Chapter 30: A Man Called Kidnapper.
Wei Shiyan, after leaving behind the ruins of the destroyed place, emerged in a vast and boundless mountainous region. The sight that greeted him was nothing short of breathtaking.
Before him stretched a chain of colossal mountain peaks, towering high into the heavens, their summits piercing through the clouds. Mist curled and rolled among the jagged ridges, while streaks of golden sunlight fell through the gaps, illuminating the ethereal landscape.
Wei Shiyan's eyes gleamed with a trace of wonder as he looked from afar.
This was the Fifty Blissful Peaks.
It was a place where all sorts of people gathered—treasure hunters, adventurers, vagabonds, and cultivators who sought fortune or refuge. Though everyone who wandered the Desolate Mirage Ridges tended to live as loners, bonds still formed here and there. Friendships could exist, yet betrayal always lurked in the shadows.
The Fifty Blissful Peaks had long been known as a haven of refreshment for wanderers. For many, it was a resting ground where they could pause from the dangers of the ridges. But everyone also knew the truth: in the end, your wealth determined your fate. Your riches served as the only true ticket… to Uncle Shura's dominion.
Wei Shiyan, unlike others who carried burdens of cultivation and survival, found himself in an unusually good mood.
"This place…" He stretched lazily, reclining on a drifting cloud, "…is perfect for borrowing a few materials and treasures. No one here will mind, right?"
His lips curved into a carefree smirk. For the first time in a long while, he felt he could simply enjoy himself, forgetting the endless grind of cultivation.
As he drifted leisurely, a shadow streaked across the horizon. A large ship pierced through the skies like a bolt of light, heading straight for the Fifty Blissful Peaks. Its surface glimmered faintly with runes of protection, and its momentum carried an air of dominance.
Wei Shiyan's interest in flying directly evaporated.
"Why waste energy when there's a free ride waiting for me?"
With a sonic boom, he vanished from his cloud, shooting forward like lightning. A single step later, he landed firmly upon the deck of the flying ship.
No one paid him much mind.
The passengers, focused on their own affairs, barely glanced at him. Perhaps it was the faint aura he unconsciously released upon arrival—a pressure subtle yet undeniable—that kept them from approaching.
Wei Shiyan's gaze swept across the ship. After a moment of inspection, he settled himself in a quiet corner, adopting the appearance of a cautious, rule-abiding youth. His entire bearing shifted, making him appear like someone utterly ordinary and harmless.
But soon… a strange pressure tugged at him.
It wasn't directed at him, but at someone nearby—a young man dressed in purple robes.
A brash-looking fellow strode up to the purple-robed youth, his tone mocking.
"I didn't see you pay. Who gave you the audacity to get on board and sit without meeting the captain?"
His voice carried loudly enough for everyone to hear.
Those who had traveled often through the Desolate Mirage Ridges knew this was a familiar act. It wasn't about fare or rules. It was simply a chance to make things difficult for someone weaker.
The purple-robed youth blinked, his expression innocent. He opened his mouth.
"But I already paid before I even ente—"
"Shut up." The young man cut him off sharply.
The onlookers only sighed and lost interest. Scenes like this were common in the ridges. Interfering brought no benefit, only unnecessary trouble.
Even the captain, standing at the helm, made no move. Everyone knew the truth—this bully and his companions worked for him. Their harassment of passengers was simply another way to profit.
The purple-robed youth exhaled softly, his voice calm. "How much?"
The bully's lips curved into a wicked grin. "Five hundred black crystals."
The youth didn't argue. Without complaint, he handed over the five hundred black crystals.
The man pretended to count them, his eyes narrowing. Then, with a sneer, he spoke again.
"Are you daft? I said five thousand black crystals."
He pocketed the five hundred without shame.
A ripple of disbelief spread through the passengers.
"What?!"
"That's robbery in broad daylight!"
Some murmured under their breath, appalled. Others smirked, amused by the spectacle.
Wei Shiyan simply leaned back, watching. His eyes flickered with amusement, but he said nothing.
The purple-robed youth, however, didn't flinch. He reached into his storage bag once more and handed over another five thousand black crystals. His face betrayed no anger, no shame, not even displeasure.
The crowd buzzed with curiosity.
Who is this person?
Why would he endure such humiliation so easily?
Their speculations grew louder through hushed voice transmissions.
Meanwhile, in another corner of the ship, a veiled woman in white robes sat gracefully. A faint light veil concealed her face, repelling the probing gazes of others. Her beauty, though partially hidden, still carried a captivating aura.
Her entourage, a group of people encircling her protectively, observed the scene as well.
A middle-aged man at her side shook his head. "That youth must come from some family. Likely he was sent here to temper himself. But such rashness… what a foolish decision."
The veiled woman's eyes softened as she gazed at the purple-robed youth. "Uncle Wang, we came here only because we had no other choice—the patriarch's illness leaves us desperate. I believe… that young man too must have no other choice."
With those words, she took a step forward, intending to interfere.
But the elders around her quickly restrained her. "No. It isn't our place."
She bit her lip but relented, her beautiful eyes clouded with worry.
The journey continued.
Soon, the flying ship reached the edge of the Fifty Blissful Peaks. The atmosphere grew thick with energy as the ship quivered, entering what seemed to be a pocket of space.
But before anyone could react—
Boom!
The ship trembled violently. The surrounding space sealed itself, locking the vessel in place.
From the core of the ship came a furious roar.
"You dare?!"
Shock rippled across the passengers.
"What's happening?"
Ten powerful auras surged forth as figures appeared on deck. At their lead stood a burly man radiating dominance. His presence was fierce, his eyes blazing with fury.
"I am the master of this vessel, the Black Bolt. Who dares tamper with my ship?!"
From the sealed space, a low, cunning chuckle reverberated.
"Tamper…?" The voice was mocking. "…Are you even worthy? This… is kidnapping."
Black Bolt's face darkened with rage. "Show yourself!"
From the shadows, a figure stepped forward.
Wei Shiyan.
He appeared calm, almost amused, an enigmatic smirk tugging at his lips.
Gasps spread among the passengers. Some who had noticed him boarding earlier now realized the truth of what was unfolding.
Black Bolt's eyes narrowed, his instincts screaming caution. The aura around Wei Shiyan was strange, filled with a mysterious pressure. The space itself seemed to bend faintly around him.
Space law… Black Bolt's expression turned grim.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
Wei Shiyan's smirk faded into a deadly serious expression. His voice rang out, sharp and cold.
"My name… is Kidnapper. And I am… a kidnapper."
The words dropped like thunder.
Every single person on board froze.
Silence followed.
Then, shock.
Dumbfounded gazes locked onto Wei Shiyan, hearts trembling at the
audacity of his declaration.
The air grew heavy.
A storm was about to break.