We agreed to set sail, so you'd become the ruler of the deep sea?

Chapter 144 Dark Thunderstorm, A Giant Shadow in the Storm! (10,000-word update, please subscribe!)
The sea not far away.

On the deck of a large three-masted sailing ship.

"Hmm? That ship..."

"Why does it look so familiar?"

A tall, shirtless man with a head of frizzy purple hair watched the departing Black Swan with some curiosity.

However, it has been strengthened and modified.

The appearance of the Black Swan had changed considerably, and given the distance, the purple-haired man didn't recognize it at first.

"Although we don't know which ship it is, it's quite bold to choose not to run away but to actively approach the storm."

"Quite like me, 'Thunder Fang' Loren!"

That's right, this man is none other than Loren, the captain of the Thunder, who has met Xia En a few times!
However, compared to his high spirits and recklessness when he first arrived at Silvermoon Island, Loren's temperament has become much more composed.

Judging from his expression, he seemed somewhat tired and haggard.

Loren has had a tough time lately.

the reason is simple.

Among the joint bounties issued by more than ten islands related to vampires, including Duke Island and Silvermoon Island, the [Thunder] was ranked second only to the [Black Swan].

In fact, the "Blood Moon Wanted Poster" did not have a significant impact on Shane and the Black Swan.

However, for other pirate ships, this wanted notice greatly reduced their living space, making them prey in the eyes of many ships.

Many pirate groups were even wiped out because of this.

This includes the Skyhawk, one of the three major pirate crews from the past.

After Captain Caius of the Skyhawk died in the Blood Moon Realm, the pirate group lost its strongest member, and with the help of other forces, it quickly fell apart.

Even the Skyhawk is like this, not to mention the other weaker pirate ships.

The situation of the Thunder and the Siren is also not optimistic.

After all, the pirates weren't like the Black Swan; they didn't have connections within the Federation and were innocent citizens themselves.

Pirates are already wanted by the Federation, and with the bounty increased, the patrol ships have naturally intensified their efforts.

"I heard that the Skyhawk Pirates have disbanded. If I fail to advance this time, the Thunder Ship probably won't survive this ordeal either."

Looking at the accumulating storm in the distance, Loren felt a heavy weight on his heart, as if a mountain was pressing down on him.

But he was, after all, a seasoned veteran, and with a simple shake of his head, he banished the distracting thoughts from his mind and revealed a confident smile.

"Isn't it just a promotion ceremony?"

"Just watch me get through!"

"However, what is the mission for this trial?"

Loren steadied himself and tried to sense the call from the [Secret Sea].

Although he didn't receive direct information like Xia En, he roughly understood the content of the trial mission.

If I were to describe it in words, it would be something like...

[Trial Mission:]

[Endure the "hidden thunderstorm" for 6 hours, or wait for the storm to dissipate!]

[Mission failure is considered a failure if the participant dies or the ship sinks in the Secret Sea!]

[Note: Time flows at twice the speed of reality in this sea area.]

"Should we stick to this type of task?"

Loren thought to himself, "However, a full six hours? This task is no small feat."

He could sense that within the thunder of that storm lay an extremely terrifying power.

The slightest carelessness could result in severe damage to the ship.

Not to mention, the raging hurricane and huge waves could drown the ship at any time.

If Shane knew about the missions and evaluations of the other Secret Path users, he would be furious.

You should know that last time he was being hunted by the [Descendants of the Deep], he had to hold out for 48 hours!

The difference in difficulty is obvious at a glance.

It even makes people suspect that the [Secret Sea] is deliberately targeting him.

Just as Loren was pondering, a few cool raindrops fell on his face.

The sea breeze around us gradually became noisy, and the deck swayed slightly.

"Old buddy, you'll have to work hard again this time."

Loren patted the rudder, then turned to look at the "crew" on the deck.

On the projection of the "Thunder" ship, there are also sailors one after another.

But from their blank expressions and empty eyes, it's easy to see that they are also a reflection of real-life sailors.

However, Loren has just tested it, and these projections will carry out his orders just like the real crew members.

