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

Chapter 226 The First [Radiant Meeting]

"【Rhineland Secret Realm】".

After uttering the name, Xia En felt a strange sensation in his heart.

It seemed that the connection with the [Empty Beast Heart Seal] had become closer, and it also seemed that it had gained the approval of this [Secret Realm].

[Secret Realm Exploration Progress +5%!]

[Current exploration progress: 5.1%!]

Seeing the two lines of information that popped up in front of him, Xia En raised his eyebrows sharply.

It directly increased the exploration progress by 5%?

In Shane's view, this level of exploration is equivalent to the development level of the [Rhine Secret Realm].

At the same time, according to the effect of the [Empty Beast Heart Seal], the higher the exploration level, the greater the blessing he will receive in this world.

If he reaches 100%, perhaps... he could truly become the master of this [secret realm]?

However, the efforts of the Moonlit Clan over the past ten days have only increased the exploration progress by 0.1%.

This demonstrates the vastness of the [Rhineland Secret Realm].

Exploring and developing hidden realms is destined to be a long process.

Choosing a name can directly increase exploration progress by 5%, which is a pleasant surprise.

"Rhine! That's a good name!"

Sha Jingjing looked excited.

This is the name of their new home, so it's definitely very meaningful!

The high priests reacted even more vehemently, immediately kneeling on one knee and excitedly shouting, "Thank you, Holy Son, for bestowing this name upon us!"

"We will become your sharpest spear, to carve out the territory of the Rhineland for you!"

Xia En's lips twitched involuntarily.

No matter how many times he had seen it, he still found the fervent attitude of the Yongyue tribe somewhat unsettling.

Xia En had intended to leave, but suddenly remembered something and gave instructions.

"By the way, you must take good care of that little tree in the middle of the valley."

As he spoke, he pointed to the center of the valley, where there stood a small tree about two meters tall with dark red bark.

It is the reborn [Crimson Ancient Tree]!
Due to the excessive vitality in the [Rhine Realm], the [Crimson Ancient Tree] is growing even better than Shane had expected.

It grew to this height in just ten days.

Given enough time, it's not impossible for it to recreate its peak state from the [Blood Moon Secret Realm].

Upon hearing this, the high priests all replied, "We will obey your command."

A high priest sensed the importance that Shane placed on the sapling.

He had personally touched the sapling and sensed its extraordinary power, which sparked some other ideas in his mind.

'Since His Holiness the Holy Son values ​​this sapling so much, perhaps…'

'Treat it as the sacred tree of the Moonlit Clan?'

'This satisfies His Holiness the Holy Son's command, and also grants him the protection of this tree.'

If Xia En knew what he was thinking, he would definitely have a very strange expression on his face.

The Crimson Ancient Tree clearly has a deep connection with vampires, so how come it has now become a sacred tree for a group of werewolves?

However, Shane was unaware of this audacious idea.

He couldn't stand the werewolves' fanatical gazes any longer, so after giving a few simple instructions, he and Karls left the [Rhine Secret Realm].

Stepping out of the gate formed by silver light, the two arrived at the shore of [Sand Island].

Not far away, several federal ships were docked there.

Many secret travelers were methodically moving some alloy metal boxes back and forth.

Inside were the dismembered remains of the [Mysterious Sea Beast].

Because this special bone cannot be stored in a spatial ring, the Federation's Secret Pathfinders had no choice but to use this cumbersome method for transportation.

It is to be expected.

Having received such a great deal of credit, Carles' career within the Federation is sure to be smooth sailing.

They will continue to receive "investment" from the Federation, and their growth in strength will definitely not be slow.

Xia En remarked with emotion, "Perhaps when we meet again, you will already be a genuine legendary powerhouse."

Carles chuckled noncommittally, "I have a feeling you'll become a legend before me."

Then, she changed the subject.

"I've received word that I'll be working at [Liuli Island] after I return this time."

"After that, I'm afraid we'll rarely go on missions at sea anymore, and the chances of us meeting will only decrease."

【Liuli Island】

The name was not unfamiliar to Xia En; on the contrary, it sounded like a familiar name to him.

the reason is simple.

This island is one of the core islands of the Seven Seas Federation!

The Federal Parliament, the Federal Court, the Federal Research Institute, and an entire advanced and developed city are all located on what is now called [Liuli Island].

