Chapter 179: Success in Enhancing the Longevity Elixir

Receiving a Devil Fruit from General Li Yuan was an honor that, until now, only Ashura Doji had experienced in Wano Country. Now, with a Devil Fruit bestowed upon him, Niu Lishan felt validated and determined to fulfill Li Yuan's expectations.

"Indeed, the Devil Fruit I grant you is the Bull-Bull Fruit: Red-Eyed Bull Form. It enhances strength and endurance, making it ideal for a craftsman like you," Li Yuan explained, satisfied with Niu Lishan's reaction, as observed through Observation Haki.

Having said this, Li Yuan continued his inspection of the weapons factory. Established several years ago, the factory produced numerous swords and weapons, many of which were for domestic use. Only the outdated weapons were sold, as Li Yuan wasn't yet focused on large-scale weapon sales.

"With the sword and weapon factory established, the next step is building factories for firearms," Li Yuan decided, planning further industrial expansion.

In this world, cold weapons were primarily wielded by the strong, while firearms served the weak. However, the demand for firearms far surpassed that for cold weapons, as strong individuals were rare.

Selling firearms was the more lucrative business. Following Li Yuan's directive, Wano Country embarked on a large-scale construction initiative, with factories being planned and built rapidly.

Three months later, Lazuli delivered the good news: the longevity elixir had been successfully enhanced!

"Lazuli, you're amazing!" Li Yuan exclaimed, rushing to Lazuli's lab and spinning her around in excitement.

"Li Yuan, I've improved the longevity elixir. Its effects have doubled!" Lazuli explained, presenting a vial of green liquid.

"Let me try it!" Li Yuan said, drinking the elixir in one go.

Though she had tested it and knew it was safe, Lazuli watched anxiously as Li Yuan consumed the elixir.

After drinking, Li Yuan used Observation Haki to monitor his body's response. Life Return allowed him to feel the elixir being absorbed, a warm sensation spreading throughout his body.

His cells seemed invigorated, his body more youthful, his vitality and recovery significantly enhanced.

From this, he concluded that the elixir truly extended life, though he couldn't determine the exact extension, as he wasn't old yet.

"Lazuli, this elixir..." Li Yuan began, seeing Lazuli's tense expression, before sharing his positive experience.

"That's a relief! It seems my enhanced elixir is a success!" Lazuli said, joyfully.

"Lazuli, let's keep the elixir's existence a secret, known only to the four of us. Also, make more doses and give one to Shakky and Yadina," Li Yuan advised, aware of the potential consequences if the World Government or rival pirates learned of it.

"Don't worry, I understand," Lazuli nodded.

"One last thing: you've reignited the flames, so now you must put them out," Li Yuan quipped, feeling the elixir's energizing effects.

Dressed in a white lab coat, with alluring black stockings and golden shoulder-length hair, Lazuli's appearance stoked the fire within Li Yuan.

"Put out the fire?" Lazuli echoed, initially confused by his words.

Seeing his heated gaze and deft undressing, she realized his meaning.

"This is a lab..." Lazuli hesitated, having spent the last three months immersed in work, feeling the stirrings of desire, but unsure of the setting.

"No problem, I've already instructed that no one is to approach without permission," Li Yuan assured, giving her no room for excuses.

In moments, they were bare and engaged in an intimate battle.

Time flew, and another year passed, bringing them to Sea Calendar 1488.

Two years had passed since Li Yuan's raids on several allied nations, and the pirate crews of the New World had enjoyed two years of stable growth.

The raids had sparked a surge in piracy across the seas and the Grand Line, but without major conflicts, new pirates found some breathing room.

Ambitious newcomers sought fame by challenging established crews, yet all failed.

Now, each major crew was led by a captain with Admiral-level power, far beyond rookie crews.

Two years were sufficient for crews to solidify control over their territories, and with it, their captains' ambitions grew.

The New World was a powder keg, ready to explode into widespread conflict.

During this tense calm, the Infinity Pirates ignited the storm.

A formidable fleet set sail for the New World's center: twenty-five 50-meter ships, fifteen 100-meter ships, three 200-meter ships, and a massive 500-meter flagship.

The flagship, constructed entirely of special steel and reinforced with seastone, was a fortress at sea.

Its hybrid propulsion system allowed for manual, wind, oil, or steam power, with a dragon-headed prow housing a colossal cannon.

Equipped with 108 enhanced cannons, the ship resembled a mobile fortress.

This steel behemoth, the Hades, served as Li Yuan's flagship.

After obtaining a blueprint from Sky Island, Li Yuan had his research team enhance it.

Even without electric power, alternative energy sources sufficed, though flight capabilities required electricity.

"Hahaha, the war has begun. Onward, my crew!" Li Yuan declared from the Hades' prow.

"Long live the captain!"

"Victory to the Infinity Pirates!"

"Hahaha, conquer the world!"

The 44 ships and over 60,000 pirates erupted in joyous laughter. The Infinity Pirates were expanding at last!

Li Yuan's move shook the world.

The New World's calm shattered as crews prepared for war.

"Jihahahaha, we're off too, to the New World's center!" Golden Lion declared, mobilizing his forces upon hearing of Li Yuan's move.

"It's happening? Then bring it on!" Silver Axe said coldly, preparing his crew for battle.

The Silver Axe Pirates were Li Yuan's target, blocking his path to expansion.

Golden Lion aimed for the John Pirates, who obstructed his plans.

Every crew entered a state of war, including the Whitebeard Pirates, eager to expand.

The New World erupted into chaos, with pirate clashes everywhere, drawing intense scrutiny from the Navy and World Government.

They dared not intervene, fearing a united pirate front against them.

"Hahaha, we're taking the Infinity Pirates' territory. Follow me!" Branton, captain of the Violence Pirates, laughed.

"Long live the captain!"

His crew cheered in response.

"Li Yuan, you saved me, but business is business!" Branton thought, recalling Silver Axe's proposal.

The Violence and Silver Axe Pirates bordered the Infinity Pirates, wary of Li Yuan's strength, they allied to target him first.

"Li Yuan, the Violence Pirates are moving towards our territory," Shakky reported as Li Yuan neared Silver Axe's domain.

"Only the weak band together!"

"Barrett, Ashura Doji, Howard, take half our forces and hold Branton."

"Just delay them. Once I've dealt with Silver Axe, I'll handle him next!" Li Yuan ordered.

"Yes, Captain!" the trio replied eagerly.

They relished the chance to face legendary pirates, confident in their combined might.

Years of sparring honed their skills, understanding each other's strengths.

Barrett's mastery of Armament Haki had propelled his power to new heights.

The Infinity Pirates now had three commanders: Ashura Doji, Barrett, and Howard.

Howard, a Shock Fruit user introduced in Chapter 153, was originally the Grand General of the Beguar Kingdom before joining the crew.

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