Even the different characteristics, strengths and weaknesses, and strengths and weaknesses of each person are exactly the same as in reality.

As for the underlying principle, Loren simply couldn't understand it and could only sigh in disbelief.

"The secrets of the [Secret Sea] are truly endless."

"No wonder no one has been able to thoroughly study it to this day."

However, Loren was a rough man, and if he couldn't understand something, he simply wouldn't think about it.

Soon, under his command, the Thunderclap also sailed into the storm.

……

……

In fact, this storm will not spare any of the secret travelers who enter the trial.

In an instant, the sky nearby darkened, and thick, almost tangible clouds covered the numerous ships in layers.

Soon, a torrential downpour began, with water forming a curtain that stretched from the sky to the ground.

The raindrops, as big as beans, stung when they hit a person.

Even more frightening is that a storm is coming!

Driven by the gale, the dark seawater churned up one giant wave after another, rolling and surging back and forth.

Ships tossed about in the raging winds and waves, seemingly on the verge of capsizing at any moment.

Faced with waves tens of meters high, humanity appears so insignificant.

However, those who are qualified to participate in the third-tier advancement ceremony are all well-informed and powerful individuals who have experienced similar storms before.

So they each used their unique abilities to meet the test of the storm.

Some captains erected mysterious shields to block the impact of giant waves;

Some captains kept increasing the speed of their ships, darting across the sea like swordfish to avoid the oncoming giant waves.

Some captains even manipulate the water flow to minimize the impact of the waves...

Many of these captains persevered by relying on the performance of their ships.

However, this kind of thing is perfectly normal.

For those who follow the secret path of the "Captain," the performance of a ship is itself a part of their strength!

Among all the ships, two stood out the most.

One of them was Loren's "Thunder".

Pale purple lightning snakes appeared on the surface of the entire [Thunder] ship, emitting a thunderous shriek.

Its speed was incredibly fast, like a swift bolt of lightning, twisting and turning on the sea surface.

This is a Secret Sea blessing that Loren received after advancing to the second-tier Mystic Path Master, called [Thunder Protection].

They can use their own secret power to enhance the ship, making it burst with extremely high speed.

This is why the ship is called the "Thunder".

The other ship that performed exceptionally well was a beautiful mechanical vessel with a silver-white hull.

Judging from its design, it resembles a Federation hunting boat.

However, compared to ordinary hunting boats, it was larger and faster, and was clearly equipped with extremely advanced steam turbines.

However, what caught the attention of the other secret travelers was not the [Hunting Ship] itself.

Instead, it was the agile figure standing at the bow of the ship!

Through the torrential rain, one could vaguely make out a tall, fit woman with short brown hair.

She wore a lightweight combat vest, and her abdomen and arms had visible, vine-like muscles, without an ounce of excess fat.

The female captain held a pair of huge curved swords in her hands.

Whenever a huge wave crashes down in front of her, she swings her sword forward.

The magnificent blade light easily cleaved the giant wave, which was tens of meters high, in two, turning it into a smaller wave.

If it were just a single strike, the many secret cultivators wouldn't be so surprised; their full-force attack could also shatter such a giant wave.

The key point is that this female captain kept slashing forward, cutting through the waves in front of her.

It's like doing something as trivial as brushing off dust, yet it feels like you'll never get tired.

"Captain of the [Heron]... Lan..."

On deck, Loren glanced at the beautiful hunting boat and its captain out of the corner of his eye, a hint of wariness and hostility flashing in his eyes.

It's no coincidence that he knows the name of the ship.

In fact, not long ago, the Thunder had engaged in a sea chase with a group of patrol boats, including the Heron.

And this female captain named "Lan" left a very deep wound on the [Thunder] with a single slash.

Therefore, it left a very deep impression on Loren.

"I didn't expect that she would also happen to have entered the third-tier advancement ritual."

Loren's eyes flickered, and he thought to himself, "If I can get rid of her here, it should greatly alleviate the pressure on the Thunder in reality."

"However, she may have also discovered my presence."

"Perhaps she shares the same thought as me?"

Suddenly, Lan also turned her head and looked at the pirate ship covered in lightning.

