Chapter 1685 - 865: Scales, Horns, Claws, and Fangs

The sound of waves echoed endlessly the next day at noon.

Amidst the azure sky, between the clouds, the outline of the Flying Airship gradually emerged, approaching leisurely. Its shadow crossed the sea and slowly covered this Deserted Reef.

The decision of victory or defeat between Seven Cities and the two units, Iron Hook and Hidden Mist, in the Desert Market.

Time and location were chosen by both parties respectively.

To avoid the losses caused by Ji Jue's delays growing larger, Iron Hook and Hidden Mist agreed to act quickly and chose noon the next day, while Ling Shuo was tasked with specifying the location.

Upon this deserted island reef in the Endless Sea, rarely visited and off shipping routes, formed by coral reefs and sand — if one didn't look closely at the nautical charts, such a sizable place couldn't even be found.

At this moment, as the two parties awaited, the shadow of the Flying Airship slowly expanded and descended.

Arriving late but utterly unconcerned.

Simply arriving was a courtesy, whether you wait or not is up to you, otherwise, go home, and we'll part ways!

"Heh, bringing such arrogance to the Endless Sea..."

After dropping the act, Satria showed no signs of masking his gloomy and aloof expression; conversely, Caruso kept his habitual smile, like a disguise that had become second nature.

Underneath the parasol, he reclined on a beach chair, calm and unhurried, sipping chilled champagne, as though on vacation.

Yet, despite the nonchalant demeanor, he couldn't help but tremble slightly upon the airship's appearance, instinctively gripping the armrest of the chair.

Satria muttered a curse in Thousand Islands dialect.

Caruso's hand holding the glass paused momentarily, his smile twitching and transforming into solemnity.

Yet, during the drawn-out wait, the descending Flying Airship remained closed.

Regardless of their intense gazes, suppressing irritation and fury, there was no reaction.

It wasn't until an indeterminate amount of time had passed that it finally began to open a sliver.

Emerging from it were only Ling Shuo and his entourage.

After taking over a section of the deserted island with his subordinates, he spat, then took out a copper pipe from his coat, poured out a cigar, started cutting, pre-heating with a match, preparing leisurely.

Only when completed outside, fully lit, did he take a deep draw.

Slowly exhaling.

Surveying the surrounding scenery, as if sightseeing, he noticed the indifferent gazes from the opposite side and grinned.

"Why the rush?"

Flipping his eyes with indifference, "Just wait for now."

He ordered his subordinates to lay out the carpet, erect a large sunshade umbrella and windbreak screen, placed assorted dried fruits and fresh fruits on the table, followed by two chairs.

Ling Shuo obediently stood behind the chairs, unmoving.

Until almost an entire segment of the cigar had been smoked, two figures slowly emerged at the airship's exit.

"Are you ready?" Ji Jue turned his head to glance at the youth beside him.

"Yes."

An Ran patted Li Hen's sword sheath, nodded obediently, "I am ready."

Ji Jue nodded, tousled An Ran's hair: "Fight well."

"Yes."

"If you can fight, fight; if not, then run. If there's danger, just ask me for help." Ji Jue said, "It's just a loss in a match, no big deal."

"Yes."

An Ran instinctively nodded and then heard Ji Jue's voice.

He said: "You're my friend."

"Hmm?"

An Ran lifted his head in confusion, looking at Ji Jue's earnest expression.

"So, if you get hurt or die because of this, I'd be very upset." Ji Jue candidly told him, "So, don't be tense, don't rush, and don't be afraid, everything is under control."

An Ran was momentarily stunned, and then, as if finally understanding, nodded and smiled.

"Yes!"

Thus, Ji Jue also smiled, patting An Ran's shoulder.

"Then let's go."

With the young man behind him, he walked onto the beach.

Under the scorching sun, the sky and sea blended, difficult to distinguish, while the rising moisture blurred the outlines of everything.

So much so that, no matter the effort to discern, one's senses perceived the sunburned features as elusive, unable to see clearly.

Ji Jue remained silent, merely glancing coldly toward the direction of the two parties.

Satria's expression was unemotional, motionless, while Caruso sighed silently, got up slowly, and with reluctance in his posture, was prompted to take action when Satria gave him a meaningful look.

He held the agreed-upon stakes.

"Mr. Ji, here's what was promised..."

"It doesn't matter."

Ji Jue glanced at what was in his hand, then turned to the two of them: "Do either of you have anything else to say?"

Satria's expression twitched momentarily, almost losing control, while Caruso remained unchanged, appearing regretful, exhaling softly.

"Being cornered like this is already embarrassing enough, no need for more idle talk, let's settle this with the outcome."

"Very well."

Ji Jue nodded, looking at the skin-tanned, curly-haired man behind them, "Is this your personnel? Just him?"

Caruso nodded, slightly smiling.

"This is humbling."

Behind them, the previously unnoticed figure finally raised his head, looking straight at Ji Jue.

In his eyes, there were no pupils, entirely white, and the indifferent gaze cut through Ji Jue like a blade, ultimately drawn irresistibly to those dark eyes.

Boundless darkness surged, something watching him.

Making him feel prickly.