The Ultimate Evolution

Chapter 500: Gypsy

Sheyan nodded with delight after obtaining a most satisfactory answer, before patting Dark Widow’s head as though he was a dog. Then, he casually served Dark Widow several mouthfuls of rum, and turned to leave.

Gazing upon their receding back view, Dark Widow’s slender tiny eyes revealed a trace of venom.

Yet at this moment, Sheyan suddenly spun round as he issued a sneer to the once again, cowardly and fearful looking, Dark Widow.

“I know, you wish for us to die aye?”

Dark Widow shook his head incessantly and wailed.

“I’ve already answered everything you asked, it was absolutely the truth!”

Instead, Sheyan smiled faintly.

“Aye, I believe you aren’t deceiving me, your words are true. Honestly, you are quite the schemer; leaving out the fact that the gypsies are exceedingly treacherous. Trying to allure us by describing exorbitant rates of 2-3 times the price, and thus wish for us to seek them out directly. Your aim for us, thereby, is perishing to them, ain’t it?”

Dark Widow’s face instantly turned ashen, but persisted in his desperate deathbed struggle.

“I wasn’t, I really wasn’t!”

Sheyan squinted his eyes and laughed; the very same expression he had when heaving up a net filled with fidgety fishes in the real world.

“Then perhaps every pirate in Tortuga is a fool? Since they are able to earn more, why not sell directly to the gypsies? Why should they allow those large emporiums to earn? The only explanation is, only those emporiums that possesses the capabilities and confidence can deal with the gypsies; only a powerful villain can prevent themselves from being villainized!”

Sheyan then proceeded to whisper callously into Dark Widow’s ears.

“Although you harbour such dissent, but on account of the truthful information you shared, I’ll let you retain a complete corpse.”

With eye sockets that were seemingly splitting, Dark Widow howled fanatically.

“You’ll sink to Davy Jones’s Locker!”

Then, Canbi pounced forward; reining in Dark Widow’s chin, he blatantly twisted it. Kapa! With smooth nimbleness, Dark Widow’s neck was snapped.

Shaking their sleeves, the four of them took their leave; not a single one obstructed their exit.

Brother Black then casually looted the tavern; fishing up a bulky looking pouch, as the swelling clinking of gold guineas resonated within.

Yet at this instant, the trio received the notification.

[ You murdered Barbossa’s Tortuga minion and ransacked his tavern ]

[ Your relationship with Barbossa has plunged to ‘Nemesis’ ]

[ Hidden Main Mission: ‘Curse’ activated ]

[ Mission Summary: Barbossa and his deadly pirate mates belongs to the crew of the Black Pearl, who are relentless contemplating the problem of dispelling their bodily curse. Hence, they are travelling around the caribbean sea in search of scattered Gold Coins. Therefore, they have no time to seek your trouble. However, sooner or later, the curse of the Black Pearl will be dispelled. By then, be prepared to face the wrath of the Black Pearl’s crew ]

[ Mission objective: Secretly retrieve an Aztec Gold* of the Black Pearl’s curse, and prevent Barbossa from dispelling his curse ]

(TN: Aztec Gold are the gold coins Barbossa requires to dispel the curse of the black pearl)

[ Note: You must minimally preserve ownership of the Aztec Gold for 3 days. After 3 days has past, every additional day will increase the evaluation given by the realm. Limit: 1 week. ]

[ Mission deadline: 1 month – when deadline is met, you can use 10,000 utility points to earn an additional day of mission deadline. Maximum prolonging period: 7 days. Mission will fail after the seven days. ]

[ Mission failure penalty: You will be pursued by the Black Pearl pirates for 1 week. All your fortune gained in this world will be deducted. ]

[ Warning: there is a possibility for this mission to conflict with the missions of other contestants. ]

********

“It’s here!” Sheyan whispered internally. “Ah, indeed this is an incredibly tough mission that is worthy of a ‘B+’ grading. With the present time node, all of the Aztec Gold resides in two places.”

“The majority would be in Barbossa’s treasure stone chest of the Isla de Muerte, while the final Aztec Gold is the worn medallion of the governor’s daughter, Elizabeth Swann.”

“For a stranger to reach the Isla de Muerte, then fastest means would be to obtain that mystical tool in Jack Sparrow’s hands – The compass that doesn’t point north. Whereas, the difficulty of that is needless to say.”

“On the contrary, acquiring the Aztec Gold from the beautiful Elizabeth Swann may seem rather harmless, but never forget – Men persuades the world, but woman persuades men.”

Indeed, the governor’s beautiful daughter need only convince two individuals.

One, the mighty son of a pirate, the future captain of the Flying Dutchman – Will Turner.

Two, Captain James Norrington who was about to be promoted.

The former possessed outstanding fighting skills, while the latter superb commanding abilities……moreover, if one were to conspire against her, both individuals may very possibly collaborate to devastate the common enemy.

“Hoi, damned.” Brother Black shrugged his shoulders, seemingly the one most affected. “This is truly a terrible news, but fortunately, the good news is that we no longer have to rush. To hell with those departing gypsies then.”

“No.” Sheyan suddenly replied. “Specifically because of this, we have even more reasons to find them!”

After this commotion ended, time was even tighter now.

At present, a few other merchant ships had started gliding into the port in succession, while the Tortuga crowd was surging up turbulently.

Sheyan and crew hastily squeezed into the human crowd, as they laboriously rushed towards a lateral hillside.

The hillside was decorated with multicolored caravans, and distinctly pointed tents; intensely ornamented with a Bohemian style. A raging bonfire had illuminated the surroundings, while people could be seen busily shifting around various objects; with many women covered with veil and head cloth in the mix.

One could tell, most of the gypsy males didn’t live a luxurious life. They normally wore greyish or maroon ragged and worn-out trousers, with holes that exposed their welt-contaminated skin. Tugging along thick and long ropes on their shoulders, they exerted strength to haul.

To these males, although they crossed the age of 30, their external appearance would seem like it had reached the sixties threshold. It was simply a challenge to deduce their actual age.

They frequently wore brown woolen caps or stained felt hats. However, their malnourished clutters of balding hair would be vivid upon unravelling their hairdressers. Their deeply socketed eyes further justified their state of malnourishment.

Just glancing at their current exterior, it was inevitably a great blessing that the pirates of Tortuga did not attempt to bully these gypsies. There was seemingly nothing portrayed that would deter the pirates.

Nevertheless, if dangers were always gloriously displayed, then their threat wouldn’t be considered great. Due to this, Sheyan approached with heightened vigilance.

At this instant, Sheyan suddenly recalled that crystal ball that Zi had utilized in battle. Her crystal ball could prophesy the movements of her rival several seconds beforehand, and perhaps it was possible she had acquired it from gypsies. Besides, divinity and crystal balls were their forte.

Right now when the four of them had entered deep into the gypsy campsite, Canbi stalled a shabby looking male. Tossing 5 silver shillings over, he brazenly demanded.

“Ahoy, mate. Me hears of the vast knowledge of the nomadic gypsies, that ye can identify all booties?”

The male received the silver coins and scanned them with a suspicious gaze. Then, he whispered in a coarse voice.

“Leave at once! Before someone notices you!”

The male then strolled away, leaving the stunned Canbi behind.

Upon hearing his words, Sheyan couldn’t help but feeling a strong sense of mystery overwhelming his back. Yet without a doubt, there was no turning back for the trio. After alerting Brother Black and Reef, he instructed.

“Let’s head there.”

A gorgeous, brightly coloured tent with the largest roof was situated at the center of this campsite. A triangular flag was erected and fluttering atop its pointed roof, doodled with a gaily-colored lipstick clown. The clown was painted upside down, and appeared rather peculiar.

The busy and complex state of the campsite didn’t impede the trio’s advancement. Nevertheless, Sheyan could notice the surrounding male gypsies casting pitiful and sorrowful glances at them.

After approaching within 20 metres of that tent, a middle-aged woman shrouded with a black scarf on her head approached them. Examining them briefly, she inquired.

“Foreigners, aren’t you aware that you have violated the customs of us gypsies. Why have you come?”

Canbi duplicated his earlier stage dialogue once again. Instead, that middle-aged woman replied emotionlessly.

“Wait here.”

After instructing, she turned and entered the tent, before exiting soon after. Then, she coldly announced.

“Jiejie* instructs me to receive our guests.”

(TN: Author uses Jiejie (节节) as the title of the leading gypsy. Similar to their queen or boss etc.)

The trio only desired smooth completion of this main mission, therefore, such slighted treatment didn’t really bother them. Besides, they had already briefed Canbi clearly on what he was required of.

Biting their lips, they allowed Canbi to negotiate with her while the trio spectated silently by the side.

Canbi then produced a tiny black cloth. Upon opening it, its contents were shockingly those enormous sargassum seeds that Blacksail had offered to Sheyan earlier.

Irradiated by the flickering blaze, the seeds’ surface were suffused with a cyan-black metallic lustre; looking exceptionally strange.

Sheyan had already inferred previously. If the gypsies were a significant link to this hidden mission, then it was very probable for these seeds to be a vital triggering object of a mission. These very seeds that were related with those enormous sargassum and the Chupacabra. Hence, they decided to experiment with it here.

When the black-headscarf female gypsy saw it, her face drastically changed as she immediately reached out for it. Instead, Canbi crudely pushed her away, and warned menacingly.

“Arghh, I haven’t permitted ye to touch it!”

Chapter 501: Conflict

Being pushed aside, the black-headscarf gypsy woman became fairly angered. She immediately released a piercing giggle and stared into Canbi’s eyes. Gradually, Canbi’s ruthless demeanor dissolved away, as it turned into bewilderment, then embarrassment and finally a complete loss. The initially icy and penetrating voice of the woman instead morphed into a gentle and sweet one.

“Won’t you hand it over to me? After releasing it, you will feel your right hand turning heavier……extremely heavy, to the point of irresistibility. Then, you will find a hatchet to chop off this useless hand of yours….”

“Hypnosis?!!!” This term immediately floated into the trio’s mind!

This black-headscarf gypsy woman was truly vicious at heart. Canbi had only pushed her with his right hand, but she actually intended to hypnotize him into chopping of his own hand?

Witnessing Canbi handing over his tiny black cloth sack as he fell into her ploy, Reef marched forward to obstruct him.

Instead, that black-headscarf gypsy woman fished out an object, and with a flick of her finger, an astoundingly thin yet sharp object came speedily swivelling in.

Reef snorted as he grabbed the incoming object, but instantly, blood trickled out through the gaps of his fingers. That object was actually a ‘3 of Clubs’ poker card!

To be capable of injuring Reef, the incisiveness of this poker card wasn’t inferior at all to an ordinary knife blade.

No wonder ordinary pirates didn’t dare deal with the gypsies. Just a casual woman alone, possessed hypnotic arts of the spirit field, and was even equipped with long range offensive methods in the form of shooting poker cards. Her true prowess was sufficient to leave one shuddering.

However to Reef, such a wound was merely superficial as he continued trudging forward. The face of that black-headscarf middle-aged woman sank, as she repeatedly shuttled with her finger flicks.

This time, three poker cards came whistling in, as it brushed against Reef’s throat, chest and arm; cutting deep into his flesh!

To ordinary mortals, this would be a fatal strike. Yet as his blood glistened while reflecting the incandescent of the bonfire, Reef swung forth his fist as though he was totally unaffected. Smacking the woman’s face, she was struck flying 2-3 metres away.

When that plightful woman climbed back up, her black veil was already saturated with ocher stains; evidently stained by a bleeding nose, or the coughing of blood from the devastating punch.

“Although I’ve never proactively acted against a woman, that doesn’t mean you can exploit my soft heartedness!”

Concurrently, when that woman was struck flying, Canbi’s hypnotic state was dispelled. With a vacant expression, he glanced down at his hands.

All of a sudden, he gripped his head before leaking out unceasing groans, while revealing an anguished countenance. Possibly, this was the acute backlash headache from the hypnosis.

By now, Reef had already pulled out the poker cards lodged in his body and had thrown them to the ground. Meanwhile, Sheyan’s attention became fixated onto those three poker cards soaked in blood on the ground. Recognizing them as the clubs of 4, 5 and 6, his eyes revealed a pensive gaze before he muttered to Mogensha.

“Bring Canbi and get out of this place first. Reef and I possess high physique, and we have fortified resistance against abnormal effects; attempting to hypnotize us would absolutely not be an easy feat. Of course more crucially, a hidden AK in the darkness would provide us with a greater sense of security.”

Brother Black nodded as his smile exposed his pearly white teeth, then, he left with Canbi.

At present, Reef and Sheyan had already attracted the watchful gaze of the surrounding majority, while the other two didn’t experience any hiccups during their departure.

Meanwhile, that black-headscarf gypsy woman had scrambled into the tent after casting a malicious gaze towards them. Swiftly after, 5-6 other women came streaming out of the large tent in succession.

Sheyan took notice of the woman walking in the middle. She was shrouded with a headscarf of red, yellow and green color combination; whereas her veil was pure white, and barely exposed a red dot between her brows, which resembled a cinnabar birthmark. Hoisting up a crystal ball in her hands, intriguing illusory shades of scarlet and violet were condensed within; mystically fluctuating with a myriad of changes, as though it held a world within.

Apart from her, the women escorting her wore either red or white headscarves, and masked with veils of identical shade. Though they held onto crystal balls as well, regardless of volume or mystical quality, theirs were vastly inferior to the middle woman’s crystal ball.

The foremost woman was shrouded with a white headscarf. She glared at Reef and grimly announced.

“Foreigner, you go as far as to assault a holy diviner? Be prepared to receive the punishment of Luzhina.”

Reef snorted in response.

“It was your old hag who first assaulted me.”

That white headscarf woman immediately turned noticeably enraged, as she flipped her wrist, producing a poker card within her palm. Yet at this moment, Sheyan suddenly interrupted.

“Wait.”

Yet unexpectedly, that flowery headscarf and white veil woman also immediately called out.

“Hold it!”

The reason this gypsy diviner was conforming to him, was because the current Sheyan was peacefully standing where he was with an outstretched right arm. Within the gap between his thumb and index fingers, was a seed that radiated with a cyan-black metallic lustre.

If Sheyan were to exert his strength, one could imagine the seed being utterly squished with juices spurting.

“Very well.” Sheyan chuckled. “I finally have the opportunity to speak. But please be reassured, I’m not a long-winded individual.”

“Firstly, our initial intent was to see if you recognize this unknown seed. It appears that as expected, you gypsies do recognize it.”

“Next, I wouldn’t mind selling it….but of course, for a price that satisfies me.”

“Finally, I am truly a petty individual. If such an inharmonious affair like assaulting me were to occur, then my disatisfaction can only be expressed with the changing price. Listen up you gypsies; for every attack you make, I will double my selling price.”

Speaking till here, Sheyan paused and smiled faintly before he earnestly continued.

“Then, our starting price for this seed goes as 10,000 guineas. Therefore….”

Sheyan then turned his face towards that black headscarf middle-aged woman who had assaulted Reef earlier.

“Your earlier offence has left me with distaste, therefore, the price is doubled to 20,000 guineas. Your earlier failed attack was already worth 10,000 guineas, so, think carefully before you make the next move……because If you fail to kill me, be prepared to pay 40,000 guineas.”

At this moment, the foremost white headscarf woman, Luzhina, sneered.

“Throughout all lands from the earliest sunrise to the latest sunset, I’d never seen such an ignorant and brassy fool like you.”

Accompanying her fading speech, two speedily rotating poker cards came slicing out from Luzhina’s hand. Differing from the cards of before, her two poker cards were swivelling in with a traumatizing shrilling screech that could intimidate one’s soul.

The poker cards zipped in with a faintly discernible trajectory, abruptly slicing in from both lateral sides. Without time to reach, two long streaks of wound were carved out on Reef’s back; as blood spurted out horizontally.

Yet bizarrely, after the cards slashed past Reef, it soared upwards and revolved round before slashing towards Reef once again; as though it possessed its own intelligence!

At this instant, Reef clenched his right first as he layered his ‘Faith-guard’ over him. Burying his head forward, he barreled towards Luzhina.

Yet for some unknown reason, Sheyan could only watch as Reef’s charging speed plunged to its maximum slowest; basically resembling jogging on the spot.

Evidently, without being aware at all, Reef was already suffering from an illusory influence; manipulating his perception of distance in his brain to experience a massive disequilibrium.

“Oh? Illusion?” A smirk appeared unanimously on Sheyan’s and Reef’s lips.

Ever since their battle with Uzel and Lille, Party Ace had reflected on that painful experience and discussed countless times on how they should deal with such an illusory predicament in the future. Thus, they had even enumerated several solutions.

As for Reef’s choice, he chose the most basic and straightforward solution!

Heaving in a deep breath till his chest swelled exorbitantly, he unleashed a maniacal roar towards the sky!

Shattering Cardiac Roar!!!

Presently, the radius of Reef’s ‘Shattering Cardiac Roar’ had already improved to a relatively large radius, where Luzhina was within this affected radius. Even though she was near the boundary, she still suffered from the damage. Her face turned pale as she retreated several steps back. In this instance, her illusion had been disrupted.

Reef instantly tore forward. In view of his only desire to accomplish this main mission, he didn’t resort to his lightsaber, but merely employed a sweep with his shield; heavily knocking against Luzhina’s face, before he added a kick forward.

Screaming bitterly, Luzhina was kicked to the ground as she rolled like a gourd. Only after panting for a long while where she landed, did she slowly return.

Without lifting his eyelids, Sheyan announced indifferently.

“Next. But let me first issue a warning. This seed has already inflated to 40,000 guineas. If you still dare to attack us, then it would become 80,000 guineas.”

Luzhina suddenly yelled wildly like a vixen.

“Attack together! They are at most two individuals, I don’t believe….….you fool!!!!!!”

“Pa!” A gentle squished resounded!

Sheyan had directly pinched the seed fastened between his fingers, as greenish sap squired in all directions. Without a shred of concern, he flicked away the sticky sap. Then, he proceeded to glare at the gypsy diviner who was seemingly trembling with rage, as he scoffed conceitedly.

“I forgot to add one point – we only accept single challengers, not group fights.”

While announcing, Sheyan retrieved another seed, and pinched it between his fingers with great composure. Then, he declared callously.

“Perhaps the gypsies still reckon that I’m an individual who speaks without thinking, why not challenge the validity of my words again?”

Chapter 502: Memory Deprivation

Discerning the blunt shamelessness in Sheyan’s method, those gypsy diviners dared not make a single movement.

If they failed once more, adding to the current 40,000 guineas would definitely not be a trifling amount. More importantly, who was to say this devilish male who had grasped their intentions, wouldn’t squish another seed? Who could bear such a responsibility for that?

Instead at this moment, the tri-coloured headscarf woman strolled out with a gaze brimming with wariness.

“Who are you?”

Sheyan laughed and answered.

“You must be the Gypsies’ Jiejie? I am simply a merchant. Oh? I guessed you’ve made your move eh?”

As it turns out, after Sheyan uttered the word ‘merchant’, he suddenly felt his entire world melting away. Everything dazzled into vagueness, with the only clarity being Jiejie’s abstruse pair of pupils. In addition to that blood red dot above those pupils, it seemed like her crystal ball had morphed into a world!

Those three clarities then linked into a straight line with three dots. In a flash, they shuttled back and forth, while beaming out rays of light.

In this moment, Jiejie’s red dot was seemingly like the ruler of Sheyan’s world! As for all other things, they all dissolved away without an exception.

Unbeknownst in this instant, pulses of feverish throbbing jolted through his heart, and a rich rusty and fish blood taste floated up his tongue. Such a sensation was utterly foreign to him, yet Sheyan did not attempt to reject it.

In a flash, flashes of memories started unfolding within his mind. They resembled a book which was rapidly flipping in an unceasing repertoire of currents, as though his entire life memories were swiftly unravelled, peeled and finally forgotten!

Such was the utmost formidable spirit offensive ability of the gypsies – ‘Diviner’s Obscure Sanskrits’, Memory deprivation!

This entire process of memory deprivation would be completely irreversible. Once the deprivation reaches Sheyan’s beginning chapter; the memory fragment of him being born as an infant, his mind would then become a blank space, utterly devoid of all personal memories.

Actually, these seeds in Sheyan’s possession had been what the gypsies were searching for two whole years already.

In view that Sheyan had committed the sin of squishing a seed, Jiejie unleashed her ‘Memory Deprivation’ without hesitation; intending to utterly wreck Sheyan, turning him deranged and finally disposing him! All to prevent him from repeating his act of destroying any more seeds!

“Age thirteen, I began my first voyage…..”

“Age eleven, Sanzi actually tried to snatch that lollipop from me.”

“Age eight. Right, I had a fever then, Uncle Dasi carried me all the way to the hospital.”

“Age six, ouch, that prawn pricked my hand……”

“Age three, oh, what was I doing when I was three?”

“……”

During the process of memory deprivation, Sheyan’s memories were rapidly scoured and broadcasted. Not a single memory fragment was omitted. Once the process reaches the day of his birth, his memories would be erased and the magic would take effect.

It was like Sheyan was presently reviewing his entire life, once again experiencing the sorrows, joys and laughters. Under such a state, Sheyan felt a parched sensation in his mouth, as he subconsciously licked his lips.

Back in Jiejie’s perspective, after having casted this ability, she was completely unable of browsing through her enemy’s memories. Nevertheless, she could feel the eyes of this fierce male turning exhausted. Yet, they were still leaking out an unwavering confidence.

Perhaps they weren’t eyes at all, but instead resembled a fervent blaze; as though touching it would cause her to be set on fire.

“What’s going on?” Jiejie suddenly felt an astronomical resistance against her spirit.

Her eyes widened as she stared into her crystal ball. She could see the violet rays swiftly churning within, as though a thousand fish like rays were pursuing one another.

“This….this memory deprivation has reached its final stage. Judging by the age of this male, it should’ve reached the memories of his infancy, or his third year by now. But, but even if my magic has failed, it wouldn’t incite such intense ripples in the crystal ball.”

“What is this….the eyes of……The Fool*????” Several terms suddenly swept through Jiejie’s sea of thoughts.

(TN:*The Fool is one of the characters of the Tarot cards)

Suddenly! The rays emitting out of the crystal ball flared blindingly, before the ball exploded into millions of crystal dust!

Within Sheyan’s perplexed eyes, it was as though a volcano had erupted with magma of brutality and zealotry. A shockwave bubbled out in a flash, as those veiled women were forcefully and abruptly blown away!

At this moment, the contestants finally realized that though the skin of these nomadic gypsy diviners appeared smooth and tender, their faces had aged considerably. Their wrinkles were as deep as chopped marks, where they appeared like old hags on the verge of their demise!

Back in the spirit world he was trapped in, within a split second, Sheyan suddenly released a fanatical howl to the sky; regurgitating a terrifying multi-colored tide, which seemingly converged into a lofty and defying tremendous mountain range. It crushed against the skies unbridled, as it ruthlessly repressed against the spirit world of this gypsy diviner!!

After Sheyan unleashed his fanatical howl, the gypsy diviners including their leader, Jiejie, all staggered backwards simultaneously with pale faces; as though pulses of deadly ripples were compelling against them.

After a long while, Sheyan finally halted his drawn out howl, as he stood lifelessly where he was. Then, he surveyed the surroundings, before asking suspiciously into the party channel.

“What the hell just happened?”

Filled with admiration in his face, Reef seemingly spat out a mouthful of blood before wiping his perspiration and quietly replied.

“Boss, you suddenly screamed, and caused the crystal balls of those women to shatter. Moreover, it seems that you had dealt a severe blow to them.”

Sheyan was stunned.

“Such a thing happened? But I…”

When Sheyan spoke till here, his voice came to a spontaneous end. He had suddenly recalled his earlier experience – the scene of his lifetime memories flipping through like reading a book, jolting through his mind like a current. That should’ve been a formidable ability casted by the gypsy diviner.

However, his final memories had been stalled abruptly when he was six, followed by plains of blank spaces, revealing not the slightest bit of clue!

Yet knowing the perilous situation they were currently in, Sheyan didn’t tarry over such thoughts. Instead, he spun towards the group of frightened and indecisive gypsy diviners, before he coldly snapped.

“Very well, since the excellent Jiejie has made her move, I guess the valuation of this seed has swelled to 80,000 guineas? Or perhaps, our dear gypsies desires for it to continue swelling to 160,000 guineas?”

Jiejie answered abruptly.

“There is no need for that, you already meet the qualifications for a fair dealing with us. As it turns out, there is someone who doesn’t possess a fate in this world. Please enter.”

The pack of obsolete woman then covered themselves with their veils once again.

Looking from the exterior, regardless of their skin, figure or voice, they were definitely not older than 40 years old! It was unknown how they managed to preserve such a state. Yet even if one used their buttocks to brood over this, one could presumably link it to those depressed low status males outside.

Observing a female raising the curtains of the huge tent, Sheyan and Reef then exchanged glances before marching into the tent.

Upon entering, even if Sheyan was experienced and knowledgeable, he couldn’t help breathing in a chilling air.

On the exterior, this spacious and luxuriously adorned tent, appeared to at most occupy an area of 200-300 square meters. Yet after the duo entered, they discovered the true area of this tent was simply appalling. It scaled to thousands of square metres.

Meanwhile, Jiejie, who had just entered a while back, was shockingly seated on a throne several dozens of meters away.

Sheyan and Reef both took deep breaths. After scanning around and advancing a few steps forward, they affirmed that there weren’t any abnormalities.

After approaching within 10 meters of Jiejie, four beams suddenly shout out from the curtains behind her throne. As the beams shone into their eyes, it reflexively caused them to recall the blazing fiery afterglow of the setting sun.

As the curtains unfurled to both sides, both Sheyan and Reef instantly beheld two massive sculptures; erected on the left and right behind Jiejie’s throne.

The two sculptures soared to a height of 5-6 meters. The left one had a head that resembled a gigantic elephant, with a body like a valiant warrior. With chunks of bulging muscles, it singlehandedly pressed onto the shaft of a hatchet at is waist. To one’s surprise, this perfectly imitated sculpture even had blood smeared onto the hatchet; appearing as if the blood would drip at any second. A sweet looking maiden was coiled around the massive elephant’s nose, and that maiden was similarly wearing a tri-colored veil, with a red dot between her brows; exactly like Jiejie.

Gypsies originated from a tribe in Punjab, India. As for the elephant, it held a significant identity in India’s history and culture – a deity they pledged allegiance to. So much so that the Kachwaha Dynasty of Jaipur even erected the elephant as the nation’s authority significance and ceremonial symbol. It appeared that these gypsies didn’t forsake their native culture, and even brought it to greater heights of glory.

The left sculpture was an ox, which appeared exceedingly ferocious and powerful. It was clad in spike armour, and its entire body was shaded in pure white. Holding a posture of burying its head and ready to charge with its horns, many vengeful spirits had been carved out beneath its four hooves; fuelling its twisted malevolence. In their despair, those spirits climbed the hooves of the bison, as though pleading for mercy or wailing bitterly.

In Hinduism, the status of an ox was more or less what a dragon was to China. Citing a simple example, the Hinduism’s god of destruction, Shiva, had a mount that was a herculean white ox!

Chapter 503: An irrefutable condition

The two sculptures were sculpted to perfection, so much that even the detailed vein lines were distinct. The stone material used in crafting these sculptures were extremely strange, appearing like granite but also like basalt. In any case, its stone composition differed from all present surrounding constructions; emanating an unfathomable succulent realism. Furthermore, the war oxen was crafted with a material that was exquisitely white.

Noteworthily, large gems were embedded around the eyes of the war oxen and the elephant, where the rays of beams casted on Sheyan and Reef were probably from the two sculptures. The beams reflecting out from the two sculptures were truly bewitching and vividly threatening.

Jiejie then raised her hands and clapped. From behind, four servants heaved over a massive basket.

Under the illumination of the flickering torches, the reflection of glistening yellow golden coins dazzled the eyes of the onlookers. Every single guinea was roughly as heavy as 12 grams, while 80,000 guineas would have a weight of 800 kilograms. The strength of her four servants was indeed remarkable.

Sheyan sauntered forward to inspect briefly, before bluntly storing the 80,000 guineas into the party storage.

The gypsies present were immensely startled by the sudden disappearance of those guineas. Already exceedingly cautious against him, their vigilance tightened in the face of such an abnormality.

Sheyan wasn’t planning to renege on his debt, as he retrieved an enormous sargassum seed and handed it to Jiejie.

Upon receiving and carefully scrutinizing the seed, Jiejie nodded her head earnestly, before she surprisingly proceeded to place the seed onto the elephant-human sculpture behind.

Unsure if he was hallucinating, Sheyan observed as that seed astoundingly dissolved into the sculpture!

His pupils shrank but he acted as if he wasn’t fazed at all. Then, he issued.

“I’m delighted a successful deal is finally made. This represents the fundamental sincerity between both transacting parties. Since that is so, I’ve decided to sell you another seed ye gypsies requires.”

Listening to Sheyan’s words, Jiejie’s countenance immediately turned solemn.

“You’ve already displayed two Oceanic-eggs, could it be you possess more?”

Sheyan offered a humble smile. Blacksail had contributed a total of six enormous sargassum seeds to Sheyan. Right now, one had been sold while one was squished, leaving only four seeds remaining.

Sheyan then placed everything onto his palm; revealing their captivating brilliance.

An elated expression surfaced on Jiejie’s face and she immediately asked.

“Could it be you harvested those Oceanic-eggs yourself?”

Sheyan leaked out a rather impatient expression as he replied.

“Indeed. If not for those damnable vines hindering my path, I wouldn’t have bothered dealing with them.”

Jiejie inquired doubtfully.

