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

Chapter 182 [Sand Island], Reencounter with the [Viper]

"【Sand Island】?"

Upon hearing this completely unfamiliar name, Shane asked.

What kind of island is this?

Elisa thought for a moment, then picked out some important information and said, "First of all, this island is very large."

This assessment surprised Xia En quite a bit.

"How big is it?"

"About... twenty times the size of Silvermoon Island?"

Xia En raised an eyebrow: "That's quite a lot."

It should be noted that Silvermoon Island is already considered a fairly large island in the Tranquil Sea.

It is twenty times larger than that, almost the size of a small country before the Great Flood!

In the current Age of Exploration, land is the most valuable resource for survival. Even the most barren and narrow islands will be put to good use by people.

Many fleets ventured out to sea in search of new islands.

Every undeveloped new island is a huge treasure!

The pioneers who discover a new island will also permanently receive a portion of the island's profits.

Shouldn't such a large island have been occupied by the Federation and a new city built on it long ago?
Elisa noticed Shane's confusion and explained, "The other feature I want to mention is related to the current situation of [Sand Island]."

"Ninety percent of the land on this island is desert, and sandstorms are frequent, making it unsuitable for farming or living."

"desert……"

Xia En stroked his chin, looking thoughtful.

In fact, he could vaguely guess the connection between the name "Sand Island" and the desert.

Many people take it for granted that deserts cannot appear near the ocean.

However, in reality, due to factors such as ocean currents, topography, and climate, there is more than one coastal desert on Earth.

The appearance of a sand island in the ocean doesn't seem too strange.

However, this alone should not be enough to stop adventurers from exploring the island.

Elisa continued, "Besides the harsh natural environment, there is also a group of powerful native inhabitants on Sand Island who are extremely resistant to outsiders."

"The Federation has also sent fleets several times in an attempt to occupy Sand Island, but all attempts have failed."

"...Even the Federation?"

Upon hearing this, Xia En's expression changed slightly.

Regardless, the Federation is now the most powerful force in the Seven Seas.

This can be seen from the steel warships that were glimpsed earlier.

However, the Federation's decision not to continue attacking Sand Island may not necessarily be due to fear of the island's natives; it's also possible that the cost of a direct assault would outweigh the benefits of the island.

Even so, this is enough to illustrate the dangers of Sand Island.

Thinking of this, Shane couldn't help but give Elisa and Loren a strange look.

A third-tier strength might be considered strong in ordinary sea areas, but it's really not enough to conquer the Sand Island, which even the Federation couldn't defeat.

Not to mention, this Norwich Treasure also involves the Pirate King.

At his peak, that pirate king possessed at least the strength of an eighth-tier pirate!
Every apostle under his command is at least a seventh-tier legendary!
The treasure left behind by such a powerful figure would obviously attract the covetous eyes of many formidable individuals.

A third-tier combat strength is really not enough.

Noticing his gaze, Elisa explained with a wry smile, "Pirates, you know, they'll take any opportunity to gamble."

"Not just for ourselves, but also for the crew on board."

Hearing this, Shane could barely understand Elisa and the others' desire to get a share of the profits.

Pirates are a profession that seems ruthless and infamous.

But in the end, they are just robbers who make a living by robbing and plundering.

Unlike the island's governor, who has a stable and lasting economic income, they also lack a stable source of potions and equipment.

Even if there are many exceptionally talented members on Elisa's ship, without sufficient resources, breaking through to a higher level of the secret path is undoubtedly as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Therefore, whether it was the previous "Blood Moon Night" or this "Norwich Treasure," the pirates came like sharks smelling blood, trying their luck.

This is also their only chance to acquire precious resources.

Only by striving can we have a chance to break through.

Otherwise, they will eventually become just another ordinary person.

However, Elisa wasn't truly blinded by the treasure.

She continued, "As far as I know, the Norwich Treasure on Sand Island is only a part of the whole treasure."

"The last reason is..."

After hesitating for a moment, Elisa revealed an important piece of information.

"On the Sand Island, there seems to be some kind of restriction targeting high-level secret cultivators, limiting their secret power level to the fifth rank!"

