manynovel Chapter 384 The Unlucky Deep-Sea Demon Whale King
Chapter 384 The Unlucky Deep-Sea Demon Whale King
"The other man is even more terrifying. His martial spirit is a white tiger, but not the kind of upright white tiger we know! His eyes are an evil gold, and he pounces on anyone he sees. He's incredibly strong and specializes in... specializing in biting people's necks and drinking their blood! Raw! Just like a vampire from legends!"
"And that fat guy, his martial soul seems to be a phoenix, but the fire is dark purple, once it gets on you it can't be extinguished, it burns people until they scream like ghosts, and in the end there's hardly any bone left! And that fire seems to be able to absorb people's soul power!" the last person added, his tone full of disgust.
The characteristics of the three people are combined.
Coupled with its evil deeds of sucking blood and devouring soul power, the target is almost obvious!
Tang San, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun!
At this moment, Tang Chuan's fingers tightened slightly around the wine glass, and he thought to himself:
"They are indeed already active on the sea, and their actions are so rampant and cruel. It seems that the influence of the Rakshasa god is deeper than I expected."
The bearded man cursed, "What a disaster! What kind of monsters are these? What have we fishermen done to deserve this? Why doesn't the Sea God subdue these monstrosities!"
"I heard there's been some activity on Poseidon Island," the lean fisherman said in a low voice, his tone mysterious. "It seems the Holy Pillar himself has come out to inspect the area, looking for those three scoundrels! Hopefully, the Sea God will bless them and capture them soon!"
"I hope so. I've been on tenterhooks every time I go out to sea lately..."
The fishermen's discussion continued.
On Tang Chuan's side, the atmosphere at the dining table also became a bit more serious.
The four women had clearly heard the horrifying descriptions as well, and their faces turned pale.
Although they were all Soul Masters and had experienced battles, such cruel and brutal acts against civilians were still beyond their comprehension.
"Brother Tang Chuan, what they said..." Ning Rongrong asked softly, her eyes filled with surprise and doubt.
"It should be them." Tang Chuan put down his wine glass, his voice calm but tinged with coldness. "It seems our trip to Seagod Island won't be peaceful. Besides facing the trials of Seagod Island itself, we'll likely run into these old friends."
He turned his head and glanced out the window at the direction of the harbor, his gaze becoming profound.
Tang Chuan suddenly said to everyone, "After we finish eating, we'll go to the port immediately and then set sail."
Upon hearing this, the group exchanged glances and then nodded.
The originally planned leisurely rest in Hanhai City was forced to be canceled due to this unexpected news. The carriage carried everyone straight to the bustling and noisy huge port to the west of Hanhai City.
With sails like a forest and ships lined up one after another, the port was filled with various atmospheres and noise.
Tang Chuan's goal was very clear: to have the driver go to the port rental area, while keeping an eye out for captains who looked capable and whose boats were in good condition.
Soon, they noticed a ship called the Sea Demon.
It wasn't the largest, but its hull lines exuded a subtle ruggedness. The entire vessel was crafted from dark ironwood and meticulously maintained, with several barely noticeable reinforcements and signs of old damage on the hull. The sails and rigging were sturdy. Standing at the bow, conversing with someone, was a middle-aged man of medium build, with a bronze complexion, his face bearing the marks of years spent at sea, and a faint scar.
His eyes seemed simple, but when he occasionally glanced at the dock, a shrewd look would flash across them.
Through an introduction, Tang Chuan learned that the captain's name was Haider.
"Captain Haider, we would like to charter your ship to the western seas. It will take about ten days to reach a general destination," Tang Chuan said directly, while observing the other party.
Upon hearing this, Haider rubbed his rough hands together, revealing a seemingly honest yet shrewd merchant's smile, and said, "Sir, the western sea area is quite large; a ten-day voyage can take you to many places. The direction you mentioned... could it be towards the Devil's Triangle or the unknown sea further west? That's a dangerous area, and it's been rather turbulent lately. I've heard that some evil soul masters are killing people at sea."
"We are aware of some risks. Cost is not an issue; what we need is a sturdy vessel, reliable crew, and familiarity with the route. As for safety, we have our own considerations."
Tang Chuan answered calmly, without revealing the specific destination to Haider.
Haider's eyes darted around, his gaze sweeping over the four elegant women behind Tang Chuan, lingering for a moment on Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan. His smile became more genuine as he said:
"Look at what you're saying! I, Haider, have been sailing ships in Hanhai City for over twenty years. This Sea Demon may not be the biggest, but it's absolutely sturdy! I wouldn't say I know the ocean currents and reefs in the western waters like the back of my hand, but I'm very familiar with them! As for the crew, they're all old buddies who have been with me for many years, each one of them highly experienced!"
He patted his chest and guaranteed it, then quoted a rather high rental price.
Tang Chuan didn't haggle much. After confirming the ship's condition and basic supplies, he paid the deposit. Haider's eyes lit up slightly when he saw the gold soul coins, and his attitude became even more attentive.
Soon, the supplies were loaded onto the Sea Demon.
As Tang Chuan boarded the ship, he noticed the crew members.