“You actually managed to escape the clutches of the Chupacabra?”

Sheyan answered haughtily.

“I am the Third Mate of the Flying Dutchman. Compared to our Paul, that lil’ worm isn’t worth mentioning!”

At this moment, Jiejie finally exhibited an enlightened demeanor as she smiled wryly.

“So that is so. Our brave warriors can hunt the mightiest beast of the continents, but the mysteries and deadliness of the sea isn’t one we can vanquish. Lay out your terms, foreigner. I’ll take all four fruits, but please do not mistake our ferventness as weakness.”

Sheyan nipped a fruit and answered.

“I still need another 80,000 guineas.”

Jiejie immediately ordered for another 80,000 guineas to be transported over. It appears that these gypsies had truly reaped an immense fortune previously.

Sheyan then pinched the next fruit.

“Let’s treat this as remuneration for divining……of course, only if you agree to it.”

Jiejie paused to ponder briefly before replying.

“Perhaps the world may believe that our divinity is omnipotent, but I must inform you, that is a misconception. You must first divulge the contents you require for divination, that will allow us to judge if we can divine for you. However, I cannot guarantee a definite result will appear.”

Sheyan stared into her eyes, before answering with one word at a time.

“I need the specific coordinates of a treasure island.”

“Treasure island? Which treasure island? Jiejie became rather perplexed.

“That treasure island! You should be informed, the treasure island that houses the treasures of the Black Pearl.” Sheyan fixated his gaze onto Jiejie. “Are you capable of divining that?”

“Tch” Upon hearing his statement, Jiejie released an abrupt snort before waving her hand in disdain.

From the side, a red headscarf and red veil woman walked out. Unknown when, there was a deck of tarot cards floating highly above her head. Golden glitters permeated out when the set was splitted, and seemingly contained tarot cards within that were made of pure gold!

Following that, the red headscarf woman sat onto a nearby chair. Shaking the deck, a large card no.22 spilled out – the card of ‘major arcana’. Proceeding that, she begun reciting an incantation in a swift and muddled tone.

Then, she allowed Sheyan to draw a card from the deck, before she herself retrieved another card – no.56 ‘minor arcana’ card. Then, she allowed Sheyan to draw another 3 cards. Finally, a crystal ball entered the field. As Sheyan pressed his hand onto the crystal ball, the red veil woman started trembling entirely. Gradually, the figure of a treasure island took shape within the crystal ball; not a minute later, she announced the coordinates of the island!

Sheyan nodded slightly as he committed the coordinates to memory. Then, he tossed the enormous sargassum seed on his hand to Jiejie.

“I hope these coordinates are accurate.”

Jiejie arrogantly replied.

“The tarot cards are capable of making known the secrets of the cosmos, it is impossible for them to make mistakes. Instead, it is individuals blinded by treasures like you that should remain cautious. Knowing the coordinates is futile. The pirates of Barbossa’s crew aren’t living nor dead. They aren’t even afraid of Davy Jones. Once you infiltrate their treasure trove and pillage their treasures, they would certainly sense it! Besides within the caribbean sea, not a single ship can surpass the Black Pearl’s speed! It is impossible to escape their pursuit!”

“Those are matters for me to worry about.” Sheyan bowed courteously. “Nevertheless, I am grateful for your advice.”

Jiejie released a hoarse laughter.

“This is because I wish to continue dealing more Oceanic-eggs from you the next year. A dead man tells no tales.”

Sheyan pinched another ‘Oceanic-egg, as he continued issuing his demands.

“I am aware of the extensive knowledge of the gypsies apart from their divination abilities. I have a diary in my possession, one with contents only accessible by deciphering a code. Perhaps, you can aid me in unravelling its contents?”

Jiejie nodded and replied.

“Then let me examine, what it is that you require deciphering.”

Sheyan then produced the ‘Diary of Morgan Fokke’, the one he was incapable of interpreting even till today.

When he pulled out the diary, Jiejie immediately stood up from her throne; her expression turning aghast. Guarding her back, the two ferocious sculptures had apparently transformed livelier with amplified malevolence, as though they were about to overcome the realms of time and space, and be rebirthed!

“Such diabolical vengeful grievances emanating from that diary!!! Such a frightening curse! The one who sealed it……no! No human could seal such a thing. Such immense power, this isn’t something a measly human can attain!”

Jiejie then shook her head honestly and replied.

“My apologies, I will not unravel its contents for you. Although the oceanic-eggs are crucial to us…..to offend such a formidable existence for the sake of a single oceanic-egg, that is inconceivable!”

Sheyan laughed in response.

“If I haven’t misheard, you just mentioned; you will not unravel its contents, and not that it is impossible?”

Naturally, not wanting to decipher and being incapable of it were poles apart. The former indicates the reluctance although achievable, but the latter pertains to the question of capability.

Jiejie replied.

“Yes. Though the existence that sealed this diary is powerful, that existence hadn’t directly interacted with this diary. Instead, that existence employed a blood vessel to place a curse seal through bypassing the boundaries of space with tremendous spirit curse force. Hence, it isn’t impossible to unlock the seal.”

Sheyan remained silent. Instead, he exhibited two grains of Oceanic-eggs before her.

Nevertheless, Jiejie maintained her resolution by shaking her head.

Sheyan’s following gaze then revealed a trace of furtiveness within.

“The reason your people aren’t able to harvest these Oceanic-eggs, is due to the obstruction of the fiendish Chupacabra right? Its insatiable appetite has materialized as an avaricious indulgence in those mystical fruits. Truthfully speaking, it is hard to suppress that sinister sea beast and the only possibility of dealing with it, would be the titanic Kraken Paul. Yet even the impressive gypsies are incapable of swaying Davy Jones.”

Jiejie replied.

“You are correct, what are you trying to suggest?”

Sheyan then fished out the severed Chupacabra tail from his interspatial storage. Still dripping with blood, it smashed onto the floor.

“This is the tail of a Chupacabra. If you can acquire this tail, you can successfully invite an alchemist to concoct an ointment that emits the scent of a Chupacabra. Imagine smearing this ointment onto your bodies; the Chupacabra has exceedingly poor vision, and normally differentiates its foes through their scent. With this, harvesting Oceanic-eggs wouldn’t be a problem anymore. Of course, dangers will still remain, but your current state of passivity would be eliminated!”

As the proverb goes, give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Purchasing these Oceanic-eggs should ultimately be the last resort, while the best method would always be harvesting these mystical eggs personally.

Upon issuing his speech, the breathing of every single gypsy woman within the tent had seemingly grew heavier. Such an enticement, had already became an irrefutable condition!

A white headscarf gypsy diviner then interrupted out of nowhere.

“The authenticity of it must be determined.”

Chapter 504: Summoning

Sheyan simply chuckled in response to the diviner’s suspicion.

“Go ahead.”

That gypsy diviner appeared like an expert. Leaning in for a careful inspection, she eventually nodded and announced.

“It is genuine, this tail had indeed been severed from a living Chupacabra. Moreover, it has strangely retained its freshness, as though it was just chopped off. With this tail, it is indeed possible for an alchemist to produce an ointment imitation of its scent.”

Jiejie was currently pacing back and forth within the tent. Evidently, an intense battle of notions was currently ongoing in her heart. Then, she suddenly declared.

“Regardless, offending that invincible existence who placed the seal is out of the question. If not, our troubles will never end. However, though unsealing it is impossible, we can weaken the strength of this seal to its weakest state. Proceeding from there, you can seek out a priest or simply sprinkle holy water to unseal it. This is the best we can do.”

Sheyan asked dully.

“But how can I know you have weakened the strength of the seal to its weakest state?”

Jiejie snorted and fumed.

“We gypsies have never resorted to deceit!”

Sheyan contemplated before answering.

“Fine! But I will be observing the ritual from beginning till the end.”

Several gypsies glanced at each other before reassuring.

“That isn’t a problem. Instead remember this – not a single reckless movement or sound must be made, and only you are permitted to stay.”

Reef then bluntly shrugged his shoulders with regret, as he turned to exit the tent. Sheyan then laughed.

“It’s a deal.”

***********

After a sequence of hurried preparations; the torches within the tent were then extinguished, and the people cleared out. Only 12 gypsy diviners remained as they formed into a circle, their fingers interlocked before their bosoms. Mumbling incessantly with their lips, the two sculptures behind the throne were encircled within.

All of a sudden, those two sculptures emitted a living sensation. As bright as the combusting sunset, four stunning beams cascaded out from the four gem pupils of the sculptures; cauterizing out distinct scorched lines onto the ground. An indescribable welling pain would plague the eyes of onlookers who glanced at it.

After a long while, a fledgling shape gradually emerged within this ritual circle; shockingly exhibiting the sketching of a satanic six sided star!

Soon after, a red veiled diviner released an uncanny husky and shrilling screech.

From outside, several warriors clad in armour strolled in with emotionless demeanor, as they escorted a male who was masqueraded by a black head cloth.

Sheyan’s present expression turned graver, as he discovered he had underestimated the difficulty of the gypsies weakening the seal. Looking at the current scene, were they shockingly about to engage in human sacrifice?

While Sheyan pondered, those armoured warriors drilled their blades into the back of the male, before pushing him into the ritual circle.

Though the strength of these warriors couldn’t be considered great, Sheyan could tell they had stabbed their blades into his heart; a cleanly execution of direct fatality. Furthermore, blood didn’t splash haphazardly out from the man’s word. Clearly, those warriors were professional assassins.

13 corpses piled up in succession inside the ritual circle.

A forlorn depiction of terror ensued as blood drenched the ritual circle, with flesh and foam overflowing out. Blood trickled and interweaved within the ritual circle as though possessing sentience, looking exceedingly horrifying; as though a giant had been slaughtered within this six-sided star formation, and shifted into a dying loop.

Black mist begun permeating up from the ritual circle gradually, alongside the thunderous rumblings from underground; as though a colossal creature was wrestling intensely within.

Unbeknownst why, this massive tent was howling with the sounds of wind, and brewing with fierce intent; gradually, the wind sliced against their faces, issuing a pain akin to a scorching knife.

Through the gaps of the black mist, distinct crevices could be seen erupting at the center of this ritual circle; as though something was viciously drilling upwards beneath.

Very quickly. A gigantic egg emerged, formed by the decomposing flesh and blood of those 13 corpses. The egg’s surface appeared like a mutilation, with agonizing and weeping faces revolving around its periphery that were unleashing bitter piercing wails.

At this moment, Jiejie tossed the ‘Diary of Morgan Fokke’ into the ritual circle.

Instantaneously, 4-5 cracks shattered, producing an opening at the tip of that gigantic egg. Black crimson blood mist purged out from the opening, maintaining the hovering ‘Diary of Morgan Fokke’ in mid air.

At this instance, Sheyan could vividly observe; layers of square brilliance were stunningly confounding onto the ‘Diary of Morgan Fokke’. Those square brilliance stacked layer upon layer, interweaving as though confining the shackles of time and space. Such a scene incited a subconscious impression of dark clouds and flashes of lightning through the vast skies.

A long stream of superfluous phrases were recited out of Jiejie’s mouth; a language seemingly alien to Sheyan. Jiejie recited with matchless fluidity, her words and tone released a sensation of attempt to distort time, and throw one’s vision into disarray.

At this instant, Sheyan irrationally recalled the rapping of African American rappers; reckoning that Jiejie would surely be able to become world renowned back in the real world in this particular field.

As Jiejie’s vocals started to synch with cadence, that gigantic egg gradually ignited with massive flames. The grotesque faces on it started to warp, as its mutilated surface melted away; issuing ‘sizzz sizzz’ sizzles as it dripped onto the ground. Indigo fumes saturated out without dispersing.

Under the persistent fumigation of the indigo fumes, the layers of squarish brilliance overlapping the ‘Diary of Morgan Fokke’ begun turning dim. Then, like glass shattering, layers begun peeling off and dissipated into the atmosphere; projecting out a sensation of silent surreptitiousness.

Yet, the fleshy composition of the gigantic egg was rapidly diminishing. Despite that, Jiejie was already duly prepared, as she repeatedly called for black cloth masqueraded males to be escorted in for the slaughter. Hence, the problem of energy malnourishment and replenishment didn’t occur.

At present, Sheyan finally understood why these gypsy males appeared dispirited and lifeless.

Indeed, they were living in such precarious states. Even for talented and promising males, they could only deteriorate with age in the face of such apathetic and merciless oppression.

Watching as layers on the seal were stripped off….when the final layer was round the corner, Jiejie finally released a sigh. She then spoke with a low voice.

“Once this layer is stripped off, the final remaining layer contains the lingering soul of Morgan Fokke within it. Though its vengeance is gravely incited by the removal of those layers of seal, it itself remains relatively puny.”

“Oh.” Sheyan reacted and continued.

“I understand. A vigorous fighting spirit from the heart can uplift a warrior, but a dagger can still easily puncture his heart.”

Jiejie nodded and advised.

“Find a church, or priest or just sprinkle holy water onto it. Help the vengeful soul of its master to find peace. Still, I must inform you. That process will still be as dangerous as before.

Sheyan humbly stood up and thanked.

“Your advice will be vital to me…”

Yet, right before the layer of seal shattered, a dull haze suddenly emerged within the 6-sided star ritual circle. Immediately following, an unfathomably bone chilling sensation overwhelmed everyone present.

If one were to observe now, one would discover the ritual circle had been astoundingly enveloped by a layer of thin ice. The layer of thin ice was swiftly condensing, as it emitted icy crackles. Sparkling and twinkling like sapphire, its surface emitted strands of chilling steam, before spreading rapidly towards the gigantic egg at the center.

The diviner whom Reef had punched earlier suddenly released a mournful shriek.

Concurrently, with another diviner, they simultaneously leaned towards the two sculptures near Jiejie; each touching the respective sides of those sculptures. One could observe the four beams shooting out of the sculpture’s eyes turning more robust at that instant, as the ice layer enveloping the 6-sided star ritual circle begun to dissolve bit by bit.

Instead, Sheyan noticed that the exposed smooth skin of the two diviners were swiftly deteriorating, degenerating into the exact limp and wrinkled state like their faces. It appeared as though they were utilizing their vitality to support the casting magic of the two mysterious sculptures!

Eventually, following the uninterrupted fumigation of indigo mist by the gigantic flesh egg, the seal layer on the ‘Diary of Morgan Fokke’ finally dissipated away.

Sighs of relief could be heard from everyone, but right at this instant, a melancholic drawn out neigh pierced into the air!

Sheyan’s pupils contracted. He had heard this particular neigh before.

It was shockingly, the neigh of that herculean demonic horse – Momore*!

(TN:*Recap, Momore is the horse of Bernard Fokke, the mount that little lord fokke rode back in vol 2)

According to theory, the current Turtuga port had been totally decimated, and reduced into a tiny fishing village. Ever since Little Lord Fokke’s campaign against the Black Pearl in that originally vibrant port, both sides had suffered devastatingly.

Objectively speaking, whether Little Lord Fokke and his demonic horse, Momore, could survive, was still a questionable doubt. Hence, Sheyan had never placed that man and horse in his heart at all.

Truthfully speaking, Sheyan was more wary of Ammand than Little Lord Fokke!

Sheyan couldn’t really be blamed for this negligence. Back in Turtuga port, he had merely observed that lord from afar; not knowing a clue about Little Fokke’s capabilities at all.

It was only now that Sheyan recognized one fact – he had thoroughly underestimated the capabilities of that defeated ‘lord’. In reality, how many individuals could go on a rampage on the Black Pearl?

Chapter 505: Black Death

Momore’s drawn out neighing resonated in the ears of everyone present, before a boundless pressure came crushing down from the darkness of this tent!

A faint inhospitable inhuman like voice reverberated through the air.

“Whom, dost thou dare to destroy my seal?”

“Whom, dost thou attempt in vain to pry into the secrets of the Fokke clan?”

“I sing of death; the indulgence of death, the dictator of death!”

“Ye doth deceive thine senses with vanities, but the onslaught of death is undefiable!!”

When that voice emerged, an awe-inspiring baffling ring echoed throughout the entire space of the gypsy tent. It was analogous to the booming flutter of a highly raised large flag.

Resembling an imperial tent, this gypsy had obviously employed a certain advanced space magic to expand the internal layer of this tent. Viewing from this perspective, it definitely contained an ability that could isolate the magic aura of this place.

Therefore, even though the redoubtable Little Lord Fokke could transmit his thoughts from a thousand miles away with the medium of this diary, he was incapable of sensing the specific location from the external world!

Yet presently, Sheyan had suddenly felt a wave of tremendous crisis, as strands of hair on his body began standing; his instincts prompting his desire to dodge away. Instantly, he felt a vague danger brushing past his shoulders from the darkness.

Meanwhile, Jiejie had started chanting out bizarre unpronounceable syllabus. One could observe four amplified poker cards suspended in the air, exhibiting the ‘3 of Clubs’, ‘3 of Hearts’ and ‘3 of Diamonds’. Permuting around her in mid air, they obstructed her front like a mountain.

Though the four poker cards were shredded within a split second, that imposing inhospitable voice reverberated once again. Yet distinctively, the voice felt like it was gradually distancing away.

“Refrain from believing ye can hide! If thine hath the audacity to remove the final seal, the vengeance of the Fokke clan will haunt your body. Even till the ends of the earth, thou shalt track the scent of your vitality, brandishing death as thou steal your soul.”

After spilling out the final word, the chilling aura receded rapidly as the layer of frost melted away.

However, the gigantic flesh egg had already withered away, while black mist remained lingering within the air; before forming into a concrete illusion, as though everyone was entrapped inside a cave. Soon, the mist formed into a majestically grand arched door right ahead.

To each side of the arched door, were two tomb like structures that reached the height of 5 metres, and a radius of 40 square metres; architectured neatly with black bricks. In its midst, a deep door had opened; pitch-black and unfathomable. Only, the darkness was pregnant with obscurity, fuelling an urgent desire to rush forth.

A dense crowd of red dots filled the roof of this arched door. After approaching closer and carefully inspecting with a dim torch taken from the wall, one could notice they were strange gecko like creatures distributed across the cavern ceiling.

An eerie wind was brewing but temporarily dismissing that; the imagination of being locked on by countless furtive and hostile red tiny pupils, was sufficient to trigger a chilling sensation down their backs.

Then, a rigid, deathly pale and impressing hand reached out from within the darkness!

Its fingers uprightly pointed towards every individual present!

In this instant, everyone felt like their hearts had been wrenched.

Such a scene persisted for approximately 10 seconds, before the black mist dispersed.

Once again, the place recovered its splendorous and majestic scenery!!

A silence ensued throughout the participants beholding this scene. Not a single desired to speak, or rather, dared not to speak!

After a good long while, Jiejie finally sat back down onto her throne. She glared at Sheyan frostily and rebuked him.

“Foreigner, leave….. and remember to bring along that calamitous diary with you. I am starting to feel this deal has been a huge mistake.”

Sheyan picked up the ‘Diary of Morgan Fokke’, before he shrugged his shoulders and replied.

“Bringing such a disturbance to you, I express my sincere apologies.”

Mentally and physically exhausted, Jiejie sighed as she shut her eyes.

“Thud thud!” A weird sound resounded out just as she was about to speak. Due to the trauma of that domineering existence, when those gypsy diviners heard that sound, they instantly flew into panic. Being women, once their superficial shells of hardness were broken, their intrinsic meekness was switched to full display.

“Cease your panic!! What’s with the ruckus?”

Jiejie’s roared incisively, completely disregarding her queenly demeanor. With a wave of her hand, the torches inside the tent were ignited.

Instantly, they realized two gypsies shrouded with red headscarf had collapsed onto the carpet. They were convulsing continuously, as blood and spittle repeatedly trickled down their lips; drenching the carpet!

The two diviners beside immediately reacted to support them. Sheyan unintentionally noticed the exposed arm of one of the fainted gypsy, and he got huge shock.

Though these gypsy diviners appeared aged, their skin retained its fair meekness, while their figure was maintained superbly; so much so, people would believe them to be young maidens in their twenties or thirties. Yet at present, wrinkles of purplish-black shade had surfaced on her naked exposed arm, and broad bean sized blisters and boils had popped out from her skin; appearing exceedingly horrifying!

Jiejie’s veil fluttered within this stale air, as a ‘7 of Hearts’ poker card spinned out and pierced into the body of a fainted gypsy; instantly jolting her awake.

Releasing an incomparably mournful wail, she muttered amidst her hurried breathing.

“It, it’s….death…”

Spitting a mouthful of crow-black blood as she spoke, her eyes rolled back and she passed away. Yet something frightening occurred – the convex socket of her eyes suddenly ruptured with a ‘pssh’!

Unknown why, at that rupturing instant, Sheyan once again felt that sense of threat. Stumbling several steps back, he tried his utmost to distance himself from her corpse.

Observing that Sheyan was afraid of a dead person, the gypsies casted spiteful gazes at him.

All of a sudden, that gypsy diviner supporting the dead corpse swayed, before clutching her mouth as she begun coughing. Initially, it was as though she’d choked as she coughed gently. Yet proceeding that, her cough spiralled out of control. Finally, it was as though she was about to cough her lungs out; as if her heart and lungs were being ripped apart, with blood spilling out from the gaps of her fingers that were covering her mouth.

Her violent fit of coughing failed to quieten down, before it deteriorated into vomits. The veins in her eyes ruptured and her eyes turned bloodshot. Blisters and inflamed boils begun emerging from her arms!

Soon after, the other gypsy supporting the fainted gypsy started coughing. The puzzled gypsies even intended to deliver a glass of water over, but instead, Jiejie screamed with matchless bitterness from afar.

“Distance yourselves from them!! You mustn’t touch their contaminated limbs, they have contracted the Black Death!”

Jiejie’s voice was incomparably cutting; stabbing deep into everyone’s eardrums! As the term ‘Black Death’ resonated within them, everyone simultaneously distanced themselves from the ill victims. Yet during the evacuation process, another two gypsy diviners started coughing violently with bent backs.

Indeed, they were the two nearest individuals closest to the first corpse, when its eyeballs had ruptured. Indeed, one could fathom how immensely beneficial Sheyan’s perceptive sense was back then!

During that era of Europe, the pandemic Black death was even hailed as god’s punishment. When the fourteenth and fifteenth century arrived, the Black Death had already claimed 750 million lives, with 250 to 500 million lives lost in Europe. One must understand, the population of Europe in that era was just barely a billion!

Counting in that manner, that was equivalent to one death in every 2-3 persons. A pandemic with such terrifying mortality rate….such a disastrous catastrophe that could be transmitted orally; no doubt, the fear of these gypsies were fully justifiable.

The only one who could preserve composure, was Sheyan. Belonging to the future, the Black Death was merely a plague that propagated through contact and saliva. According to his knowledge, the Black Death required 2-3 days before robbing one’s life; it absolutely wasn’t this depiction of death in merely several seconds.

Therefore, the only explanation this bewildering and lethal ‘Black Death’, was a product of Little Lord Fokke! Who was Little Lord Fokke, to able to unleash a deadliness of this extent!?

Sheyan then experimented with drawing close to those weakened gypsies that had collapsed to the ground. Instead, his perceptive sense didn’t express any warning.

Sheyan proceeded to tear off a portion of a curtain, before wrapping his arms with it. Then, he started inspecting them and confirmed the accuracy of Jiejie’s determined cause of death.

Witnessing that nothing was happening to Sheyan, the other gypsies begun to boldly approach. A red headscarf gypsy abruptly lifted her crystal ball, as she spoke with prudence.

“I can sense the waning strength of this deadly epidemic curse as their vitality vanishes. It has vanished.”

That red headscarf gypsy pondered a little before striding forward, and lifting the clothes off the back of a corpse. The corpse’s skin had shockingly festered, oozing with yellowish pus as it soiled the carpet beneath! Overlooking from above, the pus had shockingly morphed into letters.

As that red headscarf gypsy flipped the other corpses over, more letters appeared beneath the bodies of those gypsies claimed by this dreadful Black Death.

After joining the letters together, three words were formed:

Sin and….damnation!

Chapter 506: Drafter of the Pirata Codex

Sheyan could feel a tremendous oppression, as he beheld such a gruesome yet bewildering scene. He breathed in deeply as his back was soaked cold. Meanwhile, Jiejie was gazing into a reserve crystal ball. After determining the absence of danger, she finally nodded as she faced Sheyan and emotionlessly declared.

“As of now, foreigner. Our deal is complete. We have paid a severe price for this, please depart from us. Due to your request, the gypsies have suffered the most tragic loss of a century. Henceforth, our gypsies will cease all dealings with you!”

As her words faded, Sheyan received a notification.

[ Your relationship with the gypsies has plunged to ‘Cold’. ]

[ You received a sanction from the gypsies, preventing you from future transactions with them. ]

Sheyan could only shrug his shoulders to such an outcome. Nevertheless, the charmless Sheyan was already accustomed to such treatment. He could even distinctly sense their infuriation and murderous intent towards him. If not for him possessing a cursed diary whose weak seal could be unlocked anytime, these mysterious and abnormal old hags would probably butcher out a path of blood to reach him! Yet, such a move may result in them harming themselves.

“That brat is truly formidable.” Sheyan couldn’t help but mutter to himself. With how domineering Little Lord Fokke’s descended will was, once the diary’s seal was utterly removed……how dreadful would the arrival of his true body be?

Thinking of that, Sheyan couldn’t refrain from an outburst of curiosity and greed.

Yes, that’s correct. Indeed, it was greed.

The principle of the nightmare realm was simple and straightforward – a direct ratio between rewards and difficulty. Unravelling the seal of the ‘Diary of Morgan Fokke’ would unleash such a fearsome nemesis, but the rewards obtained from unsealing it…..one could only imagine!

Reef was presently waiting for Sheyan at the tent’s entrance. Upon watching him exiting the tent, Reef immediately inquired about the deal.

To that, Sheyan could only offer a bleak smile.

“I can say that our objectives have been met, but also, I’ve messed up our affair.”

Sheyan then divulged the sequence of events in full detail, as Reef listened in astonishment.

Furthermore, this gypsy tent was truly miraculous, presumably, it was a treasure that could fully suppress the aura of the gypsies. How rampant the internal happenings were, yet Reef failed to even hear a sliver of sound from the exterior.

When they exited the gypsy campsite, they regrouped with Brother Black and Canbi. Canbi’s health had been fundamentally restored after gorging himself on a purse of rum. Despite so, he continued massaging his temples gently; evidently, the torment he suffered wasn’t light.

Since they had settled their affairs, Sheyan intended to release his pirate underlings for a breather. Having exerted himself to the extremes with them, though he couldn’t dismiss the possibility of anyone deserting, a melon forcefully plucked wouldn’t be sweet; preserving such individuals would be useless. Nonetheless, Sheyan had confidencer that most of his crew would remain.

At present, as the four of them strolled past the pier, they suddenly noticed a gathering crowd. An ominous sensation welled up in Sheyan’s heart. To their horror, after approaching nearer, they realized the Hill Maiden was the object of interest of the crowd.

The constitution of the crowd was rather complicated; comprising of Tortuga citizens and crew members from other ships. Occasionally, outburst of loud laughter could be heard, as though the crowd were spectating a performance.

Presently, most of the Hill Maiden pirates had streamed up the deck, and were confronting a group of rampant and crazy individuals. No doubt with such a situation, Philip and those turncoat british marines were naturally unable to participate. After all, their former identities were british marines.

Thus, they could only allow Ol’Seadog and Blacksail to bump the front. However, with both of them being former wandering pirates, they were simply incapable of contending against the opposition in terms of charismatic argument.

Sheyan wasn’t in a hurry to show himself, but chose to observe the situation quietly by the side. He could notice an individual clothed with a black cloak standing at the rear of the opposing group, with both arms folded across his chest; several pirates were crowding around him. Noticing the demeanor of this individual, it was as though bestowing spoken words to anyone was a form of charity from him.

A huge chap was presently scoffing with an arrogant and mighty fashion. Though the current weather was considerably cold, his widely exposed collar leaked out with black chest hair. He then rowdily hurled verbal abuses.

“A handicapped person like ye be confrontin’ me? Ol’Seadog? Yer bilge-suckin’ name be an insult to dogs! Back when me, Hawser, sailed the seven seas, you were still lickin’ piss back in taverns! Smarty up and scram from me face.”

Ol’Seadog unyieldingly blocked his front. Without a trace of fear, he cursed back.

“Hawser, yer might be sailin’ early, but th’ earlier you sail, th’ earlier yer demise. Ye son of a whore, yer best scuttle o’ me cap’n’s ship. Unless ye wishes a taste of me lead bullet.”

Hawser laughed hysterically to the sky and scoffed.

“Wretched idiot, ye be cleaning the chamber pot for yer third matey of ze previous ship eh? Try touching me in Tortuga, and ye might be feedin’ the sea sharks. I’m gunna cut the crap with yer. Here be ten golden guineas, take it and scuttle off. Fer Mister Skrtel to be fond of tis’ ship, ye should be kissin’ this deck with gratitude!”

When Sheyan’s pirate crew heard Hawser’s words, their eyes were immediately set ablaze.

Instead, they remained seemingly apprehensive and hesitated to make a move. At this moment, Brother Black quietly asked the pirate beside him.

“Mate, that Hawser seems pretty strong eh?”

Instead, that pirate snorted in response.

“Just him? That scurvy dog who fled on a jolly boat after abandoning his cap’n and mates. If not fer Skrtel appreciatin’ him, that lad might be currently beggin’ fer food in a pig style.”

“Oh” Brother Black then asked.

“Who might this Skrtel be?”

The pirate casted a puzzled glance at Mogensha.

