novelraw Chapter 329: The Merchant and the ‘Hand of the Abyss’
Chapter 329: The Merchant and the ‘Hand of the Abyss’
"Deep... Sea... Hunter..."
Little Crow spoke the prompt before her eyes one word at a time, fearfully lifting her head.
Why had she been marked by the legendary Deep Sea Hunter!
According to legends, once marked by a Deep Sea Hunter, the consequences were unimaginable.
Legend said that those who were marked would inevitably die no matter what struggles they made.
Even the mutated lord of Moonstone City, who hid beneath the underwater prison, couldn't escape the Deep Sea Hunter's pursuit!
For a moment, Little Crow could almost see the Deep Sea Hunter standing before her, gripping her neck.
"Huff, huff, huff..."
Little Crow gasped heavily, clutching her neck, momentarily unable to breathe properly.
"Deep Sea Hunter!"Dragon Tamer King raised his hand—he had received the same prompt!
However, compared to the terrified Little Crow, Dragon Tamer Jie's eyes held more anger and excitement!
"Deep Sea Hunter?"
The outsider Blood Demon Doctor licked his lips and said:
"What's wrong, you've been marked by a hunter?"
Dragon Tamer Jie tilted his head, his golden dragon pupils filled with rage:
"Yes, an overconfident foolish hunter!"
"That's no ordinary hunter, that's a Deep Sea Hunter..."
Little Crow struggled to take deep breaths.
Dragon Tamer Jie explained:
"No, not the legendary Deep Sea Hunter. As expected, this Deep Sea Hunter is just an arrogant Black Hunter!"
Dragon Tamer Jie couldn't forget his defeat—he had lost to the combined efforts of the Black Hunter and the Flower Witch.
For the Dragon Tamer King, this was a lifelong disgrace!
Because of this "defeat," he had been mocked by the Black Death Doctor and sent here as a bodyguard.
"Bl... Black Hunter? He, he's already legendary?"
Little Crow asked in surprise.
She vaguely remembered that not long ago, the Black Hunter was just a special Transcendent active in coastal waters who defeated ghost ships, with a reputation even inferior to hers!
Dragon Tamer Jie nodded:
"Yes, among the Blackfin Crew, there's always been an ancient treasure legend—in the shallow waters of the Fog Sea, in a land of hope, lies the treasure of the Deep Sea Hunters..."
"And just recently, the Beiguo Meteorological Bureau encountered the Black Hunter in the Fog Sea, and the Black Hunter's aura had already reached the fourth tier.
Combined with the Deep Sea Hunter treasure on Blue Fire Island, it's highly likely the Black Hunter obtained that Deep Sea Hunter treasure and forged his legend!"
The Deep Sea Hunter profession card! Little Crow's mouth slightly opened, unable to conceal her shock.
This legendary profession card had actually reappeared!
But why would the Black Hunter hunt her!
She was just a pitiful third-tier creature!
"The Black Hunter wants to hunt me, why? I haven't offended him, haven't even insulted him, and even praised him..."
Little Crow said somewhat aggrieved.
Previously, she had suspected that Chef Qi and the Black Hunter were the same person, but now it seemed the Black Hunter was just a cold, ruthless leveling machine on the high seas!
And now, she, this weak drug-enhanced subject, was being hunted!
Little Crow hugged herself tightly.
The Blood Demon Doctor stepped forward:
"No, Doctor Crow, don't underestimate yourself.
You must believe in your efforts and talents! You deserve to be hunted!
If you work harder, you might even deserve to be hunted by both the Witch and the Hunter together!"
After speaking, the Blood Demon Doctor extended his hand, showing his white teeth, and gave Little Crow a thumbs up!
Me, a third-tier, being hunted by both the Witch and the Hunter? Little Crow resisted the urge to punch the Blood Demon Doctor, since she couldn't beat him anyway.
But from the reactions of the Blood Demon Doctor and Dragon Tamer King, she could discern some facts.
Neither Dragon Tamer Jie nor the Blood Demon Doctor took the Black Hunter seriously!
Well, after all, both the Witch and the Hunter are newly ascended legends... Little Crow breathed a long sigh of relief.
With the Blood Demon Doctor and Dragon Tamer King as two walls of defense, plus the security measures here, I should be safe... Little Crow thought silently to herself.
Although she disliked these two characters, as an undercover agent, she could only hide behind them for now.
Dragon Tamer Jie raised his head and advised:
"Blood Demon Joseph, you're an outsider, and my mission is to protect you all.
But you should know this base has been targeted by Tiger Shark General and the Hunter, and your research can't be relocated—"
The Blood Demon Doctor looked at Dragon Tamer King, excitedly licking his lips:
"Jie, this is Devil Island, the former site of the Blood Calamity rift. Even if their numbers doubled, they're no match for us.
