The Wall of Blood-Eyes stared down at everyone present, its gaze seeming to pierce through flesh, drilling into the very soul and marrow.

It was a suffocating sense of despair!

Even Captain Blackeye, who was over forty and had weathered countless ocean storms, couldn’t help but retreat—step by step, until the back of his head slammed into the stone door.

In an instant, everyone held their breath, not daring to make a single sound.

Inside the entire cavern, only the sound of monsters banging on the stone door outside remained.

Little Crow was extremely tense, nervously gnawing on her fingernails.

A monster beyond comprehension—there was no way they could be its match…

The strongest person in the group, Captain Blackeye, gripped his blade tightly. His strength alone could determine the fate of everyone here.

But in just a single glance, he understood fully:

His black blade couldn’t do a thing to this monster-like wall.

The Deep Sea Hunter’s Treasure—as the legends said—was never something mere pirates could covet!

The Wall of Blood-Eyes from the deep sea… it was easily a world-class boss.

It was the first time Chen Qi had seen such a colossal creature in person, and even he was in awe.

A monster of this level would require at least a Tier 4 Transcendent—a rank only top figures possessed—to have a chance at defeating it.

But placing the treasure beneath the Wall of Blood-Eyes did fit the legends of the Deep Sea Hunter.

From the videos Chen Qi had seen about the Deep Sea Hunter, the now-deceased legendary figure wasn’t one skilled in puzzles or traps.

He was a pure killer—a hunter of destruction.

He carved his path with blood, broke rules with power. That was his style.

Combined with the vision Chen Qi received upon entering the Rift, everything made sense now.

Long ago, the Deep Sea Hunter came to this Rift and placed one of his treasures beneath the wall.

At the same time, he used his blade to carve a line into the ground—a warning line for the weak.

Crossing that line would trigger the Wall of Blood-Eyes to attack.

It was a line of safety for the weak—and a line of trial for the strong.

Everyone instinctively looked down at that blade-drawn line on the ground.

It was as if they could hear the Deep Sea Hunter's voice echoing across time:

“You want my treasure? Then cross the line—and fight the Wall of Blood-Eyes!”

“Charge! Move forward!”

But no one dared take a single step forward.

They could only wait passively—for the Wall of Blood-Eyes to respond.

Grrrrrr…

Suddenly, the hundred eyes on the wall began to roll, all focusing their gaze toward the stone door!

To be precise, toward Chen Qi.

Nearly a hundred blood-red eyes fixed directly on him.

Chen Qi looked up—and met their gaze.

The deep sea bloodline purity of this Wall of Blood-Eyes was far beyond that of the Deep Sea Toads outside.

Chen Qi didn’t understand the language of the deep sea.

He could only rely on instinct to interpret the wall’s stare.

The blood-red eyes spun slowly, their gaze forming a kind of ancient language.

It was an extremely simple, ancient message:

“Hello.”

No, more accurately, it carried a sense of humility.

“Greetings” might be the better translation.

Greetings… how interesting. Chen Qi blinked in surprise, his lips moving slightly but making no sound.

Seeing Chen Qi in a daze, Little Crow suddenly reached under his arm and pinched him hard—ruthlessly!

“Stop thinking! Don’t try to understand it! Don’t try to feel it!”

Though unproven by research, seafarers knew better: never try to comprehend the language of ancient deep sea monsters.

There were too many tales of monsters luring humans into madness on the sea.

Ow ow ow! That’s the armpit, for crying out loud!

Chen Qi had never expected Little Crow to pull something like that!

“Got it.”

But sorry—I already understood it… Out of politeness, Chen Qi nodded.

If he didn’t, she’d probably squeeze something even worse next time!

After delivering its message, the tentacles atop the Wall of Blood-Eyes slowly withdrew.

The many eyes on the wall closed once more, returning to their wave-like carving appearance.

The Wall of Blood-Eyes made no other move.

No more attacks. No mental interference like a sea siren.

It didn’t seem to care about any creature beyond the warning line.

Its purpose in opening its eyes wasn’t to instill fear—

But simply to greet Chen Qi.

It wasn’t a monster that actively attacked humans…

After a long while, the people crowded near the stone door let out a collective breath.