“Ye a rookie? Skrtel be the master of Tortuga! Though he no longer be a pirate, we still abide by the pirata codex drafted by pirate lord Bartholomew. Aye, matey, yer gaze tells me yer suspicions. Let me precisely inform ye, Skrtel’s full name be Skrtel.Hustav.Bartholomew. Ye be addressin’ him as mister pirate nobility. Also, don’t yer reckon me insightful elaboration deserves a mug o’ rum?”

Brother Black chortled, as he tossed out a gold pound.

“Don’t worry, you can get yourself the best mug of golden rum.”

In view that Ol’Seadog refused to speak but remained obstructing him, Hawser immediately flared up as he pulled out his broadsword and hacked across. Ol’Seadog was already a non-combat personnel after losing his hand.

Thus, when facing an incoming blade, he pathetically rolled away.

With his retreat, Ol’Seadog immediately lost his unwavering loftiness, as Hawser easily stomped down onto Ol’Seadog; pressing down against Ol’Seadog’s face with his shoe.

As he was about to conceitedly issue a statement, Blacksail had already lunged forward with an ashen expression; while slashing his saber forth. Hawser immediately swung forth his broadsword to block.

Clank! Sparks sprayed out as Hawser staggered two steps back.

He was about to speak again, but unexpectedly, Blacksail swept his hand out as sprinkling black liquid greeted Hawser like a squid spraying out ink. Still, Hawser was pretty nimble and was able to sidestep, before leaping 2-3 metres away.

Yet surprisingly, the sprinkles of liquid curved in midair as though it possessed its own life!

After being splashed in the face, Hawser appeared incredibly sorry as white fumes fumigated out from his body; while discharging a pungent stench. As Hawser roared in anguish, Blacksail seized the chance to behead down with his saber.

At this instant, that black cloaked individual suddenly sprang into action.

As he advanced, he executed small quick steps which looked strangely fleeting. He was clearly more than a dozen meter away, but within a second, his slender rapier had already been unsheathed as it blocked Blacksail’s saber.

His rapier was extremely pliable, and after blocking the saber, it proceeded to twist forward like a serpent without a single warning. Clank! Clank! Clank! Clank! It shot towards Blacksail’s occupied right hand. Blacksail was instantly startled, while the black cloaked individual suddenly drew back forcefully, and wrestled away the saber from Blacksail’s hand.

Instantaneously, his rapier thrusted forward with precision; like a thunderbolt, it stabbed deep into Blacksail’s belly.

Spectating stealthily within the crowd, Brother Black was originally about to react. Instead, Sheyan restricted him.

“Don’t be in a hurry. Even if those fools intended to kill, they wouldn’t do so in such a straightforward fashion. To establish their dominant prestige, even if they desired to kill, they would resort to ruthless tortures first. A storm puts strong grass to the test, only in times of crisis, would talents surface. I would like to see today, how many possess unswerving loyalty towards me.”

Having his belly punctured, Blacksail’s eyes popped widely as he appeared in immense agony. Still, he stubbornly threw a punch out.

That black cloaked individual then smirked shadily.

“A half-arsed alchemist like ye dares to be a disgrace and go against us? Bear this in mind, ye perished by the hands of the Ocean’s Storm, Alan Dale!’

When the name Alan Dale was proclaimed, an uproar broke out amongst the onlooking crowd; like a gentle breeze rustling against the tree leaves. That was a name acclaimed with an illustrious reputation amongst the pirates. In spite of that, few had been able to associate it to that gloomy, slim and crooked black cloaked individual.

It is said that amongst the pirates, Alan Dale was one of the rare experts of the western rapier. A figure known for single handedly guarding his flagship against spaniards trying to invade on a gangplank. Face with a flood of impending foes, he had slayed 15 consecutively and forcibly persevered until reinforcements had arrived.

(TN: The Pirata Codex, commonly referred to as the Pirate’s Code, Pirate Code or simply the Code, was a large book containing the entire Code of the Pirate Brethren set forth in the classic Age of Piracy by the Pirate Lords Morgan and Bartholomew.)

Chapter 507: Flaunting cruelness

Alan Dale might not have left a direct impression on anyone, but he was definitely a fresh memory in the head of Sheyan’s old First Mate, Scarface Harry. After all, the scar on Scarface Harry’s face was left behind by Alan Dale after a brawl!

Ammand was also an expert in western style sword arts. Once in the past, during a rowdy proclamation while drinking in a bar, Alan Dale had willfully slandered that Ammand wouldn’t be able to last ten seconds in a sword fight with him.

Coincidentally, First Mate Harry was drinking in that same bar. Naturally, being loyal to Ammand, Harry wouldn’t rest upon hearing that; hence, the two started brawling.

Eventually, the outcome was Alan Dale receiving a fist to his chest. Merely, that fist wasn’t a light one, as Scarface Harry had delivered the fist while using his barbaric ‘Flesh Explosion’ ability. Having taken such a direct blow, Alan Dale’s body deteriorated day by day, thereby turning hunched and weak.

On the contrary, Harry had to live eternally carrying a deep scar on his face. Although their brawling ultimately resulted in Alan Dale receiving the worse end of the straw, one could tell his skills were also extraordinary.

Following the uproar of the crowd, Alan Dale skillfully drew back his rapier. Blacksail collapsed to the ground with a twitching complexion, with blood profusely pouring out beneath his body, and soaking a huge patch of the deck.

Alan Dale then covered his mouth and coughed lightly, before ordering his subordinate.

“Hang’em on the mast. Only release him once the sea breeze dries him up.”

Ten plus pirates behind him immediately swarmed forward. Suddenly, 7-8 of Sheyan’s pirate underlings came strutting out from the ship’s hold, all of which were aiming across with their Mauser rifles. Their leader was the former marine officer, Philip, whose body was as straight as a ramrod. Without caring for anything, he charged up and furiously bellowed.

“Who dares to touch a single one of ours, will be reduced to a honeycomb!”

Alan Dale released a sneer as he abruptly seized Blacksail, prompting Philip to refrain from shooting at the rat for fear of breaking the vases. Pushing Blacksail towards the aiming muzzles of those mauser rifles, Alan Dale himself cowered behind his hostage.

With a glint of metallic flash, his rapier suddenly thrusted out from the side of Blacksail’s face towards Philip’s throat.

Philip was also an expert of the sword, thus, he immediately reacted to block with his rifle front. Instead, Alan Dale retracted his rapier, as its blade smoothly stroke against the rifle barrel; emitting sparks and a profound scratch mark, before he proceeded to stab towards Philip’s lower belly.

Executing a miserable backward roll, Philip scarcely evaded the stab.

Instead, the thrusting speed of Alan Dale’s rapier became increasingly faster. Having just stabbed forward, it was as though he didn’t require time to retract his rapier before another stab came rushing in; inevitably heading towards the middle of Philip’s brows!

Yet out of nowhere, a fiery bullet streaked in. Dang! It knocked and deviated Alan Dale’s thrusting rapier away.

“Chi! Chi!” Within a short span of time, sounds of streaking bullets filled the air. Knowing that another formidable foe had arrived, Alan Dale decided to hurriedly kill of the two opponents before him.

Instead, those streaking bullets didn’t spare him a chance; like parasitic maggots, they threatened to infiltrate Alan Dale’s body. During that instance, he realized that if he didn’t wish to get shot, he had to withdraw, he had no choice but to withdraw!

Eventually, the gunfire sounds faded away. When Alan Dale raised his head, he immediately saw a black man with pearly white teeth, who was leisurely blowing away the fumes from his rifle muzzle. When he turned back to Blacksail and Philip, he realized someone was now obstructing him.

With hands folded across his chest, this person seemed rather sturdy. His eyes were abnormally bright, and his gaze issued an impression of despise. Unknown why, Alan Dale felt like a tremendous mountain had collapsed down from the heavens, pressurizing down onto him; a feeling of blatant discomfort.

He instantly pulled out his rapier, as he scowled with a malicious glare.

“Who be ye?”

Sheyan ignored him, but turned his attention towards the retreating Hawser beside. Striding a step forward, he reached out and caught Hawser by the shoulder.

Releasing a strange scream, Hawser drew his broadsword and hacked against Sheyan. Neither dodging or evading, Sheyan gently slanted his head and allowed the broadsword to hack down onto his shoulder blade.

Blood flowed down from Sheyan’s shoulders, but when Hawser attempted to retract his broadsword, he frightfully discovered his broadsword was embedded into the opposition’s shoulder. It was completely unmovable! Sheyan then seized Hawser by his shoulders, before tugging him over and releasing a heavy punch towards his face.

Such a punch directly sent the bulky Hawser flying for 2-3 metres; flipping several rounds, as few yellowish tooth mixed with blood and saliva spewed out from his mouth after smashing against the wooden deck.

At this moment, Alan Dale’s figure blurred, as he stabbed towards Sheyan’s back. Sheyan’s present agility wasn’t weak at all. He easily gripped the incoming rapier, and without turning his head, he reassured.

“Don’t be in a rush, it will be your turn soon.”

While he spoke, he retrieved his long saber and advanced continuously towards Hawser!

How destructive was the might of his +7 long saber? Blade rays flashed out alongside the repeated blood-curdling screams of Hawser.

Alan Dale fumed as he forcefully drew back his rapier, believing that his opponent’s five fingers, gripped onto his rapier blade, would be severed without exception. Yet the cruel reality was that only a trifling line of blood painted his rapier blade!

While Alan Dale frantically thrusted again, Sheyan continued to disregard him by blatantly employing his naked left hand to block. Though Alan Dale’s bewitching rapier stabbed out multitudes of blood wounds onto his arm, it failed to deal any grave damages!

The spectating pirates around looked on with fright. On the contrary, Sheyan’s pirate crew was wildly cheering with yells of soaring excitement!

Within a short duration, Hawser was reduced to mere gasps and wails, having no strength to retaliate anymore. Sheyan then stomped down onto Hawser’s limbs! Soon after, piercing fractures echoed out, as Hawser’s four limbs were utterly stomped broken!

At this moment, Sheyan turned and yelled towards his crew.

“Ol’Seadog?”

Ol’Seadog hastily ran over; his face covered with filth and grime, as well as a bruise from being trampled on earlier. He then bowed respectfully and greeted.

“What be yer order, cap’n?”

Sheyan glanced back down to Hawser who appeared like a dead dog. Then, he insipidly announced.

“Didn’t you mentioned about letting him taste your lead bullet? My subordinates are always true to their words! Without trustworthiness, how can ye strive within the seven seas?”

Though his face carried traces of great hardships, Ol’Seadog immediately revealed a sly smile and replied.

“Aye, cap’n. Yer lesson shall stand!”

Ol’Seadog immediately pulled out a short musket, before he crudely stuffed it into Hawser’s mouth. Finally, he revealed a cruel smirk.

“Fool, I be offerin’ you a way out by calling you to scram, but ye stubbornly hung on. Ye know what fear is now, aye?”

Hawser’s eyes widened as his mouth issued unclear gurgling croaks, which were undoubtedly pleas for mercy. Eventually, tears begun streaming down. To that, Ol’Seadog merely laughed hysterically. Within the watchful encirclement of many pirates, he felt with great contentment, that his little self had scaled to the peak of his life.

Boom! He pressed his trigger!

Smoky fumes spiralled up, as Hawser’s eyes remained widened. His body convulsed violently for a brief while, before finally ceasing mobility. A large clump of turbid blood formed on the deck beneath his head.

Meanwhile, Alan Dale was currently yelling with incisive intent.

“Ye actually dare to slay me men. Just yer wait, the crew of tis’ ship will all be blown down!”

After concluding his statement, he instantly leapt down onto the shore of Tortuga and fled.

But at this instant, DA! DA! DA! Distinct rumbles resounded, as 3 bullets whizzed in. The first bullet struck against the rock Alan Dale was about to set foot on, which swiftly congealed out a layer of deep blue frost!

Alan Dale immediately lost balance upon landing, but hastily stabbed his rapier forth to break his fall. Yet the second bullet whizzed in at this moment, striking against the rapier blade that was cushioning his weight. He finally collapsed and face planted to the ground, while the third bullet streaked by Alan Dale’s head; coincidentally striking against a rope that was pulleying a bundled clutter of empty beer barrels.

Instantaneously, the empty beer barrels fell, rumbling clamorously as it rolled downward; threatening to squish Alan Dale.

Having just regained his balance, and suddenly having to face these incoming barrels, Alan Dale could only retreat backwards; back to where he was attempting to flee from. At this moment, Sheyan was already standing peacefully before him.

“Oh, my crew will all be blown down? Were you the one that said that?”

Alan Dale’s facial muscles twitched uncontrollably; appearing to have reached the pinnacle of fury. He gritted his teeth and declared.

“That’s right! I said that! What do ye want?”

Sheyan replied indifferently.

“Relax, I’m in a good mood today and do not wish to kill you. But you recently mentioned your desire to hang my subordinate onto the mast, and let the wind blow him dry. I’m a person who acts with equanimity; how others treat me, I will do likewise.”

A pair of hostile blaze was ignited in Alan Dale’s eyes, as he thrusted his rapier towards Sheyan’s eyes. His thrust was executed with his full strength, and could only be described as a jolt of current. Yet Sheyan swiped away with his hand, where the rapier merely left a strip of blood onto his palm.

The current Sheyan had plenty of combat experience already. With one look, he could tell the weakness of Alan Dale’s assault!

Only at this point, did Alan Dale understood he had been far too conceited. Hearing that a batch of outsiders had arrived today, his hand had turned itchy and decided to engage in extortion. Never did he expect himself to discover this was a british modelled warship. Moreover, there were several exceptionally valuable components on board.

Yet most critically, the pirates on board were individuals he completely did not recognize. Instead, his underlings had guaranteed and vowed solemnly, that the pirates on board were the lowest rungs who possessed no accomplishments! They were bloody hell basically like little kids carrying a pouch of gold while acting ostentatiously on the streets. It was no Wonder Alan Dale had desired to pillage and capture the Hill Maiden.

Ultimately, how would he know the core pirates of this ship were actually so domineering!!

Chapter 508: Eye for an eye, tooth for tooth

At present, there wasn’t any alternative left for Alan Dale, further contemplation would only serve to weaken his fighting spirit.

Thus, he heaved deeply as he emptied needless thoughts from his heart. His footwork became more bewitching, while his attacking pattern turned queer. Yet one could vividly observe, his rapier thrusts had morphed into silks of thread; like a flexible yet durable yarn, as it incessantly carved out stripes of wounds on Sheyan’s body.

In view that he had occupied the upper hand, Alan Dale gradually believed victory was attainable. How much blood a person had was how much it would flow; how many more wounds can he endure? With his unswerving perseverance, he would inevitably emerge victorious.

Yet while Alan Dale’s confidence started to restore from such thoughts, an unexplainably freakish growl transmitted from Sheyan’s body. Indeed, Sheyan had awaited all for this moment, the moment his passive ability of his ‘Barbarous Crust Armour’ was activated.

Instantaneously, he pulled out his saber, and slashed from head down! The speed of his first slash was rather ordinary to Alan Dale, as Alan Dale easily side stepped to dodge with his intriguing footwork. Yet the speed of the second slash… was simply unimaginable to Alan Dale!

Sheyan’s lethal saber slashed horizontally with a deep-blue afterimage. Determining that dodging was impossible, Alan Dale could only swipe his rapier up to block.

Clank! Rapier and long saber collided, as sparks were ignited. Having blocked this blade, Alan Dale could only feel his chest being oppressed to the maximum, as though he couldn’t even pant for breath! Within a split second, his vision darkened as stars emerged!

As a veteran of a hundred battles, his abundant experience allowed him to react reflexively. He leapt backwards upon the impact of collision, thereby distancing himself away, and simultaneously reducing the astronomical explosive impact of Sheyan’s long saber.

Yet when Alan Dale had just leapt backwards, another ravishing oceanic blue ray welcomed him, carrying a malignantly disdainful impetuous as it beheaded down. This sensation completely felt like one’s soul was being crushed beneath the depths of the ocean!

“How can there be such a blade that moves this fast!” Alan Dale’s eyes switched to fear in a flash, which subsequently quickly transformed into despair.

One could only hear an incomparably mournful shriek, as Alan Dale clutched his right thigh where blood poured out like a fountain. He was now limping, and his nimbleness had been substantially shaved off. Nevertheless, he forced himself to continue blocking for another 7-8 strikes.

PA! Alan Dale was then struck on his cheek by the back of the saber, before Sheyan followed up with a smashing fist into his face. His eyes were knocked black, as his nose burned with unprecedented pain before falling into semi-consciousness.

When Alan Dale recovered his senses, a foul blend of perspiration and mud assailed his nostrils, while the agony of all his bones being fractured pierced his senses. In such unbearable agony, he slanted his eyes to observe.

Instead, his sight utterly enraged him until he almost fainted again. As it turns out, his face was currently being trampled by a nameless lowly pirate; grinding against his face as though he was cleaning the sole of his shoe!

“Argghh!!!!” Alan Dale howled while brimming with humiliation. Sadly, his limbs had been tightly bundled up where excessive movements only fuelled his agony.

At present, Blacksail had already been rescued and awoken. After downing several mouthfuls of rum, he freshened up and proceeded to apply a self-concocted medicine. After a simple bandaging, he forced himself to stand. Upon noticing Alan Dale’s current pitiful state, Blacksail’s eyes flickered with adrenaline and brutality; resembling that of an injured, famished but mighty wolf.

Sheyan folded his arms across his chest as he stared at Alan Dale and issued.

“To involve me, you are truly unfortunate. I am one who bears grudges. Hence, anyone who dares to harm me or my comrades, will definitely be returned with favour. Blacksail!!”

A pale faced Blacksail immediately wiped away the blood on his lips, as he called loudly.

“Aye, Cap’n!”

Harboring malicious intent, Sheyan commanded.

“Strip the clothes off this stupid cunt, hang him atop my mast without a stitch of clothing. Don’t even leave behind half an underwear.”

Upon hearing Sheyan’s command, even the distant spectating pirates flared up. Hanging one atop a mast wasn’t an uncommon occurrence. That was a common method of punishment a captain would use for disobedient crew members. Yet, this was stark naked! A stark naked humiliation was one that was seemingly inconceivable. Furthermore, the victim of this naked hanging, was a prominent character within Tortuga, no, the entire caribbean scene – Alan Dale!

When Alan Dale heard Sheyan’s command, he yelled furiously.

“Ye scurvy dog, yer dare to kill me! Yer slack jawed idiot!”

To an individual like him, being stripped naked and hung was a consequence more terrifying than death. Still, Alan Dale wasn’t a fearless pirate that would view death as a return hom. He didn’t dare to bite his own tongue and suicide.

In contrast, Blacksail implemented Sheyan’s command with matchless excitement. Quickly and easily, he stripped Alan Dale into a naked pig, exposing his emaciated ribs and deathly pale skin. Then, he suspended the absolutely naked Alan Dale from the mast. Everyone’s gaze were now fixated onto the primitive state of this ‘cold’, ‘mysterious’ and ‘formidable’ sword expert.

Observing Alan Dale’s acne ridden bare buttocks, wrinkled dick, excessive foreskin, and his body stained with filth and spots; all his initial impressions had been thoroughly overturned…

While only several hundreds of spectators were watching Sheyan’s standoff with the pirates previously, it had now scaled to a thousand. Crowded in, these onlookers gathered by the breakwaters and the harbour. They casted reverential gazes at Sheyan and his unexpected crew, before shifting their attention towards the suspended Alan Dale; who was furiously berating, cursing and even screaming.

Sheyan purposely chose not to seal his mouth; because in the eyes of everyone, they could see anything that Alan Dale did, or whatever words he cursed; the only fact that he couldn’t change, was the cruel affair of his bare buttocks being hung from this mast. Such a strong contrast would definitely leave a deep impression on anyone.

As time dragged on, Alan Dale felt as though he was being utterly drowned in a sea of humiliation. The crowd only grew bigger; reminiscing daggers that were stabbing into his self-esteem.

Nevertheless, Alan Dale didn’t desire to die. After all the bloody battles he fought before and striving till now, he was undoubtedly reluctant to simply give up on life!

At present, after the illustrious Alan Dale had sung into such a shocking contradiction, he became so sensitive that he could even hear the coughing of a random passerby; even the yelps of seagulls seemed to be intensely insulting him. He even tried hypnotizing himself into thinking this was just a nightmare that was about to conclude!

Meanwhile, the few pirates that Alan Dale had brought along with him had tried to flee. Yet, with the supervision of Reef and Brother Black, how could they escape?

They could only obediently serve as captives. Peering around with immense terror, they appeared like rookie bar waitresses after just getting hired. Plagued with a fear that these vile pirates would strip them naked, and hang them from the mast.

It was simply impossible to describe the current emotions of these pirates.

Usually running amuck in Tortuga, they were now feeling boundless shame. Usually rampant in the past, how humiliated were they now!

More pirates continued to crowd in, as discussions broke up amongst themselves.

“That be Alan Dale, ain’t it?”

“It’s really him.”

“This time, his name amongst the pirates shall soar greatly, but as a laughin’ stock. How fast would this news be spreadin’ amongst the taverns, aye, swifter than the eastern winds! Aye, I can imagine within few months, every tavern gunna be discussin’ tis’ jolly affair.”

“Even if Alan Dale be survivin’ this, when he steps ashore, his bilge-suckin’ name can never be scrubbed clean. Aye, an eternal joke be tis’.”

“That Hill Maiden might look like a british warship eh, but it flies a jolly roger. Where does its captain hail from, to completely disregard Skrtel!”

"....."

“….”

Sheyan couldn’t be bothered to entertain them. After Ol’Seadog had slew Hawser, he had dropped a light-blue grade key where nothing much came out of it, but merely 2000 plus utility points.

Prompted by earlier experiences, Sheyan begun inspecting Hawser’s corpse carefully, where he managed to discover a light-bluish radiance; belonging to the ring worn on Hawser’s middle finger.

Sheyan instantly received the notification:

[ You discovered a corpse that appears to possess a mystical energy ]

[ Do you wish to activate your Pirate Captain’s authority to engage in plundering? ]

[ You discovered an enchanted artifact: Magnetite Ring ]

[ Magnetite Ring (1/2) ]

[ Origin: Turkey ]

[ Equipment characteristic: Unique Storyline Equipment ]

[ Equipment rarity: Light Blue ]

[ Material: Magnetite ]

[ Addons: Platinum base ]

[ Effect: Grants enhanced vision to wielder. During hand combat, accuracy increase by 3 cm. During broadside cannon battles, accuracy increased by 1 metre. (Which means, within a deviation of 3 cm or 1 m, the attack will automatically be skewed into precision) ]

[ Equipment position: Finger ]

[ Description: If you can find another ‘Magnetite Ring’ and combine them, the combined strength of paired rings will demonstrate an extremely powerful might. ]

[ Description: Though its effect is rather negligible, to a professional gunner, this is a must have item. In the past, Hawser used 5 british guineas to purchase this from a disappointed wandering pirate. After Hawser wore the ring, he shamelessly robbed back his 5 british guineas ]

Chapter 509: Evaluation of merits, and bestowal of rewards

Observing the ring he just obtained, Sheyan toyed with it briefly.

“Hmm, this object should be fine.”

He then strolled towards the suspended Alan Dale, while contemplating if he should finish him and plunder. Instead, he noticed a bland flickering black glow from within his pile of clothes!!!

“What’s going on?” Sheyan was stirred and immediately headed over.

This pile of clothes was in a mess after Blacksail had stripped Alan Dale and tossed them aside. When Sheyan carefully inspected, he realized the black flickering was emitted from a pair of boots.

After touching the pair of boots, the realm transmitted a notification.

[ You discovered an enchanted object filled with immense forces of witchcraft. ]

[ Inquiring: You possess absolute authority over the object’s owner. ]

[ You successfully fulfil the criteria to plunder, do you wish to employ your Pirate Captain’s authority to engage in plundering? ]

[ You discovered an enchanted artifact: Boots of Speed. ]

[ Boots of Speed: 1 pair ]

[ Origins: Erathia ] (TN: this is a continent in Heroes of Might and Magic 3)

[ Equipment characteristic: Unique Storyline Equipment ]

[ Equipment Rarity: Black ]

[ Material: Griffin’s feather, Unicorn pelt ]

[ Addons: Steel soles ]

[ Effect: Greatly enhances the movement speed of wielder, but accuracy will drop substantially; not advisable for bowmen or gunners to equip. ]

[ Equipment position: feet ]

[ Description: Nobody knows where this boots came from, except its right pair is engraved with ‘Era’ and its left with ‘thia’. After his battle with Scarface Harry, Alan Dale failed to fully recuperate from his wounds. The depressed Alan Dale would venture out to fish daily, and managed to find this pair of boots within a fiendish fish belly. After wearing it, he immediately realized its miraculous nature. ]

*******

There wasn’t a need to mention the dead Hawser, he wouldn’t make a single reaction. Instead, when the suspended Alan Dale witnessed this despairing scene, his vision darkened. Originally still harbour a strong desire to live, he instantly lost all desires of living.

He understood that with his current fiasco of naked buttocks hung on a mast, he had lost all face. From henceforth, he wouldn’t be able to raise his face in front of other pirates, but that was merely a loss of face.

Except when Sheyan deprived his boots, not only had he flayed off Alan Dale’s face, he even plundered a major portion of his prowess; utterly leaving him in a state worse than death! A speedless Alan Dale, he wouldn’t even be able to match up with Hawser. If Sheyan preserved his life, it would be akin to confounding 10 times the anguish of death onto him.

Previously due to time constraints, the Hill Maiden had pursued speed as its priority. Thus, it only brought along 60 plus pirates, while the remaining 100 plus would slowly catch up in the lagging ships.

Sheyan ignored the naked male suspended on his mast, and returned to his captain’s cabin. When he resurfaced, he immediately ordered his crew to assemble on deck. Then, he sat down extravagantly on a chest, before ordering Ol’Seadog.

“Bring over the red chest in the captain’s cabin.”

Though doubtful, Ol’Seadog complied sternly.

Soon after, huffing and puffing, four pirates hauled along a chest, and placed it beneath Sheyan’s feet. These four pirates were exhausted to the point of gasping for breath, as they toppled onto the deck without elegance.

Sheyan then waved to dismiss them, before flipping the chest lid. With a kick, the chest toppled over, as shimmering brilliance sprawled to the ground. Every single pirate, even the ones ashore, unanimously released ‘ho’ gasps of surprise!

As it turns out, the flourishing contents of this large chest were golden nuggets! These delectable and gorgeous coins poured out like a waterfall.

Sheyan then picked up a resplendent gold coin, and tossed it back into the chest as it emitted clinking sounds. Following that, he raised his voice aloud.

“I promised ye previously, I would shower ye with greater riches! Right now, this is me honoring my promise! Ol’Seadog, bestow the uninjured scums with fifty gold guineas each!”

When Sheyan’s sentence resounded out, the pirates spectating from the dock broke into a huge uproar. In contrast, the pirates under Sheyan were weighing their heavy purses while grinning from ear to ear.

One must know, during this golden age of piracy, the purchasing power of gold guineas was truly astonishing. In the novel, Jane Eyre; when Jane Eyre becomes a housekeeper at Thornfield Hall, her yearly salary was merely 20 pounds (including meals and lodging). When Charles Darwin relocated to the countryside, he spent 2,000 pounds to purchase a magnificent house. The construction cost of the Wembley stadium was 750,000 pounds. From this, one could fundamentally deduce the relative value of a hundred guineas.

In truth, apart from the pirates of the three legendary pirate ships, the majority of pirates wouldn’t even be given a yearly salary.

The pirates who received their money were all beaming with joy, while the rest, with anticipation.

Proceeding from there, Sheyan announced once again – pirates who received light injuries would receive a 100 guineas, while the severely wounded and those immobile on their beds, would receive 150 guineas. As for those handicapped individuals who could not voyage out anymore, they would receive 500 guineas.

When such a policy was announced, Sheyan’s crew was needless to mention, but even the pirates crowding around were moved to eagerness. Within their hearts, they pondered about how they could make their move within these few days – either proactively hopping onto the Hill Maiden, or to seeking out their own captains to increase their pay. Ultimately, no matter which choice they made, their current economical state had to be improved. At least, they should be acquiring more booty than these rookies.

Yet that wasn’t the most climactic of astonishments. When the booty was finished allocating, Sheyan then scanned around and his gaze fell onto Blacksail, who was currently clutching his wound with a pale complexion. When he contacted Sheyan’s gaze, he hastily lowered his head in reverence.

Sheyan sauntered to him, before pressing his indomitable and majestic long saber onto Blacksail’s shoulder. To which, Blacksail immediately and tactfully took a knee.

“Today, I have witnessed your loyalty. Such a virtue is worthy of praise and deserving of rewards. Therefore I, Seaman Yan from the east, shall deprive the strength of the sinner who harmed you, and bestow it unto you. I hope, ye can continue exercising this strength in servitude! However, this strength comes with tremendous risks. If your bodily limits cannot endure this, it will be harmful to you. Be ye willing to accept this?”

Blacksail was trembling violently, and was unable to hold back heavy breaths of ecstasy. He had personally witnessed Canbi’s miracle, and none of Sheyan’s underlings harboured doubts anymore. All in all to them, this was a form of dark magic. Within this world of magic, curse and gunpowder technology advances, any supernatural occurrence would suffice to convince.

Blacksail placed his other knee onto the ground, and bluntly touched the deck with his forehead. Then, suppressing the excitement in his heart, he proclaimed.

“Cap’n! I be eternally devoted to ye.”

Meanwhile, the spectating pirates were all reckoning this conduct as a mere clumsy performance, criticising the performers for such excessive emotional stirring. However in the next second, their eyes opened to reality and they became dumbstruck.

