Chapter 997

Provoking the Peaceful One…

That's not a wise move.

Of course.

If they're pirates, their reckless behavior makes sense.

"Come with me?"

"Then you'd better be careful."

"Later, if we really run into pirates, stay behind me—I can at least guarantee your safety. Beyond that, I can't promise anything."

"We've only met once, but for some reason, I feel you're familiar. Maybe it's because I have a grandson your age."

"Don't worry—I may not be as strong as the security personnel, but I'm no pushover, and certainly not something ordinary pirates can easily manipulate."

"Once pirates target you, remember to stay behind me."

"And…"

"Don't run off!"

Old John gave a solemn warning.

He didn't refuse Lu En's company; instead, he made Lu En a promise.

This made Lu En view Old John with new respect.

"We've only met once, and you already want to protect my life?"

"Looks like…"

"I'm really lucky."

Lu En's smile carried a wry, odd quality.

But the question is…

Does he even need protection?

Of course not!

The one who needs protection isn't him.

It's…

The Peaceful One!

It's not the Peaceful One protecting him,

but the Peaceful One that wants his protection!

That's the truth.

"If you meet pirates, don't be reckless—they're all willing to die. You're just a sailor on the Peaceful One; no need to fight them to the death."

"Even if your strength is impressive, you can't stand against their numbers… once surrounded by pirates, you'll be in serious trouble."

Lu En smiled.

"Good kid, now you're lecturing me."

Old John didn't mind.

Next,

Lu En and Old John walked toward the Peaceful One's grand hall.

The closer they got to the hall,

the louder the chaos within became.

Occasionally, the sharp crack of shattering glass pierced the air.

Everywhere, violent clashes shook the space.

Weapon met weapon,

piercingly sharp,

grating.

The entire grand hall of the Peaceful One was in utter chaos.

Countless noble guests fled in panic.

Screams,

wails,

cries of pain…

echoed to the heavens,

spreading in all directions.

Clearly,

the Peaceful One's security personnel had already clashed with the invading pirates.

At this point,

it was still impossible to judge which side held the upper hand.

Before reaching the hall,

Lu En used his superior Observation Haki to precisely perceive every detail inside the Peaceful One's grand hall.

Observation Haki fully covered the entire hall!

Not a single corner was missed.

"Pirates have broken in."

"And there are many."

"No fewer than two hundred pirates have already stormed the Peaceful One's grand hall."

"These pirates..."

"Their strength is not weak."

"In comparison."

"The security personnel on the Peace seem to be holding on by a thread."

"Their overall strength appears far inferior to that of the attacking pirates."

"It seems the Peace has run into a formidable opponent—these attackers are powerful pirates, not a rabble."

"It's clear these pirates had planned this in advance; they did not randomly stumble upon the Peace and launch this attack."

A brief pause,

Lu En slightly narrowed his eyes, the amusement in them deepening further.

"In other words..."

"This time, the Peace is in serious trouble!"

"They've been targeted by pirates who planned this in advance."

"So."

"How will you break this deadlock?"

Following Old John's steps,

Lu En drew closer to the Peace's grand hall.

He could already hear the screams of battle, shouts, and wails.

These chaotic sounds buzzed incessantly around his ears.

It was chaotic,

and extremely noisy.

"Of course!"

"Compared to these arrogant nobles..."

"I still dislike these reckless pirates far more!"

Upon entering the Peace's grand hall, Lu En saw the corpses scattered everywhere and the ruined wreckage left behind—he thought to himself.

Upon closer inspection,

the hall was already awash in blood,

littered with corpses.

The battle between both sides was still raging fiercely!