Chapter 873: Vanishing into Darkness
After listening to Zhu Zheng's words, Zhang Yi felt slightly relieved.
However, once the call ended, they could only drift blindly at sea from then on.
Without advanced navigation systems to guide them, they had to rely on Old Tian and the experienced crew's sailing knowledge to grope their way southwest, evading pursuit by the Colombian Ocean Fleet.
Zhu Yunque also wanted to say something to Zhu Zheng, but he merely told her coldly to follow Zhang Yi's orders from now on.
Zhu Yunque awkwardly nodded in agreement.
The communication ended quickly, and Zhang Yi immediately confiscated the device to prevent Zhu Yunque from impulsively contacting outsiders again.
"I'll return it to you once we're back on land," Zhang Yi said.
Zhu Yunque pouted. "You just don't trust me!"
Fuming, Zhu Yunque could only clench her fists and sulk alone.
Ignoring her, Zhang Yi first returned to his room to retrieve Zhou Ke’er from the hidden compartment.
After briefly explaining their current situation, he brought her to the control room.
"We'll be drifting at sea for a while, but don't worry too much. As long as I'm here, no one can harm you," Zhang Yi said, giving her a meaningful look.
"Just remember one thing—don't grow attached to anyone on this ship. We might have to abandon them at any moment."
Zhou Ke’er pressed her lips together, then smiled brightly. "Don't worry, I'm not as foolish as Zhu Yunque. After all the life-and-death situations we've been through, I know what choices to make."
Zhang Yi nodded in satisfaction.
A girl tempered by the apocalypse truly understood things well.
The two arrived at the control room.
By now, the entire ship had shut down all communication devices, and even personal communicators had been confiscated by Old Tian.
Anything capable of transmitting signals had to be eliminated—otherwise, they might face an intercontinental missile strike within minutes.
Zhang Yi had never tried absorbing an intercontinental missile with his Dimensional Space before.
But based on his estimation, given his current strength, attempting to contain such destructive force might risk collapsing his dimensional pocket entirely.
This was the terrifying power of humanity's most advanced weaponry—never to be underestimated.
Looking around the control room with all electronics disabled, Zhang Yi accepted a nautical chart from Old Tian.
"We're already heading west at full speed as you instructed. But returning to Huaxu Kingdom means sailing at least 5,000 nautical miles—over 9,000 kilometers!"
"Without navigation systems, we have to rely on experience to guess our route. There's no telling how long we'll drift at sea."
"Even..." Old Tian licked his dry lips, hesitating.
"Speak plainly," Zhang Yi said. "This isn't the time for pleasantries."
Old Tian continued, "It wouldn't be surprising if we drift for half a year."
Zhang Yi frowned slightly, though this possibility had already crossed his mind.
"Don't overthink it. Just keep heading west!"
"We have plenty of supplies. Time isn't the issue—avoiding the Ocean Fleet is."
He tapped a spot on the map.
If they continued northwest, they would eventually reach the South Sea Islands.
"Once we're here, I'll figure something out!" Zhang Yi declared confidently.
Old Tian and the others exchanged surprised glances.
"But... if our ship appears in these waters, nearby nations will detect us."
"There's no guarantee they won't report us to the Colombian Navy at Ropefly Island."
Zhang Yi replied calmly, "I have my methods. Just follow my orders."
He hadn't embarked on this voyage unprepared.
While the current situation was troublesome, it still fell within his contingency plans—not because he could predict everything, but because he always prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Hearing Zhang Yi's assurance, Old Tian and the crew felt slightly more secure.
They quickly returned to their posts, steering the Golden Edge at full speed toward the western seas.
As for what would happen next, even Zhang Yi didn't know.
They could only take things one step at a time.
Their greatest hope might still lie in Zhu Zheng's arrangements.
"Mr. Zhang, what should we do about those people?" Old Tian gestured outside.
At the mention of them, Zhang Yi's eyes narrowed, his murderous intent so palpable that Old Tian gulped nervously.
He rarely saw Zhang Yi this furious.
Only blood could quell the rage burning inside him now.
If not for Che Haicheng and his traitorous dogs tipping off the enemy, they would have soon passed through the Colombian Navy's patrol zone.
Once in Huaxu Kingdom's territorial waters, they would have been completely safe.
Yet everything was ruined because of those rats!
"Let's go have a chat with them."
Zhang Yi smiled—an exceptionally bright smile.
Old Tian and the crew members also radiated killing intent.
Everyone loathed those damned traitors!
They emerged onto the deck where two armed crew members stood guard.
Kneeling on the deck, trembling uncontrollably, were Che Haicheng, White Mo, Xie Yunfan, Eisenmann, and Rudolf.
Nearby, the Rockflow Group members watched anxiously, though they cared little about these men's fates.
They only stayed to hear Zhang Yi explain their current predicament.
Su Nuanxi hid behind Zhu Yunque, her face pale.
When the Colombian soldiers arrived earlier, she had wanted to leave with them.
Now she feared Zhang Yi might punish her too.
But Zhang Yi only gave her a cold glance.
He knew Su Nuanxi hadn't participated in the betrayal—she had been with Zhu Yunque the whole time and lacked the opportunity.
More importantly, someone as foolish as her wouldn't have been included in the scheme anyway.
She wasn't evil—just stupid.
And sometimes, stupidity was more irritating than malice.
Zhang Yi approached the kneeling men.
The moment Che Haicheng saw him, he began kowtowing frantically.
"Mr. Zhang! I'm innocent! They forced me to do it! Please spare me! I'll be your loyal dog—I'll do anything!"
White Mo kept pleading in terror, "Don't kill me... I was wrong... Please no, please!"
Zhang Yi's expression grew eerily calm.
He crouched down, his gaze sweeping across each face like a blade.
Several of the men had already wet themselves.
"Explain," Zhang Yi said softly.