Ocean Lords: Start Harvesting Double from Dice Rolls Chapter 698 - 345: Strange Essence Feast (Part 2)

The brutal warlord conflicts, the rampant chaos of alien races across the West Cyan Continent, and the jarring encounters with alien spiritualists during those wars – these are not events that have faded from Fang Yu’s memory.

Consequently, when the West Cyan Continent is mentioned at this moment, Fang Yu finds himself quite familiar with it.

It is a land dominated by a mix of religions, alien species, formidable spiritualists, and even remnants of ancient races.

This recent attack by the Twelve Wonders of the Phantom Forest likely originated from a spiritualist sect situated within the West Cyan Continent.

A contemplative expression settled on Fang Yu’s face.

For reasons he couldn't quite pinpoint, a peculiar feeling stirred within him.

It seemed as though the Essence Feast might be intricately entangled with the attack that transpired the previous day.

However, without any concrete evidence, he could not hastily jump to such a conclusion.

"Four days... Chang Dong mentioned it would take him four days before he could finalize the agreement with me."

"Why must the Essence Feast deliberately postpone things for four days? What precisely are they waiting for..."

Fang Yu mused aloud, a unique line of thought beginning to form in his mind.

After a brief pause, a flicker of understanding ignited in Fang Yu’s eyes. Without uttering another word, he promptly dispatched a message through the private chat channel on his interface to a known associate:

"Brother, have you concluded your current mission? Would you be amenable to meeting for a drink? The tab is on me!"

...

Approximately half an hour later, within a private chamber at a establishment known as Qingyue Bar, Fang Yu was seated opposite a rather imposing figure.

"Little brother, what prompted you to summon Brother Yue to this bar immediately after I finished my task?" the large man inquired, his voice booming.

The stout man chuckled heartily, exuding an air of unpretentious sincerity that tended to disarm others, making them instinctively lower their defenses.

He effortlessly lifted the wine glass before him, downing the specially prepared concoction as if it were a simple snack. With a satisfied smack of his lips, he signaled the waiter to bring another.

This individual was none other than Rude Yue, a character Fang Yu and his companions had encountered previously upon their arrival in Nanhui City (as detailed in Chapter 333).

At that time, Fang Yu and Rude Yue had initially crossed paths during a minor scuffle, but after clearing up the misunderstandings, they had quickly established a friendly rapport and exchanged contact information.

Now, as the bar attendant delivered a freshly mixed drink, Fang Yu couldn't suppress a smile and proceeded to ask:

"Brother, if my memory serves me correctly, your faction within the Essence Feast is quite influential, isn't it?"

"Essence Feast?" Rude Yue echoed, a hint of confusion crossing his features before he nodded in affirmation. "Indeed, it's not insignificant. I joined several years prior to you, and through careful management over time, I've steadily elevated the position and influence of my branch within the Essence Feast."

"What? Are you perhaps contemplating joining the Essence Feast and require my assistance with an introduction?" Rude Yue inquired, a broad grin spreading across his face, his demeanor open and cheerful, fostering an immediate sense of warmth.

"No, that's not it... It's rather that I've recently encountered some unsettling circumstances, and I was hoping to discuss them with you, Brother Yue."

"Hmm?" Rude Yue responded, a look of surprise directed at Fang Yu.

Fang Yu then proceeded to recount the recent events he had experienced to Rude Yue.

Naturally, he omitted many specific details, including anything pertaining to Yan Yu. He merely conveyed that he had perceived the presence and methods of spiritualists associated with the West Qinghai Sea Region.

Having finished his account, Fang Yu took a sip of his drink before casually remarking:

"Brother, given your extensive involvement with the Essence Feast, I wished to inquire if the organization has ever conducted any business dealings with spiritualists hailing from the West Qinghai Sea Region?"

Upon hearing Fang Yu’s question, a subtle shift registered on Rude Yue’s expression. He lowered his voice slightly. "Are you suggesting that the individuals who attacked you are connected to the Essence Feast? But what possible motive could they have for such an action?"

"That’s precisely what I'm attempting to uncover, which is why I am investigating," Fang Yu explained, spreading his hands in a gesture that implied this was an expected course of action.

Rude Yue hesitated, a visible struggle playing out on his face. "Little brother... I hold at least a B-level position within the Essence Feast, and my livelihood depends on the assignments provided by the organization. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to carelessly divulge sensitive information."

Rude Yue’s expression conveyed a sense of internal conflict, and combined with his outwardly simple and honest demeanor, it appeared he was genuinely torn.

Nevertheless, Fang Yu perceived the unspoken meaning behind Rude Yue’s words. He offered a knowing smile and subtly appraised his companion.

