Chapter 272

Chapter 272: Clearing a Path in Chaos

If that strike had landed, the whaling ship’s rudder would’ve shattered instantly, leaving the Skyship directionless like a drifting reef.

This outcome suited the dark elf pilot perfectly.

The reef area wasn’t isolated. Once disabled, she could summon more Vanguard ships to tow the vessel to safety. The human youth would be trapped aboard, forced to wait at her whim.

A win-win situation.

*You did this to yourself*, she thought, relief washing over her features despite her inner sigh.

Reality disagreed.

Midi eyed the incoming reef, fingers brushing the hilt of Sun.

A metallic *shing* cut the air. Moonlight-colored energy sliced through the stone, reducing it to dust before anyone blinked.

Not even Steward Lund – with his high-level Awakened eyes – saw the sword move. Midi’s hand never left the hilt, as if he’d never acted.

Sword Soul skill: Draw and Slash.

Once limited to arm’s length, the technique now reached 100 meters through Midi’s Golden-Red Sword Lights. Though inferior to the Lord of the Light City’s long-range attacks, this made Midi unmatched in the Sea of Clouds.

Standard Vanguard ship cannons couldn’t match this range. With this skill, Midi could slaughter every enemy nearby without leaving the deck.

Thanks to Midi’s steady Absorption of Radiance of Light, his power kept growing – enhancing both his Dragon Sealing Sword and creating new Composite Skills. Greater strength. Blinding speed. Extended reach.

The hallmarks of an Awakened One of Extraordinary Awakening.

Another reef flew. Another metallic chime. More shattered rock.

When entire reef clusters blocked their path, rhythmic sword strikes reduced them to gravel. The whaling ship never slowed.

Why would it? The crew hailed from the Narwhal – elites who’d seen Midi slay cloud beasts. Windstream’s rocks couldn’t faze them now.

Midi’s presence transformed the deck into an invincible fortress. Not trust – blind worship.

Fueled by this faith, the ordinary whaling ship plowed through Windstream’s carefully mapped currents like a battering ram, ignoring decades of local navigation rules.

The trailing dark elf pilot gaped at Midi’s sword-lit silhouette, a storm of emotions raging within her.

The spectacle attracted nearby Vanguard ships. These seasoned drifters – forced to this lawless sea by desperation – could only stare in silent awe at Midi’s brutal dominance.

When did such an overbearing figure emerge in the Sea of Clouds?

And a human at that?

Just who was this guy?

Many skillfully maneuvered their Vanguard ships alongside the dark elf’s vessel, whispering inquiries.

But what could the dark elf pilot say now?

This visitor wasn’t ordinary, and worst of all, she’d clearly offended him on behalf of their entire faction.

The dark elf pilot bitterly smiled to herself.

She’d already dispatched a fast Vanguard ship to report – not just to Emil, but to Windstream’s managers. Though Midi acted recklessly, his whaling ship’s limited speed bought them time.

She could only pray the managers would devise a way to appease this young lord before he reached the floating island.

On Windstream’s largest floating island, five managers had urgently gathered.

These weren’t the strongest fighters, but the most respected organizers who’d transformed this lawless zone into an orderly trading hub over ten years.

Now they sat helpless after hearing the report.

Midi’s bold approach in a simple whaling ship showed both formidable personal power and influential backing. Windstream’s "prosperity" meant nothing – a few Vanguard ships couldn’t withstand real factions with Skyship fleets.

Their only option was submission, but how? They lacked rare materials, quality equipment, even sufficient Crystal Coins.

"Let me go." The raspy feminine voice belonged to a tall dark elf with silver hair and tortoiseshell glasses – the "White Snake" Emil, Windstream’s sole alchemist master and sixth meeting participant.

"Too dangerous," a manager objected. "You’re our treasure. We’ll handle this hostile visitor first…"

"Half-measures will worsen his anger." Emil adjusted her glasses. "His demonstrated power exceeds anything here."

Silence fell. Truth hung heavy – even laymen recognized Midi’s overwhelming strength.

"They came for the Venus Auction House technology I requested," Emil continued calmly. "I should greet them. Besides…" A faint smile appeared. "Those human experts visiting me could balance the scales."

A manager brightened. "Those two? The awakened ones? They might deter him!"

Others recalled the newcomers – a roguish middle-aged man and flawless blonde youth who’d arrived months ago. Low-profile but generous, they’d apparently connected with Emil.

With shared glances, the managers relaxed slightly. Maybe these adventurers could check Midi’s momentum.

"Treat this as my personal transaction," Emil concluded with a bow. "Keep Windstream uninvolved." When she straightened, all traces of worry had vanished from her composed face.