Chapter 283: Undead Ocean Treasure

Caw—

Caw—

Coo—

Rattle—

When Ta Ke arrived at the aft cabin of the Blood Demon Hand and climbed the stairs upward.

In the sky not far away, a massive mixed flock of undead carrion crows, undead seagulls, and undead warship birds—laden with the aura of death—circulated in the distant firmament, emitting various strange low roars.

Ta Ke's eyes narrowed slightly as he silently examined.

As he entered the deeper transcendent ocean realm.

Various special phenomena of the transcendent world continuously unfolded.

For example, an assault by a pack of transcendent sharks.

For example, the ocean's "Shadow Fishmen" chase the sea demon ship through the gray mist with song.

Another example: today it seems a certain undead settlement—or perhaps another fleet's sea demon ship—is probing by maneuvering a flock of undead birds.

Transcendent Ocean!

It appears vast and tranquil.

In reality, hidden currents roil violently.

Countless confrontations, both overt and covert, unfold by myriad means.

A transcendent lacking any strength who enters the deep sea region will only become a small fish devoured by the big ones.

"Those undead birds—any problem?"

At that moment, the door behind Ta Ke swung open, revealing Dr. Stan Lee.

Ta Ke nodded.

"There is a bit of a problem; they're scouting."

"Perhaps another sea demon ship is secretly watching us."

"Scouting?"

Dr. Stan Lee gazed outward.

What he saw was merely an ordinary flock of undead birds, with no discernible abnormality.

"Overall, the issue shouldn't be serious; just have the subordinates stay more vigilant," Ta Ke said, withdrawing his gaze.

"Mm, I understand."

Dr. Stan Lee immediately called Fourth Officer Dai Fulin and gave orders.

Receiving the order, Dai Fulin glanced at the doctor and First Officer Crow, then departed to begin comprehensive arrangements.

Although he had never met that First Officer Crow, Dai Fulin.

He didn't even know what the other looked like.

Yet, Dai Fulin felt a strange sense of familiarity.

…

Entered the conference room.

Closing the door, the spatial barrier activated, completely isolating the interior from the outside.

Dr. Stan Lee is a powerful traditional sorcerer who specializes in the path of "Spatial Runes".

As everyone knows, the profound arts of Spatial Runes and Temporal Runes are the most difficult of all rune mysteries to cultivate and comprehend.

Dr. Stan Lee possesses a deep insight into the profound art of Spatial Runes.

His knowledge of spatial matters is exceedingly profound.

He fully possesses the foundation to ascend to bishop.

Each scholarly exchange with Dr. Stan Lee in transcendent studies greatly benefits Ta Ke.

Studying under Dr. Stan Lee makes Ta Ke's voyages over the ocean fulfilling day by day.

Inside the room, Captain Ya Bohan examined the world map of the Ogu Twin-Star Transcendent World on the massive round table.

The Ogu Twin-Star Transcendent World is a dual-star realm.

The left side of the map shows the western continent dominated by the Principality of Sairiangs and the Sunstone Empire.

The right side shows the eastern continent occupied by the Stone Golem Empire.

However, this massive world map was evidently published quite early.

On the eastern continent, the Stone Golem Empire is still divided by tribes, not the present-day Federation Empire's territory.

The western continent's area is roughly more than four times that of the eastern continent.

Yet nearly one-third of the northern frontier of the western continent has been eroded by the Ashen Dark Sun.

The Dark Sun Evil God Church's influence is deeply rooted in the Ogu Twin-Star Transcendent World; uprooting it is not a task for a single day.

A vast central region between the east and west continents occupies nearly ninety percent of the world map.

Here lies the massive ocean of the Ogu Twin-Star Transcendent World.

Within the transcendent ocean are many special locales, each with detailed specifications.

For instance, the "Blood Gelong Great Vortex", which has been especially popular in the past year or two.

For example, ahead of the Blood Demon Hand's route lies the approaching "Undead Sea Gorge".

For example, the "World Barrier Great Waterfall" spanning the world's north and south.

The "World Floating Island Zone" on the southern side of the ocean.

The deep-sea jewel "Padelin New Voyage Island Cluster", among others.

