Having traversed the Sea of Ether reflects the human heart, the Thousand Sunny Modified seemed to have sailed into an oasis of life. Ahead lay no longer an endless Void or an illusion of energy, but a vast, boundless nebula-like structure radiating a soft blue-green light. Countless "islands" or "continents" of varying sizes, brimming with life, floated within, connected by "rivers" and "waterfalls" flowing with seven-colored light, forming a dreamlike ecological panorama.
"So... so beautiful!" Chopper leaned over the gunwale, sniffing the air deeply. "There are so many plant and medicinal scents in the air that I've never smelled before!"
Nami, gazing at the incredibly complex yet rhythmic energy flows and life signals displayed on the navigation system, exclaimed in amazement, "The ecological structure here... it's incredible! These floating landmasses seem to have been naturally formed from some kind of symbiotic plants and crystalline structures!"
Robin's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Could this be the legendary 'Ecological Ark' or 'Corridor of Life' from the Xinghai? It's said that they are miracles created by some ancient civilization to preserve the Spark life, or unique ecological treasures evolved by the universe."
Even Zoro, who is usually only interested in fighting and swordsmanship, couldn't help but take a few more glances at the strangely shaped floating landmasses that resembled crystal forests or glowing tundra. Sanji had already begun to conceive of how to use those enticingly fragrant alien plants and fungi to create new dishes.
Just as everyone was immersed in this wondrous sight of life, a gigantic figure suddenly leaped out from the "seven-colored river" below! It was a mysterious creature over a hundred meters long, resembling a dolphin but covered in shimmering, iridescent crystal scales, with a single spiral horn on its head. It let out a clear, melodious cry, its voice seemingly carrying a sense of soothing and inquiry.
Immediately afterwards, many creatures of various shapes and sizes flew in from the surrounding floating landmasses—birds with wings like rainbow membranes, floating creatures that swam in the air like jellyfish, and small, exquisite beasts that looked like they were carved from gemstones. They curiously circled the Thousand Sunny, their eyes clear and full of intelligence, and they did not show any hostility.
"They... don't seem to mean any harm?" Usopp said cautiously.
Brook tried to communicate with them through music, playing a gentle melody. The crystalline, dolphin-like creature seemed to understand, happily swam around the boat, and let out even more cheerful calls.
"It seems we've encountered friendly 'natives'." Jinbe smiled; he could sense the peaceful aura emanating from these creatures.
However, the tranquility of this ecological treasure trove did not last long. In the distance, a "seven-colored waterfall" connecting several large floating landmasses suddenly experienced an abnormally violent energy fluctuation! The originally smooth flow of energy became violent, and the colors changed from a brilliant seven colors to an ominous dark red and murky black! The polluted waterfall crashed against the land below, the plants on it withered rapidly, and the creatures that lived on it fled in panic.
The crystal-scaled dolphin (later known as the " Tidal Envoy," one of the guardians of this ecological corridor) cried out anxiously and sorrowfully, looking at the Thousand Sunny, especially at Allen, its eyes filled with pleading.
"It's calling for help!" Chopper understood immediately.
"It's energy pollution!" Franky checked the data. "Some kind of alien, corrosive energy is disrupting the ecological balance here!"
Allen sensed the polluted waterfall, his brow furrowing slightly. "It's not a natural phenomenon, nor is it the energy of the ' World Devourers '... It's more like some kind of... polluting energy leaked from a man-made or out-of-control technological creation."
Just then, from the direction of the pollution source, three ruggedly designed ships, covered in heavy armor and with a style completely out of place with the surrounding ecosystem, suddenly rushed out! Their hulls were painted with a ferocious gear symbol that looked like it was dripping acid, and they were constantly firing capture nets and some kind of suppressive energy aura in all directions, their targets clearly being the fleeing, valuable, and rare creatures!
"It's the 'Raiders'!" Robin deduced from the star map data. "A group of black market mercenaries or hunting gangs that roam the Xinghai, specializing in plundering rare resources, creatures, and technology!"
These raiders had clearly spotted the Thousand Sunny as well, and one of them immediately turned its cannons around, firing a thick beam of energy with a strong paralyzing effect!
"Damn it! How dare you ruin such a beautiful place!" Nami was furious, and her Clima-Tact instantly unleashed lightning, "Thunder Weather - Lightning Spear!"
Zoro and Sanji also attacked simultaneously, using slashes and kicks to intercept the attacks from the other two ships.
Seeing that someone was fighting against the raiders, the " Tidal Envoy " let out a loud cry. The spiral horn on its head lit up with a brilliant blue light, drawing in the pure ecological energy around it to form a gentle yet powerful energy Tide. This tide helped the Thousand Sunny maneuver and interfered with the raider ships' systems.
A battle of offense and defense erupted over this ecological treasure trove. The raiders gained the upper hand with their powerful firepower and capture devices, while the Straw Hat Pirates relied on their individual combat strength, the ecological energy assistance of the " Tidal Envoy," and Allen's precise spacetime interference (such as briefly freezing the capture net or fine-tuning the trajectory of the energy beam) to contend with them.
"We can't let them continue to destroy!" Luffy looked down at the polluted and withering land below, his anger burning. " Gum-Gum Giant Battle Axe!" His massive foot slammed into the main cannon of a raider ship like a mountain.
Allen, on the other hand, focused on addressing the source of the pollution. He locked onto the fissure in the waterfall that was still spewing out polluted energy, formed a hand seal, and combined the power of spacetime with the newly acquired power imbued with will and spirituality.
"With a pure and tranquil mind, let us heal our wounds..."
"Space-Time Ritual: Source Tracing and Purification!"
He didn't forcibly block the rift, but rather guided his own power upstream to trace the source of the pollution! Under the influence of his power, the foul energy spewing from the rift seemed to be rewound, rapidly shrinking back, while the corrosive properties it contained were quickly neutralized and stripped away by the power of spacetime and Allen's purifying will!
A few minutes later, the fissure stopped spewing out polluted energy and returned to its original seven-colored hue. Although the damaged ecosystem could not be restored immediately, it at least halted further deterioration.
Having lost the cover of the pollution source and witnessing Allen's incredible abilities, the three raider ships, sensing the danger, immediately attempted to retreat.
"Trying to run? Not so easy!" Franky piloted the Thousand Sunny's new weapon—the " Lion's Roar Resonance Cannon "—and fired a shot at the engine of the last ship, rendering it powerless.
The battle ended, and the remaining raiders fled in panic. The " Tidal Envoy " cried out joyfully, attracting more creatures from the Ecological Corridor. They danced around the Thousand Sunny, offering various exotic fruits and shimmering crystals to express their gratitude.
Looking at this ecological treasure trove that has returned to tranquility and beauty, and at the sentient creatures, the Straw Hat Pirates felt a great sense of accomplishment. They had not only repelled the raiders, but also protected a rare beauty and harmony in the Xinghai.
The " Tidal Envoy " swam up to Allen, lowered its head, and gently touched the bow of the Thousand Sunny with its horn. A gentle ecological energy, imbued with gratitude and blessing, flowed into the ship. Everyone felt that the ship seemed to have become slightly more agile.
After bidding farewell to these friendly residents of the Xinghai, the Thousand Sunny Modified set sail once more. This experience taught them that the Xinghai is not only filled with darkness and slaughter, but also contains beauty that needs to be protected. And their journey has thus gained even more meaning.