As dusk fell, the Manxing Sea left Phobos Bay and entered unregulated international waters.
Light scattered across the sea surface, revealing bright blue glows floating on the dark water.
Waves brought bioluminescent algae to the surface. In the orderly sound of lapping, the ocean displayed its most magnificent colors.
And in distant Tasman, from the glowing blue surface through a long, cold stretch of darkness to the seabed eight hundred meters deep, even more spectacular scenery awaited.
Giant anglerfish opened their huge mouths, swaying the photophores on their sides as they slowly swam past a palace standing on the ocean floor.
The palace’s light pillars were filled with fluorescent stones mined from underground cities. Their intense light illuminated every tile clearly.
This had once been an ancient city that sank to the seabed through geological changes. After Tasman Pirate Nation’s establishment, King Sandro ordered craftsmen to restore it as his future residence and office.
He didn’t waste public funds building another palace. The saved money became key to resisting Federation suppression, thus securing Tasman’s freedom.
On the seabed around the palace grew several Lupu trees from S-level underwater cities. These trees had milk-white trunks with smooth surfaces like bamboo joints, and kelp-like transparent green leaves that secreted mucus.
Every moment, gases flowed from the trunks, wrapped by leaf mucus into bubbles that slowly rose.
When two bubbles collided, they merged into larger ones. Over time, bubbles completely enveloped the palace, forming a space without seawater.
The gas generated by Lupu trees contained oxygen for human survival and abundant water vapor.
At this moment, Sandro reclined in his bedroom chair, a round table before him laden with land fruits.
He had healthy, delicate brown skin that gleamed attractively under white fluorescent stone light.
His figure was tall and well-proportioned, with muscle lines that were perfectly sexy without being lean.
His eyes were upturned at the outer corners and narrow, with gray-blue left pupil and gray-green right pupil. His natural heterochromia gave his gaze more mystery and allure than ordinary people.
Sandro wore a thin white robe with two blue sashes crossed in a V-shape across his chest. The robe’s hem reached his ankles, and to prevent looseness, his waist was cinched with a golden belt studded with gems.
The belt easily outlined his supple waistline, making his flat abdomen and perky buttocks more prominent.
Sandro’s wrists and neck wore crystal ore jewelry, the same type as the small round ring hanging at his left chest inside the robe.
He picked up a grape, lazily feeding it into his mouth, his slender calves resting on a bright yellow cushion beside him.
Then someone gradually approached, shadow climbing the steps and blocking the light before Sandro.
Sandro didn’t look up, carelessly spitting out the grape skin while reaching for a second one.
A rough large hand gripped his chin, brazenly caressing his jaw and tender neck.
Then the large hand lifted his chin, stuffing a grape into his mouth.
Sandro held the grape without biting, using his heterochromatic eyes to look at the man in black before him.
The man’s fingers traced down his neck, lingering endlessly on the delicate skin. The man murmured: “Sandro, you’re truly the most beautiful pearl in these waters.”
Sandro smiled, revealing white teeth.
The man’s hand wanted to touch the small ring at his chest. Just as he was about to succeed, Sandro grabbed his wrist: “Selarl, can’t you wait even these few days?”
Selarl said nothing, his dark pupils flickering momentarily before finally withdrawing his hand.
He surveyed the king’s enticing figure and sexy skin tone, smiling slightly: “Don’t worry, I’ll give you the ceremony you want. I’ll build you a palace inlaid with red parrot stones, publicly mark you at the engagement ceremony, and on our wedding day, mate with you in the carefully crafted palace so you’ll bear our child. I’ll carefully tend to this country and you—after all, this has been my dream since first seeing you.”
Sandro’s smile deepened as he sat up straight: “I want the winning guild to attend our engagement ceremony and offer their blessings.”
Selarl very much disliked how Sandro spoke.
Sandro had been king too long—he never requested, only commanded. Like just now, he could have said ‘want’ but deliberately said in a tone of ‘demand.’
After marriage, Selarl wouldn’t allow his Omega to be so rude.
