Samsara Paradise: Dream Weaver of Connections.

Redbeard, the legendary pirate captain, was standing at the bow of his 120-meter-long flagship, the "Red Dragon."

His fiery red beard fluttered in the sea breeze, and his imposing figure made him look like an iron tower.

His fleet was magnificent, with eighty cannons neatly arranged on both sides of the ship, and three thousand crew members each performing their duties. The entire fleet was imposing and powerful.

He came to intimidate Lin Yi.

Redbeard initially scoffed at what Agati had said.

What a clueless outsider, wanting things from Terror Island, so ignorant and arrogant.

He had traversed the Viking Seas for decades and had seen far too many outsiders who thought they had some skills and wanted to get a piece of the pie.

Even the three legendary pirate crews couldn't handle Terror Island together, so what makes an outsider think he can?
He originally planned to go there himself to teach those arrogant outsiders what the rules are on this vast ocean.

Then the news came.

A fast boat coming from the direction of Bone Island pulled up to the side of the Red Dragon.

A pirate covered in blood jumped off the ship and knelt before Redbeard, his voice so hoarse it was almost inaudible.

"The Bone Sheep... is gone. The entire pirate crew is gone."

Redbeard was stunned.

"A black sailboat, with the flag of Lord Bone Sheep flying at the bow, followed by a giant beast. The people on that ship killed Bone Sheep, and all the undead monsters turned to ash."

Redbeard's hands, which had held knives for decades, were now trembling like leaves.

It wasn't fear; it was that he simply couldn't understand what he was hearing.

That invincible madman, the Bone Sheep, that monster even the Nightmare God wouldn't dare provoke, is gone just like that? Even his flag has been hung on the bow of the ship as a trophy?
Redbeard remained silent for a full five minutes, and then he did something he had never done in all his years of sailing this sea.

He ordered the entire team to turn around and head towards Turtle Island at full speed.

They weren't going to intimidate Lin Yi; they were going to save their lives.

He was afraid that if he arrived late, those killing gods would get impatient and take care of him, the leader of one of the three legendary pirate groups.

With the Bone Sheep dead, how much stronger can Redbeard be?

The Red Dragon left a white trail on the sea surface, its speed doubling compared to its arrival.

The escort ships followed behind, none of them understanding what was happening, but no one dared to ask.

The captain's face was as white as paper, and his forehead was covered in cold sweat. Who would dare to say a word at this moment?
Meanwhile, in the capital city of the Kingdom of Fuinding, Seawind City.

The kingdom's council chamber was brightly lit, and people were seated on both sides of the long table.

There were nobles in fine clothes, generals in armor, and several civil officials in dark robes.

The king sat on the throne, his well-maintained face filled with solemnity.

Three days ago, news came from Turtle Island that two of the three legendary pirate crews—Black Sea Empress Agati and Redbeard—suddenly announced that they would meet on Turtle Island.

This had never happened before in the history of the Viking Seas; the meeting of the leaders of two major pirate groups seemed like they were about to do something big.

For decades, the Kingdom of Fudin and the pirate forces had maintained a delicate balance of power, with each side keeping the other in check.

Now that two pirate groups have suddenly joined forces, the kingdom must be on guard.

“We must send someone.” The king’s voice echoed in the council chamber. “Whatever they want to do, the kingdom must be present.”

Therefore, a delegation led by the Foreign Minister was formed overnight.

The members included the Kingdom's Foreign Minister, the Deputy Commander of the Navy, a close attendant of the King, and several low-ranking officials responsible for recording and running errands.

They brought the kingdom's finest gifts, boarded the ship overnight, and sped towards Turtle Island.

The fleet had barely left the harbor when a second message arrived.

The Bone Sheep Pirate Crew was destroyed, Bone Sheep himself was killed, and the entire pirate crew, along with everyone on Bone Island, vanished.

The Foreign Minister stood at the bow of the ship, clutching the intelligence report in his hand, his face ashen.

He recalled that before he set off, he was still complaining that the king was making a mountain out of a molehill, still thinking that the meeting between the two pirate groups was just a normal power struggle, and still calculating how to win more benefits for the kingdom in the negotiations.

He doesn't want anything else now; he just hopes to come back alive.

"Speed ​​up." His voice was so hoarse it was almost inaudible. "Full speed ahead."

The fleet's speed suddenly increased, but no one felt it was fast.

Everyone felt it was too slow, so slow that it seemed like they would never reach Turtle Island.

The news spread like a plague across the Viking Seas, and wherever it reached, panic ensued.

