The elderly woman's expression shifted like summer weather, frustrated but cautious after recalling Lin Yi's piercing stare.
The path to the White White Sea shimmered like a silver ribbon, winding upward in irregular patterns. The swift shrimp sped along it, practically a streak of lightning.
Big Pan leaned forward at the bow, wind whipping through his hair, shouting with joy. "Wow! This is amazing!"
Fiona, more composed, crossed her arms. "Don't celebrate too soon. We still don't know what dangers lie ahead."
"Lin Yi, why did you only pay ten thousand when she said a billion?" Philina asked, puzzled.
Lin Yi laughed. "Philina, you're adorable. You've been tricked. The Sky Island has its own currency Extral. 1 Beli equals 10,000 Extral. She hoped to cheat us out of 10 billion Beli by hiding this fact. I gave her a little lesson instead."
Philina stomped, cheeks flushed. "How deceitful! I thought she was a kindly old lady."
As the swift shrimp climbed, the clouds thinned. Simon's eyes widened. "Look! Is that the White White Sea?"
A blinding white light appeared ahead, revealing scattered island structures within it.
"Finally, we're almost there!" Lin Yi grinned.
The Silver Dragon surged past a golden sign: GODLAND SKYPIEA, breaking through the clouds into a sunlit, pristine sky. The shrimp completed its task and vanished in the blink of an eye.
Compared to the White Sea, the White White Sea had scattered islands floating like pearls. Ahead, a large, lush island indicated habitation.
"This is incredible!" Robin exclaimed.
"Wow! Is this the legendary Sky Island?" Chiyo said, eyes wide.
Big Pan grabbed a fluffy cloud, squealing with delight. Others joined, catching the floating clouds, which seemed alive, forming playful shapes.
"Philina, these clouds are even comfier than the ones you make!" Reiko teased, lying atop one.
Philina lightly smacked Reiko's bottom in playful retaliation, eliciting giggles and shrieks, adding warmth and laughter to the scene.
But three figures suddenly approached at high speed, riding peculiar small vessels with white wings, carrying long spears.
Simon spotted them first. "Captain! Three winged men are rushing toward us!"
Lin Yi recognized them as native Sky Islanders but was unsure if they belonged to Gan Fall's patrol or Enel's White Beret forces.
The three advanced rapidly on their vessels, shouting, "Hey! You adventurers from Qinghai?"
Everyone else looked puzzled, unsure if other routes existed to reach the Sky Island.
Lin Yi knew the truth: aside from the well-known route via Skypiea currents from Kaya Island, another path existed through smaller islands in the western sky. More tedious, so he ignored it.
As they neared, Lin Yi asked, "Who governs here now?"
The three stiffened. One demanded, "Who are you? How do you know of us?"
Lin Yi smiled calmly. "We are mere adventurers. Knowledge comes from travelers fortunate enough to visit this island."
Still cautious, the three exchanged glances. One stepped forward, eyes on Lin Yi. "Then you must meet Lord Gan Fall. Do not resist during the journey."
Lin Yi nodded, silently agreeing. In unfamiliar territory, meeting the local ruler was the fastest way to gain information.
Halfway there, an unexpected threat appeared: seven heavily armed men on flying vessels the White Berets approached from the side.
The three guides turned pale. "Damn! How did these hyena-like beasts appear?" one exclaimed.
Another said quickly, "We must split and report to Gan Fall!"
The third hesitated. "What about the Qinghai people?"
"They're not residents. The hyenas won't bother them," the first replied. And in a flash, the guides scattered, leaving Lin Yi's group behind.
Fiona frowned. "Looks like they're in serious trouble…"
"Not our problem for now. We'll help if they're in mortal danger," Lin Yi said, raising a hand.
The guides were quickly surrounded, their shell-covered bodies fighting valiantly, but outnumbered, they were captured.
"Brothers, return them to Enel for punishment," shouted the leader of the attackers.
"Captain, what about the others on that ship?" a subordinate asked, pointing.
"Oh, almost forgot. That vessel looks fine; let's capture it for Enel!" The captain grinned, unaware this decision would soon bring him regret.