Chapter 773 - 133: Yilamut Port
Cross-Sea Traveler - Fan Pique.
Once Han Zhan and the others boarded his boat, they finally started to understand why this NPC had such a name.
The body of Fan Pique, with eight arms of an octopus, each arm tightly gripping a paddle with suction cups, a total of eight paddles, rowing vigorously at sea.
Then, this small wooden boat swaying in the wind and rain miraculously wasn’t capsized by the waves and continued moving forward against the wind and waves.
Due to the inability to use their Talent Abilities,
Han Zhan and the others could only silently endure the onslaught of rain and waves.
In each of their character panels, the Health Value, Hunger Value, and Spiritual Value began to decline to some extent.
What happens if these three values reach their lowest point?
Years of gaming experience told him, unless it’s absolutely necessary, it’s best not to try it casually.
Although Fan Pique was paddling the boat with great effort, the small wooden boat’s speed was still slow due to the strong wind and waves.
The so-called "Ilamut Port" he mentioned was nowhere in sight, not even a hint of an outline.
Still unsure of how much longer they would drift at sea, Han Zhan decided to take this chance to see if he could extract more information from Fan Pique.
Since he’s an NPC, engaging in multiple conversations might lead to a hidden quest?
"Mr. Fan... are you a native of the Water Planet?" Han Zhan wasn’t sure what to call Fan Pique and finally decided to use "Mr."
It might not be the most appropriate title, but it was polite enough not to decrease the NPC’s affinity.
"Of course, I am a native of the Water Planet. I’ve lived here since I was born. I’ve been living for thousands of years, possibly even longer."
Fan Pique was rowing with his eight arms and still speaking at a considerable pace, showcasing his stamina.
Han Zhan continued, "You kept saying the rain hasn’t stopped, has it been raining for that long?"
It’s difficult to avoid typical topics like "Have you eaten?", "What have you been up to lately?", "Nice weather today," in a conversation.
And as an NPC, the phrases he repeats might contain more clues.
This was yet another of Han Zhan’s "experiences" from his long-dormant memory.
Clearly, that experience was proving helpful once again.
Fan Pique’s voice carried a hint of resignation, "Yes, it’s been raining for too long, way too long."
"It’s been raining since I was born, incessantly, never stopping for a single day."
"The sea level on Water Planet has been rising and rising."
"And it submerged the land and the buildings on the land, right?" At this moment, Li Lingzhen spoke.
Fan Pique’s eyes shifted to look at Li Lingzhen before they rotated back.
"No, on Water Planet, there is no land, no buildings."
Fan Pique’s words left everyone startled, then they quickly processed it.
So, at this moment, the vast sea they were witnessing was all there is to Water Planet?
At this moment, Fan Pique continued,
"On the Water Planet, you need to firmly remember one thing."
"Lose people, not the boat."
"The boat is your lifeline."
"People can die, but your boat cannot, because the boat is the true embodiment!"
These should be three sentences... Han Zhan thought to himself.
However, he successfully extracted the crucial information from these three sentences.
On Water Planet, due to the absence of land, all transportation must rely on boats.
Boats, as vehicles, seem to have set the tone for this planet.
Could it be a sea battle?
Thinking of this, Han Zhan pressed on, "And the abilities? How do we unlock and use the abilities?"
This was also a matter of utmost concern for everyone.
Despite the high Level in their panels, they were now no different from ordinary people.
Restoring abilities as soon as possible was essential for self-preservation.
"You’ll understand once you have a boat," Fan Pique replied calmly.
"What is our main quest?" At this moment, Shang Siteng also asked.
Unexpectedly, Fan Pique repeated the same response.
"You’ll understand once you have a boat."
"Where is Yilamut Port, and how much longer do we have until we reach it?"
"You’ll understand once you have a boat."
"..."
It seems this NPC, Fan Pique, would not provide more information about this world.
They would have to rely on themselves for exploration moving forward.
After an unknown amount of time, the persistent drizzle continued, mixed with waves, somewhat irritating.
But Han Zhan and the others finally saw the light of victory.
Amidst the blurry rain, a dim black outline appeared in their sight.
As the small wooden boat approached, the outline gradually came into view—it was a larger port, Yilamut Port.
Surrounding Yilamut Port, several large wooden ships floated, with masts lowered, moored at the port docks, rising and falling with the sea.
Compared to the small wooden boat they were on now, these large wooden ships were much bigger, like ancient beasts slumbering in a storm, waiting for someone capable enough to awaken them.
"Is this... our ship?"
Han Zhan’s voice unconsciously carried a hint of eagerness and anticipation.
No one can resist the allure of piloting such a large, medieval wooden warship, absolutely no one.
"You’ll understand once you have a boat," Fan Pique merely repeated.
The small wooden boat gradually approached the port docks.
Yilamut Port was much bigger than their previous landing dock.
Even though it was entirely constructed of wood, the massive wooden piles were driven deep into the sea, like a Stabilizing Needle.
It’s unclear what kind of wood resisted centuries of seawater and rainwater corrosion.
Fan Pique, still using his eight arms with dense white suction cups, firmly attached to the dock’s wood, slowly anchored the boat.
"Adventurers, you have arrived at your destination."
"Welcome to Yilamut Port."
After speaking, he fell silent once more, seemingly not planning to step onto the docks.
Reasonably so, given his slow and winding body, it wouldn’t be convenient for him here where there is no water.
Han Zhan expressed his gratitude.
Then, along with the Contracted Spirit Girls, he stepped from the small wooden boat to the bridge at the port docks.
"Let’s each check our panel statuses first."
After speaking, Han Zhan summoned his character panel, confirming that all three values had decreased to varying degrees.
The Hunger Value decreased by 5 points, the Health Value by 1 point, and the Spiritual Value decreased the most, a full 10 points.
The other girls’ conditions were more or less the same.
It seems surviving in the harsh environment of the Water Planet is no easy task.
Just as Han Zhan was reflecting, nearby, a creature about half his height, with a fish head and human body, approached.
"Are you here to buy a boat?"