📖 Netherisle Chronicles

The Eastern Sea has long been a place of ceaseless unrest. In my youth, pirates frequently plagued our village, making our lives difficult for over a decade. Then, suddenly, the sea grew calm, with no more raids or pillaging. The villagers, young and old, were confused by the change. Only I, during a visit to Zhenhai Bay, heard of a new pirate band rising on the Eastern Sea, using Netherisle as their base. They spare the fishermen and common folk, targeting only wealthy merchants. These Netherisle pirates are led by Ghost Shark, obeying a strict code. Though they are pirates, they lack not chivalry! I was once an ordinary woman from a fishing village by the Eastern Sea, tending to household duties day by day. Though I yearned for knowledge, the society denied me such pursuits. In these times, women cannot hold any office, so what good are fine writing and great knowledge? Burdened by domestic chores, I eventually laid down my brush. But last year, I encountered a woman wielding a spiked Hand Cannon, exuding the aura of a hero. I couldn't help but approach her and ask who she was. She replied, "Ghost Shark of Netherisle." Alas! I was so shocked, realizing that women, too, could rise to greatness, steering fate and storm alike! I admired her deeply and asked to hear her tale. She shared her life in vivid detail and urged me to record it, so that all women in this world might emulate her ambition and ultimately leave their own mark, inspiring one another.

Along the Eastern Sea coast lies a fishing village, its land barren and its people reliant on the weather for farming. Trouble often arises from the sea, as pirates descend upon the village, plundering clothes and whatever valuables they find. When waves crash upon the shore and storm clouds shroud the sky, the wooden door of a common home suddenly bursts open, followed by shouts and commands. Amidst the chaos, the pirates rob rice from the barn, vegetables from the cellar, and seize cloth and other household goods. When they finally leave, the couple left behind can only sigh in despair while their children wail incessantly. Such is the daily scene in the Eastern Sea's coastal village. At the time, Ghost Shark was still young, not yet known by this name. Her father was a fisherman who had perished early in a maritime disaster. Her mother, a sea woman, was famed for her diving skills. She could glide through reefs like a fish, opening shells and gathering pearls with ease. This reputation, however, drew frequent visits from pirates, leaving few days of peace in a year. In one winter, when the world turned bitterly cold, a group of burly men barged into the thatched house, leaving almost no place to move. They cracked open all boxes and drawers, revealing nothing but rags and scraps. A woman was shoved to the ground, sobbing, and her head shaking. The pirate leader spat to the side, "So many shells in the sea, and you haven't found a single pearl all month? Tired of living, are you?" The woman's body already bore plenty of bruises. Inside the cupboard, a young, frail girl hid, daring not to make a sound. Through the cracks, her mother's beaten figure was almost invisible, but the sobs rang loud and clear. In that cramped darkness, the girl clenched her fists until they turned pale. After the pirates left, her mother didn't survive that harsh winter. She sold off everything, even the cooking pots, just to afford a modest burial. When she laid her mother to rest, the bruises still marked her skin. The sea wind roared, and the road ahead was shrouded. How could she earn a living? How could she escape from such suffering? How... how could she stop the tears? She kept her fists clenched, as if she would never open them again. Along the Eastern Sea coast, pirates and villagers remained at odds. The pirates kept pillaging and plundering, day and night, while powerless villagers could only endure it in silence, living in anxiety and fear. To become a pirate meant no longer being prey. And so she vowed: she would never be powerless again.

