she couldnt help but feel anxious inside. Ji Chen nodded, his mind moved slightly, and the template took effect directly. Ding~ The epic-tier potential template of Siren hero Theresa has been used. The potential of Siren hero Alice has been raised to the epic tier. Perhaps it was because the potential template of Theresa, the former ruler of a marine kingdom, had been used, but Alice now exuded a few more degrees of majesty and nobility as an upper-class person. Coupled with her already stunning appearance, she seemed like a divine maiden from the sacred and inviolable heavens. The constraints on the potential ceiling had been lifted, and the advancement conditions for Alice on the military talent tree had also changed simultaneously. [Siren Hero Alice (Red-Legacy Tier ?Orange-Legendary Tier) requires 2.5 million units of rare resources] Previously, it required a daunting 4.5 million units of rare resources, but now it only required 2.5 million units, a direct reduction of 2 million. However, this amount of resources that had once been daunting was now easily obtainable. Without hesitation, Ji Chen immediately advanced Alice. Consuming 2.5 million units of rare resources, Siren Hero Alice (Legacy Tier) advances to the Legendary Tier. The beam of light gradually disappeared, revealing Alices figure. A powerful aura belonging to a legendary-tier powerhouse spread throughout the Crown of the Ocean like the ebb and flow of the tide. The fourth legendary-tier hero of the Crown of the Ocean was born. As if in response, powerful auras emanated from various places in the Crown of the Ocean. Epic tier Legendary tier Legacy tier Like colorful rays of light, they competed to illuminate this small territory. The elven soldiers and merchants stationed here, who had recently witnessed the spectacle of ten thousand dragons flying, were utterly astonished by the immense power emanating from all directions. Under this powerful aura, every soul felt shaken and moved. In the underground lizardman world, as if sensing the commotion on the surface, Thotmudo, who was engrossed in studying alchemical apparatus, looked up at the ceiling of the workshop. He muttered quietly, This lad, why do all his heroes grow so fast? Could this also be the blessing of the gods? The apprentice craftsmen nearby raised their heads in confusion. Sir Thotmudo, what are you talking about? Thotmudo furrowed his brow, glaring with bulging eyes and berating, Continue forging your weapons! After all this time, you still havent mastered the intermediate forging techniques of the dwarves. Ive lived for so many years, but Ive never seen apprentices with such poor talent like you! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The demons are about to attack, when will you be able to forge weapons and equipment comparable to those produced by Black Iron Fortress!? These apprentices from various races, who were much taller than dwarves, immediately cowered like ostriches, shrinking their necks. They continued to hammer the sword blanks on the anvil, one after another. The crisp sound of hammering echoed throughout the workshop. Seeing this, Thotmudos expression softened somewhat. Although these apprentices were not as talented, they were diligent and could still be taught. If given a few more years, he could definitely train a group of craftsmen capable of forging high-quality weapons and equipment. With these weapons and equipment, he could exchange for a large amount of resources to nurture the rapid development of the Crown of the Ocean. However, the demon invasion interrupted his plans and thoughts. Chapter 710 - Chapter 710: Legendary Siren, Construction of Engineering Equipment (2) Chapter 710: Legendary Siren, Construction of Engineering Equipment (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Now might be the time to forge some high-level equipment for that lad, to help him safely navigate through this crisis, the legendary dwarf craftsman resolved quietly. Figure out how to forge it yourselves, and tell your lord that I have matters to attend to and not to disturb me! With that, Thotmudo left without another word, leaving the apprentices bewildered. ? ? With the demons closing in, everything needed to be expedited. On the second day of Ji Chens return, a series of construction projects were promptly announced, including but not limited to the construction of coastal walls, coastal defense structures, anti-aircraft installations, and underground refuge tunnels. He aimed to fortify the entire territory like a hedgehog, armed to the teeth. However, besides basic resources, these projects required a plethora of complex auxiliary materials, which would have to be procured through the merchants. On the day the projects were announced, Ji Chen convened the merchants who were staying on the island. Port Shipmasters Guild. In a room designated for meetings, the disheveled Lein was escorted in by a maid. Several merchants, who had come from places like Lienhardt and the Maple Principality for trade or transit, were already waiting inside. An overweight merchant familiar with him greeted Lein as he entered. Sir Lein, were you also invited by Ji Chen? Yes, I was informed as soon as I disembarked. Lein glanced around. What could Lord Ji Chen possibly want with us? The stout merchant pondered, Its probably related to the demon invasion. Demon invasion? As an informed merchant, he had long heard about the impending return of those fiends sealed in the depths of the abyss. Sigh, ever since this news came out, business has been tough, the stout merchant lamented. Lein nodded knowingly. Ever since the news spread from the Elven Empire, the most sensitive aspect had been the prices of various commodities on the continent, all skyrocketing. Businesses that used to yield decent profits were now impossible to conduct. So, he had come to the New Moon Islands again to try his luck and see if he could find some goods that were still profitable. But it seemed he wasnt the only one with that idea. The number of merchants he saw here was several times more than the last time he visited, and many of them were big traders! The invasion was imminent, but it didnt seem to hinder their business dealings before it happened. I hope this trip yields some goods. Itd be a waste otherwise, Lein thought to himself, only to hear the stout merchant suddenly exclaim, Ji Chen is here! Lienhardt snapped to attention and turned to see Ji Chen entering the room, exuding an imposing aura like a vast ocean. Lord Ji Chen, good day! The merchants in the room promptly approached, respectfully bowing as they greeted him. Lein also dared not be negligent and quickly bowed as well. Ever since Ji Chen attended the meeting of various orderly factions in the Elven Silvermoon Holy City, his reputation had spread along with the news of the demon invasion. Countless natives only now realized that this Lord of Glory, who had arrived in this world less than a year ago, had already reached the Epic tier in strength. What exactly did Epic tier signify? It was like overturning mountains and seas with a mere flip of the hand. Even kingdom-level powers didnt possess Epic tier strength; only those deeply rooted, millennium-old major powers could possibly have it. For example, the once-prosperous Elven Empire openly boasted two Epic tier powerhouses, and the Dragon Island armed to the teeth also had two. This perfectly illustrated the value of the Epic tier. Epic tier experts also had their own areas of expertise. For instance, the contemporary Elven Empress was renowned for her unparalleled archery skills. The arrows she fired contained the rule of unerring accuracy. The only time she displayed her power was when she personally led the army to subdue the Polar Trolls. With a single arrow, she killed the Troll Chieftain, leading to the rapid dispersal of the Troll tribe and an effortless victory in the war. On Dragon Island, there was a Dragon Elder whose age had reached tens of thousands of years. With a single punch, he could shatter a small hill, and in his true dragon form, a breath could scorch mountains and boil seas. And this young Glory Lord, who was so young as to be extreme, was probably proficient in the field of the ocean and water. This information was laid out on the table for all major powerful beings on the second day of Ji Chens appearance at the meeting. However, what troubled these powerful beings was that there was little information about him. This Glory Lord seemed to rarely take action in front of outsiders, and most who had seen him act had already perished. Currently, the only known ability was the power to stir up giant waves. The domain of the Ocean Crown, his territory, boasted a high-end army no less inferior to kingdom-level powers. But what gave them some relief was that the position of the Ocean Crown happened to lie on the path of attack by the demon army led by the Dreadlord Balzarna. It was thought that Ji Chen, whose strength leaned towards the ocean and water, could delay the demon army along this route, allowing them time to prepare. Clearing his mind, Lein quickly said, Lord Ji Chen, good day. He would have to show even more respect to Ji Chen after learning he was an epic-tier powerhouse. Ji Chen remained composed, but he glanced at Lienhardt, recognizing him. Sir Lein, did you just disembark? Lienhardt nodded hastily. Yes, as soon as I got off the ship, the port staff told me about your invitation to all the merchants, so I didnt even have time to change my clothes. No matter, I invited you all here this time because I need your help. Seeing the attention of the other merchants drawn to them, Ji Chen didnt beat around the bush. You should have heard about the impending demon invasion. The merchants nodded. We are already aware. Very well, Ill get straight to the point. The Ocean Crown and the position of the New Moon Islands are right on the path of the demon army led by the Dreadlord Balzarna. This means this area will face a direct assault from the demon army. To buy more time for the various orderly factions of the Northern Continent, I will initiate a series of construction projects to defend against the demon invasion. However, time is of the essence, and we need your help with materials. Upon hearing this, the merchants eyes lit up, eager to seize the lucrative business opportunity. Ji Chen glanced at the merchants, each with a different expression, and continued, If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Soon, a merchant raised his hand. Lord Ji Chen, may we handle all the construction materials? Yes, thats correct. I plan to build a sturdy and tall ring-shaped island wall. In addition to requiring a large quantity of stone, we also need to construct arrow towers, artillery platforms, and other facilities, as well as the energy cores and special materials needed for weaponry. All of these will be entrusted to you. The merchants face brightened at this, indicating he might be involved in businesses related to energy cores. After answering several questions, Ji Chen thought to delegate further inquiries to Wilus, but he noticed that a merchant named Lein raised his hand. After some consideration, he decided to answer the last question. Sir Lein, what would you like to ask? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Lein, pleasantly surprised by the attention, said, Lord Ji Chen, besides these, do you need architectural blueprints? Ive previously acquired a batch of blueprints for offensive defense structures like arrow towers. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow. Certainly, as long as the quality is good, Ill take as many as you have. Using architectural blueprints was a quicker method compared to direct construction. The time required using blueprints was only a fraction, even as little as one hundredth, of regular construction time. For the Ocean Crown, which needed time the most, this was a good choice. With a positive response, Liens spirits soared. Indeed, this place was a goldmine for him, and he quickly sold off what he had to offer. Ji Chen entrusted this matter to the arriving Wilus; he had more important tasks to attend to. Chapter 713 - Chapter 713: Two Months Chapter 713: Two Months Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation It was already dusk by the time Xhakas had the chance to meet Ji Chen. The orange glow of the setting sun slanted through the arched windows of the castle, casting its light on Xhakass anxious face. Feeling the silent gaze of Ji Chen while sitting on the throne, Xhakas couldnt help but break out in a cold sweat, his hands and feet trembling uncontrollably. On the way to the New Moon Islands, he had been thinking about how to present his achievements to the lord in order to showcase his contributions to the Starlight Islands. But now, under the scrutinizing gaze that felt almost divine, his mind was blank, overwhelmed by a fear he couldnt suppress, like a mouse facing a cat. Xhakas shouted inwardly, wondering why he was afraid when he hadnt done anything against the interests of this lord!? But for some reason, he felt a sense of guilt, as if those eyes could see right through him. Ji Chen leaned his cheek on his hand and spoke casually. Xhakas, how has the development of the Starlight Islands been recently? Xhakas wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and replied in as ordinary a tone as possible, Everything is fine. The Starlight Archipelago has now recovered its prosperity from before the sea beast tide. There are also more merchants coming from the Western Continent. The various repair and reconstruction plans you ordered have also been completed with the help of those honored lords. The slums of Starlight City have been replaced by clean houses as per your instructions, and land has been allocated to residents How come I heard that you seem to have withheld some of the rewards for the Lords of Glory and secretly seized a lot of land originally allocated to the poor, even secretly taking funds that should have been used for engineering repairs? Xhakass heart skipped a beat, and his back felt cold. How did he know about these things? He had hidden them so well! Seeing the subtle changes in Xhakass expression, Ji Chen sneered, Do you think that just because I am thousands of miles away, I wouldnt know what happened in the Starlight Islands? I know about everything youve done! Xhakass legs went weak, and he knelt on the ground, crying out for mercy, Lord, it was a moment of foolishness on my part, blinded by those riches. Please forgive me and give me a chance to redeem myself! Ji Chens face darkened, and he felt some anger in his heart. When he subdued Xhakas before, he still had some doubts, so he sent Sonia over to supervise him in the name of protection, secretly observing whether Xhakas and his men still harbored rebellious thoughts. However, she never uncovered any wrongdoing on Xhakass part, as he diligently followed through with his tasks. Eventually, due to the Lord of the Waves affair, Ji Chen allowed Sonia to return. Then, shortly after Soniya left, Xhakas revealed his true colors. According to the complaints and criticisms of players on chat channels and forums, and after sending people to investigate, it was discovered that a leopard couldnt change its spots. In the past, with many nobles and parliamentarians restraining and checking each other, although the development of the Starlight Islands was not rapid, it was relatively stable, barely maintaining a balance of interests. But since Ji Chen broke this situation, Xhakas, who surrendered first, became like a wild dog without a leash after there was no supervision, maintaining a facade of loyalty on the surface but secretly engaging in plunder and exploitation once again. Damn it, he even dared to use his name to secretly withhold the rewards meant for players! The players of the Starlight Islands feared his identity and could only quietly swallow this loss, but recently, some players posted accusations about this matter. As Xhakas begged for mercy on his knees, Ji Chens eyes grew colder and colder. The master-servant contract could only ensure non-rebellion but couldnt guarantee integrity and effectiveness. The human heart is always hard to control. Lord, even if I havent contributed, Ive certainly toiled. I promise there wont be such incidents again. After I return, I will give all those rewards to the Lords of Glory and return the land to the residents! Xhakas seemed to realize his fate, pleading with snot and tears streaming down his face, far from his previous dignified appearance. Ji Chen remained indifferent, saying in a flat tone, I already gave you a chance back then. Herman, Kieran, come out. Yes! From the side door, Herman and Kieran, the only two nobles and parliamentarians who survived besides Xhakas, walked out. Xhakas, kneeling on the ground, turned his head in disbelief, showing an incredulous expression. How could these two appear here? But he quickly realized. Damn it! Theyre here to replace me! Sure enough, Ji Chen spoke slowly. You two will take over Xhakass work from now on. Dont disappoint me. Yes! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The two of them saluted with utmost respect, feeling extremely excited. This was like a pie falling from the sky. They never thought they would have the opportunity to climb to the pinnacle of power in the Starlight Islands. Back then, when Xhakas pleaded for them, they thought he was a clever person. Who would have known that as soon as Lady Sonia left, Xhakas instantly showed his true colors, thinking he could secretly seize benefits and rapidly expand his ambitions? Little did they know that Lord Ji Chen had long been aware of all this transpiring in the shadows, watching him gradually descend into the abyss. Seeing Xhakas in his current miserable state, Kieran and Herman also felt relieved that they had always stayed out of trouble, diligently and honestly doing their work. Otherwise, they might have been kneeling on the ground now, repenting for their sins as well. Chapter 714 - Chapter 714: Two Months (2) Chapter 714: Two Months (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation However, what made them feel somewhat uneasy was that compared to the last time, the Lord of Glory now exuded even more authority and superiority, leaving them feeling as if their every thought was laid bare. As Ji Chens strength and insight grew, he found his eyes becoming sharper and more perceptive. It was easy for him to discern the thoughts and intentions of others, quickly understanding the minds of Herman and Kieran. With a commanding tone, he tapped his index finger on the armrest. I will send someone to assist in managing the affairs of the Starshine Islands. You must cooperate fully in carrying out your work. If I find incidents like Xhakass happening again, you should be aware of the consequences. Herman and Kieran were immediately shaken, responding with trepidation. Ji Chen nodded slightly. He didnt mind having ambitious subordinates, as long as they fully implemented his will. Otherwise, having the ability alone was futile. Amidst cries and pleas, Xhakas was dragged away by soldiers, awaiting the dark fate of a life spent in the lightless mines, alongside those who had once violated the Ocean Crown. You must have heard about the demonic invasion, right? Herman and Kieran nodded, with Kieran hesitantly asking, My lord, is it true? Are those ghastly things really about to sweep in? Of course its true. Im one of the discoverers. Ji Chen gave a definite answer, his tone becoming more serious. Once the demons invade, the Ocean Crown will become their primary point of attack in the Western Mid-Ocean. If the Ocean Crown falls, there will be no islands or forces in the Western Mid-Ocean capable of stopping the demons, including the Starshine Islands. Do you understand? Herman and Kierans spirits lifted, exchanging glances and promptly saluting, Please command as you wish. We will fully execute your orders. Leaving aside other matters, these indigenous nobles had quite sensitive instincts, knowing exactly what he meant. I want you to output resources to the Ocean Crown as much as possible in the coming time. Ji Chen paused before continuing. In addition, I want you to quickly send a fleet to the Western Continent and dispatch people to the KKels Mountain Range to persuade the dwarven tribes living there to come to the Ocean Crown. They were puzzled. Dwarves? Ji Chen glanced at them and continued, Tell them its the dwarven blacksmith Thotmudo who sent them. Though they didnt quite understand these instructions, Herman and Kieran still remembered his instruction, nodding in agreement. We will arrange this as soon as we return. With Ji Chens orders, Herman and Kieran returned to the Starshine Islands the next morning, accompanied by Raymond, who had returned from the Maple Principality a few days earlier. As one of the early members of the Ocean Crown, Raymonds loyalty and abilities had already been recognized over time, making him capable of managing the affairs of the Starshine Islands. Once the engineering repair plan was announced, the entire New Moon Islands began bustling with activity. Large quantities of resources were transported from the warehouses to various locations on the islands. The construction scope of the islands circular wall was planned, starting from the cliffs in the southeast of the main island, extending along the southern beaches and stretching northwest towards the giant tree forest. This was currently the largest construction project, and once completed, the main island would have a continuous wall tens of kilometers long and ten meters thick. In addition to the main wall, a batch of defense-building blueprints purchased from the merchant Lain were also put into use. The positions for arrow towers, spell towers, and cannon platforms had been cleared behind the wall. The residents of the Ocean Crown were all enthusiastically constructing these defensive structures. Perhaps due to the news of the demonic invasion, the residents united in solidarity, their hearts unknowingly rising a few points again, reaching a high of 99 points, just 1 point away from fullness. Such high morale brought about explosive work efficiency and enthusiasm. Even if they werent given anything to eat, the residents of the Ocean Crown could work tirelessly for ten days straight, swinging their hammers until they smoked. He was very curious about what would happen if the morale reached 100 points. Now, he already had the peoples support. When the city walls and other defensive structures were completed, they would also have the advantage of terrain. At that time, it would depend on whether the timing would be favorable. Ding Your elven hero, Elisya, has been promoted in tier due to her epic-tier talent and long-term training (Legacy Tier C Legendary Tier). Ji Chen was stunned, a look of astonishment flashing across his face. Elisya had she advanced on her own!? At the same time, in the jungle to the northwest of the main island, an extremely dazzling orange beam pierced through the clouds and soared into the sky, carrying with it the majestic ancient power that swept across the entire island. Countless trees and vegetation bent and fell, animals in the jungle cowered on the ground, and even Thotmudo, who was toiling away in the underground world, lifted his head. Everyone was stunned. It took a while for them to react, cursing. Damn, this kid must have received the blessing of the gods, another damn legendary tier! He considered himself worldly-wise, but he had never seen anything so exaggerated. In less than three days, the Ocean Crown had unexpectedly promoted two legendary tiers. Although legendary tier might not be as prestigious as epic tier, it was not something that could easily appear. A powerful legendary figure was enough to be treated as an esteemed guest by the kingdom, feasting and enjoying the best hospitality. But here, it was like cabbage on the street. If he remembered correctly, Ji Chen already had five legendary tier individuals under his command!? This was even more than the previous Black Iron Fortress! Comparison truly is the thief of joy! It took a while for the beam and the imposing aura to dissipate, but it was enough to shock the foreigners who remained on the island, while the residents of the Ocean Crown cheered. They had another powerful protector. Following the trail of energy, Ji Chen quickly found Elisya in a clearing in the woods. At this moment, the elven girl was staring blankly at her own palm, as if contemplating something. Elisya. The elf turned her head, the confusion on her face turning into joy in less than half a second as she excitedly ran over. Lord, Ive broken through to the legendary tier! Ji Chen opened his arms to catch Elisya as she ran towards him, steadying her and letting her down, smiling. You caused quite a stir, the whole island knows. Elisya scratched her head sheepishly. Hehe, 1 didnt control my power for a moment, and it turned out like this. Ji Chen didnt mind. The Ocean Crown no longer needed to hide. The more powerful they appeared, the more fearful those with ill intentions would become, shifting from strategic deception to strategic intimidation. How did you break through? Elisya looked a bit puzzled, gesturing with her fingers. I was practicing shooting just now, suddenly felt a strong energy surging from deep within me, heard a popping sound, and then I broke through. Ji Chen was slightly astonished, then chuckled and shook his head. My goodness, while others need resources to advance, you just naturally did it. Is this the bloodline of the ancient elves? Regardless, the Ocean Crown has gained another legendary hero, surely adding strength to resist the demonic invasion. Demon Transfer Station. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Lord Balzarna, we need at most two more months. Well completely break through the barrier and infiltrate the main world! Very good! Balzarnas eyes flashed with a hint of menace. Once the passage is opened, the vanguard will immediately move into the main world, annihilating the enemies nearby and creating an environment for the subsequent army to advance! Yes! Balzarna remembered the human lord who had disrupted his plans and exposed everything. A look of indignation flashed across his face. That damn human lord, once I descend into the main world, I will surely imprison him and use the flames of hell to burn him for millennia to quench my hatred! Chapter 715 - Chapter 715: Domain City Chapter 715: Domain City Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The council chamber on King Kong Island was abuzz with discussion among the guilds top brass regarding recent developments. Boss, the prices on the mainland are skyrocketing, and our procurement plan can only achieve a maximum of 50% completion. Seated nonchalantly at the head of the table, I_Love_Black_Stockings, with her legs crossed, furrowed her brow. Only half? Have you inquired about other islands and archipelagos aside from the mainland and the Western Continent? Weve checked everywhere, but its no use. The news of demon invasions has had a significant impact. Everyone is on edge. Not only are the indigenous human nations and the Elven Empire affected, even places like the Silver Islands have tightened their resource exports. Most critical resources are now under strict control. The guilds executives sighed collectively. If we hadnt procured a batch of resources earlier, we might not even achieve half of our plans now. The mood among the guilds top brass was grim. King Kong Island, isolated in the ocean, relied heavily on imports for many resources. With other regions now restricting exports, their situation seemed dire. Without resources, recruitment of military units would be impossible, and the construction of defensive structures would stall. Without troops and defenses, how would they withstand the impending invasion by the demon army? All their resources and efforts were invested in King Kong Island. They couldnt just abandon it and flee. Suddenly, one executive suggested, Why dont we seek help from the Islander? At this suggestion, the others brightened up. Thats a good idea. After all, our boss has a good relationship with the Islander. We should be able to secure some resources through this. I_Love_Black_Stockings shook her head. The Islanders territory is closer to the south than ours. He is bound to be among the first to be attacked by the demons. Even if our relationship is good, they wont be able to spare any resources for us at such a critical moment. Someone chuckled and whistled, If only you, Boss, could use your black stockings to seduce the Islander. Who knows, it might actually work. I_Love_Black_Stockings face darkened, and she retorted, If it were that easy, I would have done it already. Do I really need you to tell me? Besides, with the Islanders status and power, how could he possibly lack women? Forget about my black stockings, Im sure even elves are willing to spend a night with him! The others nodded in agreement, having heard of the events in the Elven Empire. They were aware of the true identity of Ji Chen, also known as the Islander who possessed epic-tier power. Epic-tier was the pinnacle of power in this world, a rarity. Yet, they couldnt fathom how the Islander had reached an epic tier so quickly. Among the guilds executives, the strongest was I_Love_Black_Stockings, who only had a legacy-tier profession and had barely reached level 45- They had all arrived in this world on the same day, starting with nothing but a plot of land and a few dilapidated houses. Yet, why had Ji Chen managed to establish a territory comparable to a kingdoms influence and reach the pinnacle of epic tier in less than a year? Comparison is the thief of joy. I_Love_Black_Stockings looked at the troubled faces of the crowd and suddenly had a flash of inspiration, slamming the table abruptly. Thud Ive got an idea! The other guild executives, deep in thought, were startled, their hearts racing, and their eyes filled with resentment. Why did you have to be so loud? I_Love_Black_Stockings coughed awkwardly, pretending as if nothing had happened, and said, Why are we working so hard to gather resources? The others were puzzled by the question but still answered honestly, To resist the demon invasion, of course. So heres the problem: Where will the demons initially target in the Western Mid-Ocean? According to the current situation, its highly probable theyll attack the Islanders Ocean Crown first. Exactly! I_Love_Black_Stockings exclaimed excitedly, slamming the table again. Look at it from a different angle. Since the demons will likely attack the Ocean Crown first, why dont we send resources over or even deploy troops to support the Ocean Crown, helping them fend off the demon invasion? That way, King Kong Island wont be threatened! In doing so, well save ourselves a lot of trouble, and we can even curry favor. Isnt this killing two birds with one stone!? The other guild executives were stunned, feeling a wave of shock. Wow, can you actually play it like this?! Because they lacked the means to secure victory and were short on resources, they opted to dispatch troops and resources to the frontline. This strategy aimed to ensure the safety of those in the rear. Wait a minute, thinking about it, this approach seemed somewhat reasonable. These guild executives had begun to ponder its feasibility. I_Love_Black_Stockings did as she pleased, abruptly slamming the table again. However, this time it seemed she hit it too hard, and she winced in pain, muttering, Thats settled! Ill inform the Big Boss Islander right away! Meanwhile, Ji Chen, accompanied by Wilus, was inspecting the progress of various projects in the territory when he suddenly received a private message. He stopped in his tracks and casually opened it. A few minutes later, he closed the chat interface with a strange expression on his face. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Wilus was puzzled. Sir, whats wrong? I think someone wants to give us a batch of resources and troops for free. Wilus: ??? Although he didnt understand what had happened, having more resources and troops was undoubtedly a good thing. Wilus didnt dwell on it. He organized his thoughts and deliberated, If the current construction speed continues, all buildings except for the city walls can be completed within two months. However, the construction of the island-wide city walls is too massive. Even with tens of thousands of lizardmen laborers, it will still take at least four months to complete. Chapter 716 - Chapter 716: Domain City (2) Chapter 716: Domain City (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation 1 Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen rubbed his chin. Four months is too long. I have a feeling that demons will soon break through the rule barriers and enter the main world. The island ring wall is an important facility for defending against demon attacks and must be completed as soon as possible. What suggestions do you have to speed up the progress? Wilus pondered, his face showing a pensive expression. After a moment of contemplation, he said, My Lord, I remember that the Lord of Glory has a kind of power bestowed by the gods, which can plan and control the construction of the entire territory. Perhaps we can find a solution there. Ji Chen suddenly realized, which was something he hadnt thought of. He opened the long-sealed construction panel under the territory panel page, and the perspective suddenly soared upwards, revealing the appearance of the entire territory. Compared to several months ago, the changes in the Crown of the Ocean were significant. The buildings that originally only occupied a small piece of land on the southeast of the island had now extended from the southeast to the west, north, and east, except for the dense jungle as the residence of the elves in the northwest, the other jungle areas had been extensively developed. Buildings and roads, like a spider web, surrounded the Lords castle, the heart of the entire island. The streets were bustling, and people flowed like water. Even the northeastern sub-island was connected by a road for access to the Skull Mystic Realm. On the left side of the Lords castle lay the port area. Dozens of steel warships were anchored there, along with numerous merchant ships docked in the civilian port below. Additionally, a second port was being built on the southern mudflat. Adjacent to the coastline on the left were residential areas, currently separated from the southern sea breeze by a wall that was still under construction. To the north were neatly planned warehouses and workshops. In addition to the neat roads, there were also connecting railways. Several alchemy locomotives were pulling carts of goods, resources, and ore to various parts of the island. On the mountaintops in the northeast, the featherfolk were using their building talents to build their homes. If one could penetrate underground, they would see many kobolds and lizardmen working hard to mine ore and plant fluorescent mushrooms in the underground world. However, the Crown of the Ocean was still only a level 1 Borough City. The size of the territory barely encompassed the existing buildings. If it continued to expand westward, it would definitely exceed the range. Although buildings could still be constructed, they would not enjoy the accelerated construction effect of the territory. After staying at level 1 for several months, the Crown of the Ocean had long disappeared from the territory rankings. Now, the first place on the rankings was a territory with a level 3 giant city, but Ji Chen didnt know the player lord. Ji Chen returned to the territory panel and saw that the prosperity of the Crown of the Ocean had reached over five million, almost six million. This value was enough to upgrade to a domain city. Domain city, as the name suggests, is the central city of a region, with good economic, military, cultural, industrial, agricultural, and even political influence. To upgrade to a domain city, there are many requirements and restrictions. Conditions for upgrading to a level 1 domain city: 1. [Achieve a prosperity of five million] (Achieved) 2. [Possess twenty 3-star or above defensive fortifications, defensive buildings] (Achieved) 3. [Have no less than five five-tier units with a scale of a thousand people each] (Achieved) 4. [Possess ten cultural buildings / possess ten public facilities] (Achieved) 5. [Have eight hero units of any tier / have six elite-tier or above hero units / have four excellent-tier or above hero units / have one rare-tier or above hero unit] (Achieved) 6. [The popularity reaches 85 points or above] (Achieved) 7. [Population reaches thirty thousand or more] (Achieved) 8. [Have twenty-five-tier or above unit recruitment camps / have ten medium-sized or above workshops / have three thousand acres or more of agricultural planting land / be on good terms with at least one kingdom-level duchy / territory reputation reaches the level of fame] (Achieved) To upgrade to a domain city, there are eight conditions, each of which was aimed at various aspects of the territorys development. Each condition was not harsh, but together they imposed a high requirement on a territory. However, the system considered different regions of the territory and their emphasis on development directions. Therefore, the eighth condition clearly distinguished different types of territories. Territories rich in agricultural resources tended to be agricultural-oriented, while those aiming to develop industry require a certain number of workshops. War territories, which relied on warfare for sustenance, had their own corresponding conditions. Overall, it was reasonably fair. However, the Ocean Crown didnt have to worry about these distinctions because it had already met every condition. This indicated that the Ocean Crown was a comprehensive development player. It not only possessed strong military power and considerable industrial capacity but also achieved self-sufficiency in agriculture. It could even export food to some extent, and its reputation extended overseas and across the continent, maintaining highly friendly relations with indigenous powers like Lienhardt and the Elven Empire. Achieving success in every field, he was undoubtedly a versatile player. After upgrading to a domain city, the territorys range would greatly expand, and the islands city walls could then be encompassed within the territory. This would naturally speed up construction. It was a method to accelerate construction progress. Without hesitation, Ji Chen checked the resources needed for the upgrade. [To upgrade from Level 1 Borough City to Level 1 Domain City requires 2 million units of rare resources] A mere 2 million units is nothing for the current Ocean Crown. With a stockpile of over 7 million units, completing the city wall construction promptly is a small price to pay. He decisively clicked the upgrade button, Ding- Consuming 2 million units of rare resources, your territory: Ocean Crown is upgraded to Level 1 Domain City. just like when it upgraded to a Borough City, the Ocean Crowns upgrade to a Domain City also brought about significant changes. Amid the surprised gazes of the Ocean Crown residents, the Lords castle, standing in the center of the territory, suddenly rose and expanded, as if an invisible giant lifted it from a height of about ten meters to thirty meters. At the same time, the surrounding land suddenly rose with numerous secondary fortresses, corner towers, and bastions. Thick city walls sprung up, enveloping the castle within, while trenches and moats sank down, guarding the walls. After about a dozen minutes, the intense expansion finally came to a halt. What appeared before their eyes was no longer a solitary Lords castle but a cluster of castles, towers, and sturdy walls! Fortunately, Ji Chen had anticipated the vast empty space around. Otherwise, the upgraded castle cluster would have squeezed out other buildings! The territory of the Level 1 Domain City expanded enormously, completely encompassing the entire main island, reaching the easternmost part and even including the last island of the northeastern sub-island, extending deep into the ocean to the south. [Territorial Range of Level 1 Domain City: 8 kilometers x 8 kilometers] The BUFF for accelerated construction covered all buildings on the island! Wilus looked at the tremendous changes that occurred in just a dozen minutes. Even with mental preparation, he couldnt help but be stunned, then showed extreme respect. The ability to create a cluster of castles with just a flip of the hand-could it be that this person is blessed by the gods!? Not only Wilus, but other residents of the Ocean Crown also had such thoughts. Even the indigenous people who came to the Silver Moon Islands couldnt help but sigh in astonishment and fear. On the Lords leaderboard, the name of the Ocean Crown prominently ranked first, with the Level 1 Domain City label being highly eye-catching, and the nearly six million prosperity points were incredibly captivating. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen also didnt conceal his identity, proudly showcasing the name Islander for all to see. Soon, other players discovered this, and the chat channels and forums erupted with excitement. Damn! Who the hell is this? How did they suddenly appear at the top of the leaderboard? Oh, its the Islander, thats fine then. Chapter 717 - Chapter 717: Territory Policy Chapter 717: Territory Policy Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ever since they knew that the Islander was already an Epic-tier powerhouse, they felt that everything was just as it should be. After all, he was an Epic-tier. Whats the big deal about upgrading his territory to a Domain City? Even if he were to upgrade to a capital or even a royal city now, they wouldnt be surprised. An Epic-tier powerhouse was enough to serve as the foundation of a kingdom. Ji Chen naturally had no time to care about the ups and downs on the chat channels. At this moment, he was quite curious about the changes happening in his territory. Apart from the expansion of the territory and the enlargement of the lords castle, upgrading to a Domain City brought about many additional things. Part of it was the ability to construct more advanced buildings. Now, without the need for building blueprints, three-star buildings could be constructed, such as larger residences, advanced port docks, and large workshops. In addition to this, a brand-new page appeared on the panel. It was labeled Policies. Ji Chens interest soared, and he clicked on it. [Territorial Policies] [Domain-level territories can enact up to one policy per domain, each of which will directly affect the development trend of the territory. Please choose carefully according to your needs.] [Once a policy is confirmed, it cannot be changed for one month.] [Military Policies]: 1. Militarization (100% faster cooldown for recruiting troops, but 100% increase in resource consumption for troop recruitment) 2. Full Preparedness (50% increase in production speed of war-related military equipment, 50% increase in construction speed of territorial defense buildings) 3. Universal Conscription (All residents are transformed into militia, with their level and tier determined by race and military equipment level. The territory will stop producing any resources.) 4. Maritime Dominion [Activated when the territory has a shipyard] (100% increase in shipbuilding speed, 100% increase in training speed for sailors and marines) [Economic Policies]: 1. Commercial Circulation (50% increase in construction speed of economic buildings, 15% increase in commercial tax) 2. Colonial Exploitation (30% increase in gold and resource acquisition from colonies, sustainable for up to two months) 3. Age of Discovery (Easier development of new maritime trade routes, 30% increase in attractiveness of maritime trade routes) 4. Population Growth (50% increase in attraction of refugees, easier attraction of high-quality population) [Agricultural Policies]: 1. Self-Sufficiency (40% increase in food crop yield, 40% increase in clearing and planting speed of food crop farmland) 2. Natural Economic Collapse (40% increase in economic crop yield, 40% increase in clearing and planting speed of economic crop farmland) 3. Infrastructure Expansion (100% increase in construction speed of agricultural infrastructure) [Industrial Policies]: Emergency Production (100% increase in workshop product production speed, gradual decrease in worker morale) 2. Quality Upgrade [Activated when having buildings like a blacksmith shop, research institute] (30% increase in technology research and development speed, 30% increase in industrial product quality) 3. Industrial Talent (Accelerates the training speed of craftsmen, increases the speed and probability of craftsman advancement) [Heroic Policies]: Talent Recruitment (Consumes gold and resources to increase the attractiveness of heroes to the territory to a certain extent) 2. Meritocracy (Increases the probability of hero birth within the territory) 3. Road to Heroism (Increases the probability of advancement for territorial heroes) Five different domain policies were displayed on the panel. Economic, agricultural, military, industrial, heroic Ji Chen carefully examined them one by one, quickly understanding this new feature. Overall, these policies had different effects in different situations. By using the appropriate policies that match the Lords current priorities, things could be accomplished with much less effort. For example, the Military Policy Militarization was obviously used when war was imminent and there was an urgent need for troops. Of course, such extreme policies were not always beneficial. With Militarization, the cooldown for recruiting troops was increased by 100%, meaning that it only takes 3.5 days to recruit a wave of troops, but it required twice the resources as the cost. However, there were also some policies that did not require a cost but had relatively weaker effects, which were suitable choices during peaceful times. Each domain can choose one policy, with a total of five choices. After some thought, Ji Chen decided to select Militarization, Colonial Exploitation, Self-Sufficiency, Emergency Production, and Road to Heroism. Militarization needed no explanation. It aimed to recruit as many troops as possible in a short period to resist demon attacks. Colonial Exploitation increased the gold and resource acquisition from colonies by 30% within two months. Currently, under the Ocean Crown, there are three colonies: the Great Luminescent Sea, the Starshine Islands, and Fish Tail Island located in Lienhardt. However, only the former two could generate income, while Fish Tail Island still requires resources from the Ocean Crown for development. During the two-month duration of this policy, it could provide the Ocean Crown with hundreds of thousands to millions of rare resources. Self-Sufficiency increased food production. Ji Chen considered that if demons attacked, they would likely block the Stormy Sea and even the New Moon Islands, cutting off internal and external channels, including food supply routes. Therefore, it wa necessary to prepare for long-term defense. It was important to be self-sufficient. Regardless of how demons were to attack from outside the island, as long as crops could grow normally on the island, there would be a continuous supply of food. Emergency Production was about producing goods as much as possible within a limited time, selling them to exchange for resources. The concept was similar to the previous policies, all aimed at preparing for the upcoming war. The effect of the Hero Policy was similar to a hero fountain. Ji Chen chose the Road to Heroism. If he could advance the tiers of several heroes during this period, it would be a huge gain. After clicking the confirmation button, a mysterious force immediately descended upon the territory. The residents of the Ocean Crown all lifted their heads, feeling that something had changed, but they couldnt quite pinpoint what it was. They could only vaguely sense that their beloved Lord had made a decision. Ji Chen closed the panel and said slowly, In the next period of time, the growth speed of food crops and the production speed of workshops will increase significantly. The resources brought from the Great Luminescent Sea and the Starshine Islands will also increase. Wilus, who hadnt spoken, witnessed everything by Ji Chens side, and he was not surprised. Upon hearing this, he nodded immediately. I understand. He nodded slightly. You go about your business. Wilus immediately responded, saluted, and left. Ji Chen watched Wilus leave, then walked towards the northeast mountain area with his hands behind his back. Since returning from the Northern Continent, Lainekel had been living alone in a small cabin in the northeast of the main island. Ji Chen had suggested that he live in the town together, but Lainekel refused for fear of causing panic and trouble. This hero who had fought against demons for tens of thousands of years, endured countless tortures after being captured, and even after being transformed into a half-demon, half-human, still harbored great kindness towards humans and orderly civilizations. Even though he longed to reintegrate into civilized society, he forcefully suppressed such desires. His will was the most tenacious Ji Chen had ever seen. Perhaps there were many who were stronger than him, but Ji Chen believed that this extreme level of resilience in willpower was possessed by few. Walking out of the densely populated area, through the industrial zone to the north, and following a winding mountain path, Ji Chen arrived at a gentle slope by the river, leaning against the mountain. Crossing the small stone bridge over the creek, a white-walled, blue-tiled mountain cabin appeared before him. A wisp of smoke lazily rose from the chimney, slowly merging into the sky, blending with the white clouds. Flowing water, a small bridge, a cottage, and smoke. It felt like a place where a hermit would reside. However, what surprised Ji Chen was that not only Lainekel was there, but the Dragon Whale Hero Solidas was also present. The two of them sat in front of the house as if discussing something. How have the both of you been during this period? Lainekel and Solidas suddenly became aware of someone approaching nearby. Their hearts skipped a beat. They hadnt noticed anyone approaching moments ago, and the voice they heard now felt like a ghost whispering right into their ears. Subconsciously, their bodies tensed up. But when they turned their heads and saw Ji Chen, they relaxed. Very well, thank you for providing me with such a place to stay. Lainekel stood up, somewhat grateful. Lord Ji Chen, why did you come here? Ji Chen walked up to them. I wanted to ask some questions and also to see you. But why is Sir Solidas here too? Solidas, with exaggerated muscles all over his body, like a small giant, crossed his arms and grinned. I was just bored and had nothing to do. Anina is busy again, so I came to chat with Lainekel. Solidas, you have recovered from your injuries and extended your lifespan. Do you have any other plans? Solidas shook his head. Not for now. After running around for hundreds of years, I plan to stay here and rest for a while. Moreover, demons are preparing to attack, and I thought I could stay and contribute. I wonder if you would allow Ji Chen felt pleasantly surprised and smiled. Of course, I appreciate your decision to stay and help the Ocean Crown. Having a legendary powerhouse voluntarily stay behind to help was naturally a great thing. He was more than happy about it. Lainekel also seemed quite pleased. With one more like-minded companion who didnt mind his friend staying behind, he wouldnt feel too lonely. Although the world was vast, there werent many places where he could find solace. If possible, he wanted to preserve this small piece of paradise, which, though not large, brought him some peace and tranquility. Ji Chen quickly got to the main point of his visit. Lainekel, will the demons be restrained by the power of light? Of course. Demons belong to chaos and evil. Their composition is made up of the most evil flesh energy in the world, a combination of many negative emotions, Lainekel said. For them, the power of light is like the most poisonous toxin, causing them great harm upon contact. Tens of thousands of years ago, during the Divine War, the followers of light under the command of the Goddess of Light were extremely proficient in light magic and made great contributions to combating demons. This has evolved into what is now the Light Church in the Eastern Continent. Lord Ji Chen, is this what you want? I want to see if we can cultivate one or two units with the power of light to deal with demons. Lainekel hesitated and said, This may be a bit too late. Perhaps there isnt much time left to cultivate a new unit. Cultivating units was possible; all major powers had the ability to do so. But the problem was that creating a new unit wasnt something that could be done on a whim. It required a significant investment of resources and time to possibly develop a practical new unit, rather than some useless unit. Facing Lainekels persuasion, Ji Chen smiled nonchalantly. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only You dont need to worry about this. I have my ways. Lainekel opened his mouth to speak but thought about Ji Chen being a Glory Lord, perhaps possessing special powers that he didnt know about, so he didnt say anything more. Just now, he had witnessed the tremendous changes that had occurred in the Ocean Crown. How could such a large castle group appear out of nowhere? This kind of power couldnt possibly be possessed by ordinary people. But what shocked him even more was that this power seemed to be possessed by all Glory Lords as easily as picking cabbages. Was this reasonable? Chapter 718 - Lainekel’s Request: Demon Special Forces New Unit Lainekels Request: Demon Special Forces New Unit Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Lainekel shook his head, realizing that the world had changed beyond his knowledge and imagination. He felt like an old man of a bygone era, with the new world no longer able to accommodate his ship. After a moment of silence, Lainekel spoke with solemnity, Lord Jichen, I would like to ask for a favor. Please, go ahead. If one day you defeat the demonic army, I ask for the opportunity to seek revenge against the Dreadlord Balzama. Ji Chen looked at Lainekel, whose eyes were filled with determination, his expression slightly surprised. After a moment of silence, he nodded. I promise you. A faint smile, barely noticeable, appeared on Lainekels stiff face, but it was a smile of genuine happiness. The tormented hero, even after escaping the abyss, still sought to wield the blade of revenge against the mastermind of his nightmares, to end the centuries of suffering. Even if it was an impossible feat against an unbeatable foe. Soliduss expression softened, determination growing within him. He slowly realized that no race could stand alone in this war. If that was the case, then the Deep Sea Dragon Whales should not stand idly by. Lord Jichen. Both Lainekel and Ji Chen turned to look at the humanoid dragon-whale. I believe the Deep Sea Dragon Whales can contribute to this war. I will do my best to rally my people and help you drive those evil demons back to where they belong, ensuring our ocean, our home, remains untainted by darkness. Just like the Dragon Whale Hero, who has forever slumbered in the void, didnt hesitate for a moment to sacrifice his life to stop the demons. Lainekel clenched his fist with determination. Yes, lets drive those demons back, no, exterminate them all! Jichen solemnly replied, That is excellent. Thank you for contributing to this defensive war. The Ocean Crown will forever remember your contributions. With the addition of the Deep Sea Dragon Whales, along with the Elven Empire, Dragon Island, and now the Deep Sea Dragon Whales, there were now four forces assisting the Ocean Crown. Whether for self-interest or for justice and the greater good, having more allies was always beneficial. Leaving Lainekels place, Ji Chen returned to the Lords Castle, or rather, the Lords Castle Complex. Passing through the lowered drawbridge and three successive city gates, he finally entered the residential area. Underneath the towering walls and towers were vast living spaces, filled with grasslands, private gardens, reception halls, swimming pools, and various other facilities, epitomizing the extravagant lifestyle of a lord. Wilus had already arranged for many servants to settle in. Dozens of beautiful maids dressed in black and white stood on either side of the path to welcome him. Without exception, they looked upon him with reverence, their eyes filled with the fervor of meeting a deity. For them, the gods resided high above in the heavens, too distant to reach. But here before them was a living deity they could touch. They harbored no doubts about whether the Lord would ascend to godhood. As long as they faithfully served, they believed that one day, when the Lord ascended to his divine kingdom, they too would become citizens of that heavenly realm. This trend of fervent belief was something Ji Chen found difficult to curb, yet there was no need to. He didnt need to do anything special. As long as he continued to grow stronger and occasionally bestowed favors, his subjects would regard him as a deity on earth, offering their unwavering loyalty and support. The gods were all the same in this regard; in the process of becoming stronger, they amassed followers, naturally gaining loyal supporters and believers upon ascension to godhood. Nightfall descended. Under the care of the maids, Ji Chen finished his dinner, took a bath, and declined their implied offers to accompany him to bed. Instead, he draped himself in a coat made of deep-sea merfabric and sat on the castle terrace. He opened the Military Talent Tree. The strategy for cultivating units with the power of light was to utilize the fusion function of the talent tree. In theory, as long as they fused with units of the light element, they could cultivate units with the power of light. In Ji Chens vision, this new unit should possess the ability to combat demons with light power while also being capable of fighting in oceanic environments. At the same time, their tier couldnt be too low; otherwise, no matter how they countered, it would be futile. Currently, Jichen didnt have any light-based units, but fortunately, there were many merchants on New Moon Islands who specialized in selling core units for recruitment camps. They naturally had some resources on hand. At his command, the maids quickly went to purchase several core units for light-based recruitment camps. When those merchants heard it was for Ji Chen, they all offered discounts without hesitation. In the end, a total of one million five hundred thousand gold coins were spent to purchase cores for four different light-based units. None of the four units were fifth or even sixth tier; the highest was only a four- tier, ninth-star unit. However, Jichen wasnt disappointed. A fourth-tier unit was probably the highest-grade unit commonly circulated in the market. Fifth-tier units were only available through special channels, and sixth-tier units were almost never circulated, as they were the main units of various major forces. Ji Chen examined the four light-based units one by one. C Light Attendant: Fourth Tier, 5 Stars. C Radiant Falcon: Fourth Tier, 3 Stars. C Light Controller: Fourth Tier, 6 Stars. C Sacred Priest: Fourth Tier, 9 Stars. As expected of light-based units, the names of the units were more or less related to light, radiance, and holiness. Without wasting any time, he opened the unit fusion page and matched these four units with the existing Ocean Crown units. [Compatibility between Light Attendant and Tyrant Azure Dragon]: 21%. [Compatibility between Sacred Priest and Sea Crystal Wyrm]: 9%- [Compatibility between Radiant Falcon and Ocean Blood Dragon]: 33%. [Compatibility between Light Controller and Heavy Armor Toothfish Knight]: 15%. To Ji Chens great disappointment, the compatibility between these four light-based units and most of the Ocean Crown units was extremely low, with some even in single digits, indicating just how mismatched they were. With a mindset of giving it a try, he also included other non-main force units for matching. The panel refreshed. As Jichens gaze shifted downward, his eyes lit up when he saw the second-to- last row. [Compatibility between Light Controller and Tidal Sea Spirit: Darkness]: 99%. Goodness, a combination with a whopping 99% compatibility appeared!? What surprised him the most was that the Tidal Sea Spirit was not a combat unit; it could only possess ships to replace human control of vessels. He hadnt expected such a high compatibility with it. As for the Light Controller, it was a type of spellcasting unit, primarily attacking by casting area-of-effect light damage spells. It didnt have any outstanding features. Was there any connection between the two? At least Ji Chen couldnt think of one, but as a pragmatist, whether they were connected or not didnt matter as long as they were effective. Based on his experience from the previous fusion, the Military Talent Tree rarely produced mediocre units through fusion; without exception, they were all more powerful units. To ensure that the new unit possessed the power of light, Ji Chen primarily used the Light Controller, supplemented by the Tidal Sea Spirit, without hesitation. He directly spent one million units of rare resources on fusion. The inventory of rare resources decreased by one million, leaving over 3.6 million units now. The fusion of Light Controller and Tidal Sea Spirit succeeded, creating the new unit: Light Sea Spirit. [Light Sea Spirit] [Race]: Sea Spirit [Tier]: Fourth Tier, 7 Stars [Skills]: Light Realm (Purple skill, embodies light to continuously damage enemies within a certain range [15 meters], deals extra damage to demonic and other evil units) Light Resonance (Purple skill, can link together to jointly build a large area Light Realm, enhancing sustained damage, can unite up to 50 units, maximum range is 200 meters in diameter) Spirit Form (Purple skill, enters complete spiritual form, immune to 90% physical and magical damage, lasts for up to 1 minute) Spiritual Gathering (Purple skill, Light Sea Spirits can merge with each other, condensing into more powerful collective fusion, the more units merged, the stronger the power, can merge up to 50 units) Spiritual Attachment (Purple skill, can attach to the weapons of other units, enabling them to inflict light damage, deals additional damage to evil units) [Unit Characteristics]: Light Spirit Form (a form between physical and spiritual, immune to 75% physical damage and 75% light magic damage) [The fused unit of Light Controller and Tidal Sea Spirit, possesses the characteristics and abilities of both units] Ji Chens eyes showed some interest. This unit was quite intriguing. The skills possessed by the Light Sea Spirit are all excellent, with wide-ranging damage and decent survivability. Not only can it construct more powerful skill effects through resonance, but it also has the ability to buff allies similarly. Overall, it was quite a powerful unit. However, the drawback lay in its tier not being particularly high, perhaps being dragged down by the Tidal Sea Spirit, which was only at the fourth tier, 1 star. But this was hardly a concern in the face of the military talent tree; levels could be raised in no time. With the confirmation that the Light Sea Spirit was the unit he desired, Ji Chen didnt hesitate. He confirmed the fusion and then took out ten blank imprint recruit camps obtained from exploring the dark waters of the Great Luminescent Sea, imprinting this new unit into them. In this way, he wouldnt need to occupy the only Tidal Sea Spirit recruit camp. The ability of the Tidal Sea Spirit to possess ships was of great help in enhancing naval combat capabilities. Ji Chen arrived at the location where the recruit camps were placed, tapping them to recruit the ten Light Sea Spirit camps. First, the fourth-tier Light Sea Spirits were recruited, followed by immediate reinforcement using the military talent tree. The goal: sixth tier! Consuming 1.5 million units of rare resources, 210,000 units of spirit crystals, Light Sea Spirit (fourth tier, 7 stars) ? Light Sea Sovereign (sixth tier, 5 stars). First, advancing to the fifth tier with 1.5 million units of rare resources, then advancing to the sixth tier with 210,000 units of spirit crystals. With just a gentle click twice, a fourth-tier unit instantly transformed into a sixth-tier unit, requiring only some resources. The resources needed to cultivate such a unit by the indigenous people would have been a hundredfold or even a thousandfold higher, not to mention the incalculable time. This was enough to show the power of the military talent tree. Each recruit camp could recruit 10 Light Sea Sovereigns per week, each requiring 60 units of spirit crystals. With ten camps, he could recruit as many as 100 per week, totaling 6,000 units of spirit crystals per week. This was still considered relatively low; for example, recruiting a sixth-tier, 8- star Ocean Blood Dragon required 150 units of spirit crystals, totaling a whopping 21,000 units of spirit crystals per week Without exaggeration, just this one unit was enough to crush an ordinary territory. Ji Chen once again checked the panel of the Light Sea Sovereign, now enhanced to a sixth-tier unit. [Light Sea Sovereign] [Race]: Sea Spirit [Tier]: Sixth tier, 5 stars [Skills]: Light Sea (Orange skill, incarnates light to continuously damage enemies within a certain range [fifty meters], dealing extra damage to demon-type and other evil units) Light Sea Resonance (Orange skill, can mutually link and build a large-scale light domain, increasing sustained damage, can link up to 500 units, with a maximum range of one thousand meters) Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Spiritualization (Orange skill, enters complete spiritualization, immune to 99% physical and magical damage, lasting up to thirty minutes) Fusion of Spirits (Orange skill, Light Sea Sovereigns can merge with each other, condensing into a more powerful individual fusion body, the more units merged, the stronger the power, can merge up to 500 units) Spirit Attachment (Orange skill, can attach to the weapons of other units, making their attacks possess light damage, causing an additional 300% light damage to evil units) [Unit Characteristics]: Light Spirit Body (Form between physical and spiritual, immune to 99% physical damage and 99% light-based magical damage) [Fusion unit of Light Controller and Tidal Sea Spirit, possessing the characteristics and abilities of both units] Chapter 719 - Spy and Counter-Spy Spy and Counter-Spy Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After reading the information panel of the Light Sea Sovereign, Ji Chen was pleasantly surprised. From Tier 4 to Tier 6, wouldnt the combat power of this unit increase by more than tenfold? Perhaps individually their strength might be just that, but thanks to their fusion skills, the upper limit of this unit has been raised to an extremely high level. From the outside, the Guardian of the Light Sea Sovereign looked like clusters of golden lights about half the height of a person, emitting golden light that resembled sunlight in the dark night, extremely dazzling. As their master, Ji Chen could see through the light and discern within each cluster, transparent floating humanoid ghosts with blurred faces. From them, he could feel a sense of submissive affinity. One hundred Light Sea Sovereigns floating around resembled large fireflies or light bulbs, giving off a peculiar sensation. He was very satisfied with this new unit specialized in demon assaults and had high expectations for them, instructing the Light Sea Sovereigns not to expose themselves to the outside world to avoid alerting demons. He hoped to give the demons a big surprise later! Feeling quite pleased, Ji Chen returned to the Lords Castle, only to find Wilus waiting at the city gate, his honest face illuminated by the light, showing a hint of anxiety, evidently something urgent. Wilus, is there something you need to report? Upon hearing Ji Chens voice, Wilus nodded, speaking hurriedly, My Lord, Miss Monica has sent a message. The Deep Sea Church has become active again in Lienhardt. Ji Chen furrowed his brows. Ever since the last time they besieged the followers of the Deep Sea Church, those human-hybridized beings who sought to infiltrate human society had hidden away like rats in the sewer. He hadnt expected them to start causing trouble again at this time. In addition, news has just arrived from the Maple Principality and the Elven Empire. The Deceiver has once again appeared on a large scale in the Northern Continent, disrupting war workshops and launching terror attacks on military camps and important facilities. Mountain trolls, troll warlords, and other troll groups have also shown signs of activity almost simultaneously, beginning large-scale mobilization of soldiers and assembling armies toward the border. Coincidentally, goblins, gnomes, and even dungeon races are also stirring, intending to attack other human kingdoms and orderly races. Ji Chens expression finally turned serious as he said in a deep voice, This doesnt sound like a coincidence. Yes, Wilus said with a solemn expression, They seem to have received some kind of instruction, agreeing on a specific time to launch simultaneous attacks, and the targets of the attacks are all forces of the orderly fraction. At this point, Ji Chen had already formed an answer in his mind. Demons. This was obviously the work of demons, and the purpose was also clear, to distract the attention of the orderly fraction, weaken the war potential, and create favorable conditions for their attack. But what surprised him a bit was that the Sea Heirs and the Deceivers turned out to be on the side of the demons, or rather, on the side of the evil fraction. The former gave the impression of a bunch of twisted tentacle monsters with distorted thoughts, clamoring about glorious evolution and blessings from their master, making people feel spiritually contaminated. The latter was just a group of fanatics who, though not as neurotic as the Sea Heirs, were no better, talking about hating gods and wanting to slay gods, but at first, Ji Chen thought they were some formidable organization, but after a single encounter, their true colors were revealed instantly. Oh well, theyre just a bunch of paranoid lunatics and noobs. Arent you supposed to be hostile to gods and their believers? How come youre in cahoots with demons who worship dark gods? Wheres your professional ethics? Ji Chen secretly expressed disdain for them. After pondering for a moment, Ji Chen said in a serious tone, Since the demons minions and accomplices are no longer concealing their evil deeds, we, as their archenemies, may perhaps be their next target for attack Spread my orders, increase patrols immediately, especially to guard against deceivers like those who have hidden hearts of demons infiltrating the New Moon Islands! The enemies werent frightening; what was truly terrifying were those who looked just like ordinary people but harbored dark intentions, for they caused the greatest harm from within. This incident served as a reminder to Ji Chen that it wasnt only the evil forces that needed to be guarded against, but also certain humans and races, because no one knew if demons had already begun corrupting them in secret. just like Lainekel being transformed, if the Dreadlord Balzama could alter a human into a half-demon, half-human creature obedient to it, there was a possibility that humans could be turned into puppets with hearts as dark as demons, outwardly indistinguishable from humans but completely under the demons control. Ji Chen lightly patted Wilus on the shoulder, speaking with gravity. Wilus, make good use of the residents of the Crown of the Ocean. The power of the masses is formidable. A look of confusion flashed in Wiluss eyes, but then he seemed to realize something, his eyes brightening. My lord, I understand. Ji Chen nodded approvingly, pleased that his teachings had not been in vain. Although Wilus was a native of the region, under Ji Chens guidance and influence, his thinking had progressed towards higher levels and directions. Such high levels of public support were also undoubtedly due to his efforts. With the condition of high public morale and a solid mass base in the territory, the Crown of the Ocean could easily establish an intelligence-gathering and counter-spy system akin to that of the morning sun aunty. Those troublemakers, no matter how much they wanted to cause trouble, wouldnt be able to do so without leaving a trace. Thus, launching a peoples war was also in line with the specific circumstances and conditions. The so-called specific circumstances called for a specific analysis, nothing more than being truthful. The next morning, Wilus began this work, and by the afternoon, several residents had used a specially set-up reporting channel to expose the suspicious activities of certain merchants and servants who had arrived from the outside world, behaving in a furtive manner. C C -In fact, to outsiders, there seemed to be nothing unusual, but in the eyes of the residents of the Crown of the Ocean, the behavior of these individuals appeared extremely suspicious and abnormal. After understanding the situation and collecting reliable evidence, Wilus, upon consulting with Ji Chen, immediately issued the order for their arrest. In an inn, an ordinary-looking merchant was enjoying his meal in the lobby when suddenly, a dozen soldiers from the Crown of the Ocean burst in and arrested him in front of everyone. A bare-armed sailor was walking down the street, appearing to be leisurely strolling, but his eyes never stopped observing the surroundings. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks, his face turning pale, as a squad of lizardmen soldiers surrounded him. The lead lizardmen captain, with crimson eyes, coldly stated, We are guards of the New Moon Islands. Based on reliable evidence, you are suspected of engaging in espionage. You are under arrest. Please cooperate with us. A merchant ship about to depart was intercepted. Soldiers on alchemy airships boarded the deck and rushed into the cabins to drag out a well-dressed merchant, escorting him onto the deck Before leaving, the soldier captain in charge of the arrest loudly explained to the bewildered passengers on board, This individual is a spy infiltrating the New Moon Islands, gathering intelligence for the Crown of the Ocean. We are acting on orders from Lord Ji Chen to apprehend him. You need not worry! The Crown of the Ocean welcomes all who abide by the law, but will not tolerate those with malicious intentions seeking to spy and sabotage! With that said, the captain waved his hand, instructing the team to escort the pale-faced merchant onto the airship, ascending into the sky towards the mainland. Similar scenes unfolded across various parts of the New Moon Islands. Those apprehended included merchants, sailors from merchant ships, craftsmen aboard ships, or ship guards. Some chose to surrender when surrounded by soldiers, while others attempted to resist, only to be subdued by the dozens of heroes in the green elite tier, blue excellent tier, and even purple rare tier who were already on standby, forcefully apprehending them. Dealing with them didnt require the involvement of high-ranking heroes. Regardless of their identities, at this moment, they all became prisoners under the Crown of the Ocean. In the Lords castle. Ji Chen sat at the head of the conference table, leaning back in a soft chair, listening to Wilus report on the situation regarding the spy captures. According to the clues provided by residents and our investigations, a total of thirty-eight spies have been discovered and successfully apprehended. Wilus reported, With the assistance of Lady Alice, we quickly extracted important information from them. Through preliminary interrogation, these captured spies are mainly from different nations or hired by various races. There are spies from the three countries along the northwest coast, Maplewood Principality, as well as other races and factions. The three countries along the northwest coast refer to Lienhardt, the Thorey Kingdom, and the Pelan Kingdom. Originally, there were four countries, but since the Kingdom of Bass was annihilated, it naturally became three. While he could understand why spies from the Thorey Kingdom and the Pelan Kingdom were sent, why would Lienhardt also dispatch spies? Addressing this issue, Wiluss expression was somewhat subtle as he explained, According to the interrogation results, the spies from Lienhardt are not sent by the underlings of Duke Julius or Monica Valencia, but by other nobles of Lienhardt. Their purpose in sending these spies is not to gather military intelligence, but rather to ascertain Your Excellencys preferences urn, regarding your preferences in the opposite sex, to send over suitable young heirs in the hopes of gaining your favor. Ji Chen was momentarily stunned, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation. Wilus had phrased it quite tactfully. These indigenous nobles were quite shrewd in their calculations. However, using family descendants for marriage alliances was a conventional tactic for them. He had seen some indigenous nobles on the chat channels employing marriage alliances, sending young descendants from collateral branches to players with decent power, and continuously providing resources for investment. While decadent in some aspects, these indigenous nobles were not stingy when it came to investments, discerning the potential of players to some extent. Of course, it could also be that they simply had too much money to spend. Nevertheless, experiencing such a situation himself felt somewhat surreal. ..After confirming their true intentions, if they are indeed only seeking such favors, detain them for a few days and then release these relatively harmless spies. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Understood. Continue. Wilus nodded. Apart from the aforementioned countries, we also discovered spies hired by the Light Church. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow. What was this about now? He recalled that the Crown of the Ocean had absolutely no dealings with this faction. So why would they send spies to infiltrate the New Moon Islands? Chapter 720 - Chapter 720 The Threat of the Holy Light Sect Chapter 720 The Threat of the Holy Light Sect Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Light Church was an empire-level force entrenched in the Eastern Continent. As its name suggested, it was a divine sect, worshipping one of the main gods, the Goddess of Light. Different from the light religious tint of the Elven Empires beliefs, the Light Church was more akin to the religions found on Earth, possessing a strong religious hue. From top to bottom, the Pope, bishops, priests, deacons, and others had distinct religious characteristics. Lainekel also mentioned that after the Divine War, perhaps because the orderly gods, including the Goddess of Light, no longer walked the earth, the Light Church, composed purely of divine faith, quickly fragmented due to dissent among several high-ranking members. Todays Light Church was not the same as it once was, resisting the vanguard of demons, possessing a pure faith-based organization. It had been through several splits, destructions, reconstructions, and revivals. Lord, the spy sent by the Light Church is a fanatic believer, with extremely firm faith and will. Even Lady Alice can only obtain partial information with her intervention. Speaking of the Light Church, Wiluss face shows a hint of seriousness, speaking with a heavy tone, The Light Church intends to attack the Ocean Crown! Whats the reason? It seems to be related to your power. Ji Chen squints, showing some interest on his face, and gestures with his chin to continue. Wilus takes a deep breath and continues, According to the investigation of that fanatic believers memories, he was sent by one of the factions within the Light Church, the Holy Light Sect. The Holy Light Sect? Yes, my Lord. The Holy Light Sect is the most radical, fanatical, and extreme faction within the Light Church, and they are the most thorough in implementing the divine oracle. They often crusade against other churches in the Eastern Continent in the name of eradicating heretics and upholding the divine oracle. Sometimes, they even go mad enough to attack other factions within the Light Church. Its followers are all extremely militant and fervent warriors. And the Light Church is no longer the force it once was, guided by unified church ideology. Although it appears unified on the surface, many people know that it has long disintegrated internally, with various factions unrelated to each other, only gathering together when the interests of the entire church are at stake. So this time, the Holy Light Sect sends a spy to gather intelligence, intending to attack the Ocean Crown, a plan unknown to other factions within the church. And according to the memories, the explanation given by the high-level members of the Holy Light Sect is roughly that the gods have descended the divine oracle, stating that you, my Lord, have long been bewitched by demons, turned into a puppet. Not only have you harbored a demon-remodeled person in your territory, but you have also deceived major powers to trust you, acting as an insider for demons, ready to strike back when war breaks out. After Wilus finished speaking, he sighed and said, This sounds ridiculous, but those fanatical believers of the Holy Light Sect seem to believe it completely. Their reasoning is, how could you become so powerful in such a short time without the help of demons? Ji Chens mouth twitched, a look of speechlessness on her face. There were even such miraculous reasons Was it his fault that he became powerful so quickly? From the conversation, it was easy to hear that this matter originated from the upper echelons of the Light Church. These charlatans must have lost their minds to claim that there was an oracle saying he was bewitched by demons. This was obviously absurd. The orderly gods were restrained by the dark gods, and even the Elven Mother Goddess, Eluvita, could not deliver an oracle. How could the Goddess of Light manage to do so? Furthermore, it was clear that the demon-remodeled person referred to Lainekel. So the question arose: only Ji Chen, Miligas, the Elven Queen Laphia, Elin, and a handful of elves knew of Lainekels existence. Moreover, how did the Holy Light Sect know that the Ocean Crown sided with a demon-remodeled person? Excluding their side leaking information, apart from them, demons also knew about this. So the answer was already very clear. This was probably the handiwork of some demon lord. Somehow, demons had managed to make the upper echelons of the Holy Light Sect mistakenly believe they had received an oracle, or perhaps they had already secretly bewitched the upper echelons, manipulating them into starting a war. Otherwise, no matter how crazy they were, they wouldnt strike at the Ocean Crown at such a critical juncture, damaging their own power for no reason. After figuring this out, Ji Chen quickly made a decision and said in a deep voice, This is most likely the work of some demon lord Regardless, since the Light Church wants to attack the Ocean Crown, we naturally cannot sit idly by. Now immediately dispatch reconnaissance teams to patrol the waters east of the New Moon Islands, and be sure to spot the fleet of the Light Church in time! The Light Church was a force in the Eastern Continent. To reach the New Moon islands, they would have to cross half of the Western-Mid Ocean. Considering that this was a plan manipulated by some demon lord, the fleet of the Light Church might have already set sail. Ji Chen didnt want the enemy fleet to arrive at their doorstep tomorrow without their knowledge. At this moment, in a sea area of the East Pacific, a large fleet composed of hundreds of ships was sailing steadily. On the deck, believers wearing white robes were kneeling, their eyes closed tightly, their hands clasped together in prayer. Great, supreme, eternal Goddess of Light tells us, in the distant Western-Mid Ocean, the puppet manipulated by evil has gained the trust of the world through deceitful words, and darkness shrouds the heavens and the earth! Great, supreme, eternal Goddess of Light tells us, if allowed to continue, the world will be engulfed in endless darkness, and the light will fade away! Great, supreme, eternal Goddess of Light tells us, to wield the weapons in our hands, the fervent holy words, the blazing light, to give great purification to evil! To give great purification! The worshippers opened their eyes, lifted their weapons high, and passionately shouted on each ship. On the main ship at the heart of the fleet, Bishop Plas, clad in a creamy white robe and sporting a gentle, serene countenance, absorbed the fervent cries that nearly drowned out the oceans roar. A subtle glint of crimson danced in his eyes. Then he walked into the cabin and entered a hidden chamber. As soon as he opened the door, a foul smell rushed out. But Plas showed no reaction, quickly closed the hatch, and went to the deepest part under the dim light. A tall figure sat quietly on the throne. Approaching this figure, Plas bowed to the ground with reverence and fervor. Your Excellency Vida, everything is going smoothly according to plan now. That territory will soon be conquered by us, completing the mission given to us by King Darius. The figure moved slightly, gradually revealing itself from the dim light. His skin, as dark and rough as pitch, bore veins that crawled like serpents across his chest. Though human in appearance, his eyes swirled with a blood-like hue, emitting a powerful aura of malevolence and bloodthirstiness. This human or monster called Lord Vida showed a touch of satisfaction on his face. Indeed, after the success, I will mention your merits to King Darius. Plas became excited. Thank you for your promotion, your Excellency. Vida spoke with emphasis and seriousness. But even if the advantage is great, do not underestimate this war. King Darius entrusted me with the task, and the lord of that territory is formidable. Once we reach our destination, I will personally block that lord, and you will take advantage of this opportunity to land quickly, slaughtering any living beings on the island, and destroying all buildings and facilities, only then can the mission be accomplished. Plas said with hatred, Of course, any creatures that try to stop the demons from returning to this world must be eradicated. Demons are the supreme race, while humans, elves, and other races can only be slaves! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Vida expressed satisfaction. Your mindset demonstrates real potential for acceptance by demons. I hope that one day, like me, youll receive an infusion of demon blood and evolve into a genuine demon. Plas nodded excitedly, quickly ended the conversation, and left. As he closed the cabin door and turned away, his fervent gaze instantly returned to calm, a hint of scorn appearing at the corner of his mouth. Humph, who the hell wants to become a real demon and end up looking like you? What a joke. If it werent for having no other choice, why would he submit to these demons, even more evil than the infidels? Chapter 721 - Chapter 721 Guide Party Chapter 721 Guide Party Translator: Dragon Boat Translation i Editor: Dragon Boat Translation As the bishop of the Holy Light Sect, Plas knew more about the world than the average person. The orderly gods had gradually severed ties with their followers a century ago, seemingly entangled in something that kept them from intervening, too preoccupied to care. However, all of this was later revealed. The dark gods suppressed in the depths of chaos did not weaken over time as the orderly gods had hoped. Instead, they grew stronger in an inexplicable way, breaking free from their shackles and turning the tables on the orderly gods, thereby giving the demons an opportunity to invade. Plas viewed this with extreme pessimism. The world was beyond salvation; it would ultimately be shrouded in darkness! He didnt believe that the current forces of order could resist the ambitious demons who had been preparing for thousands of years. Even the oracles of the orderly gods were suppressed and unable to descend. Without the leadership of the gods, how could they defeat the forces of evil as they did tens of thousands of years ago? So, when the demons came knocking, he did what he thought was wise-surrender. The demons would become the new masters of this world, and all living beings and races would become their slaves. But with so many slaves, they would need agents to manage them, right? As long as he willingly offered his loyalty and was willing to act as their henchman and sword, making as much contribution as possible before their true invasion, perhaps he could secure a place in the future demon-ruled world, becoming a servant or even a follower, as long as he could survivethis was at least better than becoming a slave worse than livestock. Moreover, this was a perfect opportunity; just by removing that thorn-like territory and killing its demon-hated lord, he could improve his position in the eyes of the demons. As for whether they could defeat this enemy, he wasnt worried at all. Although the Holy Light Sect was not as powerful as before, it was still a force comparable to a kingdom or duchy. Within the sect, there were dozens of Holy Light Knight Orders and fanatical battle squads. According to what the demons said, that lord was just a Lord of Glory, after all. A Lord of Glory who had barely been in this world for less than a year. How strong could that Lord of Glory be? On the other hand, Plas was a peak-level legendary-tier powerhouse. He could crush weaklings like that Lord of Glory with just two fingers! So, his territory probably wasnt that strong either. Perhaps a fanatical battle squad could sweep through it. Moments ago, he only agreed with Vida to avoid humiliation. Now, confronted with such an adversary, he couldnt fathom how he might fail. Thinking of this, Plas felt much better, his footsteps even a bit brisker. This time, he would surely complete the mission perfectly, and maybe even earn the appreciation of that demon king. If he had the protection of a demon king, then he would have a higher status in the world ruled by demons, and therefore be safer. However, this bishop of the Holy Light Sect did not know what kind of enemy he was facing. Before the assembly of dozens of forces and the fame of Ji Chen spread throughout the Northern Continent, Plas had already gathered the forces of the Holy Light Sect and set sail under the command of the demons. Sailing in the vast sea of the Western-Mid Ocean, they had no information channels to know about Ji Chen and the Crown of the Ocean. He would never have known that Ji Chen was an epic-tier powerhouse. Or, even Vida, who had been infused with demon blood, was completely unaware of this. In the history of the Holy Light Sect, it wasnt just the indigenous people; some players joined the sects forces through alternative means to acquire resources and production. On a fast warship at the edge of the Holy Light Sect fleet, a dozen or so players were inside the cabin. Guild Leader, weve been drifting at sea for nearly ten days. Where the hell are these zealots taking us? Im getting seasick. A young player grumbled with some dissatisfaction. The leader of the small guild shook his head. They only told us that theres a mission to complete, nothing else. Another player suddenly interjected, Why do I feel like were about to be sold to the highest bidder? The guild leaders face darkened, and he replied unenthusiastically, Although the Holy Light Sect isnt considered strong among many sects, its still a major force. They wouldnt stoop so low as to sell us off The difficulty of this mission must be quite high, and theyre probably not telling us in advance to prevent us from running away midway. A female player nodded. Thats probably it. These zealots are all fanatics with questionable intelligence. I guess this time were going to fight some heretics again. But Im curious about what kind of enemy is worth the Holy Light Sect mobilizing most of its forces to deal with. Even the most elite fanatical battle squads have been deployed. Any one of them could easily crush a small force. The guild leader waved his hand. Forget about it. Were just here to earn a living. If the enemy is weak, we charge; if the enemy is strong, we run. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The young player raised his hand. But were surrounded by the sea. How do we run? Everyone looked at him. Damn, it seemed like he had a point. This ship belonged to the Holy Light Sect; they were just borrowing it. The young player exclaimed, There should be no problem. The people of my territory are waiting for me to return. We definitely wont encounter any accidents here! Chapter 722 - 722 Guide Party (2) 722 Guide Party (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The crowd immediately covered his mouth. For heavens sake, dont jinx us! I dont want to die yet! Suddenly, the fleet sounded a piercing alarm. They exchanged glances and promptly got up to go to the deck to see what was happening. A Paladin of the Holy Light Sect descended from the sky onto the deck, his landing reverberating loudly. The Paladin spoke arrogantly, You, deal with the sea beasts following us right away. Take care of them first before catching up. With that, regardless of whether the players agreed or not, he kicked his horses belly and ascended into the air, leaving. The young player scoffed, Damn, these fanatics really dont know how to treat people properly. I bet theyll crash sooner or later. Being in a difficult position, theres nothing we can do about it, sighed the guild leader. Lets quickly go deal with those sea beasts, so those fanatics wont come bothering us again. The warship broke away from the fleet and headed towards the pursuing sea beasts. Soon, they encountered a wave of relentless pursuers. These sea beasts werent particularly strong, mostly at the second or third tier, while they had dozens of cannons and several elite squads of fourth-tier hundred-men teams, making it quite easy to deal with them. The cannons thundered, blasting the sea beasts upside down. Soldiers leaped from the warship and quickly killed all the pursuing sea beasts. The guild leader wiped the sweat off his forehead, which was drenched by the scorching sun. Thats it for today. Let the sailors quickly change direction so we dont fall behind the fleet of those fanatics. Yes, sir! Meanwhile, above the clouds, a squadron of ten Sea Crystal Wyrms flew in a V formation, their gem-like blood-red eyes scanning the sea surface, trying to spot any anomalies. But no matter how they looked, all they saw was an endless expanse of azure sea. Several reconnaissance teams composed of thousands of people formed a reconnaissance network, which was nothing compared to this vast ocean. Hundreds of such reconnaissance teams were scattered in the sea east of the Stormy Sea, searching towards the east. The ocean was just too vast, making it as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack to locate a fleet that had set off at an unknown time, with an unknown route, and without a trace. After completing their scheduled reconnaissance range, the squadron of ten Sea Crystal Wyrms decisively flapped their crystalline wings to return. However, after flying a short distance, they suddenly saw a ship on the azure sea beneath the clouds. On the immaculate sails of that ship was engraved a golden eye emblem. That was the emblem of the Holy Light Sect, signifying the gaze of the Goddess of Light. The ship was sailing northwestward as if pursuing a certain target. The squadron of Sea Crystal Wyrms immediately changed direction and began to slowly track the ship from above the clouds. Soon, they saw the vast fleet stretching for several miles. The golden eye emblems engraved on the sails formed a continuous expanse, dazzling under the sunlight. Lord! Weve spotted the fleet of the Holy Light Sect! Alice hurriedly walked in, her expression joyful. Ji Chen looked up, a bit surprised. You found it so quickly? When he learned that it was a squadron of Sea Crystal Wyrms that had accidentally discovered a lone ship of the Holy Light Sect on their return journey, and followed it to discover the fleet, he couldnt help but smile. Indeed, this turned out to be quite the guide. If an opportunity arose later, hed owe this ship a thank-you. Now that they had found the fleet of the Holy Light Sect, there was no need to hesitate. Instead of waiting for other fleets to come to their doorstep and spread the flames of war to their territory, it was better to take the initiative, keeping the enemy out of the countrys borders. Pass my command, deploy all main forces of the Ocean Crown. Ensure to block the fleet of the Holy Light Sect a hundred miles away! With this command, the Ocean Crown, already in a state of war mobilization, quickly accelerated into action. Troops emitting a formidable aura rose into the air, flying over the territory and heading to the open sea. Naga Iron Colossus, Ocean Blood Dragon, Dragon Hom Beast, Sea Crystal Wyrm Rarely seen on ordinary days, these main forces were now flying in formation in the sky, stunning many passing ships. Following closely behind were squads of Lobster Guardian Knights, Heavy Armor Toothfish Knights, Lobster Nymph Spirit Archers, and Leviathan Dragons, rushing over the sea, creating waves of turbulent water. At this moment, they all had one question in mind. Who was the fool who dared to provoke the Ocean Crown? On the flagship of the fleet of the Holy Light Sect. Bishop, we are only about a hundred miles away from the New Moon Islands. We will soon enter the waterway, and by then those passing merchant ships will discover us. Plas waved his hand indifferently. Even if they see us, its useless. That territory absolutely wouldnt expect us to be here, with no time for preparation. All they can expect is destruction. Its a perfect opportunity to show the strength of our Holy Light Sect to those merchant ships, spreading our reputation and attracting more believers! A senior steward flattered, Youre absolutely right, those evils will surely be purified by our Holy Light Sect. Our reputation will spread throughout the entire Mid-Ocean! Plas burst into laughter. Let the believers speed up. Once we enter the waterway, advance at the fastest speed and catch the enemy off guard! Suddenly, there was a deafening roar outside, accompanied by screams. Enemy attack! Above the clouds, thousands of Ocean Crown troops flew leisurely, hiding their figures within the clouds. Below the clouds, the fleet of the Holy Light Sect was slowly sailing on the sea surface, with the believers on deck chatting and laughing, showing no sign of tension for battle. Although they were called believers, they looked nothing like believers. Each of them was burly, with their chests bare, bald-headed strongmen leaning against the ships railing with iron axes, discussing how much fun they could have on this journey. The bishop had already told them in advance that once they breached that territory, they would be allowed to plunder and revel for three days and nights. They eagerly anticipated chopping off the heads of their enemies with axes, purifying evil with blood, so they could attract the attention and blessing of the gods. The last time those heretics surrendered too quickly. How dull. This time, Ill have to chop off a couple more heads. A scar-faced fanatic, wielding an axe, grinned viciously. I hope this time will be more fun Another fanatic smirked lewdly. I want to purify a big one properly this time. Only then can we truly cleanse the evil. Talking about battle and plunder always made their blood boil. These days of being able to worship the goddess and enjoy themselves were simply fantastic. The scar-faced fanatic was about to say something else when he suddenly caught sight of many black dots appearing in the sky, growing larger and larger, causing his pupils to shrink suddenly. Enemies!! Sea Crystal Wyrms opened their translucent mouths, and beams of light shot into the unprepared fleet in an instant. The fanatics on the deck were instantly vaporized by the extreme heat, leaving behind only fragments of limbs. The beams not only pierced through the decks but also penetrated the wooden hulls at the bottom, causing the sea to rush into the watertight compartments. Just as the fanatics panicked and attempted to retaliate, the second wave of attacks arrived without any pause. Sea Crystal Wyrms spewed out thick red lightning bolts, beginning their first battle with enhanced ferocity. The lightning exploded on the deck like bursting shells, electrocuting dozens of fanatics into charred remains. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Following closely, blue-scaled giant dragons, each over ten meters long, swooped down. Deep blue dragon flames plowed through the deck like farming machines, carving out paths of blood. Flesh melted, souls annihilated. The screams were brief and soon silenced. Naga Iron Colossi flapped their wings and swiftly descended. With their bone blades empowered by speed, they became terrifying weapons, sending heads soaring into the sky, decapitating the fanatics attempting to retaliate one by one. Plas had just stepped out of the cabin when he witnessed this gruesome and bloody scene. Chapter 723 - 723 One-sided Massacre 723 One-sided Massacre Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Damn it, our Plass words were cut short as a stray bolt of red lightning shot straight towards him. He swallowed the rest of his sentence and quickly erected a golden shield. The lightning veered like a cannonball hitting angled armor, bypassing Plas and striking several zealous believers nearby, leaving them stiff and smoking, sprawled on the ground. As the shield dissipated, Plass expression darkened. He glared at the Ocean Crowns army flying brazenly and attacking in the sky, angrily demanding, Where are our aerial forces!? A senior disciple scrambled over, his face filled with despair. Bishop, our aerial forces were overwhelmed by the enemy, they couldnt even put up a fight! When the Ocean Crown army launched their assault, the Holy Light Sects Pegasus Knights and aerial mages took to the skies immediately. However, before they could form a defensive formation, a tsunami-like attack descended from above, crashing them into the sea. Having scouted the Holy Light Sects strength from above the clouds, the Ocean Crown army naturally didnt give the enemy a chance to counterattack. They struck first. With air superiority lost, the sects ships became like floating targets on the sea, bombarded one after another by beams, lightning, and dragon fire. In just a dozen minutes, thousands of zealous believers were killed, and over a dozen ships sunk. Panic-stricken believers floundered in the sea, thrashing wildly. Some believers manned the anti-aircraft weapons on their ships, attempting to shoot down the Ocean Crown army soaring in the sky. However, their weapons were the primary targets, and a mouthful of dragon fire would melt both man and machine. Plas witnessed this scene with a mix of anger and deep puzzlement. The sudden attackers were undoubtedly the forces of the Lord of Glory. What puzzled him was how the Lord of Glory knew they were coming to raid his territory. Could it be that their spy had been exposed? But even so, the spy wouldnt know their exact route and position. How did these forces accurately locate them in the vast ocean? Plas was filled with questions, but there was no time to ponder. If they continued like this, the Holy Light Sect would likely be buried at the bottom of the sea, becoming food for whales and sharks. Holy Light Sect elites, attack and eliminate the enemy! With a command, over a dozen elite units of the Holy Light Sect soared into the air from various ships. A rare-tiered priest hero in a robe cast levitation magic and flew into the sky. Waving his staff, he shot out golden ropes, binding several nearby sea crystal wyrms. The barbed ropes deeply pierced their bodies. Perish, you crawling creatures! He grinned ferociously, about to unleash brute force to kill the sea crystal wyrms. Suddenly, a dark shadow plummeted from the clouds, effortlessly slicing through the golden ropes like paper and freeing the bound wyrms. Then, it veered towards him from an eerie angle. The priest hero hastily waved his staff, shooting out a thick beam of golden light, attempting to stop the shadow from approaching. However, the shadow, undeterred, swiped its menacing claws, splitting the beam in two. Swish The shadow flew past him in an instant, not looking back as it sought its next target. The priest hero froze, a thin red line slowly appearing on his neck. With a snap, his head detached from his body, falling from the sky into the sea. Seeing the appearance of the Holy Light Sects high-level combatants, the heroes of the Ocean Crown heroes no longer concealed themselves. They rode various units out of the clouds, each seeking their slaughter targets. Diago, Anina, Patheia each was at least at the red-legacy tier, radiating majestic power. The priests and deacons of the Holy Light Sect had never seen so many high- level heroes. Merely sensing their overwhelming presence made them feel oppressed, their limbs cold, and their courage faltering before the battle even began. In this situation, the balance of the battle tilted heavily in favor of the Ocean Crown army. One by one, priests and deacons of the Holy Light Sect were mercilessly slaughtered, their blood staining the sky. Though the Holy Light Sect had numerous warships and believers, they were helpless against the dense onslaught raining from above like droplets. They could only pray that the attacks wouldnt land on their heads. Finally, Bishop Plas couldnt sit still any longer. He launched a desperate attack, unleashing the power of a legendary tier. Columns of water surged from both sides of the sea, and the tip of his staff erupted with dazzling light. Thousands of golden arrows burst forth, leaping into the air and exploding violently. The intense shockwaves sent the Ocean Crown army reeling, and many who were directly hit fell into the sea. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Daring to attack the fleet of the Holy Light Sect, you will face the enmity and wrath of the entire Holy Light Church! We are the envoys of the Goddess of Light. If you do not retreat immediately, you will incur the divine punishment of the Goddess of Light! Plass face was bathed in golden light, giving him an aura of sanctity and tranquility as he spoke with righteousness. With the situation as it was, he realized that defeat was now inevitable. But who could have imagined that the territory they attacked would be so formidable? Just the hero units he saw on the battlefield amounted to dozens, some even legendary-tiered. Chapter 724 - 724 One-sided Massacre (2) 724 One-sided Massacre (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Had he realized how formidable this territory was, he wouldnt have ventured here to stir trouble. Now, the only chance to rescue the fleet and retreat was to deploy the ace up his sleeve: invoking the might of the Holy Light Church and the Goddess of Light. Perhaps it could give the other party pause. However, to Plass immense disappointment, those enemy heroes and armies showed no signs of stopping, and even the legendary creature with wings and a serpents tail was flying towards him. He cursed inwardly and hurriedly dealt with it. The weather was beautiful, with clear skies for miles around. But on the sea more than a hundred miles away from the Crown of the Ocean, it was a mess. This fleet of the Holy Light Sect, which was strong enough to dominate a small and medium-sized force, was currently being ravaged by tens of thousands of units from the Crown of the Ocean. Their prideful strength, which they had always boasted about, was being ruthlessly crushed at this moment. With every breath of dragon flame, several believers turned into flame. The burning blue flames couldnt even be extinguished when they jumped into the sea. They could only endure immense physical and spiritual pain before dying. With every lightning strike, the ship would have a large hole, and the seawater pouring in madly signaled the countdown to these warships sinking. The Naga Iron Colossus, with wings on its back, repeatedly swept across the deck, leaving behind headless bodies. Some fanatical believers who jumped into the sea in panic thought they could find temporary safety, but they never expected that there would be enemies under the sea. The enormous Heavy Armor Toothfish leaped out of the sea and swallowed the fanatical believers whole. The knights on their backs impaled the enemies on their spears like skewered kebabs before tossing them away with brute force like trash. The sky was a hell of slaughter, and the sea was a bloody purgatory. Under the pincer attack, the will of these fanatical believers, no matter how firm, began to crumble. This was not a battle at all, but a one-sided massacre! In the ocean, these fanatical believers, who were accustomed to land warfare, were completely powerless. They could hardly exert any combat power amidst the violent rocking of the waves, let alone mount a counterattack. Just staying stable on the ship was considered good enough. In their desperation, many believers even threw down their weapons and gave up resistance, kneeling on the deck to pray. Oh God, please bring down your divine punishment and cleanse these infidels! We are so devout, why are you unwilling to help us? Seeing this scene, Ji Chen couldnt help but shake his head. These believers were really something else. If the Goddess of Light witnessed their behavior, shed likely be furious enough to blow her top. However, the outcome of this battle was already decided. The strongmen of the Holy Light Sect had been slaughtered, the believers had lost their will to fight, and these enemies who had come all this way to deliver their heads no longer posed any threat. Just as Ji Chen was about to order an acceleration of the battle. An unexpected change occurred in the situation below. Plas wielded his staff solemnly, conjuring a shield that could withstand ten rounds of cannon fire, but it shattered under the claw strike of the legendary creature with a serpents head and tail. If he hadnt reacted quickly and dodged in time, he would have been torn in half by those giant claws. But even so, after more than ten rounds of fighting, his mana consumption was extremely severe, leaving him with less than half. A mage without mana was truly powerless. He had to end the battle and leave here as soon as possible! Plas gritted his teeth and took out a golden gemstone, infusing it with mana to activate it. The gemstone immediately radiated brightly, and a golden phantom figure with a vague face appeared in the air. A majestic and holy aura suddenly spread out, causing the sky to lose its color and the waves to surge madly. In front of him, there seemed to be only this noble, divine, and towering phantom figure, making people unable to help but want to kneel and worship, treating it as their faith. The followers of the Holy Light Sect were stunned, dropping their weapons and kneeling in excitement, their expressions extremely moved. Our God! Under the crown of the Goddess of Light! She has finally seen our piety and descended upon this world again! The Crown of the Ocean team was suppressed by the aura, falling from the sky, their mouths emitting unwilling roars. Even Herald and the others were full of astonishment, hesitating and not daring to move. The Goddess of Light?! This was a deity, and a top-tier orderly divine being at that, with billions of followers and supreme power, covering the entire eastern continent with her radiance!! But didnt they say that the orderly divine beings had already been entangled by the dark divine beings? How could she appear here?! Its just a phantom, the enemy wants to escape. As numerous believers lost control and many heroes hesitated, Ji Chens voice echoed like the toll of a bell. They were invigorated, and upon closer inspection, although the golden phantom figure looked terrifying, it stood still like a puppet. Plas had already fled thousands of meters away without them noticing. They couldnt help but feel an extreme sense of shame. They were actually scared by a phantom! Herald flapped his wings and carried his anger to chase after him. This shame must be washed away with blood! Anina, Patheia, and the others also felt their faces burning with anger, directing their fury towards the strongmen of the Holy Light Sect. Ji Chen rode on an Ocean Blood Dragon, slowly descending to the golden phantom figure. Without changing his expression, he reached out his hand and directly grabbed the golden gemstone behind the phantom, which caused the phantom to disperse into golden light and gather into the gemstone. However, before the phantom completely dissipated, due to the angle, he didnt notice that the golden phantom glanced at him without a trace, with a hint of curiosity and doubt. Ji Chen weighed the golden gemstone in his hand, a small smile curling up at the corner of his mouth. Although this thing had no killing power, it was still good for bluffing people. If he didnt have the Ring of Void, which had the effect of seeing through illusions and phantasms, he would probably have been deceived by this phantom, really thinking that the Goddess of Light had forcibly descended into the world. This was enough to show the awesomeness of this gemstone. When those Holy Light Sect believers saw Ji Chen dispelling the golden phantom, they all showed incredulous expressions, but soon reacted, feeling as if they had lost their bearings. Our God hasnt descended!! God, have you abandoned us? Each believer cried out hoarsely, tearing their hearts out, as if their faith had collapsed, with no will to resist anymore, staring blankly and slumping on the deck. Ji Chen also ordered the cessation of attacks upon seeing this, instructing the Ocean Crown army to disarm and capture them. Soon, Heralds figure appeared in the distant sky, still holding a corpse with a gaping hole in its chest, devoid of any vitality. Lord, the enemy bishop has been slain. Ji Chen looked at the lifeless body of Plas pulled by Herald and said in a heavy tone, Well done. This is the first legendary enemy youve slain. I hope you can slay more powerful enemies in the future and eliminate any threats to the Ocean Crown. Herald bowed respectfully. I will follow your will. A legendary figure was powerful enough to serve as the peak force of a kingdom or duchy, but now, with his chest wide open like a lump of rotten meat in Heralds hands, this scene shocked many of the Holy Light Sect believers below. Their hearts were filled with sadness and despair. Their bishop had been slain, most of the sects strongmen were wiped out, and fanatics were nearly eradicated. The Holy Light Sect was probably on the brink of extinction. Ji Chen looked at the desolate appearance of these believers without a hint of emotion. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only When they harbored malicious intentions towards the Ocean Crown, wanting to turn it into their paradise of plunder and pillage, they should have been prepared for failure. In addition to this, he needed to further investigate who instigated the Holy Light Sect to attack the Ocean Crown. At this moment, Anina arrived on a Sea Crystal Flying Dragon and urgently said, Lord, we found a strange human on that flagship. He exudes a demonic aura. Ji Chens gaze subtly changed. Did he resist? Anina shook her head. After seeing the Holy Light Sects bishop being killed, he voluntarily surrendered Chapter 725 - 725 Three Sects, Total Victory 725 Three Sects, Total Victory Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation On the deck of the massive flagship of the Light Church, Ji Chen looked at the uneasy man before him. Just as Anina had described, this man did indeed appear quite peculiar. Beneath his human appearance lurked a strong demonic aura, and his body seemed somewhat abnormal. Could he be, like Lainekel, another alchemical experiment of demons? Ji Chen got straight to the point. Who are you, and why do you carry the taint of demons while aboard this vessel of the Light Church? Vida, filled with fear, replied, Respected Lord, I have been infused with demonic blood, which has transformed me into this wretched form! Demonic blood? Yes, those cursed demons captured me and subjected me to experiments, forcibly infusing me with their blood to observe any changes. Even that wretched Bishop Plas, whom you have already slain, imprisoned, and tormented me on this ship! Thanks to your victory over them, I managed to escape. So youre saying you were captured, and this has nothing to do with you? Vida nodded hastily, fear evident on his face. Yes, I am also a victim. Why would I dare to offend you? Ji Chen raised his chin slightly, silent but piercing as if he could see right through him. Under his scrutinizing gaze, Vida suddenly felt a sense of panic. Damn it, could he have seen through his facade? But apart from Plas, no one in the entire Light Church had ever seen him. Since the infusion of demonic blood, he had not been seen by anyone else. How could anyone know about him? Thinking of Plas, Vida felt even more furious. That idiot, with so many followers, couldnt even handle ten thousand enemies, and even while fleeing, he was slain. This was a disgrace to their demonic followers! It didnt matter if he died, but if it delayed the great plans under the auspices of the great Darius, then it would be a pity! Hmph, this plan had to be executed by him personally. As long as he killed this Lord of Glory before him, then this territory would naturally fall apart without a fight. And now, a perfect opportunity lay before him. Thinking this, Vida felt slightly more at ease. He put on an expression of panic, cleared his throat, and as if remembering something, hastily said, My Lord, while I was being used as a test subject, I learned some information about the demons, which might be helpful to you. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow slightly, calmly saying, If you can provide some valuable information, then I might consider trusting you. Vidas face lit up with joy, nodding and bowing, Of course, but this isnt the place to talk. Could we discuss it in more detail in your domain? An appropriate opportunity was needed to assassinate this Lord of Glory. Within a three-meter radius, there were several powerful hero units. In such a situation, attempting a face-to-face assassination would be too difficult. However, what left him stunned was Ji Chens immediate and unwavering shake of the head. Well talk here. Damn it! Didnt you notice that there are freaking corpses all around us? Arent you disgusted by it!? How can I assassinate you without being alone with you!? Cursing inwardly, Vida forced a smile on his face. Respected Lord, is this Hmm? Ahem, Bishop Plas has long been secretly corrupted by those demons, willingly becoming their lackey and puppet, just so he can survive when the demons invade the world in the future Those ordinary followers were deceived by Plas and never doubted the false prophecies Forced to provide some intelligence to deal with the situation, Vida presented seemingly valuable information. However, in reality, it was all harmless intelligence. Even if leaked, it wouldnt have much impact on Darius plans. Seeing Ji Chen nodding frequently, Vida felt secretly pleased. If he could gain the trust of this Lord of Glory, just like the alchemical experiment who betrayed the demons, he could expand his sphere of influence. Thinking that he might make a great contribution and be appreciated by Lord Darius, Vidas heart swelled with excitement, and his words became more spirited. He rattled off sentence after sentence. The Light Church not only failed to help resist the enemy but also intended to launch an attack on your territory, willingly becoming puppets. Its simply outrageous. Oh? Who was Plas loyal to? A voice rang out leisurely, and under Vidas excited momentum, he subconsciously said, Of course, its under the service of Lord Darius. This hypocrite also wants to be infused with demonic blood to take my place Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Suddenly, Vida realized his mistake, his face stiffened. Seeing Ji Chen and the heroes looking at him, his expression turned mournful. The next moment, he suddenly sprang up, a dagger emitting a faint light appearing in his hand. He lunged straight at Ji Chen, but before he could thrust the dagger, a cold light flashed, and a severed arm along with the dagger flew into the air. Vida felt no pain, his entire body undergoing a bizarre transformation, swelling up. A horn grew rapidly from his forehead like a bamboo shoot after the rain. His other intact arm quickly withered, turning into a demonic hand, its razor-sharp nails creating a gust of wind as they slashed out. With a ferocious expression, he roared, Die, you damn Lord of Glory! Ji Chen remained unfazed, not moving a muscle. Chapter 726 - 726Three Sects, Total Victory (2) 726Three Sects, Total Victory (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Upon witnessing another swift gleam of icy light, the arm was effortlessly sliced open as though it were paper, and a putrid black liquid spurted out from the severed limb. Patheias face hardened, her sword shining as she swung it once more, severing the creatures legs and causing it to transform into a human-like pig before collapsing onto the deck. However, Vida seemed to feel no pain at all, grinning wickedly, You will all die! Your souls will be imprisoned by the great Darius, tortured by hellfire for ten thousand years!! This world is rotten to the core. Those orderly divine beings have no ability to resist the malice from the void. Only demons, and only they, are the true saviors who can save this crumbling plane! Ji Chen looked at Vida, who seemed to be ranting like a madman, and couldnt help but furrow his brow. A crumbling plane? Vida coughed up a mouthful of black blood, a maniacal smile on his face. You want to know? I wont tell you, you lowly Lord of Glory! Hahaha! Anina and the others couldnt help but show a hint of anger. It was more unbearable for them to see their loyal lord insulted than to be killed. Ji Chen, on the other hand, remained emotionless, simply raising his hand casually. Alice, open up his mind and see what he knows. Alice who was behind Ji Chen nodded and walked over, extending her fair and slender arm. Vida, seeing the hand reaching out to him, suddenly felt a wave of panic. What are you trying to do!? Ten minutes later. Alice slowly pulled back her hand and opened her eyes. Meanwhile, Vida was already unconscious, with his eyes rolled back and foaming at the mouth. Alice returned to Ji Chens side and spoke in a gentle and melodious voice. His name is Vida Barros. He was once a nobleman of the kingdom of Hoiyland in the Eastern Continent He voluntarily sided with the Void Lord Darius for longer life, power, and other purposes The reason he is on this ship is because Darius sent him to monitor the Holy Light Sect. In addition, I also found out an important thing in his memory At this point, there was a solemn expression on Alices face. As Alice revealed it, the other heroes of the Ocean Crown couldnt help but be surprised. The Light Church, including the Holy Light Sect, has had three of its sects secretly corrupted by the Void Lord Darius. The Holy Light Sect was sent to attack the Ocean Crown, while the other two sects, the Fervent Flame Sect and the Sun-Chasing Sect, are now secretly advancing toward the Markus Empire, intending to launch a surprise attack when they least expect it. Well, isnt that just great. When Ji Chen heard this, he couldnt help but secretly cursed. The Light Church has a total of six sects, and three of them have been corrupted by the demon lord. No, it should be considered two and a half, after all, only the bishop of the Holy Light Sect betrayed them, and the rest of its followers are still devout. However, this was already quite astonishing. The Light Church, which worshiped the Goddess of Light, was once one of the greatest enemies of demons tens of thousands of years ago. It had killed countless demons, but now it had been corrupted into the minions of demons. How incredible was this? Now that the fleets of the Holy Light Sect had been destroyed by Ji Chen, and the Fervent Flame Sect and Sun-Chasing Sect had already thrown themselves into the arms of demons, the Light Church was left with only three sects, greatly weakening its strength. Fortunately, these three sects of the Light Church were the last three in terms of strength, while the top three sects were still intact, which was also considered good news. However, the urgent matter now was to notify the Markus Empire. Otherwise, with the attacks from the sects of two kingdom-level powers, the few remaining empire-level forces of humanity would inevitably suffer losses. Especially in such a situation where they were always ready to fight demons, it was necessary to preserve the forces of the orderly side as much as possible. With this in mind, Ji Chen did not hesitate. Patheia, take a team of ten Sea Crystal Wyrms and immediately head to the Markus Empire to remind them to be vigilant against the Fervent Flame Sect and Sun-Chasing Sect. Patheia saluted and took the command, immediately flapping her wings and taking off with a team of ten Sea Crystal Wyrms toward the northeast. My lord, what about these believers? Herald asked in a low voice. Ji Chen looked at the Holy Light Sect believers lying limp on the deck, their eyes devoid of spirit, and pondered for a moment. Detain them for now. Well decide what to do with them after we make contact with the Light Church. The interception battle ended in a complete victory for the Ocean Crown, with a completely one-sided combat situation proving the formidable power of the Ocean Crown. The Holy Light Sect was definitely not weak. The average strength of those believers reached Tier 5 High-Star, and the fanatics among them even reached Tier 6 level. However, they encountered the Ocean Crown. Against the powerful Tier 6 flying units of the Ocean Crown, even the prestigious powers like the Holy Light Sect in the Eastern Continent would find it difficult to match. Especially in terms of high-end combat power, the Ocean Crown was unparalleled, completely overwhelming the priests and deacons of the Holy Light Sect, to the extent that even the Kraken did not need to intervene. Ji Chen and his group returned to the New Moon Islands with a large number of captured believers and dozens of surviving warships of the Holy Light Sect, marching in a grand procession. The merchants watched in astonishment as one believer after another was escorted off the ships, lined up, and driven towards the prison. Everyone with discerning eyes knew that these believers were the reason behind the deployment of so many Ocean Crown troops. So many troops were mobilized just for these believers? exclaimed a merchant from the Eastern Continent. These are the followers of the Holy Light Sect! But why would the Holy Light Sect attack here? Who knows These people were full of doubts, not understanding why the Holy Light Sect from the distant Eastern Continent would come all the way here. But soon, a piece of news from the Ocean Crown City Hall shocked them. C The Fervent Flame Sect and the Sun-Chasing Sect have already joined forces with the demons, and the Bishop of the Holy Light Sect, Plas, has defected to the Void Demon, King Darius, and has been slain. This news quickly spread along the trade routes to various factions and then circulated among the player community through chat channels. All factions were shocked. Two sects of the Light Church had already joined the demons, and now they were secretly heading to the Markus Empire, intending to launch an attack? The Holy Light Sects fleet attempted to attack the Ocean Crown but faced retaliation, ultimately resulting in the death of Bishop Plas and the capture of numerous believers? This development marked another significant event following the Elven Empires warning of an imminent demon invasion in the Northern Continent. It was also the initial revelation of a formidable, previously loyal force aligning with the demons, with the Light Church being a notable entity in this regard. The world was shaken by such news. This news immediately caught the attention of the top three sects of the Light Church and the Markus Empire. Initially, they didnt believe such news, but seeing the overwhelming public opinion, they couldnt help but send some people to investigate. However, the outcome of this investigation was astonishing. Only one-third of the Holy Light Sects stronghold remained, with the remaining two-thirds of their forces and over a hundred warships nowhere to be found. As for the strongholds of the Fervent Flame Sect and the Sun-Chasing Sect, they were completely deserted, with only signs indicating that they seemed to have headed north. The Markus Empires initial reaction was similar to that of the top three sects of the Light Church, but upon hearing that this news came from the epic-tier powerhouse Ji Chen, they immediately dispatched people to investigate. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The status of being an epic-tier figure itself carried immense credibility, enough to warrant their attention. This investigation made them break out in a cold sweat. The armies of the Fervent Flame Sect and the Sun-Chasing Sect were less than three hundred miles from the border. If these two armies were to rush in without any border defenses while the empire was fully mobilized to prepare for the demon invasion, it would undoubtedly deal a severe blow, putting them in a precarious situation against the demon invasion. Although the distance was not far, it was enough for the Markus Empire to react swiftly. They promptly sent out elite troops to join forces with neighboring vassal states to eliminate the sect armies. An unintentional espionage operation once again changed the world order, thwarting the demons plot once more. The name of Ji Chen once again resounded throughout the continent. Chapter 727 - 727 I, Ji Chen, Am the Key Player 727 I, Ji Chen, Am the Key Player Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ocean Crown Harbor. Ships coining from the open sea gradually docked under the guidance of tugboats, and as the harbor expanded, more and more ships from various parts of the ocean arrived. The harbor gradually became crowded and bustling, no longer allowing sailors to dock their ships on their own. Therefore, the Ocean Crown purchased some ferries from the Starshine Islands to ferry various ships to the docks. Among them, more than a dozen cargo ships with gorilla emblems slowly docked at the pier. On one of the ships sides, I_Love_Black_Stockings leaned against the railing, wide-eyed, looking at the bustling harbor. Whoa! Its only been a few months since I was last here, and the place has changed so much! There are so many native merchant ships docked here, even more than at King Kong Island! Damn it, are there still elves here? Last time I tried to invite a few tall elf beauties, they told me to scram. How come there are so many here? I_Love_Black_Stockings looked at a group of fully armed elven soldiers passing by with envy in her eyes. The Kobold Strategist watched the president of his guild shouting and yelling, and the people around them were looking at them strangely. His mouth twitched, and he quickly reminded her in a low voice. President, mind your image. I_Love_Black_Stockings came to her senses, but instead of caring, she patted the Kobold Strategist on the shoulder forcefully. Why should I mind my image? Looks wont feed you. Even though you guys are so ugly, I havent said a word. And now that Ive brought you out, are you suddenly unhappy with me? The group of members from the King Kong Island Guild behind them immediately twitched their mouths. Damn, how did we end up being the targets of humiliation? Soon, a staff member from the Ocean Crown came to receive them and led the group of King Kong Island players into the Lords castle at the center of the territory. When they saw the vast area occupied by the castle complex, with towers stretching and thick city walls, some of them were amazed. The place where the big boss lives was indeed different. Such a tall and magnificent castle could be used as a fortress. When they saw the six-tier troops stationed in the castle corridors, open spaces, and on the city walls, there was some envy in their eyes. Their main army was only fifth-tier troops, but the big bosss sixth-tier troops were already established units. When they saw in the garden, beautiful maids dressed in black and white maid outfits, wearing black stockings, their envy overflowed. Damn, with such a big castle and so many beautiful maids in black stockings, this was the kind of life a lord should have! A member suddenly said, No wonder the big boss Islander doesnt show interest in the president anymore. With so many maids around him, what kind of fun would he lack? I_Love_Black_Stockings didnt show anger on her face. Instead, she nodded deeply in agreement. With so many beautiful maids and tall elf beauties, I would probably do the same, and have even more fun. Other members nodded in agreement. Damn, can we get social security benefits directly? They were led to a hall where they met the owner of the Ocean Crown, Ji Chen. I_Love_Black_Stockings saw the familiar figure and couldnt help but wave his hand and loudly greet, Big Boss, long time no see. Ji Chen greeted them with a smile. Indeed, its been a while. How have you been? Of course, Ive been great! Under my wise guidance, the King Kong Island Guild has made great strides every day, hahaha! I_Love_Black_Stockings showed no signs of unfamiliarity, warmly expressing herself. Ji Chen looked at the players behind her. I_Love_Black_Stockings timely said, These are my guild brothers Why dont all of you hurry up and greet the Big Boss Islander? Ignoring their own boss somewhat gangster-like appearance, the Kobold Strategist and the other members respectfully said, Big Boss Islander, hello. Ji Chen nodded slightly and said gently, Welcome. Youve come all the way to support the Ocean Crown, and I thank you for that. The Kobold Strategist hurriedly waved his hand. No need for that. We came here just to keep King Kong Island from being affected by the war. Its not some noble act. You dont have to be like this. I_Love_Black_Stockings smiled. Thats right. We wont hide anything from you. We hope to help you resist the demon armys attack so that King Kong Island can be spared. If even you cant hold off the demons here, then our efforts will be in vain. The members of King Kong Island nodded in agreement. Their thoughts had long been unanimous. As the strongest player and territory in the Central Ocean, if even the Islander couldnt stop the demon army, every inch of the Central Ocean would be invaded by demons. Especially when the orderly forces in the Northern Continent were still mobilizing and preparing, it was unlikely that they would be able to support them. The only one they could rely on now was the Islander. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only After all, he was a rare epic-level powerhouse, with dozens of powerful hero units and an invincible army. This was the reason they were determined to come to the New Moon Islands. Strength always convinces people. Ji Chen laughed heartily. Since you all have such faith in us, then I wont say much more. As long as the Ocean Crown remains here, demons will find it difficult to invade the northern Central Ocean. Seeing that the Islander did not show any concern or fear towards the demons, but instead appeared confident and assured, they also felt much more confident. They thought that they had finally found a reliable ally. Chapter 728 - 728 I, Ji Chen, Am the Key Player (2) 728 I, Ji Chen, Am the Key Player (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation I_Love_Black_Stockings said, This time we brought the first batch of resources, and subsequent batches will be sent later. The first aid includes eight million units of rare resources, thirty million units of common resources, and some special materials for constructing defensive works. In addition, there is also an army of around fifty thousand troops, with an average tier of 4th Tier, 9th Star. Among them, three divisions are marine units, and two divisions are land combat units. Ji Chen was somewhat surprised. This was just the first batch, yet there were tens of millions of resources and a army of fifty thousand troops. When the subsequent batches arrived, wouldnt this be a substantial aid? Just the eight million units of rare resources were something that ordinary guilds couldnt produce. Apart from the sheer strength, which couldnt match Ji Chen and the Crown of the Ocean, the guilds power was incomparable to that of individual players. Of course, these aid resources didnt directly belong to Ji Chen. They would be jointly discussed and supervised by both parties on how to use them to defend against the demon incursion. However, that was a matter for later discussion. That evening, Ji Chen hosted a grand banquet to welcome the King Kong Island Guilds support to the Crown of the Ocean. This wasnt just a gesture of gratitude towards LLove_Black_Stockings and their guild but also a stance towards other powers. I, Ji Chen, am the key player! If the Crown of the Ocean couldnt hold off the demon army, then all of you can expect the demons to come straight to your doorstep, trashing your yard and even smashing your windows! The banquet was held on the beach not far from the Lords Manor. It was a grand bonfire party, with a towering bonfire burning brightly. Sea beasts were skewered on iron forks, rotating over the grill, emitting a tantalizing aroma under the rising charcoal smoke, enticing the diners around. Barrels of wine, considered noble fare elsewhere, were stacked like pyramids, and various marine delicacies were laid out as if they were free. What was considered precious seafood on land was nothing here on the high seas. It was a bounty with each haul. For the members of the King Kong Island Guild, it was the first time they had witnessed Ji Chens magnanimity. The next day, both sides smoothly discussed the purpose of this support. Eight million units of rare resources might not seem like a lot, but it was still substantial. Considering the recruitment consumption of the Crown of the Ocean, it equated to only a few weeks worth of crystals. It felt exaggerated to think that a million units of resources, considered aid by a relatively large guild, were just a months recruitment consumption for the Crown of the Ocean. The disparity in recruiting troops was significant. Regarding this aid, what Ji Chen was more concerned about were the five divisions of fifty thousand troops each. Although 4th Tier, 9-Stars wasnt high, it was sufficient for defense. With the long coastal walls that the Crown of the Ocean was constructing, it meant taking on greater defensive pressure. Having this army stationed there was undoubtedly a blessing in disguise. Ji Chen was of an epic tier, but he wasnt reckless when facing demons. He speculated that while the orderly divine lineage was entangled by the dark divine lineage, it could also serve to restrain the dark divine lineage, preventing them from projecting more power into the main world. As a result, the most formidable enemies he would face were the five demon lords. What made him cautious was that these five demon lords, who had always remained hidden and never revealed themselves, were all at least epic-tier beings. And many thousands of years ago, they were already epic-tier. No one knew if they had ascended to an even higher tier in all those millennia surpassing the epic tier. Ji Chen had to be fully prepared to ensure that the Crown of the Ocean could withstand the demon army without his assistance. Whether it was the Great Luminescent Sea, the Starshine Islands, or the King Kong Island Guild, whether it was the sixth-tier army or the heroes of the Crown of the Ocean, they were all part of his preparations for this. The banquet ended. Late at night, as people retired to bed and the lights dimmed, the entire New Moon Islands, except for the troops patrolling, had already entered the realm of dreams. The streets were only left with the occasional clinking of armor that should have been sparse. At this time, instead of sleeping, he came alone to the northeastern sub-island, instructing the stationed soldiers to open the Mystic Realm Gate leading to the Skull Mystic Realm. It had been several months since he last left the Skull Mystic Realm, yet it remained unchanged. The red desert stretched from the far left to the far right, extending to the dark red horizon. Since he had slain the Skull King who once ruled this realm, only a group of mindless, wandering skeletons remained. Due to the harsh environment and the abundance of skeletons, the Crown of the Ocean had not developed this area. Desolation was the eternal theme here. Ji Chen didnt linger for too long. He quickly found Kriegs laboratory, which was close by, and used the Sword of Warlords to lift it from beneath the desert. He strode in and arrived at the space where Elin and Thotmudo were originally imprisoned. There were no changes here compared to when he left. Numerous specimens captured by the grand necromancer Krieg were imprisoned in birdcage-shaped cells, enveloped in silence. Inside the cells were all sorts of bizarre races: six-armed nagas, one-eyed giants, thousand-legged void worms These formidable races, once famous for countless ages, could only resist the erosion of time through dormancy within this confined space, hoping to endure until the day Krieg was willing to let them leave. However, the soul of the grand necromancer Krieg had already been mercilessly crushed when he attempted to possess Ji Chen, and the entire laboratorys authority fell into Ji Chens hands. As Ji Chen silently observed these races, alive but not much different from the dead, something peculiar happened in one of the cages. The stiff body inside slowly became supple, and a hint of life began to emanate from it. A pair of eyes, as if seeing through eternity, slowly opened. Ji Chen noticed the movement and walked over to the cage with interest. This cage was probably as large as a double-story building, much larger than the one where Elin and Krieg were imprisoned, but still too cramped for the creature inside. It couldnt even stand straight; it could only stand in a cramped position. As Ji Chen looked up and took in its appearance, he saw a lion-like head with deer antlers on top, fierce and sinister eyes, a deers body covered in dragon-like scales, and a loose tail above its rear. Its body emitted substantial black mist, giving off an evil aura surpassing even that of demons. The ferocious beast stared at Ji Chen with eyes full of undisguised malice and spoke in human language. Little chick, tell me, how could that necromancer let a human walk in his laboratory? Ji Chen shrugged. I dont know, maybe hes dead? The beast fell silent, seemingly considering this possibility, but soon shook its head. That necromancer was a pinnacle power, unbeatable by anyone except the gods. Even if hes dead, its only his body that died. As long as his soul capsule remains, he can continuously resurrect using prepared bodies. I was deceived by him, thinking I had killed him, and let my guard down. In the end, he ambushed me after his resurrection and caught me here. Ji Chen nodded. Although the beast looked terrifying and evil, it spoke in a relatively friendly manner. Ji Chen became interested. Can you tell me your name? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The beast showed a disdainful expression. Weaklings have no right to know my name In the next moment, Ji Chens body emitted an epic-tier aura, causing the beast to swallow its next words and look somewhat astonished. This tiny human was actually epic-tier? After a long silence, the beast roared discontentedly. I am called Isaiah, the Beast of the Final Chaos, the guardian of the Abyss Path, the howling beast of the Chaotic Forest, imprisoned here twelve thousand years ago.. Chapter 729 - 729 Isaiah 729 Isaiah Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Isaiah? Ji Chen nodded, hearing the long string of titles afterward, suddenly recalling a joke about a hotel accommodating a powerful guest. C My name is Isaiah, the Beast of Final Chaos, the Guardian of the Abyssal Path, the Howling Beast of the Chaotic Forest There are too many people here and not enough room, and besides, the inn doesnt allow pets. Seeing a slight change in Ji Chens expression, Isaiahs eyes flashed with a hint of joy, and he whispered. Human, do people outside still talk about my reputation? Ji Chen pushed aside these odd thoughts, neither denying nor affirming, Perhaps, I suppose you were a formidable figure thousands of years ago; otherwise, Krieg wouldnt have captured and locked you up here. Hearing this, Isaiah didnt get angry but rather pleased, showing his teeth with a bit of pride. Of course, those locked up here are all formidable beings. The weak ones dont deserve to be here; they wouldve been killed by that lich long ago! Ji Chen was speechless. Alright, this beast didnt seem very bright. Isaiah seemed to find Ji Chen more agreeable, curling his hooves under his belly, lowering his entire body, and softening his tone. Human, you havent told me your name yet. Ji Chen snapped back, I am Ji Chen, Lord of the Ocean Crown, Master of the Stormy Sea. Isaiah pondered for a moment, then shook his head quite honestly, Never heard of you. Now you have. Your name lacks the imposing aura of mine, and your titles are not as intimidating as mine. Indeed. For over twelve thousand years, most of the beings locked up here have been in a state of dormancy to reduce the expenditure and depletion of life energy, so Isaiah hadnt had much interaction with intelligent beings in a long time. Now it seemed he had found someone to talk to, and he spoke incessantly. How is the outside world? Not too good. Are the elves still fighting the dwarves? That ended thousands of years ago. The dwarven Black Iron Fortress was destroyed by a fire demon, leaving them scattered, while the Elven Empire is now one of the most prosperous kingdoms. Thats miserable. Those winter melon weapons of the dwarves are among the few things that can harm me. Some humans came wielding their weapons, trying to hunt me down for what I have, but in the end, I devoured them all. But compared to humans and dwarves, I prefer elves because their promises are always kept, but humans say one thing and do another. Every time, its the same, all for what I possess. I dont think Im like that. Im not sure, but I recall a situation where a human, pursued by his own kin, crossed paths with me. He pleaded for the strength to seek revenge against his own kind, offering up an entire city of humans as a sacrifice in exchange. Guess whether I agreed or not? Seeing the anticipation in Isaiahs eyes, Ji Chen fell silent for a moment before responding very cooperatively, You agreed? I didnt! There isnt much meat on humans, mostly just broken bones and a pile of filth, tastes worse than bugs, why would I eat them? After I refused, that human got very angry, and then I got angry too, and just gobbled him up. II II Well, human, you still havent told me why youre here? Even if that lich is gone, there should still be a large group of skeleton frames guarding outside. Ji Chen breathed a sigh of relief, finally getting to a somewhat crucial topic. I killed Krieg. Impossible. Isaiah didnt hesitate to refute, That lichs strength was already above epic, its been so long, hes probably not far from being a demigod. How could you, an epic-tier, possibly have killed him? But I really did kill him. Human, you are not honest, deceiving Isaiah will not end well for you. Ji Chen shrugged. Believe it or not, its up to you. I even released two elves and a dwarf who were imprisoned here. Elf and dwarf? Isaiah was stunned, following his memory to a corner of this space where indeed an elf and a dwarf were imprisoned. They used to argue and quarrel often, very noisy. But now, looking over, the cage where they were supposed to be imprisoned was empty. The cage door was wide open. Human, did you really release them!? Isaiah couldnt sit still, standing up, but before he could fully stand up, his antlers hit the top of the cage, triggering the prohibition of the cage. A bolt of lightning erupted from the top of the cage. Roar!! Isaiah, struck by lightning, let out a low roar tinged with pain. After tens of thousands of years, the alchemical cage created by the arch-hch Krieg still functioned, trapping countless powerful beings here. Facing those large copper-bell eyes like house windows, Ji Chen nodded lightly. With an affirmative response, Isaiah couldnt contain his excitement any longer. Human, since you can release them, you can also release me. Trapped for over twelve thousand years, Isaiah, like Elin and Thotmudo, was full of desires for freedom. Trapped in this tiny space, facing the perpetually white walls, if it werent for being able to pass the long time through dormancy, he would have been driven insane long ago. Feeling the fierce and eager gaze of this house-sized beast, mixed with a hint of pleading, Ji Chen smiled calmly. Slowly he said, I have a deal, I dont know if youre interested? While the forces of the orderly camp were mobilizing in full swing. The demons were also discussing the events in the main world. On the side of the Demon Lord of Fear, the demon army. Encouraging the Holy Light Sect, the Fervent Flame Sect, and the Sun-chasing Sect to launch attacks on the New Moon Islands, along with the failed scheme against the Markus Empire, hasnt significantly hindered the mobilization of the orderly faction. Instead, weve lost these crucial elements we planted in secret. Lord Darius really made a bad move, a demon lord said casually. Hmph, so much resources, energy, and time spent corroding these three sects of the Light, only to be seen through by a Glory Lord in the end. With a voluptuous figure and a face full of charm, the succubus commander said somewhat gleefully, Weve warned them early on to pay attention to this Glory Lord. Now look, the target wasnt reached, the pieces are consumed, and we got nothing. Among the five demon kings of the demon race, there was no harmony, with competition and contradictions between them, and they were happy to see other demon king factions suffer. Previously, when their faction, the Demon Lord of Fear, suffered at the hands of that Glory Lord, the other Demon King factions didnt hold back in mocking them, making them angry but unable to retort, with the Void Demon King faction being the most severe. With the Void Demon King Darius faction facing such a significant setback and squandering the three pawns from the Light Church, this failure was even more critical than losing a strategic outpost as they did previously. Balzarna listened to the words of his subordinates, feeling slightly better. Darius foolish actions this time, at least, relieved some of the pressure for him so that the gods wouldnt solely blame him. At this point, even if Balzarna was arrogant, he realized that the Glory Lord was not just an ordinary epic tier. If he were to casually use pawns to try to deal with him prematurely, the situation would become even worse. That Glory Lord was no longer someone that pawns could handle. With this in mind, Balzarna spoke with solemnity, From now on, do not use pawns to deal with that Glory Lord. Its meaningless. We only need to break through the rules barrier of the main world on schedule and then advance with our army. No matter how cunning he may be, he can only watch helplessly as we crush everything he has one by one! This was their plan. Since petty tricks couldnt succeed, they would use their magnificent military might to confront the enemy head-on. Even if they had suffered losses before, it was only a small part of all their power. The orderly forces of the main world thought they liked playing petty tricks and conspiracies, but little did they know that their most powerful force was the vast demon army numbering in the tens of thousands, even millions. Balzarna continued in a deep voice. This time, we must conquer the main world as quickly as possible, turning all races into our slaves, so that we can concentrate the resources of the entire world to develop to our full potential After all, there isnt much time left for this plane. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Many demon lords and commanders nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with seriousness and gravity. For them, the greatest enemy was not the orderly forces of the main world. It was something incredibly distant yet also close at hand. That being had chosen them demons over elves, humans, and other orderly forces. This meant that it stood on their side, believing that they had the capability to overcome the imminent crisis.. Chapter 730 - 730 Sael, the Expert Blacksmith 730 Sael, the Expert Blacksmith Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Crown of the Ocean, the realm of the underground lizardmen. In a workshop. The apprentice blacksmith Sael was completely focused on the red-hot sword blank on the anvil in front of him. His muscular right hand tightly gripped the hammer. The hammer collided with the sword blank time and again, sparking bursts of orange-red flames. As the hammer fell repeatedly, shaping, purifying impurities, refining materials, the sword blank finally took on a rough shape. Sael didnt dare to stop, tirelessly swinging the hammer, the sound of his strikes continuous like a melody echoing through the workshop. Seeing his intense dedication, the other apprentice blacksmiths nearby couldnt help but show expressions of envy and admiration. Sael was the fastest progressing among them, with the best forging skills. Whether it was lizardmen forging techniques or dwarven craftsmanship, he always managed to grasp the essence and techniques at the fastest speed. Even the legendary dwarven blacksmith, Thotmudo, had a considerable appreciation for him. Specifically, Thotmudo often cursed at them, calling them a bunch of stupid pigs, but when it came to cursing at Sael, it was calling him a dumb donkey. Well, a dumb donkey was at least better than a stupid pig. Seeing Sael complete this sword blank, and immediately bring out another piece of fine iron, they hesitated for a moment and whispered. Sael, take a break, youve been at it all morning. Sael laughed heartily and shook his head. Im not tired. If I forge one more sword, then we can sell one more, and that means extra income for Lord Ji Chen. In contrast to the foreign merchants and indigenous people, the residents of the Crown of the Ocean preferred to address their respected lord as Lord rather than Your Highness. This title had been used since the very beginning of the territory, when there was nothing, symbolizing their love and respect for Lord Ji Chen and this land. Without the shelter of Lord Ji Chen, they would all be homeless refugees, like weeds, with no place to call home, let alone the comfortable and warm houses they lived in now. They wouldnt have to worry about food and clothing, be able to raise children, and even have the luxury of any noblemans estate, all of which would have been impossible before. Such a wonderful life, something they couldnt even dream of before! Now those demons were wiping their claws, trying to seize this pristine land that belonged to them. Not a single resident of the Crown of the Ocean would agree to that. For Sael, being able to help the territory earn more gold to act as military expenses against the demons, while doing the forging work he loved, there couldnt be a better day for him. Taking this finely refined and impurity-free top-grade iron block, Sael welded it together with an iron rod, placing it flat on the anvil. As he recalled the techniques and methods mentioned by Thotmudo, his other hand firmly grasped the iron hammer and fell heavily. *Ding* ?Thud* Gradually, the entire world seemed to fade away, leaving only the iron block in front of him, accompanied by the dull yet crisp sound of his strikes echoing in his ears. Unaware, Sael entered a mystical state, feeling both his body and soul incredibly comfortable. Like a finely nurtured seed breaking through the soil, pushing aside the pressure of the earth and stones, the sprout struggled to grow upwards. It was as if it had gone through arduous growth, yet also as if it were a natural progression. The sprout finally broke through the soil, taking its first breath of the freshest air, basking in the warm sunlight. Sael Sael, wake up! The urgent and astonished call snapped him out of this state, and Sael looked around dazedly at his companions, who were staring at him in shock. Whats wrong? The companions glanced at each other, one of them swallowing nervously before pointing at the anvil. You might have just ascended to become a hero. Sael looked down and was immediately taken aback. The sword blank he had just begun to forge was now completely formed, its shape perfect, without a single hammer mark or indentation, as if the iron had always been this way. He stared at his hands in confusion and excitement, feeling like there was something extra about his body now as if he were stronger, and he had the feeling that he could easily replicate this sword blank if he wanted to. He, ascended to become a hero? ?Ding- Your subject: Sael has unlocked his life potential, successfully transforming into a Craftsman Hero (Purple-Rare Tier).* ?Ding- Your subject: Sael, due to his promotion to a hero unit, has experienced a breakthrough in his profession and promoted to Expert-Tier Blacksmith.* Standing on the castle walls, overlooking the construction of the seaside fortifications, Ji Chen suddenly heard this system prompt. Another hero craftsman? With the completion of the Hero Fountain, the significant increase in the probability of hero unit births due to long-term high morale, coupled with the support of territorial policies, the Crown of the Ocean now had a much higher chance of producing hero units, resulting in the birth of more than ten heroes during this period. Most of them are ordinary and elite-tier, with only one being outstanding. And now, unexpectedly, a rare-tier hero has been born, and it even comes with a promotion to expert-tier in the profession. This truly surprised him. Transitioning from the expert tier to the legendary tier, where Thotmudo resided, there was only a distinction between the grandmaster and master tiers. In most factions, these tiers were esteemed like VIPs. More importantly, this hero unit was cultivated and born within the Crown of the Ocean, rather than being summoned from outside, which held significant meaning. Without hesitation, Ji Chen immediately ordered the summoning of this newly ascended hero. He was an ordinary-looking middle-aged man, but his muscular physique resembled that of a blacksmith. This rare-tier craftsman hero obviously hadnt fully adapted to his changes yet, but his entire demeanor had quietly undergone a transformation. This was the change brought about by unlocking life potential and ascending to a unit with greater potential like a hero. As soon as Sael saw Ji Chen, he quickly saluted. My lord. Ji Chen nodded slightly, showing a gentle smile, gesturing to the long table beside him. Sael, right? Sit down and speak. Sael looked pleasantly surprised. How dare I sit with you Its fine. Watching Lord Ji Chen sit at the head of the table, Sael summoned the courage from somewhere, gritting his teeth as he sat on the chair, only occupying half of it, with his hands placed obediently on his knees, sitting up straight like a well-behaved child. Do you know youve ascended to become a hero? How does it feel? Fili and the others told me urn, Fili is one of the apprentices with me, guided by Sir Thotmudo I feel like I have endless strength in my body now. Ji Chen looked at the nervous Sael and couldnt help but smile. Ascending to hero status means your life potential has been unlocked, and various aspects of your physical qualities will be enhanced. Do you feel a deeper understanding of forging and ironworking now? Saels eyes brightened as he nodded eagerly. Yes, absolutely. I feel like I can easily craft high-quality weapons now, and all the forging difficulties and problems I couldnt understand before suddenly became clear! Sir Thotmudo taught us the dwarven forging techniques, and now I suddenly understand. If I were to do it now, Im confident I could completely use the dwarven forging techniques to craft a good sword I believe you Ji Chen interrupted the increasingly excited Sael, In that case, you can go help Sir Thotmudo now. I heard hes currently forging a powerful weapon and might need assistance. Sir Thotmudo A hint of awkwardness flashed across Saels face, indicating that Thotmudos teaching methods had left a lasting impression on him. Ji Chen smiled. Although Sir Thotmudo may appear fierce, hes actually quite easy to get along with if you earn his approval. After hesitating for a moment, Sael said, Alright, Ill go see Sir Thotmudo now. In the underground world, Thotmudos private workshop. Sael nervously knocked on the workshop door, Sir Thotmudo, Lord Ji Chen sent me to assist you Didnt I say not to let anyone disturb me!? Thotmudos grumbling voice instantly echoed from the workshop, With your level, you think you can help me? Just staying out of trouble would be good enough! The workshop door was forcefully pushed open, revealing Thotmudos angry figure. He looked at the timid Sael, about to continue scolding, but after a closer look, he squinted slightly, Rare-tier hero? Expert tier? Yes, Sir Thotmudo, I unexpectedly ascended today Hmph, an expert tier might just about be able to assist me. Thotmudos expression softened slightly, Come in then. Since that kid sent you, Ill give you a chance. If you cant handle it, then get lost! Sael nodded eagerly and followed Thotmudo into the workshop. Despite being a muscular man standing at 1.8 meters tall, he seemed like a child in front of the 1.3-meter-tall dwarf. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Thotmudo stepped aside to let him into the workshop, casually closing the door behind them, then walked to the center of the workshop with his hands behind his back. This weapon is intended for that lad. The demons are preparing to strike, and hell need a decent weapon. From now until its finished, dont make a sound. Do exactly as I tell you. How much you learn depends on your insight. Sael nodded vigorously, sealing his lips tightly shut, but his eyes widened with excitement. His heart was filled with delight. To be able to witness the forging process of a legendary blacksmith up close, what a precious opportunity this was! Chapter 731 - 731 Eliminate Hidden Dangers, Level 59 731 Eliminate Hidden Dangers, Level 59 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Time passed quickly, and a month went by. The situation in the main world was subtly changing, a heavy atmosphere quietly spread across the continents. Beneath the calm sea surface, turbulent undercurrents surged, and everyone sensed that something was amiss. The hidden malice seemed to be drawing nearer. Various orderly forces remained in a state of tense mobilization for war, deploying troops, preparing for long-term conflict with supplies, restarting war factories, mobilizing reserves Due to the vast landmass of this world, extracting resources from the expansive territories was no easy feat for any kingdom. Even the Elven Empire, a top-tier force, had only mobilized a third of its army in a month, with many Elven lords still scattered across the vast lands, either reallocating resources or on their way to assemble. And for kingdoms and duchies with lower mobilization capabilities, the situation was even more challenging. Prior to the official war declaration between the Lienhardt and Bass Kingdoms, it took nearly half a year for both sides to fully prepare. However, unlike these indigenous forces, players were already geared up and ready. Millions of players displayed a surprising power that astonished all indigenous forces. In units of one or several players, upon receiving tasks from the indigenous, they assembled small armies ranging from a thousand to ten thousand troops and launched raids and attacks on the evil forces entrenched across the continent. Their achievements were remarkable. They made the evil forces frantic. These glory lords were like cunning mice; they struck and then fled. By the time you mustered heavy troops to pursue, they had vanished without a trace. They made the evil forces curse these despicable foreigners! Yet the demons were confident in their own strength. Even with the premature exposure of many alliances of evil forces, they were undeterred. The demons did not intend to expose the intention of instigating trouble through these evil force alliances. Now it seemed to be a case of fighting fire with fire, diverting the energy of the orderly fraction, forcing them to deploy troops for suppression and defense, and consuming military power and resources. This way, they could achieve the goal of weakening the forces of the orderly camp. This was cunning strategy. However, the appearance of players undoubtedly rendered such plans futile. Orderly forces were astonished to find that with a certain reward, no supervision was needed. These players, fueled with energy like they were on a winning streak, rallied their armies and charged ahead, wreaking havoc and inflicting heavy casualties on the demons evil alliances. They didnt even require deploying excessive troops. What originally required a large expenditure of resources and troops to resolve and suppress now only required half the cost. There was no need to go through the hassle of gathering resources or subjecting their own people to casualties. By simply offering a reward that they didnt view as costly, they were more than willing to take on these challenging tasks. Such a bloody gain! This made many orderly forces applaud their integrity. Players were satisfied with the rewards from the indigenous orderly forces, and the indigenous orderly forces were also pleased with the performance and service of the players. Everyone was happy. It was a win-win situation! The external situation was changing rapidly, and the flames of war were igniting. The Ocean Crown was also in a phase of accelerated development. In the span of a month, with strong assistance from the subsidiary territories such as the Great Luminescent Sea and the Starshine Islands, the Ocean Crown steadily received a large amount of resources. The Great Luminescent Sea extracted resources from the abyssal layers of darkness, totaling three million units of rare resources and one million units of spirit crystals. With the joint efforts of the newly appointed Herman and Kieran on the Starshine Islands, they also generated a hefty profit, inputting a whopping four million units of rare resources. All the rare resources purchased from the Lienhardt generations had also been accounted for, totaling six million units of rare resources. In addition to this, the Ocean Crowns own export of goods also brought in a considerable amount, totaling 1.5 million units of rare resources and 200,000 units of spirit crystals. These 200,000 units of spirit crystals were all obtained by selling top-grade merfabric. All the income added up to a total of 14-5 million units of rare resources and 1.2 million units of spirit crystals. Adding the existing inventory, it totaled 16.6 million units of rare resources and 1.22 million units of spirit crystals. Although most of the rare resources were used for the construction of the Heraklion Temple. The Ocean Crown had few projects for resource output, besides the construction of wonders, another important part was recruiting troops. Once a week, four recruitment opportunities in a month. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Recruiting nine types of troops consumed 532,000 units of rare resources and 181,200 units of spirit crystals, adding 3,380 troops. The Ocean Crown currently had a total of 18,710 main force troops, a full eighteen thousand soldiers. Even if Ji Chen were to exclude the crab guardians, which were only fifth-tier troops, the remaining eight sixth-tier troops totaled 16,050, approximately sixteen thousand soldiers. If such a force were deployed during the war between Lienhardt and the Bass Kingdom, not only could they easily crush the Bass Kingdom, but they could also annihilate Lienhardt in the process. The Ocean Crowns insistence on elite troops had shown increasingly powerful capabilities as time went on. Each troop had the ability to overpower multiple, even dozens of adversaries on their own, and when confronted with lower-tier enemies, they displayed overwhelming strength.. Chapter 732 - 732 Eliminate Hidden Dangers, Level 59 (2) 732 Eliminate Hidden Dangers, Level 59 (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation During this period, the armies and heroes of the Ocean Crown remained active, often on the move. On the land, there was a coalition of demons, and similarly, there were also evil forces in the sea. Thousands of years ago, a sea-dwelling race turned against the orderly fraction and aligned themselves with the evil factionthe evil Naga clan. Although the evil Naga clan was a member of the evil fraction, they chose to retreat to the depths of the ocean to avoid the reckoning of the orderly fraction because they were suppressed after the demons defeat. In fact, it was because of the geographical barrier of the ocean that these betrayers managed to preserve their tribes. They thrived and multiplied in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and even prospered. However, this evil tribe that had not been thoroughly cleansed and hurt finally faced sanctions. Using a troop as a legion, led by a legendary-tier hero or a legacy-tier hero, they attacked the evil Naga tribes entrenched in various places in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. In the central part of the Eastern Pacific, in the deep sea, there was a medium- sized Naga tribe. The muddy seabed and the surging water broke the tranquility that had been maintained here for hundreds of years. Teams of ocean blood dragons suddenly emerged from the darkness, using dragon flames that could still bum fiercely underwater, mercilessly incinerating everything here. Countless evil Naga, with grim faces, were burned to ashes by the dragon flames amidst their wailing and suffering. The commanding hero, Benbo, looked on coldly at all this, transforming into a dragon form to destroy the chieftain of this tribe of evil Naga, bestowing upon them an equal destruction. Similar scenes occurred in various places in the ocean. The Naga Iron Colossus, the Sea Crystal Wyrm, the Dragon Horn Beast Several armies split up and quickly eliminated the evil Naga tribes scattered all over with astonishing efficiency and overwhelming strength. This time, it was not only to eliminate hidden dangers in advance for resisting demons but also to level up the Ocean Crowns main army. By the time the tasks and goals were mostly completed, the average level of the Ocean Crowns main army had reached level 53. Although there was still a considerable gap from the sixth-tier limit of level 69, it was already not far off from the average level of the main army of top forces like the Elven Empire. In addition, the various heroes leading the army also had an average level of 55, with Alice already reaching level 57, just three levels away from 60. As the commander of all the armies and heroes of the Ocean Crown, Ji Chens level had always been a long-standing topic of interest, not only among players but also among indigenous inhabitants. According to the calculated formula based on experience gained, lords would receive a certain proportion of experience from the kills made by their troops. However, the amount of experience accumulated from so many troop kills was also extremely substantial and objective. At the top of the experience chain, Ji Chens level had now reached a high of 59, just one step away from level 60. Player lords could gain experience from the kills made by their troops, which meant they could level up even if they sat at home, and this speed would increase as the number of troops increased. This was in stark contrast to indigenous lords, who needed to train and kill on their own to increase their strength. While indigenous lords had to actively seek out opportunities to level up, player lords could level up passively. Therefore, as long as they could hold onto their territory until now, player lords generally wouldnt have low levels. The stronger the territory, the stronger the personal strength of the player, this was a law. Ji Chen, who stayed in his territory, could see continuous prompts of enemies killed coming from the upper left corner of the lord interface. With each prompt flashing by, the experience bar subtly moved forward. A small curve formed at the corner of his mouth involuntarily. It was very satisfying to be able to grow in strength while sitting down like this. Every time he surpassed ten levels, he would automatically comprehend a new skill. Now that the experience bar was already filled one-fifth, all he needed to do was to fill this level of experience, and then he could comprehend another gold-tier skill. After calming down, Ji Chen stepped towards the construction site of the Temple of Heraklion. After more than two months of construction, this miraculous building was also about to reach the point of comprehensive completion. Workers from the Ocean Crown were bustling about, constructing the spire atop the temples pinnacle. It was expected to be completely finished today. The construction of the Temple of Heraklion had already invested millions of units of rare resources in the early stage. It wasnt until the various profits were received that its construction could continue. Up to now, it had invested as much as fifteen million units of rare resources! This amount of resources was enough to produce another legendary-tier hero for the Ocean Crown! Not only did residents of the Ocean Crown come to stop and watch around, but even foreign merchants, indigenous people, and players came over, eager to witness the completion of this magnificent building. With a group of members from the King Kong Island guild, I_Love_Black_Stockings gazed at the Temple of Heraklion from the rooftop of the inn, sighing. The Kobold strategist exclaimed, Damn, it must have cost a lot of resources to build this wonder. He really bears to use all those resources for it. I_Love_Black_Stockings glanced at him and said, Since the Big Boss Islander is willing to spend so many resources on construction, it means that the benefits brought by this wonder are definitely much greater than this amount of resources. Its evident just from the name that this is the pinnacle wonder in the construction plans, a distinctive building that offers a range of benefits and effects, unquestionably valuable. Currently, the only known wonder building built by players was this Temple of Heraklion. All others were built by indigenous people, including the elfs Life Ancient Tree, the dwarves lost Sun Furnace, the gnomes Gigantooth City, and so on. Therefore, the Ocean Crown, which owned it, was still very much in the spotlight of the players. Amidst the chatter, the last piece of material was installed on the spires pinnacle. Suddenly, the entire building emitted a majestic and vast aura, as if it had come to life. An invisible force field quickly spread out from its center, completely covering the entire New Moon Islands and the nearby sea. Ding- Wonder Building: Temple of Heraklion completed! Ding- Your core territory: Ocean Crown will receive the following benefits: 1. 50% reduction of materials needed in recruiting oceanic troops within the territory. 2. Keep the populaces morale fixed at above 95 points; the subjects will never betray. 3. Greatly increase the attractiveness of the territory, greatly attracting refugees, merchant caravans, and marine hero units from the outside world. 4. Within the range of the wonders influence, the subjects will gain the ability to operate underwater. Ji Chen was also a bit thrilled. This colossal wonder, towering dozens to hundreds of meters high, would soon stand as the unmistakable landmark of the New Moon Islands, akin to a lighthouse, visible from miles around. Suppressing the excitement in his heart, he had a thought. Checking its functions. In addition to the four benefits mentioned above, the Temple of Heraklion can also recruit a batch of guardian troops every week: [Special Effect]: (D Produce exclusive unit C Heraklion Guards (Sixth Tier, Six Stars) every week without consuming resources. These units cannot leave the temples vicinity of ten kilometers. Fifty units are recruited every week. Without hesitation, Ji Chen recruited fifty Heraklion Guards. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Amidst the astonished gazes of the onlookers, the temple gates slowly opened, and monstrous beasts, the size of trucks, covered in scales, with meat wings on their backs and lion-headed dragon horns, walked out. Cruelty and coldness were reflected in their blood-red pupils. Arranged in groups of ten, fifty Heraklion Guards lined up in front of Ji Chen, lowering their heads like obedient dogs and bowing their bodies to show submission. Ji Chen looked at these fierce beasts, which almost had a not easy to provoke sign written all over their faces, feeling quite satisfied. Although the sixth tier was no longer the strongest unit of the Ocean Crown, being able to recruit fifty of them every week was still good. These Heraklion Guards would be the local defense force of the Ocean Crown in the future. With their strength at the sixth tier and six stars, they were enough to deter most outsiders with malicious intentions. Chapter 733 - 733 Heraklion Guards, Afraid of Being Crushed 733 Heraklion Guards, Afraid of Being Crushed Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation in addition, the energy possessed by this Heraklion Guardian was also very peculiar and powerful. [Heraklion Guardian] [Race]: Oceanic [Tier]: Sixth Tier, 6 stars [Skills]: Aquatic Manipulation (Orange skill, able to use all mid-to-low-tier water spells, some high-tier water spells, reduces water spell damage by 50%) Insight (Orange skill, possesses eyes that can see into the soul, able to discern the good and evil in living beings) Undead (Orange skill, within a radius of ten kilometers from the Heraklion Temple, can use the temples power to repair its own injuries and strength, immortal until the temple is destroyed) Restraint (Orange skill, Heraklion Guardians rely on the temple to survive, unable to leave the area within a radius of ten kilometers from the temple) Minions (Orange skill, the sharpness of fangs and claws is increased by 200%, with an additional 30% armor-piercing effect) Enchanted Thick Scales (Orange skill, defense of scales increased by 200%, able to absorb 50% of impact force, immune to low-tier spells) [Unit Characteristics]: Affiliated guardians of the Heraklion Temple, will evolve alongside the temples evolution [Bloodline Ability]: Temple Bloodline (all attributes increased by 500%, flying speed additionally increased by 200%, capable of long-term invisibility, concealing form and aura) [Exclusive unit of the Heraklion Temple, possessing the power of immortality within the temples coverage] Among the several skills, Ji Chen attached great importance to Insight. Simply put, that skill was like a weakened version of Alices ability. Alice could see into the soul, forcibly viewing the memories of living beings, while the Heraklion Guardian could also see into the soul, but could only discern good from evil. It was clear which side was superior and which was inferior at a glance. However, the Heraklion Guardian obviously had an advantage that Alice could not match, and that was quantity. No matter how powerful Alice was, she was only one person, and she could only pay attention to a few important targets, but the former had dozens of them, and there would be more in the future. The Heraklion Guardians could be deployed as a permanent force within the Crown of the Ocean. While serving as combat guardians, they could also act as counter-espionage units, perhaps finding some evil individuals looking to cause trouble. Ji Chen became interested and waved to indicate that they should start working. After the Heraklion Guardians bowed again, the flesh wings on their backs quickly flapped, flying into the air to patrol. Their diligent appearance was a bit like that of loyal dogs guarding the house. During the flight, they also did not forget to sweep their blood-red eyes over the surrounding creatures, and their noses were twitching as if sniffing something. Suddenly, one of the Heraklion Guardians plunged straight down and landed in front of a young sailor, baring its teeth and making low, threatening sounds like wuwuwu. The surrounding onlookers immediately distanced themselves from this ferocious beast, leaving a space empty, with only the beast and the sailor in front of it. The sailor looked at the terrifying beast, as large as a truck, staring at him intently, his face pale, scared to the point where his soul almost fled. in front of those blood-red eyes, he felt as if he were being seen through, his heart trembling and feeling a bit guilty. In a panic, his emotions unexpectedly calmed down slightly, and he shouted loudly. Help, this beast is going to kill someone! The Crown of the Ocean is going to kill innocent people! But his cries received no support from anyone, as the surrounding onlookers watched coldly. It was obvious to anyone that something was amiss. How could that thing be soaring peacefully in the sky one moment and then suddenly dive down to fix its gaze on you? Ji Chen watched as the Heraklion Guardian quickly found its target, feeling somewhat surprised, and approached slowly. Looking at the crowd around him, he explained in a dignified voice. The Heraklion Guardian has the ability to discern good from evil. If one harbors ill intentions or malice, it will target them. The onlookers suddenly realized, so that was the reason. With that, they felt relieved. These merchants, who themselves had no combat power, were most afraid of lords who relied on their strong power to plunder recklessly. To be honest, even if this epic-tier Lord of the Ocean were to kill them here, even without any reason, there probably wouldnt be any responsibility or consequences. Even the country they belonged to would not say anything at all. This was a world where strength was paramount, where strength was everything, and those without power always tread on thin ice. Fortunately, Ji Chen was not the kind of strongman who bullied others and killed innocent people. On the contrary, he strived to maintain order and rules in his territory, which was why they liked to come to the Crown of the Ocean for trading. Upon hearing the commotion, a group of Crown of the Ocean soldiers quickly rushed over. Ji Chen gestured to the sailor, who was already trembling on the ground, and spoke slowly, Take him away for questioning. Find out his purpose for coming to the Crown of the Ocean, as well as the merchants and caravan that hired him. If the merchants who hired him also have ill intentions, then arrest them all. Yes, sir! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Watching the sailor, pale-faced, being taken away, many onlookers dispersed, each reminding themselves quietly. They must not harbor any ill intention when they were in the Crown of the Ocean, otherwise, they wouldnt see the light of the next day. It was just a small incident. The next morning. On the highest floor of the largest castle in the castle compound, there was a sudden knock on the door. Ji Chen paused for a moment, placed his utensils down, and rose to open the door. Chapter 734 - Heraklion Guards, Afraid of Being Crushed (2) Heraklion Guards, Afraid of Being Crushed (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Wilus steady face appeared before him. Lord, the dragons from Dragon Island have arrived! In the sky, tens of hundreds of dragons floated about ten kilometers away from the New Moon Islands, casting shadows on the sea. The imposing dragons presence made countless marine creatures shiver in fear, either freezing in place or frantically fleeing. Leading the dragon group was a golden dragon nearly fifty meters long, covered in scales as radiant as gold. Every time it flapped its broad wings, akin to two ship sails, sharp gusts of wind swept through the surrounding space, with faint and erratic spatial fissures shimmering in the air. At first glance, it seemed as if endless sharp rays were piercing through, causing discomfort to the eyes. Serena, is the employer located on those islands? Yes, Your Excellency Babatos. Beside the golden dragon stood a slightly smaller but still massive white dragon, about thirty to forty meters in length, capable of human speech. Thats the Crown of the Ocean, ruled by a human Lord of Glory named Ji Chen, whose strength has already reached the Epic tier within just a year. A Glory Lord who has risen to the Epic tier within such a short time must have encountered some significant opportunities, Babatos voice boomed, but what concerns me more is whether he can pay the hired fee. Ive already investigated that, Serena said, Ji Chen has made an agreement with the elves to develop Gloria, the lost ancient elven capital. This cannot be false. Furthermore, Ive looked into all of Ji Chens territories. Apart from his core domain, the Crown of the Ocean, he also holds the Starshine Islands, the Fish Tail Island in Lienhardt, and a mysterious affiliated domain yet to be discovered. Through investigations into incoming and outgoing merchant ships, the monthly profits from his exports alone amount to at least millions. Even if he defaults, we can recover the funds through other means. In addition, Ji Chen seems to have an unclear relationship with the daughter of the Grand Duke of Lienhardt, a human woman named Monica. In the event of high-risk situations or unforeseen circumstances, such as his death in a demon invasion, we can leverage this relationship to obtain some funds or insurance from Monica and the Grand Duke. Serena elaborated on the results of her investigations over the past month, prompting Babatos to nod approvingly. Their Dragon Island had been in the mercenary business for thousands of years, and they had long perfected various regulations and procedures to prevent any adverse events from affecting the payment of commissions. This naturally included conducting a series of investigations into employers before accepting their hiring requests. In fact, considering the suddenness of this task, they had accepted the hiring request without completing the investigation beforehand, which might pose business risks. However, given that this was an unprecedentedly large deal, these procedural violations could be selectively ignored. They believed that His Majesty the Dragon Emperor, for the sake of the interests of many dragons, would not object as long as real gold coins were deposited in the treasury in the end. This territory is not simple; I can sense the presence of many powerful beings within. Based on the investigation, this human has at least two or more Legendary-tier individuals under his command, and four or more Legacy-tier heroes. He also commands a sixth-tier army of at least tens of thousands of troops. Such strength places him among the top echelons, even among the billions of Glory players. I suggest that we establish friendly relations with him this time, so that Dragon Island may have further cooperation opportunities in the future. Suddenly hiring so many dragons from Dragon Island, the Crown of the Ocean undoubtedly was a land of immense potential and wealth. They couldnt just let go of such a big client. Babatos pondered, Serena, you have more contact with human society. Do you know the common ways humans establish friendly relations? Generally, noble humans often use marriage between their female heirs to form alliances. Marriage is one of the most common ways to strengthen relationships among human nobles, Serena paused slightly before continuing, Of course, some noble humans also send beautiful young men and women to each other to enhance their relationships. This strategy is called seduction or the art of seduction. We seem to have no other vested interest in this territory and this Lord of Glory aside from the employment relationship. Babatos expressed his confusion but then seemed to recall something. Serena, I remember your human form seems to fit human aesthetics quite well. Could we use this strategy? Serena actually pondered this seriously, remembering how she had heard some Lords of Glory praise her humanoid form when she was in the elven kingdom. They shouted things like White-haired red-eyed dragon lady, Im dying or Dragon sister, step on me. Though strange, it seemed to be complimentary from their expressions. But would these humans be able to withstand a step from her small human-sized body? In theory, it might work. However, based on the intelligence, the several female hero units around him and the daughter of the human Grand Duke are all considered top-tier in human aesthetics, possessing either great power or high status. Therefore, it is not ruled out that he simply prefers beautiful, powerful, and high-status females. Ji Chen had no idea he had been depicted in such a way by these dragons. Babatos nodded deeply in agreement, feeling somewhat in accord with the human he had yet to meet. Humans or not, their dragon race also favored powerful and beautifully scaled female dragons. Powerful strength and beautiful scales meant powerful bloodlines, making it easier to produce powerful dragon offspring. Of course, because of their dragon nature, the rumor about them targeting strange races was an enduring one. Generally, lawful dragons placed great importance on their own and their offsprings bloodline, so how could they engage in impure activities with those races with inferior bloodlines. Moreover, with their powerful dragon bloodline, how could ordinary races withstand their draconic might and bloodline power? Most of those strange and malformed dragon offspring populations were simply creations of chaotic dragons, with no connection whatsoever to their lawful dragon lineage of Dragon Island. That human indeed possesses considerable strength. I can sense an extraordinary bloodline within him. From the perspective of producing powerful offspring, he is indeed a good candidate. Serena paused for a moment before continuing, But we need to consider one issue. Humans are still humans, and despite their powerful magical abilities, their physical bodies are not outstanding among many races. So, we need to consider whether the female dragon form would harm his body during mating. In simple terms, we need to consider whether we might break his waist or damage his reproductive organs, as generally, humans seem unable to autonomously recover from physical damage. The nearby dragons listened to the increasingly off-topic conversation between the two dragon big shots with embarrassment. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Gazing at the serene New Moon Islands in the distance, bathed in the blue sky and fluffy white clouds, they noticed an unusual force field encompassing a ten-kilometer radius. Anyone who ventured inside would find themselves under its suppressive effect. Fortunately, such a conversation did not continue for too long. A team of flying nagas approached from the direction of the New Moon Islands. The aura emanating from the leader of the nagas shook many dragons. A legendary-tier hero! Herald flapped his wings and arrived near Babatos and Serena. He glanced at the many dragons flying behind them and spoke solemnly. Lord Jichen is already waiting for you. Please follow me.. Chapter 735 - Dragon Island’s Dragon Team, Serena’s Ambition Dragon Islands Dragon Team, Serenas Ambition Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Under Heralds lead, the dragon party managed to evade the suppression effect of the Small Twin-Winged Demon Statue and enter the Crown of the Ocean. When Babatos saw the rumored Lord of the Ocean Crown, he couldnt help but feel somewhat surprised. Originally, he thought this Lord of Glory was just an ordinary Epic tier, but unexpectedly, it turned out to be a Domain Epic tier. Epic tiers also had different levels, and those who possessed a domain were undoubtedly the most formidable. Ji Chen looked at the gigantic dragon, resembling a small hill, staring at him with eyes filled with surprise. In a calm tone, he said, Sir Dragon, welcome to the Crown of the Ocean. The defense against the demon invasion will undoubtedly rely on the wholehearted efforts of the members of Dragon Island. The golden dragon spoke in a human voice, sounding solemn, Since you have enough gold coins to pay our fee, we will fulfill our duty to defend your territory against demon attacks as previously agreed with you and Serena. Naturally, but where is Serena? Lord Ji Chen. A familiar voice sounded from beside him, followed by a white light and a tall and cold figure, wearing white scales and snow-white hair cascading down like a waterfall, with blood-red eyes resembling high-quality rubies. It was none other than the dragon maiden Serena. Let me introduce you. This is our mission captain for this hire, Elder Babatos, Serena said. We have brought all the dragons without tasks this time, totaling three hundred and five. The rest of the dragons will arrive one after another in the next week. Ji Chen nodded slightly. Could you introduce the strength of these dragons to me? Of course, the employer has the right to know about the hired dragons, Serena nodded. These dragons are roughly divided into five tiers. The first tier naturally includes Elder Babatos, who is the most powerful dragon in this hire, just half a step away from being an Epic tier. Half a step from being an Epic tier? Ji Chen paused. Dragon Island seemed to be taking this quite seriously. No matter how greedy dragons might be, they wouldnt use a powerhouse of this level as mercenaries. Among humans, there were specialized mercenaries who engaged in combat, and naturally, there were also bosses who held high positions and were only responsible for collecting payments. And this golden dragon named Babatos was obviously one of those bosses. Seeing Ji Chen had no objections, Serena continued, The second tier consists of three legendary dragon heroes, including myself. The third tier has nineteen legacy-tier dragon heroes, the fourth tier has sixty-five rare-tier dragon heroes, and the fifth tier has two hundred and seventeen excellent-tier dragon heroes. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow slightly. They were all hero units. Was this army the pinnacle of Dragon Islands strength? Only pure-blooded dragons could be considered true members of Dragon Island. Each dragons lineage was traceable, and the strong bloodline ideology meant that every Dragon Island dragon was at least an excellent-tier hero. If it came to individual strength, Dragon Island thoroughly followed the elite soldier route. However, even though there were many dragons here, Ji Chen didnt believe that these were all of Dragon Islands strength. Those dragons who had truly aged were like nuclear bombs in terms of deterrent power. Serena said, Lord Ji Chen, do you find this team of hired dragons satisfactory? Of course, but theres something I need to emphasize. Serena and Babatos looked at each other, then Serena said in a solemn tone, Please speak. Ji Chen said slowly, The commission will only be paid in full after completely repelling the demon army. This demon invasion was not a small war. One misstep and the Crown of the Ocean would be submerged, causing mass extinction. He couldnt guarantee that these Dragon Island dragons would exert their full strength in executing such a highly dangerous commission. Serena was momentarily speechless. According to Dragon Islands past hiring regulations and practices, employers generally paid thirty to fifty percent of the commission upfront, with the remainder paid after the missions completion. Such a request clearly violated the customary practice. Babatos stared with dragon eyes, pondered for a moment, then looked at Ji Chen and said, Very well, I agree to this condition. Ji Chens expression relaxed, revealing a smile. Hope we have a pleasant cooperation. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He instructed Wilus to arrange a place for these dragons to rest, which essentially meant letting them find a place to rest on their own in the jungle in the northwest part of the main island. With so many dragons, the Crown of the Ocean couldnt afford to build nests for each of them individually. Only Babatos and the three legendary-tier strong dragons, including Serena, who could transform into human forms, were arranged in special guest rooms. As for the issue of dragon food, Ji Chen had already discussed this with Serena. The dragons would catch sea beasts in the waters around the New Moon Islands to solve their own food problems. This arrangement was quite beneficial for the Crown of the Ocean. After all, dragons were such large creatures that even a small portion of them would consume a considerable amount of food. If all three hundred dragons relied on the Crown of the Ocean for food, there wouldnt be enough to go around. Furthermore, the insurance fees and time costs that employers usually had to bear for Dragon Islands dragons when they went on missions were all borne by Dragon Island itself, something unprecedented in the history of dragon hiring.. Chapter 736 - Dragon Island’s Dragon Team, Serena’s Ambition (2) Dragon Islands Dragon Team, Serenas Ambition (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Because Ji Chen had been overly generous. Ji Chen would cover the substantial commission for hundreds of dragons from the profits of the Gloria Elf Treasury. Even just the portion allocated to Ji Chen amounted to an astronomical sum, based on their estimate of Glorias wealth. Facing such a generous reward, a sum that could allow one to hide in their comfortable nest for decades or even centuries, Dragon Island and the dragons readily agreed to these terms. In the days that followed, dozens or even hundreds of dragons arrived daily from all directions, their majestic presence and echoing roars filling the air across the sea. The residents of the Ocean Crown and other outsiders were truly amazed; they had never seen such a large gathering of dragons in one place before. But these dragons, contrary to the impression of dominance and arrogance they left, each obediently headed to rest in the northwest jungle of the main island, which made the residents feel a sense of pride. The fact that such powerful creatures as dragons were behaving so obediently here seemed to demonstrate the strength of their territory. It was precisely because of their wise Lord that these dragons could be deterred! Unconsciously, the residents became even more respectful towards Ji Chen, and fervent emotions permeated the air, seemingly devoid of fear of the demon invasion. Ding- The approval rating of the territory residents has increased, and the popularity has risen. Ji Chen looked at this system prompt, feeling a bit puzzled. Why hadnt he noticed the rise in popularity? The popularity of the Ocean Crown had been stuck at 99 points for some time now, and he hadnt been able to find a way to raise that last point, as if the system were intentionally keeping it stuck. But there was another possibility: this one point of popularity was restricted by something, and that restriction needed to be lifted before it could be increased. Otherwise, it would remain stuck at 99 points forever. Lord Ji Chen, is everything alright? The voice brought Ji Chen back to reality, and he looked at Serena sitting across the table, smiling gently and shaking his head, Nothing, lets continue eating. Serena pondered for a moment, set down her utensils, and said, If you are worried that we, Dragon Island, will not do our best to resist the demons, then you are worrying too much. Although we are mercenaries hired for commissions, deep down, we still have the pride and honor of being dragons. We will not easily violate contracts. Moreover, we are not simply here to make money. The demon invasion is a major event for the entire world. We, the dragons of Dragon Island, naturally cannot stand aside. It just so happened that you found us, so we came to your aid and contributed our strength to resist the demons. Ji Chen showed no surprise at this explanation, shrugged, and said, It seems that no matter what, you still have to earn some money to feel at ease. Serena was taken aback for a moment, then smiled gently. Ji Chen also set down his utensils and curiously asked, So Serena, can you tell me why you suddenly wanted to have dinner alone with me? Serena pursed her lips and said, Cant I have dinner with you without any reason? Ji Chen clearly didnt believe this answer. If there werent any other purposes or matters, how could this humanoid dragon be so gentle? Upon closer inspection. Compared to the majestic figure adorned in white scales on the day of arrival, Serena, who was now sitting across the round table, was wearing a white silk court dress. A belt embroidered with dragon patterns using golden threads outlined her stunning curves. Her long, snow-white hair was tied halfway with a hairband decorated with silver needles, elegantly draped over her right chest. Shifting his gaze, beneath the cool and stunning visage was a neck as graceful as a swans, followed by vast expanses of milky-white skin, and further below, nestled between the peaks and valleys admired by countless beings, lay a depth hidden beneath the courtly gown. At first sight of Serenas appearance, Ji Chen was almost scared out of his wits. What could have happened to turn a humanoid dragon into such a charming dragon maiden? Seeing Serena like this, Ji Chen could only shake his head helplessly. Well, since theres nothing else to do, might as well just eat. Little did he expect that this white-haired, red-eyed dragon lady from Dragon Island wouldnt give him any time to relax. With another glance, she spoke again, Lord Ji Chen, do you know whether offspring can be successfully born from the union between dragons and humans? Ji Chen was taken aback for a moment, not immediately understanding why she was asking this, but still thought for a moment before responding. Its probably unlikely for offspring to be born. Indeed. Serena nodded, her strands of hair swaying gently. According to the bloodline memories of the Orderly Dragons of Dragon Island, when a human-form dragon mates with a human, in most cases, nothing happens. Because the dragons bloodline contains too much powerful energy, whether its a female dragon and a human male, or a male dragon and a human female, most of the energy required to produce offspring will be destroyed by the power of the bloodline, becoming meaningless material. What if the human bloodline is equally powerful, not inferior to the dragon bloodline? Serena picked up the napkin on the table, gently nibbled at it, and said, This situation is also recorded in the bloodline memories. Thousands of years ago, there was indeed a legendary-tier female dragon from Dragon Island who fell in love with a human male hero of the same legendary status. The two produced offspring. At birth, the offspring appeared in human form, but with dragon-like features on their heads. Ji Chen became interested and asked further, Then what about their potential? He enjoyed hearing rumors about the offspring of a legendary-tier female dragon and a legendary-tier human hero. Serena straightened up a bit, making her chest appear even more prominent, her face solemn. The child was a legacy tier hero unit since birth, with the potential to reach the epic tier. Wow, isnt this just 1+1>2? Two legendary tiers combined to become an epic tier. Based on our long-term research, we have come to a general conclusion that the younger the high-bloodline dragon, and the younger the legendary or higher-tier human hero, the easier it is to produce powerful half-dragon offspring. Serena leaned forward, her pupils flashing with inexplicable emotions. Lord Ji Chen, I am currently the youngest generation of dragons on Dragon Island, with strength and bloodline among the top females of many dragons. And you, achieving the epic tier at such a young age, with noble bloodlines that are difficult to fathom If we were to mate, we would surely give birth to the most powerful half-dragon offspring in history, and even contend for the position of the next Dragon Emperor. Ji Chen was completely stunned, caught off guard by her words. Do you know what youre saying? Serena leaned back in her chair, calm. Of course I do. This is the best choice considering the birth of offspring from bloodlines. However, we also need to consider the willingness of both parties. After all, I cant give birth to offspring alone. Ji Chen was speechless. Sighing, Ji Chen found this situation quite troublesome. Are all of your dragons so straightforward? Of course. Dragons despise the weak, respect the strong, and take what they want. My mother was taken by my father as a mate, Serena said indifferently, But I cant beat you, so Im sitting down to discuss with you. If I were weaker than you, wouldnt I be taken forcefully? No, if I were weaker than her, I wouldnt be targeted like this. For a moment, Ji Chen felt embarrassed by the thought. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Lord Ji Chen, whenever youre ready to decide, just come to me. Ill be here waiting, Serena said with a smile. But dont take too long to decide. Human lives are short, their prime moments fleeting, and their bloodlines weaken quickly with age. Delaying too much might mean missing out on the chance to produce the best offspring. So, you have to act quickly! she said earnestly at last. Ji Chen was once again speechless. Watching this dragon maiden speaking so persistently about giving birth to offspring, perhaps Dragon Island was also concerned about the fertility rate of dragons now, otherwise they wouldnt let Serena develop such a strong urge. He couldnt help but exclaim inwardly, Wow..1 Chapter 737 - The Demons Are Here The Demons Are Here Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation One month later. Southern Continent. That was a continent almost entirely composed of deserts, with undulating sand dunes stretching from the easternmost to the westernmost tip, bathed in intense sunlight throughout the day. Human civilizations existed only in the river deltas, along the riversides, and scattered oases. For hundreds, even thousands of years, various desert kingdoms on the Southern Continent have waged wars around oases and rivers, fighting for water sources, population, and resources. Under the endless yellow sand lay the countless white bones of wars fought over millennia. However, with a piece of news spreading from the Kingdom of Ugisai located in the northwest of the Southern Continent, most of the desert kingdoms ceased ongoing or imminent wars. A demon that had been suppressed for hundreds of thousands of years was about to invade the main world. At first, most desert kingdoms did not believe this news. After all, in the past century, the oases on which major kingdoms relied for survival had gradually shrunk, and the once roaring rivers had become increasingly dry. Perhaps this was a conspiracy by the Kingdom of Ugisai to seize the remaining scarce water sources. However, as the Kingdom of Ugisai actively invited many desert kingdoms to discuss this matter together, other desert kingdoms, with a mentality of lets see what tricks youre playing, sent representatives to participate in the discussion. However, what shocked them was that one of the princes of the Kingdom of Ugisai presented many indisputable pieces of evidence during the meeting. The demons were indeed about to invade, and the first stop of the invasion was the Southern Continent where they were located! The news spread throughout the continent with the desert winds. All the desert kingdoms were in an uproar. The Northern Continent, Eastern Continent, and Western Continent had long been aware of this matter. Top powers such as elves, gnomes, human empires, and Dragon Island had already begun war mobilizations, while they had just learned about it now! Panic rose. Many desert nobles opted to depart with their families, rushing to board ships and carriages departing from the Southern Continent, abandoning the land protected by the deserts spirit. However, there were many desert nobles who were unwilling to abandon their estates and chose to stay, exhausting their wealth to train their armies. In just a few weeks, various desert kingdoms, which were originally relatively united, suddenly split into several factions with significant internal disagreements. Some chose to defend, some hesitated, some fled. Many desert kingdoms, especially royal families, became anxious seeing so many people wanting to flee and ordered no one to leave, keeping them all to resist the demons. Once again, the yellow sand was stained red with blood, but this time, it was the blood of their own people flowing. The Kingdom of Ugisai also fell into this great division. But its royal family remained rational and did not use coercive means to prevent people from leaving, only persuading continuously. However, faced with the terrifying threat posed by the demons, the port of Ariasha on the Southern Ocean nearby was still crowded with ships and crowds wanting to escape. In the palace conference hall. King Ugisai and the entire royal family wore troubled expressions. Royal Father, we cant let those people leave anymore! If everyone leaves, who will stay to resist the demons? A crown prince, wearing a white headscarf and adorned with jewel rings on all ten fingers, spoke urgently. Not only are civilians leaving, even some soldiers have managed to sneak onto ships and leave. Just yesterday, four squads of one hundred soldiers each disappeared. But we cant stop them Why cant we? Just like other desert kingdoms, we can directly block the borders with our army and prepare everyone for war! The crown prince spoke with a fierce tone. Issue a temporary decree, and anyone who dares to flee at this time will be executed! The elderly king furrowed his brow in silence. Ari glanced at the king and shook his head. Doing so would undoubtedly plunge the country into the abyss. Before the war even starts, the hearts of the people may already scatter. The crown prince scoffed, The kingdom is on the verge of collapse, and youre still concerned about these trivial matters? Ari, you are still so indecisive. Its good to establish a close relationship with the people during peacetime, but in times of chaos, the law must be strict. Dont you understand!? Ignoring Aris silence, the crown prince bowed to the elderly king. Royal Father, please order the entire country to implement the blockade and mobilize all forces to resist the demons! Seeing the determined expression of the crown prince, the kings complexion gradually wavered. It seemed he had made up his mind, and he hoarsely said, Do as Mijat suggests. Disappointed, Ari covered his forehead, understanding that this might not be the best solution, but it was the most appropriate choice for now. The meeting dispersed. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ari walked out of the hall, his gaze passing over the walls of the royal city and beyond the trees of the oasis, looking towards the vast yellow sand. Suddenly, he heard a cold snort behind him. Ari, it seems that your trip to the Northern Continent hasnt brought any improvement. You even lost your ship and had to come back on someone elses boat. Crown Prince Mijat approached, his face carrying a hint of mockery. With your indecisive behavior just now, you are simply unfit to be a qualified prince, let alone inherit the throne. Aris expression darkened. This has nothing to do with you. Mijat was his half-brother from the same father but different mothers. Originally, their relationship was not like this. When they were younger, despite not sharing the same mother, their bond was stronger than that of blood brothers. But when did things suddenly change like this? Chapter 738 - Chapter 738: The Demons Are Here (2) Chapter 738: The Demons Are Here (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation It all began when the king announced that the throne would no longer automatically pass to the eldest son, but rather be selected from a pool of eligible princes. That always loving and gentle older brother suddenly changed, as if taking off a mask, becoming cold and ruthless, eager for quick success and instant benefits, resorting to aggressive and ruthless means. It was as if he had been possessed by some evil force. He no longer treated him kindly, seeing him as an enemy. He had previously volunteered to go to the Northern Continent, not without the intention of gaining merit to vie for the throne. But after experiencing so much along the way, seeing the outside world, although there were many bitter experiences, it also allowed him to break free from this small kingdom and witness countless wonders. In his heart, Ari no longer desires that throne. Of course, one should be like Lord Ji Chen, possessing great strength, commanding forces outside, and crusading against evil! Seeing that Ari didnt refute, Mijat shook his head as if very disappointed. Indeed, you are the same as before, still so weak, not daring to refute even now. I really dont understand why so many people are willing to follow you. Its a pity that they all died in a foreign land and were unable to return home because of your foolish actions. It seemed to hit a sensitive spot, and Aris eyes widened in anger. However, Mijat ignored his anger and continued, Am I wrong to say this? Of the hundreds of servants and guards on that ship, only a few came back unscathed with you. The rest either perished at sea or died at the jaws of beasts. I heard you wanted to seek help from the elves to curb the deserts expansion? The idea is not bad, but too idealistic. How could those lofty elves care about you? Oh, by the way, I heard you earned your return fare in an elf tavern. You really embarrassed the Kingdom of Ugisai Enough! Ari shouted angrily, My journey is not without purpose. At least I went with the intention to solve our problems and I brought back news of the demon invasion. But you are indifferent, scheming in this small court, plotting your conspiracies for the throne! Mijats face changed slightly, his gaze becoming fierce, like an angry desert lion about to roar, causing Ari to instinctively shrink back. Mijat looked deeply at Ari. Then why not go back to the Northern Continent and dream your little dreams again? After all, your face is not bad, perhaps you can win the favor of the nobles. Ari clenched his fists, his face full of anger, about to retort when he suddenly thought of something. What did you say? Mijat looked at Ari, who was angry at first and suddenly stopped, furrowing his brows. Anyway, since youve been there once, youre familiar with the place. At least you can survive like a coward Yes, Ill go again! Aris expression became excited, his eyes gleaming, I want to go to the Crown of the Ocean again! To seek help from Lord Ji Chen! Mijat watched Ari run out of the palace like a fool, and he was stunned. But soon, a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes. Go, go as far as you can. After another month, everything was almost ready. A total of four hundred and fifty-eight registered dragons on Dragon Island had all arrived at the Crown of the Ocean. More precisely, it should be four hundred and sixty-two, because three legendary-tier dragon powerhouses and the golden dragon Babatos were not on the register. This time, it was only because of Lord Ji Chens astonishing hiring scale and the importance of the demon invasion that they joined the hired ranks. Food reserves filled the underground warehouses, and ammunition filled every inch of space in the kobold caves. On the main island coastline, a towering and massive thick wall surrounded the entire island, with dense towers standing on top and behind the wall, and battlements housing enchantment cannons and alchemical ballistas. Behind the walls, on each anti-aircraft position, numerous anti-aircraft alchemical cannons and anti-aircraft spell turrets pointed towards the sky like inverted onions, their density making even dragons think twice. It could be said that the Crown of the Ocean now resembled a hedgehog full of spikes, daunting to behold. On this day, Ji Chen, standing on the city wall, suddenly raised his head as if enlightened, looking towards the distant horizon, his eyes seeming to penetrate space and project to the unreachable southern sea area. In the southern sea area, at more than a dozen places on the seabed, the previously calm sea suddenly boiled violently. One by one, black fissures, as if from the abyss, slowly opened like the jaws of a giant beast, and countless evil-smelling black waters gushed out, instantly staining the surrounding seawater black and spreading rapidly around. In the black water, demons with bared teeth and claws surged out: abyssal fiends, water demons, half-beast demons, tentacle demons Countless demons, nurtured by the ocean environment for maritime warfare, surged out like a black torrent, annihilating all living beings and polluting the environment wherever they went. At the same time, on the sandy southern continent, dozens of huge black fissures split the sky and the ground. Like substantial black mist, it surged out, turning the sky into darkness, completely blocking the scorching sun, and plunging the world into black-red darkness. Countless demons, in orderly formations, slowly stepped onto the yellow sand. In their eyes, filled with chaos, brutality, and evil, they looked at this new world, breathing in the fresh air completely different from the chaotic abyss. Their faces were gradually stained with excitement and greed. They had returned! This time, they vowed to launch revenge against all orderly forces, letting them know who the true masters of this world were! The barriers of order were penetrated. The entire main world experienced violent fluctuations, the sky dimmed without light, and even fine cracks appeared, with elemental energy in disarray. Such anomalies were noticed by all forces, and a thought spontaneously emerged in their minds. The demons are here! The evil allied forces also saw such omens, each one becoming extremely excited. The demons had finally arrived. If they had come any later, they would have been killed by the orderly forces and those glory lords! For a moment, many evil forces suddenly erupted in large-scale riots, according to the original agreement with the demons, diverting the attention of the orderly fraction and buying time for the demons to establish themselves in the main world. The forces of the orderly fraction were not to be trifled with either. Anticipating their intentions in advance, they had made sufficient preparations, and armies fully armed began to suppress and eliminate them. The desert nations on the southern continent were closest to the fissures where the demons invaded, and even between the two groups of fissures, the vibrations they felt were the deepest. In a medium-sized oasis located in the southern region of the continent, within a small town named Kossait, the residents witnessed the sudden appearance of a hundred-meter-long crevice less than a kilometer away from their town. Everyone was puzzled. Because they were in a remote location, they didnt even know about the demon invasion. The chubby mayor, escorted by guards, arrived at the low earthen wall of the town and looked at the crack emitting black mist, his chubby face full of confusion. He asked in a low voice to the guard beside him. Do you know what this thing is? The guard shook his head. He didnt know what it was either, but it didnt look like a good thing. But then, one of the guards said, Mayor, this might be the entrance to a mystic realm. It is rumored that within those realms lie countless treasures and treasures! The mayors face brightened. Treasure? He loved treasure the most! Immediately, he loudly addressed the townspeople. This crack appeared near my territory, so naturally it belongs to me. None of you are allowed to approach or enter it, understand? The townspeople nodded timidly. The mayor was very satisfied with the reaction of these lowly people. He was just about to order the guards to organize an expedition to explore the mystic realm and obtain the treasure. Suddenly, the crack began to wriggle, and a large mass of black objects flew out. The mayor widened his eyes, and as he saw these black objects, fear was written all over his face, and instinctively he pushed aside the guard next to him and ran towards the town. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only However, his attempt to flee drew attention, and those black objects swooped down, accompanied by eerie screams, their sharp claws and fangs piercing through the fat body, tearing it into two halves. At this moment, the townspeople finally saw what it was. It was none other than a monstrous creature with a green face, fangs, and two horns on its back! These were the first batch of winged demons to leave the rift, and upon seeing the town below, each one screamed excitedly and plunged downwards. Fresh flesh and blood! Chapter 739 - Chapter 739: Battle Begins! Chapter 739: Battle Begins! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the main world, which had been peaceful until now, it erupted like a pot boiling over when water was suddenly added, exploding in an instant. Every inch of land reverberated with the sounds of battle, and the number of fallen creatures increased exponentially, with wails echoing across the wilderness. The demon army under the Dreadlord had already spread across the southern seas, while the Greed Lord landed in the southern part of the central continent through fissures, advancing northwards, destroying gathering places and kingdoms along the way, enslaving humans and other races. The Decay Lord appeared in the southernmost part of the western continent, the Mordor Strait, and within a few days, created an area of decayed land covering hundreds of square kilometers, gradually polluting the environment, and establishing demon-producing barracks and war facilities. As for the Void Lord and the Undead Lord, there was no news yet, possibly because the information hadnt reached the Crown of the Ocean. However, to Ji Chens surprise, the Dreadlord Bahama did not immediately attack northward, aiming directly for the Stormy Sea and the New Moon Islands. Instead, he steadily seized the southern seas, then sent out reconnaissance teams to explore the central sea. Even with a massive military force, Bahama remained cautious, deploying troops and formations, arousing Ji Chens curiosity about this opponent whom he had never met but had clashed with several times. His interest was subtly piqued. Facing the enemys reconnaissance teams, the Crown of the Ocean naturally could not sit idly by and dispatched numerous reconnaissance teams to intercept. Striving to sever the enemys probing tentacles. The Crown of the Ocean clashed with the demons for the first time under the seemingly calm sea surface. A mixed team composed of Naga Iron Colossus, Dragon Horn Beast, and Sea Crystal Wyrm, combining close combat, spell attacks, and maneuverability, set off southwest after leaving the Stormy Sea. Meeting a demon squad of nearly equal size hundreds of miles from the sea fissure, both sides quickly became enraged and without hesitation, plunged into a fierce battle. On the demon side were the Water Fiends, Half-Beast Demons, and Tentacle Demons. Water Fiends were spellcasters capable of using demon and water spells to a certain extent, Half-Beast Demons were a type of demon with a mixture of a large number of sea creature genes, serving as meat shields, and Tentacle Demons were a type of demon resembling an octopus, with dozens of tentacles bundled together like hair, capable of restraining enemies. In terms of configuration, both sides were evenly matched, relying on sheer strength. The Water Fiends, Tier 5, 6 stars. The Half-Beast Demons, Tier 5, 7 stars. The Tentacle Demons, Tier 5, 5 stars. The Naga Iron Colossus, Tier 6, 4 stars. The Dragon Horn Beast, Tier 6, 5 stars. The Sea Crystal Wyrm, Tier 6, 3 stars. In terms of surface strength alone, the Crown of the Ocean team presented an overwhelming advantage in tiers. Furthermore, with the intelligence provided by Lainekel, the strengths and weaknesses of these aquatic demons were revealed. The Crown of the Ocean team played to their strengths, avoiding weaknesses, utilizing their natural high maneuverability and ranged attack capabilities to pick off the Water Fiends and Tentacle Demons from a distance, preventing them from exerting their crowd control abilities. Then, the Naga Iron Colossus pressed forward for close combat, quickly dispatching the Half-Beast Demons, delivering the final blow to the enemy, and completing a perfect skirmish. Only the Naga Iron Colossus sustained slight injuries, while the other two units remained unscathed. This scene repeated itself in various parts of the ocean. However, Balzarna seemed to disregard these losses, continually sending out large numbers of demon squads to infiltrate towards the Stormy Sea and the New Moon Islands, gradually mapping out the nearby sea terrain. This was Balzarnas strategy; the Crown of the Oceans army numbered only in the tens of thousands, while the demon army numbered in the hundreds of thousands, presenting an overwhelming numerical advantage. By sacrificing a small number of demons to obtain crucial intelligence, they not only avoided losses but even profited. Not only in the sea but there were also demon squads continuously infiltrating the skies. Benefiting from the Crown of the Oceans many amphibious units, capable of operating freely between the sky and the ocean, intense battles unfolded in the sky as well. While the Crown of the Ocean still remained relatively calm, the hint of a bloody scent carried by the sea breeze suggested that true war was not far off. Upon receiving news of demons appearing in the southern seas, many merchants and outsiders quickly left the Crown of the Ocean, returning to the relatively safer other islands and the Northern Continent. Now, apart from the residents of the New Moon Islands, there were only the players of the King Kong Island guild and the dragons of Dragon Island. Lords castle, command headquarters. In the past few days, we have clashed multiple times with the demon reconnaissance teams and achieved considerable results, killing a demon squad of about a thousand, while we only lost three squads of about ten, Alice reported. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Hearing this battle report, Ji Chen nodded involuntarily. Thirty versus one thousand, roughly a war loss ratio of 1:30, which was still within his tolerance range. After all, the demon reconnaissance teams dispatched were not particularly high-tier demons, mostly low-tier demons, and the higher-tier demons had not been deployed. Under the suppression of tiers, if there were still high casualties, it would be somewhat unfair considering the resources invested in reinforcing them. Ji Chen tapped his fingers on the tabletop. Moving forward, the reconnaissance teams will no longer be made up exclusively of Crown of the Ocean units. Instead, they will be a collaboration between the King Kong Island guild and the Luminescent Sea clan for maritime exploration, while the Crown of the Ocean will continue to oversee operations in the sky. Chapter 740 - Chapter 740: The Battle Begins!(2) Chapter 740: The Battle Begins!(2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Sonia and I_Love_Black_Stockings nodded simultaneously. Such an arrangement couldnt be more appropriate. Since the strength of the Demon Reconnaissance Team had already been tested, there was no need to waste the elite forces of the Ocean Crown Champions. As they say, top-tier horses naturally match up against other top-tier horses, and lower-tier horses against lower-tier ones. The forces of the King Kong Island Guild and the Great Luminescent Seas army were just right. After the war meeting ended, everyone dispersed to prepare for the upcoming battles. Ji Chen opened the Lord Panel, where the current number of troops in the territory was updated, including the forces of the King Kong Island Guild, the Elven Empire, and Dragon Island. Since the last recruitment one month ago, the Ocean Crown had recruited another 3,430 troops, swelling the ranks of the sixth-tier army to 19,120. There were 3,080 Naga Iron Colossi, 3,080 Ocean Blood Dragons, 3,080 Dragon Horn Beasts, 750 Sea Crystal Wyrms, 850 Heavy Armor Toothfish Knights, 1,300 Lobster Nymph Spirit Archers, 780 Leviathan Dragons, 600 Light Sea Sovereigns, totaling about nineteen thousand troops. Fifth-tier troops included 3,220 Crab Guardians, 2,570 Lobster Guardian Knights, 1,520 Water Nymph Archers, and 2,670 Silver Sea Pixies, totaling 99,812 troops, about ten thousand in each thousand-person team. In addition to various scattered third and fourth-tier troops, the Ocean Crowns army probably had about three ten-thousand-person teams. After several months of rest and recuperation, the forces of the Great Luminescent Sea had seen significant improvements in both quantity and tier. They now possessed two ten-thousand-person teams of fifth-tier 6 to 9-star troops, and three ten-thousand-person teams of fifth-tier 1 to 5-star troops, totaling five ten-thousand-person teams. The five batches of troops from the King Kong Island Guild had all arrived, with approximately fifteen ten-thousand-person teams of fourth-tier 5 to 9-star troops, seven ten-thousand-person teams of fifth-tier 1 to 5-star troops, four ten-thousand-person teams of fifth-tier 6 to 9-star troops, and five thousand-person teams of sixth-tier 1 to 2-star troops, totaling twenty-six ten-thousand-person teams. The rest were all fourth-tier 5-star or lower troops, not even fit for cannon fodder, so they were not brought along. Additionally, the Ocean Crown received support from Laphia, consisting of five elite elf thousand-person teams, including three ten-thousand-person teams of sixth-tier 5-star Royal Elf Rangers and two ten-thousand-person teams of sixth-tier 8-star Royal Griffon Divine Archers. There were a total of 462 giant dragons on Dragon Island. This was a formidable force second only to the sixth-tier army of the Ocean Crown. Each giant dragon was a hero unit, possessing combat power far surpassing troops of the same level, and would be the backbone of the resistance against the advanced forces of the Demon Army. The entire Ocean Crown had a total of over three hundred and forty thousand troops, of high quality. The goal of this war was to at least block the Demon Army in the Stormy Sea, firmly hold the front line of the New Moon Islands, safeguard the sea route between Lienhardt-Maple Principality and the Elven Empire, and persist until reinforcements from the Northern Continent arrived. This was the objective, as well as the bottom line. Once the New Moon Islands were lost, the demons would occupy this vital lifeline at sea, leading to the interruption of communication between the eastern and western parts of the Northern Continent, making it impossible to organize a concentrated naval fleet for counterattack, with extremely serious consequences. Three days later. As if having gathered enough information, the Demon Army finally began to move slowly, heading towards the New Moon Islands. The sky was filled with dark clouds, pressing down as if looming overhead, while brilliant thunder serpents danced freely. As far as the eye could see on the boundless sea, at the utmost limit of vision, a darker line appeared on the dim horizon, surging forth with billowing black mist. It was a tide of black, composed of countless grim-faced demons, arranged in square formations, with dozens of squares forming even larger formations. Though they swam on the surface of the sea, it seemed as if they were treading on the ground, their hearts beating rapidly. A strange, evil, twisted melody, as if from the abyss, emanated from the Demon Army, assaulting the ears with intense negative energy. Thats the demonic melody, used to disturb the mind and will. Weak beings who hear it will quickly fall into madness. But as long as you maintain your mental fortitude, you can become immune to it! Lainekel said with a slightly tense expression on the city wall. The others expressions changed slightly. Keeping their spirits strong, they indeed found that the eerie sound no longer reached their ears. Prior to this, all residents of the Ocean Crown had been evacuated to the underground lizardmen world of the Ocean Crown, where the heavy rocks provided a barrier against such sounds. However, the lower the tier of the troops, the greater the impact. They were all somewhat agitated by this pervasive sound. Alice noticed this and immediately began to sing. Her beautiful voice rang out under the gloomy sky, like gentle hands soothing the restlessness of many troops and heroes. Many eyes turned to the exquisite figure, filled with gratitude. Thank you, Lady Alice, for your help. Thank you, Miss! The Kobold Strategist looked at his guild leader, who looked like a lovesick fool, and couldnt help but remind her in a low voice, Guild Leader, youre drooling. I_Love_Black_Stockings wiped the moisture from the corner of his mouth and said enviously, When will I have such a good-looking and capable subordinate? When you say capable, you mean strong in strength, right? Distracted by this tangent, the Kobold Strategist and the other players from King Kong Island calmed down a bit, while I_Love_Black_Stockings looked at them with a smile. Suddenly patting the Kobold Strategists shoulder, I_Love_Black_Stockings said, Ill take the lead, what are you all afraid of? Even if the sky falls, weve got the Islander to hold it up. Theres nothing to fear! The Kobold Strategist winced in pain, quickly escaping from I_Love_Black_Stockings grasp, Thats a good encouragement, but dont hit me! The guild members were immediately amused, and the tense atmosphere dissipated, replaced by a renewed sense of determination. Thats right, the Islander is epic-tier. With him here, the Wester-Mid Ocean is the safest place! Indeed, we have hundreds of thousands of troops here, not to mention so many dragons, were as stable as can be Ji Chen glanced at I_Love_Black_Stockings and the others, shaking his head with a light laugh. As the Demon Army drew nearer, his expression gradually became serious. With a firm voice, he loudly declared, Prepare the entire army! Teams of a thousand soared into the air, swirling in the sky to form rotating black clouds. Lizardmen warriors climbed the city walls, operating alchemical cannons and machinery they had practiced hundreds of times. Long-range units ascended the arrow towers and battlements, wielding powerful bows and crossbows aimed into the distance. Royal Elven Rangers moved with mechanical precision, lining up behind the crenellations, their arrows gradually shining with elemental light. Countless marine units formed ranks along the coastline, clad in armor gleaming with a chilling light. Heroes gripped their weapons, their faces showing no fear or hesitation, only a fierce determination burning in their eyes. The dark and oppressive Demon Army, lacking in strategy or planning, surged forward without hesitation. Countless demons, claws bared, charged toward the southern coastline. As they entered the range of the cannons and arrows, the spell towers, alchemical cannons, and enchanted crossbows erupted with deafening blasts. Countless explosions sent up plumes of white smoke, as hundreds of various projectiles arced through the air, following predetermined trajectories to accurately strike the foremost demons. Boom Countless water columns shot into the sky, blossoming like flowers of water accompanied by the putrid stench of black blood and shredded flesh on the sea surface. Arrows, like locusts in the gloomy sky, seemed to stealthily arrive unnoticed. Some arrows silently disappeared into the sea, but many more rained down on the demons like a torrential downpour, each one causing a spurt of fresh blood. Over just a few kilometers, the constant barrage of bombs and arrows was like a massive plow, thoroughly tilling the entire sea surface, with the splashes resembling churned-up earth and the demons akin to startled moles being blasted into the sky one by one. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Beautiful! Blow these damn demons to pieces! I_Love_Black_Stockings hammered excitedly on the female wall, but the Kobold Strategist frowned tightly. He saw that although the bombardment was intense, countless demons were either worthless cannon fodder or mere scraps of meat. However, even more demons were continuously charging from behind. Every single one of them, without a doubt, were low-ranking, bottom-tier demons. Certainly, this initial surge served merely as the demons disposable pawns and sacrificial unit, intended to exhaust their ammunition. Chapter 741 - Chapter 741: An Intense War Chapter 741: An Intense War Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The vast demon army stretched out behind. A demon, as massive as a bear, with arms as thick as pillars, stood on the head of a giant half-beast demon. Beside him, a demon lieutenant looked on with reverence and awe. Commander Yasen must be pondering his strategy to defeat the enemy! Commander Yasen was a trusted general under Lord Balzarnas command, one of the thousands of sons under Lord Balzarnas rule, belonging to the noble lineage of demon kings from a bloodline perspective. Unlike most others who either possessed powerful physical strength or wielded demonic magic, Yasen had shown exceptional command ability since birth. With experience and time, his command ability had gained recognition from Lord Balzarna and other demon lords. Moreover, in a simulated war decades ago, he had defeated a seasoned veteran under the Undead Lords command, gaining instant fame throughout the chaotic abyss with his strategies and tactics. This was the kind of sage the demon race truly needed, not just those brute force warriors with simple minds who only relied on strength! With this in mind, the lieutenant looked towards the distant islands and sneered. That Lord of Glory must be utterly frightened seeing their massive army, right? Stretching for dozens of miles on the sea surface, this demon army was only the vanguard, not the entirety of the demon forces. The main force, at this moment, was thousands of miles away in the rear, advancing slowly and steadily. But even as the vanguard, the demon army arrayed here numbered up to five hundred thousand, with fifty formations each consisting of ten thousand individuals, positioned on the southern end of the New Moon Islands. They exuded black mist, which could coalesce into dark clouds that covered the sky! He truly couldnt fathom how, under Commander Yasens command, this small territory could withstand their advance. It would soon be trampled into dust by them! As if envisioning that scene, the demon lieutenant felt a sense of excitement. Commander Yasen, the cannon fodder units have caught up now. It wont be long before those foolish humans realize that their bullets and arrows are being wasted on these inferior beings, and feel deep regret! Watching the booming frontlines in the distance, Yasens eyes were filled with indifference and coldness. He spoke in an unhurried tone, Never underestimate any enemy. Being able to easily dispose of a sects army shows that this territory still has some strength. The demon lieutenants eyes shifted, flattering, Commander, you are absolutely right! The stronger the enemy, the more satisfying it is to defeat them, showcasing your superior command ability! Yasen smiled faintly, the indifference in his eyes gradually turning into eagerness. This time, he had actively requested his fathers permission to become the commander of this vanguard army. His goal wasnt just to deal with the traitor from his fathers ranks and the Glory Lord who had managed to slip away before. He wanted those demons who had underestimated him to remember the name Yasen! To let them know that power was not the sole determinant of the outcome of war; superior command could also crush the enemy! As he had strongly recommended to his father, it was wiser to refrain from immediate action and instead dispatch multiple reconnaissance teams to gather intelligence. A prudent leader wouldnt engage in an attack without first obtaining crucial enemy information. Know thyself, know thy enemy, a hundred battles, a hundred victories. This territory, which gathered various races, was just the stepping stone for his fame to spread throughout the world. The territory known as the Crown of the Ocean gathered a diverse mix of races, including humans, lizardmen, merfolk, elves, and even dragons. What surprised him was that over two months ago, according to intelligence reports, the coastline of this island was nothing but a stretch of flat sandy beaches. However, now, a wall over ten meters thick seemed to have sprung up, spanning the entire coastline of the island. If it hadnt been confirmed multiple times, he would have thought the demons scouting had provided false intelligence, as this wall had been built within two to three months. With this wall and numerous defense facilities, the difficulty of their attack would increase exponentially. This siege would not be easy. How to break through this territory neatly and cleanly before his father led the army here, within the limited time? Yasen pondered. Lord Ji Chen, these are all low-tier demon breeds deliberately released to consume our bullets and arrows. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Lainekel looked at the distant demon overseers, wielding long whips to drive numerous low-level demons rushing forward, speaking with certainty. This is the usual demon fighting style. Even in conflicts and battles between demon lords in the chaotic abyss, they usually send out a large number of cannon fodder to consume the enemys energy before deploying elite troops to decide the outcome of the war. But these cannon fodders are not just rushing forward blindly; they are advancing in a certain formation, dispersing their attack to reduce the lethality of our artillery fire, requiring more firepower to deal with them. Lainekels face carried some solemnity. This demon army must have a shrewd commander. Ji Chen frowned slightly. Is it Balzarna? Lainekel shook his head. Its unlikely. If it were Balzarna commanding, he would directly dispatch high-level forces to completely suppress us, then take the opportunity to let the demon army attack the positions and cities. Chapter 742 - Chapter 742: An Intense War (2) Chapter 742: An Intense War (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation I think this might be one of Balzarnas sons, a demon named Yasen, commanding it. Yasen? Yes, hes a bit of an anomaly among the demon race not particularly powerful, but quite talented in warfare command. How does he compare to Sonia then? Lainekel paused for a moment; he knew Sonia was a hero under Ji Chens command, but his knowledge about her was limited. I havent seen Lady Sonias command in battle, so I cant judge. Ji Chen smiled confidently. Youll see soon enough. Sonia joined the Crown of the Ocean at just the right time. With more and more high-tier heroes joining, the significance of her legacy tier gradually diminished. Most of the time, she resembled more of a governor of the Great Luminescent Sea rather than a commander. However, he knew she possessed excellent strategic talents, especially in large- scale warfare and battles, where she excelled. Before entering the Great Luminescent Sea, Sonia had repeatedly led the relatively weak Coral Palace army to victory against the Dragon King City army, bringing both sides into balance. Under Ji Chens guidance, Sonia stepped onto the stage of large-scale battle command for the first time. Looking at countless eyes awaiting orders, she took a deep breath, her gaze becoming resolute. Relay my orders: cease all heavy-caliber cannon fire, small-caliber cannons target important objectives with caution, magical artillery and enchanted machines cease fire, but remain ready to engage at any moment. Except for the Sea Crystal Wyrms and Ocean Blood Dragons, all other flying units land and rest to replenish mana and stamina Each order was passed down in an orderly manner, gradually bringing order to the previously chaotic and panicked army. At this moment, only cannon fodder demons were coming forth, so there was no need for such heavy firepower and diverse units. With such control, the defense became much more regulated. This change was quickly noticed by Yasen. The impact of a skilled commander on an army was significant and evident in the way the troops performed and the details of their actions. The commander served as the heart and soul of the army, and their approach, whether aggressive, cautious, or adaptive, was reflected in how they deployed their forces. And evidently, the opposing commander belonged to the conservative type, considering factors such as the strength of their own forces, the number of enemy attacks, and their own defensive fortifications. Interesting, this war doesnt seem too boring after all. Consider yourself my first defeated opponent. Watching the increasingly tight defense of the opponent, Yasens lips curled into an interested smile. Since the opponent was becoming more interesting, he naturally couldnt afford to underestimate them. Relay my command! The 150,000th to the 190,000th legions, push forward! Tell them that only by winning this battle can their crimes be absolved, and they can regain their status as demons! The 150,000th to 190,000th legions consisted of various demon criminals, akin to a prisoner camp. Upon hearing this command, several formations within the massive army stirred. Demons covered in scars, with expressions of despair, suddenly raised their heads, bursting with astonishing momentum. Under the whip of the overseer, they quickly broke away from the main force and bravely charged towards the city walls. Yasen continued his orders, Send out ten squads of a thousand Batwing Knights to launch harassment from the air, but be careful not to get too close. In addition, scout out the enemys anti-aircraft positions and firepower behind the walls. Deploy fifty Evil Beast units to assist the 150,000th to 190,000th legions in their attack! Yes!! The five demon legions broke down into hundreds of smaller formations, evenly distributed along the southern coastline of the main island of the New Moon Islands, launching their assault under the cover of Batwing Knights. These five legions, along with the one or two thousand cannon fodder who had previously attacked, formed a dense mass. Sonia immediately ordered more troops to counter. The battle lasted for two days and nights. Whether it was day or night, the island echoed with the sounds of battle. Blood stained the seawater, presenting a black-red hue, and tens of thousands of bodies drifted with the waves, crashing onto the beaches with each surge. Until the morning of the third day, both sides withdrew and temporarily ceased the fighting. Damn it, eighty thousand soldiers dead in just two days! If this continues, we wont last even a week. I_Love_Black_Stockings listened to the report of casualties from the Kobold Strategist, scratching his head in frustration. In just two days and nights, the 260,000-strong King Kong Guild Army lost a staggering eighty thousand, much faster than the rate of casualties during the attack on the Kingdom of Bass. It was like a flash in the pan. But I_Love_Black_Stockings seemed to console herself. At least most of the casualties were Tier Four troops. The Tier Five and above units are relatively intact. How about the casualties on the Crown of the Oceans side? Sonia asked slowly. The casualties on the Crown of the Oceans side are within expectations. All Tier Three and Tier Four units were wiped out. Tier Five units suffered losses of about three thousand squads, and the Grand Luminescent Sea Navy lost a half squad of Tier Five, one-star to five-star units. The Elven support troops and the Dragon Island Dragons have not yet participated in the battle, so there are no casualties. Most of the casualties came from the Tier Four oceanic units that ambushed outside the coastline. These units faced the demons attack head-on, and their tier levels were not advantageous, resulting in significant losses. On the other hand, most of the Crown of the Oceans Tier Six units had flying capabilities and high mobility, and the enemys aerial units did not engage them directly. Therefore, casualties were limited. I_Love_Black_Stockings frowned. With this calculation, weve probably lost nine legions, accounting for about thirty percent of our total forces. Its still too much. Fortunately, the demons suffered losses too. Its estimated that theyve lost at least eleven legions, but compared to their total This vanguard legion alone comprised five hundred thousand demons. Even with a loss of eleven legions, they still had three hundred and ninety thousand left, maintaining a significant numerical advantage. Once weve exhausted the Tier Four units, the Tier Five and Tier Six units will come into play. When the demons figure out our situation, theyll undoubtedly launch even fiercer assaults. The next battles will only intensify. Ji Chen pondered. Every hero must be ready at all times. Once the demon hero units appear, they must be promptly killed to prevent them from damaging the city defenses. The surrounding heroes, including Alice and Herald, nodded in agreement. The following morning, The demons launched another attack, but this time it wasnt just cannon fodder and low-tier demons. It was mixed with numerous Tier Six demons, including dozens of demon heroes. Sonia reacted swiftly, sending out Tier Six units to meet the enemy. Several heroes from the Crown of the Ocean led the heroes of the King Kong Guild, as well as dozens of Dragon Island dragons, into battle. The roars of the dragons shook the earth. These Dragon Island dragons were equally eager for battle and slaughter, their suppressed fighting spirit bursting forth like a volcano erupting after two days. Let the demons know the power of our dragons! Melt them with dragon breath!! Dragon breath, capable of melting metal, sprayed onto the demon heroes, instantly disintegrating their tough skin and flesh, and revealing their pale bones. The demon heroes swung their claws, emitting black energy, tearing through dragon scales and staining the sky with blood. The Ocean Blood Dragon, a Tier Six, eight-star unit, unexpectedly became a reaper of demons. Countless demons fell under the onslaught of this unit, which, enhanced by the Buff from Benbo, approached the strength of Tier Seven. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only It even attracted the pursuit of several rare and even legacy tiers demon heroes. The heroes who went out from the Crown of the Ocean naturally couldnt stand by and watch. They immediately joined the fray, engaging in fierce combat. Herald slashed through rare-tier demon heroes effortlessly with his sharp claws, while Patheia engaged a legacy-tier demon hero, constantly unleashing sword energy with her specially crafted exotic metal longsword, leaving the enemy disoriented and overwhelmed. In terms of hero strength, the side of the Crown of the Ocean was not inferior to the demons, and in fact, they were considerably stronger. Of course, this was only taking into account the situation of the vanguard army. Chapter 743 - Chapter 743: Victory in the First Battle Chapter 743: Victory in the First Battle Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Woo-WOO-WOO A strange howl slowly echoed, reverberating across this stretch of sea. Upon hearing this sound, the attacking demons halted, unhesitatingly retreating. In just a few minutes, the demons below the city walls receded like the tide. Leaving behind thousands of corpses, they quickly moved out of range of cannons and arrow towers, merging with the demon army arranged in the distance, collectively retreating towards the further reaches of the sea. The remaining demons, fighting fiercely in the sky and sea, also hastily withdrew, fearing they would become the next hunted targets. The legendary-tier demon hero, who had engaged in intense combat with Herald both in the sea and in the sky, felt a sense of relief upon hearing the retreat signal. Hastily casting a wide-reaching spell to repel Heralds advance, he then retreated somewhat awkwardly back to his own lines. Seeing this, Herald also chose not to continue the pursuit. He slowly descended and landed on the city wall. Seeing the demons repelled once again, the soldiers on the city walls cheered, even the reinforcements from the elves couldnt help but show a smile. One by one, the heroes returned to the city, recounting how many enemies they had slain. I killed five demon heroes, four rare-tier, and one legacy-tier, said Patheia, looking somewhat weary but with bright eyes, clearly satisfied with her achievements. I took down six demon heroes, but two of them were elite-tier, three rare- tier, and only one legacy-tier, Anina said, shaking her head with a playful sway, her face tinged with some regret. As I got closer, those demon heroes would see me and run, some even flew away. I couldnt catch up with them on my two legs. Elisya raised her hand holding a strong bow like a child, excitedly saying, I shot down two legacy-tier, seven rare-tier, and eight elite-tier. I even killed some demon overseers! After fully unleashing her archery talents, Elisya could shoot wherever she wanted with her bow and arrows. The demon heroes she targeted were all fatally struck. Even the frontline commanding demon overseers dared not show themselves, each one marked by her, preventing the demon offensive from making significant progress. Well, you all are truly valiant and unmatched. I have fewer accomplishments than you, only killing one legacy-tier and two rare-tier enemies. However, I led the Ocean Blood Dragon Legion to inflict heavy casualties on many ordinary demons, said Benbo cheerfully, without a hint of regret. The others didnt belittle or look down on him. Benbo, a legendary-tier figure, led the Ocean Blood Dragon Legion, melting thousands of advanced demon troops with dragon breath. In terms of demon kills, he far exceeded them. Seeing his colleagues finish, Herald also solemnly said, I slayed three legacy-tier, nine rare-tier, and several elite-tier demons. There was also one legendary-tier demon who managed to escape. The heroes looked up to him with reverence. In terms of killing enemy heroes, Heralds achievements were undoubtedly unparalleled, making Anina somewhat envious. Flying was indeed advantageous, unlike her, who could only run on two legs. Alice, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up. Dont you all feel that these demon heroes seem a bit off? Is there anything strange about them? They dont seem as formidable as we imagined. Instead they seem somewhat weak. With these words spoken, Patheia glanced at the others, hesitating, Do you all feel the same? I thought it was just me feeling wrong, but these demon heroes give me the impression of beings who possess tier and power but lack the knowledge of how to use them, resulting in very crude usage. And their combat experience seems to be lacking as well. Whenever I change my moves slightly, they become flustered. The heroes nodded unanimously. Honestly, a few days ago, they hadnt directly faced the enemy in battle, and watching the fierce demon attacks, they felt considerable pressure. But today, when they clashed with the demon heroes, they quickly felt at ease. They could easily suppress demon heroes of the same tier and even fend off attacks from multiple enemies with ease. There is indeed such a feeling Alice pondered, Wed better report this to the Lord Ive already heard, replied a voice as Alice and the others turned to face the figure approaching them. Lord Ji Chen. Ji Chen nodded slightly. Regarding what you just mentioned, I have noticed it too. The performance of the demon heroes is indeed unexpected. Elisya raised her hand. Could this be a ploy by that demon commander named Yasen, trying to make us underestimate them? Ji Chen frowned. The possibility is very low. Even the most foolish commander would find it difficult to make such a move as a ploy, considering the deaths of dozens of demon heroes, not just one or two. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He believed that even if the demons were ambitious and powerful, they wouldnt just give away so many hero units for nothing. So the question arose, what exactly was going on? Could it be that the enemy commander had lost his mind? Ten minutes earlier. Through the battlefield shadow magic, watching the scenes of demon heroes falling one by one on the light screen, Yasens expression was no longer as relaxed and carefree as it was two days ago. Shadows filled the eyes that symbolized the noble lineage of the demon. Damn it, how is this possible? Chapter 744 - Chapter 744: Victory in the First Battle (2) Chapter 744: Victory in the First Battle (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation He clenched his fists tightly, squeezing out the sentence from between his teeth. The demon deputy officer beside him remained silent as a clam, afraid to say anything more, lest he become the outlet for his anger. His eyes were filled with shock and disbelief. The heroes of this territory, their combat power was unexpectedly strong. Of course, before the war began, they had investigated the number of heroes in this territory, which was why they dispatched dozens of demon heroes at once, to engage the high-level forces of the area. However, these heroes of the Ocean Crown were simply terrifying! That feathered hero, a legacy-tier Featherfolk, could actually hold her own against two legacy-tier demon heroes and a rare-tier demon hero! In their records, during the Divine War tens of thousands of years ago, the heroes of the Featherfolk tribe could at most contend with a hero of the same tier! When did the Featherfolk tribe become so formidable!? The Naga Warrior with wings was even more terrifying to the demons. Its huge claws slaughtered their hero units like cutting vegetables, whether rare-tier or legacy-tier, they were no match. Even legendary-tier demons were not its match, being tossed around like a ball. It was such a pitiful sight. For the first time, the demon deputy officer felt that something was amiss. The enemies of the main world seemed not as weak as they had imagined Soon, the casualties from this attack were tallied. A total of more than eighty thousand demon soldiers were killed or injured, half of which were fifth-tier units. Five thousand members of six sixth-tier units were also taken advantage of by the enemy commander and wiped out. In addition, a total of sixty-eight demon heroes fell, nine of which were legacy-tier, and the rest were either seriously injured or maimed, in a very sorry state. With the loss of this wave of high-level forces, the vanguard legion now only had two to three dozen scattered hero units left, and the demon army had just over three hundred thousand troops left, almost forty percent of its strength depleted. According to the current reconnaissance of the enemys forces, it was now very difficult to shake the enemys defenses with the current strength. Amidst the shock and anger, Yasen also felt somewhat disheartened. He remembered how, just a few days ago, he had confidently told his father that this vanguard legion alone could conquer these islands, but in just four days, that goal had turned into nothing but a mirage. The memory of him receiving the mission proudly in front of numerous demon lords and commanders just a few days ago, contrasted sharply with the current sight of him hurriedly retreating in humiliation, creating a mix of shame and anger within Yasen. No, this was definitely not his fault! At some point, this vanguard legion was not strong enough to fully unleash its capabilities! The intelligence given to him was also incorrect, how could this Lord of Glory possibly possess so many powerful hero units, he had seen it himself, there were not only sea tribes and Featherfolk, but even a Siren! With such a rigorous defense system and so many formidable enemies, it was quite normal for this vanguard legion to encounter such setbacks. After some comforting words, Yasen felt much better and became even more convinced that this was not his fault, at least not primarily! The demon deputy officer looked at Yasens face twisting and changing like a shape-shifter, startled, thinking something had happened, and quickly asked, Lord Yasen, are you alright? Yasens face returned to calmness, but his expression darkened, and he said in a deep voice, Retreat. Huh? I said retreat, didnt you understand? The demon deputy officer hastily replied, Yes, Ill have them retreat immediately. As he was about to leave, Yasen called him back. Wait, after the retreat and gathering with the main forces, you must publicly declare that the reason for our attack failure was due to incorrect intelligence. Theres no way this Lord of Glory could possess so many powerful heroes and armies. Elves, sea tribes, and dragons have secretly supported this Lord of Glory. Its because of the lack of this kind of intelligence that we were caught off guard suddenly. Understand? The deputy officer wanted to say something, but seeing Yasens sinister gaze, he trembled all over and wisely kept his mouth shut. Yes! Although this was not entirely true, it was not entirely false either. Mixing truth and falsehood was enough to confuse. Moreover, the deputy officer also knew that if he wanted to evade responsibility, he had to follow this plan. Otherwise, with such large casualties and defeat, Yasen, as the son of the Demon King, might only need to receive a mere punishment, but as his humble deputy officer, he might not escape death. For the sake of his own life, he had to say so. The news of the retreat of the remaining demon army of over three hundred thousand from the Stormy Sea couldnt escape the vigilant eyes of the Ocean Crown army who had been scouting day and night, and this news quickly spread back. Lords Castle, Council Chamber. The demons are retreating? Ji Chen, sitting at the head, couldnt hide his surprise, but there was also a hint of expectation. Although he knew that after several days of siege, the demon army, which had suffered heavy casualties, no longer posed a threat to the New Moon Islands, the fact that their commander could make such a decisive choice to withdraw also showed some courage. He just didnt know how he would be treated after losing two hundred thousand troops and dozens of senior forces when he returned. He heard Yasen was the son of the Dreadlord Balzarna. Since his father is the king, Yasen should have no worries. As the vanguard demon legion gradually disappeared from the sea level and retreated southward, and as they exited the Stormy Sea, the first battle between the Ocean Crown and the demons ended with victory for the Ocean Crown. The Ocean Crown was filled with excitement. They had defeated those terrifying races from the depths of the abyss, which made the other races tremble in fear. Even though it was only one legion, it was enough to prove that these horned monsters were not invincible. They still remembered how the heroes of the Ocean Crown easily killed the enemy demon heroes, and how the demon army found it difficult to approach the city walls under the bombardment of cannons. This was enough to boost morale. After a brief moment of joy, the Ocean Crown returned to a state of alertness. Although this vanguard legion commanded by the son of the Dreadlord suffered heavy losses and retreated, far away, the Dreadlord commanded an even larger army. This army, with a size of up to five hundred thousand, was just the vanguard legion. It was estimated that this army numbered up to a million. Although the number was only several times that of the vanguard legion, they were all demons. Under Balzarnas command, there were no cannon fodder troops; all were elite troops. Among them were countless powerful beings, and there were so many senior forces that they could launch a systematic attack. More importantly, the Dreadlord Balzarna himself was among this army, and the burgeoning epic power was enough to weigh heavily on everyone s hearts. Although he had never been seen in person, various legends and records passed down from the divine war tens of thousands of years ago gave some insight into his nature. Evil, powerful, cunning, shameless, cruel These adjectives, which symbolize the dark side within the lawful camp, all seemed to apply to Balzarna, illustrating the profound fear that the forces of order held for him. But rumors said that the Dreadlord was not the same one from tens of thousands of years ago. Over the long ages, there had been dozens of successors, and the name Balzarna was simply passed down from one Dreadlord to the next upon inheriting the throne, as if it were a title. Otherwise, given the lifespan of demons, it would be impossible to endure for such a long time. Eternal life was a privilege reserved only for the divine. The divine. They did not allow non-divine beings to sit with them. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only As for Lainekel, his situation was relatively special. He was no longer an ordinary living being but a specially alchemically modified entity. Apart from a small part of his torso and face, who knew how many times his organs and limbs had been replaced. Only through repeated replacements of these parts could he persist until now. After the initial battle paused, the Ocean Crown quickly repaired the damaged fortifications, inspected the alchemical cannons and enchanted devices, arranged reconnaissance teams to closely monitor the movements of the demon army, and collected the bodies of the fallen soldiers There was much to be done. While discussions about the demon invasion and the state of the battle were intense on chat channels and forums, a sudden news announcement caused the entire channel to explode. Shocking news! The Ocean Crown successfully repelled a demon vanguard legion of five hundred thousand troops, killed dozens of demon heroes, and inflicted casualties on two hundred thousand demons. Victory in the first battle! Chapter 745 - Chapter 745: Yasen’s Pain, New Reinforcements Chapter 745: Yasens Pain, New Reinforcements Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Oh my god! Did they really manage to hold them back? Amazing! Wow, my goodness! Killing two hundred thousand demons and slaying dozens of demon heroes, this should be the best record since the official demon invasion began. But I wonder how many casualties they suffered. The Islander is awesome! (cheers) I knew the Islander would be able to stop the demons attack, right? Those who said otherwise should pay up! This is just a vanguard legion of demons, nothing much. Theres still a million-strong demon army behind them, so the outcome is still uncertain Before the official demon invasion, many optimistic players on the forum made bets on whether the Crown of the Ocean led by Ji Chen could withstand the first wave of demon attacks. Everyone knew that the Islander referred to Ji Chen. These two names, each with dazzling achievements, naturally attracted a lot of attention when merged into one person. In fact, many players wagered that the Islander wouldnt be able to fend off the assault. It made sense, considering the demons from the Chaos Abyss, who had been lurking for tens of thousands of years before resurfacing, sounded incredibly threatening. Despite the Islander being at the Epic tier and boasting tens of thousands of elite troops, the demon army numbered in the millions, with numerous high-level demon heroes and even top-tier demons like the Dreadlord Balzarna among them. At first glance, just by looking at the numbers on paper, even before the war started, it seemed like public opinion was leaning towards the demons winning. However, they never imagined that they would win this first battle. And not only did they win, but they also won so beautifully and quickly. They repelled the vanguard legion of five hundred thousand demons and killed two hundred thousand in just four or five days. On the one hand, those who lost the bet reluctantly paid up, and on the other hand, they were curious about how the Islander and the Crown of the Ocean managed to repel the demon vanguard legion. Just as they were full of doubts, suddenly someone jumped out and vividly described how the Crown of the Ocean repelled the demons. Im telling you, that day, the big boss Islander and I were killing like crazy together. With just one move from the big boss, dozens of powerful hero units appeared behind, leading tens of thousands of powerful troops to charge out. When the demons saw them, they were terrified and couldnt even run away before we chopped them down Dont bullshit here, tell the truth, will you? Dont you bullshit me, you bastard! Im telling you the truth but you didnt believe me I_Love_Black_Stockings sat casually in a chair, facing the screen in front of her that only she could see, vigorously typing, her face full of the expression of a stubborn child. The Kobold Strategist looked at the scene on the forum, where their guild leader was bantering with other players, and couldnt help but sigh. He reminded her, Guild Leader, its almost time for the appointment with Lord Ji Chen, if we dont leave now, well be late. I_Love_Black_Stockings then reluctantly closed the forum, slid her legs clad in black stockings into her boots, and then jumped up and headed out. Lets go! The Kobold Strategist shook his head and followed suit. Soon, the two of them arrived at the Lords castle of the Crown of the Ocean, and they went directly to a large hall on the side. Ji Chen, along with many heroes of the Crown of the Ocean, the commander of the Elven support army, and important figures from Dragon Island such as Babatos and Serena, were already here. Big Boss Ji Chen, were here! Ji Chen nodded slightly and asked, Why are you only just arriving? Did yesterdays battle tire you out? I_Love_Black_Stockings waved her hand and revealed a mysterious smile. No, I was just standing on the city wall, how could I be tired? I was actually helping you with something just now. Oh? What was it? Of course, I was vigorously promoting your heroic stance and magnificent achievements in repelling the demons on chat channels and forums! At my speed of five messages per second, many players now know that the Crown of the Ocean repelled the demon vanguard legion. Youre now the first player to resist the demons, and your reputation is soaring! Ji Chen was taken aback for a moment, then casually opened the chat channels and forums to take a look. Sure enough, there were discussions about him and the Crown of the Ocean, some of which were amusing and some were exasperating. At such a crucial moment, these players still found the time to brag and gamble. It really showed the idea that while some are facing challenges, others are living carefree lives. Without paying too much attention to these, he closed the chat channels and forums, placed his hands on the table, and looked around at the many representatives gathered around the round table. In a solemn tone, he said, The specific casualties and material losses from the past few days have been compiled. The Crown of the Ocean, including the Great Luminescent Sea Navy, suffered approximately eighteen thousand casualties, including five thousand troops of fifth-tier and three hundred troops of sixth-tier. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The Elven support army has not suffered any deaths yet, but about fifty were seriously injured and had to withdraw from the upcoming battles. As for Dragon Island, two excellent-level dragons fell, twelve excellent-level dragons and two rare-level dragons were seriously injured, and the others were either unharmed or lightly injured. As for the Guild of King Kong Island The Kobold Strategist quickly interjected, The Guild of King Kong Island suffered a total loss of ninety thousand troops, including eighty thousand fourth-tier troops and fifteen thousand fifth-tier troops, with no casualties among hero units. Although the casualties among ordinary troops were not small, the number of casualties among hero units was minimal, mainly because the efficiency of the heroes of the Crown of the Ocean in slaughtering enemies was too high. One hero could chase down several demon heroes, putting little pressure on other heroes. Only two excellent-tier dragons from Dragon Island were blinded by rage and inadvertently ventured deep into the enemys ranks, where they were surrounded and killed by several times their number of demon heroes. Chapter 746 - Chapter 746: Yasen’s Pain, New Reinforcements (2) Chapter 746: Yasens Pain, New Reinforcements (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation This was also one of the rare moments when two heroes fell. Compared to the loss of dozens of demon hero units, this casualty ratio could be considered a remarkable achievement. With that in mind, Ji Chen asked, How much longer until the Elven Empire provides support? The elven commander, leading the five elven thousand-man squads sent to aid, replied solemnly, The Empire is currently fully engaged in wartime mobilization, suppressing and eliminating the evil orcs and the polar orcs launching large-scale attacks. The latest reports indicate it will take at least a month, and if things dont go well, it could stretch to two months. Silence fell among the group. With at least a month, up to two months maximum, the fluctuation was too significant. A months time felt too long, especially when the demon army led by Dreadlord Balzarna was expected to reach the stormy sea in just three days. Ji Chen remained composed, simply saying, Please urge them again for faster support. The elven commander seemed to understand not to rely on their empire for support, sighed inwardly, and responded, I understand. I_Love_Black_Stockings asked, What about the Maple Principality and Lienhardt? Ji Chen shook his head. Theyve sent word that the Deep Sea Church and the Deceiver are launching attacks on coastal cities, destroying ships, leaving them unable to send reinforcements for now. Now, the entire main world was in chaos, with warfare erupting everywhere. The forces of evil seemed to be going mad, determined to aid the demon invasion. Currently, the Crown of the Ocean was like an island in the sea, with no support available in the short term. Ji Chen pondered, stroking his chin. Being constantly on the defensive and getting hit was not a good situation; he needed to find an opportunity to break through Demon Army. Inside a tent made of skeletons and human skin on the back of a gigantic half-beast demon. Yasen half-knelt on the ground, feeling the immense pressure of that gaze, sweat dripping down his forehead. He felt as though his thoughts were being laid bare by that gaze, almost tempted to spill everything, but thinking of the severe consequences, he gritted his teeth and said, Father, the intelligence was wrong! The Lord of Glory not only has his own power but also has received clandestine support from the elves, Dragon Island, and the sea tribes! After a long silence, Balzarna spoke slowly in an emotionless tone, So, you mean this failure isnt entirely your fault, but rather a fault of the intelligence? Yasen swallowed hard, his mouth dry. I dare not say so, but it did disrupt my plans, resulting in me being caught off guard. Balzarna looked at him deeply, ultimately unwilling to kill this rare adept tactician. Regardless, losing two hundred thousand troops and dozens of hero units without even touching the enemys walls is a great disgrace! You may escape the death penalty, but evading the consequences of your actions while alive is difficult. Step down from your position as commander of the vanguard army and serve as the leader of a thousand-man squad under Theophilus. Yasen felt a glimmer of relief. This meant putting this matter behind him. Although he was only leading a thousand-man squad, with his abilities and noble lineage, as long as he made some contributions, it wouldnt be long before he was entrusted with a significant role again. Theophilus was also a demon leader close to him, so he didnt have to worry about being treated unfairly. He didnt show this joy on his face, merely obediently responding, Yes! Balzarna gestured with his eyes for him to leave, then pondered for a moment before speaking. Harald, from now on, you will command the army. Except for the Shadow Demons, all other troops and units can be deployed. Break through that territory as quickly as possible. A demonic figure wrapped in bone, with a face resembling a dried corpse, rose from his seat. With a hoarse and sinister voice, he declared, As you command, I will not disappoint your expectations. I will breach the enemys territory and present that traitor and the Lord of Glory to you. Balzarna nodded slightly. Yasen had been so confident when he volunteered earlier, but the outcome had left him greatly disappointed. Now, all the demon kings had begun their invasions. The Void Lord extended his claws towards the Eastern Continent, the Greed Lord was seizing the Southern Continent, the Decay Lord was spreading decay across the Western Continent, and the Undead Lord had yet to move, waiting to sweep through the Central Ocean before crossing the ocean to attack the Northern Continent. If he couldnt successfully conquer the Central Ocean before the orderly forces of the elves and other powers in the Northern Continent reacted, then the difficulty of smoothly invading the Northern Continent would increase significantly. He had to break through the Crown of the Ocean within half a month no, within a week, and then march north with his troops, or the other demon lords would surely mock him. With this in mind, Balzarnas expression changed. Regardless of any assistance at that territory, we must conquer it within a week, at all costs. Do you understand? Sensing the solemn tone in his words, both the demon leaders and commanders responded respectfully in unison. Yes! In the midst of urgent preparations for battle, an unexpected visitor arrived at the Crown of the Ocean. Upon receiving the news, Ji Chen returned to the Lords castle and met with the young native he hadnt seen for some time. The visitor was none other than Ari, the prince whom Ji Chen had rescued from the Elven Empire and who had returned to the Kingdom of Ugisai over two months ago. Lord Ji Chen! Ari, didnt you return to the Kingdom of Ugisai? Why are you here? Its a long story Aris expression was extremely excited, his tone urgent. The Southern Continent is under threat from demons. Please, save the Kingdom of Ugisai! Ji Chen didnt answer that question directly, instead asking, Have you already learned about the demon invasion? Ari nodded hastily. When he left the Kingdom of Ugisai by boat, the demons had not yet manifested themselves. But after he arrived at the New Moon Islands by taking a detour along a route, he discovered that on his way there, the demons had already launched a full- scale invasion, with one demon lord invading the Southern Continent. From the sporadic news he had received during these days, hundreds of settlements had already been destroyed, and a desert kingdom had become a playground for demons. His heart was naturally filled with extreme anxiety. Seeing Aris anxious expression, Ji Chen paused and said, You are well aware that the Crown of the Ocean cannot spare any forces to support the Kingdom of Ugisai or even the Southern Continent. Ari froze, the light in his eyes quickly dimming as he clutched his head in pain. Upon arriving here and seeing the demons littering the sea, he already knew this. But hearing the clear answer now, he still couldnt accept this reality. He understood very well that relying solely on the power of the desert kingdoms in the Southern Continent would make it difficult to withstand the demons, who were well-prepared. He could only watch helplessly as the desert and oasis were gradually tainted by the demons until the kingdom was destroyed. Seeing Aris painful expression, Ji Chen could only remain silent. Previously, sending Ari back to the Southern Continent to inform the desert kingdoms to prepare was the best he could do. Whether it was destruction or survival, until the orderly forces defeated the various demon armies and freed up their hands, they could only rely on their own strength. Ari was eventually escorted back to the inn, his face pale, leaving behind a period of silence. This land of the Southern Continent had long been tacitly regarded as abandoned land by many orderly forces, a strategic buffer zone for delaying demons, and abandoned children. None of the orderly forces would dispatch reinforcements. However, many orderly forces were also embroiled in various troubles, and they had no obligation to send troops for support. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only One day after Aris arrival. Solidus, Anina, and their tribe arrived in groups from various directions at the Crown of the Ocean. Under the still dim sunlight, on the sea surface of the Crown of the Ocean port, hundreds of giant whales swam, their roars echoing throughout the bay. Ji Chen welcomed these incoming reinforcements personally, accompanied by Anina, at the port. These giant whales transformed into human forms, each with shining eyes, exuding a formidable aura no less than that of the dragons from Dragon Island. Chapter 747 - Chapter 747: Dragonwhale’s Support, Spell Bombardment Chapter 747: Dragonwhales Support, Spell Bombardment Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Solidus walked towards a towering figure, a man who was even larger than him by a good margin, standing at two and a half meters. He greeted him with a hearty laugh. Sir Samuel, youve finally arrived! Seeing Solidus, the Dragon Whale warrior known as Samuel softened the stern expression on his face slightly. There was a hint of surprise in his eyes, but he merely nodded slightly, still looking quite formidable. Seemingly aware of his temperament, Solidus didnt mind. However, he was a bit surprised by the tall and noble-looking female Dragon Whale standing next to the burly man. Solidus, why do you look so much younger? The last time I saw you, you seemed ready to return to the Abyss of the Dragon Whales at any moment. What happened in just over a decade for you to undergo such a change? Solidus laughed heartily, Caroline, thats a long story Basically, not too long ago, as I felt death creeping in and was heading back to the Abyss of the Dragon Whales, I stumbled upon this land and met Lord Ji Chen, who rules over the Crown of the Ocean. He used the Water of Life from the elves to save me from certain death. Not only did he heal all my battle wounds, but he also helped me break through, granting me several hundred more years of life! Is that so? Then weve come at the right time. Who knows, maybe we can get a sip of the Water of Life too, Caroline said. Solidus seemed delighted to see so many of his kin gathered in one place after a long time. Deep Sea Dragon Whales were not a communal species; their kin scattered throughout the vast ocean, free but lonely. They communicated with each other through long whale songs, parting ways after brief exchanges to continue their individual journeys. Scenes as grand as todays gathering of hundreds of Deep Sea Dragon Whales were rare, with the last occurrence being hundreds of years ago. Solidus looked at the kin gradually transforming into human forms and said, Ernesto, Kayah, Kafi, arent they coming? Caroline shrugged. They might be dead, might not have received the message, or they might still be on their way Who knows? Solidus remained quiet. He felt no emotions stirring within him; after all, the Deep Sea Dragon Whale clan was accustomed to constant movement. If they chose not to engage, no one could track them down. And even if they perished in battle, they would return to the Abyss of the Dragon Whales with honor. At this moment, Samuel, who had been holding his arms crossed, spoke, Solidus, hows the situation with the demons now? The vanguard legion of the demons has already been repelled by us, but Dreadlord Balzarna, commanding even more demons, is approaching Solidus gestured behind him. For more details, lets discuss it after meeting Lord Ji Chen. Samuel nodded and led many kin to the harbor area. Ji Chen had been waiting there for a while, just waiting for Solidus and his kin to catch up. Lord Ji Chen, this is Samuel, one of the leading Dragon Whales of the Deep Sea. Due to their unique lifestyle, the Deep Sea Dragon Whales didnt have a true chieftain; they only had various leading whales who acted as representatives when the group gathered to make decisions. And each leading whale was undoubtedly one of the strongest among the Dragon Whales, possessing a certain level of prestige. This was a semi-epic-tier powerhouse on par with the Dragon Islands giant dragon, Babatos. Lord Jichen, currently, a total of one hundred and eight Deep Sea Dragon Whales have arrived to support the resistance against demon invasion. Samuel greeted Ji Chen proactively. When facing a genuine epic-tier powerhouse, one must maintain the utmost respect. Jichen nodded slightly. On behalf of the Crown of the Ocean, I thank you for coming all this way to support us. No need to thank us. With the demon invasion, every creature in the orderly camp has a responsibility to resist After exchanging a few pleasantries, Ji Chen had the newcomers, the Deep Sea Dragon Whales, settled. He inquired about Solidus. How strong are your kins that numbered over a hundred? Samuel is a semi-epic tier, Caroline and Morley are peak legendary tier, in addition, there are twenty-one legacy tier Dragon Whale heroes, sixty-seven rare tier Dragon Whale heroes, and the rest are excellent tier. Ji Chen nodded. In terms of quantity, they certainly couldnt match the Dragon Islands giant dragons, but their average quality was slightly higher, with two more legacy tier and rare tier heroes than the giant dragons. However, the number of the high-end powerhouses, legendary and semi-epic tiers, were the same, each having one and three respectively. With the addition of over one hundred hero units to the support force, the gap between them and the demons narrowed further. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only When Balzarna led the vast demon army to approach within a hundred miles of the Stormy Sea, the first encounter was not with the Crown of the Oceans army, but with a spell bombardment that resembled meteor showers. The heavy sky was illuminated by colorful beams of light, stirring up the dark clouds. The intense elemental fluctuations in the air caused by this colorful meteor shower displayed a devastating power akin to forbidden curses. Red light incinerated everything, blue light froze souls, green light exploded violently, purple light corroded flesh The demons had no idea where these attacks were coming from. Even if they sent reconnaissance teams to search within a dozen miles for defense, they found nothing. It seemed the attacks were coming from a much farther place. Damn it, who the hell is attacking them?! Three miles east of the New Moon Islands, the terrifying figure of a giant turtle floating on the waters surface shocked the elves, dragons, and Dragon Whales to the extreme because they had never seen something like that before. Chapter 748 - Chapter 748: Dragonwhale’s Support, Spell Bombardment (2) Chapter 748: Dragonwhales Support, Spell Bombardment (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation On the colossal turtle shell, towering towers and countless spell towers continuously emitted dazzling spell rays into the sky, giving them a sense of imminent threat. What is this? Standing on the city wall, the Deep Sea Dragon Whale Caroline looked at the spectacular scene in the distance, her expression filled with awe. Thats the Giant Turtle! The tower on its back is a large-scale magic artillery platform, capable of reaching up to a hundred miles away, according to what Ive heard! A hundred miles? Caroline widened her eyes incredulously. So, does that mean the enemy gets bombarded before they even see us? Anina, with a proud expression, hands on hips, grinned. Of course! This is a gift specifically prepared for those demons, to blow them to pieces! Listening to Anina and Carolines conversation, Ji Chen smiled and watched as the tower on the turtles back continuously charged and fired spells, showing some surprise in his eyes. This power exceeded his expectations. He hadnt expected Lord of the Waves tower and spell platform to have such formidable power after completion. Not only did it have an extremely frightening range of up to fifty kilometers, but the magical attacks it launched were also quite formidable. Each strike was equivalent to the full force of a rare-tier hero, and the charged attacks were even comparable to legacy-tier! The spell towers surrounding the building had also been enhanced, each strike ranging from elite to excellent. What made it even scarier was that the Giant Turtle could both move swiftly and hold its own in battle, showing no fear of surprise attacks from the enemy. Consequently, the demons observed a highly peculiar sight. The barrage of spells, initially perceived as originating from afar, continuously shifted its positionnow in the north, then the northeast, and later on, moving to the northwest. It wasnt until dawn the next day that the relentless spell bombardment gradually ceased. Balzarna finally couldnt sit still and walked out of the tent. The previously well-structured demon army descended into chaos, as countless massive semi-beast demons, resembling floating islands, were bombarded and sent crashing into the water, along with the demon structures and provisions atop them. Countless demons were killed in the blasts, their broken bodies floating all over the sea, turning it into a black ocean. Have we identified whos behind the attack? Hearing Balzarnas sinister words, many demon lords and commanders dared not speak. Harald, who had just been appointed as the commanding officer for the attack yesterday, spoke in a hoarse voice, This is probably initiated by the Crown of the Ocean. Judging from the firepower, it should be some kind of intensive spell tower cluster. Ive never seen spell towers change positions every few hours. I have no idea either. Harald was sweating profusely. Having lived for so long, he had never seen such terrifying spell bombardments. Not only were they invisible from afar, but they also changed positions constantly. Could it be that the towers grew legs? Just as the demons were busy cleaning up the aftermath, beams of light once again shot from the sky, catching them off guard once more. One of the spells traced a strange curve in the sky, then charged straight towards the center of the demon army where the giant semi-beast demons were. Many demon lords faces changed abruptly. But the next moment, the spell was enveloped by a rising black mist, quickly dissipating like ice and snow. Balzarna slowly lowered his withered right hand, his face expressionless. But this made them even more fearful, as this was a sign of Balzarnas extreme anger. The attack didnt cause much damage, but it was extremely insulting! Harald, lead the Third Legion to attack and find that damn spell tower for me! Haralds spirits lifted, immediately responding, Yes! A flank consisting of 250,000 elite demon troops quickly broke away from the formation and charged towards the northwest, where the spell was coming from. My lord, its amazing! Just like you said, the demons are really so furious that theyve sent a legion to chase after us! After listening to the reconnaissance teams report, Elisya widened her eyes in admiration. Ji Chen grinned. He hadnt anticipated Balzarna to be so easily unsettled, rushing over in such a hurry. How many demons are in this legion? Probably around 230,000 to 250,000! Good, lets take advantage of the demons irrationality and quickly deal with them! Ji Chen waved his hand. Everyone, get ready and implement the plan as scheduled! Yes! Behind him, the Crown of the Ocean, Dragon Island, Dragon Whale, and other heroes echoed in response. Further behind, tens of thousands of high-level troops stood ready. Harald led the Third Legion in a swift march, tracking the direction from which the magical light emanated, filled with anger. In such a limited space, facing such an insignificant lord of glory, the demons had faced multiple losses, fueling his anger. And this time, it was even more outrageous. They deceitfully launched another assault just when the demons believed it was all over and were tidying up. Dont their spell towers require cooldowns? This was more cunning than the demons themselves! If the demons were to catch him, wouldnt they skin them alive? Humans are so cunning! With a heart full of anger, the Third Legion gradually approached their destination. It was a small island with a protrusion in the middle, surrounded by steep slopes. On the island stood a very conspicuous giant tower, surrounded by evenly distributed rows of spell towers connected to the giant tower, forming a large spell tower stronghold. Every time they charged, dozens of beams of light flew towards the direction where the main forces were. How were these spell towers on an island able to change direction?! Haralds mind flashed with this doubt, but he quickly pushed it aside. Since he had already seen the mastermind, he didnt want any unforeseen complications. Destroying all these spell towers would complete the mission. Just as he was about to order the attack. Haralds eyes suddenly froze, a look of incredulity and fear appearing in his pupils. That island was rising!!! The once calm island suddenly lifted as a whole, with large amounts of seawater falling from the edges, forming long strips of waterfalls, casting a desperate shadow. The heavy-shelled race, with a pair of eyes full of mockery, was looking at him, as if saying, Youve been fooled. Harald shuddered, shouting hoarsely, Retreat, all of you Boom! The spell towers on the giant turtles back suddenly switched targets, colorful beams of light shooting towards them, accompanied by intense explosions and towering columns of water. What made him even more desperate was that at the same time, large numbers of enemy figures appeared on both sides and behind them, in tight formations, with a murderous momentum, as if they had been prepared long ago. Damn it! We fell for the trap! Haralds eyes bulged with rage. Instinctively, he wanted to escape, but he was surrounded on all sides. In front of him was this mountain-like, massive turtle. Where else could he run?! A figure appeared on the giant turtle. He raised his head to look, seeing an indifferent human face. So, this was the glory lord!? Harald was furious, but suddenly a thought flashed through his mind. If he could kill this glory lord, then the enemys encirclement would collapse on its own, and he would gain immense credit! Feeling determined, Harald drew out a skull-headed staff and waved it, unleashing a vast swath of black mist. The mist seeped into his body without missing a spot, instantly transforming him from a skeletal frame into a giant demon standing four to five meters tall. With a sudden kick, he sent the giant half-beast demon beneath his feet crashing into the sea, his entire body hurtling towards Ji Chen. Haralds eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging on his forehead, filled with excitement as if he could fly up and slay the enemy in the next second. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only However, Ji Chen looked at him, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes. This demon commanders imagination was too rich. Not only did he not flee immediately, but he also wanted to execute a beheading tactic? He shook hies head slightly and tapped his toes. The giant turtle understood, its half-shrunken head suddenly extending, reaching out tens to hundreds of meters, swallowing Harald who had just flown up in one gulp. The demons below, witnessing this scene, were all stunned. Chapter 752 - Chapter 752: Undead Demon Lord Chapter 752: Undead Demon Lord Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Hundreds of Light Sea Sovereigns unleashed a wide-ranging indiscriminate attack through skill resonance, causing hundreds of thousands of demons to feel like they were being roasted alive. Each demon found it unbearable to endure the intense sunlight-like rays, their skin and flesh melting away, revealing pale bones and searing organs. Stripped of their former brutality and ferocity, all that remained in their sunken eyes was infinite terror and fear. Witnessing this infernal scene, whether it was the players of the King Kong Island Guild, elves, dragons, dragon whales, or even soldiers of the Crown of the Ocean, they were all left speechless. It was akin to the legendary scene of the Goddess of Light descending to purge the evil races with divine punishment. Under the radiance, all evil and darkness would be incinerated. Ji Chen watched this scene with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. Indeed, the units he specifically cultivated through the military talent tree to deal with demons performed even better than expected. In just a few short minutes, thousands of demons were reduced to ashes. Even the remaining demons, no matter how strong their will to fight, found their bodies uncontrollably retreating under this divine-like radiance. The demons in the rear suddenly whipped their thorny whips, lashing out heavily at the fleeing soldiers, shouting angrily, Those who retreat will face military law! Some demon soldiers hesitated and chose to turn back, while others, their courage shattered, charged recklessly towards their own lines, heedless of the consequences. At this moment, Alices song rang out once again, controlling some of the fleeing demons. Mixed among the demons trying to flee in terror, the controlled demons wielded their knives against their kin, further exacerbating the chaos. Seeing this scene, Balzarna was almost furious, but he felt no pity in his heart. He decisively commanded, Kill mercilessly anyone who attacks our lines! With clear orders, the demons in the frontline mercilessly slaughtered the fleeing soldiers before them. If they didnt act, they would be the ones to die. For a full thirty minutes, within a radius of one kilometer around the Light Sea Sovereigns, there wasnt a single demon daring to approach the sea surface, only able to watch helplessly as they occasionally endured incoming artillery fire. They were truly at their wits end. When the Light Sea Sovereigns skill, Etherealization, finally ended, it took a dozen or so demon heroes sacrificing their lives to kill them. This unexpected wave of assault had at least directly or indirectly annihilated fifty to sixty thousand demons, dealing a severe blow to their morale. Meanwhile, the Crown of the Ocean only suffered the loss of a few hundred Light Sea Sovereigns. Unfortunately, it would be challenging to reproduce the same strategy for such impressive results. If they attempted it a few more times, Balzarnas army would be rendered useless. The demon army launched another attack, but having witnessed the previous barbecue feast, they completely lost their morale. Each of them cowered in fear, afraid to experience the sensation of being melted. In desperation, Balzarna could only end todays assault and command his troops to retreat several dozen miles away for rest and reorganization. However, just as they halted their retreat, the sky was once again illuminated by streaks of light, and meteor-like spells came crashing down upon them. Damn humans!! Damn Lord of Glory! I swear I will tear him limb from limb, burn his soul with hellfire for ten thousand years!!! Inside the tent, Balzarna finally snapped. He lost his usual composure and calmness, resorting to all sorts of venomous curses, his face contorted with bitterness and anger! He, a demon lord above countless others, was actually toyed with by such a lowly human. Even when he competed with countless demons for the position of demon lord thousands of years ago, he had never been in such a pathetic state. In just a few days, one after another, the commanders he had placed high hopes on were easily crushed, and each attack ended in failure. He commanded a million-strong demon army, with hundreds of demon heroes! Yet time and time again, he suffered losses in the face of mere hundreds of thousands of humans, sea creatures, and elves. No words could express Balzarnas current emotions. His desire to kill Ji Chen had become so intense that he vowed to slaughter every living being in his territory, leaving none alive! From the southern direction, a giant bird with five heads flew in, slowly landing on the back of a gigantic half-beast demon. Dozens of demon soldiers jumped off the birds back. With his chin held high, one of the demon officers arrogantly addressed the welcoming demon. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Take me to see the Dreadlord. We come bearing important information from Undead Demon Lord. The demon tasked with greeting them felt infuriated by their disrespectful demeanor towards their own kind. However, recognizing the vital information they brought from the Undead Lord, he could only grit his teeth and escort them to meet Lord Balzarna. The demons under the command of the Undead Lords saw Balzarna, and their arrogance slightly subsided, but they still looked upon him with disdain. Demons themselves were a conglomeration of chaos and evil, with slaughter, cruelty, and contempt flowing in their bones and blood. They spare no mercy, not even to their own kind, let alone other races. The idea of survival of the fittest was widely accepted among them. Even the present Five Great Demon Lords rose to their top positions through a mix of plots, assassinations, and schemes, effectively ousting their predecessors. Chapter 753 - Chapter 753: Undead Demon Lord (2) Chapter 753: Undead Demon Lord (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Among the five Demon Lords, it wouldnt be accurate to say they were openly hostile to each other, but rather they were incompatible. There was fierce competition among them, often leading to large-scale wars in the chaotic depths, as they fought over territory and resources. Even invading the main world, they each chose a continent to plan their own strategies, rather than gathering together. And this time, the Dreadlord and the Undead Lord reluctantly cooperated, solely for their own interests. The Dreadlord possessed a large number of aquatic demons, naturally advantageous for occupying islands in the middle of the ocean. Meanwhile, the Undead Lord commanded the largest land army, relying on the Dreadlords aquatic demons to transport them to the Northern Continent. Leading the demon army, an officer made a perfunctory gesture and said, The Undead Lord requests your prompt invasion, urging the Dreadlord to seize the opportunity by opening up the passage from the Central Ocean to the Northern Continent. Balzarnas expression remained indifferent. Is Maldonis in such a hurry? Or has he already desperately placed his army at the mercy of the elves on the Northern Continent without any protection? The demon officers expression changed slightly. Hearing his lord getting insulted naturally infuriated him, prompting him to speak out, Dreadlord, it has been a full week. Your army has yet to breach the territory of a mere Lord of Glory. This does not align with your reputation in the depths of chaos. Or is it just an empty reputation? Balzarna glanced at him, squinting slightly, then clenched his hand into a fist. In the next moment, these demons, including the demon officer, were firmly grasped by a pair of black claws, squeezed as if they were red-hot tongs, making their bones creak as they were crushed. The demon leaders on both sides looked at him with eyes that seemed to belittle his intelligence. Although demon lords didnt get along, one had to know their own identity and status. How dare he insult a demon lord to his face? The only ones who dared to insult a demon lord to his face were the other demon lords. Nearly unable to breathe from being squeezed by the claws, the demon officers face flashed with pain. He struggled to speak through his teeth, I am an envoy sent by Lord Maldonis. You cannot Thud The demon officer and over a dozen demon soldiers were crushed into a meat paste by the claws, with thick black blood and bits of flesh oozing from between the fingers, filling the tent with a strong stench of decay. Balzarnas face showed no expression as he calmly addressed the lone remaining demon officer, Go back and tell your master that I will break through this territory, open the waterway, and ask him to send a more respectful envoy the next time. The remaining demon officer nodded quickly and scrambled out, climbing onto a giant bird that quickly took off and flew away. The giant bird flapped its enormous fleshy wings, akin to sails, flying day and night, quickly crossing thousands of miles of ocean before landing at a massive camp on a coastal shore. The demon officer arrived at the central white bone castle and knelt before a pyramid-like structure built from skulls. With his head deeply buried in the ground, he respectfully said, Great Undead Lord, Balzarna said he would soon breach that territory. The Undead Lord, seated on the skeletal throne atop the pyramid, responded nonchalantly, I see And the demons who went with you? Killed by the Dreadlord. Oh? Thats truly regrettable. While the words sounded sympathetic, the tone conveyed complete indifference to the fate of those demons, not even bothering to inquire about the reasons behind their deaths. The Undead Lord suddenly chuckled, speaking as if to himself. Balzarna, hailed by many demons of the depths of chaos as the most powerful Demon Lord, but in my eyes, hes nothing more than that. To think he was delayed for a week by a mere Lord of Glorys territory, its truly a laughingstock among demons. After all, hes just a young Demon Lord who rose to power through petty means, full of schemes and plots but lacking corresponding strength. Its no surprise. The demon officer below the pyramid dared not speak a word, still bowing his head. Only another Demon Lord could critique a Demon Lord. Some things were better left unsaid, or else the outcome might be like that of the previous officer. Is it true that a human alchemical cyborg has defected from Balzarna? The Undead Lord suddenly inquired. The demon officers spirits lifted, nodding quickly. Yes, the human alchemical cyborg, goes by the designation 17, with the human name Lainekel. That human Lord of Glory somehow awakened the buried human personality deep within its body and suppressed its murderous personality. Awakened? Suppressed? The Undead Lord pondered. While the human alchemical cyborgs from the Dreadlords lineage do have their imperfections, with each passing generation of Dreadlords meeting untimely ends, the means to command these constructs gradually wane. Despite Balzarnas attempts over time, he can only maintain control over Number 17 and 9, well, just Number 9 at present. The others had to be put under seal Even after millennia of study, there are always unexpected discoveries that could be overshadowed by the Lord of Glorys violent nature And the force capable of overshadowing must be of greater magnitude, like the power of artifacts, or maybe even the power of gods. Regardless of which one it is, we are very interested A smile slowly appeared on the Undead Lords face, sending chills down the spine of the demon adjutant. He suddenly remembered some rumors about the Chaos Abyss. Since the Divine War, the Undead Lord had changed hands dozens of times, compared to the bloodshed, conspiracies, and turbulence that erupted during the succession of other demon lords, each transition of the Undead Lord seemed particularly stable. It seemed as if he absorbed the souls of the previous demon lords using some kind of secret technique, but it wasnt a one-way absorption, but a coexistence. The souls of dozens of generations of Undead Lords merged together, gradually forming a spirit that was extremely twisted and deformed, yet incredibly powerful, possessing the wisdom of tens of thousands of years. The evidence for this speculation was that the Undead Lord seemed to know almost everything that had happened over the past tens of thousands of years, like a sage among demons, and what made demons more fearful and wary than his unfathomable strength was his abyss-like cunning and scheming. Almost every major upheaval in the Chaos Abyss seemed to have the shadow of the Undead Lord, but there was no evidence. Among the four demon lords, except for the young Dreadlord, the other three demon lords were extremely wary of the Undead Lord. Although on the surface, the Undead Lord was only ranked fourth, and even inferior to the Decay Lord, who was third, his status was implicitly first, and even the strongest Void Lord showed considerable courtesy to him. There were rumors that the Undead Lord had touched the boundary of the gods, and for nearly ten thousand years, he had been searching everywhere for things related to the gods in order to ascend once again. The demon adjutant was dismissed. The Undead Lord sat on the throne of bones, his eyes bloodshot, as if countless souls were struggling within. Maldonis, have you found the power of the gods? Maldonis, when are you going to march? Maldonis, that Lord of Glory may possess the power of the gods. Quickly absorb him and seize his power. Absorb him, seize his power! Absorb him, seize his power! Countless thoughts in his mind gradually converged, and his eyes refocused. The Undead Lord slowly revealed a smile, word by word. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Absorb him, seize his power. Send my command, prepare the entire army. If Balzarna hasnt broken through that territory in two weeks, well take care of it ourselves. In the eyes of ordinary demons, they thought that the Undead Lord only had a massive land army, but that was thousands of years ago. Even other demon lords didnt know that he had secretly cultivated a naval force all for this day. Since Balzarna the waste couldnt break through, then he would personally take action, crush that Lord of Glory himself, absorb him, and finally uncover the secrets hidden within him. If there was indeed the power of the gods, then he was determined to obtain it. Chapter 754 - Chapter 754: Balzarna Chapter 754: Balzarna Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The cannons roared, illuminating the entire sky with their brilliance. Dragons, Dragon whales, sea clan creatures, and demon heroes fought each other relentlessly, with heroes falling and blood staining the sea once again. Demons were either riddled with arrows or shattered by explosions, while human soldiers were torn apart by claws. The demon overseer constantly urged the demon soldiers to advance. Balzarna had given the order to break through the Crown of the Ocean at all costs, smashing the demonic iron hooves against the castle symbolizing the highest power in the territory. Today, the demons seemed particularly frenzied, enduring the continuous barrage of cannon fire, spells, and dragon breaths, marching forward over the bodies of their comrades. For the first time, the demons approached the coastline, landing on the beaches and assaulting the islands walls. Clear the way, you mongrels! shouted the demon officer angrily. Dozens of massive half-beast demons, as large as three-story houses with horned hard shells on their heads, charged from behind, trampling any demons who couldnt evade them in time. As they closed in, they lowered their heads with their horned hard shells aimed at the walls, enduring the barrage of arrows and cannon fire as they accelerated. They aimed to directly smash through the walls! Seeing this, the firepower on the walls was redirected towards them. Most of the large half-beast demons fell on the charge, but five managed to crash heavily against the walls. Boom! The ground shook violently. The soldiers on the walls were shaken violently, struggling to hold onto the parapet. The five evil behemoths were quickly focused-fired and killed, but five uneven indentations appeared on the wall, connected by numerous cracks. Damn, are these demons insane, using their heads to bash the walls directly!? I_Love_Black_Stockings looked at a behemoth crashing against the wall in front of her, the tremendous shaking almost knocking her off, and she immediately started cursing. The Kobold Strategist also looked at these headstrong demons with some unease. I reckon the Dreadlord, seeing no decisive results after being blocked here for so many days, has become desperate. How many of us have died? Except those left in the city, all the others are gone. I_Love_Black_Stockings grimaced. It meant that only a small portion of the fifth and sixth-tier troops remained. Of the over two hundred thousand elite members of the King Kong Island Guild, now only about seventy to eighty thousand were left. If they were all wiped out, even if they managed to hold off the demons, their situation would become precarious. After all, King Kong Island could only maintain a relative peace due to the demon invasion. If some unscrupulous individuals take advantage of the situation, it would be a disaster. Watching the demon army attacking like mad dogs below the city walls, I_Love_Black_Stockings gritted her teeth. If it comes to a critical moment, dont hesitate to use all our trump cards! I believe the Islander will reward us handsomely! Ji Chen stood on a corner tower on the southeast cliff, taking in the entire battlefield on the south beach. Under the increasingly intense demon onslaught, he also realized Balzarnas current intentions. Simply put, he was getting desperate. Originally, Balzarna wanted to take advantage of the Northern Continent countries incomplete war mobilization, swiftly clear out the Orderly forces in the Central Ocean, and then launch a demonic-style Normandy landing to open up the Northern Continent battlefield. However, just as the blitzkrieg began, it was firmly blocked by the Crown of the Ocean in the central ocean, unable to advance at all for a full seven days. Seeing time gradually passing by, with the blitzkrieg showing signs of turning into a stalemate, it was normal for him to get anxious. And what he needed to do now was to keep Balzarna anxious, to continuously expose his hidden trump cards and methods in his anxiety. Ji Chen and Balzarna were like two card players constantly playing cards to test each other, whoever couldnt hold back and played their trump card first would fall into a disadvantage. And now, Barzana obviously had this tendency. Not only did he want to launch a frontal attack to break through the city walls from the beginning, but he also sent many demons intending to launch attacks from the side and even from the rear. But Ji Chen had long anticipated and prepared for this, setting up dense reconnaissance posts, scout points, and stationed troops to repel them in time. Lowering the bottom line meant that Barzana became more desperate, and it also meant that the battle entered the most fierce stage. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The stubborn resistance erupted by the Crown of the Ocean far exceeded Balzarnas imagination. The city walls, which were only tens of meters high, now resembled mountains. No matter how he urged the demon army to attack, they couldnt gain an inch of ground. The city walls had been prepared for months, with enough cannonballs and arrows to fight several large battles, all of which were thrown at the demons as if they were worthless. Hundreds of demon heroes were firmly blocked by the heroes of the Crown of the Ocean, the Dragon Island dragons, and the dragon whales, all positioned on the same vertical plane as the city walls. Balzarna did not release the last remaining alchemical modified human. Without knowing how Ji Chen had restored Lainekels consciousness, releasing it would only mean giving the opponent more strength. With Benbo as the core, a thousand-strong team composed entirely of Ocean Blood Dragons swept across the sea surface like a rolling plow. The scorching dragon breath melted an entire path, littered with roasted chunks of meat and bones that seemed to have been stewed for hours. Chapter 755 - Chapter 755: Balzarna (2) Chapter 755: Balzarna (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation When the five thousand sixth-tier units were all assembled, Ji Chen immediately activated the Resurrection Altar, resurrecting the first batch of fallen units, including the esteemed Light Sea Sovereign who had performed great deeds. They didnt charge out like before, knowing that the effectiveness of such a strategy would diminish after one use. This time, they chose to merge. [Fusion of Spirits (Orange Skill, Light Sea Sovereigns can merge with each other, condensing into more powerful individual fusion entities. The more units merged, the stronger they become, with a maximum fusion of 500 units).] Every hundred Light Sea Sovereigns merged into a golden giant over ten meters tall, charging into the enemy ranks like a war chariot after activating their spirit forms. In the pitch-black abyss of the demonic sea, these golden giants stood out remarkably, wielding various weapons and wreaking havoc recklessly with their formidable spirit forms, tearing apart demons one by one, trampling them underfoot, and even stuffing demon heads into their bodies. Their dazzling golden light seemed to become the sun of the sea. For a full thirty minutes, several golden giants slaughtered over three thousand demons, including formidable sixth-tier high-level demon units. The dazzling golden light greatly boosted morale. The endless array of tactics and powers from the Crown of the Ocean gave all allies a strong sense of security. So what if theres a Demon Lord? So what if theres a million-strong demon army? They were all held back here for over a week, going crazy against the city walls but unable to make any progress. Even if the Elven Empire came to battle in person, they could only achieve this much! After enduring several days of fierce battles, the morale of the Crown of the Ocean not only did not decline but reached an unprecedented high. Seeing this situation, Babatos finally couldnt sit still, abandoning the last trace of pride and disdain. The southern sky was suddenly covered by thick clouds as dark as ink, instantly shrouding the sky over the New Moon Islands. Only a faint ray of sunlight could penetrate, but it was completely obscured, dimming the world. The sea breeze seemed to sense the approach of extreme malice, howling wildly and whipping up waves that crashed against the city walls, splashing into bursts of broken foam. However, the demon soldiers showed no fear, but rather shouted excitedly, their eyes filled with fanaticism. They knew that the great Dreadlord had arrived! A thick black mist slowly flew into the sky, evil and ominous without concealment, but when many people looked up, they were blocked by the black mist and couldnt see what was inside. The more so, the more excited the demons became, shouting and responding to each other, their voices seemingly drowning out the sound of the waves. Elisyas face showed some annoyance, and she raised her strong bow to release an arrow. [Piercing Strike Across the Stars (Orange Skill, unleashes an elementally charged arrow with extremely high piercing power, increasing penetration by 1000%, accompanied by armor penetration, grievous wounds, and a locked-on effect, containing a certain chance of instant death).] This skill had made demon heroes suffer greatly in this war. Within a certain range, they had no way to avoid such attacks. Every shot took down a demon hero. However, this arrow, which could easily slay a Red-Legacy Tier demon, unexpectedly got stuck when it reached the black mist, being corroded into the most primitive elemental energy by the mist. A sharp sound like nails scraping against glass slowly emanated. Elves with ancient elf bloodline? But unfortunately, they are just minor legendary beings. Upon hearing this, the supporting elves all had a sudden change in their facial expressions, their eyes showing a slight hint of eagerness. I_Love_Black_Stockings noticed the elves reaction and asked softly, Whats ancient elf bloodline, and why are these elves eyes glowing? The Kobold Strategist whispered, Currently, the ancestors of the elven race are ancient elves. The higher and purer the bloodline, the easier it is to give birth to powerful descendants Keep it short! Simply put, the bloodline of this Islander elf hero is remarkable. If such bloodlines could reach the Elven Empire, it would allow the elven race to produce more offspring with higher-level bloodlines. Damn, isnt this just breeding? I_Love_Black_Stockings muttered softly, No, we must protect these beautiful elven ladies. In essence, thats about it. But the difference lies in being powerful enough to not worry about such matters, the Kobold Strategist said. Theres nothing to fear. With the Islander being so powerful, its estimated that even the Elven Empire wouldnt dare to provoke. The Kobold Strategist shook his head and said, Even the boss of the demons has come out personally, so its likely that the Islander will also make a move. Upon hearing Bahamas words that revealed her identity, Elisya felt a slight annoyance in her heart. She was about to raise her hand to shoot another arrow, but she was stopped by a voice that came to her ear. Turning her head, she saw that Ji Chen had already come to her side at some point. My Lord! Its okay, Ill deal with him. Knowing that she was no match for Balzarna, Elisya nodded obediently and stepped back. Ji Chen stood with his hands behind his back, looking calmly at the looming black fog, suddenly smiling. Famous for reputation rather than appearance. As one of the Five Lords of the Chaotic Abyss, you actually dare not show your true face. It seems I have overestimated youIndeed, being driven to flee by us, unable to make any progress for a whole week, it appears that the so-called Dreadlord is nothing more than this. I_Love_Black_Stockings rolled her eyes. Such strong attack! Is this the mockery between powerful beings? The black fog obscured his figure and also hid Balzarnas reaction. Only eerie words were heard. Sharp-tongued humans, I hope you can still speak like this later. The towering black fog gushed out, spreading towards the city walls like a tide. Even the air carried a smell of sulfur, and within the black fog, there seemed to be ferocious beasts surging, gnashing their teeth and claws, as if they wanted to devour the creatures in front of them. Herald and the other heroes faces changed drastically, quickly retreating. They felt extreme danger. The demons cheered, celebrating the action of their king. But only Ji Chen floated forward with the support of the sea, his robes billowing in the sea breeze. Within this slender figure, erupted a power capable of overturning mountains and seas. I_Love_Black_Stockings and the others widened their eyes, afraid of missing anything. This was their first time witnessing a battle between epic-level powerhouses. Hehehe, such young epic-tier beings. If they were to fall, Im afraid your orderly fraction would also feel some heartache. Balzarna chuckled evilly but didnt stop his actions, as the black fog laden with malice swept over. Ji Chen remained calm, saying lightly, If you think you can kill me, then come at me. As the black fog was about to envelop them, Ji Chen raised his hand calmly. Thousands of tons of seawater surged up, forming a water curtain that separated heaven and earth. Like a shield, it blocked the incoming black fog, which sizzled upon contact with the waters surface, fiercely corroding it. Yet, it couldnt advance even an inch. The black fog, like living beings, turned into ferocious beasts with fangs, gnawing away. But then, thousands of water blades rose from both sides of the sea, piercing through them. The ferocious beasts, pierced but not destroyed, turned back into black fog and retreated a hundred meters before condensing into huge predatory birds, fiercely rushing again Ji Chen and Balzarna fought each other, exchanging blows. The black fog and seawater seemed to transform into the most versatile forms in the world, turning into weapons, beasts, or birds. Energy surged in the sky, the elements were extremely chaotic, and every collision caused spatial turbulence. Ordinary beings and heroes caught in it would turn into dust in an instant. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This was a battle belonging to epic-tier beings, and non-epic beings couldnt interfere. Amidst the exchange of blows, the black fog around Balzarna gradually dissipated, revealing his true form. On a body that seemed to emanate hatred, several different demonic arms were stitched together, with one side bearing the wings of a winged demon, while the other side had bat wings. The obese and bloated body was constantly emitting strands of black fog. [Balzarna] [Race]: Demon (Alchemy Reconstructed) Chapter 756 - Chapter 756: How Many Epic Tiers Do You Have? Chapter 756: How Many Epic Tiers Do You Have? Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The highest level of the epic tier was level 79, while Balzarna, who is above the epic tier, has already reached level 80. As for the upper limit of the tier above epic, no one knew because there was no reference. Balzarna ws also the highest tier and the most powerful enemy Ji Chen had encountered so far. When Balzarnas appearance appeared in front of everyone, they couldnt help but frown. In their eyes. Where was the appearance of a demon king? This was clearly just a malformed, pieced-together monster. However, the demons under the Dreadlords command didnt think so. In their eyes, this body was like that of a deity, the most perfect form in the world, a symbol of strength. It was also the deterrent that countless demons in the chaotic abyss feared, making the other four demon kings wary, the lord of millions of demons. At this moment, seeing the appearance of the demon body, they cheered loudly, their turbid and evil eyes burning with endless fanaticism. They believed that with the Dreadlords appearance, the current rotten situation would be completely reversed, and the name of the demons would spread across this vast ocean. What are those demons crying about? I_Love_Black_Stockings looked at those demons howling like ghosts and wolves, looking like they had seen a savior, couldnt help but shake his head disapprovingly, The big boss Islander can definitely beat this ghost thing. I think its a bit risky. The Kobold Strategist originally wanted to say that the Dreadlord had a greater chance of winning, but seeing his own guild leader looking like Jichens fan, he changed to a more euphemistic statement, The Dreadlord is above the epic tier and the islander is epic tier. There is a considerable gap between the two tiers. A legendary tier can easily fight against five legacy tiers. How many epic tiers can an above-epic tier fight against? This is still unknown. The Kobold Strategist looked at the Dreadlord emitting that heart-wrenching black fog in the air, its ferocious body appearing to be the most evil thing in the world, and his tone gradually became serious. If even the islanders cant stop this ghost thing, then we might have to consider running away. The dim sky was divided into two parts. With several hundred meters before the island city wall as the boundary. On one side was the towering black fog, accompanied by waves of twisted cries seemingly coming from the abyss. On the other side was the vast blue fluorescence, countless seawater defying gravity and floating in the air, emitting the majesty of the ocean. Two figures confronted each other, standing upright. Waves had already rolled up on the sea surface, and the sky was flickering with lightning, as if heavy clouds were about to press down. Under this suffocating oppression, the sea suddenly surged, and a colossal octopus-like creature, the size of a hill, emerged, sweeping away dozens of demons with its tentacles, swinging them like baseballs. Squeak The North Sea behemoth Kraken emitted a sharp cry, almost making all creatures present unable to help but cover their ears. Its that big octopus! Its also epic tier! I_Love_Black_Stockings exclaimed excitedly, causing everyones spirits to rise. Having a force at the epic tier was already considered powerful, but to think that in just a year, this territory, which was still in its infancy, actually had two epic tiers. How astonishing! Especially when they first saw the North Sea behemoth Kraken of Dragon Island, the deep-sea dragon whales, and the elves of the Elf Empire, their faces were filled with astonishment. Two epic tiers!? Balzarna didnt seem surprised to see the Kraken. He had seen it before in that semi-closed mystic realm, and he was already prepared for it. At this moment, he said disdainfully, Its just a mere octopus. The power above the epic tier far exceeds your imagination. Ji Chen smiled lightly, with no trace of tension on his face, only relaxation. If two is not enough, then what about three? As soon as the words fell, a strange deer roar echoed through the heavens and the earth. Trot trot trot The sound of hoofbeats seemed to trample on their hearts, and their souls were drawn into this rhythmic sound of hoofbeats. A strange beast with a deers head, lions horns, and a deers body walked in the air as if walking in the void, slowly entering the battlefield. Its body exuded an evil and ominous aura no less than that of the Dreadlord, and the power emanating from it even stirred the space, indicating that it was of epic tier. Its blood-red mouth opened, and it spoke in human language. My name is Isaiah, the beast of the end of chaos, the guardian of the abyssal pathways, the beast of the howling forest I come to fulfill the contract and kill all who invade the Crown of the Ocean! Damn it! I_Love_Black_Stockings, and the Kobold Strategist were already stunned and shocked. This epic-tier beast was actually on the islanders side? Where the hell did they get reinforcements from!? With Isaiah joining, there were already three epic tiers present on the side of the Ocean Crown. With three epic tiers fighting against one above-epic tier, the gap didnt seem so big anymore. A glimmer of hope arose in their hearts. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Perhaps, the Dreadlord would be repelled or even killed! This time, Balzarnas face finally changed. Isaiahs appearance completely caught him off guard. Where did this Lord of Glory find such an epic-tier beast? And it happened without a warning, was this intentionally meant to catch him off guard? Moreover, Balzarna could see that Isaiah was not just a big octopus with a lot of water in it, but an old-fashioned epic tier that had progressed for at least a thousand years. Three epic tiers were already enough to pose a certain threat to him. Chapter 757 - Chapter 757: How Many Epic Tiers Do You Have? (2) Chapter 757: How Many Epic Tiers Do You Have? (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation His expression darkened slightly. But he harbored no hint of retreat; Balzarna understood clearly that this was the best opportunity to break through the Crown of the Ocean and kill this Lord of Glory. Three Epic tiers? So what? He was Above-Epic Tier! Second only to the divine beings! So what if you have three Epic tiers? They are but three insignificant ants. Seeing Balzarna looking somewhat unconvinced, I_Love_Black_Stockings sneered, Damn it, even facing death, this guy remains stubborn. The Kobold Strategist whispered, Stop talking. What if the Dreadlord overhears us badmouthing him and comes to kill us directly? Were not the Islander. I_Love_Black_Stockings quickly shut up, but suddenly, a deep voice came from behind. Dont be afraid. The Dreadlord will be staying here today. The Kobold Strategist retorted somewhat indignantly. Saying the Dreadlord may not be unbeatable has some truth, but its hard to keep him if he wants to leave! But when he turned around, the Kobold Strategist froze. A sturdy dwarf was approaching, carrying a long-handled weapon. His face was covered in scruffy beard, as if he hadnt shaved for years. But his eyes were sharp and piercing, exuding an intimidating pressure just by looking at them. The Kobold Strategist reacted quickly and said hastily, Greetings, esteemed Dwarf. May I ask who you are? To be honest, he had been at the Crown of the Ocean for so long and hadnt seen a dwarf living here. Moreover, this dwarf didnt seem easy to deal with at first glance. Thotmudo glanced at him. Who are you? The Kobold Strategist felt a bit offended but still managed a forced smile, Im the Vice President of the King Kong Island Guild, also serving as a military adviser and staff Forget it, I dont care who you are. Get out of my way and stop blocking me from delivering weapons to that kid. Thotmudo ruthlessly interrupted the Kobold Strategist, showing a disdainful expression as if he was a nuisance. The Kobold Strategist clenched his fists, wanting to retort, but in the end, he backed down silently and quietly stepped aside. I_Love_Black_Stockings kept his eyes on the long-handled weapon. It was made of dark green metal with mysterious patterns engraved from the tail to the tip of the spearhead, exuding a sense of mystery and power. Esteemed Dwarf, is this weapon for Ji Chen? It looks extraordinary! Thotmudo stopped in his tracks and looked at I_Love_Black_Stockings, pride evident on his face. Of course, this is the most outstanding and powerful work Ive forged so far. Its probably difficult for me to create another one in the future. Its forged from countless rare materials, worth enough to buy ten cities. The perfect fusion of Dwarven legendary forging techniques and Elven runic enchantment technology, plus the power that kid gave me, has created a weapon surpassing all ordinary ones! I_Love_Black_Stockings listened with wide eyes, So, its very powerful, isnt it? Of course. With this weapon, that kid can definitely beat that idiot Dreadlord I wont tell you more. After speaking, Thotmudo ignored them and ran towards the direction where Ji Chen was. As he moved, a majestic and powerful aura, like a mountain, erupted from his body. I_Love_Black_Stockings and the Kobold Strategist were stunned. Damn it, this dwarf was also Epic tier! How many Epic tiers were there in the Crown of the Ocean?! A heavy Epic-tier aura squeezed into the battlefield. Ji Chen looked at Thotmudo waving at him from the city wall and couldnt help but smile. Sir Thotmudo, youre here? Although I havent fully caught up with the time, fortunately, its not too late. Lets continue with this thing and use it to defeat that damn Dreadlord! After finishing his words, Thotmudo threw the long-handled weapon upwards like a spear, and Ji Chen used seawater to roll the flying weapon over. It was a trident carved with mysterious runes and patterns, presenting a dark green color. Holding it in his hand, he felt an immediate connection with it, a familiar feeling flooding into him. This was the power of the ocean. He had allocated a portion of it to forge this weapon for Thotmudo, combined with the damaged Abyssal Trident he had unintentionally obtained from the Nagas Lair. Just by holding it, he felt waves of power entering his body. This two to three- meter-long trident gave him the feeling of an otherworldly weapon, capable of unleashing earth-shattering power with just a pull of the trigger. Ji Chen asked Thotmudo, Sir Thotmudo, does this trident have a name? Below, Thotmudo is taking out a meteorite hammer, grumbling after hearing Ji Chens question. What kind of name is that? This is your weapon, so name it yourself! Ji Chen smiled, looked down at the trident in his hand, and pondered. Why not call it Demon Slayer? Ding- You have named the weapon (Super Legendary Weapon). [Abyss Trident (Demon Slayer)] [Tier]: Super Legendary Weapon [Effects]: (D Weight (When held by the bound, it weighs a hundred catties, but when attacking others, it weighs ten thousand catties) Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only <2> Dignity (The holder ignores any negative effects such as certain death, curses, tracking, etc. within the range of the ocean) @ Ignore Defense (Ignores shields, magical barriers, causing direct damage, with a certain death probability, and additional damage from the power of the ocean) ?Abyss Blessing (Blesses allies within a radius of one kilometer, increasing all attributes by 100%) [Skills]: (D Cataclysmic Waves (Stirs up a catastrophic tidal wave, destroying all creatures in its path, with a certain probability of certain death) <2) Divine Thunderstorm (Guides the descent of a destructive thunderstorm, indiscriminately striking creatures within the spell range)@ Call of the Sea (Summons a large number of sea creatures to fight for the wielder)[Special]: This weapon can only be used by Ji Chen. Other creatures who come into contact with it will suffer backlash.[Potential]: Has the potential to evolve into a demigod artifact[Legendary-level dwarf blacksmith using a large number of rare materials, combining dwarf legendary forging techniques with elven runic enchantment techniques and the power of the ocean, creating an incredible weapon]Perhaps with the addition of the power of the ocean, the Demon Slayer has already transcended the realm of legendary weapons, reaching a higher level of super legendary, and with powerful abilities.What surprised Ji Chen even more was its potential to evolve into a demigod artifact, which undoubtedly was the greatest advantage of this weapon.After weighing it in his hand for a few moments, feeling its weight of only a hundred catties, he nodded satisfactorily and looked towards Balzarna, who was already unable to contain his anger in the distance.Sorry for the wait.Balzarnas eyelids twitched furiously. This darn human, acting like he didnt even notice him, just grabbed the weapon as if he didnt matter at all.This is not just disrespecting him, is it!?What demons find more unbearable than defeat is blatant contempt!Balzarnas anger erupted like a volcano, and he uttered a sentence through clenched teeth.Human, I will tear you apart into ten thousand pieces!!!The overwhelming black mist spread, corroding the space, and endless power surged forth.The fearsome demon king above epic tier finally unleashed all his power.The previous skirmish was just a small probe. If this noble lord only had such power, then today, the Crown of the Ocean would surely be flattened by him! Even if there were four epic-tier beings, he would not fear!!The deers cry sounded, and Isaiah rushed through the void, spewing black purgatory flames from his mouth, tearing cracks in space with burning and tearing flames.Where the purgatory flames met the black mist, there was a violent sizzling sound like flames meeting ice and snow, but ultimately, the black mist prevailed, engulfing the purgatory flames and continuing to spread.The Dreadlord swung his arm, sprinkling a swath of black mist below, intending to corrode all living beings.Thotmudo immediately shouted, With me here, dont even think about destroying this place. I still want to retire here!The hammer seemed as heavy as ten thousand catties. With a heavy blow on the air, it actually created a substantial ripple, like a shockwave surging towards the black mist, pushing it back for kilometers.For the first time, this legendary-tier dwarf blacksmith demonstrated his epic- tier power. Chapter 758 - Chapter 758: Balzarna’s Death Chapter 758: Balzarnas Death Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Thotmudo hammered away relentlessly, each strike resonating as if pounding at the heart. Everyone present felt their heartbeat sync with the rhythmic blows of the peculiar hammer, causing ripples in the sky akin to waves in the sea, emanating from the point of impact. The black mist, under constant assault, halted its spread. Seizing the opportunity, Isaiah unleashed another torrent of infernal flames, tearing through the rolling darkness alongside the shockwaves from the hammer strikes. Balzarna, wearing a scowl, intensified the speed of the mists expulsion. The dense mist, ink-like, emitted eerie twists and howls, as if countless souls were crying out in despair from within. A portion of the mist bypassed direct confrontation, instead launching an attack from below, enveloping Kraken, who lacked ranged capabilities, in its shroud. A piercing cry, tinged with agony and resentment, reminiscent of a wailing infant, echoed. The tentacles, once capable of sweeping through legions, flailed aimlessly against the intangible darkness, enduring severe erosion. Balzarna smirked, Accursed reptile, you shall be the first epic tier slain by me upon invading the primary world! However, without warning, a massive wave surged, carrying thousands of demons with immense force, shattering the invisible mist. The Kraken hastily retreated its battered form, escaping the mists clutches. Though formidable in brute strength, its resilience was its true asset; its body swiftly regenerating from the visible decay, as new flesh rapidly replaced the necrotic tissue, indicating a full recovery in no time. Seeing the flesh slipping from his grasp, Balzarna abruptly shifted his gaze towards Ji Chen hovering in the distance, his bloated face brimming with malice. With a shrill wail akin to emanating from an endless abyss, he declared, Human, if death is what you seek, I shall grant it. Ji Chen remained composed, one hand wielding the Trident of the Abyss, gesturing calmly with a slight shake of the tridents tip. Bring it on, the implication was instantly understood. Balzarna widened his eyes in fury, his mouth gaping open like that of a monstrous fissure, spewing forth a dense column of smoke, morphing into a massive three-headed hound several dozen meters in length. Ji Chen lightly waved the trident, causing a vast expanse of seawater to rise, forming a towering four-armed giant. Adorned in armor and wielding a spear, sword, and bow, its countenance exuded imposing authority. Roars reverberated from both incarnations of their respective hosts and powers. The four-armed giant took the initiative, its muscular arms, sculpted like statues, pulling back the bow made of seawater, forming arrows. The tips of the arrows converged into swirling vortices, then burst forth. The giant continuously drew the bow and shot, the arrows raining down like a barrage of bullets, emanating a deadly intent. The three-headed hound agilely dodged and weaved, retaliating with billowing clouds of thick mist. The mist, solidifying into spherical projectiles like cannonballs, hurled towards its target, potent enough to effortlessly slay a legendary-tier being. Yet, the four-armed giant calmly swung its sword, cleaving the mist in two with a resounding explosion. Simultaneously, its arm wielding the spear tensed to the extreme, launching it forth. A glint of cold light approached. Engaged in evading the storm of arrows, the three-headed hound had no choice but to endure the impending impact of the spears throw, akin to a meteor strike. Boom! The three-headed hound exploded into a mass of black mist, pierced through by the spear before reconstituting. Ji Chen furrowed his brows slightly; the mists properties bore a resemblance to water, equally capable of regeneration and reshaping, possessing exceptional flexibility. Determined, he manipulated the four-armed giant to raise its arm once more, poised for another spear throw. Seeing Ji Chens intent to try again, Balzarnas face twisted with a sneer. Having spent millennia battling in the depths of chaos, he had long grown accustomed to such petty tactics, which were inconsequential to him. He had even witnessed far more despicable methods. The same method was ineffective against him, let alone these mere attacks. However, Balzarna did not notice the four-armed giant was about to throw a spear, a subtle shimmer of blue light was circulating. Seeing the spear shooting towards him, the three-headed dog attempted to repeat its previous evasion tactic. However, this time, the spear did not pass through the dispersing black mist but, as if hitting a solid object, pinned a large portion of the mist in mid-air. A brilliant blue light suddenly burst forth, melting the black mist like scorching sunlight melting snow. The black mist was forcefully pushed back, retreating frantically like a mouse encountering a cat. Yet, the blue light, as if imbued with life itself, relentlessly pursued, voraciously devouring the mist. In just a few breaths, most of the mist had been consumed, leaving only a small patch around Balzarna. However, Balzarna remained unfazed. When he saw this dazzling display of blue light, his eyes, which had been narrowed, suddenly widened, filled with astonishment and a hint of realization. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only So thats it, so thats it! You actually possess the power of the ocean!! On the city wall, I_Love_Black_Stockings was immediately stunned, turning to ask, What is the power of the ocean? The Kobold Strategist swallowed his saliva and replied, If I remember correctly, the power of the ocean is the composition of the ocean gods power Its also the prerequisite for condensing the ocean gods essence and igniting the divine flame. I_Love_Black_Stockings caught the key point, condensing the gods essence and igniting the divine flame!? It sounded very high-end to her. Well, it seemed very formidable! Chapter 759 - Chapter 759: Balzarna’s Death (2) Chapter 759: Balzarnas Death (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The four-armed giant pursued relentlessly, using the power of the ocean to continuously dissipate the increasingly weakened black mist, while Bahamas expression grew uglier. Because he found that under the onslaught of the oceans power, he couldnt gain any advantage in a short time. He was wnwilling to accept this. He erupted once again, hiding himself in the soaring and thick black mist, transforming his body into a hellish beast. He wasnt just proficient in corroding mist; millennia of research into evil alchemy had transformed him into the perfect alchemical body, with six arms and two wings taken from different demons, possessing a multitude of abilities, combining the strengths of demons. He firmly believed that he was the hope of the demons and the being destined to dominate the demon race in the future. -Not just a mere demon king, but rather an existence akin to a god or ruler of the demon race! Ji Chen, I admit you are a strong opponent, worthy of my full effort! Today, I will use your blood to commemorate my perfect body! Ji Chen remained expressionless, only raising the Demon Slayer to express his resolve. Lifting his arm, the tip of the halberd pointed straight to the sky, and the dark clouds seemed to come alive, with countless lightning bolts suddenly bursting forth, illuminating the entire sky. [Divine Thunderstorm (summons a thunderstorm of destruction that indiscriminately strikes all living beings within the casting range)] After a momentary pause, the sky and earth suddenly brightened, with the field of vision filled with light. -It wasnt the dispersal of the dark clouds to reveal the sun, but rather thunderbolts as thick as water buckets descending from the unattainable dark clouds, carrying destruction as they fell. Dozens of thunderbolts concentrated on Bahama who was approaching, his entire bloated body enveloped in lightning, accompanied by the roar of thunder. Immediately afterward, dozens more thunderbolts fell, accurately hitting their mark. The black mist had completely dissipated, leaving only the body shrouded in lightning. The Divine Thunderstorm was an indiscriminate attack; in addition to striking Bahama, hundreds of thunderbolts exploded within a radius of thousands of kilometers. Amidst the violent thunder, there were the desperate wails of demons. -A large number of demons were charred by lightning, but even more were conducted into the sea by lightning, their bodies stiffening as they sank into the depths. Watching this apocalyptic thunderstorm, humans, elves, and even Thotmudo couldnt help but be stunned. Was this really a power that mortals could wield? Looking at the figure standing amidst the countless thunderbolts with a halberd, they were momentarily dazed, as if they saw a god At this moment, Samuel was even more stunned, looking at such a scene, memories deep in his blood surged up; it was an era of shining gods tens of thousands of years ago. It seemed that there was a sea god, standing tall under the sky, bringing down endless thunderstorms to destroy the endless demons before him After dozens of waves of thunderbolts, the thunder snakes in the sky gradually subsided. And the thunderbolts shrouding Balzarnas body also gradually dissipated. Damn it! I_Love_Black_Stockings couldnt help but curse when she saw clearly. Because that deformed and evil powerful alchemical body was already covered m scars, with the top two of the six arms broken off, the wings on the back scorched, the bloated body damaged everywhere, oozing yellow-green pus and black blood. The god-like thunderstorm ultimately inflicted damage upon Balzarna. Balzarna looked at his perfect body, which had turned into this state, with an incredulous expression, even questioning the meaning of life itself. This was the body he had spent thousands of years crafting, yet it was shattered by a mere thunderstorm. Had he been walking the wrong path all this time? Was the evil alchemy not the future, but just a misguided path? A surge of infinite sadness welled up in Balzarnas heart, and for a moment, he forgot he was on the battlefield. But Isaiah, regardless of martial ethics, saw the enemy distracted and fiercely launched an attack, covering the sky with endless hellfire. Balzarna snapped back to reality, facing the surging flames without the shelter of black mist. He had no choice but to temporarily evade the onslaught, lowering his altitude. However, this action triggered a chain reaction. The hellfire completely invaded the sky. The fully revived Kraken of the Northern Sea suddenly emerged from underwater, its huge tentacles whipping out like long whips, fiercely striking Balzarna who was caught off guard, and slamming him into the water. With a shrill sound, the Kraken joyfully exclaimed as its tentacles wrapped around Balzarna and brought him up. Just as it was about to slam him onto the sea surface, Balzarna swung his lower two arms and forcefully severed the tentacles. But before Balzarna could ascend, a diminutive figure leaped over the sea, stepping on the heads of demons below. Thotmudo exerted force on the head of a half-beast demon, leaping into the air, and raised his meteorite hammer, bringing it down heavily. Demon, Thotmudo is here! Balzarna raised the two middle arms to block, but how could he stop such a forceful blow in haste? With a crisp sound of bone cracking, the two middle arms softened. Clearly, they were already severed. Damn dwarf, get out of my way! Balzarna kicked Thotmudo away tens of meters. With a flap of his wings, he suddenly ascended. As long as he returned to the sky, he could alleviate the pressure from the two epic-tier adversaries. Whether to continue the fight or withdraw, there would be room to maneuver. However, Ji Chen had long seen through his intentions. Swinging the Demon Slayer, a world-destroying wave silently rose, slamming heavily onto Balzarna, engulfing him in a vortex. Once again, Kraken and Thotmudo encircled him while Isaiah in the sky relentlessly sprayed hellfire to build a closed-off area, limiting the battlefield to a small area of the sea. Many demonic heroes and soldiers wanted to come to Bahamas rescue, but these scums, not even legendary-tier, were instantly incinerated upon touching the hellfire. Balzarna was simultaneously dealing with the Kraken, Thotmudo, and Isaiah, but he had the strength to find opportunities for a major blow. However, Ji Chen made him suffer repeated setbacks. The power of the ocean was the nemesis of the black mist, making him utterly powerless. Whenever he exhaled some black mist, Ji Chen would dissolve it with the power of the ocean. In this increasingly disadvantaged state, as his strength gradually waned, Balzarna began to panic. At this rate, he would inevitably be worn down to death here! However, what plunged him into despair was Ji Chens last trump card. The Ocean Domain. When the domain enveloped him, the outcome became clear. Even though Balzarna was above epic tier, he still suffered a 15% suppression within the Ocean Domain, and this 15% decline suddenly became the last straw that broke the camels back. His wounds multiplied, his movements became slower, and fatigue gradually manifested. Finally. Balzarna lost his composure, with a hint of panic in his voice: Human, let me go, and I promise I will never trespass into your territory again! Ji Chen couldnt be bothered to raise his eyes and said indifferently, Do you think I will believe your nonsense? Balzarna became furious. Damn it! I will definitely kill you!! Regardless of how the fearful demon king cursed and raged, Ji Chen remained unmoved, his eyes cold, watching him inch closer to death. Finally. Balzarna failed to block Thotmudos blow in time, struck heavily on the head with a hammer, and fell into a momentary daze. At this moment, a gleam flashed in Ji Chens eyes. The Demon Slayer in his hand emitted endless blue light and was thrown with force. A blue streak tore through the sky, piercing the bloated body. The power of the ocean, like poison, disintegrated Balzarnas flesh inch by inch. Explosions echoed as limbs and bones shattered. As the three hearts located in the left chest, right chest, and abdomen shattered one by one, the once fearsome demon king who once ruled the depths of chaos, his face filled with intense unwillingness, rapidly weakened. At last, his breath completely dissipated, leaving only a broken body. The heavens and earth fell silent. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Countless demons watched, stunned. The Dreadlord, their monarch, fell like this? It must be a lie Seeing Balzarnas last breath dissipate, Ji Chen also momentarily lost focus. Did they hunt down and kill a being above epic tier by this? Chapter 760 - Chapter 760: Level 64 Chapter 760: Level 64 Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation However, just when everyone thought the Dreadlord had perished. From the shattered body, a phantom figure suddenly emerged, fleeting like a ghost or a lingering shadow, flying towards the distance. Ji Chen was startled. Even in such a broken state, Balzarna hadnt died yet? Damn humans, I will definitely avenge todays grudge! I will destroy everything you possess in the future! As the blurry figure swiftly flew away, it continued to curse in the most resentful tone. But at this moment, a faint light suddenly appeared not far away, and a distorted figure blocked his escape route. Upon seeing this figure clearly, Balzarnas hatred intensified, and his resentment seemed to fill the entire ocean. Damn traitor! This was none other than Lainekel. Watching Balzarna flying towards him, Lainekel slowly raised the long sword in his hand, his eyes gradually filled with determination. This generations Dreadlord had only been in power for a thousand years, but he was also the successor of dozens of previous Dreadlords, continuing the lineage of alchemically transformed individuals who were once elites of various races but had suffered torment and pain. He was just someone who had luckily received help and escaped briefly from this suffering existence, but every time he slept, he dreamed of the painful wails of those who, like him, had been alchemically transformed and were pleading for help. For revenge, to save those who had fallen into the abyss like him. Lainekel silently recited this in his heart. With a determined tone, he slowly said, Balzarna, let us end the pain of these tens of thousands of years here today. You lowly bastard! Do you think you can fight me? Balzarna was furious. Ji Chen, after all, was at least above the Epic Tier, and it was only with the power of the ocean that he had forced Balzarna to this point. Yet this alchemically transformed person, whom he had manipulated in his hand, dared to speak to him like this, showing disdain towards him. While cursing, he had no intention of staying for even a moment longer, continuing to flee towards the southern sea area. Though he hated Lainekel and wished to kill him on the spot, escaping was the priority now. Seeing Lainekel raise his long sword, Balzarna sneered disdainfully. He was in a special state now, where except for a small portion of special power, nothing else could harm him or even touch him. However, Lainekels long sword suddenly shimmered with a golden light, causing him to feel aches throughout his body. This is Balzarna fixed his gaze, and the transparent face under his mask changed drastically. This was the power carried by those Light Sea Sovereigns! Within a second, hundreds of Light Sea Sovereigns had already surrounded them, and this peculiar troop was one of the few that could harm him in this state. He knew he was stuck in a bad situation. However, these Light Sea Sovereigns did not launch an attack actively. Instead, they just surrounded Balzarna and Lainekel. Soon, Balzarna realized what was happening. This lowly alchemically transformed person actually wanted to personally kill him!? Lainekel tightly gripped the long sword radiating with a golden glow, his figure flickering, and in an instant, he appeared in front of Balzarna. With a heavy strike, the sword aura was sharp, and Balzarna hurriedly dodged. At this moment, in his current state, he was extremely fragile, barely able to retaliate. But faced with the sword shadows swinging densely, he was quickly hit and let out a painful howl. At this moment, Balzarnas phantom was already faintly visible, as if it was about to disappear at any moment. The illusory face was filled with horror, only able to watch helplessly as the sword light filled with golden radiance attacked again. After a flash of golden light, the phantom figure completely dissipated into the air. Ding- Your ally, Lainekel, has slain the Dreadlord: Balzarna (Above-Epic Tier), and your level has increased (59~*63). Ding- You have reached level 60, and you have gained a new skill: Ocean Storm (Golden Skill). Ding- Your ally, Lainekel, has slain the Dreadlord: Balzarna (Above-Epic Tier), and your hero, Alice, has leveled up Ding- One of the Five Demon Lords, the Dreadlord Balzarna, has been slain. This will cause a huge shock among the demon clan, and the other lords will be more vigilant towards you. Both dark gods and orderly gods will set their sights on you. When the system prompt sounded, Ji Chen finally breathed a sigh of relief, confirming that Balzarna was truly dead. After a brief relaxation, a huge sense of relief surged in his heart. The enemy that had once made the entire Crown of the Ocean feel like it was facing a great enemy, making it hard to breathe, had finally fallen at their feet! And it was done in a frontal attack, destroying the Dreadlords proud body and forcing him to flee in a wretched manner resembling a ghost. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He was extremely satisfied with this outcome. Firstly, Balzarna was truly eliminated, successfully killing one of the Five Demon Lords. Secondly, it was Lainekel who personally delivered the final blow, not violating the agreement they had, which was to personally kill Balzarna himself. This was the best outcome. With Balzarnas death, the remaining hundreds of thousands of demon army immediately fell into chaos, like a pack of stray dogs, completely losing the will to fight. Some collapsed for their faith, some panicked and fled without regard, and some stood dazed in place This was the best opportunity to annihilate this still formidable demon army! Chapter 761 - Chapter 761: Level 64 Chapter 761: Level 64 Translator Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Breaking through level 60 also brought him a brand new skill, Ocean Storm. [Ocean Storm (Golden Skill, unleashes a powerful storm with a wide-ranging impact, causing enemies within the storm to lose their direction and be constantly attacked.)] Without hesitation, Ji Chen activated the skill. Suddenly, a fierce storm raged on the sea surface, thunder snakes burst forth, and rolling waves swept away countless demons. The pouring rain formed an impenetrable curtain, instantly disorienting the demons who wanted to escape. All troops, attack and annihilate the remaining demons! Upon hearing the command. The army, which had been trapped on the city walls and endured blows, suddenly rushed out with momentum, slaughtering the demons devoid of any fighting spirit. Facing the Ocean Crowns army, which still retained its core strength, some demon leaders fiercely resisted with a small number of troops. However, under the relentless assault of several legendary tiers figures, dozens of legacy tier heroes, and hundreds of low-tier heroes, one by one, they fell with a heart full of unwillingness. Thanks to the nurturing of a huge number of demons, the armys levels were steadily increasing at a considerable pace, steadily marching towards level 60. Looking at the battlefield where the situation was already decided, Ji Chen finally relaxed and looked at Lainekel, who had been standing still since killing Balzarna. Unexpectedly, Lainekels expression was extremely calm, but the confusion in his eyes couldnt be concealed. Sensing Ji Chens gaze, he turned around, took a deep breath, and solemnly bowed. Lord Ji Chen, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to avenge myself. Ji Chen didnt say much, just accepted the thanks candidly. Now that this matter is over, what are your plans next? Plans? Lainekel shook his head, When I killed Balzarna, at that moment, my heart felt an unprecedented emptiness. I lost all my goals and didnt know what to do. Ji Chen furrowed his brows. He thought of certain martial arts novels on Earth, where those who carried deep hatred and successfully avenged themselves would immediately enter a state of emptiness and would soon walk the path of self-destruction due to losing their goals. It seemed that Lainekel had such tendencies. After pondering for a moment, he smiled. Since you cant find anything to do, why not continue to kill demons? Although the demon army led by the Dreadlord has been defeated, there are still four other demon armies, and they are still ravaging the lands and lives of the main world. We cannot sit idly by. And who knows, maybe after we defeat all the demon lords and demons, as we did tens of thousands of years ago, we can trace our way back to their lairs and completely annihilate this evil race. Upon hearing Ji Chens words, Lainekel was stunned for a moment, and a glimmer seemed to appear in his eyes. He nodded quickly. Yes, there are still other demon lords who are still harming living beings. We cannot sit idly by. Demons invade our land, seeking to destroy us, then we must also strike at their homes, completely annihilate this race, this is the principle of reciprocity, no, even the dark gods will be slaughtered! The more Lainekel spoke, the more excited he became, and even the words of slaughtering gods were said. Ji Chen didnt mind but instead burst into laughter. In just one year, he was able to ascend to the epic tier. If he were given a few more years, touching the boundary of the gods would not be impossible. The source of all this suffering was those ambitious dark gods, and the root cause would eventually be traced back to them. The slaughter continued from day to night, and from night until morning. The storm had ceased. When the fighting on the battlefield stopped, there was not a single demon left alive on the sea surface, only blood flowing like a river, with mountains of corpses. Countless bodies drifted with the waves and even more sank to the bottom of the sea. The experience gained from slaughtering a large number of demons caused Ji Chens experience bar to grow at a pleasing rate, breaking through a level and reaching level 64 by the next morning. It only took him one night to reach level 64 from level 59. This gave Ji Chen a rough idea of how to level up. Killing Balzarna allowed him to gain 4 levels at once, while the experience indirectly gained from killing hundreds of thousands of demons only resulted in a single-level increase, the difference was clear at a glance. With the death of the Dreadlord, there were only four of the five demon lords left. If he could kill one or two more, reaching level 70 seemed not too far away. He felt great. But seeing the densely packed demon corpses on the sea surface, and the seawater contaminated into black, his mood turned sour again. Killing demons was satisfying, but cleaning up the environment contaminated by demon blood was a headache. Millions of demons perished here, and the accumulated blood contamination reached an alarming level. For at least a year, it would be difficult for the Stormy Sea to recover its fisheries production. Even ordinary creatures could not touch the seawater, as they would be easily harmed by the residual pollution. It seems we cant treat our own home as the battlefield for future clashes with demons, Ji Chen muttered to himself, beginning to formulate a rough plan. With the war against the Dreadlord concluded, aside from cleaning up the pollution, the Crown of the Ocean needed time to recover. Despite the brilliant victory in this battle, where over three hundred thousand troops held off the onslaught of a million demons, the sacrifice was immense. Of the over three hundred thousand troops, less than a hundred thousand remained. Fourth-tier units were completely wiped out, over 70% of fifth-tier units perished, and sixth-tier units suffered over 40% casualties. The King Kong Island Guild, which brought over two hundred thousand troops, now had only a meager thirty to forty thousand left, suffering extremely heavy losses. The Crown of the Ocean, with its fifth-tier units, had only three thousand-person squads remaining, and sixth-tier units numbered just over ten thousand. As for hero units, the Dragon Islands powerful dragons suffered heavy losses, with over seventy dragons killed, representing one-sixth of their population, a significant blow to their already limited reproductive capacity. The more than one hundred Deep Sea Dragons that came this time suffered slightly fewer casualties, but still over twenty of them perished, accounting for one-fifth of their number. Therefore, even though they achieved victory, there was a pervasive sense of sadness among the dragons. In a large semi-covered refrigerated warehouse on the island, the bodies of the fallen dragons were temporarily stored. Frost runes on the surrounding walls and floor slowed the rate of decay of the dragon carcasses. Babatos, with the remaining dragons, circled around the warehouse, the mournful cries of dragons echoing around them. Ji Chen approached, looking at the dragon carcasses inside the warehouse, some broken, some still intact, and said softly as he walked up to them. Please accept my condolences. Babatos shook his head. From the moment we accepted your commission, every dragon was mentally prepared. Each dragon sacrificed itself in the battle against the demons. Death in battle is the highest honor for a dragon. Ji Chen nodded. The rewards agreed upon earlier will be paid to you immediately as soon as the Elven Empire sends the first batch of wealth from Gloria. This includes rewards and compensation for injuries and the fallen. Every penny will be given to you sincerely. Babatos nodded heavily, his face still burdened with sorrow as if no compensation could dispel the sadness he felt for the loss of his kin. But then, he continued, In a few days, we will take the bodies of our kin back to Dragon Island. Serena will stay here to handle the handover of the rewards. Of course, if demons attack again during this time, she can also act as a force of resistance. Ji Chen nodded slightly. Of course, Serena can stay at the Crown of the Ocean for as long as she wants. Is that true!? Babatos eyes lit up suddenly. Ji Chen was slightly taken aback. Of course its true. Thats great! This way, Serena can ahem, this way, she can better handle handover of the rewards. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Babatos coughed violently, masking his face again. After this battle, he truly realized Ji Chens boundless potential. To possess the power of the ocean at such a young age was remarkable. The power of the ocean belonged to the realm of the gods. Even the Dreadlord, who was above epic level, was constantly hindered by the power of the ocean and ultimately had his body destroyed. If such formidable power could give birth to a half-dragon, half-human offspring, perhaps they could inherit some of the power of the ocean. In that case, they would hit the jackpot! By then, apart from a dragon descendant with the potential to become a deity, their dragon clan would give birth to another divine being as well! Chapter 762 - Chapter 762: Famous Across the Continent Chapter 762: Famous Across the Continent Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The threat posed by the Dreadlord has been dealt with. However, the other four Demon Lords were still causing chaos on different continents or hiding in the shadows, casting dark and malevolent glances. But this also gave the Ocean Crown a precious period of time to quietly recover from the war. With the King Kong Island Guild setting sail with the remaining tens of thousands of troops, they have basically achieved their goal for this trip, successfully assisting the Ocean Crown in resisting the invasion of Balzarna. From the overall perspective, at the cost of more than twenty thousand troops and hundreds of millions of rare resources, protecting the safety of King Kong Island was not a losing business. However, seeing the pained expression on I_Love_Black_Stockings face, one couldnt help but chuckle. The Dragon Island dragons had completed their mission and commission, and with their fallen kin, they set off on their journey. Some of the Deep Sea Dragon Whales chose to stay temporarily, partly because the threat of demons had not truly ended, and partly because of Anina. After absorbing the bloodline power of the epic-tier Deep Sea Dragon Whale, Aninas potential had risen to above-epic tier. In terms of potential, Anina and Elisya were the two heroes with the highest potential. But without exception, they still needed a long time to truly grow to the above-epic tier. Samuel, Caroline, and other high-level Deep Sea Dragon Whale heroes had taken a liking to Anina and decided to stay for a while to teach and help her grow. With the battle over, there were still many messes to clean up. The next day, Ji Chen was buried in piles of paperwork, dealing with various unavoidable affairs. A week passed. The Ocean Crowns defeat of the Dreadlords army and Ji Chens slaying of the Dreadlord Balzarna had spread throughout the continent. His was booming. Reputation had reached an unprecedented peak. When Ji Chen instructed the battle details to be made public for sharing information, numerous factions were taken aback by this action. C The Ocean Crown held off the Dreadlords army for a full week with the islands circular wall. C Over 300,000 troops defeated a million-strong demon army. C Both sides had a total of over a thousand hero units, including dozens of Legacy Tier, dozens of Epic Tier, and even several quasi-Epic Tier powerhouses battling it out? C Among them, a total of four Epic Tier figures took action, besieging Balzarna who was above the Epic Tier? C Ji Chen destroyed Balzarnas physical body with a single blow of his weapon, then Balzarna was killed by the alchemical reformed human that he had created? The news was too shocking, with details, twists, and even revenge factors. Every detail kept igniting the emotions of the people. It had only been a little over two weeks since the demons officially invaded, and one of the five Demon Lords, the Dreadlord, has been slain, and a million demon army has been buried in the ocean. How shocking was this news? For a while, the name of Ji Chen and the Ocean Crown spread among every orderly force and player group, attracting worldwide attention. The Elven Empire, the Ancient Tree of Life. After listening to the news from the ocean, Laphia dismissed the soldiers, and a hint of surprise appeared on her exquisite face. On the other side, High Priestess Herlis eyes also showed astonishment, and she exclaimed, He slayed the Dreadlord? Killing a Dreadlord who is above the epic tier with epic-tier strength? I heard that it wasnt just Ji Chen alone who killed the Dreadlord, but a total of four epic-tier individuals besieged the Dreadlord, Laphia gently shook her head. If it were only four epic-tier figures, severely injuring the Dreadlord might still be possible, but killing him is unlikely. Herli nodded. As the closest confidante of the Elven Queen, she deeply understood the huge gap between epic-tier and above-epic-tier individuals. The more so, the more difficult it was to kill a powerhouse already standing at the pinnacle of the world. Not to mention, this was a Demon Lord commanding a million demons. In the face of a million demon army, killing a Dreadlord above the epic tier, if this news hadnt been confirmed to come specifically from the Ocean Crown, she would have thought it was a rumor deliberately spread by demons to deceive. If this news is true, then we should pay more attention to Ji Chen. Laphias right hand supported her face on the armrest of the chair, and her palm held her cheek, while her left hand unconsciously tapped. My level of attention to him is already the highest. If Ji Chen were an elf, I would definitely try my best to pull him onto the Empires chariot. But unfortunately, he is a human. Herli grinned. So what if hes human? As long as our Queen personally takes action, with her exquisite beauty and noble temperament, isnt it easy to capture a mere human? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Laphia rolled her eyes and said irritably, Why dont you go seduce him yourself? Herli pretended to sigh regretfully. Hes not interested in me. Ive heard that this human likes the opposite sex who has both beauty with strength. And those around him are just like that, Siren, Dragon Whale You happen to fit perfectly, and you even have a very unique advantage! A unique advantage? Youre the majestic Elven Queen, the ruler of the Elven Empire. The allure of such a noble status is no less than powerful strength. Males always like to conquer females with high status. Laphias face darkened, and she reached out to pinch her, but the latter, as if already anticipated, grinned and dodged away. Chapter 763 - Chapter 763: Famous Across the Continent (2) Chapter 763: Famous Across the Continent (2) Translator Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Regardless, the death of the Dreadlord is a good thing for both the Orderly fraction and the Empire. With the pressure from the Abyss lifted, and as we are about to initiate a full-scale war mobilization, whether its crossing the Abyss to attack the demon forces in the Southern Continent or supporting other factions in the Eastern and Western Continents, its all a good strategic choice. Laphia shifted to a more comfortable position, crossing her long legs wrapped in white merfabric leggings, then continued, pausing briefly before proceeding. However, its also essential to maintain a good relationship with Ji Chen and the Ocean Crown. Although were unsure how Balzarna was slain, Ji Chens strength and potential are undeniable. We must treat him with the utmost seriousness. Herli, send another batch of resources to the Ocean Crown, under the guise of aiding in reconstruction. Herli nodded, blinking. Isnt it pretty clear what youre trying to achieve by doing that? It doesnt matter. Ji Chen is a smart man. He wont refuse resources that can help him. Laphias eyes sparkled. Although Ji Chen is individually powerful, his faction is still relatively weak. By aiding his factions rapid development, we establish a tacit understanding. With such a relationship, we share common ground and interests. In the future, if we need his cooperation, he wont refuse. Well, Im not good at these things. Do as you see fit. Herli shrugged, then remembered something and asked, Regarding the news that an elf with ancient bloodline appeared in the Ocean Crown, whats your take on it? When did this elf appear in the Ocean Crown? We re not sure yet. Currently, we only know she is a hero under Ji Chens command, her strength has reached a legendary tier. In the battle against the demon army in the Ocean Crown, she killed several demon heroes with her bow and arrow, and its even said that she shot an arrow at the Dreadlord. Laphias eyes flashed with surprise and admiration. Having the courage to shoot an arrow at a being above epic tier, even if it didnt cause harm, was enough to prove her extraordinary. What was more valuable than sheer strength was the courage to challenge stronger opponents. Such a highly potential elf with ancient bloodline would ordinarily be brought back at any cost. However, she happened to be under Ji Chens command, which made it tricky. After a brief contemplation, Laphia took a deep breath, Lets put this aside for now. I will personally go to the Ocean Crown to discuss with Ji Chen. In the Northern Continent, in Lienhardt. As the soldier delivering the report left the great hall, Monica joyfully grabbed Juliuss arm and shook it. Father, did you hear? Lord Ji Chen not only defeated the demon army but also killed the Dreadlord! Its amazing! Feeling dizzy from his daughters shaking, Julius smiled helplessly. Yes, I heard. You dont have to shake your father like this even if youre happy. Monicas face was full of smiles. I knew Lord Ji Chen would definitely beat those demons. He not only defeated the demon army of millions but also made a name for himself across the continent! Watching his daughter rejoice for another man, Julius couldnt help feeling a bit sour. Yes, yes, Lord Ji Chen is now famous across the continent. From now on, you can go live with him and dont have to bother with this old man anymore. You old man, whats the point of competing with young people? Miloma glared at him, grabbed Monicas hand, and said gently to her, Lord Ji Chen has not only killed the Dreadlord, saving the entire Western Mid-Ocean, but also aided the coastal nations of the Northern Continent. We in Lienhardt have been relieved of crisis. You should find the opportunity to thank him in person. Sebastian, who was beside them, was also quite pleased. Thats right, Lord Ji Chen has achieved such great feats, enough to boost the morale of the Orderly fraction. We should all be thankful to him. Monica nodded, smiling brightly. I will definitely thank Lord Ji Chen in person! Sebastian seemed to have an idea and said to Julius, Father, we are about to complete the war mobilization. Where should we deploy our forces next? Julius replied, Originally, I planned to respond to the call of the elves after completing the war mobilization and dispatch our fleet to support the Ocean Crown. But now that the Dreadlord of the Mid-Ocean has been killed by Ji Chen, such support is no longer needed. Whether to support the Western Continent, the Eastern Continent, or elsewhere depends on the elves strategic layout. Sebastian pondered for a moment. I have an idea. Oh? Lets hear it. I think since the Dreadlord is dead, and the demon army responsible for conquering the Mid-Ocean is eliminated, perhaps we can deploy our fleet directly to the Southern Continent. Its a good choice whether to support the remaining resistance forces there or harass the demons rear bases. Julius thought for a moment and then said, Indeed, if we can get the elves support and raid the Southern Continent together with them, our efforts will be doubly rewarded. The elven navy was the first navy in the Mid-Ocean, with the largest scale and the strongest combat power. If they wanted to invade the Southern Continent, their participation is essential. Sebastian nodded. I understand. Ill send someone to contact the elves and request their troops. Meanwhile Because of this incident, not only the Orderly fraction was in turmoil, but the demons were also shocked. In the Modo Strait at the southern end of the Western Continent. As the border between the Southern Continent and the Western Continent, this was once the most prosperous strait connecting the Mid-Ocean and the Outer Sea. A city named Modo stood here, home to millions of people. However, when the Eye of the Demon split the sky, the demon army poured out from it, occupying this place. Countless creatures were brutally slaughtered and turned into food and slaves. The Decay Lord used the power of decay to pollute this land, turning it into a dead domain. On a skyscraper in Modo completely covered by a blanket of black fungus, the Decay Lord stood at the edge, gazing towards the northeast direction of the ocean, his eyes gradually showing a hint of surprise. Balzana is dead? Killed by a mere Glory Lord? He had considered various ways in which Balzana might die, whether at the hands of the next demon lord or in power struggles among demons after the demon domination of the world. But he had never imagined that he would die at the hands of a mere Glory Lord. Though this generations Dreadlord lacked strategic acumen, his strength was decent, ranking at a moderate level among the epic tier. Of course, he wasnt saddened by his death in battle. He was only worried about the series of chain reactions that might occur due to Balzanas death. The Five Demon Lords each had their own strategic objectives in this war. Lacking any one of them would affect the demons strategic plan to conquer the mortal realm. Not only was Balzana himself slain, but also millions of sea demon troops were buried along with him in the ocean. This would lead to a huge vacuum of power in the direction of the Mid-Ocean, giving the Orderly fraction an opportunity. At least for now, the pressure he faced from the Void Lord of the Eastern Continent would increase significantly. Meanwhile, the demon clan also lost the opportunity to land on the Northern Continent directly from the Mid-Ocean. The immediate priority was to guard against the attacks from the Orderly fractions fleet, launching attacks against them from the ocean. What a useless thing. We still have to clean up the mess for this waste. The Decay Lord shook his head and called his subordinates. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Accelerate the offensive on the front lines, spread the decayed land further as a defense, and speed up the cultivation of troops. I need more soldiers to consume the worthless scrap metal from the dwarves. Pausing for a moment, he continued. In addition, send more soldiers to scout the ocean direction to prevent the Orderly fraction from launching surprise attacks from the sea. Yes, sir! Chapter 764 - Chapter 764: Current Situation in the Southern Continent Chapter 764: Current Situation in the Southern Continent Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Just as the outside world thought the Crown of the Ocean had been severely damaged in the battle with the Dreadlord, the Crown of the Ocean was waiting for the resources of the Orderly fraction to recuperate. On the boundless sea north of the Southern Continent, a small island suddenly appeared. If anyone saw it, they would surely be horrified. Because this island, which was covered with various military facilities such as large and small magic towers, arrow towers, and barracks, was slowly moving southward. Ji Chen stood at the top of the giant tower, his gaze seeming to penetrate through layers of waves, seeing the land covered with endless yellow sand. The Dreadlord was slain, and the demon army was wiped out all the way, but there were still four demon armies and four demon kings. How to eliminate these still huge demon forces was a question worth considering deeply. Therefore, just under two days after the battle with the Dreadlord, he decided to secretly take the remaining more than ten thousand sixth-tier troops and secretly leave the Stormy Sea on a giant turtle. This time, he wanted to quietly come to the Southern Continent and give the demons a surprise! The giant turtle carried a high-level magic artillery tower, thirty-six secondary magic towers that could resonate with it, and more than a hundred intermediate magic towers on the periphery, as well as dozens of rune- enchanted rapid-fire arrow towers used to guard against enemy airborne forces. The entire turtles back was a huge magic firepower projection position, with a range of up to a hundred miles in extreme cases. Of course, this was an extreme situation, and the accuracy was questionable, but facing enemies within thirty or forty miles, it was like hitting wherever you pointed, ready to unleash a brilliant but destructive magical strike at any time. Such a movable firepower projection position was simply an excellent force for guerrilla warfare! Even those demon lords never thought that he would dare to attack and cause trouble during the vacant period after the war. Looking at the vast sea, where layers of waves were rolled up due to the movement of the giant turtle, Ji Chen asked softly. Alice, how far are we from the Southern Continent now? Seeing Alice, who was absent-mindedly fascinated by Ji Chens side face, and hearing her slowly come back to her senses after his question, she reached out to tuck a strand of hair that was blown apart by the sea breeze behind her ear and whispered. We should be able to see the coastline in about five hundred miles or so. Ji Chen nodded slightly. Thats about it. When we get closer, the chances of encountering demon reconnaissance forces will increase exponentially. Activate the Tidal Surge Core and let the giant turtle dive. I understand. Soon, a transparent bowl-shaped cover slowly condensed on the shell of the turtle. As the giant turtle slowly dived, the sea water was separated outside the cover. Observing the seawater slowly creeping upward, they couldnt shake the sensation of being in a different realm entirely. Above them, the sea water teemed with marine life, while below, they stood on solid ground, creating a surreal experience. The Crown of the Oceans troops were already accustomed to such scenes, busy with their own tasks, but the elven warriors who came to support were seeing such a magical sight for the first time. Even the most calm among them couldnt help but stretch their necks in astonishment, marveling at the scene. Watching these elves looking around like curious babies, Alice whispered. My lord, is it really okay to let them spread the news about the Crown of the Ocean? Shifting his gaze from elsewhere to these elves, Ji Chen shook his head. Let them spread some information about the Crown of the Ocean to the Elven Empire. It wont do us any harm. What about Elisya As for Elisya, sooner or later, she will appear before the world. Unless she stays in the Crown of the Ocean forever, the Elven Empire will definitely learn about her. At this point, instead of continuing to conceal, its better to tell them openly. The news about Elisyas bloodline being publicly disclosed by Balzarna had been known to the dragons, dragon whales, the King Kong Island guild, and the army supported by the Elven Empire present at the scene. Continuing to block the news was obviously unrealistic. Ji Chen smiled slightly, his tone becoming more resolute. Anyway, were not what we used to be. The Crown of the Ocean now has enough capital to protect itself. Alice looked at the spirited Ji Chen and couldnt help but smile too. Thats right, we already have the ability to protect ourselves. We were the ones who slain the Dreadlord. Even if the Elven Empire wants to cause trouble, theyll have to think twice beforehand. Thats natural. We just need to tell them boldly that Elisya is here with us. What can they do? Given time, Elisya could become a figure above the epic tier, inevitably becoming a cornerstone of the Crown of the Ocean. How could he hand her over to the Elven Empire? Although the relationship between the Elven Empire and them was good, they were ultimately two different forces. Interests maintained such relationships, not friendship. Once the maintenance of interests was gone, such relationships would be as fragile as a string. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Only their own strength, only power, was the source and foundation of everything. Ji Chen understood this, and so did Alice. The giant turtle slowly advanced in the pitch-black depths of the deep sea, with hundreds of meters of seawater separating it from any scrutiny from the sky or the surface of the sea. Those demons would never imagine that such a giant turtle, carrying tens of thousands of troops, would be passing beneath their noses, hidden from their reconnaissance. As they approached the coastline of the Southern Continent, Ji Chen called over his companion, Ari. This prince of the Kingdom of Ugisai had sought him out again after the victory over the Dreadlord in the battle at the Crown of the Ocean, once more requesting his troops support for the Southern Continent. Chapter 765 - Chapter 765: Current Situation in the Southern Continent (2) Chapter 765: Current Situation in the Southern Continent (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation This situation was different from the past. Aris request aligned with the strategy following Ji Chens, so they agreed to bring him back to the Southern Continent. Aris spirits were better than ever before. Compared to the time when he refused to support the Southern Continents request, he seemed like a completely different person, with hope shining in his eyes. Lord Ji Chen, are we almost reaching the Southern Continent? Ji Chen nodded slightly. I will arrive at the Southern Continent on this journey, but the current problem is that I cannot confirm whether the desert kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Ugisai, have been completely overrun by the Greed Lord. Whether there are still resistors and survivors in that land covered by endless yellow sand. In fact, before Ari arrived at the New Moon Islands, the connection between the Southern Continent and other continents and the Crown of the Ocean was completely severed. As soon as the Dreadlord appeared in the southern seas, demons were sent to block the coastline completely, turning the Southern Continent into an information island, isolated from the outside world. No one knows what the situation is like in the Southern Continent now. It was possible that it had been completely occupied by demons, becoming a paradise for demons, but it was also possible that there are still resistance forces waiting for support. Although the Greed Lord is ranked last among the Lords, the power of his demonic army is no less than that of the Dreadlord, and on land, demon attacks will only be more fierce and rapid. On the last day before the information was cut off, the demonic army only took three days to break through four desert kingdoms in the central Southern Continent, and now it has been two weeks since that time If four kingdoms were conquered in just three days, how far could the demons have advanced in two full weeks? No one could say for sure. Ari knew this, with a hint of confusion on his face, but still with a stubbornness in his eyes. He would not be resigned until he saw it with his own eyes, because there were his beloved family, relatives of the same bloodline, loyal subjects who loved them deeply, and everything he had since birth. All of this was something he cannot abandon. Aris gaze gradually became firm. He bent down. Adopting the lowest posture. Performing the oldest and most respected etiquette of the desert. Lord Ji Chen, I still believe that the Kingdom of Ugisai is stubbornly resisting the demons attacks. The literal desert people will not bow to the demons, so I implore you to go to the Kingdom of Ugisai. Ji Chen remained silent for a moment. As you wish. Southern Continent. The vast yellow sand was the eternal theme of this land, and the sky always blew fine grains of sand. It was rumored that millions of years ago, this continent was once covered with grasslands and hills, lush with vegetation, where one could see cattle and sheep grazing low. A portion of humanity migrated from the other three continents to this vibrant land to thrive and multiply due to failed ethnic conflicts. However, hundreds of thousands of years ago, the claws of demonic and other evil forces reached this land, not only slaughtering living beings but also continuously draining the vitality of this land with evil power, turning most of it into desert. Faced with the crisis of survival, the people here put aside their past grievances, set aside their differences, and raised the banner of resistance against the demons. Under the relentless resistance of generations of desert people, the demons entrenched in the Southern Continent were eventually driven out and suppressed by the desert gods in conjunction with other deities, sealed away in the depths of chaos. Now, the demons had come back, once more setting their sights on this land with greed, aiming to revive the darkness of centuries past. This time, the desert people had united once again, joining forces to resist the enemy that seemed to come from ancient times but was already looming before them. Northern Frontline. Leveraging oases large and small, hills, and desert cliffs, the Desert Alliance has roughly built a frontline stretching tens of miles along the Roni River, the largest river mouth in the Southern Continent, resisting the demonic attacks from the south. Within the Desert Alliance were kingdom nobles and armies who had escaped from the destroyed desert kingdoms in the south, desert mercenaries and nomads roaming the yellow sands, organized armies supported by coastal states to the north, and even wise races from the desert. In the face of demons, in the face of the blood-drenched facts of several already destroyed desert kingdoms, many desert factions had set aside their prejudices, forming the Desert Alliance, jointly confronting the demons onslaught. Thanks to the early warning of the demon invasion from the now-defunct Kingdom of Ugisai, various desert kingdoms and factions, although unable to fully mobilize in time, were somewhat prepared. Yet, how could the hastily assembled Desert Alliance endure the fierce attacks of the demon army? They lost city after city, oasis after oasis, and were forced to retreat northward, sacrificing territory to buy time. Although they managed to buy some time and established this frontline north of the Roni River, consecutive failures have left the morale of the alliance low, with pessimism prevailing. Inside the alliances main tent. News from the frontline, the Saina Outpost has been destroyed by demons, and the demon army has approached within a range of three hundred miles from the Roni River frontline. A suppressed atmosphere immediately filled the tent. At the speed of the demons advance within three hundred miles, they would arrive in just three days. A desert noble who had fled here from the south with his family wore a terrified expression. We might as well continue to retreat. With just our strength, we cannot possibly withstand the onslaught of the greedy Demon King! In his mind, the terrifying scene of the city where his family had lived for generations being completely overrun, with residents slaughtered, was deeply engraved. He didnt want to face such a formidable enemy again! However, at this moment, Mijat, who was present, suddenly sneered. The desert noble felt offended, his face contorted with anger. Whats wrong with what I said? We are no match for the millions-strong demon army. Instead of dying meaninglessly here, its better to conserve our strength and plan for the future! Dont you all agree? His words resonated with many, who nodded in agreement. Mijat chuckled coldly, unruffled. The demons havent even arrived yet, and youre already trembling with fear. In that case, whats the use of establishing this Desert Alliance? It might as well be better to surrender directly to the demons. Who knows, maybe we could live on as slaves, right? Some fell silent, their faces reddening with embarrassment, but others, feeling stung, glared angrily. The desert noble snapped, You dont want to retreat because the Kingdom of Ugisai is not far behind us. Youre just afraid of your own country being ravaged by demons! What a hypocrite you are, pretending to be righteous here! Exactly! Our country has already been destroyed by demons. We have no attachment to this place anymore! Mijat didnt respond, only sneered, I forgot to tell you, the coastline was completely blocked off by demons over ten days ago. You cant leave here at all. What!? Those who wanted to leave were suddenly horrified, their faces pale. With millions of demon troops attacking from the south and the northern coastline blocked, werent they trapped here? Then, then well cross the Moro Strait to the northwest and escape directly to the Western Continent! Mijat shook his head with apparent regret. The Decayed Demon King has long occupied the Moro Strait. Going that way is no different from walking into the demons mouth. What!? The crowd was shocked and dismayed. Wasnt the Southern Continent now completely surrounded by demons? Were they trapped like fish in a barrel? The desert noble trembled with rage, pointing at Mijat accusingly. Did you already know about this? Mijat remained silent, tacitly admitting to it. The information was brought back by Ari and was also transmitted from their Kingdom of Ugisai. Deliberately concealing certain information was an easy task. If these messages were revealed too early, it would only sow discord among the troops. Only by disclosing them at the right moment could the alliance be unified to resist the demons with all their might, rather than abandoning their cities and fleeing. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This was the best solution he could think of, gathering as much strength as possible to resist the demons. While it might just be a last-ditch effort for the demons, at least they would have put up a fight. Besides, Ari had already departed in advance, so he had no lingering regrets. Mijats expression gradually became determined as he spoke slowly. We only have one path now, and that is to resist the Greed Demon Lord with all our might and hold out until other lawful forces come to support us. This is the only way, the only means of continuing to survive. My friends, we have no other choice. We must pick up our swords and bravely strike at the enemy if we are to have a glimmer of hope! Chapter 766 - Chapter 766: Battle Situation in the Eastern Continent Chapter 766: Battle Situation in the Eastern Continent Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Eastern Continent. Midline battlefield, Victor Plains. In the past, this was a grassland full of gentle breeze and warm sunshine. Several rivers rich in water resources flowed down from the eastern mountains, leaving silver-white traces on the flat land and nourishing lush grass. However, this once vibrant grassland is now shrouded in murky gunpowder smoke. Ink-like black mist and miasma spew out from the gaping maws of the demon-released miasma demons, polluting the once azure sky into an ominous gray. Fanatical warriors of the Light Church, radiant faith knights under the leadership and command of deacons, tread through the muddy ground tainted with black and red, charging towards the demon army. With fanaticism on their faces and unwavering faith in their eyes, they recite sacred and pure prayers, singing exhilarating war songs. Goddess of Light, protect my body, shield my soul, grant me divine power, make me invincible! Goddess of Light, protect my body, shield my soul, grant me divine power, make me invincible! At that moment, they felt as if they were being watched by the Goddess of Light in the heavens, urging them to advance, to kill the enemy. Their hearts swelled with excitement as they stepped forward with firm strides, crashing into the midst of the demons. Golden energy spewed from the holy spears, piercing through the bodies of demons, and armored holy horses created a path of flesh and blood. The holy spears were broken, and the knights immediately drew their swords without hesitation, swinging them to unleash a flurry of sword energy, tearing apart the bodies of several single-horned demons surrounding them. However, when a demon fell, another one rushed in, their faces filled with the same madness and bloodlust as the knights of the church, recklessly swinging their weapons. Screaming and howling, the demons seemed invigorated, their eyes quickly turning red as if pumped with adrenaline. They appeared to derive pleasure from the blood streaming from their wounds, showing no signs of pain. This was the power bestowed by the Dark God! God of Darkness, grant me great power, blood sacrifice to the blood god, skull offering to the skull throne! Soon, under the relentless siege of the constantly replenishing demon forces, several squads of fervent warriors and radiant faith knights who had penetrated deep into the enemy ranks were completely wiped out. Armor engraved with church runes shattered into pieces, the flag of the church snapped, trampled into the muddy ground by demons, staining the land with glaring crimson. In the sky, holy knights of the church clashed with winged demons, blood staining the sky. The piercing demon war song jolted Rodericks mind, snapping him out of the frenzy and bloodshed. Leaning on his sword for support, he panted heavily like a broken bellows. Damn it, there were just too many demons! When he received the bishops orders to rush to the Victor Plains battlefield, he had imagined what demons would look like, but he never imagined them to be ten times crazier than the most fanatical heretics he had ever seen. His Radiant Knights, not the most powerful among the various sects of knights, but still among the middle ranks, usually only need a single charge of a thousand-man squad to easily disperse the ranks of heretics and then effortlessly slaughter them, outnumbering them several times over. But just two days ago, tens of thousands of Radiant Knights were dragged to their deaths by what seemed like an endless horde of demons, almost completely wiped out. Only two squads of a thousand men each, including him, managed to retreat in a sorry state. However, only half a day later, he and the remaining comrades of the Radiant Knights were thrown back into the battlefield. Roderick looked around at his comrades, feeling a surge of sorrow. Out of the more than two thousand Radiant Knights, only a few dozen were still standing. The rest died miserably. All that remains on the ground are shattered armor and pieces of bodies that were unrecognizable. In just two weeks, how many comrades had they lost? Could they really defeat the demons? Although the bishop had always told them that the Goddess of Light was watching over them, he couldnt feel the divine radiance. It was cold. They were slipping into an abyss with no bottom! Woo! Woo! Woo! The short blast of the horn signalled the retreat. Roderick couldnt help but let out a sigh of relief, feeling a sense of joy in having survived the ordeal. Although he didnt know how long it would be before they were sent back to the battlefield again, at least they could live a little longer now. Oh, God, forgive my impertinence. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He silently prayed in his heart, gripping his sword with several gashes already, and followed the retreating troops. On a high ground of the Churchs position, watching the last batch of troops that had been sent in return with barely any survivors, several bishops couldnt help but show a hint of gravity in their eyes. The demons assault is even more fierce than we anticipated, but fortunately, the demons have chosen to retreat, said a bishop in a white robe with long, elegant white beard, slightly relieved at the tide of retreating demons. He continued with a hint of discontent, If it werent for the rebellion of the Lower Three Sects, the Church wouldnt have lost a considerable portion of its strength, and we wouldnt be in such a passive situation. Its unavoidable. Its better to discover their betrayal earlier. Otherwise, if they were to cause trouble at a critical moment, the consequences would be even more severe, another bishop, nearly the same age as him, spoke up. His equally white robe bore the emblem of a golden flower on the left chest, representing one of the Upper Three Sects, the Golden Flower Sect. Chapter 767 - Chapter 767: Battle Situation in the Eastern Continent (2) Chapter 767: Battle Situation in the Eastern Continent (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Indeed. The Bishop with whitebeard sighed, But have you heard the news? The demon army from the Dreadlords side was completely annihilated, and the Dreadlord Balzarna was slain. The one who slew him was none other than the Lord of Glory, who first discovered the rebellion of the Three Sects. Four epic-tier individuals besieged the Dreadlord and successfully slew him. Such glorious achievements have already spread across other continents. Surprisingly, the last bishop was a female, younger-looking compared to the other two. She appeared like a kind middle-aged woman, adorned with a radiant sun emblem on the left chest of her robe. She was none other than the bishop of the Radiant Sect, one of the Three Sects. Upon hearing the Bishop with whitebeards words, she asked with puzzlement, But what does this have to do with the predicament we face now? Of course, it matters. The bishop with whitebeard stroke his beard. Even with four epic-tier individuals, its impossible to besiege a Dreadlord above the epic tier. You should understand this. The bishop of the Radiant Sect furrowed her brow. Are you saying This Lord of Glory is suspicious, possessing power that threatens even the epic tier. But you see, theyve only been in this world for a year, the Bishop with Whitebeard said. In just a year, he has gained the power to threaten above the epic tier. Does that seem reasonable to you? Disregarding the subtle shifts in their facial expressions, he went on, Moreover, the unexpected arrival of the Lord of Glory raises a lot of questions. Ive inquired about it, but the responses I received were vague, suggesting even they are unsure about the details. According to their own words, those Lords of Glory had come here unintentionally because of a game1, sounding like they were sent to this world by some unknown entity. Not only did they have magical, long-distance communication means, they also possessed an incomprehensible passion and determination, as if And their timing is quite clever, coinciding precisely with the loss of contact with the gods and the invasion of demons. Do you think this is just a coincidence? After listening to the Bishop with whitebeards words, the Bishops of the Radiant and Golden Flower Sects fell into contemplation. All of this seemed too coincidental. It was so coincidental that it was as if there was an unseen, untouchable, supremely powerful entity manipulating the pieces on the chessboard called the world, secretly driving changes and trends in the world situation. And one of those pieces might be those Lords of Glory who call themselves players. I believe that this Lord of Glory named Ji Chen, who was able to reach the epic tier in such a short time, may have received help from some entity, and may also know some secrets unknown to others. The Bishop with whitebeard ventured a bold guess. The Bishops of the Radiant and Golden Flower Sects were surprised at first, but upon careful consideration, it made some sense. The Bishop of the Radiant Sect nodded in agreement. Even if thats not the case, it still shows the extraordinary nature of that Lord of Glory. I believe its necessary for us to establish some contact with him now. With his ability to slay beings above the epic tier, perhaps we can seek his help and offer generous rewards to implore him to slay the Void Lord wreaking havoc on the Eastern Continent. Indeed But we have already had some contact with him. The Light Church was destroyed by his hands, and the news of the rebellion of the Three Sects was also exposed by him. The Bishop of the Golden Flower sect said in a self-deprecating tone. The three of them had subtle expressions on their faces. Although the Three Sects had already rebelled and been destroyed, the thought of having to request assistance from the culprit who directly or indirectly caused significant damage to the Light Church was inevitably complicated. Lienhardt Palace. Sebastian rushed in excitedly from outside, his face full of excitement. Royal Father, the Elven Empire has responded to us. They have agreed to dispatch a fleet to support Lord Ji Chen in the Crown of the Ocean. They also plan to harass, bombard, and conduct landing operations against demons along the southern continents coastline. Julius slapped the armrest suddenly, stood up, and laughed heartily, Excellent! Since the Elves are sending out their fleet for this reason, the success rate of this operation and battle will increase exponentially. But the Elves also sent a message that needs to be kept confidential. A confidential message? Queen Laphia of the Elves will also accompany the expedition this time. Juliuss eyes widened. Whats going on? The highest ruler of the Elven Empire was actually personally going to deal with demons on the southern continent? But he quickly reacted. The Elven Queen should be going to the Crown of the Ocean to find Ji Chen. There was still some doubt in his mind. Why would she personally go at this critical time? That, she didnt tell me Sebastian shookhis head. Julius pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, Could it be that shes going to snatch a man? Sebastian was stunned, his face full of confusion. Julius explained, You see, Ji Chen is an epic-tier, and such a young epic-tier is quite rare. Recently, he even slayed a Dreadlord above the epic tier and crushed a million-strong demon army. With such potential, its normal for the Elves to want to win him over. You know the Elves methods behind the scenes. For the sake of their interests, they dont hesitate to send beautiful elves to their targets, then send troops to suppress them under the guise of elf trafficking or insulting the empire, in order to obtain what they want. In that case, its not surprising that the Elves have thoughts of enticing Ji Chen. There are only a few ways to entice people: money, status, lifespan. Julius glanced at the gate and realized that his wife and daughter were not present. He lowered his voice slightly and said, And the most direct one, the beauty trap. Ji Chen already has the first three items, but the last one is what they fear the most, because even heroes have their weaknesses! Sebastian thoughtfully said, But I heard that Lord Ji Chen has no shortage of attractive and powerful companions by his side, including elves, and even rare- blooded Siren, deep-sea nobles like the Deep Sea Dragon Whale Julius had a look of disbelief. But you need to understand, thats the renowned Elven Queen Laphia. In terms of beauty and power, shes among the top in this world. And her status is not just noble. With such immense power, do you think you can resist if she uses the beauty trap on you? Sebastian imagined for a moment and agreed, Indeed, I wouldnt stand a chance. So, its truly enviable Ahem, I mean, Ji Chen may have many companions around him, but none of them hold such a high position as the Elven Queen. He might just fall for it! Julius looked worried. When it comes to using beauty traps, Monica is no match for opponents like the Elven Queen! Sebastian nodded deeply in agreement. If Monicas level was considered excellent tier, then the Elven Queen was an epic-tier! Indeed, they must be on guard. But little sister, you also need to step up your game, or else your man will get stolen away! Under the delay caused by Ji Chen and the Crown of the Ocean, the demons were blocked in the central sea area, allowing Lienhardt and other kingdoms like the Elven Empire to focus most of their efforts on mobilizing for war and eliminating the evil alliance forces. Various powers quickly reached a consensus to send troops to support the Crown of the Ocean and harass the demons on the southern continent. Within a short period, a large number of ships were mobilized to head towards the Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Crown of the Ocean. A total of eight powers and kingdoms participated in this operation, including the three Northwestern Coastal countries led by Lienhardt, the Elven Empire, and its three affiliated kingdoms, as well as the Independent Alliance of Hope, all sending their main fleets to participate in the operation. The first to arrive were the fleets of the Elven Empire and its five affiliated powers, forming a massive fleet of densely packed ships, stationed to the east, northeast, and northwest of the New Moon Islands. Flags fluttered in the air, ships stretching for miles, displaying various banners high above, including the Twin Sacred Tree flag, the Sword and Shield flag, the Maple Leaf flag However, the one they were looking for, the real protagonist, was not among them. Chapter 768 - Chapter 768: Becoming Above Epic in 150 Years? Chapter 768: Becoming Above Epic in 150 Years? Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Representatives of various kingdoms and powers boarded the port under the guidance of the Ocean Crowns ships. Wilus had been waiting and walked over to greet them. He bowed respectfully and said, My Lord has instructed me to come and escort you. Please follow me. Facing the imposing representatives of the Elven Empire and several other kingdom-level powers, this middle-aged man showed no fear on his face. He remained calm and courteous, as if he were receiving ordinary guests from afar. Strength was always the foundation of discourse. The Ocean Crown was no longer the same as before. After slaying the Dreadlord and defeating a demon army, it had the capital to engage in equal dialogue. Even if the other party was the mighty Elven Empire. The Elven Empires representatives showed no sign of hesitation. Instead, they were full of smiles. Politely, they said, No problem, lets do as Lord Ji Chen has arranged. Even before setting off, Her Majesty the Queen had specifically instructed him not to be arrogant and not to offend the Ocean Crown and Ji Chen. With that in mind, no matter how courageous he was, he dared not show any displeasure. The Elven representative cautiously glanced at a female elf in a hooded robe, who was looking around the surroundings, and breathed a sigh of relief when she showed no reaction. Wilus keenly noticed this and made a mental note of it. Could this hooded figure be a high-ranking elf? However, he remained composed and guided them to the hotel and rooms prepared for them, before returning to a side hall in the Lord Manor where two players, dressed in a mess of equipment and marveling at the castles luxurious decorations, were waiting. Besides this matter, does Lord Ji Chen have anything else to tell us? Monkey Gift and Monkey Gift Hair snapped out of their daze and shook their heads in unison. No, the Big Boss Islander just asked us to tell you about this matter, receive the representatives, and wait for his return. Wilus nodded and didnt press further. Thank you for bringing back such important news. The promised reward will be paid as soon as the Lord returns. Until then, you can rest in the hotel, and all normal expenses will be covered by the Ocean Crown. The twos faces lit up with joy. Thankyou, thank you! Wilus said nothing more and escorted them away. Monkey Gift and Monkey Gift Hair watched Wilus slowly walk back to the Lord Manor and couldnt contain their excitement. This is a big win for us! We were just sent by Uncle Luo to deliver a message, and now we get rewards and free food and drinks for a few days! Monkey Gift Hair chuckled. Thats because were working for the Islander. There are always plenty of benefits. Just a few days ago, they inadvertently heard about the massive gathering of fleets from the elves and several affiliated countries. With the idea of gathering intelligence, they told Uncle Luo about this information, who then informed the Islander. For some unknown reason, the Islander then instructed them to personally go to the Ocean Crown and convey his message to Wilus, the steward of the Ocean Crowns internal affairs, promising a generous reward. Just passing on a message and receiving a reward, they were naturally very willing. They set off on the same day, a few minutes faster than the elven fleet. Now it seemed that they made the right decision! By the way, why would the elves and several affiliated countries send so many warships to the Ocean Crown? What are they up to? Monkey Gift scratched his head. They probably want to exterminate demons. Since the Dreadlord has been taken down by the Big Boss Islander, the elves probably think they can launch a counterattack, Monkey Gift Hair said. Thats probably it Hey, look, theres a stunning elf over there! Monkey Gift Hair suddenly turned his head, his eyes brightening. It was a figure wrapped in a hood and robe. The only indication that she was an elf was the twin sacred tree pattern embroidered on her loose robe. However, the loose robe couldnt hide her well-proportioned figure. Indeed, your eyes are sharp, kid, Monkey Gift Hair praised. Monkey Gift chuckled. Of course, after experiencing so many ladies and sisters in the Sixth District, our eyes are quite sharp! At that moment, the female elf suddenly looked over. Her face was covered by a thick veil under the hood, revealing only a pair of intimidating golden eyes. It was as if she could see through them. Just a brief glance made them feel uneasy. Monkey Gift Hairs voice suddenly lowered, and he tugged at Monkey Gifts sleeve. Shes probably not an ordinary elf. She must have some status. Lets not provoke her, or we might get the Big Boss Islander into trouble. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Monkey Gift Hair nodded, pretending not to have seen the elf, and casually walked away with Monkey Gift. Watching the two Lords of Glory walk away, Laphia withdrew her gaze and continued to survey the bustling district, which remained prosperous even in wartime. Its hard to imagine that this territory was built in just a year. Although the streets were permeated with some heaviness and tension due to the war, there was no trace of fear, worry, or unease on the faces of the residents. On the contrary, one could see a sense of fulfillment in their work and an easily discernible confidence and unity among them, as if nothing could defeat them. Chapter 769 - Chapter 769: Becoming Above Epic in 150 Years?(2) Chapter 769: Becoming Above Epic in 150 Years?(2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Based on the intelligence collected before their arrival, it seemed that this archipelago was still a wilderness a year ago, dotted with primitive jungles and ferocious beasts. Isolated from the world and lacking sufficient resources. However, under such harsh conditions, its lord, Ji Chen, led his people to develop this primitive land. They established homes, recruitment camps, built ports, cultivated thousands of acres of seawater rice fields for food production, mined minerals in steep and rugged mountains, strengthened their forces by sailing out to sea to search for resources, and so on Until now, they have developed into towns with tens of thousands of residents, tens of thousands of high-level troops, and an unknown number of foreign ethnic subjects. If such experiences were detailed, it would be enough to compile a guidebook for newly appointed lords of the empire to refer to. It seems that Ji Chen not only has strong personal talents but also remarkable governance abilities. As Laphia walked, her sensing spell had already alerted her. On this small island, in every corner, there were hidden powerful auras, some at the legacy tier, some legendary, and even two at the epic tier. One seemed to be underground, not very clear due to being blocked by rock layers, but the other one seemed to have no intention of hiding at all. That ominous aura in her sensory world soared into the sky from the jungle to the northwest of the island. But according to the information, there should be another epic-tier besides Ji Chen, could it be that this epic-tier left with Ji Chen? At this moment, she suddenly saw a young female elf walking on the street. She was neither one of the elf warriors who came to support nor one of the few female elves who arrived on the island. Laphia paused for a moment, a realization flashed through her mind. In the depths of her golden eyes, a small, but extremely intricate miniature magic array suddenly appeared. Under the special sensory vision, the bloodline that flowed through this elf, with an ancient aura, was so prominent. She was the elf with the ancient bloodline!! Suppressing the excitement in her heart, Laphia walked towards her. Elisya patrolled the street with her battle bow on her back, diligently checking for any signs of oppression or trouble. Although she was rather upset that the Lord had recently left with the army without her, she, as part of the Ocean Crown, couldnt allow any harm to come to the territory when its defense had become much weaker. Elisya greeted familiar residents as she walked along the street. At this moment, she suddenly saw a female elf wearing a robe embroidered with the symbol of the Twin Sacred Trees walking towards her on the street. An elf from the Elven Empire? Elder Marianne and the others went to the Elven Empire. She didnt know how they were doing now, but according to Lord Ji Chen, the Elven Empire was now one of the most powerful nations, and no one dared to provoke them. It was believed that Elder Marianne and the others should also be properly resettled and living a peaceful life. This was good. Elisya was living well now. The Lord valued her very much, everyone treated her well, and there was a lot of good food here. She cherished her life now. A smile unconsciously appeared on Elisyas face, and her steps became a bit brisker. However, the elf from the Elven Empire walked straight towards her and stopped in front of her. Elisyas guard suddenly rose a bit, and she spoke in a somewhat friendly tone, Do you need any help? The female elf whispered, Can we talk somewhere else? Her voice was pleasant, with an inherent dignity and nobility. C This was an elven noble. Elisyas mind suddenly flashed with this thought, and she became more alert. Why did she want to talk privately? Could there be something suspicious? She immediately refused firmly, Is there anything that cant be said here? If you need help, you can find the staff of the Ocean Crown. Seeing Elisyas cautious expression, Laphia could only helplessly raise her head and slightly lift her veil, revealing her eyes and half of her face. She whispered, I am Laphia, the Elven Queen. Your name is Elisya, right? I want to talk to you about your bloodline. Elisya was instantly stunned. How could the Elven Queen be here? And about her bloodline? In a small alley. Elisya and Laphia stood facing each other, with Elisya leaning against the wall, looking somewhat puzzled. Laphia, the Queen, she said, you mentioned earlier about my bloodline? Yes, do you know that you possess the bloodline of our elven ancestors, the ancient elven lineage? Of course I do,. Elisya nodded. Lord Ji Chen has already told me. In that case, you should also know that your potential is immeasurable. With proper cultivation, you will surely grow into the pinnacle powerhouse that dominates the continent. Laphia got straight to the point, staring closely into her eyes. I wont beat around the bush. As long as you return to the Elven Empire, I am confident that within ten years, you will become an epic-tier powerhouse. Within 150 years, you will surpass even the epic tier. In a few hundred years, I will abdicate and let you ascend to become the next Elven Queen. With the support of billions of elves, the armies of millions of elves will obey your commands. You will wield the highest power in the world, and countless beings will bow at your feet. Laphia sounded confident, as if she was very sure of the conditions she had proposed. In reality, these conditions sounded extremely tempting. Just the prospect of becoming above epic-tier within 150 years was enough to drive all elves crazy. But what disappointed Laphia slightly was that Elisyas expression didnt change much, seemingly uninterested in the conditions she described. Instead, she asked in return, Queen Laphia, do you know how I came to the Ocean Crown? Laphia was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting Elisya to suddenly ask this question, but she still shook her head. We used to live in an endless ice field. Oh right, Lord Ji Chen said it was a mystic realm of the ancient battlefield of gods, filled with the bodies of elves, orcs, and humans frozen in ice A reminiscent look appeared on Elisyas face as she slowly recounted her past on the ice field, including her eagerness to seize power to save her people, only to be backlashed, trapped in the icy crevices enduring cold and pain, then rescued by Ji Chen, and subsequently her journey to the Ocean Crown. When Laphia heard that Elisya was once a member of the elven tribe lost in the ancient battlefield of gods, she suddenly realized that the thousands of elves Ji Chen brought back then were Elisyas people. She couldnt help but feel regretful. If she had paid more attention at the time, maybe she wouldnt have to spend so much effort persuading Elisya to return to the empire. But as she heard the later tragic experiences, she gradually fell silent. It turned out that this child had also experienced such an unknown period of suffering. If it werent for Ji Chens intervention to save her, she might still be insane. Thats how I came to the Ocean Crown. This place has long become the home I swore to protect, a home I cannot leave or abandon. And I cannot leave Lord Ji Chen either. Because, it was him who saved me. As she said this, a hint of happiness appeared on Elisyas face. The warmth amidst endless cold still deeply lingered in her mind, unforgettable in this lifetime. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Laphia opened her mouth, but couldnt find any words to say. At this moment, she felt like a sinner trying to take Elisya away from the person who saved her. Elisya heaved a sigh of relief. I suddenly talked about a lot of things. Queen Laphia, thank you for being my listener. But I want to tell you something. What is it? A few months ago, I was just an inconspicuous rare-tier hero. But now, I am already a legendary-tier hero. I think, with the help of Lord Ji Chen, I might not need 150 years to become above epic-tier. Chapter 770 - Chapter 770: Plan to Support the Southern Continent Chapter 770: Plan to Support the Southern Continent Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Laphia departed with a sense of shock and confusion lingering in her heart. Upon learning that Elisya had advanced from a rare-tier hero to a legendary-tier hero in just a few months, her initial reaction was one of disbelief. But Elisyas expression was absolutely unwavering. Considering Ji Chens inexplicable speed in becoming epic-tier, she believed it to some extent. The fleets of the three countries along the northwest coast of the Western Mid- Ocean and the forces of the independent alliance of the islands gradually arrived at the New Moon Islands over the next two days. Compared to the fleet of the Elven Empire, their fleet size was slightly smaller, but still a formidable force. Many representatives gathered, but the main character had yet to appear. That person who was the first in the world to kill a Demon Lord and had slaughtered tens of thousands of demons. Thousands of miles away in the sea, a massive firepower projection platform was projecting astonishing firepower. Powerful spells were being collected and fired off at a forty-five-degree angle from the towers peak using a set formula within the spell cannons and towers, utilizing the runes and circuits etched onto the tower structure. The sky was illuminated, seemingly ablaze. And along the coastline, the sprawling demon camps were undergoing devastating bombardment. The demons were almost going mad! They couldnt even see where the enemy firepower was coming from! More accurately, they couldnt even determine where the bombing was coming from, as it seemed to change direction suddenly, sometimes from the northwest and other times from the southeast, with the position constantly changing. They had considered that perhaps it was the firepower of the orderly factions fleet, but quickly ruled out this possibility. How could a fleets firepower reach so far!? In the underground bunkers of the camp. Watching the continuous rumbling vibrations from above, with dirt falling down, a demon officer angrily shouted at the soldiers who had just rushed in from outside. Have the scouting teams returned!? Who the hell is attacking us!? No! None of the dozens of scouting teams sent out have returned, and we didnt detect any enemies crossing our reconnaissance lines beforehand! The demon soldier cried, We dont even know who the enemy is! Who else besides the orderly faction could it be! The demon officer cursed incessantly. The consecutive days of bombardment had already caused his spirit to crack a little, and the negative emotions deep inside him were beginning to backlash, making him extremely irritable. If it werent for the Dreadlords demon army being annihilated, how could we lose control of the ocean and end up in such a sorry state! The impact of the Dreadlords army being annihilated was becoming increasingly evident over time. The loss of control over the seas meant that many of the undead lords armies stationed on the coastline would lose their shelter and be threatened by the oceanic forces of the orderly faction. And this concern had now become a reality. A mysterious enemy, with unknown origins and numbers, had launched an attack on them several nights ago. They were solely a ground-based army, lacking significant naval assets except for a handful of boats for river crossings and water-based demon units competing for control of shallow river areas. They had repeatedly requested to withdraw from their positions to areas beyond the reach of the firepower, but all requests were denied, and they were ordered to hold their ground and wait for reinforcements! Damn it, whats the use of reinforcements? Are they going to endure the bombardment together with them? Damn these incompetent fools! But orders were orders, and they could only huddle in the muddy trenches and underground bunkers, trembling with fear. Damn it, they better have started counterattacking up there, or else well all go crazy like this! Meanwhile. In the depths of the water, hundreds of meters below the surface, a legion of aquatic demon warriors was silently approaching their target. As they drew closer, a sense of excitement and cruelty gradually filled their eyes. This was their first battle. Thousands of years ago, the first batch of special aquatic demons was secretly cultivated by Lord Maldonis, the undead lord. Since their birth, they had borne many missions. Their existence, unknown to even other demon lords, was meant to have a shocking effect on all beings at such a moment. The entire army of oceanic demons under the Dreadlord was annihilated? No problem, they would reclaim control of the ocean and become its masters! Now, they would use the blood and souls of these enemies, who had come from nowhere, as their first battle since birth! As the distance gradually narrowed, the scene before them became clearer. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only When they saw what was in the distance, they involuntarily stopped, their brutal pupils shrinking to the extreme, gradually tinged with a hint of fear. A giant turtle, as large as an island, was half-floating on the sea surface, with dense spell towers on its back constantly launching spells into the sky. The giant turtle slowly opened a pair of wall-sized eyes, seeming to look at them with a hint of mockery. Damn it, this so-called island turned out to be a giant turtle! While the demons were stunned, armies that had been waiting deep in the darkness of the seabed suddenly surged out and rushed in, catching them off guard. Chapter 771 - Chapter 771: Plan to Support the Southern Continent (2) Chapter 771: Plan to Support the Southern Continent (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation These armies were exceptionally powerful, with seamless coordination and a level of madness and aggression that surpassed anything they had encountered before! At the same time, several high-level heroes leaped down from the turtles back and joined the fray. In just a matter of minutes, this demon army of ten thousand was wiped out. Benbo emerged from the water, leaping onto the turtle shell and approaching Ji Chen respectfully. My lord, the invading demon army has been annihilated, not a single survivor. Excellent. Ji Chen nodded. Continue with reconnaissance and remain vigilant against further demon attacks. Yes! Watching Benbo depart once more, Alice approached his side, pondering as she looked at the demon corpses floating to the surface. My lord, it seems not only the Dreadlord has organized water demon forces, but other demon lords have also cultivated their own. Ji Chen shook his head. Thats not surprising. Theres competition among demon lords as well. Before invading the main world, their conflicts in the depths of chaos were just as intense as their assaults on us. Now, theyve only temporarily set aside their differences under the command of the dark gods to form a relatively loose alliance to attack the main world. Theres mutual distrust among them, so its not surprising theyre secretly cultivating demon armies. And, you see, news of our victory against the Dreadlord has been circulating for quite some time now. Apart from being more vigilant against us, the other demon lords havent shown any signs of seeking revenge or the like. Alice pursed her lips. Demons remind me of a muscular giant: strong and sturdy, but with a lack of coordination among its limbs, as if its only able to move forward under the command of its head. Avery apt analogy, and thats where our opportunity lies. So, how should we handle the situation in the Southern Continent? Alice asked. After agreeing to accompany Ari to the Kingdom of Ugisai, Ji Chen had the giant turtle travel underwater to reach the vicinity of the northwest coastline of the Southern Continent, where reconnaissance teams were dispatched. But the subsequent reports he received were slightly surprising. Currently, the southern part of the Southern Continent had fallen completely, becoming a slaughterhouse and paradise for demons. The central region had also been occupied, but there were still some guerrilla forces remaining. The northern part, however, had yet to be conquered. While the desert nations and factions in the Southern Continent formed the Desert Alliance, they were currently resisting the attacks of the Greed Lord in the northern regions, with one of them being the Kingdom of Ugisai. According to reconnaissance reports, the Desert Alliances resistance was incredibly tenacious. They utilized their familiarity with the terrain and relied on numerous strategic positions to fortify their front lines, barely holding the demons south of the Roni River, the largest river in the Southern Continent. Of course, this may also be because the Greed Lord was focusing his attention on clearing out guerrilla forces in the occupied areas and contaminating the land, rather than committing all his forces to the attack. Regardless, this was quite different from the worst-case scenario Ji Chen had initially imagined, where the Southern Continent had completely fallen. The existence of resistance fighters was always heartening news. However, at the same time, he also needed to consider the impact of Balzarnas death on other demon lords. Would it alter their war strategies? For example, would the Undead Lord, also present in the Southern Continent, set aside his conflict with the Greed Lord, swallow his pride, and choose to sandwich the Desert Alliance to quickly conquer the Southern Continent? Therefore, he decided to launch a firepower attack on the undead demon forces stationed on the coast. But obviously, relying solely on the firepower carried by the giant turtle was insufficient to resolve the crisis in the Southern Continent. As powerful as the giant turtle was, it was still just one, and its firepower could only reach a hundred miles, leaving the more inland battlefields out of reach. At this moment, private messages from Luo Yang, Monkey Gift, and Monkey Gift Hair came in. The Elven Empire and Lienhardt were assembling fleets to head to the Crown of the Ocean, undoubtedly providing hope for solving this problem. Well return to the Crown of the Ocean first and inform the elves of the situation here, seeking their support for the Southern Continent, Ji Chen said solemnly. Meanwhile, the giant turtle will continue to roam near the coastline, harassing the demons. Alice nodded. If the Elven Empire went to the Crown of the Ocean without the presence of Lord Ji Chen, problems might arise. Furthermore, send a hundred-strong team led by Yali along the Rom River to the northern front line of the Desert Alliance. Inform them that reinforcements are on the way and urge them to hold on until the arrival of the reinforcements. I understand. Shortly after, Ji Chen immediately set off with Alice and a hundred-man team of Sea Crystal Wyrms to return to the Crown of the Ocean. For the Sea Crystal Wyrms, which could fly at extreme speeds, the return journey of thousands of miles took only a few hours. After a day of flying, the Stormy Sea came into view. Without any hesitation, the Sea Crystal Wyrms swiftly dashed through the outer periphery of the storm, their crystalline wings adjusting their posture as they gradually slowed down from their supersonic speed and landed on the Lords Castle. The news of Ji Chens return spread throughout the Crown of the Ocean instantly, bringing relief to many representatives of nations and factions. Any delay in his return would have caused them anxiety. Representatives from all sides rushed to the meeting hall to meet Ji Chen. Many of them were meeting the renowned Lord of Glory, whose fame had spread across the entire continent, for the first time and naturally were very curious. When they saw Ji Chens appearance, they couldnt help but admire the handsome and extraordinary man. Then they sincerely bowed. Good day, Lord Ji Chen. Facing an epic-tier powerhouse, regardless of their age or appearance, one must maintain noble respect, especially when this individual was someone who had defeated an above epic-tier. Facing the bows of many representatives, Ji Chen only nodded slightly. He said without hestiation, Im very pleased that you could come to the Crown of the Ocean. I wont waste time on meaningless pleasantries. Ive just returned from the Southern Continent. Alice, please briefly explain the current situation in the Southern Continent. Alice nodded. Yes. The representatives were surprised and quickly said, Were all ears. After hearing Alices explanation, they all showed expressions of astonishment. One representative exclaimed, I didnt expect the Southern Continent to be so resilient, holding off the Greed Lord for such a long time. Its admirable. Thats right. Now we have greater initiative. Ji Chen glanced at them and continued, What Im about to say is this: I believe we need to send reinforcements to the Southern Continent as soon as possible to support those who are still resisting the demons. Lord Ji Chen, do you have any specific plans? asked the representative of the Elven Empire, raising their hand. Ji Chen glanced at him, then subtly looked at a figure among the elves, and said in a deep voice, Send warships to harass and bombard the demons stationed on the coast of the Southern Continent. Use all means to drive them away from the coastline. Then, let our warriors land and open up a second battlefield in the Southern Continent, relieving the Desert Alliance from worrying about attacks from behind. At the same time, utilize the naval supremacy obtained from the Crown of the Ocean to continuously supply the Desert Alliance with materials, delaying the Greed Lord and the Undead Lords conquest of the Southern Continent as much as possible, buying time to defeat the Decay Lord and the Void Lord. The representatives discussed among themselves, but there was no sign of opposition in their eyes. This seemed to be the best solution to the current situation. Soon, one by one, they reached a consensus. Lord Ji Chen, I believe this plan is feasible. I also think so. Leveraging the Desert Alliance to distract the two Lords will bring significant benefits. The longer the Desert Alliance delays, the better for us. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Without exception, all representatives believed that this plan could be implemented. The biggest advantage of this plan was that it seized the initiative. The true force resisting the Greed Lord and the Undead Lord was not them, but the Desert Alliance. They only needed to expend resources to achieve their goals. Why wouldnt they do it? At this moment of demon invasion, just like the various demon Lords, the forces of the orderly fraction were still not unified, with subtle underlying divisions. Since they could reduce their own losses by using others casualties, why wouldnt they do so? The extent of human ugliness was no less than the evil of demons. Chapter 772 - Chapter 772: Deeper Reasons? Saskia, the Greed Lord Chapter 772: Deeper Reasons? Saskia, the Greed Lord Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The representatives gradually left the conference hall, but the elf who had been wearing a cloak all along didnt move. It wasnt until everyone had left that they walked up to Ji Chen and lowered her hood. Ji Chen looked at the breathtaking face before him and smiled gently. Lady Laphia, why conceal your identity and come to the Crown of the Ocean? Is there something you find hard to speak of? Detecting a hint of mockery in his words, Laphia showed no shame or embarrassment on her face, speaking in her usual tone. That girl, Ive reached out to her, but she refuses to return to the empire and the embrace of her kin. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow, seemingly unsurprised by this revelation, with a hint of teasing in his tone. Since Elisya refuses, theres nothing I can do. Your visit serves no purpose. To be honest, Ji Chen considered himself quite tolerant. If it were a ruler with a more volatile temperament, encountering a situation where another lord was covertly recruiting their heroes might have led to immediate confrontation. However, he hadnt anticipated Laphia would leave the empire and secretly infiltrate the representatives at the Crown of the Ocean to recruit Elisya during such a critical moment. The only explanation was that ancient elven bloodlines held great importance for them. But Laphia shook her head. Thats not what I want to talk about now. Oh? What is it then? Im very interested in you. As Ji Chen heard these words softly spoken by the elven queen, his heart skipped a beat. Before he could respond, Laphia began to pace before him. Despite wearing a cloak, she exuded an aura of nobility as if she were wearing luxurious palace attire. Extending her fair fingers, with her left hand supporting her right, she lightly tapped the air. Of course, its not the kind of interest between opposite sexes. My interest in you lies in how you, in such a short time, transformed from an ordinary human with no power to an epic-tier figure wielding such immense strength. It defies logic. Even demons cant reach that level even with sacrificial rituals. I recall seeing you display epic tier power during the Lienhardt and Bass Kingdom conflict, and that was less than a year ago. Your progress is truly remarkable. Laphias face was filled with astonishment, but it was unclear whether it was genuine or feigned. As a queen who had reigned for centuries, her thoughts and schemes were beyond the comprehension of ordinary beings. In response, Ji Chen offered a vague reply. Arent all of us Lords of Glory like that? Laphia paused for a moment, then smiled. But if placed in the context of lords of glory, perhaps it wasnt so unacceptable after all. These so-called players, also known as the lords of glory, had growth rates that astonished everyone. Just a year ago, they were merely insignificant entities, not to say vital but rather insignificant, with only a small, pitiful territory, dozens of refugees, and a few dilapidated houses that barely served as shelter. But a year later, these once considered invaders and foreigners had become an undeniable and formidable force. What kind of existence exactly, and for what purpose, brought you to this world? Laphia paused for a moment. Ji Chen shrugged. I also want to know the answer to that question. After all, we just wanted to play a game. A game? Laphia showed a hint of contemplation. Ive heard of this term. It roughly means playing with something, right? No, it means playing with this world. Ji Chen thought to himself before half-jokingly saying, Perhaps its a powerful deity who summoned us to this world to help you resist the invasion of demons. Hmm, its not unreasonable. Laphia nodded in agreement. Then she changed the subject, But I think, perhaps its not just that. The reason why you were summoned may still be hidden deep within. Is there a deeper reason? Could it be that this world, aside from the demon invasion, faces some even more terrifying calamity? Laphia slowly came to a halt, her golden eyes fixed firmly on Ji Chen. This world may truly need you to save it. You are the hope of this world. Ji Chen frowned. What do you know? Oh? I know nothing at all. Laphia saw Ji Chens expression and couldnt help but smirk mischievously, seemingly pleased to have turned the tables after failing to persuade Elisya earlier. She spoke with a hint of smugness, Im just an ordinary elf queen, I know nothing at all. Ji Chen: Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Damn riddler again. Riddler, get lost! Laphia left, carrying with her a lingering sense of regret. Her main reason for this trip was Elisya. After seeing the slim possibility of Elisya returning to the empire, she could only temporarily abandon that idea. Maybe only if the Crown of the Ocean got destroyed unexpectedly, or if Ji Chen faced an extreme situation like death, would she get the chance to convince Elisya to join the empire. Before leaving, Laphia finally revealed one last piece of information.. Chapter 773 - Chapter 773: Deeper Reasons? Saskia, the Greed Lord (2) Chapter 773: Deeper Reasons? Saskia, the Greed Lord (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Dark deities may not have broken through the seals of chaos and the suppression of the orderly gods on their own, but may have had help from other entities to break free. Upon hearing this news, Ji Chen felt like a storm was brewing in his heart. Gods were the most powerful beings that had appeared in this world since records began, and poets called them the creators and destroyers of all things. It meant that the gods created everything in this world, including all races bom from the bloodline of the gods. They controlled the rules and powers of this world, shaping it with supreme power. Now, to say that other entities helped the dark gods break the seal, didnt that mean that these entities were even more powerful than those gods? Watching the boat carrying Laphia slowly leave the harbor, Ji Chen felt heavy-hearted. He sensed as if unseen forces were at play, pulling strings and pressing buttons behind the scenes of the world, altering the scenes on the screen to attain their desired outcomes. To be honest, this feeling of being kept in the dark and manipulated was not a good one. Ji Chen once again felt a sense of urgency. Not for the demons, but for some distant but gradually approaching crisis. But no matter what, they still had to first deal with these dogs released by the dark gods from the depths of chaos. Three days later. The fleets of various countries moored in the stormy sea gradually began to move away from the sea area with the sound of loud steam whistles. Nine kingdoms and forces dispatched a total of three hundred and fifty-two warships, including main battleships, escort ships, supply ships, arsenal ships, and airship carriers. Among them, the fleet of the Elven Empire had the strongest combat power. It dispatched the Fifth Fleet of the Western-Mid Ocean, which Ji Chen had seen at the port of the Maple Principality for the first time, commanded by Yasen. Including a flagship, the Fifth Fleet of the Western-Mid Ocean had a total of thirty-three warships. Other kingdoms, such as Lienhardt, sent the Royal First Fleet that once raided the city of Ilkand in the defense war against the Kingdom of Bass, which was the most powerful fleet of Lienhardt, demonstrating Juliuss emphasis on this operation. The massive joint fleet of more than three hundred and fifty warships sailed majestically on the ocean. Seeing this scene, everyone felt ambitious and confident. With this fleet, the demons would definitely have no chance! Just as the joint fleet was heading towards the southern continent On the northern bank of the Roni River, the Desert Alliances stronghold, Ari saw his elder brother, Mijat, who had been away for a month. However, to his disappointment, Mijats first reaction upon seeing him was not joy or mockery, but hysterical anger. You fool, idiot, why did you come back!!! Ari glanced at his brother, who shared his bloodline yet seemed like a foe, and defiantly yelled for the first time. Why cant I come back? Since you can stay here and live or die with the desert people, why cant I stand here proudly and face death with the people of Ugisai! I am also a prince of the Kingdom of Ugisai! I am not afraid of death! Angry, Mijat froze, staring blankly at Ari in disbelief, as if looking at a stranger. When did his brother become like this, as if his soul had been possessed. Mijat regained his senses, suppressed the emotional turmoil in his heart, and looked at him with distrust, sneering. Whats the use of you coming back? Do you want to die under the demons blade? Or become their slaves? Ari lifted his head, facing him without hesitation, and said word by word. I have brought reinforcements! The Lord of the Crown of the Ocean, Ji Chen, had slain the Dreadlord Balzama, and all the demon armies under his command have been wiped out by him! In addition, a joint fleet composed of the Elven Empire and several kingdoms of the Northern Continent will arrive on the southern continent coastline in a few days to help us counter the Greed Lord! Mijats face changed color. Is what you said true? Dont use a lie that is meant to deceive three-year-old children, or just a scheme to motivate us! I, as a prince of the Kingdom of Ugisai, vouch for my position and integrity. What I said is true! If you dont believe me, look at these troops from the Crown of the Ocean that escorted me here! Ari pointed angrily at the powerful troops stationed on the shore. The leader of the troops, an elite hero of the Crown of the Ocean, said calmly, What he said is true. Lord Ji Chen did indeed send him to inform you that reinforcements are on the way, and to encourage you to continue resisting the Greed Lord. The commotion here had already attracted the attention of all members of the Desert Alliance, and those around couldnt help but show excitement when they heard these words. Finally, reinforcements had arrived! Mijat furrowed his brow, surprised that Ari had indeed brought reinforcements, which proved to be somewhat useful. When will the reinforcements arrive? Mijat asked. Ari replied solemnly, When I set off here, I heard that the joint fleet had already reached the Crown of the Ocean. It shouldnt take more than a few days for them to depart for the southern continent. A few days Mijat looked towards the southern sky where ominous clouds, as dark as ink, were slowly drifting towards them, emanating an ominous aura. I hope we can hold on until they arrive. Meanwhile South of the northern front line of the Desert Alliance, demon armies marched across the endless yellow sands. Each formation consisted of tens of thousands of demons, with a total of fifty demon formations stretching across dozens of miles in the desert. But not only that, if one were to look further into the southern region, where the desert had been completely invaded and contaminated by the Greed Lord, numerous demon collectors were gathering materials from various parts of the desert and delivering them to strange fleshy structures. Under the control of specialized cultivators, demons were continuously bred from the foul-smelling sludge, with some malformed ones being recycled and reassembled until they became qualified demons. Though these demons were newly born, their eyes were already filled with evil and fanaticism, traits deeply ingrained in their souls during the cultivation process. Evil, slaughter, and chaos were always their qualities. The newly bom demons gathered outside and, under the leadership of demon heroes, rushed towards the front lines. In terms of sustainable combat capabilities, among the five Demon Lords, the Greed Lord excelled the most in farming tricks. First, they would mobilize forces to occupy an area, then vigorously construct demon breeding vessels and incubation structures to continuously produce demons to supplement their forces. Creating an army that could never be depleted! This was why the Greed Lords initial marching speed was not fast, as they needed to focus more energy on building cities rather than fighting. Now that the rear base had been established and production capacity had increased, it was truly the time for them to engage in battle. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Lord Saskia, the First Legion has already rushed to the front lines, and the breeding vessels and incubators are also fully producing demons. Soon, we will be able to form a scale effect and produce an endless stream of demon flood! Those fools from the orderly factions and the Desert Alliance would never imagine the reason why you didnt rush into attack earlier. They will all be engulfed by the demon army you created! Seated upon the Throne of Flesh, the Greed Lord Saskia chuckled, Indeed so. The other Demon Lords all think I am the weakest, but thats only because there werent enough materials in the Abyss of Chaos for cultivation. Otherwise, I alone could raise a demon army ten times larger than theirs! Saskia waved his hand, his voice cold, Spread my command. Let the collectors speed up the collection of flesh and corpses, breed more demons, and let them spread my fame throughout this world. This time, I will surpass Darius and Maldonis, let them know who the true foremost Demon Lord is! Yes!! Chapter 774 - Chapter 774: Landing Plan Chapter 774: Landing Plan Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation On the edge of the cliff, the Undead Lord Maldonis gazed at the sky, his eye sockets flickering with icy flames, as if piercing through layers of dark clouds to see something higher. Behind him came a rumbling sound. A towering figure, three stories tall, clad in heavy bone armor and wielding a massive axe, approached from behind. It knelt down on one knee, its mouth clacking. A raspy voice spoke up. Maldonis, my lord, the joint fleet is about to reach the coastline. Maldonis didnt reply, nor did he even flinch in his skyward gaze, as if he hadnt heard at all. The skeletal figure remained motionless after kneeling, blue flames flickering in its eye sockets. Though expressionless, one could sense its awe and fervor for the diminutive entity before them, barely larger than a heel bone, yet commanding their loyaltya being not divine but surpassing gods. Only they, his loyal attendants, knew the terrifying power possessed by this slender, grotesque body compared to the massive, monstrous forms of other Lords. But what they admired most was his vast and profound strategy, which wielded valor to slay enemies yet could overturn worlds with its cunning. After a long while, Maldonis lowered his head, turned around, and spoke slowly. Let them pass. Yes, my lord. The skeletal attendant wasted no time in returning to its feet, ready to carry out the command. No matter how wise or foolish the order seemed, it wasnt for him to question or advise. Lord Maldonis commands were never wrong. If the joint fleet seeks to land, send a ten-thousand-strong force to obstruct them. Deploy lower-tier artillery if needed, Maldonis suddenly added. The skeletal attendant paused, a moment of realization flashing through its mind. A force of ten thousand couldnt possibly block hundreds of warships and tens of thousands of allied soldiers from landing. At best, it could only delay them for a while. They were adept at land warfare and ill-suited for naval combat. Moreover, they needed to defend the lengthy coastline, which stretched their forces thin. Firstly, under the circumstances of insufficient intelligence and fear of the Lords demise, severely lacking maritime reconnaissance, it was understandable to hastily mobilize forces only when the enemy approached the coastline. Even if the counter-landing failed, it could be justified. This would subtly drain the strength and energy of the Greed Lord, preempting any questions about why they werent assisting in blocking the allied forces landing. Secondly, it would covertly hinder the Greed Lords power and energy, allowing some allied forces to enter, thus preventing the Greed Lord from smoothly completing the task of invading the Southern Continent while still intervening when necessary to gain strategic advantages. Thirdly, according to the plan negotiated by the five Lords before the war, after the Greed Lord completely conquered the Southern Continent, they would join forces with the Dreadlords Legion and the Undead Lords Legion to attack the Northern Continent or support the Eastern and Western Continents Lords according to the war situation. However, there was a significant change in the situation. The foolish Dreadlord, unexpectedly, was killed. The plan thus evolved into only the Greed Lords Legion and the Undead Lords Legion attacking the Northern Continent. In this scenario, if the Greed Lord were to expend more energy than anticipated in the struggle against the joint fleet, then his strategic moves toward conquering the Northern Continent after fully occupying the Southern Continent would naturally be much slower. Moreover, if the maritime fleets of the several major orderly factions and capitals from the Northern Continent, which comprised the joint fleet, were to suffer losses here, it would clear some obstacles for their Undead Lords Legions future attack on the Northern Continent. Fourthly, if all went well, and the Greed Lord sustained considerable losses under the blockade of the Desert Alliance and the joint fleet, his reserves would naturally be insufficient, making them the primary force for attacking the Northern Continent. Compared to contending for the desolate Southern Continent, which was densely populated with kingdoms, the Northern Continent obviously provided them with more room to exert their strength and achieve greater accomplishments. This plan kills four birds with one stone! The skeletal attendant felt a sincere sense of admiration surging in his heart. Indeed, Lord Maldonis was worthy of admiration. A simple gesture contained such profound implications. After a moment of contemplation, he responded with a tone of awe and admiration. Yes, my lord, Maldonis. Everyone thought that after killing one of the Five Lords, the Dreadlord, the pressure on the orderly factions facing the demons would diminish, allowing them to gain some advantages. However, the situation was still far from optimistic. Though the Dreadlord was dead and they had lost control of the Sea of Depths, the several Lords from the Eastern and Western Continents still held significant advantages. The Decay Lord attacking the Western Continent utilized environmental pollution to steadily advance the frontlines towards the north. Until the news that arrived yesterday, the vanguard of the Decay Lords army had already advanced to the northern part of the southern swamps of the Western Continent, where they were establishing outposts and supply depots, evidently intending to continue advancing north. Up to that point, the Decay Lord had occupied one percent of the land in the Western Continent. One percent might have seemed small numerically, but in this vast world, the one percent of land in the Western Continent already encompassed the territories governed by a dozen or so kingdom-level powers. Moreover, the land occupied by the Greed Lord was even broader. On the map, the southern part of the Southern Continent was already marked in red. If not for most of the Southern Continent being lifeless deserts and barren plains, with relatively few living beings. Otherwise, according to Lainekels description, the Greed Lord could even summon demon armies numbering in the billions, leaving no vegetation wherever they go. And now, the Greed Lord had completed the initial planting, gradually beginning to unleash formidable war potential. The newly emerged demons marching continuously from the south to the north, forming an unbroken black line towards the frontline, serve as the best evidence. At the beginning of the war, the orderly factions reached a consensus: do not let the demons completely control too much land. Demons were a completely chaotic and evil race, adept at perpetuating war, constantly plundering the earths resources, whether they be mineral veins or living beings. Everything swallowed up by them becomes nourishment for the madness and slaughter of this evil race. From existing records, tens of thousands of years ago during the Divine War, the orderly factions made every effort to restrict demon access to resources, continuously harassing their rear logistics production, effectively squeezing the space for demons to unleash their war potential. It was only through this step-by-step strategy that they gained the upper hand, defeating them and achieving victory in the war. Now, they were following these steps to recover. Between the advancing joint fleet and the Southern Continent, there were constantly flying reconnaissance teams shuttling back and forth, gathering intelligence to assist the allied fleet in understanding the current situation on the Southern Continents battlefield. News of the demon army under the Greed Lord launching a large-scale attack on the Desert Alliance was quickly transmitted. On the flagship of the elves, representatives of all kingdoms and factions gathered together. Regarding the Elven Empire, Commander Yassen of the Fifth Fleet in the Mid-Ocean sat in a secondary position, putting down the scroll containing intelligence in his hand, his expression solemn. Speaking in the common language of the continent, he said, According to reconnaissance results, the Greed Lord has deployed corps-level forces to launch a comprehensive attack on the Roni River frontline of the Desert Alliance. In just a few days, there have already been significant casualties. Without our support, it is estimated that the Roni River frontline will be breached within three weeks, and tens of millions of humans and races will become food for the demons. We must not let the Roni River frontline fall! At least not in such a short time, the representative of the Desert Alliance said with a dark expression. The Roni River frontline was the Desert Alliances greatest asset in resisting the Greed Lord. They had placed great hopes on it, constraining the tentacles of the Greed Lord within this vast desert continent, and the Roni River was the best place for this. Furthermore, if the Greed Lords army were to appear in large numbers in the Western-Mid Ocean, the Desert Alliance, which relies on maritime trade and commercial circulation for its livelihood, would suffer incalculable losses. Yes, this is also a place to fully deplete the Greed Lords strength, said a representative from an affiliated state of the Elven Empire. Yassen nodded and said, Of course, we must arrive at the Southern Continent as soon as possible, but our only concern now is the Undead Lord. The Undead Lord is currently the only one of the demon lords who has not launched a large-scale attack. According to available information, the Undead Legion under the Undead Lords command is stationed in a large oasis in the northeast inland of the Southern Continent, but many of its troops are stationed on the coastline. If the Undead Legion intervenes, it will be difficult for us to successfully land. Then shall we bypass them and land on the northwest coast? said the representative of the Pelan Kingdom among the three countries along the northwest coast. Yassen shook his head. The area beyond the northwest coast has already been blocked by the demon army of the neighboring Decay Lord. Forcing a landing there will only result in great losses. And besides, there is no suitable terrain for large-scale coastal landings over there. The other representatives fell silent. While they spoke of landing to support the Desert Alliance, the presence of the Undead Legion, particularly skilled in legion warfare, presented many challenges. Finding a breakthrough was not an easy task. Seeing everyone quiet down, Yassen paused and turned to look at Ji Chen, who was seated in the main position. Lord Ji Chen, what are your thoughts? Ji Chen slowly opened his eyes and said, Land directly from the coast near the Roni River. Yassen frowned. But there is a Undead Lords army of over a hundred thousand stationed there No worries, I can deal with them and create conditions for your landing. Yassen was speechless. It was only then that he realized Ji Chen was an epic-tier mage proficient in maritime spells, and the coast was one of the terrains he excelled in. With him taking action, landing would naturally not be a problem. Thinking of the numerous high-level heroes under his command, he no longer had any doubts in his mind. He nodded and looked around at the representatives. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Any objections? No, with Lord Ji Chen taking action, we are all at ease. The representatives dared not oppose, but rather were very willing. The presence of a powerful individual could easily resolve many seemingly difficult situations. The impact of a strong individuals actions sometimes outweighed that of tens of thousands of troops.. Chapter 775 - Chapter 775: Pollution and Landing Chapter 775: Pollution and Landing Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After receiving Ji Chens promise, the joint fleet collectively turned their ships towards the mouth of the Roni River. The Roni River was the largest river in the southern continent, originating from the Domingo Plateau in the central part of the southern continent. The river rushed northward with surging momentum, forming long and fertile stretches of soil and oases along the way. Each tributary represented the birth of a settlement, becoming the source of civilization in the southern continent, nurturing countless populations. The Roni River was the lifeblood of many desert kingdoms and gathering places, not just a river for thousands of years, but also a spiritual river for countless desert people, symbolizing hope. However, on the Domingo Plateau at its source, with the final batch of resilient desert guerrillas surrounded and killed by demons, it meant that the entire plateau fell into the hands of the Greed Lord. In less than half a day, a demon army that had traveled a long distance from the rear arrived here. Hurry up, this is the direct order of Lord Saskia himself. Soak the Polluted Crystals in the river! Let those foolish humans downstream taste the polluted water! The demon overseer shouted, and one by one, the chariot-shaped demon vehicles plunged into the rushing river, carrying black crystalline masses on their backs and sinking them all into the river like unloading ore from a minecart. As soon as the black crystals fell into the river, the surrounding water immediately turned pitch black, emitting a faint foul smell. Soon, the entire river turned black, like a black serpent winding through the land. Several days later, people along the middle and lower reaches of the river were horrified to find that the water of the Roni River had become foul and polluted, emitting a nauseating odor, and a faint black mist rose. Not only was the river water no longer drinkable or usable, but even the crops and plants planted on both banks of the river withered and died rapidly under the cover of the black mist. It was as if the river water contained deadly substances! The Roni River, symbolizing life and hope, no longer displayed her generosity and tolerance, becoming a spreader of pollution and despair. The Desert Alliance, the Roni River front. Soldiers rushed in from outside the camp, their faces full of panic. Sir! Something big has happened! Many generals and nobles who had just finished discussing the improvement of the front line stopped one after another. Mijat frowned and looked at the soldiers eyes full of endless confusion and panic, saying, What happened? Could it be that the Greed Lord has launched the third wave of attack? Its not that, the Roni River has turned black! Everyone looked at each other, realizing that something was terribly wrong when they walked out and saw the pitch-black Roni River emitting a foul odor, and they finally realized the seriousness of the situation. Mijat looked at the river, which seemed to be contaminated with toxic substances and emitted black mist, his face filled with suspicion and inquiry. When did the Roni River become like this? The soldier hurriedly said, Just now, I saw the river started turning black from the upstream direction. Anyone who touches the river water will soon show signs of poisoning! Upstream of the river? Mijats face changed slightly, and he asked sideways, What is the current situation of the guerrilla teams active on the Domingo Plateau? The deputy next to him also realized something and said with a solemn expression, They havent sent us any messages for several days. They might have already Damn it! This kind of situation usually means that they have already been killed by demons, so the reason for the Roni Rivers current state has roughly been figured out. The demons have completely occupied the Domingo Plateau at the source of the Roni River and contaminated the upstream water source using some method. Mijats words made many desert nobles faces change drastically. The Roni River was the water source of their joint army and the lifeblood of maintaining the civilization of half of the southern continent. Without clean river water, desert dwellers simply couldnt survive in the arid sands. Damn demons, this move is really ruthless! Someone cursed through gritted teeth. This move hit the Desert Alliance right where it hurt. The demons were powerful, but with tens of thousands of soldiers, they could hold their ground, even using corpses to build walls to fend off attacks. But without a water source, relying solely on stored water couldnt sustain such a large army. Well send elite troops upstream to clean up the polluted source! Useless! The Domingo Plateau have already been occupied by demons. Even if we manage to clean it up, theyll just contaminate it again. Its completely futile! Panic and despair began to spread. Not just the soldiers, even the high-ranking members of the alliance were starting to panic. You could survive three days without food, but youd surely perish without water in three days. At this moment, someone suddenly spoke up. Wasnt the Alliance Fleet supposed to come to our aid? Can they help us? Mijat was initially taken aback, but then shook his head. Even if the Alliance Fleet came to support, they could only bring soldiers and supplies, never enough fresh water to supply so many allied soldiers. Could they really abandon the frontline they had been working on for months, investing so much effort and resources? But without the River Roni frontline, they had no strategic point to defend. The ultimate result could be nothing but destruction. He was caught in a dilemma. Suddenly, Ari rushed over, his face changing drastically as he looked at the foul-smelling, black River Roni. Whats happening? The Greed Lord has polluted the River Roni, and were about to face a water shortage,Mijat replied, then sarcastically added, I wonder if this supposed savior has any brilliant solutions? Ever since Ari returned with news of the Alliance Fleets support, which uplifted the spirits of the slowly despairing alliance, some optimistic individuals hailed him as a savior. This nickname quickly caught on and became widely recognized among all members of the alliance. This made Mijat feel uncomfortable all over, and he retorted sarcastically, as if it were a habit. Ari, too, was accustomed to his elder brothers words. In the past, he would have definitely spoken up to refute, but now he just gave a faint glance and began to contemplate. Although weve been prepared for this situation before, our reserves of fresh water are not plentiful. Even if we conserve, we can only hold out for at most half a week. The demons just need to wait until our fresh water runs out before continuing their attack, and they can easily deal with us when were depleted of fighting strength. Looking at it from a general perspective, it seems were cornered The others looked at each other, thinking, Is there really no way out of this incessant predicament? Of course there is! All eyes turned to him, filled with astonishment and a glimmer of hope. Ari looked around at them, his expression resolute. Lord Ji Chen can help us out of this predicament. Mijat couldnt help but interject, I know Lord Ji Chenming is powerful, but being powerful doesnt mean he can magically bring us fresh water. But Ari shook his head. No, you dont understand the power of Lord Ji Chen. Fresh water is just a material he can easily obtain with a wave of his hand, its nothing to him. Mijat looked at Aris unwavering expression and thought to himself that his foolish little brother had become obsessed. After visiting the Crown of the Ocean, he had become a devoted follower of this Lord of Glory named Ji Chen. I hope the Alliance Fleet can bring good news Mijat thought to himself. Meanwhile, the Desert Alliance was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Alliance Fleet, which was slowly approaching the coastline with hesitation. On the elven flagship. Why is there not a trace of demon army on this coastline? Did they scout our route and attack direction in advance, hiding to ambush us? That makes sense, otherwise why would the Undead Lord leave such a gap? Faced with such a strange situation, Yasen hesitated and once again activated his skill: Ask Ji Chen. Lord Ji Chen, what do you think? Ji Chen looked at the flat and barren coastline in the distance, feeling somewhat puzzled himself. Just as he was about to speak, a demon army suddenly emerged from the woods by the coast, instantly alerting everyone. But soon they were confused again. Why did this demon army seem so small in number, at most tens of thousands, and they looked like low-level demons, without even a single high-level demon species? Did the demons really think they could block their landing with this army? Yasen observed for a while, dispatched flying reconnaissance teams, and ordered all ships to be vigilant against waterborne demon attacks, before finally ordering the warships to engage the brazen demon army. On the decks of dozens of warships nearing the coast, the gun turrets began to rotate, their stout barrels slowly pointing towards the shoreline. With the resounding roar of cannon fire echoing through the sea, the coastline bloomed with orange mandala flowers, and amidst the entanglement of flame and energy, the demons were torn into pieces. Dozens of warships took turns bombarding, quickly submerging this strange demon army of ten thousand in explosions. Soon, the Alliance Fleet dispatched the first batch of landing craft. Two thousand troops each from the Elven Empire and the Royal Marines of Rheinhardt quickly landed and established preliminary positions on the corpses of the demons. Report! The 18th Elven Marine Corps and the 9th Royal Marine Corps of Lienhardt have successfully landed on the coast and established positions. There are no signs of any live demons nearby! Upon hearing the soldiers report, Yasen was somewhat surprised. He was shocked that the demons had actually left themselves undefended? Despite many doubts in his mind, he knew this was a golden opportunity. He immediately issued the order. All forces, initiate large-scale landing operations. Quickly establish camps on the shore, dispatch more flying reconnaissance teams, and cover our eyes within a radius of ten miles and beyond! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Yes!! The warships lowered one landing craft after another, laden with soldiers from various countries heading towards the shore. Large landing craft specifically designed for beach landings also carried various supplies, ammunition, artillery pieces, and even war beasts. As long as they managed to establish a foothold successfully, it would be difficult for the demons to dislodge them again! Ji Chen stood on the bow deck, watching the scene of many soldiers busy building camps, with a pensive look in his eyes. What exactly did the Undead Lord want to accomplish? Chapter 776 - Chapter 776: Trap, God Chapter 776: Trap, God Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen had a vague premonition in his heart that the Undead Lord must have already known the intentions of the Alliance Fleet to land on the southern continent, and the sudden appearance of tens of thousands of marine demons besieging the giant turtle earlier was the best proof. But the current situation puzzled him a bit. Since the intentions of the Alliance Fleet were already known, why bother sending a decoy force of ten thousand cannon fodder troops, only to be sent under their gunfire, and then open up such a big opening for them to land? Thinking back to what Lainekel had said before about the deployment and plans of various demon kings, as well as the contradictions and competition for interests among the demon kings in attacking the main world, Ji Chen had a flash of insight. Since they could land, he didnt need to exert any effort. The next thing would be left to the Alliance Fleet to handle. Over the course of several days, the Alliance Fleet gradually erected a semi-permanent base on the shore. The elves, utilizing their expertise in natural magic, quickly grew three-sided ironwood walls reaching twenty meters high and ten meters thick, with arrow towers erected every ten meters and spell towers standing every fifty meters. Thanks to the powerful runic enchantment technology, these ironwood walls and towers, engraved with layers of high-level reinforcement runes, were no less defensive than enchanted stone walls, and even surpassed them in terms of flexibility and expansibility. While the elves were busy constructing the walls and towers, soldiers from other kingdoms were digging trenches outside the base, clearing the surrounding forests for miles to provide a clear line of sight. Although they didnt know why the demons had opened up such an opportunity, the Alliance Fleet was not willing to let go of such a good chance. At the very least, they had to take a big bite out of the demons before they were satisfied. However, the Alliance Fleet was astonished to find that at some point, the Roni River not far from the joint base had turned black and foul-smelling, contaminating a large area of water near the estuary. Numerous fish exposed to the polluted river water turned belly-up, their bodies becoming black and poisonous. Commander Yasen of the Alliance Fleet, the moment he heard this news, realized it was bad. The Roni River served as the primary water supply for the Desert Alliance. With even the estuary now contaminated, one could only imagine the dire situation downstream, where the frontline of the river lay. On the flagship. This is undoubtedly the scheme of the Greed Lord. He must have polluted the water source of the Roni River so effortlessly, causing the Desert Alliance to collapse without a fight. Indeed, this move strikes at the heart of the Desert Alliance. Yassen nodded, his face somewhat grave. The question is how we can help them. Without a water source, the Desert Alliance simply cannot hold out much longer. We can offer manpower and supplies, but a water source Everyone looked at each other, shaking their heads. The elves possessed unique natural magic, able to rapidly grow special plants that could extract freshwater from seawater, but this would take some time. They could make use of the freshwater brought by the fleet to hold on for a while, but the Desert Alliance couldnt last that long. Amidst the worried and puzzled faces of the crowd, Ji Chen appeared on the deck, and under the astonished gazes of the others, he said, I have already heard about the contamination of the Roni River, and I can help you. Yassens face lit up with joy, but he also looked somewhat puzzled. Without saying much more, Ji Chen raised his right hand. Swish- Large swathes of seawater floated up, refracting colorful light under the sunlight. Under the gaze of many soldiers of the Alliance Fleet, the seawater was analyzed and separated on a microscopic level by invisible forces. Clusters of lighter-colored water were separated and suspended in the air. A lieutenant of Licnhardt couldnt help but reach out and touch one of the clusters suspended by the ships side. After feeling the refreshing moisture, he put his finger into his mouth. The next moment, his eyes lit up, and he exclaimed ecstatically, Its freshwater! This is freshwater! Everyone was startled, and they all tried it themselves, excitement appearing on their faces in unison. Their gazes towards Ji Chen became even more admiring and grateful. This wasnt some extraordinary ability. Ever since Ji Chen mastered the power of the ocean, this ability to extract freshwater from seawater naturally came with it. As long as there was seawater, or even just water-based substances, he could extract a certain amount of freshwater from it, completely eliminating the worry of freshwater while sailing on the sea. Sir Yassen, youd better start digging a channel from the coast to the frontline of the Roni River right away, so I can extract and transport freshwater on a large scale. Yassen nodded hurriedly. Ill send people to dig right away. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only After instructing the soldiers to start digging the channel, Yassen casually asked, looking at the extraordinary figure before him, who had already become an epic tier figure at such a young age, a sense of admiration flashed through his heart. The last time they interacted was when they were in the Maple Forest Principality. At that time, although Ji Chen had considerable strength, he was not at this level yet. In just a few months, he had become the strongest figure shaking the continent, which inevitably made him feel a bit emotional. Lord Ji Chen, why dont you go ashore to inspect? Ji Chen shook his head. No need. Ill stay here to guard the fleet. For him, whose power largely stemmed from the ocean and water, the vast and arid southern continent was extremely disadvantageous. He had already learned a lesson from the unfavorable environment when he obtained the blood of the swamp dragons in the Maple Forest Principality.. Chapter 777 - Chapter 777: Trap, God (2) Chapter 777: Trap, God (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation He wouldnt make the mistake of putting himself in an unfavorable environment again. Furthermore, Ji Chen had an intuitive feeling that once he stepped onto land, there might be some danger approaching. Has he come ashore? Lord Maldonis, the Lord of Glory has not come ashore. He has been staying with the fleet anchored near the coast, showing no intention of landing. I see. You may leave. The Shura Skeleton silently got up and left. In Maldonis sunken eye sockets, flames flickered violently like encountering a twelfth-level gale, symbolizing his inner unrest. That human, he hasnt come ashore! This means we will have no chance to swallow him! Maldonis, you must make him come ashore! The distorted murmurs filled with negative emotions echoed in Maldonis mind, making the Undead Lord feel irritable for the first time. I have tried to lure him ashore in every possible way, but he wont take the bait! Just a momentary pause, and the whispers of evil from the deepest abyss began to resound again like the noise of a bustling market. Not enough, not enough! You must find a way to merge him with us! Find a way, think more! Think more! I have an idea, use your power to lure him! Amidst the irritable murmurs, a suggestion emerged, followed by agreement from other voices. Yes, he must desire your power, and he will come! Maldonis raised his withered right hand, suddenly thrusting it into the air, slowly drawing out a dazzling black-purple light. Within the black-purple light, endless storms seemed to burst forth. Even though it was enveloped by a container, one could still feel the nuclear-like energy, with the air around filled with flickering electric lights and the black-purple glow surging with the wind. Tens of thousands of years ago, during the War of the Gods, the subordinate god of the oceanic divine lineage, the Storm God, was killed by the corrupt god of the chaotic divine lineage, the God of Corrupting Malice, and several subordinate evil gods while on a support mission. Since then, the storm authority it possessed has disappeared. It was unclear what had happened, but the sealed storm authority fell into the hands of the fifth-generation Undead Lord. With each generation of the Demon Lords continuation, this authority ended up in the hands of the current Undead Lord. However, the storm authority, symbolizing the rules of storms in the world, was the manifestation of the will of the Storm Gods lineage, and it was itself a power that restrained evil. Even though the owner had disappeared, it still could not be controlled by evil. Even after tens of generations of research by the Undead Lords, they still gained nothing from it and could only continue to seal and preserve it, avoiding it falling into the hands of the orderly side. This will definitely attract him over, and then well devour him! Maldonis clenched the storm authority tighter, slightly loosening some of the seals. Strands of the authoritys aura, guided by him, transmitted towards the northwest. Alliance Fleet. Ji Chen, who had just thought of resting, suddenly looked towards the land, a hint of surprise flashing in his heart. He seemed to sense a familiar power? Ji Chen ascended into the air, raising his hand to draw out a strand of oceanic power. Blue light spots appeared under his hand, and the sea suddenly surged with layers of undulating waves. The air became humid, and the rolling waves caused the ships to sway continuously. The soldiers of the Alliance Fleet cast their gaze towards Ji Chen in the sky, their eyes full of uncertainty. When the power of the ocean appeared, the fluctuation of that inexplicable power became even more obvious, pointing towards the southeast. Ji Chen didnt have time to worry about these things, feeling somewhat puzzled. How could such power suddenly appear at this time? Could something had awaken the Mystic Realm Gate, leaking out what was hidden inside, or perhaps some powerful creature controlling the power appeared due to the influence of the demons? Instinctively, Ji Chen felt something was amiss. This power, similar to the power of the ocean, was most likely the power of the oceanic divine lineage, a considerable temptation for Ji Chen. After mastering the power of the ocean, he possessed strength far surpassing the epic tier and knew the immense power of oceanic power and authority. As long as he possessed such a higher-level power, overcoming challenges of higher levels would not be a problem at all. However, seeing this extremely strange occurrence, which seemed to have appeared coincidentally, Ji Chen also secretly became vigilant. It was necessary to investigate, but it wouldnt hurt to make thorough preparations before proceeding. Just as Ji Chen pondered what preparations to make next. Suddenly, a dense fog rose from the sea surface without any warning, instantly cutting off the surrounding visibility and sound, making countless soldiers alert, thinking it was created by demons. However, after waiting for a while, they found that nothing happened, and gradually relaxed. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen watched as a ghost ship emerged from the mist, his eyes showing only a hint of surprise, without any panic. Since the last time he encountered a ghost ship, it had been a long time ago. At that time, he was not powerful, and faced with the elusive ghost ship, he had no clue. However, now that he encountered it again, having mastered more power, he could see many things. Why did you come this time? Do you have something to remind me of? The elusive voice from last time did not sound, and the ghost ship stopped a few dozen meters away from him without moving. Ji Chen could feel that there were a pair of eyes on the ship, seemingly quietly observing him.. Chapter 778 - Chapter 778: Trap, God (3) Chapter 778: Trap, God (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation I Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen furrowed his brow, as if recalling something, and suddenly gathered a strand of oceanic power in his palm. Those eyes seemed to light upthough unseen, the sensation was crystal clear. A trapbe careful Gaining power much more Watching the ghost ship still being enigmatic, Ji Chen spoke bluntly. If you keep talking like that, I might not be so polite. The ghost ship fell silent, sensing that Ji Chen was genuinely getting annoyed, and couldnt help but feel a bit afraid, as Ji Chen could now genuinely harm it. That was the Storm Authority, also a trap set by the demon He reminded me to increase my strength faster To defeat the demon The crisis is imminent, theres no time left. Though still stuttering, the ghost ship managed to convey a complete sentence. The Storm Authority? So, the power I sensed earlier was a trap set by the demon? Yes The demon who set it? Maldonis. They want the power you possess. Ji Chens eyes flickered as he continued to inquire, I understand. So, who did you mean by He? A moment of silence, as the ghost ship seemed to ponder whether to speak or not. Im not in a hurry. Take your time to decide when you want to tell me. Ji Chen said calmly, but with a wave of his hand, the power of the ocean surged out, dissolving the mist upon contact and surrounding the ghost ship, with power fluctuating. Ghost Ship: o.o? After a while, the voice of the ghost ship sounded, somewhat plaintive. Eluvita said to remind and help you. Ji Chens mind trembled, Eluvita!? Eluvita, also known as the Mother of Elves, was a god-level deity worshipped and revered by billions of elves, the most powerful deity in the Orderly Divine Lineage, wielding dozens of powerful authorities, and even rumored to be one of the incarnations of the Creator God. Such a towering deity, both in fame and power, actually cared about him, a mere human? Then what was her intention? Could it be that Eluvita was the entity behind summoning players to this world? Was the military talent tree also her gift? With myriad thoughts swirling in his mind, a slew of questions emerged one after another like mushrooms after the rain. It wasnt that Ji Chen was overthinking, but the news was too shocking, and he vaguely felt that he was touching the edge of the truth. Suppressing the shock in his heart, Ji Chen took a deep breath and asked in as calm a tone as possible. Why? I dont know, she didnt say. Ji Chen paused, realizing that the ghost ship indeed didnt know, and didnt press further, instead turning to the next question. After finally catching up to it, wouldnt he be at ease until he had asked all the doubts in his heart? However, after asking several questions about Eluvita in a row, the ghost ship didnt know anything, as if it was just sent to execute orders with a single sentence. Helpless, Ji Chen had to ask, Have you been following me all this time? Yes, Eluvita granted me a portion of foresight authority, allowing me to know some things that will happen later, so I can remind you. Foresight authority? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chens expression changed. Foresight authority was precisely one of the authorities possessed by Eluvita, capable of predicting the laws and trends of all things, thus allowing for preemptive reactions. Foresight authority was one of the most powerful authorities. Sensing Ji Chens change in expression, the ghost ship retreated slightly, looking somewhat fearful. Hastily, it said, The authority was bestowed by Eluvita. She would be angry if it were taken away. Ji Chen smirked maliciously, Why would I take it away? Be good and let me see what its like.. Chapter 779 - Chapter 779: Authority! Chapter 779: Authority! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the end, Ji Chen still did not trouble the ghost ship, or rather, he was still very wary of Eluvita. Gods were the most powerful beings known in this world. The development and continuity of this world were closely related to these rarely seen, extremely mysterious, but powerful beings whose names and beliefs were constantly spreading. Even many indigenous people believed that the gods created the world or were born with the world. But Ji Chen knew that the gods were not born with the world, nor were they immortal. They were powerful beings who had reached a certain level of strength, wielded authority and abilities, ignited the divine fire with faith, and condensed powerful creatures with strength as the foundation. There were more or less records in history about the succession of gods. For example, in the god war hundreds of thousands of years ago, the god Kurse of the Hill was besieged by several enemy gods and eventually died in battle, but his authority was timely recovered by Eluvita who arrived in time, and after thousands of years after the end of the god war, it was continued by a dwarf, successfully condensed the divinity and inherited the position of the god of the hill. As long as the authority of the god position exists, as long as there are strong individuals recognized by the authority in the future and have the ability to ignite the divine fire, they can inherit the god position. This was the most common way to become a god. Another way to become a god was that in the long history and years, there were always a few outstanding individuals who surpassed one or even several eras. Among them, a very small number of them did not have the opportunity to obtain authority, but relied on their own strength to create an unprecedented authority, gained the worlds recognition, and then ignited the divine fire to become a god. However, this way of becoming a god was extremely difficult. The former is like advancing on a path already opened by predecessors, only needing sufficient strength to reach the summit, while the latter was to explore in an unknown field, needing to pass through layers of thorns to see a glimmer of hope. And Eluvita, as one of the earliest recorded gods who autonomously comprehended and created authority and ignited the divine fire, was enough to show her strength. Honestly, Ji Chen didnt know why Eluvita favored him. Could it be because hes handsome? Besides reminding and helping me, did she really not command anything else? Really nothing else, Ive said everything I know, not a single drop left! The ghost ship said pitifully, But she did say that if you encounter difficulties, I should provide appropriate assistance. Alright, what kind of assistance can you provide me? But you havent encountered any difficulties yet. Now I have. Ji Chen smiled, The Storm Authority wielded by the Undead Lord is within my reach. Yet, its also a cunning trap designed to ensnare me. You see, I desire it, but acquiring it is no easy feat. Doesnt that present a challenge? Ghost ship: ??? The ghost ship was stunned by Ji Chens words for a while, knowing that it was definitely impossible to leave today without losing some skin, so it resigned itself to fate. In that case, take out the things stored with me, since they all need to be taken out anyway. This is the Thunder Authority. A dazzling purple light, like a star, suddenly appeared in the ghostly body of the ghost ship, instantly attracting Ji Chens attention. Squinting, he saw a crystal ball, shimmering with threads of thunder resembling miniature thunderstorms in the heavens, radiating terrifying energy that made people tremble with fear with every breath. Space tore and shattered, and mist rolled violently. This was authority, the most top-notch power in the world, only accessible to gods and beings with the potential for godhood after being recognized. And Ji Chen keenly felt the Thunder Authority calling out to him. As the envoy of the gods, he gently raised his hand. The next moment, the Thunder Authority rushed towards him like a swallow returning to its nest, directly entering his body. The ghost ship widened its eyes and hurriedly said, Entering so directly will be torn apart by the authority Ji Chen couldnt hear the ghost ships voice anymore, only feeling his consciousness entering into darkness. Suddenly. In the darkness, a peerless thunderbolt burst forth, as if connecting the heavens and the bottomless abyss, directly striking towards him. The anticipated intense pain did not arrive. He lowered his head, bathing in the thunderous light. Before him, scenes flashed like a revolving lantern. A human female with an indistinguishable face wielded her arm like a sword, unleashing dozens of world-destroying thunderbolts with each swing, turning the demons rushing towards her into ashes. Whether it was tiny demon assassins like goblins or evil beings taller than city walls, they all turned into meaningless debris in the destructive thunder. Even in the face of several enemy gods with raging flames, she showed no fear, swinging her arms as if splashing ink, turning half the sky into a world of thunder. As consciousness gradually returned, Ji Chen slowly opened his eyes. A dazzling purple light flashed in his deep blue pupils, adding a touch of enchantment and mystery to him. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only It seemed like there was something extra in his body. With a thought, a strand of thunder leapt to his fingertips, emitting a captivating aura. This single strand was enough to turn the surrounding area of kilometers into a thunderous prison. The astonished voice of the ghost ship rang out, with a hint of incredulity in its tone. To think you were so easily recognized and accepted by the Thunder Authority, is that even logical? It took quite a bit of effort to get it to follow me in the first place! It definitely wouldnt admit that it was feeling sour.. Chapter 780 - Chapter 780: Authority!(2) Chapter 780: Authority!(2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The concept of authority was quite peculiar. Apart from its original master, it tended to be somewhat resistant towards subsequent inheritors, requiring a considerable period for adjustment. Moreover, gaining recognition from authority didnt solely depend on its magnitude. Generally, each form of authority corresponded to a rule of the world. The authority of thunder, for instance, embodied qualities of righteousness and intolerance towards evil, making it more likely to be acknowledged. Conversely, authority associated with death or slaughter harbored inner malevolence, appealing more to those inclined towards such darkness. Based on Ji Chens observations, while he couldnt be described as upright or righteous, he certainly didnt exhibit the qualities associated with thunder authority. So how could he effortlessly acquire the authority of thunder? It perplexed him! Ji Chen merely smiled faintly, observing the lightning at his fingertips, which seemed to transform into dragons, joyfully circling around his fingers. It was probably due to the power of the ocean that the thunder authority was so readily accepted by him. The power of the ocean served as the best credential, encompassing all aspects of the sea: storms, tides, tsunamis, undercurrents, lightning, torrential rain naturally including thunder and lightning. When facing a stranger, one might be vigilant, meticulously examining their character, abilities, and courage. But if this individual possessed a highly authoritative credential, such concerns naturally diminished. Furthermore, thunder not only symbolized righteousness but also destruction. The fury of thunder was capable of bringing about cataclysmic destruction. And destruction happened to be his forte. As a tsunami swept through, annihilating countless demons, he stood unrivaled in the domain of the ocean in terms of destructive efficiency. Concealing the thunder at his fingertips, Ji Chen spoke solemnly. Next, I will actively seek out the Undead Lord to seize the Storm Authority from his grasp and return this possession, which never belonged to him, to the side of order. Use your Foresight authority to give me a preview of what will ultimately transpire on this journey. The ghost ship replied, My Foresight authority is only partial, capable of foreseeing some of what is to come. I dare not guarantee the usefulness of the information I can provide. Having said that, the ghost ship fell silent, emanating a mysterious and unfathomable aura, as if penetrating the fog and ascending to the heavens. Moments passed. According to the foresight, the malformed monsters with twisted souls will be engulfed by the thunderous roar of the sea in their unwilling rage. However, the masters of thunder and the tsunami will encounter unprecedented dangers themselves, being dragged into the abyss by those monsters Clear, invigorating water flowed through the channels, refracting colorful rays under the sunlight, bringing a glimmer of hope to the weary faces of the people. The waters here! Fresh water has finally arrived! Now we wont die of thirst! The cheers of the soldiers resounded in their ears, and Mijat couldnt help but heave a sigh of relief, a smile creeping onto his face. He truly hadnt expected that the Alliance Fleet would actually be able to deliver fresh water to them. This was undoubtedly a godsend. With the support of fresh water, they now had the means to continue resisting the Greed Lord. Hmph, I knew Lord Ji Chen had a solution up his sleeve. Look, fresh water has been delivered, hasnt it? Ari said with a hint of pride, his face also showing reverence. Mijat looked at Aris smug expression, pursed his lips, and said nothing. But he was also amazed. Extracting endless fresh water from the salty sea? Such power was probably beyond even the capabilities of gods, yet the Lord of the Ocean Crown could effortlessly achieve it. This ability was like a divine skill for the southern continent, which was covered in yellow sand and suffering from severe drought. Perhaps after the war, we can request assistance from Lord Ji Chen to rejuvenate the southern continent and restore vitality to this land. With this thought in mind, Mijat glanced around at the cheering crowd, then stepped onto the platform of a nearby cannon and picked up the horn hanging there. Hoo! The horn, made from the horn of a desert bull, emitted its unique piercing sound, reaching far and wide, causing everyone around to stop and look at this proxy king of the Kingdom of Ugisai. Everyone The Greed Lord is attempting to subdue us by polluting the source of the Roni River, hoping to make us perish of thirst in this desert and defeat us without a fight. However, the Spirit of the Sands has always favored the desert people. It has helped us summon support from the Northern Continentour allies who stood with us in the war tens of thousands of years ago. We are not fighting alone. Ally support and supplies will arrive soon, as unquestionably as the fresh water flowing in from the north! Everyone, strengthen our resolve. We will drive those monsters back to where they belong! Victory to the desert! Long live the Spirit of the Sands! Stirred byMijats impassioned speech, the soldiers of the Desert Alliance, who had been pent up with negative emotions due to the water shortage and the pressure from demons, now erupted into vigorous shouts of determination. On the previously disheartened front lines, a towering enthusiasm and determination suddenly ignited. Watching Mijat standing on the platform, shouting alongside the soldiers, Aris eyes flashed with a hint of complex emotion. Perhaps his father and others were right. Mijat was truly more suitable to be a king than him. But soon, Aris emotions dissipated, and he felt uplifted. It was fine not to be a king. In the tumultuous experiences of the past few months, he had found a new direction. When the war ended, he would leave the Kingdom of Ugisai, leave the southern continent, go wherever he wanted, as long as he could be like Ji Chen, a strong figure who could step forward in times of crisis! Damn the orderly faction, they actually found a way to obtain large quantities of freshwater! Saskia, the Greed Lord on the Throne of Flesh, roared furiously. If not for that damned Alliance fleet, the Desert Alliance would have long since fallen apart. I could have effortlessly destroyed these lowly beasts! The demons below trembled and said, Lord Saskia, it is said that a lord named Ji Chen solved the Desert Alliances water shortage by extracting fresh water from seawater. Saskias eyes were full of anger. Ji Chen, Ive heard of him long ago. This bastard has caused us a lot of trouble. Before the invasion, he learned of Balzarnas plan, which led to the premature exposure of their invasion, enabling the lawful faction to be prepared. Then he saw through Dariuss scheme, eliminated the Radiant Church, exposed the plans of the Flame Church and the Sun Church, causing Dariuss preemptive plan to fail miserably. During the war, he blocked Balzarna and his demonic army for weeks, eventually even killing him. Then he brought the coalition fleet to support the Desert Alliance, giving those desperate insects a bit more confidence to resist. And now, he had broken their poison plan. In the midst of astonishment and anger, he had an unsettling feeling. Was this human lord their nemesis? Every step seemed to tread on their hidden weaknesses, every blow ruthlessly struck at their vulnerabilities, exposing many flaws in their once flawless plans. Saskia had a premonition that if this human lord didnt die, he would bring even greater trouble in the future, perhaps even adding unnecessary uncertainty to this war that should have been a foregone conclusion. He must eliminate this uncertainty as soon as possible! Where is that human lord now? According to reconnaissance, hes extremely vigilant, never setting foot on land and always staying at sea. The cunning coward! Saskia couldnt help but curse. If he were on land, Saskia could plan how to kill him, but the sea wasnt his domain. At least until the Desert Alliance was dealt with, projecting power onto the ocean was difficult. This matter had to rely on another force. Saskia pondered. Send my message to Maldonis, tell him Im willing to offer a portion of the interests in the southern continent in exchange for him dealing with that human lord. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Yes! Wait, Greed Lord. At this moment, a Winged Demon commander with the totem of the Undead Lord descended from afar, quickly approaching the Throne of Flesh. Lord Maldonis asked me to bring you a few words. Saskia frowned, curious about Maldoniss message. What words? Lord Maldonis says, please launch an attack on the Desert Alliance immediately. That human lord will soon die, killed by his own hands.. Chapter 781 - Chapter 781: Twelve Shura Skeletons Chapter 781: Twelve Shura Skeletons Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In the southeast of the Undersea Continent, on the northern coast of the eastern South Continent. Ji Chen rode on a Sea Crystal Wyrm, descending in altitude, passing through the clouds to catch a glimpse of a cluster of islands. According to previous perceptions, the Storm Authority was near this cluster of islands. However, although the distance had shortened, the perception had become increasingly vague. To obtain a more accurate location, they needed to continue approaching the islands, perhaps even entering them. The islands appeared unremarkable, covered in trees, with silver streams cascading down cliffs. Seagulls lazily flew overhead, returning to their nests on the cliffs to nurture their young. Near the islands, whales occasionally breached the surface, knocking off barnacles attached to their bodies. At first glance, it seemed like a peaceful and vibrant scene, completely unrelated to the traps set by demons. But the more serene it looked, the more uneasy Ji Chen felt. This cluster of islands wasnt far from the South Continent, and it was only separated by a sea from the territory occupied by the Undead Lord Legion. Yet, it still preserved such a paradisiacal setting? Ji Chen had witnessed the devastation caused by the Dreadlord Balzarna in the southern seas, where life had vanished, leaving behind a dead zone stretching for miles. He could even sense a hint of conspiracy in the air. However, he didnt worry too much. The unknown was the most threatening. If a conspiracy was exposed as such, with precautions in place, its effectiveness would be halved at least. Furthermore, he had made plenty of preparations before coming, enough to contend with the Undead Lord. With this in mind, Ji Chen urged the Sea Crystal Wyrm to slowly approach the islands. In a dark corner of the islands, a pair of eyes filled with evil and cruelty silently looked up, gazing in the direction Ji Chen was flying from, excitement flashing through them, enough to make souls tremble. The human lord had finally arrived! Just as they gazed with eager anticipation as the human lord was about to enter the range of the islands, he suddenly stopped, halting right on the edge of the trap they had set. Maldonis and the others began to discuss. Has he found out? Impossible, no one else knows about this except us! Hes cautious, realizing somethings wrong with this cluster of islands. I said we shouldnt set the trap so close Hes hesitating, we need to do something to lure him in. Soon, Maldonis and the others reached a decision, releasing the scent of the bait. Ji Chen looked towards the center of the islands, sensing a sudden strong fluctuation. A barely perceptible smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. It seemed like this was indeed a trap. The Undead Lord became so anxious when he saw Ji Chen hesitating that he continued to throw out bait. Confirming that the Storm Authority and the Undead Lord were indeed on these islands, Ji Chen became even more relaxed. As long as he wasnt rushed, it meant the Undead Lord was. Taking his time, Ji Chen circled the cluster of islands on the Sea Crystal Wyrm, slowly exploring. Despite the Undead Lords disguised concealment, he still noticed some suspicious areas. On the islands of the archipelago, there seemed to be some ancient relics peeking out from the dense jungle canopy. The entire archipelago resembled a chessboard, with these islands and their strange relics arranged like pieces according to some as yet unclear pattern. As he looked, Ji Chen suddenly had a moment of insight. Could it be a formation? The bait has been released, why is he still hesitating? The bait isnt enough, he must have discovered something! He seems to be observing hes making a move!! One of the Maldonis suddenly screamed. Without warning, Ji Chen waved his hand, and thousands of tons of seawater condensed into a giant sword, crashing down with tremendous force on the relics on the edge of an island near the archipelago. Boom! A sky-shaking roar accompanied by a cloud of dust erupted as the relics collapsed. Suddenly, a huge blood-red shield appeared in the sky above the previously serene blue islands. A crack resembling a spider web appeared at one corner of the shield, clearly indicating the direction of the destroyed relics. And now, there was no trace of the peace and tranquility seen just moments ago on the archipelago. The islands were barren, covered in layers of stacked skeletons, forming mountains of bones. The soil was black-red, as if nurtured by blood and flesh for thousands of years, emitting a putrid odor. Even just looking at it, one could feel the extreme evil and ominousness emanating from it. Seeing this, Ji Chen did not hesitate. One after another, giant swords fell, destroying the relics scattered across the islands, serving as bases for the formation. With a sound like shattering glass, the blood-red shield shattered. Damn it, how did he find out!? There must be a traitor among us! Impossible, we are all Maldonis, we would not betray ourselves! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He already knows our plan, dont wait any longer, kill him directly and seize the power! Suddenly, large black clouds rose from the islands, and within the easily flesh-corroding black mist appeared twelve giant armored skeletons. These giant skeletons exuded a terrifying evil aura. As soon as they appeared, the temperature around them seemed to drop significantly, and the air was filled with a thick, oppressive atmosphere. Legendary-tier Shura Skeletons, level 69. To ensure the success of this ambush plan, Maldonis had summoned twelve legendary-tier Shura Skeletons under his command, all for the purpose of keeping Ji Chen trapped on these islands.. Chapter 782 - Chapter 782: Twelve Shura Skeletons (2) Chapter 782: Twelve Shura Skeletons (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Shura Skeletons emerged, floating on the sea surface amidst the black mist, surrounding Ji Chen in the middle. Once he made any movement, they would launch frenzied attacks. Ji Chen looked on with indifference, saying, Relying solely on these rotten skeletons to trap me? Seems you underestimate me too much. Hehehe, rest assured, this time I will personally meet you. A column of black mist, thick as smoke, rose into the sky, accompanied by a twisted, abyssal screech. Ordinary beings hearing such a sound would fall into madness, becoming soulless creatures. Unfazed, Ji Chen watched the undead lord manifest from the black mist, casting a contemptuous gaze. Compared to the alchemical modifications and the massive physique of Balzarna, the undead lord appeared like a dwarf-like aberration. Standing barely a meter and three, his entire body shriveled like an old lamp drained of oil. Yet, the eerie blue-purple flames burning in his eye sockets were incredibly sinister, hinting at the madness and greed of non-human entities. Seeing the unabashed greed in his eyes, Ji Chen suddenly smiled. It seems you, or should I say, you all, covet my power. The undead lord, seeing that Ji Chen showed no intention of leaving, dropped the pretense. He didnt care if his schemes were exposed; he was supremely confident in his power. Of course, your power is the opportunity for us to ascend to godhood. How could we let you leave here alive? The undead lord, as if confident that Ji Chen was in his grasp, didnt rush to act. He chuckled, Human, being able to kill that fool Balzarna and discern my array, I admit you have some strength, but such meager power is useless before us. You will ultimately be devoured by us, and your power will be ours. Us? Ji Chens face showed some interest. Could it be as rumored, that you are not a solitary existence but a twisted monster formed from dozens of decaying souls? You must have heard this from that alchemical-modified person Balzarna. The undead lord chuckled a few times. But its not a monster, but a more perfect evolutionary form. Evolutionary form? This term resembled the discussions about man-rape among the Sea Heirs. The undead lord seemed unwilling to dwell on this topic. His tone turned cold, Words are futile. When you are devoured by us, you will understand everything. As soon as he finished speaking, the twelve Shura Skeletons simultaneously moved, lifting various giant weapons and rushing in, shrouded in black mist. Ji Chen remained calm, shaking his head. Do you think I know your trap and would walk into it alone? Kraken, Herald, deal with them. Lady Serena, Sir Samuel, Sir Isaiah, I need you to engage the other enemies, creating opportunities for me to slay the undead lord. No problem! Leave it to us. You just focus on dealing with the undead lord. A loud voice rang out. Samuel and Serena suddenly leaped out of the sea, meeting three of the Shura Skeletons without warning. From the sky came the sound of trotting hooves. A strange beast, wrapped in black scales, descended from the void, engulfing the sky with a black flame, trapping four of the Shura Skeletons. Isaiah disdainfully said, Restraint? You underestimate me. I could easily deal with all these skeletal frames alone. As he spoke, he spat out hellfire, driving back two approaching Shura Skeletons, burning gaping holes into their seemingly sturdy armor. Dealing with legendary-tier opponents with epic-tier power was quite easy, at least for Isaiah, who had already reached the pinnacle of epic-tier. It only required giving him enough time, and he could easily deal with the four Shura Skeletons. Following closely behind the two deep sea dragon whale powerhouses, several legendary heroes from the Ocean Crown also joined the fray. Herald and Benbo each faced off against one Shura Skeleton, while Alice assisted with her singing. The colossal body of Kraken emerged from the sea, wielding his tree-trunk-like tentacles to attack three Shura Skeletons, keeping them away from Ji Chen. In just a dozen breaths of time, the twelve Shura skeletons that had surrounded him were distracted. A noticeable look of astonishment appeared on the face of the Undead Lord. It seemed that he wasnt psychologically prepared for these sudden enemies, or perhaps he hadnt anticipated that Ji Chen would bring so many helpers along. Damn it. Could it be that this human, tempted by authority, actually had the time to return to his territory and bring back the legendary tier heroes who were left behind? If he wasnt confident that his subordinates who knew the plan were loyal to him, the Undead Lord would almost suspect that there were traitors among them, leaking all the information. However, he had never imagined that these pieces of information were exposed by a ghost ship with the authority of foresight. Ji Chen looked at the Shura skeletons being restrained and the gloomy-faced Undead Lord and said with a smile. It seems we can have a one-on-one duel now. Hmph, even so, you cant escape death, said the Undead Lord coldly. The black mist rolled, his body quickly expanded, and in the blink of an eye, he swelled into a giant over ten meters tall, with countless distorted and struggling faces crowded on his body, some showing fear, some showing terror, and some showing pain. These were all strong individuals swallowed by the Undead Lord. Their shattered souls were forever bound within this body, experiencing endless torment. This was both a twisted and perverted display of power. If Ji Chen were to be swallowed, he would become one of those faces. The Undead Lord stomped his feet fiercely, flying toward Ji Chen like a cannonball. Under his feet, the ground was covered with spider-web-like cracks and pits. The surrounding pile of bones scattered like they were hit by a Category 12 hurricane, splattering into the air like powder. Whoo The Undead Lord clenched his huge bone fist, and a spiral vortex beyond the speed of sound formed at the tip of his fist, bringing up a long, radiating spatial crack. The shockwave from the impact was even louder than a ships whistle. This one blow was enough to directly destroy an epic-tier opponent head-on. Ji Chens expression slightly changed, his body suddenly disappeared from where he stood, appearing in the air thousands of meters away. Although he dodged it, the residual explosive fist wind still made his skin feel a bit sore. BoomThe Undead Lords fist smashed into a hill on the island, actually shattering it into pieces. The flying debris of rocks and soil even rose tens of meters into the air. From this one strike, it was easy to see that the Undead Lords strength was much higher than that of the Dreadlord, with a gap even though both were above epic level. Ji Chens expression became serious as he unhesitatingly threw a scroll from his backpack towards the still unsettled hill. [Forbidden Spell Scroll: Thunder Prison] [Grade]: 7 Stars [Effect]: Upon use, invokes the Forbidden Spell: Thunder Prison, turning the area within a radius of five hundred meters into a zone of life imprisonment. Forbidden spells could only be cast by epic-tier powerhouses, but they werent something that could be used casually. Considerable time was needed for preparation, and the consumption of ones own magical power was also extremely terrifying. One misstep could drain ones magical power and harm oneself. However, driven by the scroll, a powerful forbidden spell quickly took shape in a short amount of time. Thick dark clouds gathered in the sky in just a few breaths, and thunderbolts as thick as buckets fell with a deafening roar, piercing through the dense dust and crashing down heavily. One thunderbolt after another fell continuously, shattering everything on the island, and the piled-up corpses were no exception. This scene made Isaiah, who was barely holding off a few Shura skeletons, turn his head in surprise and say, When did this guy still have a hidden forbidden spell? But unfortunately, forbidden spells cant kill those above epic tier Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only In fact, Ji Chen didnt expect to rely solely on this long forbidden spell scroll to deal with the Undead Lord. It was more of a test. The dark clouds dispersed, and the thunder ceased. The dust gradually settled, revealing the figure of the Undead Lord. When he saw the scars left by the thunder strikes on the twisted faces covering his body, his eyes narrowed. It seemed that even someone as strong as the Undead Lord, who was above epic tier, was not immune to attacks from epic-tier spells.. Chapter 783 - Chapter 783: Mid-Tier Forty-Eighth Authorities Chapter 783: Mid-Tier Forty-Eighth Authorities Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The forbidden spell scroll? The Undead Lord, or rather the accumulated experience and knowledge of countless years from tens of thousands of Maldonis, with eyes as sharp as daggers, instantly recognized what it was. But thats useless against me! The visible wounds on his body healed rapidly at a rate visible to the naked eye, completely restored within a dozen breaths. The Undead Lord straightened his body, a cold smirk containing mockery gradually forming at the corners of his mouth. No matter what power you unleash, when you step into this archipelago today, ultimately, you cannot escape the fate of death. Your orderly fraction cannot save this place, demons will eventually dominate this world, because He chose us! Ji Chen remained expressionless, just staring indifferently at this evil humanoid monster. You talk too much. The Undead Lord grinned, suddenly exerting force with his feet, transforming into a ghostly black shadow. His massive fist carried the weight of ten thousand pounds of force, causing even the air to tremble with its impact, forming a negative pressure zone with great suction force. The sky seemed to wail, and the seawater rose tens of meters into the air. The Undead Lord, seeing a human without any intention to dodge, revealed a smirk of joy. If the human utilized the teleportation ability from before to evade his attack, there wouldnt be a good method of pursuit as long as he didnt reveal his full strength. But if he wanted to block this seemingly ordinary, yet terrifying punch with a human body, it would undoubtedly be an overestimation and seeking death! This similar punch had once, tens of thousands of years ago during their soul exchange, annihilated hundreds of demon heroes who dared to rebel and seize the position of the Undead Lord. Leaving no bones behind! Human, die! Watching Ji Chen getting closer, the Undead Lord roared lowly, as if he could already see this human being crushed into powder under his fist. Your power, is mine However, before he finished speaking, a force carrying terrifying kinetic energy slammed heavily onto his head from the side. At the moment of contact, the bursting force, like a syringe, injected into his body in an instant, wreaking havoc like a mad bull inside him. Surprised by the sudden and overwhelming agony that felt like it pierced his very being, the Undead Lords mind went blank for a split second. His previously straight fist also veered slightly off course, and with great momentum, it shot sideways with a swift whoosh, still carrying its full force, slamming into the sea and sending up a towering pillar of water tens of meters high. Observing a few strands of hair gently descending before him, Ji Chen stayed composed. He lifted his hand, and the Demon Slayer, dislodged by the Undead Lord, swiftly returned to his grasp with a soft swish, emitting a subtle blue glow. Among them contained endless surging energy, roaring seawater. Boom The sea surface suddenly swelled into a large bulge, and the Undead Lord leaped out from it, heavily landing on the island. His head had a pit, deep enough to reveal bones, and his arm on the side showed a strange twisted angle, indicating that it had already been broken. However, as if feeling no pain at all, the undead lords eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked at the Demon Slayer in Ji Chens hand. A strange flush appeared on his face. Thats the weapon and power that killed Balzarna? This aura, stronger and more magnificent than mine, must be the power of the gods!! The undead lords expression was excited, bordering on madness, which even caused Ji Chen to furrow his brow. The power of the ocean belonged to the orderly fraction, just like the Storm Authority, it was poison to demons. Logically, even if a demon obtained the power of the ocean, they would be unable to use it. He didnt quite understand why the undead lord was so eager. It appeared that the Undead Lords intentions werent solely focused on seizing the powers of the Orderly fraction, but there were deeper motives at play. Before thoughts could be fully collected, another disturbance occurred. The Undead Lords body suddenly became shrouded in an intensely thick mist, accompanied by an extremely malevolent energy emanating. The surrounding already contaminated land quickly took on a peculiar dusk-like gray hue. The ghastly white bones rapidly aged and decayed like snow encountering scorching sun, with tiny black spots appearing and swiftly spreading into large patches of decay, rotting away and dissolving into foul-smelling water merging with the equally putrid soil. Everything nearby, whether corpses, soil, deadwood, or stones, seemed to undergo centuries of decay and deterioration in mere moments, reaching a horrifying extreme. Even the air was saturated with a potent decay, emitting a foul odor that made one feel as if their body was succumbing to decay, engulfed in gloom. Ji Chens pupils suddenly contracted, promptly using the power of the sea to drive it away. This a power? The Undead Lords previously injured body rebounded like rubber, and its twisted, broken arm was reconnected in a grotesque manner. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only It twisted its neck, emitting a creaking sound, and upon seeing Ji Chens astonished expression, a sinister smile once again appeared on its face. Human, just because you possess divine power doesnt mean I dont. This is the Corrosion Authority, one of the forty-eight mid-tier authorities, which is no less potent than yours. Ji Chen narrowed his eyes slightly. Mid-level deities wielded the mid-tier forty-eight powers, which were stronger than the one hundred and eight lesser powers held by lower deities. The Corrosion Authority, among the mid-tier authorities, was neither high nor low, ranking thirtieth, governing decay and capable of causing rapid deterioration in substances in a short period.. Chapter 784 - Chapter 784: Mid-Tier Forty-Eighth Authorities (2) Chapter 784: Mid-Tier Forty-Eighth Authorities (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation For living beings, having contact with the power of decay could lead to a swift deterioration, robbing them of decades of life within mere seconds, or even consuming millennia of life in an instant, an immensely dreadful prospect. Those swiftly decaying corpses served as the most poignant illustration. In terms of hierarchical strength, the power of the ocean also fell within the category of mid-tier authorities. However, its wielded power wasnt as specialized and focused as the authorities, resembling more of a comprehensive force. It encompassed control over water, tides, tsunamis, and various other aspects within the domain of the oceans powers. If encountering an authority specializing in a particular domain, then its highly probable that the power of the ocean would struggle to seize the initiative. In summary, the strength of the oceans power ranked somewhere in the middle among authorities, varying depending on the opponents faced, and didnt differ significantly from the Corrosion Authority. Regarding which one was superior and which one was inferior, there still wasnt a definitive answer. It turned out that the Undead Lords confidence stemmed from this, as his power above the epic tier, combined with the augmentation from the Corrosion Authority, left him with few rivals in this world where the deities had yet to appear. Unless facing another entity also above the epic tier, wielding an authority as formidable as the Corrosion Authority, only then would they be deemed worthy opponents. With his thoughts sorted, Ji Chens expression grew even calmer. The Undead Lord, however, was perplexed. Why was this human able to remain so composed upon witnessing its formidable Corrosion Authority? Shouldnt he be alarmed, even terrified, upon realizing that it possessed such immense power? After all, he was an above epic tier, holding the upper hand in raw power. From this calm and composed countenance, it perceived not fear, but rather contempt, even disdain. Gradually, its expression darkened, as countless millennia of relentless, echoing words reverberated in its mind, fueling a frenzy of negative emotions, causing the flames in its eyes to flicker violently. Countless Maldonis had not only brought enlightenment but also ensnared their souls in a state of perpetual accumulation, entanglement, and fusion. It felt like being forcibly bound together with all Twin Trees, merging into a single entity, yet still holding onto feelings of resentment and intolerance towards each other. It could no longer distinguish whether all its past thoughts belonged to itself or to the other Maldonis. The burden on its soul had become unbearable, its visage contorted in utter agony, as the Undead Lord squeezed out a sentence from between clenched teeth. Human, you shall perish! A vast expanse of tangible gray energy emanated from it, spreading in all directions from its center. Everything it touched swiftly decayed, even two nearby Shura Skeletons disregarded the attacks from Herald and the others, fleeing in panic to a safe distance. They knew all too well that their Lord wouldnt differentiate between friend and foe when unleashing its might. Everything within its range, living or dead, except for itself, would turn into a land more desolate than after a demons rampage. Even the most resilient Abyssal Crawler couldnt survive within it. As the billowing mist, suffused with a strong aura of decay, rushed forth, Ji Chen swung the Demon Slayer. A burst of deep blue oceanic power surged forth like a shield connecting heaven and earth, resisting the encroachment of decay. Its futile; the Corrosion Authority is even stronger than you imagine, the Undead Lord gloated, as with a wave of its hand, another large swath of mist surged forth, seemingly suppressing the oceanic power. A circle of blue ripples, like singularities bursting, suddenly expanded, and the power of the domain joined the standoff between the azure light and the mist as a weight. With the help of the blue ripples, the decaying mist slowly receded. The Undead Lord first showed a slight astonishment, then burst into rage. You have a domain!? Having seen all enemies who encountered Ji Chens ocean domain perish, the appearance of this domain in the battle shocked the Undead Lord. In battles, revealing ones trump cards was inevitable. When the two sides were relatively evenly matched, and Ji Chen and the Undead Lord were in the process of showing their strengths, the first one to reveal their ultimate move would end up losing. And neither side could bear the consequences of failure. This fight demanded putting forth maximum effort to come out on top in the end. The Undead Lord decided to personally take action. Although the domain suppressed him to some extent, as a transcendent being above the epic tier, this suppression and influence were not significant. Between each punch and kick, rich decay energy was carried, as if at his fingertips. This adept use indicated that the Undead Lord had mastered the Corrosion Authority to a considerable extent, integrating it seamlessly into combat. While Ji Chens control of time was relatively short, his profession and mastery of oceanic power were highly compatible. With the support of the legendary weapon, the Demon Slayer, each strike carried not only the power of the ocean but also the weight of thousands of tons. It barely managed to block a punch capable of pulverizing mountains. The Demon Slayer carried numerous attack effects, with its inherent weight ignoring defense, compensating for the tier difference between Ji Chen and the Undead Lord. Sometimes, it summoned divine thunderstorms, sweeping waves, and condensed water weapons, causing quite a bit of trouble for the Undead Lord. In terms of sheer brute force, Ji Chen was definitely no match for the Undead Lord. However, in terms of flashy skills, variety, and coordination, Ji Chen had the upper hand! The Undead Lord swung his massive fists wildly, but each punch was just barely blocked by the trident. Despite having a slight advantage, it was difficult to translate it into enough achievements under the constant barrage of techniques. This was one of the most troublesome opponents it had encountered in tens of thousands of years, with oceanic power not inferior to the power of decay, and the trident, a divine weapon, possessing recovery capabilities that were not weaker and perhaps even stronger than its own Many unforeseen factors contributed to the current stalemate. He found it difficult to seize victory in a short time! The Undead Lord hammered down the Demon Slayer with his fist once again, then chose to quickly retreat hundreds of meters instead of pressing forward, observing the situation of his demonic skeletons. At some point, out of the twelve demonic skeletons, only eight remained. Several were lying in pieces on the island, their damaged bones indicating that they had exhausted all means but still couldnt avoid the outcome of death. Observing this, Ji Chen also withdrew the Demon Slayer. After a quick evaluation of the situation, he noticed Isaiah employing his immense strength to face off against four legendary-tier demonic skeletons directly. He had already defeated two of them, leaving the remaining pair teetering on the brink of collapse. Before long, Isaiah would be able to defeat them and join the battle between Ji Chen and the Undead Lord. Samuel and Serena had also taken down one each and were entangled with one each, while Herald and Bcnbo were also engaged in fierce combat, faintly gaining the upper hand, at least ensuring that these two were restrained. The Kraken, with its astonishing recovery ability, no longer sought swift kills but instead entangled three demonic skeletons firmly. Outside the battlefield between Ji Chen and the Undead Lord, the balance was slowly shifting. Now, all they needed to do was to continue delaying until their allies were free to join, and victory would inevitably be on their side. With this thought in mind, Ji Chen calmed his thoughts, firmly controlling the trembling hand clutching the Demon Slayer, even as blood trickled from his torn palm. He summoned all his strength and launched a proactive assault on the Undead Lord. The Undead Lord was both surprised and furious, hastily defending himself but feeling increasingly anxious. He was well aware that if things continued like this, their side would be the one worn down. Even he would feel distressed at the simultaneous loss of twelve legendary-tier Shura skeletons. There was only one option left. The Undead Lords eyes turned fierce, and after forcefully pushing back Ji Chen, he retreated to a kilometer away, initiating soul communication A pillar of black mist condensed and soared into the sky, piercing through the clouds and heading straight for a certain location. Boom In this world, the hearts of all living beings were heavily struck. An extreme aura of evil emanated from the endless void, pressing down on the entire sea area like the nine layers of hell. Within the pierced void of the dark clouds, a vague, pitch-black silhouette slowly descended. However, upon contact with the ground, a colorful barrier suddenly appeared. Despite this, the dark figure, in a bewildering manner, transformed into wisps of black mist, passing through the barrier, before condensing once more. The moment it took shape again. The world lost its color, plunging into endless darkness. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Everyone present struggled to breathe, their powers raging out of control. Their vision completely occupied by the indiscernible figure of darkness, they heard the screams of countless eerie and evil creatures in agony and struggle. A chilling wind of evil swept from the indescribable depths of the world, freezing both body and soul. As Ji Chen witnessed the freezing that caused such dramatic changes in the world without any words or actions, his pupils contracted to their utmost. A thought emerged in his mind. Is this. a god of darkness? Chapter 785 - Chapter 785: Demon-slaying? God-slaying! Chapter 785: Demon-slaying? God-slaying! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Since the dark figure descended, the entire world fell into a silence as oppressive as death. The arrogant Undead Lord, now kneeling on the ground like the lowliest servant, spoke with reverence and even flattery to the supreme being. Great God of Decay, your most faithful servant, Maldonis, humbly welcomes your arrival! The dark figure glanced overthough lacking the apparent organs of eyes, it seemed as if otherworldly eyes focused on the Undead Lord. It was as if wailing demons from the depths of hell and the murmurs of gods spreading fear and death in the void echoed in the air. Maldonis, why have you summoned me to the primary realm? Did I not say that only in dire times, where life and death hang in the balance, should this opportunity be used? The Undead Lord, full of fear, lifted his head slightly but still dared not meet the gaze of the God of Decay, tremblingly replied. Great God of Decay, if not for dire circumstances, I would not dare to trouble you to expend energy to descend in avatar form. There is indeed an important matter that requires your attention. The Undead Lord shifted his gaze hatefully to Ji Chen, floating in the air, and continued, This human is the Glory Lord who arrived in this world a year ago, a unique figure in this realm. He has disrupted our demonic plans and affairs several times before, especially by slaying the Dreadlord Balzarna not long ago, causing significant damage to our strategic plans in the Western-Mid Ocean Region. He has become a great threat to us. I intended to devise a plan to kill him, but he has already been secretly aided by orderly deities, granting him some power To better fulfill your commands and the grand plans of our esteemed lords, and to thwart the sinister schemes of those hypocritical orderly deities, I had no choice but to request your presence Ji Chens eyebrows twitched slightly, feeling disgusted by his flowery speech. The Undead Lord admitted it upfront, but the latter part about the orderly deities secretly aiding him, and better fulfilling commands, sounded like shifting blame and finding excuses. Who could have imagined that this seemingly crazy demon lord would end up being such a submissive creature? But Ji Chen also became secretly vigilant. He had heard of this deitys name. The God of Decay, a mid-tier divine being, possessed the nineteenth-tier Decay Authority, governing decay and rot. His power could cause material to decay and rot at an extremely rapid rate, surpassing even the Corrosion Authority. In the ancient divine wars tens of thousands of years ago, he had joined forces with other dark deities to hunt down more than five orderly deities, making him a well-known figure among dark deities. Upon hearing the Undead Lords words, the God of Decay indeed turned his gaze to Ji Chen, the individual who concerned him the most. This mere human was aided by orderly deities? But how could that be? Those hypocritical and arrogant orderly deities had long been entangled and suppressed by them, the dark deities, and were barely able to protect themselves. How could they spare the energy to break through the rules and help a human who had only been in this world for a year? The worlds rules repelled not only them but had rejected anything beyond the epic tier, including all deities, thousands of years ago. The dark deities had also known this in advance, which was why they had expended great effort to research methods to penetrate the barrier. Upon hearing Marldoniss words, the God of Decay became somewhat intrigued by Ji Chen. If it was indeed the intervention of orderly deities, he wouldnt mind granting death. A mere mortal? He cared not. But a mortal favored by the orderly deities? That piqued his interest. The Decay Gods avatar looked at Ji Chen as one might glance at a passing ant, showing casual indifference, yet effortlessly exerting a chilling pressure reminiscent of descending into the depths of hell. Under the threat of imminent death, the power of the ocean surged to its maximum, and the ocean domain expanded to its fullest extent. Ji Chens face flushed red, gritting his teeth as he endured, his bones creaking under the strain. Gods were of a different level, even if just an avatar, they possessed immeasurable power far beyond mortals. Oh? Is this the power of the ocean? the Decay Lord exclaimed in surprise. As a dark deity who had burned with divine fire for millions of years, his knowledge was vast, and feeling this familiar power aroused his curiosity. Memories slowly resurfaced. The original owner of this powerthe God of the Ocean from the orderly divine lineage, a revered deity among gods, was one of the targets they pursued during the divine war. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Although hundreds of thousands of years had passed, he still vividly remembered the God of the Ocean. Despite being just a mid-tier god, he had withstood the combined onslaught of him and five other dark deities, three of whom were also mid-tier gods, resisting their siege for five full days with the help of the ocean environment and unique ocean power. It was the resilient resistance of the ocean god that allowed several continent-tier armies of humans and elves to retreat from that battle, dealing significant blows to demons and orcs in subsequent battles. In the end, they had to pay a considerable price to slay the ocean god and extinguish his divine fire, annihilating his deity status in the process, preventing him from resurrecting through faith or other means. However, at that time, they hadnt paid much attention to the issue of the power of the ocean. They hadnt expected that after hundreds of thousands of years, it would fall into the hands of a lowly human. Perhaps it was the orderly deities who intervened secretly, helping him gain this power.. Chapter 786 - Chapter 786: Demon-slaying? God-slaying! (2) Chapter 786: Demon-slaying? God-slaying! (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The evil thoughts within him quickly grew. The God of Decay intensified the pressure of his presence. Since thats the case, he would complete the unfinished business today and thoroughly destroy this power! Ji Chens face tightened, feeling the sudden surge of pressure, he didnt hesitate to bring out the assets he had on hand. [Ring of Mithril], [Charged Ring], [Deep Sea Dragon Scale Robe], [Royal Griffin Knight Emblem] The treasures Ji Chen acquired early on boosted his strength in different ways, but their abilities were quite limited. When faced with the overwhelming force of the God of Decays avatar, they couldnt hold up and ended up exploding, leaving behind nothing but useless powder. Only the Void Ring and the Abyssal Trident (Demon Slayer), high-level equipment, remained resilient, stubbornly resisting. The God of Decay, seeing that his oppressive force couldnt immediately overwhelm Ji Chen, frowned. He hesitated for a moment. He wasnt descending in his original form but as a specially cultivated avatar. Its power was less than one-thousandth of its original self, which allowed it to briefly manifest in the main realm. If he excessively used his power and exposed himself, he risked being repelled again by the reactive barrier of rules. After weighing his options, he decided to increase the intensity, to kill this human in its infancy and prevent further growth. If it took just one year to reach the Epic Tier, wouldnt he ascend to godhood in a thousand years? Insect, give up resistance. In my presence, you have no chance of escape. The God of Decay spoke to Ji Chen for the first time, his words dripping with sarcasm. The difference between gods and mortals was immense. Even for powerful beings like the Five Demon Lords, who were among the top-tier Epic beings, compared to a god, even a lower-ranking one, they were as insignificant as rabbits. And beings of the Epic Tier were merely like insects, easily squashed without much effort. Power equated to authority, and for beings who failed to understand this principle, they were overwhelmed and defeated. However, this human before him, despite possessing the power of the ocean, only had a fraction of it. The complete version of the oceans power ranked among the top in the Mid-Tier abilities. As for Marldonis, the Corrosion Authority in his hands was also just a fragmented version, greatly diminished in potency. Otherwise, he wouldnt have allowed a potentially dangerous force, capable of threatening him, to be wielded by a non-divine entity. Ji Chen remained indifferent to his words, echoing his previous sentiment towards the undead demon lord. You talk too much. Lowly insect, feel the wrath of the gods! The sky filled with gray particles. First, the dark clouds turned gray-white, then quickly dissipated. Everything around turned gray-white as if the world had become monochrome. The gray particles domineeringly turned everything around them into shades of gray, effortlessly dispelling the power neglected by the Corrosion Authority. The latter retreated like a hand that had touched hot oil, although it resisted reluctantly, it could only shrink back into the body of the Undead Lord. The power gap between them was too great. One was ranked thirty in the mid-tier, and the other was ranked nineteen in the mid-tier. One was incomplete, and the other was complete. The deity unleashed his inherent authority, its power unimaginable. Ji Chen stared tightly at the gray mist gathering like a swarm of locusts, shaking his head gently. I told you, you talk too much. His weaponless left hand rose at some point, emitting a dazzling purple light and a terrifying burst of energy. The God of Decay stared at the purple light, stunned, then suddenly exclaimed. Thunder Authority!? This human still possessed a second type of authority? His body trembled involuntarily, even his main body at the boundary shivered in fear. The Thunder Authority ranked seventh among the mid-tier forty-eight authorities, governing thunder. But in terms of destructive power alone, it easily ranked among the top five. More importantly, the Thunder Authority was primarily about destruction, which posed significant harm to dark deities like them. The Undead Lord below was already stunned. This human actually possessed a second authority? And it was the Thunder Authority, ranked in the top ten!? Damn it, no wonder he dared to come even knowing about the trap. So that was it! The lightning in his hand gradually spread, casting Ji Chens face in a colder light, his gaze devoid of joy or sorrow. With a thought, thousands of thunderbolts erupted from his palm, flashing like spring thunder across the sky. The gray-white particles only blocked them for a moment before being overwhelmed like an avalanche. The scent of destruction spread, driving away the decaying power. The avatar of the God of Decay struggled amidst countless thunderbolts, unable to escape, or perhaps not even considering escape, because he knew he couldnt escape under the Thunder Authority. Insect, Ill remember you! All he could do was leave behind a hateful remark before his avatar was shattered by the thunder, dissipating into a cloud of ash. Ji Chen remained expressionless, then turned to the now stupefied Undead Lord. Youre next. The Undead Lord trembled and, without looking back, fled into the distance. Shura Skeletons, stop them! The remaining Shura Skeletons, reluctant but compelled by the command, began to move involuntarily. From the moment they became subordinates of the Undead Lord, their bodies and souls no longer belonged to themselves, merely puppets manipulated by others. Ji Chen didnt even bother to look at them, casually unleashing several bolts of lightning that sent them crashing heavily to the ground, enveloped in thunderous light. Then, he chased after the fleeing Undead Lord. It was better to pursue the remaining to hunt down this desperate foe. If not now, then when would he slay the Undead Lord? To lure Ji Chen into the trap, the Undead Lord specifically chose this archipelago, surrounded on three sides by vast oceans, with a considerable distance to the southern mainland. Yet, this not-so-long stretch of sea became his biggest obstacle to escape at this moment. The faint sound of thunder flashing from behind seemed like a death knell, terrifying Maldonis. At this moment, he had long abandoned any thoughts of turning back to resist. If even the avatar of the God of Decay was shattered, what effective resistance could he offer? But the ocean was Ji Chens domain. He quickly caught up and decisively drowned the fleeing Undead Lord in thunder. He adhered to the idea of strike while the iron is hot. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Thunder continued to burst forth, one after another, the sky flickering incessantly. Though there was no downpour, the thunder roared continuously. It wasnt until the system prompt of killing the Undead Lord sounded in his ears that Ji Chen stopped. Ding- You have slain the Undead Lord: Maldonis (Above Epic), level up (67- 68). Ji Chen was slightly stunned and checked his records. Ding- You have slain the avatar of the God of Decay, level up (6467)- Killing the avatar of the God of Decay raised his level by three, while killing the Undead Lord raised it by two, not as much as when he killed the Dreadlord before. However, considering the increasing difficulty of leveling up at higher levels, this was understandable.. Chapter 787 - Chapter 787: Three Authorities Chapter 787: Three Authorities Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen hadnt expected that the bait used by the Undead Lord was actually a rather high-ranking authority the Storm Authority. Lost in the God War tens of thousands of years ago, it had long been forgotten by mortals, yet it fell into the hands of the Undead Lord. It seemed that the Undead Lord had ulterior motives, secretly keeping this fact from the Dark Gods. Otherwise, given the cunning and malevolence of the Dark Gods, they would never place a complete Mid-tier authority in the hands of a being considered a servant like the Undead Lord. What the Undead Lord wielded was merely a fragmented version of the Decay Authority, posing little threat to the gods. However, all this was no longer important. With the Storm Authority included, Ji Chen now possessed three authority-like abilities! Ranked nineteenth, the Storm Authority. Ranked seventh, the Thunder Authority. And approximately ranked around thirtieth, but with the complete version ranked among the top, the power of the Ocean. Three powers, which even when scrutinized closely, were not regarded as weak Mid-tier abilities, were all possessed by a human who was still only at the Epic level! If others were to find out, it would surely shock them. Even some Mid-tier gods only had one Mid-tier authority. Harmonized under the influence of the Ocean, the Thunder and Storm Authorities each occupied a corner, not interfering with each other, living in harmony. It wasnt uncommon for multiple authorities to be controlled simultaneously. Those mythical legends left behind in the main world, immortalized by minstrels, and famous individual deities with millions of followers, all possessed multiple authorities and powers. For example, among the gods of the Order, within the Sky God lineage, the Chief God, who had once wiped out dozens of Dark Gods and was revered by billions of believers, the Lord of Light, controlled authorities such as Radiance, Purification, and Holy Flames, serving as the leader of the Orderly Gods. The control of authorities represented the recognition of the host by the authority, the level of control, and the strength of the host. It could be said that the more authorities one controlled, the higher the combat power. Ji Chen slowly restrained the terrifying storms swirling around him, and the lightning-like gaze gradually became restrained, but there was a slight change in his whole person. The righteousness of the Thunder, the grandeur of the Storm, and the vastness of the Oceans power, the influences brought about by these three authorities blended together, giving Ji Chen a mysterious aura. It made people unable to help but feel an impulse to bow down and pay homage as if they had seen a walking deity in the world. It was unfathomable. Ji Chen shifted his attention to the suspended gray-white light cluster. This should be the fragmented version of the Corrosion Authority controlled by the Undead Lord, which had remained motionless since losing its host. He pondered how to deal with this authority. In terms of lawful evil nature, the Corrosion Authority, unlike the Decay Authority or the Seven Sins Authority, was not as inherently evil; it could only be considered a neutral-type authority, with no significant influence on the morality of the host. However, it was not very compatible with orderly authorities. If he didnt have authorities like the Thunder Authority, it might be a good choice to control the Corrosion Authority. But with authorities like the Thunder and Storm Authorities, which were undoubtedly Orderly Authorities, it was naturally impossible to sacrifice the essential for the secondary. Therefore, this fragmented Corrosion Authority could only be handed over to the hero of the Crown of the Ocean. Ji Chen quickly determined the candidate in his mind. After the complete destruction of the Undead Lords body and soul, the Shura Skeletons linked to its life force began to disintegrate one by one, self-destructing and falling into the pile of corpses on the islands, indistinguishable from each other. These executioners who had followed Maldonis into battles for thousands of years, who had slaughtered countless kin and other races, had come to their end. Previously, the exclusive dominion over life, meticulously crafted to solidify Maldonis complete authority over the Undead Legion, had transformed into a chance to vanquish the Demon Legion. At the same time, in the Southern Continent, a large number of commanders, senior officers, and special legion commanders under the Undead Warlords command watched helplessly as their vitality rapidly dwindled away. Their bodies melted like ice cream, turning into clusters of putrid flesh. The sudden deaths of a large number of high-ranking, middle, and lower tier officers caused the massive Undead Legion to fall into chaos, losing command and order. Amidst the boundless panic and chaos, the inherent evil and chaos within the demons erupted. Many demon legions launched riots, wielding their blades against their allies. Of course, Ji Chen knew about this several days later. When the hero of the Ocean Crown and other strong individuals like Isaiah saw the Shura Skeletons collapse without being attacked, they all showed signs of joy. This undoubtedly meant that the Undead Warlord was dead. Exchanging glances, they followed Ji Chens pursuit of the Undead Warlords direction, where it seemed a terrifying storm was brewing. As they sped across the sea, they quickly spotted a figure standing on the surface of the water. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only My Lord! Ji Chen turned around to see Herald and Samuel rushing over. He asked proactively, Hows the situation over there? Those remaining Shura Skeletons just disintegrated on their own. Alices eyes sparkled with excitement. My Lord, did you slay the Undead Warlord? Ji Chen nodded slightly, ready to point out where the Undead Warlord had met his end, but then realized abruptly that it had been obliterated by the relentless thunderstorm, completely uprooting any trace of it.. Chapter 788 - Chapter 788: Three Authorities (2) Chapter 788: Three Authorities (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation He only nodded slightly. I have personally slain the Undead Lord, so I have defeated two of the Five Demon Lords. Samuels expression changed slightly. If killing the Dreadlord earlier could be attributed to some luck, then killing the Undead Lord was undoubtedly a display of strength. With epic-tier power, he consecutively defeated two beings above the epic tier and even one of them who controlled an authority. What was even more frightening was that he even used the Thunder Authority to defeat a clone of the Decay God, marking an extraordinary feat! That was a god, even just defeating one clone was considered something unbelievable! Ji Chen was such a terrifying existence On the side, Serena was experiencing strange emotions. If one could reconcile with such a mighty and unparalleled existence like Ji Chen, it would certainly produce offspring with boundless potential! Sensing Serenas strange gaze, Ji Chen coughed lightly and said, The Undead Lord is dead, and its control over the Corrosion Authority has also been lost. The Corrosion Authority ranks thirtieth among authorities. Although its only a fragmented version, it still possesses formidable power. However, I already possess multiple authorities, and they are incompatible with it, so Ji Chen paused, looking towards the Kraken, I have decided to bestow it upon the Kraken. Squeak? Squeak! (Thank you for your grace, my lord! I will definitely obey all your commands in the future!) The Kraken excitedly cried out. He had just witnessed the power of the Corrosion Authority. It was a power that all creatures dreamt of, even more terrifying than a plague! Other heroes were momentarily stunned, but then they understood and had no objections. Although the Kraken was a bit silly, it was an epic-tier sea monster, ranking at the top of the oceans hierarchy. It had also made significant contributions along the way, making it eligible to receive such power. Ji Chens choice to bestow it upon the Kraken was also well thought out. Legendary-tier heroes eligible to inherit authorities, Herald and Benbo, were both melee fighters, with one excelling in close combat and the other in breath attacks, neither of which aligned with the effects of the Corrosion Authority. The Kraken, on the other hand, had excellent bloodlines and powerful physical attack capabilities but was lacking in ranged damage, especially against flying enemies. The Corrosion Authority attacked in the form of mist, which could compensate for the Krakens shortcomings, making it the perfect match. With a gentle wave of his hand, the Corrosion Authority flew over and instantly merged into the body of the Kraken. Step back a bit, lest you accidentally get hurt when it controls the Corrosion Authority, Ji Chen instructed, and the heroes nodded, retreating a considerable distance. As soon as the Corrosion Authority entered its body, the Kraken began to struggle, its thick tentacles wildly slamming against the sea surface as if it could alleviate its pain. In just a dozen seconds or so, its skin, covered in slippery mucus, seemed to age a hundredfold, becoming uneven and filled with ugly wrinkles. But then, in the next dozen seconds, it returned to its original state. This cycle continued without interruption, consistently swinging back and forth between rejuvenation and aging. Watching the Kraken continuously groaning in pain, Ji Chen felt puzzled. Was it so painful to control an authority? He remembered receiving the Thunder Authority and the Storm Authority successively, but it only took him more than ten minutes to successfully control them, and the process was neither painful nor difficult, more like a smooth transition. Isaiah watched the Kraken thrashing on the sea surface, still wearing his proud and disdainful expression, but there was a hint of envy deep in his eyes. That was an authority! Even if it was only a fragmented version, it was still an authority, the most top-notch power in the world, the power wielded by deities. This silly octopus actually received such a blessing. It was truly fortunate! It turned its eyes to Ji Chen, who was focused on the octopus. This human was willing to bestow an authority like this to a subordinate, indicating that he was not a selfish person. Now that he had also gained control of multiple powerful authorities, his future achievements would certainly be considerable. Perhaps he could even ascend to godhood in hundreds or thousands of years. If he were to help out a bit now, maybe in the future, when Ji Chen becomes a god, Ji Chen might help him reach a higher height. Isaiahs brain quickly spun, considering the details and benefits therein. The process of controlling the Corrosion Authority continued for several hours until sunset. Only then did the Kraken stop its painful struggles. Its murky copper bell-like eyes gradually cleared, and its pupils turned gray as if smeared with dye. Its body didnt change much, but its entire being emitted an unprecedentedly powerful aura, spreading out like a newborn sun, exuding a vast tidal force. It gave them the illusion that the Kraken had once again ascended. Squeak squeak!! (My lord, I have successfully controlled the Corrosion Authority, and I also feel that Im not far from becoming an above epic tier!) Ji Chen smiled faintly. Controlling an authority to a certain extent could help elevate ones tier. But for the Kraken, already at the epic tier, the chance to reach the tier above epic through this opportunity was also significant. Otherwise, according to the normal rate of advancement, it would take at least hundreds or even thousands of years to have even a slight chance. Above the epic tier lied the pinnacle imagined by countless beings. And he, who had newly gained control of the Thunder Authority and the Storm Authority, naturally benefited greatly from it. [Ji Chen] [Level]: 69 [Level Cap: 89] [Identity]: Lord of the Ocean [Main Profession]: Ocean Dominator (Current Tier: Above Epic) [Skills]: Ocean Domain (Colored skill, can deploy an ocean domain with a radius of 1500 meters, reducing enemy attributes by 0-90% within the domain, the effect depends on the strength difference between allies and enemies, reducing physical and magical damage by 75%, reducing mana consumption by 75%; the domain can absorb nearby water sources, forming a floating water domain in the air; (New) storms can be stirred up and thunder can be summoned within the domain) [Lord Talent]: Favor of the Sea IV (Red Talent, with a relatively broad concept; current explicit effects are: ? Easier access to gifts from the sea, <2> When troops are near the sea, their stamina and recovery speed increase by 80%, @ Ability to move freely and swiftly in water, reducing oxygen consumption by 99% and water pressure by 95%), @ Blessed by the sea, immune to any fatal, cursed, tracking effects, and skills within the marine environment, with a chance of resurrection (only once) ? (New) By infusing the Thunder Authority and Storm Authority into the power of the ocean, he gained even greater strength. Special Abilities: (D Master of Thunder (You have complete control over the Thunder Authority, making all thunder and lightning in the world ineffective against you, thunder becomes your plaything) <2> Lord of Storms (You have complete control over the Storm Authority, able to summon world-ending storms within the oceans range, causing ubiquitous attacks on enemies; wind and rain are extensions of your arms, you are the storm) With only one step difference between reaching level 69 and level 70, his tier transitioned from epic to above epic. The Lords Talent upgraded once again, gaining a new ability. The Ocean Domain evolved. Two special abilities appeared on the panel, representing the effects of the Thunder Authority and Storm Authority. Each one was a significant boost, with the power above epic implying that he had truly reached the pinnacle of this world, becoming a presence of top-tier power. How many entities exist above the epic tier in the main world? It was unknown. They were extremely rare, with only the Elven Empire known for sure to possess beings above epic tier. The Markus Empire of humans might also have such powerful individuals, but there was no other relevant information available. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only In this regard, the Crown of the Ocean, with its cutting-edge power, stood on equal footing with formidable forces like the Elven Empire. Ji Chen, full of vigor, looked around at the numerous heroes, waved his hand grandly, and laughed. Lets bring back news of slaying the Undead Demon King. This should severely strike the remaining three demon kings. Next, we will turn defense into offense and actively attack the remaining three demon kings! Yes! Chapter 789 - Chapter 789: Becoming a God? Chapter 789: Becoming a God? Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In a serene and breathtaking aerial palace. The Undead Lord got slain!? Is this for real? Based on the urgent report, this is highly probable. Lord Ji Chen in a cluster of islands near the southeastern part of the Mid-Ocean adjacent to the Southern Continent, has slain one of the five Demon Lords, the Undead Lord, Maldonis. According to the report from Commander Yasen of the Fifth Fleet in the Mid-Ocean, there was a massive uprising within the Undead Legion under the Undead Lord. Its preliminarily judged that many high and low rankings officers suddenly died, and its speculated that the Undead Lord himself had a life contract-like connection with these demons who suddenly perished. So when the Undead Lord died, they perished along with him, leading to a massive revolt of demon soldiers. Herli recounted breathlessly. Laphia slowly exhaled, her eyes still showing remnants of shock from the explosive news. She couldnt understand. Killing the Dreadlord before was one thing, indicating inadequate strength and perhaps luck, but the Undead Lord was much stronger than the former Demon Lord. Were beings above the Epic Tier so easily dealt with? Then wouldnt she be just another easy prey for Ji Chen? Herli exclaimed, What kind of creature is this little guy? In such a short span of time, he single-handedly defeated two Demon Lords above the Epic Tier. Does he intend to eradicate all Demon Lords? Its not entirely impossible if thats his intention, Laphia said solemnly. Although the Undead Lord ranks third, his strength is comparable to that of the Void Lord, who ranks first. Its highly probable he possessed the power of authority. If I were to fight him, I would only have a slight advantage based on theoretical data. Herli chuckled, covering her mouth. If you were to fight that little monster, who do you think would win? Laphia gave her a glare. Do you really wish for us to be at odds with him? I cant bear that responsibility. Herli quickly grabbed her arm. I just have a feeling that perhaps someday, the Elf Empire will stand against him. Is this the prophecy of the High Priestess of the Elf Empire? Its not necessarily an inevitable future, but one of countless possibilities based on trends. Herli shook her head, with a hint of unease on her face. I hope that day never comes, it would bring us great trouble, even catastrophe. Laphia furrowed her brows slightly, never before had she seen her closest friend like this. Herli controlled a part of the foresight authority, becoming the High Priestess of the Empire with this power, predicting the unknown entities that would threaten the elves in the future. Over the centuries, she had helped the Empire solve many problems, so her words carried a lot of weight in Laphias heart. But Ji Chen seemed to have no reason to stand against them, or rather, there was no need for the Elf Empire to antagonize a young powerhouse with boundless potential. Herli suddenly raised an eyebrow and smiled. Dont worry, even though thats the case, humans have a saying, Man proposes, God disposes. We wont be so foolish as to pick a fight with that little monster. Its not in our best interest. Besides, no matter how strong that little monster is, Laphia, youre not someone to be trifled with either. As the youngest Epic Tier in the history of the Elf Empire, possessing multiple authorities and the blessing of the Mother Goddess, you are also one of the top-ranking powerhouses. People only knew that every Elf Queen was of the Epic Tier, but not many knew the specific strength of Laphia, because there were not many things that required her to leave the Silver Moon Holy City, let alone to personally take action. Staying unknown was always the best strategy. Laphia just smiled, then spoke seriously, Since Ji Chen has slain the Undead Lord, causing the Undead Legion to collapse into a riot, then we can completely seize the initiative, launching an attack on the Southern Continent without any hesitation. Start organizing the various elven legions, and mobilize the fleet to send our warriors to that land covered in yellow sand. Since the situation in the Eastern and Western Continents is not optimistic, well use the Southern Continent as a breakthrough point and fiercely stab the demons from behind! Laphia walked to the window, overlooking the Silvermoon City through the window, saying, I also have a feeling that this war will end faster than I imagined, and this world will return to its original state more quickly. Then this world will enter a new era faster, perhaps those top creatures who can touch the boundaries of the divine realm will appear one after another, climbing towards the supreme divine ladder together. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only And at that time, new gods will be born, old gods will fall, perhaps it will be a peaceful era of hundreds of thousands of years, or it may be an unprecedented chaotic era. Herli pursed her lips, placed her hand on her chest, and bowed. We will always follow you until our elves fulfill the long-standing wish of millions of years. Laphia turned around, and nodded, Go, go to the Crown of the Ocean to express our goodwill to him, and try to bring him into our camp. Herli blinked. What is your intention? Hes relatively new to this world, so its about time to share some of its most profound secrets with him and see if he can lend a hand in its salvation. Herli pondered. I will convey this message, but I cannot guarantee that he will join.. Chapter 790 - Chapter 790: Becoming a God?(2) Chapter 790: Becoming a God?(2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Laphia waved her hand. Hell be interested, just tell him 1 know how to ascend to godhood. The news of the Undead Lords death quickly spread to every corner of the Mid Ocean, with countless people cheering the setback of the demons, while many pondered how exactly he was killed. However, the source of the news, Ji Chen, only revealed that the Undead Lord was dead, but remained tight-lipped about the battle process. Power like Authority was incredibly powerful, especially when it was kept a secret. Just like the God of Decay and the Undead Lord, they never anticipated Ji Chen possessing the Thunder Authority, catching them off guard. This illustrated the power of hidden cards. Let outsiders speculate. After defeating the Undead Lord, Ji Chen quietly disappeared amidst the cheers and celebrations of the heroes upon returning to the Alliance Fleet after announcing the news. He returned with the army to the Crown of the Ocean. The battlefield in the Southern Continent no longer needed him much; it mainly consisted of deserts and wastelands, not where he could make the most impact. He only needed to return periodically for supplies of fresh water. Once the Druids of the Elven Landing Forces cultivated the special plants that could convert seawater into freshwater, he didnt even need to worry about such issues anymore and could focus his attention on other Demon Lords, such as the Decay Lord, who currently occupies the Modo Strait. Even the avatar of the so-called God of Decay was defeated by him, so how powerful was this Decay Lord? Ji Chen gained much from this journey. Firstly, he ascended from Epic Tier to Above-Epic Tier, a terrifyingly rapid promotion speed that would astonish anyone who heard about it. Even more terrifyingly, he acquired two new Authorities, both ranking in the top twenty, elevating his combat prowess to a frightening level. Ji Chen himself couldnt fathom how powerful he could become when going all out now. He no longer regarded Epic Tier opponents with much concern; the only ones qualified to battle him were those also Above-Epic Tier and wielding Authorities. Kraken obtained a fragmented version of the Corrosion Authority, taking an important step towards the Above-Epic Tier. Several heroes of the Crown of the Ocean gained a wealth of experience in this battle, growing in levels not much slower than Ji Chen. Like Alice, who relied on the power of her song, now reaching level 64, and the slightly slower Patheia reaching level 60. The speed of this advancement could truly be described as leaping by the day. The only regret was that no resources were gained during the process of slaying two Demon Lords; instead, there were significant losses in the defense battle against the Dreadlord. When Ji Chen returned to the Crown of the Ocean, whether it was the residents repairing the city defenses or the soldiers on patrol, they all put down their work and cheered loudly for the return of their lord. He was their great and revered lord! With his own strength, he defeated Demon Lords and annihilated millions of Demon legions! A fervent atmosphere permeated, with cheers echoing everywhere. Even the passing merchants couldnt help but be swept up in this atmosphere. And at this moment, the wheels of fate began to turn, the long-stalled wheel finally started rolling. Ding- Your tier has reached Above-Epic and you have acquired Authorities. The peoples support for the Crown of the Ocean has risen to 100 points, reaching the upper limit, initiating the process of condensing divine fire. Ding- Currently, the level of faith collected is [103,561 points], allowing more intelligent beings to call upon your name. By becoming their belief, you can propel the process of igniting the divine fire. Ding- Currently, you possess three types of Authority: Ocean Power, Thunder Authority, and Storm Authority. You may choose one of them to lay the foundation for your deity type. Please choose. Upon hearing the system prompts, Ji Chen clenched his fists in excitement. Finally! So, to achieve 100 points of public support, the prerequisite was to ascend to the Above-Epic Tier and possess Authority! And whats paved by the 100 points of public support was the celestial ladder to becoming a deity! This was unexpected yet somehow anticipated. It was easy to understand that the level of faith collected could drive the condensation of divine fire. This number should represent the beings who believed in him, the vast majority of whom were residents of the Crown of the Ocean. This number should only include the most fanatical believers, as otherwise, even considering the humans, slaves, lizardfolk, and luminescent sea tribes of the Crown of the Ocean combined, they wouldnt reach a million. The next prompt was to choose the deity type. The most convenient way for mortals to become deities was through acquiring Authority, which corresponded to the deity type based on that Authority. For example, if Thunder Authority was chosen, then the deity type condensed would be the God of Thunder, while Storm Authority would lead to the God of Storms. Should he choose the Thunder Authority? Thunder Authority was ranked seventh among the mid-tier Authorities, with tremendous destructive power. Opting for the path to become the God of Thunder would indeed be a good choice. With the force of ten thousand lightning in his hand, and thunder roaring. Although Storm Authority ranks nineteenth, its characteristics were extremely compatible with Ji Chens profession. If he could become the God of Storms, his combat power within the ocean would escalate to a terrifying level. With a wave of his hand, he could transform into a storm, sweeping away everything. Ji Chen pondered, slowly considering his options. He didnt choose Thunder Authority or Storm Authority. Instead, he chose Ocean Power. Ocean Power was one of the Authority types Ji Chen obtained relatively early on, but because he only acquired a portion of it, he struggled greatly when battling the Undead Demon King. But this couldnt conceal its potential. Ocean Power could encompass everything and hold infinite possibilities. It was also the power he was most proficient in, the one he wielded most skillfully. The ocean contained storms and thunder, as well as more power and a broader mind, with unfathomable depths. He believed that Ocean Power was the best path for him to become a deity. With this thought, Ji Chen silently prayed in his heart. Ding- You have chosen Ocean Power as your deity type. You have embarked on the path to divinity as part of the Ocean God lineage. A mysterious and inexplicable force, originating from an unknown place beyond the sky, entered his body. Changes began to occur. From all over the Crown of the Ocean, specks of faith power passed through buildings, forests, and rock layers, converging into his body. Ji Chens body began to change. Skin, organs, flesh, cells Evolution towards greater strength, precision, and higher levels. When the evolution ends, the mortal body will transform into a divine one. He would reach above the high heavens. Suddenly, a gaze was drawn to a faint but determined flicker of light from the mortal world. Was that one of the seeds He had unintentionally scattered earlier? With just a slight focus, His sight pierced through endless voids and atmospheres, spanning countless distances to see that shimmering seed. At that moment. He was slightly enlightened. So, it was this special seed. It was unexpected that it had grown so quickly in such a short time. Indeed, it exceeded expectations. The power of the three Authority types. Above the epic. The beginning of deity condensation. Not bad. Any achievement that would astound the world in the eyes of outsiders could only garner a not bad in the presence of this being. He shook his head. But its not enough. They are too many. Relying solely on Him cannot ensure the safety of this plane through crises. He needs stronger assistance. Since this special seed has caught His attention, He will offer more help to let it grow faster. The towering power surpassing all silently descended. Just as Ji Chen finished selecting his deity type, he suddenly raised his head. His eyes flickered with surprise. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He seemed to sense the presence of other strands of ocean power. If he could gather the scattered ocean powers back, then the deity based on it would only become stronger. When the ocean power is complete, its power will be no less than that of Thunder Authority. Lost momentarily after defeating the Undead Lord and unsure of what to do next, Ji Chen found his next goal. With determined eyes, he looked at one of the nearest strands of ocean power. That was the Sea of Death.. Chapter 791 - Chapter 791: Divine Power Crystal, Divine Power Troop Chapter 791: Divine Power Crystal, Divine Power Troop Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Lord of the Waves, whom he had once defeated, came from the Sea of Death north of the Stormy Sea. According to Thotmudo, the Sea of Death was not a desolate area, but rather teeming with diverse creatures, with some ocean warlords similar to the Lord of the Waves also occupying it. Thinking of this, Ji Chen became quite interested. In the past, when he was just a legendary-tier figure, the Sea of Death was a dangerous place for him. After all, even a failed loser like the Lord of the Waves, who managed to reach a legendary tier, escaped that place. So, the powerful ocean warlords inside must be at least epic-tier. Epic-tier beings were still quite rare and powerful. But now, Ji Chens strength has increased by more than a hundredfold compared to before. Just relying on the power above epic is enough to suppress a region. However, the giant turtle once said that he was cursed for touching an artifact of the ocean deityOcean Gods Shrine. Considering the situation, perhaps this surge of ocean power was in this artifact. With a clear goal in mind, and sensing that the nearest surge of ocean power was right across from his doorstep, Ji Chen quickly prepared to set out. Naturally, the giant turtle had to come along. As a mobile strategic base, its fierce firepower, troop-carrying capacity, and comfort were all indispensable for the journey. Are you worried about getting rushed by a massive force like this knocking at your door? In gaming terms, its like a sudden base assault. After several hours of submersion, the giant turtle stopped at the entrance to the Sea of Death. Emerging to the surface A breathtaking scene unfolded before everyones eyes. The vast sea in front suddenly showed huge faults, and billions of gallons of seawater turned ninety degrees and rushed straight down into the endless abyss like the mouth of a giant beast, with no bottom in sight. Looking straight ahead, thousands of kilometers before the fault, a towering black curtain stood like a wall, piercing through heaven and earth. This scene seemed to be at the end of the world. This is the entrance to the Sea of Death. The abyss and the black curtain are remnants of the divine battle. The giant turtle said solemnly, The abyss and the black curtain created a closed space, giving birth to an environment completely different from the outside world Anyway, youll know once you go in. Ji Chen was intrigued by these words and no longer hesitated. He took out the map of the entrance to the Sea of Death. This mapwais not an ordinary map but a guide. The map emitted a faint light. Swish The seawater floated up and condensed into a huge, wide water bridge above the fault, and a gap slowly opened in the black curtain on the other side. Lets go in. The giant turtle nodded, paddling its limbs along the water bridge and diving into the black curtain. Ji Chen felt the space being overturned, and darkness occupied his vision. His body seemed to pass through a membrane. The next moment, they seemed to be transported to another place. The sky here was as chaotic as the dimness, with no sunlight penetrating. Dimness was the theme of this place. The blue-purple sea, scattered islands like chess pieces, and barren islands with only strange rocks eroded by sea winds, without a trace of vegetation, greeted them. The sea surface was so calm that not even a wave was half-raised. Only the giant turtle paddling its limbs caused ripples to spread out in concentric circles as if some force was suppressing the entire world. Silence, desolation, oppressionthis was Ji Chens first impression of this place. This is how it is here, unlike the lively outside world. Food is scarce, land is limited, and the creatures living here fight each other. Chaos is the only theme here, the giant turtle said. Lord of the Waves, Victor, accidentally obtained that map, which allowed him to leave here and go to the outside world. Without the maps guidance, even epic-tier beings would be unable to pass through the black curtain and the abyss. Ji Chen nodded understandingly. No wonder there were still creatures living in this ghostly placeit turned out they were trapped here. It was like the elves in the Vale, a mystic realm in the ancient battlefield of the divine war. They had been trapped in that icy wilderness for tens of thousands of years. If it werent for Ji Chen going in and bringing them out, they would probably have had to wait for another tens of thousands of years. No time to lose. Giant turtle, take me to that artifact of the ocean deity. That artifact is deep inside. Along the way, we will pass through the control zones of many ocean warlords. Be prepared for battle. No problem, I can handle it myself, Ji Chen said nonchalantly, shaking his head. The giant turtle didnt say anything either and began paddling its claws towards the depths of the Sea of Death. It knew Ji Chens strength. With power above epic and the authority of the elements, even in the Sea of Death, where the law of the jungle was taken to the extreme, he had no opponents. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The resources here were simply too scarce. The creatures fought to the death, but in the end, they could only obtain meager resources. The powerful gradually lost strength, while the weak lacked resources for growth. The overall strength had been declining over the millennia. The deeper they went into the Sea of Death, the more they could feel its desolation. Everything they saw was filled with decay and decline. But what surprised Ji Chen was that this place seemed to produce some things that the outside world didnt have. On an island roughly the size of the giant turtles shell, amidst the rugged and broken rocks, stood strange plants that resembled dragon blood trees. With trunks as sturdy as rocks and branches extending upwards like veins, the densely packed gray-white branches intertwined to form a thorn-like crown.. Chapter 792 - Chapter 792: Divine Power Crystal, Divine Power Troop (2) Chapter 792: Divine Power Crystal, Divine Power Troop (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation However, what grew on the branches were not fruits, but crystals emitting orange light, with roots-like blood vessels inside the crystals. [Divine Power Tree] [Special plants nurtured by scattered divine power accumulation] [Divine Power Crystal] [Type]: Resource [Level]: 6 Special crystals nurtured by the divine blood tree, possessing unique energy. Level 6 resource!? To upgrade troops to Tier 6 and heroes to Legendary Tier, he would usually need Level 5 crystal shards. But this thing called Divine Power Crystal was actually a level 6 resource! There were hundreds of such trees on this island alone, and the Divine Power Crystals on the trees add up to at least thousands of units! Wasnt this world supposed to be very barren? At this moment, the giant turtle spoke. These Divine Power Crystals are the product of the scattered divine power here. They are indeed rare resources, but they also contain the curse of the ocean. For ordinary creatures, they are no different from poison. Ji Chen had a sudden realization, and as he connected the dots, excitement surged within him. The Divine Power Crystals were poison to other creatures, but they were nothing to him. He possessed the power of the ocean, equivalent to having the antidote. He plucked a Divine Power Crystal from the tree, and as soon as his palm touched the surface of the crystal, he could feel a special substance, like a snake, rushing into his flesh along his arm, seemingly wanting to deeply root itself in his body. However, the substance was dissolved the moment it entered his skin. At this moment, a prompt sounded in his ear. New substance detected: Divine Power Crystal, special troop growth line unlocked in the Military Talent Tree: Divine Power Troop Line. Ji Chen was stunned for a moment and opened the Military Talent Tree. The tree diagram, obscured by mist, revealed a brand new page, displaying a new tree diagram named Divine Power Troop. [Divine Power Troop] [Troops in this line will possess divine power, and all attributes will be multiplied] [Consuming Divine Power Crystals can transform troops into Divine Power Troops] [Sea Crystal Wyrm (Tier 6, 3 stars): Consuming 250 units of Divine Power Crystals can transform one Sea Crystal Wyrm into Divine Power Sea Crystal Wyrm (Tier 6, 9 stars)] [Naga Iron Colossus (Tier 6, 4 stars): Consuming 275 units of Divine Power Crystals can transform one Naga Iron Colossus into Divine Power Naga Iron Colossus (Tier 6, 9 stars)] Troops with divine power? Just arrived in the Sea of Death, and it brings him such a surprise? Ji Chen didnt hesitate. Collect all these Divine Power Crystals for me! With a command, the heroes on the back of the sea crown turtle immediately began to collect the Divine Power Crystals on the divine power trees, gradually piling up a small mountain on the empty ground. As for the so-called divine curse? They werent afraid at all. Ji Chen had already released the power of the ocean, preventing the curse contained in the crystals from causing any harm to them. Just like fruit trees, some Divine Power Trees bore many crystals, while others bore fewer. Some trees could yield more than a dozen, while others could yield hundreds, and the sizes varied. This made Ji Chen ponder. Soon enough, all the Divine Power Crystals on the island were collected and piled up, radiating a sparkling orange light that was incredibly eye-catching. If this were placed outside, it might be mistaken for a pile of orange gemstones. Without hesitation, Ji Chen waved his hand, and every single Divine Power Crystal was swiftly collected into his bag. Ding- You have obtained five thousand units of Divine Power Crystals. Five thousand units seemed like a lot, but transforming one Sea Crystal Wyrm would require two hundred and fifty units, and with five thousand five hundred units at most, he could only transform twenty Sea Crystal Wyrms. Transforming all Sea Crystal Wyrms would require nearly three hundred thousand units of Divine Power Crystals! Forming this Divine Power Troop wasnt easy. After pondering for a moment, Ji Chen asked the giant turtle, Do you know the rules for Divine Power Trees to produce Divine Power Crystals? The giant turtle shook its head, The creatures in the Sea of Death barely have time to stay away from the Divine Power Trees, so how could they study the rules for producing Divine Power Crystals? Ji Chens expression froze for a moment as if realizing the truth. But these Divine Power Trees seem to be a specialty of the Sea of Death. If he were to collect all the Divine Power Crystals and still couldnt transform the troops into Divine Power Troops, wouldnt that be a waste? If these Divine Power Trees took too long to produce Divine Power Crystals, with too low sustainability and too little yield, it would greatly limit the potential of the Divine Power Troop. My Lord, why not conduct experiments here? Alice suggested. From the differences in size and quantity of the born Divine Power Crystals, the Divine Power Trees did bear some resemblance to fruit trees. The problem lay in what nourishment the Divine Power Trees require. Ji Chen nodded slightly. First, he tried the seawater of the Sea of Death and normal freshwater, but the Divine Power Tree showed no response. Looking at the rocky texture of the trunk, he stroked his chin. This thing shouldnt be nurtured by normal substances; its probably something else. Could it be divine power? But thats something he couldnt obtain. With a spirit of experimentation, Ji Chen tried various resources one by one. Wood, stone, and the like naturally had no effect. However, when he threw a few units of crystals, mithril, and adamantium next to the Divine Power Tree, which had been silent and unresponsive, the crown of the tree suddenly swayed. The gray-white roots pulled the crystals into the soil, and the crystals shrank visibly at the speed of ice cubes, turning into liquid and being absorbed into the trunk. A small thumb-sized divine power crystal quickly grew on the branches. As it slowly absorbed, its size also gradually increased until the crystals, mithril, and adamantium were completely absorbed, and the thumb-sized divine power crystal became the size of an index finger. Ji Chens eyes were filled with uncontrollable joy. So, Divine Power Trees could absorb rare resources as nourishment for nurturing divine power crystals! If crystals and precious metals like mithril could do this, then what about even more advanced spirit crystals? Eager to test this idea, Ji Chen took out ten units of spirit crystals and threw them all onto the tangled roots of the Divine Power Tree. As if sensing a more delicious nourishment, several roots of the Divine Power Tree moved, pulling the prey back to the cave to feed the young like a mother beast. The roots half-buried the spirit crystals into the soil and began to absorb them with a gurgling sound. More divine power crystals emerged from the branches, absorbing energy and growing larger. However, compared to crystals and mithril, the speed of absorbing spirit crystals was much slower. Another key point was gained from the experiment: the speed at which the Divine Power Tree absorbed resources was limited, which would affect its ability to nurture divine power crystals. But this was undoubtedly good news. At least the speed of nurturing divine power crystals was not so slow as to be unacceptable. As long as the number of Divine Power Trees increased and there were sufficient resources for nourishment, they could continuously produce divine power crystals. Now the only concern was whether the Divine Power Tree could be transplanted to the Crown of the Sea. When asked about it, the giant turtle still shook its head. All living beings kept a respectful distance from the Divine Power Tree, so how could they even think about transplanting it? Were they courting death? Only Ji Chen, who possessed the power of the ocean and was fearless of ocean curses, dared to entertain such thoughts. Ji Chen decided to personally conduct an experiment. He instructed a dozen or so Naga Iron Colossus to dig up the soil around a Divine Power Tree. Then, he had them connect a dozen or so Ocean Blood Dragons to the trunk of the Divine Power Tree with ropes and exert force together. In reality, the Divine Power Tree was not as heavy as its rocky appearance suggested. The dozen or so Ocean Blood Dragons easily lifted it up. Under Ji Chens command, they transported it onto the back of the giant turtle and temporarily planted it in an open space. Ji Chen nodded slightly. Very good, everyone is in motion. Lets quickly transport these hundreds of Divine Power Trees onto the turtles back! Yes! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only If any living creature from the Sea of Death were to witness this scene, they would surely be shocked. The Divine Power Tree, regarded as ominous and cursed, was actually being transported by a group of outsiders onto a giant turtle the size of an island as if they were moving treasures. Even without mentioning anything else, just the hundreds of Divine Power Trees temporarily planted on the turtles shell were enough to keep them at a respectful distance. This was like carrying a bunch of explosives! Touch it and you die! Chapter 793 - Chapter 793: Hometown Island, Old Duke and Little Gavin Chapter 793: Hometown Island, Old Duke and Little Gavin Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation With the giant turtles shell, accommodating these hundreds of divine trees was a breeze. Aside from the towering towers, magical spires, barracks, and other buildings, Ji Chen estimated that he could transplant tens of thousands more onto the turtles shell, provided there were enough divine trees available for transplantation. Ji Chen even had a bold idea: to surround the New Moon Islands with these divine trees, utilizing their curse-inducing properties to form a natural barrier. He couldnt wait to see who would dare invade the Crown of the Ocean with such a terrifying curse-laden circle of trees in place! About five hundred divine trees were transplanted one by one. The once neatly arranged island now bore numerous holes left by the dug-up trees, making it look as unsightly as pockmarks on a face. Ji Chen gazed at the sizable grove of divine trees on the turtles back, nodding with satisfaction. With a sweep of his hand, he declared, Lets continue onward! Feeling almost no change in the weight on its back, the giant turtle started to move upon hearing Ji Chens command. After turning around, it began to swim deeper into the Sea of Death. However, the further they ventured, the more something felt amiss. The silent sea surface rippled slightly, surrounded by utter silence with no sign of any living creatures. Its too quiet, the giant turtle rumbled. Weve passed through several marine warlords territories, but we havent even encountered a patrol, which doesnt make sense. In the past, they were very territorial. Once they detected other warlords troops crossing their borders, they would send out large numbers of troops to counterattack, often resulting in thousands of casualties. So why is it so peaceful now? Ji Chen furrowed his brow slightly. Indeed, the journey had been too quiet. They hadnt encountered even a single living marine creature. Could something have happened? At that moment, Patheia, who had been scouting the sky, swiftly descended. As she approached the ground, her pure white wings suddenly spread out behind her, countering the impact of her descent. With a graceful twist, she landed smoothly. Ji Chens eyes showed a hint of appreciation. Not bad, very skillful. Upon hearing his words, Patheia, who had already become a qualified warrior after experiencing numerous battles since leaving the Floating Island, blushed at once. Its its all thanks to your guidance, My Lord! Seeing Patheia, who had instantly shed her image as a resolute female warrior and was blushing profusely, Ji Chen couldnt help but smile. I cant teach you to fly without wings Right, did you find anything? Turning to business, Patheia regained her composure and said seriously, Just now, I spotted what seems to be two armies fighting in the northwest direction. Fighting? It looks like theres quite a number on both sides, probably totaling four or five thousand. Ji Chen nodded and didnt hesitate. Giant turtle, lets head northwest. Understood. The massive island immediately changed direction, moving faster than before. Soon, everyone saw the two armies fighting. One was composed of shrimp people, while the other consisted of crab people. They seemed unaware of an approaching island and remained focused on their adversaries ahead. For the glory of our lord, kill the enemy!! Hail Lord Marxsan!! The two armies, guided by different beliefs, continued to charge forward under the command of their respective leaders. It wasnt until the island grew larger and clearer that they realized something was amiss. Look, what the heck is that!? Boom! The giant turtles massive body rose up, causing a deluge of seawater to cascade down. Thousands of marine troops were thrown off balance, staggering and looking extremely terrified. It wasnt an island but a gigantic turtle with no end in sight! At that moment, a figure leaped from the turtles back. As it was about to hit the sea surface, its speed slowed down as if losing gravity, landing on the water like a falling leaf. There was no trace of disturbance in the water, not even a splash. This astonished them. What kind of power was this? Ji Chen scanned the marine troops, who had stopped fighting under the intimidation of the giant turtle, and walked over to them. He said calmly, Bring out your leaders. Realizing that this was an extraordinary individual, the leaders of the two armies quickly emerged from their ranks and approached him, showing reverence and awe. Sir, may I ask what brings you here? the shrimp person leader asked respectfully. Ji Chen surveyed the shrimp and crab leaders, noticing the reverence and awe in their eyes, but their expressions suggested that they were not seeing humans for the first time. Could it be that there were other humans in the Sea of Death? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Curiosity arose in his mind as he inquired, Are there humans here in the Sea of Death? Upon hearing this, the shrimp leader and crab leader quickly realized that Ji Chen was from the outside world. The shrimp leader hurriedly replied, Sir, every year, some humans, elves, and other races from the outside world accidentally enter the Sea of Death, so we arent too surprised to see you. The shrimp leader quickly added, Most of those humans and elves who have strayed into our territory have gathered on a group of islands to the north of this sea. They have established their own settlements Its not far from the Ocean Gods Shrine. If there are any disturbances there, its likely to affect them too. Ocean Gods Shrine? Ji Chen squinted his eyes. It sounded like what the giant turtle had mentioned, the name of the artifact left behind by the Ocean God.. Chapter 794 - Chapter 794: Hometown Island, Old Duke and Little Gavin Chapter 794: Hometown Island, Old Duke and Little Gavin (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Tell me more about the Ocean Gods Shrine. The shrimp leader and the crab leader looked at each other, and the latter spoke up, This isnt a secret Two months ago, there was a violent disturbance at the Ocean Gods Shrine, as if some divine object was born. The lords from various regions rushed with their armies to contend for it, leaving only a small number of soldiers behind Everyone suddenly realized that the reason they hadnt seen the armies of the lords along the way was because of this. As for the birth of a divine object, Ji Chen quickly thought of whether this was the power of the ocean. Ji Chen asked the two marine leaders a few more questions. Until he couldnt get any useful information, Ji Chen quickly returned to the giant turtle and headed towards the Ocean Gods Shrine and the settlements of humans, elves, and other races that had mistakenly entered this area. Watching the island-like giant turtle gradually drifting away, leaving behind two bewildered marine leaders and two marine armies looking at each other in confusion. Their eyes were full of confusion. Disturbed by this diversion, they didnt know whether to continue fighting or to cease fire. The power of the ocean was originally intact, but in the battle of the ancient ice field tens of thousands of years ago, its host deity was besieged by several dark deities, splitting into several forces and residing in various divine weapons. Several divine weapons were taken away by the orderly deities who arrived later, and for various reasons, they were scattered all over the middle of the ocean. Among them, the most powerful divine weapon, the Ocean Gods Shrine, was used to suppress and repair the severely damaged and chaotic sea area due to the battle of the gods. To prevent anyone from coveting it, the orderly deity responsible for supervising the operation of the Ocean Gods Shrine, before leaving, triggered another power of the Ocean Gods Shrine a curse. Such a curse successfully kept the covetous away for hundreds of thousands of years, but as time passed and the unattended Ocean Gods Shrine gradually lost stability, the residual divine power leaked out, giving birth to byproducts like the Divine Power Tree. In recent years, it has become increasingly unstable, with every disturbance attracting the attention of the entire sea area This was the information provided by the shrimp leader and the crab leader. Its authenticity is difficult to determine, but Ji Chen is inclined to believe it because it aligns with what he already knows. At that time, among the divine weapons, one of them was a trident, which was left in that icy and desolate ice field, allowing him to obtain it inadvertently and gain a touch of the power of the ocean. Only the power of the ocean, which is of the same origin, can lift the curse it imposes. The closer they got to the location of the Ocean Gods Shrine, the clearer their perception became. The power of the ocean within their bodies seemed to be calling out, urging them to quickly integrate the power that belonged to them into one. The Sea of Death didnt seem very large on the main world map, but from the inside, its several times larger. Ji Chen speculated that this was because during the battle of the gods, the dispersed divine power disrupted the spatial rules nearby, causing the phenomenon of spatial overlap, making this area as large as half of the southern sea area, extending thousands of miles. As they continued northward, they gradually began to see traces of some marine races on the road, all seemingly heading towards the Ocean Gods Shrine. These marine races had all heard of the disturbances that occurred there. Curses are terrifying, but danger and opportunity coexist. Thats a divine artifact! Since so many powerful lords from the Sea of Death had gone there, there must be something good. With a hopeful mentality, they went to see if they could pick up some leftovers. However, as they were on their way, they suddenly saw a huge giant turtle carrying dense towers passing by not far away. Its limbs required dozens of people to embrace, its head was bigger than a house, and the airflow from its nose stirred up water splashes several meters high. Around it, there were thousands of powerful armies flying in the air. They were stunned and dumbfounded. It wasnt until the giant turtle disappeared in the distance that they snapped back to their senses and felt hesitant. With such a giant turtle around, whats the point of going there? Along the way, the lords and armies they encountered all kept their distance. The Sea of Death was a place full of barbarism and chaos. Killing didnt need any reason, and if ones strength was inferior, they would naturally become prey. They all feared that if the giant turtle didnt like them, it would crush them with one foot. Fortunately, the journey went smoothly, and Ji Chen soon saw the settlements of humans, elves, and other races. On this undulating island, stood buildings with distinctive racial characteristics. Although most of the materials were rocks, from the architectural style, it was easy to distinguish where humans lived and where elves lived. Most of the humans used stone to build, while the elves carved exquisite patterns on the rocks, sculpting decorative sculptures. The dwarves and gnomes carved caves into the mountains. However, whether it was humans, elves, or dwarves, when they saw the giant turtle, they all showed expressions of fear. Because the giant turtle was squatting squarely on the edge of the island, with thousands of powerful armies circling around it, glaring at them. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen, accompanied by heroes, stepped onto the island. The discerning humans and elves hurriedly ran up, bowing and saluting with the most respectful tone and demeanor. Sir, welcome to Hometown Island. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow. Hometown Island? A male elf who looked like the leader smiled bitterly. Yes, the humans, elves, dwarves, and various other races living here all inadvertently came here but couldnt return. They named it Hometown Island because they yearn for their hometowns.. Chapter 795 - Chapter 795: Hometown Island, Old Duke and Little Gavin (3) Chapter 795: Hometown Island, Old Duke and Little Gavin (3) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen nodded slightly. Thats quite apt. The other human leader cautiously asked, Forgive me for being presumptuous, but may I inquire, sir, what brings you to Hometown Island? There are scarce resources and treasures here, and the crops can barely sustain us, so Im here for the Ocean Gods Shrine. The human leaders face lit up with understanding, and he breathed a sigh of relief, saying, I see, the Ocean Gods Shrine lies about thirty miles to the east of Hometown Island, underwater. You can go straight there. During this time, all the ocean lords of the Sea of Death were drawn by that artifact, so its not surprising that they were attracted here, but its the first time so many armies have mistakenly entered. Out of curiosity, someone asked, Sir, I dont think Ive ever heard your name mentioned in the Sea of Death I came here voluntarily from the outside. Ji Chen said lightly. The humans, elves, and dwarves present were all stunned. What a joke. Once you come to the Sea of Death, you cant leave, and theyve never heard of anyone willingly coming here in so many years. Ji Chen didnt explain much, just said meaningfully, If there was a chance for you to leave here, what price would you be willing to pay? The human leader hesitated for a moment and said without hesitation, Besides my life and freedom, everything else can be offered as a price. The elf leader looked at Ji Chen with suspicion and hesitation and said, Im willing to give up everything I have, just to leave this cursed place. Ji Chen smiled and didnt say anything more, turning around and returning to the back of the giant turtle, which slowly retreated into the sea and left. Not far behind the humans and elves, an old and a young dwarf stood on a rock, watching the giant turtle gradually disappear from sight. Grandpa Duke, the young dwarf suddenly raised his head, his eyes shining with innocence, If we had such a big turtle, could we leave here? What is the world outside like? The scruffy old dwarf with white whiskers smiled kindly, Perhaps, but Grandpa has been here for half a lifetime and doesnt know what the outside world has become. Little Gavin pouted, his face full of curiosity, I heard those pointy-eared and human beings say that the outside world has a blue sky, white clouds, a bright sun, and mountains covered with flowers and forests full of birds. I really want to see it with my own eyes! Old Duke looked at the eyes full of longing of little Gavin, and for a moment, he couldnt find the words to say. He also longed for that azure sky. But he couldnt be sure if those enemies outside were still looking for him. And even if the enemies were no longer seeking him, what could he do? His people had already been killed by that infernal demon, and even if he were to leave, he would only be alone. Rather than continue to suffer, it would be better to stay here until his life ends. But the only thing he couldnt bear was what would happen to little Gavin after he died? He didnt think those humans and elves would kindly raise a little dwarf! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Old Dukes thoughts collided in his mind, and his eyes gradually showed a hint of confusion. As if sensing his emotions, little Gavin tightly held Old Dukes rough but powerful hand, his eyes earnestly serious. Grandpa Duke, Gavin will always be with you. Old Dukes heart trembled fiercely, he forced out a smile and held little Gavins small hand with his own, the confusion in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by determination. Grandpa will always be with you, and will definitely let you see the blue sky and those white clouds.. Chapter 796 - Chapter 796: Chaos Battle Chapter 796: Chaos Battle Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation **Deep Sea** The vast sea basin, originally empty, was now crowded with all sorts of marine creatures. Hundreds of lords from the Sea of Death had gathered here, each with their own army stationed. They eyed each other warily, on guard against the enemy. Some lords, feeling their strength insufficient, formed temporary alliances for mutual protection, while others, powerful and disdainful, claimed their own territories. But their attention, without exception, was focused on a bronze gate embedded in the seabed cliffs in the distance, engraved with mysterious and intricate patterns. Their eyes were filled with desire, greed, and heavy caution. It was a relic left behind by the godsthe Ocean Gods Shrine, possessing boundless power, yet cursed with the decay of life. Although it had existed in the Sea of Death for who knows how long, no sea creatures had dared to approach it. But not long ago, the Ocean Gods Shrine suddenly showed signs of activity, and a voice as majestic as a gods resounded in their minds simultaneously. Through the test, gain the shrine. They did not doubt, because the energy required to directly produce a voice in the mind was something no lord could achieve; only an artifact possessed such power! If they could, as the voice said, pass the test and obtain the Ocean Gods Shrine, then unifying the entire Sea of Death would be within reach. No sea creature could resist such temptation. In an instant, hundreds of lords of the Sea of Death, shocked but without hesitation, brought all their armies, intending to seize this divine object. As one after another prominent sea lord arrived, the Ocean Gods Shrine seemed to sense their presence, and the bronze gate that had not changed for countless years slowly opened inward. But as if there were an invisible membrane on the threshold, keeping the seawater out, the door revealed a whirlpool of countless stars inside. Clearly, it was no ordinary space within. Their hearts gradually heated up, but they did not move, instead vigilantly watching the other lords. The atmosphere grew increasingly tense, as no lord dared to enter first. Sometimes, humans prioritize possessions over their own well-being, often to their own detriment. This was applicable even in the Sea of Death. Soon, a bold lord suddenly rushed toward the door with his army. This was like lighting the fuse of a powder keg; the entire sea basin exploded instantly. Many lords eyes turned red, and they subconsciously reached out to stop him from entering, as if letting him enter first would increase their chances of obtaining the shrine. At first, the irritable lords fought among themselves. Some lords who had remained rational wanted to control the situation, but they were soon affected by the increasingly chaotic scene. Whether those armies were intentionally engaged in combat or not, a potent spell veered off course and hit a nearby army led by a hesitant lord, immediately injuring hundreds of marine soldiers. The eyes of this lord turned red instantly. Damn it, he hadnt even made a move, and these bastards dared to attack him!? Men, lets take them down!! With a command, his army, unable to contain their anger any longer, surged out and joined the melee without hesitation. One by one, lords joined the melee, and tens of thousands of marine soldiers fought each other. When Ji Chen arrived here riding on a giant turtle, what he saw was an extremely tragic scene. The sea was filled with a shocking number of marine corpses, and the smooth sea basin was pockmarked by spells, with several underwater mountains collapsed around. It was evident that a fierce large-scale melee had taken place. And even now, some armies were still fighting, each one so bloodthirsty that they didnt even notice Ji Chen and his groups arrival. My lord, these lords and armies should have started fighting because the door opened, causing conflicts due to the order of entry Alice pointed to the distant cliff, where the bronze gate, completely open, emitted a vortex of starlight. Ji Chen nodded slightly. Obviously, some lords had already entered, but he wasnt in a hurry at all. Only the possessor of the power of the ocean could control the Ocean Gods Shrine. Without the power of the ocean, it was impossible to control even a bit. In other words, these lords were just tagging along. Seeing fewer and fewer soldiers fighting, those lords gradually began to wake up, regretting bitterly as their hearts almost burst with remorse. They regretted why they had suddenly joined the melee earlier, allowing other lords to slip in. At this moment, they noticed that at some point, a massive and incomparable giant turtle was quietly lurking on the seabed, surrounded by thousands of powerful armiesNaga Iron Colossus, Ocean Dragons, Leviathans, Heavy Armor Lobster Archers All were glaring at them with bated breath. Inside the transparent dome on the turtles back, stood towering spell towers and spell cannons, with engraved spell patterns glowing layer by layer Their faces suddenly changed. They quickly made way. Your Excellency, please come in. Their armies also instantly woke up, each one becoming very obedient, even disregarding the enemies who were fighting fiercely just now, all bowing down to show respect. In the Death Sea, strength alone may not suffice; one must also possess the wisdom to act appropriately. If the powerful were displeased, eliminating them was as straightforward as crushing a worm. Ji Chen was also surprised by their rapid and unified actions. He showed no reaction, waving his hand indifferently. They allowed the turtle and the army to pass directly over them. In the three-dimensional ocean, being swum over from above was a disgrace, but this only applied when both sides were evenly matched, or when the opponent was weaker. If the opponents strength far exceeded theirs, it became a sign of respecting the stronger. As the huge and heavy body of the turtle slowly swam overhead, casting a large shadow, their hearts pounded incessantly, their faces showing some fear. If this lump of mass were to come crashing down now, they would probably be squashed into a pulp. Fortunately, the turtle just leisurely swam by, disappearing into the bronze gate with the surrounding powerful army. As if silenced by the pressure, it took them a while to recover, sighing in relief, each with a lingering look of fear on their faces. But suddenly, they realized something. There was a freaking human standing on the turtles back! After entering the bronze gate, Ji Chen and his companions found themselves in a strange space, almost like a hidden realm. The sea was above, and the sky below. The entire space had flipped upside down. It felt like there was no gravity here, allowing them to swim in the sky as if they were in the sea, gliding through the clouds above, gazing up at the suspended sea water with a sense of wonder. Here, the rules of space seemed completely different from the outside world. Looking around, there were no traces of the other ocean lords who had entered, leaving them unsure if they had gone their separate ways or were lurking in the sea above, waiting to strike. Ji Chen didnt pay much attention, simply closing his eyes to sense the location of the ocean power. Without wasting time, they set off immediately. The space wasnt large, and after traversing the undulating layers of the white ocean for several minutes, they came upon a peculiar area. It was as if a canopy was inverted above, keeping the clouds outside, while within the canopy, a majestic blue palace hung upside down at the intersection of sky and sea. The shimmering seawater reflected the palace, along with the floating clouds below, creating a beautiful yet somewhat awe-inspiring sight, incredibly eye-catching. As the turtle slowly passed through this invisible canopy, the surrounding space suddenly changed, rotating 180 degrees, and simultaneously gravity returned swiftly, causing a sudden sense of falling. Thud The turtle plunged directly into the sea, creating waves over a hundred meters high. Even the accompanying army struggled to adapt to this sudden change in space, nearly falling into the sea. At the moment of the spaces rotation, Ji Chen controlled his body and quickly surveyed his surroundings as he regained his composure. In this area, which seemed either normal or twisted compared to the rest of the space, stood only them and the magnificent palace, exuding a grand and imposing aura. Without hesitation, Ji Chen slowly reached out his hand. As the aura of the ocean power emanated, they seemed to be drawn to each other like magnets. Swish The massive palace, no less impressive in size than the turtle itself, soared into the air, gradually shrinking in flight until it became a miniature model, floating in the palm of Ji Chens hand. The moment Ji Chen appeared here, the artifact had already sensed the familiar power, returning like a swallow to its nest. Feeling the familiar and harmonious sensation emanating from the artifact named Ocean Palace, Ji Chen couldnt help but curve his lips into a smile. This journey had been too smooth, so smooth that it made him feel that acquiring power and treasures in the past had been much more difficult. Suddenly, several dozen troops entered this area from outside, looking disheveled from the instantaneous reversal of space, each struggling to regain their composure after falling into the sea. They spotted Ji Chen and the miniature palace floating above his palm. Their eyes immediately turned red. They roared. Hes got the goddamn Shrine, kill him! The Shrine belongs to us, hand it over now! Ji Chen glanced at them indifferently, saying calmly, If you want it, come and get it. Seemingly provoked by Ji Chens indifferent attitude, these lords immediately commanded their troops to attack. Although they saw several powerful troops on Ji Chens side, they had over a dozen lords and over a hundred thousand troops. A dozen against onesurely they could win? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only But they quickly realized the folly of this thought. Suddenly, the turtles back erupted with terrifying energy fluctuations, followed by a barrage of intensive spells soaring into the sky and crashing down like meteors, blasting them into disarray. The army, consisting of thousands, was commanded by several heroes who effortlessly mowed through their enemies. Even the least skilled among them belonged to the legacy tier, while most were legendary, and a few even attained epic status. It was like being struck down with a crushing blow. Where on earth had this army come from!? Chapter 797 - Chapter 797: Ocean God Shrine Chapter 797: Ocean God Shrine Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Watching as the army and the Kraken effortlessly controlled the situation, Ji Chen focused his attention on the Ocean Gods Shrine, closing his eyes and gradually releasing his spirit. As his spiritual tentacles touched, his consciousness was sucked into a vortex. In a trance, a familiar feeling arose in his heart, an experience he had encountered when he touched the Trident in the icy wilderness. A highly familiar power emanated from the depths of the vortex, faintly calling out like a child crying for its mother. Ji Chen sensed it, releasing the oceans power from his body generously. Feeling the familiar aura, the childs cries ceased quickly, merging joyfully with him, expressing decades of grievances and loneliness. It seemed to blame why it hadnt been found earlier. Perhaps evolving rudimentary intelligence, the Ocean Gods Shrine retained some memories of the divine battle. In that river of memories, he saw frozen frames. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, the Ocean God was besieged while protecting the orderly legions retreat. Ultimately, he fell, exhausting his strength, and his oceanic power divided into four parts. One part turned into the Trident and remained at the place of the fall. One part was taken away by the Ocean Goddess to appease the oceans riot caused by the Ocean Gods fall. One part fled autonomously to a location in the eastern Pacific Ocean. One part was sealed within the shrine and brought by the orderly gods to the Sea of Death to suppress and repair the damaged space and rules. This meant that now, there were only three strands of oceanic power left, with two already in Ji Chens hands. This absorption and fusion were not as painful and arduous as the first time he absorbed the Tridents oceanic power. It was like having experience after the initial development and encounter. The path had been opened, and obstacles had been removed. Therefore, it was smooth sailing all the way. Ji Chen felt his consciousness enveloped in warm water, constantly absorbing power. Waves of overflowing energy flowed through his body, breaking through all blockages. His soul couldnt help but emit a comfortable moan. At the same time, the believers at the Ocean Gods Shrine seemed to sense something, all looking towards the sky with infinite fervor. Their deity was becoming more and more powerful! A plump elf in a robe who had just stepped off the ship couldnt help but turn to the side, a hint of surprise and doubt in the green eyes under the brim of her hat. Here, she unexpectedly felt waves of faith emanating from some residents of the Ocean Crown. Subconsciously, she thought it was the believers of that sect praying. It was strange because this was the Ocean Crown. There shouldnt be any sect that could spread faith here. Moreover, the elves wouldnt allow the Light Church to spread teachings on their territory, let alone this being their headquarters. But then, she suddenly froze. A possible guess dawned on hercould the faith of these residents be directed towards him!? The power of faith could only be absorbed by a deity in the process of igniting divinity and becoming a god. This meant Sea of Death. The momentum around Ji Chen gradually subsided, and he slowly opened his blue eyes, exhaling a sigh of relief. Alice and other heroes approached, their faces full of respect. They could clearly feel that Lord Ji had become even more powerful, like an unfathomable ocean, impossible to see through. Lord, we have already repelled most of the attackers who actively targeted us, but there are still some we did not pursue in order to protect you. Ji Chen nodded slightly. No worries, I will take care of them. With that, the miniature shrine reappeared in Ji Chens palm once again. This was the appearance of the Ocean Gods Shrine, the central control hub of this special artifact. With a thought, the entire space suddenly trembled. Those ocean lords still present here immediately felt an irresistible force, pushing them out of this space and sending them outside the bronze gate. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The Ocean Gods Shrine was not a purely offensive weapon like the Demon Slayer, but a special spatial artifact. (Ocean Gods Shrine] [Grade]: Divine Artifact (sealed state, unlock all effects and skills when obtaining the position of the Ocean God) [Effects]: ?Mystic Realm Evolution (contains a miniature mystic realm inside, capable of accommodating living creatures) <2) (Sealed, unknown)[Skills]: ?Shrine Suppression (drives the shrine with supreme ocean power, forcibly suppressing living beings within a certain range)? (Sealed, unknown)[Special]: This weapon can only be used by the owner of the ocean power.[Potential]: The Ocean Gods Shrine can be transformed into a divine country seed, and resources can be spent to evolve it into a divine country.[Crafted by the last generation of the Ocean God using countless ocean treasures and materials, refined over tens of thousands of years, this spatial artifact of the mystic realm type possesses immeasurable evolutionary potential.]At this point, Ji Chens power had not yet truly reached the level of a deity, especially since he had not fully collected all the ocean powers, resulting in most of the shrines effects and skills being in a sealed state. However, the power he displayed at this moment was still astonishing.Especially the Mystic Realm Evolution. This could be deduced from the special space they were in. This place was the miniature mystic realm inside the Ocean Gods Shrine, proving its value by its ability to accommodate living creatures.In simpler terms, this was like an extra-large backpack, capable of holding a large amount of supplies, food, and so on, solving the logistical issues of the entire army in one go.On a larger scale, if the army was placed here in advance and released at certain moments, such as suddenly releasing them behind enemy lines, it would be a fatal blow!Even if epic-tier forces were suddenly surrounded by a large number of sixth or even seventh-tier troops, they would feel extremely troubled.Digging deeper, this meantBut what surprised Ji Chen even more was the potential line. The fact that the Ocean Gods Shrine could also be used as a divine country seed.A divine country was the exclusive property of a deity!Even a deity must expend immeasurable energy and resources to cultivate a divine country seed, and then invest further resources comparable to nurturing the seed in order to build their own divine country.The Ocean Gods Shrine can serve as a seed, paving a smooth path for him to build his divine country after becoming a deity in the future.This is not just making a fortune; its making so much that one doesnt even recognize it anymore!Ji Chen made an effort to restrain his almost cracking smile, waving his hand confidently.Lets go!In the basin.More than forty surviving ocean lords remained here, staring tightly at the bronze gate.Their faces were filled with various expressions.Just a moment ago, they were desperately searching for that artifact, only to be abruptly thrown out by an irresistible force.Amidst the shock, there was also puzzlement.Could it be that another lord had already obtained the artifact?Therefore, they did not leave but stayed here, waiting for this lord to come out before launching a collective attack, continuing the struggle.That was a divine artifact!No matter what, they had to strive for it. If things didnt seem right later, they could always flee.As for the risks involved? These lords, whose eyes were blinded by greed, had long actively pushed them to the back of their minds.These ocean lords remained outside, eagerly watching the vortex inside the door, ready to attack at any moment.The vortex flickered slightly.The next moment, a massive object suddenly appeared outside the portal. They instinctively wanted to command their armies to launch an attack, but when they saw clearly what it was, they all froze in shock.Fear crept into their eyes.Its such a huge turtle head! Chapter 798 - Chapter 798: More Divine Power Trees! Chapter 798: More Divine Power Trees! Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The sea clan lords present all sucked in a cold breath simultaneously. This turtle was just too massive, resembling an island in size. The spell towers erected on its back and the arrow towers equipped with alchemical machinery emitted a lethal sense of danger. Surrounded by watchful armies, the aura they exuded made their hearts skip a beat. Soon, some lords recognized this giant turtle. A sea salamander-shaped sea clan lord exclaimed in disbelief, Isnt this the giant turtle that belongs to Victor, the Lord of the Waves? How could it appear here? Could it be that he obtained the artifact!? Victors territory was adjacent to his own, and just a few months ago, he had joined forces with several other lords to expel him and divide his territory. Without a territory, it was impossible to acquire resources, let alone muster such a powerful army or build so many spell towers. He had once thought that Victor, who had been expelled, was long dead. But unexpectedly, the giant turtle, which had always been by his side, appeared outside this divine shrine. The sea salamander lord raised his head to look up, and his six round white eyes tried to find Victor, but instead, they saw a figure they had never expected. A human!? The ocean belonged to the sea clans, a fact that had remained unchanged for hundreds of thousands of years. Although humans and other races appeared to occupy the majority of islands and land on the surface of the sea, they only had access to a tiny fraction of the oceans resources. The core and primary resources were all hidden beneath the rolling waves. Even the ocean gods of the Ocean Divine Lineage, who resided in the high heavens, were mostly born of the sea clans, or at least had some connection to them. Only the sea clans, who were born, grew up, lived, and died in the ocean, could glimpse and reap the most precious resources of the sea. The most fundamental of these resources, the layers of seawater, acted as a barrier, making it difficult for other races to stay for too long. For hundreds of thousands of years after the Divine War, the sea clans, despite suffering great trauma, were still protected by the ocean, facing no external crises and continuing to thrive at a steady pace. Their distribution and power were extremely scattered, with no signs of unification. On the mainland, for hundreds of thousands of years, one fallen kingdom after another was destroyed by rising resistance forces. These resistance forces would change their names and establish new kingdoms on the ruins of the old ones, only to gradually decline after one or two hundred years and be destroyed again by newly emerged resistance forces. This cycle continued endlessly, shaping the course of history. As the saying goes, when a country is invincible abroad, it is doomed to perish at home. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, the sea clans suffered a sudden blow from the invading demon army during the Divine War, causing their once glorious oceanic kingdoms to be almost completely destroyed. Now, they seemed to understand the method of resistance as long as they did not have an oceanic kingdom, they could not be destroyed. In the present Mid Ocean, there were only scattered sea clan tribes and settlements, but not even a regional oceanic kingdom. At this moment, the appearance of a human in this deep sea brought them a shock comparable to seeing a god. Especially when it seemed that he had obtained the artifact that belonged to them. How could there be a human here? Could it be from that island? Damn it, I said I wanted to kill those humans and elves. Now look, a human has obtained the divine object that belongs to our sea clan! We cant let him leave here alive. Kill him and seize the artifact! For these sea clan lords who were accustomed to ruling and dominating, the sight of someone from a different race made them all restless, their eyes filled with killing intent. Although this turtle was enormous, the sea salamander lord had fought with it when he expelled Victor. The voices of agreement gradually increased, seemingly giving him more courage. Maintaining a calm demeanor, he coldly addressed Ji Chen. Human, this divine artifact belongs to our oceanic race. Surrender the Ocean Gods Shrine, and we may let you leave! Ji Chen looked at the somewhat legendary and flabby salamander speaking to him in such a manner. He almost wanted to laugh at the audacity but couldnt be bothered with playing along with such a pretense. Raising his right hand, a miniature shrine appeared on the palm of his hand. The bronze gate behind him instantly disintegrated, turning into a stream of blue light that flowed into the shrine, leaving a door-shaped depression on the rock wall. The moment the miniature shrine appeared, the eyes of all the oceanic lords present suddenly lit up with intense desire, as if the ocean itself was about to boil over with their burning greed and longing. They wished nothing more than to possess it. The Ocean Gods Shrine! A divine artifact left behind by the gods! At this moment, they were completely consumed by madness. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only But before they could do anything, ripples visible to the naked eye suddenly spread out from the miniature model. In an instant, these oceanic lords felt as if a mountain had been pressed down upon them, immobilizing them at the bottom of the sea, rendering them unable to even move a finger. Their eyes cleared instantly, replaced by expressions of fear. [?Ocean Gods Suppression (Using the supreme power of the ocean, the Ocean Gods Shrine forcefully suppresses living beings within a certain range)] Ji Chen looked at the prostrate oceanic lords with satisfaction and nodded. The Ocean Gods Shrine skill was somewhat similar to the Ocean Domain, both creating a domain to suppress enemies. However, the formers effect was more brutal and domineering, capable of forcibly subduing enemies.. Chapter 799 - Chapter 799: More Divine Power Trees! (2) Chapter 799: More Divine Power Trees! (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In front of him, this group of oceanic lords, at the lowest tier, had absolutely no opportunity to showcase their power. They were utterly powerless, akin to pigs awaiting slaughter in a pen. Lord, have mercy!! Please forgive our previous disrespect, whoever possesses the divine artifact shall have it. Since you have obtained it, we will no longer covet it! Forgive me, Lord, I will serve you as my master in the future! In a matter of seconds, these oceanic lords swiftly transitioned from arrogance to pleading for mercy, displaying a remarkable level of adaptability and skill in changing their demeanor. But Ji Chen had no intention of killing them either. It would be too wasteful to directly kill this considerable force. Perhaps it could develop into a trump card, and one can never have too many of those. Amidst the nervous gaze of the many oceanic lords, Ji Chen pondered for a moment, his expression indifferent. Then, calmly and unhurriedly, he said, Ill give you a chance. In the future, if I need it, you must come and support me unconditionally. They hesitated for a moment, their expressions reluctant, but soon some lords immediately agreed. I am willing, as long as you give the order, I will definitely mobilize the army to support you!! Ji Chen smiled as if satisfied. Very well, then you shall start the initiation of the contract. The lord was suddenly at a loss. He had just wanted to cope for a while and disappear when it was safe, but why did he have to sign a contract now? But since the words had been spoken, refusing again might cause big problems. It was not a wise choice to provoke this human. He could only nod with a mournful face. Ji Chen didnt play any tricks with this contract. It was simply what he said: they would only need to support him once when necessary. This type of contract was not like the master-servant contract signed with Luo Yang and others. It was a verbal contract, and although it was only verbal, it was protected and maintained by the rules of the world. Violation could result in stagnation in ones power at best and a decline in strength at worst. No one would violate such contracts that would bestow severe consequences regardless of their tiers. The oceanic lord who was the first lucky one soon finished signing the verbal contract, and Ji Chen released him. The oceanic lord, with a depressed expression, bowed to him and then left this sad place with his army without hesitation. The divine artifact was not obtained, but someone had freeloaded a chance to mobilize their forces. What a loss! Seeing Ji Chen keeping his promise, other lords also reluctantly signed contracts and left with a heart full of grievances. More than fifty oceanic lords present, almost the strongest group in the Sea of Death, without exception, offered a chance to mobilize their forces. This force was considerable, stronger than the reinforcements against Balzarnas Dragon Island and Deep Sea Dragon Whale. Although the quantity might be insufficient, the quality was not low. Just the Legendary tier alone accounted for more than half. These oceanic lords, in the extremely harsh environment of the Sea of Death, where resources were extremely scarce, and where they had to survive amidst the pressure of intrigue and killing, had tempered an extremely tenacious strength. According to the giant turtle, the reason for this was the severe resource depletion over the past ten millennia, resulting in extreme barrenness in the area. Ten thousand years ago, the sea lords in the Sea of Death were much stronger, with many in the legendary tiers and even epic tiers were as common as everyday occurrences. It was a pity that they were all trapped in this narrow Sea of Death. Otherwise, the entire Mid-Ocean might have undergone a thorough reshuffle. As the last sea lord left with a complex expression, Ji Chen had collected a total of fifty-five contracts from the sea lords, turning them into a powerful card. This trip went smoothly. Ji Chen returned to the surface without hesitation, searching for more divine power trees. After obtaining the Ocean Gods Shrine, the second goal was to find enough divine power trees. The appearance of divine power trees seemed to have no pattern, and the underwater sea races rarely came to the surface. Most of the time, they live in the sea, so they dont know which islands had a large number of divine power trees. The divine power tree forest they encountered before was already the largest they found along the way. The others were just scattered with a few trees. So far, they had found less than a thousand trees, far from the ten thousand they needed. After some thought, Ji Chen decided to return to Hometown Island. There were many terrestrial races there, and they should be familiar with the islands for resource collection. The humans and elves on Hometown Island were quite surprised when they returned for the second time, especially considering their attempt to seize the Ocean Gods Shrine. However, they still maintained a respectful demeanor outwardly. Both the sea races and Ji Chen were entities they couldnt afford to provoke, and they had to tread carefully. When Ji Chen expressed his intention to return, they were also very surprised. After all, divine power trees carried curses. Would they dare to approach them instead of avoiding them? Wasnt this the calmness of a strong individual? Lord, when we sailed through the Sea of Death to collect resources, we did find many islands with divine power trees, but most of them only had a dozen or so, the human leader shook his head. And in most cases, we avoided them, not daring to approach them. We also dont know if there are more divine power trees on some larger islands. The elf leader nodded. The growth of divine power trees has no pattern as if it were the will of the gods themselves But we have encountered the largest forest of divine power trees, with about a thousand trees, and quite a few divine power crystals. Ji Chen didnt hesitate and immediately said, Tell me the exact location, and Ill exchange resources for it. The elf leaders face lit up. Was there such a good deal? He was already prepared to provide the information for free. He quickly responded, Its on a small group of islands about one hundred and fifty to one hundred and sixty miles west of Hometown Island. Ji Chen nodded slightly, waved his hand, and suddenly a mountain-like pile of resources appeared on the ground, including the most urgently needed food, textiles, freshwater, as well as some rare resources and weapon equipment. Among them were even some food seeds, which were the most desired items for them. The elves couldnt contain their excitement, openly displaying their joy. With so many supplies, their days ahead would be much better, especially with those seeds. Using natural elf spells, they could maximize the survival rate and continuously obtain seeds to form a virtuous cycle. Seeing the elves receiving so many resources, the human leader couldnt sit still either and quickly revealed the information he knew about the divine power trees. Lord, we once encountered an island with many divine power trees Seeing the humans trying to compete for business, the elf leader also became anxious and revealed everything he knew without reservation, hoping to gain more resources. Later on, not only humans and elves but even other races with relatively smaller populations on Hometown Island joined in. Although the number of divine power trees in each location wasnt large, apart from the thousands mentioned by the elves initially, most had only a dozen or so. However, there were also quite a few with around a hundred. Many a little makes a mickle. When the data was added up, it amounted to about four to five thousand trees, in addition to the approximately six thousand from before. Ji Chen dispatched teams of a hundred people each to the coordinates provided by Hometown Island to transport the divine power trees. Thus, the races on Hometown Island could see formidable troops helping with ropes, carrying mature and immature divine power trees, and transplanting them onto the back of the giant turtle. The giant turtles face contorted as it watched the divine power trees being sent onto its back, feeling somewhat constipated. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Having been previously cursed, it now had so many cursed trees planted on its back. Although protected by the power of the ocean, it still felt uneasy. With four thousand trees remaining until the goal of ten thousand was reached, Ji Chen pondered where to find this remaining portion. Walking from amidst the humans and elves on Hometown Island were an elderly and a young dwarf. Ji Chen glanced at them, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. That scruffy old dwarf turned out to be an epic-tier powerhouse? Chapter 800 - Chapter 800: Dwarf in Black Iron Fortress Chapter 800: Dwarf in Black Iron Fortress Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation City Hall. Where is your lord? I need to find Ji Chen to discuss matters. Tell him that guests from the Elven Empire have come to visit. The municipal staff spoke in a plain yet polite tone, repeating the same template response as before without any difference in their demeanor. Your request, esteemed elf, has been relayed to City Hall, and I have also informed Lord Wilus of this matter. Please be patient and await our notification. Listening to this repetitive response, identical to the previous inquiries, Herli clenched her teeth in frustration. However, she dared not erupt in anger and could only leave in a huff. Several days ago, she had come to the Crown of the Ocean from the Elven Empire at the behest of Queen Laphia, disguised as an elven merchant, to meet the young lord of the Crown of the Ocean, known for his exceptional strength. In her expectations, she would receive a warm welcome upon her arrival and be received by Ji Chens side as an honored guest. But in reality, far from receiving a warm welcome, she had been turned away multiple times at City Hall. The humans responses were either to wait patiently or to go back and wait for a notification. However, she couldnt reveal her identity and could only swallow this humiliation with tears. She would remember this grudge! Herli was the High Priestess of the Elven Empire and a close friend of the Elven Queen. Yet, she was treated in such a manner in a small territory. When she finally met Ji Chen, she would have some choice words for the humans! Returning to the temporary residence at the inn, Herli locked the door of her guest room and revealed her true elven form. She collapsed onto the relatively soft bed, her mind emptying momentarily. But then, as if remembering something, she sat up and retrieved a spatial treasure, pouring out the coins inside onto the bed. One gold coin, two gold coins only three gold coins left!? Herli gingerly picked up the coins with her fair fingers, realizing the significance of these seemingly insignificant pieces of metal. Her beautiful face gradually displayed a mix of shock and despair. Nine gold coins C barely enough to survive for a week here! In the Elven Empire, she was the lofty High Priestess, born into a noble priestly family, never having to worry about money, nor understanding the significance of wealth. This led to her leaving the empire without even considering taking some money with her, only relying on the small amount of coins she had stored in the spatial treasure. If she could have met Ji Chen upon arrival, those remaining coins could have covered the cost of her return ticket. But now, not only had she not met the main person, but she had spent most of her time here cooped up in this cramped room, eating the poorest quality food to save money. If Ji Chen didnt come to see her soon, she would starve to death here! With a mournful expression, Herli put the coins back into the spatial treasure, already considering some unconventional means to survive. It was said that there was an elven tribe settled in the Crown of the Ocean. If things got really bad, she could go to these fellow elves and try to garner some sympathy, perhaps mooch off them for food and drink? Hometown Island. Seeing the old and young dwarves who emerged from between humans and elves, both the humans and elves were surprised. The human leader couldnt help but exclaim in astonishment. Old Duke, why are you here? Quickly go back. You shouldnt offend the noble. The elven leader also advised, Please return quickly. The noble is searching for the Divine Power Tree. Judging by the tone of the two leaders, this old dwarf seemed to hold some sway among both humans and elves. The old dwarf known as Old Duke shook his head, holding the hand of the young dwarf, his face seemingly hesitant. Ji Chen gestured for them to stop their persuasion. Who is this dwarf? The human leader hurriedly spoke up. Milord, we all call him Old Duke. Hes the one who has lived on Hometown Island the longest. Before any of us arrived here, Old Duke was already living here. Old Dukes forging skills are quite good. Usually, we gather metal from outside and he would forge them into various tools, farming implements, and weapons. Everyone respects him. The little dwarf is named Gavin. Hes the child of a dwarf couple who got lost in the Sea of Death a few years ago. However, they were killed by sea beasts during a voyage, and Old Duke adopted little Gavin left behind. The human leader paused, showing a hint of confusion. Usually, Old Duke stays in his workshop. I dont know why hes come out today. I hope this hasnt offended you, and well persuade him. Ji Chen waved his hand indifferently, his expression slightly changing. It seemed that these humans and elves were unaware of the dwarfs strength. No worries, Ill ask personally. The human and elf leaders glanced at each other. Yes! Ji Chen walked over with his hands behind his back. Little Gavin hid behind Old Duke, looking somewhat frightened. Grandpa, this human seems scary Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Old Duke patted his head, comforting him. Its okay, Grandpa will protect you. Hearing what the little dwarf said, Ji Chen couldnt help but smile wryly, turning his head to ask. Alice, do I look scary? Alice blinked her big eyes, looking at Ji Chens fair and smooth skin, his well-defined features emitting an aura of authority rather than anger, and gently shook her head. Milord, youre not scary at all.. Chapter 801 - Chapter 801: Dwarf in Black Iron Fortress (2) Chapter 801: Dwarf in Black Iron Fortress (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen smiled and shook his head. I knew you would say that, Alice. Alice stifled a laugh. Old Duke comforted little Gavin and looked at this human, whose strength was unfathomable even to him. Taking a deep breath, he bowed. Milord, my name is Duke. This is my adopted son, little Gavin. I would like to request something from you. Ji Chen turned around casually. What is it that an epic-tier being cannot accomplish? Duke fell silent for a moment and then sighed. It seems I cannot hide anything from your discerning eyes, Milord. My action is merely to ensure a peaceful life for little Gavin here. Its a matter of necessity. Ji Chen nodded thoughtfully. A dwarf living with a young dwarf in a place mostly inhabited by humans and elves, wanting to live peacefully and hiding strength, was indeed a strategy. However, he didnt pay much attention to it and said lightly, Regarding your request, we have no deep connection, and Im not a selfless altruist. Im not obligated to help you, and you should know that. Old Duke nodded. I understand that. Thats why Ive brought enough leverage. I know of an island where over five thousand divine trees grow. Interest flashed in Ji Chens eyes. With five thousand divine trees added to the original six thousand, it surpassed the target of ten thousand trees. State your request. Old Dukes face lit up, but he glanced at little Gavin hiding behind him and pleaded, Please, I want to speak with you privately. Ji Chen paused briefly, then nodded slightly. When the humans and elves present heard Ji Chen say that Old Duke was an epic-tier being, they were all thrown into doubt, confusion, and shock without exception. Some even thought they had misheard. But seeing Old Duke admit it, their faces changed drastically. The scruffy old dwarf, who had been diligently forging iron for decades, usually strolling with the young dwarf or holed up in the rundown workshop, turned out to be a freaking epic-tier powerhouse! What a melodramatic turn of events! These humans and elves hastily pondered whether they had been disrespectful to Old Duke or had treated him unfairly in the past. Old Duke led Ji Chen, with little Gavin in tow, to a nearby spot and spoke solemnly. Milord, I know you have a way to freely enter and exit the Sea of Death. Ji Chen narrowed his eyes. How do you know about my ability to do so? At first, it was just a guess, but I only confirmed it just now. Old Duke paused. In the exchange you had with humans and elves earlier, there were many weapons and equipment. I could tell at a glance that those weapons and equipment were crafted using dwarf forging techniques, more specifically, the forging techniques of the Black Iron Fortress dwarves. Ji Chen was slightly surprised. You know about the Black Iron Fortress? Old Duke fell silent for a moment, sighing. I must confess, I was once a member of the Black Iron Fortress dwarves. But due to a twist of fate, I ended up here Was it because a demonic fire beast of epic proportions destroyed the Black Iron Fortress? Old Duke suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with disbelief and shock. How did you know!? That happened thousands of years ago! An epic-tier dwarf, hailing from the Black Iron Fortress, narrowed down the possibilities significantly. And your name isnt Duke, its Theod Blackiron, isnt it? This time, Old Dukes weathered face underwent dramatic changes, his eyes bloodshot, as if his biggest secret buried in his heart had been unearthed, his emotions fluctuating violently. Among the three epic-tier dwarf strongmen of the Black Iron Fortress, one managed to escape, one perished while defending the fortress and died in a secret chamber, and the last one, according to the formers account, was betrayed and killed by a fraudster. According to the testimony of the survivor, the remains of the dwarf who died in the secret chamber were undoubtedly authentic. But there was uncertainty surrounding Theod Blackiron, who was allegedly betrayed and killed by the fraudster. There was no sighting of his corpse or concrete evidence of his death, not even witnessed by the survivor. The only basis for declaring his death was his disappearance. That was the crux of the matter. The answer was glaringly obvious. And Old Dukes reaction only confirmed it. Ji Chen wasnt in a hurry, waiting for Theod to regain his composure. The young dwarf, witnessing his expression shift from sadness to anger, and then to self-blame, wore a worried expression on his face. Grandpa Duke, whats wrong with you? Are you sick? Upon hearing Gavins words, Theod regained some clarity, took a deep breath, and tremblingly patted his head. Grandpas fine, just feeling a bit tired standing here. Then Gavin will go home and bring a stool for you. Believing him completely, Gavin innocently ran home, leaving Theod to watch his small figure gradually disappear into the distance. As Theod watched Gavin leave, he fell silent for a moment, then sighed heavily. How did you know about the Black Iron Fortress and my name? Ji Chen calmly replied, All of this was told to me by another member of your clan. Do you remember Thotmudo Blackiron? Theod was momentarily stunned, his expression becoming excited. Thotmudo is alive!? Did he visit the Black Iron Fortress and learn about everything that happened thousands of years ago? Thats great! I knew that lad had luck on his side. He couldnt have died so easily. How is he doing now? Seeing Theod becoming increasingly excited, Ji Chen had to intervene. Thotmudo is currently in my territory, serving as a professor teaching forging techniques. He also has taken on an apprentice and seems to be in good spirits Hearing that his dear friend not only survived but was also doing well, this dwarf, who was one of the three epic-tier dwarves of the Black Iron Fortress, expressed genuine relief and happiness. It appeared he was truly happy for his friends well-being. Your request must be to take that young dwarf away from the Sea of Death, right? Theod nodded heavily, his eyes seemingly rekindled with hope. Thats correct. Little Gavin is still young, with a promising future ahead. I cant let him stay in this dark and dismal place like I have all my life. He deserves to enjoy the sunlight and the sky. So I implore you, please take Gavin away and deliver him to Thotmudos side. Gavin possesses a forging talent that surpasses mine. If nurtured by Thotmudo, he will undoubtedly become one of the greatest dwarf blacksmiths in history! Ji Chen asked, And what about you? Theod shook his head, his expression complex. I am no longer the bold and adventurous dwarf I once was. Ever since surviving by sheer luck, Ive been hiding in the Sea of Death like a turtle retracting into its shell. I dare not face those who think I died gloriously in battle against the fire demon. I do not dare to meet Thotmudo, Theod chuckled self-deprecatingly. A hero believed to have died gloriously in battle by all dwarves, in reality, afraid to return, such a situation would rob anyone of the courage to go back. At this moment, young Gavin ran back with the small stool, wobbling as he held it. He placed the stool down and pulled Theod to sit, but Theod looked somewhat embarrassed. It was incredibly impolite to sit before a powerful being who could easily see through him, but it was what his beloved child wanted. Seeing his discomfort, Ji Chen smiled and said, Its alright, please, take a seat. Then, amidst the astonished gazes of the old and the young dwarves, Ji Chen casually conjured a chair and sat down gracefully. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Theod stared wide-eyed, not understanding how Ji Chen accomplished this feat. In the end, it was young Gavin who occupied the small stool, while Theod sat upright on the water chair conjured by Ji Chen. He knew that the fate of Gavins future rested in the hands of this human. Whether he would be trapped and perish together in this hopeless sea, or venture into the outside world to bask in the sunlight and blue skies, unlocking his full potential to become great dwarf. It all depended on this human.. Chapter 802 - Chapter 802: The High Priestess of the Elven Empire Chapter 802: The High Priestess of the Elven Empire Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Lord, when I arrived at the Sea of Death and searched for suitable living areas, I visited many islands. In exchange, I will tell you the locations of all the Divine Power Trees I know. Theod said in a deep voice, There are at least five thousand of them, and some islands have too many Divine Power Trees. I didnt dare to continue deeper, but there are probably more in the depths of the islands. Ji Chen didnt hesitate much. This condition was almost nothing, even a unilateral victory. Firstly, he could obtain a large number of Divine Power Trees, and secondly, it was just sending a little dwarf out, which was an easy task for him. He even had to send this little dwarf to Thotmudos side. It was heard that he possessed powerful forging talent, and perhaps he could be of use to the Crown of the Ocean. This was killing three birds with one stone. He nodded slightly. I agree to your request. Theods face relaxed, and a genuine smile appeared on his lips. As long as he sent little Gavin out to be nurtured by Thotmudo, it would be considered fulfilling his wish. Grandpa Duke, dont you want me anymore!? As if realizing something, little Gavin suddenly grabbed Theods hand, on the verge of tears. Theods body trembled slightly, and he forced a smile, lowering his head to explain, Little Gavin, didnt you say you wanted to go outside to see the blue sky and white clouds? Now this lord can send you out, so you dont have to worry. I have a good friend out there, and hell take care of you I dont! I want you, Grandpa Duke! Little Gavin cried out, I dont want the sky and clouds anymore Watching the touching scene of the two dwarves, Ji Chen left them alone and walked to the side. He didnt actively persuade Theod to leave the Sea of Death or join the Crown of the Ocean like Thotmudo. He respected Theods fate. If Theod couldnt face the events of the Black Iron Fortress thousands of years ago or Thotmudo, then persuasion would be useless. It all depended on whether he could overcome this hurdle himself. Now it seemed that this little dwarf might help Theod move forward and step into a brand new future. A nearby Alice watched Theod and little Gavin, a hint of reminiscence flashing in her eyes. Before, I was like this, clinging to my mother and not letting her leave. Ji Chen suddenly became interested and asked, I didnt know about your mother, Alice. As I reached adulthood and after my mother taught me all the survival skills, she left me and went to the Boundless Sea to find my father. Since then, I have been living alone in the middle of the ocean. Find your father? Alice looked somewhat melancholic and nodded. Yes, my father left me and my mother shortly after I was born, heading to a place called the Boundless Sea to find something. This departure took hundreds of years, and his fate is unknown, just like my mothers, who disappeared after he left. So, while I roamed alone in the ocean, I searched for this so-called Boundless Sea and later came to the Crown of the Ocean. Speaking of this, Alices face showed a hint of emotion. If I hadnt met you, Lord, I might still be wandering alone, homeless. Ji Chen also sighed. At that time, he had just arrived in this world and inadvertently gained Alices loyalty by fishing with a magical potion. Although the process was somewhat shameful and despicable, as time passed, their feelings and bonds grew deeper, with no hint of falsehood. If theres a chance, Ill help you find your parents, Alice. Alice shook her head gently. Its been so long, and Ive already let go. Every Siren has their own destination and home. Since my father chose to go to the Boundless Sea and my mother chose to find him, thats their life path. I chose to stay by your side, Lord, and thats my home. I believe if they saw me in my current state, they would also feel happy and relieved for me. In just over a year, Ive gone from being an Excellent tier hero to a legendary tier hero, with a level increase of over thirty levels. This rate of advancement is faster than riding a rocket, and my potential has also broken through limitations, approaching the epic tier. Its truly boundless potential. Ji Chen nodded with satisfaction and didnt say much more. Theod and Gavin appeared to have reached an agreement at last. Theod walked over, holding little Gavin, his eyes showing signs of slight redness. Lord, I cant let little Gavin leave alone, so I beg you to take me with you as well. The little dwarf also looked up pitifully and pleaded, Please, little Gavin will be very obedient. Please let Grandpa Duke go with us. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Have you prepared yourself to face the past? Dread fell silent for a moment, but a hint of determination gradually appeared in his eyes. For little Gavin, I must confront these things. I also owe Thotmudo an explanation. Ji Chen nodded slightly. In that case, lets board the giant turtle. Were about to set sail. The giant turtle slowly departed from the island, leaving behind humans and elves who were delighted by the sight of the mountains of supplies and the departure of Old Duke and little Gavin. Both the human and elf leaders couldnt help but breathe a sigh of relief.. Chapter 803 - Chapter 803: The High Priestess of the Elven Empire (2) Chapter 803: The High Priestess of the Elven Empire (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After learning that Old Duke was an epic-tier powerhouse, they couldnt maintain their previous attitude anymore. If he had any other thoughts about Hometown Island, that would be a big problem. Even though Old Duke hadnt shown any hostility towards them in the long past, it was still better for Old Duke to leave, so they wouldnt have to be on edge. Seeing the mountain-like pile of supplies, they couldnt help but show joy. With these supplies, their quality of life would greatly improve in the future, at least they wouldnt go hungry anymore. Under Theods guidance, Ji Chen and the others wandered around the Sea of Death, finding more than ten islands with divine power trees growing on them, and uprooted them all, transplanting them onto the back of a giant turtle. Before long, tens of thousands of divine power trees had grown into a forest, densely clustered between the towers and barracks on the turtles back. Looking at the multitude of divine power trees in front of him, Theods eyes flashed with a hint of unease. Even though he was an epic tier, being amidst so many divine power trees would inevitably lead to being cursed sooner or later. But these troops and heroes moved through the forest freely, as if nothing was wrong, which puzzled him. But then Theod suddenly realized something. Ji Chens first trip to Hometown Island was to search for the Ocean Gods Shrine, so if he was returning unscathed now, plus his behavior showing no fear of the ocean curse, could it be Is this all the divine power trees you know of? Theods spirit shook, nodding, Yes, most of the divine power trees in the Sea of Death are here, only a small part is scattered in remote comers and yet to be discovered. Since you can freely enter and exit the Sea of Death, you can find the rest later. Ji Chen nodded indisputably. The harvest of divine power trees this time was much greater than expected, combined with the ones previously transplanted, now they had a total of thirteen thousand. From the divine power crystals collected from these trees, it was roughly estimated to be thirty-five thousand units, enough to transform all the sea crystal wyrms into divine power troops! The gains were indeed substantial. Next, they should leave the Sea of Death and return to the Crown of the Ocean to see how the battle against the demons was going. Ji Chen didnt waste any time, immediately saying, Were heading back. The heroes saluted, Yes! On the south side of the Sea of Death. A huge door suddenly opened in the black curtain that connected heaven and earth, and a bridge rose abruptly from the abyss-like sea surface. A giant turtle swam from the door to the sea surface. Is this the outside world? So there really is a blue sky and white clouds! Little Gavin stared at the sky with wide eyes, happily shouting. Theod also couldnt help but look at the azure sky, his face filled with reminiscence. The sky of the Sea of Death was always gloomy and oppressive, and he hadnt seen such a beautiful and bright sky in a long time. Yeah, besides the blue sky and white clouds, there are boundless grasslands, deserts with sand stretching as far as the eye can see, lush forests spreading in patches, and steep mountains and ridges. Theod patted little Gavins head, When you grow up, Grandpa will take you to see these sights. Little Gavin nodded vigorously. Little Gavin will work hard to eat and grow up, so Grandpa doesnt have to worry about me anymore! Good, good- The giant turtle had an excellent sense of direction. Even without being pointed out, it already knew the location of the Crown of the Ocean. Without needing Ji Chen to say anything more, it began its return journey. Upon reaching the vicinity of the shipping lanes. Lord, there are quite a few ships coming and going on the shipping lanes, a little fewer than before the war began. Alice pointed to the nearby shipping lanes, where ships of all sizes were moving on the peaceful and calm sea, showing signs of prosperity. This situation seemed to indicate that the orderly fractions war against the demons was progressing smoothly, and even merchants dared to start large-scale maritime trade again. All of this was made possible by the Crown of the Oceans elimination of Balzarna, the Dreadlord who posed the greatest threat to maritime transportation and trade for the demons. And then, after slaying the undead lord who secretly harbored oceanic power reserves, destroying his millennia-old arrangements in an instant. The balance of this battlefield had already tilted in favor of the orderly camp. Without lingering nearby, Ji Chen hastily returned to the Crown of the Ocean and immediately summoned Wilus. Clear out a piece of land on the north side of the main island to place the divine power trees. Make sure no residents or outsiders come near them, as the divine power trees are cursed. I understand. Wilus responded promptly, then remembering something, he said, My lord, theres a female elf from the Elven Empire who has repeatedly requested an audience with you at the City Hall. What do you think? The Elven Empire? Ji Chen pondered, When did she arrive at the Crown of the Ocean? About a week ago. And I heard she didnt have money to pay for accommodation and food, so I had some basic food delivered to her. Wilus hesitated for a moment before adding, Judging from her demeanor and behavior, she seems to be some kind of elf aristocrat. But if shes a noble, why would she be penniless? Its rather strange. A supposed elf noble without money? What kind of intelligence was this? He paused, then continued, Bring her to me. Yes, my lord! Ji Chen soon met the so-called elf in the reception hall. Under the hood was a mature and beautiful delicate face. Despite wearing simple elf attire, her voluptuous figure couldnt be concealed. She exuded a noble temperament, clearly not an ordinary elf, either wealthy or noble. Herli also looked at this rising star, a hint of surprise in her eyes. She had seen him from afar in Silvermoon City before, but the feeling of observing him up close was completely different. This human was even more handsome than an elf, casually sitting in the chair but emanating the aura of a king on a throne. His imposing manner was intimidating, naturally commanding respect without anger. Just being stared at felt like a pressure coming towards her. When Herli realized this, she was shocked. She possessed a portion of foresight authority, placing her on a level higher than ordinary strong individuals, so she rarely felt pressure from anyone. But both of them possessed authority! As her thoughts churned, Herli gracefully bowed and smiled. Lord Ji Chen, I am Herli, the High Priestess of the Elven Empire. I have come to visit without notice. Please forgive any offense. The High Priestess of the Elven Empire? This was a position second only to the Elven Queen, overseeing all the sacrificial activities of the Elven Empire, a position that directly communicated with the gods. Why would such an important elf secretly come to the Crown of the Ocean? Ji Chen was surprised, but he waved his hand gently. Its alright. I was out for some business earlier, causing you to wait for so long, and my hospitality was lacking But I have a question in my mind. Herli was somewhat surprised, Please go ahead. As the High Priestess of the Elven Empire, you shouldnt lack gold coins and such. So why did Wilus say you didnt have money to pay for accommodation? Herlis originally calm and elegant face suddenly froze, gradually tinged with a blush. The entire elf was so embarrassed that she wanted to dig a hole to hide herself. Her mind was screaming wildly. Ah ah ah ah!!! To have such a thing known, and by the host she came to visit, made her feel extreme shame. If it were known to outsiders that a high-ranking elf priestess didnt bring money, and was even so poor as to not afford food, her dignity would be lost! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Contemplating the prospect of confronting those curious stares and rumors from the high-ranking elf ladies known for their gossiping prowess upon her return, Herli felt like taking a plunge into the sea and disappearing forever! Lord Ji Chen, I have a favor to ask you. Hmm? What is it? Please, you must not speak of this matter. Herlis voice trembled, with a hint of pleading. Ji Chens expression was somewhat odd, but he still nodded. Alright, I promise not to leak this matter.. Chapter 804 - Chapter 804: Herli, Theod, and Thotmudo Chapter 804: Herli, Theod, and Thotmudo Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Herli seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, patting her chest as if to ease some tension. As long as you can satisfy me. Good, good Hmm!? Herlis eyes widened as if she had realized something, and her cheeks flushed red. She stuttered, I-I didnt expect you to be this kind of person. I wont surrender myself to you! Watching the handsome face in front of her, Herlis mind raced. If it were Ji Chen, perhaps, she wouldnt lose out? No, no, youre the noble High Priest of the Elven Empire, how could you easily surrender yourself? But if this embarrassing matter were to spread, she wouldnt be able to stay in Silvermoon City anymore. What should she do? Observing Herlis face turning as red as a tomato, with a puzzled expression full of question marks, Ji Chen shook his head. If someone approached him seeking assistance but couldnt meet his terms, there wasnt much else to discuss. So, Lady Herli, may I ask what brings you to the Crown of the Ocean? Ji Chen gestured for her to sit down. Herli looked at Ji Chens unchanged expression, seeming to realize that she had misunderstood. She was left feeling embarrassed once again. However, she could only endure the embarrassment, pretend to calm down, and change the subject. Ahem, we already know that you have slain the Undead Lord, and because of you the Undead Legion that occupied the Southern Continent has completely collapsed. The Undead Legion has completely collapsed? The Undead Lord linked his life with the core powers of the legion, including the high-ranking officers and officers. Therefore, when the Undead Lord died, they all perished as well. The Undead Legion lost command and riots broke out. Herli exclaimed, 1 really dont know how you managed to kill the Undead Lord. Even among those above the Epic Tier, he was considered formidable. Perhaps only someone stronger than him could kill him, Ji Chen replied lightly. Herli was stunned, covering her mouth as she laughed, Youre just praising yourself! I thought you would be more modest. Ji Chen also hesitated for a moment. In the past, he would have been more modest upon hearing such words, but now he naturally became more assertive. This was probably the result of absorbing two authorities and starting to condense his divinity. The authorities not only made his power stronger but also subtly changed his behavior. But Ji Chen didnt reject this. With the Undead Lord dead and the Undead Legion collapsed, the threat has greatly reduced. Now, there are only three Lords and their legions left, and the pressure on the orderly side will be greatly reduced. Herli nodded. Now theres only the Decay Lord in the Western Continent, the Void Lord in the Eastern Continent, and the Greed Lord in the Southern Continent. The Decay Lord is being blocked by the Goblin, Half-Orc, and Mountain People Alliance Forces and is gradually stabilizing the front line. Thirty elite legions of the Elven Empire are rushing to the front line and will soon begin a strategic counterattack. The Greed Lord may be wary of the Undead Lords death and has retreated a hundred miles overnight. The Desert Alliance, with the support of the Alliance Fleet and a large amount of supplies, has barely maintained the front line. With the arrival of the second wave of fleets, they can stabilize. What worries us the most is the Eastern Continent. The power displayed by the Void Lord exceeds our expectations. The Eastern Continent Alliance, composed of the Light Church, Markus Empire, and other kingdoms and forces in the Eastern Continent, was defeated by the Void Legion two weeks ago, with a million casualties and a retreat of thousands of miles. When I came to the Crown of the Ocean, they had already retreated to the central Hogsback Mountains, relying on the fortress defenses there to resist and buy time to regroup. Ji Chen glanced sideways. This should be the first time that the orderly side has encountered such a big failure in the face of demons. Herli sighed. Yes, or rather, all the major victories we achieved before were basically won by you. The Dreadlord met his demise, the Dread Legion was wiped out, the Undead Lord also perished, and the Undead Legion descended into turmoil Without exception, all of these were closely linked to Ji Chen. Regarding the remaining Orderly factions, when confronted with demons, they were generally at a disadvantage. The more competent ones, such as the Goblin forces in the Western Continent, could just about maintain stability, while the weaker ones, like the Desert Alliance in the Southern Continent, would have been overrun without the timely intervention of the Alliance Fleet. And now, the Eastern Continent had become the most critical area. Nearly half of the continent had fallen, and they had suffered a major defeat. If the Eastern Continent were truly occupied by the Void Lord, then this war would not be ending anytime soon. Demons were experts at sustaining themselves through warfare. Once they occupied vast territories, they could convert the resources within into a steady supply of fuel to drive their war machine. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only From millions of demons, they could swell into tens of millions or even hundreds of millions. Ji Chen shook his head slowly. He could defeat demon lords in the sea, but matters on land had to rely on other powers. After a moment of contemplation, he asked, What can I do? Herli shook her head. The Empire and several affiliated kingdoms now have thirty elite legions that will soon arrive at the Hogsback Mountains. They should be able to turn the tide and return to a strategic stalemate. Theres no need for you to intervene. Ji Chen didnt say anything. If he ended up dealing with all five demon lords, then the other forces of Order would essentially be freeloaders.. Chapter 805 - Chapter 805: Herli, Theod, and Thotmudo (2) Chapter 805: Herli, Theod, and Thotmudo (2) Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Very well, Lady Herli, its time to talk about your visit to the Crown of the Ocean. Herli waved her hand. Just call me Herli Actually, this visit is also on behalf of Laphia. She asked me to convey some words to you. Ji Chen raised an eyebrow, feigning interest, Oh? Words from Laphia? Yes, indeed. She said you are now qualified to delve into the deepest secrets of this world. Lord Ji Chen, do you know what the Secret Society is? Ji Chen furrowed his brow slightly, shaking his head gently. With a mysterious expression, Herli continued, The Secret Society is the most mysterious organization in this world. Millennia ago, for some reason, the Elf Queen and the Dragon Emperor of Dragon Island established the Secret Society, secretly inviting the most elite warriors to join forces against disasters threatening the world. And now, including the Elf Queen Laphia, the Emperor of Markus Empire, the leader of the Cyclops, the current Dragon Emperor of Dragon Island they are all members of the Secret Society, each one a powerhouse above the epic tier. In this society, one can obtain resources that are difficult to acquire from the outside world Laphia sent me to invite you to join the Secret Society. Ji Chen paused, asking, Is it because 1 defeated two demon lords? Herli snapped her fingers. Exactly! Slaying two epic-tier demons is a remarkable feat, so the members of the Secret Society all praise you. How about it? Sounds like some sort of organization manipulating the world. Youre mistaken in saying that. Herli chuckled, The members are all leaders of various orderly forces, so in a way, they do have the power to manipulate the world. Anyway, there are many benefits to joining, and you might even find resources to ascend above the epic tier. Im already above the epic tier. With so many above epic-tier mentors guiding you huh?! Herli suddenly stood up, knocking over her chair, her eyes filled with shock, Could it be that you really Ji Chen leaned back in his chair, calmly stating, Really what? Herli looked around, then lowered her voice, I came here and found that the residents emit the power of belief, and the power of belief can only be generated by touching the existence of that boundary. You, as a being above the epic tier, are already on the path to becoming a deity. Herli stared at Ji Chens face intently, but couldnt find any flaw in his unchanged expression. She could only huff and pick up her chair, sitting back down. Muttering to herself, she said, More cunning than a fox. But the more she thought about it, the more convinced she became that Ji Chen had already embarked on the journey to become a deity. As a mere epic-tier being, she couldnt even read half of Ji Chens intentions. Whether its perception or authority, when casted upon him, it was like a stone dropped into the vast ocean as if he were the boundless sea that mere mortals couldnt fathom. In this way, Ji Chen must possess at least one authority, otherwise he wouldnt be able to embark on the path to godhood. At this moment, Ji Chen suddenly chuckled. You possess the foresight authority, dont you? Herli froze, her secret, known only to Laphia, now exposed so directly. How did you know!? You dont need to know. As for that so-called Secret Society you mentioned, Im not interested in joining. Herli was disappointed. And why is that? No reason, I just dont want to. Ji Chen tapped the table with his finger, But since you mentioned it, members of the Secret Society, besides being above the epic tier, should each possess at least one authority. The more authorities one possesses, the stronger their power. And authorities can be inherited. Among the authorities controlled by the Elf Queen, there should be Fertility. Fertility was one of the lower-tier authorities, ranking seventy-eighth. In ancient records, the first generation Empress of the Elf Empire once demonstrated the Fertility authority, birthing vast swathes of plants and forests in the desolate lands, creating a thriving land for the elven refugees after the Divine War. While the combat effectiveness of the Fertility1 authority was not strong, its practicality was extremely high. Herli soon left, wearing a worried expression. Ah, she didnt even know how to explain to Laphia when she returned. She came here with such confidence to invite Ji Chen to join the society, but she ended up leaving in embarrassment, having to foot the bill for her own boat fare back. It was truly a disgrace to the elves reputation. Back to several hours ago. As Herli entered the Lords castle In a workshop in the underground world Esteemed guest, this is Lord Thotmudos private workshop. The lizardman soldier spoke respectfully. The Lord asked us to bring you here. If you need anything, you can find the patrol team, they can assist you at any time. I wont disturb you any longer. Watching the lizardman soldier leave, Theod turned around and looked at the enormous workshop in front of him, standing at thirty-three meters tall with a dozen chimneys protruding from its roof, muttering to himself. Thotmudos workshop is unexpectedly large. Hes living the life. He still remembered how Thotmudo used to mutter about setting up a private workshop to tinker with his tools. Then, unexpectedly, after leaving for thousands of years, Black Iron Fortress was breached, and the dwarves became exiles on the continent. Looking at the workshops gate, Theod hesitated, feeling somewhat reluctant to knock. Grandpa, whats wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Little Gavin looked at him with round eyes. Grandpas fine, Im just preparing to meet a good friend, but Ive forgotten to bring a gift. Theod replied gently. Oh, 1 forgot too. Little Gavin shook his head. Then Ill have to apologize to your good friend for later. Apologize yes, indeed, an apology is necessary. Theod seemed lost in thought, murmuring. At this moment, the workshop door suddenly creaked open, and a somewhat disheveled-looking man emerged from the opening. Sael looked somewhat puzzled as he gazed at Theod and Little Gavin. How did two dwarves suddenly appear here? They were one young dwarf, one old dwarf who looked like a master. Could they be here for a visit? You fool, why are you still lingering at the door? Do you want me to come out and personally escort you away? Theod looked excited towards the familiar irritable voice came from inside the workshop. Sael looked at him strangely and turned to shout inside, Master, there are two dwarves here, it seems theyve come to visit you. What kind of dwarves? Im the only dwarf in the Ocean Crown Thotmudo grumbled as he walked out, but when he saw the figure, he froze, his face filled with disbelief. T Theod!? Theod felt somewhat unable to meet his gaze, about to respond. You old bastard, youre still alive? Damn it, the Dwarf God must be blind! Theods emotions, which he had just been brewing, suddenly disappeared, and he retorted, You bastard didnt die, how could I die! Little Gavin watched as his grandfather and his grandfather s good friend began cursing at each other. Ten minutes later. Huff, huff, thats enough, you bastard, your cursing skills have diminished a lot. Thotmudo gasped for breath and cursed. Youre not much better, repeating the same insults over and over again, no impact at all. Theod retorted defiantly. Thotmudo fell silent for a moment and said, Lets continue inside the workshop. Theod glanced around and saw a large group of humans, lizardmen, and even Kobold gathering around, staring at them in amazement. Thats right, more and more people are gathering around like this. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Thotmudo waved it off nonchalantly, adopting a fierce demeanor as he cursed at the onlookers, Dont you people have anything better to do? Or do you want me to give you more work to do? Upon hearing this, the onlookers scattered and disappearing without a trace. Theod exclaimed in surprise, Looks like youre doing pretty well here. Not bad, that kid Ji Chen trusts me enough to let me manage the underground factory. Thotmudo said somewhat proudly, I still have some prestige left. Theod rolled his eyes at his cocky demeanor, noting that this bastard was just the same as before. Alright, lets go inside first and talk about what happened back then. Chapter 806 - Chapter 806: Divine Power Troops Chapter 806: Divine Power Troops Editor: Dragon Boat Translation North of the main island of the New Moon Archipelago. Here, between the northeastern mountains and the old indigenous settlements in the northwestern giant tree forest, was originally a piece of land between grasslands and gentle slopes. To the north, there was a cliff that rose to several tens of meters. This area used to be home to many wild animals, but as the control of the Crown of the Ocean gradually spread, the wild animals either fled to the giant tree forest to be with the nature-loving elves or hid in the steep and winding terrain of the mountains. Some were even tamed by the soldiers and residents of the Crown of the Ocean to become pets or hunting dogs. After the giant turtle returned from the north, its massive body leaned against the northern cliff, but even so, its height was still several stories higher than the cliff, as if the cliff was merely low ground. From the back of the giant turtle, hundreds of flying creatures dangled strands of rock trees adorned with orange crystals, extending all the way to the land below. Meanwhile, prepared lizardmen soldiers stacked crystals, mithril, and adamantite beside the tree trunks. Upon absorbing the minerals, the previously somewhat sluggish rock trees suddenly burst with vitality. Their treetops glowed brighter as small thumb-sized crystals began to emerge one after another. Lord, three thousand divine power trees have been transplanted so far, and it is estimated that it will take another three days to transplant the remaining divine power trees. Wilus reported respectfully from the side. Ji Chen nodded slightly. The divine power forest will be fenced off to keep residents away and prevent them from being cursed. Simultaneously, strict measures will be enforced to prevent outsiders from approaching and spying, ensuring the highest level of secrecy protection. Yes, My Lord! These more than thirteen thousand divine power trees are the foundation for the future development of the Ocean Crown troops. As long as resources are continuously invested for cultivation, they could produce a large number of divine power crystals for troop evolution. Ji Chen initially obtained 350,000 units of divine power crystals in the Sea of Death, all of which were used to promote the Sea Crystal Wyrms. It had been two months since the last large-scale recruitment of troops. Each recruitment camp had accumulated a total of eight recruitment opportunities. Consuming 503,400 units of rare resources to recruit 1,120 units of Crab Guardians (Tier 5,1 star). Consuming 78,636 units of mana crystals to recruit 7,360 units of Tier 6 troops. The cumulative number of recruitments in two months. Over eight thousand units of troops were recruited at once, which would have cost over a million rare resources and over a hundred thousand mana crystals at the original price. However, due to the abnormal effect of the Heraklion Temple halving the recruitment cost of ocean troops, it only cost five hundred thousand rare resources and less than a hundred thousand mana crystals. This halving of costs not only didnt create resource pressure but even increased the inventory several times! The Ocean Crown was now fully developed. It earned considerable resources every week and had earned a total of 5 million rare resources and a million gold coins in the past two months. With the existing inventory plus the additional three hundred thousand units of mana crystals sent by the Elven Empire, the Ocean Crowns resource inventory now had 5.5 million rare resources and 1.17 million units of mana crystals. It could be said that what currently limited the Ocean Crowns army wasnt resources but the limit of recruitment camps! Ji Chen opened the troop talent tree, clicked on the divine power troop page, and transformed all existing Sea Crystal Wyrms into divine power troops. Consuming 287,500 units of divine power crystals, 1,150 Ocean Crystal Wyverns (Tier 6, 3 stars) evolve into Divine Power Ocean Crystal Wyverns (Tier 6, 9 stars). Nearly 300,000 divine power crystals were consumed, yet only a little over a thousand Ocean Crystal Wyverns evolved. Faced with such immense costs and consumption, it filled him with curiosity. With a flick of his hand, he opened their information panel. Tier 6 Unit: Ocean Crystal Wyvern [Divine Power Ocean Crystal Wyvern] [Race]: Ocean Crystal Creature (Divine Power) [Tier]: Tier 6, 9 stars [Abilities]:!. Destruction Beam (Golden skill): Condenses energy beams to attack enemies. The power of the energy beam weakens with distance, with a significant decrease in effectiveness. The maximum effective killing range extends to 300 meters, with additional divine power damage. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only 2. Prism Barrier (Golden skill): Condenses over a hundred prism barriers around the body to resist attacks. Under the prism barrier protection, resistance to negative effects is significantly increased. 3. Void Crystal Wings (Golden skill): Possesses four pairs of crystal wings, enabling flight and deep diving. Flight speed increased by 300%, swimming speed increased by 200%, with the ability to briefly enter spatial concealment. 4. Crystal Body (Golden skill): The body constructed of crystal reduces damage by 40% and possesses self-healing capabilities. 5. Negative Insulation (Orange skill): A special crystal construct creature unaffected by curses, toxins, and other effects. 6. Hypcrspeed Flight (Orange skill): Changes the posture of the crystal wings, gradually entering a high-speed flight state, doubling flight speed. Difficult to stop while in this state. [Unit Characteristics]: Can slowly evolve by consuming special crystals, enhancing tier. [Bloodline Ability]: Ocean Crystal Core (All attributes increased by 70%, significant increase in self-repair speed, additional 200% increase in flight speed, 400% increase in beam condensation speed and damage). [Special construct creature composed of ocean crystals, possessing flight capabilities and both physical and magical attack abilities.] From the data, the effective damage range of the beam has been significantly extended. According to his previous observations, the effective attack range of the Ocean Crystal Wyverns beam was no more than 150 meters, beyond which the damage and ballistic stability would dramatically decrease.. Chapter 807 - Chapter 807: Divine Power Troops (2) Chapter 807: Divine Power Troops (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Now that the transformation had extended the range to a full three hundred meters, it was like switching from a small sniper rifle to a Barrett. The suffix of divine power attached to the Ocean Crystal Wyverns indicated that although they were still sixth-tier troops, four of their skills had been upgraded to gold, which was a gratifying result of the enhancement. The appearance of the Ocean Crystal Wyverns had also undergone significant changes. Their bodies had expanded several times over, transforming from four-wheeled carts into six-wheeled trucks, much larger than even land dragons. Within their blue crystal bodies, golden liquid-like veins flowed like blood vessels, their bodies sharply defined, filled with lines and angles, resembling sculptures crafted by masters. Three golden hearts were distributed throughout their bodies, emitting a continuous surge of vibrant energy. Even their breath emitted particles of golden light, sparkling in the sunlight. If it werent for their rich oceanic aura, outsiders might mistake them for troops of the Radiant Church. Wilus, from now on, arrange for people to constantly pour rare resources, nurturing these divine power trees to grow. I need more divine power crystals. This statement awakened the stunned Wilus, who hastily responded. Two hundred miles east of the western continent coastline. The sea was anything but calm, as three squads of winged demons besieged more than ten ships fleeing in panic towards the east. Sailors and guards struggled to operate ballistae on the decks, aiming and repeatedly pulling the triggers at the enemy. Several winged demons are diving down on the left, focus fire and shoot! Were out of bolts, hurry to the cargo hold to get more! Report, there is no more ammunition in the cargo hold, its all used up! Damn it Ah! Listening to the screams and cries coming from above, the dwarves in the cargo hold trembled in fear, dwarf children hiding in their mothers arms, male dwarves protecting their female counterparts and dwarf cubs inside. Elder, I think the humans might not hold out much longer. Should we go out and help them? Dwarf guards clustered around a burly dwarf, nervously asking. Since boarding the ship and leaving the western continent, these three squads belonging to the Decay Lords flying demon legion had set their sights on them. Fortunately, these human ships, belonging to the Starshine Commerce Guild, were sturdy enough, and their armament was relatively sufficient. However, with only limited ballistae and bows, there was simply no way to pose an effective threat to the powerful demons who had air superiority. Rather than saying the demons were killing, it was more like they were toying with them. The dwarf elder also realized the urgency of the situation and led dozens of dwarf guards onto the deck to help resist the demon attacks. Seeing the dwarves coming out, the ships guard captain, in a frenzy, shouted, What are you doing out here!? The dwarf elder hammered a winged demon swooping down with a hammer, full of vigor, and said, We cant let those who help us fight alone. Dwarves are not a race afraid of death! You! The guard captain gritted his teeth, Dont blame me if you die! They received orders to move from the Starshine Islands to the western continent and successfully located the dwarven tribe living in the mountains. With the pretext of the demon invasion, they persuaded the dwarven tribe to relocate to the New Moon Islands. Everything went smoothly with this matter, but unfortunately, shortly after boarding and leaving the western continent, they happened to encounter these several squads of winged demons, which was extremely unlucky. Have you requested assistance from the guild? Gasping for breath, the guards clustered nearby replied, We sent out a distress signal when the demons appeared, but its difficult for reinforcements to arrive in such a short time, considering the distance. A sense of despair appeared on the face of the guard captain. In just a few hours, their more than ten ships were likely to be sunk by the demons. Despite the efforts of the sailors and guards, there was no sign of the demons in the sky decreasing. They flew through the sky like a swarm of locusts. The sharp claws of the winged demons could easily tear through their bodies, crossbows were destroyed one after another, guards fell on the deck, and even many dwarves perished. The firepower erupting from the deck became weaker and weaker. It seemed that the winged demons were tired of playing. The remaining winged demons swarmed out, ready to engulf the dozen or so ships loaded with dwarves. Swoosh- Thousands of golden beams of light shot into the battlefield like lightning. The extreme heat directly vaporized a squad of winged demons, and crystal wyverns, resembling ancient beasts, swooped in from the side. They tore the winged demons apart with their claws, vaporized them with beams of light, and even used crystal wings as sharp as claws to slice the enemy in half. Like wolves among sheep, the once arrogant and domineering winged demons were helpless. In just a few minutes, they were completely wiped out. The guard captain quickly jumped aside, avoiding a winged demon falling from the sky. Looking down, he suddenly felt chills all over his body. The chest of the winged demon had a terrifyingly large hole, and only its edges remained, reminding him of a square bun that had been gnawed clean, leaving only the hard parts around the edges. A dwarven elder stepped forward and spoke solemnly. Are these troops yours? The guard captain nodded, looking at the dragons flying in the sky, shimmering with golden light, with reverence in his eyes. Yes, that should be the elite army under Lord Ji Chens command. Lord Ji Chen? The dwarven elder fell silent. He had heard this name mentioned frequently by these humans recently, always with reverence, admiration, and fear. These humans told him that it was Lord Ji Chen who ordered them to go to the western continent to find them. At first, they were unwilling to leave until they saw a weapon forged with the technique of Black Iron Fortress. Black Iron Fortress, the place where their ancestors lived thousands of years ago, later declined for some reason, and the remaining dwarves migrated to the western continent to evade enemies. Until today, they had to leave because of the demons. Was the territory called the Crown of the Sea really the dwelling place of their dwarves? A dragon slowly descended, and on its back, Patheia looked at them coldly. The Lord has ordered me to escort you back to the Crown of the Sea. The guard captain dared not delay and hurriedly said, But there are many wounded, and some ships are severely damaged It doesnt matter. The Lord has sent the giant turtle to assist. If the ships are too severely damaged, then abandon them and board the giant turtle for the return journey, Patheia said gravely. I have received intelligence that the decay demon legion has arrived near the coast, which may pose a threat to you. The guard captains expression changed as he glanced at the giant turtle. Despite not knowing what it was, he refrained from arguing and promptly went to carry out the orders. Soon, a huge turtle appeared before the astonished eyes of the guards and the dwarves. So, it really was a giant turtle!? Seeing them in a daze, Patheia frowned and urged, Quickly board the giant turtle; time is running out. Only then did the guard captain and the dwarven elder awaken from their stupor and nod hastily. An hour after the giant turtle carried thousands of dwarves and guards away from the area, ten squads of high-level winged demons arrived. Seeing the bodies of winged demons floating on the sea and several abandoned ships, they realized they were too late. Lord, what should we do next? These human insects run quite fast. Go back and report to Lord Zlatko, let him decide on the next plan, the demon leader said with hatred. We will eventually exterminate these two-legged cattle and make them slaves for generations to come! But now we have lost two demon kings, and the undead legion, which had the strongest land power, has collapsed in a riot. The situation seems unfavorable for us demons It is indeed so in the Central Ocean. The demon leader shook his head. But in reality, we have a great advantage on land. The lawful camp is no match for us, and the goblins are being pushed back by us. Soon, we will push the front line northward by hundreds of miles. As long as we continue to acquire resources, we will surely achieve final victory. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The winged demon attendant hesitated, But how should we deal with the human strongman who killed the Undead Lord and the Dreadlord? We dont need to deal with him ourselves; there are higher beings to handle that. The demon leader pointed cruelly to the sky. The winged demon attendants eyes lit up. Higher beings? Could it be The demon leader chuckled. This time, were just trying to lure that human out. That way, well find an opportunity.. With those beings intervening, that human strongman is doomed to die! Chapter 808 - Chapter 808: The Southern Continent War Chapter 808: The Southern Continent War Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After removing the threat of the Dreadlord, the Crown of the Ocean, which had enjoyed a period of tranquility, once again became bustling and tense. The Alliance fleet supporting the Southern Continent gradually returned to the New Moon Islands in batches for resupply, to send back the wounded, and to transport the fallen soldiers. In reality, the New Moon Islands served as a logistical hub for the Northern Continents operations in the South. Massive amounts of supplies were transported from various ports along the coast of the Northern Continent to the New Moon Islands every week. Then, under the escort of the Ocean Crowns forces, they crossed the somewhat dangerous southern seas to reach the Alliance fleet and the forward bases in the South. Of course, being a transit point didnt come without its costs. Kingdoms like the Elven Empire would provide a substantial amount of resources as payment for services rendered, such as berthing fees for ships and land use fees for the accumulated supplies. Just as Ji Chen had envisioned and designed from the start, the New Moon Islands became a crucial nexus for communication between the continents, leveraging its natural geographical advantages to rake in profits daily. But not just anyone could profit from this. Without the formidable military force of the Ocean Crown and Ji Chens personal authority, this land would be like a sweet cake ready to be snatched away by other powerful factions at any moment because no one was willing to obediently pay. Strength was the determining factor in this world. On the warships berthed at the port, elven soldiers carried the wounded on stretchers to the temporary hospital set up on the shore. Elven craftsmen urgently repaired the damage on the warships, while on the other side, they busily loaded crates of supplies onto the ships. Many oval-shaped vinewood boxes containing fallen elven soldiers were temporarily placed on the ships and transported from the elven warships to cargo ships returning to the Elven Empire. Similar to humans, elves placed great importance on returning to their homeland in death. As long as conditions permitted, fallen soldiers would be transported back to the empire to be buried under the trees of their homeland, allowing their souls to return to the embrace of Eluvita. Another elven cargo ship laden with vinewood boxes set sail slowly, and the sound of its steam whistle seemed to be a signal reminding fallen soldiers to return home, echoing sadly across the entire sea area. The atmosphere at the port was heavy, with every elf wearing a solemn expression. Especially for those elven soldiers whose injuries allowed them to return to the rear for recuperation and didnt have to remain on the front lines, they felt an even heavier burden of fear. The intensity of the Southern Continents warfare far exceeded their expectations. They had initially thought that as long as the elves joined the battle, they could quickly repel the Greed Legion and reverse the dire situation. However, as they entered the battlefield, the relentless onslaught of demons, coming wave after wave, almost brought them to the brink of collapse. In just five days, all five elven legions were wiped out, with some warriors thrown into battle as soon as they landed, only to perish within a day. The average lifespan of a warrior on that battlefield was just one day! Even the bravest and most fearless warriors would feel fear upon stepping into that battlefield. It was like hell on earth! Twenty-four hours a day, demons charged incessantly, their blood-red, savage eyes like those of wild beasts, still deeply etched in their memories. At this moment, these fortunate elves who had returned couldnt help but share a common question. How did the Crown of the Ocean manage to withstand the onslaught of the Dreadlords demon army? Lords Castle. The situation in the Southern Continent is not optimistic. The onslaught from the Greed Lord far exceeds expectations. After occupying half of the Southern Continent, the Greed Lord established his troop factories in the south, relentlessly plundering resources to breed demons. Under the almost endless onslaught of the demon army, the twenty legions previously dispatched have now been reduced to five, with more than half of the ten legions experiencing casualties, and morale is on the brink of collapse. Ji Chen lightly tapped the table with his fingers, frowning. What about the Desert Alliance? The losses are severe as well. The Greed Lord has rallied certain rebellious undead legions and initiated side raids on the Roni River front line, yielding significant impact. At this pace, they likely wont endure for much longer, Wilus said, shaking his head. Ranked fourth among the Five Demon Lords, the Greed Lord was only one position higher than the Decay Lord, but the power he demonstrated at this moment was simply astonishing. The demons initial layout and distribution were extremely cunning, allowing the Greed Lord to first attack and occupy the Southern Continent, where the forces of the Orderly Divine Lineage were relatively weak, giving him enough territory and development time. Having the Dreadlord appear in the southern seas not only cleared the obstacles to attacking the Northern Continent but also delayed the landing of the Orderly Divine Lineage on the Southern Continent. Even if the Dreadlord unexpectedly got killed now, it would still achieve the goal of delaying the Orderly Divine Lineage, allowing the Greed Lord to firmly establish himself and complete all the necessary preparations for the early stages of the demon army. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only With half of the Southern Continents resources as support, his combat power was no less than that of the Void Lord. After Wilus left, Ji Chen opened the chat channel. It had been a long time since he had opened it, but it was as lively as ever. I heard from the returning elves that the situation in the Southern Continent is extremely dire. Even the elves were beaten by the Greed Lord to the point of fleeing in disarray, retreating one after another. It is said that they lost ten legions! Why do I hear that they lost thirty legions, and dozens of high-level hero units were wiped out! Chapter 809 - Chapter 809: The Southern Continent War (2) Chapter 809: The Southern Continent War (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation It should be a hundred legions. I believed the Greed Lord had defeated hundreds of heroes on his own! You guys are getting more and more outrageous Anyway, the situation is quite urgent. If the Greed Lord occupies the entire Southern Continent, this world is probably doomed. Its just that the natives dont want us to go over there. Otherwise, as long as us players join the battlefield, everything will be fine. The elves had always only transported their own soldiers to the Southern Continent and had not considered sending players over. One reason was the transportation capacity issue; there simply wasnt much spare capacity. Secondly, the elves believed that as long as they took action, they could handle the demons without needing the Lords of Glory. The elves were a very proud and arrogant race, self-proclaimed as the number one race in the world. It was difficult for them to let other races intervene until they had been beaten. Therefore, Ji Chen hadnt initially proposed the idea of letting players join the battle in the Southern Continent. But now, it seemed that the time had come. It was time for players to truly join the war against the demons. On that day, an envoy from the Ocean Crown, carrying sealed urgent letters, accompanied by a hundred guards of the Ocean Blood Dragon team, went to the Elven Empire. Theod, the dwarf from the Sea of Death who came to the Ocean Crown, quickly decided to stay here after learning that Ji Chen was trying to find the dwarven survivors of the Black Iron Fortress. Even a batch of dwarven survivors were already on their way here. For him, Black Iron Fortress was no longer a place to return to. Furthermore, Little Gavin was still young and didnt meet the conditions to travel along. Therefore, he made the decision to stay here and teach and train Little Gavin alongside his old friend, Thotmudo. Ji Chen welcomed this decision. Theod, as a craftsman second only to Thotmudo in Black Iron Fortress, was adept at various dwarven forging techniques and is extremely experienced. With his addition, the Ocean Crowns learning of dwarven forging techniques will certainly see a significant increase in speed Oops, he meant the learning speed of dwarven forging techniques. Now, every day, there were hundreds of apprentices and craftsmen following these two dwarves to learn and practice. In the past period of time, as they mastered more and more techniques, the quality of weapons produced by the Ocean Crown had been getting higher and higher. Their quality was recognized by the market. Not only were their equipments selling well in the Northern Continent, but many merchants from the Western Continent and Eastern Continent also came here to buy goods. While weapons and equipment were exported to the East and West Continents, the name of the Ocean Crown was also spreading. If there was a metric for territorial spread, with the lowest being o and the highest being 100, then the initial Ocean Crown was at 5, but now it was at 75. Although it couldnt compare to the well-known Elven Empire, it was still quite reputable. But if were talking about individual spread, the Ocean Crown had at least 85 or higher. Ji Chens series of achievements spread continuously and gained momentum, with his popularity not far behind that of the Elven Queen Laphia, and even slightly surpassing hers. After all, Ji Chens achievements in killing two demon lords were undeniable. The collapse of the undead legion and the annihilation of the dread legion, along with the current relative safety of the Mid-Ocean, were the best proofs. While Laphia served as the Elven Queen, it seemed that her influence was confined to her status. Since ascending to the throne, she had remained within the Silvermoon Holy City, surrounded by high walls, towering towers, and heavily guarded. She gave off the impression of a canary kept in a castles cagepleasing to the eye but lacking much deterrent power. In the eyes of ordinary people, she lacked tangible achievements in combat. In terms of prestige, the former seemed to hold more weight, sounding more formidable. Meanwhile, the situation in the Southern Continent gradually spread through various channels. Everyone was surprised to learn that the united forces were being pushed back by the Greed Lord, with even the prominent Elven legion suffering heavy casualties. It was as if they had shed their former aura of sanctity, and people seemed to have a whole new understanding of the lofty and proud elves. It was like the elves might not be as powerful as once thought. No, no, the elves were still quite formidable, but perhaps they were not unbeatable? Over the past two thousand years, the might of the Elven Empire had steadily risen, reaching its peak before the demonic invasion, especially in the Northern Continent, where they reigned supreme. On the Northern Continent alone, there were seven kingdoms that appeared independent but were actually vassals of the elves. Through the continuous implementation of strategies by dozens of generations of Elven Queens, backed by unrivaled economic and political power, they conducted tangible yet intangible cultural infiltration. The most popular trends and fashions in the Northern Continent all originated from the elves, and the most revered activities were initiated by them. After prolonged propaganda and influence, coupled with the deterrent force of absolute military power, the nobility of various human kingdoms on the Northern Continent became fervent supporters of Elven culture. The various intricate, refined, and elegant aspects of Elven culture, arts, and etiquette perfectly suited the tastes and desires of the human nobility to distinguish themselves from the lowly commoners. However, the recent defeat of the Elven Empire in the Southern Continent undoubtedly gave the world a small shock. It turned out, the elves were not invincible. Although the elves were angered by this turn of events, and the upper echelons, as well as the majority of the grassroots, quickly unified their thoughts and resolved to dispatch more valiant warriors of the empire to deal with the even more barbaric demons on that savage continent, aiming to cleanse themselves of this disgrace. However, no one knew the extent of the impact this defeat would have on the present and the future. The demonic invasion had brought not only loss of life but also a liberation of thought. One of the seven vassal states of the Elven Empire, the Kingdom of White Tower. Is it true that the elves suffered heavy losses in the Southern Continent? the elderly king asked in a hoarse voice. The general replied solemnly, Yes, although the elves, along with fleets from other nations, successfully landed, they were subsequently routed by the Greed Lords army. Our scouts saw ships returning to the Maple Forest Kingdom filled with elven corpses. Not only in the Southern Continent, but the situation in the Eastern and Western Continents is also deteriorating. The Decay Lord organization has launched a million-strong demon army to attack the goblins, and the defense lines are on the verge of collapse. Furthermore, the Void Lord recently wiped out dozens of orderly fraction near the central Hogsback Mountains. The generals tone gradually turned pessimistic. And this is only the situation with three demon kings. If not for the two demon kings being slain, the situation would be even worse. The elderly king weakly leaned back in his chair. So, the likelihood of the orderly fraction failing is increasing? I believe so. Darkness is gradually spreading, and whats more frustrating is that even in such times, the elves continue to demand our support in terms of supplies and resources. Besides our strategic reserves, we are almost out of provisions! The general spoke indignantly. Being a vassal state of the Elven Empire was not all advantageous; they were frequently demanded to provide aid under various pretexts. Not only were they required to contribute various resources, but when clearing out evil fraction races, they were also asked to act as the vanguard. Each time they were engaged in such campaigns, the soldiers from the vassal states suffered heavy casualties, without any compensation. The lower-class citizens seemed to only see the powerful Elven Empire sheltering them from the greed of wolves, feeling very secure, without realizing that the Elven Empire itself was sucking their blood. The elves had taken away so many of our resources, yet they suffered such a defeat in front of the demons! Werent they ashamed of themselves? If this continues, we will all be drained dry by the elves. We would already be half dead by the time the demons arrive! The king spoke slowly with cloudy eyes. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only If there was a chance to overthrow the Elven Empire and truly make White Tower an independent kingdom, free from exploitation, would you support it, General? The general paused. What do you mean, Your Majesty? The demons told me that if we launch a surprise attack on the heartland of the elves, we could seize the opportunity to usher in a new era when they arrive. Not only could we enjoy such prosperity, but we could also prolong our lives. The generals face turned horrified. Isnt that betraying the Orderly fraction? Whats the difference between betrayal and the consequences of betrayal? With the orderly fraction retreating and the demons gaining strength, they have promised us a bright future. While the elves ruthlessly exploit us, treating us like livestock. It should be clear whom to choose. The kings tone became increasingly impassioned. I dont have much time left. Siding with the demons is the only chance for us to survive, and its also our only opportunity for revenge against the elves! Chapter 810 - Chapter 810: Catalyst Chapter 810: Catalyst Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chens proposal to support and hire the Lords of Glory to participate in the South Continent campaign was endorsed by the Elven Queen, Laphia, the High Priestess of the Elves, Herli, a large number of elven nobles, and all other members of the Orderly Fraction in the Northern Continent. Now that the situation had changed dramatically, mobilizing a large number of Lords of Glory had become an unavoidable choice. Various kingdoms and forces began to mobilize troop ships, offering rewards to transport the Lords of Glory and their armies across the sea to the South Continent. During this process, transit points such as King Kong Island, Starshine Islands, and New Moon Islands were used. The Lords of Glory from the Northern Continent only entered the frontline battlefield of the South Continent after regrouping and rearming. This was also one of Ji Chens proposals. The New Moon Islands couldnt accommodate such a large number of troops, so they would be diverted to other islands to enjoy the benefits brought by the massive influx of people. Except for the New Moon Islands, both the Starshine Islands and King Kong Island had some relationship with Ji Chen. The former was his economic dependency, almost completely under his control. King Kong Island was part of the King Kong Island Guild, which had a close friendship with Ji Chen and could be considered almost like his loyal player guild. They also offered significant assistance in the initial battle against the Dreadlord in the Crown of the Ocean, so it was only fair that they received a share of the rewards. It was believed that with the addition of this new force, the declining situation in the South Continent should have been somewhat reversed. However, along with the response to this proposal came another shocking piece of news. The White Tower Kingdom, the Ferdinand Principality, and the Gaul Kingdom had betrayed the Orderly Fraction and thrown themselves into the arms of demons, mobilizing their domestic armies overnight to attack the Elven Empire! These three kingdoms were all vassal states of the Elven Empire! Now, among the seven vassal states of the Elven Empire, they were initially independent kingdoms. However, over time and for various historical reasons, they began to align themselves with the elves, eventually becoming vassals in terms of economy, politics, and other aspects. Take, for example, the Halfling Kingdom of Raman. While not initially formidable, it excelled in advanced forging technology and made significant strides in runic machinery. However, a thousand years ago, with the rise of the Elven Empire, it suffered territorial losses and the depletion of crucial super-giant ore veins, hindering its advancement due to resource scarcity. Over the following hundred years, due to trade imbalances and cultural sway wielded by the Elven Empire, it steadily asserted control over the nations economy, ultimately succumbing to vassalage under the elves. Likewise, other kingdoms and principalities eventually fell under the sway of the elves at different junctures in history, often due to particular events, and started paying homage to the Elven Empire. This truth was widely acknowledged among the other nations of the Northern Continent. The more the Elven Empire expanded its power, the more wary they became. Although they covertly opposed elven advances in different areas, they encountered oppression across multiple fronts, especially in the cultural arena, where they were noticeably disadvantaged. The vassal states were further exploited by the Elven Empire in numerous ways, leading to significant grievances. Possibly due to this, demons targeted several vassal states, prompting the White Tower Kingdom, the Ferdinand Principality, and the Gaul Kingdom to raise the banner of resistance against elven oppression and initiate rebellion. From this, it could be seen that the demons had obviously also conducted a lot of research on various countries and forces of the Orderly Camp, knowing where to break through. Nevertheless, the sudden betrayal of the three affiliated countries adjacent to the Elven Empire was sure to bring great trouble to the elves, thereby affecting the war in the East and West Continents. This had also been bad news for the Orderly Camp. For the demons, this had been good news, as it would have allowed them to relieve pressure from the elven armies and advance the front lines more quickly, gaining greater advantages. However, things hadnt gone as the demons expected. The sudden entry of players into the battlefield had swiftly filled the gaps created by the appearance of the rebellious affiliated countries, catching both demons and the Orderly Camp off guard. Surprisingly, on the Southern Continent, the performance of these usually carefree foreigners had not only surprised the demons but had also stunned the Orderly Fraction. When players encountered fierce demons, their first reaction wasnt fear or retreat but excitement. In their eyes, this was all about merits and money! Although the elves tended to look down on others, they were really generous when it came to rewards. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Just for being willing to come to the Southern Continent, players received a hefty amount of resources for free. Each demon squad eliminated earned a small objective reward. If they killed higher-tier demons or demon heroes, they could receive even more generous bounties. Single-horned demons, the lowest-level grunts, were the least valuable. From these grunts to mid-tier demons like Rock Demons, to high-level demons or flying demons like War Demons and Winged Demons, each level and type of demon had a different bounty ladder. Some players had roughly calculated that if Ji Chen could claim the bounty for killing demon kings, it would amount to an astronomical figure, enough to buy the land of five kingdoms. Initially, when the demons witnessed the Lords of Glory army approaching them without fear but rather with excitement to engage in battle, they were all stunned, pondering, Are these humans truly this brave? After systematically defeating wave after wave of their troops of different ranks, the demons couldnt help but sneer. These human armies were far too feeble. The fact that they had previously been intimidated by them was quite laughable.. Chapter 811 - Chapter 811: Catalyst (2) Chapter 811: Catalyst (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation But a week later, the Lord of Glory army, twice as many as before, struck again, catching them off guard. The demons paid a price to deal with them all, thinking that this time they would finally stop. However, another week passed, and these chaotic armies not only did not decrease but instead returned with double the size, showing a fearlessness in the face of death that surpassed their previous encounters. The demons were bewildered, somewhat frantic. Were these human armies unafraid of death?! Yesterday, I stole a squadron of winged demons and exchanged them for a large amount of resources from the elves. Its enough to replenish the lost troops and make a profit. It feels so damn good! The elves may be annoying, but theyre still generous. It would have been better if we had been allowed to go earlier instead of waiting until so many legions had awakened. It can only be said that it fits the typical image of elves in Western fantasy novels. Were basically slaughtering them without resistance. With this demon invasion, the rate of territorial development has increased at least tenfold! Thanks to the cross-domain chat channel, players could communicate with zero delay regardless of distance, just like organizing a boss fight. Once they discovered any demons straying from the group, they would quickly call for reinforcements via the channel, pulling in ten times the enemys troops in a very short time. Each time, justice prevailed with overwhelming force, almost bewildering the greedy legions. How did these armies gather so many troops in such a short time? Furthermore, the armies employed highly unethical tactics, frequently resorting to cowardly retreats during engagements, covering their tracks completely. They displayed unwavering courage in combat, being prepared to fight relentlessly until the bitter end in order to inflict harm upon their adversaries. And it seemed like their perception that these armies were growing stronger with each encounter wasnt just their imagination. Each battle became increasingly challenging, and casualties grew larger. Previously, it only took a squadron of demons to easily wipe out ten times their number of enemies. But now, it took at least five squadrons to deal with one thousand troops, and their own casualties exceeded half. In the rear, demons were being rapidly produced, but they couldnt withstand such rapid consumption! The mysterious rate of growth shocked both the demons and the Orderly Camp. Nowadays, the New Moon Islands, with the influx of a large number of players, had become even more lively. The neatly planned streets were filled with players wearing mismatched and flamboyant equipment, striding with an air of indifference. Although they were a bit careless, they didnt dare to cause trouble in the Crown of the Ocean. After all, this was the territory of the person who had killed two demon lords, the domain of the Islander. Even if god were to grant them ten times the courage, they wouldnt dare to cause trouble here. In addition to players, there were also many elves, humans from the Northern Continent, envoys from various races, merchants, and soldiers in transit on the New Moon Islands. But whether it was a nation or a race, or even the elves themselves, none dared to be unruly here, all acting cautiously. They witnessed elves causing trouble under the influence of their elven heritage, only to face swift and decisive annihilation by the Ocean Crowns army, showing no regard for the Elven Empires reputation. The Elven Empire dared not say anything, only sternly warning that any elves who arrived at the New Moon Islands, whether merchants or soldiers, were not allowed to cause trouble in the Crown of the Ocean. Otherwise, they would be stripped of their citizenship and personally interrogated and sentenced by a special elven overseer. With elves leading the way, everyone else worked cautiously, not daring to have any dissent. There was sincere admiration and awe towards Ji Chen in their hearts. Even the usually domineering elves were reluctant to provoke. How majestic was that? Players were even shouting out how awesome it was. In the eyes of outsiders, an ordinary epic-tier could actually intimidate the entire elf race from acting recklessly. This was exactly the image of a lord from another world they had imagined! The western part of the main island of the New Moon Islands was a large area of sea rice fields. Under the improvement of the legendary tier druid Martino, the yield of sea rice increased significantly, almost doubling the original yield. In addition to the plantation by the sea, after consulting with Ji Chen, Wilus expanded the sea rice fields to the sea surface, creating a large number of floating raft-like water farms connected by chains, planting a large amount of sea rice in them. Due to the protection of the Ocean Crown territory and Lord Ji Chens talents, the sea surface around the New Moon Islands was very calm, and the waves were not violent at all, completely capable of accommodating these rafts. The rafts were interconnected, filling up a large area of the sea surface west of the main island, and also allowing the production of sea rice to reach a very considerable level, filling the warehouses with food storage, and easily supplying the entire Ocean Crown. Too much food accumulation would only lead to waste, so these grains were also exported on a large scale to supply the elves and other forces soldiers fighting in the southern mainland, adding another channel for increasing income to the Ocean Crown. And quite a lot at that. Transporting food from the homeland of the Elf Empire would incur considerable losses, but if purchased directly from the Ocean Crown, they could catch a favorable wind to and from the southern mainland, saving a considerable amount of expenses for the round trip. The shrewd noble elves soon agreed eagerly and gave their full support. Not only food, but the powerful industrial capacity of the Ocean Crown also produced large quantities of weapons and equipment, war machinery, and even cannons on a daily basis. This led to a strange phenomenon: soldiers setting sail from the northern mainland had nothing on them, not even a bag of food, a set of qualified armor, or a handy weapon. But after passing through the Ocean Crown, all these things were immediately provided. Wearing a set of dwarven-crafted armor, holding a fine steel weapon in hand, carrying a powerful bow made from precious forest wood on their back, and even each hundred-man team had a set of lightweight mobile field cannons or three mobile ballistae. It could be said that everything was available. The more intense the battle, the more prosperous the sales of products from the Ocean Crown became. Sometimes, as many as thirty to forty thousand pieces of weapons and equipment could be sold in a single day. In the past, shipyards, repair yards, inns, restaurants, and other industries were all striving to complete the territorys industries. Now, they had become industries that made money hand over fist, earning quite a hefty sum of gold coins every week. Ji Chen didnt keep these gold coins. On the spot, he would use them to purchase various rare resources, and raw materials, buy merchant ships, and reinvest them into production, forming a virtuous cycle. The workshops in the underground lizardman world were increasing at a rate of one per week. The rich magma resources and ore resources in the underground world provided a continuous stream of raw materials for workshop production. The industrial railway had already covered most of the underground world. The rumbling locomotives connected various veins, workshops, entrances, and exits, further increasing production efficiency. From ore still in the veins to weapons ready for export, the entire production process took no more than a day, and even when the weapons were being packed, they still retained the temperature from forging. Amidst the tension of war and the rapid development, the giant turtle returned to the Ocean Crown with about a dozen ships full of dwarf refugees, once again adding fuel to the high-speed operation of the Ocean Crowns machinery. The first batch of dwarf refugees, numbering around eight thousand, arrived, with a considerable portion of them being qualified dwarf craftsmen whose forging skills were superior to those of lizardmen and humans. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen offered them protection, and in return, they had to contribute corresponding labor for this protection. These dwarf craftsmen were not responsible for forging, but for researching higher-tech and more difficult projects such as machine tools, mold manufacturing, and assembly lines. Basic weapons and equipment were churned out on assembly lines, whereas premium, tailor-made ones were meticulously crafted by hand. The shift towards industrialization represented the inevitable trajectory of future progress, highlighting the unmistakable significance of this shift. The construction of the second large port in the New Moon Islands was also in full swing, which would greatly enhance the Ocean Crowns capacity to receive ships. Dramatically, war acted as a catalyst, accelerating the development of the Ocean Crown and the New Moon Islands. Everything was changing rapidly.. Chapter 812 - Chapter 812: Nora Chapter 812: Nora Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Ocean Crown, which was in a rapid development phase, had its master absent from the territory. At that moment, Ji Chen found himself in a sea area within the Eastern Mid- Ocean, where a spiraling water curtain extended several miles upward into the sky. Within the water curtain, the sea transformed into numerous exotic ocean creatures: deep-sea fish, fang-toothed whales, giant octopuses They seemed to move around like real marine life, emitting a lively atmosphere. Ji Chen looked at the ocean power glowing brightly in his hand. With a thought, he absorbed it into his body. As the light gradually dimmed, these strange aquatic forms lost their spirituality and form, quickly dissolving back into the sea. Inside his body, the three strands of ocean power found each other like missing pieces of a puzzle, merging perfectly together. The fusion of ocean power is complete, and the authoritys strength is restored. Feeling the new and familiar majestic power in his body, Ji Chen finally smiled. He had gathered three strands of ocean power! Several days ago, he followed the aura, traveling thousands of miles from the Western Mid-Ocean to the Eastern Pacific Ocean to find the lost third strand of ocean power. Unlike the previous two strands of ocean power, the search and acquisition process for the third strand of ocean power had gone extremely smoothly. In a seabed cave, a group of evil sea beasts had guarded it, which Ji Chen had easily annihilated. The fusion process had also been very smooth. When the three strands of ocean power merged into one, their power was displayed. -Mid-tier authority, second place. The complete ocean power, or ocean authority, had ranked third among the mid-tier forty-eight authorities, just below the first place of earth authority and sky authority. This ranking was apparent on the surface. However, there had been no definitive conclusion regarding which authorityearth, sky, or oceanwas truly the most powerful among the three domains of land, sea, and sky. Ultimately, the effectiveness of wielding authority depended on the abilities of the user. Weak wielders found themselves being led by the authority, thus struggling to fully harness its power, whereas powerful wielders could completely command the authority, utilizing it at will and unleashing its power to the fullest extent, sometimes even beyond its limits. Furthermore, each of these three authorities possessed distinct strengths and specializations. Those who wielded earth authority wisely refrained from engaging in battles at sea against those with ocean authority, just as those who controlled sky authority avoided confrontations on land with wielders of earth authority. But undoubtedly, ocean authority had been one of the most powerful authorities among the mid-tier authorities, especially in the ocean, where it had reigned supreme. Even the higher-tier authorities needed to show some respect! Having gathered the power of the ocean, Ji Chen also paved the way to ascendancy as an ocean deity. Moving forward, all he needed to do was diligently amass fervent followers, continuously build up the power of faith, and enhance his strength, and when the deitys condensation was complete, the divine fire would eventually ignite fully, transforming him into a god. But if he followed the normal process, it would take quite a long time, perhaps centuries or even millennia. Becoming a deity was by no means a simple matter. Throughout history, how many strong individuals had reached the end of the world, mastered authority, but ultimately crossed the long road and ascended to become deities? Not many. The deities at the top of the pyramid were still those familiar names, but beneath the pyramid, countless unnamed corpses had long been piled up. But Ji Chen had enough confidence to become the one who reached the top of the pyramid. His confidence stemmed from the Military Talent Tree and Authority. It was already incredibly rare for one person to possess three authorities. After obtaining the final strand of ocean power, Ji Chen had no intention of delaying any further and was prepared to begin his journey back. With a single thought, the once tranquil sea and sky surrounding him erupted into turmoil, unleashing a terrifying storm of wind and water. Seeing this terrifying scene, the surrounding marine creatures panicked and fled, fearing being torn to pieces by the storm. This was the power of the Storm Authority. Capable of summoning storms at any time and place, not only could it harm enemies, but it could also conceal oneself within the storm, merging with it. Satisfied, Ji Chen nodded, then continued on his way without further delay, with the storm following closely behind. He simultaneously increased his proficiency in using the Storm Authority while hurrying on the road. The storm, regardless of its actual power, looked frightening enough, resembling a sandstorm on land, sweeping across the sea hundreds of meters high and extending for miles, with fierce winds roaring like the howls of demons. The sky was dark and lightless, with only rolling winds and rain, accompanied by flickering thunder, like scenes from Doomsday. All the ships encountered along the way, upon seeing what they thought was a naturally occurring storm, quickly veered off course and fled in panic, unaware that it was being controlled by a single human. Feeling the surging power of authority within the storm, insights continued to emerge in Ji Chens mind, deepening his understanding of authoritys usage. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only At that moment, he suddenly sensed a violent energy fluctuation coming from afar, causing Ji Chen to involuntarily shift his gaze. His spiritual senses swiftly spread forward through the boundless sea, penetrating tens of miles ahead. Hmm? Is that a military force chasing someone? Zooming in countless times, Ji Chens widened field of vision revealed a dark army emitting an extremely evil aura, surrounding and attacking a humanoid figure with transparent wings from all directions. The figure appeared remarkable, emitting an otherworldly aura. Despite appearing to be of similar age to a human girl, its skin was adorned with intricate colored scales, which appeared not out of place but rather beautiful, akin to a painting. Chapter 813 - Chapter 813: Nora (2) Chapter 813: Nora (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation On top of her head were a pair of short horns, and around her body, there was a circle of illusory colorful light, holy and beautiful. The feathers composing her delicate wings were like stars, as if plucked from the night sky and adorned upon her. At a glance, it was extremely dreamlike, as if a celestial maiden from heaven. At this moment, this non-human-like winged being was busy dealing with the siege. Although she was the only one fighting alone, her petite body burst forth with formidable strength. Faced with this pitch-black army, even stronger than sixth-tier troops, she showed no fear. Every time the starlight staff in her hand struck, the space would easily tear apart, and the erupting energy would always annihilate more than ten of the dark troops. With a wave of her hand, a cluster of light dots, akin to the most intense white- scaled bullets, would instantly melt any enemies they touched. However, this army of beasts, entirely black and emitting an ominous aura, seemed like emotionless killing machines. Fearlessly, they kept coming, sacrificing themselves in an extremely coordinated manner to create opportunities for their companions. Finally, one of them found an opportunity. Its claws, harder than meteorite and as sharp as dragon teeth, heavily scratched her abdomen, leaving behind four ferocious wounds on her beautiful colored scales, emitting black smoke, akin to some poisonous venom. Hmph. Nora snorted in pain. Using her staff like a club, she directly smashed the black beast that had injured her into a cloud of black smoke, pushing it back hundreds of meters. A hint of dissatisfaction and reluctance crept onto her pale face. If her authority hadnt been sealed, how could she have been so easily overwhelmed by these beasts? Seeing that the black beasts still filled the sky, with no reduction in their numbers, Nora decisively turned and fled. These black beasts were inherently repelled by the worlds rules due to their evil and deformed nature. Perhaps there was still a glimmer of hope if she could hold out until they were expelled by the rules. Seeing the hunted target fleeing, the eyes of the black beast group flashed with red light, and they immediately chased after her without hesitation. Their great master ordered them to kill this solitary guardian deity whose authority had been sealed and bring back her authority and body, completing that supreme feat. How could they let her escape? Nora swung her staff repeatedly, her body constantly flashing. Soon, she escaped tens of miles away. However, the wound on her abdomen, which had been injured earlier, kept emitting strands of black gas, constantly guiding the black beasts. Damn it, Im really done for this time. Noras face grew paler. The sealing of her authority caused her to lose most of her self-healing ability, and being chased by this group of black beasts from the border to the inside, her strength was about to be exhausted. If this continued, she would surely perish under the claws of these black beasts. Once her authority and divine body were taken away, she would truly become a piece of meat on the chopping board. As her strength dwindled, the black beasts became more and more aggressive, and she could even see the mockery and cruelty in their blood-red eyes, making her shiver in fear. She, a dignified and upright deity, was actually going to be killed by such a group of riffraff. It was really humiliating! Gasping for breath like a broken bellows, Nora watched the black beast group surging towards her, her eyes gradually filled with despair. However, at this moment, there was suddenly a fluctuation in authority. The dark clouds in the sky gathered in an instant, followed by a sudden burst of thousands of thunderbolts, directly splitting the surging black beasts into pure black smoke. Within a dozen breaths, thousands of black beasts transformed into pure substance, leaving Nora dumbfounded. ??? A string of question marks seemed to float above her little head. Had that great god received the message and come to the main world to help her? Between the dissipating dark clouds and thunder, sunlight once again poured down, and a tall figure stood in the air. Nora squinted her eyes and looked over. She was about to greet the person, but suddenly her expression froze. Wait a minute, is this a human!? The one who just saved her turned out to be an ordinary human, not even a demigod!? Ji Chen looked at the strange humanoid creature, pondered for a moment, and decided to take the initiative to speak. Hello, Im Ji Chen, the Lord of the Ocean Crown. I was the one who saved you. Nora looked at Ji Chen, who was approaching, and came back to her senses. Suddenly, she stood with her hands on her hips, her face proud. Human, you dont need to know my name. Just offer your faith and loyalty, and maybe I can accept you as my follower, allowing you to bask in my supreme divine light! Ji Chen: ??? Whats going on with this little one? Shes behaving as if he didnt rescue her. Could it be that she was scared out of her wit by those dark creatures? Seeing Ji Chen seemingly stunned, Nora smirked triumphantly and continued arrogantly. Hmph, based on your handling of those dark beasts, Ill give you a chance to serve me. Take me to a safe place and gather as many living beings as possible. For most deities, the best way to recover was to gather the power of faith. As long as there were enough followers to provide faith, the injuries could be healed quickly, and even the seal could be undone. This seemingly capable human, if turned into a fervent believer, would surely provide a considerable amount of faith power. Nora thought smugly, but she saw that the human in front of her didnt seem quite right. She was feeling a bit scared now, as she was quite weak at the moment. But still, she raised her head and said with a forced smile. Ahem, is there something wrong with what I said? Ji Chen looked at Nora, who was barely up to his chest, and inferred some things from her words. Faithful, divine light These were terms that only an entity in need of faith would use. In other words, the small creature in front of him, with starry wings like a descending fairy, was a deity? Are you a deity? Nora immediately raised her flat chest proudly. Hmph, mortal, its good that you know. Behold my majestic presence. This is a rare opportunity. Are you referring to the sorry state you were in when you were chased by those dark creatures? Noras expression froze. That was just an accident. If it werent for my power being sealed, how could I be bullied by those dark beasts? Usually, I could crush them with just one slap. But obviously not now. Ji Chen mercilessly shattered her words, his tone becoming heavier. And I was the one who saved you just now. When saved, one should thank their savior. Have you said thank you? Letting a deity say thank you to a mortal? How could that be possible!? Dream on! Thank you. Ji Chens expression softened a bit. Are you a deity? Nora raised her head again, proudly declaring, I am a dignified deity, a lesser god standing above countless beings! Just a subordinate god? Nora glared at Ji Chen, full of disdain. Do you think there are many lesser gods? What, you look down on lesser gods!? At least I am a deity with lesser god powers!! However lowly a lesser god may be, they still belong to the realm of divine beings, to a higher order of life and existence, standing above countless mortal beings. How could they be ridiculed by mere mortals who havent even undergone the transformation into divine entities? Ji Chen didnt say anything, just extended his hand, and a dazzling purple lightning orb floated in his palm. Uh Nora felt like her throat was blocked, and she fell silent. The power of thunder ranked as the seventh intermediate power, proved to be significantly stronger than her own abilities, which fell even below those of the lesser gods. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Indeed, her lesser god power was a bit lacking. However, Ji Chen didnt hesitate to deliver another blow. The ones chasing you are called dark beasts, right? Even the enemy deities didnt come to catch you themselves, probably feeling that they could handle you with these dark beasts alone. How dare you expect someone with intermediate authority to submit to a lesser god like you? The more Ji Chen spoke, the redder Noras face became, until finally, she collapsed, burying her head in her hands. Stop it, I know I was wrong!! Chapter 814 - Chapter 814: Oceanic Faith Chapter 814: Oceanic Faith Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After a series of tortures ah, conversations, Ji Chen gradually gained some understanding of the little one named Nora. Her actual name was Nora, a lesser god known as the God of Starlight. She wielded authority over the seventieth lower-tier within the realm of starlight authority. She belongs to a race called Void Elves, naturally able to live in the void since birth, but other than the name and the connection to elves, she had no relationship with the elves in the main world. But she still belonged to the fraction of orderly gods. Your authority was sealed by a sinister god named the Dark Lord of Deception. In order to escape, you voluntarily fell from the void into the main world, and you were chased by those dark beasts? Yes, the Dark Lord of Deception is considered to be quite powerful among the mid-tier gods, and the authority he holds [Deception] ranks twentieth among mid-ter authorities! Nora nodded and looked at Ji Chen, adding, Of course, this is definitely not as good as your [Thunder] authority. Ji Chen nodded, his expression serious. What Im more interested in now is whether the orderly gods know about the invasion of demons into the main world? Of course we know. The prayers of the believers have long been known to all the great gods. Nora sighed heavily. But we have no way to respond or interfere, we can only watch. Ji Chens pupils suddenly contracted, which undoubtedly confirmed his previous speculation based on the information provided by Lainekel, Leysha, and others. That was, orderly gods were not unaware of everything happening in the main world, but they were unable to do anything about it. Have you been entangled by the Dark Lord? Nora looked at Ji Chen with some surprise, It seems you know quite a bit? Ji Chen shook his head. I dont know, its just a bold guess based on some information. Neither the elves nor the church can get the oracles and responses of their worshiped gods, and they can only watch the minions of the Dark Lord ravage the land where they depend on to survive. Thinking about it, this is the only possibility. Nora nodded approvingly. A good inference and its quite accurate. However, to explain this clearly, we have to talk about the last god war. You should know that hundreds of thousands of years ago, in the god war, the dark gods were defeated and suppressed by the orderly gods in the depths of chaos abyss, right? Of course I know. As long as there are believers and faith, the gods are almost immortal. Even if they are killed, as long as their divine soul remains, they can rely on the power of believers faith to be reborn through Nirvana. Nora talked eloquently, as if she were a participant, The same is true for the dark gods. Although the god war was won by the side of order, there are still many evil believers remaining on the earth. With the guidance of the dark gods, they scattered and evaded punishment after the defeat of the god war, giving them a chance to rise again. However, the majority of mortal beings are unaware that the abyss of chaos is, in fact, a unique space within the void, characterized by an extremely hostile environment filled with chaotic energy. Even for gods, it presents significant danger. Prolonged exposure to the divine body and soul will lead to gradual decay. This is precisely why the gods of order unanimously consented to confine those dark gods there, permitting their divine souls to deteriorate and ultimately achieve complete eradication. Ji Chen nodded suddenly, realizing that the chaos abyss had such a trick. But then he asked in confusion. But hundreds of thousands of years have passed, how can the dark gods still turn the tables and entangle the orderly gods? It seems that the dark gods have found a way to avoid the influence of chaotic energy, and not only have they not decayed, but they have also become stronger. Then, they collectively made a move. Noras face was full of indignation. Who would have thought that they would be so insidious, enduring for more than ten thousand years without making a sound, and then suddenly rushing out while we were not paying attention? Its really despicable! In fact, the energy of the chaos abyss not only damages the divine body and divine soul but also isolates the gods from prying eyes, which makes the orderly gods outside unable to know clearly what is happening inside. As time passed, they could only vaguely sense that those dark gods were growing weaker and weaker, leading to natural rejoicing and a relaxation of their vigilance. The number of orderly gods responsible for rotation decreased, and finally, the dark gods, who appeared weak, broke through the suppression in one fell swoop. Ji Chen pursed his lips, surprised to learn it was because of this reason. He didnt know whether to attribute the tenacity of the dark gods in adversity or the arrogance of the orderly gods. It seemed that the so-called gods were not devoid of human emotions, possessing characteristics similar to mortals. The embarrassing God of the Stars before him was a perfect example. Feeling the slightly offensive gaze from Ji Chen, Nora angrily waved her fist. Human, whats with that look? Just because you lucked out with the Thunder Authority doesnt mean you can be so disrespectful to a god! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen shrugged. Can beings without authority still be called gods? Noras expression froze momentarily, deciding to swallow her pride for now. When she regained her authority later, she would make sure this human knew the difference between gods and mortals! Hmph, for now, she would endure and let this relatively competent human help her gather some believers to provide faith power, so she could lift the seal on her authority and restore her strength as soon as possible. With her plan set, Nora quickly adjusted her attitude, wearing a smile on her face. Chapter 815 - Chapter 815: Oceanic Faith (2) Chapter 815: Oceanic Faith (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Well, Im just a minor lesser god, not comparable to those great gods like Eluvita. C Eluvita. Ji Chens spirits lifted. He had many questions about this immensely famous deity, but now wasnt the time for inquiries. Lets return to my domain for now and discuss matters afterward. Ji Chen led the divine being back to the Crown of the Ocean, refraining from using his Storm Authority to hasten their journey, nor did he reveal any other abilities apart from his Thunder Authority. Caution was essential; concealed power was the best response to unforeseen circumstances. With mastery over three authorities, he was confident in subduing a weakened deity who had been stripped of their powers and injured. Nora harbored thoughts of using him to regain her strength, and Ji Chen himself entertained the idea of extracting more information about the orderly gods and Eluvita from her. It was merely a mutual exploitation. Humans and gods, each harbored their own motives. Soon, the New Moon Islands came into view. Nora glanced at the bustling Crown of the Ocean with a hint of curiosity. As a Void Elf, she had lived in the void since childhood and rarely visited the main world. After the Dark Lords broke free from their seals, she had hardly returned for a century. A hundred years was enough for significant changes in the main world. Dynasties rose and fell, and empires crumbled, so it wasnt surprising to see a thriving settlement in the vast ocean. However, it was merely a passing curiosity. For this legitimate deity, such mortal realms were inconsequential; only divine realms were worthy of her attention. Each deity resided in their own divine realm, which served as their true home. These realms varied in size and quality, ranging from expansive domains capable of hosting billions of beings, each with its own rules and systems, to smaller realms resembling massive cities. However, Nora was unaware that the Crown of the Ocean had only been established for just over a year, from its inception to its current state. After settling the descended Starlight deity, Ji Chen turned to Wilus to inquire about the current situation with the demons. With the players joining the fray, the situation in the southern continent was gradually improving. Players who were fearless, well-informed, and versatile in combat style brought great trouble to the Greed Legion, much to their chagrin. Now, in the Desert Alliance, with the joint efforts of the Alliance Fleet and players, they have managed to repel the Greed Legions attacks and sometimes even organize counterattacks. As more and more players are enticed by the lucrative rewards to join the battle in the southern continent, this land shrouded in yellow sand would once again fall under the control of the forces of Order. News arrived from the Western Continent that the goblins had finally played their trump card, mobilizing a large-scale war puppet army for a counteroffensive and reclaiming thousands of square kilometers of land. Meanwhile, the situation in the Eastern Continent, which had been a cause for concern, seemed to have taken a turn. The Markus Empire, feeling pressured, deployed its elite troops along with the Light Church and other forces from the Eastern Continent to bravely resist. For the first time, the Void Lord, who had been advancing triumphantly, had been halted and blocked south of the Hogsback Mountains. While the demons had made extensive preparations, the Orderly Fraction was not to be underestimated. They had displayed formidable strength in the face of destruction. Especially now that two of the Five Demon Lords had been defeated, the demons seemed to be struggling to keep up their momentum. Yet, they still inspire fear in ordinary beings. With the demon invasion, the attention of various factions was focused on resisting them, leaving little regard for the common people. Naturally, they found themselves consumed by fear and confusion. Especially when they heard about the demons inflicting heavy casualties on the Orderly Fraction and pushing the frontlines forward, their faces paled with fear, as if expecting the demons to attack their doorstep tomorrow. In times of turmoil, beings always needed some form of spiritual solace. In the past, they could turn to various gods for this, but now the gods remained silent, leaving their souls adrift. At this moment. Almost overnight, a church known as the Oceanic Faith emerges in coastal cities across various continents. It was not only highly organized but also had ample funds at its disposal. Their method of evangelism was quite novel. Attendees of their preaching sessions were given food items such as eggs, meat, and fabrics, or practical household items at the end. If approved, they might even receive specially crafted talismans. Its preaching emphasized that as long as one believed in a deity called the God of the Ocean, they would be blessed with safety at sea, bountiful harvests, and protection from disasters. In the Central Ocean, where waves were turbulent and storms were frequent, a slight misstep could lead to shipwrecks and loss of life. Therefore, fishermen, sailors, and merchants who relied on the sea for their livelihood often believed in one or two oceanic deities to ensure a safe voyage. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Some fishermen and merchants, seeing the sudden appearance of the Oceanic Faith offering gifts, joined the preaching sessions with the thought that even if they didnt fully believe, it wouldnt hurt to give it a try for peace of mind. Initially, they were skeptical, but as some fishermen returned from the open sea with unprecedentedly abundant catches after receiving special talismans, they couldnt help but feel excited. Could it be that believing in the God of the Ocean really worked!? On the Northern Continent, in the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, in the coastal city of Rasul. In a towering stone building in the eastern part of the city, a preaching session of the Oceanic Faith was underway. Chapter 816 - Chapter 816: Oceanic Faith (3) Chapter 816: Oceanic Faith (3) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Clad in a deep blue priest robe, a kind priest listened to the confessions of his followers. Great Priest, I felt the blessing of the gods when I went out to sea! The winds and waves calmed down, and the sky ceased its downpour. I caught nearly three times as many fish as usual! As long as you believe from the heart, the gods will always embrace you, and your catch will only increase. Great Priest! I havent encountered any bad weather during my recent voyages. Is it because the gods are protecting me? Of course, as a devout believer, the gods have watched over you and ensured your safety throughout. One by one, the believers eagerly recounted their safe voyages and bountiful harvests since joining the faith, while the priest patiently answered their questions. Watching this scene unfold, other onlookers eyes gleamed with renewed faith. Among the spectators, the indigenous people pondered whether joining Oceanic Faith could ensure a safe journey at sea. Soon, as the preaching session concluded, half of the indigenous people present chose to join the Oceanic Faith and become new converts. If anyone had visited the New Moon Islands, they might have recognized the kind priest as one of the workers of the Crown of the Ocean, one of the earliest batches to join, and the most loyal and fervent residents in support of Ji Chen. That day, he and thousands of his companions gathered together. Upon witnessing the supreme power and command of the divine, they set out without hesitation, armed with substantial funds, to preach from the New Moon Islands to various coastal cities along the mid-ocean. Scenes like this preaching session were occurring in coastal cities across the region, fueling the fervor of the Oceanic Faith. This novel approach to proselytizing was imported by Ji Chen from the Earth and proved to be quite effective in the otherworldly realms. In essence, joining the Oceanic Faith, and receiving the so-called specially crafted talisman, did indeed grant believers varying degrees of blessings from the sea gods, a decision based on the protection offered by the Crown of the Oceans territory. With the territory advancing to a Domain City, the protective blessings underwent significant changes. [Territorial Blessing]: Oceans Grace (residents and troops can catch more fish at sea, greatly improve their water skills and sense of direction, and reduce the likelihood of encountering sea disasters) Through investigation, Ji Chen discovered that as long as they believed in him, his followers were considered to some extent as his residents and thus enjoyed varying degrees of protection from territorial blessings. This became the core driving force behind the spread of the Oceanic Faith. While other deities were less likely to notice the insignificant individuals, believing in Ji Chen and joining the Oceanic Faith did indeed offer a certain level of protection. Hence, the advantages and disadvantages were clear at a glance. The indigenous people were not fools, especially those whose livelihoods depended on the sea, such as fishermen, sailors, and merchants, who had a high demand for such protection. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This was Ji Chens unique advantage, one that others found difficult to replicate. Amid the heavy pressure of demon invasions, the expansion of the Oceanic Faith was astonishingly rapid. Excluding the local followers of the Crown of the Ocean, within just two weeks, the number of followers on various continents reached as high as five hundred thousand. This was still under the condition of relatively low visibility for the Oceanic Faith. As long as the base of believers continued to increase, its influence would only exponentially rise, eventually leading to explosive growth. And Ji Chen, reigning over the Crown of the Ocean, felt the scattered faith from all directions of the continents converging, gathering like rivers into the sea, coalescing into the divine presence of the Oceanic God. The path to godhood took another step forward. Chapter 817 - Chapter 817: Mordor Strait Chapter 817: Mordor Strait Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Amidst the chaos of the world, the turbulent times provided an ideal opportunity for the Oceanic Faith to rapidly expand. The highly organized, premeditated, and unified actions of the Oceanic Faith quickly caught the attention of various kingdoms. Within the Lienhardt Palace. Sebastian, have you found out about the Oceanic Faith? Father, not yet, but Ive sent people to investigate in several coastal cities. We should have results soon, Sebastian replied, bowing his head. Julius frowned. The Oceanic Faith appears to have sprung up out of nowhere. Its missionaries are popping up in nearly every coastal city, and its influence has grown rapidly. Im worried if it turned out to be something like the Deep Sea Church. The Deep Sea Church had caused them quite a bit of trouble. They had expended considerable effort to root out their strongholds, temporarily driving them back into the sea. Sebastian pondered. From what we know so far, the Oceanic Faith hasnt shown any malicious tendencies. Its teachings mainly revolve around offering faith for protection and safe voyages at sea. If it were just that, it wouldnt be much different from other preachy religions. However, whats most surprising and worrisome As Sebastian spoke, Julius furrowed his brow, bluntly interjecting, Dont leave me hanging halfway. Do you want me to start throwing punches? Sebastian coughed nervously and, with some embarrassment, hurriedly continued because he knew his father meant what he said. What concerns me the most is, according to the initial reliable reports weve received, those who have joined the Oceanic Faith have indeed received some level of protection. Explain in detail. To be more precise, those fishermen are catching more fish, and sailors encounter fewer adverse weather conditions Julius interrupted again, Thats probably just coincidence. The sea is ever-changing. How could it suddenly make the fishermen more successful or the weather more favorable? Sebastian said gravely, I initially shared your thoughts. However, if one, ten, or even a hundred instances could be dismissed as mere coincidences, what about when a thousand or ten thousand people from various locations encounter the same phenomenon? Can we still call it a coincidence? Monica, who had been silent all along, spoke up, Perhaps deities can accomplish such feats. They are supreme and possess immeasurable power. Upon hearing this term, Julius felt a weight in his heart. Monica, are you saying that this so-called Oceanic Faith is truly worshipping a deity? In fact, not every church worshiped deities. Most of the so-called churches worshiped by the faithful were fabricated by false priests to deceive followers for money. They couldnt possibly attract the attention of real deities or produce such strange coincidences. A genuine divine church wasnt something just anyone could establish; it required the approval of the deity themselves. The deity was on the verge of becoming a deity, marking the beginning of absorbing followers. This meant that a new deity was being born. Just as the three were contemplating, a soldier pushed the door open and entered, holding a rolled-up parchment. Reporting to His Highness, the paintings used by the Oceanic Faith missionaries have been brought back. Sebastians expression was firm as he immediately took the parchment and unfolded it on the table after the soldier left. Julius and Monica approached, seeing the slowly unfolding painting depicting a tumultuous sea. Is this the ocean? At first glance, the painting seemed ordinary, like a landscape painting by any artist. But upon closer inspection, they noticed the waves in the painting were actually moving. Before their eyes, it seemed as if an ever-rolling and surging ocean appeared, with billions of tons of water rising and then crashing down with the force to shatter mountains before merging back into the sea. The interconnectedness of all beings They felt like they had become small waves, merging into the surging waves, joyfully leaping and rolling together, forgetting the troubles and worries of the world. They also felt enveloped by endless seawater. Yet, they didnt feel cold; it was like becoming a babbling toddler embraced by the gentle arms of the ocean, hearing soft murmurs, warm and safe. Embrace the arms of the deity- In the boundless ocean, a blurry and majestic figure stood, as if becoming the entire world. After what felt like an eternity, as if awakening from a beautiful dream, the three slowly came to their senses. Looking at the painting on the table again, it had returned to normal. Feeling somewhat frightened, they realized they had involuntarily immersed themselves in this painting? Is that the deity? Monica asked in disbelief. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Sebastian was at a loss for words, the blurry figure lingering in his mind, difficult to dispel. In fact, a surge of belief in this existence even rose within him. Now, the answer seemed to be forthcoming. The Oceanic Faith did indeed worship a deity; otherwise, a painting wouldnt have had such an effect on them. Royal Father, should we take any action against the Oceanic Faith? Julius furrowed his brow. A church with a genuine belief in a deity couldnt be handled lightly. After pondering for a moment, he said, Dont hinder the Oceanic Faith. No matter what, theyre only spreading their faith near the ocean, and their doctrine poses no threat to us. Lets leave it for now and see how the situation develops. Chapter 818 - Chapter 818: Mordor Strait (2) Chapter 818: Mordor Strait (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation We have no other choice. Sebastian and Monica nodded. None of them noticed that the figure of the divine being in the painting cast a glance toward them. Ji Chen slowly opened his eyes, a trace of peculiarity flashing in them. As an entity capable of gathering believers faith power, he could sense part of the believers situation through the power of faith. Julius in Lienhardt, along with Sebastian, Monica, and the others on the Northern Continent, appeared to have already detected the Oceanic Faiths movements. However, he couldnt keep this hidden for much longer, particularly among nations and factions that held strong religious beliefs in gods. Their response would likely be even more pronounced. Ji Chens activities of the Oceanic Faith were currently limited to the Mid Ocean and coastal areas because these places had the soil for preaching. There wasnt a fisherman, sailor, or maritime merchant who could refuse a god who could protect them and ensure their safe voyage. In this respect, even revered deities such as the Goddess of Light, the Lord of Stars, and the Elven Mother Goddess couldnt rival the influence of his Oceanic Faith. If those ordinary gods beliefs only solved spiritual needs, then Ji Chens faith simultaneously solved spiritual and material needs, with tangible benefits. Furthermore, the Oceanic Faiths believers had a broad foundation. Not only humans but also elves, dwarves, goblins, and even marine races could show faith. There were no restrictions on race or nationality. The broader the base of potential believers, the easier the expansion would be, and the stronger his power would become after becoming a god. This was also one of his advantages. After saving the fallen starlight god Nora, Ji Chen also obtained a lot of information about the current situation of the orderly gods from her. There was a considerable difference from previous speculations. After the unsealing of the dark gods, the orderly gods were caught off guard, and the divine realms of multiple orderly gods were breached, resulting in heavy losses. Now, most of the orderly gods relied on their own divine realms to support each other in attacking and defending against the dark gods, making it difficult to pay attention to everything happening in the main world. And it seemed that the dark gods were also aiming for this purpose: to occupy enough time for demons to invade the main world, eradicate the foundation of orderly faith, and thus achieve the complete destruction of orderly gods. But from another perspective, if a large number of evil races like demons, who believed in dark gods, could be cleared, it would also achieve the goal of weakening the dark gods. Considering this approach, Ji Chen decided not to sit idly by and continue to take the initiative, turning his gaze to the Decay Lord in the Western Continent. Ji Chen set off with the giant turtle and the army secretly, without attracting anyones attention. In the Mordor Strait. Heartwing demons filled the skies, while massive floating warships dominated the sea surface, and numerous aquatic demon patrols lurked beneath the waves. Hundreds of places diagonally above had been occupied by the Decay Lord since the invasion of demons. The Mordor Strait, originally an important route for commercial trade between the Western and Southern Continents, was now already occupied by a stench C corroded soil. The cities on both sides of the strait had become a paradise for demons, with towering demonic war buildings, terrifying and terrifying. This was the headquarters of the Decay Legions attack on the Western Continent, and the defense was naturally extremely tight. However, not a single demon knew that hundreds of meters beneath their perception and line of sight, a giant turtle was carrying war structures and tens of thousands of troops, slowly swimming through the seabed, swaggering through the alert line. Lurking beneath the sea. Ji Chen stood in front of the tower, with two columns of heroes of the Crown of the Ocean in front of him, and further away were tens of thousands of Crown of the Ocean troops. To ensure that this time they could destroy the headquarters of the Decay Legion in one fell swoop, he basically mobilized all the elites of his territory. Krakens, Alice, Herald- Divine Ocean Crystal Wyvern, Naga Iron Colossus All elites were deployed for this decisive battle. As the scheduled attack time gradually approached, Ji Chen looked at everyone, his tone decisive. Launch the attack! The quiet Mordor Strait suddenly exploded, and the troops of the Crown of the Ocean broke through the water, spraying attacks all over the sky, killing demons in droves, and destroying war structures. Powerful heroes killed the demons who reacted. The claws roared, the song wept blood, the dragons breath filled the sky, the sword light left no trace, and the divine arrows flew like lightning. Patheia swung her long sword, effortlessly cutting down dozens of demons rushing towards her with the flickering of her blade. Then, spreading her wings, she transformed into a shadow and soared towards a nearby demon hero. The huge demon head flew high, the cold face showing no emotional fluctuations, continuing to search for the next target. In the continuous honing and battles, after Ji Chen used the Military Talent Tree to increase the potential upper limit of Patheia, she soon broke through to the legendary tier, and her swordsmanship became even more exquisite and terrifying. Even when facing three demons of the same level, she was not inferior. Alices singing was irresistible even to the most evil demons, who turned into soul puppets one after another, wielding their knives against their comrades, and even some low-level demon heroes went crazy and slaughtered their own kind. Elisya was no longer hiding among the Crown of the Ocean. Riding on an agile Divine Ocean Crystal Wyvern, she drew her bow, and every shot brought down a high-level demon. [Meteor Arrow Shower (Orange Skill, unleashes a large-scale group arrow rain covering a range of thousands of meters, each wave of arrows totaling ten waves of elemental arrow rain, containing different elemental properties)] Each wave of Meteor Arrow Shower was like a colorful downpour, leaving behind enemy corpses covered in arrows. Group skills and single-target skills were alternately used. [One Strike Through the Stars (Orange Skill, launches a highly penetrating elemental arrow with a 1000% increase in penetration, accompanied by armor penetration, heavy injury, and locking properties, containing a certain chance of fatal effect)] Under this ultimate skill, even legendary demons were killed with a single blow, yielding the most results. This sudden raid caught the Decay Legion off guard. The main forces of the Decay Legion were basically engaged in frontline combat, leaving only over ten thousand demons at the headquarters. With just over ten thousand demons, facing the Crown of the Ocean troops who had taken the elite route to the extreme, they immediately showed a trend of defeat upon contact, with about seventy to eighty thousand casualties in just half an hour. Demon corpses were everywhere, but casualties among the Crown of the Ocean troops were few. Under relentless destruction, the war structures built by demons at great cost collapsed one after another, and a large amount of supplies destined for the frontline turned into ashes in a sea of fire. Just as the battle was nearing its end. A pitch-black cloud suddenly flew in from the north, and a demon with two feet and four hands, with wings on its back, appeared from the clouds. Looking at the Mordor Strait engulfed in flames, there was both joy and anger in its eyes. The joy was that the Lord of Glory attacked here with his army, and the anger was that he didnt expect the attack to be so fierce. The army he left here for defense turned out to be so vulnerable, almost completely wiped out in just half an hour. But it didnt matter, as long as they killed that Lord of Glory, then everything would be worth it. The Decay Demon Lords eyes shifted slightly, quickly focusing in the distance on Ji Chen, standing with his hands behind his back on a Crystal Dragon. He decisively unleashed the trump card he had prepared long ago. Please, gods, descend and kill this man! The sky darkened. The sky cracked open, and five streams of black smoke quickly merged into the container that the Decay Demon Lord had prepared for a long time. The five dark gods divine bodies merged, suddenly erupting into a storm like an avalanche, everything around was lifted, leaving behind bodies slowly opening their eyes. The Decay God, Intermediate God. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The Sinister God, Intermediate God. The Fury God, Lesser God. The Mighty Strength God , Lesser God. The Master of Hell, Intermediate God. The five dark gods descended upon the world at the same time, with the sole purpose of killing Ji Chen and destroying this human who posed a great threat to the dark side! Chapter 819 - Chapter 819: The Might of the Gods Chapter 819: The Might of the Gods Editor: Dragon Boat Translation At that moment, the Lord of Decay was thoroughly pleased, his eyes brimming with mockery and taunting. Human, I admit you are strong, strong enough to consecutively kill Balzarna and Maldonis. If you were to grow a little more, perhaps no creature in this main world would be your match. With your existence, we demons find it difficult to occupy the entire world! However, you are too arrogant, arrogant enough to dare to lead an army alone to attack the Mordor Strait. If you had stayed on your little island, hiding in the sea, I wouldnt have been able to do anything to you. Today will be the day you die! the Decay Lord said maliciously, observing Ji Chens expression. However, to his disappointment, he did not see any fear or panic on Ji Chens face. Facing the divine apparitions that caused the heavens and earth to change color, he remained calm, as if unaffected. His indifferent demeanor infuriated the Decay Lord, feeling as if he was being scorned. He said mockingly, Do you think you can still walk away unscathed before the five great gods? Ji Chen finally looked at him, but it was just a glance. He said lightly, You talk too much. The Decay Lord was enraged by his retort. I hope you can still act so arrogantly later. Then, he looked at the five divine apparitions that were about to fully merge their power into the vessel. His expression was respectful and humble to the extreme. Please, divine beings, kill this man. One by one, the divine vessels slowly opened their eyes, emitting a terrifying black light that sent shivers down peoples spines. The surrounding power surged once more, shaking the heavens and earth as if it were the end of days. Even a single dark divine apparition could already evoke dramatic changes in the heavens and earth, but with a total of five now present, the tidal energy they unleashed rendered the remaining demons below incapable of even the slightest movement. They lay sprawled on the ground as if weighed down by immense boulders, their faces drained of color with fear. These five beings surpassed even the Epic tier in power, emanating their majestic divine strength. One of the demonic apparitions, with its eyes open, emitted an aura of decay, slowly speaking. Lowly worm, you escaped earlier, but you wont be so lucky this time. As soon as the words were spoken, Ji Chen realized that this dark divine apparition was previously summoned by the Undead Lord, the Decay God whom he had slain using his Thunder Authority. This time, it descended to kill him. Or rather, it was the Decay Gods suggestion to other dark gods to descend together to kill this human who had become a major threat to the demons. At this moment, the Decay God even regretted a little, regretting why he didnt discover Ji Chen earlier. If he could have suppressed and killed him earlier, then the situation wouldnt have become so bad. Is this the human who killed the current generation Balzarna and Maldonis? At this time, another Warlord divine apparition also spoke slowly. As soon as it spoke, the surrounding air suddenly became cold and sinister, making people feel icy all over, as if they were in an ice cellar. This was the Sinister God, in charge of the Authority of Corruption. It was good at bewitching souls and was one of the intermediate dark gods with a relatively good relationship with the Decay God. It doesnt seem like theres anything particularly special about him But I heard he took down one of your avatars? A Flame Lord, engulfed in flames, spoke in a mocking tone. This was the Master of Hell, ruler of the chaotic abyss of purgatory. Skilled in using purgatory flames, he was one of the strongest among the intermediate gods of darkness. To ensure the success of the ambush on Ji Chen, he specially invited him to join the descent. Upon hearing this, the Decay Gods face darkened, and he snorted lightly. This human not only possesses the power of the ocean but also wields the authority of thunder. Wed better take him a bit more seriously. The power of the ocean? Isnt that the power of the ocean god we slaughtered in the first divine battle? The Warlord, with a wicked laugh and infinite cruelty in his eyes, said, I never expected to encounter his successor in this second divine battle. Its truly fate. This was the Lower God of Fury, controlling one of the Seven Sins, [Rage]. Although he belonged to the lower authority, his combat power rivaled those of the intermediate authorities. Of course, but he only controls a part of the power of the ocean. In terms of strength, he cant compare to the previous ocean god. The Lord of Fury said with satisfaction, recalling some unpleasant memories. He pretended to be careless, saying, Even if he resurrects again, we can easily kill him once more. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only However, in reality, the Ocean God relied on the power of the ocean to withstand so many dark gods. His heroic and fearless posture, facing them alone, even made them feel a hint of admiration, along with an unsettling sense of foreboding. The last avatar spoke at this moment, Regardless of the power of the ocean or the authority of thunder, after today, they will all be under our control, causing the loss of two powerful authorities from the orderly camp. This was the Lower God, the Giant Strength Demon God. From the muscular body that descended, it was evident that he excelled in strength. With one punch, he could easily shatter a mountain. The five dark gods spoke one after another, seemingly convinced of Ji Chens fate. With three intermediate gods and two lower gods, this lineup was enough to launch a small-scale divine battle. However, at this moment, they all appeared together for a single human. Chapter 820 - Chapter 820: The Might of the Gods (2) Chapter 820: The Might of the Gods (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Heroes of the Ocean Crown saw the overwhelmingly dark divine apparitions, feeling as if a mountain were pressing down on them. Despite their reluctance, they knew that facing enemies at this level would only burden their Lord. If they were to stay forcibly, it would only drain Ji Chens energy to protect them. Therefore, at this moment, they all remained silent and retreated a considerable distance with the Ocean Crown army. The dark divine apparitions paid no attention to these insignificant beings and let them depart. Ji Chen looked at the five dark divine apparitions before him and suddenly chuckled, causing the dark divine apparitions to freeze in place. You lowly scum, even at the brink of death, you dare to laugh, the Decay God frowned. Ji Chen slowed to a stop, his tone mocking. The memories left behind by the previous generation of the God of the Ocean from tens of thousands of years ago tell me that back then, you were all thoroughly beaten. If it werent for a sneak attack by higher-ranking gods, several of you wouldnt even have been able to defeat a single God of the Ocean. Its truly lamentable. The Decay God and the God of Fury were first stunned, then their faces darkened. It was something they preferred not to discuss. In reality, at that time, the God of the Ocean could easily suppress them with just his own divine power. If not for the later sneak attack by their higher gods, the outcome of the battle would have been uncertain for both sides. Because it was embarrassing to admit being overwhelmed by one against five, they had always kept silent about it. Now that Ji Chen had exposed it so blatantly, they immediately felt the strange gazes from the other three allied divine apparitions, causing them to become increasingly infuriated. The Decay God didnt want to waste any more words and released a wave of grayish decay. Scum, feel the anger of the gods! The Decay God launched an attack, and the God of Fury no longer hesitated, activating the Authority of Fury. Ji Chen suddenly felt a rush of restlessness and anger in his heart, and his vision began to turn blood-red. He felt an intense urge to vent his anger. The Authority of Fury stirred up the primal rage deep within the hearts of living beings, causing it to multiply infinitely. It could blur combat awareness, expose numerous attack vulnerabilities, and, in severe cases, lead to a loss of rationality and become slaves to the rage, regardless of friend or foe. It was related to the most primitive emotions of living beings, which was why it was considered a lower-tier authority but had effects comparable to intermediate-tier authorities. Ji Chen couldnt help but be affected, feeling the desire to unleash this emotion. However, the power of the ocean circulated throughout his body in the next moment, clearing his burning mind and gradually restoring his vision to normal. The Authority of Fury had been broken. The God of Fury widened his eyes in disbelief. How could this human block his authority so quickly? He hadnt even had a chance to act yet! For some reason, a sense of unease surged in his heart. Therefore, during the first divine battle, the God of the Ocean also easily blocked his authority of rage The decay energy emitted by the Decay God was also blocked by the Power of the Ocean that surged forth. As a specially crafted divine descent body, it could not contain more power than the avatar he had previously used. Therefore, he did not intend to rely solely on himself to deal with Ji Chen. Seeing the Power of the Ocean entangled by the decay energy, he urged slightly impatiently, Strike now. Alright, let these ants witness the true power of a deity. The gaze of the Sinister God was like that of a venomous snake as he opened his mouth to utter a curse. A sharp and piercing sound suddenly spread out, as if it could pierce deep into the soul and turn into a soul puppet. The authority of [Sinister Speech], its effect was quite similar to Alices mind control but more domineering. Words spoken would lead to action, directly grinding away the souls of living beings, leaving only their bodies like a puppets controlled by the authority. But [Sinister Speech] also had another name, called [Divine Speech]. When used by evildoers, it was the power to grind away souls, an evil force. But when used by good people, it was the power to soothe the soul and inspire it. Ji Chen felt a series of extremely piercing noises in his ears, like the wailing of evil spirits from the bottomless abyss, and the wailing of demons from the boundless purgatory. His soul was in turmoil, and his consciousness was swaying. Using the divine descent body to display authority, although not at full power, its might was still considerable. If he had already ignited the divine fire and transformed into a god, he would naturally not fear this. However, at this moment, he was still in a mortal body, and [Sinister Speech] was an intermediate-tier authority. Even with the protection of the Power of the Ocean, he was still significantly affected. Suddenly, a thunderous roar rang in his ears, dispersing the sinister words of those fiends. Gradually, his consciousness recovered. And a mighty divine descent body had already arrived not far away. Insects, dying by my hand is your honor! The Mighty Strength God swung his fist, and even the air emitted a sharp sound not inferior to the sinister words. This power even sealed off the surrounding space, making it impossible to use the teleportation ability of the Void Ring. Realizing that it was difficult to evade, Ji Chen hastily erected a water curtain to block it. Boom! Countless splashes of water rose into the sky as a figure flew backwards into the sea like a cannonball, causing towering water columns to surge. My Lord!! Alice and the others exclaimed in shock. Ji Chen reappeared from the sea, but his clothes and hair were slightly disheveled, and there was a hint of blood at the corners of his mouth. The blow from the Mighty Strength Demon just now had inflicted considerable damage on him. At least, the hastily erected water curtain couldnt block all of the force. The full-force strike of the divine descent body had already caused damage to this body that was evolving towards godhood, but ultimately it was not the body of a god. Four or five ribs were broken, there was internal bleeding, organ damage, and ruptured blood vessels Ordinary beings would have long since perished from this blow, but Ji Chen was, after all, above the epic tier, so he barely withstood the blow. The power of the ocean flowed continuously from his feet, repairing damage throughout his body, while also working at full capacity to heal. But the enemy didnt give him any time to recover. The sky suddenly lit up, and tens of thousands of flames fell abruptly, evaporating countless seawater before reaching the surface. In the rising white mist, Ji Chens clothes began to ignite spontaneously. In the sky. The Master of Hell cast a cruel and cold gaze, and with a wave of his hand, another blaze that burned all things fell. The authority [Inferno], the twentieth intermediate-tier authority. Just as the sky was about to engulf the human in flames, a vast and boundless storm suddenly rose from the sea, extinguishing the flickering flames and, in an instant, enveloping the five divine descent bodies. When this mighty storm swept in, the five dark gods exclaimed in unison. Storm authority!? They had not expected that this human, in addition to the power of the ocean and the authority of thunder, also possessed the nineteenth intermediate-tier authority, the authority of storms! Even the Decay God had not anticipated this. Realizing that there was no turning back, he had to grit his teeth and say, With three authority powers combined, this person is a great threat to us. We must not let him ignite the divine fire. Now is the best time to kill him! The five dark gods reached a consensus and no longer concealed their power, unleashing the full power of this divine descent body. Sinister words surged, flames engulfed the sky, words of rage resounded, mighty forces tore through the air, and decay pervaded. However, they underestimated Ji Chens power. They saw that this storm was not just the power of the storm authority alone. An invisible domain unfolded, with thousands of thunder serpents flashing above, and the mighty power of the ocean permeating every part of the storm. This was a composite attack formed by the convergence of the power of the ocean, the authority of thunder, and the authority of storms, creating an endless assault of storms, lightning strikes, and violent eruptions of ocean power, like waves of relentless attacks. The murmurs of sinister words were overshadowed by thunder, the rage was washed away, the inferno was extinguished by the storm, the stench of decay disappeared with the rolling waves, and the ferocious might swayed weakly in the wind. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only That figure stood amidst the storm, merging with it. Though not a god, he wielded the power of a god. When the storm subsided and the thunder dissipated, what remained was a tall figure. Alice and the others finally let go of their held breaths at this moment, cheering loudly. And in the city, which resembled a ruin, countless demons watched this scene in dumbfounded amazement, their expressions filled with confusion. Chapter 821 - Chapter 821: Authority Allocation Chapter 821: Authority Allocation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation That human actually won? The five dark gods actually lost? Even though they were just five incarnations of the gods, the scene of Ji Chen standing tall in the world still made them feel incredibly horrified. The Lord of Decay was already consumed by fear, his mind swirling with confusion, unwillingness, and disbelief at the present circumstances. How could a human defeat five god-possessed incarnations? It was like the first god war tens of thousands of years ago when the God of the Ocean fought against several dark gods, and the current situation was so similar. But this human had accomplished the feat of fighting five on his own. How amazing. Not only were the five god incarnations he painstakingly crafted completely wiped out but his carefully designed traps were also shattered. Infinite resentment surged in his heart. Why could this human possess three authorities and rival the gods? It should be noted that he had been in this world for less than two years, whereas he had struggled to survive in the chaotic abyss, a hellish place, for thousands of years before he reached this state today. It took him a thousand years to grow from a humble lesser demon to a bottom-tier demon, then another thousand years to gradually establish himself, followed by another thousand years to rise from a bottom-tier demon to a high-tier demon. Finally, it took him twice as long as before to achieve his current position as a demon king. He had endured inhuman torture and suffering, and experienced countless bloody battles and vicious conspiracies, just to get to where he was now. But despite all that, he didnt even have one authority, not even one! The twisted mind of the Lord of Decay became even more twisted at this moment, wishing to kill Ji Chen with his own hands. However, when he inadvertently met Ji Chens eyes, which were filled with a hint of killing intent, he suddenly sobered up. His hands and feet turned cold. The anger, resentment, and frustration that filled his heart dissipated like a deflated balloon in an instant, and then he fled without looking back. But before he could escape far, one thunderbolt after another struck him down, annihilating his body and soul together into ashes. The Lord of Decay among the five demon kings was dead! Other demons finally collapsed at this sight, fleeing in all directions, and the Ocean Crown Legion once again entered the scene, slaughtering these demons who had completely lost their will to fight. Ji Chen just watched indifferently, without intervening, focusing his attention on the five orbs floating not far away, remnants left behind after the defeat of the five incarnations of the gods. He beckoned them over, each floating in front of him. The five orbs were of different colors, each emitting different fluctuations, some faintly murmuring words, some burning flames inside, and some had no prominent features at all. Ji Chen concentrated, carefully sensing it, and soon a look of realization dawned in his eyes. These were all incomplete authorities, more accurately, they were part of the authorities of the five god-possessed incarnations. The five god incarnations were specially made to contain a part of the power of the gods, which naturally included the power of authority. Perhaps it was because Ji Chens combined power of three authorities was too powerful, the instant eruption of power far exceeded their imagination, causing the five dark gods to be destroyed before they could withdraw from the god incarnations, leaving behind some of their power. These five orbs were respectively a part of the Decay Authority, Inferno Authority, Sinister Tongue Authority, Fury Authority, and Gigantic Force Authority. After Ji Chen figured it out, he couldnt help but feel a bit of surprise. Even if the authorities were incomplete, they were still authorities, the most top-tier power in the world, second only to complete authorities. More importantly, these were taken from the dark gods, so their authority was no longer complete, resulting in a significant decrease in their power. This might be good news for the orderly gods. As for how to deal with these five incomplete authorities, he didnt intend to occupy them himself. Honestly, he looked down on these somewhat evil and dark types of authorities. Whether it was the authority of the ocean, thunder, or storm, they were either orderly powers or natural forces. The cost of absorbing these incomplete versions was too great, and the power that could be obtained was too little. Obviously, the cost-effectiveness was higher for Alice and the others. After a moment of contemplation, he gradually began to consider. The Inferno Authority could spray flames that burned both the body and soul, which would greatly enhance Benbos power when mixed with dragon breath. The Sinister Tongue Authority could enchant the mind with evil language, and manipulate the body, and it was a power that was extremely compatible with Anina. The Gigantic Force Authority could crush enemies with pure strength, primitive, direct, simple, and violent, extremely suitable for Aninas positioning. The Fury Authority could disturb the formation of enemies by using the emotions deep within every living being, invisible and intangible, suitable for Heralds straightforward style. Soon, four authorities had found their owners. As for the last one, the Decay Authority, Ji Chen hesitated a bit, unsure who to give it to among the heroes. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Kraken already had the Decay Authority, and he hadnt fully mastered it yet. Having another Decay Authority would just be icing on the cake, not very meaningful, and none of the other heroes were particularly compatible with this authority. After thinking for a moment, Ji Chen decided to temporarily set it aside for preservation. The battle below quickly ended, and the demons who had lost their will to fight were soon slaughtered, adding another achievement to the Crown of the Ocean. He called the heroes over one by one and bestowed the authorities upon them. The rewarded heroes were all overjoyed, but they accepted them without any hesitation. Their primary desire, standing behind the unquestionably loyal lord, was to elevate their own power, ensuring they kept pace with the lord, as none wished to lag behind their allies or adversaries. Chapter 822 - Chapter 822: Authority Allocation (2) Chapter 822: Authority Allocation (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Among them, Ji Chen was most looking forward to Alice and the Authority of the Sinister Tongue. The compatibility between the two was exceptionally high, and he was curious about how Alices abilities would evolve after mastering the Sinister Tongue Authority. Could one control the bodies and souls of living beings with just a word spoken? However, the Sinister Tongue Authority was called Sinister for a reason. Being able to control it smoothly without losing ones mind, and even transforming the dark aspect of the Sinister tongue into the orderly aspect of the holy language, depended on Alices own willpower and strength. Numerous armies and heroes returned to the back of the giant turtle, slowly disappearing beneath the rolling waves, leaving behind a chaotic mess at the headquarters of the decayed legion. Two days later, many demon generals and commanders from the current line returned to the Mordor Strait. What they saw was a land that looked like it had been struck by meteorites. The human buildings, although damaged, had been preserved due to demand, but only the foundations remained, along with some debris. The towering demon war structures had completely disappeared, leaving behind only craters. The supreme commander of the decayed legion, the Decay Lord, was nowhere to be found. At this time, news came from the orderly camp that their master, the Decay Lord, had been slain, and the slayer was none other than Ji Chen, who had a record of slaying two demon lords! Once again, the world trembled. No one had expected that Ji Chen, who was thought to have been staying in his territory all this time, would quietly leave the New Moon Islands and go to the Mordor Strait in the western continent, where he casually slew another demon lord! How did he do it? Are demon lords so easy to kill? As many questions lingered in the minds of the natives and players, they began to form a stereotypical impression of Ji Chen. C Demon Lord Slayer. Out of five demon lords, Ji Chen had killed three, almost wiping out an entire family. Yet, they couldnt help but be excited. Every time Ji Chen slew a demon lord, it represented a tremendous victory. With the loss of the ruling Decay Lord, the decayed legion was leaderless, and the situation in the western continent would soon see a turning point. And the balance between order and evil would once again tip. But the impact of Ji Chens actions this time went beyond that. Not only did he slay the Decay Lord, but he also defeated five godly incarnations, dealing significant damage to the dark spirits of the five godly incarnations. Losing authority, especially when unable to retract it in time, dealt them a heavy blow. As their core power, any damage to authority would significantly weaken their overall power. Facing ordinary creatures might not matter much, but when facing divine enemies of the same level, such damage could create a significant gap. Such a gap gradually began to have some impact on the second divine war between the orderly and dark spirits. In a vast divine realm that was as large as a small world. Radiant and gentle light enveloped everything, and the air was filled with sacred prayers. The noble and supreme goddess sat on a divine throne formed by light. Tinsley, hows the battle going? Under the goddesss crown, the situation is gradually improving. Recently, I dont know why, but the intensity of the dark spirits attacks on the divine realm has decreased significantly. The demigod follower Tinsley bowed her head respectfully and reported. The light goddess, with her face veiled in light gauze, expressed slight surprise. Oh? Could it be that they see my divine realm as too difficult to conquer, so theyve redirected their strength to attack other divine realms? Tinsley shook her head. Ive reached out to other divine realms, but they havent noticed any escalation in the attacks. It seems the dark spirits are still focused on entangling us, just as they were before. However, the intensity of attacks on certain individual divine realms has noticeably decreased. I speculate that this may be related to the main world. Perhaps you can listen to the prayers of the believers in the main world to learn some information. Although the dark spirits used chaotic energy to block the transmission of divine oracles to the orderly divine realm, they could still unilaterally receive prayers from some believers using the power of faith. The light goddess slightly closed her eyes to perceive. Suddenly, a hint of astonishment flashed through her originally calm eyes, followed by a curve at the comer of her mouth. Interesting. What did she hear? Another demon lord nurtured by the dark gods was slain, and once again, it was by that human. She had noticed the human named Ji Chen long ago when the three sub-sects under the Light Church were exposed for betraying the Orderly Divine Lineage and joining hands with the demons. Ji Chen had exposed the betrayal of the three sub-sects. Through fragmentary information brought by the prayers of her followers, she became aware of the existence of this human. Then, gradually, she learned of his series of feats, first slaying the Dreadlord, then the Undead Lord. Impressive achievements. And now, in such a short span of time, he had slain the Decay Lord. To possess the power to slay demon lords at such a young age was truly remarkable. If the Light Goddess knew that Ji Chen had also taken down five Divine Descendents, she might be even more astonished. The Light Goddess contemplated the current situation in the main world. Three out of the five demon lords were already gone, and the tide of their attack would soon show signs of ebbing. They might even soon find themselves at a disadvantage. Their plan to exterminate the Orderly Divine Lineage by invading the main world and slaughtering its followers would gradually crumble. During this period, with the counterattack of the Orderly Divine Lineage, the evil races that believed in the dark gods would also suffer heavy losses. With the deaths of their followers and the weakening of their faith, it would be the dark gods who had to worry about the decline of their power. This was a rare opportunity, a perfect moment for their counterattack! Seeing the changes in the goddesss expression from the corner of her eye, Tinsley didnt understand but dared not ask, merely bowing her head in wait. Tinsley. Here. Tell the other divine realms that our time for counterattack is imminent. Yes! Not only did the Light Goddess learn about the events in the main world through the prayers of her followers, but also, within each of the divine realms of the Orderly Divine Lineage, each orderly god more or less knew about the situation in the main world and the radiant figure of Ji Chen shining brightly during this period. The name Ji Chen gradually entered the sight of both the orderly gods and the dark gods. Some gods were astonished, some were intrigued, and some held expectations. But there were also gods who felt disgust, hatred, anger, wishing to obliterate his divine soul entirely, such as the Decay God who had suffered a major setback not long ago, among other dark gods. Among the orderly gods, the Elven Mother Goddess, one of the most powerful deities, couldnt help but laugh lightly upon hearing this news. Her laughter was a hundred times more melodious than the most beautiful music in the world as if imbued with the power of life itself. Within her divine realm, flowers suddenly bloomed everywhere, and lush green grass spread from the vine-draped divine throne to the farthest reaches. This human has indeed surpassed my expectations a bit. With snow-white delicate feet treading on the verdant grass, the Elven Mother Goddess stood up, shaking her head with a smile. From being a mere mortal in the main world to touching the boundary of divinity and embarking on the path to godhood, this human had taken less than two years. Two years, to a deity, was no more than a short nap, yet it had brought him to his current state. Even with her assistance, this would have been impossible. Or rather, it would have been impossible for him to grow at this pace according to expectations. This human, unable to be detected or predicted even by [the authority of foresight], was like delving into a quagmire, with no glimpse of the foreseeable future. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only She was the most powerful of the orderly gods, yet even she couldnt see through him. There was only one answer. That was, there was a force of higher dimensionality interfering and obstructing all gazes directed towards this human. The Elven Mother Goddess gazed thoughtfully at the sky, her vision seemingly penetrating her divine realm and reaching into the depths of the void. This force was probably closely related to those who helped the dark gods break their seal, deliberately causing this divine war. Perhaps through this human, she could unravel it all. Chapter 823 - Chapter 823: Authority Control Progress, Another Divine Power Troop Chapter 823: Authority Control Progress, Another Divine Power Troop Editor: Dragon Boat Translation On their journey back, the giant turtle emitted powerful bursts of energy one after another. Herald (Level 63) has mastered the [Wrath Authority], currently at 11% mastery. Benbo (Level 61) has mastered the [Inferno Authority], currently at 14% mastery. Anina (Level 62) has mastered the [Giant Strength Authority], currently at 15% mastery. These three legendary heroes gradually mastered the incomplete authorities bestowed upon them by Ji Chen. Their mastery progress ranged from 11% to 15%, greatly enhancing their strength. They advanced several levels, transitioning from their fifties to the sixties. Their combat prowess increased several times over. Previously, Kraken had acquired a significant portion of the Decay Authority, reaching 18% mastery. This raised Krakens level to an impressive 65. Ji Chen had high expectations for the combination of Alice and the [Sinister Tongue Authority]. Anina (Level 67) has mastered the [Sinister Tongue Authority], currently at 25% mastery. With a mastery progress of 21%, Anina surpassed other heroes at Level 67, almost reaching the legendary level cap of 69. Excluding Thotmudo, Theod, and Isaiah, she became the most powerful hero unit of the Ocean Crown. A quarter mastery of the Sinister Tongue Authority meant a significant setback for the Sinister God, even a substantial blow to its vitality. If Ji Chens confrontation with the avatars of the dark gods was their initial clash, then the descent of these five avatars marked their second encounter. Once more, Ji Chen emerged triumphant! Nora, the Starlight God who had silently observed the proceedings, experienced the most intense emotional fluctuations. In her eyes, it was inconceivable for mortals to defeat five avatars containing dark gods. Seeing Ji Chen not only stand his ground but also display an eager demeanor was bewildering. In her view, the idea of defeating five avatars, each harboring dark gods, with mere mortal strength was unfathomable. However, when Ji Chen struggled to withstand the attacks of various authorities and was injured by the Mighty Strength Gods punch into the sea, Nora thought it was over. If Ji Chen were defeated, she feared she wouldnt be able to escape. But just when despair set in, Ji Chen emerged again, unleashing three different intermediate authorities in succession, all ranking within the top twenty. Even the Ocean Authority surpassed the formidable Thunder Authority. The entire divine realm was stunned. What kind of family possessed so many powerful authorities? When these three authorities combined to unleash astonishing combat power, cleanly defeating the five avatars, the entire divine realm erupted in excitement. Whether they were companions or had vested interests, they were all thrilled to see the orderly faction thoroughly defeat the dark gods, especially when they observed that some authorities remained intact. The integrity of authorities directly impacted their strength, even if 99% of the authorities were far from complete. The varying degrees of authority loss among the five dark gods were what significantly affected the second divine war between darkness and order in the void. If the higher orderly gods were perceptive enough, they should have noticed this to some extent. However, the potential of this human was truly terrifying. Even before becoming a god, he had already mastered three powerful authorities. Once he truly ascended to godhood, he would likely become a pillar of order among the gods. He would probably skip past the Lesser God tier and become an Intermediate God, right? Nora thought to herself. Suddenly, she felt that being chased to the main world this time didnt seem like such a bad thing. Without this happening, she wouldnt have encountered Ji Chen. Since Ji Chen had such boundless potential and was likely to become a powerful Intermediate God, why not establish a good relationship with him before he truly ascended to godhood, and learn how to cozy up to him while he was still not yet a god? Well, gods werent without feelings or desires. Even among gods, interpersonal relationships mattered. Despite her status as a serious Starlight God, she held a low position among the Orderly Gods due to being a mere Lesser God with unremarkable powers and limited combat strength. Therefore, having a reliable pillar to lean on was crucial, at least to avoid being used as cannon fodder at certain times. Nora quickly figured all this out and didnt rush to gain the power of belief. She approached Ji Chen and whispered, Human Lord Ji Chen, is there anything I can help you with? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen paused, looking at Noras smiling face, even detecting a hint of flattery, feeling somewhat puzzled. For now, theres nothing. You can rest assured. The Dark Gods are unaware of your presence in the Ocean Crown. You can safely recover from your injuries. Nora quickly shook her head. Im not referring to that. With you here, Im not worried about my safety. Besides, since tens of thousands of years ago, when gods came to the main world, they either did so through vessels like possessing or sealing their powers to limit their strength to descend. Since you have previously defeated the divine manifestations possessed by the Dark Gods, it proves that your power has already reached the pinnacle of what this world can accommodate. In other words, you basically have no opponents left in the main world. Chapter 824 - Chapter 824: Authority Control Progress, Another Divine Power Troop (2) Chapter 824: Authority Control Progress, Another Divine Power Troop (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chens gaze slightly narrowed, not particularly concerned about the words of praise, but rather about a certain issue. You mentioned that since tens of thousands of years ago, the gods have been unable to descend into the main world in their true forms? Nora replied confidently, Thats right. However, the orderly gods did not disclose this information to the believers in the main world. Since then, the gods have only appeared to believers in the form of divine manifestations Anyway, due to beliefs and such, the believers couldnt tell them apart either. What reasons led to the main world restricting the entry of the gods? Well, the orderly gods speculate that it is mostly related to the breaking of the seal by the dark gods. Nora pursed her lips. But some gods have also discovered that the world rules seem to no longer welcome overly powerful beings to stay in the main world. This became somewhat evident after the first divine war, perhaps because the scars inflicted by the war on this world and its planes were too severe. In pursuit of their own interests, factions, and preferences, the gods continuously waged wars, causing mountains and rivers to collapse, living beings to suffer, and countless believers to perish. Consequently, the world rules began actively repelling the gods who initiated the divine war. Forcing these destructors to leave. As time passed, the suppression and rejection gradually intensified. The gods had no choice but to leave the main world and return to the divine realm in the void, occasionally manifesting to believers through divine manifestations to sustain the power of faith. These are secrets known only to the gods, lost in the long river of time in the main world, narrated through the mouth of this descended Starlight God. Then is the Elf Mother Goddess Eluvita also affected? I heard from the elves that in the past decade or so, they have not received any commands from the Elf Mother Goddess. Most likely, Eluvita is one of the most powerful gods among the Orderly Gods, so she should have suffered the most severe suppression and rejection. In recent years, the dark gods have been continuously compressing the frontline of the gods of order, even launching attacks on various orderly god realms. Although we Orderly Gods cannot descend commands, receiving prayers from believers in the main world is still possible through the power of faith. Nora pursed her lips and said, But why are you inquiring about this great god Eluvita? The Empress of the Elf Empire told me about this matter, and I was somewhat curious. Ji Chen said, Anyway, after defeating the Decay Lord this time, three of the five demon lords who assisted the dark gods in attacking cities and strongholds have been slain. Once the last two are also defeated, the faith in darkness and evil will be extinguished. Then, no matter how the dark gods scheme and conspire, their efforts will be in vain. The faith of the orderly fraction will continuously empower the orderly gods for the battle ahead. Nora agreed. Thats right. Since the gods cannot descend into the main world, as long as all those minions who stick their heads out are killed, the dark gods will only march towards their doom step by step! In this conversation, Ji Chen gained quite a bit of useful information. The rejection of the world rules, the dark gods attacking the orderly god realms, Eluvita Upon knowing for certain that the gods cannot directly come to the main world and can only manifest through divine incarnations, Ji Chen felt as if something in his heart had been set down. Perhaps he could be more aggressive in his actions. Returning to the New Moon Islands from the Mordor Strait, Ji Chen immediately came to the Divine Power Forest. After continuously nurturing with rare resources day after day, now every treetop of the more than 13,000 Divine Power Trees was adorned with crystalline divine power crystals. Some were as big as pumpkins, while others were as small as baby fists. It could be inferred from the ambush by five incarnated gods in the Mordor Strait that he was now in the sights of the dark gods and even considered an enemy that needed to be personally eliminated. Therefore, the Crown of the Ocean must also possess the power to resist the gods. This was Ji Chens goal and idea. Now the only way was to fully develop divine power troops, at least to be able to confront the minions of the dark gods C the Black Beasts. Otherwise, if Ji Chen were absent from his territory one day and the dark gods secretly sent a large army of Black Beasts to launch a surprise attack, the result could be imagined. In addition, he also needed to continue to strengthen his own strength, focusing on leveling up, and then searching for more neglected authority left in the main world. According to the Starlight God Noras words, in that distant era that was now almost imperceptible, the gods were not as rare as they are now. Every race was extremely developed and prosperous, with many individuals ascending to become gods, and the existing divine powers were not limited to the hundreds recorded today. During the first war of the gods, the dark gods, the orderly gods, and even other neutral gods fought each other for believers, land, and resources. Hundreds of fallen gods were scattered throughout the world. After the first war of the gods ended, the orderly gods organized efforts to retrieve some of the scattered authorities, but there were still quite a few authorities scattered in hidden places, waiting for someone destined to find them. Although these authorities might not be stronger than the ones recorded now, they still possessed considerable power. If obtained, it would undoubtedly be a significant boost. Once the plan was determined, Ji Chen put it on the agenda. If this Divine Power Forest was continuously fed with rare resources, the weekly output would be about 300,000 units of divine power crystals, enough to promote the sixth-tier troops equivalent to the number of Oceanic Crystal Dragons into Divine Power troops. Regarding the next promoted troop, he also had a quantified amount in mind. First, Ji Chen harvested a wave of mature divine power crystals from the Divine Power Trees, harvesting 300,000 units of divine power crystals this week, accumulating the remaining 60,000 units of divine power crystals from the previously transformed Oceanic Crystal Dragons. Then he opened the troop technology tree. (Naga Iron Colossus (Sixth-tier 4-star): Consumes 275 units of divine power crystals, can transform one unit of Naga Iron Colossus into Divine Power Naga Iron Colossus (Sixth-tier 9-star)] [Current divine power crystal count is 362,500 units, allowing the transformation of up to 1,318 Naga Iron Colossus (Sixth-tier 4-star) into Divine Power Naga Iron Colossus (Sixth-tier 9-star)] [Confirm?] Confirm. Consuming 362,500 units, transforming 1,318 Naga Iron Colossus (Sixth-tier 4-star) into Divine Power Naga Iron Colossus (Sixth-tier 9-star). [Divine Power Naga Iron Colossus] [Level]: 60 [Tier]: Sixth-tier 9-star [Skills]: Divine Power Fury (Golden skill, can actively unleash the power deep within the bloodline, erupting with extraordinary strength, increasing strength by 350%, resistance to attacks by 50%, speed by 200%, shielding pain and emotions) Naga Divine Body (Golden skill, scales containing the bloodline and divine power provide excellent defense, ignoring some damage, defense increased by 300%) Bloodline Regeneration (Golden skill, the bloodline grants powerful regenerative ability, even if the head is severed or the heart pierced, it can regenerate, recovery ability increased by 300%) Divine Power Amplification (Golden skill, attacks come with divine power damage, causing strong damage to all types of troops) Flight (Orange skill, wings on the back grant flight ability, flight speed increased by 200%, flight altitude increased by 50%) Tracking (Orange skill, able to track enemies over long distances based on traces) [Troop Characteristics]: Bloodthirsty (Naga detects the scent of blood, increasing combat effectiveness) Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only [Bloodline Ability]: Naga Giant (Body enlarges, all attributes increased by 120%, self-repair speed greatly increased, flight ability decreases, but defense greatly increases) [Northwest Axe King Advanced Version] Like the transformed Divine Power Oceanic Crystal Dragons, the Naga Iron Colossus underwent tremendous changes after transforming into Divine Power troops. Just as its name suggests, behind the name Iron Colossus lies a defense comparable to city walls, and its ability to enlarge its body makes it akin to heavy cavalry. However, even if all the divine power crystals on hand were used up, only over a thousand Naga Iron Colossi could be transformed. It would still take some time to transform the remaining over three thousand. Chapter 825 - Chapter 825: Messenger of the Light Church Chapter 825: Messenger of the Light Church Editor: Dragon Boat Translation However, the Ocean Crown followed a purely elite route. While other players often expanded their armies to tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions, Ji Chen expanded his forces systematically while ensuring quality. This allowed the average tier and level of the Ocean Crowns troops to far exceed those of other players. The Divine Power Crystal Wyvern, sixth tier with 9 stars, had an average level of 64.. The Divine Power Naga Iron Colossus, sixth tier with 9 stars, had an average level of 62. The Ocean Blood Dragon, sixth tier with 7 stars, had an average level of 63. Just picking one of them randomly would suffice as a core unit. Even if there were only a thousand units, they would still demonstrate powerful effectiveness. Its said that the most elite land unit of the Elven Empirethe Ancient Tree Wardensnumbered only three thousand, but their combat prowess could rival tens of thousands of enemies. In a battle hundreds of years ago, they faced off against a hundred thousand evil orcs with no casualties, slaying fifty thousand foes. Among the elite of the Markus Empire, the Swan Knights, the number of these elite cavalry troops has remained at five thousand since their creation, yet they have slaughtered countless armies of foreign races. The heads theyve severed could build a mountain, boasting an impressive record. Because of the existence of high-tier units like hero units, simply stacking large numbers often proved futile. Even the demons, boasting of their millions-strong army, only had a portion of elite troops, while the rest were used as cannon fodder and meat shields to absorb enemy firepower and attention. In the face of powerful individual enemy forces, aside from deploying similarly powerful individual forces of their own, another way to cope was to send out a moderately sized but elite force capable of surrounding and killing the enemy. This could be seen from the pursuit of the Starlight God Nora by the Black Beasts at that time. Although the Black Beasts numbered only in the thousands, they were able to chase and beat a legitimate lesser god. Although this happened when the authority of the Starlight God Nora was sealed, it still proved the theory. Moreover, Ji Chen had the assistance of the Military Talent Tree. Who knew if he would cultivate and strengthen a unit capable of confronting gods? After instructing the residents to continue nurturing the Divine Power Tree, Ji Chen returned to the Lords Castle, focusing on the current progress of the Oceanic Faith. Closing his eyes, he felt the power of faith from the coastal areas and various islands, and by the quantity of faith power, it was evident that the followers of the Oceanic Faith were still rapidly increasing, even faster than in previous weeks, and the range had expanded significantly. From scattered points to a connected area, the Oceanic Faith had blossomed everywhere. Especially on the islands and archipelagos of the coastal areas, the Oceanic Faith had displaced the original churches and beliefs of the indigenous people, becoming the mainstream faith. The Oceanic Faith didnt have fixed prayer times or means of extorting money from believers like Redemption Scrolls or the like. It even constantly provided benefits to believers, making it relatively pure compared to other churches. But it was also because of this reason that some indigenous people, who were not originally believers, approached out of curiosity and to take advantage, and soon they fell and became loyal followers of the Oceanic Faith. With the increasing number of believers, Ji Chen felt the power of faith becoming more abundant, and the condensation of divinity was steadily advancing. However, the priests and pastors sent out were residents of the Ocean Crown, mainly human, and the places they could preach were limited to human kingdoms, with preaching targets limited to humans. They were powerless in the vast underwater realm inhabited by countless sea tribes. Therefore, in order to further expand the scope of preaching, Ji Chen utilized the troop fusion function of the Military Talent Tree to cultivate a unit specifically for preaching. By fusing a unit named Faith Spreader with Tide Sea Spirits, a new unit called Ocean Spreader was created. [Ocean Spreader] [Race]: Ocean Spirit [Level]: 1 [Tier]: Sixth Tier, lStar [Skills]: Spreader (Orange skill, this unit can spread faith, greatly increasing the speed of spreading faith, faith spreading ability is increased by 200%, and the range of spreading is increased by 200%) Stealth (Orange skill, can be invisible to different individual beings, with extremely high stealth effect) [Unit Characteristics]: Intangibility (Orange skill, the entity can only spread faith and does not possess attack capabilities) [Bloodline Ability]: Possession (Can possess living beings to spread faith, possessing a certain degree of strength of the host organism in this state) The original form of this unit is completely illusory and intangible, resembling a ghost from a ghost story, but without any attack capabilities. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only But by utilizing the bloodline ability to possess living beings, it can spread faith conveniently in various races and civilizations, facilitating evangelism. The Ocean Spreader would become the medium for spreading faith of the Oceanic Faith in the underwater realm, transforming all oceanic races such as Naga, Merfolk, and Shrimp People into disciples of Ji Chen who can provide faith power. The number of oceanic races was counted in billions. Even if only a small portion of the intelligent oceanic races could provide faith, as long as a tiny fraction of this portion could be converted, it was enough to support the condensation of his oceanic divinity! The first batch of one hundred Ocean Spreaders, the first stop of their evangelism work was the Great Luminescent Sea, where there were also quite a few intelligent oceanic races. The spreaders worked in the Great Luminescent Sea have progressed very smoothly. After such a long time of submission, the oceanic races there had become accustomed and obedient to the rule of the Crown of the Ocean. Chapter 826 - Chapter 826: Messenger of the Light Church (2) Chapter 826: Messenger of the Light Church (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation It might be said that a considerable portion of the marine clans had already been quite loyal and fervent towards Ji Chen, thus they were more than willing to believe in the Oceanic Faith with him as their leader. On the first day that the Ocean Spreaders arrived at the Great Luminescent Sea, over a hundred thousand intelligent marine beings became believers of the Oceanic Faith. Seven days later Thirty percent of the intelligent marine beings in the Great Luminescent Sea became followers of the Oceanic Faith. One month later All the major gathering points of intelligent marine beings in the Great Luminescent Sea became believers, and the Ocean Spreaders began to spread their faith in the remote areas of the sea. Two months later All known intelligent marine beings in the Great Luminescent Sea became followers of the Oceanic Faith, believing in the only god, Ji Chen. Following this, the Ocean Spreaders, whose numbers continued to grow, ventured out from the Crown of the Ocean to spread their faith across the depths of the oceans. Their arrival brought hope and belief in the revival of the marine clans, who had long been submerged in countless ages, thus providing them with the capital to face the imminent crisis that was gradually approaching. Of course, these were events that occurred later. At this moment, Ji Chen turned his attention to a post on the forum that had gained quite some popularity. Breaking News! It seems like a treasure is appearing in this place, and the world is changing! Some posters, as usual, used eye-catching headlines to attract attention. Clicking into the thread, sure enough, there were people ranting and raving. They have no work other than creating clickbait titles; I cant believe they didnt even bother to write a title this time. I just want to see what nonsense is inside, Ive been seeing such headlines every day. Blocked (pouting). The original poster replied. Ahem, everyone, please be patient, let me explain. Im not just a clickbaiter. Last night, just as I was about to sleep, I suddenly saw a dazzling green light from a swamp outside my territory. It was as bright as a little sun. A green light Could this be radiation? Is there uranium in this world? Suddenly, someone interjected. Dont interrupt me! Then I took my army to see what it was. I thought if it was some ancient relic or some treasure being born, I would hit the jackpot! And then? Did you find a treasure trove, or did you find Patrick Stars house? When I got there, I found that the light was emitted by a dark green light cluster. The light cluster kept emitting a terrifying dark green gas, with extremely strong corrosiveness. Within a radius of thousands of meters centered on it, everything was desolate. All the plants withered, even the rocks and soil were covered with a layer of dark green. I didnt dare to approach, so I posted to ask you all, what is this thing? Dark green, corrosive? It reminds me of Little Doctor, seems like some special power. If you say that, I also found a similar light cluster in a mountain valley in the past few days, but it was guarded by a powerful troll tribe Light cluster, special power. Ji Chen knew that this was the so-called remnant authorities left behind by the fallen gods during the first Divine War. The power of these remnants wasnt as potent as that of the official divine authorities; it ranked below the top, middle, and lower divine authorities. Nonetheless, it still wielded considerable force. After a moment of contemplation, Ji Chen wrote a reply. The light cluster is the remnant authority left by the fallen gods during the first Divine War. With this sentence, the whole thread exploded. Not because of this sentence, but because the speaker was Ji Chen. No one could imagine how high Ji Chens prestige was among the player community now. He was the one who slew three Demon Kings singlehandedly. Wiping out the Dread Legion, defeating the Undead Legion, and causing chaos in the Decay Legion. Lord of the Crown of the Ocean. Above-Epic Tier. Ally of the Elven Empire. A solo player with a strong voice. And so on. A series of halos kept accumulating, making him the most prestigious and prominent player. Humans have a gene for admiring strength. No one knew how many players regarded Ji Chen as their idol and the emblem of glory. Although Ji Chen had never claimed to be the number one player or anything like that, in the hearts of many players, Ji Chen was undoubtedly the number one player! Every word and action of his would attract the high attention of the player community. At this moment, his sudden appearance in the thread naturally drew the close attention of everyone present. The light cluster is the remnant authority left by the fallen gods during the first Divine War? Remnant authority left by the fallen gods? Remnant authority? I remember the game data saying that this thing is the most top-notch power in Lord of Glory, containing some kind of rule. As long as you control it, you can gain powerful strength! If these clusters of light are indeed authorities, then obtaining them would be like reaching the sky in a single bound. With this thought, many players in the forum couldnt sit still, their hearts instantly ignited with excitement. In an instant, a large group of people disappeared from the forum, all hurrying to search for traces of the powers. The threads original poster and the players who claimed to have seen the authorities were nowhere to be found, presumably busy searching or attempting to control the authorities they discovered. For these minor powers, if players could control them, it wouldnt be a big deal, or perhaps it would be a better choice. From various channels, fragmentary information suggested that it was still a mystery how the dark gods broke the seal. The lawful gods also seemed to be plotting something, and then there was the elven mother goddess, Eluvita, what reason did she have to help him? All of this was unknown, but Ji Chen could faintly feel that the demon invasion was just the beginning of a series of events. Behind everything, there lurks some yet-to-be-discovered presence. If he could accelerate the development of other players, and have a few more outstanding individuals, perhaps in the future, when facing the unknown, there would be a bit more assistance, so he wouldnt have to bear all the pressure alone. My lord, I have something to report. Ji Chen paused, closing the forum. Come in. Wilus gently pushed the door open and entered, still wearing the same respectful and solemn expression he had maintained for ten years, bowing as he spoke. My lord, an envoy from the Light Church has arrived at the New Moon Islands, requesting an audience with you. Ji Chen was slightly surprised. An envoy from the Light Church? Come to think of it, the only dealings he had with the Light Church were when, before the demon invasion, one of the six sects of the Light Church, the Radiant Sect, attacked the Ocean Crown hundreds of miles away. The Ocean Crown repelled the fleet of the Radiant Sect, capturing thousands of Radiant believers. It seemed that the Light Church also felt ashamed because the Radiant Sect had indeed rebelled against the Orderly Faction and even attacked the Ocean Crown, which also belonged to the Orderly Faction. There were no subsequent public declarations from them. Both sides silently suppressed this matter. Now, a messenger from the Church of Light suddenly visits, could it be that they want to bring up this matter again? Bring them to see me. Yes! Wilus bowed and exited the gate, quickly bringing in several robed messengers. The one leading them wore a white robe trimmed with gold thread, appearing to hold a high position. Respected Lord Ji Chen, Ivah Tullan brings sincere greetings from the three bishops to you. Ji Chen casually sat on the throne, nodding slightly. I also extend my greetings to them Youve traveled thousands of miles from the distant Eastern Continent, what is the purpose of your visit? Ivah Tullans expression was slightly anxious as he bowed, saying, Lord Ji Chen, I have come this time to seek aid from the Ocean Crown. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Aid? Has the situation in the Eastern Continent deteriorated to such an extent that it requires support from the distant Ocean Crown? Didnt the Elven Empire and several northern continent kingdoms send thirty elite legions to assist? Ivah Tullans face was extremely bitter. Theyre all gone. This time, Ji Chen was genuinely astonished. Although the compositions of forces and legions varied among different powers and kingdoms, a legion typically consisted of at least ten thousand soldiers. These thirty legions would have had at least two million troops. The loss of these entire thirty elite legions was no simple matter. Chapter 827 - Chapter 827: Divine Realm Army Chapter 827: Divine Realm Army Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Listening to the messengers account, Ji Chen gradually gained the latest understanding of the demon warfare in the Eastern Continent. Elves and numerous elite legions from various Northern Continent nations had already arrived in the Hogsback Mountains of the Eastern Continent two weeks ago and joined forces with the local Eastern Continent armies. They had hoped that with the support of thirty elite legions, they could turn the tide of the Eastern Continents war, at least slightly improving the dire situation and granting the besieged Eastern Continent armies some breathing room. However, the arrival of reinforcements did not improve the situation. Upon seeing the arrival of orderly reinforcements and the increasingly fortified defenses that momentarily held firm, the demons recklessly deployed a new type of soldier. Terrifying soldiers with beast-like forms suddenly appeared on the battlefield without any warning, dealing heavy blows to the orderly army. Iva Tullan still vividly remembered the horrifying scene. From the dark cracks in the purple-black space tearing apart in the sky, soldiers with entirely black beast-like forms emerged, exuding endless evil and malevolence, their crimson eyes gleaming as if they were staring from the void. Though their numbers were not many, not even reaching ten thousand, this force single-handedly routed the orderly legions, overwhelming them like a landslide. The renowned elite legions all fell before these dark soldiers, defeated and scattered. Those are the Black Beasts. Iva Tullan hurriedly asked, Do you know about these soldiers? Ji Chen nodded slightly. The Black Beasts are a special army cultivated by the dark gods, containing pure evil power. They can even be used to hunt down weak gods, so its normal for you to be unable to defeat them. This Iva Tullans expression turned fearful. An army specially cultivated by the dark gods, capable of hunting down gods, was beyond his imagination. In fact, according to the straightforward words of the Starlight God Nora, the Black Beasts had already surpassed the ordinary ranks of soldiers, no longer belonging to the first six tiers but instead belonging to the most top-tier seventh tier. The seventh-tier soldiers, also known as the soldiers of the divine realm, referred to armies that could only be cultivated by the divine realms of the gods. Whether it was the ancient tree guardians of the Elven Empire, the swan knights of the Markus Empire, or the secret soldiers of other major powers, they were at most sixth-tier soldiers. Even the most elite legions were only at the level of the sixth tier. Being attacked by a seventh-tier divine realm army with a vast gap in strength, defeat was inevitable. What should we do? The Eastern Continent cannot fall, otherwise, the billions of beings living there will become the prey of the void legions. Seeing the anxious messenger, Ji Chen said, Most divine realm soldiers are only used to counter the enemys divine realm soldiers. The fact that the dark gods have assigned the Black Beasts to attack the orderly faction armies in the main world means that they are already restless and want to use unexpected forces to help the demons gain a strategic advantage. If Im not mistaken, the orderly gods will not stand idly by and should soon send divine realm troops to support. As Ji Chen predicted. A divine realm army belonging to the Goddess of Light was slowly crossing the border between the void and the main world. Great Archangels, War Paladins, High Priests of Light Without exception, these soldiers emitted an aura many times more terrifying than sixth-tier soldiers, their expressions cold, merciless, and loyal, just like the divine beings seen by mortals. After passing through the rules barrier of the main world, they quickly followed the familiar foul smell, tracking it all the way from above the clouds to find the Black Beasts fiercely attacking the orderly camp armies in the Eastern Continent. Like a well-oiled machine, they instantly split into dozens of small teams and charged forward. The rampaging Black Beast sensed the arrival of the enemy, turned around, and roared angrily, then turned back to confront them. The severely battered Orderly Divine Lineage army saw a supremely pure army suddenly launch an attack from behind against these terrifying dark enemies, and they were instantly astonished and cheered. Because the characteristics of this army were too obvious, Archangels, Radiant Knights these were all the divine realm armies depicted on the murals of the Light Church, the armies that followed the Goddess of Light to fight against the evil gods and other races! Out of compassion, the Goddess of Light saw the suffering of her followers and the crisis in the world, prompting her to send divine troops to support them. The followers and soldiers of the Light Church were the most excited. During these days of demon invasion, they had thought that the gods had abandoned them, no longer listening to their prayers and supplications. And now all this unrest, worry, and despair were shattered by the visible reality! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The Goddess of Light had always been watching them, but before, she had only been considering their faith and loyalty! In an instant, these believers had already imagined the consequences, and became even more excited. In a sense, the fact that the Goddess of Light had been watching them all along was more exciting to them than the arrival of this army from the divine realm to support them. Soldiers from other kingdoms and factions looked at each other, their minds racing. It turned out that the Goddess of Light was aware of what was happening in the world, so the other orderly divine beings should also know, right? The Divine Realm army fought fiercely with the Black Beasts. Although their numbers were much fewer than the latter, only half in quantity, their combat power was several levels higher, and their coordination was seamless, causing great damage to the Black Beasts. Chapter 828 - Chapter 828: Divine Realm Army (2) Chapter 828: Divine Realm Army (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Until the last black beast was slain, they had only lost one or two thousand-man teams. It was like completing a mission. The commander of the Kingdom of Lights army, a blazing archangel, coldly surveyed the fervent believers below, his eyes showing no emotional fluctuations as if he were watching animals in a zoo. But as if remembering something, he spoke slowly in the high language of the divine realm. God says, continue to persevere, and darkness will eventually be driven out by our God. The believers below fell silent for a moment, then suddenly erupted into loud cheers. Hail to the Goddess of Light! Hail to the Goddess of Light! The army of the Kingdom of Light did not leave after exterminating the black beasts. Instead, they also swept away the nearby invading demons, staying near the Hogsback Mountains as if waiting for something. Soon, the sky tore open, and fully armed, majestic armies of the Kingdom of Light leaped out, descending upon the world. Seeing so many armies of the Kingdom of Light descending, the armies of other churches, kingdoms, and forces instinctively felt something was amiss and became somewhat uneasy. This unease even surpassed the threat of the demons, and they all instinctively relayed this message to their rear. However, on the second day of the descent of the Kingdom of Lights army, several unexpected forces suddenly joined the battlefield, overwhelming the players army and the Desert Alliance, causing them to collapse. These unexpected forces were none other than the armies of the Dark Kingdom belonging to the Dark gods. Apart from the black beasts, there were also many distinctively marked troops from the Dark Kingdom. The troops of the Demon Lord included the Hell Hatred, the Hell Hound The troops of the Dark God included the Dark Warrior, the Dark Titan The troops of the Lord of Death included the Death Knight, the Death Priestess These extremely terrifying troops from the Dark Kingdom instantly reversed the situation. Not only did they reclaim all the land previously occupied by players, alchemists of the desert, and the Alliance Fleet inch by inch, but they also pushed the front line infinitely closer to the Roni River. Just when everyone felt despair, several armies from the Orderly Divine Lineage appeared as if descending from the heavens, blocking the fierce attacks of the Dark Kingdoms armies. The desert troops of the Desert Divine Lineage, the oasis troops of the Oasis Divine Lineage Countless desert dwellers were moved to tears. The desert gods they believed in had finally taken notice of this war-torn land! As if responding to each other. In the Western Continent, the mountain troops of the Mountain God. In the Death Swamp, the swamp troops of the Swamp God- in the Far North, the barbaric troops of the Barbaric Divine Lineage. In the Troll Mountains, the troll troops of the Troll Divine Lineage. Within just a few days, armies from various divine lineages descended upon the three continents tainted by demons, much like mushrooms sprouting after the rain. Finally, under countless gazes, on the Northern Continent, which had not been invaded by demons, the army of the Elven Divine Lineage, from the portal that tore open in the sky above the Silvermoon Holy City, lined up and cast shadows over the entire city sky. At this moment, even the most foolish could sense it. The world was about to change! Countless people were curious about what had happened in the unseen void to bring forth so many divine armies, causing a situation unseen for hundreds of thousands of years to reappear. What did the gods want to do? After the initial excitement, excitement, and fanaticism, everyone began to feel uneasy. The last time so many armies from the Kingdom of Light came to the main world was during the God War tens of thousands of years ago. The New Moon Islands, Crown of the Ocean. Nora, what do the dark gods and the orderly gods want by sending so many divine armies to descend? I dont know either. Im just a lesser god without even a divine realm. Nora hurriedly replied, And when I was in the void, the orderly gods didnt tell me about such a thing. Something must have happened after I was hunted down! Seeing that Nora didnt seem to be lying, Ji Chen couldnt help but furrow his brow. He really didnt understand the move of the dark gods and the orderly gods. How come they had previously said that the dark gods were besieging various orderly divine kingdoms, and now suddenly they were sending divine armies to the main world? If the dark gods saw the demons of the main world and realized that they had little hope of winning by themselves, sending black beasts down to assist in turning the tide could still be understood. But with this appearance and seemingly unwillingness to leave, what exactly did they want to do? What worried Ji Chen was not only the divine armies themselves but also whether they would affect the preaching of the Oceanic Faith. Previously, because the gods were difficult to manifest, many vacancies in beliefs were left, allowing the Oceanic Faith to absorb believers to the greatest extent. However, now that the divine armies of various gods had descended, the difficulty of spreading would undoubtedly be many times greater. Who could ignore these beliefs that had been operating in the main world for hundreds of thousands, millions, or even tens of millions of years and were still able to survive to this day? Furthermore, what Ji Chen found most tricky was that since the armies of divine lineages such as the Elven Divine Lineage and the Desert Divine Lineage had descended, it seemed only a matter of time before the armies of the Ocean Divine Lineage would also arrive. They might be the biggest obstacle to the spread of the Oceanic Faith. Who knows if these oceanic gods would welcome his arrival? The real worry was that within just a few days, the demons had turned into divine armies. When some of the indigenous people tried to make contact with them, they were sternly warned by the divine armies that they would be punished if they approached. This left them feeling helpless, only able to speculate about their purpose for descending. Fortunately, these divine armies did not immediately take action against the indigenous people; instead, they each sought out the enemy armies of hostile divine lineages to engage in combat. The forces of the Light Divine Lineage confronted those of the Dark Divine Lineage, the Hell Divine Lineage, the forces of the Jungle Divine Lineage clashed with those of the Swamp Divine Lineage, and the Elven Divine Lineage fought against the Orc Divine Lineage and the Barbaric Divine Lineage. They were all ancient enemies from hundreds of thousands of years ago, harboring full hatred towards each other. They seemed to be wary and restrained in their actions. Initially the focus of attention, the demons now became insignificant entities, neither the orderly nor the dark divine lineages paid much attention to them. At the same time, the armies of various orderly factions and powers also experienced similar situations to some extent. The control of the battlefield shifted to the divine armies, and whichever side had the stronger and larger divine armies could win the war. For the side with insufficient divine armies, the day after their defeat, several support armies were called down from the heavens, and they continued to fight against the enemy. They were relentless. In this slightly chaotic environment, the Crown of the Ocean, due to its geographical location and the absence of the armies of the Ocean Divine Lineage, remained relatively calm and continued to develop rapidly. Now, what they needed to guard against were the five dark gods he had previously repelled. They had been stripped of some of their power and naturally harbored deep hatred towards Ji Chen. Who knows, they might send divine armies to attack the Crown of the Ocean at any time. Ji Chen remained vigilant, guarding the New Moon Islands. With him there, as long as the gods couldnt descend in their true forms, no matter how many divine armies came, it would all be in vain. One month later. The Divine Power Forest harvested several waves of divine power crystals, successfully converting all the Naga Iron Colossus into divine power units. Coupled with the previously transformed Ocean Crystal Wyverns, the Crown of the Ocean now possessed two divine power armies. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only If placed before, these two divine power armies would have been among the top-tier armies in the world. However, after the descent of the divine armies, they seemed somewhat inadequate. A 6th-tier, 9-star army, no matter how powerful, still had a considerable gap compared to the 7th-tier divine armies. Aside from the progress of the armies, the heroes of the Crown of the Ocean gradually mastered their own powers, their strength increasing several times over. Now, it was inaccurate to measure their strength purely based on tiers. According to Ji Chens estimation, legendary tier heroes like Alice, Herald, and Benbo, who had also mastered some powers, were much stronger than epic tiers heroes, only slightly weaker than those above the epic level. Heroes like Kraken, who were already at the epic tier and had control over the authority of decay, had surpassed the epic tier in terms of sheer strength, enough to rival enemies like the Undead Lord. Chapter 829 - Chapter 829: Reclaiming Land Chapter 829: Reclaiming Land Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The Eastern Continent. The defense line of the Hogsback Mountains. After the arrival of the Divine Realm army, believers were summoned to build a statue of the Goddess of Light in a valley. Since its completion, a multitude of believers from different regions have gathered here daily, undeterred by the looming threat of the Dark Kingdom army, to offer their prayers before this towering pure white statue, standing over a hundred meters tall, even surpassing the nearby mountain in height. To the believers, this location holds significance as the spot where the Divine Realm army, led by the Goddess of Light, initially arrived to rescue the world. Similar to the revered Light City of Avino within the Light Church, it is regarded as a sacred site. The places where the Divine Realm army descends are also considered special places by the believers to a greater or lesser extent. Its hard for players to imagine how much fanaticism and faith a god can give to believers in a world with gods. With the arrival of the Divine Realm army, Ji Chen could feel that the followers of the Oceanic Faith were in a somewhat unstable emotional state. Many of them were previously followers of other oceanic deities of the Oceanic Divine Lineage. Due to the long period of no response or manifestation from the deities, or the decline of the churchs power, their faith declined or turned to disappointment and instead turned to the Oceanic Faith. So at this moment, seeing many Divine Realm armies descend, they couldnt help but feel a bit frightened, fearing that the original Divine Realm armies would cause trouble for them. Infidels are more detestable than heretics! So they were full of worry and anxiety, and their faith in the Oceanic Faith began to waver, resulting in less provided faith power. Ji Chen knew what needed to be done now. Immediately, he sent troops to the coastal cities along the Mid-Ocean, propagating force in various Oceanic Faith churches. Especially when the two excellent-looking Divine Power armies arrived, they didnt seem inferior to other Divine Realm armies. The believers were obviously uplifted, and their anxiety and worry were much less, replaced by abundant faith power. The struggle for believers between the gods was no less intense than the battles between the Divine Realm armies. In relatively peaceful times, it was even the main channel for the expansion of the power of the gods. At the same time, the Oceanic Faith priests who were sent to preach in various places were also called back to the Crown of the Ocean in batches to listen to Ji Chens plans and orders. When they returned to their respective jurisdictions with the next batch of resources, they all started large-scale output of inventory resources for a new round of preaching work. In simple terms, it was to continue or even strengthen the spending behavior. Nowadays, wars are raging all over the main world, and demons, evil factions, and orderly factions are still at war. The Divine Realm armies of various divine lineages are also fighting each other. It could be said that the whole world had turned into a mess! In such a chaotic world, whoever could provide believers with shelter and a sense of security, and whoever could provide enough survival resources, could win the loyalty and trust of believers. Among them, the Oceanic Faith focuses on the impoverished people and the lower-level believers. After a period of preaching, the effect was remarkable. Among the newly converted believers, eighty percent were from the lower class, and they were the most loyal group of believers to the Oceanic Faith. There was no doubt about it. Like the Oceanic Faith, which was so close to the people, treating the lower class and believers by sending food, clothing, and even establishing dedicated relief agencies. Such down-to-earth behavior was unique among many god churches! Most of the other god churches usually focused on indigenous aristocrats, urban officials, military officers, urban middle class, landlords, or at worst, wealthy farmers. For them, only these upper and middle-class believers could provide assistance to the operation of the church. Without the donations of these wealthy believers, the vast amount of funds needed for the establishment of numerous church facilities such as churches, welfare homes, and the training of church warriors in each city would be enough to overwhelm the church itself. Only these affluent believers with assets and backgrounds could provide financial support to maintain the operation and expansion of the church. However, it did not mean that they didnt care about the lower-level believers; it was just that most of the time, their focus was not on them. The Oceanic Faith focused on the seemingly minor but crucial aspects of daily life such as food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. By swiftly addressing the needs of the indigenous population, they seized upon a realm overlooked or disregarded by other religious institutions, rapidly accumulating initial followers. In a sense, the faith and loyalty provided by the lower-class believers were no less significant than those from affluent indigenous people; in fact, they may even have surpassed them in devotion. Combining spiritual, material, and survival needs, this three-pronged approach swiftly won over the majority of hesitant residents, with many impoverished followers from smaller churches flocking to embrace the Oceanic Faith. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only No matter how strong ones faith, having food on the table was essential. Observing this aggressive encroachment, other religious institutions could only curse this opportunistic behavior of the small church. However, entangled in a series of events triggered by the arrival of divine armies, they had little energy to spare. Moreover, as these impoverished believers could not contribute significant resources, it was not worthwhile to engage in a major confrontation at that moment. Therefore, they temporarily set aside this matter, intending to settle scores later. At that time, with divine armies descending one after another, various religious institutions were quite confident. However, what they didnt realize was that once the Oceanic Faith fully captured the lower strata of society and established a deep-seated belief, it would be challenging to sway them back. Chapter 830 - Chapter 830: Reclaiming Land (2) Chapter 830: Reclaiming Land (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The spread of the Oceanic Faith in various districts had quickened its pace. Ship after ship brought resources from the outside world to the Ocean Crown, then transported them to different districts to provide the resources and funds required for preaching. Lord, apart from the native land of the Crown of the Ocean and the Great Luminescent Sea, the total number of believers in various districts has exceeded eight hundred thousand. Especially in regions like the Lienhardt Grand Duchy and the other two countries along the northwest coast, in several coastal cities, the Oceanic Faith has become the mainstream church. Wilus was somewhat excited as he spoke. The rapid pace of preaching was astonishing. Starting from dispatching priests for preaching, the number of believers on each continent and island had risen from zero to eight hundred thousand in just under a month. Ji Chen chuckled lightly. He asked, Why is there such rapid progress in the Lienhardt area? Wilus hurriedly explained, Well, you see, the Lienhardt Grand Duchy region was originally a wilderness in ancient times. Several pioneer families migrated there from the outside world, starting everything anew and gradually establishing several kingdoms. Thus, there was no indigenous belief In addition, the Lienhardt countries have always strictly controlled church preaching. So far, no church has been able to spread on a large scale there. But after the Oceanic Faith entered, instead of stopping it, they even provided assistance proactively, offering several buildings as churches for our preaching for free, and even dispatching soldiers to maintain order Wilus shook his head in confusion. Ji Chen became somewhat interested and secretly sensed the power of belief in the Lienhardt area. The number was over four hundred thousand, accounting for half of all believers. Most of them were located in coastal cities, towns, and villages. Amidst the constant prayers and fervor of the believers, he discovered some familiar presences. Julius, Monica, Sebastian, Milorna These familiar natives had all become followers of the Oceanic Faith, receiving the protection of the territory. They probably already knew that the Oceanic Faith originated from the Crown of the Ocean and that the deity of that faith was him, thus actively facilitating the preaching of the Oceanic Faith. And this also meant that Lienhardt had taken sides, choosing to stand with him and the Crown of the Ocean. In the future, increase the preaching efforts in Lienhardt, prioritize resources, and quickly expand the influence of the Oceanic Faith there. Yes! Wilus raised his head and said, Lord, there is one more thing about the population issue. More and more people are joining the Crown of the Ocean. There is hardly any land left on the island for building residences and municipal facilities. Once we absorb too many external populations, it will seriously affect the ecological balance of the island, compressing industrial and agricultural areas Ji Chen frowned. This is indeed a problem. How many residents are there on the island now, excluding the sea tribes and lizardmen? Excluding the sea tribes and lizardmen, there are already over three hundred thousand residents. On an island occupying one-third of the total land area, suitable for habitation, and less than one-third of the islands land left for building, cramming three hundred thousand residents for long-term residence had already approached the ecological limit. Originally covering sixty to seventy percent of the main island, more than half of the primitive forests had now been cut down, with most of the remaining forests located on the west, northwest, and north sides, while the southeast, centered around the lords castle, was filled with buildings. If it spread further to the west and northwest, the entire island would become bare. After much thought, Ji Chen also felt that it was not right to destroy the increasingly scarce vegetation just for the sake of increasing the population. However, only with an increase in population can the territory develop. So, what methods should be used to increase the population capacity of the territory? Looking at the map of the Crescent Island on the table beside him, he gradually had an idea. Well reclaim land from the sea. Wilus was stunned by this novel idea. Ji Chen picked up a chess piece from the edge of the sand table and inserted it into the shoal at the connection between the main island and the northeast sub-island. How about filling the area around this shoal with a large amount of rocks and soil to build a fortification, creating enough land to build houses? Wilus rubbed his chin, his eyes showing some realization and surprise. This seems feasible? If the water depth of this shoal is shallow, and there are enough rocks and soil Then what are you waiting for? Go and explore. Yes! Wilus hurried out with people to explore. Soon, they returned to report. The water around the shallow bay was not deep, making it suitable for land reclamation. With Ji Chens approval, a large number of Ocean Crown residents marched to the site with tools in hand. This scene stunned the visiting merchants and sailors. They couldnt understand what these residents were going to do with land reclamation. They looked at each other, perplexed. The ocean was so vast, and these people wanted to reclaim land from it? Wasnt creating land a power reserved only for deities? They soon witnessed how the Ocean Crown residents were creating land. Ship after ship unloaded tons of stones and soil directly into the sea, just like tossing handfuls of coins into the water, causing no ripples. Some people dismissed it as a joke and left, shaking their heads. Others remained curious. Some of those dressed in extravagant attire, known as Lords of Glory, showed expressions of realization. Damn, theyre reclaiming land! I didnt expect to see this kind of thing in this world. It seems like the population on New Moon Islands is getting denser, and theres not enough land. Should we quickly buy a few houses here and sell them for a profit later when the property prices go up? Thats a good idea. Otherwise, we wont be able to afford the dowry. As ship after ship continued to pour stones and soil ceaselessly, the sea gradually became murky. The rocks and soil no longer sank but began to emerge, gradually being filled in by more soil until people could stand on them. The residents of the Ocean Crown erupted into cheers. Although the exposed land was only the size of a house, it marked the first successful step in their land reclamation. As long as they followed the series of instructions from the Lord, they could create land that could accommodate more people to live on! As long as they reclaimed and filled in all the shallow bays and shallow waters between the main island and the northeastern sub-island, they could create at least tens of square kilometers of flat land here. These flat lands are enough to establish a residential area capable of accommodating three hundred thousand people! If they follow suit and reclaim land in shallow water areas around the main island, accommodating over a million people is not an impossible task. Watching the residents of the Ocean Crown fervently pouring rocks and filling soil, Ji Chens face carried a pensive expression. Rumors had it that the Earth Elementalist possessed the power to move mountains and flatten hills, transforming rugged terrain into flat land, wielding the magnificent power to shape the land at will. So, did the Aquatic Elementalist possess a similar power? If so, utilizing the power of the element to create an area on the seabed capable of sustaining terrestrial races would naturally solve the land issue. With this in mind, Ji Chen wanted to experiment immediately. After careful consideration, he chose a relatively flat seabed basin west of the New Moon Islands. The power of the element surged forth, and under Ji Chens control, the surrounding seawater gradually receded, as if there was a point repelling everything in the middle, and it was expanding. Soon, this point turned into a cavity, and the fish around looked bewildered at this extremely strange place. They stuck their heads into the cavity and widened their eyes. There was no seawater here!? Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen raised his hands in a gesture of spreading them apart, and as his arms extended, the cavity continued to enlarge, becoming as big as a house. He slowly moved into it. It felt like passing through the protective shield of the tidal core on a giant turtle and entering its interior, but without air. But that wasnt a problem. Ji Chen just snapped his fingers, and air squeezed in from the surrounding seawater. Looking at the embryonic form of the underwater space, Ji Chen nodded satisfactorily. Chapter 831 - Chapter 831: Players Smashing Chapter 831: Players Smashing Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Under Ji Chens efforts, the empty cavity continued to expand. It grew from the size of a one-story house to the size of a basketball court, then to the size of a soccer field. What appeared before them now was a vast underwater space spanning thousands of square meters. It was filled with air, with a thick layer of seabed mud below. Though no sunlight penetrated due to the depth, rendering the interior dim and dark, the view from inside was the same pitch-black seawater. However, without a doubt, with some additional light sources and the construction of houses from available materials, this place could become a habitat for land dwellers. Yet, Ji Chen was not content with this. He continued to expand the space. While billions of tons of seawater could crush any living being, under the drive of oceanic authority, it compressed outwardly, creating a space deep in the ocean floor, enough to constitute a small world. Soon, within this dim and lightless basin, there appeared a semi-circular space approximately one hundred thousand square meters in size, with a height of fifty meters. It was only then that he stopped. This size was comparable to the moving fortress on the back of a giant turtle. With proper construction, it could accommodate many residents. This underwater space still needs some renovation to be suitable for habitation. Ill send some sea clans to help later. But as the first underwater settlement of the Ocean Crown, it should have a name Lets call it Coral City. Not only will humans live here in the future, but also sea clans can stay. Ji Chen quickly decided on the name. As for the connection between Coral City and New Moon Islands, he had already figured it out. He would use the Tier Four unit obtained in the early stages of the Ocean CrownDeep Sea Rangersas transportation vehicles. The Deep Sea Ranger was one of the few Tier Four units that survived the battle against the Dreadlord due to its special nature, although it was not deployed on the battlefield. Despite its mediocre combat power, it had good transportation and swimming abilities. With its mouth open, it could accommodate dozens of people at once and protect passengers well in the depths of the sea. This unit had long been assumed by Ji Chen to be an alternative means of transportation in the absence of surface transport ships. However, later on, obtaining transport ships was very smooth, so this unit was neglected. Now, undoubtedly, this unit could be reused. Coral City would be the first underwater settlement of the Ocean Crown, but certainly not the last. Therefore, in addition to purchasing a core batch of Deep Sea Rangers for recruitment camps, there was a need to steadily increase the number of Deep Sea Rangers to meet the transportation needs of various underwater settlements. After returning to New Moon Islands, under Wiluss arrangement, a group of Ocean Crown residents quickly boarded Deep Sea Rangers and set off for Coral City to expedite the renovation of the environment and hasten the construction of habitable land. In addition to Deep Sea Rangers as transportation, with the addition of the dwarf Theod, Thotmudos alternative world version of submarines made breakthrough progress. Now, stable and reliable alchemical submarines could be produced, capable of diving to depths of thousands of meters and smoothly shuttling between New Moon Islands and Coral City. From then on, the Ocean Crown possessed reliable transportation vehicles in the sea, land, and air. Rotor airships soared in the sky. Alchemy trains traversed between various regions, carrying a trainload of raw materials, ore carts, and industrial products. Steel ships sailed out with full cargo of industrial products, specialties, and food, also carrying the reputation of the Ocean Crown to various parts of the Mid-Ocean. Soon, even under the sea, there would be vehicles that even humans could use, navigating through the layers of heavy currents. Just as many Ocean Crown citizens were enthusiastically constructing Coral City. In New Moon Islands, inside a two-story courtyard house located in a remote corner of the port. Dozens of players crowded into a small room on the first floor, discussing matters. A sign written in Chinese hung at the entrance of the room, indicating it was a meeting room. At this time, it was midsummer on the New Moon Islands, feeling like they were near the equator of this world, where the sun was scorching hot. Even though they had placed a few large ice blocks bought from the Ocean Crown Supply and Marketing Cooperative in the room, it still felt somewhat sweltering. If the house were bigger, they could have held the meeting in a cooler basement. However, the rent on the New Moon Islands was getting higher and higher, and renting a larger house would empty their wallets. Seeing everyone looking miserable and sweating profusely, the middle-aged man sitting at the head of the table cleared his throat. Lets try to overcome this difficulty a bit. Its tough now, but things will improve soon Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The female player beside him couldnt help but retort, Boss, stop painting such rosy pictures. Lets talk practicalities; otherwise, people will start leaving. The middle-aged mans face stiffened, but he still sighed and said, Stop undermining me Anyway, I just received news from the Ocean Crown City Hall that they want to hire a group of experienced people to reclaim land from the sea, build railway tracks to the northeast sub-island, and construct the third and fourth ports. What about their own citizens? I heard there are hundreds of thousands of residents on the New Moon Islands. They shouldnt be short of manpower, right? The middle-aged man shook his head and said, Im not too sure about that But I heard that many residents of the Ocean Crown have been reassigned to another project, so it seems theres a shortage of manpower now. Another male player scoffed, So what? The Ocean Crown probably wont hire us players; most of the time, they hire indigenous people. Chapter 832 - Chapter 832: Players Smashing (2) Chapter 832: Players Smashing (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Except for some Lord of Glory who still retained their territories, there were quite a few players who had become free men after losing their territories. Some of them relied on their own strength to make a living by taking on some commissions, while others engaged in business. But there were always some players who were neither good at fighting nor knew how to do business and could only make a living by doing various odd jobs. They were just like this, relying on commissions and tasks that didnt involve fighting to support themselves as a small group. They took a boat from the Northern Continent to the world-famous New Moon Islands to see if there were any money-making opportunities. Due to limited funds, they could only squeeze into such small houses temporarily. I see that many players like us have also inquired. When there really is a shortage of people, they may consider us, said the middle-aged man, clapping his hands. If youre willing, Ill go and ask, even if it means facing it head-on. The others looked at each other, and the female player who had initially criticized raised her eyebrows and said, Of course, we must ask. Without work, we will starve to death, and I dont want to keep sweating in this small house all the time! Hearing this, others also chimed in, Lets ask! It wont hurt to ask The middle-aged man nodded, then quickly rose from his seat and dashed out of the house toward the City Hall in the harbor area. Drawing on the skills he had perfected through years of experience on Earth, he deftly maneuvered through the crowd and approached the staff. Hello, do you need people to build railway tracks and ports? The staff quickly realized that he was a Lord of Glory. Then, he recalled what Wilus had ordered him to do so. Yes, we do Is it just you? I have a dozen or so with me, all young and capable! I see Do you have any relevant experience or skills? Such as engineering supervision, surveying, planning, and the like, the staff asked, using the terminology as instructed by Wilus. The middle-aged mans expression brightened. He had been a project manager for several major projects on Earth, so this was definitely a professional match. I have been in charge of several major projects before, including ports The young people with me are all civil engineers Anyway, they are all related to construction sites and such. I guarantee that we can complete the tasks! Alright, then well assign a part of the third commercial port project to you. You can hire external workers, but you must complete it within the deadline Follow me, and Ill give you detailed drawings and construction plans. Coming out of City Hall, the middle-aged man clenched several scrolls of books tightly and ran back to the residence with all his might. With a bang, he kicked open the door, startling everyone inside. Dont be so forceful, boss! This is a rented house. If you break the door, well have to pay for it! Why care about such a small amount of money? the middle-aged man exclaimed excitedly, holding up the drawings in his hand. City Hall has assigned us a part of the project, and good days are coming! Everyone was surprised and cheered. Suddenly, the female player asked, So what exactly are we going to do? Um, probably just repairing the port. Everyone was surprised again. Damn it, wasnt this the job they did on Earth? Good news: Theres work to do, so they wont starve. Bad news: They came to another world from Earth just to continue working. Allowing players to participate in the construction of the New Moon Islands was also a choice to utilize talent and supplement the labor force. Moreover, players excel in flexibility and adaptability compared to indigenous laborers. In general construction work, players were slightly better than the residents of the Crown of the Ocean, especially in aspects like housing construction planning. From the construction of the Black Gold District in Maple City, it could be seen that players had some talent in this regard. The construction of underwater settlements required a large amount of manpower, and the construction of the New Moon Islands could not stop. Therefore, hiring players was also a good choice. Moreover, Ji Chen began to consider whether to absorb some players into the Crown of the Ocean. This was not like a player guild, but rather a form of incorporation into the citizens. In the past, he did not consider absorbing players because of the uncertainty and risks involved. But now, as Ji Chen is about to ascend to the position of a deity, he already has the ability to completely convince and subdue players. Therefore, this idea also arises. In fact, in other places, players have long been incorporated by players. Some players with leadership abilities and territories, when they couldnt find suitable indigenous talents, often absorbed players without territories as their subjects. Players were professionals from various industries on Earth, with skills more or less related to land management. Although not every player absorbed has great talents, they were at least much better than the indigenous people who are illiterate. Some powerful territories accelerated their development in the early stages by absorbing a large number of other players, forming a structure similar to a corporation. Territories like the Crown of the Ocean, which had indigenous talent joining in the early and middle stages, were rare. Just as many players were delighted to receive commissions from the City Hall of the Crown of the Ocean. In the distant southern continent. With the help of various divine army forces such as the Desert Divine Lineage, players and the Desert Alliance finally defeated the Greedy Legion, expelling them to the central region and reclaiming vast lands in the north. Although these lands had been plagued by demons for a long time, being able to reclaim so much land still cheered them up. Especially the local Desert Alliance members were extremely excited, as this meant they had entered the counteroffensive phase. The millions-strong Desert Alliance split into several corps and launched attacks from three directions towards the defeated Greedy Legion. They were greatly encouraged and confident by the appearance of divine army forces like the Desert Scorpions, Desert Mummies, and Desert Barbarians, which had only appeared in legendary stories. As if the desert gods were fighting alongside them. With the blessing of faith, the highly religious atmosphere of the Desert Coalitions combat power directly skyrocketed. Fanatical hymns pervaded every corner of the desert. The Greed Lord completely lost his composure and anxiously said to the commander of the evil divine army forces in front of him, You must stop those orderly divine army forces, otherwise everything Ive arranged in the southern continent will be destroyed. If the lords blame you later, you wont be able to escape the blame! Listening to the Greedy Lords somewhat reproachful words, the commander of the Dark Divine Army also had an unpleasant expression. If it were ordinary beings, he would have killed them directly long ago. However, as one of the many chess pieces arranged by numerous dark gods in the main world, his status was not low, and he couldnt kill casually. He said with a sullen face, You dont need to tell us; naturally, we will stop those orderly divine army bastards. What you need to do is to stop the armies of the orderly faction. The Greed Lord roared, If you hadnt shown up unexpectedly, I would have taken over the entire southern continent by now. And if the Orderly Divine Army forces hadnt suddenly appeared, Darius wouldnt have suffered such a humiliating defeat. We would have conquered the eastern continent ages ago! If you hadnt besieged various orderly divine nations, how could they interfere with the progress of the main world war? The gaze of the Dark Commander became even more sinister. This is all because of the five dark gods such as the Shadow Deity. They forcibly entered the main world and attempted to kill a human, not only failing to kill him but also losing some of their power. The Goddess of Light and her followers in the Bright Divine Lineage noticed this, and they successfully broke through the blockade using it as a breakthrough point, allowing the Light Divine Army to rush to the battlefield of the eastern continent in time. Otherwise, the eastern continent would have fallen long ago! The Greed Lord was stunned, and suddenly a complex emotion surged in his heart. Needless to say, this so-called human must be the Glory Lord named Ji Chen. This name had gradually become their nightmare. One powerful demon lord fell at his feet, three demon legions were annihilated by him, and even the five dark gods suffered losses in front of him. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Damn it! Is there a way for them to deal with him?! The Dark Commander changed the subject. Its okay; many dark gods have noticed that human. His ultimate fate is definitely destruction! Upon hearing this, a glimmer of hope reignited in the Greed Lords eyes.. Chapter 833 - Chapter 833: Absolutely Forbidden! Chapter 833: Absolutely Forbidden! Editor: Dragon Boat Translation That human, believing he had fended off the attack of five deities, thought he was unbeatable in the primary world. But could he grasp the power of the gods? Within just two weeks, dark deities would descend upon this realm, guiding us to crush the opposing divine army completely, eliminating all those orderly deities who are merely symbols, decayed, and unable to steer this world forward, marking the dawn of a new era! At this point, the commander of the dark divine army seemed to recall something, a smirk playing across his face. However, what that human should be worried about now is how the orderly deities of the Oceanic Divine Lineage will treat him. After all, he has snatched away many of their followers. Greed Lords expression brightened considerably at this reminder; he had almost forgotten about it. Deities draw much of their power from the faith provided by their followers, thus they value their followers greatly. For that human to ascend to the position of deity, he would undoubtedly need to absorb many followers. This would inevitably lead to conflicts with the deities of other Oceanic Divine Lineages. Long ago, if there had been a supreme deity akin to the Elven Divine lineage, it would have been the Elven Mother Goddess who, through suppression and coordination, divided the faith territories among the various Elven deities, ensuring peace and tranquility. However, ever since countless years ago, the Oceanic Divine lineage suffered the loss of its only two supreme deities, the Lord of the Oceans and the Ocean Goddess, for some unknown reason. This loss deprived the Oceanic Divine lineage of its leading deities, resulting in internal factionalism and chaos, making it difficult to coalesce into a unified force. This also led to constant conflicts between different factions over the distribution of religious territories and the number of followers. No one knew what kind of reaction Ji Chen, who was still not a deity but had already mastered three authorities, would elicit when faced with a one-on-one confrontation and had not yet become a deity. Maybe theyd resort to divine wrath and commit massacres to reclaim their followers and faith or settle personal scores. Maybe they wouldnt even have to step in, since the orderly deities might begin killing each other. Greed Lord felt a surge of joy. It would be best to let the orderly deities fight amongst themselves and kill that human off. This way, they could easily eliminate a major threat without much effort. Who knows what kind of divine rank an individual who had not yet become a deity but already controls three authorities would be promoted to after ascending? The boundaries between divine ranks were not very clear; in history, it was not uncommon for some outstanding individuals to transform into intermediate gods directly from mortals, skipping the demigod and lesser god ranks. Now, the better the foundation, the higher the future achievements. As soon as a piece of news spread across the chat channels and forums, the entire player community exploded with excitement. A player has successfully obtained the authority left by the fallen deity! According to the players confession, upon learning that authorities were emerging one after another from a post, he found a long-discovered cave in a dormant volcano, where, at the bottom of the magma lake, he found the gradually awakening authority of Lava. The Lava authority, which used to emit terrifying energy at all times, now seemed to embrace him. Not only did it not harm him, but it also actively sent out friendly signals, as if it really had life. The end result was that this player, whose personal strength was already quite good, successfully mastered the minor authority of Lava after exhausting all his cards, and his strength increased by more than a hundredfold. According to his description, he can now not only withstand extremely high temperatures but also swim in the magma lake as easily as in a pond. He can also unleash powerful lava forces, manipulate magma, and engulf enemies with endless lava. For ordinary armies, there was no match. One person was equivalent to an army. His strength had expanded to about legendary tier, slightly inferior to epic tier. After his control over authorities improves further, he would approach, if not reach, the epic tier. For players who were mostly suppressed by indigenous strongmen, usually equivalent to excellent or rare-tier heroes, this degree of power expansion was indeed impressive. Coincidentally, it didnt take long for several players to announce that they too had acquired minor divine powers: [Gale] authority, [Shadow] authority, [Surge] authority obtained and controlled by players from the Northern Continent and the Eastern Continent respectively, each with their own specialties, experiencing a sudden surge in strength overnight. As more and more players mastered these minor divine powers, the group that had long been looked down upon by the indigenous population, only recently gaining some respect due to the recent war in the Southern Continent, was finally taken seriously. Strength was the best credential. Completing ten thousand tasks by running around to collect commissions was not as effective as using divine power once. These players who controlled minor divine powers instantly became hot commodities, surrounded by numerous followers overnight, including other players and some indigenous inhabitants. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only What truly ignited the situation was an event shocking enough to rock the world. A player with the forum username [I Play Mud in the Northeast] accidentally discovered and mastered the minor divine power [Flame], successfully killing half a squad of the Dark Empires army. Although they were not yet proficient in controlling their power and only managed to kill half of the squad, while the other half escaped, it was enough to astonish everyone. Because never before had mortals defeated an army of the Dark Empire. The only ones capable of doing so were another army of the Dark Empire or the divine beings themselves. Alternatively, the impression the Dark Empires army had always given to sentient beings was that they were the envoys of the gods, possessing the blessings of the gods and powerful strength, thus no mortal dared to confront them.. Chapter 834 - Chapter 834: Absolutely Forbidden! (2) Chapter 834: Absolutely Forbidden! (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation And today, the actions of the Lord of Glory undoubtedly broke such laws. This incident stirred up many players who had recently gained control of minor authorities, pondering whether to take the risk and deal with those annoying dark army troops flying around in the sky. The orderly divine army was equally shocked. Their level of astonishment at this incident was no less than that of the dark divine army. Both blessed by the gods, they fought for their respective beliefs and worshipped deities. In their eyes, the only enemies were the opposing divine army and their deities. They were unique beings, second only to the gods but surpassing countless creatures in the world. At least thats how they saw themselves. However, now there was suddenly a third party, not regarded by them but enough to threaten their safety. This caught them off guard and filled them with a hint of apprehension. These matters quickly reached the ears of various deities. Elven Divine Realm. The Elven Mother Goddess, Eluvita, sat on a throne entwined with flowers, her delicate hands supporting her dreamlike, exquisite face, her furrowed brows indicating her confusion. All these Lords of Glory, did they almost all discover the authorities left behind by the fallen deities during this time? It seems too much of a coincidence. Those authorities have been scattered across the world for so long. If they were so easy to find, they would have been dug up long ago in the endless ages. Whats even stranger is that they can control these authorities with such minimal power? Even the smallest and weakest authority is selective; forcefully controlling it would only result in severe backlash. Even the gods dare not absorb authorities they havent fully understood. How could those Lords of Glory, most of whom possess minor powers, dare to do so? After pondering for a long time without understanding this issue, Eluvita shook her head and sent a divine oracle to the Elven Divine Army heading to the main world. No conflict of any form with the Lords of Glory is allowed, especially those who have mastered authorities. Building relationships is the primary direction. After a pause, she sent another divine oracle. At the appropriate time, surround and attack the dark divine army with the Lords of Glory who have mastered authorities. Although she couldnt quite grasp the mindset of the player community, such an outstanding and unstoppable force couldnt be left unchecked. It had to be utilized properly. Now she was one hundred percent sure that these Lords of Glory, who had appeared in the main world not long ago, were undoubtedly important pawns laid out by an unknown entity, and the unsealing of the dark deities must have been their doing. Since she couldnt find their presence now, nor could she grasp their purpose, she decided to follow the clue of the Lords of Glory and search along that path. She would definitely discover the final result. And she was also very curious about how far these outsiders could go. Eluvita seemed to recall something and sensed that familiar human, but soon a hint of astonishment flashed across her face. She couldnt sense that human? No, rather than saying she couldnt sense him, it was more like being isolated. And only another deity or a higher-dimensional existence could isolate a deitys perception. A hint of realization dawned in Eluvitas eyes, and she murmured. So, this human was the important existence. 1 should have realized it earlier Penelope. Here. A voice emanated from the air, and a blurry figure suddenly appeared under the throne, gradually becoming clearer. Penelope, the chief elven attendant wearing a crown of vine flowers, knelt down with one knee, her expression reverent yet fervent. Lady Eluvita, what are your orders? I want you to immediately lead a divine army to the mortal realm and go to a territory called the Crown of the Ocean. Protect a Lord of Glory named Ji Chen. Penelope looked slightly surprised and hesitated. But, the world rules dont allow half-gods like me to enter. It doesnt matter. Ill suppress some of your power. You just need to follow my orders and lurk in that human territory, and intervene when necessary. Although she didnt quite understand why Eluvita wanted her to protect a mere human, the word of god was absolute, and she had to acknowledge and execute it. Understood But if that human were to discover me, how should I handle it? As soon as Penelope uttered these words, she regretted it. How could a mere human possibly discover her, a demigoddess? Although her powers would be suppressed in the mortal realm, a demigoddess was still a demigoddess. Deliberately concealing herself would not be something even a demigoddess could do without being seen through by a human. But Eluvita nodded in agreement, seemingly affirming, Youre right If he does find out, just tell him I sent you. I believe he wont harbor any ill will towards you, after all, Ive provided him with some assistance before. He wouldnt suddenly turn hostile. Heres the plan: if he appears friendly, try to befriend him as much as possible, even persuade him to join our side, the elven pantheon. From what I know, those sea gods from the ocean divine realm have been whispering discontent about him, accusing him of stealing followers and such. Their vision is short-sighted, not even performing as well as the little ones from the mortal elf empire. According to human terms, they truly have no successors Penelope finally couldnt help but ask, My Lady Eluvita, why do you value that human so much, even going so far as to help him? But hes just a human after all. Eluvita leaned back against the vine chair, her left foot resting on her right knee. Her bare fair feet shimmered with a milky hue, speaking with a weighty tone. Penelope, youve been by my side for tens of thousands of years. You spent most of your time in this divine realm. Its normal for your awareness to be dulled All you need to know is that this human may be the future of our elven divine realm, the key to whether we can continue or not. Either be friendly or fully bring him into our faction. If hes willing to join the elven divine realm, I might even bestow upon him elven authority. But unfortunately, hes unlikely to agree to such a thing. Eluvita didnt explain any further, gently waving her hand. Go now, and fulfill the task Ive given you. Penelope fell silent for a moment, then finally saluted with her right hand over her chest. I understand. Soon, Penelope, her powers somewhat subdued, led an elite army from the elven divine realm. They departed the divine realm, successfully navigating the worlds rule barriers, and set course for the Ocean Crown, a gem amidst the expansive ocean. Several miles away from the Ocean Crown, on the surface of the sea, Penelope came to a stop. You all find a place to hide first, and come out when I call for you. Yes! Lady Penelope, the leader of the elven divine realm army respectfully replied, leading his subordinates away. Penelope pondered for a moment, then used the divine magic allowed by the worlds rules to conceal her presence, making herself indistinguishable from the elves in the mortal realm. She casually conjured a prism, gazing at her reflection in it and nodding in satisfaction. She didnt change her appearance, considering she had spent tens of thousands of years in the elven divine realm, rarely appearing in the outside world, let alone the main world. Therefore, it was virtually impossible for anyone to recognize her. With this seamless disguise, Im curious to see whats so special about that human to warrant Lady Eluvitas attention and concern. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Recalling how her beloved Lady Eluvita openly praised that human, Penelope couldnt help but feel a twinge of resentment. Even the Lady hadnt regarded her so highly before! How could a mere human have such honor!? Lady Eluvita is wise and all-knowing, but just like me, she has been in the divine realm for thousands of years and may not fully understand the main world that has passed by for tens of thousands of years. Therefore, its not surprising that some things are temporarily hidden from her sight. In that case, Ill personally keep watch and discern with my own eyes. Otherwise, allowing someone with ill intentions to get close would tarnish the purity and beauty of the Lady, bringing even the slightest flaw or blemish! I will not allow such a thing to happen! With determination and resolve shining in her eyes, Penelope nodded firmly. Then, after a brief search on the sea surface, she stealthily boarded a merchant ship bound for the Ocean Crown, heading towards her destination.. Chapter 835 - Chapter 835: Penelope’s Confidence, Ocean God Chapter 835: Penelopes Confidence, Ocean God Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Just as Penelope stepped off the ship and caught sight of the Ocean Crown Harbor, she was immediately taken aback. It wasnt because of its prosperity, but rather its chaos and clamor. Having lived in the elven divine realm since childhood, Penelope had never seen such disorderly surroundings. Sailors with bare arms and others drenched in sweat, peddlers loudly advertising their goods, carts laden with merchandise, and people of different races bustling along the streets C all blended together in a peculiar concoction of scents: the pungent odor of perspiration, intermingled with the salty tang of the sea breeze It made her think of the divine realm involuntarily. What was it like in the divine realm? Shaded by lush green trees, abundant flowers and grasses carpeted the ground, and elegant buildings were evenly distributed in a neat and orderly manner, providing the best living environment for residents. The inhabitants coming and going were all beings who had transcended the mortal realm to live in the divine realm, exhibiting elegance, politeness, and humility. The atmosphere of art pervaded every inch of the land, and during peacetime, they often held art salons to exchange their creations such as paintings and music. However, here, on the island known as the most prosperous in the mainland ocean, it was unexpectedly chaotic and disordered. Penelope was stunned for quite a while. It took her a good while to come to her senses. However, in the short time she stood there, many people had already noticed her presence. After all, this female elf was quite beautiful. The inhabitants of the divine realm were selected by the gods to live in the divine realm, and compared to mortals, their higher level of existence naturally resulted in offspring with better physical qualities and appearances. In terms of Earths standards, their appearance was simply superior, setting them apart, particularly Penelope, who had attained demigod status and served Eluvita. Naturally, her appearance was exceptional. Even among the remarkable beings in the divine realm, let alone being placed in the main world, only the top elites of the elven empire could rival her. The sudden appearance of such an extraordinarily beautiful female elf in the bustling harbor naturally attracted attention. If this were in other kingdoms, there would have been people with ulterior motives approaching her long ago, intending to do something inappropriate. However, this was the Ocean Crown, a powerful territory independent of countless kingdoms. No one dared to do anything bad because many people had already provided them with bloody examples. The Heraklion Guards, who could see through peoples hearts, were everywhere. When Penelope came to her senses and saw many people staring at her with wide eyes, she couldnt help but furrow her brows. Could it be that she had been discovered? This was impossible. She had undergone professional disguise, removing all the features of the inhabitants of the divine realm, leaving only an appearance identical to that of the elves. According to the information she had received, there were many elves living here, so her appearance here should not be surprising or abrupt. After thinking for a while, Penelope still believed that she hadnt revealed anything, so she confidently walked towards the harbor area to begin her plan. Isnt it just hiding and waiting until that human is in danger before taking action? Whats so difficult about that? But as she walked, Penelope suddenly stopped in her tracks, her brows deeply furrowed, her breath catching. Wait a minute. Doesnt the main world need something called coins for trading and livelihood? In Ji Chens perception, as soon as Penelope entered the Ocean Crown, she caught his attention. Despite her power being suppressed, the intense power fluctuations within her body remained evident, akin to the lone splash of color in a monochrome image, so conspicuous that no disguise could evade his scrutiny. And her extraordinary appearance was also a breakthrough point. The higher the beauty, the stronger the power C this principle could be applied to this world. As strength increased, the genes of living beings would continue to adjust and evolve, naturally optimizing their physical qualities and appearance. Therefore, figures like the elven queen Laphia, the high priestess Herli, Serena of Dragon Island, Samuel, and others, ranging from legendary to above-epic tier, all possessed excellent appearance and physique. It was more accurate to say that outstanding physique and appearance were the standard configuration for the strong. It could be said that there are no unattractive powerful individuals; this was indeed the truth. However, the origin of this extraordinary female elf has yet to be confirmed, but there are not many possibilities. Either she comes from the Elven Empire or from the Elven Divine Realm, with no other options. But Ji Chen tended to favor the latter. After all, there was no reason for Laphia to risk offending him by secretly sending a powerful elf into the Ocean Crown. And the latter seems to be a more plausible scenario. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Regarding Eluvitas intentions, they remained unknown. However, if there were any ill intentions towards him, given a series of actions, the probability appeared very low, resembling more of an attempt to foster goodwill. This could be inferred from the fact that she dispatched a ghost ship to remind him. It wouldnt make sense for Eluvita to both help and harm him, right? After some consideration, Ji Chen decided not to pay attention to or take action against her until she showed any intent, instructing Wilus to remain vigilant and observant. He then shifted his focus to the construction progress of Coral City. With the investment of ten thousand residents of the Ocean Crown, including humans, lizardmen, and sea creatures, after several days of construction, Coral City was now taking shape. The underwater mud had been cleared, revealing the seabed bedrock, which was then being groomed, leveled, and various other procedures performed before laying the foundation and constructing houses.. Chapter 836 - Chapter 836: Penelope’s Confidence, Ocean God (2) Chapter 836: Penelopes Confidence, Ocean God (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Under the sea, the architectural style naturally differed from that on land. The houses in Coral City took inspiration from the structures Ji Chen had encountered in the Heraklion City dungeon, and they were built using nearby underwater rock formations. Construction on the second underwater settlement began yesterday. Ji Chen named this settlement Sea Abyss City. It was located in a vast underwater trench, several miles wide and stretching for dozens of miles on the north side of the New Moon Islands. Looking down from above, it resembled an abyss, hence the chosen name. Sea Abyss City was slightly smaller than Coral City, but its defense capabilities were significantly better due to being surrounded by cliffs and deep trenches, unlike Coral City, which had open sides. Ji Chen also proposed a bold idea to Thotmudo and Theod. He suggested that the underground workshops could produce hollow pipes connecting Coral City, Sea Abyss City, and the Crown of the Ocean. This would allow residents to travel freely between the three locations without relying on Deep Sea Roamers or Alchemy Submarines. This idea piqued the interest of the two dwarves, who immediately expressed their willingness to research and manufacture the pipes. Similar to the two rapidly developing underwater settlements, the Crown of the Ocean was also experiencing rapid growth. Each day it grew stronger in military, economic, and civilian aspects, all heading towards normalization. This was all in preparation for the potential crises that may arise in the future, or those that were inevitably approaching. The battles between the various divine realm armies on the continent were becoming increasingly intense. Initially, they showed some restraint, but as their own side gradually fell into a disadvantage, they began to loosen up in order to regain the upper hand. Although the orderly divine realm army tried to keep the battles away from the settlements as much as possible, once they started, they couldnt afford to consider too much. Countless lives perished in the mutual warfare between the two sides. The casualties were not much less than those caused by the demons. Moreover, as more and more players gained control of minor authorities, they began to intervene in the battles between the divine realm armies, causing the situation to become increasingly chaotic. The fighting gradually spread from the wilderness to the cities. Recently, several dark divine realm army groups directly attacked the cities where the orderly divine realm army was stationed. The aftermath of the battles instantly killed seventy percent of the citys population, and another seventy percent of the remaining residents were killed in subsequent battles. Only one in ten residents of a city managed to survive, with corpses littering the streets. On the other hand, the war between the demons and the orderly faction was gradually coming to an end. The armies of the Elven Empire, Markus Empire, Light Church, the subsequent participation of the Dragon Island dragons, and the forces of various sizes from the eastern continent formed a huge army, divided into several groups to counterattack the Hogsback Mountains defense line, as well as the weakened Void Legion. Under the command of the Markus Empire, they launched a large-scale military operation called Thunder from land, sea, and air. On the scheduled date, they successfully annihilated sixty percent of the Void Legions forces and reclaimed tens of thousands of miles of land. After the remaining Void Legion forces were defeated, they retreated under the command of the Void Lord to the Fallen Hills at the southern end of the eastern continent. Here, this was the place where the Void Legion first descended, baring its fangs. After a long and arduous struggle, the orderly faction finally drove away these hated invaders, greatly boosting their morale. They seemed to have some pride in their hearts. Not only Ji Chen could defeat demons and demon lords, but they could also reclaim their homeland with weapons in their hands and steadfast courage. Although there were considerable losses along the way due to continuous battles, they seized the momentum and launched another attack, not giving the enemy a chance to catch their breath. Soon, they initiated a battle called Thunder Chase. Millions of troops from the eastern continent stretched for hundreds of miles, holding onto the belief of victory, almost simultaneously launching a massive assault on the Fallen Hills, which cut across the southern end of the eastern continent. The battle had no suspense from the beginning. The Void Legion was already in decline, losing both troops and territory. Their war-driven philosophy quickly drained their resources after suffering several defeats. Meanwhile, the Dark Divine Army, which they regarded as their ace, was firmly entangled by the Orderly Divine Army and couldnt free itself, only watching helplessly as the Void Legion crumbled step by step. In an attempt to salvage the situation, the Void Lord personally intervened with his elite forces, but the Orderly side had already anticipated this move. Powerhouses from the Elven Empire, the Dragon Island Dragons, and the Markus Empire among other top-tier forces ambushed him. The Prime Minister of the Markus Empire personally took action, together with other Orderly powerhouses, injuring the Void Lord but failing to kill him. The Void Lord utilized his spatial talents to escape. Following a week-long Lightning Chase campaign, the Void Legion in the Fallen Hills was essentially wiped out. Only a handful of its senior leaders and remaining forces followed the Void Lord into the void, vanishing without a trace. At this point, the conflict in the Eastern Continent basically ended with victory for the Orderly faction. The continent, once almost overrun by demons, finally returned to the embrace of Order. As for the distant Western Continent, the conflict concluded even earlier than in the East. With the Decay Lord obliterated by Ji Chen and the rear base at the Mordor Strait destroyed, the Decay Legion uncontrollably spiraled into decline. They were swiftly routed by various forces from the Western Continent, including Gnomes and Half-Orcs, collapsing several days earlier than the Void Legion. However, unlike the latter, the Decay Legion was almost entirely wiped out. From the Decay Lord at the apex of the pyramid to the foot soldiers at the bottom, they were almost completely exterminated, with only scattered demons escaping the slaughter. Yet, the subsequent Western Continent nations dispatched large armies to thoroughly clear every inch of land, further eradicating the remaining demons of the Decay Legion. The conflicts on both the Eastern and Western Continents were settled. Only the Southern Continent remained, where the Orderly faction continued to advance triumphantly. Currently, not only have they reclaimed the highlands of the Ronnie River upstream, but they have also cleared the source of water pollution, allowing cities along the middle and lower reaches of the river to once again have clean water sources. The Greed Legion had been driven back into the vast desert of the southern part of the Southern Continent. They were still squeezing the limited resources in their rear base to send wave after wave of new demons to the front lines. However, losing large swaths of land and lacking sufficient resources to replenish, they couldnt produce enough demons, and their decline was gradually becoming evident. With three continents reclaimed out of the five, only the Southern Continent remained, and the dawn of victory was already visible. The Orderly faction was incredibly excited. Just like tens of thousands of years ago, they had once again defeated the demons, successfully defending their homeland and the land essential for survival! Under the shocking and joyful news, much of the anxiety and worry brought by the conflicts with the Divine Army had dissipated, and the nations were engulfed in joy. Meanwhile, in the heavens above. Within the Oceanic Divine Realm. The twelve Oceanic Deities sat around a round table, discussing fervently. We can no longer remain indifferent. I can feel our followers dwindling, all snatched away by that human who isnt even a god! Indeed, his ambitions are boundless. The idea of establishing his Oceanic Faith aims to assimilate all oceanic races and coastal human believers, seeking to completely sever the faith upon which we rely for survival! Its exactly what those dark deities are trying to do! This is even more despicable than the dark deities. I have never seen such audacity. If hes like this before becoming a god, imagine how much worse hell be after ascending? The Oceanic Deities speak out, their faces showing a mix of resentment, anger, and disdain towards the human, along with a hint of mockery and disdain. In truth, there was also some fear in their hearts. The Oceanic Divine Realm was no longer as glorious as it once had been. The entire divine realm could only influence so many followers, and for every new deity that emerged, a portion of followers had to be divided. Moreover, the potential of this human could not be underestimated; he might even have directly ascended to an intermediate god. The number of followers an intermediate god could consume was much greater than that of a lesser god. Among the twelve Oceanic Deities, nine were lesser gods, and three were intermediate gods. This divine hierarchy had been maintained for tens of thousands of years, and now suddenly, there was a high probability of the emergence of a intermediate god, one who arrogantly seized resources in such a blatant manner. How could they ever have accepted this! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only 1 proposed that we immediately dispatched the Divine Army and used force to compel that human to abandon his godhood. If he refused, then we would have eradicated him directly! I seconded that! Agreed! Soon, without exception, all twelve Oceanic Deities had cast their votes in favor. The Oceanic Divine Realm immediately sprang into action. Mighty divisions of the Oceanic Divine Army poured forth, marching mightily towards the mortal realm.. Chapter 837 - Chapter 837: The First Conflict, That Man! Chapter 837: The First Conflict, That Man! Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Ji Chen, who was discussing with Wilus about further strengthening the defense capabilities of the Crown of the Ocean, suddenly looked up and glanced outside. Whats wrong, sir? Ji Chen sighed softly, murmuring with a hint of regret and anticipation. The day has finally come. Seeing Ji Chens unprecedented expression, Wilus seemed to realize something, his face drastically changing. Arc the Oceanic Deities coming? Ji Chen nodded slightly. They cant sit still anymore. Originally, he thought the Oceanic Deities would arrive later. Wilus, the Crown of the Ocean must immediately enter the highest level of alert, and all personnel must enter shelter status. Activate the camouflage systems of important facilities such as the Divine Power Tree Grove, the port, the city hall, and the strategic warehouse. All troops must be on combat alert, and all defense facilities must be activated. Yes! When the indigenous people and players who came to trade at the New Moon Islands heard the sudden piercing alarm, they immediately dropped what they were doing and headed for the safety of the Crown of the Ocean deep within the islands. Within a dozen breaths, the Oceanic Deity forces, which poured forth to take over the entire island, were also stunned. What was happening? Were the demons attacking? But werent the demons already on their last legs? It wasnt until squads of fully armed lizardmen soldiers ran over with solemn expressions that the players began to understand. Everyone, please follow us to take shelter. Upon hearing the urgency in their voices, the players hurriedly asked, Whats going on? Weve received orders from the Lord. The Divine Realm army is about to attack the Crown of the Ocean. The New Moon Islands are about to be engulfed in warfare and become a battleground. The players were astonished. Is it the Dark Empires army? No, its the Oceanic Deitys divine army. ??? The players were full of question marks, everyone was stunned. Wasnt the Oceanic Deity part of the Orderly Divine Lineage? Why were they attacking their own people? If anyone among humans had made the greatest contribution, it was undoubtedly Ji Chen. When the lizardmen soldiers said this, they all wondered if they had misheard. Why would they launch an attack on a hero who had contributed significantly without seeking any recognition or reward? Why attack when Ji Chen, who had single-handedly defeated three Demon Lords, crushed three demon legions, and achieved such remarkable feats and victories? Its not yet clear whats going on, but the Lords words must be correct If you dont want to lose your lives, youd better go to the shelter as soon as possible. The lizardmen soldiers didnt say much more and quickly left to inform other residents of the Crown of the Ocean and outsiders. The players looked at each other and followed the crowd to the shelter. Although they didnt fully understand what was happening, the matter between the Divine Army and Ji Chen was not something they could intervene in. Most of the residents of the Crown of the Ocean were successfully evacuated and took refuge, while the military forces formed formations and hovered over the New Moon Islands, waiting for the arrival of the enemy. Soon, the sky was abruptly filled with a towering ring of deep blue light, surrounded by a swirling vortex of countless stars. One by one, the awe-inspiring naval forces of the Oceanic Divine Realm emerged, sending shivers down the spines of all who beheld them. There were the Trident-bearing Naga of the Nine Abysses, the merciless Executioners of the Fearful Crabs, the dreadful Death Krakens, the Nine-headed Sea Hydras, the Void Leviathans These ancient military units, depicted in terrifying murals adorning the walls of churches, emitted an aura of power that shook all who witnessed their arrival. That momentum, surpassing all mortal beings, swept across the entire New Moon Islands like an eighteen-level gale. Before those divine armies, there were commanding officers of the divine army standing tall, each with a sturdy physique, enchanting demeanor, or captivating appearance, holding their respective emblems. Looking down on the New Moon Islands from above, their pupils, filled with restrained divine light, exuded coldness, anger, disdain, and sarcasm. But there was no trace of anxiety or hesitation, only a sense of superiority. In their eyes, mortals were nothing more than lambs confined to the sheepfold called the world. Their task was to obediently provide faith and power to the gods, allowing the gods to continue their existence and granting them even greater power. Obedient lambs could receive appropriate rewards to serve the gods more diligently. Rebellious lambs would be identified and punished to make them realize their mistakes and return to the right path. As for the lambs that were unrepentant and had lost their value for salvation, there was no need to hesitate to deliver divine punishment promptly, demonstrating the inviolable majesty of the gods through destruction and death. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Using this territory as an example, as a small price to warn other lambs to behave, this was already the generosity and tolerance of the gods, and the lambs needed to recognize this. They looked at the Ocean Crown army below, fully alert, and sneered one after another. What a bunch of rubbish troops, still putting on a show of desperate resistance, malting themselves a laughingstock! As soon as they arrived, it signaled the inevitable outcome for this territory. Even though the gods had warned that if the territory persisted in its defiance and foolish actions, it would be forcefully subdued. But they believed that the gods would prefer not to see this territory continue to exist in the world. Therefore, they naturally had to obey the hidden intentions of their masters and directly bring destruction and death upon it.. Chapter 838 - Chapter 838: The First Conflict, That Man! (2) Chapter 838: The First Conflict, That Man! (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The commanders of the divine realms army slowly raised their weapons, pointing them towards the Crown of the Ocean below, shouting loudly. Soldiers, under the command of our gods, slaughter these blasphemous mortals, spreading the divine authority of our gods, letting the world know of our might and power! The first battalion, charge forth! Trample this territory underfoot! The army of the Ocean God clenched their weapons infused with the power of the sea, their proud eyes filled with disdain, anger, and excitement, roaring with waves of divine might from their throats. These contemptible mortals dared to offend the dignity of the gods and deserved death!! The divine realms army advanced slowly, suddenly charging downward, revealing their magnificent might. The Crown of the Oceans forces faced them without fear, meeting them head-on. However, as this army of the Ocean God entered the range of the New Moon Islands, they suddenly felt a certain level of suppression, as if carrying a stone on their bodies. [Small Twin-Winged Demon Statue] [Effect]: Can produce a negative field with a maximum radius of ten kilometers. Enemies within the negative field will enter a negative state, suffering from a 5-35% decrease in all attributes. The statue obtained earlier from a temple of a dark god in the depths of the sea now exerted its effect, exerting a certain level of suppression on the invading first battalion of the Ocean Gods army. Due to the vast difference in power, its effect was only 5%. A 5% decrease in all attributes was a significant suppression, but it couldnt bridge the gap between the Crown of the Oceans forces and the pure seven-tier divine realms army. It was just a brief confrontation. The leading Crab Guardians, Water Nymph Archers, and other fifth-tier troops suffered more than half of their losses, submerged under the attacks of the landslide and the tsunami. The defensive facilities originally used to resist demons had to change direction and launch attacks against one of the orderly members. A night filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers under the gentle spring breeze. Countless bombardments and arrows swept through the sky, but they could hardly harm the Ocean Gods army. Without exception, they were enveloped in a layer of hazy aquatic light, isolating attacks such as bombardment and flames. Seeing this scene, a mocking curve slowly appeared at the corners of the commanders mouths of the divine realms army. The reason why the divine realms army could dominate over countless mortals was that they had received the blessings of the gods, and their bodies had already transformed into divine bodies, constantly protected by divine blessings. Without divine-level strength, they couldnt be breached. Even if they were given another hundred years, they couldnt break through this layer of protection! However, before the words fell. Beams of light, like lighting up the sky, shot from countless distances, instantly piercing through the hazy aquatic light on the first battalion, causing considerable injuries. Their pupils suddenly contracted as they looked into the distance, where a squad of golden-winged wyverns was flying at an extremely fast speed. Their speed was so fast that even the first battalion, which was hit, didnt react in time. Whoosh- Like beams of golden light, they shuttle through. The high-speed moving crystal wings, under the blessing of kinetic energy, turned into sharp blades at this moment, instantly tearing apart the protective blessings. Swish- Mixed with blue light, blood sprayed into the sky, accompanied by a series of groans. Almost as many troops of the Ocean Gods army suffered heavy injuries as the divine crystal wyverns attacked, their bodies torn apart with wounds almost cut in half. They didnt give up this excellent opportunity. The divine power Naga Iron Colossus suddenly surged from the sea below, its wings vibrating at an extreme speed, even bringing up a buzzing sound, between the bursting water. Shadows swiftly rose. The first battalion, which had just suffered an attack from the divine crystal wyverns, was once again injured. However, even after suffering two unexpected attacks, the Ocean Gods army in the first battalion didnt even have a hundred casualties. Most of them seemed to be on the verge of death, but they still maintained a strand of life force, rapidly recovering. Unless there were attributes that could restrain them and the power to kill in one blow, the mighty vitality and the divine nature would support their bodies from falling. Those observing Ocean Gods Commanders witnessed the Ocean Crystal Wyverns and the Oceanic Nagas Iron Colossi launching attacks against the first squad. At first, they were taken aback, but seeing that they had not achieved any significant results, they relaxed. Mockery flickered in their eyes once again. They could discern that these two armies were among the top-tier in this world, nominally only one star away from the divine realm troops, or even infinitely close. However, no matter how formidable the mortals were, they were still mortals. The fact that they could achieve such results was commendable, but it held no significance for them! Nevertheless, in order to minimize casualties, they still issued orders. The second squad replaces the first squad and attacks the enemy. Another divine army immediately launched an attack and quickly overwhelmed the two Oceanic Crown divine power squads with even stronger force. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Seeing this scene, the soldiers of the Oceanic Crown below, no matter how high-spirited they were, couldnt help but show a hint of despair in their eyes. Whether it was artillery or troops, they exerted all their efforts, but they couldnt even kill a single Ocean Gods army, and now they were surrounded by more than ten of them! Amidst the despair, there was also a sense of unwillingness. If given more time, the Oceanic Crown might be able to produce even stronger armies, capable of rivalling or even surpassing the enemy. Some players who had not sought refuge and were secretly lurking in the dark, witnessing this scene, also felt a sense of impending doom.. Chapter 839 - Chapter 839: The First Conflict, That Man! (3) Chapter 839: The First Conflict, That Man! (3) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation They viewed the situation as dire, with the alchemical cannons and siege crossbows failing to penetrate the enemys shields. Even the highest sixth-tier troops proved ineffective against the Oceanic Divine Realm forces. It was clear that the Ocean Crown was facing significant trouble. On the chat channel, someone was live-streaming the entire battle in text form, and millions of players were silently following this battle, and this number was rapidly increasing. Ji Chen was the strongest player to ever come to this world, representing their side to a certain extent. And the Ocean Crown was the most dazzling jewel among the player territories. If it was destroyed by the so-called allies of the orderly faction, it would be the biggest joke in history. Perhaps many players harbored jealousy and resentment, secretly hoping for the destruction of the Ocean Crown, hoping that the shining Ji Chen would fall like a meteor. But most players sincerely hoped that the Ocean Crown could survive this disaster, and that Ji Chen could defeat these mad Ocean Crown troops. At this moment, the top-tier troops of the Ocean Crown, the Naga Iron Colossus, emerged from below the waves, wielding blades on their backs and wings, killing the detestable Oceanic Divine Realm troops with lightning speed However, huh!? Those Oceanic Divine Realm troops were enveloped in a dazzling blue light, actually blocking most of the attacks, and the casualties caused by the two waves of attacks were actually less than a hundred! Shockingly, those injured troops were recovering at a visible speed! Wait a minute, what did I see? The Oceanic Divine troops, who clearly had the advantage, actually retreated and sent out a fresh batch. They are not giving them any chance at all! The players on the chat channel saw this situation and sighed, with a pessimistic atmosphere pervading. Damn it, these Oceanic Divine Realm troops are too damn tricky! They cant be damaged, and they send out new troops like a turtle retracting its head. Whats the point of playing this game! Ah, I think this time the Ocean Crown might really be done for. The Ocean Crown is powerful, but the opponent is the top-tier troops of the Divine Realm, which are not in the same dimension of power. At this moment, someone suddenly said, Dont worry, Big Boss Ji Chen is yet to make his appearance! With this statement, the other players immediately felt energized. Yes, the soul and core of the Ocean Crown, Ji Chen, hadnt made his appearance yet! Why are you still so calm, Big Boss? Your troops are about to bite the dust, and youre still idling around! Hurry up and come out, my heart is about to jump out! The players at the scene once again broadcasted text. The commander of the Oceanic Divine Realm troops had a disdainful expression on his face, with an arrogant gaze overlooking them, as if looking at lambs in a pen, so indifferent, as if saying, How dare the ants of the mortal world contend with the divine troops from heaven!? Damn it, just writing this makes me feel both hot and angry, I really want to beat them up. Wait a minute!!! Hes here, that man has appeared! With all the hopes of the people, he appeared on the land he had tirelessly built day and night, proudly raising his head, his black pupils looking at those self-proclaimed higher Oceanic Divine Realm troops with a calm and determined gaze. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He seemed to say to them. You rogues, although you bear the name of the Oceanic Divine Realm troops, you have no substance of the Ocean Crown. We are both from the same sides, yet you turn against us for your own gain. My name is Ji Chen, and here I stand to face you, the ambitious wolves! Damn, its getting exciting! Kill them, Big Boss Ji Chen!! Hooray! Chapter 842 - Chapter 842:I Will Rebuild the Oceanic Divine Lineage Chapter 842:I Will Rebuild the Oceanic Divine Lineage Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Damn! I wont believe it if you told me Big Boss Ji Chen had no special dealings with the Elven Divine Lineage! To have the Elven Divine Lineage send troops down like this, standing up for him so domineeringly, this is just too cool! Ive long heard that Big Boss Ji Chen has some indescribable relationship with the Elven Empires Queen, Laphia. Now, the answer is clear as day; it must be the Elven Queen who reported to the Elven Divine Lineage, asking them to protect the Crown of the Ocean! (Confidently) But I heard it was with the Elven Empires High Priestess, Herli? (Soybean question mark) Why cant it be both? (Squinting) Maybe theres also a connection with some deity of the Elven Divine Lineage. Geez, Big Boss Ji Chen really knows how to live off the powerful. I guess the Oceanic Divine Realm armys faces must be black as charcoal by now. After all, theyre the divine realms army. How could they tolerate being scolded without any respect like this? If they were to back down now, it would be an embarrassment. As the players guessed, the face of the Oceanic Divine Realms commander turned as black as charcoal, his body trembling with anger. Since becoming the commander, he couldnt recall how many years it had been since anyone dared to ignore and slander him like this, and yet, the person slandering him belonged to the Elven Divine Lineage. Now, he had finally recognized her; this divine Elven was none other than Penelope, the chief bodyguard of the Elven Divine Lineages core godEluvita. She was one of the most powerful demigods among the many divine lineages, even capable of rivaling some of the weaker Lesser Gods! And for such a demigod, who served the Elven Mother Goddess, to suppress her power and come here, didnt this signify the will of the Elven Mother Goddess? Penelope, looking at the drastically changing expression of the Oceanic Divine Realms commander, arrogantly put her hands on her hips and tilted her head, saying, What, you have an objection? The Oceanic Divine Realms commanders mouth twitched. He heard that the Elven Divine Lineage, relying on their powerful strength, was very arrogant. Now, seeing it with his own eyes, he realized the rumors were true. He forced a smile, Lady Penelope, this person is not an Elven, and his godhood is also a position within the Oceanic Divine Lineage. How could you say that he belongs to your Elven Divine Lineage? Could you be mistaken? Theres no mistake. Cant humans join the Elven Divine Lineage? If your own Oceanic Divine Lineage doesnt cherish such a divine seed, then dont blame our Elven Divine Lineage for stepping in, Penelope said as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Ill make it clear here, we in the Elven Divine Lineage are protecting Ji Chen. Stop talking so much. If you want to fight, then lets start. If not, then scram. Elven Divine Lineages divine realm army, enter combat mode. At her command, the Elven Divine Realm army raised their spears, nocked their arrows, and with a stern expression, took up a stance as if ready to charge. This caused the Oceanic Divine Realm army to immediately stir, panic-stricken eyes turning to their commander. The commanders expression darkened, knowing that this time, they couldnt deal with Ji Chen. Finally, through gritted teeth, he squeezed out a sentence. Lets go. The Oceanic Divine Realm army breathed a sigh of relief, quickly following their commander to leave, carrying a bit of dishevelment and panic as they disappeared into the horizon. They had arrived with such momentum and murderous aura, yet now they left like beaten dogs, sneaking away. Ji Chen, watching them disappear from sight, turned his attention to Penelope. Come with me. Ji Chen was clearly not even a demigod, yet he spoke to her like he was her superior. Penelope couldnt help but pout. But for the sake of drawing him into the Elven Divine Lineage, she decided to endure it for now. Who knows, maybe in the future, he really would become her superior. Penelope ordered the divine realms army to stand guard outside, and then, under the watchful eyes of many, she followed Ji Chen into the lords castle. Chang Wei, are you still saying he has no connection with the Elven Divine Lineage? Based on the description, the one commanding the Elven Divine Realm army doesnt seem like just any ordinary Elven. Even the commander of the Oceanic Divine Realm army almost had fear written all over his face. Does anyone know who she is? According to observations by players on-site, the appearance and behavior of this Elven commander share a seventy percent similarity with the chief bodyguard, Penelope, who serves beside the Elven Mother Goddess Eluvita in the legends. And according to the records, her strength is that of a demigod. Well, a demigod has come to stand for the Crown of the Ocean, and the importance of this cannot be understated. This almost certainly means that Eluvita has designated Ji Chen for protection, right? Im envious. The main god of the Elven Divine Lineage personally protecting a human, dying would be difficult for him now. Should we quickly latch onto his coattails? Once Lord Ji Chen ascends to godhood, we too will rise to glory and celebrate together. As the players were discussing fervently, Penelope followed Ji Chen into the castle, glancing at the meticulously cared-for garden and the rather imposing tower with a slight turn of her head. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only This was also her first time coming to the core of the Crown of the Ocean, but she didnt feel much surprise. The Elven Divine Realm had buildings that were much more luxurious, delicate, and grand. Having seen the majestic buildings forged by divine power, only the wonders within the Crown of the Ocean could catch her attention. The two sat down, one after the other. Lord Ji Chen, I wonder if you are willing to consider what I just mentioned? What? You should already know. Our god had long anticipated this behavior from the Oceanic deities and had instructed me to bring the divine realms army to this world in advance, lurking around the Crown of the Ocean to prepare and protect you from persecution.. Chapter 843 - Chapter 843:I Will Rebuild the Oceanic Divine Lineage (2) Chapter 843:I Will Rebuild the Oceanic Divine Lineage (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Penelope said seriously, The Great Mother Goddess herself has said that if you are willing to join the Elven Divine Lineage, she will personally bestow upon you a powerful Elven Divine Authority after you ascend to godhood. What do you think about it? Ji Chens face showed some surprise. Would Eluvita actually be willing to spend such a price to recruit him? Authority was not cheap, especially when it came directly from the illustrious Elven Mother Goddess. It certainly wouldnt be some weak authority. Ji Chen couldnt help but ask in confusion, Why does the Elven Mother Goddess hold me in such high regard? I believe Lady Eluvita sees a new possibility in you, Penelope said, pursing her lips. Many divine lineages have shown a tendency towards rigidity and stagnation, similar to what weve seen in the Ocean Divine Lineage. This trend is evident in most divine lineages, with some not having seen any new gods for tens of thousands of years, and some even millions of years. With gods continually falling and no new ones being born, theres a limit in successors, which is a terrifying prospect for a divine lineage. We need a disruptor to break this trend. Is that all? Penelope replied meaningfully, Perhaps there are deeper reasons, but youll have to ask Lady Eluvita herself. After a pause, Ji Chen pondered and said, Thank you for driving away the Ocean Divine Realms army As for joining the Elven Divine Lineage, I cant agree to it. Penelope was somewhat surprised by this response, but it seemed somewhat expected as well. She shook her head afterward. Indeed, Lady Eluvita had already said that you wouldnt agree. Ji Chen was somewhat taken aback but continued, Regardless, Lady Eluvita has helped me on several occasions, and I should repay that with goodwill and friendship. If the Elven Divine Lineage encounters any difficulties in the future, I will lend my support. Regardless of Eluvitas intentions in helping him multiple times, the aid was tangible. She had helped him through several dangers and indirectly aided him in obtaining the Storm Authority, which was immensely beneficial. Thus, making a commitment to lend assistance seemed appropriate. Furthermore, the Elven Divine Lineage was one of the most powerful divine lineages. Perhaps there would be a need for them in the future. Ji Chen was not like those characters in novels who sought to dominate the heavens with their strength alone. Throughout their journey, the Ocean Crown received assistance from many natives, allies, and players. They hadnt become a powerful territory solely through solitary efforts; Ji Chen himself had benefited from various forces. From the Lienhardt Grand Duchy, the elves, dwarves, white-scaled merfolk Many forces had assisted them for various reasons, propelling the Ocean Crown and him to greater heights. Upon receiving Ji Chens commitment, Penelope felt pleased. Eluvita had given her a directive, and being able to recruit Ji Chen into the Elven Divine Lineage would have been a great accomplishment. However, it wasnt a big problem if she couldnt. As long as she got this commitment, it was enough for her to report back. However, Penelope still had doubts and uncertainties in her heart. She spoke again. Since you are unwilling to join the Elven Divine Lineage, you will continue to follow the Ocean Divine Lineage. Eventually, you will have to face those Oceanic Gods. In that case, even if you ascend to godhood, you will still face endless harassment and hatred from them. Unless you reach the level of a Higher God or someone like Lady Eluvita, single-handedly facing off against other divine beings in the competitive void will be difficult. Penelope didnt say one more thing: even if it wasnt solitary combat, being in a less powerful divine lineage would still pose challenges. Only pure power and being in a sufficiently powerful divine lineage could sustain ones existence. Many mortals believed that the realm of the gods was a paradise where the air was sweet and flowed with milk and honey, full of endless beauty and purity. However, all of this was covered by layers of illusion created by the believers. Competition in the void was no less intense than in the main world; in fact, it was even more fierce. Penelope tried to see a hint of uncertainty and fear for the future in Ji Chens eyes, but from start to finish, this human, whom she once looked down upon and criticized, had a calm and composed expression on his handsome face. It seemed there was no tension, no fear of these emotions. His deep eyes, like obsidian, were captivating, dazzling like the stars in the night sky, exuding confidence from the depths of his soul, reassuring those who gazed into them. With a firm tone, he looked directly into her eyes and said each word emphatically. I will rebuild the Oceanic Divine Lineage. A storm surged in Penelopes heart as if hearing a joke but finding no humor, gazing into those eyes filled with determination and resilience. Suddenly, a thought arose in her mind. Could he possibly be serious? Rebuilding the Oceanic Divine Lineage, how could that be possible? To rebuild the Oceanic Divine Lineage would mean opposing all the Oceanic deities, who, even if not formidable, were still legitimate gods. One against twelve? Even Penelope, accustomed to arrogance, dared not entertain such thoughts. At least the power of a main god of the Divine Lineage would be needed for any hope of achievement. I hope you can do it, but when that time comes, I believe Lady Eluvita will not stand idly by. After all, an Oceanic Divine Lineage led by a wise leader is far better than the decaying one we have now. Ji Chen smiled. Of course. Penelope shrugged. Well, my purpose for coming this time has been achieved, but Im worried that those embarrassing Oceanic Divine Lineage troops will come back after we leave. No worries, with your previous words, they shouldnt dare to return anytime soon. In that case, I will go back to report to Lady Eluvita. Penelope quickly disappeared into the sky with the Divine Lineage troops, leaving endless speculation for those who witnessed it. No one knew what Ji Chen and this elven goddesss personal guard discussed in the Lords Castle for an hour, or what message the elven goddess conveyed. But from that day on, no kingdom or power in the main world dared to offend the Crown of the Ocean again. Considering Ji Chen was identified as a member of their Elven Divine Lineage by none other than the personal guard of the elven goddess herself, wouldnt that serve as a guaranteed escape from consequences? Which kingdom or power would dare to provoke the Elven Divine Lineage? Even the Elven Empire itself wouldnt dare to anger him! But then again, Ji Chen was already known as the one who could single-handedly slay three Epic Demon Lords and even kill five Dark Deity Avatars, placing him at the peak of the worlds power. With no gods or troops from the divine realm descending, hardly anyone could rival him. Who would recklessly seek trouble with him? When the Oceanic Divine Lineage troops returned to the Oceanic Divine Lineage in a sorry state and reported everything, the oceanic creatures wore black faces, but were also full of confusion. Why would the Elven Divine Lineage and the Elven Goddess shelter this human? Could it be, as rumored, that this human is the lover of that slut Eluvita? But by driving away the troops they sent like this, its blatantly refusing to show them any respect. After all, they are a Divine Lineage with over a dozen deities! But just as the Oceanic Divine Lineage troops showed cowardice in front of the Elven Divine Lineage troops, the Oceanic deities also didnt dare to provoke the thriving Elven Divine Lineage, only silently holding their grudges. They began contemplating how to deal with Ji Chen next. Its difficult to lay hands on that human with Eluvita and the Elven Divine Lineages protection. This is a problem. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only That humans territory is protected by a shield, making it impossible to breach for the time being. We cant even launch a surprise attack with the Divine Lineage troops unless we find an opportunity when hes outside. But even that wont work. If Eluvita and the Elven Divine Lineage find out, wont they hold us accountable? So what do we do, just stand by and watch him ascend to godhood? Our church simply cant compete with that humans Oceanic Church! I have a solution Dont the Dark Deities hate him intensely? If we find an opportunity for them to kill that human, then Eluvita cant say anything, right? Good idea. Chapter 844 - Chapter 844: Divine Realm Key, Mystical Divine Realm Chapter 844: Divine Realm Key, Mystical Divine Realm Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After temporarily neutralizing the threat from the Ocean Divine Lineage, Ji Chen had to consider the looming danger from another, even larger force. The Dark Deities. With the protection of the Elven Divine Lineage, the Ocean Divine Lineage, also an orderly faction, should not dare to make any moves against the Crown of the Ocean in the short term, at least not openly. Ji Chen speculated that they lacked the courage to provoke the Elven Divine Lineage and Eluvita. However, the Dark Deities were natural enemies of the orderly gods, still engaged in mutual conquest, and Ji Chen had disrupted their scheme to use demons to swallow the main world. In terms of hatred, they were no less than the orderly divine beings. Without a doubt, the Dark Deities would eventually strike at him; it was only a matter of time. It was rather strange that despite the considerable amount of time that had passed, the Dark Deities had yet to formulate any measures against him and the Crown of the Ocean. After pondering this, Ji Chen began to contemplate. He took out the divine realm key he had obtained inadvertently. [Divine Realm Key] [Tier]: Demi-God Artifact [Effect]: Able to pierce the void and open a spatial passage to the true divine realm. Even a mere key being a demi-god artifact was enough to show its extraordinary significance in leading to the divine realm. Previously, neither the Crown of the Ocean nor his own power was sufficient to touch it. But now, with his influence growing, it was the perfect time to delve into this domain. Currently, the other resources he possessed were inadequate to confront the impending crises and difficulties. Only the power of deities could contend with deities, and who knew when the rules of this world might change again. In the past, all divine powers, including divine realm armies, were not allowed to enter the main world. However, divine realm armies were now roaming the skies, wreaking havoc and causing suffering to living beings. Even a demi-god-tier powerhouse like Penelope could quietly infiltrate the Crown of the Ocean while suppressing part of her strength. If he woke up tomorrow morning to find that the rules of the world had suddenly collapsed, and the gods descended with supreme power, Ji Chen would not be surprised. As the Elven Queen Laphia had said, this world was gradually descending into chaos, with forces that had been dormant for tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of years emerging like mushrooms after rain. The order that had been maintained for hundreds of thousands of years was gradually crumbling, and old rules were being broken by emerging forces. The situation was fluid. Situated at the forefront of the oceans currents, the Crown of the Ocean, if it continued to develop at its previous pace and rhythm, would inevitably be overwhelmed by the tide of the times. Therefore, the pace of development had to be further accelerated, and more radical. This key, marked as dangerous, might open up another path of rapid development. Taking advantage of the time gap created by the Elven Divine Lineage and Penelope supporting the Crown of the Ocean, Ji Chen secretly gathered the two most elite forces of the Crown of the Ocean C the Divine Power Sea Crystal Wyverns and the Divine Power Naga Iron Colossi. After accumulating divine power crystals for a period of time, a considerable number of Naga Iron Colossi had already been transformed into divine power troops. The Divine Power Sea Crystal Wyverns, six-tier and 9-star, numbered a battalion and a half. The Divine Power Naga Iron Colossi, also six-tier and 9-star, numbered nearly five battalions. Other troops, even if they had diverse capabilities, were not very useful when facing powerful enemies; they only increased casualties rather than being useful in defending the territory. In addition, powerful heroes were indispensable. Every legendary tier hero was a formidable force for the Crown of the Ocean, equivalent to a battalion of divine power troops. He summoned those heroes strategically. The Naga hero Herald, the Siren hero Alice, the Blood Dragon hero Bcnbo, the Featherfolk hero Patheia, and the North Sea Giant Kraken. All were at least legendary, and most controlled some authority powers, their combat power comparable to that of Above-Epic Tier. With heroes like Isaiah, Thotmudo, Theod, and other legendary tier and below-legendary tier units remaining behind, Ji Chen believed that with their presence, combined with the protection of the shield, the Crown of the Ocean could be kept as safe as possible. With everything prepared, to prevent drawing any attention when activating the divine realm key, he first left the Crown of the Ocean with all the heroes and the two divine power armies, heading to a remote sea area away from the usual routes and islands, before attempting to activate it. The divine realm key suddenly flashed with white light, bursting out terrifying energy. The wind roared, and the waves surged. In the blink of an eye, dark clouds gathered, and lightning snakes flickered. The sudden change in scenery seemed to indicate that this divine realm key was no ordinary object and amidst the changing sky and earth A beam of divine light burst forth from the opening in the dark clouds, forming a pristine white gate about thirty meters wide and tall on the sea surface. Like a dream, it seemed to connect to a secluded paradise, a holy and carefree land. Seeing the divine gate gradually materialize and open without any anomalies, Ji Chen waved his hand. All units, be on guard, and enter in formation. The divine sea crystal wyverns and the divine nagas iron colossus lined up and advanced steadily, one after another disappearing into the white light emerging from the gate. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Ji Chen felt a momentary flash before his eyes, as if his body was being pulled by some force towards the front, and his consciousness seemed to sink into a quagmire, halting his thoughts. But soon, the pulling sensation disappeared, and his feet landed back on solid ground. His eyes quickly scanned the surroundings. This was a world resembling a mystic realm within the Ocean Gods Shrine, yet it was incredibly vast and real. Clouds drifted in the sky, unknown giant birds soared freely above, distant mountains rose, shrouded in swathes of clouds and mist, creating a hazy and mesmerizing landscape like an exquisite ink painting.. Chapter 845 - Chapter 845: Divine Realm Key, Mystical Divine Realm (2) Chapter 845: Divine Realm Key, Mystical Divine Realm (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The green grass and fresh flowers spread from underfoot to the edge of the distant forest, where the pupils of naive little deer peeked out from the woods, curiously watching their group. This scene gave the feeling of an ultimate harmony between nature and creatures, with natural beauty filling the surroundings. It seems that this divine realm is maintaining vitality, Ji Chen thought to himself as he looked at the peaceful and vibrant scene before him. Most divine realms of various divine lineages have been passed down from countless generations of gods for tens of millions, or even tens of thousands of years. Because of the resources required for their establishment and development, they are considered vast. The divine realms of powerful lineages were extremely large, such as the elven divine realm, which was like a small world, accommodating billions of divine realm inhabitants and forming its own system. On the other hand, the divine realms of weaker lineages were only the size of villages, able to accommodate very few inhabitants. Comparing divine realms to cities, powerful divine realms were like super cities, vast in territory and rich in resources, naturally strong, while weaker divine realms were like small towns, small in size with sparse inhabitants, naturally weak. Moreover, divine realms were not fixed and were a very special existence. They could move in the void according to the will of the gods, like a moving fortress of war. Looking at the vast scenery before him, that had been at least a medium-sized divine realm. However, one thing Ji Chen could be sure of was that this divine realm seemed to have no gods present, or at least it seemed that no gods were in control. Because the divine realm was an extension of the will of the gods, anything entering or exiting couldnt escape its gaze. They had been here for some time, but there was still no movement. Both divine power armies had all arrived and were arranged as instructed, on alert, with several heroes of the Ocean Crown also cautiously surveying their surroundings, in case of a sudden attack. Lets move forward, Ji Chen decided to explore this divine realm actively. The core of the divine realm must be in the central position, and any valuable things would be concentrated there, so the direction was quite clear. The group of mountains didnt look too far away, but in reality, they were astonishingly far. Even after flying at high speed in the air for half an hour, the distance was only halved. Here, it seemed that space had been stretched out. The power of space? Ji Chen thought to himself. During the continuous flight, there were magnificent views along the way. The slaughter, bloodshed, chaos, and desolation of the main world seemed to be non-existent here, replaced by peaceful scenes everywhere. The birds and beasts living here didnt seem to prey on each other. They had evolved a unique mechanism, swallowing and digesting the energy pervading the air when hungry, and the substances they produced somehow returned to the heavens and the earth, circulating and continuing. Looking at this scene, several heroes couldnt help but feel surprised and enlightened. No wonder the creatures of the main world longed for and coveted divine realms. Here, it seemed that there was no struggle or conspiracy; all they needed to do was enjoy a carefree life. However, Ji Chen knew that even in the most peaceful places, they were not naturally created that way. The divine realm was an extension of the will of the gods; as the will of the gods, so was the divine realm. He believed that dark and cunning gods would create dark and sinister divine realms, while fallen and weak gods would naturally have decaying and dim realms. The Ocean Crystal Wyvern and the Naga Iron Colossus, empowered by divine energy, swiftly flew through this unnamed divine realm, crossing numerous mountains, grasslands, forests, lakes, and rivers. Along the way, they saw no buildings, as if this place were an independent natural world. After flying for two hours, they finally saw a towering giant tree piercing through the clouds, with only the massive trunk visible below the clouds. Without hesitation, Ji Chen commanded the troops to tilt upwards by several degrees, flying towards the top of the giant tower and into the clouds. On the trunk of this tree, which seemed to hold up the entire world, the guards, blending in with the color of the trunk, slowly stretched their bodies that had not moved for countless years, and their green eyes suddenly opened. Their wings flapped rapidly, lifting them up. Ji Chen remained vigilant, quickly noticing the increasingly discordant guards around him. His pupils slightly contracted. These were insects. What gathered before him like a dark cloud were giant insects. They looked like ordinary insects magnified dozens of times, but in reality, they concealed terrifying power. These insects were the army of this divine realm! Though their emitted power was not comparable to the elven divine realm army, it was much stronger than the Oceanic Divine Realm army. Seeing this uniform army of insects, Ji Chen seemed to recall something, and a flash of realization passed through his eyes. Could this be the Natural Divine Realm? As this idea came to mind, everything suddenly became clear. Among the numerous divine lineages passed down over countless years, some lineages grew stronger through management, while others gradually declined or barely survived. Some lineages couldnt escape the erosion of time and perished under the wheels of history. The Dungeon Divine Lineage, the Earth Divine Lineage, the Ice and Snow Divine Lineage Among them was the Natural Divine Lineage. It was a lineage powered by various natural rules, such as thunderstorms, gales, and waters. One of the three authorities Ji Chen currently possessed, Thunder Authority, was also one of the authorities once held by the Natural Divine Lineage. The Natural Divine Lineage had once been a relatively strong lineage. Although it couldnt compare to the Elven Divine Lineage or the Radiant Divine Lineage, it was at least in the upper echelons of the second tier, belonging to the orderly divine lineages. However, in the first divine war, the Natural Divine Lineage lost a total of nine natural gods. By the end of the divine war, with wounds aplenty, what was once a powerful and prosperous Natural Divine Lineage suddenly dwindled to only two or three remaining gods. Over the next tens of thousands of years, the Natural Divine Lineage and its teachings gradually declined for various reasons, with a significant decrease in followers and a weakening of faith to the extreme. One of the characteristics of the demise of a divine lineage is the gradual disappearance of its divine realm into the void, losing contact and trace. According to records, the Natural Divine Realm disappeared silently 370,000 years ago. Therefore, tens of thousands of years after the end of the first divine war, the Natural Divine Lineage was also deemed extinct. At least thats how it appeared to the other divine lineages. But now, it seemed that the Natural Divine Realm had not disappeared but existed somewhere in the void without being discovered. This caused Ji Chen to feel a surge of excitement. Since the Natural Divine Realm had not disappeared, did it mean that the remaining natural gods were still alive? Countless thoughts raced through his mind as he looked at the swarm of Natural Divine Realm army, and Ji Chen conceived a plan, his palm suddenly flashing with lightning. Thunder Authority. The Natural Divine Realm army sensed this familiar yet unfamiliar power, with a hint of anthropomorphized confusion flashing across their faces. Then, they slowly stopped and lost their aggressiveness. They even began to chirp as if trying to please. Ji Chens eyes flickered. This move was indeed effective. Thunder Authority was once one of the authorities controlled by the Natural Divine Lineage, but it was later obtained by the Elven Mother Goddess, Eluvia. However, this familiar natural authority power, like a pass, made the Natural Divine Realm army think they were among their own. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only With their guard down, they quickly fluttered their wings and returned to the trunk one by one. Their bodies of various colors returned to the same color as the trunk, and they resumed their dormant state, executing the commands their masters had given them countless years ago. Alice and the others looked over one after another. Ji Chen signaled to continue flying upwards. He had a premonition that what they sought would be found at the top. The higher they flew, the more alarmed they became. The higher each section of the trunk was, the stronger the dormant Natural Divine Realm army became. They ranged from slightly stronger than the Oceanic Divine Realm army to almost comparable to the Elven Divine Realm army, but their numbers dwindled. After half an hour of flying upwards, they finally pierced through the sprawling clouds and saw the immensely dense canopy ahead.. Chapter 846 - Chapter 846: Shocking Truth Chapter 846: Shocking Truth Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The canopy resembled a lush green umbrella, shading the entire sky. The crisscrossing branches were like the ribs of the umbrella, while the luxuriant green leaves formed the canopy, supporting this world just like the legendary World Tree. According to Ji Chens estimation, this giant tree was at least tens of thousands of meters tall. However, it might have appeared so towering due to the special spatial rules of the Divine Realm. However, this giant tree actually supported the core of the entire Natural Divine Realm. The taller and thicker the tree, the more vast and expansive the space it could support. It was a treasure nurtured by generations of natural divine spirits over countless ages. Above the canopy and trunk was the realm of the gods. Among the dense branches and green leaves, Ji Chen saw two coffins wrapped and entwined by vines, hanging in a cavity at the center of the canopy. The coffins seemed to have been closed and motionless for a long time. Moss covered their surfaces, and unknown plants spread along the vines onto the coffins, giving them a vibrant appearance. Centered around the two coffins, there emanated a terrifying aura that made all living beings tremble. And this kind of aura, Ji Chen had felt it before. Divine. There was no doubt that inside the coffins lay two divine spirits, most likely the two natural divine spirits who had survived since the first Divine War. Seeing this scene, even the heroes of the Ocean Crown couldnt help but hold their breaths, their eyes fixed on the coffins as if expecting them to sit up at any moment. However, after a long time, the coffins only emitted a daunting aura, remaining motionless. The heroes all looked at Ji Chen, asking what should be done next. Ji Chen looked thoughtfully at the two coffins and said, Open the coffins. Immediately, the four Divine Crystal Wyverns lined up and flew into the canopy at a steady pace. Compared to the gigantic trunk, their seemingly robust bodies appeared petite, effortlessly maneuvering through the branches and leaves. As they approached, Ji Chen kept a close watch on whether the coffins showed any signs of movement. Yet, even when the Divine Crystal Wyverns approached the two coffins, there was still no movement. Seeing this scene, a glint flashed in Ji Chens eyes. The Divine Crystal Wyverns flew closer, trying to find seams between the coffin and its lid to pry them open. However, these two coffins seemed to be naturally integrated, without even a crack, let alone a seam. The coffins appeared to be one solid piece. If it werent for their shape and style indicating that they were undoubtedly coffins for burial, people might have mistaken them for two pieces of wood. Step back; Ill handle this personally. Lord, this seems too dangerous, the heroes exclaimed hastily. Why not let us try it out first? Ji Chen shook his head gently and said in a deep voice, Perhaps only those who possess the authority of the natural divine lineage can unveil the veil of what happened here. Alice and the others exchanged glances but nodded nonetheless, following closely behind, their eyes fixed on the two coffins. If there was any movement, they would immediately shield Lord Ji Chen with their bodies. Ji Chen appeared quite relaxed, walking along the sturdy branches capable of supporting a galloping horse to reach the two coffins below, and then made a shocking move that stunned everyone. With thunderous power in his hand, he struck directly at one of the coffins, but what happened next was even more astonishing. The coffin, struck by the thunder, trembled abruptly after a brief pause, as if something inside the coffin was about to awaken. The vines connecting it were stimulated in some way, breaking one after another, and the coffin fell heavily onto the tree trunk with a loud thud. The heroes instantly became vigilant, instinctively protecting the lord behind them, their eyes full of vigilance and horror. However, after staring for quite a while, they found that nothing happened despite the coffin shaking for a moment. This Its alright. At some point, a crack opened in the coffin. Ji Chen walked over and reached out to lift the lid along the crack. When he saw what was inside the coffin, a look of confirmation appeared on his face. Inside the coffin, there was no so-called divine corpse; there was only a greenish crystal ball, seemingly containing some kind of energy. Without much hesitation, Ji Chen reached out. The moment his fingers touched the crystal ball, the scene shifted, and his consciousness entered a strange white space without boundaries. Suddenly, screens appeared one after another, recording information, and scenes flashed before his eyes like a revolving lantern. It was the war of the gods that swept through the entire main world hundreds of thousands of years ago, involving the void and countless secret realms. The gods in the sky, driven by their interests, mobilized their believers to conquer the heretics. The creatures on the earth suffered, and the land was filled with corpses and blood. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Although it only lasted for a hundred years, this short period nearly depleted the resources accumulated over endless years in the main world and secret realms. Once prosperous villages turned into scorched earth, abundant rivers dried up, fertile lands degraded into deserts and wastelands, and the mountains were dotted with unsightly mines dug at any cost to extract resources All of this was difficult for the nature-loving gods of the natural god system to accept. So, under the prayers of the followers of the natural god sect, they decided to join the war of the gods. Stop the war with war and restore vitality to the earth as soon as possible. However, the intensity of the divine war far exceeded their imagination. Nine out of eleven gods of the natural god system fell, and even the only main god of the god system fell, leaving only one lesser god and one intermediate god remaining.. Chapter 847 - Chapter 847: The Shocking Truth (2) Chapter 847: The Shocking Truth (2) Editor: Dragon Boat Translation After the divine war ended, it transformed into one of the weakest divine lineages. Just when the natural divine lineage thought it could finally recuperate, another malicious force struck. Before the divine war, the natural divine lineage was considered powerful, and thus the natural divine realm was vast and rich. However, they harbored guilt. Other divine lineages that were similarly affected by the divine war saw the extreme decline of the natural divine lineage as an opportunity, coveting the resources of the natural divine realm. With the natural believers almost completely wiped out in the divine war, their faith rapidly waned. With only two natural gods remaining, there was no way to stop those who began to covet the natural divine realm. In order to preserve the natural divine realm, they decisively led it deeper into the void. However, venturing far from the main world into the depths of the void would have serious consequences. One factor was the distance from the main world. The main world was like a signal tower: the closer you were, the better the signal, and the farther away, the worse the signal. But like satellite orbits, positions close to the main world were limited. Therefore, some powerful divine realms, such as the elven divine realm and the radiant divine realm, relied on their strength to occupy a position very close to the main world. The weakened natural divine lineage was relegated to a more distant position. At that time, the natural divine lineage had already declined to the extreme, and naturally, it was pushed to the outermost periphery. What those coveters did not expect was that the natural gods would be so decisive. They drove the divine realm away from the main world and into the depths of the void, essentially severing their connection with faith, leading themselves to their demise. The coveters hesitated, no longer pursuing. But the natural divine realm disappeared into the vast void, losing contact. They thought that the natural divine lineages actions would surely lead to its demise, lost in the void. In reality, the natural divine lineage knew that this was a path to destruction, but they still chose to do sofor the sake of preserving the natural divine realm. Seeing this, Ji Chens heart trembled slightly. He hadnt expected that the natural divine realm would be driven into the void by the two remaining natural gods, to prevent it from falling into the hands of other coveting gods. Ji Chen tried to empathize with the mindset of those two natural gods at that time, attempting to understand if they had the determination to choose this path to their demise. In the end, he could only shake his head with a bitter smile. This feeling of helplessly walking towards death, even gods would not accept it willingly. Ji Chen shook himself out of his reverie and continued reading. As the two natural gods ventured deeper into the void, they, too, saw what even for gods was limited to the realm of legends-the edge of the void. At this time, 200,000 years had passed since the end of the divine war, more than 100,000 years from now, contrary to what other divine lineages believed, the natural divine lineage and the natural divine realm did not vanish 370,000 years ago. At the edge of the void, they saw things hidden within the void. In this void, there was indeed a supreme existence silently observing everything. That supreme existence, also known as the planes will, also saw them on the brink of death and told them a truth. Ji Chen was finally unable to contain his astonishment at this point. The main world, countless rotating realms, and the void formed a complete plane ecosystem. Any living being that died in the plane would be transformed back into birth energy by countless constant rules, in order to maintain the continuous operation of the plane. There were simply too many gods bom in this plane, and with powerful beings like gods constantly plundering resources to strengthen themselves, and almost never aging or dying, this led to energy continuously gathering towards the top gods. And with insufficient energy to maintain the operation of the birthing plane, the worlds resource birth rate was slowed down countless times, inevitably leading to environmental collapse. Therefore, special means had to be used regularly to promote the cycle. The divine war was one of the ways to cycle plane energy. And the war between order and darkness became a way of cycling. As with the previous times, the effect was very apparent, with most of the gods falling in the divine war, and a large amount of primitive energy returning to the plane, promoting the cycle and revitalizing the main world, countless realms, and the entire plane. However, after such a simple and effective cycle, the supreme existence encountered a problem. Another plane emerged. There were many ways for planes to continue, but there were only two ways that never changed. Conservation and conquest. Conservation meant maintaining the operation and development of the plane through cycles, being self-sufficient. Conquest, on the other hand, meant literally conquering other planes to plunder resources to maintain and strengthen ones own plane. Unfortunately, this time, the nearby plane was a powerful conquest-type plane, which clearly expressed its intention of aggression, slaughter, and plunder. This created a rather amusing situation. This conservative plane had just undergone the cycle of the divine war and was at its weakest developmental stage, but it collided with such a conquest-type plane that thrived on aggression and plunder. And upon discovering the conservative plane, this conquest-type plane accelerated its approach. But the will of this conservative plane was not to sit idly by. Just as the two natural gods drove the natural divine realm away, it also drove this plane to move, fleeing from the conquering plane. If the conquering plane made contact, its planes beings would swarm into this plane like locusts, exterminating all beings, capturing them, and plundering resources. The will of the conquering plane would also devour the will of this conservative plane, leading to the destruction of this plane. However, the conquering plane was even more powerful, and if this plane only fled unilaterally, it would sooner or later be caught up with. Perhaps sensing their impending death, the planes will stopped here without revealing anything more, or perhaps any further plans. The light screen changed, showing the figures of the two natural gods. One was a middle-aged male, and the other was a female of some kind of void race. At the core of this natural divine realm, the summit of the natural divine tree, they stored everything they had seen in a crystal ball capable of preserving for millions of years, made a coffin out of the branches of the natural divine tree, and passed on the order to the army of the natural divine realm to forever protect this place. At the end of their lives. They used the power of the divine realm to send out a medium that could connect the divine realm with the main world, which was the key that Ji Chen obtained, not to let the natural divine realm truly get lost, and also to let these truths be known to future generations. After seeing all this, the light screen finally froze on the two natural gods turning into light spots rising into the sky, eventually becoming the energy that sustained the natural divine realm. For a long time. Ji Chen slowly breathed out a sigh of relief, still feeling the lingering shock in his heart. That divine realm key was created by the two natural gods when they felt they had reached a dead end, in order to prevent the natural divine realm and this astonishing truth from being lost in the void. Whats even more astonishing is that there exists a higher plane will above the gods, observing everything that happens within the plane for countless years, propelling countless events that have left their mark on history. Even the divine war, according to the speculation of the two natural gods, was indirectly propelled by it for the sake of cycle, and such divine wars have occurred more than once. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only And each time, countless beings died, turning into energy to return to the planes cycle. The emergence of the conquering plane is an even more serious matter. This is much more serious than any divine war. To put it bluntly, while divine wars allow energy to re-enter the cycle, originally intended to promote and maintain the survival and development of the plane, if the plane is invaded and conquered by other planes, then the entire plane will be dressed in someone elses clothes! This filled Ji Chens heart with immense horror, also leading to a series of thoughts. Could it be that it was the will of the plane that brought players to this world? And the unit technology tree, was it also a gift from the will of the plane? Chapter 848 - Chapter 848: Huge Crisis Chapter 848: Huge Crisis Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The heroes slowly opened their eyes and quickly gathered around, asking with concern, My lord, do you feel anything unusual? We saw you touch the crystal ball and then stand still. At some point, the crystal ball inside the first coffin had already shattered into powder, blown away by the breeze between the branches. Ji Chen shook his head gently, his eyes filled with complex emotions. He calmed his mind and slowly recounted everything he had just seen. After listening to his words, the heroes were immediately plunged into shock, struggling to digest this terrifying amount of information. They looked at each other in disbelief. The Divine Realm, divine spirits, the will of the plane, the plane cycle, conquering planes All of this was somewhat beyond their imagination. Especially the will of the plane and the plane cycle. The countless wars depicted in thick historical books, influencing the main world for hundreds of thousands of years, were actually driven by that invisible and intangible will of the plane, all for the sake of that so-called energy cycle. And the last piece of news was even more weighty. A powerful conquering plane was coming towards them, attempting to devour the plane they were in. This is truly astonishing, muttered Patheia, her expression shocked. What would happen if our plane were devoured? Alices eyes were also filled with myriad thoughts, indicating her inner unrest. The outcome is predictable. Its like the cruel law of nature between predators and prey. The one being devoured will become nourishment for the devourer, leading to complete destruction. The heroes emotions were complicated. Knowing such heavyweight news made the wars between the demons and the orderly camp, the conflicts between orderly divine spirits and dark divine spirits, and the malice and conspiracy of the oceanic divine spirits against the Crown of the Ocean seem somewhat trivial. After all, the latter only involved the victory or destruction of one side, while the former concerned the safety of the entire plane. Ji Chens expression became firm once again, his tone decisive as he said, The unsealing of the dark divine spirits is most likely the work of the will of the plane. The descent of the armies of the Divine Realm is also permitted by it. As beings who live and die with this plane, everything the plane consciousness does must be to preserve the plane. No matter what, since the crisis is imminent, only those with more powerful strength can survive, even rise against the current, and reach the peak of the world, no, the peak of this plane. Inspired by his resolute tone, the heroes expressions also gradually became determined, echoing in unison. Yes! Only by quickly ending the war between the orderly divine spirits and the dark divine spirits can we gather the strength of this plane to the greatest extent possible and jointly resist the invasion of the conquering plane. Next, I will accelerate your growth rate, allowing you to possess the power to confront those crises on par with divine spirits. Ji Chen cast his gaze towards the second coffin. There, left by two natural deities, was something preserved within the second coffin. The second coffin had already loosened, and with a gentle lift, its lid was opened. The two natural deities left behind messages and relics in the form of coffins, perhaps as a way to mourn the passing of their natural lineage, and also to indicate the end of this world. Upon learning the truth, they didnt hold much hope for surviving the crisis, yet they still left behind the inheritance of the natural lineage and what they had gained from delving into the void, granting those who knew the truth the power to end it all. Inside the second coffin, the first thing that floated out were three orbs of authority. The first was the authority of Gravity, ranking as the tenth lesser authority. The second was the authority of Gravity, ranking as the ninth intermediate authority. Both belonged to the laws of nature, witnessed by the last two natural deities in the holographic image, ranking as the tenth lesser authority and ninth intermediate authority respectively. These two authorities belonged to the natural lineage, and their effects did not align with Ji Chens powers. The existing three authorities, Thunder, Storm, and Ocean, were all capable of merging with the authority of Ocean to exert power. He still maintained the authority of the ocean as his core power. The authorities of Gravity and Gravity have found their places, Ji Chen said solemnly. Elysia, Patheia. The two legendary heroes of the Ocean Crown stepped forward, one after the other. We are here, my lord. With a slight movement of his fingers, the authorities of Gravity and Gravity flew out of the coffin, floating before them. The authority of Gravity is bestowed upon Patheia. May you overcome the shackles of the earth and soar into the sky with prowess. The authority of Gravity is bestowed upon Elysia. May you, as the arrow, use gravity to slay gods. The two extraordinary female heroes were first startled, then their eyes showed excitement. Immediately after, they solemnly saluted and replied, Yes, we will not disappoint your expectations! Ji Chen nodded slightly, indicating for them to begin. Elysia and Patheia each walked to a sturdy branch and began to absorb and control their newly acquired authorities. Ji Chen then shifted his gaze back to the third orb of authority in the coffin. A hint of solemnity appeared in his eyes. The power emitted by this authority far exceeded any authority he had ever seen before. Even the most violent and boundless authority of Thunder paled in comparison. However, its power was not purely about destruction and devastation; it was a majestic power that encompassed everything, covering the heavens and the earth. It seems somewhat familiar with the authority of Ocean. Ji Chen extended his consciousness to investigate. A hint of surprise appeared on his face. This is one of the twelve superior authorities, the authority of Nature? The lowest tier of lesser authorities consisted of one hundred and eight, the intermediate tier had forty-eight, and when it came to superior authorities, there were only twelve. Superior authorities were the powers of higher gods and were also controlled by the main gods of various divine lineages. The twelve superior authorities were not ranked, but in terms of operation, inclusiveness, and harmony, the authority of Nature was undoubtedly the strongest. It had been possessed by the main gods of the natural lineage for countless years. Ji Chen thought that after the last divine war, when the main god of the natural lineage fell and was taken over by other divine lineages, he didnt expect it to still be preserved by the natural lineage and placed within the coffin. This is probably also because there are no gods managing the entire natural divine realm, and yet it still hasnt collapsed after floating in the void for so long, maintaining ecological balance. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only After all, the domain in which the authority of Nature excels is in cycles, operations, and harmonization. Without hesitation, Ji Chen drew it into the palm of his hand and turned to the heroes on his left and right. Protect me. Im going to absorb this authority. The authority of Nature is not only a superior authority but also serves a crucial purpose. That is to control the entire natural divine realm! Chapter 849 - Chapter 849: Controlling Authority Chapter 849: Controlling Authority Editor: Dragon Boat Translation As long as [Nature] authority could be controlled, it could control the entire realm of the Nature God, which was another gift left by the two Nature gods. But undoubtedly, this was also challenging. Even Ji Chen couldnt help but feel solemn now. This was a superior authority! Since the birth of the entire plane until now, only twelve had been bom, representing the most powerful forces of the main world. They were the undisputed superior gods of various divine lineages, even the mighty power controlled by the main gods of divine lineages. But compared to the risks, it was an opportunity. This was a presence that was absolutely not weak even when placed among many divine realms and even ranked second only to those large divine realms of major divine lineages. Moreover, this was a vast small world, possessing a complete and balanced ecosystem, countless buried resources, and tens of thousands of armies of the Nature God. This was the true wealth! It was enough to transform the power of the Crown of the Ocean to another level! Ji Chens eyes gradually became firm, and his consciousness touched the authority of nature. Lady Eluvita, that human refused. In the splendid palace of the Elven Divine Realm. Penelope, who hurried back from the main world to the divine realm, was kneeling on one knee under the steps, respectfully speaking. Eluvita, sitting above, didnt show any surprised expression, just nodded slightly. It doesnt matter. I also guessed such a result before. She only ordered Penelope to bring it up with a trying mentality, actually not holding any hope. If that human had agreed, it wouldnt be him. From the observed information, this humans will was extremely firm. Once he determined his path, it was difficult to change. Otherwise, he wouldnt have developed a small territory of dozens of people into the current hundreds of thousands in such a short two years. Such talent, even in the elven divine realm with billions of beings, was unique. But he said that if the Elven Divine Realm encounters any difficulties, he will lend a hand. Eluvita was slightly surprised, then showed a smile. What an interesting human. She originally just wanted to establish a good relationship with this human with great potential, in order to find the hidden existence, and didnt expect any feedback in a short time. But unexpectedly, this human was like this, hmm, how to put it, so confident. Her elven divine lineage was one of the most powerful orderly divine lineages, even if this so-called second divine war had not shaken them too much. If they encountered any crisis sufficient to destroy them, it would probably only be when all the dark gods attacked them. Penelope, looking at Eluvita who was laughing heartily, fell silent. Madam, 1 think that human is not as simple as we think. Eluvita stopped and said, Oh? It seems that you have met him in person in the lower realm this time, and have seen many things that I dont know about? Penelope hurriedly said, I dare not, its just some insights from my observations. You can say its okay. I speculate that the human named Ji Chen and those lords of glory are all pawns laid out by the existence you mentioned. And that existence intends to use them to achieve some purpose. Eluvita nodded unequivocally. This point could be easily seen from their perspective. If not, she wouldnt have brought back a full billion lords of glory from the main world and even given them special abilities. But if Penelope only saw this, she would be disappointed. Seeing the subtle change in Eluvitas expression, Penelope, who had served for many years, quickly spoke out her guess. Based on my observation of the Crown of the Ocean for some time and the intelligence collected in the past, that human seems to possess some special method that can accelerate the growth speed of troops and heroes. This time, Ivah Tullan finally showed some interest and nodded, indicating her to continue. To cultivate a brand new sixth-tier troop in the main world, it takes at least several decades or even hundreds of years, but with the possibility brought by the Crown of the Ocean, there have been more than ten sixth-tier troops appearing successively. And a considerable portion of these sixth-tier troops can find prototypes within the troops they previously possessed. Penelope took out the Naga Iron Colossus, compared it with the fourth and fifth-tier troops such as the Naga Berserker and Naga Guardian that had appeared before, and was surprised to find that the Naga troops that had appeared along the way all had the characteristic of inheritance and evolution. That is to say, from the low-tier Naga Berserkers to the fourth and fifth-tier Naga Guardians, and then to the sixth-tier Naga Iron Colossus, they are like front and rear nodes on the same line of development. Whats even more astonishing is that the interval between the appearances of these Naga troops is not long, with the longest being only five or six months. If these troops were cultivated, then the cultivation time of five or six months would be too amazing. Penelopes face was already solemn. Besides the troops, the speed at which heroes grow in the Crown of the Ocean is also frighteningly fast. If I didnt sense it wrong, the Crown of the Ocean now has at least five legendary heroes and three epic-tier heroes. Before this, they were only at the legacy tier, or even weaker. If Penelope were to know that the heroes of the Crown of the Ocean also wielded a considerable amount of power, her jaw would probably drop. At this point, both Penelope and Ivah Tullan seemed to have a speculation in their hearts. That entity must have nurtured the Crown of the Ocean in some way unknown to them, and its intentions must be extraordinary. Fortunately, now that their Elven Divine Lineage had taken the initiative to make friends with it, even if there were any significant changes and crises in the future, they could rely on Ji Chen to navigate through more calmly. In the Natural Divine Realm, atop the giant tree. Elisya slowly opened her eyes, sharp gleams flickering in her emerald-like eyes. She clenched her fist, feeling the power that had increased by tens of times, filled with joy in her heart. Indeed, Authority was the most top-notch power in this world. This intermediate-level Authority, [Gravity], had multiplied her strength by more than a hundredfold? Just a slight thought, and her slender body surged with power like a volcanic eruption, distorting the surrounding air and causing gravitational imbalance. Above epic tier. This was her current strength! If she were to face that once defeated dread demon king again, she would surely emerge victorious in battle! Gather your momentum; the Lord still controls the power. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Just as she was basking in her self-satisfaction, suddenly a voice sounded. Elisya looked towards Patheia. It seemed that Patheia had mastered Authority even faster than her. Coincidentally, after mastering the [Gravity] Authority, Patheia ascended to the epic tier. Complete Authority was indeed terrifying, even stepping up two major tiers to the epic tier. Elisya nodded and looked towards Ji Chen in the distance. She knew that the Lords control was the key.. Chapter 850 - Chapter 850: Moriah Aulis Chapter 850: Moriah Aulis Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Before them lay a lush green grassland, dotted with clusters of vibrant red and yellow flowers. Crystal-clear streams meandered through, revealing smooth pebbles at the bottom. Among the aquatic plants, small fish leisurely roamed. By the edge of the short bushes, a young deer chewing on tender green leaves stared at Ji Chen with innocent eyes, showing a hint of surprise. What place is this? Ji Chen surveyed the surroundings but found nothing else, so he walked through the grassland with his hands behind his back. Deer grazing on the grass, groundhogs poking half their bodies out of burrows, and eagles with sharp eyes scanning the ground from the sky. The air was fresh with a hint of fishiness, and Ji Chens shoes tread on the damp grass, rustling the bushes as the wind blew. Everything he felt and saw seemed almost real, as if he had entered another world. Ji Chen suddenly stopped in his tracks, gazing at a slender figure sitting quietly on the grassland ahead. The figure had six arms of emerald green jade, each in a different pose, resembling the image of Guanyin. Vines entwined around the wrists, and the figure wore a silk robe in wheat color, with a robe of auspicious patterns on the golden crystal floating antlers. The skin was engraved with intricate green divine patterns, mysterious and boundless. As if sensing Ji Chens approach, the figure slowly opened its eyes, revealing deep and unfathomable eyes. Looking at Ji Chen, as if comprehending something, it spoke with a mouthful of divine laws. It seems that the Natural Divine Lineage has indeed perished. But here, it seems to have given us a glimmer of hope for revival. Ji Chen remained silent, beginning to form some understanding of this unknown existence. Perhaps this was the main god who ruled the entire Natural Divine Lineage, the upper god of nature and abundanceMoriah Aulis. But didnt the gods of nature and abundance fall in the divine battle hundreds of thousands of years ago? How could they exist here? Seemingly seeing Ji Chens confusion, the neutral voice with boundless divinity lightly laughed. It seems you are somewhat puzzled by my appearance here? Ji Chen paused for a moment, then spoke frankly. Arent you already fallen? Yes, indeed, I have fallen. I was besieged by a dozen dark gods, isolated and helpless. Feeling hopeless to retreat, I secretly divided and merged my soul into the authority, letting my divine soul hide in it, allowing my divine allies to take it back to the divine realm. This body now only relies on a strand of soul left by the authority, waiting for someone with destiny to discover it. Unfortunately, the other gods of the Divine Lineage were all in awe of me and dared not attempt to control this authority Moriah Aulis sighed faintly, seeming to regret deeply. If at that time the other gods of the Natural Divine Lineage had controlled this natural authority after her fall, it might have given birth to another upper god, preventing the rapid decline of the Natural Divine Lineage until Ji Chens sudden arrival, which made him realize that the Natural Divine Lineage had already perished. But Ji Chen suddenly realized and understood. Moriah Aulis should be one of the two last divine spirits of the Natural Divine Lineage, and this is just a remnant soul left by the last two natural spirits. Is this considered fallen or not fallen? But he didnt dwell on this issue and asked. Where is this place? This place is a special space I created in the authority before my fall. It feels and touches no different from the outside world. This is also a precautionary measure that allowed me to survive until now with the state of a broken soul. I can only exist here. The only downside is not being able to feel the passage of time. Human, could you tell me what has happened in the outside world and how long it has been since the Divine War ended? Ji Chen replied, Roughly over four hundred thousand years have passed since it ended. The gods of Nature and Abundance displayed a look of astonishment. Ji Chen pursed his lips and briefly recounted the events of the past hundreds of thousands of years and what was happening now. The expressions of the gods of Nature and Abundance were somewhat bewildered. For her, who had remained here since the remnants of the Divine War fell, the last war had ended, and now there was a new one, it was like a World War I veteran who had crash-landed and waited for rescue on an unnamed island, only to be told after a long wait that World War I had already ended, and it was now World War II, but the feeling of confusion was the same when the war was launched by the same country. Absurdity, skepticism, After the last defeat of the Dark Deity and being suppressed, it has once again initiated the Divine War? Moriah Aulis lightly snorted, These evil deities are indeed persistent But compared to the dimensional crisis you mentioned, its nothing. So, human, have you come here seeking power to deal with the impending crisis? Indeed, thats the case. My subordinates have probably already mastered the powers left by those two natural deities. Ji Chen spoke frankly, And I intend to control these natural powers. Youre quite candid But do you have the qualifications for that? Moriah Aulis didnt get angry. Just like her gentle face, she was like the mother of all things, accommodating everything, accepting everything. She chuckled. I can see that you have already embarked on the path to godhood, and you control more than one power, and you can come before me Moreover, you have a great destiny. I think, human, perhaps your arrival here was already destined. That being the case, take it. Moriah Aulis noticed Ji Chens hesitation and said, Theres no need to worry. I am just a fragmented soul, incomplete, incapable of any means of possession. I can only rely on the power of authority to maintain the status quo. Ji Chen fell silent for a moment. Why are you willing to entrust the power of nature to me, Moriah Aulis? Ive already said it. You have a great destiny. Perhaps you can reignite a spark in the already silent natural divine lineage. Although she was just a remnant soul, Moriah Aulis looked divine, and it was also the first time Ji Chen had seen a god. If I control the power of nature, will you, Moriah Aulis, disappear? As long as the power doesnt disappear, this space wont collapse, and I wont disappear. Moriah Aulis joked, As long as you, human, dont burn bridges after crossing the river and destroying the power, I can continue to exist. After a moments pause, Ji Chen no longer hesitated and nodded. In that case, lets begin. Moriah Aulis didnt say much either. Two jade stone arms above her formed a cradling posture, and a dazzling green light suddenly flashed, illuminating the entire world in a fluorescent green. Ji Chens eyes gradually changed, reaching out to receive it. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Boom C The realm of the Nature God suddenly trembled violently. Countless beings panicked and fled, even the towering giant trees swayed incessantly, shedding leaves and branches. This disturbance alarmed countless hidden natural realm armies. The army of insect-like clouds soared into the sky, all looking towards the Ocean Crown army, these unwelcome guests. The faces of the heroes changed slightly. Prepare for battle.. We must not let them disturb the Lord! Chapter 851 - Chapter 851: Crazy, Simply Crazy! Chapter 851: Crazy, Simply Crazy! Editor Dragon Boat Translation Led by several heroes of the Ocean Crown, they surged forward. Benbo soared high, wings flapping vigorously, spewing endless flames from his mouth. The scorching heat and intensity instilled fear in the giant insects, who were already wary of fire. Many twisted their antennae and screamed in avoidance as they were burned. Heralds eyes turned blood red as his scorching blood carried explosive power through his veins, turning into a gray-white blur that chopped dozens of giant insects into pieces. Anina, riding solo on her Divine Crystal Wyvern, charged into the fray. Her great sword, infused with the power of might, cleaved down with brute force, slashing through the enemy ranks and unleashing a green mist of blood. And the two heroes who had just gained complete authority displayed extraordinary power. Patheia, already adept at high-speed combat, lowered her gravity significantly with the power of gravity, flapping her wings and dashing at incredible speeds, becoming like an invisible wind, leaving no trace behind. Meanwhile, the enemies, bound by the authority of gravity, moved as if trapped in quicksand, their actions sluggish. The speed difference was magnified to the extreme, with Patheia zipping past like a white flash, cutting through enemies, leaving their bodies severed seconds later. Elisya, since her promotion to the Above-Epic Tier, could generate a bow made of elements with her hands, holding the bow in her left hand and pinching arrows with her right. A black vortex appeared centered around where the arrows landed, sucking in enemies within a few hundred meters, pulverizing them in rotation and compression. A group of powerful Ocean Crown heroes led the army in a fierce resistance against the forces of the Natural Divine Realm, buying time for Ji Chen to gain control of the authority. With heroes at the forefront, they weaved in and out of the enemy ranks, their formidable authority power crushing countless enemies. However, the Natural Divine Realm army perched on the giant tree trunk seemed endless. After killing one wave, the next surged forward like a green tide. Everywhere, in front, above, and in the distance, there were ferocious insects flapping their wings. If they werent in the canopy of the giant tree with many branches obstructing them, such a large number of enemies would have bypassed their defenses from all sides and attacked Ji Chen behind them long ago. One hour passed. The Ocean Crown defense line retreated several hundred meters, and the entire canopy was filled with green insects. The Ocean Crown army lost more than half of its divine power troops, but they also killed more than twice as many enemies. Alice sang loudly to disrupt a group of enemies, coordinating with her colleagues to eliminate them. Taking advantage of this gap, she turned to look back Ji Chen still maintained the posture of touching the light sphere, with his eyes closed tightly, emitting an increasingly imposing aura, even causing her to feel alarmed. It made her feel as if she was facing five descending gods at the same time, and even stronger! At this moment, as if countless energies had converged to the extreme, there was an instant absolute silence. The touched light sphere had completely disappeared, and the aura emanating from Ji Chen had reached its peak Whoosh- Like the shockwave of a nuclear explosion, it suddenly swept in all directions from its center, blowing both the Ocean Crown army and the Natural Divine Realm army, including themselves, away. The canopy shook violently, but amidst it, a feeling of joy could be sensed. Alice suddenly realized. They were cheering for the return of their master! The Natural Divine Realm army no longer attacked, bowing their heads in deference. Even the flapping wings carried reverence. At the same time, all the creatures and beings that had been fleeing in the Natural Divine Realm stopped in their tracks, looking in the direction of the giant tree in amazement, then bowing down in awe. The owner of the Natural Divine Realm, now present. The towering figure slowly opened its eyes, and a majestic aura like a mountain spread out. Alice, youve done well, said the figure as it spoke. Only then did the heroes of the Ocean Crown breathe a sigh of relief. This was their familiar and loyal lord, not anyone else. My lord, did you succeed? Ji Chen felt the new surroundings and nodded slightly. The authority has become his own, natural authority, ocean authority, thunder authority, storm authority, the four authorities, revolving around him like planets around the sun. Through the medium of natural authority, the Natural Divine Realm had already fallen under his control, the mountains, rivers, every blade of grass and tree, including the countless armies of the natural kingdom, all subject to his will. Closing his eyes once again, the grassland and Moriah Aulis reappeared. Moriah Aulis remained silent, not resorting to any tricks, but relying on the natural authority already under Jichens control, she too was now under his dominion like the Natural Divine Realm. Lady Moriah Aulis, I appreciate your generosity, Ji Chen said, both out of courtesy and logic. Moriah Aulis smiled. Its nothing. The natural authority can only unleash its full power in the hands of those who can change it, only then can the chaos in the outside world be ended, and an existence capable of leading this plane through crisis can be bom. If Lord Jichen has no further questions, then you should go now. To do what needs to be done. Indeed. Without further ado, Ji Chen simply nodded and exited this special space, looking at the heroes of the ocean crown before him. With a firm tone, he said, Next, we should return, to end this chaotic era, and usher in a new era. Yes!! In the boundless void, shrouded in endless darkness and silence, a huge divine kingdom suddenly lit up with dazzling brilliance, seeming to have countless thrusters behind it, advancing from the distant unnamed land towards the main world. The outermost lower divine kingdoms first noticed the anomaly from the outside, as they discovered a huge and incredibly fast-moving divine kingdom heading straight towards them in an extremely arrogant manner. If their divine kingdom were a satellite, then this suddenly appearing unfamiliar divine kingdom would be like a gigantic space station. Once collided with, they would be crushed to pieces! Fear instantly appeared on their faces as they shouted desperately, Get out of the way!! In a panic, they maneuvered their divine kingdoms to avoid the trajectory, making way for the huge divine kingdom. Though silent in the void, this immense divine kingdom they looked up to barely passed by them, leaving them drenched in cold sweat. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Madman! Hes simply a madman! Dont the gods of this divine kingdom consider the consequences of a collision!? As they continued to curse wildly, watching the huge divine kingdom gradually flying towards the core orbit of the main world, they suddenly realized something, their faces changing dramatically. Distant memories, long sealed, began to resurface. Wait, could this divine kingdom. be the Natural Divine Realm? The one that disappeared into the void over three hundred thousand years ago!? Chapter 852 - Chapter 852: Attack Chapter 852: Attack Editor: Dragon Boat Translation Seemingly realizing something, they trembled involuntarily, watching the natural divine realm gradually recede into the distance, a sense of unprecedented anxiety flashing through their hearts. A change was imminent. The ostentatious behavior of the Natural Divine Realm, without any concealment, naturally did not escape the observation of the inner divine realms. However, at this moment, their actions were not much different from those of the smaller outer divine realms. They all hurriedly maneuvered to avoid this reckless entity. Although in existing history, there have indeed been cases of using divine realms to directly collide with enemy divine realms, achieving the effect of kill one thousand enemies, lose eight hundred of our own. But at this moment, their actions were no different from those of the smaller outer divine realms. They hastily manipulated their realms to avoid this reckless entity. Moreover, most of them were unwilling. They were determined not to let their hard-earned divine realms, which had been cultivated for tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of years, and even those inherited from undocumented eras, perish along with the enemy. The leading orderly divine realms, such as the Elven Divine Realm and the Divine Realm of Light, naturally noticed this unexpected guest, which caused quite a stir. At that time, when something happened in the Natural Divine Realm, they naturally knew what was going on, which made them both shocked and somewhat worried about the return of the Natural Divine Realm. Among those who once forced the remaining Natural Divine Realm to migrate into the distant void, there were quite a few who were directly involved. So, inevitably, they were somewhat apprehensive. But it didnt seem like the natural divine realm had come back to settle scores, as they had feared. After forcefully driving off many divine realms, the natural divine realm slowed down and parked itself in the nearest orbit to the main world. Then, countless insect-like divine realm armies poured out from its gates and swarmed into the main world. What does the natural divine realm want to do? Are they planning to launch a surprise attack on the main world and slaughter our followers? Many divine realms shifted their attention to the main world, watching as this tide of divine realm armies surged towards the central ocean. At the same time, the Crown of the Ocean had long been on high alert, with the remaining troops and heroes vigilantly watching the enemies outside the shield. At a glance, countless troops of evil divine realms stood tall. The dark divine realm, the infernal divine realm, the abyssal divine realm The dark gods, upon seeing the departure of the oceanic divine realms army, dared not make a move and finally let go of their last shred of pride and arrogance. Their divine realm armies poured out, determined to completely eliminate the Crown of the Ocean and Ji Chen, this source of trouble. In each divine realm army, there was at least one divine descent body, either sneering, disdainful, or smugly looking at the New Moon Islands on the sea. This time, we must clear out this territory. Otherwise, given more time, it may develop into a threat to our power. But it seems that the human is not here. Could it be that they knew about our attack and fled in advance? Hmph, we just need to destroy this territory and he would appear. I dont believe that human can watch his efforts go up in smoke without doing anything. Approximately thirty deities were present at the scene, indicating that the majority of the dark gods had arrived, with the remaining ones observing covertly. Just as the Dark Divine Legion was about to launch its attack, several legions from the Orderly Divine Lineage arrived from all directions. Elven Divine Lineage, Radiant Divine Lineage, Sky Divine Lineage, Golden Divine Lineage They rushed from all over the main world when they noticed the large gathering and movement of the Dark Divine Legion. Seeing such a large number of dark divine troops mobilizing for a mortal territory, and even dark gods descending, they couldnt help but be astonished. One deity, with a chilling tone, spoke up. This mortal territory is our enemy, nothing to do with you. Leave quickly. Hearing this, these several legions of the Orderly Divine Lineage looked at each other. Although they didnt know exactly what had happened, it seemed that the dark gods only wanted to deal with this mortal territory. For them, what mattered were the gods, divine citizens, and believers. Since this territory wasnt even their believers, they naturally didnt care much. What did it matter how many mortals died? They came hastily and would leave just as swiftly. Immediately, several legions of the Orderly Divine Lineage were ready to leave, leaving only the Elven Divine Lineage and the Light Divine Lineage behind. They had received orders that if the Ocean Crown were to be attacked by the Dark Divine Legion, they were to assist at all costs. No need for further words. The Dark Divine Legion surged forward and clashed with the Elven Divine Lineage and the Light Divine Lineage, who were significantly outnumbered. The latter soon found themselves at a disadvantage. Penelope wielded her blade like a Valkyrie in the midst of the enemy, the number of Dark Divine Legion soldiers dying at her hands unknown, but the endless waves of enemies seemed infinite, as if one died, another would replace them. The dark gods sneered, but did not intervene. When divine legions fought against each other, the deities could not interfere. This was an unwritten rule among the gods, one of the reasons why divine legions from various divine lineages had fought for so long without the deities ever intervening. Both sides observed the etiquette between divine beings, much like aristocrats watching slaves fighting in an arena with wild beasts. Seeing the reinforcements they had been waiting for so desperately being pushed back by enemies covering the mountains and plains, a hint of despair rose among the people below in the Ocean Crown. At this moment, the sky cracked open with countless wrinkled fissures, and blinking clouds of wriggling dark insects descended. Countless legions of insect gods arrived, their wing-beating sounds drowning out the sounds of battle below. Like a massive wave crashing against a dam, the vast insect god legions suddenly collided with the Dark Divine Legion, instantly tearing open dozens of breaches. Amidst the piercing chirps of insects were countless falling bodies. With each commander insect serving as a node, the insects advanced one after another, tearing apart the enemys bodies. The dark gods were both shocked and furious. Damn it, is this the Natural Divine Legion? But hasnt the Natural Divine Lineage already perished? How could their army appear here!? Naturally, with the emergence of a great new deity. How ignorant. A faint voice came, causing them all to collectively change their expressions and look up to the sky. Alice looked indifferently at the numerous dark gods. The god of dark incantations expression instantly darkened. Lowly insects, how dare you steal the power of my incantations?! Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only He had already noticed that Alice possessed a portion of his dark incantation power, which made him furious, wishing to slay her immediately. The other four dark gods, who had also had a portion of their power stolen, were equally grim. They looked around but didnt see Ji Chen, so they spoke up. Insects, where is your lowly master? Return our powers! Alice sneered. Where is he? Isnt he in your divine realm? They hesitated for a moment, then their faces suddenly changed drastically. Because they sensed that someone was attacking their divine realms!! Chapter 853 - Chapter 853: Dual Godhood Chapter 853: Dual Godhood Editor: Dragon Boat Translation The divine realm of the dark gods was not close to the orderly divine realm, nor was it located in the near-earth orbit of the main world, but rather fixed in the void near the abyss of chaos like nails. At this moment, at some unknown time, a batch of troops sent to support the natural divine realm had already approached the divine realm of the dark gods. Countless troops from the natural divine realm swarmed out from it, like meteors descending straight down. Upon discovery, the army of the dark gods launched a counterattack, but their sudden and unexpected arrival caught them off guard. The hastily erected outer defenses were quickly breached by the well-prepared troops from the natural divine realm, pouring in like a tide. The natural divine realm was covered in vegetation, with clear skies and vibrant life, while the divine realm of the dark gods resembled hell, with volcanoes erupting molten lava everywhere, exuding a green miasma, and the black earth cracked and shattered. This divine realm seemed to belong to the infernal divine lineage. Countless denizens of hell and troops looked up, watching as green lights appeared in the black and red sky. After just a momentary pause, a meteor shower-like attack descended from the sky. The land was even more devastated now, with countless denizens of hell buried beneath, and countless buildings collapsed and shattered. However, despite the relentless attacks for a while, there was no sign of those dark gods appearing, which made Ji Chen ponder. Damn insects! How dare they attack us? In the depths of the void, in a place as dark as if there were no concept of light, dozens of evil gods stood tall amidst the darkness, some as massive as hills, some as sinister as demons, and some as ominous as nightmares. Just seeing the true faces of these evil gods would drive mortals insane. At this moment, these evil gods were all angry, mixed with surprise. Although they were unwilling to believe it, the army of the dark gods that had been annihilated in the main world, and the insect army that was currently attacking the divine realm, along with the vast divine realm suspended in the void, all indicated that this was not false. Could it be that the lost natural divine lineage, what agreement did this Lord of Glory reach with them, or what special method did they use to drive the army of the natural divine realm? With endless doubts in their hearts, they knew that they could no longer sit idly by at this moment. The enemy had already reached their doorstep, and if they didnt act now, their home would be torn apart. Many dark gods stepped out, traversing the void with their bodies, and the evil power they condensed surged like a tide. This abnormality was noticed by many orderly divine beings, and they were horrified. In order to prevent the existing situation from being disrupted and the balance of power from being lost, they all returned to their divine realms and drove towards the divine realm of the dark gods. For a while, because of the sudden appearance of the natural divine realm, the sudden attack on the divine realm of the dark gods occurred. A slight change can lead to a huge difference. With the sudden appearance of the natural divine realm as the center, it was like a vortex that dragged all orderly divine beings and dark gods into it. If there were a gods eye view, one could see in the distant void, far from the main world, where originally a multitude of dark divine realms hovered. However, with the sudden appearance of the natural divine realm, like an unexpected army, a vast expanse of orderly divine realms rushed forth. The dark divine realm and the orderly divine realm sandwiched the natural divine realm in between. Gods stood tall in the void, facing each other in a standoff. On the side of the dark divine realm were the lesser god of brute strength, the wrathful demon god the intermediate god, the Lord of Hell Among these dark gods, the eight main gods of each dark divine lineage emitted the most powerful aura, without exception, they were all the existence of upper gods, and all the dark gods showed reverence to them. On the side of the orderly divine realm were the lesser god of tidal surges, the god of flames the intermediate god, the giant spirit god and the seven main gods of each orderly divine lineage, including the Moon Goddess, the God of Order, the Goddess of Light, and the elven mother goddess, who had long had contact with Ji Chen but had not been seen for a long time. In terms of quantity, the number of gods in the orderly divine realm was slightly fewer than that in the dark divine realm, and there was also one less main god at the level of the divine lineage. Seeing the orderly gods following closely, the dark gods showed a somewhat unsurprised expression on their faces, and in their hearts, they had already drawn some conclusions. The natural divine realm is truly your orchestrated drama, including that Lord of Glory, all for this moment? Are you aiming to wipe us out in one strike? the Lord of Darkness asked, his expression turning grim as his divine power resonated with a malevolent voice across the silent void. The main gods of the orderly divine lineage, led by the elven mother goddess and the goddess of light, remained silent, feeling somewhat bewildered. The goddess of light and the elven mother goddess could be said to have helped Ji Chen, but as for the matter of the natural divine realm, they also didnt know what had happened specifically. The dark gods, seeing the somewhat confused expressions of the orderly gods, quickly realized something. Could it be that even the orderly gods didnt know what happened with this natural divine realm and this Lord of Glory? From the current result, it seemed that the natural divine realm and its divine army were already under Ji Chens control and had actively launched an attack against them. As for the role played by the natural divine lineage, which had disappeared for tens of thousands of years, it was also unknown. At this moment, both the orderly and the dark were somewhat puzzled. Among them, the gods of the oceanic divine lineage were the most doubtful. They had previously sent their divine army to punish the Oceanic Crown, but they ended up having a falling out with Ji Chen. Now, with him returning with the Natural Divine Realm, it wouldnt be good if they sought retribution. They were especially resentful for not decisively taking action to destroy him before he grew stronger. Both sides focused their attention on the silent Natural Divine Realm. In a moment of deathly silence, Ji Chen appeared. His demeanor was calm, as if the destruction of the world couldnt faze him. He stood tall, exuding an aura of majesty. At this moment, the expressions of all the gods present changed. This human had actually become a god!? Even after the disappearance of the Natural Divine Lineage for hundreds of thousands of years, there were still many natural believers in the main world. While all the gods were distracted by each other, deep in the void, as Ji Chen successfully gained control of the powers of nature and manipulated the divine realm towards the main world. The surging tide of long-lost natural faith came forth, coupled with the fervent expansion of the Oceanic Divine Cult with millions of believers, providing the faith power, allowing him to take a crucial step towards godhood. When the divine fire ignited, his body evolved into a divine body, his soul transformed into a divine soul, and his divinity was fully formed. However, what was unexpected was that the condensed divinity was not just one, but two, and the ascended divine position was not that of a demigod or lesser god. But that of an upper god! The Oceanic Divine Aspect, an upper divine aspect. The Natural Divine Aspect, an upper divine aspect. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only The enhancement brought by the upper power of nature and the control of the Natural Divine Realm was terrifying. Utilizing the control of the Natural Divine Realm and the gift from Moriah Aulis, during the ascension process, the immense energy prompted the integration of the Oceanic Power with the powers of thunder and storms, merging three powerful powers into one, making it the thirteenth known upper power, and also giving birth to the Oceanic Divine Aspect. Unprecedented. This was also why Morimyalis dared to say before that Ji Chen had the power to end all chaos and lead this plane through crisis. When Ji Chen recklessly emitted the aura of two divine aspects and the momentum of two upper powers, all the gods, including the Elven Mother Goddess Eluvita, were shocked.. Chapter 854 - Chapter 854: Chaotic Battle Between Gods Chapter 854: Chaotic Battle Between Gods Editor: Dragon Boat Translation At this moment, a phrase emerged within the gods. How did he do it? Originally, they thought it was astonishing enough for a mere mortal to grow from being powerless to becoming above-epic in just over a year. But now, what stood before them was a true god with formidable divinity and authority! Moreover, his momentum was not inferior to that of higher gods; it even faintly rivaled the chief gods! As if struck dumbfounded, the five dark gods who had previously acted, along with the Oceanic Divine Realm, couldnt help but tremble. This higher god, who wielded the authority of the upper echelon, was simply not someone they could provoke! For a moment, the expressions of the divine beings on both sides varied. The dark gods were filled with worry, unease, and suspicion, for they now faced an additional formidable enemy. While the orderly divine beings were filled with surprise, astonishment, and joy, as the addition of a major god bolstered their ranks, providing them with more strength to confront the dark gods. Among them, the Mother Goddess of the Elves, Eluvita, and the Goddess of Light seemed most pleased. To be honest, they never imagined that Ji Chen would grow so rapidly, like a seed planted yesterday that had sprouted into a towering tree today. I didnt expect you to grow so fast, indeed, its a bit beyond my expectations. This was the first time Ji Chen had seen the Mother Goddess of the Elves, Eluvita. She appeared to be a young elf in appearance, and no one could imagine that she was one of the oldest divine beings, having lived for millions of years among the existing gods. Ive had some opportunities, nothing worth mentioning. Ji Chen smiled faintly, then turned to look at the dark gods, a hint of killing intent flashing in his eyes. As for other matters, lets discuss them after this is over. Now, its a good opportunity to deal with these dark gods. How dare you! A being named the Lord of Purgatory roared angrily, Human, do you think you can boast in front of us just because youve had some opportunities to skyrocket in power? Theres still a gap between gods! The Lord of Purgatory, the chief god of the Purgatory Divine Realm, the master of the Purgatory Divine Realms higher gods, was also an old dark god who had achieved great feats in the previous divine wars. So, he had the capital to say such things. Before Ji Chen could speak, the Mother Goddess of the Elves, Eluvita, interjected with a retort, Vitos, youre nothing! How dare you bark so wildly in front of me? Do you think I wont stuff your head into a dung heap and let you taste it? Or, just like thousands of years ago, Ill turn you into a hedgehog with my elven god bow, and youll crawl back to your shattered divine realm like a wounded insect, barely clinging to life? Unexpectedly, Eluvita, who appeared gentle and beautiful on the surface, burst out with a string of graceful words, leaving Ji Chen somewhat surprised. Eluvita! The Lord of Purgatorys face turned ashen. The events of that time were something he had never wanted to recall, filled with unbearable anger. Do you really want to break the agreement and start a war today!? And what if I do? Ive tolerated you for a long time! Im curious to see how strong you are now. I havent been idle in these tens of thousands of years either! As the exchange of insults between the two chief gods began, the battle commenced, with both sides divine beings joining the fray. Perhaps seeing the birth of Ji Chen, a newly ascended higher god, gave the orderly divine beings some confidence in dealing with the dark gods, and they followed Eluvitas lead in taking action. In an instant, a battle spanning countless miles erupted in the void, and the colorful streams of divine power illuminated the nearby area, even catching the attention of the main world. At this moment, it was nighttime in the main world, and some indigenous people and players who happened to glance at the sky were astonished to find a certain area of the sky constantly flickering with faint light. The battle was divided into several zones: one where lesser gods from both sides clashed, another for the intermediate gods, and at the very center, the battlefield of the higher gods and the main deities of the godly lineages. Ji Chens eruption of power once again astonished the gods. They had assumed that even though he had ascended to godhood, Ji Chen would surely still be unfamiliar with controlling his divine powers and would likely struggle. But what truly stunned them was that he handled his powers and responded to attacks with the mastery of a deity who had experienced hundreds of divine battles. How did he do it? Eluvita was a bit worried at first, but when she saw Ji Chen effortlessly deal with the dark gods using the power of nature, she felt relieved. Her emotions soared. This time, maybe they could really take care of the dark gods and suppress them back into the depths of chaos! This was undoubtedly the effect of wielding the authority of nature. Nature authority was the main authority of the gods of nature and abundance. In addition to pure power, it also integrated the endless battle experience and skills from its countless years, just like an enlightening experience in martial arts novels. Whew Ji Chen, who had retreated, breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that he had finally adapted to the power he now possessed and murmured. Its over. The light goddess, holding a divine staff and draped in streams of light like a fairy, seemed to hear this sentence. Before she could be puzzled, she saw Ji Chen erupt with astonishing power. The vast ocean authority transformed into a gigantic starry whale that spanned the starry sea and was even larger than a mountain. The giant whale emitted a long whale song that resounded through the void, rolling its massive body and fiercely colliding with one of the higher gods of the dark divine lineage, the dark demon god. The dark demon gods eyes turned red as he shouted angrily, unleashing dark divine power, which transformed into a dark dragon that leaped up, spewing out immense dark flames. In the collision of divine power and divine power, authority and authority, the dark dragon was gradually engulfed by the giant whale, and the aura of the dark demon god disappeared completely into the starry sky, leaving no trace. When this moment occurred, the battlefield suddenly quieted down. The expressions of the gods were all filled with incredulity as they looked at Ji Chen, who remained calm and the dark demon god, who had lost all signs of life. There was even a sense of unreality. The dark demon god had fallen? A higher god who had lived since ancient times had been killed like this? Originally, they thought it would be just a minor conflict like before, and both sides would calm down after a little fight. But now, unexpectedly, a higher god had fallen. The goddess of the elves, Eluvita, was the first to react, her face showing a mix of surprise and excitement as she exclaimed. Today is the day we defeat the dark gods! Leading by example, Eluvita displayed several authorities, evidently having decided to go all out. Seeing this, other orderly gods also suddenly felt a surge of enthusiasm and determination after exchanging glances, resolving to do their utmost. A more intense battle erupted, and this time, the orderly gods were ruthless. Damn it, how could this human be so powerful? The Lord of Purgatory blocked Eluvitas attack, still unable to sense the aura of the dark demon god, and completely unable to hold back. That was a higherl god, not some ordinary creature. How could he be easily killed like this, or even cleanly dealt with by a human who had just become a god? It was unacceptable. Seeing the expression of the Lord of Purgatory, Eluvita smiled happily. Vitos, it seems that you are going to be planted here today. The Lord of Purgatorys face turned extremely gloomy. Before he could say anything, he saw a dazzling light shining from the side, followed by an explosion. A lesser dark god exploded his divine body and divine power! The terrifying fluctuations caused by the self-destruction at the cost of divine body and divine power made the three orderly lower gods besieging him heavily injured, forcing them to withdraw from the battlefield. This seemed to mark the beginning of an even more intense and bloody battle to come. The gods of the orderly divine lineage wielded their authorities. The lord of order, holding the divine artifact Order Scale, suppressed several dark intermediate gods. The moon goddess created a new moon out of thin air, showering endless moonlight to burn the enemy gods. The demon lord of hell transformed his supreme divine power into a terrifying hell behemoth, spewing out death lava to forcibly suppress two upper-level gods of the orderly divine lineage. The lord of death, who mastered the upper-level authority [Death], forced back more than ten orderly gods with the power of one god. In the fierce battle, both sides gradually became frenzied, using their abilities regardless of the cost. Soon, after the dark demon god and the dark lower god who had self-destructed, the third, fourth In this large-scale chaotic divine battle, like the god wars tens of thousands of years ago, one god after another fell. Elven divine lineage, light divine lineage, swamp divine lineage, dark divine lineage The godheads shattered, and divine blood splattered into the void. The believers who were located in the main world suddenly panicked when they found that they could not sense the presence of the gods. They couldnt help but look towards the colorful and meteor-like shining sky. Those bursts of light seemed to indicate the fall of a god. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only No one knew how long they had been fighting. When Ji Chen once again killed another intermediate dark god, smashing its divine body with divine power, and looked around. He didnt know when the dark gods had already retreated, leaving behind only the broken bodies of gods. Eluvita, her face tired, walked over on the void, her eyes full of astonishment and shock. If she had seen it correctly just now, Ji Chen alone had killed thirteen gods, including even two higher gods. Such a dazzling record was truly astonishing.. Chapter 855 - END - Chapter 855: Battle of Dimensions! Chapter 855: Battle of Dimensions! Editor: Dragon Boat Translation In this sudden outbreak of the divine war, almost half of the dark gods fell, including many pillars of the intermediate gods, lesser gods, and accompanying demigods. The orderly gods also suffered losses, but due to Ji Chens terrifying combat power, he single-handedly suppressed multiple dark gods, resulting in far fewer casualties compared to the dark gods. Overall, this time the orderly gods were victorious! Seeing such a record, even Eluvita couldnt help but show a hint of joy. This wave of battles could be said to have completely reversed the decline that the dark gods were previously experiencing, at least temporarily. Seeing this situation, all the remaining orderly gods looked at this newly ascended human with awe in their eyes. Whether it was his illustrious record, terrifying combat power, or the power of the higher gods, it was enough to make them slightly lower their proud heads and respectfully address him as The Great Lord Ji Chen. The Great Lord Ji Chen, thank you for your assistance, an intermediate god, stained with the blood of unknown gods, approached with a respectful tone. Ji Chen nodded slightly, Since I have ascended to divinity with the Ocean Gods grace, naturally, I belong to the ranks of the orderly gods. There is no need to hold back when dealing with the dark gods. -Well said, the dark gods are our enemies. We must decisively strike against them. Great Lord Ji Chen, you understand the righteousness! A light goddess, draped in divine light and graceful in appearance, also approached and looked around. Its just a pity that not every orderly god is like you. Ji Chen surveyed the surroundings and suddenly realized that the gods of the Ocean Gods lineage were nowhere to be seen. Could it be that they had fallen? As if sensing his doubts, the light goddess sneered, Great Lord Ji Chen, the gods of the Oceanic Divine lineage are afraid you might find them and make them fallen gods, so they secretly withdrew from the battlefield shortly after the start of the war. They should be trembling in the Oceanic Divine Realm by now. Ji Chen was stunned. Goodness, did they escape with their tails between their legs? The struggle between darkness and order was irreconcilable and could not be eased It was either you perished or I did. The behavior of the Ocean Gods lineage, withdrawing without a fight, regardless of the reason, was obvrously a clear act of betrayal. Betrayers must not be forgiven, said the god of order, holding a balance and a divine sword, with a cold expression. Thats right, the Oceanic Divines lineages retreat without a fight is treason! Many surviving gods nodded in agreement. They also knew somewhat about the conflict between Ji Chen and the Oceanic Divine lineage. Everyone knew which side to choose with Ji Chen, a newly ascended upper god boasting glorious achievements and terrifying combat power, and the Oceanic Divine lineage reduced to a few useless gods. The matter of the Oceanic Divine lineage can be temporarily set aside. What is urgent now is to press the advantage and pursue the dark gods. With their defeat in this battle, it is a perfect opportunity to completely eliminate the threat they pose. -Yes, with Great Lord Ji Chen joining us, this is the perfect opportunity for us to once again suppress the dark gods back into the depths of chaos. The gods agreed. -No, when I say eliminate, I mean completely eradicate the threat, Ji Chen said calmly. -Even if the bodies of the gods fall, as long as the faith does not perish, they may one day be reborn. Therefore, even before the battle began, I had already dispatched my army to attack the dark gods followers in the main world. At the same time, due to the temporary return to calmness caused by the withdrawal of various divine world armies, the main world once again erupted in flames of war. And this time, it was led by the Crown of the Ocean and countless Lords of Glory as the attacking party. Before the divine war broke out, Ji Chen informed the players through chat channels and forums about everything regarding the Dark Gods and the dimensional crisis. Whether it was actively provoking a war with the Dark Gods or proposing that players attack the darkbelievers, it was all for the imminent dimensional crisis. The moment he ascended to divinity in the Natural Divine Realm, the being from above the heavens- the Will of the Plane -informed him about the arnval of the players and its intentions and arrangements over the past hundreds of thousands of years. Upon discovering the attack on the planes, the conservative Will of the Plane began to seek solutions. This included breaking the seal of the Chaos Abyss by the Dark Gods, an act orchestrated by the Will of the Plane, all in the name of sparking another war between the forces of darkness and order, a competition in its own words. After the last divine war ended and the Orderly Gods suppressed the Dark Gods in the Chaos Abyss, there had been no rapid recovery of power or appearance of more gods over hundreds of thousands of years as the Will had hoped. The Orderly Gods became highly conservative, seldom intervening in the main world, neglecting to aid more beings in ascending to godhood, and actively pooling resources to oppose the emergence of new gods, such as the Oceanic Divine Realms resistance against Ji Chen. This led to only a few newly ascended gods over the past hundreds of thousands of years, amounting to less than a quarter of those from the last divine war! Since they couldnt afford to pay for the lesser gods, the Will decided to help the seemingly more tenacious side that struggled for survival. The Will still harbored some hope for the Orderly Gods, merely helping the Dark Gods break the seal to let both sides compete and become stronger, thus leading the entire plane to confront the invading plane. However, the performance of the Dark Gods was even more disappointing. First, they failed in the main worlds war, with Ji Chens contribution, of course. But after breaking out of the seal, instead of launching a proactive attack on the Orderly Gods, they pinned their hopes on demons to destabilize the orderly believers in the main world. Thousands of years passed, and the two sides remained at a stalemate. The Will of the Plane once again devised a new method to summon another force to break the deadlock. And thus, the players appeared. With various convenient abilities and assistance, players rapidly grew in a short time. At the very beginning, he also planted some seeds to produce players who could play a leading role. However, despite sowing so many seeds, only a few managed to sprout, while the others remained stillborn. In the conception of the Will of the Plane, perhaps it would only take a few hundred years for players to become the backbone of this plane, increasing the capital to resist enemies. However, what it never expected was the emergence of Ji Chen, a deviant with growth speed far beyond its expectations, among those seeds. In less than two years, Ji Chen had already ascended from an ordinary mortal to a god, standing on par with and even surpassing gods that had existed for hundreds of thousands or even millions of years. Thus, the Will of the Plane chose Ji Chen. After organizing his thoughts, Ji Chen decisively informed the players of everything and proposed taking action against the Dark Gods. He firmly believed that only by ending the chaos in the main world and this plane could enough power be gathered to deal with the crisis. Therefore, the primary task was to deal with the Dark Gods and their followers. By killing the Dark Gods and reclaiming the power representing the highest authority of this world from their hands, and then delivering this power to beings capable of wielding it, a sufficiently powerful energy could be consolidated. Upon learning everything, the players did not disappoint Ji Chens expectations. They launched the most powerful attack in history. Whether they were players stationed in the rear or on the front lines, they all showed immense determination in the face of the impending apocalypse. Countless players poured out with their territorial troops, turning the main world upside down. Numerous dark believers, both overt and covert, were slaughtered, and almost all followers of the Dark Gods were nearly exterminated, their faith lost. The Dark Gods, who had been killed and fallen not long ago, their souls returning to the Divine Realm, lost the nurturing power of faith and perished one after another. Ji Chen, who had long been prepared, timely reclaimed these powers. The main world players, along with the subsequent arrival of orderly god believers, spent two years finally slaughtering or assimilating billions of dark believers. They fundamentally eradicated the foundation of the existence of the Dark Gods. Seizing this opportunity, the Oceanic Faith expanded wildly, recruiting countless sea races and various human ethnicities into loyal believers. The power of faith surged like a landslide and tsunami, continuously enhancing Ji Chens strength. At the same time, Ji Chen and the orderly gods pursued victory, forcing the heavily damaged Dark Gods into dire straits and killing them one by one, reclaiming the powers representing rules and strength. As the last main god of the Dark Gods was besieged in his divine realm and perished amidst unwilling roars, it signaled the end of this war from the arrival of the players to the complete extinction of the Dark Gods. In this war, the Crown of the Ocean, nurtured countless times, had also become a top power comparable to the Elven Empire, with territories stretching from the western coast of the Mid-Ocean to countless islands in the vast sea to the eastern continent. With vast territory and numerous resources, the Oceanic Faith, relying on its powerful territorial strength, has become the most powerful church of the time, with tens of millions of believers. And Ji Chens power has reached an unprecedented peak. Having collected a large number of powers, adorned with supreme authority, Ji Chen, who gained the respect and obedience of the orderly gods, did not become a dictator like the Dragon Slayer who ultimately became an evil dragon. Instead, he complied with the expectations of countless players and natives, leading the god-making system, selecting potential beings worldwide, pouring resources, and granting powers. in just fifty years after the war, more than ten gods were bom, including many intermediate gods. One hundred and fifty years later, after all powers were distributed, hundreds of new gods were born in this plane, with players accounting for more than half. However, more beings, under the pouring of abundant resources, created new powers and ascended to godhood. The birth of one god after another signifies the continuous rise of power in this plane. With Ji Chens continuous development and assistance in utilizing military talent tree, powerful god kingdom armies were bom, providing strong support for the vigorous development of this plane. Two hundred years after the players arrived, the power of the plane reached an unprecedented climax, and by this time, that aggressive plane had already arrived. In the vast and boundless void of the plane, a huge blood-red plane, resembling a flying disc, has already come into view. Ji Chen stood calmly in the void, with a dignified demeanor and a majestic aura, like the unfathomable void. Read latest Chapters at WuxiaWorld.Site Only Beside him stood a group of heroes of the Crown of the Ocean n who had become gods, such as Alice, Herald, and Patheia Behind him stood thousands of godlike figures, majestic and imposing, many of whom were familiar player faces like I .Love.BlacleStockings and Wang Shanyue Peering downward, millions of divine realm armies stood in formation behind, prepared to confront the fierce enemy forces streaming forth from the invading plane, their eyes ablaze with determined battle fervor. As Ji Chen waved his hand gently, countless armies stepped forward with determined and majestic formations, facing the enemy head-on. The End..