novelraw Chapter 255: The Hope of the Entire Island
Chapter 255: The Hope of the Entire Island
Deep blue fire... Chen Qi leaned back in his chair, carefully scanning the newspaper.
This battle was truly massive in scale... Chen Qi marveled with amazement.
According to the White Pigeon Times report, during the Night of Shadow Tide, the ships of the Sea God Pirates and the Bonfire Energy Company encountered each other in the northern waters of Sea God Island.
Based on rough statistics from the White Pigeon Press, over two thousand people participated in the battle, with Bonfire Energy Company even deploying their new Bonfire Energy Battleship.
The Bonfire Energy Battleship measured an astonishing 210 meters in length with a displacement exceeding 90,000 tons. It was equipped with four large bonfire energy cores, the Steel Shield from Steam Hand Workshop, one Truth Main Cannon from Truth Workshop, and twelve Magic Bullet secondary cannons.
Additionally, they mobilized the B-tier hunter group Blue Flame Hunters from Bonfire Energy Company - ten professionally trained third-tier Transcendents wearing light armor and armed with Magic Bullet Company's Azure Hunting Rifles loaded with new Spiral Bullets.
Their captain was none other than the recently active supernova from Steam Hand Workshop - mechanist Dia!
Moreover, the Bonfire Energy Battleship also carried the powerful steam mecha Iron Dragon Type III capable of aquatic combat, though it wasn't deployed in this battle.
The Bonfire Energy Battleship was an extraordinarily luxurious war machine on the sea, essentially a massive combat army in itself.
The conflict between the two parties had become unavoidable ever since the Sea God Pirates stole the deep-sea excavation equipment from Bonfire Energy Company.To reclaim the deep blue fire and capture Sea God Island along with its surrounding true domain, Bonfire Energy Company had invested heavily this time.
The Sea God Pirates didn't slack off either, deploying their battleship 'Storm Halberd' measuring 150 meters long, powered by an old fire furnace from a C-tier Hammer Phase rift, and their unique four Hammer Sea Dragons!
These thirty-meter-long Hammer Sea Dragons were connected to the Storm Halberd via chains from a C-tier Heart Phase rift.
Hammer Sea Dragons were extremely aggressive sea creatures capable of easily smashing steel-constructed lighthouses at sea or absorbing hundreds of tons of seawater to deliver terrifying sea king-class hammer strikes.
Although Bonfire Energy Battleship clearly surpassed in ship strength and personnel numbers, it was significantly weaker in terms of individual combat capabilities.
Apart from supernova Haige, the Sea God Pirates only had their legendary archbishop who hadn't fought in years among their third-tier Transcendents.
A fourth-tier legend could single-handedly determine the outcome of a battle!
The archbishop and Haige launched direct attacks.
Haige alone could fight against five third-tier Transcendents from Bonfire Energy Battleship.
Meanwhile, the archbishop controlled the four Hammer Sea Dragons to bombard the steam shields of Bonfire Energy Battleship.
Each strike carried the force of ten thousand thunderbolts, pushing the hundred-meter-long battleship back dozens of meters and creating massive waves.
Finally, the navy's Wild Bull came to Bonfire Energy Company's aid, while a passing hunter - supernova An - repelled the advancing Haige.
Chen Qi couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
According to the newspaper's description, An and Haige engaged in combat, with An holding a significant advantage.
Teacher An's true strength is even more terrifying than I imagined... Chen Qi continued reading.
Their battle attracted the attention of special sea monsters, causing the entire sea surface to erupt in deep blue flames.
Ultimately, it took the intervention of the Three Admirals from Wild Bull to end the conflict using their prestige and imposing presence!
A large-scale battle indeed... Chen Qi summarized.
The final confrontation involved two legends, two supernovas, and the collision of two massive warships.
Had Wild Bull not intervened, this would undoubtedly rank among the top five battles in the Witch Sea since the Dimensional Tide.
In the end, the Sea God Pirates abandoned the stolen deep blue fire and retreated from the area.
And the root cause of all this was the deep blue fire... Chen Qi couldn't help but analyze internally.
From information provided by White Pigeon Times, the Sea God Pirates intended to transport the precious deep blue fire to the grand workshop on Sea God Island.
His Ember's Touch and Ember's Hand were both forged from deep blue fire, making it undoubtedly a top-tier material on the sea.