He twirled Sandro’s deep purple curls with his fingers, caressing momentarily before saying gravely: “Fine, I’ll let them stay a few extra days. But this time I don’t plan to cooperate with those top guilds.”
Sandro suddenly tightened his fingers, pupils slowly contracting: “Only they can provide the best red parrot stones.”
Selarl’s tone was pitying yet ruthless: “I know, but Your Majesty is so extravagant that complaints are inevitable below. Though I love you, I can’t indulge you without limits, or you’ll stop taking my words seriously too.”
Sandro secretly clenched his teeth, but within a breath he quietly hid his hatred, then put on a shallow, displeased expression, slapping away Selarl’s hand and turning away: “As you wish.”
Selarl didn’t suspect anything. He crouched down, stroking Sandro’s calves: “Though Your Majesty is throwing a tantrum, this is very much like how lovers interact. I’m quite satisfied.”
Just then, a string of characters appeared on his wireless frequency communicator.
Selarl glanced down and stood up: “I have other matters to attend to. Rest first.”
After he left, undisguised killing intent finally appeared in Sandro’s eyes.
His nails pierced Sandro’s palm, threads of fresh blood seeping down along his palm lines. He had lost all communication devices—all his hopes rested on the expelled Chen family.
He could only pray that the Chen family could successfully relay messages to those two old friends.
Selarl left the Lupu trees’ oxygen supply range, transformed into an orca, and swam rapidly toward the surface.
His massive form flashed through the dark seawater, scattering several white sharks, but he had no time to enjoy these sharks now. He leaped out of the water and landed on the warship deck in human form.
“What is it?” Selarl asked the anglerfish-form Awakened one who came to greet him, ignoring the seawater on his body.
“Prince, Chen Mingbi’s old man met people from High Tower Guild and Ghost Eye Guild in the bidding hall today,” the anglerfish reported.
Selarl’s eyes narrowed as he suddenly looked down at the water.
Naturally he couldn’t see Sandro’s figure—the pitch-black seawater roared and churned, swallowing everything.
“What did he say?” Selarl asked coldly.
The anglerfish frowned, his tone hesitant: “Seemed like… he didn’t say much. More like he really has some resentment toward the king, saying the king is extravagant and causing public anger.”
The anglerfish had listened to Chen Shun’an’s words repeatedly and indeed detected no suspicious signs, but since Selarl wanted him to report everything in detail, he had to tell the truth.
Hearing this, Selarl’s sharp gaze gradually softened. He stopped staring at the water surface and continued asking: “What about Chen Mingbi’s wife?”
Anglerfish: “Oh, after leaving the boat house, she’s living with her son in a broken tree house belonging to Passion County natives. If she weren’t dragging around a burden and couldn’t work, old Chen Shun’an wouldn’t be working on cruise ships at his age. Our people say this woman is almost going crazy, cursing the king all day.”
Hearing about the woman’s miserable state, Selarl sneered: “What is she cursing?”
Anglerfish: “Says the king is heartless and won’t die well, curses him for being hypocritical and despicable, draining all value from his subordinates. She’s not hiding it—she grabs random people on the street to complain. I think they’re not pretending but truly hate the king now.”
Selarl was silent for a while before saying indifferently: “Continue surveillance.”
The anglerfish was puzzled: “Prince, why not just finish them off directly?”
Selarl glared coldly at the anglerfish, scolding: “Foolish! If Chen Mingbi’s family all died together, wouldn’t that obviously tell people there’s a conspiracy? The king only disappeared for a year—Tasman people’s hearts aren’t so easily changed, especially those stubborn old people who’ve decided on Sandro and won’t accept a second ruler.”
The anglerfish quickly lowered his head, smiling apologetically: “You’re still more thoughtful.”
Selarl took a deep breath: “Also, tell Gudeshao to behave himself these two days.”
Anglerfish: “Yes!”
The night was long, colorful lights flickering in the Manxing Sea’s opera hall.
The classic opera “Singin’ in the Rain” had just ended. Actors bowed together as applause continued endlessly below.
After three curtain calls, the curtain finally closed completely and tourists gradually left their seats.
