Chapter 449. A plethora of unanswered questions
"You must have lost something precious," Darla said softly, her voice calm but firm. "The scars from that loss must still linger in your hearts. The world of cultivation is ruthless—cold and unforgiving. Your circumstances are truly unfortunate, but I must tell you this: you’re not alone. Countless others have faced bitter experiences, and yet... they chose to live."
She paused for a moment, letting her words settle among the crowd of battered survivors.
"Live," she repeated gently. "That’s all I can say. Survive, endure, and find the strength to start again."
Darla’s eyes swept over the weary faces before her—men, women, even children—many of them too stunned or exhausted to speak. Their clothes were torn, their eyes hollow, and their spirits battered. The weight of their losses hung in the salty sea air like a shadow.
"Our White Merchant Group is expanding," Darla continued, her tone turning more practical. "New branches are opening across upcoming territories, and we need trained employees—people who can learn, adapt, and grow. If you’re willing, we’ll train you. We’ll feed you, house you, and give you purpose. In return, we ask for loyalty and hard work."
She held up a leather-bound folder. "Those who wish to join us—step forward and sign the contract. For those who choose otherwise, we’ll ensure you’re safely dropped off at the next island. The choice is yours."
The silence was heavy. Then, slowly, one man stepped forward. Then a woman. Then a child holding their grandmother’s hand. One by one, they began to move.
In total, only 121 survivors had been rescued from the island. According to those who had lived there, their population had once been close to 8,000. Though small, the island had been thriving—until the Sea Beast Waves hit.
It wasn’t just the beasts that killed. It was the panic. The stampedes. The desperate escape attempts. The betrayal of neighbors. Some people fled and left behind their families, their friends, their communities. Others were simply caught in the devastation.
Many of those who survived had lost everything—their homes, their children, their hopes. They had nothing left but the clothes on their backs and the pain in their hearts.
And so, all 121 of them signed.
They didn’t ask questions. They didn’t negotiate terms. Where would they go if they refused? Who would take them in?