We agreed to set sail, so you'd become the ruler of the deep sea?

Chapter 67: Full Upgrade, Begin Strengthening!
The merchant before me was pot-bellied and greasy-faced, bearing a striking resemblance to Pegasus on Duke Island.

However, after hearing Xia En's words, the merchant raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, it seems you've met my younger brother before?"

After some conversation, Shane realized that the merchant named Garnier was Pegasus's elder brother.

They are triplets who all became merchants in the Apocalypse Merchant Guild after growing up, working on Duke Island, Silver Moon Island, and Maple Leaf Island in the north.

The three brothers often exchanged letters to communicate and share information.

As it happened, Ganis had heard about Shane from Pegasus's letter.

With this connection established, and upon hearing that Shane had a big deal to do with him, Ganis's attitude became much more enthusiastic.

However, when he arrived on Shane's ship and saw the spoils of war that Shane had taken out, Ganis was still quite shocked.

In his brother's letter, Captain Shane revealed that he had previously been in debt but turned his life around with a single voyage.

But at most, that's only a few hundred silver snake coins.

But right now...

This treasure is worth at least a hundred gold dragon coins!

The difference is dozens of times greater!
As a shrewd businessman, Ganis never asked about the origin of the treasure, but instead spoke cautiously.

"Captain Shane, this treasure is too much for me to handle alone. I need to report to my superiors."

"Don't worry, I will never reveal your identity."

His title has changed without him even realizing it.

Xia En nodded: "Okay."

If this treasure were sold in batches to smaller shops, it might fetch a higher price.

But that could lead to unnecessary trouble, and there's even the possibility of encountering people from other islands being swindled or cheated.

Selling to the Apocalypse Chamber of Commerce would not raise such concerns.

Its advantages lie in its safety and convenience.

If they didn't even have this much credibility, the Apocalypse Merchant Guild wouldn't have been able to stand tall in the Seven Seas for so long.

……

……

"...All the materials, weapons, jewelry, and ancient coins added up to a total of 243 gold dragon coins and 79 silver snake coins."

"Please take a count."

After a period of inventory, Ganis put all the spoils into the space ring on his right hand and respectfully handed another silver ring to Shane.

[Ring of Revelation (Silver)]

[Quality: Rare]

[Type: Equipment]

[Description: A spatial ring prepared by the Apocalypse Merchant Guild for its esteemed Silver-level members, crafted by a "Craftsman" from the secret path.]

[Contains 10 cubic meters of storage space; not suitable for living organisms.]

[Possessing this ring will grant you certain preferential treatment when trading with the Apocalypse Merchant Guild.]

[Produced by Tianqi, you can trust it!]

Clearly, after selling the spoils of war, Shane has been regarded as a major client by the Apocalypse Merchant Guild, so it's normal for him to receive some small perks.

Xia En took the Ring of Revelation and probed it with his spiritual power.

It felt like breaking through a barely perceptible thin film.

In my perception, a space of moderate size appeared, where hundreds of coins lay quietly.

After taking inventory, Xia En smiled.

It feels so good to be rich!

However, once you've made money, the next step is to spend it.

Shaun looked up and saw Garnier staring intently at him.

"Captain Shane, is there anything you'd like to buy?"

"You are now a Silver member of the Apocalypse Chamber of Commerce and are entitled to a 8% discount!"

Good heavens, it was waiting for me here!

Xia En's eyelids twitched, feeling that these two hundred-odd gold dragon coins wouldn't stay in his pocket for very long.

However, he still stated his requirements. "First, there are supplies."

“That’s easy to say. I’m willing to give it to you as a bonus for this transaction.”

Ganis hurriedly replied that it was just some supplies and not worth much money at all.

"Secondly, I need the best shipwrights on Silvermoon Island, high-quality timber, sails, cannons, steam turbines..."

Shane's most important purpose for this trip was to give the Black Swan a complete overhaul.

This was something he had promised Xiao Hei a long time ago.

A man's promise is not a lottery ticket!
It was one thing to not have money before, but now that I have some, I naturally have to make arrangements as soon as possible.

Don't forget, Shane still has over 100 [Filthy Crystals] unused.

The reason he didn't use it wasn't to save it for the New Year.

One reason is that reinforcement takes time.

As the amount of [Filthy Crystals] invested increases, the enhancement time will also increase.

Core components such as sails and steam turbines, if under stress, may become unusable, leading to accidents at sea.

Another reason is...

With the same enhancement resources, it's obviously better to put them into higher-quality equipment for better results.

Good steel should be used on the blade!

Shaen's plan was to have the shipwright modify the hull while the Black Swan was docked in port, and at the same time strengthen the newly purchased high-end components.

Both hands must be grasped, both hands must be hard!
After hearing Shane's request, Ganis's eyes lit up; this deal was clearly going to be big.

But after thinking it over, he said, "Shipwrights, sails, and timber are all easy to arrange; I can get them for you right now."

"However, advanced artillery and steam turbines need to be purchased from specialists."

"Coincidentally, I have a suitable candidate here who might meet your requirements."

A look of delight appeared in Shane's eyes: "Please introduce me, Mr. Garnier."

Steam turbines and cannons are things that money can't buy on Duke Island, but after hearing what Ganis said, he knew there was hope!

Ganis said with a wry smile, "Let me make this clear beforehand: that person has a very eccentric personality, and I can't guarantee that the transaction will go smoothly."

……

……

Ganis was even more efficient than Shane had anticipated.

In just half a day, he found more than ten experienced shipwrights and brought over several kinds of high-grade timber and sails for Xia En to choose from.

These timbers and sails all possess extraordinary power, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages.

Xia En hesitated for a long time before making a choice.

【Sea Crystal Log】

[Type: Material]

[Quality: Rare]

[Description: A peculiar tree that lives in seawater and has undergone unique evolution in a special environment.]

The wood is both sturdy and flexible, and its appearance resembles a special kind of crystal.

[When used to construct hulls and decks, it significantly enhances the ship's "sturdiness" attribute.]

[This enhances the effects of "Seawater Maneuverability/Affinity," increasing "Speed" by harnessing the power of seawater.]

Trees are amazing, aren't they?

……

Sailing made from storm ray skin

[Type: Component]

[Quality: Rare]

[Description: The Storm Ray is a unique marine creature that, after being tempered by the mystical power of the sea, grows to an extraordinary size and possesses the ability to control storms.]

Its skin is exceptionally tough, making it immune to some injuries from sharp objects.

[Once crafted into sails, they passively generate small-scale air currents, propelling the ship forward and increasing its "speed" attribute.]

[Sail, this power does not belong to you!]

(End of this chapter)