Chapter 131

He glanced at the sky, Chen Shicheng found a quiet spot, and took out the thing he had just snatched from Simon's hands.

A map, a blood contract scroll, a blood‑red gem, and a respirator full of sci‑fi style.

The blood contract scroll isn't worth much comment—it's just an insurance contract for both parties in a trade; after tossing it into his pack, he can use it as needed.

Chen Shicheng first opened the map most important to him.

The map showed an already old and blurred sea chart, with a region outlined in dashed lines forming a circular area—clearly the misty sea island range Simon had mentioned.

At the left‑of‑center position inside the circular area, a blood‑red cross was drawn, beside it a somewhat ferocious turtle head—likely the spot where Simon saw the giant turtle's head break the surface.

Looking at the map, this sea area lies several thousand kilometers from Dongzhou Port, with no islands en route to serve as stepping stones; only a boat can reach it, so Chen Shicheng's idea of using Yinxiang Incense to get there quickly came to nothing.

Moreover, for boatmen that place is probably a forbidden zone, and it's unclear whether throwing money at it would lure anyone to take the risk.

After confirming the destination, Chen Shicheng put the map away and took out the respirator to have a look.

【Goblin underwater respirator: a cutting‑edge product of goblin technology; before use it needs charging (magic, battle qi, True Essence); once worn it allows underwater breathing for 5 hours. (PS: On land it can also purify air—welcome to use goblin technology!)】

Perhaps because of its supernatural nature, its appearance looks even more sci‑fi than real diving gear; the metal‑crafted shell fits tightly, covering half the face when worn, leaving only the eyes exposed.

Moreover, on the side there is an energy bar similar to an electric vehicle's charge display, showing green, indicating a full charge.

That said, if it weren't for cultivators hopping about on rooftops like grasshoppers in the distance, Chen Shicheng would think he'd entered a futuristic sci‑fi world. On the open sea, such gear is absolutely a life‑saver at certain critical moments, so he solemnly placed it at the very front of his storage slot, striving to be able to draw it instantly.

At present, the only thing left from what he snatched from Simon is the final blood‑red gem, which is also the highest‑value item among this battle's loot.

【Blood Demon Stone: a special gem produced in the underworld; when inlaid into equipment, each attack absorbs a bit of the enemy's blood to heal the wielder's wounds.】

「Inlaying gems—now that feels like a fantasy game. 」

Chen Shicheng gazed curiously at this special gem from the Western world, clicking his tongue in amazement.

The item is absolutely good; it can greatly reduce players' need for healing elixirs, vastly extend battle duration, and if thrown out would surely make most people covet it—but he will absolutely not use this thing.

After all, Western gear and Eastern magical treasures are two completely different systems; to use this gem, one must drill a hole in the equipment.

Eastern magical treasures are forged by melting various materials into a single piece; without even discussing whether the two systems would clash, the act of drilling—a destructive act toward a treasure—makes Chen Shicheng steer clear of this thing.

He certainly doesn't want a hole to appear out of nowhere on the spirit‑artifact‑level treasure he finally got his hands on—"who knows if the East has something that can enhance equipment?"

Chen Shicheng shook his head, tossed the Blood Demon Stone into his storage slot, planning to find a chance to see if he could sell it, then headed toward the seaside dock.

As the pillar industry of Dongzhou Port, even a one‑minute halt at the dock would cause an impact no one could accept. Thus, despite the city‑wide manhunt for fugitives being loudly proclaimed elsewhere, the dock remained peaceful, with stevedores and porters continuously moving cargo.

And when the ships are fully loaded, merchants dressed in fine silks, with prominent bellies, walk out from a nearby tavern, confirm with the dock officials, then set sail.

Chen Shicheng stood in a dim spot watching the extraordinarily lively tavern, his brows gradually furrowing.

The notion of finding a boat to go out to sea seems somewhat taken for granted; these merchant bosses indeed come here to make money, but that doesn't mean they'll risk the peril of shipwreck and death.

Moreover, even if the captain agreed, the crew would not; if the captain were truly greedy for money, as soon as they set sail, both he and the captain would likely be fed to sharks.

Of course, the premise is the captain's consent to go to sea, but Chen Shicheng does not believe that sea merchants who trade across countless nations would be that sort of money‑grasping person—it's simply unrealistic.

So how is he supposed to cross this sea of thousands of li? Could he rely on swimming himself?

Don't be ridiculous—covering thousands of nautical miles on foot would take over half a month; by the time he swam there, he'd likely only make it halfway before the heavens dropped the Four Symbols Divine Thunder, striking down this foolish dreamer.

Just as Chen Shicheng was pondering whether to hijack a boat, he suddenly noticed that, not far from the shore in a spot the dock's firelight couldn't reach, a fishing boat was bobbing with the waves.

And at the bow stood a man who appeared to be the fishing boat's owner, engaged in conversation with someone on the shore.

Chen Shicheng's heart stirred; he immediately used the Eye of Bai Ze to appraise the two individuals' information, then wore an expression of sudden understanding.

【Lv. 11 Wave‑Dwelling Whitebait (Huo Qi), Essence: 12, Qi: 24, Spirit: 9.5, Skills: Water Dragon Technique, Wave‑Treading Step, Myriad Poisons True Classic (Fragment)】

【Lv. 6 All‑Night Champion (Liu Qiang), Essence: 9, Qi: 7, Spirit: 4.5, Skills:】

Sure enough, they're players! In the tense situation where players are being hunted as demonic cultivators, inland players usually flee to the mountains to become hermits, while seaside players undoubtedly set out to sea.

Moreover, this fishing boat's owner has some wit; after a sudden disturbance in the city, he deliberately waited at the seaside, temporarily acting as a driver, temporarily transferring and rescuing the startled players, earning a little money to support his family.

Locals wouldn't risk their lives to go to the misty islands thousands of li away, but what about players who can resurrect? Chen Shicheng glanced at his balance, full of confidence, and walked toward the fishing boat.

He didn't conceal his figure, so as soon as he approached, both noticed him; the Level 11 fishing boat owner enthusiastically waved and said, "Brother, are you also looking to hitch a ride for shelter?"

"That's right, I have a bit of big business I'd like to discuss with you." Chen Shicheng nodded and walked over.

However, just as he approached the two, his Divine Perception immediately sensed a gaze laden with malice, sweeping back and forth over him.

Following the direction of that gaze, he saw that the fishing boat's owner, though smiling on the surface, harbored a hint of greed in his eyes, constantly shifting between himself and that Level‑6 newcomer.

(End of chapter)