Those pirate crews that used to swagger around were now cowering in their own territories, not even daring to set sail.

The merchants who had business dealings with the Bone Sheep burned all their ledgers and contracts overnight.

Those enemies who had suffered at the hands of the Bone Sheep dared not even celebrate, for fear that their laughter would be heard by the people on the black sailboat.

And everyone is asking the same question—who exactly is the person on that black sailboat?
No one knows the answer, but everyone knows one thing: the person who can kill bone sheep, the person who can destroy an entire legendary pirate crew, the person who can even steal a flag as a trophy, is not someone they can mess with.

10 PM, Turtle Island.

Agati's three-story building was brightly lit, and the streets below had been cleared out. The pirates who usually roamed the alleys, the sailors who drowned their sorrows in the taverns, and the laborers who carried goods on the docks had all been driven several streets away.

No one dared to complain, and no one even dared to glance at them.

In the room upstairs, Agati stood beside Lin Yi, his posture as respectful as a servant.

She was wearing a dark robe, her hair tied back with a silver ribbon, and her hands were folded in front of her as she reported the intelligence she had just received to Lin Yi.

“Redbeard’s fleet has already passed the Broken Reefs and should arrive by tomorrow morning at the latest.” Her voice was low, with a hint of nervousness that she herself didn’t realize. “His original plan was to come directly… to talk to you. He sent word that his trip was purely for a visit and had no malicious intent.”

Lin Yi sat on the large wooden chair, holding a cup of tea in his hand. The tea was Agati's treasured tea, of excellent quality, with a light floral fragrance.

After listening to Agati's words, he did not respond immediately, but simply blew gently on the steam rising from the tea and took a sip.

Agati waited a moment, and seeing that Lin Yi did not intend to speak, he continued.

"Besides Redbeard, seven other groups will be coming. The Kingdom of Fuinding has sent its foreign minister to lead a delegation that has already arrived at the Reef Islands and will arrive by tomorrow morning. Several other smaller kingdoms have also sent people; some have already arrived, while others are still on their way. Several larger pirate groups have also sent people."

Her voice grew softer and softer, and by the last few words, she was almost talking to herself.

Lin Yi placed the teacup on the small round table next to him, the bottom of the cup hitting the table with a soft, crisp sound.

The sound was very soft, but it was exceptionally clear in the quiet room.

Agati's body trembled slightly.

"So, a total of eight factions will be attending the meeting tomorrow?"

Agati lowered her head; she knew the dissatisfaction in Lin Yi's words.

After the news spread, all the forces that smelled blood rushed over.

Some came to watch the excitement, some wanted a piece of the pie, and some were simply afraid of being left behind, so they hurriedly followed along.

“Redbeard… didn’t hide anything.” Her voice was hoarse. “Once the news spread, the other forces all knew. They… dared not not come.”

She phrased this cleverly, implying that she hadn't called them over, but that they had come of their own accord.

But Lin Yi could tell that if she hadn't leaked the information, this wouldn't have happened at all.

Lin Yi looked at her, his gaze calm and undisturbed.

Agati felt that gaze fall on him, and a cold sweat instantly broke out on his back.

She knew that her little schemes were obvious to others, and she was also clear that she had completely messed things up this time.

Su Xiao sat on another chair, with the Dragon Slayer Sword lying across his lap, his hand resting on the hilt of the sword. He was relaxed, his eyes half-closed, as if he were dozing.

After hearing Agati's words, Su Xiao opened her eyes and glanced at Agati.

If he were alone this time, he might really have to reconsider meeting with Redbeard.

After all, the title of leader of the three legendary pirate crews is not just for show; even if they could win in a real fight, they would have to pay a considerable price.

But there are four people here right now. If a conflict were to break out, Su Xiao was confident that none of the people on Turtle Island would be able to leave.

And if things really get really heated, Turtle Island might just sink.

He looked away without saying anything.

Some things don't need to be said; those who are meant to understand will understand.

Lin Yi pondered for a moment, then tapped his fingers lightly twice on the armrest of the chair.

"Have them come to the meeting tomorrow, right here. No exceptions."

Agati paused for a moment, then realized what was happening.

Right here, in her little building, she served tea and water, while the representatives of that group stood below listening.

This is both punishment and a warning.

Lin Yi used this method to tell her, and everyone else, who calls the shots on this vast ocean.

Her voice was a little dry, but she still agreed.

"Yes."

Lin Yi glanced at her and added a sentence.

"Since they want to put themselves to the test, let's see if their strength is enough."

Agati lowered his head, not daring to say anything more.

