Chapter 108: This World Is Vast [Seeking Support]

The days adrift at sea were unbearable, especially on such a small boat. At first, gazing upon the endless ocean, they tried to appreciate its beauty, but soon it turned to loathing; the endless expanse made them nauseous.

The greatest danger was the larger waves—such a tiny vessel was easily capsized. Many times, they nearly flipped over, but fortunately, the three of them were no ordinary folk.

Their food supplies were all stored within Tang Shen’s backpack space; without that, storing provisions would have been impossible. They were not only adrift but also hungry.

For half a day, no ships or even human figures appeared on the sea.

Tang Shen resumed his cultivation, tying a rope around his waist before diving into the water. At a certain depth, he practiced swordsmanship underwater. As the boat moved forward, it dragged him along, making it more strenuous for the rower.

Among the three, one person navigated with a compass, another rowed, and the last cultivated.

Gu Yina and Tang Shen adapted quickly to this training method, and time passed swiftly.

But Zoro was utterly unaccustomed; he had never practiced swordsmanship underwater before. At first, he swallowed plenty of seawater and was pulled back up, struggling with insufficient lung capacity. The resistance of the water made training exceptionally difficult.

He finally realized the gap between himself and the other two—not only in strength but also in cultivation methods.

So he buried himself in rigorous training. Many times he drank himself into unconsciousness, only to be pulled up again without the rope giving the slightest signal.

Tang Shen couldn’t help but admire Zoro’s incredible physical constitution—truly formidable in this world. In reality, many would have died countless times over, yet Zoro endured, still lively and spirited.

After three days, they finally spotted the first island. The map marked a small town there—Dongwu Town—a nearby trading hub.

Ordinarily, a regular ship could reach it in less than a day, even half a day. But their human-powered boat required rowing and often drifted off course.

All three were soaked to the skin, their clothes clinging to them, and the seawater left them feeling utterly uncomfortable. Setting foot on solid ground felt like stepping into another world.

“Gu Yina, your father really screwed us over!” Tang Shen said, exasperated, not knowing how many times he had repeated it, but this time his frustration poured out.

Gu Yina nodded without hesitation, agreeing. Zoro nodded as well. The boat was simply too small, especially for three people.

Tang Shen had actually sold that little boat—for twenty thousand Beli!

Without hesitation, the three found an inn, took three rooms, quickly bathed, used the restroom, and changed into clean, fresh clothes. The relief was palpable.

Thankfully, it had only been three days, plus the sea training; otherwise, even using the restroom would have been a nightmare.

Then the three feasted at a restaurant, enjoying warm food for the first time in days, feeling their spirits revived.

They all agreed: never again would they ride such a tiny boat—not for anything in the world. At minimum, they wanted a proper vessel where they could eat well, sleep comfortably, and live decently.

A day later, though this was another trading island, it was too remote.

After wandering for so long, they hadn’t found a single proper pirate. There wasn’t a single bounty pirate; killing anyone would be pointless, yielding no reward. Even those who wielded swords were amateurs, no real opponents.

At the harbor dock:

“Big Brother, Gu Yina, let’s part ways here today! I promise I’ll surpass you both someday—I will become the world’s greatest swordsman,” Zoro said solemnly, standing on the merchant ship.

Before Tang Shen could reply, Gu Yina frowned and retorted sharply, “Hmph, don’t joke around, you loser! You’re nowhere near ready.”

Zoro didn’t rebut Gu Yina’s words because they were true.

Since seven years ago, he had never beaten Gu Yina; it had always been a history of blood and tears.

So he accepted her words humbly—no choice, he was just too weak.

This was why he chose to part ways. Staying together meant he would never surpass them, so he preferred to walk his own path and pursue his own sword.

Tang Shen smiled, recalling the image of that once proud, youthful child—now his bearing was like a sword drawn from its sheath, his sharp aura gradually emerging, having improved tremendously since seven years ago.

He said, “Don’t get lost.”

Zoro’s face darkened instantly. That was his greatest pain.

Being directionally challenged was a flaw Zoro had long wanted to fix, but he never could. It was innate—a born trait. What could he do?

He felt utterly desperate.

At that moment, Tang Shen suddenly struck with a sword. Zoro was caught off guard.

“Big Brother, we’re about to part—can’t you not mention this now?” Zoro said helplessly.

“Hm.”

Tang Shen smiled and nodded, his face serious as he said, “Then you must work hard. No one has ever mastered the Three-Sword Style before, so everything depends on you, step by step. This world is vast, beyond your imagination. So don’t be arrogant. At least surpass me and Gu Yina first.”

This was a rare serious moment between them. Tang Shen had thought carefully and chose not to reveal too much about this world, only to warn him.

The pinnacle of pirate strength in this world was overwhelming; knowing too much too soon would only bring despair.

The more you knew, the worse it was for you.

Just like Tang Shen himself, who was still steadily building his foundation.

Not for any other reason, but because he knew that to go further, he couldn’t be like drifting weeds on the surface. Even if the game allowed endless improvement, truly making that strength his own required immense sweat and effort.

“Yes, Big Brother. I remember,” Zoro replied earnestly, bowing respectfully.

His feelings toward Tang Shen were complex—admiration mixed with the desire to surpass him.

The merchant ship slowly sailed away, Tang Shen and Gu Yina stood on the dock, Zoro on the deck, until the horizon swallowed the ship from view.

Farewell was bittersweet yet inevitable—they all knew it deep in their hearts.

So they chose not to speak, simply watching in silence.

Farewells are only for better reunions.

Their friendship had been forged seven years ago, and their tacit understanding, accumulated through countless training sessions, was as solid as Gu Yina’s trust in this stubborn but determined boy.

They supervised and pushed each other, striving for their dreams.

“Let’s go. Tomorrow we leave, too,” Tang Shen said calmly, turning gently.

“Yes, Master,” Gu Yina replied softly.

The two shared an unspoken understanding; some things need no words.