Although they dressed as sailors, most of them had a fierce look in their eyes, and their movements were swift but subtly revealed a tacit understanding that was different from that of ordinary merchant ship sailors.
Haider then warmly led them to some of the best cabins on the ship.
Although it was very simple, it was still clean.
Although Haider appeared very attentive, he was secretly sneering and said:
"A bunch of arrogant rich kids and girls, daring to venture into the depths of the Western Sea? And they think they can take responsibility for their own safety? Hmph, once they get to my territory, this ship, all your money, even these girls… hehe. They're practically lambs sent by the sea god!"
Time slipped away quietly amidst the monotonous sound of the waves, and soon it was evening.
The setting sun, like a giant, burning orange-red fireball, slowly sank below the distant horizon, dyeing the boundless sea a brilliant golden-red, shimmering with light.
The sea breeze also carried a hint of coolness.
On deck, the sailors, who had been busy all day, finished their routine work and began to rest in twos and threes or prepare for their shift change.
Tang Chuan and Xiao Ruier stood side by side on the ship's railing, gazing at the magnificent sunset.
The afterglow of the setting sun cast a soft golden hue on Xiao Ruier's profile.
The sailors around them seemed to be busy or resting, but their occasional glances carried a subtle scrutiny, especially when they passed over the cabin where Xiao Ruier and the other girls were, a hint of hidden greed flashing across their eyes.
Xiao Ruier gazed at the sea for a while, then suddenly spoke softly, her voice barely audible to the two of them: "You must have noticed it too, right? These people... are acting strangely."
Tang Chuan's gaze remained fixed on the distant horizon where the sea met the sky. Upon hearing this, he nodded almost imperceptibly, his voice equally calm and low, and said:
"Yes, you can tell from the details of their boarding and Haider's eyes. They're not ordinary merchant sailors; their behavior and hidden ferocity suggest they're pirates in disguise."
Xiao Ruier wasn't surprised, but a hint of worry flashed in her eyes as she said, "Then we should..."
"It's alright." Tang Chuan interrupted her, his tone still calm but carrying an absolute sense of control, and said, "As long as they behave themselves and obediently take us to where we need to go, we'll just pretend we don't know anything. It's better to avoid trouble."
As he finished counting, he turned his head slightly, his gaze seemingly sweeping over the seemingly lax sailors before finally settling back on Xiao Ruier's face. His voice was low, carrying a hint of cold killing intent.
"But... if they're courting death and dare to target us..."
Tang Chuan didn't finish his sentence, but the sudden yet clearly discernible killing intent made Xiao Ruier instantly understand his meaning.
Xiao Ruier nodded slightly and said no more.
As the sun completely sank below the horizon, night fell rapidly, covering the sky and sea like a giant black velvet blanket.
The stars gradually lit up, their brilliance reflecting off the guiding lights on the mast of the Sea Demon in the distance.
The night at sea is exceptionally quiet, except for the sound of the waves and the wind.
It was even a little...too quiet.
Inside the cabin, Ning Rongrong, Ye Lingling, and Dugu Yan, exhausted from a day of turbulent travel, had fallen asleep. Xiao Ruier also returned to the cabin assigned to her and Ye Lingling, but she did not fall asleep immediately. Instead, she pretended to sleep fully clothed, remaining vigilant.
Tang Chuan sat cross-legged in his cabin, seemingly meditating and cultivating, but in reality, his spiritual power, like invisible mercury, seeped into every corner of the cabin, sensing every subtle movement on the ship.
Time slowly passed until midnight.
Most of the crew seemed to have rested, with only the night watchman occasionally moving about on deck, making soft footsteps, and the whole ship was immersed in a superficial tranquility.
However, below the captain's cabin, in a small, secluded compartment cleverly concealed by clutter, a few dim oil lamps illuminated several faces filled with greed and ferocity.
Captain Haider's face had lost its daytime affability and enthusiasm, replaced by the ruthlessness and cunning characteristic of a pirate captain. Four or five trusted crew members sat before him, the most formidable and reliable veterans on board.
"Did you see it clearly?"
Haider lowered his voice, his eyes gleaming with a wolfish light, and said, "That blue-haired kid didn't even blink when he paid, he definitely has more on him! And those girls, tsk tsk, especially the one dressed the best, and the one with the green eyes, they're absolutely gorgeous! I've been at sea for so many years, and I've never seen such stunning women!"
A one-eyed sailor licked his chapped lips and grinned maliciously, "Boss, I saw it clearly! They're definitely easy prey! Especially those women, if we sell them on the black market... hehe!"
Another burly man with a scar on his face hesitated for a moment, then said:
"Boss, that blue-haired kid seems a bit strange, and the women with him don't look like ordinary people either. Could they be Soul Masters? What should we do..."
"What's wrong with Soul Masters?" Haider interrupted dismissively.
"Which of our brothers on the 'Sea Demon' doesn't have a few Soul Masters on their hands? While they're asleep, sneak in and drug them first! Old Scarface, do you still have the sleeping potion you made? Blow it into every cabin! Once they're all down, they'll be at our mercy."
