Chapter 1125: Chapter 1123: Landing on the Island
Sea of Ashes.
Fu Qian’s eyesight was undoubtedly excellent; even though there was still some distance, he could distinctly make out the grayish-white coloration of the islands that was disparate from the norm.
Su Gao’s description was indeed apt, resembling an expanse of bone ash mounds.
So, does this dead silence and color extend limitlessly beyond this boundary?
It’s understandable to feel the rising aversion as one draws closer to the ship.
“Perhaps we shouldn’t get too close? These things are constantly changing. If the ship gets trapped, it seems like that would be troublesome.”
Someone finally couldn’t hold back and suggested.
“Keep going in the water? How is that different from turning back just now?”
Before Lann could speak, Lady Ran Hui snorted coldly.
“Don’t waste time, find a gentle spot and rush straight onto it.”
“You don’t know jack. All creatures in the sea refuse to come near this place easily. Even if that thing isn’t around, it could just be waiting for us outside.”
“Is that so? Then you can stay on the ship later.”
…
In the midst of the verbal fencing, Lann was clearly hesitating.
Specifically, the ship was moving forward, but at a reduced speed.
Unsurprisingly, Lady Ran Hui’s advice was most prudent for safety reasons, but going deeper also meant danger because the Sea of Ashes is reputed to be inhospitable to marine life.
At this position, there should be a certain guarantee of safety–
A loud bang and the massive shock to the hull interrupted his thoughts. It almost toppled everyone to the ground.
It had actually been following us all along!
In that instant, a horrid realization occurred to everyone.
“Charge forward!”
Lann no longer hesitated, making the decision immediately.
Following this, the water stirred eerily, and the shaking ship stabilized at an unbelievable speed. Then it sped towards the pale Archipelago to escape the pursuit with maximum velocity.
…
That’s more like it.
The freeloading passenger Fu Qian watched the scene with satisfaction and retracted his tentacles before returning to his cabin.
These people really didn’t understand the value of a passenger’s time.
Fortunately, after being spurred on again, the Floating Island with its hundreds of meters in height and void of any sign of life, was rapidly enlarging in their field of vision.
Squeak–
In the midst of the grating sound, the poaching boat emerged from the water, unslowed, directly heading for the grayish-white shallows in front of it.
A wave followed closely behind, thrusting it to even greater heights.
However, the Floating Island, which appeared to be made of dust accumulation, was not as soft as imagined.
The hull left only shallow marks as if grinding against diamond, not soft ash.
On the contrary, scratches were rapidly increasing along the bottom of the boat.
Even the protective spells added to the ship dissipated quickly after a bout of trembling.
“How can this thing be so hard!”
Before the ship had completely stopped, a bunch of figures hurriedly jumped out.
Clearly, they had combat experience; having lost the only worthwhile concealment and being stranded, it made no sense to stay on board other than to be used as targets.
Among them, the man who had worried about the ship getting stuck in the ashes was the first to exclaim in shock.
Unfortunately, it was clear that no one could answer him.
Of course, luckily, nothing was there to beat him up.
Knowing that safety was in their unity, the group entered a state of alert without being instructed and visibly sighed in relief moments later.
This legendary desolate place for all creatures was now as quiet as a graveyard, with no traces of any living thing.
Also remarkable was that just a line away, though the weather from where they came was still tempestuous, there wasn’t a drop of rain on the Floating Island.
Clang!
Amidst the clear sound, someone thrust a peculiarly shaped metal spear hard into the ground.
It was evident that the spear was not ordinary, with golden sparks scattering at the point of impact.
Unfortunately, such might still did not leave any visible marks.
How do such things float on the sea? And how do they disintegrate and change so quickly?
The imagination of a group of people was challenged.
…
“Is the ship still usable?”
At this moment, Lady Ran Hui showed her most practical side, looking at Lann for an answer.
“The damage is pretty severe; it could be problematic if the waves are too big.”
Lann turned his gaze away from the ship, providing a less than optimistic response.
Not withstand big waves? But weren’t we supposed to set sail under such conditions in the first place?
If the weather is too good, it’s not just the Night Watchman’s ship that would have trouble, but even the Sirens’ ships might encounter difficulties.
The exchange sank the mood of the group once again.
“Is this Delanlay’s true intent?”
In mutual glances of surprise, someone couldn’t help but speak out.
“Using the threat of Curse Abyss to force us into this trap and keep us here?”
“What’s wrong with that guy, why would he do this?”
This question was directed at Lann, as everyone clearly remembered what he had said to Lady Ran Hui before.
They seemed to have suspected there was something off with Delanlay.
“I don’t know.”
Faced with many doubtful eyes, Lann’s answer was quite straightforward.
“While he is new to the group, Delanlay has helped me a lot, and his strength is definitely sufficient. At least I haven’t spotted any issues with him.”
“Then why did you insist on having someone watch him?”
This explanation seemed hard to accept.
“Simple, even though there don’t seem to be issues, he is new here.”
Lann responded as if he had water flowing out – smoothly and naturally.
“…This woman hasn’t been with us very long either.”
Someone pointed at Lady Ran Hui.
“Yes, that’s why I have her keep an eye out.”
…
The group fell silent again.
Those in this line of work, having roamed outside for many years, needed only a moment of thought to understand the intention behind Lann’s words.
Deliberately arranging newcomers to watch each other was clearly a probing method, not really expecting them to discover anything significant.
The only problem this time, Delanlay was just hidden too well.
“I’m sorry, I really didn’t notice anything unusual about him, and I didn’t even realize when he deserted.”
At this moment, Lady Ran Hui spoke with her uniquely hoarse voice, and after scouting the surrounding, she actually turned around and left the group.
“I’m going to check out the vicinity.”
…
In this dangerous encampment, vigilance was particularly important, a fact which everyone clearly understood. Yet, no one wanted to leave the group.
Unexpectedly, this newcomer who was directly stated to be untrusted volunteered for the task.
Dissatisfied at heart, speaking out, and actually preparing to act alone?
Would anyone be so irrational as to fight for a breath of pride?
But if not for that, what was she really after?
Amid the group’s confusion, even Lann did not speak up but just watched Lady Ran Hui walk away.
…
This special team that operates near the Sea of Ashes, turned out to have a newcomer provide a little surprise.
From the side, Fu Qian in his Blood Conquest state silently watched this scene.
He had not immediately left after arriving, because he hoped that in this desperate situation, the group would show some understanding of the Sea of Ashes.
In unfamiliar, life-threatening territory, with tight timeframes and heavy tasks, it’s essential to make full use of everyone.
Of course, even so, Fu Qian did not follow Lady Ran Hui to investigate further.
In his vision, a phantom Thread of Concern pointed toward another Floating Island.
This was when he was in the water; he had pulled a Mermaid with the Thread of Concern and left it behind.
The poaching group proved unsuitable, but the young Mermaid provided a surprise, having also ventured inside.