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

Chapter 225 [Black Swan (+3)!] [Rhine Secret Realm]

“Salary… [The Truth Society]…”

Hearing Augustine's last two reminders, Shane felt a little strange.

"Salary" clearly refers to the legendary King of Salary.

The problem is that Augustine lived in a time that is far too distant from the present.

Augustine was clearly unaware that the Lord of Cinder, on whom he had placed such high hopes, had already fallen into the dust of history, with only the [Ember Treasure] still radiating its residual heat.

At this moment, Shane suddenly recalled the Lord of Cinder's evaluation of Augustine in [Ember Sanctuary]—

[He is merely a mortal king born in an era before me.]

It is clear that the King of Cinder still held Augustine in some contempt.

In contrast, Augustine held this later king in high regard.

In Shaun's opinion, Augustine's deeds were more in line with the style of a king.

But then again, when the King of Salvage made that comment, he was probably still quite young.

Young people are bound to be a bit hot-blooded, that's normal.

After secretly comparing the words and actions of the two former kings, Xia En thought of Augustine's second reminder and muttered to himself with a solemn expression.

"[The Truth Society]... It's them again."

He had previously had several contacts with the Truth Society.

The more you get to know them, the more you feel the organization's mystery and eeriness.

At this moment, Augustine once again showed his fear of the Truth Society, which served as another warning to Shane.

"However, judging from the situation in the last promotion ceremony, it seems that the [Truth Society] and [Filthy Fate] are not allies?"

"Is there another deity standing behind them?"

"Or rather, an existence even more terrifying than gods?"

After a moment of contemplation, Xia En silently kept the two reminders in mind. Then, with a thought, a large door made of silver light appeared in front of him.

This is an ability he naturally acquired after obtaining the [Empty Beast Heart Seal].

To put it simply, it's about opening the door between the [Secret Realm] and the real world.

Although Twilight is dead, there are still many trivial matters waiting for Shane to deal with.

……

……

Time flies.

In the blink of an eye, ten days have passed since the great battle in the forbidden area of ​​[Sand Island].

Due to the time lag in information dissemination at the Seven Seas.

Even though Shane has already taken possession of the Norwich Treasure, many pirates and speculators still come to Sand Island, hoping to try their luck.

However, instead of finding the treasure, they encountered ships from the Federation.

These federal personnel appear to have been urgently deployed from nearby waters to move some valuable and massive item.

Upon witnessing this scene, the treasure hunters who had come to Sand Island couldn't help but sigh with regret.

It's obvious that the Norwich Treasure has been taken over by the federal government!
If they were facing ordinary pirates or powerful forces, the treasure hunters might have some crooked ideas, or even directly robbed them.

But that's the Seven Seas Federation!

The true overlord of this vast ocean!

Even the most ruthless pirate wouldn't dare to stroke this tiger's whiskers.

As for the previously aggressive "Mad Pirate Gang" and the "Gem Ship" of the "Apocalypse Merchant Guild," they all became docile without prior agreement.

The Mad Pirate Ship left Sand Island and even sailed away from the Magnetic Thunder Sea.

Meanwhile, the merchants on the Gemstone began cautiously making contact with the Federation, intending to do a substantial business deal.

The reactions of these two forces also indirectly confirm—

The battle for the Sand Island and the Norwich Treasure has come to an end.

Those who arrive late won't even get to smell the broth, let alone eat meat!
Many speculative treasure hunters inevitably felt some regret about this, but at the same time, they also heard a somewhat unbelievable rumor.

The captain of the [Burning Gold], a sixth-tier powerhouse, the vampire Twilight, died on [Sand Island]!
Initially, many pirates expressed strong skepticism about this.

How could a sixth-tier secret cultivator, who is only below the legendary level, die here so easily?
It wasn't until they witnessed the [Burning Gold] approach the Federation's ships in a tragic manner, and after receiving a reply that barely counted as an answer, that it slunk away from [Sand Island].

This news is absolutely explosive.

But most people believe that this was mostly done by the Seven Seas Federation.

Only the Federation has the strength to easily kill a sixth-tier Mystic.

However, among a very small group of people, there is a rumor that Twilight died from a captain named "Shane".

