Chapter 22: The Age of Exploration - Corsairs and their daring expeditions.
Jiang Ping decided to travel the world in wake of new developments. He ventured into distant lands and uncovering the world's long-kept secrets with his discerning eyes. Among his discoveries, he encountered an anomaly that ignited his insatiable curiosity: a peculiar species of trees known as the descendents of Lahil. These conifer had spread across every corner of the world, unlike any other flora known to the primordial world. Despite their unassuming height and the lack of any noticeable extraordinary power, they had established themselves as the undisputed rulers of their respective regions. Intrigued by this, Jiang Ping resolved to investigate it firsthand.
As the carriage leisurely traversed a wide dirt road, a gentle breeze carried the invigorating scent of wheat, refreshing the hearts of those on board.
"You know, I've heard that the wheat seeds we're sowing can be traced back to an ancient king," remarked a young man within the carriage.
"Which king? I believe it's all just myth and legend. The origin of these provender remains a mystery. They have undergone countless mutations and selections, a testament to the collective efforts of multiple generations," countered a seasoned businessman in his thirties.
"I beg to differ. Recently, the Tulip Kingdom's archaeological team unearthed the remains of a ruined city entombed underground. To their astonishment, they discovered viable seeds and alchemical blueprints, leaving the kingdom's authorities astounded. Rumor has it that the Tulip Kingdom intends to construct another grand vessel," disclosed a middle-aged man, his luxurious garments and elegant temperament suggesting his affluents.
A collective gasp echoed within the carriage upon hearing the middle-aged man's words. The Tulip Kingdom, not far from their current location, loomed ominously with the impending arrival of this prodigious vessel.
This era marked the age of intrepid exploration, where vast seas separated numerous continents, igniting conflicts between kingdoms. Countless individuals had ventured into the ocean's depths, answering the call of the kingdoms. Each day brought the discovery of new continents, salvage of underwater relics, charting of sea routes, and flourishing intercontinental trade as diverse regions exchanged precious resources and knowledge. Even after the cataclysm, humanity continued to rebuild civilization, and the continents thrived amidst the remnants of ancient ruins.
With each new discovery, the human kingdoms reaped abundant rewards. Thus, the continents devoted themselves to exploring the ocean's depths, and to this day, the world map remained incomplete, concealing the possibility of undiscovered continents lying beneath the deep.
"Actually," the middle-aged man continued, capturing everyone's attention, "the fabled Spear of Destiny, the most coveted treasure from myths and legends, may indeed exist."
A collective silence enveloped the carriage, as if time itself held its breath.
"That's nothing more than a poet's jest," the skeptical businessman retorted, dismissing the notion.
Legends about this artifact abounded—some claimed it to be a relic left by the Lord, while others believed it to be a celestial treasure forged by the harmonious union of heaven and earth. Some saw the mysterious spear as the pinnacle of ancient civilization's ingenuity. These wondrous tales had been ingrained in the minds of those within the carriage since their youth, passed down through generations.
"From what I've learned, ancient murals unearthed from various archaeological sites depict a great deity bestowing three magnificent treasures. Each kingdom's archaeological teams tirelessly strive to uncover clues about the Spear of Destiny. This artifact possesses immense power and symbolizes the divine right of kingship. It has been an ancient heirloom, an everlasting weapon. Whoever possesses it shall be an anointed one!" As the middle-aged man wove this enchanting tale, the
listeners found themselves spellbound by its allure.
Nevertheless, the skeptical businessman refused to yield. "Have any of these archaeological teams made significant discoveries?" he inquired.
Sighing, the middle-aged man replied, "Alas, to the best of my knowledge, the major kingdoms have lost hope. Many believe that the spear has long vanished, yet its existence still evokes faith among countless souls."
The revelation left everyone disheartened. Could this artifact, shrouded in legend, truly survive to the current age? Did even ever exist?
"Yes..." A resolute voice suddenly resonated from the carriage, capturing everyone's attention. All eyes turned to a seemingly inconspicuous young man, devoid of any outward allure.
