Chapter 398 - 296: The Various Small Worlds

Chapter 398: Chapter 296: The Various Small Worlds

Watching the crew members bustle back and forth on the dock, constantly helping to move the cargo, Graham felt like he was in a dream.

He had dealt with these ships from the overseas secret realms before, so he knew just how arrogant and rude their crews could be.

Forget helping you move cargo; you were lucky if they didn’t ruthlessly lowball you on the price.

But now, not only were they offering the highest price, but they were also proactively helping to move the goods.

The scene was so absurd it gave him a profound sense of unreality.

Annabelle felt the same way.

Although this was her first time doing business overseas, she knew from her family elders’ records and her own recent experience that the crews on these merchant ships were extremely difficult to deal with.

At this thought, she couldn’t help but look up at the distant deck.

There, she saw the man who called himself Chief Mate, Cai Liben, chatting with Wu Liangchen with a broad smile on his face.

Although she couldn’t make out the specifics of their conversation, she could tell they were getting along splendidly.

It was as if the earlier confrontation had never happened.

Moreover, judging by Cai Liben’s expression, it seemed he was the one actively trying to curry favor.

A bitter feeling welled up in Annabelle’s heart.

She had thought she could use the connections her family had built over many years to offer Wu Liangchen some help, but it turned out not to be the case at all.

In fact, if Wu Liangchen hadn’t stepped in, she would have been dragged down as well.

This filled her with a sense of defeat.

Just as Annabelle was lost in self-doubt, Cai Liben said to Wu Liangchen with great enthusiasm, "Come, let me show you to the cabins. You can leave this to the crew."

Wu Liangchen naturally wouldn’t refuse. He nodded and replied, "Alright."

After the two of them boarded the ship, Cai Liben began to give Wu Liangchen a tour.

Wu Liangchen listened quietly while constantly surveying his surroundings.

The interior of the massive ship was enormous, and its corridors were as dense and complex as a spider’s web. It would be easy to get lost without someone familiar with the layout to lead the way.

Cai Liben was, of course, very familiar with the ship. He led Wu Liangchen through a series of twists and turns, and they soon arrived at the living quarters.

There were numerous cabins here, divided into several distinct areas.

When Cai Liben appeared, people passing by all greeted him with faces wreathed in smiles.

"Boss Cai!"

"Mr. Cai!"

In response, Cai Liben merely gave a slight nod, his expression remaining stern.

After they passed through the crowd, Cai Liben said to Wu Liangchen, "See them? Those people are all Martial Artists from various places. They all want to go to the true ’Era of Great Contention’ to see the world. Heh, as if they have what it takes."

As he finished, Cai Liben couldn’t help but sneer.

In truth, Wu Liangchen had already sensed something was off.

Although these people were all Martial Artists, their strength was a bit too low. Some had only just entered the first realm.

’With that level of strength, they dare to go to the overseas secret realms?’

Seeming to notice Wu Liangchen’s confusion, Cai Liben grinned.

"No need to be surprised. After all, not everyone is like you, able to achieve the Vein Opening Realm’s Cultivation at such a young age in a sealed-off little world like this."

"These people have no hope of breaking through on their own, so they want to take a shortcut by going to our world. But they don’t stop to think—if shortcuts were so easy to take, would it be their turn?"

"Are there many small worlds like this one?" Wu Liangchen asked the biggest question on his mind.

"Many. In fact, no one knows the exact number even now. These worlds are all separated by a thick fog, and it’s extremely difficult to chart a course through it. So even today, there are still places we’ve never set foot in," Cai Liben said.

’So that’s how it is. In that case, this world might be far vaster than I ever imagined!’

After thinking for a moment, Wu Liangchen asked, "How much did those people have to pay for their passage?"

"The exact price varies from person to person, but the minimum is at least fifty thousand points."

Wu Liangchen had just learned from Cai Liben that the currency used in their world was a kind of point system.

And fifty thousand points was already an enormous fortune.

"Then how much do I need to pay?" Wu Liangchen asked again.

"You?" Cai Liben glanced at Wu Liangchen, then burst out laughing.

"You don’t have to pay."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"Because you’re a Vein Opening Realm Martial Cultivator, and one who broke through on your own, no less. That already proves your talent is valuable enough for us to invest in and recruit you. So naturally, you don’t have to pay."

As they spoke, they arrived at another living area. This one was much more upscale than the previous cabins. Crucially, it was not far from the main deck, so the air was very fresh.

Cai Liben led Wu Liangchen to a clean and tidy cabin. It was fully equipped with all amenities, even including a private toilet. The standard was impressively high.

"What do you think? Is it to your satisfaction?" Cai Liben asked with a smile.

"It’s very nice."

"That’s good. Someone will come by every day to deliver meals. Just tell them what you’d like to eat. Of course, if you don’t want to eat in your cabin, you can also go to the restaurant not far from here. The food there is available around the clock, whenever you want."

"Alright."

"I live in the staff quarters not far from here. If you need anything, you can come find me there."

"Thank you!" Wu Liangchen nodded in thanks.

"Haha, don’t mention it! Oh, right, there’s one more thing I need to warn you about." As he said this, Cai Liben’s expression turned serious.

"The people living here are also Martial Artists from various worlds. And unlike that previous group, these people all have considerable strength and powerful backgrounds. So, you’d best not provoke them lightly, and more importantly, don’t believe a word they say."

Wu Liangchen showed a hint of surprise, then nodded with apparent gratitude. "Understood!"

But after Cai Liben left, the surprise on Wu Liangchen’s face vanished, replaced by a cold expression.

At first glance, this Cai Liben seemed like a good person—enthusiastic and very sincere.

But Wu Liangchen instinctively felt that something was off about him.

His words and actions, in particular, always carried a hint of insincerity.

However, Wu Liangchen didn’t let it show. Instead, he simply played along, feigning civility.

After all, he was new here, and a long journey lay ahead. It was only natural to keep this Cai Liben on his side for now.

Meanwhile, after leaving Wu Liangchen’s cabin, Cai Liben didn’t return to his own room. Instead, he turned and walked toward the upper deck.

Soon, he arrived outside a lavishly decorated cabin. He bowed respectfully and spoke to the person inside.

"Boss, I picked up a native Vein Opening Martial Cultivator today. I’ve already brought him aboard and settled him in. What are your orders for the next step?"