“That scared the hell outta me—I’d rather get flung into the sky by a storm.”

“I don’t need to buy my girl back from the gang anymore. I’d sell myself to the gang if I just get to live!”

Everyone rejoiced at surviving death.

“Greetings…”

How curious… Chen Qi mused, lost in thought.

He had just sensed a pure and simple goodwill from the Wall of Blood-Eyes.

He was nearly certain—whether it was the sea beasts outside or the massive monster in front of him—none would initiate an attack on him.

That was the power of Deep Sea Affinity—

Chen Qi took a deep breath again, keenly aware of how strong this gift was.

No wonder it was the kind of ability granted to villain bosses!

This Deep Sea Hunter’s Treasure wasn’t so hard to retrieve—for him.

That turquoise chest atop the stairs… he might be able to reach it in just a few steps.

But with his current strength, he couldn’t disobey Little Crow or Captain Blackeye.

He had to wait—look for the right chance… Chen Qi placed a hand over his chest and looked back at the others.

To the pirates of the Sawshark, the treasure before them might as well be up in the heavens.

The first mate sighed, white brows furrowed:

“What now, Captain?”

Bloodthirsty sea beasts still clawed at the stone door outside.

Time was running out.

But the Deep Sea Hunter’s Treasure before them wasn’t something they could take.

They needed the captain to decide.

Captain Blackeye looked again at the crack on the ground.

He pulled a bottle of high-proof rum from a crew member’s bag and drank it all in one go.

“We’re no match for that monster.

But according to legend, the Deep Sea Hunter wasn’t a man who liked riddles. His treasures were always placed in the most dangerous parts of the ocean.

In those areas, there was always a savage sea beast.

Our great Black Whale Crew leader warned us about this long ago.

In situations like this, the Sawshark does have a plan…”

Oh? You’ve got a plan? Chen Qi’s eyes lit up.

At that moment, Captain Blackeye looked toward Little Crow:

“Little Crow, bring out those sea beasts you brought.”

Little Crow bit her lip and gave an order to the large pirate in charge of carrying supplies:

“Take them out.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Bang!

Four backpacks were thrown into the center of the group, spilling out thick blue liquid.

Clearly, this was the Sawshark’s method for dealing with the Wall of Blood-Eyes.

From those packs, four squirming, twisted things slithered out—tentacles dragging along the floor.

Blue. Octopus-like.

So this is your plan… Chen Qi recognized them.

Aren’t those Parasitic Sea Beasts?

Although, in terms of quality, they were much higher grade than the one he’d seen at the start.

Just then, a pirate, clearly not in his right mind, asked:

“Captain, you mean these little things can take down the Wall of Blood-Eyes?”

Little Crow sighed and began explaining to everyone:

“According to Issue 11 of the Royal University Medical Academy’s Ocean Journal, Parasitic Sea Beasts release an invisible substance before they attach to a human host.

This forms a special scent that makes other sea beasts less likely to attack.

Among deep sea species—especially ancient ones—there’s a strange balance. They rarely prey on each other.

Some cultists who worship the deep sea even survive alongside sea monsters by exploiting this trait.

So, if we can reduce the physical damage caused by the parasite and only let it release that scent,

we might be recognized by the sea beasts as kin, at least temporarily.

But we still know almost nothing about the deep sea—this is all just a hypothesis.”

Little Crow finished in one breath, her throat slightly dry.

Some pirates still stared at her, blinking—clearly not getting it.

As her assistant, Chen Qi stepped in to summarize:

“In simple terms—let the Parasitic Sea Beasts attach to us.

Then maybe the Wall of Blood-Eyes will see us as the same kind of creature—letting us take the treasure on the stairs.”

Little Crow continued:

“Yes, but the success rate is extremely low, and it requires…”

“…Betting your life,” Chen Qi finished the thought in his head.

Bang! Bang!

Captain Blackeye slammed his long blade against the ground, cutting her off:

“That’s right! My brave crew—use the Parasitic Sea Beasts on the ground to mask your human scent!

Perhaps then we can retrieve the treasure without having to fight the Wall of Blood-Eyes!”

Artificial Deep Sea Affinity! This was the Sawshark’s plan!

