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

Chapter 285: Chapter 284: Trying to Steal a Chicken Only to Lose the Rice

Chapter 285: Chapter 284: Trying to Steal a Chicken Only to Lose the Rice

Hearing the sailor’s report, not only Ogrande, but also Fang Zheng, accompanied by Tilia and others, curiously walked to the bow to look forward. The reason for their eagerness was nothing other than the eerie and frightening story recounted by Fox, making everyone eager to witness the splendor of Soul Bay for themselves.

And indeed, the place proved to be marvelously peculiar.

As a prime harbor during the great age of maritime exploration, the geographical location of Soul Bay was outstanding. Moreover, the waters here were exceptionally clear and bright. Even though shrouded by gloomy clouds, everyone could clearly see the underwater vegetation and coral reefs.

This surreal view made it seem as if the sea floor was merely a step away—jumping off the deck would land them straight onto the ocean bottom!

“It’s so beautiful…”

Kuliya and Nana leaned over the railings, gazing at the scenery below, couldn’t help but express their awe. However, Fang Zheng furrowed his brow, feeling that—this place was absolutely empty!

Indeed, Soul Bay felt to Fang Zheng like an aquarium that had been filled with water but no fish. Although there was green seaweed and vibrant coral reefs, and even the white sands at the bottom appeared exceptionally beautiful, this beauty only accentuated a chilling, deadly ambiance.

There were no fish, no birds, and not even the sound of the waves; as the ship sailed through the waters, Fang Zheng could no longer hear the familiar sound of sea water slapping against the hull.

This place was truly eerie!

Fang Zheng frowned and quietly cast a Prophecy Spell, but still, he could see nothing clearly in front of him. Everything appeared as flowers in the mist to the eyes of a Prophet Mage, without any distinct shape. This only made Fang Zheng even more cautious, as a place that could block Prophecy Spells was surely no simple location, especially so for a Prophet Mage, though it wasn’t as if without his Prophecy Spells, Fang Zheng would have run away.

After all, he had now reached a high tier in this world’s strength, albeit not yet entering the real Legendary Domain. And not to mention his subordinates like Nymph, Tilia, and Black Katie, who were no weaklings—with Black Katie even being a figure within the Legendary Domain. Plus, if there was truly any trouble, he still had the option to open a Dimensional Passage by using Dimensional Points to summon aides like Berupeoru and Xiu Denan from the Three Pillars. If really necessary, he could even summon Shana to split heaven and earth—indeed, Fang Zheng was quite curious if that power, claimed to slay even gods, was truly as profound as rumored.

What? You ask what if even they couldn’t stop it?

Well… what could Fang Zheng say then? If even three legends and a Punishment Deity couldn’t hold them back, then it was basically a death sentence for him.

As the Black Crow Ship continued forward, the scenery ahead gradually shifted.

One by one, sunken ships appeared before everyone’s eyes. Thanks to the clarity of the water, they could almost make out every part of these sunken vessels, lying silently on the ocean floor like corpses.

Seeing these ships plunged everyone into silence; no one spoke, and even their breathing was much lightened. At this moment, Fox also returned to his post, firmly gripping the helm and staring ahead. The waters here were peculiarly deceptive because of their clarity, making it impossible to judge the shallowness or depth by the naked eye. Even Fox was unsure about the depths around these sunken ships, and hitting one by accident might well turn his Black Crow Ship into another sunken vessel.

“Dingling—”Dingling—”

Standing at the bow, Black Katie, silent, lifted her Silver Staff and kept shaking it. The gold rings on the Triangle Tin Staff collided incessantly under her motion, producing a series of crisp sounds.

According to Captain Fox, the so-called soul-soothing ceremony was simply sailors navigating while loudly chanting and singing, which was routine—after all, as lifelong sailors, what else could you expect them to know besides calling on the spirits with simple songs and chants?

In fact, in Fang Zheng’s view, it bore a semblance to whistling while walking through a graveyard to bolster one’s courage. He finally understood why such customs were established; the place was simply too sinister, wholly devoid of any sound. If the sailors behaved as usual, spending time in such surroundings would eventually lead to paranoia and possibly even a breakdown.

So, it was better for everyone to stay on deck within sight of each other, without worrying about anyone disappearing. And singing together also served to strengthen their courage, a solution with multiple benefits.