Moreover, our great Whale Father has already formed a contract with that entity in the Fog Sea—the ships from hell can support us at any time..."
After hearing this, Dragon Tamer King's angry eyes gradually turned excited.
Blood Calamity, that entity in the Fog Sea... Little Crow listened in stunned confusion.
Dragon Tamer King remained silent for a moment, then curled his lips into a smile:
"True, this is our territory, and now I've mastered the method to resist life-draining techniques. The Witch's life-draining techniques can no longer harm me."
A flame of vengeance flashed in Dragon Tamer King's eyes before he laughed loudly:
"Hahahahaha! Come then, Black Hunter! I'll show you what true Dragon's Might is!"
Seeing this, the Blood Demon Doctor also licked his scalpel:
"The blood of the Witch and Hunter—I can't wait to enjoy the Black Hunter. I heard from the Black Death Doctor that the Black Hunter is the perfect vessel!"
"Black Hunter! Black Hunter!"
The Blood Demon Doctor chanted the Black Hunter's name, his face becoming flushed as he laughed maniacally with pleasure:
"Hahahahaha!"
Dragon Tamer King and the Blood Demon Doctor opened their fang-filled mouths, unable to stop their maniacal laughter!
In the research facility, the maniacal laughter of the two legends infected others, who also couldn't stop laughing wildly.
"Hahahahaha!"
Instantly, the entire research institute filled with extremely cheerful laughter.
The atmosphere suddenly turned eerie.
What the hell are you laughing about! Little Crow leaned against the corner, lifting her head to stare blankly at the gray ceiling, her eyes filled with helplessness.
...
Lamp Moon Island, Ghost Ship.
Chen Qi held a gold-edged mirror in his hand, where the blurry faces of Little Crow and Dragon Tamer King appeared.
As the intelligence indicated, both were at the research facility on Devil Island.
As expected, the displaced Dragon Tamer King would become the research base's guardian... Chen Qi put away the mirror.
If they wanted to obtain the Witch Relic of the Cup, they would have to face Dragon Tamer King again.
And this time, Dragon Tamer King probably wouldn't fall for the same trick twice.
He had undoubtedly prepared relics to counter Fen's life drain.
Chen Qi looked up and said to the people beside him:
"The intelligence is accurate."
"Is that all it takes?"
The naive Burry asked:
"Using this mirror has no other side effects?"
"There are, but the side effects aren't major."
Chen Qi said with bright eyes, quite sincerely.
Using the "Mirror of Lies" required providing some information about the target, while having someone of corresponding tier bear the cost of "spiritual energy weakness" and "must tell the truth."
Moreover, the same person couldn't bear the cost again in a short time.
Tracking Little Crow required a third-tier, while tracking Dragon Tamer King required a fourth-tier.
Chen Qi chose to have Burry and the Ice Demon Pirates' Jin Li bear the costs.
Fen was unexpectedly clever and didn't take on this cost.
But making the profiteer Jin Li bear the cost was a good thing... Chen Qi smiled slightly:
"The location is confirmed. Next, we wait for the navy's horn..."
Fen leaned against the ship's side, supporting her chin, her emerald hair gently flowing in the sea breeze.
Just defeating one Goblet affinity Transcendent would grant them the final witch relic.
At this moment, Palu approached Chen Qi and said:
"Black Hunter, following your instructions, I obtained the Bloodthirst Potion. This should strengthen your constitution..."
Palu tossed a monster potion to Chen Qi.
Such efficiency! Chen Qi caught the potion and drank it in one gulp.
A thirst for blood surged from his throat.
[Your constitution increased by 5 points. For a short time, you can greatly enhance combat power by absorbing strong blood...]
The potion's tier is too low, only providing temporary bonuses... Chen Qi thought silently, then looked at Palu.
Palu's profession today was a Wild Horse Rider, wearing a cowboy hat.
At this moment, Burry bravely asked:
"Boss, long time no see. When will your talent turn you into a dragon girl? Do a wave dance for me to appreciate?"
"Dragon girl?"
Palu looked confused.
Wait! What am I saying? Burry looked puzzled:
"You know, I'm not interested in men, only in machinery and dragons... I just wanted to say, boss... if you were a dragon girl..."
This is the Mirror of Lies' side effect... Chen Qi observed.
"Huh?"
Palu silently clenched his fist.
He was, after all, a legendary endgame character!
How dare Burry speak to him like that!
Qi, you set me up! Burry said with a bitter smile:
"No, boss, I mean if you could turn into a woman, no, I mean, you smell really nice..."
Nice smell? Palu frowned in alarm, retracted his fist, and stepped back several paces.
Could Burry be even more perverted than the Capital's Three Heroes Nancy!
"Ahem."
