Starting as dockworkers, they swept through Chongqing.

The leader was a man in his early thirties with light brown hair, a high nose, and rough marks on his face from the sea breeze.

His clothes weren't expensive, but they were neatly arranged, and the insignia on his cuffs had an extra silver line compared to others.

This person has a habit of listening to others finish speaking before carefully considering their words. There is weariness in their eyes, but also a tenacity that refuses to give up even when cornered.

Xilun observed for a moment, then picked up the teapot and walked over.

The businessmen immediately stopped talking.

One of the young guards instinctively reached for the short sword at his waist.

Xilun seemed not to notice, simply placing the teapot on the table and asking in a calm tone, "Are you all going to the Prisoner Star Islands?"

The leading man glanced at him.

Now wearing a plain dark coat, Xiren looked pale and thin, resembling a traveler who had been ill for a long time.

But anyone with a little experience could tell something was wrong from his overly steady breathing and eyes.

That wasn't the look of an ordinary person.

It's as calm as ice, but deep water lies beneath.

The leading man quickly stood up and politely asked, "Yes, are you also going to the Prisoner Star Islands, sir?"

"This is my first time there," Xilun said. "I'd like to ask you some questions. If it's not too much of a bother, this meal is on me."

Inviting someone to dinner at a restaurant to inquire about information is a very common practice.

But being treated to a meal by an extraordinary stranger is not necessarily ordinary.

The group exchanged glances.

The man in the lead smiled and pulled out the chair next to him:

"Of course I won't bother you. It's always good to make another friend when you're traveling. My name is Carl Lundt, and I work for Lundt Trading Company."

"Silon".

Xilun did not give a false name.

Chaos Sea is not Victoria, nor does he believe that a pseudonym can cover up all the trouble.

A truly valuable identity is often not a name, but what others believe you can do.

Karls' expression did not change noticeably when he heard the name.

This confirmed to Xiren that news of the Victoria incident had not yet reached this ship, or even if it had reached the Chaotic Sea, it wouldn't have become a topic of conversation among ordinary merchants so quickly.

"What would you like to ask, Mr. Celen?" Karl asked after sitting down.

Xilun poured hot tea for the group.

What exactly is the Sea of ​​Chaos?

This is a huge problem.

Karls was taken aback for a moment, then a look of understanding crossed his face.

"Are you from mainland China, sir?"

"Um."

No wonder.

Karls picked up his teacup to warm his hands, pondered for a moment, as if searching for a way of saying something that was accurate enough without being offensive.

"If there's any fundamental difference between the Chaotic Sea and the Victorian lands, it's probably that here, no one can truly control everyone's head."

He paused, then continued, "On land, there are governments, churches, nobles, police stations, and all sorts of overt rules, like a net."

Whatever you do, you have to see where the net is, especially for those who are exceptional. When you can act, where you can't act, what you can learn, and what you're not allowed to touch—everything is written down for you.

Xilun listened quietly.

Karls gave a wry smile.

"The Chaotic Sea is different. Of course, there are powerful forces, strong individuals, and rules here, but no one can control all the islands."

Today, this island is ruled by a certain family, but tomorrow it may be destroyed by pirates, merchant guilds, or alien tides.

Church fleets come occasionally, government warships come occasionally, but most of the time, everyone has to rely on themselves.

An older shop assistant chimed in, "It's not entirely without rules; without rules, business can't be done."

Carls nodded: "Yes, there are rules, but they are made with knives, money, and ships, not written by some office far away on land."

"And what about the extraordinary ones?" Siron asked.

"Much more," Carls answered quickly, "much more than in ordinary cities on the continent."

This did not surprise Xilun.

He had seen many extraordinary people in the lower part of Victoria, but that was Saint Laurent, one of the largest cities in the colony.

In a typical town, a Tier 2 Ripper would be enough to dominate the neighborhood.

Judging from the atmosphere on the Tulip, the passengers on the Chaotic Sea are more accustomed to swords, firearms, and breathing techniques.

Karls continued, "In the Chaotic Sea, knowledge isn't so tightly monopolized, so powerful techniques are naturally hard to find. The things that can truly be cultivated to the third or fourth tier are still held by families, merchant guilds, dojos, pirate kings, and the like."

But cheap and common extraordinary techniques are readily available. First-tier introductory techniques, crude breathing techniques, and exotic flesh and blood potions—you can always find them if you're willing to spend the money.

"And the price?" Siren asked.

"Die quickly."

Carls answered calmly.

None of the people at the table laughed.

"Cheap things certainly have their problems. Some people practice incomplete techniques and ruin their lungs; some drink uncleaned exotic potions and grow scales to jump into the sea in the middle of the night; and some think they have become extraordinary, only to be eaten by sea monsters on their first voyage and left with only their boots. The Chaotic Sea offers many opportunities, but also many graves."

