Shi Hao and Huo Ling'er Board a Pirate Ship, Qingyi Is About to Break Through to the Venerable Realm

Shi Hao stood in the center of the harbor like a war god cast from gold. The powerful aura around him had not fully receded, yet when his gaze swept over the sea soul masters kneeling on the ground, the cold killing intent he had shown Lin Zhenhai was gone, replaced by deep calm and the majesty of one who looked down upon all living beings.

He slowly raised a hand and pressed it downward. The already deathly silent harbor seemed to freeze even the sea breeze for a moment, and the trembling of the sea soul masters became almost imperceptible. His voice carried an unquestionable force that echoed through the harbor and rang clearly in every ear. Every word struck their already fragile hearts like a heavy hammer.

"From this day forth, Vast Sea City, along with these waters, shall answer to the command of the Stone Kingdom!" Shi Hao's words sounded like the proclamation of a supreme decree. He did not mention his own name, instead invoking the Stone Kingdom, a nation that held the highest place in his heart. His gaze slowly swept across the kneeling sea soul masters, as though he wanted to brand every one of them into his memory and make them remember this moment forever—remember who had given them the chance to live.

"If you serve the nation loyally and guard these seas well, you will be meritorious subjects of the Stone Kingdom, and I shall reward you according to your achievements." Shi Hao's voice softened somewhat, but none of its authority faded. "But if you dare to obey openly while defying in secret, harboring other ambitions... Lin Zhenhai's fate shall be your example!" His words were like a thunderous rebuke, instantly dispelling every lingering delusion among the sea soul masters. Lin Zhenhai's