Stranger Danger

Not only did he manage to convert the Ghost Dragon Boat into his Heavenly Demon Dependent, he could clearly feel that its unique dark green flames were intricately connected to the demonic fire.

One more thing. The Ghost Dragon Boat was a lot stronger than before even though it had only been a few days since they last met. It wasn't because the Ghost Dragon Boat was corrupted by the demonic fire—why would it be corrupted when it didn't even fear the demonic fire in the first place?—but because the Ghost Dragon Boat had absorbed its power. This was why the Ghost Dragon Boat could control so many demonic monsters at the same time including the Ancient-class Stranger King Squid.

This also proved that the Ghost Dragon Boat and the Sea Burning Demonic Fire were definitely connected in some ways.

Besides that, Ye Qing had a rough idea of the true origin of the Ghost Dragon Boat after reading its blurry consciousness and memories. The Ghost Dragon Boat was born from a lump of terrifying flesh lying deep at the bottom of the sea. Every time it died, it would be reborn from the lump of flesh in just a short time.

The lump of flesh was as anomalous as it was terrible. Even though it was just memories, Ye Qing could still feel a tremendous amount of pressure from it.

He had no idea about the origin of the lump of flesh though.

So, why didn't he just tell the trio the truth? Because he hadn't figured out the exact connection between the Sea Burning Demonic Fire and the Ghost Dragon Boat, of course. He thought it would be troublesome if he told them an incomplete truth, so he chose to not say it at all.

Yue Ling was silent for a few breaths. Then, she exclaimed in excitement, "If that is true, does that mean we can use the Ghost Dragon Boat to seek out the source of the demonic fire? If we can, then there is a chance we may be able to resolve the Sea Burning Demonic Fire at its roots and save countless lives once and for all!"

Ye Qing smiled and gave her a nod. "I think so too."

It was at this moment Jin Manshan realized something, "So... when you said you might be able to deal with the Sea Burning Demonic Fire earlier, you were referring to the Ghost Dragon Boat, Warrior Ye?" When Ye Qing nodded again, Jin Manshan exploded with excitement as well. "If you truly can resolve the Sea Burning Demonic Fire once and for all, then to say that your karma and merits would be immeasurable would be an understatement. You truly are a benevolent and merciful Bodhisattva, Warrior Ye!"

"You flatter me, island lord," Ye Qing stopped Jin Manshan from complimenting him further and threw cold water on him, "and it is not certain if the plan will work yet. Yes, I think it's possible to find the source of the Sea Burning Demonic Fire and resolve it once and for all using the Ghost Dragon Boat, but whether it will actually work is a completely different story. In fact, it is very likely that my plan will end in failure."

"That is why you shouldn't be celebrating too soon or even expect too much from this plan."

His words inevitably dampened the mood a little, but Jin Manshan replied candidly, "It's still better than doing nothing, isn't it?"

Yue Ling echoed in agreement. "Island Lord Jin is right. Some hope is better than no hope at all!"

Neither Jin Manshan, Ming Yueying, or Yue Ling thought for a moment to use the Ghost Dragon Boat to secure themselves. They were only thinking about using it to seek out the source of the Sea Burning Demonic Fire and resolve it once and for all.

"When will you be departing, senior?" Yue Ling asked.

Ye Qing gave her a look and asked, "When do you think would be best, Miss Yue?"

A hint of panic flashed across Yue Ling's face as she hurriedly apologized, "This junior misspoke, senior. I ask for your understanding and forgiveness."

"You misunderstand me, Miss Yue. It's just a simple question."

Ye Qing said smilingly, "Also, you look like you have something to say. That is why I ask that question!"

"You are keen-eyed, senior." Yue Ling paid him a compliment before beginning, "In fact, I do have an unreasonable request to make. Can you bring me with you when you depart to search for the source of the demonic fire?"

"Oh? Why's that?" Ye Qing asked curiously. "You should know that this would be a most risky venture. Even I dare not say that I would be able to walk away from it scot free. You are a noble princess of the Profound Moon Dynasty. There is just no reason for you to risk your life with us!"

"I am aware that my strength is lacking. However, this junior still wishes to help you and contribute to the Profound Alliance and humanity!"

Yue Ling said sincerely, "As for my safety, you don't need to worry about that. I have a powerful treasure that my mother gave me. I should be safe from all harm." "Even if I am wrong, I would still be glad to die in service of the Profound Alliance and humanity."

Ye Qing raised his eyebrows. "You are a virtuous woman, Miss Yue. The Profound Alliance is lucky to have you."

"Please, senior. I do not deserve such praise." Yue Ling blushed a little when she heard Ye Qing's praise.

"I am willing to follow you and lend you my aid as well, Warrior Ye."

"Me too!"

Jin Manshan and Ming Yueying too stepped up and offered their services.

Ye Qing chuckled. "If you all follow me, then what will happen to Gold Island?"

"Er..." Jin Manshan could not say anything about that. He was so excited earlier that he had made the declaration without thinking about the consequences. Because of this, he was in an awkward situation right now.

"He'll stay behind and oversee Gold Island. I'll come with you, Warrior Ye," Ming Yueying said.

"No, you should be the one to stay behind. I'll go with him," Jin Manshan said to his wife.

"Why should I? You're the island lord of Gold Island! You're the one who should be staying behind!" Ming Yueying retorted.

"Be good. Didn't you hear Warrior Ye? This will be a dangerous venture. You'll stay, and I'll go."

"It is precisely because this will be a dangerous venture that I should go. Gold Island can do without me, but not its island lord. Gold Island would plummet into chaos if it were to lose its backbone."

"Of course it won't. You can support Gold Island perfectly even without me. It's decided then. I'll go."

"No, I'll go!"

"No, I'll go..."

......

"Why are you all in such a hurry to die?" Ye Qing could not help but shake his head and interrupt the bickering husband and wife. "If I didn't know better, I would think that we're going on a treasure hunt."

Jin Manshan and Ming Yueying exchanged somewhat embarrassed looks with each other. "We apologize for our behavior. We know that we are not strong enough to be of much help, but we also understand the saying that a falling nest breaks all eggs. That is why we want to contribute even our meager strength in service of the Profound Alliance and humanity. Please, accept our wish."

"Enough. I understand your feelings and sentiments. I am also aware that Qingyou and I alone may not be enough to succeed. We do want reinforcements."

Just when Yue Ling, Jin Manshan and Ming Yueying thought that he would agree to their request, he said, "However, you said it yourself. Your strength is, and I'm sorry to say this, meager. You won't be of much help even if you accompany me. You may as well stay here and help the others."

"Ah... alright..." The trio looked terribly disappointed when they heard Ye Qing's verdict.

A few breaths later, Yue Ling asked, "So... who do you think would be suitable to accompany you on this venture, senior?"

Ye Qing replied without hesitation, "Champions like the six Sages of the Profound Alliance."

He was solving a problem for the Profound Alliance. Of course they had to contribute their strength, right?

"Er... you want the six Sages?"

The trio exchanged shocked looks with each other. Ye Qing might have said, "Champions like the six Sages," but the only warriors who were on the six Sages' level... were the six Sages themselves.

On second thought, it made perfect sense why Ye Qing would ask for them. The six Sages of the Profound Alliance were all powerful Sages. If even one or two of them were willing to lend their aid, then their chances of resolving the Sea Burning Demonic Fire would be that much higher.