Chen Qi leaned back, his thoughts expanding uncontrollably.
Undoubtedly, deep blue fire was the supreme material found beneath thousand-meter deep seas after Smiling Moon.
However, its quantity was extremely scarce, and the difficulty of extraction far exceeded anyone's imagination!
Legend had it that most equipment of the Deep Sea Hunters was forged from deep blue fire.
Chen Qi vaguely recalled it was also crucial material for luring the Azure Beast.
If I could obtain some deep blue fire material, I could upgrade Flesh Cleaver Bone Breaker or even forge more powerful weapons...
But where can I find deep blue fire? Can I really obtain it?
Undoubtedly, deep blue fire was a top secret of the Sea God Pirates - even Captain Sea Serpent wouldn't know its exact coordinates.
Suddenly, inspiration struck Chen Qi.
He opened his Backpack Card and took out a long-unused map - the Deep Sea Hunters' Treasure Map.
Treasure locations on this map were either extremely difficult or exceptionally remote.
Even now, reaching these locations would be perilous for Chen Qi.
The accessible, easier treasures had mostly been claimed by the Four Pirate Emperors long ago.
Thus, Chen Qi hadn't opened this ancient map in quite some time.
He spread out the treasure map and carefully compared it with the Ice Demon Pirates' sea chart.
North of Sea God Island was an expanse of darkness - during the last Dimensional Tide, this area suffered massive rift collapses, completely distorting the terrain until it no longer resembled a sea.
Covered by extreme disasters like volcanoes, green ooze, clouds, darkness, and storms, the area was also infested with various monsters including banshees, sea dragons, black bears, and dragonflies.
This sea region, crisscrossed by numerous different rifts, was aptly named the Calamity Sea.
Within this region was a 'Hand'-difficulty treasure island marked with a small flame symbol on the Deep Sea Hunters' map!
Could this small flame mark indicate deep blue fire... Chen Qi fell deep into thought.
Chen Qi shook his head.
Current information suggested the Sea God Pirates had likely already discovered this special island containing deep blue fire.
But specifics require specific analysis - perhaps I should ask Melanie, they should have considerable information...
Of course, the current priority is still improving strength... After resting, Chen Qi began practicing his Blade Forging Body Technique.
......
Seven days later, Sea God Island, early morning—
In an inconspicuous small bedroom, Water Spirit No.1 aimed the Giant Slayer at Chen Qi.
Loaded in the sniper rifle were Magic Bullet Company's Penetrator Rounds, with half the power of Spiral Magic Bullets but enough to easily pierce steel plates.
Its tiny finger rested on the trigger, ready to pull—
The muzzle was merely two meters away from Chen Qi.
Yet Chen Qi stood in an extremely relaxed posture, as if completely unconcerned about the water spirit's little 'rebellion'.
He didn't even activate the simplest spiritual energy detection.
Haa... Chen Qi was currently in the final stages of practicing Breathing Technique Lv2.
"Fire at will..."
Chen Qi commanded the Deepsea Water Spirit.
Deepsea Water Spirit No.1 sweated nervously, hesitated for a long moment, then finally pulled the trigger.
Bang!
The bullet shot out from the muzzle with terrifying spiral force!
In the next instant, Chen Qi activated Super Sense, then raised his right hand, using his thumb and index finger to—
Bang!!
The Penetrator Round packed tremendous power - upon hitting a target, it would generate terrifying internal force while continuously spiraling to release even greater energy.
On the black market, a single Penetrator Round cost a whopping fifty thousand Shell Coins.
Yet this high-speed spiral bullet was firmly caught between his fingers.
And he was only four meters from the muzzle!
In Beiguo, within five meters, guns were fast and accurate!
But now, within five meters, Chen Qi was faster than bullets!
"Wow!! (!!!)"
The Deepsea Water Spirit was stunned - its master could actually catch a bullet at such close range! What incredible reflexes and strength!
Not only that, Chen Qi gave a slight pinch, releasing powerful qi force from his fingertips that crushed the bullet completely.
"Passed..."
Chen Qi murmured.
With this exercise, two notifications appeared before his eyes:
[You have successfully mastered Super Sense Lv1. In normal state, your dynamic vision is greatly enhanced.]
[You have successfully mastered Blade Forging Breathing Technique lv2. Strength +10, Constitution +10! Your bones will become as hard as blades! You can transform qi force into blade energy sharper than famous swords!]
