Eternal Thief

It's been over twenty-three months since Ace started to chase after the moving elemental orbs after conforming to his mission. 

First, he was quite confident in intercepting them, but soon he was spectacle because those guys seemed to be moving continuously without stopping. So, he had no choice but to continue to chase after them in the endless sea. 

He had no idea where they were going, but they were bound to stop somewhere, and this also gave Ace a chance to cultivate his skills further.

Moreover, two months ago, Winter finally exited her seclusion cultivation after she broke through to the high stage of the Qi soul manifestation realm and could no longer progress. So, she requested to come out to increase her comprehension further. 

However, she had no idea that Ace was in the middle of an endless sea and only found out when Ace let her out. In the end, she became the captain of the ship, and Ace started to cultivate peacefully and only came out to give her directions. 

This made Winter resentful, but she had no choice but to comply, and Ace seemed happy to have her on board. 

Today, Ace came out again and found Winter, who was sulking. 

"Just where do you want us to go? It's been two months since I came out, and we are aimlessly drifting in the endless sea according to your whim. Do you know how dangerous it is to deal with all those sea beasts?" Winter instantly began to complain the moment she saw Ace. 

Ace looked at the charming, dainty woman who was emitting a powerful charm that could mesmerize any man. 

Winter wasn't wearing her hood, and she now appeared just like the first time he saw her. Oval delicate yet fierce face with pristine white skin and her pink hair was cut short while her foxy eyes were looking at Ace in exasperation. 

She was far stronger than her previous peak state, and she looked just like a human. Her beastly traits were completely gone because of her cultivation technique. 

Ace beamed at her and replied, "It's also good to see you again." 

"Too bad the feeling is not mutual." Winter scoffed while glaring at Ace, "I contacted Evil the other day, and she told me the current situation of the world. I never thought so much would change while I was away. Furthermore, both Evil and Assassin were making steady progress while I'm stuck with you. How about you let me head somewhere as well instead of wasting my time by sailing this damn ship!" 

Ace knew what Winter's reaction would be like once she heard about the progress Noa and Freya were making, and she might want to leave to increase her thievery counts as well. 

"It is indeed unfair for you. But we have no idea where we are right now, so it might be a bit dangerous for you." Ace sighed ruefully as he didn't want to keep her here as well, but this was the middle of the endless sea. He was following the fate map, so he didn't know where they were, or he didn't have any reason to stay here. 

In fact, he wanted her to increase her house rank like Freya and Noa so he could upgrade the Thief House. 

Winter pursed her lips, "What do you mean you don't know? We are already in the territory of the Demon Continent, and if I'm not wrong, we are moving towards the three forbidden countries!" 

"What?" Ace was astounded, "How can you be so sure I didn't see any sign of the demon continent." 

Winter disdainfully retorted, "Don't you know I was living in this darn place for years and was a spy? Not to mention, I was fleet captain a few years back when I headed to the Azure wind continent. I remember the sea routes and unique sea beasts of this route. From what I've observed, we should be approaching the Beast-Filled Forbidden Country Island very soon.

"This island is the furthest away from the demon continent, and a mirage mist surrounds it all year long, which also works as a natural defense. So, anyone who comes in this direction will never be able to find the demon continent. 

"So, don't play dumb since you were the one who was giving instructions all this time, which means you knew this secret route." 

Ace couldn't help but frown, 'So the fate map led to this place? Is it a coincidence that they come here instead of avoiding this place, or if they are going in the demon continent, they could go in another direction because there should be a vortex between the three forbidden countries?' 

Ace found it very strange as he started to think this situation quite fishy, and if not for Winter, he might not know at all. 

"Trust me, I don't know, and I'm only following the direction that the goddess provided me. I'm actually chasing after a mission that led me to this place." Ace decided to come clean with Winter, "Since you were able to identify this area, you should've known that the three forbidden countries are hiding some secret, right? I think those guys are going to lead us to this secret, or they are simply up to something." 

Winter was astounded as it was her first time hearing this, and realization dawned on her, "You should've told me sooner!" She glared at him unhappily, "Since the goddess herself is leading you here, this means this mission is huge, right?" 

Looking at her expectant look, Ace knew what she was thinking and chuckled, "Heh, since the demon continent is close, don't you want to leave? Freya is also here, and she can help you a lot since you both are quite close." 

Winter sneered, "No, I've changed my mind. I want a part in this mission. I can earn more this way." 

"Alright, if that's what you want. But I'm still not sure if those guys are really after the three forbidden countries or if this route is just in the way. For all I know, we might need to go even further. Furthermore, let me warn you, these people might be the strongest people of the Golden Sky World. Do you still want a part in it?" Ace sternly questioned. 

Winter's eyes shimmered with uncertainty, "Just what are you after?" 

Ace mysteriously answered, "I need to acquire two keys from two of these people. So, do you want to follow me? It would be a lie to say I don't want you onboard in this. But I won't force you since this is too dangerous." 

Winter suddenly smiled charmingly with a hint of scorn, "Hmph, don't pretend like a saint since you're not one. Alright, give me a mission with proper rewards, and I'll be your assistant. This sounds more interesting than simple thieveries anyway." 

Ace gave her a hard look, "I might not be a saint, but I still have my code of conduct, you know. So, it's decided then, let's steal from some of the most powerful people in this world!" 

Winter smiled with a hint of excitement, "Now you sound like our true leader!"