Amidst the raging winds, towering waves, and torrential rain, their eyes met.

Moreover, both of them could see resolute hostility and murderous intent in each other's eyes!
Rumble—but the next moment, chaotic thunder came from the clouds high above.

Immediately, the secret travelers saw a winding and thick bolt of dark lightning fall from the clouds and strike a small boat on the edge of the storm.

Click!

There is no suspense.

The small boat was split in two from the middle.

Immediately, pitch-black flames rose abruptly from the deck and engulfed the entire ship in an instant.

That kind of black is not the ordinary black that people know. Rather, it is more like a collection of countless colors, ever-changing, unfathomable, and containing an indescribable mystery.

If I had to describe it, I would probably only use the phrase "a multicolored black".

In a short while, the small boat gradually sank into the sea as the black flames burned.

Clearly, the captain on that ship was not spared either.

In the blink of an eye, one of the secret cultivators failed to advance!
In this respect, the Secret Sea is the same as the ordinary sea; they are always unpredictable and... ruthless!
Even if you painstakingly collect magic potions and temper your inner power day after day, the [Secret Sea] will show no sympathy, but will only deliver a blow to the pathfinder when they advance!
"That pitch-black lightning, is that what's called 'dark lightning'?"

"It seems that this is the real challenge of this trial!"

On the deck of the Heron, a deep sense of apprehension flashed in Lan's eyes.

Even she didn't want to experience the power of that kind of lightning.

boom! boom! boom!
At this moment, a series of thunderbolts began to accumulate and fall from the high clouds.

Witnessing this scene that resembled a natural disaster, many of the secret travelers were filled with fear and hurriedly steered their ships to safety.

They all understood that the real test was only just beginning.

……

……

I don’t know how much time has passed.

It might be ten minutes, or it might be an hour.

The combined effects of "hidden lightning," giant waves, and torrential rain caused many captains to succumb, either being struck by lightning or capsized by the wind and waves, ultimately leading to their unfortunate departure from the ship.

The remaining secret travelers could only struggle on, silently praying that the [dark lightning] wouldn't strike them.

However, near the heart of the storm.

The momentum of the Thunder and the Heron shows no signs of waning.

Even the captains of these two ships were able to devote some of their energy to observing the storm on the [Secret Sea].

As he gazed at the waterspout formed by the mysterious seawater within the storm, Loren felt a unique sense of realization.

It's as if a wondrous mystery is hidden within the surging waves and the brewing thunder.

If you continue to observe, it seems you will gain some insights.

"……This is?"

Loren felt a slight stirring in his heart, recalling the knowledge that an old pirate had once taught him.

“Every trial in the [Secret Sea] is both a test and a gift.”

"Even if one comprehends only one ten-millionth of the secrets of the [Secret Sea], it will be enough to benefit one for a lifetime."

"...That's it! My secret power attribute happens to be lightning. If I can imitate even one percent of the essence of that pitch-black lightning, my strength will probably increase dramatically!"

Suddenly realizing this, Loren couldn't help but look towards the [Heron] not far away.

He was surprised to find that Lan's face also carried a hint of contemplation and understanding.

The pair of swords seemed to be imbued with a violent aura, like a tornado.

Noticing that she was being watched, Lan turned her head away.

Their eyes met once again amidst the wind and waves.

However, this time, their eyes held a more complex emotion.

Even though they were on opposing sides, they had to admit each other's excellence and strength.

Especially in contrast to other secret travelers who either struggled or fled in panic.

For a moment, during this trial in the [Secret Sea], they even developed a sense of mutual respect and camaraderie.

"Hahaha... It seems you've also gained some insights from this trial."

At this moment, a surge of heroic spirit inexplicably welled up within Loren, and he took the initiative to speak.

"Among the new generation of third-tier secret cultivators in the Seven Seas, you are probably the only one who can be my opponent!"

Lan said calmly, "Your talent is indeed outstanding, it's just a pity..."

"We are destined to be enemies!"

The two fell silent for a moment, both seemingly feeling a little regretful.

If it weren't for their differing stances, they might have become good friends.