Xilun's eyes flickered slightly when he heard the words "sea monster".

"Are there many sea monsters?"

This time, everyone at the table looked at him.

The young guard, as if he'd heard a question far too uninformed for him, couldn't help but ask, "Sir, you've never seen any alien species on the mainland?"

"I've seen them," Siren said calmly, "but not many."

Carls nodded in understanding.

"With long-term cleanup efforts by the government and churches within mainland cities, there are naturally fewer heretics."

The Chaotic Sea is different; it's too big, there are too many islands, and anything can grow in the deep water.

We usually call them sea monsters, but you mainlanders are more used to calling them alien species. They are very numerous and ferocious.

As he said this, he pointed to the sea outside the porthole.

"The sea looks calm to you now, right? But nobody knows what's swimming underneath."

Some sea creatures can bite through a small boat in one bite, some can imitate human crying, and some can make the entire seawater stink, causing the crew members to suffer from festering sores after just a few breaths.

Even more terrifying are those creatures that, normally submerged on the seabed, can crack open an island when awakened by the tides.

The images of those scattered alien species from Victoria flashed through Xiren's mind.

In contrast, the Chaotic Sea is like a vast hunting ground without walls.

Danger.

It also means resources.

A unique talent.

Exceptional characteristics.

He can acquire the talents of other species by hunting them down; this is one of his deepest secrets.

In Victoria, it is difficult to find people with different species, and every action they take is likely to attract the attention of the government and the church.

But in the Chaotic Sea, if sea monsters are truly so rampant, this place might actually be more suitable for him.

Karls took a sip of tea and casually remarked, "The extraordinary characteristics of those sea beasts contain the secrets of their bloodline talents."

Many people hope to gain insights from it, but unfortunately most can only get some vague understanding.

Very few people can truly transform their unique characteristics into their own power.

Xilun gently stroked the teacup with his fingertips.

"Can extraordinary characteristics be comprehended?"

Carls glanced at him and smiled, "Of course, sir, you haven't encountered this kind of statement before?"

"Related knowledge is strictly controlled in mainland China."

"That's true."

Karls had no doubt.

"After a sea monster dies, some parts of its body will retain traces of its strongest power during its lifetime."

For example, creatures that can dive deep into water will have corresponding characteristics in their periosteum and lung sacs; creatures that can spray poison will have traces in their venom glands; and creatures that can manipulate the sound of the tide to confuse people will have valuable ear bones and throat bones.

Those of extraordinary ability, through long-term observation, ingestion, and refining of elixirs, may occasionally gain inspiration.

He spoke casually, but Xilun listened intently.

Swallowing, observing, and refining medicine.

Most people can only gain inspiration.

He, on the other hand, can directly acquire talent.

This doesn't mean he can act recklessly; the more dangerous the Chaotic Sea, the more powerful individuals there are.

If you behave too strangely, you'll be targeted sooner or later.

But at least this road is much wider than hiding and dodging in Victoria.

Karls suddenly asked, "Mr. Siron, are you going to the Prisoner Islands to settle down, do business, or search for someone?"

"We'll settle here temporarily," Xilun said, "and also practice spiritual cultivation."

"Then you should pay attention to one thing."

"Please speak."

Karls' expression became more serious.

"In a chaotic sea, finding a place to stay is easy."

With enough money, you can squeeze a person into any place, from slums and wooden shacks to abandoned boat sheds.

But if you are looking for a place suitable for extraordinary spiritual practice, then it won't be a place to stay casually.

Xilun looked up: "Why?"

"We need a Guiding Land."

This word made Xilun pause slightly.

"The Guiding Lands?"

Karls was somewhat surprised: "You haven't heard of it, sir?"

Xilun shook his head.

Kars pondered, "It is a place where demonic energy is abundant. Without enough demonic energy, it is difficult for extraordinary people to guide their energy when breathing, and their cultivation speed will be very slow. In the long run, it may even deplete their bodies."

"Is demonic energy the same as physical strength?"

"certainly."

Carls made it sound perfectly reasonable.

Xilun seemed to be deep in thought.

In the Victorian breathing system, it is often referred to as energy, spirituality, external force, or material activity, and has different interpretations depending on the organization.

The Chaotic Sea, however, refers to this environmental force that can assist extraordinary individuals in their cultivation as demonic energy.

Different names, but may refer to similar things.

"Are there many Guiding Lands?" Siron asked.

"It's a lot in some ways, and a little in others."

Carls gave a wry smile.

