Once the thought arose, it spread like wildfire and could no longer be contained.

He suddenly stood up and paced around the narrow cave.

Yes, why be confined to one place? Opportunities arise from the heavens and earth; those with the ability will occupy them!

Moonlight Pool and Thunder Waterfall can nurture spiritual caves; how many unique terrains exist in this vast archipelago and sea area?

Those remote islands, precipitous fjords, hidden sea caves, ancient volcanic craters...

The subtle, unnoticed inspiration hidden within it—isn't that precisely the resource he rapidly accumulated?

plunder!

A silent and efficient plunder of unclaimed spiritual sites!

This thought carried a chilling resolve.

There was also a fleeting consideration of the potential "karma" or "retribution from heaven and earth" that might result from "draining the pond to catch all the fish."

Speaking of which, could it be the Xuanhuang Realm...?

A thought arose, but he quickly suppressed it.

The path of cultivation is inherently about defying fate and seizing the creations of heaven and earth to build oneself.

In their past lives, cultivators would fight to the death for a single opportunity or a cave dwelling.

Compared to this, what's wrong with meager spiritual energy from these unclaimed lands?

Survival of the fittest is the way of the world.

The hesitation in his eyes was quickly replaced by sharpness and determination.

The path is now clear.

Once the thought arises, it spreads like wildfire.

Solo no longer hesitated and acted as swiftly and decisively as ever.

He first sought out his adoptive father, Viscount Renard, the lord of Fjord Island.

In the study, Solo made a request, citing his desire to depart for Emerald Isle ahead of schedule and use the voyage to travel to the surrounding islands, broaden his horizons, and hone his knightly skills in actual combat.

The old viscount put down his quill and carefully examined his son, whose demeanor was becoming increasingly somber.

Solo's focus and visible progress in "Cavaliers training" over the past few months have made him quite pleased.

Thinking that her son would eventually go to that distant wizarding academy, setting off earlier and seeing a wider world along the way might not be a bad thing.

After a moment's hesitation, Viscount Leonard nodded in agreement, not only granting Solo's request but also retrieving a heavy money pouch from a secret compartment in his study.

"There are three hundred gold coins in here, all of good quality, they'll be considered hard currency anywhere." Leonard pushed the money bag in front of Solo, his expression serious yet concerned.

"When you're out and about, be careful with your money and watch your surroundings. Remember to arrive at Emerald Island on time and don't miss your business."

If you encounter difficulties on the road... prioritize survival.

At this point, Leonard's expression became somewhat strange.

"I will remember my father's teachings." Solo solemnly accepted the money bag and bowed slightly.

These three hundred gold coins, combined with his previous hunting savings, constituted a considerable amount of start-up capital.

After obtaining permission, the last lingering concern in Solo's mind dissipated.

He once again ventured into the familiar cave deep within Thunder Falls.

This time, cultivation is no longer about absorbing knowledge gently.

He sat cross-legged at the core of the spiritual cave, and the moment he closed his eyes, his boundless spiritual consciousness surged forth like a wild horse.

Instead of constructing intricate guiding channels, it has transformed into a violent, predatory, and invisible vortex.

It bit down hard on the fragile spiritual energy channels of the acupoint!

The Taihao Nourishing Yuan Scripture was pushed to its limit, causing a slight swelling and pain in the meridians, yet it was converting the massive amount of spiritual energy forcibly torn into the body with maximum efficiency.

Inside the grotto, the moss that once emitted a faint glow dimmed and withered at a visible speed, the damp rock walls became dry, and even the roar of the waterfall outside seemed to have lost a certain lively rhythm, leaving only physical noise.

After a day and a night, Solo's aura suddenly surged, then slowly receded.

He opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and piercing, his cultivation already firmly established at the late stage of the second level of Qi Refining.

The grotto that once held a glimmer of inspiration is now completely "dead," devoid of any special features, and no different from any other ordinary cave in the mountains.

He got up and left without looking back.

Back at the castle, I quickly dealt with a few trivial matters—mainly a brief farewell to Instructor Andrei and the hunting party.

Then, with only a few belongings, they headed straight for Silver Creek Port.

The port was still bustling, filled with the salty sea breeze, the smell of goods, and the shouts of all sorts of people.

Solo's goal is clear:

Instead of boarding a passenger or cargo ship with a fixed schedule, he wanted to find a vessel that would be completely at his command, flexible enough, and with a trustworthy captain, for a private voyage that would last for months.

After inquiring at the taverns and ship brokerage firms where sailors gathered in the port, a two-masted schooner named "Wanderer" came into his view.

The captain was a one-eyed old sailor named Barton, whose face was etched with deep lines by the sea wind and the years, but his one eye remained sharp and shrewd.

It is said that this person has extremely rich sailing experience, especially familiar with the complex sea area between Fiordland Island and Emerald Island, which is full of islands and reefs. Moreover, he is quite daring and has taken on many unconventional commissions.

The "Wanderer" is well-maintained, with smooth hull lines, and looks like it has good speed and agility.

Solo found Captain Barton at the dock, who was personally inspecting the mooring lines.

"Captain Barton?" Solo asked, getting straight to the point.

The one-eyed captain turned around, looked Solo up and down, and lingered for a moment on Solo's simple clothes and calm demeanor.

He nodded, his voice hoarse. "It's me. What is it, young man?"

"I want to charter your ship," Solo said calmly, yet with an undeniable air of authority. "Not for a few days, not for a few weeks, but for at least five months."

Captain Barton narrowed his one eye slightly: "Chartering the ship for five months? That's no small price. Besides, the 'Wanderer' usually only handles short-haul cargo..."

"I need the ship to obey my commands completely," Solo interrupted him, continuing to clarify his requirements, "to operate in the waters of this archipelago between Fiordland Island and Emerald Isle for the next five months."

I will specify the islands to visit and the stops to make, and I will decide the length of the stay.

The final destination is Emerald Isle, but the sailing route must be according to my requirements.

The crew must obey orders and maintain confidentiality regarding voyage details.

"Five months? Completely at your command, to go to those remote places?" Barton stroked the stubble on his chin, a glint in his single eye.

That was the gleam in a businessman's eyes when he was weighing the risks and benefits.

"Young man, if I may be so bold, this doesn't sound like an ordinary travelogue."

That sea area is quite turbulent in some places—reefs, strange currents, and… some inexplicable things. My ship and crew can't withstand too much rough seas.”

"Money is not a problem." Solo said no more and opened his bag.

He piled the hundred gold coins given to him by the viscount, along with about fifty gold and silver coins of various kinds that he had accumulated, onto the lid of an unused wooden barrel next to him.

The golden light shimmered in the sunlight on the dock, producing a dull yet alluring clanging sound.

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