novelraw Chapter 192: The Ghost Ship's Maiden Voyage
Chapter 192: The Ghost Ship's Maiden Voyage
Chen Qi turned his head.
The scene that should have been one of glorious homecoming with bright lights and bustling crowds had been thrown into chaos by the Black Pig Shark's attack, blade storms, and various other disturbances.
The salty tang of seawater mixed with people's complaints hung in the air, creating a suffocating atmosphere.
Two captains walked past Chen Qi, cursing at the navy stationed at the dock:
"What exactly is the navy good for? They can't even handle the Blackfin Crew's Black Pig Shark! If we hadn't encountered the Flower Witch's little flower boat, we'd all be dead!"
"Don't waste breath on these useless navy rats! The Blood Blade Pirates have announced they'll take over the Black Pig Shark matter! Wait for them instead - if we rely on these navy fools, our Blackore City might see a deep-sea titan next!"
A navy soldier immediately shoved one captain:
"What did you just say? Do you know who you're talking to? Do you have any idea how powerful the Black Pig Shark is?"
"So you throw the first punch? Don't you know my employer is Magic Bullet Company?"
Both sides swiftly drew their cutlasses and began fighting.They started brawling just like that? Chen Qi sidestepped to avoid a navy man's accidental collision.
The reason for their fight was absurdly simple and violent.
The investigator shrugged helplessly.
After staying in Blackore City, he'd grown accustomed to such "hospitable" local customs.
Then he reminded Chen Qi:
"You see how it is, friend. If you're sailing out, you must be prepared. These aren't coastal waters - even if you avoid dangerous routes, you'll still face threats. If possible, visit Seal Logistics in Blackore City. They've recently started offering escort services."
"Understood."
After gathering more information, Chen Qi walked toward his houseboat facing the sea breeze.
The Blood Blade Pirates, Flower Witch, and Black Pig Shark...
In the original storyline, the Flower Witch would have allied with both the Blood Blade Pirates and Blade Witch at Sea Flower Island!
But due to his interference, the Flower Witch and Blood Blade Pirates were now complete strangers.
In Blackore City, the Flower Witch was supposed to join forces with the Blood Blade Pirates against the Blackfin Crew in a disastrous naval battle.
That battle would have been when the Flower Witch first unleashed her full power, staining the sea red and cementing her reputation.
It was also one of her few victories.
But now, without the Blood Blade Pirates' support, her allies had shrunk from an entire pirate fleet to a maritime newbie like Chen Qi...
Could the Flower Witch defeat the Black Pig Shark? Could she overcome the Blackfin Crew's ships?
Perhaps her situation was even more perilous than he'd imagined... Chen Qi knocked his forehead, feeling an ominous premonition.
Yet currently, he had no way to rendezvous with the Flower Witch.
Though her hiding methods were unconventional, she wouldn't be easily found.
"Better deal with Levin's matter first..."
Chen Qi shook his head.
The treasure Levin sought involved the Deep Sea Hunters and Ice Witch.
Perhaps he'd encounter the Flower Witch while completing this mission.
Chen Qi returned to his cozy little boat, entering the captain's cabin to prepare sailing into dangerous waters teeming with sea beasts.
If he needed to reveal his Black Hunter identity, tomorrow wouldn't be suitable for receiving Levin at the dock.
A hazardous stretch of sea would make better accommodations for Levin!
"Waku waku! (Master! Master!)"
Having rested sufficiently, the Deepsea Water Spirits who hadn't seen their master all day immediately crowded around.
Chen Qi patted them.
"Activate!"
Taking a deep breath, Chen Qi triggered the ghost ship's Overload Mode!
Ghost Ship, Phantom Flame Mode - engage!
With a rustling sound,
the wood grain on the hull seemed to deepen, every line hiding ancient secrets as if the entire vessel had instantly aged a hundred years.
Eerie green flames suddenly erupted across the deck, howling winds sweeping through to create an utterly sinister atmosphere!
This was the Phantom Flame Core's power... Chen Qi surveyed his ship.
Now his houseboat properly resembled a ghost ship.
Quite impressive! Chen Qi smiled faintly.
This appearance should be sufficient to intimidate Levin.
Returning to the cabin, Chen Qi checked on still-sleeping Water Spirit No.1.
No movement except slight breathing indicated any signs of life.
"Not recovered yet? Hang in there..."
After replenishing No.1's seawater and planning tomorrow's schedule, Chen Qi began meditation practice.
Unconsciously, night passed.
Exhausted, Chen Qi leaned back in his chair, gaze fixed on a small yellow flower on the moonlit windowsill.
"May tomorrow go smoothly..."
......
Next day, Blackore City docks.
Bright sunshine and clear skies made perfect sailing weather.
Levin wore heavy armor with a specialized shotgun at his waist.
"Stay calm, Levin. With enough firepower, no one can touch you!"
Recalling yesterday's events still gave him ominous feelings.
Though the other party had shown the black card, it increasingly resembled a scam!
"If he tries anything, I'll let his throat taste my Dragonfire Shotgun's might - a dose of justice!"
Levin kept muttering to himself.
Reaching the meeting spot, he warily scanned surroundings but saw no sign of Chen Qi.
In fact, the area was completely deserted.
"No way... scammed?"
Just then, a small cloaked figure suddenly darted to his feet, handing him a note before disappearing into the crowd.
"Waku waku! (For you!)"
"Beast tamer???"
Suspicious, Levin unfolded the paper clearly instructing that to board, he must first reach a designated location via steam boat.
His heart pounded:
"Meeting outside port... so behind him lies a pirate ship?"
Any vessel unable to enter port could only mean pirates.
As someone with strong moral principles, Levin despised most pirates except the Ice Demon Pirates.
But as long as it wasn't Blackfin Crew or Sea God Crew, he could tolerate it.
"Don't panic. I'll just aim my new shotgun at his forehead first - then he won't dare move against me."
After prolonged hesitation at the dock, Levin finally hired a steam boat heading toward the specified direction.
As the steam boat advanced across the horizon,
occasional "waku waku" sounds came from beneath.
After some time, a rusted derelict ship appeared in the distance.
This ship... Levin instantly felt danger, whipping out his shotgun!
The other party actually tried fooling him with a medium-sized wreck!
This tub couldn't possibly reach their destination - it wouldn't survive sea beasts, let alone storms!
Furious, he raised his shotgun toward the bow:
"I must protect myself!"
Yet the next second, he froze completely!
A black-clad hunter appeared at the ship's edge,
looking down at him like an insignificant ant.
Levin's pupils contracted sharply as he gulped.
Amidst the burning green flames,
the man uttered one simple word:
"Board."