Another ship sailed away from the coast into the distance. Ghost Shark sat on the wooden planks of the dock, high above the sea, her expression unreadable. She had lost count of how many rejections she had received. Each time, it was the same laughter first, then mock, sometimes teasing, sometimes insulting, but always ending with the same word: "No." The old dockhand tried to dissuade her, "Women cannot board ships since ancient times. Why insist on looking for trouble?" Hearing this, Ghost Shark opened her eyes and said slowly, "Why can't they?" The old man faltered, stepping back under the sudden chill brought by her words, "It's... just always been that way. There's never been a woman on board..." Fortunately, before his excuse could finish, a large ship pulled into shore, sparing him from answering. Ghost Shark looked up. This ship flew a large banner with a single gold word, "Wan," gleaming in the light. The sailors lounged lazily at the bow, waving her away from the dock. A young man in luxury robes, no older than twenty, looked around with the innocence of someone untested by the world. Beside him stood a wiry man, middle-aged, with sinewy arms and an eyepatch over his right eye, strength coiled tight beneath thin appearance. "Mr. Wan, your father's not sailing with you this time?" The old dockhand greeted. Before the youth could reply, the dockhand had already turned to the wiry man, showing even more respect, "With you aboard, the Wan family's name would keep safe at sea." The one-eyed man grinned, revealing teeth yellowed by tobacco. Nearby, gulls suddenly took flight, soaring past their banner. Along the coast, cliffs and craggy rocks stretched into the distance, with boats faintly visible amid the waves. Ordinary ships would dock at piers, while only pirates would choose to dwell in perilous places. How long this ship would stay, and when it would set sail Ghost Shark was listening and watching. She knew they wouldn't notice. After all, since ancient times, there had "never" been a woman on board. She stood up and walked toward the place the gulls had flown from. The sea wind whipped the "Wan" banner into a frenzy. With a hurricane approaching, the ship couldn't sail. She would take down that banner and use it as her stepping stone to becoming a pirate. This way, no one would ever tell her "No" again.

The Eagle Pirate Gang were led by Master Eagle, with Ah-Wei Gong serving as the first mate. At that moment, the candlelight aboard their ship burned low, flickering in and out, leaving the meaning behind Master Eagle's smile unclear to all on board. This ambiguity bred both fear and obedience among the crew. Ghost Shark shrugged off the two pirates gripping her shoulders and straightly met the gazes of Master Eagle and Ah-Wei Gong. "I can help you raid the Wan family's ship for the greatest profit," she said. She had just revealed that the Wan family caravan was led, on the surface, by the youth Wan Qianguan a spoiled fool. In truth, that one-eyed guide hired by Master Wan was the actual decision-maker on board. Without him, the caravan would struggle to navigate the seas. If he were to die, the rest would be easily handled. Wan Qianguan, desperate to save his own life, would surely surrender the entire cargo. To him, it would be no more than a minor loss. "Once my Hand Cannon fires, even the King of Hell shows respect. What could possibly go wrong with raiding a ship?" Master Eagle said, toying with the firearm in his hand. That cold iron had claimed countless lives. He squinted at the young Ghost Shark before him, "Wasting my time comes at a cost." "If you continue bickering with me, dawn will soon break," Ghost Shark replied calmly, "A raid done in the usual fashion may yield gains, but precious, fragile goods often shatter in the chaos. The Wan family's cargo is mostly porcelain breaking them may be affordable, but is it truly necessary?" "Did you sneak aboard my ship at night just to teach me how to raid a ship?" Master Eagle did not answer her, instead posing another question, "How can I trust you?" Ghost Shark replied, "If the raid succeeds, you will trust me." Master Eagle sneered. The two pirates exchanged glances. Ah-Wei Gong tapped the table and said, "On the Eastern Sea, there's no help without cause. You slip aboard alone, surely not just to share your wisdom on plundering." The sea breeze paused for a second, then suddenly slammed against the cabin. The waves surged and rocked the ship, causing the two pirates to stumble, while Master Eagle and Ah-Wei Gong stood as steady as reefs. Ghost Shark clenched her fists tightly, her nails nearly drawing blood from her palms, using all her might to stand firm, not swaying a step. She said, "I want to board the ship." A pirate looked up, astonished, "What?" Ghost Shark repeated, "Let me board the ship." The candlelight sputtered out suddenly, the wick bursting into a tiny flame. In the darkness, Master Eagle's piercing gaze met her steadfast eyes. One second passed. Then two... Yet Ghost Shark never averted her gaze.