With unrivalled arousal, Blacksail ignored his injuries as he wore the boots. Then, he couldn’t resist the urge to experiment with his new found capabilities. He began prancing about the deck, and from the bewitching speed and footwork he exhibited, even a blind person could recognize it was analogous to the mysteries of Alan Dale.

“He stole the strength of Alan Dale!!!”

“Look ye, that dabblin’ alchemy apprentice can actually replicate th’ mystical footwork o’ Alan Dale.”

“The cap’n’s name be Seaman Yan?” He actually possesses such bewildering magic? Wait o’, I seem to have heard of his name. He be related to the turmoil of Turtuga port. Righty o’, Ammand has been seekin’ fer him. This man is also closely linked with the Flying Dutchman.”

“Hillho! No wonder tis’ lad be fearless. Indeed, no one dares to provoke th’ Third Mate of Davy Jones.”

“He appears to be startin’ on his own path, but with such a power, it indeed leaves one green wit’ envy. Wouldn’t that imply his followers will be obtainin’ greater strengths?”

"..."

“…”

Hearing the discussions of the crowd at the pier, though his expression didn’t portray much, Sheyan understood that his goal had been attained. Then, he glanced towards Philip, and ordered emotionlessly.

“Phillip, step forward.”

Philip was shocked to the point of astoundment. Nevertheless, he still stood up and marched over. Sheyan gazed into his eyes, as he enunciated his words.

“To acquire invincible strength from me…..one cannot merely rely on devotion, but also a heart of reverence!”

Philip hesitated a while, and eventually fell to the ground with both knees, before humbly pasting his forehead to the deck.

“Therefore, to award your devotion, I shall confer onto you, outstanding precision and harmony. May you slay your foes with deadly precision in combat. May you sink our enemy’s ships effortlessly with our cannons.”

Philip breathed deeply, as he accepted the ring Sheyan was presenting. Then, he placed it on in a sacred and dignified manner, before shutting his eyes. Even an upright gentleman like Philip, couldn’t help but reveal a demeanor of turning high from drugs, as he trembled slightly from head to toe.

After all, hearing from others for countless times could never compare with the personal experience for the first time!

A wave of incredible refreshing aura transmitted up from the ring, as it spiralled into the wrist and eyes of Philip.

Chapter 510: Baiting?

Experiencing such a miracle, Philip once again bowed his haughty head before Sheyan.

Within the ship’s hold, Old Bath sighed deeply as he shut his eyes in despair, because he knew, this once proud apprentice of his, had already been utterly persuaded.

Henceforth, the originally downhearted Philip once again reignited his life’s mission. This signified that his goal for fighting would no longer be merely to protect his subordinates, but also to wholeheartedly campaign for this demon like male before him; raking in merits, and transforming himself to greater heights!

As the saying goes – a strong dragon cannot repress a snake*. There were reasons why Sheyan had been conducting himself bombastically, arrogantly and in a despotic fashion after stepping ashore Tortuga.

(TL:* chinese idiom which means, a local gangster who is above the law)

Firstly, because he possessed adequate strength.

Secondly, it was in preparations for his future schemes and plans.

Furthermore, the greater one’s reputation amongst the pirates, the more benefits it supplied. For example, if Sheyan didn’t possess a ‘Respected’ reputation when he first entered this world, the pirates would probably have rolled their eyes and snubbed him. Who would be willing to become his underling?

Noteworthily, after Sheyan eliminated those few Royal British Navy ships, and presently dared to defy Skrtel, his current pirate reputation had already soared to nearly ‘Revered’. Once it reaches ‘Revered’, he would be on equal footing with the likes of Ammand. Even back in the Flying Dutchman, he would have the qualifications to become the Second Mate*.

(TN:*previously I used vice officer, they are the same term)

When pirates obtain wealth, they naturally wouldn’t save it but instead, break into a wild whoring and gambling spree. It seems many of the pirate ringleaders also endorsed this point, because once their underlings expended all their wealth, they would have increased motivation to pillage. If one had an excessive amount of wealth, then matters of considerations would naturally multiply to women, wife, property, status…..

Just take the present world situation in perspective, will one observe millionaires running around the streets and fighting to their death? Or the prominent gang leaders of hooligans; they would naturally be embracing female celebrities or touring abroad, would one see them going around to fight with small flies? That was indeed the case, individuals who lack talent would be unfortunately chased around and killed….

The reason Sheyan was willing to distribute such exorbitant wealth to his underlings, was because he belonged to the vile category of those who would run after fishing up a plentiful harvest. He only had to consider his situation for merely 32 days. Therefore, he could obviously issue out extravagant booties to buy their loyalty and morale.

On the contrary, other captains had to minimally make considerations for the next 3 years. If they followed suit to Sheyan’s spendthrift ways, two years would be sufficient for their subordinates to amass a fortune and return to their hometowns in silken robes; leaving their ships empty.

After Sheyan whispered a few phrases to Ol’Seadog, Ol’Seadog and Canbi then brought along a dozen plus pirates and left; of course, Mogensha followed them as well. After several minutes, they returned with rum, roast meat, and even invited maidens who were able to tap dance over.

Though these women fell short of Sheyan’s aesthetic conception, reckoning that their cosmetics were too thick and lipsticks too excessive, he remembered; this was a generation without Chanel, Pond’s, OLAY, or L’oreal Paris. Meanwhile, the pirates had their eyes captivated by these women, as they squawked and whistled.

Sheyan’s explanation to his crew was simple – to share both pleasures and burdens of life. As such, they had to delay going ashore to indulge themselves until their brothers of the other two ships arrive. Thus, he allowed them to first enjoy themselves on board. Naturally, his pirate crew wouldn’t understand such a logic. Nevertheless, they definitely didn’t dare to voice their dissent.

Right now, Sheyan had firmly captured the ship in his palms, with the direct aid of his trusted confidants – Philip, Ol’Seadog, Canbi, Blacksail and several others, any trifling matter would no longer incite a ‘stormy sea’.

As it turns out, the true aim of Sheyan’s bombastic behavior, was baiting……

Awaiting the big boss, Skrtel, who could genuinely preside over matters of Tortuga, to surface.

Sheyan believed that this individual would definitely show up, because for every minute the sea breeze blew against the naked buttocks and eggs of Alan Dale, it was akin to issuing a slap to Skrtel’s face!

Hence, Sheyan was reluctant to release his crew ashore. Because once the worst was to occur, every pirate of Tortuga may turn hostile towards them. If that happened, summoning his full forces in an attempt to flee, would still be possible. However, if his pirate crew were to be scattered throughout bars, they would be designated to be torn apart individually.

Yet unbeknownst why, Skrtel failed to show up. After waiting on deck for half an hour, Sheyan began feeling rather idle and decided to make a trip to the captain’s cabin to rest.

He wasn’t someone willing to waste precious time, and had been assiduously researching in the field of his concoctions; hoping to advance a step further, and create newer gene-mixes. Besides, he definitely wouldn’t be acquiring new recipes for his concoctions within a short span of time.

As for matters on the deck, he handed it over to Canbi’s jurisdiction; instructing him to inform him if any peculiar event arises.

Approximately 10 plus minutes had elapsed. Yet another batch of pirates came ashore. At present, the majority of the crowd had dispersed, nonetheless, there remained a handful who were still pointing towards here. Having just entered the port, those pirates couldn’t help but join in the commotion.

When a red bearded pirate swept a glance over, he finally managed to identify the face of the naked buttocks hanging atop the mast. He mumbled in astonishment.

“Ain’t that Alan Dale, subordinate to Skrtel? How could he have been humiliated by another, and hung atop a ship?”

“Whose ship be this, Redbeard, yer recognize it?” Another horse face pirate placed his hands over his waist, and asked with an imposing style of an elder brother.

Redbeard swept a glance through it, and suddenly laughed.

“Hoth, I be clueless about its owner, but the lad appearin’ like the crew head aboard is someone me knows. Yer recognizes him too.”

“Oh.” Hoth released a flabbergasted gasp, as he carefully scrutinized with his eyes. He then spoke with enlightenment.

“Ain’t that be th’ tiny ringleader of a third rate ship, Canbi of the moniker, Iron-hammer?”

The pirate’s common understanding of ships was determined by the size and the amount of mast it had. Normally, a single-masted ship wouldn’t be mentioned at all, while a 3-masted ship, analogous to Sheyan’s current Hill Maiden, would be known as a third rate ship. Following that, their rates would evolve by the amount of mast they had. A 5-masted ship was a stratum that allowed one to participate in a naval warfare as a main force. As for 7-masted ships, that was the core of flagships. Of course, such partitions did not include the bizarre oddities of legendary warships.

Both Hoth and Redbeard were respectively a Captain and First Mate of a 5-masted ship within Pirate Chevalle’s fleets.

At present, pirate Chevalle was still locked in gruelling warfare with the British Royal Navy at sea. Hence, they were here to purchase supplies to transport back.

Redbeard suddenly licked his lips and laughed aloud.

“I have been constantly apprehensive, that we wouldn’t be able to purchase sufficient supplies the cap’n ordered us to purchase this time. Yet lookin’ now, tis’ be a golden opportunity from the heavens.”

Hoth replied in confusion.

“What do yer mean?”

“Although Skrtel’s offensive might be rather weak in Tortuga, he controls nearly half of the merchantin’ portion. Today, his underling is dishonored and hung atop this third rate ship. Once we rescue Alan Dale and get rid of the scallywag responsible fer this, might we not be firmly supportin’ Skrtel? With tis’ connection, would I be fearin’ not completing the procurement mission cap’n has tasked us?”

Redbeard chuckled quietly. The more he deliberated, the more pleased he felt. He then continued.

“We have been constantly pressured beneath that scourge, Stonecannon. In the cap’n’s heart, he be the foremost figure of us fifth rate ships. I reckon him becomin’ a sixth rate ship captain is round the corner. We will obtain massive merits if we can conduct this procurement affair well. Might we plan tis’ well, the days fer me ship to replace Stonecannon’s position be imminent!”

Instead, Hoth paused shrewdly as he observed the Hill Maiden and doubtfully muttered.

“However…..even Alan Dale be fallen to this’ scallywag.”

“That be that Alan Dale is a crippled! Look at his feeble state, usually lookin’ like a pestilence ghost! Who cares who the bilge-suckin’ cap’n of this ship is. Treatin’ a swab like Iron-hammer as gems, he be just a third rate ship captain! Do i believe he be flippin’ the skies over? In any case, Iron-hammer Canbi is part of us, he be clear of the internal codes of ours. Fer us to personally command him to release Alan Dale, that be givin’ him enormous face!”

Redbeard appeared rather impatient; without bringing along any pirate mates, they ascended to the deck of the Hill Maiden.

Presently, most of the pirates aboard were half drunk and had retired to their cabins to rest. Only Canbi and his few close confidants that were devoted to Sheyan, didn’t possess the slightest bit of slack.

Observing the rampantly seated Iron-Hammer Canbi before him, Redbeard starting feeling some discomfort in his heart. Being a First Mate of a fifth rate ship, even the captains of Third rate ship would fawn towards him. During normal circumstances, he wouldn’t even waste his gaze on such a lowly ringleader.

Redbeard took a step forward, before he grimly questioned.

“Might ye recognize me?”

If it was Canbi from a few days back, he would surely be trembling in fear and trepidation. Yet, he was a whole new different person now. Ever since he possessed sufficient might, his confidence naturally climbed as well! Thus, Canbi merely lifted a look in an unconcerned fashion.

“Ye must be Redbeard, aye. Smarty up and leave once yer done watchin’, dont’yer know the rules? Shouldn’t ye be reporting yer arrival before comin’ up me ship?”

After listening to him, Redbeard became rather speechless. Such a scenario was completely out of his expectations.

But at this moment, Hoth became extremely impatient as he flared up.

“Cut the crap wit’ him! Canbi, let me be informin’ you. Yer cap’n actually dares to spoil the wonderful relation between me pirate Cap’n Chevalle and Mister Skrtel. Smarty up and release Mister Alan Dale, and kiss his toes to pray fer forgiveness. If not, be prepared to feed the sharks!”

Chapter 511: Astute and circumspect

Upon hearing Hoth’s words, Canbi slowly stood up without displaying any reaction on his face. Redbeard even reckoned he was about to acknowledge his mistake and apologize. Who knew, Canbi abruptly roared out.

“Are ye orderin’ me? Ye dare command me? What audacity!”

While the tall and sturdy Canbi roared fiercely, he pulled out a two metre long and wrist thick, steel spike mace, and swung it smashing against Hoth’s head!

“The only one capable of cammandin’ me in this world, is me cap’n. Yer twin scoundrels makin’ a mockery of yerself, and wishes to feed me to the fishes?”

Canbi had found this mace previously and kept it for use, as he couldn’t possibly be lugging along a great anchor with him all the time. When his mace struck forth, Hoth was caught totally unprepared; he couldn’t even imagine Canbi would dare to strike against him.

In his urgency, he yelled loudly as he hastily raised his unsheathed broadsword from his waist to block. However, Canbi’s current strength had even surpassed Blood-Anchor; even though Hoth possessed a brutish might, he could only resign to being deflated after being caught off guard.

“Kiang!” A sonorous sound emerged.

Canbi’s steel mace crooked backwards, but Hoth’s unsheathed broadsword utterly caved downwards; while an unstoppable force crushed against Hoth’s shoulder, pulverizing his shoulder bones into shattered bone fragments. A depression could be seen at his shoulder, as Hoth instantly released an incomparably shrilling shriek.

Belonging to the lowest tier amongst Chevalle’s pirates, Canbi had suffered untold grievances and resentment. Right now, he no longer bothered to halt for conversation, as he issued a crafty sneer before sweeping his mace once again.

At this moment, Redbeard unsheathed his broadsword and advanced in aid.

The most optimal option to Redbeard now, was to attack the home of the besieger to relieve his ally being besieged. Thus, he should be piercing towards Canbi’s neck, causing the agile deficient Canbi to be inevitably wounded. After all, Canbi couldn’t possible continue with his pulverizing mace if his throat were to be stabbed! By rescuing his ally in this manner, Redbeard would then occupy the advantage.

Yet, Redbeard just had to do what he ought not to do. Brimming with self confidence, he ushered his broadsword to block Canbi’s mace. His strength was already lower than Canbi’s, and though his broadsword didn’t get struck away upon impact, it transmitted a tremendous force up his arm. Grabbing tightly onto his broadsword shaft to prevent it from flying, the webbing between his fingers turned numb and ripped apart a huge wound, with blood slithering down his hand.

Before Redbeard had the time to reorganize himself, the few confidants of Canbi had already pulled out several manual string muskets, and fired off.

Following that, Canbi retracted his mace before twisting himself and releasing a sky uppercut with his mace in a light manner. His mace directly struck Redbeard flying up, as he flipped 270 degrees in the air before smashing heavily down onto the deck.

Then….then, Canbi and his trusted confidants begun swarming over him. The miserable two pirates had been too complacent, and thus, fell into such bitter straits. Following that, was needless to elaborate.

When Sheyan got wind of this matter, he merely offered an insipid phrase.

“Pretty well done.”

Still, he added in an additional phrase.

“Since the two fools wishes so badly to save him, their relationship with Alan Dale definitely isn’t shallow. There is a saying in my hometown – comrades should share blessings, and shoulder burdens. Therefore, let’s strip away their clothes, and hang their naked buttocks up our mast!”

Since Sheyan gave the order, his subordinate naturally complied strictly.

Meanwhile, Redbeard and Hoth were both infused with appall and rage. They were appalled by the monstrous strength that Canbi possessed, and were raging at themselves; a business they thought to be in the bag, had abruptly been twisted against them.

When the commencement of clothes stripping happened, they couldn’t help but cursed frantically and bitterly; nobody could fathom the sensation of such humiliation. Clearly overflowing with confidence for their rescue attempt, they were in turn reduced to the same consequence; suffering such degrading humiliation. How would they lift their heads before their pirate crew in the future?

While listening to their venomous berating, Canbi became greatly vexed and ordered for cloths to be stuffed into their mouths; in this manner, his world became tranquil once again.

This time, the human crowd magnified. At present, Alan Dale was truly glad that Redbeard had attempted to rescue him. In this manner, the focal point had shifted towards them, allowing him to take a breather even in the heart of his struggle.

Sheyan then recalled something, as he immediately ordered his underling to fetch the clothes and possessions of the two scums for him to inspect. However, it seemed that Unique Storyline Equipments were not simply freebies. After rummaging till his eyeballs turned sour, he didn’t find a single object and could only sigh.

Within the following few hours, the pirates of Tortuga had truly and fully feasted their eyes; besides, it wasn’t everyday that a fifth rate ship captain and first mate would be stripped naked, and paraded for everyone’s viewing pleasure. Moreover, it remains the ‘illustrious’ Alan Dale renowned amongst the Tortuga pirates was still present.

In spite of that, analogous to a marvelous stage theatric; since there was a preface, crescendo, suspense and climax, then next would surely be the epilogue. Without an epilogue, it would simply be a letdown. This marvelous stage theatric directed by Sheyan, had soared to its climax with the assembling crowd; or perhaps, finally beginning its embarkment towards the epilogue.

Six hours elapsed after his competent subordinates had hung the naked buttocks of the ship’s mast.

The wealthiest merchant of Tortuga; descendant of the Pirata Codex’s drafter; a remarkable individual who could stand on equal footing as the seven great pirate lords – Skrtel.Hustav.Bartholomew, had finally emerged. Surfacing on the street before the harbour, he strolled, step by step, towards the Hill Maiden.

Of the seven pirate lords, three of the pirate lords had done an individual assessment of Skrtel:

Astute and circumspect; refraining from rash undertakings, unless he determined his future moves. When he acts, he inevitably retained sufficient confidence!

Preparing wholly for six hours, Skrtel evidently attached an excessively great significance to Sheyan. An affair that dishonored his face, how would he handle it?

********

Under thousands of staring eyes,

Skrtel only brought along a single assistant.

Just a single assistant, and he intended to directly barge onto Sheyan’s Hill Maiden?

The surrounding pirates seemingly couldn’t believe their eyes. Nevertheless, the facts was as such.

Skrtel appeared obese, resembling one who lived like a prince. Puffing a briar cigar, he smiled whenever he glanced at someone. When he smiled, his eyes were squinted, dawning a style of rich amiability. One could tell he was a merchant, the sort that loved gossiping, rather disadvantaging himself and allow others to exploit him.

The individual beside him wore a rigidly sullen countenance, as though someone had owed him a debt for a good long while. He had a common face, a face of being unemployed for a long while. Both pirates or wanderers who had stayed for a prolonged period within Tortuga wouldn’t recognize him as well.

Despite so, Skrtel was definitely not a fool. Since he dared to bring along only one individual to step on this domineeringly exposed ship, he naturally relied on something.

Canbi was presently seated imposingly on a wooden chest. Having an enhanced strength, he naturally didn’t place the two individuals in his eyes. Right now with merely a command from Sheyan, this flourishing confident pirate would even pounce against Chevalle!

“What be ye here for”

Canbi narrowed his eyes, as he used a random broadsword to scrape his fingernails. Then he absent-mindedly announced.

“If ye wishes to behold the arses of males, don’t dirty me deck and behold them from the pier. If yer wish to save’em, then be prepared to be hung up the mast like those two.”

Instead, the rigid looking male beside Skrtel suddenly demanded in a grim tone.

“Who is it, that dares to wear th’ mask of me Flying Dutchman’s crew?”

Though Canbi’s lens had be inflated, when he heard the term ‘Flying Dutchman’s crew’, he immediately felt deep veneration as his imposing demeanor instantly plunged. Still, he managed to forcefully reply after hearing.

“Who be wearin’ a false pretense?”

Skrtel broke into hysterical laughter before replying.

“This is Mister Stillwell. He is normally in charge of interactions between the Flying Dutchman and the dry lands. He frequently has dealings with us, should there be any false pretense, one look and he’ll know.”

This Stillwell then sneered.

“The name of me Cap’n Jones is magnanimous, there be idiots everywhere tryin’ to impose as his crew. In the previous month, I captured three imposters in San Domingo and hung’em straight on the gibbet. One look of me eyes is enough to see through all imposters.”

As it turns out, after the pirate crew of the Flying Dutchman had been cursed, they could only resurface above sea once every ten years. However, they still had kin above ground, and thus they seeked out a random Stillwell, tasking him with the responsibility of managing the plundered loots of the ship, before delivering them to their kins. Furthermore, replenishment of supplies like artillery cannons and others were all handled by him.

Skrtel was indeed a crafty old fox. To invite such an individual here, it was due to him identifying the biggest doubt of this so called Seaman’s status – the Third Mate of the Flying Dutchman.

Skrtel naturally didn’t believe in coincidences, that a vanished individual for a decade had suddenly reappeared…..hence, he undoubtedly took such drastic measures to deal with the situation!

After Stillwell uncovers the swindling Sheyan, then Skrtel will seize the crumbling morale of his enemy’s pirate underlings, to dispatch his manpower and legitly commandeer this ship.

With Skrtel’s present status, if he desired to commandeer and gloriously plunder this ship, he naturally had to do so in a justifiable fashion. If not, the merchants of Tortuga would be overcome with fear and insecurity; affecting the prosperity of the emporiums. Such an event may be captured by his oppositions and turned against him. First attack the mental before the physical, this was something Skrtel enjoyed doing.

Canbi was about to speak up, but Sheyan’s voice drifted out from the ship’s hold.

“Very well, I would like to see who wishes to slander me.”

Closely after, Sheyan marched out from the ship’s hold before scanning his surroundings first.

Then, he questioned Stillwell.

“Who, are, you?”

TL: Extra information to avoid confusion; note that by the third movie there are 9 pirate lords, but this current period is before the first movie where author states there are 7 pirate lords. I am guessing he assumes 7 seas so 7 pirate lords, not sure about extra pirate of the caribbean history myself so I cannot say for sure.

Chapter 512: Finally meeting an acquaintance

Skrtel’s face instantly revealed a contemptuous grin; “Indeed, this lad is a counterfeit!”

Stillwell similarly broke into laughters, where his laughters contained an intent of ridicule.

“Ye can’t even recognize me, yer dare to feign as a crew mate of the grand Flying Dutchman?”

A snort sounded out from Sheyan’s nose.

“What are you? Based on what should I recognize you?”

Stillwell casted a haughty expression before replying.

“Ye moronic scum, I be the communication link between the Flying Dutchman and dry land! Let me inform ye, ye best strip naked and kneel before Tortuga’s port entrance fer 3 days, and hand over tis’ ship and yer pirate crew to Mister Skrtel. Then, I be sparin’ yer scurvy dog life, otherwise….”

Before Stilwell could finish his statement, Sheyan had already unleashed a slap across. PA! One slap was enough to send several teeth flying out of his mouth. Sheyan then hung down his brows as he unenthusiastically asked.

“Otherwise what?”

After receiving a slap, Stillwell’s cheeks had practically inflated and swelled. He could merely mumble out muffled sounds, as his eyes burned with anger. Stillwell reached his hand downwards for a broadsword as his waist. Instead, like a tiger eyeing its prey, Canbi had instantly smashed his steel mace in.

Without having unsheathed his broadsword fully, Stillwell’s unlucky broadsword was immediately flattened bent, as he coughed blood and was struck to the ground. After panting for a long while, Stillwell scrambled back up from the deck with difficulty; his eyes beaming with venomous resentment.

Sheyan then casted his attention towards Skrtel, maintaining a refined and courteous manner, he chuckled and said.

“Mister Skrtel?”

Posed with such a scenario, Skrtel remained unfazed; or perhaps, he was forcing himself to prevent from having a ‘stage fright’. At this moment, he still retained his amiable demeanor and politely offered a gentle smile.

“Yes, what is your opinion on this?”

Sheyan replied indifferently.

“I recently arrived in Tortuga, and absolutely do not possess any misgivings towards anyone. Except, your men approached, intending to purchase my ship with a dozen gold pounds. Apart from that, I am looking forward to Mister Stillwell calling the crew of the Flying Dutchman to deal with me. Before he calls them, I wouldn’t be going anywhere.”

Skrtel was stunned, as he stared deep into Sheyan’s eyes. He was starting to sense a profound mystery in his eyes. Although he could still rally his men to surround and raid Sheyan, a notion had subconsciously flashed through Skrtel’s mind.

“What if he truly belongs to the crew of the Flying Dutchman…”

Hence, his response to Sheyan’s words was only astonishment, before he silently took his leave. Stillwell similarly fled like the wind, distancing himself for 5-6 metres before he spun round.

Then, he casted a venomous glare at Sheyan as though trying to rip apart his soul, before he pointed at Sheyan and gritted his teeth in proclamation.

“Ye’ll die fer sure!! In tis’ world, nobody can rescue ye!”

“I’ll be waiting.” Sheyan scoffed indifferently.

Not too long later, a single-masted ship drew into Tortuga’s port. This single-masted ship seemingly appeared as though he had voyaged a century out at sea. Its entire frame was covered in ash grey, and look rather decayed. Its sail was plagued with cobwebs, and appeared as though it could disintegrate into dust at any moment. Dense and dull white mist seeped out from the ship’s periphery. The ship looked like though it drifted on the ocean’s surface, it was completely unaffected by the waves.

Yet more terrifying was a prodigious shadow following behind the ship’s stern, as though a monumental creature was laying in ambush beneath the sea’s surface……..Such unfathomable horror had grasped the souls of everyone present in a flash!

Stillwell was standing at the tip of the harbour, as he pointed towards Sheyan’s Hill Maiden.

Beside him, were two individuals who were masqueraded completely in black mantles.

Furthermore, that ship begun leaning towards the Hill Maiden. When the broadsides of both ships interlocked, there was strangely not a single collision. Instead, the crew of the Hill Maiden instantly felt an eerie shiver!

Stillwell exerted himself to climb up the ship’s hull. Instead, the two individuals in black mantle didn’t make a single movement, but they had directly scaled onto the deck. For some unknown reason, wherever those two individuals past, they would behind large trails of water spots. Evidently, they were definitely the genuine crew members of the Flying Dutchman, it would be impossible to refute them!

Right now, even Canbi felt a chilling shiver emitting out from his back, when he faced such a situation; his entire body was trembling slightly. Such a sensation was utterly unrelated to one’s prowess, it was a reverence that came from one’s spirit!

Watching this scene, Stillwell covered his swollen face as he cried out.

“It be tis’ ship with an imposter of the Flying Dutchman’s crew, one who dares to ruin the grand name of Davy Jones!”

An individual cloaked in a black mantle strolled forward, his voice seemingly resonating with the air.

“Who is the imposter?”

At this moment, Sheyan trudged out from his captain’s cabin, as he lifted his chin without the slightest bit of fear.

“Nobody is an imposter! Who are you, lift your hood!”

That black mantled individual lifted his head but was immediately stunned.

“It truly is you! Seaman Yan, Oh, no, our Third Mate!”

Sheyan chuckled in surprise.

“So it is actually Crow*!”

(TL:*Crow is one of the crew members of the Flying Dutchman Sheyan had befriended back in the first world)

At present, the crew members of the Hill Maiden that weren’t intoxicated were streaming out in succession. When they noticed the presence of Crow, they immediately heaved a chilling air.

Indeed, the current Crow’s face was plagued with speckles of fish scales, even his features had morphed distinctively with sea fish traits. Apart from that, most of his body retained its human likeness. Yet, this only amplified their peculiarity of him, portraying him with unparalleled and intensified malevolence!

Crow immediately turned and pinched Stillwell’s throat.

“Scallywag, do you know what ye hath done?”

Stillwell’s mouth was widely opened, as his eyes rolled back while he choked. How was he capable of offering a single word? Instead, it was the other black mantled freak beside Crow they commanded with a raspy voice.

“Crow, release him! This person be appearin’ like Seaman Yan but he may not not be our third mate! Why did he suddenly vanish during that year. Mayhaps it be tough to say he wasn’t associated with those mystery men that sparked our curse. Mayhaps, he was a rat that year.”

That brat evidently possessed a higher status as compared to Crow. The hierarchy of the pirates were rather strict, and Crow could only obey earnestly. After Sheyan listened to his words, he scoffed in interruption.

“I remember your voice. You are that foolish lil’ dog following Old Bill*, it seems that you’re called Stafford? Ah, Old Bill is truly fearful of me snatching his second mate rank, so he tries to fabricate such lies to slander me?”

(TL:*Old Bill is the Second Mate (vice officer) of the Flying Dutchman. Also, Stafford (斯塔福) is actually a dog breed)

Stafford bellowed furiously. Instead, his voice suddenly like a hooting whale. Then, he pounced towards Sheyan and screamed.

“Don’t dishonor the name of Mister Bill!”

Instead, his pounce seemed to have froze in midair. Because, a dreadful musket had abruptly emerged and pressed tightly against his head. Indeed, it was ‘Ambition’.

Stafford wasn’t afraid of the musket’s damage, he even wanted to seize this near proximity to choke this ‘Seaman Yan from the east’ to death! In spite of that, a strand of aura had been attached onto this musket, one that caused the depth of his soul to shudder.

Sheyan gripped ‘Ambition’ as he sneered.

“It appears that you recognize this musket! I was still thinking you wouldn’t even place the Captain in your eyes. If I’m a traitor, wouldn’t the Captain have retrieved the weapon he bestowed unto me?”

Stafford slanted his head while he clenched his teeth and howled.

“He be deceived by ye!!!”

Sheyan replied insipidly.

“What you’re implying is that foolish Old Bill is mightier than the captain. Even though both of you can decipher that I’m a traitorous rat, the captain still bestowed this to me? You must be cursing in your heart, the old cap’n scum must’ve been blind!”