Little Crow, cut off mid-sentence, clenched her fists.

“These four beasts have all had their aggression reduced. Even if parasitized, the physical harm shouldn’t be too severe.”

“But Parasitic Sea Beasts are dangerous creatures after all. Only those who have a certain level of adaptation to parasitism can sustain a longer ‘parasitic period.’ Otherwise, even a de-fanged Parasitic Sea Beast may break free from the human host.”

“Yes! Just as the ship medic said, these sea beasts have had their aggression greatly reduced. Totally safe!”

Captain Blackeye conveniently downplayed the risks as he shouted loudly again, sweeping his gaze over everyone present.

“Alright, my brave warriors—who among you dares to let a Parasitic Sea Beast rest on your shoulder and cross that warning line to retrieve the treasure?”

His eyes locked onto a dark-skinned salvage man.

This man had been fishing and salvaging for years and had once been infected by a rare parasitic, fish-shaped sea beast.

He’d spent a fortune and lay bedridden for a month before surviving.

It’s said that those who survive a sea beast infection develop resistance to deep sea creatures.

And this salvage man indeed had some resistance in his body.

Without doubt, he was the most suitable candidate.

“I… I’ll do it.”

The salvage man was a tough and honest guy. He looked at Captain Blackeye, clenched his fists, and silently stepped forward.

He knew this was a death sentence.

But the captain’s orders were absolute—resistance was futile.

At least after his death, Captain Blackeye might treat his wife and children a little better.

Captain Blackeye smiled in satisfaction:

“As expected of our Sawshark’s warrior! If we manage to retrieve the treasure and return to the Black Whale Crew’s base,

you’ll be hailed as the hero of the voyage—and rewarded with a chest full of gold!

And remember, anyone who’s ever claimed the Deep Sea Hunter’s Treasure has become a famous name across the sea.”

The salvage man said nothing. He quietly picked up the prepared Parasitic Sea Beast and slammed it onto his right arm.

Sensing human presence, the sea beast extended its tentacles and burrowed in!

“Ah!”

The salvage man gritted his teeth, letting the beast infiltrate his body.

The aura of the deep sea—Chen Qi could definitely feel it. As the sea beast began parasitizing, the man’s body emitted faint traces of deep sea energy.

Just as Little Crow had said, these four Parasitic Sea Beasts had their aggression greatly reduced. Even ordinary people could hold on for a bit.

“Hoo…”

The salvage man steadied his breath and started walking forward, crossing the terrifying crack line.

One step, two steps, three steps—

He crossed three full steps!

The Wall of Blood-Eyes still didn’t react.

Everyone stared wide-eyed.

The wall didn’t attack him!

Which meant—the method worked!

Captain Blackeye’s hand trembled slightly around his black blade.

The once unreachable treasure was now within grasp!

They didn’t even need to fight the Wall of Blood-Eyes to get it!

Chen Qi kept observing the salvage man.

He could tell the Parasitic Sea Beast on the man’s shoulder had noticed something wrong and was about to break free.

“Keep going!”

Captain Blackeye spread his arms, encouraging him.

The salvage man started up the stairs, trying to speed up.

But in the next instant, he could clearly feel the Parasitic Sea Beast detaching from him!

In that moment, his mind was flooded with endless blood-red eyes.

“No! I can’t!”

Fear took over.

Driven by instinct, he ignored the captain’s orders, turned back, and leapt toward the crack line!

The Parasitic Sea Beast detached from him.

Boom!

A tentacle burst out from the wall again, whipping out hard.

In an instant, the salvage man’s legs were reduced to bloody mist at the edge of the crack!

He lay on the ground, crawling, dragging himself back toward the group.

Under Little Crow’s direction, Chen Qi—her assistant—rushed over, pulled the man to safety, wrapped his wounds, and fed him painkillers and healing potion.

If this were Earth, a wound like this, in a place like this, would’ve meant certain death.

But this was the world of New Sun, a steampunk world with a wildly warped tech tree.

Such leg injuries could still be treated with advanced Transcendent surgeries—if you had the money and status.

Of course, those kinds of surgeries were so expensive even nobles had to think twice.

Still—there was hope.

