Chapter 453: Treasure of the Elven Kingdom
[Temple Kingdom Treasure Map: 1/1]
[Lucky Clover Uses: 100/100]
[Experience Extreme Luck: 1/1, Experience Extreme Misfortune: 1/1]
[Lucky Clover has awakened a new ability: Disguise.]
[Lucky Clover has awakened a new ability: Lucky Burst.]
But right at that moment, all the rain within several hundred yards around him stopped as well—instantly turned into clear skies by the Sea Emperor. Under the blazing sunlight, the massive vessel approached slowly, and Zhou Ning could even see the pure, flowing radiance across its hull.
The Sea Emperor didn't stop; it passed by him and continued sailing off into the distance.
Perhaps feeling Valentin's oppressive aura, Little Deathwing let out a restless growl beneath him, which Zhou Ning soothed with a steady hand.
He didn't know how long it took, but eventually the Sea Emperor carrying Valentin sailed out of view, disappearing beyond the horizon.
Watching the massive fleet trailing behind it, Zhou Ning secretly exhaled in relief. He was certain Valentin had appeared here due to the Lucky Clover's influence—but fortunately the man didn't possess that "attack-on-sight" habit some terrifying beings did.
Zhou Ning retracted his gaze and took out the Lucky Clover, examining it carefully. After all three hidden conditions were triggered, its color was now a richer, more vibrant green. Dawn-like radiance shimmered across its surface, and the second and third effects—which had always been question marks—were now visible. A previously hidden item description had also appeared.
Unknown Relic [Lucky Clover]
[Description: Originating from the ancient Elven Royal Court, this treasure was crafted by the Elven Goddess and bestowed upon the Elven King. Though fortune followed him afterward, years later he still fell in war.]
[Effect 1: Grants rising luck for 12 hours, followed by 3 hours of misfortune.]
[Effect 2: The Lucky Clover can freely change into any badge or accessory without losing its abilities.]
[Effect 3: Luck +1. After use, grants significant luck for 5 minutes. Cooldown: 6 hours. This effect is weaker than Effect 1. Each use decreases permanent Luck by 1, returning to +1 after reaching -10. Frequent use not recommended. Must be worn to activate.]
Oh?
Zhou Ning's eyes lit up in surprise and delight. This confirmed his theory—misfortune and fortune were two sides of the same coin. As long as one could withstand the intensity of the misfortune, extreme misfortune would transform into extreme luck.
It was like a deep-sea mega-shark—at the critical moment in a gamble, it always hit the jackpot. Now the Lucky Clover was essentially a savings-based permanent-luck accessory, dramatically improving its practicality.
Before, its downside made him consider sealing it away. Now, however, this new ability was absolutely worth using at all times. Even with reduced permanent luck, it didn't diminish its strength. It could now be used not only for draws and life-or-death gambles, but even in combat.
And even if permanent luck dropped to -10, it wouldn't affect him at all—the Saint's Remains in the Relics Hall granted +10 Luck, perfectly offsetting it. It was practically made for him.
Looks like his title could finally shift from "unlucky fool" to "blessed emperor," right?
But then came the question: Zhou Ning had no idea when he supposedly obtained this "Temple Kingdom Treasure Map."
He transformed the Lucky Clover into a brooch and pinned it to his black coat.
The instant he equipped it, a powerful resonance surged from somewhere far to the south.
It came from deep within the Misty Sea, from a distant location, where a mysterious island seemed to be echoing the Lucky Clover's power.
Zhou Ning paused to think. If he guessed right, the Lucky Clover was tied to the Elven Kingdom's treasure—and that island was the treasure's location. In the second simulation of the Apocalypse world, his Pirate King self had found it. The Lucky Clover had come from that island.
It likely held enormous secrets—not only related to the Elven Kingdom's treasure, but possibly even connected to the Elven Goddess herself.
Fate had woven the three together and linked them to him.
So as for the so-called Temple Kingdom Treasure Map, he had a good idea what it actually was.
It must be the one purchased alongside the Lucky Clover. It had been heavily cursed, and back then he was too weak to withstand it and couldn't read it. But now that he had reached the transcendent-tier, it no longer mattered.
He searched his inventory, found the map, and held it in his hands.
Immediately, black mist rose from its surface, accompanied by countless wailing voices. Then, under the flow of his power, everything quieted.
It revealed a nautical chart marked with an island. The surrounding waters twisted and curved, and farther out was a red-marked small island. But to Zhou Ning's disappointment, he couldn't determine the exact location from the terrain alone. Only highly skilled readers who "entered" the map through experience and exploration could discover its coordinates. This was characteristic of most high-level treasure maps in the Apocalypse world.
But that was fine. According to the simulation, the island swarmed with extraordinary creatures and enormous structures. Captain Sidney had also lost control on that island. He could simply wait until reaching demigod level and then gather others to decipher and explore it—no need to rush.
With that thought, Zhou Ning released his Observation Haki and began searching for the Wings of Freedom. After locking onto its direction, he guided Little Deathwing toward it.
Almost two hours later, the ship came into view, sailing through the rain. Wreckage floated nearby—clearly the aftermath of a sea battle.
He patted Little Deathwing's neck and dismissed the summon.
On the Wings of Freedom, Red-Haired Robinson was directing sailors to salvage loot while wondering how Wayne Sturwell planned to catch up as promised. Had something gone wrong?
Just then, he sensed something, turned his head upward—
A figure was descending through the rain as though walking down the steps of the sky.
The man pressed a black top hat to his head, revealing dark bangs and a strikingly handsome face beneath a black coat. It was none other than Wayne Sturwell.
He really did catch up… Impressive didn't begin to describe it. Even a demigod might not manage such an entrance. Robinson's jaw fell open.
No wonder he was the legendary man who had slain a god and fought angels and demigods without faltering. The thrill of having just defeated a pirate ship evaporated instantly.
After chatting briefly with Robinson, Zhou Ning returned to his cabin. The ship was now close to its final destination, Nathaniell. At most two days remained. The long journey was finally approaching its end.