Upon hearing this, the gaunt man known as Old Scarface nodded with a sinister smile, pulled out several bamboo tube-like objects from his pocket, and grinned maliciously, "It's been prepared for a long time, boss. It's incredibly potent; even a Soul Master or Soul King would fall into a deep sleep after absorbing too much!"
"Alright!" Haider nodded, his eyes flashing with a fierce light, and said:
"Once the drug takes effect, kill that blue-haired kid first! You guys better be quick! Then tie those girls up tightly and loot all their valuables! Turn the ship around immediately, we're not going to that damned West, we're going straight back to Hanhai City!"
"This job will keep us living the high life for years to come! Get it done quickly and quietly! Remember, leave no survivors!"
"Yes, boss!"
Several of the pirates' henchmen responded in unison, their eyes filled with cruelty and greed.
………………
A few minutes.
On the silent midnight sea, it seemed to stretch out for a long time, yet it also seemed to last only a moment.
The anticipated scenario of the prey falling into a deep sleep and being at the mercy of its prey did not materialize.
Instead, several abrupt and piercing screams rang out from the Sea Demon. The screams were filled with extreme pain and terror, and they traveled far across the open sea before being quickly swallowed up by the sound of the waves.
Immediately following was the sound of several heavy objects falling into the water with a splash!
On the deck, the pirates' henchmen who were originally preparing to sneak into the cabin, including the old scarred man with the sleeping potion tube, had disappeared.
Only a few splashes of water from the side of the boat and a faint smell of blood in the air proved that they had been there, and it was clear that they were the ones who had fallen into the water.
Haider kowtowed repeatedly, his voice distorted with fear, saying:
"Spare me...spare me! My lord, spare me!"
"I was blind and ignorant! I have offended you esteemed Soul Masters! I beg you to show mercy and spare my life. I am willing to serve you like a slave to atone for my sins!"
As he begged for mercy, his eyes glanced out of the corner of his eye toward the side of the ship from which the screams had come, where there seemed to be a familiar hem of clothing... It was his son!
His only son was also killed instantly and thrown into the sea!
Instantly, a piercing pain and overwhelming hatred overwhelmed Haider, but he kept his head down, not daring to show it at all, burying the deep-seated hatred and resentment of killing his son deep in the darkest corner of his heart.
Tang Chuan looked down at the now humble and pitiful pirate captain, his gaze as calm as if he were looking at an ant, and said:
"Fine, I have no other demands. Just get us safely to our destination, and I might spare your life."
Upon hearing this, Haider felt a surge of elation, but beneath his lowered eyelids, his eyes burned with a madness and resentment.
My son is dead!
His most cherished son, whom he had raised and nurtured with his own hands, was dead! These people before him were the murderers! What mercy? What delivery to the destination? It was all utter nonsense!
An extremely evil and insane thought began to grow wildly in his mind.
"Send you to your destination? Fine! I'll send you to your deaths!"
"But not towards that Poseidon Island you're thinking of! I'm going to sail the ship into the deepest part of the Devil's Triangle, into the Demon Whale Sea! The undercurrents, whirlpools, mists, and the legendary 100,000-year-old sea spirit beast there... even a Soul Saint or Soul Douluo would be doomed if they went in!"
"You think you're so powerful? You think you can kill me? I'll make you all pay with your lives for my son! You and your ship, we'll all go down to the bottom of the sea! Even if I can't escape in the end... it'll be worth it to take you damned soul masters, especially the enemies who killed my son, down with me!"
On the surface, however, he pretended to be even more fearful and obedient.
"Rest assured, sir! I will certainly make amends for my mistakes! I will ensure your safe arrival! I know this ship and this route like the back of my hand! I would never dare to have any disloyal thoughts again!"
He kowtowed, his tone utterly sincere.
Tang Chuan stared at him quietly for a few seconds, his gaze seemingly able to penetrate flesh and look straight into the soul.
Haider felt an invisible pressure, his heart pounding, and he almost suffocated.
Tang Chuan finally withdrew his gaze and said calmly:
"Remember what you just said. Take a few men and clean the deck thoroughly. Tomorrow morning, sail as usual. If there are any unusual movements... you know the consequences."
"Yes! Yes! I understand! Thank you for sparing my life, sir!" Haider felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He scrambled to his feet and beckoned to the remaining ordinary sailors who were already terrified and cowering in the corner, and began to clean up the marks on the deck with trepidation.
Back in the cabin, Xiao Ruier looked at Tang Chuan and asked softly:
"Do you really believe he'll obediently lead the way?"
Upon hearing this, Tang Chuan exhaled a breath of stale air, walked to the porthole, and looked out at the pitch-black sea that seemed capable of swallowing everything. He said in a calm and even tone, "Of course he wouldn't. The hatred of killing his son and his pirate nature mean he's probably plotting how to take us down with him right now."
"Then why?"
"Because I want him to take me to the Demon Whale Sea. My soul power has now reached level ninety, and my Blue Silver Emperor Martial Soul is just missing its last soul ring, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King." (End of Chapter)