"I see……"

Upon hearing this, Xia En suddenly realized what was going on.

The restrictions on high-level secret cultivators were the fundamental reason why the two dared to try their luck on [Sand Island].

Otherwise, if any legendary powerhouse from the Federation were to appear, where would anyone else get a share of the Norwich Treasure?
This news also made Xia En's heart flutter a little.

The fifth level is neither particularly high nor particularly low.

It seems that he is only two levels below the third rank. With Xia En's combat strength, which is close to the fourth rank, he seems to be able to barely deal with one or two.

But soon, Shane's rationality reminded him again—

Even among those at the same level, the differences between different practitioners of the Secret Path are vast.

A newly ascended fifth-tier expert cannot possibly possess the same strength as a fifth-tier expert who has been immersed in cultivation for over a decade.

Not to mention, this time, the [Norwich Treasure] might also attract Pathfinders of Rank 5 or higher.

This mess is not something Xia En can get involved in right now.

Many thoughts flashed through Xia En's mind, but his expression remained calm.

He quickly realized that Elisa could have kept such important information a secret.

But now, the captain has spoken without reservation, which is clearly not just because of the life-saving grace.

Then, Shane looked at Elisa and said meaningfully.

"Captain Elisa must have other ideas behind telling me this, right?"

Elisa's expression stiffened slightly.

It is clear that, in addition to his strength, Shane has also made great progress in other areas.

"As expected, Captain Xia En was not fooled."

Elisa sighed and said, "Actually, we also wanted to talk to Captain Shane about cooperation this time..."

These two third-tier Mystic Path users had little confidence in the [Novice Treasure], which is why they thought of recruiting Shane.

As for the profits...

In Elisa's original plan, everyone should ideally receive 20%, with Shane taking 60% for himself.

However, after seeing Shane in person, Elisa and Loren realized they were wrong, and very wrong.

Whether they are there or not makes little difference to Xia En.

The combined share of the two was about 10%, mostly due to Xia En's great mercy.

It was precisely because she realized this that Elisa was hesitant and unable to bring herself to speak when discussing cooperation.

How can we cooperate when our strengths are not equal?
"I understand."

Shaun nodded without any surprise, but what he said surprised both Loren and Elisa.

"The Norwich Treasure is good, but it's not something I can obtain right now, and I don't plan to steal it." "However, I do need to go to Sand Island, and I can travel with you for a while."

This was a decision that Xia En made after careful consideration.

The allure of the Norwich Treasure is considerable, but it exceeds his capabilities. Forcibly attempting to seize it might result in heavy losses.

Moreover, with the talent of [Deep Sea Diving], Shane is not actually lacking in resources and can focus on developing for a while longer.

The reason for going to Sand Island is quite simple—

Sandstorms are raging on Sand Island!
The Power of Storms doesn't say it can only plunder storms on the sea.

If we could plunder the power of the sandstorm, wouldn't that complete the final piece of the puzzle for advancing to the fourth tier?
For this reason alone, Xia En has every reason to make a trip to [Sand Island].

However, these words took on a different meaning when heard by Loren and his companion.

Shaun didn't want to steal the Norwich Treasure, but instead took them to Sand Island. Wasn't this clearly meant to intimidate the two hunting ships following behind?

As long as the Black Swan is still around, the White Dove will not dare to attack them.

This act of kindness left Loren and his companion feeling inexplicably flattered.

The behavior of those in positions of authority can easily lead to strange interpretations and associations by those in positions of authority.

Without realizing it, Xia En also developed these characteristics.

"Captain Shane, I knew I wasn't wrong."

Loren laughed heartily, revealing a set of white teeth: "You're such a good person."

Shane: "?"

Before he could figure out why he had been given a "friend zone" card for no reason, he heard Loren continue.

"By the way, Captain Shane, why don't I see Mr. Fei Ya?"

"I haven't had a chance to properly thank him yet."

Loren looked around the deck.

Suddenly, he realized something he had overlooked—

From the moment we left until now, Shane has been the only person on the deck of the Black Swan!

