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

Chapter 220: Reunion with Karl Rice! (Please subscribe! Please vote with monthly tickets!)

"The Norwich Treasure!"

"The treasure must be inside that stone palace!"

Upon seeing the stone hall with its doors wide open, the crowd erupted in excitement.

They went through so much trouble to reach Sand Island, sacrificing the lives of their companions and precious treasures, all for this world-renowned treasure.

With the treasure just around the corner, people are naturally very excited.

Unable to contain their excitement, the pirates and their followers charged straight toward the stone hall.

However, the terrifying pressure that materialized in front of them dealt them a heavy blow!
One pirate charged too fast, ignoring the terrifying gray rain, and was forced to his knees by the force, his whole body trembling and every joint cracking.

In an instant, large and small bone fractures appeared in his body.

The pirate stared wide-eyed at Gar in front of him, pleadingly muttering something.

"Captain, save me..."

Garr glanced back at him and knew he was beyond saving.

Just then, a strange, ghostly figure suddenly appeared beside the fallen pirate.

In the blink of an eye, the pirate's body showed signs of decay, emitting a nauseating stench.

This scene stunned several pirates who were preparing to rescue him.

"Damn it, what is that phantom?"

"This ability... seems somewhat similar to the black hand from before?"

"Oh no! There's more than one of them!"

Before the words were even finished, people saw strange, illusory figures appearing in the gray downpour.

They barely maintain a human form; some are mutilated, some have a strange, eerie laugh, and some are simply a lump of rotting flesh.

The phantoms exist between illusion and reality, shrouded in a chaotic and mysterious power, giving people a strong sense of crisis.

It seemed as if countless greedy eyes were sweeping over the flesh and blood of the crowd.

Xia En was no stranger to the illusory figures around him.

They are not real things, but phantoms left over from the past.

Just like those Cyclopes shrouded in mist on Giant Island back then.

Perhaps it was the special nature of this forbidden place, or perhaps it was some kind of strong emotion, that caused the remaining secret power to not completely dissipate, and ultimately linger in the human world in this form.

It is precisely because of this that these phantoms still possess considerable destructive power.

"This forbidden area is probably an ancient battlefield!"

A realization dawned on Xia En: "Those phantoms are the incarnations of the [Filthy Apostles] who died here."

"And their enemy was the ancestor of the Moon-Welcoming Clan."

Beside Xia En, there were also several incomplete phantoms, staring at him with malicious intent.

However, around him were the phantom images of giant wolves, tearing, gnawing, and pouncing... fighting against those filthy phantoms.

The two sides fought fiercely, with casualties on both sides.

This is also why Xia En has been able to continue to make rapid and steady progress.

Xia En's curiosity grew even stronger: "What exactly happened in this forbidden area back then?"

"What exactly is this [Novice Treasure] that even the [Filthy Apostles] personally fought over it?"

at the same time.

In contrast, without the help of those giant wolf phantoms, Miso, Gar, and the others immediately encountered great resistance after meeting the afterimage of the [Filthy Apostle].

Many of their men, who had already suffered heavy casualties, continued to die at their hands, their bodies turning into rotting corpses.

However, there was one person who could keep up with Shane's pace, and whose speed increased rather than decreased.

That's the Twilight of the vampires!

This woman truly deserves to be the highest-ranking person on [Sand Island] at this moment.

A layer of blood fire suddenly ignited on her body, forcibly flying a short distance through the gray rainstorm, blocking the terrible pressure.

The blood-red flames contained granular gold particles, which was none other than the vampire's top talent—Burning Gold Blood!

The afterimages of the apostles seemed to be somewhat afraid of this golden blood fire, as the corrupting secret power could not penetrate the blood fire and directly affect Twilight's body.

Two or three afterimages along the way were directly shattered and ignited by the twilight.

In an instant, the distance between her and Xia En was shrinking at an extremely rapid pace.

"caught you!"

When the two were less than five meters apart, Twilight revealed a cruel smile and reached out to grab Shane's nape.

Twilight's earlier threats weren't just empty words; she genuinely intended to drain Shaun's blood.

Twilight even considered keeping Shane captive after capturing him, draining his blood like livestock every day.