Meanwhile, the Archer Guild’s representative emerged from room 1901 with a beaming smile, backing away while declining: “You don’t need to see me out, don’t need to see me out. I hope our guild can maintain a long-term cooperative relationship with Tasman Pirate Nation.”
Gudeshao’s rough, heavy laughter echoed from the room into the corridor.
The Archer Guild representative closed the door before dropping his fake smile.
Just now, he’d given a gift worth one million, meaning even if they won the bid, they couldn’t recover much profit.
But this expense wasn’t for immediate benefits—it was to establish connections with Gudeshao.
The Archer Guild representative forced down his heartache, clutching his chest as he went downstairs.
Shortly after he left, the Dragon Guild representative hurried upstairs.
Throughout the night, Gudeshao received many gifts from small guilds, greatly satisfying his ego.
But that beautiful red-haired Omega still hadn’t shown up yet.
Gudeshao snorted coldly: “Damn, ungrateful.”
This was a contract worth hundreds of millions—even for top guilds, it was no small temptation. Why was Ghost Eye so composed, unwilling to even send over one employee?
Gudeshao waited a while longer, feeling increasingly irritated.
His subordinates were considerate, calling up those beautiful Omegas who’d just finished performing opera for Gudeshao to choose from.
Normally, Gudeshao would definitely pick two pleasing ones from this group for a good night’s enjoyment.
However, the more he couldn’t get what he wanted, the more Lance made his heart itch. He felt these performers’ gazes were too calculating, not pure enough—he wanted to play with something innocent, untouched by Alphas.
“Go, go, go.” Gudeshao waved the performers away. “I’m going to the casino to play.”
His subordinate couldn’t help reminding: “But Prince Selarl told you to behave these two days.”
Gudeshao’s triangular eye sockets faced his subordinate, fat face drooping: “I’m just going to gamble. What’s wrong with that?”
The subordinate dared not defy him—local officials outrank central ones. Making Gudeshao angry wouldn’t earn rewards from Prince Selarl either.
Gudeshao stuck out his big belly, pulled up his crotch-pinching suit pants, and slowly left with a group of subordinates heading to the casino.
He paid great attention to appearances and enjoyed having all eyes focused on him.
Along the way, subordinates cleared the path, driving away tourists on both sides while protecting Gudeshao as he swaggered into the casino.
News spread quickly throughout the cruise ship lobby.
“Tasman’s big official went to the casino!”
“I heard he really throws money around—so rich!”
“Good heavens, he brought ten subordinates who don’t even play, just protect him nearby. No one dares sit at his table to gamble.”
“Oh? He’s playing blackjack.”
“Supposedly several small guilds got word and rushed over to play with him.”
“Heh, really using borrowed authority, petty success going to his head.”
…
High Tower Guild had just finished watching opera and were having late-night snacks in the restaurant—hot, steaming tomato meat sauce pizza sprinkled with chili powder, with a bowl of yogurt sauce on the side.
Before they could eat, news came from the neighboring table. Several people paused simultaneously, glancing at each other peripherally.
Zhan Pingchuan rolled up his pizza, finished it in two or three bites, then patted his hands and smiled at Dream Witch: “Sister Qi, I ate too much. Going to digest.”
Dream Witch stirred the coffee in her cup, nodding carelessly.
Zhan Pingchuan threw down his napkin and walked away quickly.
Lily licked yogurt sauce from her lips and jumped down from her chair: “Oh my, I want to play arcade games.”
Dream Witch looked up, instructing: “Don’t play too long—watch your eyes.”
“Roar!” Lily bounced away, her two blue braids swaying cheerfully.
Abaddon secretly lifted his eyelids, rubbed his stomach, and said in his deep voice: “Young miss, I’ll go back to my room to sleep.”
Dream Witch bit into her pizza, mumbling: “Mm, go ahead.”
Abaddon stood up, his head nearly hitting the ceiling. He scratched his head and walked openly out of the restaurant.
After everyone left, Dream Witch put down her pizza and relaxed with eyes closed, pressing her neck.
It was dark with no one to disturb—the perfect time for killing.
