612: Is this a mix-up?

In other words, the appearance of these Lanterns was not accidental.

Either Headless Undeads or Life-Burning Sprites, these two beings will respond to the appearance of Lanterns.

A glint flashed in Shen Bei’s eyes. He had previously guessed that their luck couldn't be so bad that they would be surrounded by a group of Headless Lanterns as soon as they entered the South Sea.

How could there be such a coincidence? Although the South Sea is not as vast as the Dead Sea, its expanse is measured in tens of thousands of miles.

How unlucky must their position be to encounter a group of Headless Lanterns face to face?

“Captain…” Ran Xiaoran’s face was pale, and she stood there nervously, terrified that Shen Bei would sell her or sacrifice her passively…

“You go down and rest. During this time, absolutely do not leave the Ghost Ship, and if not necessary, do not even leave the cabin.” Shen Bei waved his hand, telling Ran Xiaoran to go down and rest.

Ran Xiaoran breathed a sigh of relief and nodded obediently, knowing that the Captain was both comforting her and warning her, so she wouldn't always go out and wander…

No matter how much Ran Xiaoran loved to wander, she didn’t neglect her duties. She was a good human radar and recruited many sailors. Regardless, if a crew member didn't make a mistake, he naturally couldn't abandon her.

At the same time, Shen Bei didn't care why Ran Xiaoran attracted the Lanterns.

If he were to delve deeper, it might lead to something else entirely.

Let it be.

Thinking of this, Shen Bei couldn't help but secretly congratulate himself.

Fortunately, he had a lightning aura that could generate lightning behind his head, avoiding the attention of the Headless Lanterns.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to find a pair of underpants that had just been taken off a person at that time.

Only his own underwear, not only had no strange smell, but also carried his powerful Qi…

As for those rough and burly sailors, not only were they ugly, but they were also a bunch of weaklings, and it was normal for them to wear a pair of underwear for half a year. Ran Xiaoran would probably rather die than choose to put them on her head.

The next few days were very calm. The South Sea was tranquil and peaceful, with almost no powerful Vicious Beasts in the sea.

He had never been so comfortable sailing for so long.

The matter of the Headless Lanterns was over, and they hadn't seen them again.

After traveling all the way to Kong Ming Island in the southernmost part of the South Sea, they finally heard news about the Headless Lanterns at the dock.

It was said that many people south of Kong Ming Island who hadn't heard these legends had perished, but no one knew where those Headless Lanterns were now.

“Give the order: whether they know Xiao Ran’s identity or not, tell them to keep their mouths shut. Whoever leaks the news, I advise them to commit suicide; it will be a more comfortable death.”

Before docking, Shen Bei issued a gag order to everyone.

And Ran Xiaoran was also confined to the cabin, not allowed to show her face.

Ran Xiaoran, who usually loved to wander, was now afraid and obediently stayed in her cabin, not even leaving its door.

The Ghost Ship’s resupply on Kong Ming Island went smoothly.

After all, it still belonged to the territory of the Underworld Kingdom, and the currency was universally accepted.

After a two-day stop.

Butcher Guan knocked and entered.

“Captain, people from Kong Ming Island and the Lantern Sect are here, and this is what the First Mate asked me to give to the Captain.”

Shen Bei held the book and read its contents.

It contained detailed information about Kong Ming Island, as well as data on all the forces near Kong Ming Island.

Kong Ming Island, in simple terms, was ruled by a local tyrant who was king of the island. It wasn't quite an administrative district, nor was it quite a Family.

The current Island Master is named Duan Kong. He single-handedly established Kong Ming Island. He is an old fellow who has lived for an unknown number of years, but in his youth, he fought tirelessly to establish this foundation. He suffered severe injuries countless times, and at the time, he did not fully recover, which naturally damaged his Lifespan over time.

Now he is about to die of old age and wants to find a Life-Burning Sprite. What else could it be for?

No need to guess, it must be for extending his Lifespan.