“Aye!!! Arrrrghhh, no, ye be spewin’ a load of crap!” Stafford’s brain must’ve turned decomposed by the seawater, and carelessly fell for Sheyan’s words. He couldn’t help but howled miserably. “Everytin’ ye said be a crock of shit.”

Sheyan laughed in response.

“I’m spewing rubbish, everyone here has heard your words. Is it me speaking nonsense, or you; I’m sure each can discern. Am I right, Crow?”

Crow was already frustrated by Stafford, and immediately issued a coarse laughter before replying.

“Aye, I bear witness.”

Stafford roared with frenzied rage.

“Ye bunch of colluders be slanderin’ me, I’ll cut ye down!”

Sheyan burst into laughter and answered.

“I am the Third Mate of the Flying Dutchman. A puny foolish ringleader pirate like you dares to violate the code of our grand Captain Davy Jones? Do you dare to try touching me?”

Stafford fumed with fury.

“Why wouldn’t I dare?”

Sheyan sighed.

“Indeed, a puny rebellious pirate like you dares to violate the code of the captain.”

“A load of fart!!” Stafford wasn’t an individual adept with words. In fact, most pirates were accustomed to using their weapons and body language to communicate with others.

Sheyan immediately pointed to him, and exclaimed with an astounded expression.

“You actually dare to say our captain’s code is a load of fart?”

Stafford was seemingly about to turn insane, as he turned dizzy and issued a list of furious bellows.

“A fartin’ load ye fart scum filled wit’ fart…”

Actually. Stafford was rebuking Sheyan for spewing rubbish like fart, but with his phrasing, it sounded as though he was cursing Davy Jones…. As the chain of ‘farts’ were uttered from his mouth, by the lateral side of the Hill Maiden, violent boiling suddenly churned within the seawater. Following that, a deathly pale skinned humongous tentacle jabbed out from the water, brandishing in with unbelievable speed!

Stafford didn’t even have time to squeak out a sliver of sound, and was instantly struck within the next second; speeding away like a hole in one golf ball. He carved out graceful arc along the horizon, as he disappeared faraway from the line of sight of everyone. Even the final splashing sound made by Stafford could not be heard…….

Chapter 513: Massaging Paul

As Sheyan observed the terrifying gigantuous tentacle, his face revealed a joyous countenance.

“Aha, is that you? Beloved Paul. Frequently, I would reminisce about that brilliant roulette betting of yours.”

Yet after Sheyan concluded his greetings, the gigantuous tentacle started constricting around the Hill Maiden without a sense of courtesy. Wooden creaks and screeches began emitting out of this few kilton displacement Hill Maiden, that could ferry over a hundred members. The Hill Maiden clearly could not withstand such pressure, and if this terrifyingly mighty tentacle were to exert a sliver of extra strength, one could foretell the total obliteration of this ship.

Frantic wails simultaneously resounded from the Hill Maiden, while concurrently, the pirates surveying such a scene at the pier were gasping with excitement! Besides, it wasn’t everyday they could witness the Kraken of Davy Jones.

Moreover, it was already described that the scene of this colossus flipping out and sinking ships, was indeed a spectacular sight to behold; one that human strength could never go against. Therefore, the spectating pirates feasted their eyes without turning frightened.

However, they were quickly disappointed by the next sequence of event.

When the Kraken Paul wrapped its tentacles around the Hill Maiden, it no longer exerted more strength. Instead, it effortless hoisted up this third rate ship as it swam towards the shallow area of the bay. Finally, its enormous head popped out onto the bay….

As it turns out, Paul wasn’t trying to sink the ship. Merely, it had lost its ability to alter its size. Furthermore, the water was too deep at the pier’s head, and it wasn’t convenient for it to leave the water. Hence, it dragged the ship over to the shallows, before easily greeting its acquaintance.

Sheyan then produced ‘Ambition’, and placed it onto a suction pad of Paul’s coiling tentacle.

“My beloved comrade, take a look. Not only did I prevent this old mate from being harmed, I even maintained it well.”

Paul retracted its tentacle along with the musket. Probably due to its present fixed bulkiness, it hadn’t toyed around with Davy Jone’s treasures for a long while. After a brief while, it started to excitedly knock and rub two of its tentacles repeatedly, causing a chaotic upheaval of the sand and water within the shallows. Moreover, its ruckus created a 10 metre deep gorge that was 4-5 metres wide.

Sheyan became rather confused by Paul’s commotion. Instead, a wretched slutty voice echoed from the side.

“Hehe, this big boy is itching terribly from the excessive parasites adhering onto its tentacles.”

Sheyan glanced back; if not Jinkuang, then who?

Recently unbeknownst why, this servant had taken a fancy to sleeping, and would nap for 20 hours daily. Even when awake, he would be yawning. Sheyan attempted to investigate but wasn’t able to find another strange, thus he ignored Jinkuang. Never did he expect Jinkuang to suddenly pop up at this moment.

“You know what it’s frustrated about?”

Sheyan curiously asked.

Jinkuang scratched his head as dandruff scattered down, before he replied.

“Of course. I reckon it’s because of the recent increase in sleep. Not only have I grew more handsome and confident, my abilities seem to have sharpened a little.”

Sheyan wasn’t afraid of Paul. No matter how beastly it morphed into, or how monstrous its strength became, it would be fine as long as its soul remained the same. An animal wouldn’t possess the shrewdness of a human; if it was angry, it would rage. If happy, then it would turn bubbly. Hence, Sheyan straightforwardly leapt off his ship as he splashed noisily onto the shallows before calling out to Paul.

“Oi, comrade, could it be your tentacles are irritated?”

Paul answered Sheyan in the most realistic fashion. With ‘tears gleaming’ it very bluntly stretched one of its massive tentacle towards Sheyan’s front.

After a careful examination, Sheyan realized numerous parasitic organisms had taken residence onto its surface; tortoise shells, oysters, barnacles, algaes and so on. Even its sucklers were polluted with marina kelps and festering lacerations, probably due to its half spirit half physical constitution. Comparing its tentacles to the human’s feet; it was practically a gravely mashed athlete’s foot, adding 5-6 ulcerating chilblains with pus flowing, and another 7-8 thick corn…..

Without speaking further, Sheyan ordered his pirate subordinate to pass over a broadsword. Still, he remained rather worried and assured.

“Settling these boys of yours isn’t a problem, but it may hurt.”

As before, Paul stubbornly exhibited its tentacle in Sheyan’s face, and even coiled it around Sheyan’s periphery; expressing its urgent resolution…

Sheyan shrugged his shoulders, and begun to patiently carve out these excrescence like organisms with the broadsword; providing a pedicure to this octopus.

Afterwards, the satisfied Kraken laid down onto the shoals, as it comfortably stretched out its tentacles towards the sea and the shoals. Such a scene relatively resembled one lying down onto a massaging chair, while being serviced by a young female attendant.

While Sheyan was sweating his head out below, he glanced up and realized the mass of his pirate crew were spectating while pretending it was none of their business. Instantly, his anger flared up as he roared.

“All of you better roll down the ship and help out!! Otherwise, your year’s booty will be shaved by half!”

After their captain gave the order, the crew could only glance at each other with palpitation in their hearts. After all, this Kraken was infamous for killing and devouring without blinking.

Nevertheless, they still leapt down into the shallows like splashing dumplings. Someone even timidly inquired of Sheyan.

“Cap’n, this leviathan……aye, wrong, its Mister Paul. Would he be twirlin’ us up and poppin’ us like dessert?”

The gloomy looking Sheyan immediately kicked his buttocks, and chided.

“Do I look like a dessert? According to your logic, being the first to jump down, I would have the honour of being the first dessert aye?”

That pirate could only knead his buttocks, and began working with a dejected and teary face.

The more manpower, the greater the strength. Paul simply stretched up his eight tentacles, while comfortably humming away. According to their eventual statistics, these excrescence organisms of oysters, shells, algae etc surpassed a grand total of a hundred kilo. It was said that after this, restaurants and taverns released promotions of special seafood buffets. Whereas patrons of those buffets would describe the taste as out of the ordinary. Besides, the raw materials of food were all extracted out from the flesh of the octopus Paul.

With his pirate crew assisting, Sheyan released a long exhalation as he finally regained his freedom from this arduous pedicure activity. Then, he returned to his old ways of directing and instructing, before pulling Jinkuang to the side and asking.

“Do you have a method to inquire about the appetite of Paul? Anyway, this grandpa has already come ashore, we should provide full complementations. Let it have its full, which would also prevent my underlings from feeling worried.”

Jinkuang offered a sly smile.

“Would there be anything that I, excellency Jinkuang, be incapable of?”

After speaking, he leapt onto a random sampan, and got a pirate to escort him to Paul’s massive head. Then, he started gesturing frantically like a chinese sorcerer, or perhaps, one could just describe it as hopping around with severely bad cramps. Finally, he returned to Sheyan.

“Rum and a cow will do the trick.”

“Oh, that’s simple.” Sheyan immediately tasked someone to prepare. Instead, Jinkuang uninterrupted again.

“Wait, add salt into the rum; a catty to each barrel. After butchering the cow, its blood must be drained out before boiling thoroughly.”

Sheyan was stunned.

“You sure it’s capable of eating like that?”

Jinkuang ignored him as he rolled his eyes and offered a middle finger, before yawning and going back to resume his nap. In that instant, Sheyan felt like his captain’s dignity had been damaged, but he could only submit to such humiliation. Then, he turned to the group of pirates nearby and fumed.

“Didn’t you hear clearly? Hurry and get it work!”

When the truth was unveiled, Jinkuang indeed possessed an ability to communicate with animals. Paul feasted sumptuously on the meal that Sheyan prepared and delivered to it. Though its tentacles were massive, it was exceptionally nimble. Coiling round half a cow, it skillfully stuffed the cow into its mouth; completely identical to how humans stuff potato chips into their mouths.

Such an event allowed the apprehensive pirates who were engaging in pedicure to heave a sigh of relief. Since Mister Paul had eaten its full, then naturally the attention would be removed from themselves. A wild beast with a full stomach wouldn’t be a threat.

However, reality verified one fact – Paul’s appetite was humongous, amplified that of normal octopuses by several folds. Naturally, a single meal would suffice for ordinary octopus for three days. Instead for Paul, the amount it ate would possibly last it an entire week.

One could further infer that Sheyan paid an immense price to allow this beloved Paul to eat and drink its full; possibly purchasing every single cow in the entire Tortuga, and perhaps a third of the total volume of rum. If his money purse wasn’t inflicted with severe damages, his vitality had inevitably declined.

Under the painstaking labouring of the pirates, when Paul had completed his meal, the vexing excrescence organisms adhering to its eight tentacles was finally all been scraped off.

Following that, this intoxicated colossus gently receded back into the sea. Before it left, it toyed around with ‘Ambition’ for a little while, before raising its tentacle to wave its farewell.

Overall, it seemed as though this unsophisticated creature hadn’t helped Sheyan with anything, but merely visited for personal merriment. Still, it had accomplished a feat that most individuals would never be capable of accomplishing after laboring for an entire lifetime.

Noteworthily, Sheyan didn’t bother with Skrtel and the rest during the entire process of serving Paul. Despite receiving the cold-shoulder, Skrtel strangely opted to stay as he taciturnly observed by the side; until the moment Paul left, did he shift his feet.

After Paul departed, Sheyan ordered to release their captives, allowing the brothers of swaying naked buttocks, eggs, and birds, to be freed. He even offered them a polite smile and apologized.

The three enraged captives desired so badly to eradicate the 18 generations of Sheyan’s bloodline, but at this moment, they didn’t dare to speak out; burying their crestfallen faces as they clutch their swaying eggs beneath and left.

Chapter 514: Enhanced ambition!

When Skrtel returned unaccompanied, Sheyan quickly made amends by proactively releasing the captives; which counted as offering some face to him. Moreover, the impression that Sheyan had dawned on him was that of ‘Zhao Yun charging seven times through the ranks of Cao Cao’s army*’. In spite of this, Skrtels face retained its incomparably ugly state. To the veterans of Tortuga, they had only witnessed Skrtel’s amiable state before, and never such an enraged expression.

(TN:*This is a famous scene in romance of the three kingdoms. Where Zhao Yun is sort of like a fierce unrivalled general that goes unbridled amongst the Cao Cao (the ruler of one of the three kingdoms) army.)

Actually, it was fairly simple why Skrtel even had such an expression. He knew that though Sheyan displayed a subdued modesty, he could no longer regain the face he lost. If he tried compelling Sheyan, the merchant ships of this port may very well be experiencing shipwrecks in the future; perhaps, they wouldn’t even have the chance of reaching this port!

In comparison to the suffering of having one’s livelihood destroyed, a loss of some face wouldn’t actually mean much.

Furthermore, since Sheyan had the privilege of waiting on this colossus, then he would surely possess the capability of inciting it to find trouble for other ships. Speaking in the simple logic of Octopus Paul, sinking several ship would be as easy as smashing shells.

Skrtel understood his own influence. Knowing that he definitely could not deal with Kraken Paul, he naturally could only endure this belly of flame.

Both Redbeard and Hoth similarly understood this point. Though they had been hung, they had witnessed clearly the might of Octopus Paul’s tentacles; realizing that not only fifth rate ships, even the highest tier of seventh rate ships could be easily dragged into the depths of the sea.

Hence, knowing themselves, though the both of them suffered such dishonor, they left without uttering a single vicious word.

Following that, Sheyan conversed briefly with his old mate, Crow. He then discovered, that the ghostly curse of the Fly Dutchman had originally been dispelled, but a more potent curse had replaced it instead.

As it turns out, after being inflicted by the ghostly curse, Davy Jones had voyaged far and wide in search of a method to erase the curse. Yet, he unintentionally encountered the Sea goddess Calypso, and fell in love with her. It was Calypso that had suppressed the ghostly curse flowing within their veins.

Because of love, Davy Jones agree to lead the Flying Dutchman crew in the sacred task of collecting all the poor souls who died at sea, and ferrying them to the worlds beyond. The price for that was only to set foot on land once every ten years. For the sake of love, Davy Jones offered up his own soul.

Yet after a decade, when Davy Jones came ashore after his ten year duty, Calypso was nowhere to be found. Despairing that his beloved had betrayed him and guilt from his actions, Davy Jones carved out his own heart, and locked it away in the Dead Man’s Chest before burying it on Isla Cruces. Henceforth, Davy Jones abandoned his duty of collecting lost souls, where he suffered the terrifying curse of losing his humanly features and freedom. Even the crew of the Flying Dutchman suffered the same plight as him, and became like fishmen.

When Crow inquired of Sheyan, Sheyan replied with a mouthful of smoke; mentioning that after discovering the treacherous plot of that group in that year, he got captured by mistake.

Crow expressed his understanding, as he felt that Sheyan’s prowess then was merely mediocre… Following that, the culprits that plotted against the captain had opened up a witchcraft transportation array on deck, and seized him as they fled.

In the end, he managed to find an opportunity to escape from them, before returning to his mysterious east. After receiving mystical witchcraft treatment there, he managed to suppressed the ghostly curse…..

Sheyan then revealed his objectives cleanly, stating that he, having suppressed this curse for a decade, he could no longer sustain it; requiring to search for a more potent curse to fight poison with poison. Then, he would think of a solution to return to the east to heal himself.

Hence, Sheyan revealed his aim was those Aztec Gold on the Black Pearl….and proceeded to implore if the captain could assist him.

Believing that Sheyan’s words were true, Crow immediately agreed to carry his message.

Eventually after a period of time, Crow sent a fish conveying a letter to Sheyan. Within the letter, were several messages.

Explicit messages that came personally from Davy Jones himself.

The first message – Seaman Yan was the Third Mate in the Flying Dutchman, he still is, and he will forever be.

The second message – The Flying Dutchman crew and Paul are extremely busy, they will not supply direct offensive assistance towards Sheyan

The third message – Whatever news he heard, is confined only to the knowledge of the Flying Dutchman’s crew.

Putting it bluntly, Sheyan would still permitted to act ostentatiously with the name of the Flying Dutchman. However, once he encounters a tough nut that wouldn’t budge, like the Black Pearl, the Flying Dutchman would not step forward to assist him.

This outcome was already calculated by Sheyan. Besides, the realm definitely wouldn’t permit Sheyan from mobilizing such a deadly weapon like the Flying Dutchman crew to engage in a mission. Being able to carry this reputation was already a pleasant surprise.

Furthermore, when Sheyan had started devising his plans, he hadn’t factored in the forces of Davy Jones from the get go.

By now, Sheyan’s other ships had finally arrived at the port. Sheyan then tossed all punitive affairs to Ol’Seadog and Philips to handle, which they followed accordingly to his earlier drafted regulations.

Both Ol’Seadog and Philips possessed amazing talent in the field of commanding and deploying. Meanwhile, after Blacksail’s speed had been supremely enhanced, coupling his agility and queer alchemist methods, he could now mutually contend against the unrivalled monstrous strength of Canbi.

With both of them present on deck, the results of naval boarding battles would definitely be astounding. Hence, they became two leading figures in Sheyan’s considerations for naval boarding battles.

At this instant, Sheyan also noticed something else. Probably due to settling affairs with Skrtel previously, he had totally neglected a notification from the nightmare imprint.

[ Your weapon ‘Ambition’, has received the blessing from Kraken Paul ]

Sheyan immediately pulled ‘Ambition’ out and investigated thoroughly, before realizing an additional property had been integrated into this musket.

[ Ambition +1 ]

(Other attributes can be found in ch 64 of vol 3)

[ Additional enchantment effect: Paul’s Blessing (Passive) – Conferred blessings by the Kraken Paul, whenever ‘Ambition’ successfully deals damage to foes, it will infect foes with ink. Accuracy lowered by 80% for the 10 seconds, and effect cannot be dispelled ]

[ Apart from that, Paul has left a distinct aura onto this weapon. An aura that can intimidate other sea creatures, causing them to flee in panic ]

[ Note: Paul’s intimidating aura works best in this world. As for other worlds, its effect would be greatly limited as other legendary creatures of other worlds do not know what is a ‘Paul’ ]

Since Sheyan had already publicly verified his status, his earlier apprehensions had similarly been swept clean. If anyone wanted to deal with him, they had to take into account Davy Jones, as well as the Kraken Paul. Otherwise, they had to ponder the question of how long their ships could resist the grips of Paul’s tentacles!

Thus, after Sheyan issued the booty to the remaining pirates, he boldly released them ashore to indulge in entertainment.

The pirates had long been bored stiff on board. Besides, why were they even striving for? Wasn’t it to plunder booties to satisfy their enjoyment?

They instantly released crazed laughters, as they flocked in groups of 4-5 and scattered. After arranging several few to stay guard, Sheyan then left with Reef and Brother Black. They also brought along Ol’Seadog, as Ol’Seadog had already travelled extensively and was well experienced. At present, they no longer needed to borrow Canbi’s might. Thus, Ol’Seadog was undoubtedly the best candidate.

Sheyan’s first consideration was to sell his ships. Presently, his three other ships had reached the harbour; three Royal British Navy 3-masted warships. Amongst which, Sheyan intended to reserve one to employ as replenishment for logistical purposes.

During naval boarding raids, there would frequently be casualties. That ship would be renovated to increase its carrying capacity, with its main significance to deliver supplies, and carry corpses or the wounded.

As for the Hill Maiden, it was completely suppressed in terms of boardside long range capabilities, but with speed and carrying capacity as priority. Its goal was to be as fast as possible, and wreck into enemy ships for raiding.

Hence, Sheyan could only sell two ship; nevertheless, there were quite a handful of cannons.

Under Ol’Seadog’s guidance, the trio arrived at one of Tortuga’s merchant dock. Sheyan was about to enter, but instead, Ol’Seadog tugged him back and whispered.

“Don’t patronize tis’ merchant, we be passin’ by. This merchant is an unscrupulous shark, tricked by em’ was I before.”

Sheyan immediately chuckled.

“My favourites are exactly unscrupulous sharks!”

As he exclaimed, he strided in with large steps. From within, a boiling cauldron of noises could be heard.

The owner of this dock was an old man who appeared to have been wrinkled and dried by the sea breeze, yet his pair of eyes remained brightly glinting.

It seemed that this old man’s business was pretty outstanding. When the trio entered, the owner was engrossed in conversation with a group of people, and didn’t have time to address them. Instead, a black bandana assistant came strolling towards the trio.

“Hey, mateys. Our boss had just returned after sending off his mates. Thus, he doesn’t have the time to attend to you. We acquire single-masted boats for 20 guineas, if you fancy it being too little, there be no longer a need to talk.

After Sheyan heard his words, he instantly understood who those people surrounding the old man were! They were inevitably contestants like himself!

Counting the time, those individuals riding single-masted boats would’ve reached Tortuga by now. Thus, they should also be able to sell off their single-masted boats, and convert them into their first sum of cash.

After these unscrupulous merchants realized foreigners were approaching and offloading properties in large quantities, they naturally and brazenly deflated the prices.

Chapter 515: Secret of The Black Pearl!

Obviously, merchants existed for the sake of profit; nonetheless, these unscrupulous profiteers were truly too cunning.

A single-masted sailboat may not be remarkable, but it could easily be modified as a fishing boat. Moreover, constructing a new fishing boat, according to Ol’Seadog, would probably require several hundred of guineas. Furthermore, even if procured off stolen ones, it would still be worth a fair value of 200 guineas.

Brazenly issuing a 20 guineas procurement valuation….these unscrupulous merchants were truly as absurd as the chinese fiasco of melamine in milk powder. They truly reached the apex of their kind.

When Ol’Seadog heard the assistant’s words, a nameless fire was set ablaze within him as he slapped the counter strongly.

“Which eye of yers witnessed that we be sellin’ single-masted boats?”

Ol’Seadog was brimming with confidence, as he rebuked imposingly. The assistant didn’t dare to be negligent and hastily inquired.

“Then what do our patrons require?”

Ol’Seadog rebuked aloud.

“Go inquire of yer boss. Two British Royal Navy galley ships o’ the third rate, along wit’ me 23 Krupp cannons o’ the 1 pounder or 3 pounder grade. How much will ye be willin’ to offer?”

The assistant’s eyes widened greatly as he listened, then he charged towards the old assistant and yelled.

“Deke, you jolly fool! It doesn’t matter if you let those insignificant dealers wait. Once this deal is settled, I’ll give you half the share!”

Sheyan and Reef were both amazed; So this black bandana is actually the boss, while the old man the assistant….

After his boss ordered, the old Deke immediately offered absolving expressions as he squeezed out from the crowd. Then, he fawned towards the trio and invited them for a seat.

Meanwhile, those contestants started cursing in succession. There were currently about 10 plus of them, and three parties could be distinguished amongst them. They were already annoyed at having to queue previously, and never expected a sudden roadblock when it was their turn. Of course, they would obviously be agitated.

Instead, Sheyan ignored them as he continued chatting with Mogensha and Reef, utterly treating them as empty air.

In spite of that, the contestants ultimately couldn’t mobilize against them, because to them, Tortuga was analogous to Hell’s Gate of the Avatar world; both being ‘safe’ zones. Hence, they could only grit their teeth and leave.

Sheyan then dispatched out Jinkuang, prompting him for an intensive battering with the old Deke.

As the saying goes; once Jinkuang steps furth, he thrives against all. Jinkuang blatantly placed a stool beside old Deke, before hopping onto it and affectionately massaged against old Deke’s shoulders.

“My dear friend. The quality of our ships are first-rate, well maintained and smoothly gorgeous. Your valuation is simply unjustified. Twenty-one 3-pounder cannons are already 300 guineas each, and that is already 9,000 guineas….”

After Jinkuang bombarded him with excessive information, he fished out an abacus and started calculating noisily. Finally, he reported out a figure.

“How about this, the original sum should be 4,135 guineas and 17 shillings. But we will accept at a lowered price of 4,500 guineas.”

Old Deke could sense something was fishy, but dazed by all the information, he dealt with Jinkuang successfully.

Not long after receiving their money and leaving, the bitter yells of the old shark then echoed out from the dock!

“Heavens! Even a brand new Galley 3-masted ship is only worth 2,500 guineas!”

Hearing such a sad and shrilling scream, Sheyan and Reef glanced at each other as they smirked and vanished into the human crowd. A few seconds later, old Deke came rushing out as he yelled with exasperation.

“What is wrong with me today, how can I just hand over cash in my confusion? Those damned swindlers. You best pray you don’t get caught by me!”

Following that, Ol’Seadog brought the trio to another dock; one with a fairer valuation and service. Sheyan then raised a request to the dock’s owner, to forsake artillery capabilities of the ship to pursue speed; inquiring if he could increase the current speed of the Hill Maiden by a notch, and that the price was up for negotiation.

The owner of this dock was named Lohan, a 40 year old big beardy with a thick accent and ample charisma. After understand Sheyan’s queries, he personally went to examine the Hill Maiden, before guaranteeing an overall modification could be done by the same time the next day, with a speed increasing by 20%. Of course, it required an exorbitant fee of 5,000 gold guineas.

To another average contestant, 5,000 gold guineas was simply a terrifyingly astonishing sump. Even two of Sheyan’s Third rate warships weren’t able to be sold off for 5,000 guineas. However, to the present Sheyan, this sump was akin to loose change.

With the extravagant reapings of 160,000 gold guineas he gained from selling off the fruits of the enormous sargassum, he would retain a surplus of over 100,000 gold guineas; that was after factoring the various expenditure, including the booties for his pirate crew, and the meal he supplied Paul previously.

Therefore to Lohan’s request, Sheyan very forthrightly accepted. After paying his fee, he nonchalantly asked Lohan.

“I’m just wondering, might there be a method to build a ship faster than the Black Pearl?”

Lohan was slightly taken aback as he shook his head.

“That would be impossible.”

Sheyan was intrigued.

“Why so?”

Aware that Sheyan was a customer that squandered money like dirt, Lohal pondered before chuckling. After pouring a mug of coffee from his patrons, he invited to seat before beginning.

“Speaking of this story, it is indeed a long one. There are many legends and rumours regarding The Black Pearl. Yet its most convincing specialty, not just in name but also in reality, is its undisputable position as the swiftest in the Caribbean Sea; the symbol of freedom! Are there any who doesn’t wonders how the Black Pearl became the fastest ship in the Caribbean Sea? Definitely not! In fact, every new shipbuilder would harbour ambitions to craft a ship that is swifter than the Black Pearl!”

“Back in the day, when I apprenticed under the Royal Artisan, Master Jason Richie, I had a discussion with a friend on this matter. He told me, it was said that when the Black Pearl first set sail, it was merely an ordinary 5-masted merchant ship. If it had any unique compartment then, it must’ve surely been its exceptionally superb keel*!”

(TN:*The keel is the structure of the base of a ship)

“Keel?” The puzzled Reef asked. He didn’t really comprehend terminologies of this maritime field.

Probably because Lohan desired to earn more from these bankrollers, he patiently elaborated.

“During the construction of ships, the keel is the lengthwise structure along the base supporting the framework from the ship’s bow to its stern; where branching out structure ribs along the keel would reinforce the entire hull of the ship. It is akin to the spine of creatures, having ribs arching out of the spine on both sides. The keel is the backbone nucleus of the ship. Only with it, can a ship have a mainstay.”

Observing that his patrons roughly understood, Lohan’s tone turned increasingly serious.

“When the Black Pearl was released into the water, its basic functionality was an armed merchantman ship. You should know this eh, an armed merchantman refers to a hybrid between a merchant ship and a warship; allowing a merchant ship to fend against navy fleets or pirate ships.

“According to my conjecture, the ancient captain of the Black Pearl was someone with astute foresight and thriving ambitions. Whenever they pillaged ships, they not only plundered for riches, they would further seek for precious and rare ship components; before installing them onto the Black Pearl. In this manner, it didn’t matter even if they couldn’t drag along their captured ships.”

As they listened to Lohan, Brother Black and Reef both simultaneously glanced at Sheyan; naturally recalling his acts of seizing the precious components of other ships. Sheyan himself had the same notion. Lohan then continued.

“What we could confirm then, was the master of the Black Pearl was definitely prejudiced in his adoration for speed! Hence, throughout the long course of the Black Pearl’s journey, they pillaged countless of different ships; integrating various precious compartments onto their ship, where these compartments were, without an exception, skewed towards enhancing speed. Thus, throughout the many years of pillaging, the ship gradually morphed in quality. Ultimately, it became acclaimed as the Caribbean Sea’s Emperor of Swiftness. The symbol of freedom, The Black Pearl!”

Brother Black interrupted abruptly.

“That doesn’t sound very tough to achieve. Going by such a logic, as long as one possesses wealth, wouldn’t purchasing such speed enhancement components be sufficient to surpass the Black Pearl?”

Hearing that, Lohan instantly burst into laughters.

“That is the reason why I commenced this story by elaborating on the ship’s keel! A ship is a manifestation of over a thousand different and precise components! It definitely isn’t as simple as piling up precious components.”

“Believe me, my friends. Some precious and refined ship components even possessed their own spirits! Can you imagine a choir with only one member? Even if you fancy sweet tastes, would you like the sap of the sugarcanes to be poured onto your steak?”

“The reason why the Black Pearl hails as the unparalleled Emperor of Swiftness, is right from its first sail, it possessed an insurmountable supreme keel!!! Only such a mystical keel, an indomitable backbone supporting the whole ship, can it suppress the rejections and reverse devouring of those precious components. Akin to a commander-in-chief of the navy, assembling its perfect component generals, it finally created the miracle as the Emperor of Swiftness of the Caribbean Sea! Without its keel, the berserking components infused into the Black Pearl would’ve rebelled in contention.”