However, this awkward atmosphere didn't last long...

boom--

A particularly deep and loud bang suddenly came from beneath the sea.

Immediately afterwards, a wave, even larger and more violent than before, suddenly surged up from beneath the two ships.

"what happened?"

"What happened? Why did the waves suddenly get bigger?"

Loren and Lan forcibly brought the ship under control and stared intently in the direction from which the loud noise came.

Then they saw a sight they would probably never forget for the rest of their lives.

Beneath the raging waves, an incredibly tall figure was gradually emerging.

That was a... giant!
His body was deep and mysterious, and the shadows around him seemed to swallow all the light that was projected onto him, almost perfectly blending into this [Secret Sea], indistinguishable from it.

His body was so large and heavy that the gale and rain felt like mosquitoes biting him.

Even the ever-surging giant waves seemed like tiny toys next to him.

Those solid, streamlined muscles clearly exude a terrifying, overwhelming power.

no doubt.

This exceptionally large wave was generated by his stirring.

Just looking at this giant instills a sense of pressure that is almost awe and fear.

Right at this moment.

Loren couldn't help but let out an uncontrollable, loud exclamation.

"...A faceless shadow!!!"

"A faceless shadow!?"

Due to the churning of the seawater, the distance between the Thunder and the Heron has once again narrowed, Lan asked in surprise.

"Is it that mysterious person who appeared in the [Blood Moon Secret Realm] and even cooperated with Lord Karlless?"

"Yes, it's him!"

Loren said confidently, "I would never mistake his aura."

"Wait, if the [Shadowless] is alive, then his presence here means..."

Suddenly, Lan realized something: "He's here to participate in the promotion ceremony too?"

"Moreover, he is actually only a second-tier Mystic Path user right now?"

"...Second-order?"

Loren stared at the figure in the sea, his lips twitching slightly: "You call this a second-tier secret path practitioner?"

Is the difference between people really that big?
At this moment, Loren suddenly remembered what he had just said, and his face quickly turned red.

With the [Shadow of No Appearance] here, he also said that among the newly promoted third-tier secret path practitioners, it would be difficult to encounter an opponent?
Lan's mindset was much calmer than his; she simply observed the giant's movements in the waves and asked curiously.

"With such strength, why would he risk going to sea? Wouldn't it be better to just wait on the ship until he passes the trial?"

"Wait... he seems to be fighting with something!"

"Um!?"

Loren quickly looked down and soon saw...

In the deep sea, the giant was fiercely battling a huge, black, anemone-like creature.

That sea anemone was as black as [Dark Thunder].

From that mottled black, tendrils continuously extended, wrapping and entwining around the giant's body.

Those tentacles seemed to possess the power to control seawater, storms, and thunder; the surging seawater transformed into giant waves, crashing down on the giant.

The increasingly strong winds blew along with the raindrops.

However, this attack failed to harm the giant in the slightest. Instead, a huge wave swept in, nearly capsizing the Thunder.

The aftershocks alone were so terrifying, not to mention the impact in the center of the battlefield.

Lan thought to herself, "Could it be that this sea anemone is actually the culprit behind this storm?"

"And the purpose of the [Shadowless] is to hunt it down?"

At that moment, some small boats not far away were already teetering on the brink of capsizing.

Overwhelmed by the ever-growing storms, they finally sank into the [Secret Sea].

The captains of the remaining five or six ships all stared in shock and disbelief at the battle raging in the terrible storm.

However, this was unknown to the captains.

They had no idea that the person fighting the sea anemone was a fellow cultivator who was also participating in the advancement; they simply thought it was a battle between native inhabitants of the Secret Sea.

laugh!
The enormous giant stretched out its hands, and with a sudden burst of strength, tore off several thick tentacles.

The filthy blood instantly spread throughout the seawater.

The giant sea anemone's body trembled violently.

However, such injuries clearly angered the sea anemone, and its remaining tentacles pointed together at the clouds in the sky.

Immediately afterwards, numerous jet-black lightning snakes began to converge, transforming into an incredibly thick bolt of jet-black lightning.

At last……

It crashed down!

(End of this chapter)