“Dingling—”

Even Fang Zheng had to admit, Black Katie, as a Grand Priestess, was indeed not just a nominal role. She lifted the Triangle Tin Staff, waving it occasionally. The staff emitted a series of crisp sounds forming a clear, sacred melody that echoed in everyone’s ears.

If Fang Zheng were to describe it, the melody that Black Katie “played” felt to him like an ancient court chime, though he wondered what method she used. Just the collision of six small gold rings produced a melody as soft as that of a piano. Fang Zheng didn’t know the name of the melody, but he could sense the spirit contained within it. Without realizing, Fang Zheng felt like a traveler, alone and covered in dust, walking through a wasteland. Looking around, it seemed as if nothing existed beyond the boundless wilderness.

But then, in the next moment, he suddenly saw the moon hanging high in the sky, silent, suspended in the pitch black night, its bright yet not dazzling glow illuminating his path, showing him the way forward…

Fang Zheng was not lacking in artistic talent; he had once defeated his own father to take the title of the number-one performer in the world. Because of this, he was able to understand the meaning behind Black Katie’s piece better than others.

As such, looking at the figure of the girl in a white robe before him, he felt for the first time that… this little girl was truly adorable.

Fang Zheng had three summon creatures by his side, each with a different personality. Tilia was outgoing and lively, Nymph was gentle and reserved, and Black Katie was quite different from the two. Honestly, when he was in the World of Shana, Fang Zheng didn’t have much interaction with her. Of course, that was mainly because of the Grand Verse of Fate; Black Katie focused more of her energy on it, so Fang Zheng didn’t know much about the Shrine Maiden herself. He only knew that the little one was pretty smart and had even managed to outsmart Tilia silently.

But this time, while listening to Black Katie’s performance, Fang Zheng seemed to sense her intentions—Black Katie did not express herself as overtly as Tilia and Nymph; instead, she conveyed her feelings for Fang Zheng in her own way. It was as if she were the full moon in the pitch black of night constantly there for the traveler, regardless of whether you noticed her. If you did, she would be happy, but she wouldn’t be upset if you didn’t.

Like this performance, Black Katie was dutiful as ever, silently using this method to express her feelings for Fang Zheng. If Fang Zheng sensed it, naturally, she would be very happy. But if Fang Zheng was tone-deaf and couldn’t perceive it, she wouldn’t mind because this was what she wanted to do.

What a silly, adorable little creature.

Silently watching Black Katie’s figure, Fang Zheng nodded unconsciously. Meanwhile, Tilia blinked, curiously glancing at him and then back at Black Katie. Tilia was no fool, and even though her musical sensitivity wasn’t as deep as Fang Zheng’s, her feelings for Fang Zheng were incredibly sharp. She could sense that, after listening to Black Katie’s performance, her Master seemed to have developed a higher regard for that star-playing little girl.

That annoying fellow!

Realizing this, Tilia also understood that she had been tricked by Black Katie again. She snorted softly and glared at Black Katie before turning her head away.

But this wasn’t over; you’ve made things so hard for me, I’ll have to settle this score sooner or later!

“Thud!”

Just then, suddenly, everyone felt the ship shudder as if it had collided with something, and the next moment, Captain Fox’s expression drastically changed.

“Drop anchor, stop the ship!”

“Splash!”

As soon as he spoke, the sailors, already prepared, dropped the anchor, and soon the Black Crow Ship gradually came to a halt. Captain Fox and the sailors hurried to the side of the ship, looking down. Simultaneously, Black Katie’s playing also naturally stopped.

“What’s wrong, Captain Fox?”

“It seems we’ve hit something… but there’s nothing here?”

Initially, Captain Fox thought it was his own mistake, that they had hit a sunken ship, but when he looked, he realized there were no wrecks or reefs where they had just sailed. But… what was that just now? As the captain, Fox knew his ship very well. He was certain—the Black Crow had definitely hit something hard!

“Something is not right…”

Fang Zheng furrowed his brow, he carefully scanned the surroundings, the gloomy sky, the undulating sea… Wait a minute! Could it be…?

Just then, Nymph suddenly reached out and tugged at Fang Zheng’s sleeve, then looked towards her master.

“Master, something is not right here!”

Hearing Nymph’s report, Fang Zheng hesitated no longer; he raised his hands, and quickly, surging magic power formed at his fingertips. His spirit, mingled with power, penetrated deep into the sixth ring of magic, transforming into the form he desired…

True Knowledge Technique!

In an instant, Fang Zheng’s eyes produced a sharp pain, and immediately after, in front of him, the entire world transformed!