It seems this Island Master of Kong Ming has probably tried all other methods of extending his Lifespan.

Just like Medicinal Pills for extending Lifespan, the first pill taken always has the best effect, and subsequent pills have diminishing effects. For good ones, three is the limit; for poorer ones, one is the limit.

Moreover, these Medicinal Pills don't extend Lifespan by much; a few decades is considered good.

“This old scoundrel is probably at his wit's end. Does he really think Xiao Ran would fall for him, fall in love with him, and extend his Lifespan?” Shen Bei sneered…

It was not surprising that they wanted a Life-Burning Sprite.

After reading the information, Shen Bei raised his eyelids.

“Who came from Duan Kong Island?”

“The Island Master’s third grandson.”

“Did he bring a gift list?”

“Uh, no…”

“Tell him to scram.” Shen Bei’s face darkened, and his impression of the Island Master of Duan Kong immediately worsened considerably.

Damn it, you send your third grandson, and you still expect to see me, this Captain?

Doesn't that mean I'm on the same level as your third grandson?

And he didn't even bring a gift for the meeting. Is this the attitude of someone asking for help?

He recalled that the log specifically mentioned that Duan Kong Island had placed an order but hadn't paid a deposit, which probably annoyed the First Mate who recorded it last time.

So stingy, just wait to die.

But after a day.

Island Master Duan Kong personally came to visit.

And brought gifts.

One jin of Ten Absolute Tea, said to be a rare treasure for Body Cultivators to aid their cultivation, and quite valuable.

It just suited Shen Bei’s taste.

Only then did Shen Bei show a slightly better expression.

Frankly speaking, he represented King Wei, and Duan Kong was merely a figure who survived by relying on the nation's goodwill.

He just didn't want to bother with him; otherwise, with a large army pressing, Kong Ming Island could be flattened in one encounter.

The two sides first exchanged compliments.

After the pleasantries, they began to discuss business.

“Shen Master, do you have a Life-Burning Sprite here?” Duan Kong asked with a look of anticipation.

Indeed.

This old fellow was after Ran Xiaoran.

“I don’t have a Life-Burning Sprite. What other business do you want to discuss?” Shen Bei asked, hidden in the shadows.

“The Captain is joking. Since the Captain says he doesn’t have one, then there naturally isn’t a Life-Burning Sprite. However, with the appearance of the Headless Lanterns, we know, and others will naturally know too.” Duan Kong smiled indifferently, then changed the subject: “I did come this time to discuss a business deal with the Captain, a big one!”

“Tell me about it.” Shen Bei pretended not to understand. In fact, when the Headless Lanterns appeared, Shen Bei had already guessed, after a brief thought, that someone would definitely connect it to the Life-Burning Sprite.

“We want to cooperate with the Captain to explore a place that requires a sufficiently sturdy ship to reach, and the Youling Pirates, who have traversed the Dead Sea for many years, are the best choice.”

“The Endless Sea?” This was the first thing Shen Bei thought of.

South of the Great Wilderness is the South Sea, spanning 180,000 miles. This is the only relatively stable sea area south of the Great Wilderness. Beyond the South Sea is the Dead Sea, with storms every three to five days and harsh environments. Apart from ferocious Vicious Beasts, most Sea Clan find it difficult to survive in this sea area.

The sea area beyond the Dead Sea is collectively known as the Endless Sea, and most of the Sea Clan live there.

There is basically no conflict between the South Sea and the Sea Clan, largely because of the vast buffer zone of the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea is dangerous, but the Endless Sea is even more dangerous. There are many intelligent beings there. According to Scar, some Sea Clan have even established kingdoms, which is far more dangerous than the mindless Vicious Beasts in the Dead Sea.

“No, the Endless Sea is not a place we can set foot in.” Duan Kong immediately denied this, and instead pointed upwards: “Captain, have you heard of the Ascension Tide?”

“Ascension Tide? The world above the clouds?” Shen Bei was somewhat stunned. What the hell, are we crossing over storylines?