Three years later, the year 1874 of the Sea Calendar.
The New World, Fengtian Empire.
Three years was enough time to change many things.
What was once merely the kingdom of Xituna had now expanded into a maritime empire spanning seven main islands, over thirty subsidiary islands, and ruling a population of more than ten million.
Its name was "Fengtian"—meaning "Worshipping Raiver as Sovereign." The name was simple and direct, exuding an overbearing aura.
At the center of the empire stood the Sky Palace.
At this moment, in the rear hall of the Sky Palace's main building.
The floor was covered with a Floating Cloud Carpet, a specialty of the sky islands. Stepping on it felt soft as cotton, with a slight bounce.
The walls were inlaid with luminous pearls, their gentle light illuminating the entire hall.
The air was filled with the fragrance of Ambergris Incense, a precious product from a certain country in the South Sea, worth ten thousand gold per tael.
In the center of the hall, a game was underway.
Raiver's eyes were covered with a black silk cloth, a playful smile hanging at the corner of his lips.
He wore loose silk robes and was barefoot, moving slowly as his hands groped in front of him.
Around him, over a dozen stunning maids flitted about like butterflies.
They wore gauzy dresses, their figures graceful, each one exceptionally beautiful.
Some covered their mouths to stifle giggles, while others deliberately made coquettish sounds to lure Raiver into catching them.
"Your Majesty, I'm over here~" a blonde maid flitted past Raiver's left side.
"Not there, Your Majesty, over here~" another black-haired maid called out softly from his right.
Raiver grinned and suddenly turned, his speed so fast it stirred a gust of wind!
"Got you!"
He wrapped his arms around a blue-haired maid who hadn't had time to dodge, pulling her into his embrace.
The maid let out a startled cry, then giggled flirtatiously. "Your Majesty is so skilled!"
"Do you surrender?" Raiver removed his blindfold and looked at the blushing maid in his arms.
"This humble servant surrenders~" the maid said obediently.
Some of the other maids covered their mouths to laugh lightly, while others pretended to pout, but their eyes all held anticipation.
To be chosen to serve this maritime emperor in the Sky Palace was the highest honor for them and the families behind them.
Just then, Jieming's voice came from the front hall:
"Boss, there's news about the location of the Celestial Dragons' triennial Human Hunting event you wanted to investigate!"
The voice came through the heavy carved wooden door, clear but not abrupt.
Jieming knew the rules well and would never rashly barge into the rear hall.
The smile on Raiver's face faded slightly, but he replied lazily, "I know. Wait for me in the front hall."
"Okay, boss!"
In the front hall, Jieming stood before the enormous floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the scenery of the imperial garden outside.
Three years had transformed this former slave boy completely.
He now stood over 190 centimeters tall, with well-defined muscles and eyes as sharp as an eagle's.
His Armament Haki had been cultivated to the point where it could cover his entire body, and his Observation Haki had also achieved minor success. His strength had steadily reached the level of a Marine Headquarters vice-admiral.
But at this moment, what crossed his mind was: Day one thousand and one of envying the boss's lifestyle.
Half an hour later, the door to the rear hall opened.
Raiver emerged, now changed into a black and gold imperial robe.
The robe was embroidered with nine coiled dragons in gold thread, each one vividly lifelike.
His long hair was casually tied back, and his face still carried a hint of laziness from the game he had just been playing.
Behind him followed a pair of twin maids.
The elder sister, Xingmian, and the younger sister, Xingwan, both eighteen years old, shared identical appearances—only their temperaments differed, one gentle and graceful, the other lively and spirited.
They were "gifts" presented by a vassal state three months ago. Raiver had taken an instant liking to them and had hardly gone anywhere without them since.
"Now I finally understand why there were so many foolish rulers throughout history," Raiver had once remarked.
He settled into the throne at the head of the hall—
A massive chair crafted entirely from pure gold and inlaid with gemstones of various colors.
Its back rose three meters high, intricately carved with dragon motifs.
Raiver reclined lazily, leaning sideways on the throne.
Xingmian immediately stepped forward, standing beside him, her slender fingers beginning to massage his shoulders.
Xingwan brought over a crystal tray bearing a freshly mixed drink. The amber-hued liquid floated with several ice pearls.
"Go on," Raiver said, taking the glass and taking a sip.
Below the throne.
"Boss," Jieming bowed respectfully. "I purchased this information for three hundred million Belly from the largest intelligence broker in the underground black market, 'Dark Crow.'"
Three hundred million Belly was enough to buy a medium-sized warship.
But for the current Fengtian Empire, this was merely a drop in the ocean.
"Just yesterday, there was unusual military movement at Marine Headquarters.
Four vice admiral-level fleets suddenly left port, their destination unknown.
At the same time, Red Port beneath the Red Line was completely sealed off, with all civilians and merchant ships cleared out."
Jiexi continued, "Clearly, the World Government is preparing for the Celestial Dragons' boarding and slave transport.
This time, they've kept the information under extremely tight wraps. The order to seal Red Port came directly from the Five Elders."
"But," he paused, a flicker of mockery in his eyes, "wealth tempts the heart. A Marine rear admiral in charge of the blockade secretly sold the information to 'Dark Crow.'"
Raiver nodded slightly. "And the location?"
"The North Sea, Domon Island." Jiexi unfurled a nautical chart, pointing to a small dot at the edge of the North Sea. "There's a small country called 'Doran' there, with a population of about a hundred thousand.
The key point—this country is not a Member State of the World Government."
Not being a Member State meant it was unprotected by the World Government.
For the Celestial Dragons, such a place was the perfect "hunting ground."
"The intelligence also says," Jiexi added, "that the number of Celestial Dragons participating in this hunt is greater than at God Valley three years ago—reportedly nearly three hundred.
The escort includes the God's Knights, the Cipher Pol organizations, and the four vice admiral fleets dispatched by Marine Headquarters."
Raiver set down his glass, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes.
"Nearly three hundred... Hah, it seems the lesson of God Valley wasn't harsh enough."
He looked at Jieming. "Go recall Jiexi. Tell him—we're going to kill Celestial Dragons."
"Yes!" Jieming's eyes blazed with fervor.
Three years ago, he had been too weak to participate in the great battle at God Valley, a regret he had carried ever since.
Now, he was no longer the same man. He had been looking for an opportunity to unleash carnage and vent the resentment from his days as a slave.
After Jieming withdrew, Raiver retrieved a specially crafted Golden Transponder Snail from his Space Warehouse.
This was his dedicated line for contacting "old friends."
The first call went to Golden Lion Shiki.
The Den Den Mushi connected after three rings, mimicking a wild face with golden long hair and two long sideburns.
"Zehahaha! Raiver! What a rare guest!" Shiki's tone remained arrogant:
"What, have you finally come around and decided to become my vice-captain? The Flying Pirates are in need of someone with your combat prowess!"
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