The Lamp of Wishes was a fine treasure, with limitless potential.

But it couldn’t be used effectively at the moment.

The Sailing Heart, however, was a different story.

This Sailing Heart belonged to a Gold-grade Wandering Ship. It was probably taken by Prince Atte from the leaking "Sun’s Child." It could raise the Grand Fortune or the Sun-Shooter by another level. In addition, the box also contained 18 Sailing Stones (Bronze) and 7 Sailing Crystals (Silver), all of Atte’s previous spoils.

These core Energy Crystal Stones, originally intended for a trade with the Lighthouse, had now fallen into Shi Ming’s lap for free.

’I wonder what the Lighthouse needs these Crystal Stones for, and what project they’re researching.’

Shi Ming had only learned through the "Let There Be Light" channel that twelve of America’s high-level Wandering Ships were now carrying out a top-secret, internal manhunt for Prince Atte. The priority was extremely high, comparable to the time he himself had a 2,000 Pure Dome Crystal bounty on his head.

The manhunt was completely internal, so Shi Ming couldn’t use the shattered remains of Atte to claim the hefty bounty and contribution points.

After all, he wasn’t the real Yellowstone.

If he were to actually use the Yellowstone Communicator to make a peep on the "Let There Be Light" channel and reply with a "Roger that," he suspected that Trellin, thousands of miles away, would have a complete meltdown. The "Let There Be Light" network, hailed as the most advanced communication technology of the Wandering Era, would become the Lighthouse’s greatest stain.

The level of humiliation would be on par with the Pharaoh’s recent fiasco.

A similar incident had happened back in the Land Era.

Big Ivan’s predecessor once gave America a sculpture as a state gift. It contained a "Golden Lip" listening device that required no power and hung in a core location of the American embassy for eight years without anyone knowing.

It intercepted countless pieces of intelligence.

It was considered one of the greatest humiliations in history.

It was finally discovered eight years later. With the collaboration and reverse-engineering efforts of the British, its principles were eventually deciphered, leading to the development of radio-frequency identification technology—a "famous story" in its own right. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

All that was ancient history.

Shi Ming’s gaze swept over the seven relatively high-grade Crystal Stones.

[Sailing Crystal]

[Level: 2]

[An essential item for constructing a Silver Wandering Ship. It comes from the third core layer of a meteorite from the stars. The energy within is turbulent and powerful, providing astonishing propulsion. It is an extremely precious, non-renewable resource.]

[Upgrade Requirement: 4 additional Sailing Crystals, 3000 ml each of 5 different types of A-rank Sea Beast Blood.]

Just like with Wandering Ships, under the power of the Brain of Creation, five Silver-grade Sailing Crystals, supplemented with five different types of A-rank blood as auxiliary materials, could be upgraded into a Gold-grade Sailing Heart.

And so on.

Thus, for the short term at least, he wouldn’t be lacking the core materials to upgrade the "Grand Fortune" and the "Sun-Shooter."

Completely using up these Sailing Crystal Stones could raise either the Grand Fortune or the Sun-Shooter by at least three more levels.

It was a true windfall.

When he had the time, he would plan out how to best use each and every one of them.

The Sea of Silence was fast approaching.

...

...

...

In its unassuming form, the General-level Wandering Ship, the Grand Fortune, returned to the Sea of Silence. Once again, Shi Ming saw the "Black Gold," which hadn’t moved an inch in thirty years.

During the voyage, he hadn’t felt any pursuit from the Abyss Lord.

Nor had he received any warnings from the Eye of the World.

The temperature in the Sea of Silence was quite high. The old captain of the Shark was still plying his trade near the King-level Wandering Ship, the "Black Gold." He greeted every potential customer with enthusiasm. As for Shi Ming, with the Tear of the Earth Sea smeared on his face, he looked like a completely different person. Even though they had done business twice before, the old man didn’t recognize him.

The other crew members were also on a different shift rotation.

The Tear of the Earth Sea was quite magical.

After applying just a single drop, even Shi Ming couldn’t recognize himself.

The old captain of the Shark watched the Grand Fortune slowly approach from the distance, a look of disbelief on his face.

"Hey, since when can Bronze-grade ships make it all the way to the Sea of Silence?"

It wasn’t that there were no Bronze ships near the "Black Gold," but those were all its official and law-enforcement vessels, holding high status. This one, however, he had never seen before. The Lightning Eye emblem on its hull didn’t belong to any faction he knew. It must have come from another sea region.

