Ocean Lords: Start Harvesting Double from Dice Rolls Chapter 661 - 331: Yuanqi’s Discovery and Threat_2

Nevertheless, evading the Fisherman to reach Fang Yu proved to be a considerable challenge. He was determined to avoid being banished to that abyssal space by the Fisherman yet again.

But even with these obstacles, Yuanqi's gaze held a deep contemplative air as his mind raced, meticulously formulating a strategy. Even though the Fisherman's constant vigilance prevented a direct confrontation with Fang Yu, Yuanqi could still leverage his own extensive forces against him. It was common knowledge that the Fisherman operated alone, lacking any subordinates, whereas Yuanqi had diligently cultivated multiple factions over time. By instigating a conflict with the Fisherman, Yuanqi reasoned, the Fisherman would be preoccupied and unable to interfere with his subordinates' pursuit of Fang Yu.

Yet, a sense of unease lingered within Yuanqi. The majority of his forces operated under a veil of secrecy. The mere act of them entering the Ocean Court's monitored safe waters, let alone confronting Fang Yu, would likely result in their immediate detection and apprehension. Capturing Fang Yu, it seemed, would not be a straightforward endeavor.

As deep in thought, Yuanqi's expression suddenly shifted. His attention was drawn to a distant expanse of the sea. "Oh?" he murmured softly, observing a fleet of cargo ships speeding across the water, heading towards the horizon. Had they been ordinary vessels, they would have gone unnoticed. However, Yuanqi detected a familiar energy signature emanating from these ships.

"Intriguing..." A glint flashed in Yuanqi's eyes as his body moved. He discreetly activated the Ocean Scripture, shrouding himself in concealment. Under its influence, his presence became imperceptible. He moved swiftly, drawing close to the cargo ships, his curiosity piqued as he observed them.

True to the Ocean Scripture's power, the individuals aboard the cargo ships remained oblivious to Yuanqi, allowing him to meticulously examine every detail. The ships themselves appeared unremarkable, just like any other merchant vessel. Yet, the crew members exhibited vacant stares, performing their duties with robotic monotony, ensuring the ships' steady progress towards their undisclosed destination.

Given Yuanqi's cultivation level, and at such close proximity, he could easily perceive the spreading mycelial networks growing within their bodies. Outwardly, these individuals seemed like ordinary crew members, acting appropriately and betraying no signs of abnormality. In reality, their bodies had long been overtaken by the mycelium, serving not only as a source of nourishment but also as the puppets of this parasitic entity.

"It's Chongyuan!" Yuanqi realized with certainty. Most members of the Peacekeeping Council were aware of Chongyuan's peculiar nature, understanding that his true form was a hybrid of human and mushroom. They also knew of his numerous incarnations that pervaded the world, possessing the ability to infect others with mycelium, thereby controlling them and concealing his own presence. Witnessing the pervasive mycelium and sensing the unmistakable aura, Yuanqi concluded that these crew members were under Chongyuan's control, transporting cargo to a clandestine location.

"Quite fascinating!" A surge of exhilaration coursed through Yuanqi, a powerful delight flashing in his eyes. He moved with incredible speed, seemingly vanishing entirely under the Ocean Scripture's cloak, leaving no trace or sound. The crew, merely puppets controlled by mycelium and neither Chongyuan's true form nor a significant incarnation, were naturally incapable of detecting Yuanqi. He fearlessly boarded the ships, silently scrutinizing the cargo they carried.

Moments later, Yuanqi's expression transformed; his internal certainty solidified. "Indeed, this shipment is destined for Chongyuan's true sanctuary," he mused inwardly. Onboard, he discovered a substantial quantity of Flesh and Blood Essence, Extraordinary Essence, and Divine Essence. Furthermore, a considerable amount of precious wood was also present. These findings dispelled any lingering doubts, confirming the cargo ships' purpose.

As Chongyuan's true form remained hidden, its exact location unknown, a top-tier expert would inevitably require substantial resources for cultivation and basic sustenance. While three types of essential resources might be explainable, Yuanqi also noted the significant presence of precious wood. It was highly probable that only a being of a half-human, half-mushroom nature would depend on such materials and high-grade lignin. The absorption of lignin is crucial for fungal growth, enabling the continuous production of incarnations.

Observing the cargo's contents and the familiar mycelium, Yuanqi couldn't suppress a feeling of elation. This consignment of resources was likely being dispatched discreetly to Chongyuan's hidden base to fulfill its ongoing cultivation needs. Despite Chongyuan's meticulous precautions, employing mycelium to control and parasitize the entire crew, it had never anticipated that the process of cargo transport would be unwittingly discovered by Yuanqi.