Let me board the ship. By the time these words were spoken again, the Wan family's banner was already adrift upon the sea. At dawn of the next day, during the ship raid, Master Eagle took advantage of the dim light and his sharp eyes that could see through the mist, raised his Hand Cannon, and claimed the life of the one-eyed man with a single shot. Wan Qianguan, seized by panic, promptly surrendered and ordered the cargo hold opened. The cabin of the Eagle Pirate Gang was now filled with exquisite porcelain, gold, and silver, all intact. Murmurs of excitement stirred among the crew, while at the other end of those murmurs stood the silhouette of Ghost Shark before Master Eagle. They had all heard of this woman's name and what she sought: not the precious porcelain, nor the gold and silver, but a place among the Eagle Pirate Gang. Stroking his gun, Master Eagle said slowly, "This Hand Cannon has no eyes. Whoever it strikes, it slays. What is that to you?" Indeed, he had acted upon Ghost Shark's words, but who said he must follow a woman's arrangements? Ghost Shark's expression remained unchanged, but the fury in her eyes burned like flame. She was just about to speak when another voice came from beside Master Eagle: "Ghost Shark may have gained no merit from this raid, but she did inform us about this ship by your leave." The speaker was Ah-Wei Gong, the first mate. He squinted and used a kindling to light Master Eagle's cigarette. "In my opinion, why not give her a share of this loot, lest we break our rule those who contribute must be rewarded." For pirates, what mattered most were not the laws of court or temple, but two rules alone: betrayal was death, and reward and punishment must land where due. Master Eagle's face darkened. He ground his cigarette against the table, leaving a black mark. "You. Choose one." Ghost Shark did not even glance around. Porcelain, though valuable, was merely a plaything. Gold and silver could be useful for a time, but would eventually be consumed. What she wanted to hold was never treasure "I want that Hand Cannon." She stepped over the scattered porcelain and picked up a Hand Cannon. The iron was heavy and cold, just like her voice. "By the way, that box of jewels is mostly fake, made to fool unsuspecting foreigners. If you load them all, they will do little more than waste space and capacity. Don't blame me for not warning you then." Ah-Wei Gong showed a surprised expression. At first, he'd possessed no intent to let a woman stay aboard. But Ghost Shark could judge goods, read men, and had an ambition that was hard to hide, surpassing all those standing behind her. One day, she might truly stir up a storm. She was worth keeping. Leaning close, Ah-Wei Gong whispered a few words to Master Eagle.

Ghost Shark polished her Hand Cannon. The shark bone resembled dragon teeth, which she embedded at the tip of the Hand Cannon, sharp enough to kill. The sea is a place where the strong prey on the weak, and she knows this well. The Hand Cannon and dragon teeth are her trophies. Whether near or far, ordinary pirates dare not provoke her with ease. She has a new name, Ghost Shark. Sharks with their armored scales and razor teeth are fish destined to become dragons, feared by all. They say Ghost Shark is ruthless and unscrupulous, beyond reason. They say she dwells in shadowed thoughts, her mind unknowable, perhaps corrupted by evil spirits. No one should approach her freely. They say this time, half their cargo were snatched by Ghost Shark, leaving them scraps, and wonder what dark enchantment binds Master Eagle's will... Hearing her footsteps on the deck, the crew scattered in panic, terrified she might bring them trouble. ...Ghost Shark's target is not them; insignificant people are no longer worthy of her attention. She pushed open the helm room door to find Ah-Wei Gong studying the sea chart while Master Eagle operated the rudder, his gaze unwavering. "This is no place for a woman," Master Eagle said. Ghost Shark had heard this countless times before. Each time, her response was the same: Why not? Ghost Shark offered no reply, stating her purpose plainly: "I came for justice." By the Eagle Pirate Gang's custom, yesterday's distribution followed strict rules: one gold per kill, a firearm for every three. Though Ghost Shark had been crucial during the ship raid, she ranked last in the distribution, receiving only scraps. The pirates, backed by Master Eagle, divided her merits cleanly among themselves. ...She could forgo gold and silver, but she would not endure humiliation in vain. "Master Eagle, what Ghost Shark received falls far short of her merits," Ah-Wei Gong sighed, folding the sea chart. He knew his words would unleash a storm, but they needed to be spoken. Ah-Wei Gong understood Ghost Shark's intentions perfectly. Initially, he had advocated for her to stay a decision that displeased Master Eagle and some crew members. But this wasn't solely for her sake. Since Master Eagle took command, the Eagle Pirate Gang's loot distribution had grown increasingly unequal: he and a few confidants claimed half, leaving scraps for the crew. Pirates are all roughnecks; without even the illusion of fairness, no ship can long stay afloat. He kept Ghost Shark to show the crew that merit would be rewarded. "Justice at sea isn't something you can demand," Master Eagle cut in coldly before Ah-Wei Gong could speak. He was determined to make Ghost Shark and Ah-Wei Gong understand who truly commanded this ship. "Letting you aboard and feeding you that's not enough?" "If that's not enough, just how much of the sea's treasure do you reckon your life is worth?" Master Eagle gripped the helm with both hands, shooting a sideways glance. "Ah-Wei Gong, surely you agree?" Not enough, still not enough. Ghost Shark stood silent in the helm room. Master Eagle's hands clenched the helm one word from him, and she'd be thrown into the sea, left to feed the fish. But being a pirate alone couldn't answer all those "cannots." And a Hand Cannon alone? Still not enough. Her gaze fell upon the helm.