Loren initially thought the other crew members were hiding in the cabin to avoid the lightning storm, but upon closer inspection, he realized that wasn't the case at all.

How can one person control such a large ship?
Just as Loren was filled with doubt and uncertainty, he saw Shane's eyes, which seemed to be smiling but not smiling.

"hiss……"

Loren took a deep breath, but dared not think any further.

At this point, Elisa wisely stopped talking about the Norwich Treasure and instead asked curiously.

"Where's that little Joey? I'd like to catch up with her!"

Xia En raised his chin and looked at the sea not far away.

"Here, they are already here."

So, Loren and Elisa looked up.

On the sea, a three-masted sailing ship, several times larger than the Black Swan, was slowly sailing in this direction.

Loren, Elisa, and the pirates on the two nearby ships all widened their eyes in unison.

Although this large ship is not as vibrant as the Black Swan, it possesses an indescribable sense of antiquity and solemnity.

It seems to have emerged from legends and history, shrouded in an indescribable aura of mystery.

Moreover, both third-tier secret cultivators instinctively sensed it—

Deep within this ship lurks something extremely terrifying.

If I had to put it in words, it would be like a gateway to the abyss!
……

……

It didn't take long.

Fia, Joey, and the other crew members returned to the deck of the Black Swan.

"Mr. Fei Ya, it's been a long time. You're still as beautiful as ever..."

Loren was halfway through his greeting when he was met with Fei Ya's murderous gaze.

He quickly exclaimed in surprise, "You've also broken through to the third rank?"

Feiya had fought alongside Elisa and Loren in the Blood Moon Realm and knew that he was just joking and wasn't really angry.

Upon hearing Loren's question, Fia chuckled and said, "Just lucky."

"He only broke through a few days ago."

That's right, Fei Ya was indeed the first Secret Path user under Xia En to advance to the third rank!
After consuming the [Crimson Fruit], Feiya's bloodline underwent a sublimation and transformation.

Even without cultivation, his strength is improving imperceptibly.

Not to mention, Fei Ya has never neglected his cultivation, so a few days ago, after accumulating strength, he took the lead in breaking through to a higher rank.

At this moment, Loren was so shocked that he was almost numb.

"...You call this a breakthrough that just happened a few days ago?"

In his perception, Fei Ya's aura was even stronger than his own.

If it were a one-on-one fight, I might not even be his match.

Don't forget, Phia's secret path profession is still priest!
Loren also couldn't quite discern the auras of the other crew members.

"monster!"

Loren couldn't help but think to himself, "The guys on this ship are monsters!"

Not far away, Elisa was also secretly alarmed by Joey's change.

In her eyes, the silver-haired, red-eyed girl in front of her exuded a sense of oppression from her bloodline.

It made her instinctively feel noble and reverent, and even had an urge to worship it.

"Your bloodline aura... Could it be that you've already been to the [Siren Islands]?"

"Yes."

Joey smiled slightly: "I also have to thank Sister Elisa for that scale."

"It seems your bloodline is even more special than I thought..."

Elisa glanced at Yan Yan and An out of the corner of her eye.

Although the crew of the Black Swan was small, each one of them made her feel a strong sense of crisis.

It's safe to say that these crew members alone could easily wipe out the Siren and Thunder.

Elisa suddenly felt a sense of relief that the Siren was a friend of the Black Swan, not an enemy.

As for the other mysterious large ship, neither Loren nor Elisa bothered to investigate its origins.

……

……

Three days later.

Led by the Siren, the Black Swan and other ships steadily made their way towards Sand Island.

One after another, other ships appeared on the [Magnetic Thunder Sea].

Clearly, they were all drawn here by the Norwich Treasure.

However, upon seeing the Black Swan and the Diamond Star, no ship dared to take the initiative to provoke them.

Until this day.

Shane, who was fishing on the deck, heard Joey's exclamation.

"Captain, look at that ship!"

Xia En looked closely and soon spotted a somewhat familiar mechanical ship on the sea—

【Viper】!
(End of this chapter)