Ninety percent of the island's residents are secret cultivators, and there are also several sixth and seventh-tier powerhouses stationed there.

It can be said that the status of [Liuli Island] in the Federation is equivalent to that of a country's capital, and it is the center of the Federation's economy and culture.

So much so that the island is also known as "the brightest star on the Federal Starwave Flag".

There, the developed port transports and trades goods worth tens of thousands of gold coins every day, and the commercial system is extremely advanced.

The latest steam technology, magical artifacts, and various secret arts collided on the island, creating new sparks and transforming into nourishment for the growth of the Federation, a vast collective.

Countless dreamers flock there, one after another, just to leave their mark on this "golden land".

Therefore, Karl-Rays's transfer to [Liuli Island] was like a promotion from a small county town to the capital city, which was undoubtedly a great thing.

Only those secret guides who are truly valued by the Federation receive this treatment.

This also suggests that she has a bright future ahead of her.

Xia En sincerely said, "Congratulations!"

However, Carles' focus seemed a bit odd, she continued.

"Don't worry, I'm a very loyal mechanical armor. Even if you die, I won't let anyone other than you into my body."

Shane: "..."

"If you need any help, feel free to contact me anytime."

"For example, regarding the resources for developing the [Lian's Secret Realm], I believe there is significant room for cooperation between you and the Federation."

Faced with Carlless's advice, Shane straightened his expression.

"I will think about it."

On second thought, if this "Platinum Knight" were to rise to a high position within the Federation, wouldn't he then be considered to have "connections"?
At that moment, on the sea not far away, a three-masted sailing ship with a black swan carved on its prow sailed toward the shore.

Upon seeing the ship, Carles exhaled a puff of steam from beneath his visor, speaking as if in a sigh.

"It's time to say goodbye."

"If you have time, I hope you can come to [Liuli Island]. I'll be waiting for you there!"

Xia En nodded solemnly: "I will definitely go!"

After receiving an affirmative answer, Carles waved his hand dismissively and walked toward the Federation ship.

……

……

Not long after.

The Black Swan has docked at the shore.

The Black Swan has undergone significant changes since then, compared to just over ten days ago.

After being reinforced using the skeleton of the [Mysterious Sea Beast] as the main material, its width and length did not change much, but its height increased.

To be precise, the part of the ship's hull that is below the sea surface has become longer.

Considering that the [Mysterious Sea Beast] is a creature from the [Mysterious Sea], it might prefer the underwater environment. The main color of the ship is still jet black with a faint silver tint, and stars and magic patterns adorn the hull.

The difference is.

The Black Swan seems to have become somewhat ethereal, like a transparent and hazy phantom.

It was there, yet it seemed to exist in another, inaccessible space.

If you don't look closely, you might even subconsciously overlook its existence.

The reason why the color of the hull did not change much is because...

This is because more of the [Secret Sea Beast] bones were directly used to strengthen the keel deep inside the ship's hull.

If someone were to venture deep into the ship's cabin, they would see that the skeleton, which was originally engraved with profound runes, now had a striking silver hue.

The mutated keel not only constantly draws on the secret power of the seawater, but also grants the Black Swan space-related abilities.

The enhanced information at that time was as follows.

The main structure of the "Black Swan" has been successfully reinforced!

[Durability cap increased by 100!]

[Sturdiness +10!]

[Mystery +10!]

[Overall Qualifications: 5.0 → 5.3!]

[Due to the effect of the extraordinary material "Void Beast Skeleton," the effect of the trait "Secret Power Convergence" has been enhanced!]

[Quality: Rare → Epic!]

[Description: The "Skeleton of the Sky Beast" is naturally connected to the "Secret Sea," and will gradually taint your ship with the aura of the "Secret Sea."]

Once this modification reaches a certain level, perhaps this ship will be able to roam freely in the "Secret Sea"?

……

[Unlock Trait: Overlapping Spatial Shield]

[Quality: Rare]

[Description: After fusing with the "Sky Beast Skeleton," a fragile, overlapping space will appear on the ship's surface to withstand incoming attacks.]

The current space has a limited capacity to withstand attacks; once it breaks, it will automatically repair itself over time.

……

The [Mystic Convergence] trait, when upgraded to [Epic] quality, needs no further explanation.