This man, despite his rough and honest exterior, possessed a keen intellect and a sophisticated understanding of worldly affairs.

With this thought in mind, Fang Yu slowly slid a business card across the table and lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Brother, this belongs to the CEO of Sky Dome Technology. Coincidentally, I've been in discussions regarding potential collaborations with Sky Dome Technology recently. Therefore, you needn't fret about future repercussions with the Essence Feast. Should any complications arise, I can arrange a viable alternative for you."

His eyes fixed on the card Fang Yu presented, Rude Yue’s countenance brightened considerably, and his smile became noticeably more genuine.

He discreetly accepted the card from Fang Yu, carefully tucking it away before resuming in a hushed tone, "Little brother, in that case, allow me to be entirely candid."

"The Essence Feast did send a substantial amount of goods to the West Cyan Continent two years ago. It's rumored that the spiritual sects over there rely on such resources for their cultivation."

"However, the Essence Feast's operations are so vast, spanning the entire Ocean World, that this specific shipment didn't raise any eyebrows."

"But here’s the catch: after a few initial transports, the Essence Feast stopped contracting Blue Star Captains like us for this route. They began using personnel trained internally by the company instead. Doesn't that strike you as peculiar? If there wasn't some hidden agenda, why would they make such an exception?"

Rude Yue lowered his voice, speaking with a conspiratorial tone.

Hearing Rude Yue’s explanation, a spark flickered in Fang Yu’s eyes. Yet, Rude Yue's account alone wasn't enough to definitively link the Essence Feast to the West Cyan Continent.

With this thought, Fang Yu spoke softly, "Brother, I might need your assistance with a few inquiries."

"Just say the word!"

Having been presented with an escape route through Sky Dome Technology by Fang Yu, Rude Yue felt a surge of confidence.

He was an experienced individual, and after listening to Fang Yu, he too suspected something was amiss with the Essence Feast.

Behind Fang Yu stood the formidable South Island military, a major political power on the South Island Continent. If the Essence Feast had dealings with questionable entities, it would be the Feast that crumbled, not the military.

Previously, he had harbored anxieties that his efforts within the Essence Feast would amount to nothing should the company face repercussions.

Fang Yu, having discerned Rude Yue’s concerns, had strategically introduced the opportunity with Sky Dome Technology.

Now that a viable alternative was available, Rude Yue didn’t hesitate, making a clear choice to align with Fang Yu.

Sensing the shift in Rude Yue’s demeanor, Fang Yu couldn’t suppress a smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

He began to speak calmly, "I require your help with several matters..."

"First, monitor the Essence Feast’s upcoming activities within the company over the next few days. You can leverage your old connections, brother. I assure you, anyone who assists will be offered an introduction to Sky Dome Technology."

"I'm particularly curious as to why Chang Dong is delaying the contract signing, insisting on a response after four days."

A glint appeared in Rude Yue’s eyes upon hearing Fang Yu’s instructions, and he nodded in agreement. "Consider it done. Many of my old comrades are deeply embedded within the Essence Feast; any significant move the company makes will be known to me swiftly."

"And the second matter?"

"For the second task..."

Fang Yu paused in thought before continuing in a hushed tone, "Investigate the clandestine dealings between the Essence Feast and the West Cyan Continent. This nagging feeling of unease I have is not without reason. I need concrete evidence... proof that links the individuals involved that day directly to the Essence Feast."

"Understood!"

Rude Yue readily agreed, his voice firm. "This task is mine, Fang Yu brother. Rest assured!"

"In that case, my sincere thanks, brother!"

Fang Yu offered a smile, raising his glass to clink with Rude Yue’s.

...After a brief exchange of further pleasantries, Fang Yu settled the bill and parted ways with Rude Yue.

As he made his way back to his ocean ship, Fang Yu felt a measure of relief, though his mind remained troubled.

His worries were not centered on the Essence Feast matter.

With Rude Yue’s assistance in the investigation, he anticipated progress would be made soon.

What occupied Fang Yu’s thoughts at this moment was the advancement of his own cultivation.

To reach the Extraordinary Ship level, both the mutation and the physical consolidation aspects needed to achieve the second level before an advancement could even be considered.

However... the path through the Essence Feast for acquiring the necessary resources was no longer a viable option.

Until the Essence Feast situation was fully clarified, Fang Yu was unwilling to leave any leverage with them.

Therefore, from where would he obtain the resources essential for his advancement?

Fang Yu pondered this question silently.

Just as he was lost in thought, a figure rapidly approached him from the roadside.

"Are you Fang Yu?"

"May I have a word?"