Chapter 516: Spinning silk from cocoons (Painstaking investigations)

After talking with his thick accent for so long, Lohan became rather thirsty. Picking up his mug of coffee, he smelled the rich aroma before drinking down several delectable mouthfuls.

“Let me be frank, I am only able to guarantee a 20% increase in your ship’s speed, because she possesses several precious components. However, those components aren’t able to exhibit their full attributes due to their incompatible arrangement and installation methods. Without those few precious ship components, it would even be tough to enhance her speed by 10%.”

Hearing this point, Sheyan nodded as he placed 10 gold guineas on the table.

“Truly captivating, Mr Lohan. Your story that is. Your eloquence and the coffee is worthy of such a valuable. Also, to facilitate the speedy modifications of my ship, I will no longer tarry your time.”

Lohan then sent them out.

“I will send my men to start work at your ship. At this hour tomorrow, mister, you will see a warship that soars on the ocean.”

“I’ll be waiting.” Sheyan smiled humbly.

The group of four then continued touring around this bizarre shaped but prosperous Tortuga port. When they arrived at a shop with a familiar name, ‘Chicken and Dog*’, Sheyan became amazed as he witnessed that crafty profiteer Mole Waller, comfortably slouching on a chair; casting lazy glances at the passersby. After the collapse of Turtuga port, this ‘Chicken and Dog’ shop had actually managed to revive itself here.

(TN:*This was the store Sheyan encountered in vol 3, back in Turtuga port )

Jinkuang had long heard of the history of Sheyan being bullied by this old man. Hence, he planned to charge over, wanting to settle him for Sheyan. Instead, Sheyan halted him saying that the time isn’t ripe yet. On the contrary, Brother Black and Reef personally went up to experience the wretchedness of this old man. In the end, it was the unfortunate Reef who got drawn in.

Mole Waller immediately dragged Reef in when he had just stepped into the store. With tears and mucus flowing, the wretched old man chided Reef for being careless; blaming him for squashing his only companions over the years – the pet ants he was rearing. Seeing the old man choking with old tears, Reef with his gentlemanly elegance could only speechlessly purchase a ‘gem’ of this Chicken and Dog shop, as a form of compensation; a toothpick described as manufactured with the beard of a white holy tiger. Only afterwards, did Reef managed to escape his clutches.

The distant Jinkuang hissed furiously about wanting to rob him of his family fortunes, as he watched things played out. Instead, Sheyan pulled him back, suggesting that they should first accumulate the debts, before slowly claiming it back once it reaches an all time high….

Here in Tortuga, the greatest place of interest would be the Abattoir. The Abattoir had no relations to butchering, fatty meat or greasy bulky butchers. Instead, it was simply an average auction marketplace.

Having plundered many booties, many pirates wished to swiftly sell of these treasures; frequently, they would also obtain cheap bargains at this place. However, Sheyan and buddies arrived at an ill timing, and all that were left of the auction marketplace, were sporadic loose junks. After making some inquiries, they realized an ‘official’ auction would be held every ten days; during the intervals, only loose junk would remain. The previous auction had just concluded, and they had to wait another 7-8 more days.

After touring around this junk market, Sheyan didn’t acquire anything much. In the end, he spent 3,000 guineas to acquire blue grade hybrid timber board, which could provide a 25% increase in durability of the ship’s hull. Apart from that, nothing else was alluring.

Noteworthily, Reef obtained an unexpected harvest. He managed to find a saber sheath, yes, a sheath that somehow could contain his lightsaber.

The material composite of this sheath was peculiar; slightly identical to rock. Strange designs were engraved onto it, and it wasn’t considered an equipment but an item instead. Its feasibility was exceedingly direct – after safekeeping a weapon within it for 120 minutes, the weapon would have its explosive strike rate increased by 3% after pulling it out;for a duration of 60 minutes.

Having toured around Tortuga port for a while, Sheyan noticed the time and spoke.

“It is about time.”

Reef asked confusedly.

“What time?”

Sheyan chortled and replied.

“About time those contestants run into a wall.”

Reef became further puzzled, and asked.

“Can’t you speak in a clearer fashion?”

Sheyan nodded as he answered.

“Fine then, it is about time to expound on my plans. At the same time, you guys can reference it to ensure I haven’t overlooked anything. Firstly, let’s talk about our mission, which is to obtain an Aztec Gold Coin that curses the crew of the Black Pearl.”

Reef and Mogensha nodded. Sheyan then resumed.

“Presently, we’ve been fortunate enough to obtain the coordinates of the Isla de Muerta – where Barbossa’s treasures resides. This means that if we wish to acquire the Aztec Gold, we can blatantly steal them; hence, the difficulty of obtaining one is actually nearly zero.”

“Instead, the problem posed to us now is – once we touch the Aztec Gold, Barbossa would instantly sense it and advanced in wild pursuit against us. Unfortunately, we have to maintain possession of the Aztec Gold for over three days!”

Reef then added in.

“Deducing with the original storyline perspective, Barbossa and his crew are currently an undead existence, being unable to be killed. Hence, defying them in resistance is impossible. Those savage cutthroats wouldn’t feel a thread of pain or fear. If we cross hands with them, the ones to perish will definitely be us.”

Shena nodded and declared.

“That is why, the realm has allocated a full month for us to prepare! Think about it carefully, what should we be preparing?”

Mogensha revealed a pensive thought as he mumbled.

“Since our rival is an unkillable existence, our only option is to run and hide. In actual fact, the mission detailing us to obtain an Aztec Gold for three days also feedbacks this point. Despite that, our opponent is a ship that possess the swiftest velocity of the caribbean sea! Attempting to flee with the Aztec Gold is simply not realistic!”

Sheyan nodded and continued.

“Thus, this is the problem I’ve continuously been considering after obtaining this mission. No doubt, our rival has two advantages over us. First, is being unkillable. Second, their speed is second to none in the caribbean sea. Being undead is a superiority that we are unable to defy. Instead, the superiority of speed, there are certain reasonable methods to curb with that.”

Reef muttered.

“You’re implying….going ashore?”

Sheyan clapped his hands and replied.

“That’s right! Going ashore indeed. The Black Pearl is not a flying ship. Once we can reach the continent, it would be equivalent to eliminating the greatest superiority Barbossa and his crew possess! But here lies the problem. Barbossa can distinctively sense the position of the stolen Aztec Gold. Therefore, that pellet size Isla de Muerta wouldn’t be suitable for us to hide and bide our time. According to its coordinates and referencing to the map, the closest distance between that treasure island and a mainland is 1,300 nautical miles….”

Speaking till here, a suddenly flicker flashed in Sheyan’s eyes.

“Therefore, what we must have, is a ship; an exceptionally fast ship. This ship must be able to traverse 1,300 nautical miles within the shortest time and hit the mainland. Moreover, during this process, it mustn’t allow the Emperor of Swiftness, The Black Pearl, to catch up! Hence, I have been attempting by every possible means, to obtain a speedy ship. This ship doesn’t have to be faster than the Black Pearl, but minimally it must guarantee we can successfully ascend ashore without the Black Pearl catching up to us.”

“After having just heard Mr Lohan’s narration, do y’all understand the intentions of the realm allocating an entire month to us now? Naturally, that is the time for us to pillage other ships, allowing us sufficient buffer to capture quality components; and finally, construct that exact speed boat!”

“An entire month period……this suffices to say, the speed of the Black Pearl, is definitely much swifter than our imagination of it! As the saying goes, know thyself and thy enemies to emerge victorious in every battle. Therefore, what we need to understand now, is how fast the Black Pearl truly is! Of course, if we can comprehend some of its weakness, that would be better.”

Brother Black’s eyes had currently brightened up.

“The captain of the Black pearl, Barbossa, would definitely not accept our interview. However, there is another that understands the Black Pearl more than Barbossa. His name doesn’t need to be illustrated right! Indeed, Jack Sparrow who had been marooned by his traitorous crew! However……what relations does this have to do with ‘running into the wall’?”

Being forewarned is being forearmed, as Sheyan laughed in response.

“I had a brief encounter with Jack in my previous world, an encountered riddled with suspicions. Moreover, his crew had just started a mutiny against him. Do you think he would trust me, and confide with me? That is utterly impossible. Therefore, a recommending middleman is essential. This individual’s identity is extremely special. Firstly, Jack Sparrow trusted him, and secondly, we must be able to obtain his trust…”

“Coincidentally within Tortuga, there is someone; someone presently in dire straits that he cannot even afford the cheapest priced rum, and is dejectedly living inside a piggery! His name is obviously, Joshamee Gibbs! The reason I mentioned the contestants running into a wall, is because those guys would definitely not let such an obvious lead slip away. Though there’s a chance their reputation be higher than mine, it is absolutely impossible for them to produce something that can move Joshamee; and that is a ship!! A huge ship that can brave the billows and sail the seven seas!”

Speaking till here, Sheyan paused and continued.

“Apart from him, if possible, there is someone else we must pay a visit to; because the one and only the Black Pearl was sunk, was done by him. That is the governor of the East India Trading company, Cutler Beckett. In order to rescue the Black Pearl that had already been sunk to the abyss of the sea, Jack struck a bargain with Davy Jones to serve on the Flying Dutchman for a century!”

Chapter 517: Joshamee Gibbs

Precisely to Sheyan’s calculations, a dispirited Joshamee Gibbs was presently surrounded by a bunch of contestants. Though these contestants didn’t possess much guineas, they still had adequate to treat their guest to a drink.

The crafty Joshamee Gibbs gulped down his rum vehemently as he returned laughters and conversations to the contestants; evidently, he was intending to simply enjoy this freebie.

In present times, news circulated amongst bartenders in a fast and abundant manner. The fables of Sheyan’s pirates putting to death the bartender, Dark Widow, of the Grey Pigeon had long reached here. Hence, when Ol’Seadog patronized this tavern, he received an extraordinarily cordial standard of service.

Meanwhile, those contestants dispatched here were obviously talents with rather remarkable charm. Thus, the majority of them could still converse fluently with Joshamee. Nevertheless, exactly like Sheyan’s speculation, having a minimally Third rate ship that could brave the winds and billows, was a vital criteria to move Joshamee.

Eventually, conversations that could break the havens only sufficed in strengthening their private amicability with him.

Sheyan and buddies opted to sit peacefully at a corner, observing the straightforward smiles but ambiguous chatters of Joshamee as he addressed those contestants.

As time trickled away, the contestants’ hopes dwindled along with their depleting gold doubloons, and gradually turned into despair; desiring to riot against him.

Not too long later, Joshamee Gibbs finally drank down his last mug of rum. Not fully contented, he savoured his lips before looking around confusedly.

“Aye, where did they go?”

Having squandered their wealth, those contestants became aware this crafty Joshamee wouldn’t succumb. Instead, they couldn’t revolt against him, and could only disperse.

At this moment, Sheyan casted a gaze towards Ol’Seadog. Ol’Seadog then stood up and proceeded to sit beside Joshamee, before gesturing for the most expensive crown rum, and started drinking unhurriedly.

Back in Turtuga port, the most expensive had been the Golden Rum; a situation caused by the laissez-faire approach of Little Lord Fokke towards his port. On the contrary, Tortuga was like an intense war between merchants and taverns. As long as one had the cash, even ‘China’s pure Longjing*’ would be obtainable! Naturally, the pirates’ beloved rum were aplenty, with a plethora of quality choices. There were five types of rum above the Golden Rum grade. For a mug like the Crown Rum, it costed 50 guineas a mug; still, it was only rated as the third amongst all of Tortuga port’s rum.

(TN: *longjing tea is a type of tea in china)

Joshamee’s alcohol tolerance had always been excellent. Moreover, he had at most drank 2-3 mugs of rum treated by those contestants, which barely served to satisfy his addiction. Witnessing the swirling golden liquid inside Ol’Seadog’s mug, he couldn’t help but salivate and asked.

“Ahoy matey, care to treat me to a mug of rum?”

Ol’Seadog responded with a smirk.

“Aye, if ye willin’ to meet with me cap’n.”

Joshamee hesitated briefly before replying.

“Who might be yer captain?”

Ol’Seadog shifted his attention, his eyes brimming with adoration.

“The third mate of the Flying Dutchman. The mate of the Kraken Paul, fabled captain of the magnificent Hill Maiden – Seaman Yan from the mysterious east.”

Joshamee was an experienced individual. In his perspective, of the few accolades describing Sheyan, the most significant would be the mate of the Kraken Paul. Hence, under the allure of the Crown Rum, he sat beside Sheyan.

Joshamee Gibbs had a full beard, except the chin, and a plump head. For some unknown reason, Sheyan had always thought he looked like a crude and rugged orangutan. After sitting down, he toasted his mug towards Sheyan.

“Mister Gibbs, a pleasure. This is our second encounter.”

Joshamee hesitated briefly before responding.

“Oh, aye, more than a decade ago, you was a fledgling under Ammand. I must inform you, Ammand has been seeking for you for a decade. Now that news of your reappearance has circulated, he will never spare you.”

Sheyan chuckled.

“Here’s my gratitude for your ardent reminder. Bartender, get a mug of Crown Rum for Mister Gibbs here will ya.”

Joshamee rubbed his hands and smiled.

“How can I accept this goodwill?”

But Joshamee’s behavior instantly exposed the hypocrisy in his words. This knowledgeable veteran pirate impatiently received his mug of Crown Rum, and downed it without leaving a single drip behind; before releasing a satisfied burp.

Sheyan wasn’t in a hurry to rush into the interrogation, but earnestly asked.

“I was there on the night Turtuga port was razed to the ground. Little Lord Fokke raided the Black Pearl, but I know nothing other than that. Mr Gibbs, you were at the scene then, what happened?”

At present, Sheyan had determined that Little Lord Fokke should’ve already known the culprit was himself. In spite of that, he absolutely wouldn’t divulge the affairs of his wife before being killed to the public. This wasn’t related to his dignity as a lord, but the common plight of males….when Joshamee heard Sheyan’s words, his face plunged into fear and uneasiness as he answered evasively.

“Truthfully, I wasn’t aware why the lil’Lord Fokke broke into a crazy rampage against us. During noon, lil’lord Fokke invited the Ol’Cap’n and Jack to pay respects to his deceased wife. Nobody knew that be a dreadfully treacherous plot. Thankfully, our Jack Sparrow decided not to go. From henceforth, I have never seen me Ol’Cap’n again, nobody knows if he be dead or alive.” It could be seen how loyal he was to Jack; knowing about the affair between him and the little Fokke’s wife, Sally, he still remained tight-lipped at this moment.

Sheyan nodded as he inquired.

“After the old captain was removed, did the Black Pearl fall?”

Joshamee became agitated as he exclaimed.

“Blimey! That be impossible! We still had Mr Sparrow and our mighty crew head, Hanz. But I have to admit, the might of lil’lord Fokke truly frightening. His final displays of sorcery were truly too sinister and diabolical, sending his own troops fleeing as well. If not, mayhaps the Black Pearl would’ve become history.”

“Oh?” Sheyan’s greatest desire now was undoubtedly to understand Little Lord Fokke’s abilities. He instantly snapped his fingers. “Bartender, get me another mug for Mister Gibbs; a Western-summit Rum to moisten his throat. Bartender please, you cannot directly dump the rocks into the drink. Deliver the mug over, we’ll add our rocks ourselves!”

The Western-Summit Rum was a rum costlier and supreme to the Crown Rum. A glittered ignited in Joshamee’s eyes. He no longer dared to down the mug at one go, but instead savoured with few sips. Then, he revealed a horrified countenance as he continued.

“Lil’Lord Fokke was truly a demon. The deadliest demon me eyes had never seen before! He could release devilish gust of frosted air and freeze me pirates into ice cubes. Though our blades slashed against his body, his vitality and might be unaffected; not even sheddin’ a single droplet of blood. I even beheld him sacrificin’ the soul of his men to replenish his vitality. Which was the main reason leading to his troops deserting the lil’Lord Fokke in the end. Hillho, that isn’t the most frightening!”

Speaking till here, Joshamee could no longer mask the horror in his eyes.

“That night, nearly forty of me crew crossed hands with lil’Lord Fokke, where he roughly slew thirty of them. Still, none of em survived, not a single one! The wounded later died, and even the indomitable crew head, Hanz, be no exception! Plagued by the same disease, they died within a month of the battle! The mighty Hanz might merely received a tiny cut on his arm, but he couldn’t survive this ordeal!”

Sheyan listened silently, until the heavily gasping Joshamee picked up his mug once again before he asked.

“Then, how was he eventually slayed?”

“Slayed?” Joshamee smiled bitterly. “No no no, you must have misunderstood something. Aye, that night, we realized his freezin’ witchcraft was too formidable, thus we ignited a massive blaze. In the end, Crew head Hanz used a torch to light the lil’lord Fokke on fire, before Jack unleashed a 3-pounder cannon against him. Lil’lord Fokke and his great demonic horse then fell into the ocean, never to be seen by us again.”

Sheyan thought pensively for short while; affirming that though Joshamee had left out some stuffs, he wasn’t trying to deceive him. Then, he coughed to initiate his official questions.

“Mister Gibbs. I realize you seem rather dispirited recently. The odour from your body tells me, you seem to be staying inside the piggery?”

Joshamee’s face revealed an awkward expression.

“We shouldn’t be talkin’bout that aye? Brethren Seaman Yan?”

Sheyan chuckled gently.

“Of course, not a problem. Then shouldn’t we be talking about the present state of Mr Jack Sparrow? It seems that he’s about to be invited as a guest to the prisons of Port Royal.”

“Oh? Since when had he muddled his way into the prisons of Port Royal? I only overhead he be visiting Port Royal.” Joshamee spoke with extreme frustration. “Moreover, there have been many seeking excuses to seek me today. Curses, what can a piggery sleepin’ old head like me do?”

“Oh, fables are not always accurate, but I know your words aren’t truly from your heart, Mister Gibbs.” Sheyan chuckled and continued.

“You and I both understands this profoundly – without the Captain Jack Sparrow, the Black Pearl will eternally be commandeered by the traitorous Barbossa. Let me be frank about my aim for telling you all these; I only hope to collude with Mister Jack Sparrow to cleave down Barbossa. At least if that’s too difficult, I need to understand some comprehensive information about the Black Pearl. That is my aim.”

Joshamee picked up his mug as he asked suspiciously.

“Yer truly only have that request?”

Chapter 518: Seeking refuge

Sheyan unfolded his hands in reaction to Joshamee’s doubt, as he sincerely announced.

“I’m the third mate of the Flying Dutch man, you know that aye?”

Joshamee nodded.

“Aye.”

“I don’t have to explain the curse suffered by the Flying Dutchman crew, but I managed to suppress this curse with a mystical method from the east. However, this suppression would gradually lose effectiveness over time. According to a renowned necromancer, this curse can be suppressed by inflicting a stronger curse on myself. Pondering about this, only that Aztec curse plaguing Barbossa and his crew is my only shot at survival.”

“Therefore, I will bring the origin of this curse, the Aztec Gold, back to the east to research; in hopes that one day, the necromancers there can dispel it and free me from this nightmare. This is my ultimate goal….my apologies, Mr Gibbs. Now that you know too much, if you don’t cooperate with me, you know, dead men tell no tales. Do you reckon I possess such capabilities?”

Joshamee annoyingly rebuked.

“Blimey! I never wanted ye to divulge all these.”

Sheyan fixated his gaze onto him and whispered.

“That isn’t important, the crux is that you have heard and remembered. Thus, you can either choose to follow me and live, or perish.”

Joshamee scratched his scalp as he laughed awkwardly.

“Mayhaps I be treated like a First Mate along the journey, then I’ll leave with you? Aye, I’m guessin’ you should have a good ship. Otherwise, how be ye gunna rescue the man at Port Royal? Let me be clear, me feet would never contend to step on damned single-masted boats. A veteran pirate’s dignity be stoppin’ him from ascending up such a degrading ship.”

Sheyan laughed in response.

“I commandeered a third rate ship from the British Royal Navy. Perhaps, you may find old comrades on board. Most crucially, she is currently being improved at the dock. Mister Lohan says he will be done remodelling it tomorrow. It should be as swift as the Black Pearl.”

“That be impossible!” Joshamee hastily fumed out. “The Black Pearl is the swiftest ship of the caribbean sea, be second to none! Alright, to expose yer braggin’, I shall board your ship to examine.”

Yet right at this instance, a contestant came rushing into the tavern. One could see her panting heavily but immediately exposed a delighted revelation when she saw Joshamee. With a pretty look like hers, her chame was probably oustanding. Moreover, the gown she wore was glittering with silver brilliance, evidently a silver storyline grade equipment.

“My dear Mister Gibbs. As per your request, we’ve acquired a third rate ship. Please set off with us.”

Joshamee shrugged his shoulders and rejected.

“Hey beauty. I must apologize, for there be only a single miserable Joshamee. Since I’ve agreed to board his ship, I have to let down your request.”

That female immediately swung towards Sheyan, as eyes casted out hateful beams.

“You guys again! Is a Reserve-duty Growth-Hunter that big of a deal? Every single contestant in this world will become your rivals now that you’ve stolen Joshamee!”

Sheyan couldn’t be bothered with her, as he waved a ‘whatever’ gesture towards here. Very soon, another 7-8 contestants came streaming in from outside. Glaring icily at the trio, they appeared to be sketching the trio’s faces to memory before they left. Sheyan suddenly blurted out.

“Can you guys guess where they acquired their third rate ship?”

Mogensha hesitated slightly before answering.

“Could it be one of the two ships we sold off earlier?”

Sheyan scoffed insipidly.

“That’s correct.”

Brother Black then pondered, before exclaiming with enlightened revelation.

“I understand now. The reason you wanted Jinkuang to hagger with the old assistant, was obviously to raise the procurement price of our third rate ship. In turn, when the old assistant sells it off, its price would inevitably inflate skyhigh….. In this manner, you can shave off most of the gold guineas in those contestant’s possessions; weakening the potential of their capabilities!”

Sheyan laughed.

“Back in my former visit to this pirate of the caribbean world, I had mixed around considerably but only returned with a measly few hundred guineas of fortune. Even though that large scale party possess incredible prowess, and can assemble the different factions of forces……but at least, we have tentatively limited their mobilizable gold guineas to beneath 10,000 guineas!”

“Everyone knows that analogy – utilizing 10 guineas to earn 100 guineas would possibly take ten days of time, but 10,000 guineas to 100,000 guineas would merely require five days. Hence, to eliminate any unnecessary mishaps, I can only employ this common business tactic. Apart from that…hais, I even gave them a choice. If they don’t act tactfully, then they shouldn’t blame me.”

Mogensha asked doubtfully.

“What choice?”

Sheyan chuckled.

“You’ll know it soon enough.”

************

After escorting Joshamee to his ship, Sheyan settled several minor taskings atop his ship. Then, he proceeded to deliberate and prepare a list of deliverables – information about the Isla de Muerta which houses those Aztec Gold, to investigate the whereabouts of the Black Pearl, and even inquired of news pertaining to Port Royal.

A long while elapsed. Suddenly, Blacksail knocked his door requesting for an audience – having matters to report to the captain. Sheyan pondered as he allowed Blacksail in, immediately noticing splendid mood the originally wounded Blacksail was in.

After this period of inactivity, his pale face was now flushed with red. Sheyan wasn’t concerned with this, after all, that was the effect of alcoholic rum. Soon after, he began listening to Blacksail.

“Cap’n. A priest be wishin’ to join the crew. He be a shoddy priest, an awful pirate but a distinguished physician. I’d personally experienced the wondrous treatments of his art of healin’. Apart from that, his moldy bread crumbs (the penicillium on moldy bread crumbs) had miraculously soothed the fever of me comrades. That be why I be recommedin’ him.”

Sheyan was aware that physicians were frequently held as a secondary occupation in this current era. Furthermore, in this pirates of the caribbean world, they boasted of supernatural methods; such as holy water being truly effective etc. Nevertheless, the healing periods of pirates would almost exceed a week.

Putting it bluntly, if his former Bell and Mug crew had a reliable physician, the probability of Sheyan’s attempt to cut down Scarface Harry would’ve been limited. Thinking in that perspective, Sheyan nodded.

“Bring him in for an audience.”

Quickly following, a brat named Kayto arrived before Sheyan in full reverence. His present style of dressing didn’t differ greatly from other physicians, but obviously the disparity between the present world doctors were vast.

Clasped beneath Kayto’s left armpit was a black Sombrero hat, while he was dressed in a black robe and cortex trousers. Both clothings were coated with camphor and wax as an insulant against infectious disease, hence it emitted a rather assailing odour. Of course, the most striking feature was a pointed beak raven mask; a plague doctor mask that symbolized a physician.

The distinctive trait for selecting a raven was in reverence to the god of death, as ravens were symbols of the god of death in the west. The essence of signification of this mask was to filter one’s respiratory tract from the contaminating bacterias, with its hollow beak interior; designed with special scented materials, with the efficacy identical to a gas mask. Red eye glass pieces were designed to protect their eyes. This mask was known to prevent the physician from the miasma of wickedness.

Nevertheless, the observant to details Sheyan still noticed a patch on the physician’s long gown, and the wear and tear of his shoes. This indicated the suboptimal economic conditions of Kayto.

“Mister Kayto?” Sheyan employed an amiable tone. “Welcome aboard the Hill Maiden, do you prefer coffee or tea?”

Kato very respectfully raised himself and returned the cordiality.

“Anything is fine, sir.”

Sheyan didn’t directly raise the topic of medicine, but poured a mug of coffee as he spoke while smiling gently.

“My mate says you are a shoddy priest, an awful pirate but a distinguished physician when he recommended you. I would love to hear your view on that.”

Kayto’s complexion swelled with red as he answer.

“In truth sir, this is a fairly simple story. A young priest fell in love with a nun, but the critical issue is…the nun returned his love. Betraying the laws of their faith, to unite will either meet the fate of persecution on the cross, or flee to the open seas.”

“A man must earn his livelihood. Regrettably, I have no talents with swords or gun. Hence, they call me an awful pirate. Fortunately, during my term as a priest, I had attempted to cure several patients. From then on, this practice became my livelihood.”

Sheyan’s eyes sparkled as he inquired further.

“That nun is your wife now? The mother of your child?”

Kayto nodded.

“You are correct sir, indeed my wife and mother to four children; a fifth probably in three months time. Therefore, my situation is situation is destitute, I only wish to find a generous master.”

“Very well, Mister Kayto. Your interview stops here, you can wait outside; 2 minutes at most. Oh right, call Ol’Seadog in on the way.” Sheyan ordered.

Filled with restless emotions, Kayto exited. Soon after, Ol’Seadog appeared before Sheyan.

“Any orders for me, cap’n?”

Sheyan answered.

“Escort Kayto his home. If the features of his kids appear closely to his or his wife’s, then allow him to join our crew. Normally, a parent wouldn’t be risking their kids if they were to act as a rat.”

Chapter 519: Stepping into a trap

Ol’Seadog nodded.

After a long while, he stepped into the cabin again.

“There isn’t a problem, cap’n. The four children has inherited the shade of their father’s hair and pupils; be lookin’ identical to him. Furthermore, Mister Kayto asks of me, if it be possible, might the cap’n allocate some gold fer him to procure a magical balm. Tis’ balm be known to hail from Saudi Arabia, possessin’ great healing efficacy fer wounds and illnesses. Tis’ be his original words – each ounce of the balm can save ten lives durin’ a crisis.”

Sheyan decisively answered.

“Alright. Take Canbi and Blacksail with ye. Bring along another ten lads. I confer 10,000 guineas unto you, go purchase to its limits.”

Yet another period elapsed. Perfuming with thick scent, an on oil balm was presented to Sheyan where his nightmare imprint notified him.

[ This is a magic ointment manufactured with the fats of a sperm whale in the Sudan Royal Company. Integrated with various essences, when a storyline character utilizes it, their wounds will rapidly cease from bleeding and heal completely within 24 hours. When a contestant utilizes it, receive an additional HP regeneration of +10HP/minutes; duration: 12 hours. This ointment can be used for 50 times ]

A single tin of oil balm had merely costed 300 guineas. Yet noteworthily, Mister Kayto could only purchase 7-8 tins before the stocks were emptied out….

Following that, the pirates who had scattered to taverns and bars returned, while other pirates seeking to join Sheyan’s crew came in an endless stream. However, Sheyan’s crew was already hitting a saturated capacity. Moreover, it was better to employ loyal and obedient underlings, and thus new pirates were enlisted with demanding criterias.

Since that was so, he managed to retain several tens of capable pirates, of which two of them possessed formidable might; ones that were shockingly on the tier of Scarface Harry and Alan Dale!

Evidently, those two possessed either an impressive unique storyline equipment on hand, or an outstanding individual ability. Originally, they acted arrogantly and untamed, yet after witnessing Canbi’s strength and Blacksail’s agility, they became fully convinced.

One of them named Springswan Killer, communicated a clear objective. Upon joining Sheyan’s crew, he directly raised his hopes of gaining enhanced strength through his merits in the future. He possessed abilities in both martial might and magic, where he could control frost. Not only could he enchant weapons with his magic, he could even freeze his enemy’s limbs through direct contact of his hand.

The other pirate was named Prince, an individual who took pride in his fists. He appeared rather brassy and strong, but after getting ruthlessly knocked into place by Canbi, he became slightly well-behaved. His objective for joining the crew, was primarily for the exorbitant booty.

With their entry, Sheyan’s crew once again bolstered their naval boarding battle capabilities. In addition to the ‘Royal Sudan Ointment’, the pirates would also portray greater confidence in such close proximity battles.

