Chapter 240 Da Ge Feng Di

The Crodi Archipelago is known as the Free Islands and is also a safe zone at sea. Unlike Aurora City, which is called a free port, this place is truly 'free,' with a mix of various factions.

Navies of two races, merchants, and all sorts of lower-class people seeking a living, even pirates—of course, those who pretend to be civilians.

The two cargo ships that brought Old Wang and Karida here were previously owned by Rackford. The sails have been changed, and some distinctive features on the hulls have been repainted. A cursory glance would not reveal their true identity.

Pirates often come to these free islands to sell their loot, where it's very safe. This area is the largest black market hub in the world. Although the navy is stationed here, they do not interfere with pirates selling their loot. This is tacitly accepted; everyone comes for profit, and where there is profit, rules form.

Goods from various sources are collectively laundered here and then distributed worldwide, clearly a highly profitable business. The prosperity also stimulates trade. Besides the sale of stolen goods, many transactions involving marine and land resources also take place here. Despite the higher risks, the profits far exceed those of regular human ports.

The Crodi Archipelago is one of the larger free islands nearby, covering more than 3,000 square kilometers, with surrounding waters extending tens of miles. As you enter this area, the number of ships around you noticeably increases. Most are cargo ships without soul crystal cannons, but they draw deep water, coming and going fully loaded.

From afar, you can see that the forests on the island have long been cut down, replaced by a bustling port city. Off the harbor entrance, a towering stone statue stands over thirty meters above sea level, rooted in the water.

He is clad in armor, his hands resting on a broadsword planted in the ground, wearing a bright red cloak, his gaze calmly looking out to the distant sea, as if guarding the area.

This is the legendary hero of the Duchy of Debon, Crodias, who almost single-handedly resisted ten thousand black-armored soldiers of the Nine Gods Empire on this small island, preventing them from landing and using it as a stepping stone to invade the Duchy of Debon. He is one of the rare true heroes in history who could stand against thousands.

The original name of these islands has been lost to time, but they are now called the Crodi Archipelago, named after this legendary hero.

As the cargo ship passed by the statue, listening to Karida's narration and gazing at the majestic figure, Old Wang couldn't help but show admiration.

Look, look.

Look at these heroes whose names are etched in history, whose glory endures through the ages.

Like Wang Meng, like this Crodias, they worked tirelessly for all humanity while alive, and even in death, they aren't left in peace. They are dragged out to be cast into stone statues, standing here under the wind and sun, continuing to guard this harbor for them...

Brother, isn't that a bit unfair? If this guy knew what was happening, wouldn't he be so angry that he'd jump up, smash the statue, and shout, 'I've already retired!' or something like that?

Karida took the time to admire her senior's heroic figure seriously. If she knew what was on Wang Feng's mind, she might have hit him again. Who would have thought that what others couldn't bear, Wang Feng found trivial and even had the nerve to take advantage of the situation. However, deep down, she admired his attitude—no matter what happened, he remained calm and collected.

Beep beep beep...

The cargo ship emitted a dull whistle.

From the lookout tower in the sheltered harbor, the port pilot had already seen the two cargo ships preparing to enter the port from afar. He waved a red flag and blew the harbor horn, one long blast followed by three short ones. The long blast indicated that the port was full but could be rearranged to make space, while the three short blasts indicated the approximate waiting time.

The cargo ship hovered at the entrance for a while, waiting for the green flag from the lookout tower to indicate the direction and dock for entry. Only then did it slowly enter the port and moor.

As soon as the ship entered the port, the area around it became lively. The dock platform was bustling with people—luxurious humans, sea creatures in bizarre clothing, and most of the laborers were beastmen.

Speaking of which, the status of beastmen across the continent was not high; they were labeled as lazy by all races. In reality, they were a very 'diligent' race, present almost everywhere there was work to be done. After all, in the Nine Heavens Continent, there was no cheaper or more practical labor force than the beastmen, especially in such free ports where the number of beastmen was quite significant. After the Holy War, the eight major factions of humans and sea creatures reached a balance in various aspects, and the beastmen were dispersed throughout the land, becoming the primary labor force.

Karida introduced Wang Feng to the scene, gradually shedding her "identity" as she left the Rose Holy Sanctuary, reverting to the free-spirited Karida she once was. She was truly well-informed.

"Brother Karida, if I were a slave, I'd slack off too. Working for others without pay is different from these free beastmen who work so diligently," Wang Feng said with a smile. Karida understood this, but the traditionalists genuinely couldn't accept it; in their eyes, beastmen should work without pay.

However... the beastmen actually had considerable influence on these free islands? This really felt like coming home!

Old Wang listened with great interest, as if even the air had become sweeter.