"There are always some special places on the islands, such as volcanic craters, cold pools, ancient battlefields, sea monster lairs, storm eye remnants, and even some shipwreck graveyards, which may form places where demons gather."

But all the good spots have already been taken; families, merchants, pirate groups, and dojos all want them.

Ordinary people who are not extraordinary and occupy property without proper authorization can easily get into trouble.

Xilun grasped the key.

"certificate?"

"The terminology for settlement or for spiritual practice varies from island to island."

The Prisoner's Islands are relatively well-organized. The main islands regularly assess local power and allocate Demon Gathering Lands and certain maritime rights based on the defense, tax revenue, and sea monster eradication capabilities each power can provide.

As Karls spoke, a barely perceptible hint of heaviness flashed in his eyes.

"For extraordinary outsiders who wish to cultivate peacefully, it is best to attach themselves to a local power; otherwise, the rent will be extremely high, or they may be kicked out in the middle of the night."

Xilun did not speak immediately.

Karls seemed to realize he had said too much, smiled, and changed the subject:

"Of course, for someone like you, finding a way shouldn't be too difficult. But since you're new here, it's always good to avoid some pitfalls."

Xilun looked at him.

How did you figure out I wasn't an ordinary person?

Karls was taken aback.

The atmosphere at the table was slightly tense.

Xilun's tone was calm, without any murderous intent.

Karls quickly realized this and said with a wry smile, "Sir, you walk too steadily. When the ship rocks, ordinary people will rock along with it, old sailors will use their strength in advance, but extraordinary people will feel as if they are rooted to the ground."

Furthermore, from the moment you entered the restaurant, your gaze swept over all the doors, windows, weapons, and people who looked dangerous, yet you didn't appear tense.

He paused.

"This habit is unlike that of a businessman."

Xilun nodded slightly.

"Good observation skills."

Karls did not relax because of the praise; on the contrary, he became even more cautious.

"Those who do small business in the chaotic sea have poor observation skills and won't live long."

This sentence reminded Xiren of Rhodes.

Some people are not good at fighting, but they are good at surviving in complex environments and leading a group of people to survive.

"Is there anything in the Prisoner's Isles that we should specifically avoid?" Siron asked.

Karls thought for a moment and said, "Recognize the pirate flag, abide by the curfew on the main island, and don't speak carelessly on local festival days."

Also, don't easily get involved in bloody gambling games.

Many extraordinary newcomers, initially overconfident upon arrival, end up being tricked, losing money, weapons, and even being sold into service on the mining island.

An older colleague added, "Don't eat sea monster meat given to you by strangers. Some of the meat may look cooked, but the creature inside might not be dead."

The young guard lowered his voice and said, "And there's singing at sea. If you hear a woman singing at night, don't peek out."

Carls glared at him: "Don't try to scare me with tavern stories."

The young guard muttered, "That's what the sailors say."

Xilun wrote down these scattered pieces of information.

He discovered that the rules of the Chaotic Sea did exist, but they were more direct and closer to survival.

Victoria's malice was often hidden behind laws, archives, charity, and aristocratic etiquette; the malice here was perhaps more like a storm on the sea, where you could see the walls of waves when they came, but you could not necessarily avoid them.

For the next half day, Xilun did not rush back to the cabin.

He talked with Carls and others on and off for a long time.

The Prisoner's Islands consist of dozens of islands of varying sizes, but only about a dozen are actually inhabited long-term.

The main island is called Prisoner Island because it was once used to exile serious criminals.

Later, with the opening of sea routes, merchants, miners, descendants of pirates, fugitives, and adventurers gradually gathered, forming the complex situation we see today.

The island's most important resources are minerals, salt, sea monster materials, and the Magic Gathering Land.

Evaluation, on the other hand, is a hurdle that each small faction has to face every few years.

Carls would pause slightly when talking about the assessment, as if he was reluctant to say more, yet unable to completely avoid it.

Xilun did not press further.

Some things don't need to be rushed.

If the other party truly has a need, they will eventually speak up.

As evening fell, a breeze picked up on the sea.

The Tulip's restaurant gradually became deserted, and the sailors began to reinforce the hatches.

Xilun returned to the small cabin, took a pale blue potion, sat cross-legged on the bed, and guided the chill through his bones.

After nightfall, my physical condition was slightly better than in the morning.

The crack is still there, but it no longer bleeds continuously.

The stitching of the black aura has also become much more stable, as if its wildness has been suppressed by the cold.

Xilun could sense that as long as he didn't encounter a powerful enemy of the fourth tier or engage in prolonged extreme combat, his current body was sufficient to support normal activities.

He closed his eyes and meditated until late at night.

The ship heaved in the wind and waves, and the seawater lapped against the area below the portholes, the sound like someone knocking on the door in the dark.