’Another dreamer, perhaps?’

"Bro! Wanna buy some of ’Black Gold’s’ specialty goods? South African diamonds, giant pearls, Four-Eyed Cobra Fragments from the Pharaoh... it’s all good stuff!"

"Does anyone actually buy architectural fragments from the Pharaoh?"

Shi Ming asked curiously from a distance.

"Of course!"

Sensing the person across the water was interested, the old captain began his enthusiastic pitch.

"This stuff fell off a General-level Wandering Ship! It’s a segment of the Four-Eyed Cobra, a highly collectible item. I hear that in the East, the big shots love this kind of historical stuff. Buy a piece, sell it in the East, and you’ll make a huge profit! Bro!"

"Even the female captain of the Golden Bodhi bought a big piece! She had it mounted and hung it on her bow! Just ask around, and you’ll know I’m telling the absolute truth!"

"This thing can ward off evil!"

’Mel, the captain of the Golden Bodhi, bought a piece and hung it on her bow?’

’That’s a major insult.’

Ptolemy had many sworn enemies, most of them old grudges from the Land Era.

The "Red Sea" faction was the most hostile; every one of them wanted to strike him down while he was vulnerable.

Even the "Black Gold" couldn’t mediate these conflicts.

Because of this, the Pharaoh was currently anchored not far from the "Black Gold," partly for repairs and partly for protection.

Their Pyramid-shaped Wandering Ship had two of its corners smashed in succession. It was heavily damaged and in urgent need of repair. The "Black Gold" had plenty of professionals and could also offer a degree of sanctuary, preventing rivals from retaliating during this vulnerable period.

From a distance, Shi Ming could see the golden Pyramid.

Against the backdrop of the "Black Gold," it looked as feeble as an ant, having lost all its former arrogance. The two damaged corners were covered by dark green construction tents where urgent maintenance was underway.

Just then, a familiar voice appeared in Shi Ming’s mind once more.

*You, have returned.*

The Nameless Cocoon.

Guided by the voice, Shi Ming’s Spiritual Power plunged into the endless sea, just like last time. It dove into the Great Rift Valley two thousand meters below and continued its descent.

Others couldn’t recognize the disguised Shi Ming, but the Nameless Cocoon could clearly sense his arrival through its Spiritual Power. It could establish a private conversation with him, allowing them to communicate effectively from anywhere in this sea region.

It could even transmit items, like blood.

"Yes, Ah Jian, I’ve come back to see you, my friend."

Shi Ming’s voice became earnest.

"I’ve been constantly thinking about how to help you. And look, I’ve just acquired even greater power! I’ve taken another step forward on the path to helping you."

"You know me, I’m always sincere."

"I know how to repay a favor."

*Very, good.*

*But to deal with that ship, it is not enough. You need, to be stronger.*

There was a hint of joy in the Nameless Cocoon’s voice.

An imperceptible smile touched the corners of Shi Ming’s lips.

"Yes, I need to be stronger, and just like before, I’ll need your support. My next plan is to hunt a super sea beast. If I can obtain its power, I’ll surely be able to free you. You won’t have to be sealed here anymore. You can break out of your cocoon immediately and become the King Insect of this world."

The stage was set, and Shi Ming began to spin his elaborate tale.

He was like those people who use a PowerPoint presentation to pitch pipe dreams and attract investors.

’Hunt the Great Black Heaven Dragon?’

’The project hadn’t even gotten off the drawing board.’

It was at a stage where not even a new folder had been created for it yet.

*Very good. What sea beast?*

The Nameless Cocoon showed no sign of mourning for its own kind.

Through the Nameless Cocoon’s Spiritual Power, Shi Ming could feel its excitement. It had clearly sensed that he had grown stronger again and felt that its investment was paying off. Its voice became much more enthusiastic.

Investors need positive feedback.

And so do investor insects.

"Yes, you should know of this sea beast. It’s currently located at 138 degrees east longitude and 35 degrees north latitude. I believe its name is... the Great Black Heaven Dragon."

*...*

The Nameless Cocoon was silent for a long time.

...

"Ah Jian? What’s wrong?"

"Are you still there?"

After a long while, Shi Ming finally received the Nameless Cocoon’s reply.

*You are, seeking death.*

Shi Ming guessed,

’It probably means, "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"’