Amidst this gruesome scene, the person who should’ve looked solemn—Captain Blackeye—couldn’t help but smile.

Even though it failed, the fact that the salvage man crossed the warning line proved—

The method was viable!

And unlike before, the Wall of Blood-Eyes didn’t reopen its eyes after attacking.

Next step—just keep trying.

Captain Blackeye once again scanned his crew:

“Anyone else… willing to take on this task?”

He considered who, besides the salvage man, had resistance to sea beasts.

At that moment, Little Crow sensed something and silently stepped forward, lifting her small frame onto her toes to block Captain Blackeye’s gaze—shielding Chen Qi behind her.

“Ah…”

Chen Qi was stunned by the warmth of the gesture—and started to understand.

Those infected by sea beasts could endure longer parasitism.

That’s him!

In fact, not just infected—he was currently still infected!

For anyone else, this was a suicide mission.

But he already knew—the Wall of Blood-Eyes wouldn’t attack him.

He was the chosen one!

But this would take some acting… Chen Qi looked at the crack line thoughtfully.

Captain Blackeye scanned the crew, weighing each person’s value.

As pirates, many had been attacked by sea beasts before.

But he needed the most suitable person—someone with the highest tolerance… and the least value.

All the pirates were trembling, afraid they’d be chosen.

Captain Blackeye glanced at Little Crow, then looked away.

At that moment, something unexpected happened.

One of the Parasitic Sea Beasts on the ground began slithering—slowly—toward Chen Qi.

Everyone’s gaze followed the creature.

Ah… Chen Qi saw this coming and looked at the slowly approaching beast.

Not surprising—Parasitic Sea Beasts were still animals, and they instinctively targeted the weakest prey.

In this group, apart from the slaves, no one was weaker than him.

This was a chance…

Chen Qi's burning gaze shifted to the stairs—to the Deep Sea Hunter’s Treasure.

If he missed this opportunity, coming back here might be nearly impossible.

Might as well seize the moment and go for it!

Deep Sea Affinity was an active skill. He could deactivate it—but for various reasons, he hadn’t yet.

Still, worth testing it off—Chen Qi focused briefly, and felt a layer of aura lift off his body.

After deactivating it, the Parasitic Sea Beast still slowly crept toward him.

Didn’t make a difference.

This little thing really likes me, huh… Chen Qi sighed and reactivated Deep Sea Affinity.

At least this way, he wouldn’t die from a surprise attack.

Seeing this, Captain Blackeye excitedly grabbed a Parasitic Sea Beast, leapt past Little Crow, and walked up to Chen Qi:

“Hm. Our new warrior—have you been infected by a sea beast before?”

“Yeah.”

Chen Qi nodded. He didn’t bother hiding it—his back would give it away anyway.

The Parasitic Sea Beast in Captain Blackeye’s hand reached out its tentacles, wriggling toward Chen Qi.

Looks like it really wants to latch onto him. If so, maybe he can last a bit longer… Captain Blackeye beamed:

“This sea beast really wants to eat you. But don’t worry, its fangs are gone.

Young man, I’ve always thought you were brave.

So—do you have the confidence to cross that crack line?”

Confidence? Not “are you willing” to cross?

Chen Qi had to reflect on that—the man wasn’t even giving him a choice.

Sure, he’d performed well so far, but to the pirates—

Using his life for a chance at the treasure was a fair trade.

To them… no, to many people—this was a profitable deal.

He was just a new crewmember. A slave. Cannon fodder.

Escaping the Black Whale Crew really would be a smart move.

Let’s do this! Chen Qi took a deep breath.

But just then, Little Crow coldly spoke:

“No.”

“Captain, he’s my assistant. And his body is too fragile—he can’t reach the top of the stairs while being parasitized.

It would just be a pointless waste of manpower!”

Her icy glare, hidden beneath her mask, bore into the captain.

A dangerous tension filled the air.

Ah… Chen Qi had never expected his direct superior—Little Crow—to openly defy the Sawshark’s captain.

No pirate dared speak up.

In terms of status, Little Crow ranked even above the first mate—second only to the captain.

Captain Blackeye stayed silent for three seconds, then spoke coldly:

“You’re saying… we leave empty-handed?”