Witch, I'm really not the Deep Sea Ancient God!

"Go..."

The Ice Witch waved her hand.

This was Little Black's final responsibility.

"Alright."

Chen Qi nodded and looked at the towering lighthouse in front of him.

It was like a giant blade piercing the black fog, its end unseen.

In just one day, a giant lighthouse had been erected.

This is the manufacturing speed of Shell Country... Chen Qi lightly jumped to the top of the lighthouse.

The lighthouse, where countless fuels gathered, awaited the flames of a Light Phase Transcendent.

Chen Qi stood at the highest point of the lighthouse, gazing at the vast sea.

Ships shattered, the sea polluted, people living in fear of the black fog.

Fire Casting Skill!

Chen Qi took a deep breath, tilted his own Spiritual Power outward, and then gently cast the flame from his fingertip to ignite the fuel.

Pop! Pop!

In an instant, a blazing fire emerged.

The people below the lighthouse looked up.

The fire grew larger and soon illuminated the sky before them.

Under this city, that flame was like a burning golden giant tree.

Scorching, dazzling, and sacred!

And across the entire pitch-black Witch Sea, civilians infected with Black Blood Disease emerged from cramped shelters, all looking toward the sky.

That distant flame was like an ignited lighthouse, so dazzling.

Under the lighthouse's glow, the Shadow Demon suddenly retreated into darkness like a fleeing beast.

The black fog, under the pure Lamp Phase Spiritual Power, dissipated bit by bit like scattering ghosts.

"Ah—"

Beyond the edge, the Great Whale, staring intensely at Chen Qi, let out a painful wail.

In this final moment, its twisted eyes fixed on Chen Qi...

It was the Black Hunter who prevented its descent into the sea, destroyed its flesh, and killed its chosen ones!

"I will never forget you—"

Under the dazzling light, the Great Whale's silhouette dispersed, escaping towards the deep edge.

"Whale..."

Chen Qi turned back.

In the sea breeze, the Great Whale's breathing ceased, and the blood that filled the black fog vanished with the wind.

Soon, the fire grew larger, covering nearly the entire sky within sight.

The White Tower Sea, the Witch Sea—they all could see this burning lighthouse.

The Great Whale's power completely dissipated in the sea.

Those long-enveloped by darkness couldn't help but peek out, sharing news with each other, celebrating the moment of victory.

Along the coastal cities of White Tower Sea and Witch Sea, tens of thousands sought their loved ones.

Once again, they saw the light.

Chen Qi could feel the Sixth Rank Occupation Card in his hunter's clothes pocket bursting with unprecedented power.

[Your ascension ceremony is complete...]

[Your power is ascending.]

Chen Qi took a deep breath.

A force was spreading throughout his body.

This was different from Spiritual Power, more vigorous and stronger.

Chen Qi felt his Deep Sea Perception upgrading once more, as if it could spread across the entire sea.

"Whew..."

Chen Qi exhaled deeply.

He felt his body filled with strength.

Now, Chen Qi was confident that no Fifth Rank could be his match.

Now, he had completed the two most challenging conditions for ascension to Sixth Rank.

Only one step away... Chen Qi thought.

Next, he only needed to contain a B-tier rift.

And with the help of the Ice Witch and Steam Hand, he could elevate to Sixth Rank and become the Master of Deep Sea Residual Fire.

One could say the path to ascension was already under his feet.

Chen Qi stood beneath the burning lighthouse fire, taking one last look at the distant Great Whale.

Next time they meet, he would possess the power to completely destroy the Great Whale's soul.

He turned slowly.

The heavy sense of dampness on him dissipated.

Chen Qi stood atop the lighthouse, enjoying warmth with everyone else.

And silently awaited the burning of the fire and the rise of dawn.

...

...

A month later.

Shell Country, beneath the Steamship Port.

"Come quickly!"

"Is the Black Hunter leaving?"

"No, I heard that the Second Prince of Shell Country still wishes to see the Black Hunter!"

The crowd excitedly ran to the harbor, looking at a colossal object covered by black cloth.

Bree wiped sweat from his forehead and said:

"Qi, Miss Witch!

The Water Elf has completed its final round of testing, now it is the undisputed ruler of the sea!"

Saying so, he aggressively pulled off the black cloth covering the ship.

The crowd immediately widened their eyes.

The massive black cloth sank into the sea, and a large ship surpassing military might appeared before the onlookers' eyes.

Deep black alloy armor, ship lamps created by deep-sea angler fish, the dragon-headed bow, and at the bow, the royal banner of the Water Elf raised high!

Its imposing aura was overwhelming!

"The Water Elf is finally complete..."

Chen Qi remarked.

The Water Elf was based on the Nether Sea Ghost Ship, modified.

This was a truly top-tier warship, be it the sailing speed, combat capabilities, or interior decoration—everything was top of the top.

On the exterior, it looked not much different from ordinary steel ships.

But internally, it housed the most top-tier Extraordinary Core.

It was also equipped with a Crack Workshop, Inspiration Library, Magic Potion Workshop, Extraordinary Sea Beast Breeding Farm, Space Jump Engine!

Ships capable of hosting a Crack Workshop were few and far between.

Indeed... Chen Qi smiled.

According to his contract with Haye, Shell Country promised rewards after the Great Whale event concluded.

However, even for a powerful figure like the Black Hunter, the things that Haye and the organization behind him could offer were very limited.