As soon as the ship docked, several beastmen immediately came forward to ask if they needed help with unloading the cargo. A pirate disguised as a merchant negotiated with them, while another pirate leader respectfully escorted Old Wang and Karida onto the dock.

Seyssis didn't come; he was waiting out at sea. The pirates responsible for fencing and purchasing would only stay here for two days. This pirate leader, Old Sha, was Seyssis's confidant and was now dressed as a wealthy merchant. Smiling, he said to the two, "The ship will be here for two days. I'm familiar with the Krodic Islands and know many figures from the Navy and gangs. If you need anything, just let me know. Our captain said that if you're the slightest bit dissatisfied, it's my responsibility. Don't hesitate to ask."

"Haha, do I look like someone who holds back? Old Sha, rest assured, if there's anything, I'll definitely find you!" Old Wang winked at him.

Old Sha immediately showed a knowing expression. Lord Wang Feng was a playful sort; during the two days on the ship, he had asked about the attractions of the Krodic Islands multiple times. Old Sha naturally answered everything he knew, though, of course, he didn't mention these things in front of Lady Karida. Men understand each other, after all.

Unlike the bustling port city seen from afar at sea, most of the buildings on this dock were old and dilapidated. Along the shipyards, under the bridges, and beside the wooden walls, one could see dirty, tattered, and wet 'beds' everywhere. Though messy and squalid, these were homes to many of the dock's beastmen. The already damp and rotten wooden walls encircled the entire dock, as if to isolate this filthy area from the prosperous port city.

More prevalent on this dock were the numerous wanted posters and bounty notices plastered everywhere—on walls, pillars, and even on the ground, much like the small ads in an old hometown.

The crude portraits on them were not the issue; however, the bounty amounts stamped with the Navy headquarters seal were strikingly red and particularly eye-catching.

"Damn, this is intense!"

Old Wang was immediately drawn to them.

Beside him, a dock pillar was densely covered with over a dozen posters. Old Wang stopped to look with great interest. Most of the portraits were poorly drawn, but they had some distinctive features, such as moles on faces, unusual hairstyles, or large noses. Honestly, Old Wang thought it would be a miracle if anyone could recognize a person from these portraits, which made him chuckle: "This guy looks pretty rough and fierce, yet his bounty is only nine hundred? What kind of weak pirate is this... Would anyone really risk their life for such a small bounty?"

"I think you've been listening to Sisys' millions of bounties too much, thinking that there are million-dollar pirates everywhere," Karida said coolly. "Someone like Sisys, who can be considered a dominant figure, has their bounty notices posted mainly at the Navy headquarters. That's where the important information is. As for this boat dock, what’s posted here are mostly low-bounty targets, like a few hundred. They're just small-time pirates, or even fishermen taking advantage of chaos. Life at sea isn't easy. For nine hundred, many people are willing to risk their lives. You really think this place is a paradise of leisure?"

"Sorry, sorry, I read too many books!" Old Wang laughed. "In my hometown, there's a famous story called 'Pirate King.' The Pirate King in it is so powerful, with a bounty in the hundreds of millions, unlike Sisys, who gets excited over robbing a few cargo ships. Brother Da, honestly, I didn’t feel motivated even when I heard about his tens of millions of bounty, let alone these few hundred euros. It's all about perspective..."

Karida couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. What a mess. There are many thrilling legends at sea, but they are usually about heroes, not pirates. "Speaking of which, where exactly is your hometown? I've heard you mention it several times..."

"Wang Family Village, a very remote village," Old Wang recited as if reading from a script. "Without the guidance of our Wang family, outsiders can't find it. It's said that the Supreme Saint also came from our village. My seniority in the village is quite high. If we talk about generations, I'm not far from him. I can call him Brother Wang..."

Karida found this both amusing and exasperating. What nonsense. There's no such place in the Nine Gods Empire, and he dares to claim kinship with the Supreme Saint.

She had asked Blue Sky to investigate Wang Feng's background in the Nine Gods. It turned out that this guy had no identity, just an orphan without parents, raised in the Pu Group of the Nine Gods since he was weaned. The idea that he could remember a place called Wang Family Village was absurd, yet he spoke about it so confidently and convincingly.

Honestly, at first, Karida found it funny, but if she thought about it, she felt a bit sorry for him. The imagined Wang Family Village might be his ideal home.

Thinking about how he had saved her multiple times, Karida decided to play along this time, not wanting to expose him directly. She smiled slightly, "So, you have higher seniority than me?"

Old Wang slapped his forehead. This wouldn't do; he couldn't put pressure on Brother Da: "We shouldn't count it that way. Seniority is just a concept. We should treat each other as equals. I call you Brother Da, and you call me Brother Feng, it's perfect!"

"Feng as in crazy?" Karida glanced at him, half-smiling. "That name suits you. You really are a madman."