Chapter 386

Zoro immediately turned around, blocking himself in front of the others, his eyes filled with vigilance. "This guy is really troublesome," he said in a low voice, the blade in his hand trembling slightly, ready to strike at any moment.

Luffy also stopped his attack and returned to the ship. He looked at Smoker and said excitedly, "Haha, Smoger, we meet again! This time I won't let you have it so easy!" His body crouched slightly, assuming a fighting stance.

Smoker instantly arrived at the side of the ship, his body re-coalescing, the weapon in his hand pointing straight at Li An. "Li An, today is your end!" His voice was filled with anger and determination.

Li An took a deep breath and said calmly, "Smoker, do you think you can catch me just like that? You're too naive." A hint of confidence and cunning flickered in his eyes.

Just as both sides were at a standoff, the sky suddenly darkened. A powerful aura came from afar, and everyone felt an invisible pressure.

"What kind of aura is this?" Zoro frowned, looking warily into the distance.

"It seems like some powerful creature is approaching," Nami also revealed a worried expression.

A gigantic creature slowly rose from the seabed, its body like a small mountain, radiating a mysterious glow. Its eyes, like lanterns, stared at the group.

"This is... the Treasure Guardian!" Blackbeard Teach had appeared on a nearby ship at some unknown time, greed gleaming in his eyes. "I never expected to encounter it here. Once I obtain the treasure it guards, I will become the Pirate King!" He laughed wildly.

Smoker's face changed; he realized things had become more complicated. "No matter what it is, it cannot stop me from capturing Li An!" He charged at Li An once again.

Li An looked at the situation before him and understood in his heart that he had to deal with Smoker first before he could face the Treasure Guardian. He exchanged a glance with Zoro and Luffy; the three nodded in tacit understanding and launched an attack on Smoker at the same time.

The battle erupted in an instant, blades and sword-light flashing, magical radiance interweaving. Smoker's smoke ability was extremely troublesome—his body could shift at will, making him hard to pin down. But Li An and the others were not to be outdone. Luffy's Rubber Rubber Fruit ability was displayed to the fullest, his attacks raining down on Smoker like a storm. Zoro, with his superb swordsmanship, blocked Smoker's counterattacks time and again.

During a lull in the battle, Li An stole a glance at Guo Yao. She was hiding to one side, her eyes filled with worry and concern. His heart warmed, and he secretly vowed to protect her well.

"An, be careful!" Guo Yao suddenly shouted.

Li An hastily dodged to the side as a wisp of smoke grazed past him. Smoker took the chance to close in again, killing intent flashing in his eyes. "Li An, prepare to die!" he roared, his weapon cleaving toward Li An with tremendous force.

Li An quickly raised his weapon to block; the tremendous impact forced him back several steps. He felt his arm go numb, but he did not retreat in the slightest. "You want to beat me? You're not qualified enough!" he roared, simultaneously mobilizing the power within his body, preparing to launch a counterattack.

At this moment, the Treasure Guardian seemed to be enraged by the commotion of the battle. It let out a tremendous roar and blasted a powerful energy beam toward the group. Everyone hurriedly dodged, and the ship rocked violently under the beam's impact.

GLOSSARY:

Li An

Zoro

Luffy

Smoker

Nami

Blackbeard Teach

Treasure Guardian

Guo Yao