A Finance Minister who didn’t want to cooperate with top guilds had no value in staying alive, especially when he dared covet her only little brother.
Dream Witch tossed her wavy hair and left the restaurant in high heels.
In the billiards room, Wu Peng viciously struck the black ball, sending it flying!
Fulunla slapped the back of his head: “Idiot, you can’t hit the black ball!”
Wu Peng: “Just tell me if I got it in!”
Fulunla: “If you got it in, you lose!”
Wu Peng: “Playing billiards is about skill—what does color matter?”
Mudeli came to mediate: “Alright, alright, let him play however he wants. With all those muscles, when has he ever learned this kind of sport?”
Fulunla: “That’s exactly why I need to teach him the rules!”
Wu Peng: “What’s wrong with the rules? Why can’t you hit the black ball?”
The three were in heated debate when they heard people at the next table discussing the casino while playing.
Supposedly, Archer Guild people were flattering Gudeshao, drawing good cards several times but still not winning.
Fulunla, Wu Peng, and Mudeli instantly fell silent.
Fulunla lowered her eyes, methodically chalking her cue stick. Wu Peng fished the black ball from the net and placed it in the center of the table. Mudeli calmly adjusted his glasses.
Lance was leaning by the window drinking a lychee sea salt cocktail. Seeing the noise had stopped, he put down his glass and curiously looked at the Ghost Eye Guild people.
Fulunla was first to put down her cue: “I’m tired of playing. Going to find something to eat.”
Wu Peng grabbed two tissues: “Then I’ll use the restroom.”
Mudeli: “It’s cool at night. I’ll go add a layer of clothing.”
Adrian watched the three’s retreating figures without comment, then pulled out two tips from his pocket and placed them on the billiards table.
Lance asked with a smile: “Did they really go eat, use the restroom, and add clothing?”
Adrian didn’t answer, only saying: “You should go back to your room first. I’ll go check.”
With that, Adrian also left the billiards hall.
In just a moment, only Lance remained in the billiards hall.
He squinted thoughtfully for a moment, drained his cocktail in one gulp, then picked up Moth Rong Weng, who was secretly licking salt crystals at the glass rim, hid it in his sleeve, and walked toward the casino.
Moth Rong Weng’s white little round shell was slightly reddish—that bit of alcohol from the glass rim had already made it dizzy.
Lights were dazzling, music blaring. Colorful images spun rapidly on slot machines. When the spinning slowly stopped, freezing on one image, some people erupted in angry roars while others danced with joy, screaming in delight.
As machines rang out, handfuls of chips poured out—blue and green, lighting up people’s frenzied eyes.
Behind the slot machines, silver roulette wheels spun round and round. Small balls bounced and rolled in the wheels while pairs of eyes around the table stared intently at the balls. Countless chips were pressed on red and white numbers nearby.
The ball finally stopped, pointing to fate’s number.
“Even! Black! Big!” With a howl, chips were swept away entirely. Winners gathered all chips into their arms, then hot-bloodedly bet everything on the next big gamble.
Gudeshao sat at the largest table with a cigar in his mouth. He occasionally lifted his cards for a peek, then continuously added chip bets.
Ten subordinates with loaded weapons guarded his sides, keeping curious approaching tourists one meter away from Gudeshao.
“Oh, Minister Gu has such good cards this round—still adding bets?”
“Today really is Minister Gu’s lucky day. How much has he won in just this short time?”
“Sigh, we’re still too timid, lacking Minister Gu’s boldness.”
“Minister Gu is wealthy and imposing—much stronger than that former Chen Mingbi.”
Several small guild representatives took turns flattering endlessly, making Gudeshao laugh heartily.
There was no conflict between them since Tasman needed large quantities of red parrot crystal ore. One guild definitely couldn’t handle it all, so they didn’t mind others getting a share.
Good luck always accompanies misfortune. When fortune peaks, danger quietly approaches.
Dream Witch leaned against the bar, watching Gudeshao while taking out lipstick to touch up her makeup.
She ignored the pickup attempts beside her, just charmingly pressed her lips together twice.