Joshamee Gibbs also surprisingly recommended two individuals to Sheyan. Those two individuals weren’t adept in naval combat, but were crucial characters for navigation at sea. Moreover, they were renowned in Tortuga.

The first was a gambler named Spike. Everytime he obtained gold, he would definitely squander everything away at gambling taverns, before borrowing more and proceeding with his prodigal habits. Nevertheless, this individual had an exceptional reputation, and was frequently able to acquire more cash to continue gambling. The reason why he could always find a borrowing source, was due to his exceptional carpentry. This current era was focused on wooden constitution warships, his carpentry skills was definitely one of the best and formidable. Furthermore, Sheyan was coincidentally lacking a talent who could swiftly repair and provide maintenance for his ship.

In order to invite Spike on board, Sheyan had to become his guarantor and paid off his debt; where his expenditure reached an extravagant valuation of 15,000 gold guineas. Such a figure would definitely be a heartache to other captains, but Sheyan didn’t seem to care.

The other character was named Sace, renowned for his expertise in operating the sails. The ships of this era sailed fully reliant on the wind, and a outstanding sail operator would definitely increase the efficiency and speed during voyages.

For a captain that pursued speed, he absolutely couldn’t miss out on him. Still, Sace had an eccentric personality, and his only weakness was his wife; while his wife’s weakness was identical to most plump and obese women…she was extremely greedy.

Hence, to invite Sace, another 10,000 gold guineas leaked out of Sheyan’s finances. By now, the acquired wealth from the gypsies had plunged to a new low, falling from the heights of 6 figure sum. Despite so, Sheyan continued to procure large quantities of special Tortuga merchandises, where he desired to peddle them to Port Royal.

In the end, his pirate underlings attempted to dissuade him one after another, citing that Port Royal was extremely strict when it came to smuggling. Especially after Norrington had assumed the role as defending officer of Port Royal, enforcement was implemented on every aspect impartially. Don’t even mention Sheyan who was a new patron without inside relations, even the tyrant Skrtel’s business had been large affected; resulting in transactions falling by a fold as compared to previously.

Instead, his crew wasn’t aware that the trio had an outrageous method known as their party storage; allowing them to easily bypass the rigid surveillance of the port’s officers. If not, his crew would inevitably have to walk the plank.

Following that, nothing particular happened. When Mister Lohan’s dispatched artesans had completed their refurbishing of the Hill Maiden, the Hill Maiden was long prepared and replenished with fresh water and food supplies. Raising its massive sails, its anchor was retracted as it returned to the sail the vast oceans.

However, 5-6 nautical miles into their voyage, Sheyan issued an order – advance with half speed! Although all of his pirate crew had no clue about that, they still complied once their captain released his order.

Yet another 7-8 nautical miles had past. The lookout, Ol’Seadog, ordered his men to report about two British Royal Navy third rate ships were overbearingly pursuing in. Those were very possibly the two ships they sold of previously, and appeared as if they harboured malicious intent.

Sheyan then laughed heartily.

“As expected, those brats are here. Sace! It is time for you to perform, take note of maintaining the ship’s speed. Those brats are probably novices in terms of naval voyages, just consistently maintain this distance between them. We shall drag them deeper into the sea where they cannot escape, before we dispose of them.”

Sace was a habitually silent individual. Upon hearing Sheyan’s order, he begun leisurely instructing and manipulating his subordinates in operating the sails. To him, such a small task didn’t require him to personally act.

At this instant, a notion jolted through Brother Black’s heart like a current.

“All these….I’m afraid boss must’ve planned this a long time ago!!”

Indeed, Sheyan had already began scheming right before he had sold off his two third rate ships. The few ships he had commandeered were all active warships of the British Royal Navy, and was relatively outstanding in terms of pursuing in combat. Hence, placing them in a pirate port like Tortuga, they were already considered as quality products.

Therefore, contestants who seeked naval battle efficiency, would inevitably purchase the two third rate ships. Furthermore, Sheyan had a hundred ways of inviting Joshamee away, yet he just had to choose the most bombastic approach. Naturally, it was to incite wrath within them.

Those contestants didn’t dare to mobilize against them in a ‘safety zone’ like Tortuga, and definitely wouldn’t be able to turn hostile in Port Royal as well. Without a doubt, they could only engage in combat while voyaging through the sea.

They probably heard of the major affairs regarding the trio in Tortuga port, but hearing itself wasn’t as earth shattering as personally witnessing. Most importantly, the contestants weren’t stupid individuals. They were very clear, if Sheyan was truly able to call upon the Kraken Octopus Paul to do battle…..then factoring the balanced evaluation of the realm, they definitely wouldn’t be assembled together with such a party in this world!

Thus, those contestants treated Sheyan’s earlier conduct as merely a false bravado!! Squaring off with an individual who pulled false pretense, they absolutely would aggressively rush in search of contending with the trio. However, their intentions had already fallen into Sheyan’s conception.

As the ships’ bow of the two third rate ships filled with contestants could be seen from afar, Sheyan’s lips had curled into a sly smile. He shouted towards the presently scouting Ol’Seadog.

“How long till the enemy catches up?”

Ol’Seadog’s booming voice immediately echoed along the seas like a clashing gong.

“Cap’n, if ye really wishes for a reply, then they be pursuin’ for a lifetime. Their ships be minimally loaded with 70 cannons, those grievous scallywags be dyin’ to equip 7-pounder cannons at their bows. The sail operators of their ship is truly worthy of me admiration, to actually reach their speed under such weight.”

Sheyan responded with a hearty laughter.

“We’ll go with this then. Sace, maintain our current state. Once we reach 200 nautical miles away from Tortuga, allow them to encroach in within 800 metres. With that state, they can only use their bow cannons to bombard us. When that happens, AK, it will be time for your performance.”

At this point, the topic of disparity between ‘effective range’ and’ farthest range’ must be raised. Within the official data, AK had an effective range of 300 metres, while his farthest range was actually nearing a kilometre. However, to a gunmen, the farthest effective range would be equivalent to a female with a heavy makeup, gaudy dress and C-cup bra padding; looking impressive but no doubt worthless. One wouldn’t even have to mull over it….

Indeed, even though Sheyan’s ship had completely forsaken artillery, Brother Black’s ‘SN-9 Wasp’ could scarcely be employed as a semi-sniper rifle. Despite being vastly inferior in comparison to the effective range of an ordinary sniper rifle, his ‘SN-9 Wasp’ was already equipped with an impressive component of boosting its effective range by 300 metres. Factoring Brother Black’s basic abilities that could further enhance the effective range of his weapons, in addition to his possessed equipments further boosting his precision, his effective range had already reached the distance of 800 metres!!

Chapter 520: A reprimanding process

Apart from his range superiority, Mogensha wouldn’t be fighting alone. He was still covered by a human meat shield named Reef. Thus, Sheyan’s goal was very simply – to engage in an exceedingly lengthened long range combat with the opposing contestants!

“The outcome of a battle, should be already decided from the beginning. If not, the battle shouldn’t be fought.”

For some unknown reason, that sudden phrase popped up in Sheyan’s mind.

In actual fact, Sheyan truly held an invincible position right from the start of this battle; because if any mishaps were to occur, like the opposition occupying superiority in terms of long range bombardment, the Hill Maiden could easily speed up and blatantly flee!

Very quickly, the gap between both parties gradually diminished to 800 metres. With both sides being equally susceptible to the bumpy seas, the accuracy of two artillery cannons placed at the ships’ bow/stern would be fairly ‘impressive’ at 3%.

Under normal circumstances, a ship would have to steer to its broadside before opening fire with multitudes of cannon; in order to inflict severe wreckages to the opposition, thus curbing the horrendous accuracy with quantity. Instead, with both ships uniformly sailing forward with high speed, a scenario as such would be simply impossible.

Following the diminishing gap of both parties, Sheyan suddenly whispered several words into Mogensha’s ear. Mogensha firstly revealed an amazed countenance, before an enlightened one as he smile mischievously while nodding.

As the long range battle commenced, the contestants failed to perceive the sinister intentions of Sheyan! Contestants who possessed long range assaulting capabilities unleashed their abilities one after another, while Mogensha retaliated with steady burst of fires.

Yet strangely after 10 seconds of their firefight, shield Reef who was blocking the front had already released several muffled groans. Instead, none of the opposing contestants had seemingly been shot.

While the contestants were laughing and jeering at Mogensha’s clumsy shooting skills, they suddenly heard blood-curdling screams from behind. As it turns out, Mogensha had been targeting his shots against the sailors on board! One could fathom how deliberate Sheyan’s thought process was; attempting to slay contestants spanning across the vast ocean while being protected by the 40% damage reduction and near-death state, wasn’t realistic at all. Annihilating the opponents for the benefits of their blood keys, would be excruciatingly difficult for such a confrontation

Instead in the perspective of those pursuing contestants, they probably weren’t proficient with the technicalities of maritime voyage. Hence, with the demise of their piloting pirates, their desire to freely sail the seas would be gravely impaired.

That was why Sheyan had notified Mogensha to obliterate those storyline pirates! Besides, hiring pirates was an exceedingly costly and strenuous affair. By withering away their pirate manpower, it was equivalently to plundering their energy and wealth. By weakening the engine of the opposition, it would become increasingly difficult to vie against the trio. In this manner, external pressure faced by the trio when accomplishing their mission would be comparatively lessened.

Not a single sails operating pirate was left after Mongensha consecutively gunned down 7 of those pirates. Pondering about their painful future, the contestants bawled in frantic imitation as they began aiming at the pirate crew of Sheyan’s ship.

Yet sadly, why would Sheyan allow them that liberty?

Earlier on, Sheyan had already ordered most of the sails to be fastened in an evasive position, while he was unafraid of getting shot, would personally operate the main sails. But in this manner, though the ship’s efficiency and speed would be impacted negatively.

Nevertheless, the pursuing ships no longer dared to employ skilled pirates to operate their sails, with the amount of individuals managing the sails naturally plunging substantially. Thus, both sides remained on even grounds.

Furthermore after the Hill Maiden’s restructuring, her cannon ports had all been scraped off. In their place, were twenty rowing positions! Therefore, the disparity between the propelling impetuous of both ships became greater with such circumstances. If Sheyan wished to throw them off, it would be as easy as a matter of seconds.

Witnessing themselves falling into the opponent’s snare, the pursuing contestants were all incomparably enraged; as they commenced crazed assaults against Sheyan’s ship. A contestant in particular even spared no efforts in raising a guided missile launcher, analogous to the FIM-92 Stinger, and unleashed it towards the trio!

BOOM! A thunderous explosion resounded, as thick smoky fumes spiralled out of the Hill Maiden; a three metres wide hole had been exploded out at the ship’s stern. Fortunately, a third rate ship boasted of over 30,000 points of durability, and wouldn’t be so easily sunk.

At this instant, Sheyan immediately ordered to hasten the ship’s velocity. After leaving the attacking range of his rivals, Carpenter Spike was naturally dispatched.

Spike was indeed worthy of his reputation. With adequate assistance and a commotion of ‘Ding ding dang dang*’, he only required roughly ten minutes to completely mend the ship’s hole. Sheyan then immediately commanded for a massive detour, intending for a sudden thrust from the lateral side.

(TL: *sound effects of nailing and hammering)

The opposing contestants didn’t appear familiar at all to naval warfare tactics, and didn’t even utilize their crow’s nest for lookout. Instead, they only foolishly fixated onto their front, and were caught off guard by Sheyan’s speeding ship from the left. Due to this, Brother Black managed to silently dispatch off an additional 3 pirate sail operators before being discovered!

When the furious contestants wished to retaliate, the Hill Maiden had already swiftly pulled away with its supreme speed. In such a manner, this to-and-fro tussle dragged on till dusk. By now, the pirates of the opposing contestants had suffered severe casualties, and none was willing to step up to the masts to control the sails. This signified they had utterly abandoned the ship’s flexibility!

After numerous rounds of tussles, some could already sense things were turning awry, where one of the third rate ship having fled earlier on. After a discussion between the contestants of the remaining ship, they decided to wholly focus on defence; propping up defensive artillery boards by the hull of the ship. Akin to a rigid dead fish, their lonely ship drifted flatly along the ocean surface; releasing an impression of true misery. If they hadn’t harboured malicious designs to pursue and pillage Sheyan, then they wouldn’t have degraded to this state.

By this point, Sheyan wouldn’t turn soft-hearted, but allowed Brother Black to slowly carve away at the meat with a blunt knife. After his massacre deterred the remaining pirates from resurfacing, he followed up by targeting the main mast of that ship. Still, a sniper was present within that ship, but was still relatively lacking in that particular field. With every released gunfire, the sniper had to wait for nearly a minute before being able to take another shot.

With Reef and Sheyan alternating in protection, that sniper could not offer a single threat to Mogensha! During the latter stages, that sniper even ceased his futile assaults. Besides, his sniper rifle ammunition required costly utility points to purchase.

After persistent chiselling of half an hour, the three masts of the opposing third rate ship had snapped and toppled clamorously; offloading into the sea with a soaring splash. Nonetheless, Brother Black had expended several thousands worth of utility points in ammunition to deal such severe damages onto the ship. With its tragedious state, even a professional carpenter like Spike would require 2-3 days to fully mend it. What more those contestants who probably didn’t possess such a crew mate?

All in all, it would minimally delay the contestants a precious 48 hours, for them to slowly sail their broken mast ship back to Tortuga. Factoring in the collaterals of dozens of pirates, that was equivalent to 10,000 gold guineas of damages. To them, the actual valuation of 10,000 gold guineas would inevitably be more than 10,000 utility points.

Indeed, this was a harsh reprimandation that Sheyan had issued to them – to refrain from provoking those they couldn’t afford to! In Sheyan’s perspective, the hardest phase had yet to come. By beating those contestants into fear, they wouldn’t dare to impeded whatever plans he had for his future affairs! Of course, if those contestants failed to remain tactful and provoked him, then he would vilify himself and murder them for their keys.

The following voyage was implemented at maximum pace. With the restructured Hill Maiden in addition to experienced pirate sailors, its speed had minimally been raised by 30% as compared to its first entry into Tortuga. Hence, even though the distance between Port Royal and Tortuga spanned over thousands of nautical miles, the Hill Maiden arrived within 20-30 nautical miles of Port Royal after smooth sailing for two days and two nights.

Naturally, with the Hill Maiden being a former active warship of the British Royal Navy, it was still absolutely impossible to swagger freely into Port Royal. Fortunately, Port Royal was accoladed as a shipping hub, which resembled the ‘Quanzhou’ and ‘Guangzhou’ of China’s Song Dynasty.

Thus, there were certainly existence of smuggling piers and harbour nearby Port Royal. Leaving behind those savage pirates who had illustrious reputations that could be easily identified to safeguard their ship, he brought along Joshamee and another 7-8 mates who were familiar with the terrain, before they ascended ashore onto the smuggling ports. Afterwards, they rode a carriage and headed off for Port Royal.

In comparison to Tortuga, Port Royal had an amplified beauty and elegance; white sandy beaches, green coconut and palm trees, layers of buildings with neat perimeters, and even a lofty and impregnable fort and battery. Everything present annotated discipline as well as prestige. Apart from that, marines could be seen patrolling occasionally.

Those marine guards were adorned with honorary uniform, with its most striking decoration of glamourous red and white; particularly impressive were their white wigs and red outer coats. Their cutlasses shimmered bright as snow, as were their slender stockings. Viewing with a pair of present day eyes, those stockings appeared like high thick leather boots of females. They marched arrogantly like roosters with their erected chests, and ushered an impression of extreme profoundness.

If Sheyan had brought along Philip and others, their hearts would sting with bitterness upon seeing their former colleagues.

Chapter 521: Chance encounter at the governor’s doorway

Sheyan understood the few tasks he had to accomplish upon arriving here.

Firstly, to sell off the smuggled goods from Tortuga. This would be a tremendously abundant transaction, minimally increasing the liquidity of this funds by 20,000 guineas.

Next was to survey the governor’s residence. Even though lady Elizabeth’s gold medallion wouldn’t be easily obtainable, it was still worth a try. A point to note – As the curse of the Aztec Gold adhered onto the original gold coins within the chest, only the individual who retrieved a coin from the chest would be inflicted with the curse. As such, since Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann didn’t personally retrieve the gold coin from the chest, but it was merely transferred into their hands, they weren’t affected by the curse.

If Jack Sparrow hadn’t arrived at Port Royal yet, Sheyan wouldn’t mind paying a visit to Will Turner, who was currently still an apprentice blacksmith. Besides, he would most likely become the future captain of the Flying Dutchman. It would be good to socialize with him first.

Finally, Sheyan’s objective of trying his utmost to amass wealth, was naturally to spend it. Actually, guineas were merely like currency to the contestants. Nevertheless, Sheyan had heard from his pirate crew about an accomplished alchemist master residing in Port Royal; one that wasn’t inferior to the dead Peigan. Moreover, Sheyan was aware of the inter relationship between guineas and the service provided by an alchemist master. Hence, the added commitment to amass his wealth.

Although the righteous Captain Norrington forbade smuggling, privileged classes who despised such laws were bound to be present anywhere. Don’t mention foreign countries or China, even the nations of the middle ages was like this. As long as exorbitant profits were to be made, there would definitely be smugglers.

For example; according to Philip’s report, the Sheffields Trading Company appeared to be in the wine business on the surface, but a definite news suggested its boss would accept any kind of goods. As for the overlord backing the boss, it was the father of the gorgeous lady Elizabeth Swann, Governor Swann of Port Royal. Though an old-fashioned and kindly father, he was also an avaricious and circumspect governor.

Needless to say for their negotiations, Jinkuang effortlessly summoned his two greatest artifacts – his ‘splitter splatting’ splashes of saliva, and the clamorous clinking of his abacus. Thus, he subdued the shop owner in an extremely ‘civilized’ manner.

Eventually, the gentlemanly and courteous shop owner, Mister McKinnery, escorted them out of his ship while wiping away cold perspiration. Sheyan’s accounts once again was fuelled by nearly 30,000 guineas.

Before both parties parted, Mister McKinnery revealed a sliver of shrewdness in his cloudy old eyes. After fishing up an extraordinarily delicate golden name card from his pocket, he coughed twice before urging Sheyan.

“My guests, since our cooperation has seen such favourable tidings, you are qualified as esteemed patrons of our company. There will be a grand auction tomorrow, and if my guests are interested, this name card will ensure participation. I must reemphasize on point – ever since Captain Norrington has assumed the defence of Port Royal, this is the first time an auction has been convened, while the next one would happen in the unforeseeable future. Therefore, there will surely be merchandise you require in the auction. Of course, purchasing them would depend on your wealth.”

“Merchandise we require?” Brother Black released a dry laughter. His laughter contained no ill intent, but rather a mocking for himself while pondering the difficult issue of obtaining an Aztec Gold.

Instead, the old McKinnery treated the smirk of this ‘Black slave’ as a sign of contempt and ridicule. Everyone knew the refined and courteous air of the current british nobility was merely a cover for their arrogance. Hence, this old ship owner instantly sauntered forward, as he ruffled his wig and whispered with a gloomy countenance.

“If I were to mention that during this auction, the merchandise includes twenty brand new high-angled cannons shipped over from Hamburg, cannons ranging from 3-pounder ones to 7-pounder. Would this sir mind storing back that disdainful smirk of yours?”

Brother Black and Reef treated those words indifferently. Instead, Sheyan and Joshamee was startled upon hearing the words ‘high-angled cannons’.

In this current era, the effective range of common cannons were hundreds of metres; with the high-angled cannons installed on, the cannons effective range and accuracy would be enhanced. The effective range would be raised by several folds, while maintaining an accuracy equal to other cannons!

Such a peak artillery weapon was desired by many, but due to the forging skills of the current era, the probability of failing and being scrapped was extremely high. It wasn’t sufficient to cover the initial capital investment. Putting it bluntly, the amount of guineas required for a Third rate ship to equip on those high-angled cannons, would be adequate to construct five other similar Third rate ships.

For this auction to possess such items, it indicated that the corruption of Port Royal was already root deep. Those twenty new high-angled cannons were probably supposedly allocated to Captain Norrington’s artillery forces. At present, it was being auctioned while Norrington was out for war!

Sheyan’s expression turned solemn as he replied.

“I apologize on behalf of his ignorance, sir. It is my honor to receive this invitation, and you will punctually see me tomorrow.”

Old McKinnery’s self-esteem was ultimately appeased, as he lifted his head before bowing slightly. Then, he carried a bearing of haughtiness and left without turning around.

After pondering briefly, Sheyan waved the invitation card in his hand and smiled.

“Phrasing it that way, he has really piqued my interest for this auction.”

By now, Joshamee had naturally started to urge Sheyan to hastily locate his captain, Jack Sparrow. Instead, Sheyan was aware that according to the movie storyline, he still had to wait for another 2-3 days; where he would surface only after Captain Norrington had been promoted to Commodore.

For Norrington to be promoted to Commodore, he obviously had raked in utmost merits during the war against the pirate fleets of Captain Chevalle. Sheyan himself naturally wouldn’t expose his deduction to the beloved Joshamee Gibbs. However, in the perspective Joshamee who had been dispirited for years, he could sense that Sheyan was purposefully dragging. Nevertheless, there was no harm indulging himself in days of fine rum of taverns and sumptuous meat.

Without a doubt, the most luxurious building of the entire Port Royal, was the Governor’s Manor that sat on a hill at the end of the port. Only Norrington who had equal standings with the Governor, had the criteria in possessing such an extravagant Manor. However, he preferred to reside in the simpleness of his naval posts, as strict law abiding officer. Hence, it was effortless to locate where the Governor was at.

Probably due to the constant remarkable state of peacefulness in Port Royal, Sheyan and company didn’t encounter any exceedingly strict patrols. The only threat would be two marines, who were yawning widely at the gates of the Governor’s Manor; appearing rather lackadaisical.

Nevertheless, with the report from Sheyan’s probing, the marines under Norrington were trained properly and those two direct marine guards had attributes of around 30 points or so. Although that may seem rather mediocre, the two abilities that possessed were truly a thorny issue.

[ Ability 1: Solidarity lvl 4 (passive) – when aside a comrade, HP increases by 10,000 points. This ability can stack till 40,000 points. ]

[ Lvl 4 property: Additional 10,000 HP ]

[ Ability 2: Ambush lvl 1 (active) – this ability can only be activated behind an enemy’s back. Dealing damage to the enemy’s back with a musket musket or cutlass, inflicting blood loss state, and declining movement speed by 50%; duration: 15 seconds. This ability has a 10 seconds cooldown. ]

The first ability determined that they couldn’t be rapidly dispatched. The second ability signified their swift entanglement once their opponent tries to flee. Moreover, after a round of careful surveillance, Sheyan realized the nearest marine barrack was merely a straight mile away. Unless, it was the storyline Black Pearl crew that invaded, a gunshot resounding from the Governor’s Manor would trigger swarming bees from the marine barrack within five minutes.

At this moment, Sheyan suddenly noticed the iron gates of the Governor’s Manor opening. A young male strided out, and had a case sandwiched underneath his armpit. With every step, he would glance back at the manor with reluctance to part.

Following the trail of his gaze, it was directed to a second floor window of the governor’s manor; where a gorgeous blonde was watching his departure. When that youth turned his head back, Sheyan instantly realized a handsome male dressed in grey stockings, scottish red skirt and a tiny red necktie. Indeed, he was one of Sheyan’s objective – Will Turner.

Evidently, that maiden by the window would be the lady Elizabeth. With her pure and ravishing appearance, it was hard to imagine her incisiveness; the manner at which she could adeptly employ her charm as a weapon; so much so that Jack Sparrow was even toyed beneath her skirt.

After retracting his gaze from the second floor window, Sheyan noticed Will Turner adopting a sullen expression while trudging towards them.

“What are you lot sneakily loitering around here for?”

Sheyan stepped forward and answered.

“I hail from the east, hearing of the abundance and riches of britain. That is why I arrived here in search of something special, things that can be brought back to the east to sell.”

Will Turner stared into Sheyan’s eyes with disbelief, naturally not trusting his words.

“Then you should be at the market, not the gate of the Governor’s Manor!”

Chapter 522: Meeting Chris once again

Faced with Will Turner’s compelling question, Sheyan laughed in response.

“The scenery here is amazing, while the governor’s mansion is the most extravagant mansion of Port Royal. As a foreigner, would there be a problem in sightseeing? Could it be that the usually hospitable british would treat a foreigner in this manner?”

Will Turner replied earnestly.

“If you’re here to admire the scenery, then you should’ve first visited the reefs of Port Royal. I presume it houses hung pirates monthly, a scene of seagulls feasting.”

Experiencing the tone and demeanor of Will Turner’s speech, Sheyan understood he wasn’t compatible with him; thus, mindlessly conceding wouldn’t be an approach worthy of respect. Hence, Sheyan impatiently muttered with indifference.

“So I see, it is british custom for apprentice blacksmiths to enforce law and order as well.”

After Sheyan issued such a mocking statement, Will Turner’s expression immediately sank.

The aristocracies and ideologies of british nobility were deeply significant, and as an apprentice blacksmith, his status had always been a thorn in his flesh. The great disparity between his status and Elizabeth’s status, drew a wedge between both of them in union.

As for why Will Turner could enter the governor’s mansion, it was purely due to him forging a good sword for Governor Swann…..a sword that would eventually be conferred to the newly promoted Commodore Norrington, and also a sword he wished to seek betrothal to Elizabeth with. However, Governor Swann wasn’t home today, and Will Turner could only leave the governor’s mansion with his sword.

Having been ridiculed by Sheyan, Will Turner’s face turned increasingly suly. Yet he didn’t engage in sarcastic repartee to this scenario, but maintained his elegant demeanor as he turned to leave.

Yet at this instant, four individuals abruptly trudged out from a corner, and casted queer glances over. Though contestants’ equipments were disguised to storyline characters, contestants could still differentiate amongst their peers; for example a trademark golden AK…..

Hence, after a brief mutual scanning, they could roughly guess each other’s identities. Yet at this moment, a glimmer flickered on the neck of a rather familiar looking but mediocre contestant, where he possibly activated a certain ability. He suddenly pointed towards Sheyan and admonished.

“Mister Turner, that man is a pirate! He dares to loiter outside the governor’s mansion, he definitely possesses ill intent towards the lady Elizabeth!”

After that individual spoke, Sheyan immediately burst into laughters.

“Chris, it actually is you! Ah, my lovely cousin, Chris.”

Indeed, when that contestant impulsively spoke, he forgot that though appearance could be modified, one’s voice couldn’t be concealed! This brat was indeed the Chris of Sheyan’s previous stint in the Pirates of the Caribbean world, the one that had been sold out by Sheyan….

But as the saying goes, the old man lost his mare, but it all turned out for the best*. Even though Chris had been viciously exploited by Sheyan previously, he still managed to reap pirate reputation through his act of demolishing the Bell and Mug; where his reputation amongst the pirates soared to ‘Respected’. Banking on this, he enticed the trust of several pirates. In one fell swoop, Chris made it big! Borrowing the excuse of expanding his crew, he turned traitorous and sold off his pirates to Norrington; successfully earning a clean slate for himself!

(TN:*a blessing in disguise)

More critically, Chris relied on his new found establishment of popularity and network, and devised ways to re-enter the pirates of the caribbean world twice more than Sheyan. Through his meticulous scheming, his invested relationship with Will Turner was presently ‘Amicable’ and on the verge of becoming ‘Respected’.

As for this time, Chris had staked everything to act as a go-between of Will Turner and, trying matchmake him and Elizabeth ahead of time. As it turns out, his conspiracy was immensely audacious – intending to assassinate the main lead, Jack Sparrow. If he were to accomplish that, not long would Hack’s dropped equipments be a massive bumper harvest, it would also signify one thing based on his conjecture; that with Jack’s death, the fortunes of being main lead would be inherited by Will Turner!

At present, Captain Jack Sparrow was an exceptionally infamous pirate. Hence, his gang was planning to exploit the fact that Will Turner wasn’t aware of his own status as a pirate’s son, to slay Jack Sparrow when both parties crossed hands as per the movie storyline!

Even if they failed to harvest Captain Jack Sparrow’s dropped key, they would still be heftily awarded with reputation points on the Norrington’s side. This notion had left them salivating, where they hadn’t even factored in the immense benefits of Will Turner ascending as main lead!

Hearing the testimony of their friend, Chris, the expressions of the storyline characters drastically changed.

“Sure enough, you lot are pirates!”

Will Turner immediately revealed an enraged countenance, as he effortlessly loosened the long wooden case clasped beneath his armpits. Gravity pulled the case to the ground, as his right hand immediately grappled downwards!

As the wooden lid flipped before crashing to the ground, that exquisite sword stored within it was already gripped in his hands. ‘Shing!” He unsheathed it, and bluntly pointed its sharp tip towards Sheyan and buddies!

By now, the two marines guarding the mansion gates had strided over, and aimed their black barreled muskets at Sheyan and buddies. Upon spectating this commotion, Chris’s lips curled into a sinister smile; do you think it was for nought that I painstakingly build up my enterprise in Port Royal?

In just a short instance, his single phrase had already trapped those damnable foes before him into a perilous predicament!!! The ecstasy of vengeance sprung up within him.

Instead, Sheyan still maintained a jubilant smirk as he waved in classic fashion at Chris. Then, he raised both hands up, as he strolled towards the two vigilant marines and offered them several words. Following that, the two marines followed him to a corner, while still being half-doubtful. Nonetheless, the two marines returned with Sheyan while beaming with smiles after a span of half a minute. If one didn’t understand the insider story, one would reckon them to be sworn brothers.

Chris’s eyeballs bulged widely as he called out.