Finally—
Chen Qi felt a weight lift from his shoulders.
These past days, he had devoted all his energy to skill training.
First was basic physical training - daily pounding of scorching rocks with his body while consuming Blood Crystal Potions to impact every limb and bone, stimulating his latent potential.
Additionally, Chen Qi practiced movement techniques to improve his agility.
After reaching third-tier, attribute growth accelerated rapidly - these days, Chen Qi gained 20 constitution, 12 strength, and 5 agility.
His constitution now reached 90 points, strength 70 points, agility 47 points - his original strongest attribute, 65-point inspiration, had become his weak point compared to others.
This stat panel could already withstand attacks from Coastal Apex Predators.
Chen Qi stretched, feeling his body brimming with power.
Unfortunately, Dark Flame Fist practice proved more difficult than expected - mastering it completely would require more Flame Resistance Potions.
"Today Sea God Island is receiving new shipments - worth checking out."
After loosening up, Chen Qi headed for the Hunter Bar on Sea God Island.
......
Sea God Island, Hunter Bar.
Today was restocking day at the Hunter Bar - the Sea God Pirates would display materials obtained from raids and rift conquests for exchange.
A large dedicated area in one corner was piled high with dazzling rare materials, attracting hunters from all directions.
Rows of wooden shelves displayed faintly glowing materials - deep blue gems extracted from sea monsters or mechanical gears from ancient ruins - each containing immeasurable power.
A thirteen-tier bookshelf was crammed with densely packed Profession Cards.
Nearby, large jars held various potions - Life Springs for rapid stamina recovery, fluorescent powder for dark navigation, holy water for dispelling evil forces. Each bottle bore meticulous labels detailing uses and creators, indicating exceptional quality.
Restocking day was crucial - a moment's distraction and rare items would be snatched up, leaving only ordinary goods.
Chen Qi approached the potion shelf, spending 5 contribution points on a practice-use Flame Potion.
Not as good as Fen's potions, but serviceable... Chen Qi glanced briefly.
He then quickly surveyed other valuable items.
Recent hunting missions combined with Night of Shadow Tide rewards gave him an astonishing 550 contribution points.
Chen Qi walked to the Profession Card bookshelf, curious:
"I wonder if there are any good skill cards here?"
Beside him stood a depressed-looking Melanie.
Despite various attempts these days, Melanie had failed to recruit Chen Qi as an undercover agent for the White Tower Hunters!
Whether through drunken persuasion, offering forbidden equipment, promising positions in Book Tower's organization, or dangling fourth-tier legendary profession cards as bait!
All proved ineffective!
Perhaps he's just naturally hard to fool... Melanie was nearly ready to give up hope, asking:
"Little hunter, need big sister to recommend skill cards? I know exactly what cards you need."
Chen Qi quickly locked onto a specific card:
"No, I've already found a suitable one."
"???"
Melanie took a closer look.
Flower's Lash Card, Floral Shadow Affinity - a skill used by floral shadow affinity transcendents to torment others, employing whips to inflict pain. With precise control, it could even induce pleasurable pain effects.
"Huh? You're into this?"
Melanie was shocked, another scheme forming in her mind.
Only floral aspect perverts from Goldenfinch Kingdom typically used such cards!
Most importantly, Chen Qi didn't even possess whip weapons.
"Don't misunderstand - this is for combat..."
Chen Qi explained.
Although he lacked whip skills himself, his Shadow Touch was perfectly suited for lashing-type skill cards.
After mastering this card, his tentacles would gain powerful basic attacks capable of inflicting pain effects!
For Chen Qi, this lashing skill card was extremely valuable.
Without hesitation, Chen Qi spent 100 contribution points to purchase and assimilate the card.
"I understand, actually I also..."
Melanie nodded seriously.
Bang!
At that moment, Captain Sea Serpent burst through the door urgently scanning the room:
"You're here after all! Lamp Keeper!"
Captain Sea Serpent strode forward to Chen Qi's side.
"Something the matter?"
Chen Qi asked curiously.
Captain Sea Serpent took a deep breath, placing both hands on Chen Qi's shoulders:
"Brother, urgent situation - would you be interested! In becoming a lighthouse keeper?"
"???"
Chen Qi blinked, observing Captain Sea Serpent's gaze.
The captain's eyes held solemn expectation, giving off strong 'hope of the entire island' vibes!!