Chapter 117: The Unexpected Encounter

So I don’t have to do anything now?

Bai Yu was momentarily surprised. Just moments ago, she had been bustling about, preparing for the ritual, but now there was nothing left for her to do.

Bai Yu was momentarily stunned, finding the sudden ease almost unbelievable.

The scythe mark on her hand, after flickering a few times, vanished from sight.

Bai Yu would need to infuse it with spiritual energy again for the mark to reappear.

This suited her well, as Bai Yu was not fond of the mark being visible.

Should others see it, they might associate it with some unique ability.

In battle, even the slightest oversight could lead to grave consequences.

Having endured numerous battles, Bai Yu had fully grasped this truth.

Bai Yu reclined on her bed, appreciating the excellent amenities of the ship, which even boasted internet access, eliminating any fear of being disconnected.

This brought Bai Yu immense comfort, allowing her to snack and play games at her leisure.

What was the point of getting stronger when playing games was so much more enjoyable?

From time to time, she could even tease Cecilia and Lu Xingyao.

Lu Xingyao was currently in the capital, confirming that prominent families were indeed incredibly busy, not only managing various affairs but also guarding against ill-intentioned individuals both within and outside the family.

Even this time, Lu Xingyao had originally returned to break through to the Fourth Tier, yet she was still plagued by these meaningless matters.

Cecilia had also arrived at her family’s estate, sending Bai Yu a message as soon as her plane touched down.

Bai Yu made sure to comfort Cecilia, for she was genuinely concerned about Cecilia’s mother’s mental state.

Even after severing ties with her family, she was still compelled to return—such was the inherent trouble of belonging to a great family.

Bai Yu felt that having no significant family background or powerful connections was quite good for her.

It was truly preferable, as it meant she didn’t have to worry about so many things.

Bai Yu rose from her bed and gazed out the window, observing that night had fallen and they were steadily approaching international waters.

Even now, Bai Yu could still discern several warships circling the cruise ship she was on, dispatched by the Dragon Summer Investigation Bureau to protect them.

However, their protection would only last until tomorrow morning; after that, once they entered international waters, they would be on their own.

Yet, considering Stella’s strength and the equipment onboard the ship, there should be no issues.

Moreover, Bai Yu didn’t believe she would be so unlucky as to encounter pirates immediately after setting out.

After a final chat on Green Bubble, Bai Yu settled down for a peaceful night’s sleep.

She slept dreamlessly, rising as soon as the sky began to lighten.

Overall, the cruise ship’s amenities were truly excellent; Bai Yu hadn’t felt the slightest tremor while sleeping.

After washing up, Bai Yu stepped out to enjoy the sea breeze before heading to breakfast.

The surrounding warships had vanished, leaving only this single cruise ship sailing solitarily across the ocean.

They must have departed during the night, as their current position was likely already in international waters.

Bai Yu consulted a map, noting that Lugos Academy was located near the tropics, though its geographical position held little significance, as she had heard it possessed a unique environment crafted by arcane arts.

‘I’m feeling a little excited,’ she mused.

A faint smile touched Bai Yu’s lips.

‘Haha…’

Then, she yawned widely, rubbed her eyes, and noticed what appeared to be several fishing boats in the distance.

‘What are those?’

Bai Yu sharpened her focus, her extraordinary vision allowing her to discern the people on those boats from a considerable distance.

Upon closer inspection, however, Bai Yu’s brow furrowed.

These were no fishing boats; fishing boats didn’t have men wielding guns, nor did they use such speedboats.

There was even a dilapidated vessel that Bai Yu suspected was merely a diversion.

‘They’re really pirates!’

Bai Yu observed the Western-faced individuals, her exceptional eyesight even allowing her to see them conversing amongst themselves.

Some were even laughing boisterously, seemingly amused that Bai Yu’s luxurious yacht had ventured so easily into international waters.

‘Hahaha, Boss, this one’s a fat sheep!’

A dark-skinned man on a dilapidated speedboat, gun in hand, eagerly addressed the scar-faced man before him.

They were not the eye-patched pirates of movies; real-world pirates were criminal gangs operating with speedboats and firearms, some even aided by Outlaw Arcanists.

Such instances were exceedingly rare, as individuals of that caliber typically dominated entire stretches of the sea.

‘Hmph, probably some rich second-generation brat venturing out on an adventure, daring to come out alone on a single ship,’ the scar-faced man sneered. ‘Once we get there, we’ll seize the ship and everything on it, then tie them all up, hmph hmph hmph!‘

The scar-faced man displayed a sinister smile; they had done this countless times, always securing a hefty ransom.

As for those who couldn’t pay the ransom, well, they could certainly go back. However, their families would have to piece them together themselves.

‘Hahahaha!!!’

The entire pirate crew erupted in maniacal laughter; in these waters, they were the undisputed masters.

Everything before them was their prey.

‘Go, block that ship!’

The scar-faced man roared, prompting all the speedboats to swiftly close in on the cruise ship.

‘They really are coming for us!’

Bai Yu watched the approaching pirates with a sense of shock, having already perceived through her spiritual senses that they were merely ordinary people.

How dared they? To call them mayflies shaking a tree would be an overstatement.

Bai Yu settled into a nearby chair, quietly observing the unfolding spectacle.

‘I was already a bit bored; I didn’t expect such an entertaining show.’

Bai Yu knew the true capabilities of this cruise ship; its arsenal could only be described as a veritable armory.

These pirates likely had no idea they were about to kick a steel plate this time.

Bai Yu propped her chin on her hand, silently watching the speedboats draw nearer.

‘What’s going on, Boss? Why isn’t that cruise ship fleeing or responding to our messages?’

On the speedboat, the man fiddled with the radio, receiving no reply whatsoever.

‘Ignore them; this just makes it easier,’ the scar-faced man retorted.

The scar-faced man would not be intimidated by such a situation; as an experienced pirate, he would never let a prize slip through his fingers.

However, before the man could reply, a sudden change occurred.

The turn of events far exceeded their wildest imagination.

In an instant, several massive naval cannons and close-range defense guns emerged from the sides of the yacht.

This left them utterly dumbfounded. What was this?

Without giving them a moment’s pause, the close-range defense guns unleashed their most powerful assault in an instant.

Like a serpent of fire, they spewed forth a relentless barrage of 200 shells per second, transforming the ship into a war machine rampaging across the sea.

Using such weaponry against these pirates seemed akin to using a cannon to kill a mosquito.

Yet Bai Yu felt no pity for them; regardless of their motives, such individuals were precisely those she despised the most.

Indeed, from the moment Bai Yu had truly felt life ebb away in her hands, she had understood everything.