Shui Bing'er knitted her brows, about to object to the outrageous price, but Huang Yan raised a hand to stop her.
"Three thousand Gold Soul Coins. Fine."
Huang Yan looked unruffled.
"I'll pay you fifteen hundred Gold Soul Coins up front.
But I have one condition."
Haider was delighted. Two more clueless inland sheep, fat with money and too stupid to keep it. His smile grew brighter.
"Name it, honored guest!
As long as the Gold Soul Coins keep coming, we can discuss anything!"
"Every turn of the helm and every change of course must follow my orders. No veering off on your own."
Huang Yan held Haider's gaze, his tone loaded with meaning.
"And once we're at sea, I don't like people skulking outside my door while I sleep.
Do you understand?"
Haider's heart gave an inexplicable jolt. For a moment, he felt as though every secret he held had been laid bare.
Then he remembered that every man aboard his ship was a pirate who had survived the fiercest storms.
Once they reached the boundless sea, even a Soul Elder or Soul Ancestor would have to submit to the knife. He cast his doubts aside.
"Of course!
You're paying the bill, honored guest. Your word is law aboard the Sea Demon Ship!"
Haider thumped his chest in assurance.
"My men are honest fellows just trying to earn a living. They wouldn't dare disturb your peace!"
"When can we set sail?" Huang Yan asked.
"We've already got fresh water and provisions aboard. Any time!"
Haider spoke eagerly.
"Once the deposit's paid, we can weigh anchor within half an hour!"
Huang Yan took a heavy pouch of coins from his Storage Ring and tossed it to Haider.
"Fifteen hundred Gold Soul Coins.
We'll board and set sail in half an