Cultivating Sun Breathing, First Battle!

At dawn, a thin mist shrouded the sea, and the sky had yet to brighten.

The Moby Dick lay quietly anchored on the ocean, with most people still lost in dreams.

But Lin Feng had risen early and come to the deck alone.

He gripped Frost Gale tightly, took a deep breath, and began practicing his swings.

"Breathe... in..."

Lin Feng's breathing gradually became long and deep, a sign that Sun Breathing was circulating.

Every swing synchronized with Sun Breathing. With each inhalation and exhalation, the blade sliced through the air with soft swishing sounds.

[Slash Points +1]

[Slash Points +1]

The system notifications echoed in Lin Feng's mind.

Lin Feng focused entirely on his training, completely losing track of time.

"Oh? Training with your sword this early?"

A deep voice suddenly rang out, interrupting Lin Feng's practice.

Lin Feng sheathed his sword and turned around. A tall man stood not far away, watching him with great interest.

"Captain Vista."

Lin Feng recognized him at once. He was Vista, captain of the Whitebeard Pirates' Fifth Division, known as the "Flower Sword."

"Not bad, kid. You're quite diligent."

Vista walked over to Lin Feng and looked him up and down, a trace of approval in his eyes.

"Kid, your breathing is rather unusual, isn't it?"

"I figured it out on my own. It's called Sun Breathing," Lin Feng answered honestly.

"Sun Breathing? Interesting."

Vista stroked his small mustache thoughtfully.

"Want me to give you a few pointers?"

"Really? That would be great!"

Lin Feng's eyes lit up. He had been worried that he had no one to guide him in actual combat.

Vista was a swordsmanship expert among the Whitebeard Pirates. Receiving his guidance was more than Lin Feng could have hoped for.

"Come on. Let me see what you can do."

Vista drew the twin swords at his waist and assumed a fighting stance.

"Then I won't hold back!"

Lin Feng took a deep breath, pushed Sun Breathing to its limit, and charged at Vista.

"One Sword Style: Iai Slash!"

Lin Feng shouted as Frost Gale flew from its sheath at incredible speed, slashing toward Vista.

"Oh? Your speed's not bad, but you lack strength!"

Vista easily blocked Lin Feng's attack, then sent him flying with a kick.

"Bang!"

Lin Feng crashed heavily onto the deck, feeling as though his internal organs had shifted out of place. That kick had some real force behind it.

"Again!"

Lin Feng swiftly got to his feet, his fighting spirit burning even hotter as he charged at Vista once more.

"Sun Breathing: First Form: Dance!"

This time, Lin Feng used a Sun Breathing technique.

His swordsmanship became sharper, and his speed increased as well.

"Oh? Now this is interesting!"

A flash of surprise crossed Vista's eyes. He could feel that Lin Feng's attack was far stronger than before. This kid's rate of improvement was astonishing.

"Sun Breathing: Second Form: Clear Blue Sky!"

"Sun Breathing: Third Form: Raging Sun Red Mirror!"

Lin Feng continuously unleashed Sun Breathing techniques, launching a fierce assault on Vista.

However, Vista was simply too strong. Lin Feng's attacks posed no threat to him whatsoever. After all, he was the battle-hardened captain of the Fifth Division.

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

Lin Feng was knocked down again and again, yet he rose each time.

The wounds on his body multiplied, but he never gave up. His gaze remained resolute.

"Not bad, kid. You actually lasted this long."

Vista looked at Lin Feng approvingly. This kid's perseverance was truly admirable.

"Your Sun Breathing has great potential, but you're still not proficient enough."

"Also, your combat skills are too crude. You need much more practice."

"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Captain Vista!"

Lin Feng spoke while panting heavily. Vista's guidance had benefited him immensely.

"Gurarararara! What are you two doing?"

At that moment, Whitebeard's voice came from afar. His unmistakable laugh made it obvious who it was.

"Pops!"

"Old man!"

Vista and Lin Feng both turned to Whitebeard.

"Sparring this early in the morning? You two are full of energy!"

Whitebeard walked over with a smile. Seeing his sons so lively made him happy as well.

"Pops, this kid's Sun Breathing is interesting. I wanted to test his strength."

Vista explained.

"Oh? Sun Breathing?"

Whitebeard looked at Lin Feng, curiosity flashing through his eyes.

"Let Pops have a look too."

"Alright!"

Lin Feng took a deep breath and assumed a fighting stance again.

"Report—"

Just then, a pirate suddenly ran over and shouted, interrupting their conversation.

"A Navy patrol ship has been spotted ahead!"

"Oh? The Navy?"

Whitebeard raised a brow, excitement flashing in his eyes.

"Men, prepare for battle!"

"Oh!!!"

The pirates answered in unison. The atmosphere instantly became tense as everyone cracked their knuckles, ready for a good fight.

"Kid, this is your first real battle. Put on a good show!"

Whitebeard patted Lin Feng on the shoulder, his eyes full of expectation.

"Of course!"

Lin Feng tightly gripped Frost Gale, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit.

Before long, a Navy patrol ship entered everyone's sight, and the distance between the two vessels steadily closed.

"Fire!"

A Navy officer shouted the order from aboard the warship, launching the first attack.

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

Several cannonballs flew toward the Moby Dick, filling the air with the stench of gunpowder.

"An attack of this level is useless!"

Vista sneered and swung his twin swords, cutting down the cannonballs one after another and displaying his formidable strength.

"Men, charge!"

Whitebeard roared and leaped onto the Navy warship first.

"Kill!"

The pirates followed close behind, engaging the Navy in a fierce battle. The cries of combat shook the heavens.

"Sun Breathing: First Form: Dance!"

Lin Feng also charged into the enemy ranks. Frost Gale became streaks of cold light in his hand, reaping the lives of Navy soldiers. Every slash was precise and lethal.

This was Lin Feng's first real battle, and also the first time he had killed someone.

Though he felt somewhat uncomfortable, Lin Feng knew this was the world of pirates. It was kill or be killed, and he had to adapt to this cruel reality.

"Splat!"

"Splat!"

"Splat!"

One Navy soldier after another fell beneath Lin Feng's blade. Blood dyed the deck red, and the air filled with the scent of gore.

[Slash Points +10]

[Slash Points +10]

The system notifications rang out without end. Lin Feng's Slash Points rapidly increased, and every slash made him stronger.

"Sun Breathing: Second Form: Clear Blue Sky!"

Lin Feng slashed out, and a fiery sword aura instantly killed a Navy officer, spraying blood everywhere.

"Nice work, Lin Feng!"

Marco flew over from afar and praised him after witnessing Lin Feng's performance.

"This is only the beginning!"

Lin Feng smiled and threw himself back into the battle.

The battle continued for a long time before ultimately ending in victory for the Whitebeard Pirates.

The Navy patrol ship was sunk, and all the Navy soldiers aboard were wiped out. It was a thoroughly satisfying victory.

"Clean up the battlefield, then we feast!"

Whitebeard loudly announced, his voice filled with bold joy.

"Oh!!!"

The pirates cheered, the joy of victory written across every face.

Lin Feng stood on the deck, looking at the corpses and blood covering the ground, his heart filled with emotion.

This was the world of pirates—cruel yet real. He had to keep growing stronger if he wanted to survive in this world.

[Slash Points +500]

[New System Function Unlocked: Shop]

[The host may purchase various items, equipment, and more in the Shop]

"Shop?"

Lin Feng's heart stirred. This was certainly a good thing.

Open the Shop, Lin Feng silently said in his mind.