"..."
"What's with those looks? Do you want to eat me?" Chen Qi asked in surprise as he looked at the White Tower Hunters.
The White Tower Hunters wore expressions of anticipation, no, rather hunger, a craving hunger. Their long durations of sea combat combined with the significant physical exertion at night had left them famished.
Everyone's stamina was totally overdrawn to an extreme.
And earlier, when Chen Qi was preparing the Golden Fish, everyone discovered that he might be a pretty good chef.
"I'll cook, you all gather the ingredients."
Chen Qi said.
Immediately afterward, he organized people to start collecting medicinal herbs on this island.
Although this was the boss room of Dragon Flower Islands, since they were already here, they had to take something with them before leaving!
Especially since this island had so many rare materials!
Dragon Tamer King, I'll gladly take these medicinal herbs off your hands... Chen Qi spent some time gathering the potions on the island.
[You have obtained Blood Power Grass, which after processing can enhance constitution, strength, and improve blood circulation...]
[You have obtained Moonlight Chives, which, when consumed, can boost one's vitality...]
[You have obtained Dragon Gall Flower, which after processing can enhance the constitution and strength of dragon-type creatures...]
[You have obtained Thunderstruck Wood, which after processing can increase resistance to lightning and enhance adaptability to lightning attacks...]
[You have obtained Wind Grass, which after processing can improve one's agility...]
...
...
Before he knew it, Chen Qi had gathered a whole basket full of materials.
"This island is so rich!"
Chen Qi couldn't help but exclaim.
Among them, many materials were for cultivating pets, which could directly consume them for massive improvements.
In addition, there were various materials that could improve constitution, strength, and endurance.
This was at least two months' worth of material supplies... Chen Qi rubbed his hands together, feeling amazed.
With so many rare medicinal herbs, breaking through to 150 points in physical constitution, or even reaching 200 points, was just a matter of two months.
He had not expected such a bountiful harvest... Chen Qi rubbed his hands and returned to the center of the island.
By now, the night had fallen, and Melanie and the others had already set up a bonfire rack.
A pile of dry wood was carefully stacked, and the fire blazed, crackling as it burned.
Chen Qi, holding a thick stick, occasionally tossed in more wood to stoke the flames, making them even stronger while also illuminating the Extraordinary Materials laid out around.
There was the freshly caught Extraordinary Ostrich, exuding an alluring scent after careful cooking, fresh fruits and vegetables picked from the forest showing vibrant colors and freshness, and several bottles of fine fruit wine which added a festive touch to this outdoor feast.
Chen Qi took out some cumin powder, gently rubbed his fingers together, and sprinkled it down.
The aroma was simply irresistible... The White Tower Hunters, who should have been maintaining table manners, could not hold back any longer and drooled uncontrollably.
[You have cooked Honey Ostrich Leg...]
[You have cooked Fire Dragon Grass Grilled Fish...]
[You have cooked Extraordinary Grilled Chives...]
The group gathered around the bonfire, snatching the roasted skewers like children.
"This is delicious, sir, are you an Extraordinary Chef?"
The glasses hunter Alor asked after biting into an ostrich leg.
"Sort of..."
Chen Qi responded quietly.
Melanie then asked,
"By the way, Black Hunter, what exactly are you and the Flower Witch up to?"
Everyone turned with looks of curiosity, having noticed the Black Hunter, though terrifying when transformed, was actually pretty easy to get along with.
"To revive a monster."
Chen Qi spoke with a hint of teasing.
Fen's goal was to open the Witch's Coffin, to resurrect the Ice Witch, in order to stop the imminent great catastrophe.
However, this goal was still too difficult for the two of them.
"Oh..."
Melanie did not press on but switched the subject,
"Is what's written in the newspapers true? Was it the Flower Witch who whipped you, or did you whip the Flower Witch..."
People in this world also love gossip, huh... Chen Qi silently rolled his eyes at Melanie and said,
"Rumors, it's me who has her pinned to the ground and beating her up now!"
Chen Qi's lips curled into a smile.
He had to admit that there had been a time when he was no match for the Flower Witch at all.
Times had changed!
Now, as long as Fen didn't activate her release, she was absolutely no match for him.
It could even be said to be a crushing victory!
Next time they met, it would be a good opportunity to have a little sparring with Fen... Chen Qi thought to himself, he and the Flower Witch hadn't had a real fight yet.
"So the rumors are actually the reverse, it's the Black Hunter who uses tentacles to whip the Flower Witch..."
Melanie blinked, her imagination running wild.
The Hunters sat around the campfire, sharing their recent hunting experiences and fun stories, with laughter and cheers echoing around.
They talked about returning to the Tower of Books, handing over the Deep Blue Flame, and the shocked look of the higher-ups in the Tower of Books, as well as the powerful Book Warden, and speculated whether the Tower of Books would sail into the Witch Sea...
Unconsciously, everyone fell asleep, sleeping soundly, even the night watchman Alor was visibly exhausted.
Chen Qi set down the lantern illuminated by the Lantern Technique, and stood up to walk out of the woods, heading over the sea.
"The moon is really round tonight—"
Chen Qi looked up at the night sky.
Above the sea, the Ghost Ship was making clanging sounds.
Was little Ma Li still unable to fix the ship? Chen Qi thought for a moment and using Sea Walker, he walked to a deserted spot on the sea surface and silently took out the Lake Sword.
Then, Chen Qi followed the ciphertext, using Dark Fire under the moonlight to heat the Lake Sword to a specific temperature.
As he heated it to the designated temperature, the stone on the surface of the entire Lake Sword began to break apart, revealing its interior, a blue glowing ice pop...
The temperature was so cold that it even caused the surrounding seawater to clearly start to freeze.
Hmm, it gave off the feeling of an ice lolly while also emanating a strong deep sea presence!
Was this an edible item obtained from the depths of the sea? Chen Qi thought and took a bite, swallowing it.
Strangely sweet... Chen Qi bit off a few more pieces, and soon he had eaten the whole Lake Sword.
Quickly, a profound coldness spread and diffused throughout his entire body.
Beneath the skin, it was as if countless tiny cold currents were traveling through his meridians, repairing every cell and healing every hidden injury.
[You have consumed the Lake Sword, your spiritual power origin has increased, your inspiration has increased by 50 points! Constitution increased by 20 points!]
[You have gained Deep Sea Resistance (Medium), immune to the special powers of deep sea monsters and you can wield this power!]
[You have gained a small amount of Ice Enlightenment, allowing you to study Ice Phase skills.]
[You have gained Sea Domain Comprehension, making it easier for you to master all domain skills related to the sea and water above the vast sea.]
[You have acquired a passive ability, Sea Walker, which enhances your physical and spiritual power recovery at sea.]
Chen Qi felt the immense power coursing through his body, took a deep breath, and found that the benefits of being a Sea Walker were even more than he had imagined.
And as he consumed the power from the Lake Sword, numerous ripples appeared beneath his feet.
Chen Qi looked up in surprise to find the calm sea suddenly churning with waves.
And nearby, sea beasts for thousands of meters around were all converging towards him.
"Hmm?"
Chen Qi looked around, sensing that something was off.
Wait, why are there so many sea beasts?
Chen Qi was taken aback, his Deep Sea Affinity's range of influence seemed to have expanded.