He lifted his head, his gaze passing over Ta Ke and Dr. Stan Lee, and Ya Bohan slowly began to speak.

"Our current situation is far from optimistic."

"According to the intelligence I've obtained, General Bloodfall of the Bloodfall Pirate Crew has dispatched three powerful Sea Demon Ships to hunt us down."

Hearing that, Ta Ke couldn't help but raise his eyebrows slightly.

Although Ta Ke guessed that our raid on the Blood Demon Hand would provoke General Bloodfall's retaliation.

He hadn't expected that General Bloodfall would strike with three powerful Sea Demon Ships at once.

That already accounts for half of the forces under General Bloodfall.

Captain Ya Bohan, standing nearby, paused briefly before continuing.

"The three Sea Demon Ships are, respectively, Black Eclipse, Swordfish, and Giant Octopus."

"The captains of the three Sea Demon Ships are all high‑rank Bishops, each possessing formidable strength."

"Moreover, they excel at fighting on the ocean."

"More importantly, under their command are numerous powerful fifth‑rank Transcendents."

"Many of them are renowned experts on the ocean."

"I've even heard that some foreign Transcendents have joined the pirate crew."

"Knowing we possess forbidden spell techniques, their Sea Demon Ships would never approach us lightly."

"Furthermore, given their ample preparations, even a one‑on‑one clash between Sea Demon Ships might be beyond our ability to win."

"At present, the Bloodfall Pirate Crew clearly knows the location and trail of our Sea Demon Ship."

"A Sea Demon Ship of this size sailing freely on the ocean is extremely hard to remain undetected."

"Right now, all three Sea Demon Ships are simultaneously closing the distance with our Blood Demon Hand."

"Clearly, they won't give us a one‑on‑one chance; they intend to advance together, crushing us with overwhelming force."

Finishing his words, Ya Bohan looked at Ta Ke.

"Now… should we try to turn the tables on them, or…"

Ta Ke hesitated little and replied plainly and decisively.

"Run!"

"Run?" Dr. Stan Lee, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow.

"That's not your style, is it?"

Ta Ke smiled.

"My style is to flee when we can't win; that's always been Lammor's tradition."

"Three powerful Bishops, over a dozen fifth‑rank strongmen, and an indeterminate mass of fourth‑rank Transcendents—we simply can't hold them now," Ta Ke shook his head.

"If they actually catch up, I can escape, but whether you can… that's uncertain."

"So… should we not run while they haven't caught us, and just wait to die?"

Ya Bohan, standing nearby, also nodded.

"I mean the same; our strength is still relatively weak, and we can't clash head‑on with the three Bishop fleets."

"Since we choose to run, we can't just plunge straight into the Undead Sea Gorge."

"On the contrary!"

Ta Ke said slowly.

"We not only must enter the Undead Sea Gorge, we actually need to go deep inside!"

"Go deep into the Undead Sea Gorge?"

Both of them's expressions changed slightly upon hearing it.

"The Undead Sea Gorge is one of the famed forbidden zones of the Transcendent Ocean World—known to everyone."

"Numerous Sea Demon Ships have entered it, seeking to uncover its secrets."

"They all met a gruesome end, torn apart by countless Undead."

"Even a sixth‑rank Bishop trapped inside meets death without a chance of survival."

"Capturing a few Undead at the edge of the Undead Sea Gorge poses no problem."

"But once you go deeper, losing direction in the raging Undead currents guarantees total annihilation."

"Isn't this too risky?"

Ya Bohan said with a hint of counsel.

"If we don't enter the Undead Sea Gorge but go around it… then what?"

Ta Ke scanned the two and asked slowly.

Before they could answer, Ta Ke answered himself slowly.

"Then we would continue to be pursued by them."

"Even though our Sea Demon Ship has now merged steam ecology with its own ecology, making it considerably faster than theirs."

"They will not relent until they catch us."

"We didn't come to the ocean to join a long‑distance sailing contest."

"Being chased like this serves no purpose."

Ta Ke's words made the two fall into slight contemplation.

"Even so, diving straight into the Undead Sea Gorge is too risky! At the very least we need some preparation," Ya Bohan said gravely.

