The Saint Anne slowly approached Purple Pearl Island and dropped anchor at a relatively flat stretch of tidal shore.
The anchor sank into the sea with a splash, soon securing the enormous ship.
Zhao Shaoqiang left ten crew members to guard the ship. After carefully giving them a few instructions, he led the others ashore behind Su Yu.
The island's air was exceptionally fresh, the fragrance of vegetation mingling with the salty dampness of the sea.
A few crude wooden huts stood scattered along the shore, their roofs covered in dried thatch. Several dark-skinned figures were busy outside.
They were the island's native inhabitants, spreading their freshly caught fish on bamboo racks to dry.
The silvery-white dried fish gleamed in the sunlight, and a faint, savory saltiness drifted through the air.
Zhao Shaoqiang pointed in several directions as he explained to Su Yu and the others:
"These are the island's native inhabitants. They've made their living by fishing for generations, and they're fairly honest, simple folk."
"There's a small market on the island where you can trade for fresh water, food, and miscellaneous supplies."
Su Yu nodded. "All right. Go buy the supplies. We'll take a look around."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Zhao Shaoqiang answered and led the crew toward the nearby market, his steps light.
Once they had left, Su Yu took Ning Rongrong and the others for a leisurely stroll along the beach.
The waves gently lapped against the shore, leaving a layer of foam before quietly retreating to reveal shells washed smooth.
Zhu Zhuqing bent down and picked up a fan-shaped white shell. Her fingertips brushed its fine ridges, and a flicker of interest crossed her eyes.
Ye Lingling, meanwhile, paid attention to several salt-tolerant plants growing beside the beach, occasionally crouching to examine the shapes of their