Once you're tired of playing with him, you can turn him into a blood slave, or hold a grand blood feast with your own kind.

—For ordinary human beings, this behavior is exceptionally cruel.

However, among vampires, this is merely a common tactic used to deal with prey.

To them, how many humans they have hunted is as nonsensical a question as "how many slices of bread you have eaten".

Twilight's grab was incredibly powerful, as if even the air in his palm was distorted.

But Xia En neither dodged nor avoided, turned around, twisted his waist, and punched Twilight's palm.

"court death!"

Twilight smiled.

If anyone thinks she's only good at using secret-powered firearms, they're sorely mistaken!
Twilight's physical body is her most powerful weapon.

Her body, strengthened by the blood of burning gold, was filled with explosive power in every corner, and even her internal organs and bones were extremely tough.

That seemingly delicate and alluring body conceals a power comparable to that of a Tyrannosaurus Rex!
Without the protection of the moonlight, how could Xia En possibly withstand this grab?
However, at the moment their fists collided, Twilight's expression changed slightly.

The immense force coming from her palm far exceeded her expectations!
After the roar, Xia En retreated several meters, his feet carving a deep trench in the ground.

Twilight was forced to take two or three steps back!

Upon seeing this, both Miso and Gal couldn't help but twitch their brows.

Despite the fact that Xia En is clearly at a disadvantage.

It should be noted that in the battle just now, only fifth-tier Mystic Path practitioners like the brothers Garr and Matthew were qualified to fight Twilight head-on.

And there are almost no people who can make Twilight retreat!
Many people had an absurd thought in their minds.

The combat power displayed in this one strike, doesn't it mean—

At the fourth rank, Xia En possessed a physical body comparable to or even surpassing that of a fifth-rank Mystic.

By this point, no one believed that Xia En's success was solely due to luck.

"This Xia En is indeed no ordinary person. His talent... can be considered a genius."

Miso sighed as he struggled forward.

"Unfortunately, he ran into Twilight."

"At least for now, he can't be a match for Twilight."

After this encounter, Twilight's gaze became more serious, and his killing intent grew stronger.

"I admit, I underestimated you."

"Your strength has improved so much in such a short time; such talent... is truly enviable." "In that case, I can't let you off the hook!"

"This will be your final resting place!"

The moment the words left his mouth, Twilight raised the Twin Flowers and fired a shot, and in an instant a streak of light shot out.

However, dark shadows suddenly appeared around them. The incomparably sharp light was weakened layer by layer under the shadows, and by the time it reached Xia En, it had less than half its power and was blocked by the blood-red greatsword that appeared.

"field?"

Twilight was moved once again.

Even with her extensive combat experience, this was the first time she had ever seen someone unleash the power of a domain at the fourth rank!

Golden flames burned continuously in Twilight's eyes, and a hazy golden glow rose around him, resembling blood-red lotus flowers, beautiful and magnificent.

This is her [Golden Realm].

Even with the suppression of the [Sand Island] restriction, its range is still quite exaggerated.

Blood-red lotus flowers kept appearing and blooming in mid-air. Just looking at them, let alone touching them, gave one the illusion that the blood was about to burst into flames.

Fortunately, Shane himself possesses the talent of [Blood Power].

Although they couldn't seize control of these blood lotuses, at least they wouldn't ignite their own blood.

“In a head-on confrontation, I am no match for her.”

"Even if we open the second or third phase, it just means we can last a little longer."

"The only hope lies within the stone palace, in the treasure left behind by Augustine!"

With a thought flashing through his mind, Xia En fought and retreated, making his way towards the stone palace.

Meanwhile, the two groups of onlookers in the distance were all dumbfounded.

Matthew stared wide-eyed in astonishment and asked his brother, "Am I seeing things?"

"That's... the power of a domain?"

Matthew was also shaken, but still answered, "That's right, it's the domain."

As fifth-tier secret cultivators, the brothers naturally possessed their own domains.

But they didn't use it in the battle just now.

This is certainly not because the Matthew brothers didn't want to use it, but rather...

Can't use it!
Within the special environment of the forbidden area, the energy consumption for casting a domain increases significantly, while its power and range become pitifully small.