She turned and left the room to make arrangements for tomorrow's meeting.

The moment the door closed behind her, she leaned against the wall in the hallway, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

Her back was soaked with cold sweat, and the dark robe clung to her skin, sticking uncomfortably.

She has been working on this sea for so many years, climbing from an unknown nobody to where she is today. She has experienced countless life-and-death situations and faced countless powerful enemies, but she has never been like this before.

It's not fear, it's helplessness.

It's that feeling of helplessness—no matter how much you calculate or scheme, it's all useless in the face of absolute power.

She took a deep breath, straightened her body, adjusted her clothes, and walked downstairs.

Turtel was waiting for her at the top of the stairs, and when he saw her come down, he bowed slightly.

"My lord, the message has been sent out."

Agati nodded.

"What was their reaction?"

Turt remained silent for a moment.

"No one said much. But when the messenger returned, he always added a gift."

Agati's lips twitched slightly; she understood the implication of the gift. Those people weren't stupid; anyone who reached that position was shrewd.

Upon hearing the news of the Bone Sheep's destruction, they already knew how presumptuous their uninvited visit had been. Offering gifts was both an apology and a test.

I wanted to see just how bad-tempered these killers really were, and to see if I had crossed them.

“Have them bring all the gifts first thing tomorrow morning.” Agati’s voice was calm, but there was an undeniable air of authority in his tone. “Those who are attending this meeting aren’t fools. They should know that this matter cannot be resolved by simply adding a gift.”

Turt nodded and turned to leave.

As night deepened, the lights on Turtle Island went out one by one.

Those taverns that usually stay open all night are closed early today.

The pirates who used to roam the alleys huddled in their dens, not daring to utter a sound. The entire island was as quiet as a graveyard.

Only the lights were still on in Agati's little building.

Silent all night.

Early the next morning, before dawn, there was already activity at the Turtle Island pier.

When the first ship docked, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

It was a medium-sized sailboat, painted dark brown, with a logo on the sails that Lin Yi had never seen before.

Several people were standing on the deck at the bow of the ship. The leader was a middle-aged man in his forties, wearing a dark robe and with an exquisitely decorated short sword hanging at his waist.

When he disembarked, his steps were noticeably unsteady, and he stumbled at the edge of the dock. Fortunately, someone next to him helped him up so he didn't fall.

He was Viking Hales, the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Fuindin.

An old fox who had been navigating the negotiating table for decades now stood on the pier of Turtle Island with an expression more unpleasant than tears.

He brought three gifts with him when he came.

One copy was for the kingdom, and two were for himself. After receiving Agati's message last night, he added two more copies.

He was carrying five gift boxes in his hands, and two servants followed behind him, each carrying several boxes.

There was nothing they could do; they had received a third message, and the Nightmare God had also died at the hands of this group.

This news was so explosive that they had to add an extra generous gift.

"Sir, are we too early?" the attendant behind him asked in a low voice.

Hales glanced at him, his gaze complex.

"It's not early. The earlier the better."

He strode toward the island, his servants hurrying after him, their steps quick, the boxes rattling in their hands.

By the time the second ship arrived, it was already broad daylight; it was Redbeard's ship.

The Red Dragon was too large and had too deep a draft to dock directly at Turtle Island's pier.

Redbeard switched to a small boat, and with two trusted men, rowed it ashore.

When he jumped off the ship, he was only wearing an ordinary dark robe, with no knife at his waist, not even the scimitar he always carried with him.

His signature fiery red beard fluttered in the morning breeze, but his expression was not as flamboyant and domineering as usual; instead, it carried a rare solemnity.

The two trusted subordinates behind him were also unarmed.

The three of them stood empty-handed on the dock, waiting for Agati's men to lead the way.

The early-rising pirates on the dock stared wide-eyed at the sight.

Redbeard, the leader of one of the three legendary pirate crews, a figure who had dominated this sea for decades, actually came to Turtle Island empty-handed, without even a knife.

If this gets out, the entire Viking Sea will be in an uproar.

But no one dared to laugh, and no one even dared to look at it for long.

The pirates lowered their heads, pretending to be busy with their own affairs, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Turtel walked out of the island and stopped in front of Redbeard.

He bowed slightly and gestured for them to proceed.

"The master is already waiting."

More ships gradually docked, including representatives from small kingdoms, envoys from pirate groups, and other people whose identities were unclear.

They carried gifts of all sizes, their steps hurried, as if rushing to a trial from which they did not know whether they would return alive.

By nine o'clock in the morning, the area in front of Agati's three-story building was already packed with people.

