Cultivators Are So Weak in This World-Chapter 333 - 309 Search, Part 1

Cituogang Port.

A fleet of twelve-sail merchant ships lined up for the voyage, were hoisting their anchors, setting sail, and adjusting the rudder.

This trade fleet was the porcelain fleet heading to the Vini Kingdom, specifically to deliver the Great Spirit’s porcelain to the Vini Kingdom and exchange it for gold, silver, and gemstones from there.

On one of the merchant ships.

Zhang Rongfang, wearing a cloak, gazed out at the distant sea.

Behind him were many experts from the Thousand Stone Sect accompanying him on this journey.

The total number of Thousand Stone Sect members was not large, and in the Sensing Sect, it was just a small branch.

Besides Sect Leader Zuo Han of the Thousand Stone Sect, who was of moderate strength in the Sensing Sect, another Protector was also noteworthy, but the rest were not worth mentioning.

However, since receiving a large amount of resources and money from Zhang Rongfang, the Thousand Stone Sect began recruiting new disciples massively, distributing various elixirs like water.

In just a few months, the sect’s strength had transformed completely.

Not to mention the new disciples, even the previous group of competent Thousand Stone Sect members had many Hard Skill experts.

Each, now well-funded, wore full armor and wielded heavy weapons, they turned into veritable battlefield machines impervious to swords and spears.

"Young Master, if we move quickly this time, we need to investigate five islands altogether, with at least six days of sailing. This doesn’t even include the time spent investigating the islands, just the sailing itself."

The person in charge of this voyage was Lin Xiaochi, who had previously provided feedback to Zhang Rongfang.

He had changed into a merchant robe to hide the sect traits. From a distance, he appeared amiable, his disguise quite convincing.

"It’s okay, let’s speed up, which island are we heading to first?" Zhang Rongfang asked.

"The closest one is Harvest Island," Lin Xiaochi replied, "Harvest Island isn’t large, with a population of about three thousand. There are two markets where one can trade for local products."

"And what about the most suspicious Xuekui Island?" Zhang Rongfang doubted that a small island with three thousand people could muster the strength to plunder his treasure fleet.

"Xuekui Island’s population is even smaller, with only a bit over a thousand. However, there are many hidden reefs around it, making it difficult for large ships to dock," Lin Xiaochi answered.

"And the other islands? Which has the greatest population?" Zhang Rongfang frowned.

"The most populated should be Purple Whale Island, which is a sizable large island, but it’s quite far off and significantly deviates from our set course," Lin Xiaochi replied.

Zhang Rongfang pondered for a moment.

"Alright, head to Purple Whale Island first to conduct a thorough search. Once we confirm there’s nothing, proceed to the others. After all, the island with the most people will definitely have the most informed news."

"Understood," Lin Xiaochi nodded.

"Also, make sure to actually carry some cargo. Since we’re going out to sea, make a trip to sell goods along the way and earn a little extra," Zhang Rongfang reminded him.

"Understood," Lin Xiaochi turned and walked towards the helm, preparing to direct the subsequent route.

This large ship was not only using sails but also employing oars to harness manpower.

"Young Master."

At this moment, one of the Thousand Stone Sect’s experts stepped forward and whispered.

"If it’s Xuekui Island of the Vini Kingdom, I do have some impressions."

This expert had a mustache and a strong build with his chest exposed, where a menacing knife scar lay.

"Oh? Tell me," Zhang Rongfang showed interest in this person.

"Yes. Near Xuekui Island, ships disappear from time to time. I suspect there might be a persistent pirate group in the surrounding sea area.

So, if we’re looking for the treasure fleet, I suggest starting from the vicinity of Xuekui Island.

The security on the other islands is relatively good. There’s no need to waste too much time on them."

Zhang Rongfang pondered for a moment and approvingly nodded.

"Alright then, let’s head to the most suspicious Xuekui Island first so the culprit doesn’t get wind of it and escape."

"Yes!" several people near him echoed in agreement.

Someone immediately went to find Lin Xiaochi at the helm.

"What’s your name?" Zhang Rongfang asked the Thousand Stone Sect expert who spoke up.

"In response to the Young Master, my name is Tian Ruyi," the man replied softly.

"You seem to have been out at sea often?" Zhang Rongfang laughed.

"Yes, I’m quite familiar with the ten or so pirate groups around the nearby seas, like the Thorn Spear Pirate Group, Tarot Pirate Group, Sea King Pirate Group, Blood God Pirate Group, and Mijasa Pirate Group," Tian Ruyi spoke of the pirates as if reciting from memory.

He continued uneasily.

"Actually, I was also a pirate before joining the Thousand Stone Sect, and since then I’ve been living on land."

"Then tell me. What about the strength of these pirate forces?" Zhang Rongfang asked, lowering his voice.

"There are strong and weak forces, some with Subordinate God Martial Artists, but they are all quite small in scale," Tian Ruyi replied.

"Small-scale Subordinate Gods..." An idea suddenly dawned on Zhang Rongfang. Perhaps it was an opportunity to explore the entire structure, from the Subordinate God statue to the Spiritual Guard, in detail.

Earlier, in the secret collection, he learned that destroying the core idol could completely annihilate an entire sect of Subordinate God martial artists.

So, what does the core idol look like?

And what dangerous reactions might occur when it’s smashed?

