When disaster struck, I became a big shot surviving in the ocean.
Chapter 63: Gemstone Hurricane

Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Gemstone Hurricane

"Gemstone Hurricane?"

"Yes, it’s a very, very terrifying natural disaster that only occurs in the Gem Sea."

Linden nodded heavily, the various conditions of that deserted island were actually superior, whether it was geography or the size of the territory, or the fertility of the land.

It was said that many, many years ago there had been numerous wars erupting on that deserted island, but the subsequent Gemstone Hurricanes forced those powers to abandon the scramble for the territory.

Each storm was mixed with a large number of rare stones, however, every time, it caused very horrific casualties in the Gem Sea.

The Gem Sea was born because of that storm. The Gemstone Hurricane would appear at a fixed time, and move along a randomly changing route within a certain area.

However, that deserted island, unluckily, was on the Gemstone Hurricane’s path every year.

The regions ravaged by the Gemstone Hurricane formed what is now the Gem Sea.

"Isn’t this just a typhoon?" A survivor muttered softly, what’s there to fear about a typhoon, just take the proper defense measures.

His words were not taken seriously by Chen Qing and the others, how could a natural disaster feared by the entire Gem Sea be that simple.

This world had far too many Extraordinary beings.

"Little sister, can you tell us more about the Gemstone Hurricane in detail?"

Shu Yin squatted down, several silver coins lying in his palm.

Linden looked up at Chen Qing, and after receiving a slight nod from her, she comfortably accepted them.

Asking for a bit of news certainly didn’t need so much money, but it was a gesture to convey her stance to Chen Qing.

They weren’t short of money and wouldn’t trouble her for it, she could rest at ease, and it also served to slightly close the distance with Chen Qing.

"The Gemstone Hurricane starts appearing every year from Sea Month, and continues until Cold Month is about to begin."

The calendar of this world was completely different from that of Chen Qing and her peers.

The months were divided into four major months: Grass Month, Fire Month, Sea Month, and Cold Month, each major month having four minor months, each minor month having 28 days.

It was actually equivalent to the four seasons in Chen Qing’s world, among them Sea Month being the most significant.

The natural disasters of Deep Blue Sea’s various seas essentially all converged in this major month, followed by a great Deep Blue calamity that swept through the entire Deep Blue Sea area during Cold Month.

And today, it was the first minor month of Sea Month, Gather Month on the 27th.

Sapphire Island was predicted to have a Gemstone Hurricane outbreak on Scattered Month 4, which was much later than usual.

"Normally, each Gemstone Hurricane lasts for 7 days, after which the sea of the Gem Sea will be scattered with countless precious gemstones."

"The deeper the sea, the more valuable the scattered gemstones, and that is when the Gem Hunters will start diving down to salvage the gemstones."

Salvaging the gemstones of the Gem Sea was essentially a national pastime in Deep Blue Sea region, during this time the Gem Sea would be crowded with countless pirates, hunter merchants, and civilians.

However, this activity was not safe, and was very dangerous.

After the Gemstone Hurricane, a type of fish that feeds on gemstones would appear, and they were collectively known as Treasure Fish.

Their strength was terrifying, all were extraordinary sea beasts; even a lowest-ranking Treasure Fish possessed E-rank strength.

The more precious the gemstones, the more Treasure Fish would be attracted.

"So those gathered in the Gem Sea aren’t all here because of Daliya."

Chen Qing contemplated thoughtfully.

Daliya was but one, yet the gemstones were countless.

"Then isn’t our arrival just at the right time!"

"Yeah! If we snag a valuable one, won’t we be set for life!"

The survivors suddenly got excited, all rubbing their hands together, preparing to make a big haul, swearing to reap a fortune!

Yet Chen Qing and her people knew this matter was not so simple, not to mention other enemies and beasts eyeing those gemstones.

Just the Gemstone Hurricane itself, they weren’t certain they could safely get through.

"Little sister, do you know the extent of damage Sapphire Island suffers each time the Gemstone Hurricane hits?"

Shu Yin continued to ask.

Linden nodded, pointed at their standing spot, and then pointed at the Wei Sea Blue Light Gemstone Processing Workshop with the huge billboard.

"The last time the Gemstone Hurricane came, everything from here to there was gone."

"Many people couldn’t escape in time and disappeared."

Linden’s tone was very calm, but it sent shivers down everyone’s spine.

"...You guys..."

Zhao Fuli’s voice was somewhat hoarse, this was far more terrifying than a typhoon.

"Doesn’t Sapphire Island have any protective measures?"

"Of course, there’s a protective barrier. The adults say it’s a pale golden quality barrier, from the Scarlet Sea Domain, but the Gemstone Hurricane broke through it."

Even in this world, it’s hard for human power to withstand natural disasters.

"So staying on this island would mean..."

Upon hearing Linden’s words, the survivors finally felt fear, realizing that even the native inhabitants of this world couldn’t resist.

"Leaving Sapphire Island will only lead to a worse fate,"

Shu Yin said coldly. At least here on Sapphire Island there were defensive measures, and they might not necessarily die.

But if they left the island, they could only wait for death.

"Besides, to enter there, it costs money."

Linden said indifferently.

Her parents died in the Gemstone Hurricane two years ago.

That year’s hurricane was terrifyingly severe; the island could only keep shrinking the protective barrier, which after shrinking couldn’t possibly shelter so many people on the island.

Apart from children under twelve who could enter the safe zone for free, everyone else had to pay to be protected.

Everyone fell silent, unsure of what to say.

"Chen Qing, you’ll protect us, right?"

After a long while, a survivor spoke up with a trembling voice.

Chen Qing turned to look at the owner of the voice, who, holding her gaze, continued to speak with effort.

"It’s because of you that we came to this damned place, and, and I’ve heard that you’ve just received Daliya’s 100,000 reward."

"You have to take responsibility for us!"

The more she spoke, the more justified she felt, her words finally resounding with righteous indignation.

Zhao Fuli and Zhang Xiaohong exchanged a glance, silently distancing themselves from that survivor.

Shu Yin also silently stood by Zhao Fuli and the others.

A large number of survivors instantly divided into two factions; one believed that if Chen Qing was capable, she should pay for them, and the other believed that Chen Qing was not to be morally blackmailed and firmly did not stand with them.

Chen Qing looked at them strangely, truly not understanding.

"If anyone is to be blamed for your plight, it should be that so-called system, shouldn’t it?"

"You just think that I am the easy target, ganging up to shift all the blame onto me, trying to put me on a false moral high ground to blackmail me."

"But I have no responsibility towards you."

"Why should I protect a bunch of shameless people who are trying to morally blackmail me?"

"Do you think you can do this without consequences?"

"On what grounds?"