CHAPTER 509: CHAPTER 278 XUANYUAN SEA_2

"Looking for death!"

The captain snorted coldly, swung his longsword, and knocked the dagger out of the scrawny martial artist’s hand.

With a sudden movement, he appeared before the martial artist and kicked him flying with a single strike.

"Anyone else who wants to rebel, step forward!" the captain shouted sternly.

No sooner had his words dropped than several people surged forward simultaneously, weapons in hand, attacking the captain and the armed crew.

A fierce suppression battle broke out instantly.

Though the captain and armed crew were few in number, their cultivation was generally higher, and they quickly subdued the rebels.

Gu Sheng and Lin Tianhao stood nearby, not participating in the fight.

Gu Sheng’s gaze was firm and resolute; he knew that panicking in such moments would only worsen the situation.

Lin Tianhao, meanwhile, wore an aloof expression, as though everything was within his predictions. He did not lend a hand, trusting that the captain and his crew could handle it.

Once the battle ended, the ship regained its tranquility. Those who had considered retreating now fell silent, realizing that survival in these perilous seas would require unity.

Gu Sheng and Lin Tianhao walked to the bow of the ship, gazing into the distance, their hearts filled with resolve and conviction.

Only by enduring such dangers and ordeals could they become stronger, only then could they reach their intended destination.

"It seems our voyage this time is destined to be anything but ordinary," Gu Sheng said softly.

"Ordinary? I never expected that," Lin Tianhao responded coldly.

The two couldn’t help but exchange smiles, their eyes brimming with determination and courage.

The Xuan Iron giant ship sailed through the murky sea, only to face yet another trial—Thunder Sea Zone. The sky seemed torn apart, with divine lightning like enraged dragons thundering down from the horizon.

"Quick, channel your spiritual power!" the captain’s voice echoed across the giant ship, tinged with urgency.

Gu Sheng and Lin Tianhao acted almost simultaneously, their spiritual power surging within them, instantly forming protective shields around their bodies.

Golden light intertwined with blue light, enveloping both of them.

"Everyone, listen to my command—channel your spiritual power together to protect the ship!" the captain bellowed once more.

The martial artists aboard responded in unison, some sitting cross-legged, others standing firm like pine trees, fully activating the spiritual power within them.

A milky-white force field rose from the ship’s hull, as if the giant vessel had been encased in armor.

The divine lightning of Thunder Sea Zone was overwhelmingly powerful, and even the milky-white force field struggled to withstand it completely.

From time to time, more ferocious thunder dragons pierced through the force field, violently striking the ship, resulting in deafening booms.

"Ah!" A cry of agony rang out; one martial artist was struck by a thunder dragon, perishing immediately. His body turned into charred remains under the electric assault—a chilling sight.

"Look! Someone else over there has been hit!" someone exclaimed in alarm, pointing into the distance.

Gu Sheng and Lin Tianhao noticed the scene as well, their hearts tightening as they recognized the Thunder Sea Zone was far more perilous than imagined.

On the deck, a thunder dragon suddenly aimed at Gu Sheng.

Stretching dozens of meters long, the thunder dragon radiated lighting, as though intent on obliterating everything.

Gu Sheng’s gaze sharpened, and his Ancient Sacred Body activated involuntarily at that moment.

Golden light erupted from his body, intertwining with the electric glow of the thunder dragon.

"Boom!"

A resounding crash—while the thunder dragon struck Gu Sheng, it was blocked by the golden, radiant protective power. Gu Sheng felt a tremor through his body but remained unharmed.

"That was close!"

Gu Sheng exhaled deeply, gaining a deeper understanding of the power of the Ancient Sacred Body.

Lin Tianhao witnessed this scene, a flicker of peculiar emotion flashing in his eyes.

Though silent, the shock in his heart was evident.

"Gu Sheng, are you okay?" a martial artist asked with concern.

"I’m fine."

Gu Sheng shook his head, his gaze resolute as he looked ahead. "Though this Thunder Sea Zone is treacherous, if we work together, we can surely overcome the challenge!"

Just as his words fell, another thunder dragon struck down.

This time, the target was Lin Tianhao.