Ta Ke smiled and said.

"In fact, the preparations began long ago."

"Hm?"

Both looked at Ta Ke with puzzled expressions.

When sailing outside, the Blood Demon Hand's two large source‑energy steam engine constructs' steam ecology and the Sea Demon Ship ecology undergo ecological fusion.

You should have sensed this, right!

As Ta Ke spoke, the two exchanged a glance, understanding each other without words.

Is it the same kind of fusion as the steam‑world integration of Saintland?

Doctor Stan Li asked.

Yes!

Indeed, it's marvelous.

Doctor Stan Li couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

Although he had previously sensed a marvelous interaction between the source‑energy steam engine and the Sea Demon Ship ecology.

But after all, he does not primarily study transcendent ecologies.

It is hard to determine whether this marvelous interaction is Saintland's so‑called "ecological fusion."

Now, Ta Ke gave a confirming answer, so it can be confirmed.

The Sea Demon Ship ecology of the Blood Demon Hand is not large; under my guidance, the fusion of steam ecology with Sea Demon Ship ecology works very well.

Now, our Sea Demon Ship is a genuine "Steam Sea Demon Ship."

In addition, I have also promoted the ecological cycle between the Soul‑Reaper Sail and the "Steam Sea Demon Ship."

So far, it has yielded considerable results.

Ta Ke said so.

Ya Bohan and Doctor Stan Li both were visibly impressed.

【Soul‑Reaper Sail】

It is one of the three sails of the Blood Demon Hand.

The Blood Demon Hand's main mast's primary sail is the source‑energy "Magic Wind Sail," primarily used for navigation.

When encountering enemies, it can consume source energy to activate wind‑type magic, increasing the Blood Demon Hand's sailing speed.

The forward mast's wind sail is the "Shield Sail."

The Shield Sail can normally serve as a wind sail.

In combat mode,

it can rapidly expand into a sea‑sail shield curtain surrounding the Sea Demon Ship, blocking enemy magical projectiles.

The aft mast, however, carries the Soul‑Reaper Sail.

It gathers a large number of souls captured by the Sea Demon Ship.

It can be used for reconnaissance and combat.

Ta Ke, who already possesses the ability to transmute steam ecology, has naturally put in hard work mastering transcendent ecology.

His deep understanding of ecology far exceeds that of ordinary transcendants.

Normally, even with the Soul‑Reaper Sail, the Blood Demon Hand entering the Ghost‑Spirit Canyon would inevitably be besieged by countless spirits.

Ta Ke began to speak slowly.

After all, the ecology of the Soul‑Reaper Sail and that of the Sea Demon Ship are interdependent but not fused.

Now, I have achieved a comprehensive fusion between the Soul‑Reaper Sail's ecology and the Steam Sea Demon Ship's ecology.

When the time comes, the spectral ecological aura of the Soul‑Reaper Sail will emanate as the aura of the Steam Sea Demon Ship.

In this way, we can avoid hostility from spectral creatures.

Of course, even if we resemble a ghost ship, it is still not safe.

The safest method is to become part of the Ghost‑Spirit Canyon ecology.

Once we enter it, I will drive several cycles of the Steam Sea Demon Ship ecology with the Ghost‑Spirit Canyon ecology, granting our Sea Demon Ship the essential aura of the Ghost‑Spirit Canyon.

Then we will be able to sail freely deep within the Ghost‑Spirit Canyon.

Moreover, the entire vast Ghost‑Spirit Canyon will become the most perfect—shelter—for our Sea Demon Ship fleet!

Ta Ke's explanation left Ya Bohan with his ears understanding but his mind completely bewildered.

Lacking sufficient knowledge of transcendent ecology, Ya Bohan could only look at Doctor Stan Li.

At that moment, Doctor Stan Li's brows were tightly knit in thought.

After a moment of contemplation, he finally looked at Ta Ke.

If we cover the Sea Demon Ship's aura with the Soul‑Reaper Sail's aura, what if it gets exposed?

Ta Ke smiled.

Transcendent ecologies naturally possess overlapping properties.

Steam ecology, Sea Demon Ship ecology, and Soul‑Reaper Sail ecology overlap in fusion.