Representatives from the eight factions, along with their entourages and servants, numbering forty or fifty, crowded in the open space in front of the building.

No one spoke, and no one even dared to breathe loudly.

They just stood there, heads down, looking at their toes, waiting for the people inside to call them in.

Agati came out of the building and stood in the doorway. She was wearing a dark robe, her hair was tied back with a silver ribbon, and her hands were folded in front of her, her posture as dignified as a noblewoman.

But she looked unwell, with sunken eyes, clearly having not slept all night.

"Come in, everyone." Her voice wasn't loud, but everyone present heard it clearly.

The crowd began to move into the building. No one rushed, no one pushed, and no one even dared to take a step faster.

They entered one by one in the same order they had come in, their footsteps so light they made almost no sound.

The rooms upstairs have been rearranged.

Four chairs were placed in the center. Lin Yi sat in the middle chair, Su Xiao sat to his left, Mond sat to his right, and Shang Yue's seat was empty.

The chairs were brought over overnight by Agati; they were made of the finest wood, padded with the thickest cushions, and each one was placed securely on the floor.

There was nothing else.

There were no extra chairs, no extra stools, not even a place to lean against.

Agati stood beside Lin Yi, holding a teapot in his hand, his posture as respectful as a servant.

She was standing about half a step to Lin Yi's right.

Redbeard was the first to walk in.

He paused for a moment when he saw the four chairs.

Four chairs, three people are sitting, and one is empty.

His gaze swept across the chairs, lingered for a moment on the empty one, and then looked away.

He didn't speak, but silently walked to the wall and stood there with his hands at his sides, his posture as submissive as a soldier waiting for instructions.

The two trusted subordinates behind him exchanged a glance and then stood in line as well.

The expressions on the faces of those behind Redbeard became even more interesting when they saw this.

Redbeard, the leader of one of the three legendary pirate crews, stood obediently by the wall, without even a seat.

Agati stood by, serving tea and water, not daring to even sit down.

Before they arrived, they thought that Redbeard, being the leader of one of the three major pirate crews, should at least have some prestige.

And now? Standing.

Standing, just like everyone else.

Foreign Minister Hales stood next to Redbeard, clutching the five gift boxes in his hand.

He glanced at the red-bearded man, then at Agati, and finally fixed his gaze on the four chairs.

The young man sitting in the middle was drinking tea, his movements were casual and his posture relaxed, as if he were at home.

His gaze shifted from the teacup to the people standing in the room.

Hales felt that gaze sweep over him, and he instinctively lowered his head, not daring to meet it.

Lin Yi placed the teacup on the small round table next to him.

The soft sound was exceptionally clear in the quiet room, causing everyone's bodies to tense up slightly.

He looked at the people standing in the room, his gaze sweeping over their faces one by one.

"Everyone's here?"

Agati bowed slightly.

"They've all arrived."

Lin Yi nodded.

He did not allow Agati to pour tea for these people, nor did he offer them a seat.

It's not that there aren't chairs, it's that they're unnecessary.

These uninvited guests need to be taught a lesson.

They are too used to scheming and plotting on this vast ocean, too used to using roundabout methods to achieve their goals.

They need to know that some rules are not up to them to set, and some people's patience is not something they can test.

Redbeard stood by the wall, his gaze fixed on the empty chair beside him.

He didn't know who that position was reserved for, but he knew that anyone who could secure a spot among these four people was definitely not ordinary.

Hales stood next to Redbeard, the gift box in his hands growing heavier and heavier.

Before he set off, the king was worried that the meeting of the two pirate groups would be detrimental to the kingdom.

Looking back now, that worry was utterly ridiculous.

These two pirate captains, one standing by the wall like a stake, the other serving tea and water like a servant, what harm could they possibly do to the kingdom? The real concern is the people sitting in those four chairs.

He glanced furtively at Lin Yi, then at Su Xiao, before turning his gaze back to his toes. He'd been at the negotiating table for decades, encountering all sorts of adversaries, but he'd never met anyone like this.

No negotiation, no bargaining, no conditions offered, just let them stand there and wait.

This kind of waiting is more suffocating than any contest at the negotiating table.

Time passed by, second by second.

The delegates stood by the wall, their legs weak and their backs covered in sweat, but none of them dared to move an inch.

They just stood there, waiting, not knowing what would happen next.

Finally, Lin Yi spoke.

"Now that we're here, let's get down to business."

His voice wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear in the quiet room.

Everyone tensed up slightly, their ears perked up, afraid of missing a single word.

"Terror Island." (End of Chapter)