Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 277: Chapter 276: It’s Cool to Show Off for a Moment…

The process of purchasing the islands went smoothly.

There were no incidents of scions blocking Fang Zheng’s way as he was about to pay, claiming they had set their sights on the islands first, followed by picking a fight and courting death—this was normal, after all, as the islands Fang Zheng wanted were almost all desolate, and which rich heir would buy such islands unless their brains were crippled?

However, what surprised Fang Zheng was that even though these islands were barren, their prices were still not low, indicating that people in the Main World also understood the economic value of exclusive zones. Thus, these islands had cost Fang Zheng nearly all the profits he had earned so far from fertilizer and greenhouses. Now, Fang Zheng finally realized why this counter was practically devoid of customers: not only were these dead islands expensive, but their locations were also not great, and they were uninhabitable. Even if a Cultist were to want to open a stall on one of them to summon their master, they’d probably not even be able to set up a summoning circle. Who in their right mind would buy such a place?

Well… Fang Zheng not included.

During the signing of the purchase agreement, the expected exposure of Fang Zheng’s identity did not occur. Maybe the old man had poor eyesight, or perhaps the Sanctuary hadn’t made a big deal out of it, so Fang Zheng rather smoothly obtained ownership of the five islands through the Star Pattern.

But for Fang Zheng, the trouble was yet to come.

The sky was clear, and it was cloudless for miles around.

Fang Zheng stood on the deck, gazing at the vast sea before him, and couldn’t help but sigh. It was just that this journey had been too troublesome for him.

The area where the five islands were located was known as the “Misty Seas.” Legend had it that every evening, a thick fog would form, causing ships to lose their way. Many experienced explorers and fleets had vanished without a trace in the fog. According to those who were lucky to escape, a terrifying creature larger than a hill lurked within the mists, one that could swallow a warship whole!

It was due to such rumors that Fang Zheng searched the docks to no avail, unable to find a captain willing to take them out to sea towards the Misty Seas. It wasn’t until the skeptical Fang Zheng tripled the reward that, motivated by a hefty sum, someone finally agreed to undertake Fang Zheng’s commission, leading them towards the Misty Seas.

It truly was a momentary thrill to show off, followed by a funeral for one’s wallet.

Only… this ship was indeed a bit too tattered.

Fang Zheng turned his head, looking at the “Black Crow Ship’s” shabby but still intact deck. The sailors were shouting their chants, raising the sails—thanks to the development of Magitech Civilization in the Main World, their ships no longer relied solely on wind power but could also employ Magic Energy Engines like in Fang Zheng’s modern world to propel the ships.

However, due to the ship’s age, the Magic Energy Engine powering it wasn’t exactly top-notch, but it was sufficient for such a vessel.

“Damn it, you lazy bastards, hurry up and raise the sails!”

Captain Fox, with a pipe in his mouth and draped in a coat, swaggered onto the deck. He was a man who had battled the seas for years; his robust frame and sun-reddened skin were testament to that. Fox stretched out his hand to touch his beard, big enough to nest a bird, before turning to Fang Zheng with a hint of a flattering smile.

“Oh, good day, respected sir.”

“Hello, Captain Fox.”

Looking at the captain before him, Fang Zheng appeared quite calm. Fox’s reputation wasn’t particularly good at the docks, but it wasn’t bad either. However, Fang Zheng didn’t care; few were clean when it came to sailing the high seas. As long as they harbored no ill will towards him and his companions, all was well. At least for now, the captain had been very straightforward.

“How long before we reach the Misty Seas?”

“The weather has been good these past few days, God of the Sea willing, I think we might arrive at the Misty Seas earlier than scheduled.”

Upon Fang Zheng’s inquiry, Captain Fox first knocked his pipe, then answered with a full-faced smile.

“To be honest, sir, the day you picked couldn’t be better. It’s a lull period for trade recently, and even those damned pirates have vanished without a trace. It’s been smooth sailing for us.”

“So, there will be no trouble along the way?”

“It’s hard to say.”

Facing Fang Zheng’s question, Captain Fox displayed a bitter smile.

“Precisely because it is a lull period, who knows what those pirates might plot. Sir, you have offered a grand reward at the docks, which must have been noticed by the spies of those pirates. Although most pirates will not go out to sea during this time, slave traders will not miss this opportunity. Right now is the prime time for them to transport slaves, and if they see us as a big catch, they might make a move on us.”

“I understand, there is no need to worry too much.”

Fang Zheng nodded lightly in response to Captain Fox’s warning. Of course, he wasn’t worried about the pirates, for aside from Nanali and Kuliya, there were no weaklings among them. By the standards of this world, Fang Zheng, Tilia, and the Nymph were all at Master Level, while Black Katie was a fighter of the Legendary Domain. Not to mention, Fang Zheng was also a Prophet Mage. If any pirates foolishly thought to ambush them, Fang Zheng would certainly not be oblivious to it.

“Since you are confident, sir, then naturally I have nothing more to say.”

Hearing Fang Zheng’s nonchalant reply, Captain Fox chuckled and said no more. When boarding the ship, Fang Zheng had already cast a few spells, which made Captain Fox realize that his client was not only nobility but also a highly capable Mage. Spellcasters are people that no power wishes to provoke without good reason, and Captain Fox was no exception. If the captain had any ulterior motives before, by now he had put all inappropriate thoughts away, focusing solely on his duty.

“Master.”

Just then, the Nymph emerged from the cabin and approached Fang Zheng, greeting him respectfully with a nod before glancing at Captain Fox, who was not far away.

“There are three ships ahead, closing in on us.”

“Oh?”

Surprised by the Nymph’s report, Fang Zheng paused, but of course, he had no doubts about the Little Angel’s reconnaissance abilities.

“How long before they make contact?”

“At the current speed, the soonest would be in ten minutes.”

“Are they pirate ships?”

Upon hearing this, Captain Fox quickly interrogated, well aware of the blue-haired girl’s unique abilities. In the first few days of sailing, the Nymph had warned Captain Fox and Fang Zheng of several reefs and pirate ships, and all her warnings had proven correct. This had earned the seemingly fragile and delicate girl a deep respect from Captain Fox. Sailors dread most unexpected incidents at sea, and with a Little Angel onboard, they could avoid much unnecessary casualty and expense.

“Two pirate ships, and one pleasure craft.”

“Are you saying that two pirate ships are chasing after a pleasure craft?”

Hearing this, Captain Fox instantly made a face as sour as a bitten lemon—an utterly undesirable situation to encounter at sea. Those pursued by pirate ships certainly would not surrender willingly; if they were truly capable of defeating the pirates, they wouldn’t need to flee. But as it stood, it was evident that the pursued pleasure craft lacked combat power, or perhaps the two pirate ships were too strong, forcing them to flee head over heels.

Naturally, under different circumstances, Captain Fox would just sigh at such a plight, but now it was different—this was like pulling aggro for an ADD and leading the group to a wipe!

“Is there a way to avoid them?”

“It’s too late.”

In response to Fang Zheng’s question, Captain Fox sighed helplessly, then pocketed his pipe and grabbed his weapon. Sailing on the open sea was a hazardous affair, and typically even the most experienced captains wouldn’t stray from their course, for it could cause them to lose their bearings. So even though he knew trouble lay ahead, he had no choice but to proceed.

“Prepare for battle, lads!”