A few people saw that Liu Chuan spoke very sincerely, and with Helian Huangyue right by his side, everyone exchanged glances. Xu Guang and Zhuge Wuliang decided to follow him and take a look.

Soon, Liu Chuan led the group into the Elegant Cottage.

Inside, there was actually a shrine!

Everyone looked at each other in dismay.

Liu Chuan showed a bitter smile, "This was the stipulation of the Pirate King back in the day. He called himself the King of Pirates, and anyone making a living in the Hongze sea area must worship him as an ancestor. These tablets represent the members under our Liu Chuan Pirate Group. Young Master Zhuge, Young Master Xu, these are the tablets I made for you both. Now, with the divine light reined in and protected by the Pirate King's tablets, this proves that the Pirate King's will has acknowledged your pirate identities."

Xu Guang: ...

If Liu Chuan wasn't lying, these peculiar rules alone were enough to see that this Pirate King was also a masterful figure with a quirky temperament.

"Rumor has it there was once a Dao thief in the starry sky with the strength of a Reverse Dao Immortal Venerable. Later, he failed competing for Dao against the Taiyi Zuo Xuan Emperor. Is the Pirate King you speak of this person?"

Yuanshuang, who had been silent throughout, suddenly asked.

Liu Chuan was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected anyone in the group would know the background of the Pirate King; even many who called themselves pirates were unaware of his past.

"Indeed, when the Pirate King achieved Dao, his fame spread far and wide. Besides Hongze, even many stars occupied by Ancient Gods in the starry sky resounded with his name. He plundered countless treasures from various ancient stars and Ancient God lairs. Though he couldn't reach above Reverse Dao, his hidden foundation was not at all inferior to that beneath an Emperor.

His secret trove opens every thousand years, and only pirates can participate in the treasure hunt. You two have astounding strength in the same realm, possessing an invincible demeanor. That's why we've come up with this plan. We didn't tell you earlier because we feared the method might not work and couldn't deceive the Pirate King's will."

Xu Guang finally understood why Liu Chuan went to great lengths to find them.

Yuanshuang smiled faintly, "Your tactics are indeed remarkable. Even capable of deceiving the consciousness of an Immortal Venerable. There must be someone formidable backing you."

This time Liu Chuan remained silent, as it involved their secrets. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Xu Guang's expression was subtle; it seemed deceiving the Pirate King's will wasn't that easy.

A moment later, everyone returned to the courtyard where they had gathered before, and began real conversations.

"The two of you, we only need three items from the First Grade realm: the Unadorned Star Core, Taiyi Heavenly Beard, and Star God's Outer Contact. All other treasures will be yours, as a form of apology from us."

Zhuge Wuliang chuckled lightly, "You really think highly of us brothers. What if we die inside?"

Liu Chuan's expression turned solemn, "You two have reached this realm of cultivation and should understand destiny governs life and death, wealth lies in Heaven. This isn't forced. If you wish not to participate, you may turn around and leave. I, Liu Chuan, will prepare lavish gifts so you won't leave empty-handed."

Zhuge Wuliang's smile vanished.

Xu Guang continued the conversation by asking, "Earlier, you mentioned the pirate alliance. What's that about?"

"I don't know the specifics, but according to texts from this period, we found that the Pirate King once infuriated many in the starry sky. It seems the sea tribes of Hongze helped him. The Pirate King then set up his secret trove in the sea, sharing it with pirates and sea tribes."

Hongze is abundant in water, which is common knowledge. Besides the Ten Thousand Islands, the sea area covers two-thirds, with countless places unexplored by humans. These places are deemed the sea.

In other words, in Hongze, any area with water is the sea.

Fortunately, internal strife is an instinct of all intelligent beings. Internal disputes among the Human Race are plentiful, and those within the sea tribes are even more intense.

"I won't hide from you two; entering the trove presents unforeseen dangers. The conflicts between sea tribes and land tribes are intense, and the animosity extends into the trove."

Xu Guang and Zhuge Wuliang exchanged glances and then stepped aside.

They began to deliberate.

Jiang Hong was somewhat disappointed. He initially thought there would be a great battle, but it turned out otherwise. He even brought his wife along.

Yuanshuang spoke, "If what this person named Liu Chuan said is correct, we can agree to it."

Zhuge Wuliang nodded, "Cultivation is about seizing every opportunity, Junior Brother, this is such an opportunity."

Everyone spoke their piece.

Xu Guang also made a decision in his heart, but he glanced at Jin Buhuan and Jiang Hong, realizing this time, they embarked on this trip for nothing.

...

"We agree, but my brother and I cannot guarantee obtaining the three items you requested."

Upon hearing Zhuge Wuliang's words, Liu Chuan nodded, "Naturally, the matters in the trove are unclear, and no one can offer guarantees. Your willingness to travel thousands of miles for unacquainted benefactors shows your determination. If there's a chance, I'm confident you'll give it your all."

This is also why Liu Chuan treated them respectfully; they traveled thousands of miles without prior knowledge, surpassing many in Hongze.

"One more thing, due to the sudden occurrence, we have gathered many friends to enter the trove. Our friends..."

Liu Chuan smiled slightly, "We can spend the cost to help your friends gain pirate identities too."

...

Xu Guang still lacked a lot of information and thus asked Yuanshuang.

"Sister, is the sea tribe really that dangerous?"

Yuanshuang fell silent for a moment, her expression complex, "This is information normally accessible only to the first five of the Arctic Six Institutes. Back then, when I joined the Xuan Zhen Institute, my master allowed me to access this information. The sea tribe, strictly speaking, isn't a single kind."