Compared to these major events, some minor changes have occurred on Sand Island that have gone unnoticed by ordinary people.

E.g……

The natives scattered throughout the island of Sand Island seem to have vanished, rarely appearing on the island.

The settlements of the natives were deserted, and all the valuable items were moved away overnight.

The outsiders were somewhat curious about this, but they didn't pay much attention to it.

After all, what did the life or death of a group of unfamiliar natives have to do with them?
Only a few federal officials noticed this phenomenon, but when they reported it to their superiors, they were told to "ignore it."

Thus, the natives of Sand Island quickly became a race that existed only in legends.

Their disappearance seems to have made no ripples in history.

—If the natives had continued to live on the Sand Island, they might have ended up in this situation.

But the current situation is...

[Secret Realm].

The once beautiful valley has changed completely.

A village in its early stages was established in the middle of the valley, and the houses were built using local timber.

These timbers are far more durable than ordinary trees, yet very lightweight, making them excellent building materials.

Throughout the village, one can see members of the Yongyue tribe who have shed their yellow robes.

They were all busy with their own tasks; some were repairing newly built houses, while others had just returned from hunting and were processing their unfamiliar and fresh prey.

Some are using existing materials to create primitive and rudimentary tools.

But no matter what they were doing, there was always a light in the eyes of these Moon-Wandering Clan members.

That is hope for a new life and for the future!
This scene stands in stark contrast to the despair and confusion that had permeated the tribe earlier.

"It's amazing how this place has been completely transformed in just ten days."

On a small hill near the valley, the platinum-colored Carles looked down and couldn't help but sigh.

"As expected of you, Xia En."

Xia En, who was standing to the side, shook his head: "Actually, this has little to do with me."

"The people of the [Yongyue Clan] are inherently hardworking, diligent, and good at enduring hardship, possessing the wisdom of the working people."

"However, they did not have a good environment and conditions to build their homes before."

"And I just helped them out and made a small contribution."

Carles laughed and said, "I never knew you were such a smooth talker."

"That's because our relationship wasn't close enough before."

Xia En smiled slightly and said meaningfully, "If you don't mind, we can actually have some more in-depth communication."

"Oh, so you were waiting for me here!"

Carles understood Shane's subtext, but responded just as directly.

"The Federation has done me a great favor. For example, the materials for this mech enhancement were actually provided by the Federation." "In addition, my... father also needs my help, so I cannot become your crew member."

In fact, Carles' relationship with the Federation is rather special.

In the beginning, Carles was simply regarded as a tool.

However, after she awakened her self-awareness, the Federation had no choice but to regard her as an independent and autonomous secret guide.

The materials that allowed Karlless to be upgraded from Tier 3 to Tier 5 were naturally provided by the Federation—which was essentially an investment.

The Federation makes such investments in many secret guides and requires them to repay them with meritorious service in the future.

This signifies that the Federation values ​​your potential, and it is also considered a welfare program under the Federation's jurisdiction.

Unlike ordinary secret practitioners, Karlless received far more investment than the average person!

On the one hand, this stems from her instrumental nature.

On the other hand, there is the "father" she speaks of.

That is... Colonel Gold, a seventh-tier legendary being created by Karls!
Even if three-quarters of the skeleton of the [Mysterious Sea Beast] were enough to be worth a huge amount of war merit, Karlles would not leave the Federation.

However, Xia En was only taking a chance, so he didn't have high hopes and wasn't too disappointed.

He simply sighed, "What a pity."

"I thought we could continue fighting side by side."

I must say, the feeling of being united with Carles was truly extraordinary.

The moist, warm steam, the tight feel against the skin... once you experience it, you'll never forget it.

Moreover, compared to the combat power of a sixth-tier secret cultivator, even if it only lasts for three or four seconds, it is still quite remarkable!
Carles was clearly a little disappointed, but her rationality prevailed over her emotions, and she said, "It's okay, I believe we will meet again."

"By then, I will definitely be stronger, and I hope you will be too."

Xia En nodded solemnly: "That day will come."

"Speaking of which, have you gotten stronger again?"

Sensing Shane's presence, Karlless asked curiously, "In just a few days, I feel you've changed again."

