Witch, I'm really not an ancient god of the deep sea!

Chapter 228 The Beginning of the War

The roar of the steamships grew louder and louder!

Amid the roar of steam, people ran back and forth on the deck like ants on a hot plate.

"Dagger," the helmsman commanded hoarsely.
"Adjust to port! Activate the last hidden power source, replenish the protective shield, and the lifeboat is ready to go!"
If intelligence officers spot any unusual vessels, report it immediately!

Fenrir the Mad Wolf also emerged from the captain's cabin, taking out a high-end Eye of the Voyage machine:

"Black Hunter, and Miss Witch! The situation is not optimistic! This is the information we have so far."

Fenrir turned the knob, and the machine in his hand began to make a sound.

"Dagger, someone has used the signal tower to send information about the Flower Witch, the Black Hunter, and the Trial Grounds to the entire Witch Sea."

"Currently, based on observed ships, more than fifteen vessels from different factions have entered the Aberration Sea. Meanwhile, the Bloodblade Pirates are deeply embroiled in battle with the Black Whale Pirates and are unable to provide effective fire support."

"Dagger, you must leave the Aberration Sea and reach the territory of Red Maple Island—"

The situation doesn't seem very optimistic... Chen Qi patted the machine.

The Flower Witch frowned; the feeling of being hunted by multiple forces was absolutely terrible.

Fenrir the Mad Wolf lit a cigarette and gave a self-deprecating, bitter laugh:

"The last time so many forces were alarmed was on the eve of the Rift Tide, when the Deep Sea Hunters' treasure map caused all four major pirate groups to frantically search for the treasure."

"Now, with the tides of the rift, the number of greedy treasure hunters in this sea is far more than just 'four pirates'. However, the arrival of the Ice Demon Pirate Crew is good news. I heard that the Ice Demon Pirate Crew is on the witch's side."

"It's all because of me..."

The flowers on the head of the Flower Witch Fen bent down involuntarily, and she whispered.

She possesses not only the Flower Witch's class card, the Blade Witch's relics, and detailed information about all the Trial Grounds, but also the Ice Witch's prophecy...

Fenrir the Mad Wolf took out a sea chart:
"Gentlemen, if we want to return safely to Red Maple Island and Black Mine City, we're going to take a gamble. My suggestion is to head straight for Red Maple Island, but as a trade-off, the probability of us being surrounded by other ships will increase significantly."

What do you think? "

Fenrir the Mad Wolf presented a bold plan.

Since we're surrounded, let's just charge straight in!
You might even run into the Ice Demon Pirates!
Wait, we're surrounded... Chen Qi looked at the sea chart.

The Aberration Sea, Red Maple Island, the abandoned naval research base, and Black Mine City—

Because of the whirlpool, one must pass through the Aberrant Sea to get out.

Therefore, although it was on the open sea, the Dagger actually didn't have many options.

Of course, this is just their perspective.

In Chen Qi's opinion, this sea route is very spacious! You can drive anywhere!

First, they will continue deeper into the Sea of ​​Distortion, their destination being the perilous Sea of ​​Mist.

However, neither Fenrir nor the Flower Witch would agree to this option.

Besides that, there are the dangerous sea areas within the Aberration Sea itself!
As a forbidden place, the Aberrant Sea is home to far more than just the Black Lantern Dragon, a dangerous sea creature, and far more than just the mist, a dangerous weather phenomenon.

Of course, either option was a bit too exciting for the crew of the Dagger.

But given the current situation, this is indeed a pretty good option... Chen Qi stroked his chin.

By simply taking a detour, one can avoid most of the enemy ships.

Fenrir crouched down, spread the nautical chart on the ground, and began to plan the subsequent route.

However, the numerous danger signs prevented him from taking action.

Chen Qi silently said:
"Wild Wolf, Finn, I have a good idea."

"???"

Chen Qi took the pen and casually made a light stroke in the dark area of ​​the nautical chart:
"These places look pretty spacious, don't they? Let's follow this route and go around them!"

Spacious? What kind of reason is that? Everyone on the ship looked up in disbelief at the Black Hunter and the route on the nautical chart.

Spaciousness, isn't that just a terrifying place where no one is around?

Is Black Hunter always this aggressive when he drives the boat?
"..."

Fenrir the mad wolf fell silent for a moment:

"Mr. Black Hunter, are you sure there's no problem? This area is the habitat of the Black Lantern Dragon, and besides that, there are many ferocious and brutal Will-o'-the-Wisp Fish."