Chen Qi explained for Burry:
"Don't mind him, he just used the Lamp Witch's Mirror of Lies. This mirror forces him to keep telling lies."
"The Lamp Witch's relic has such negative effects?"
Palu looked curiously, also wanting to try the Mirror of Lies.
Burry shouted:
"No, boss, he's lying to you!"
"See, he can't help but lie..."
Chen Qi said with a bitter smile.
This mirror's negative effects were more overpowering than he imagined!
This wasn't just being forced to tell the truth, but being unable to control oneself, compelled to speak one's mind!
I must never use it on myself... Chen Qi thought silently, then looked at Fen.
Fen was also looking at him.
Suddenly, Chen Qi and Fen both looked at each other, their gazes meeting, then they silently averted their eyes.
Burry looked speechlessly at the two staring at each other:
"You two, stop being so cryptic in front of me..."
"..."
Go down first, Burry! Chen Qi kicked the tool Burry away mercilessly, preventing him from speaking more truths.
Then Chen Qi clapped his hands and asked:
"Palu, when exactly will the navy take action?"
Is my status among the crew that low? Palu stroked his chin:
"Not more than two weeks."
Two weeks is enough for me to train a new skill... Chen Qi thought silently.
Undoubtedly, this was their best opportunity to obtain the Witch Relic of the Cup.
However, he had just advanced and still lacked some things compared to truly powerful legends.
Like the meditation techniques, body forging methods, and breathing techniques that only legends master.
With the Ice Demon Pirates' help, obtaining meditation techniques, body forging methods, and breathing techniques wouldn't be difficult.
The truly challenging part was legendary Release!
After advancing to legend, as the spiritual core improved, the previous Release could no longer be called Release.
Whether it was Shadow Flame Demon or Flesh Cleaver Bone Breaker, they felt more like finishing moves to the current Chen Qi.
To defeat Dragon Tamer King head-on without any assistance, or even the research base's Blood Demon Doctor, he needed more powerful Release techniques.
At this moment, Chen Qi couldn't help but look toward Jin Li in the corner.
Just moments ago, it was the helpful Jin Li who assisted them by bearing the Mirror of Lies' cost.
As the Ice Demon Pirates' vice-captain, besides Palu, the wealthiest was the mysterious merchant Jin Li!
This was the super profiteer from the player forums! A mysterious merchant who cheated people without blinking!
Jin Li, seeing Burry's miserable state, prepared to escape this place.
"Great Merchant Jin Li, I want to buy some things."
"Not open for business today, Black Hunter!"
Mysterious Merchant Jin Li smiled and quickly ran away.
Mimic chest, trying to run? Chen Qi dashed to Jin Li's back, pressing her down with his hand:
"I'm willing to give you five Ancient Currency coins."
Chen Qi's powerful brute force directly prevented Jin Li from taking another step forward.
Palu, save me, someone's trying to cheat your crew member! Jin Li turned back, carrying her large backpack, and said with a bitter smile:
"Fine, Ancient Currency! We're good friends, you should have mentioned money earlier!"
In this state! I can't even ask Palu for help! Jin Li put down her backpack:
"What do you want to buy? Let me state upfront that I, who operates with integrity, will definitely charge twelve percent!"
Jin Li looked up, sweating as she spoke.
She had tried her best to resist the Mirror of Lies' negative effects with willpower.
Even legends can't resist the Mirror of Lies... Fen sprouted an excited little yellow flower on her head and swallowed.
Twelve percent, this damn mimic chest... Chen Qi internally complained, then continued:
"I want to purchase some skill cards for legend use."
Chen Qi revealed his affinity information.
Jin Li clasped her hands together:
"Alright, for the sake of Miss Flower Witch's smile, I've decided to give you a ten percent discount.
Black Hunter, you're not as easy to fool as Palu!"
"Easy to fool?"
Palu looked suspiciously at Jin Li.
"Yes, Palu, you're the easiest to fool..."
The next instant! Jin Li directly stuck her index finger into her own neck, blocking her vocal cords!
Blood spurted out!
If Palu found out how much money she had cheated from him, she wouldn't be leaving this ship today!
It was an unspeakably astronomical amount!
She had to quickly end this transaction! Jin Li held her neck and said painfully:
"Black Hunter... just wait... someday... I'll get my revenge!!"
"..."
Chen Qi looked extremely speechless at Jin Li.
This Mirror of Lies' destructive power was greater than he had imagined.
Jin Li struggled to stick out her tongue and said:
"Also, besides meditation techniques, I have a suitable Release for you—a legendary Release that summons the Abyssal Hand... profession card... originally priced at one thousand Ancient Currency, I'll only charge you fifteen hundred Ancient Currency!"
The legendary Release of the Abyssal Hand... A flash of excitement appeared in Chen Qi's eyes.