Soon, one of Gudeshao’s subordinates turned his gaze, quickly attracted by Dream Witch. He looked at her greedily, then saw Dream Witch smile seductively, red light faintly glowing in her eyes.
Lily sat cross-legged behind a slot machine. Being short and petite, she attracted no attention.
She bit her two braids, tilted her head up, held her notebook overhead, and scribbled a line with pencil—
[The crystal chandelier on the ceiling crashes onto Gudeshao’s head.]
Abaddon crouched in the corner like a small mountain, eyelids drooping, hands on his knees, muttering under his breath.
So beneath the unnoticed card table, a spirit tore through the air and emerged.
Fulunla, with her flaxen braids, weaved through the crowd. Others just thought she was an inexperienced little girl curiously wandering around. No one saw through that her walking route formed a death curse symbol, with Gudeshao’s position exactly at the curse’s heart.
Wu Peng stood by the window, rubbing his shoulder muscles, gazing at the thick black clouds. His eyes rolled back as lightning suddenly struck down from the clouds.
Mudeli was refined after all. He closed his eyes, removed his glasses, and carefully wiped the lenses with a corner of his clothing.
After cleaning the lenses, he put his glasses back on, staring unblinkingly toward Gudeshao’s direction, then slowly pushed his glasses up with one finger.
Adrian stood outside the casino entrance, hands in pockets, tall and silent.
Just now, the dealing croupier had become a puppet under his control. The croupier’s fingers gripped a sharp playing card, coldly staring at Gudeshao’s neck.
Zhan Pingchuan sat lazily at the roulette table directly facing Gudeshao’s card table, playing with two red chips while watching the silver ball roll around.
Gudeshao raised his voice boastfully: “Those top guilds are used to looking down their noses. Someone should teach them rules. I tell you, today Ghost Eye Guild has a red-haired little Omega who kept winking at me.”
Zhan Pingchuan sneered, his gaze cold. Two chips fell from his palm as a silver light flashed like lightning around the crowd, heading straight for Gudeshao’s mouth!
Lance wore a low-key gray coat, quickly passing behind Gudeshao. Moth Rong Weng leaped from his sleeve, quietly landing on the chair leg.
It flicked its antennae behind its head, rapidly climbing Gudeshao’s corpulent body, revealing its poison stinger at the stretched waistband.
Almost simultaneously—
The bewitched subordinate suddenly raised his PS-01 assault rifle, aiming at Gudeshao’s forehead for a shot!
The spirit beneath the table forcibly dragged out Gudeshao’s soul, gripping both legs and tearing in opposite directions.
The drawn curse began activating. Gudeshao at the curse’s heart felt pierced by ten thousand swords, his blood congealing.
Meanwhile, Mudeli’s eyes, no longer hidden by glasses, shot two laser beams, penetrating Gudeshao’s corpulent body.
In the clouds, electric charges violently collided, gathering into powerful lightning. Purple light suddenly struck through the window, hitting Gudeshao’s back directly.
Zhan Pingchuan’s silver thread pierced Gudeshao’s lips and tongue, shooting out the back of his head. The croupier’s right hand swept, a cold gleam flashing as the playing card cleanly sliced Gudeshao’s throat.
Moth Rong Weng’s toxin rapidly spread throughout Gudeshao’s body, making his already riddled heart completely explode.
Everything happened unexpectedly. Gudeshao’s triangular eye sockets widened, his face purple-red, abilities still gathering at his fingertips when the overhead chandelier crashed down, smashing his corpulent head into scattered brains!
“Ahhhhhhhhh—”
“The minister’s been attacked! Quick, quick, quick!”
“Who’s the assassin! Find the assassin!”
“Save the minister!”
“Where are the recovery system Awakened ones? Quickly determine the fatal wound! Get recovery system Awakened ones to heal him!”
“Report, the minister has… N wounds on his body! The fatal wound is…”
“It’s…”
“…Report, each one is fatal! The minister is beyond saving!”
##
(advanced chapters available on kofi)
![Professional Red Thread Cutter [Quick Transmigration]](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_6298.jpeg "Professional Red Thread Cutter [Quick Transmigration]")