In terms of experience, Ah-Wei Gong surpassed even Master Eagle. Cautious by nature, he had long earned the trust of the bandits, but he lacked Master Eagle's decisiveness and those eyes that could pierce the sea fog. Once more, the night was dim and heavy, with candlelight swaying. Ghost Shark said, "Master Eagle seemed to turn me away during the day, but his firearm actually pointed at you. Sooner or later, there will be a clash between you two." Ah-Wei Gong replied, "Am I not aware? But the division of loot is no small thing. If I leave it unattended, the seeds of disaster will surely take root." In the hush of night, the candle flickered, its red flame casting glints in their eyes. Ah-Wei Gong had long upheld the just division of rewards and so won the crew's favor. Ghost Shark spoke calmly, cautiously, and resolutely: "Master Eagle's ways cannot be easily changed, making the helm of the Eagle Pirate Gang waver." "I will help you," said Ghost Shark, "You have done me a favor, and I always repay favors." Justice upon the sea is not something one can claim by wish alone. That much, Ghost Shark knew well. All she held was hard-won. What if you want something but cannot have it? Ghost Shark had already found her answer.

It is widely rumored that the Eastern Edge Sea has two most perilous areas: the Eye of the Azure Dragon and Netherisle. The sea around Netherisle is thick with fog, often eyed by giant sharks and ferocious fish. At times, the waters lie calm, while at others, waves rise to pierce the clouds, all contributing to an eerie atmosphere. It is said that someone once saw a shadow, as large as the Kun's back, amidst the waves of Netherisle. Some claim that the deep, dark waters turn green on every full moon night. Others say that a man-eating beast lurks there, its hunger unquenchable, causing the fog to persist all day long... Those who dared venture into this area were often fugitives, entangled in blood feuds, debts, or lawsuits, or seafarers bold enough to brave the unknown. There were also some pirates, believing that treasures left by Emperor Qin during his eastward journey lie buried on Netherisle. Yet, no one has ever returned with news from the place. All who tried ended up vanishing into the thick fog. At that moment, the sky and sea were both gloomy, as though on the verge of collapse. By the next day, a hurricane would surely strike. The Eagle Pirate Gang, eager to reach the shore, mistakenly entered the area of Netherisle. Several pirates surrounded Ah-Wei Gong. As the ship passed through the fjord, a stone bridge emerged from the sea fog. Rocks fell from above and injured his back. The dark deck, now stained with bright red, sent a chill down everyone's spine. Outside the helm room, a young man pounded on the door urgently: "Sail south and leave this cursed place immediately! If anything bad happens to Ah-Wei Gong, I swear I will..." The door opened. Master Eagle, holding a Hand Cannon, gestured for the man to continue. The man exchanged glances with those around him, then continued his speech, but unconsciously lowered his voice. "This fog is so thick you can't see your own hand. If you dare to sail back through the storm, I can give you a boat. But is it worth risking your life to send him back?" Master Eagle rested his Hand Cannon on the railing and asked. His anger was far greater than his tone conveyed. He couldn't believe someone would dare command him on where to steer the ship. He waited to see who would be willing to trade their life for Ah-Wei Gong's. "Anyone willing to risk their life for Ah-Wei Gong can use this boat. Consider it a gift from me." He used the stock of the Hand Cannon to break the chain locking the lifeboat. The moment the boat hit the waves, it was immediately swallowed. "Hah, isn't Master Eagle famed for seeing through the sea fog? If you ask me, it's not that impressive!" "This Netherisle area is terrifying. I'd rather be swept away by the storm... Who knows if that monster is real?" "Ah-Wei Gong was loyal, but ended up like this. From now on, none of us should risk our lives!" ... All these whispers were carried by the wind to Master Eagle. His veins bulged. And amidst the sea fog, a flash of fire burst out as he pointed his firearm straight at the bow. Nothing annoyed him more than someone daring to take the helm from him.

