The North Sea.0

More merchant ships appeared along the way as Li Hao continued on his route. There were also more pirates, but to Li Hao’s amazement, there wasn’t the expected atmosphere of animosity between the two! He even saw a few pirates board the merchant vessels, then merrily return to their ships while escorted by fawning managers.0

“You can take down the White Shark flag now,” a voice traveled into his ear. “That trash White Shark ate a huge loss in Silver Moon and there probably won’t be a place for him in the North Sea in the future. You guys can cut down on your expenses a bit and forgo what you usually pay to him. Of course, more taxes will go to the other factions, but it won’t add up to what you used to pay White Shark…”0

“Thank you, milord soldier!” flattered a manager.0

The wind carried these words to Li Hao’s ear. Expenses… taxes… milord soldier… No, these were pirates. He was certain these were pirates. But these pirates were blatantly extracting taxes...0