If it were anyone else, Mad Wolf would have slapped them already.

However, Chen Qi's "fishing in the storm" gave Fenrir a feeling, a strong feeling:

That means if you follow the black hunters, you'll get meat to eat! And you'll be safe!

If it weren't for the Black Hunters, their Dagger would still be at the Navy's abandoned research base, locked in a fierce battle with the Black Whales.

Fen also asked:
Is this really feasible?

Fen looked at Chen Qi with suspicion.

The more she looked at Chen Qi, the more mysterious she found him!

There shouldn't be any problem... Chen Qi explained:
"Everyone, as you should know, I once obtained a treasure from a deep-sea hunter by sheer luck."

Besides the 'Fishing in the Storm' experience, I also obtained a 'Monster Hunter Guide' for deep-sea hunters. This guide details the weaknesses and habits of most monsters, so I have enough confidence to venture into dangerous waters.

Fen: "Σ(⊙▽⊙"!"

There's more to this than that!

You actually have a Deepsea Hunter monster-killing guide!
Fen couldn't help but feel a surge of shock. After following Chen Qi for so long, a huge question in her heart had finally been answered.

Fenrir the Mad Wolf suddenly realized:

"I see, no wonder, Mr. Hunter, your title is the Black Hunter..."

"Yes."

Chen Qi said honestly.

In fact, he does possess knowledge of dealing with various monsters.

However, he rarely used this knowledge.

The group looked at each other, but no one objected.

Chen Qi picked up his pen and carefully planned a nautical chart.

Chen Qi silently turned around and looked at the ruins of the abandoned naval research base center.

Beneath those ruins, it seemed, lurked a gigantic monster, a monster ready to pounce.

We have to hurry..." Chen Qi shouted.

"Alright, everyone, in that case, let's follow this route! Break through the encirclement!!"

"Yes, Captain! Everyone, let's go!"

"Fenrir the mad wolf!" Fenrir roared.

With the roar of the boilers, the Dagger's engines were revved to full speed, and like a fast fish, it plunged into the depths of the fog.

……

……

boom! boom!
The sound of thunder and lightning continued.

Under the pitch-black night sky, the Dagger, like a small boat, glides alone and tenaciously through the raging storm with its towering waves.

Rain poured down like a waterfall, relentlessly pounding the deck with a dense, rapid sound, blending with the roar of the waves crashing against the ship's hull to create a breathtaking symphony. Beneath the hull, dark shadows lurked and writhed, trying to approach the rapidly moving vessel.

The crew members gripped the ropes tightly, their steps faltering, but they dared not relax for a moment.

Once they are blown away by the wind, they will become food for these shadows.

"It's pouring rain."

Chen Qi stood at the bow of the boat, letting the wind and rain wash over him. His gaze pierced through the rain curtain, searching for a glimmer of direction in the chaos.

Chen Qi cast a superb bait into the sea, simultaneously unleashing a powerful "repulsion" intent towards the "monster" beneath the ocean floor.

As the bait fell into the sea, countless shadows on the deep seabed quickly intertwined and twisted together, like a herd of beasts fighting over food.

As the monster departed, the Dagger increased its speed.

As expected of the Black Hunter, his knowledge is truly extensive... The crew members in the storm breathed a sigh of relief.

Almost solved... Chen Qi clapped his hands:
"Mad Wolf, we are about to leave the Sea of ​​Mist. The rest of the route is in your hands."

"No problem! Leave it to me, Black Hunter! Thank you for your command!"

Fenrir the Mad Wolf, carrying his greatsword, readily agreed.

After finishing his instructions, Chen Qi leaned against the box, took out the Hand of Ember from the Trial Grounds of the Blade Witch, and examined it carefully.

The Hand of Ember looks like a solidified flame, about the size of a palm.

Infuse spiritual energy and attempt to manipulate...

Chen Qi took a breath.

As spiritual energy was injected, a portion of the flame began to burn, then quickly transformed into a long, burning hand that danced in the air.

Soon, the hand reached two meters in length, and then the flames became fierce and violent! They began to twist and twitch!
So long! So awkward!
However, it's so difficult to control...

Chen Qi tried to circulate his spiritual power, but he was completely unable to control it.

"Ignite the Hand of Ember, forged from deep blue flames. This flame demands immense spiritual power, therefore, violent spiritual power is more suitable for manipulating it..."

As Fen, the Flower Witch, spoke, she very naturally sat down next to Chen Qi.