Despite his unremarkable appearance, blending seamlessly into the bustling streets, he emanated an ineffable aura. His presence had gone unnoticed until his words broke the silence, encapsulating the very essence of all those present.
The middle-aged man cast a perplexed gaze at the young man, his curiosity piqued by the unwavering conviction in the young man's eyes. With an entrancing voice, he continued, "This revelation comes directly from the Tulla, the celebrated royal physician of our millennium. A lifelong seeker of ancient artifacts, Tulla traversed countless kingdoms and explored the farthest reaches of known continents."
Instantly, the attention of everyone in the carriage was captivated. Tulla's name commanded profound respect, as he stood as the paragon of wisdom among scholars. His tireless quest for knowledge led him to venture through numerous realms and uncover hidden secrets.
"Tulla, before his departure from this world, imparted his wisdom to his disciples," the middle-aged man divulged. "He uttered these words: 'Do you want to have the Spear of Destiny? It slumbers within the ocean's abyssal depths!' After tireless searches, Tulla discovered the last recorded sighting of this artifact aboard a ship before it sank."
The revelation of Tulla's words ignited an inferno of ambition among the nations, igniting an intense race for maritime supremacy. The age of unparalleled navigation unfurled before their eyes, each individual realizing the true purpose behind the fervent explorations of the sea undertaken by major kingdoms.
A chorus of contemplative murmurs and whispered expressions of awe followed, the passengers roused by the middle-aged man's secret narrative. The once monotonous journey now crackled with an electric sense of adventure. The younger passengers, in particular, found themselves unable to contain their restlessness, their hearts yearning to escape the confines of the carriage and go hunting for long lost treasures.
Among them, a bright-eyed boy of tender age leaped from his mother's embrace, his spirit aflame with youthful exuberance.
"Wait! I shall traverse the globe, seeking the Spear of Destiny and claiming the mantle of the One Piece King!" he declared, his hands clasped earnestly over his chest. In his eyes, an unwavering determination gleamed, devoid of any hint of jest or immaturity.
The proclamation stirred laughter, cascading through the carriage like a joyous symphony. Even the groom at the front succumbed to mirth, and Jiang Ping, observing the scene, shook his head with an affectionate smile.
Amidst the laughter, a contagious sense of delight enveloped the carriage. Though they perceived the boy's words as innocent and oblivious to the world's perils, they found his unwavering resolve endearing.
Observing the crowd's mirth with a perplexed expression, the boy turned to his mother, seeking solace and understanding. Had he unintentionally misspoken?
With a loving embrace, the young woman tenderly reassured her son, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Lu 8Fei, treasures are not easily acquired. Consider the multitude of people who have searched for countless years, yet failed to find them," she explained. The boy's determination, however, remained unshaken, his seriousness unyielding. "That's because they lacked what I possess. I have unwavering faith in my ability to succeed."
Laughter erupted once more, yet the boy remained resolute, the plump cheeks of his cherubic countenance bearing testament to his unflagging determination.
Jiang Ping, touched by the boy's spirit, patted his head and offered a warm smile, his hand tenderly caressing the boy's head. "Where there is resolve, there is a path. Your belief in finding the treasure is not nothing." In response, the boy beamed, his plump cheeks pressing against his big eyes, causing them to narrow ever so slightly.
Finally, the boy found validation amidst the laughter and skepticism that had surrounded him. Why had everyone assumed he was joking? Such misunderstanding proved vexing to his earnest soul.
As the carriage gradually decelerated, they arrived at their destination. One by one, the passengers disembarked, concluding their eventful journey.
Reluctantly, the boy waved farewell to Jiang Ping, his tiny hand suspended in the air. It took several gentle tugs from his mother to entice him to move forward and continue their path.
The boy let go of his little hand, only to see a verdant green leaf in his palm, whole the young woman looked at this leaf curiously.
Yet, unbeknownst to the boy, the wheel of history propelled his life forward by the will of some blithe god. The verdant green leaf bestowed upon him by Jiang Ping would accompany him throughout his life. It would serve as a shield against the tempests of adversity, an illuminating beacon guiding his path through the boundless ocean depths, and a compass leading him to grand adventures.