Among pirates, betrayal is the least tolerated. Not even a ship's captain can openly turn against his crew without consequence. When Master Eagle acted on impulse, chaos erupted across the ship its backbone collapsed. Amid the furious roar of the sea, Ghost Shark raised her Hand Cannon. Before her, Ah-Wei Gong's lifeless body lay encircled by several pirates, their blades already drawn from their waists. She and Ah-Wei Gong had long plotted to seize the ship. His death crushed by falling rocks was an unforeseen twist of fate, but Master Eagle's unprovoked execution of a comrade violated the pirates' most sacred taboo. Now, if they hesitated, they knew Master Eagle would purge them all after finishing Ah-Wei Gong. Today is the day. The raging waves and fierce winds could not disperse the scent of blood. Today, in the Sea of Netherworld, no shadows of giant sea beasts lurked beneath the waves, no sharks or eels circled in threat only crimson waters crashed against jagged cliffs. Within the crimson water were the wound from the falling rocks that struck Ah-Wei Gong, the gaping hole left by the Hand Cannon, and the red blood spilled from the clash of pirate blades. Ghost Shark twisted her Hand Cannon, using the dragon's tooth at its tip to gouge out Master Eagle's most prized possession his eyes. Justice on the sea is not something one can simply claim. If one desires it but cannot obtain it, what should one do? She seeks nothing from others, nor does she question the heavens; she will fight and seize it. This is Ghost Shark's answer.

With blind eyes, Master Eagle could hardly survive at sea. And thus, he had to plead for Ghost Shark's mercy. Ghost Shark entered the helm room. The methods of navigation, the reading of sea charts, and the art of steering these she had long since mastered through countless days and nights. Yet the storm remained unceasing. Beyond the sea fog of Netherisle, the Kun Gang had already taken position, their cannons trained upon the Eagle Pirate Gang. The Kun Gang, a formidable force on the Eastern Edge Sea, bore ambitions vast enough to swallow rival factions whole. The Eagle Pirate Gang had strayed into the waters of Netherisle by misstep. Should they sink, the Kun Gang would seize the spoils effortlessly; should they escape Netherisle, battered and broken, they would be crushed in a single blow. With foes outside, well-stocked with ammunition, waiting to wipe them out in one fell swoop, and peril within, the bandits had nowhere to flee. But to Ghost Shark, a path bereft of escape was no stranger for such was the course she had long walked since childhood. Without the slightest trace of panic, she ordered the ship to head directly toward the fabled Netherisle. That day, the storm rose in fury, and panic seized the crew's hearts, making memories scattered and unclear. Yet there was one image that none could forget: Ghost Shark stood upon the deck, gazing into the distance, when suddenly a massive shadow emerged from the depths of the sea fog, blotting out the sky and sun. Waves surged, crates toppled, and men were thrown into chaos as Ghost Shark vanished into the waves. Shortly after, the storm grew still. Ghost Shark appeared atop the mast, one eye bloodied, soaked through but showing no sign of distress. A crew member claimed he had seen it with his own eyes: a colossal tentacle, towering like a pillar that could reach the sky, had returned Ghost Shark to the ship.

The Eagle Pirate Gang have since changed their ways and settled on Netherisle. Ghost Shark now commands the island, ruling as its leader, and her fame has spread across the seas. Under Ghost Shark's rule, the pirates of Netherisle no longer raid fishermen only merchant ships. Some dancers who once traveled with merchants have chosen to join Netherisle instead. After all, seizing control of one's fate is better than drifting with the tide, forever at the mercy of others. Ghost Shark imposes a protection fee on passing merchant ships. If the fee is paid in full, she refrains from raiding them ensuring minimal unnecessary losses. Pirates of the Eastern Sea either fall to the Maritime Merchant Commission or disband through internal conflicts over unequal spoils. Only the Netherisle pirates defy this pattern, growing ever stronger. By distributing profits based on contribution rather than seniority, Netherisle attracts numerous pirates, steadily establishing its dominance amidst the turbulent waves of the Eastern Edge Sea. In the Eastern Sea, the rule forbidding women from boarding ships no longer exists. Everyone knows the pirate leader who commands this region is called Ghost Shark. She can sail, wield a spear, and command hundreds under her. She can summon storms and tame them. Whatever she desires, she can achieve.