This not only subtly strengthens the Black Swan, but also transforms the ship into an excellent place for cultivation.

The power from the [Secret Sea] is incredibly precious.

Back in the Blood Moon Secret Realm, Xia En had to resort to a rather extreme method to absorb it.

But right now, as long as you are on the Black Swan, you can breathe in the secret power that is imbued with the aura of the Secret Sea.

Those who follow the secret path will naturally progress rapidly in their cultivation.

The most direct reaction came not from Joy or Faia, but from the newly born bronze dragon, String Song Maya!
At this moment, Xian Ge was fast asleep in a corner of the captain's cabin.

Her body was curled up like a sleeping kitten, and occasionally a series of cracking sounds came from her joints.

This is her body growing, at a rate far exceeding that of ordinary humans.

Even people of different races like Joey and Faia are not as good as them. Perhaps this can be considered a unique talent of the Bronze Dragon race?

In just a few days, Xiange's rank has broken through to the third rank.

And it continues to rise.

As for this second trait, Shane understood it as a weakened version of "the Moonlit Protection of the Moonsing Clan".

They all utilize spatial misalignment to serve as a defensive shield.

However, the defensive power of the [Overlapping Space Shield] was significantly weaker than that of the Moonlight at the time.

Perhaps, once more [Void Beast Bones] are fused, this trait will undergo a completely new transformation?
While his thoughts were racing, Shane had already boarded the Black Swan again.

He has been busy on Sand Island these days trying to accommodate the natives from all over the island.

He had only boarded the ship once before when he was reinforcing it and also to let the crew know he was safe.

To avoid the Black Swan colliding with the Burning Gold, Shane continued his previous strategy, letting it wander in the waters near Sand Island.

Only today has he officially returned to the Black Swan.

"Little Black, your captain is back!"

Shaen spoke to the ship's spirit in his mind.

Master, you're finally back! I've missed you so much!

Little Black expressed its affection with excitement, but soon it asked with some doubt.

Master, have you been on any other ships these past few days?

[Why do I seem to smell the scent of other ship spirits?]

"!?"

Xia En was stunned for a moment, but then his lips twitched.

If he had to pinpoint it, he did seem to have come into contact with the ship spirits of other vessels—specifically, the [Heavenly Serpent] from the ascension ritual!
Although the time spent together was short, Xia En had an extremely close encounter with the ship spirit of the [Serpent], briefly achieving a state of "man and ship as one".

But when did Xiao Hei become so smart?

They can even distinguish this slight smell.

The kids are all grown up now, they're not so easy to fool anymore!
Thinking this to himself, Xia En said aloud, "That's not true. I've been on the island these past few days. How could I have had any contact with other ships?"

Xiao Hei was skeptical: "It seems so..."

"Captain!"

Nearby, Joey rushed up to him excitedly, almost hugging him tightly: "Welcome back!"

Yan Yan waved to Xia En: "Captain, I knew you'd be alright."

Feiya leaned against the mast, looking at him with a smile on her lips.

Miss Ghost appeared directly in front of Xia En and said expectantly, "Captain, when can we have barbecue again?"

"Why don't we just hold another celebration banquet?"

Looking at the crew members in front of him, Xia En felt a slight touch of emotion and an indescribable warmth.

This is a feeling you can only experience on the Black Swan.

Perhaps this is what it feels like to come home?

With a wave of his hand, Xia En declared, "Today!"

"Tonight, let's throw a big celebration banquet to commemorate the complete success of the [Sand Island] operation!"

"Great!"

……

……

While the crew was preparing a victory celebration banquet.

Xia En returned to the captain's cabin and took out a strange mirror.

This is the [Radiant Crystal Mirror] obtained from the captain of the [Fishing Ship].

At this moment, the mirror was shining with a faint light, and its surface was trembling slightly.

This is a symbol used by the Archbishop of the Faith Church when he initiates a call to assembly.

Coincidentally, Shane currently has some questions he wants to ask these well-informed people.

For example, the locations of other elven temples.

For example, information about the "Truth Society".

Ordinary people obviously wouldn't know the answers to these questions, but the equally mysterious Hui Cult might provide a satisfactory answer.

With that thought in mind, Xia En no longer hesitated and reached out to place his hand on the mirror.

next moment.

A pure, bright light filled his entire field of vision...

(End of this chapter)