“How can that be, right, those two scoundrels must have accepted your bribe! Oi! You shameless scums trying to silence me?”

In in shock and fury, Chris had a slip of his tongue, accidentally calling the two marines scoundrels. Moreover, he even suggested they had greedily accepted a bribe….unless the two marines had negative IQ, they naturally turned incomparably furious and desired to discipline the culprit who slandered them! Observing them lifting their shimmering cutlass and pressing in, Chris understood that he had messed up and hastily retreated. Instead, Will Turner proceeded to obstruct the marines, with a face filled with disatisfaction.

“My friend has verified the pirate identities of those scums, aren’t you going to apprehend them?”

Sheyan spectated the scene with a detached countenance, while he scoffed in the party channel.

“That idiot Chris. If he hadn’t raise the subject of bribery, those two marines would’ve spared him. Unfortunately, he just had to reveal the truth of the matter…..hahaha.”

Brother Black curiously asked.

“Could those marines truly be shaken by money?”

Sheyan shook his head.

“That isn’t so. Guineas can merely be utilized in gilding the lily, not sending charcoals during a snowy weather. Do you still remember the Sheffields Trading Company we traded with?”

Mogensha scoffed.

“I don’t have amnesia, why wouldn’t I remember?”

Sheyan laughed and continued.

“I merely produced that invitation card given by the Sheffields Trading Company, allowing the two marines to examine it. Follow up with ten gold guineas, and they could only reluctantly accept it. If I’d blatantly tossed out ten guineas, they would surely smack my face with the gold coins.”

Hearing Sheyan’s words, Reef and Mogensha were both enlightened. According to the exact information they had, the Sheffields Trading Company had a momentous backer in the governor; where Mister McKinnery was in fact, the governor’s butler.

Standing guard by the mansion gate, the two marines definitely possessed sharp observance, and could naturally recognize the individuals coming in and out of the mansion. They understood which individuals were not be trifled with, and since they witnessed Sheyan being capable enough to acquire the invitation of the Sheffields Trading Company, they became aware his relationship with the governor wasn’t shallow. Hence, they wouldn’t listen to a nobody like Chris, and dismissed him.

Presently facing Will Turner’s queries, the two marines similarly didn’t offered much face to a measly apprentice blacksmith. Tilting their chins, they mocked.

“Get back to your smithing iron. A pirate or not, would a marine like us not differentiate? Do I need you to lecture me? Move aside, we must definitely teach this slanderous hoodlum a lesson today!”

Though a marine had been stalled by Will Turner, the other marine detoured past as he shouted.

“Even if you run, I’ll find you at your shop!”

As it turns out, Chris had actually mingled up his way to prominence, and had purchased a property in Port Royal. His undertakings were specially inclined towards earning gold guineas from storyline characters, before exchanging them for utility points with contestants.

As Port Royal was a safe zone, it was frequently by large amounts of contestants that entered the caribbean word. Hence, Chris had earned quite a lot from there. Yet upon hearing the marine’s threat, he could only submit while scowling miserably.

That marine spared no courtesies, as he battered Chris with the butt of his musket rifle; pummeling him with a bruised face and swollen nose. Sheyan continued to smile while spectating the scene. The more pain Chris suffered from getting thrashed, the more face he felt he lost; becoming so furious his vision turned black. Meanwhile, Will Turner glared maliciously at Sheyan, as he removed his gloves and flung it before Sheyan!!

Chapter 523: Inconvenience and disaster

Reef’s expression changed. He knew the custom of throwing down the glove as a challenge to a combat, akin to making an uncivilized behavior legitimate. Concurrently, Sheyan received a notification from his nightmare imprint.

[ You received a challenge to a duel from key storyline character, Will Turner! ]

[ Do you accept? ]

Sheyan hesitated briefly before investigating further.

“Would I be penalized if I refuse?”

The nightmare imprint answered him with a blunt answer.

[ Authority inadequacy, unable to check. ]

Sheyan then contemplated carefully. Since his reputation amongst the pirates was nearly ‘Revered’, while Will Turner was currently a puny apprentice. An illustrious individual calling him into question would leave him in terrible shape, but for a random civilian questioning him? That was essentially worthless.

With this notion, Sheyan selected to reject. Indeed, there wasn’t a penalty, and the reason was probably due to the vast disparity between their reputations.

When Will Turner perceived that his challenge was refused, his expression turned ugly as he glared at Sheyan and declared seriously.

“If you dare to have designs on Elizabeth, I will personally drill this sword into your heart!”

After concluding, he stormed off without looking back. Sheyan sighed in his heart. This incident with Will Turner was simply out of his expectations. He wasn’t a god afterall, not everything would be smooth sailing, not everyone would acknowledge him. Besides, Will Turner’s feedback was still within the realms of acceptable.

On the contrary, if he treated Will Turner as a problem, then Chris would be like a scourge. A contestant like him understood everything clearly, and understood more about him than other contestants. If he harbored this grudge, he would become an underlying menace to Sheyan’s plans!

A problem could be endured, but if he didn’t eliminate a scourge, it could become an immense worry binding his heart!

This was certainly not a situation Sheyan desired. Thinking of that, Sheyan then inquired about Chris’s shop location from the two marines, before he departed with his subordinates.

For a brat like Chris, he definitely couldn’t spare him a breather to regroup. Otherwise a brat who had painstakingly frequent the pirates of the caribbean world for so long, would absolutely be capable of retaliating harshly.

Though the majority of Sheyan’s crew and him were first time visitors to Port Royal, but never ever forget, Philips and comrades had been the direct forces under Norrington; ones who had served at Port Royal before. Though a mere firstline marine, he was like a regional boss in Port Royal previously. Before they left, he had already divulged a detailed report to Sheyan, allowing Sheyan to be exceedingly clear to the snake paths and rat holes of this place.

Of course, Sheyan wouldn’t foolishly storm into Chris’s shop to create a ruckus. That would only provide an excuse for Norrington’s marines who maintained the peace of the port. There are many ways to strike down an enemy, where robbing one’s life being the most direct one. Excluding that, there would be many methods to achieve the same objective.

In lieu of such an inconvenient situation to act, Sheyan intended to utilize another method to incite Chris to throw himself into the streets. Right now, he needed to employ a professional adept at such methods.

Strolling through a lane constructed with fragments of pebbles, Sheyan led his group towards a wet market of Port Royal. One had to admit, the dirty and disorderly image of this place was in stark contrast with the beautiful and tidy portrayal of Port Royal.

Upon approaching the place, an assailing pungent and fishy stench filled the air, were muddy black waters stagnated between the cracks of floor bricks. Pale fish scales reeking of blood and water littered the floor, as they resorted to tip toes while checking the landing spot of every step they made; preventing themselves from stepping into a nightmare like filth.

After squeezing through a multitude of congested crowd, the continued passing by fish stalls after fish stalls; with many casting mistrust and wary glances at them. This place probably experienced thieves and robbers frequently.

Eventually, they arrived before a room at the cleanest and tidiest region of the wet market. Sheyan gestured with his gaze towards the experienced and knowledgeable Ol’Seadog. Ol’Seadog nodded, and returned a look to Sheyan. Following that, Canbi very bluntly stomped his feet against the semi-concealed door.

The style of brute forcing the door open was undoubtedly, immensely effective. Instantaneously, several individuals who were gambling within leapt up in shock. Only after clarifying the newcomers weren’t government officers or red-white uniform marines, did their boldness flare up.

Some slapped the table and overturned chairs, while others revealed their sabers strapped to their waist. Their face brimming with viciousness as they swaggered towards the uninvited guests.

“Hoi! This the Deadman’s Residence, are y’all seeking death? Hand over your guineas and scram!”

Soon after, they stood rigidly where they were, as three icy musket barrels aimed towards their foreheads. As compared to pirates who killed without blinking, these hoodlums were far lacking in courage. Ol’Seadog shrugged his shoulders and urged.

“Ye darlings, yer fortunes be thrivin’. I don’t wish to stain me new clothes with blood, as me mood be wonderful. Where be yer owner Wilson? I have matters fer him.”

Wilson was currently attending to a fish stall not too far away. Under the iron grips of Norrington, even hoodlums had to don a professional identity to disguise themselves. As for Wilson, he would extort fishes daily from the market tenants around as ‘protection fees’, and used these extorted fishes to sell them for his own profits. Hence, when his teary faced underling told him about others looking for him, he hastily rushed back.

“It’s you? Canbi? Your balls aren’t small eh. Though Norrington is out combating the pirates, he should be coming back anytime soon. Aren’t you leaving, do you really wish to be hung on those gibbets by the reefs?”

Canbi rolled his eyes and replied.

“Cut yer bullcrap, a task fer hundred guineas; yer up for it?”

Upon hearing ‘hundred guineas’, the little hooligans on scene immediately revealed curious glances; like dogs catching a whiff of bones. Canbi impatiently hurled out a purse of coins, with its glistening yellow gold coins pouring out.

“Twenty guineas fer the advance, eighty guineas after completion.”

Wilson swallowed his saliva, as he stroked the glossy and cooling gold coins with his hand. One could observe he was fighting hard with his willpower and self-restraint, as he voiced reluctantly.

“You should be aware that I don’t kill for a living.”

Ol’Seadog interrupted with a hoarse voice.

“Nobody be askin’ ye to kill. An owner of a shop has offended us, me cap’n reckons there be no need fer his business to continue.”

Wilson was roused.

“Which shop?”

“The tenth on Midden street, be known as the Conviction Trading Company.”

Ol’Seadog glanced at Sheyan before continuing.

Wilson recollected his thoughts, before grabbing up the coin purse and laughing hysterically.

“Fine! There are only 2-3 trading companies I fear, I’ll take on this scum.”

Presently, Chris was feeling tremendously afraid. He had never expected that when encountering Sheyan again, it would practically be like a mouse encountering a cat! The relations and network he had painstakingly cultivated for so long, had been simply played down in light sketches by Sheyan!

Recalling that scenario, the more Chris felt that Sheyan was enshrouded in unfathomable mysteries; impossible for him to rival against!

As for now, his only consolation was that his relationship with Will Turner had deepened by a level.

Moreover, when that handsome character had seen his crestfallen self, he even proactively offered consolation. If those pack of vile contestants dared to conjure up a ruckus, Will Turner would surely assist him; hence, Chris was feeling rather comforted from that thought.

After a series of deliberating, Chris still believed Sheyan ultimately wouldn’t resort to violence within Port Royal itself; because once he did, the wrath of rapidly dispatched marines wouldn’t be worth incurring. Besides, his shop had always been paying taxes to the governor punctually, and he had to acknowledged that Norrington was indeed an individual of order and martial might. Thus, the safety of Port Royal had always been splendid.

Just when Chris had calmed himself down, a sudden loud crashing pierced in from outside. His heart instantly tightened, as he hurriedly sprinted out. Instead, there were several cries echoing in from outside. “He killed a man, he killed a man!”

Chris’s heart immediately throbbed with fear. His vision darkened as he tiptoed out, observing that in his shop, the most expensive Eastern Porcelain had been smashed into fragments. The shop attendant he hired was standing by the side, and shivering uncontrollably. Furthermore, a man laid face down before him, with blood flowing out of his head; quickly forming into a puddle.

When the shop attendant noticed Chris, he instantly flew to him as though looking at his knight in shining armour. With a trembling voice, he pleaded.

“I didn’t kill anyone, I didn’t kill anyone! He fell himself.”

A crowd had gathered in by now. As the saying goes, the potential of gossips is not differentiated by gender, age or ethnicity. Individuals within the crowd incessantly pointed and discussed the scene, as though this was a rarely seen scenario in Port Royal itself. The fury accumulated in Chris’s heart finally exploded forth, as he bellowed.

“Get out, get out. Everyone get out of my shop!”

Yet moments later, two red-white uniform marines, one plumpy one skinny, marched in. Their faces were expressionless as they declared.

“Mr Chris, someone just reported to the magistrate about an accusation of smuggled goods in your shop, alongside suspicions of murder. Please follow me on a trip to the magistrate’s office for interrogation. Everything that you say right now, can be used against you in trial!”

Chapter 524: Indisputable framing!

With unparalleled expressions of austerity, Chris felt as if a thunderbolt had struck him as he murmured to himself.

“What is it like this? How did it end up like this?”

As he murmured, Chris was dragged out involuntarily. Right at the corner of the street, Chris suddenly noticed a pair of jesting and ridiculing deep eyes. Chris momentarily understood before struggling violently and pointing towards Sheyan while shouting strenuously.

“Seaman, do you think getting someone to frame me will work? Never! Let me tell you, it will never work! After bitterly establishing myself for so long, how would I be toppled by your fabricated accusation! Just you wait, I’ll be out within an hour. You have no evidence to condemn me of crimes!! My company will still be towering within Port Royal as before!”

Indeed, Chris wasn’t lying at all. One must understand, acquiring a property in Port Royal as this current age was an exceedingly troublesome affair; something that not merely money could resolve. Such a situation resembled a city center in the present world. In truth, even Sheyan didn’t possess the qualifications to acquire his own property in Tortuga, one could imagine its difficulty.

As it turns out, Chris’s backing was an influential character in Port Royal, known as Lord Ben Fleming. Being a representative of Port Royal, he could rally the public opinion, and ride with the trends; achieving the acknowledgement of the general public. Whenever Governor Swann was absent, then lord Ben Fleming would assume the temporary responsibility as governor. One could fathom his status from this.

Of course, having just a backing wouldn’t be sufficient, but Chris had always been a prudent individual. In truth, he did engaged in smuggling, but his cautious bearing ensured it was conducted neatly from head to tail; having various kinds of accounting records. Thus, Chris was assured that even if the magistrate attempted a stringent investigation, Sheyan would absolutely not find any incriminating evidence.

Without any evidence and purely relying on bribery or fraud, such a method would only work on individuals without a backing. It was certainly impossible on himself! Hence, Chris confidently shouted out those words; claiming that he would be freed within an hour.

During his trial, everything seemed to be playing out according to Reef’s depiction. Firstly, it was the criminal charge of homicide.

The accuser’s statement was simply powerless, and the charge for homicide was dismissed. In fact, Chris was already awaiting the moment he could depart, where he would erect his middle finger to blow off steam in Sheyan’s face.

Following that, the guards who investigated Chris’s shop returned. They adorned poker face that was seemingly devoid of any happiness. Under the supervision of the magistrate, they emotionlessly recited the list of merchandises within his trading company, while requesting for Chris to explain about the origins of his merchandises.

Chris answered in flawless fashion, knowing everything by heart; connecting the taxes paid and everything else like a connecting pulse throughout the dragon. Furthermore, there were certain individuals in the jury that could even testify for him.

Soon after, even Lord Ben Fleming stood forward in objection, blaming this entire fiasco as a premeditated framing; a ploy intended to besmirch a law abiding citizen’s reputation. He further mentioned that if the trial were carry on, it would be essential akin to being toyed in the culprit’s hands.

Faced with Lord Ben Fleming’s call to question, the magistrate’s face became downcasted.

However at this instant, the accuser raised a hand and spoke with profound significance.

“I have only one question for Mr Chris. May your excellency permit me this final question.”

Facing the final counter-argument of the accuser, Chris was already brimming with confidence; so much so, he couldn’t sniff up the thick conspiracy behind that question. Chris bluntly interrupted.

“Go ahead, but if your question cannot incriminate me of crime, then I hope to be released from trial.”

“Not a problem.” The accusing party replied in deep significance.

He then raised the list of merchandise, before loudly reciting the final point on it.

“My final question is, would the respected Mr Chris explain the source of the 21,316 gold guineas found in your shop?

Chris was dumbstruck, sensing that he had suddenly been submerged deep into a whirlpool of conspiracy. His body broke out in cold sweat, as he exclaimed frantically.

“Impossible, absolutely impossible. I only have 10,000 guineas in my shop!”

The investigating officer revealed a mocking sneer.

“Ho, every convict that I’ve taken would also demonstrate wondrous acting skills, and be crying helplessly. Regrettably, not a single one managed to escape from the clutches of the law! Mr Chris, perhaps you deemed that hiding your guineas is a fantastic idea, yet unfortunately, my lads possess noses of hunting dogs, eagle eyes and the ears of bats. As long as your are guilty, they will definitely catch the melon by following traces on the vines!”

At this moment, Chris noticed Sheyan standing by the window of his trial court, where he was gently smiling at him; as though bidding farewell to an old comrade. The despairing Chris immediately rummaged for a saving rice straw, as he cried aloud in enlightened fashion.

“I know it, your excellency, someone is framing me! Hiding 20,000 gold guineas in my shop to set me up.”

Hoots of laughter erupted from the jury towards Chris’s argument. At this moment, several marines exerted themselves while hauling a massive chest towards the magistrate, before flipping its lid open. The alluring shimmers of gold coins resonated into the eyes of everyone within a flash.

“Ah, what a blissful entrapment!!” The magistrate praised. “Mr Chris, I have already dealt with pirates, smugglers, bandits, whores, and murderers for over three decades; issuing the punishment of the law to countless convicts. I believe the amount of individuals that hate me, is ten folds that of yours. Yet up till to date, nobody has ever used 20,000 guineas, oh, no, not even risking 20 guineas to frame me.”

“Alright fine! Even if I can accept such an absurd assumption of framing, the heavy volume of 20,000 gold guineas right before our eyes cannot be discounted; it isn’t mere shillings which can be kept in pockets. This is 20,000 gold guineas we are talking about! A weighty treasure chest that requires two strong men to heave up!”

“If one transported 20,000 gold guineas into my house, I believe my neighbors would definitely notice such an affair. Mr Chris, if you were to suggest to be such an extravagant entrapment of 20,000 guineas had been shifted into your store without a sound, without anyone discovering it; then I have reasons to believe, that you are insulting me. No, that you are insulting us; the intellect of the entire governing office, the jury and even the citizens outside.”

Lord Ben Fleming stood up with a sullen expression. Just when everyone thought he would speak, he picked up his crutches before wearing his cap and left without a word. This revered Lord’s complexion was tremendously ugly because he had obviously been ‘slapped’ by the magistrate in the face. However, the main reason was due to the 20,000 gold guineas profit that Chris acquired from smuggling, because, he hadn’t gained a single dividend of it!!!!

Hence, he could infer with heartache and disappointment. Since 20,000 gold guineas had been discovered today, what about tomorrow or the following that, or weeks or months. How many of such personal golden-bright and dazzling adorable little objects would be discovered????

Lord Ben Fleming felt his righteousness had been besmirched, and he himself bore deep grudges against individuals who deceived himself.

There was no longer any dissent for his trial following that. Chris was converted from a respected gentleman into a criminal, and was forced to penal servitude. With Norrington’s style of sparing no efforts at governance, Port Royal had indeed lacked manpower for their construction works.

From henceforth, Chris’s trading company and all his property was confiscated by the government. In other words, all his painstaking establishments had gone up in smoke due to Sheyan’s casual tossing of 20,000 gold guineas!!

Forced to change into prisoner robes, Chris’s eyes revealed a hysterical madness as he glared towards where Sheyan was standing. Then, he released an abrupt fanaticall laugher as he thought.

“Do you think you’ve won? You really think I will remain passive?”

If Sheyan had witnessed Chris’s expression, he would definitely become slightly vigilant. Sadly, lady luck did not constantly shine on him, and the cruel reality was that Sheyan missed that scene.

Nothing else noteworthy happened following that, as Sheyan left two subordinates at the pier to keep careful watch over the whereabouts of Captain Jack Sparrow. Then, he returned to his ship and started making preparations for the auction the next day. Apart from that, Sheyan proceeded to arrange future scenarios. For example, the question about reacting if his identity were to become exposed, or the morale and unhappiness of those pirates that couldn’t come ashore.

Night time. Sheyan had fallen asleep, but not forgetting to reserve pirates to keep watch at night beforehand.

Deep in slumber during the middle of the night, a sudden light but dull odour assailed his nose.

All of a sudden, Sheyan sprung up from bed. As he breathed deeply, he could confirm that pervading odour in the air was the dull stench of blood!!

By now, Reef and Mogensha was similarly woken up. The trio could fathom an abnormal quietness lingering within the surroundings; not even the cricking of bugs from the island could be heard.

After carefully differentiating from the rhythmic waves slapping against the beach, they realized an unexplainable dripping sound – the stifling sound of blood soaking through the cracks of the upper deck, before dripping down onto the lower deck….

Chapter 525: Reunion with Ammand

The trio exchanged glances without speaking a word. They were now aware – an enemy had crept on board without a sound, and even commenced slaughtering of the pirates without a sound.

Evidently, this was a case of an enemy within one’s own ranks. If they were to create an uproar now, they would most likely suffer an insanely disastrous, well prepared ambush!

As their breathings deepened, Sheyan gently unlocked the sealed thick window bolt of the captain’s cabin, before opening the window and slowly crawling out. His movements were steady, light and every nerve and flesh of his were at its optimal state.

Brother Black and Reef followed suit, as they slowly inched towards the side of the ship before peeping out with their heads.

Two torches were currently alit on the deck. Not a single individual was present, except for the noiseless flickers of the torches.

Occasionally, the sea breeze would sweep past, or the roasting of tiny fleas attracted to light; emitting ‘beep’ creaks. On the surface of this bright and clean deck, were distinct blood trails and blood footprints. One could tell, the watchers of the night had been slain. Moreover, they had failed to signal a warning before perishing.

Suddenly, a despondent scream broke the deathly silence of the ship!

During that same instance, a shocking blaze was ignited at the captain’s cabin, where the trio had just been residing minutes ago. The blaze raged vigorously and splendidly, like a fiery torch that was fuelled with oil.

A mere 2-3 seconds later, an intensified explosion erupted within the captain’s cabin. If the trio were still inside, even if they didn’t die, all their skin would’ve been roasted.

Such a silent and unwarned violent explosion immediately caused Sheyan to subconsciously recall the one that demolished the Bell and Mug! Without a doubt, this explosion was definitely related to Chris!

In a blink of an eye, chaos flared up atop this ship. Soon, yells and screams fell and rose in rapid successions. “Go check if ze captain is alright?!” “Quick, extinguish the flames!”

“Jimmy’s been slain, tis’ blimeydoodlewanger!!!”

(ED: Best insult ever. TL: Thanks Ed)

“Canbi’s been injured, bastard!” “Prince and Fenli have lost it, Argghh they’re recklessly killin’ anyone!”

At this moment, the trio formally revealed themselves and begun shouting out commands.

Very quickly, they pacified the crewmates. The bravery and capabilities of the trio had been lodged deep into pirates’ hearts. Seeing now that they were unharmed, this chaotic aspect was similarly soothed.

Soon after, the newly recruited Prince and another named Fenli, was wretchedly dragged to the deck. Their eyes were brimming with venom as they glared at Sheyan.

Sheyan eyed the two men before speaking with deep austerity.

“Confess, and I’ll kill you at once. Otherwise, I shall spare you from death.”

Such a phrase sounded rather contradicting, but on the reverse, an immense threat laid carefully concealed beneath! Behind the words ‘sparing you from death’, were the unspoken words of tormenting one till a fate worst than death!!

In spite of that, Prince started laughing like a maniac that even tears rolled.

“Seaman Yan, it be a decade, a full decade, aye, that we’ve been searching. Ye finally appeared. Do you know, how fearful might we be thinkin’ ye had perished? Fer ye to die just like that, how would we face Harry! How would we face me brothers who perished for no reason that night!”

Sheyan’s pupils shrank. Suddenly, he quickly spun round after sensing an astronomical threat surging in behind. Instantly, he noticed a 3-masted ship noiselessly braving the winds and the billows, as it glided towards here from the nearby darkness while leaping through the lofty undulation of waves.

At the bow of that 3-masted ship, stood a fierce man wearing a pirate hat. Standing completely upright like a gun, his gaze pierced in like an eagle; a gaze infused with greater resentment and malevolence.

A glittering silver radiance exuberated from his body, and under the direction of that man’s sword tip, his entire ship was enveloped with a layer of dull silver glow. The ship was heading straight for collision against the anchored Hill Maiden!!!

“Ammand, you have indeed appeared!!” Sheyan squeezed out the words from the crack of his teeth. “Luckily, I am not without aces up my sleeves!”

“All hands batten down the hatches! Prepare for collision!!”

BOOM! A sonorous impact resounded! A massive hole was struck through the hull of the peacefully anchored Hill Maiden. The entire ship was pushed 10 metres horizontally, until its keel scraped half a metre deep against the sandy seabed.

Smoke and broken wooden splinters dispersed throughout the air, alongside the astonished cries and blood-curdling screams.

Individuals were flung 5-6 metres backwards into the air before crashing down a dozen metre away. If not for the water beneath, those dozen plus individuals would’ve fractured their skulls and be drenched in blood ashore.

Before the aftermath of the collision settled, lassos and grappling hooks came raining down from the other ship. Following that, congregations of pirates silently speared across ships on gangplanks and ropes.

Under the illumination of the fires, one could observe those pirates with black bandana wrapped around their heads. Without exceptions, they all grew beards and welded damascus curved sabers at their waist!

Shockingly, these pirates belonged to believers of islam! These armed extremist were extraordinarily potent. It seemed that Ammand’s accolade as the Son of the Black Sea wasn’t merely just an empty title, and he possessed relatively profound relations with various nations near the Black Sea. As a result, he was able to amass such a redoubtable pirate crew.

Waves of Hill Maiden pirates tore forward to welcome the enemies. Some were tragically struck down straight upon clashing face to face, as shimmering blades flashed across the air and blood spilled excessively onto the wooden deck. Mutilated corpses littered the grounds alongside the piercing sounds of mournful groans. The blood reeked atmosphere assailed their noses. Such was the crushing pressure one could feel.

At this moment, Brother Black’s AK rumbling pierced into the air. After a clip of fire, he actually summoned out two Viperwolf Spirits; unleashing these otherworldly savage beast to rip and devour, and slightly constrain the onslaught of the enemy.

Despite that, the chaotic and disorderly battlefield was already piled up with the corpses of Sheyan’s pirate underlings. Intestines spilled everywhere, and their deaths were devastatingly miserable.

Suffering from such an intense ambush in the middle of the night, the cohesiveness of Sheyan’s crew remained remarkably astonishing. If one substituted them for another pirate crew, they would’ve long crumbled.

Obviously, this was linked to Sheyan’s modification of the Hill Maiden. Having utterly forsaken the artillery aspect, and changing their fighting style to that of naval boarding battles, the Hill Maiden pirates were all fugitives that didn’t fear death; one could simply imagine the might of their close combat prowess.

As he wondered about that, Sheyan couldn’t help but sigh. It was a pity that the mightiest Canbi had been plotted against. If not, how would the situation now be so disastrous?

Despite Brother Black’s firepower suppression, Sheyan’s crew gradually crumbled; revealing a defeated momentum. After all, Ammand presently held favourable advantage over the three war conditions of timing, geographic and social.

Fortunately, Philip was now commanding his ten plus confidants in battle. Though he wore a pirate identity now, he hadn’t discarded weapons such as his mauser rifle from back when he was a british marine!

Therefore, one could observe those ten plus Sheyan’s underlings, former marines clad in pirate clothings, had arranged themselves neatly and commenced firing. Fumes spiralled into the air, as a wave of ravenous enemies instantly collapsed to the ground.

After a second of breathing space, the muzzles of mauser rifles once again spat out long fiery flames; unleashing a torrent of blazing lead bullets.

Philips no longer showed mercy at this point, as his faction rained down the hostile pirates with ferocious firepower; earning precious buffer time for his other pirate comrades.

Seizing this opportunity, the trained pirates of Sheyan once again howled vehemently and lunged forward, and managed to beat back Ammand’s pirates by several metres.

The toughness and unyielding spirit of these fugitive pirates truly startled Ammand. He couldn’t fathom how these pirates were actually exploding forth with such alarming strength.

No doubt, Ammand wasn’t aware of the list of events orchestrated by Sheyan, had long been engraved deep into the pirates’ hearts. For those that delighted in gold, Sheyan had generously distributed gold. For those that seeked might, Sheyan could deprive the opponent’s might and bestow it on them.

Pirates who sailed the seas were all incomparably savage ruffians. Knowing that their captain’s eyes were observing their backs, they naturally risked their rotten lives for this enormous opportunity. If they succeeded, their wealth and might could be doubled! For such a lucrative affair, who wouldn’t want to strive with great efforts!

As Ammand witnessed his advantage being unexpectedly clawed back into a deadlock by Sheyan’s side, his lips curled into a sly smile. He raised a damascus curved saber in his hand, and pointed it towards the sky!

In this instant, Prince and Fenli, who had been surrounded, was abruptly freed and exploded forth. This time, with the help of another three pirate turncoats around them, they proceeded to slash against their nearby ‘comrades’.

Concurrently, Ammand stretched forth his finger, before exhibiting a black ring he wore openly and boomed thunderously.

“Blacksail! This be the keepsake of Fernandez, I command ye to fight alongside Prince and the rest.”

Upon hearing the name ‘Blacksail’, Sheyan’s heart instantly shuddered. If Blacksail really turned traitor, this situation would become a crisis!!

Ammand had indeed come prepared. At present, he was intangibly tying down Sheyan and Reef from a distant.

Like a war between two kings, he prevented them both from acting blindly without thinking. If not, should Ammand unveil any other deadly vicious moves, the trio would sink into a predicament of being incapable of reacting. When that happens, even chances of escaping would vanish!

The situation of this impasse was as such – Canbi had been taken down and his fate was unknown. Ol’Seadog was a crippled member being incapable of combat. If Blacksail was similarly a rat, the eventual consequence would be to abandon the ship and flee for their lives!

When Blacksail heard Ammand’s words, he answered without a shred of emotions. “Aye.”

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