Using their domain will only make them lose even faster!
But right now, Xia En, who is only at the fourth level, is actually clashing with Twilight in a battle of domains?
This was something completely beyond their comprehension!
The madman Gal also completely suppressed his contempt and regarded Shane as a strong person of the same level as himself.

At that moment, Twilight drew a delicate hidden blade from her hand, and from her elevated position, slashed down with it.

Xia En met the attack with his sword once again.

This time, neither side held back. Their swords clashed, and a shockwave instantly spread out, revealing countless fine cracks.

The spot where the two were standing suddenly sank by more than ten centimeters.

Twilight raised her eyebrows and said, "Impressive power! Try this one!"

The twin flowers in her hands suddenly burst into light, and the two guns merged into one, becoming a long and beautiful spear.

Immediately, a scarlet glow appeared at the muzzle of the gun.

Seeing this, Xia En took a deep breath and prepared to use [Dual Ship Soul] or transform into a giant to buy more time.

But the next moment.

boom!
A sudden burst of steam erupted through the gray rain.

Immediately afterwards, a platinum-gold figure, riding on a cloud of white steam, sped towards them like lightning.

The terrifying pressure contained in the gray rain, and the afterimage of the [Filthy Apostle], seemed to have no effect on her whatsoever.

She could vaguely see a gray-haired man walking unsteadily, following very slowly behind her, having fallen far behind.

As the steam dissipated slightly, people were able to see the figure clearly.

This is a steam knight made of steel, gears, and levers!
The platinum-colored armor exudes an indescribable mechanical beauty.

Her figure had some feminine features, making her appear elegant and agile, like a nimble female leopard.

Such a seemingly human yet inhuman being immediately attracted the attention of everyone present.

Twilight frowned slightly: "[Platinum Knight]...Carles!"

Twilight has nothing to fear from Karl-Heinz alone.

After all, the other party was her defeated opponent.

But behind Karlles is the Seven Seas Federation!

Her arrival might represent the Federation's attitude, so Twilight has to treat it with caution.

Upon closer observation, Twilight discovered that Karles had only brought one fourth-tier Mystic with him when he ventured deep into this place.
There were no other strong allies from the Federation appearing behind them?

Realizing this, Twilight's eyes flickered.

If she kills everyone present, no one will know that Carles died at her hands.

Although, the federal government may issue an investigation order later.

But given the Federation's cumbersome and bloated procedures, by the time the investigation yielded any results, she would have long since left Sand Island and completely absorbed this treasure.

“Carles, it seems you’re even more naive than I thought.”

Twilight sneered, "Since you're here, you're not leaving!"

Carles ignored Twilight, looked at Shane, and said, "Long time no see."

Upon seeing this old friend, Xia En was overjoyed and said with a smile, "It's been a long time."

"You've become much prettier."

"Ha ha!"

A joyful laugh rang out from beneath the platinum-plated mask: "You've gotten stronger too!"

"However, before we catch up, let's defeat this woman first!"

"Just like last time, enter my body."

Without hesitation, Xia En stepped forward: "That's exactly what I wanted!"

Nearby, Twilight, though unaware of the relationship between Shane and Karl-Heinz, could tell they considered him a common enemy.

Without hesitation, she raised the great spear formed from the twin flowers, and the blood-gold secret power quickly accumulated, transforming into powerful bullets.

At the same moment the stream of light shot out.

Carles opened his arms as if to embrace Shane.

Then, amidst the hymns sung by gears, levers, and steam.

Numerous parts disintegrated and deformed in an incredible way, then reassembled in a shape that fits tightly to Shane's body, unfolding layer upon layer to form a platinum-gold armor.

A damp and hot sensation enveloped Xia En's entire body.

The two fit together so closely, yet there was no discomfort whatsoever. On the contrary, there was a feeling of being one with the body and soul, which was extremely wonderful.

The humming of the 32 steam cores gradually overlapped and resonated with Shane's heartbeat.

A surge of abundant energy, in a wondrous way, blessed him.

Several months have passed.

Shane has reunited with Karl Rice!
(End of this chapter)