Pirates: This island has billions of black technologies Chapter 022

After the island first displayed the mysterious power of “Mist Wonder Island” before the Marines, Wei Ribao accelerated the pace of foreign trade.

He knew that while this mystique could bring a certain degree of deterrence, truly attracting high-quality talent and abundant resources required more concrete allure and stable transactions.

Lilith’s talent continuously provided unimaginably high-quality agricultural products and purified water, which became the island’s most prized assets.

Under Wei Ribao’s instructions, Quartermaster Rhode expanded the trade routes.

He no longer just visited small ports like Windmill Village but ventured deeper into several larger seaports in the East Blue, which boasted more ships and a more complex population structure.

He piloted the fast ship, meticulously modified by Jack and enhanced by Lilith’s talent—its hull crafted from tough, specially made timber, and its streamlined design kept it stable even amidst raging storms and towering waves.

The ship was painted a plain dark green, blending perfectly with the sea and sky, making it difficult for distant ships to spot. This stealth was a key design point Wei Ribao had specifically instructed Jack on.

In these ports, Rhode still employed his previous strategy: trading a small quantity of the island’s unique products, but of absolutely astonishing quality.

The fruits were so plump they seemed to drip honey, the jerky was incredibly chewy, imbued with a strong vitality, and the purified water was sweet and refreshing. These products caused an even greater sensation in these places.

Rhode, as a seasoned navigator, was well-versed in human nature.

He skillfully leveraged people’s imaginations about the mysteries of the sea. He described the “Island of Miracles” as a “mirage” that would occasionally appear and disappear in thick fog during certain seasons, where “divine fruits” capable of curing fatigue and replenishing energy grew. He even subtly mentioned that the people there lived in peace and abundance, free from pirate raids and the heavy taxes of the World Government.

He deliberately avoided any words that might alarm powerful individuals, emphasizing only the island’s “blessings” and “mysterious protection,” painting a beautiful picture of a utopia. This deliberate enticement immediately resonated strongly with the common people.

Along with trade, vague legends about “Mist Wonder Island” also spread.

Some merchants who had personally experienced the “divine fruits” and “mysterious water” would bring their stories back to taverns and teahouses.

Coupled with Marine Lieutenant Hare’s fruitless return, the rumors gained an even more incredible color.

“Do you know? I heard there’s a strange island in the East Blue lately. It can move on its own on the sea and conjure thick fog out of nowhere, making it impossible for anyone to approach!”

“You’re lying, right? How can an island move? Is it a Sea King?”

“It’s not a Sea King! They say a group of people blessed by gods live there, and their food is full of vitality, even capable of healing!”

Although these rumors were exaggerated, they attracted the first batch of truly knowledgeable and skilled talents to the “Island of Miracles.”

Some impoverished ordinary artisans dreaming of change; some young people confused about their future and unwilling to be exploited by the government or pirates; and even a small number of pirate crew members, tired of their bloodthirsty lives and hoping to quit, all, upon hearing the news that the “Island of Miracles” could offer refuge, took their meager possessions and sailed in crude boats towards the presumed direction of Wei Ribao’s island.

“Host, according to the latest scan report, the island’s population has grown to 520 people,” Ikaros reported to Wei Ribao.

Wei Ribao stood outside the simple workshop, listening to the bustling sounds from the distant, lively dock and the increasingly expanding farmlands, feeling the vibrant energy brought by this population growth.

He turned his head and looked at Lilith beside him.

Lilith’s eyes sparkled with an inner joy, and her pure face always carried a hint of curiosity about the world and the satisfaction of being needed.

Her graceful figure was currently busy helping Jack sort the metal ores that had been brought back, her delicate fingertips touching the rough minerals, seemingly able to feel the energy within them.

Wei Ribao felt a sense of peace; he knew Lilith was the cornerstone of all this development. She was like the life source of the entire island, nurturing everything with her talent.

“Lilith, look, there are over five hundred people here now,” Wei Ribao said with a hint of pride and satisfaction. He reached out and gently embraced her slender waist, pulling her closer to him, feeling the softness and elasticity of her waist. A faint, sweet scent brushed his nostrils, making his heart flutter.

Lilith snuggled gently in his embrace, resting her head on his shoulder, her eyes full of happiness and dependence: “Mmm… they all say this place is a miracle… Lord Wei, it’s you and Lilith who made it this way.”

Her voice was soft and full of trust, as if all glory belonged to him.

A warm current surged through Wei Ribao’s heart. He lowered his head and deeply kissed her soft, flaxen hair.

He felt her slight tremor and that absolute devotion that belonged only to him.

This love satisfied him more than any achievement.

Wei Ribao knew that the island was expanding rapidly, with all kinds of materials and people pouring in. And the driving force behind all of this was what he and Lilith had built together.

This innocent girl, now in his arms, had become the most beautiful and central landscape in his indestructible kingdom.