Xia En nodded: "Just a slight improvement."

He himself has been quite busy these past ten days.

After gathering all the materials, Shane decisively upgraded the hull for the third time!
The core material is a portion of the skeleton of the [Mysterious Sea Beast]!

[Black Swan (+3)!]

[Overall Qualifications: 5.0 → 5.3!]

"What an enviable talent!"

At this moment, Karlless said in a slightly joking tone, "Aren't you afraid I'll report this [Secret Realm] to the Federation if you tell me about it?"

"Such a large [secret realm] is enough to tempt many people, isn't it?"

Xia En smiled and said, "I believe you."

"Moreover, if we have to say, you originally had a share in this [Secret Realm]."

Carles was quite pleased with these words, and after humming happily twice, he said...

"To tell you the truth, the value of this [Secret Realm] to the Federation may not actually be as great as that Void Beast skeleton."

Xia En was somewhat surprised: "What do you mean?"

Karlley frankly stated, "In recent years, the Federation has actually discovered entrances to dozens of super-large secret realms. Just exploring these secret realms has already stretched our manpower thin."

"We simply don't have enough manpower to explore any new secret realms."

"Even if we obtain this secret realm, we will probably resell it to other organizations that are capable of taking it over."

"It is precisely because of this that I am the only fifth-tier secret cultivator sent by the Federation to compete for the treasure."

Upon hearing this, Xia En was startled.

Dozens of massive [secret realms]?
There are so many?

No wonder the power of some of the Federation's top figures has shown signs of shrinking.

Looking back now, they probably all went to establish territories in the [Secret Realm].

It is conceivable that once all the resources from these [Secret Realms] are utilized, the Federation's strength will likely experience another surge.

But Xia En felt inexplicably worried.

Is it really just a simple coincidence that so many [secret realms] have sprung up like mushrooms after rain in such a short period of time?
On second thought, Xia En suppressed the worry in her heart.

Such matters are for the strong in the Federation to consider; it's not my place as a mere fourth-tier secret cultivator to worry about.

Only by becoming stronger can we have the possibility of venturing into the world's truly hidden secrets.

at this time.

Sha Jingjing and several senior high priests came over.

"Your Holiness!"

Sha Jingjing respectfully reported, "All 746 members of the [Yongyue Clan] have been relocated to this [Secret Realm] and are ready to leave [Sand Island] with you at any time."

As she spoke, Sha Jingjing gave Carlles a rather hostile look.

Although Xia En didn't know where her hostility came from, he wisely didn't pursue the matter further and said...

"You did very well."

"However, haven't I already said many times that you don't need to call me Holy Son?"

On this point, Sha Jingjing was unusually firm: "But a Holy Son is a Holy Son."

The other high priests looked at Xia En with fanatical eyes and spoke very seriously.

“You have proven through your actions that you are the holy son we have been waiting for in prophecy, and you will lead us to a new future.”

Feeling the mocking gaze of Karl-Leigh beside him, Shane felt increasingly helpless.

He led the Moonlit Clan into a vibrant secret realm, which truly confirmed the truth of the prophecy once again.

He couldn't even refute it.

However, this identity as a "holy son" is not entirely a bad thing.

At least, Shane doesn't have to worry about the loyalty of the Moonlit Clan.

If used properly, these 746 members of the Moon-Wandering Clan will become his most reliable force.

However, this number also shows that the Moon Wanderer's situation is indeed precarious.

For a pirate crew, this number is staggering.

But for a race, it is pitifully few.

Shai En collected his thoughts and said, "I'm just really not used to the title 'Holy Son.' Could you please use something else?"

The high priest replied earnestly, "Yes, Your Highness."

Shane: "..."

"Speaking of which, Your Holiness, since we are leaving Sand Island today..."

Another priest asked cautiously and respectfully, "Could you please name our new home?"

"name?"

Thinking about it carefully, it makes sense; we can't keep referring to this world as the "Secret Realm."

While he was thinking, Xia En's heart skipped a beat, the mark on his chest lit up, and a name naturally popped into his mind.

That's... the true name of the [Mysterious Sea Beast]!

【Rhine!】

"Let's call it... [Rhineland Secret Realm]!"

(End of this chapter)