Chapter 968: Glory One

Although they were known as pirates, everyone knew that their presence near Dragon Devil Island wasn't solely for treasure. Each individual harbored a unique belief, aiming to land on the island and achieve a glory shared by all cultivators across the continent.

In fact, it was precisely by achieving such glory that the five original founders of the Dragon Devil Combat Group's Elder Council were able to quickly make a name for themselves, attracting more and more wandering cultivators to join their ranks. Without such an experience, it would have been a pipe dream for the Dragon Devil Combat Group to rise so powerfully and expand to its current scale within mere millennia in the Western Regions of the Yingzhou Continent.

Now, however, what outsiders considered historical records were about to be personally broken by Xu Yang's Glory Squad.

Once the several hundred people brought by Jack successfully transferred to the Black Pearl, they quickly bonded with the seven members of the Glory Squad. After a brief discussion, Captain Jack meticulously shared everything he knew about the distribution of forces in this sea area with Xu Yang and his team. This invaluable intelligence about maritime resources filled the Glory Squad with immense confidence for their upcoming journey.

According to Old Jack, about eight thousand nautical miles ahead lay a very powerful pirate legion. They exclusively occupied an independent island, which was rich in resources, and their pirate members were formidable, possessing weaponry that was not to be underestimated. Previously, Jack's Victorious Legion had clashed head-on with that pirate force and was routed, nearly suffering complete annihilation. Since then, Old Jack had rarely dared to approach the independent island's vicinity.

However, the storm's trajectory now compelled Xu Yang and his team to head in that direction. More importantly, it was likely the unavoidable path to the Central Domain. Having such a resting place would undoubtedly be a significant advantage for Xu Yang's team. They didn't care if their opponents were easy to provoke; anyone who dared to challenge them would face only one outcome: utter destruction!

"Captain Jack, there's no need to worry," Lister said, brimming with confidence. "With our leader here, you haven't yet witnessed the full power of the Glory Squad. Once we encounter those 'children' occupying the independent island, you'll understand what the name 'Glory Squad' truly signifies." He wasn't boasting, merely stating a fact with a touch of exaggeration.

Old Captain Jack, being experienced and well-traveled, could easily discern from Xu Yang and his team's demeanor and conversation that these seven individuals were truly extraordinary. Furthermore, if they were merely benevolent souls, how could they possess such a colossal warship as the Black Pearl, which resembled a city on the sea?

Time passed swiftly. In less than three days, Xu Yang's Black Pearl had arrived near the island, within the territory controlled by the pirate legion. Soon, more than a dozen warships appeared in sight, all part of the interception force dispatched from that independent island. Each warship appeared exceptionally majestic and massive, surrounding Xu Yang's Black Pearl from all directions.

"You fools, do you not know your place?" a voice boomed. "Are you unaware that the surrounding sea area is under the command of our Marauder Legion?"

The one shouting at the forefront was a strong individual with beginner-level blue cultivation power, a cyclops with the typical appearance and attire of a pirate leader. However, Xu Yang and his team clearly understood that this individual was definitely not the island's true ruler. Judging by his demeanor, being able to simultaneously command over a dozen warships to lead the charge meant he was likely a general or an elder, if not exactly one.

Plancius snorted coldly and responded through an amplification device ten times louder: "I say, you little cyclops, instead of wasting time here with us, go get your eye checked. If that's not possible, I can put an eye in for you. Don't you feel uncomfortable covering one eye all the time?"

Undoubtedly, Plancius's words were a public insult to the cyclops, who, enraged, immediately ordered an attack on the Black Pearl. After all, with their powerful pirate force, what kind of opponent hadn't they encountered? Faced with the Black Pearl's defiant posture, the cyclops could not tolerate it.

At that instant, countless artillery volleys erupted, unleashing an unparalleled barrage of firepower from all directions onto the Black Pearl. Undoubtedly, such an overwhelming barrage of firepower would have sunk even the largest ordinary warship to the seabed. The dazzling intensity of the firepower completely stunned Old Jack and his crew.

"I didn't expect the Marauder Legion's power to have grown so much recently!" Old Jack exclaimed. "Their firepower wasn't this strong before. It seems our journey won't be easy this time!"

As Old Jack finished speaking, Xu Yang gently turned and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry," he said, "you're about to see what true firepower looks like."

The moment Xu Yang finished speaking, Plancius immediately issued an order, and Madam Jessica, standing nearby, acted with practiced skill. In fact, during their own sea voyages, Jessica had always been responsible for controlling the firepower. At that instant, the young woman's hands moved fluidly, operating with great skill. Without warning, dozens of 'Cave Heaven Cannons' emerged from the Black Pearl's hull. Each cannon was as thick and formidable as a maritime pillar, aimed directly at the dozen or so warships. The moment she pressed a button, a slight smile played on Jessica's lips, and with that beautiful smile, an earth-shattering barrage of cannon fire erupted!

The utterly terrifying display completely astounded Old Jack and his seasoned cultivators. They never dreamed that the Black Pearl possessed such fearsome power.

"No wonder you have no auxiliary ships or helpers; this single warship is enough to help you sweep through all the pirate legions in this vicinity! It's terrifying. I've lived for thousands of years and never seen such a powerful warship as yours." Xu Yang burst into laughter. "To be honest, brother," he said, "this ship of ours was used by the Dragon Devil Combat Group during their rise to prominence. You must be familiar with the Dragon Devil Combat Group's reputation."

Only then did Old Jack and his crew realize the truth, giving Xu Yang and his team repeated thumbs-up. "No wonder your power is so immense, backed by the Dragon Devil Combat Group's heritage. It seems the pirate groups in this vicinity are in for a rough time this time!"

Not long after, Xu Yang issued his second command, instantly doubling the intensity of the firepower that had already overwhelmed the dozen or so warships. "Blast them all to smithereens! Leave no ship behind!"

Upon Xu Yang's command, Jessica immediately delivered a perfect response.