When I choose to condense the first two ecologies' traits into invisibility while releasing the Soul‑Reaper Sail's ecology as visible,

then, no matter from which angle you look, if you step into the cabin, pry open the deck, or even split the mast, what you will perceive will be the spectral ecological traits of the Soul‑Reaper Sail.

Within the Blood Demon Hand's ecological range, whether a battle erupts, everyone drinks their hangovers in a room, or even practices on the deck,

all of it belongs to the Soul‑Reaper Sail's ecological traits.

After this ecological fusion, the method of donning a disguise is truly unfathomable.

Doctor Stan Li, who has some understanding of transcendent ecology, stared at Ta Ke in utter amazement.

He murmured softly: "This… is too incredible, almost unbelievable."

This is the ability to alter its essence without changing its essence.

A contradiction? That's exactly the point!

The stacking of multiple transcendent ecologies…

"Ecological duality, trinality, even quadrinality… constantly stacking upward, the upper limit of ecological accommodation is the expansion ceiling of that incomprehensible method."

"This is exactly— a miracle!"

Dr. Stan Lee's innermost psyche quivered beyond measure!

"But… Saint Land, hasn't it already become like this?"

Only close‑up experience can feel the terrifying and inconceivable miraculous methods of the god‑defiling, divine‑favored Ta Ke.

It is exactly rubbing the extraordinary scholarly system that elevates humanity's super‑humans onto the ground.

"Terrifying… indeed!"

Dr. Stan Lee inhaled a cold breath, gradually restraining the shock in his heart.

Within the super‑human world, there are countless inconceivable places.

Those unfathomable forbidden abilities.

Those nameless deaths and calamities deep in the void.

Those sealed, inaccessible ancient worlds.

All cannot be explained by human super‑human biological science.

And the divine‑favored Prince mastering such incomprehensible abilities can only be called humanity's luck.

"Is it really possible to use the dead‑soul sail's super‑human state to radiate the entire Sea‑Demon‑Ship ecology, allowing us safe entry into the Wraith Sea Gorge?"

Abraham looked at Dr. Stan Lee again to confirm.

And Dr. Stan Lee lightly nodded.

"Such a situation is not permitted within the super‑human scholarly system."

"But the divine‑favored Prince allowed it, so it can happen!"

Allowed?

Then it will happen?

These words made Abraham feel that matters might not be as simple as he imagined.

However, his super‑human scholarly knowledge did not permit him to delve deeper.

"In other words, according to Ta… um… the Raven First Mate's statement."

"After we adapt on the outskirts, we can penetrate any Wraith Sea Gorge that no one can explore, this oceanic forbidden zone?"

Abraham expounded his most straightforward view.

"You may even further advance your ambitions."

Dr. Stan Lee said with a faint smile.

"The entire Wraith Sea Gorge will become the back garden of our Boiling Blood Pirate Crew."

"We can explore within it the countless sunken‑ship treasures that others cannot."

"One could say a 'Wraith Ocean Treasure' land is about to open its gates for us."

"Sss—"

With that, Abraham finally realized the seriousness of the matter.

"Not that exaggerated; we merely have the ticket qualification to enter."

Ta Ke laughed, waved his hand and said.

"Powerful wraiths abound within the Wraith Sea Gorge."

"If we truly breach other wraith lords' territories, the ship must be dismantled, or we will be dismantled."

"Only caution can make the millennium ship."

Abraham, slowly calming his mind beside him, exhaled a long breath and said.

"Even so, it is already sufficiently exaggerated."

"But…"

At that moment, Ta Ke turned to the window, his gaze calm as he said.

"Before that… I think we have already encountered trouble."

The two, hearing this, immediately looked in the direction Ta Ke was scrutinizing.

Through the glass window, the horizon where the blue sky met the ocean in the distance.

A Sea‑Demon Ship, its hull like black steel poured together, unfurled its three‑mast sail at full force, emitting a low, rumbling steam roar, like a colossal sea beast, sailing toward the 'Blood Demon Hand'.

One of General Bloodfall's seven ships, the steam Sea‑Demon Ship 'Black Eclipse Ship', caught up.