Chapter 435 - 187: Gaze of God (3)

[You have voluntarily mentioned Forbidden Item 1-83, Demon Clown. The trajectory of your fate has slightly changed. Loss of Control progress: 5/100. Evaluation: Having experienced a loss of control once, you surely won’t mind swapping "encounter" for "loss of control." Special Rewards: Survival Points +10, Origin +1, Resilience Level +1, Spirit Level +1.]

Black Jack’s brow furrowed, his gaze growing hostile. "Are you threatening me?"

He knew just how terrifying the Demon Clown was when it lost control. Combined with the white-haired girl, who was even more dangerous, a real fight would mean every pirate on the *Bai Ke Li* would be slaughtered, leaving only him and Yuan.

But compared to Lodilia, who was every bit as terrifying... Tsk!

"I think that’s not a threat, but a statement of fact." Yuan looked at the two of them and asked with interest, "I’ve been meaning to ask, where is Tina?"

Wei’en toyed with the silver harmonica, his gaze still fixed on Black Jack. "She’s playing with ’Forbidden Item 1-83, Demon Clown’."

"..." Black Jack’s patience snapped. He cursed, "Damn it! You mentioned the Forbidden Item’s name again. Are you really trying to start a war?"

Wei’en didn’t deny it. He had mentioned the Clown’s full name intentionally, hoping to attract their attention.

He was well aware that with only the power of "Karel’s Whisper," he was likely no match for Black Jack’s group. But if the "Demon Clown" and Tina were added to the mix, the result would be far from certain.

"Alright," Yuan said, waving a hand to calm them down. "Since neither of you is willing to back down, but you don’t want to start a war either, why not let the man himself decide?"

"Plague Doctor, you..." Black Jack glared at him. ’Doesn’t this make the *Bai Ke Li* look weak?’

"Just listen to me!"

Without waiting for Black Jack to say more, Yuan stood and beckoned to a nearby Marco. "You decide. Will you join the *Black Pearl*, or will you leave with Wei’en?"

"I..."

Marco glanced at the cold expressions on Black Jack and his men, then at Wei’en’s calm face. He gritted his teeth. "Sorry, Wei’en. I choose to join the *Black Pearl*."

Wei’en’s brow twitched. "Are you sure?"

"I’m sure!" Marco knew this was no time to hesitate, nor could he let Wei’en see through him. His voice was firm. "The truth is, after I saw your power that night, I decided I couldn’t stay in Caster any longer. It would make me feel like a useless freeloader just waiting to die. So, not long after that, I took my men and set sail."

As he spoke, he pointed to Moskra and the others. "They can all vouch for me."

"That’s right," Moskra said, his eyes darting around. "The boss told us, ’One day, the name "Tyrant Marco" will be known throughout the Cordo Sea, just like "Sea Emperor" Isabella.’"

"..." Marco stared at Moskra, fighting the urge to curse him out. "Yes, just as he said. That’s the kind of determination I had when I set sail."

’Fuck, all you had to do was nod! Why did you have to add that last part?’

"Couldn’t you do the same by following me?" Wei’en asked, watching Marco thoughtfully. ’Does he really have that much ambition?’

Marco snapped, "Are you as strong as Isabella? Besides, after today, the Dawn Church is sure to step up their efforts to hunt you down. You should worry more about your own safety."

’Of course he wanted to leave with Wei’en, but he knew that answer would infuriate Black Jack and his men. After thinking it over, he had to give up on the idea.’

’The main thing was, just as he’d said, Wei’en had killed so many Holy Professionals from the Dawn Church today. He was bound to face even more danger in the future.’

’And at his current level of strength, forget facing a Judgment Knight; he’d have a hard time dealing with a hundred regular Holy Professionals. He just couldn’t bring himself to drag Wei’en down.’

’As for the *Black Pearl*... aside from the dangers posed by its own crew, at least he wouldn’t have to worry about external threats...’

"Good kid! You see things clearly. The boss’s power is unrivaled in the Cordo Sea. I’m starting to like you, hmm." Black Jack leaped up and slapped him on the shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. "From now on, you’re on the *Bai Ke Li*. I’m appointing you Fourth Boatswain. How about it?"

"Then... thanks, Boss..." Marco rubbed his shoulder, nodding with a wince.

Ignoring the budding friendship over there, Yuan turned to Wei’en and asked, "Are you satisfied with this outcome?"

"Mhm."

Wei’en looked at Marco, who seemed so happy. ’Maybe this is the best outcome after all...’

In truth, he would soon have to face not only the Dawn Church, but also the Secret Cultivators of the Dusk Sect, who were lurking in the shadows.

If Marco stayed with him, he would likely be killed in an instant—just like Clelia—unless he remained in the Clown Theater forever.

"Don’t worry. I’ve joined the *Black Pearl* too." A smile appeared on Yuan’s face, his tone much more relaxed. "With me around, I’ll do my best to guarantee his safety."

"Thank you."

"Don’t mention it."

Watching the ever-maturing Wei’en, Yuan couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for his future.

In just one short month, he had gone from a mere Wizard Apprentice to being capable of killing someone at the level of a Hand of the Kingdom. Even with the boost from a Forbidden Item, the speed of his growth was nothing short of terrifying.

This was precisely why he had promised to keep Marco safe.

After all, many people were enemies of the Dawn Church, but few acted with such utter lack of restraint—let alone one with so much potential.