Chapter 168
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Chapter 168: Poisoned and Suffering
After Fang Lie’s honest introduction, Raynor concluded the youth was simply a naive fool.
Yet Raynor discerned one truth—though simple-minded, Fang Lie possessed considerable wealth. No pauper would casually produce ten thousand low-grade spirit stones.
Having assessed Fang Lie’s nature, Raynor’s mind began scheming. Outwardly maintaining courtesy, he personally escorted Fang Lie to the fifth level of the treasure ship, settling him into a spacious guest cabin at the stern.
The suite occupied nearly the entire rear section of the floor, spanning over a hundred zhang. Divided into multiple chambers, it boasted private baths, a sitting area, cultivation quarters, and even a small kitchen—all lavishly decorated, befitting premium accommodations.
Fang Lie expressed satisfaction. After brief pleasantries, Raynor excused himself.
During their walk, Fang Lie had inquired about the Scarlet Flame treasure ship’s operations. Primarily an ore freighter, it accommodated passengers as secondary cargo. Despite this, over a thousand cabins existed.
None matched Fang Lie’s quarters. The fifth level held only several dozen premium suites. Fourth-level cabins numbered nearly two hundred—smaller and plainer. Third and second levels housed three to four hundred cramped rooms each. The first level contained dining areas, teahouses, and crew quarters.
Sixth and seventh levels remained restricted. The uppermost housed both the control room and residence of the ship’s master—a Nascent Soul True Immortal. Below this, the sixth level accommodated five Purple Palace realm Stewards, Raynor being chief among them.
Twenty-odd Golden Pool realm cultivators managed mid-level operations. Over a hundred Qi Sea cultivators handled menial tasks—loading cargo, meal service, and maintenance.
Exploring the ancient vessel before departure, Fang Lie noted its millennium-old wear. Scarlet copper railings showed erosion only possible through centuries of use.
His attention shifted to the eight Taiyi Divine Lightning Towers—three-story structures towering twenty zhang, their octagonal bases etched with Bagua symbols. Approaching within three zhang triggered oppressive Spiritual Pressure, chest-tightening as if mountains weighed upon him.
Fang Lie retreated cautiously, recognizing the defensive formations surrounding these primary weapons.
Observing passengers revealed mostly impoverished travelers, including Purple Palace level cultivators in third-class berths. The crew drew greater interest—burly armored men resembling pirates more than sailors.
Their outer gate body cultivation emphasized raw power over magical prowess. Though inexperienced in others’ Dao magic, Fang Lie sensed their inherent menace. Even seemingly courteous Raynor stirred inexplicable revulsion, provoking urges toward violence.
According to the old bird, after Fang Lie made his grand vow, he’d gained a special ability to sense others’ karma and feel unexplained hostility toward those burdened by it. From his sudden murderous impulses, Fang Lie realized nearly everyone here carried blood debts through their karma.
Though disturbed, Fang Lie couldn’t justify killing them without proof. His kind nature prevented such baseless slaughter. Unable to bear their presence, he retreated to his cabin to cultivate.
Fourteen days passed swiftly. Fang Lie rarely left except to order meals. On the voyage’s first evening, Raynor had delivered complimentary spiritual dishes to first-class guests – four courses, soup, and wine made from demon beast meat. These specially prepared meals not only delighted his palate but boosted his cultivation, equivalent to seven days’ training.
Enhanced by the Innate Great Five Elements Nascent Fetus Classic and Arhat Immortal Fruit, plus top-grade spirit pills, Fang Lie’s cultivation speed dwarfed ordinary Cultivators by dozens of times. What took others half a year, he achieved in a week – making this edible cultivation aid invaluable.
When Fang Lie requested more, Raynor revealed each meal cost one hundred thousand spirit stones, prepared over days by the ship’s few qualified chefs. Fang Lie promptly booked all their services for tri-weekly feasts.
On the appointed evening, Raynor arrived with a large tray. Fang Lie devoured the modest portions within minutes. As the steward lingered instead of clearing dishes, Fang Lie grew wary.
"Enjoy the meal, little brother?" Raynor smirked.
"Tasty but scarce," Fang Lie replied cautiously.
Raynor chuckled. "Demon beast meat’s tough as steel. These meals were meant for Nascent Soul True Immortals. Wasted on Qi Sea realm trash like you."
Fang Lie’s smile vanished. "Out with it, Chief Steward."
"Clever boy. Hand over your Sumeru Bags."
"You dare rob me?" Fang Lie’s hand flew to activate his treasures, but his magic lay dormant. The realization struck – poisoned.
Raynor sneered. "Only used toxins fearing your sect’s disposable treasures. Pathetic Qi Sea Cultivators… I could crush a hundred barehanded."