"Violent spiritual power?"

Following Fen's instructions, Chen Qi manipulated the Hand of Ember.

Soon, from this small flame, one, two, or even three fiery hands began to emerge...

However, Chen Qi soon felt a lack of spiritual power and stopped manipulating it.

"Phew, so this is the Hand of Ember? It really takes a lot of energy..."

A smile appeared on Chen Qi's lips.

High energy consumption is not a weakness of the Hand of Ember, but rather its very nature.

Deep-sea fire is an extremely rare resource found on the Rift Tides!
On the Witch's Sea, any relic associated with the deep blue fire is extremely powerful.

The lingering flames on his body must also be related to the fire of the deep sea.

Tick ​​tock!

In the storm, Fen slowly raised her head; the flowers on her head had been wilted by the downpour.

At that moment, Deep Sea Sprite II came over with a leaf umbrella and sheltered the two from the rain.

In the midst of the storm, Finn suddenly wiped her eyes and said:
"Qi, if it weren't for me, you wouldn't be in this predicament, you wouldn't be being hunted down by Big Mom Carroll, you wouldn't be targeted by the Black Lantern Dragon, and you wouldn't be in this situation..."

In Fen's view, it was her relationship that led to this series of events.

She was the one who started this story.

Fen... looked out at the heavy rain in the distance as she woke up:

"this is nothing……"

"Besides, my bounty on the Navy's wanted list might not be lower than yours."

As a main character, the Flower Witch is inherently connected to the main storyline.

However, the treasure obtained from the Flower Witch and the speed of growth far surpassed those of other events!

This trial grounds allowed Chen Qi to elevate his strength to a new level.

Blade Break, plus Heart of the Bonfire, Hound Walk, Sense Ability, and Hand of Ember...

With a solid foundation, I can now think of a way to advance to the third tier.

It's fair to say that without the Flower Witch, he wouldn't have been able to grow so quickly!
The Flower Witch lowered her head, leaned on Chen Qi's shoulder, and whispered:

"Qi, my gains from this trip are the witch's relic 'Key of the Blade,' plus the fourth-tier job card I have. My bounty will increase by at least 30 million coins!"

"The Blade Key? A relic of a domain?"

Chen Qi asked in surprise.

This item is something that only a fourth-tier transcendent can control, according to the forum!

Fen nodded:
"Yes, a relic used to unleash massive blade disintegration beyond the rules. Although it's just a replica, it still possesses 20% of the performance. In addition, it's also the key to open the Blade Witch's exclusive rift..."

Opening the Blade Witch's exclusive rift, plus unleashing a massive Blade Release...

This is what Fen has gained!
"The witch's relic is really nice, but it's useless to me..." Chen Qi comforted him.

"Don't worry, Fen, nothing will happen. Besides, we might end up causing trouble for each other."

Chen Qi looked at the Hand of Ember in his hand and smiled slightly.

His record on the high seas is becoming increasingly impressive, and in the eyes of some, his bounty may not be lower than that of the witch.

Finn lowered her head, tucked it into her knees, and whispered:

"Yes, Qi, according to the prophecy I received, war and calamity are coming. If you want to survive, you'd better retreat to the city, or into a safe organization..."

Chen Qi answered decisively:
“No interest whatsoever! Fen, hiding won’t help. Only by standing on the crest of the wave can you gain a foothold.”

Fen paused for a moment:
"Only by standing at the crest of the wave... what you, my teacher, and my parents say is so similar..."

In the pouring rain, Fen poured out her troubles and then looked into the distance.

On this vast ocean, I am money… Finn slowly raised her head.

However, at this moment, it seems to confirm her statement.

Amidst the dark clouds and thunderous storm, surging waves churned on the sea surface.

Beneath those gloomy clouds, a flag with a black background slowly emerged from the horizon, rising higher and higher!

Above that black flag was a huge black whale, accompanied by a tremendous roar, the entire ship seemed to be emitting a huge whale's roar!

This ship… Chen Qi frowned.

What lay before them was not an ordinary Black Whale pirate ship, but the vessel of the executive, the Gun Queen, Big Mom Carol!

A Tier 4 legendary ship!
"Adjust to port! Full speed retreat!"

Fenrir the mad wolf roared.

Meanwhile, at the bow of the ship in the distance, Aunt Carol blew a puff of hot, smoking gun barrel:

"After wandering around three times, I finally found it!"

I'll say it again, this time we're only capturing them alive!

(End of this chapter)