Lin Tianhao gazed expressionlessly at the descending thunder dragon as his spiritual power surged within him, forming a blue shield.

"Bang!"

The thunder dragon collided with the shield, emitting a thunderous noise. Lin Tianhao remained unmoving, a flicker of coldness flashing in his gaze.

"It seems this Thunder Sea Zone is even more interesting than we imagined."

He spoke coldly.

Gu Sheng and Lin Tianhao stood side by side, unshaken by the turbulent challenges of Thunder Sea Zone—their determination and courage unwavering.

After an intense and heart-pounding ordeal, the roaring chaos aboard gave way to silence. The ship’s company had dwindled to fewer than two thousand, yet their eyes burned with renewed resolve.

Emerging from Thunder Sea Zone, the sky turned clear, an expanse of azure stretching endlessly.

The giant ship slowly docked at an island, an apparent haven resembling an Immortal Realm.

At the center of the island stood a towering volcano, its flowing magma gushing like a mighty dragon, pouring into the sea and generating vast plumes of steam.

Magma and seawater intertwined, creating a magnificent yet mysterious tableau.

The forest was lush, brimming with vitality.

The martial artists busied themselves—some kindled fires for cooking, others ventured into the forest to pluck wild fruit, while some delved deeper to hunt.

Gu Sheng and Lin Tianhao also joined the hunt. Penetrating the forest with their keen senses, they quickly located a Xuan Deer.

The Xuan Deer was agile, its fur faintly purple, emanating elegance and mystery.

Gu Sheng and Lin Tianhao exchanged a glance, both striking simultaneously.

Their movements were swift and decisive, capturing the Xuan Deer swiftly.

They discovered a clearing, set up a fire pit, and began roasting the deer.

The meat of the Xuan Deer was tender, its aroma irresistibly enticing.

Soon, nearby martial artists took notice.

"Brother Gu, Brother Lin, your roasted Xuan Deer smells incredible!" one martial artist approached, jealousy plain in his eyes.

"Haha, Brother Zhao, if you like, come join us," Gu Sheng said magnanimously.

Delighted by the invitation, Brother Zhao quickly expressed his gratitude. Taking out a storage ring, he said, "Brother Gu, Brother Lin, here’s a token of my appreciation—please accept it."

Gu Sheng and Lin Tianhao exchanged a glance, both shaking their heads as Gu Sheng replied:

"Brother Zhao, this journey is fraught with peril. Every bit of food increases the odds of survival. While we appreciate your gesture, we cannot accept this."

Brother Zhao stiffened slightly but soon returned to normal.

He cast a deep look at Gu Sheng and Lin Tianhao, saying, "You two are truly admirable. Zhao respects you. If that’s the case, I won’t impose further."

With that, Brother Zhao departed. Gu Sheng and Lin Tianhao resumed savoring the meal, silently contemplating their upcoming plans.

"What do you think is special about this island?" Lin Tianhao suddenly asked.

Gu Sheng set down his roasted meat, thought for a moment, and replied:

"This island is indeed extraordinary, especially the volcano. I sense an immensely potent energy emanating from it—it may conceal a secret."

Lin Tianhao nodded. "I feel the same. Perhaps we should explore it when the opportunity arises."

"Oh, come on—when traveling far, avoiding unnecessary risks is best. What if there’s a Volcano Crocodile inside? We’d be asking for trouble."

Gu Sheng’s expression remained firm. Though he was drawn to the idea of adventure, he understood that preserving their strength was paramount. Lin Tianhao, ever the stoic, stood beside him, his gaze revealing concern for the unknown forces ahead.

The ship continued wave-breaking its way forward, but the skies darkened once again. Thick clouds loomed, threatening to engulf the world. The sea wind howled, rolling clouds into tumult; the line between sea and sky blurred, the entire world seemingly swallowed by the chaotic seas.

Gu Sheng stared ahead, a deep unease flooding his heart. He sensed that the terror of this region far surpassed anything they had yet encountered, as if some unseeable force lay in wait, ready to devour all.

"Brother Lin, this sea is too eerie—we must tread carefully," Gu Sheng said solemnly.