Zhang Rongfang originally just intended to obtain the main medicine himself, but upon learning this, he had new thoughts in mind.

Suddenly, the ship trembled slightly, slowly departing the dock, and sailed into the distance, catching the wind.

*

*

*

In the early hours before dawn.

Xuekui Island.

Zhou Xinlan carefully carried the freshly chopped firewood into the woodshed, stacking it neatly with the other firewood, just as he always did.

Outside, the sound of waves layered upon layers, continually rising and falling, was accompanied by the resonant snores of Blood God pirates.

Zhou Xinlan couldn’t help but think again of Cheng Luo’s appearance during the daytime.

He didn’t know why that scene seemed like past instances, yet he couldn’t erase it from his mind. It was as if it had just happened.

At this very moment, the expression on Cheng Luo’s face, the emotions revealed in his eyes, are all vividly remembered by him.

’Do you want to leave here? Leave this island?’

Unknowingly, Cheng Luo’s voice once again echoed in his ears.

Zhou Xinlan instinctively glanced at the location where Cheng Luo used to hide, it was empty and desolate, with nothing there.

His heart stirred, and he walked to another position behind a pile of firewood.

In a large abandoned jar behind the pile, he leaned in to take a look.

Sure enough, inside, he saw a tightly wrapped black parcel.

This was the Residual Fragrance Coral, he remembered Cheng Luo had protected it with his life.

She had said that this treasure was the most important thing for him to leave this island.

Zhou Xinlan silently reached out and picked up the parcel, then looked around, feeling it was too conspicuous.

He quickly opened the parcel, inside was an exquisite black wooden box.

Opening the box again, inside was placed a piece of yellow-brown coral that looked very much like an ordinary twig.

Zhou Xinlan picked it up, weighed it, it was somewhat heavy.

He discarded the box and parcel, and stuffed the coral into his clothing.

Then turned around.

Whoosh!!

Suddenly, a pair of enormous eyes were staring straight at him from behind.

It was a ghost-faced man!

He grinned greedily, his eyes fixed on Zhou Xinlan.

"What were you... searching for just now?"

"Found a box, it’s mine!" Zhou Xinlan sweated slightly on his back, his heart pounding fast.

In his mind, he quickly mimicked the tone of other ghost-faced men when they snatched treasures.

"That’s none of your business." Zhou Xinlan added.

"Hehehe....." the ghost-faced man said nothing. He turned and leisurely walked away.

Zhou Xinlan watched his departing figure, suddenly remembering that today was the day for the Blood God Pirates to go hunting, probably not many people on the island.

He couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Privately hiding treasures wasn’t a big deal on the island, everyone more or less had some personal stash.

As long as it’s not a life-and-death situation, they wouldn’t expose one another.

Only he worried that the ghost-faced man might secretly target him later.

Moreover, if he were linked to Cheng Luo and just a hint of suspicion arose, he could be killed and eaten!

Zhou Xinlan understood the Blood God Pirates and also understood the ghost-faced men.

Therefore, he knew he was in danger.

’I can’t rely on others not taking action... I must find a way.’

This thought was in his mind at that moment.

He didn’t want to die; he wanted to escape, leave here, to see the big world Cheng Luo spoke of, to see more prosperous and beautiful places.

He didn’t want to become one of the countless white bones discarded on the island.

Leaving the woodshed, Zhou Xinlan continued as usual, heading to the kitchen to prepare water and cook food.

But he saw that ghost-faced man again.

He leaned against the pillar beside the house, staring at him with eerie eyes.

"Hehe.... you’re very nervous...." the ghost-faced man said neurotically.

Zhou Xinlan ignored him and turned toward the kitchen.

He needed to think of a way, when a fleet passed by, to send out a message....

Though the Blood God Pirates stationed on Xuekui Island, they disguised themselves as islanders and never targeted ships landing on the island.

Generally, they target the surrounding distant seas.

So when merchant ships passed by, they would come to the island to trade goods.

At that time, it would be his opportunity.

*

*

*

Several days later.

Three merchant ships formed a triangle, slowly drawing three white lines on the sea surface.

Seabirds circled above, chirping.

A large group of fish gathered around, swimming constantly.

This merchant fleet appeared to be traders, but the ship’s sides were equipped with cannons, able to convert to armed merchant ships and fend off any foes in the shortest time.

At this time, on the deck of the leading ship.

Zhang Rongfang wore a blue cloak, wrapping his entire body, gazing far into the distance.

There, an irregular island was slowly magnifying, approaching.

"That is Xuekui Island." Lin Xiaochi introduced beside him.

"The islanders living there all worship a Sea God called Mingzi. They self-proclaim as followers of the Xuekui Sect, kind and hospitable, we can trade some goods here."

"Is the ship slowing down? Is it because there are many reefs near Xuekui Island?" Zhang Rongfang remembered mentioning this before.

"Yes. Large ships generally can’t approach; only small boats can be dispatched. Subordinates are already arranging it; after a while, they will lead people to negotiate and inquire through bounties if anyone has seen the treasure-hunting ships." Lin Xiaochi replied.

"Hmm. But simply doing that, even if you encounter the culprits, how can you identify them if they don’t admit it?" Zhang Rongfang continued to ask.

"With so many people on the island, surely not everyone will refuse the bounties. Moreover, we can secretly send people ashore to investigate." Lin Xiaochi answered.