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

Chapter 268 Changes in the Rhine Secret Realm
After this [Deep Sea Hunt], Shane's compatibility finally reached 100%.

This means that he is about to begin the fifth-order advancement ceremony!
Even as soon as he ended his [submerged] state and returned to the captain's cabin, Shane had a feeling that he could break through at any moment, with the faint sound of waves in his ears.

However, instead of immediately starting the promotion, Xia En suppressed the impulse for the time being.

On the one hand, he still had some trivial matters to attend to.

On the other hand, there is the unique nature of the fifth-order advancement ritual.

During this time, Shane remained at sea and did not visit any islands.

However, thanks to the magical relic, the Radiant Crystal Mirror, he could learn about various information about the Seven Seas without leaving his house.

This includes some key points of the five-tier promotion ritual.

After Shane uprooted the City of Giant Trees, Lady Ji Ya, codenamed "Warm Snow," became increasingly respectful towards him, with a hint of awe.

Speak freely and without reservation.

Xia En learned this from her—

The fifth rank is a watershed moment for those who follow the secret path.

After reaching the fifth rank, a Mystic can utilize the power of their domain, which signifies a new level of mastery over mystic power.

Therefore, the promotion ritual for the fifth rank often takes a different form than that for the previous ranks.

The content of the trial missions will also change.

Rather than focusing on certain practical tasks, it places more emphasis on testing the ability to control arcane power.

When Shane heard this statement, he was also a little confused and did not quite understand what "the test of the control of secret power" meant.

Fortunately, Lady Ji Ya explained, "The fifth-tier trial mission may require you to do certain things using secret power."

"For example, it can be divided into hundreds of threads, or it can be condensed into a large net."

"If you can't do that, you won't be able to leave the promotion ritual for a while, and you'll be considered to have failed the promotion until your secret power is completely exhausted."

Finally, Ji Ya gave her conclusion.

"Therefore, the fifth-order promotion ritual often takes much longer than the previous rank."

"It could take anywhere from a few days to several months!"

"Some practitioners of the secret path go into seclusion and cultivate diligently in order to overcome this difficulty."

Having learned this, Xia En naturally wouldn't rush into a breakthrough.

Soon, Shane came out of the captain's cabin and gathered the crew together.

Compared to a month ago, the morale of the crew members has changed considerably.

Having experienced the deep-sea storm at the City of Giant Trees, even the most laid-back String Song felt a sense of urgency.

They all realized that the enemy they were about to face might be an even more powerful being than the [Giant Tree God].

Among them, Joey and Faia possess unique bloodlines.

After their bloodlines are activated and transformed, the speed at which their strength increases is truly astonishing.

Even without cultivation, one gradually becomes stronger every day.

It's only when compared to Xia En that she seems less outstanding.

This month of arduous training has enabled them to take a big step forward, and the distance between them and the fourth tier is constantly shrinking.

What surprised Xia En the most was actually An's change.

As an elf is a long-lived species, his rank advancement should rely on the accumulation of time.

However, the extent of his increase was even greater than that of Joey and Faia.

It is obvious that Anzai is getting stronger as Shane gets stronger.

But this magnitude made Xia En somewhat suspicious...

Is this really the effect that the [Knight] Secret Path should have?

If you can become stronger by following a master without limit, wouldn't that ability be a bit too overpowered?

Shane guessed that this might be related to other secrets about Anne.

As for Vivian, she was still the same lazy, laid-back person she always was, drifting sleepily onto the deck.

It's hard to imagine why a ghost would be so lazy!

She doesn't do anything normally!
Finally, Xia En's gaze fell on Yan Yan, who was draped in a black robe at the edge, and a hint of worry flashed in his eyes.

Since leaving the City of Giant Trees, Yan Yan has become much more taciturn, and the sunny smile on his face is no longer there.

Sometimes, he seemed lost in his own memories, completely oblivious to what was happening in the outside world.

Occasionally, Xia En saw struggle and pain in his eyes.

Clearly, not all of those past memories were pleasant.

However, this is something that Yan Yan can only overcome and deal with on her own.

The help that outsiders can provide is ultimately very limited.

Suppressing his distracting thoughts, Xia En addressed the crew, "For the next period of time, I will be going to the [Rhine Secret Realm] for seclusion to begin the fifth-tier advancement ritual."

This was a decision he made after careful consideration.

First, with the protection of the Moonlit Clan and the Treant Clan, Shane's safety in the Rhine Realm is guaranteed.

Secondly, due to the existence of the [Curse of Filth].

While on the Black Swan, Shane might attract an attack from the Filthy Apostles.

He was naturally not afraid when he was sober, but if he was interrupted during the promotion ceremony, the consequences would be quite serious.

Since the [Rhine Realm] is not in this world, it can conveniently avoid the spying of the [Filthy Apostles].

In addition, the abundant vitality in the [Rhine Secret Realm] makes it a perfect place for secluded cultivation to break through to the next level.

"The advancement ritual for the fifth rank!"

Joey exclaimed in a low voice, "So fast!"

"As expected of the captain!"

Although the crew members already knew that Shane was progressing rapidly, they were still secretly amazed by his achievement of being promoted every one or two months.

If this gets out, I wonder how many people will be shocked.

Even the most talented secret cultivators in the Seven Seas might not advance this quickly, right?

After his initial surprise, Joey asked, "Captain, how long will you be in seclusion?"

After thinking for a moment, Xia En said, "I'm not sure either."

"If all goes well, I might get promoted in a day."

"If things don't go smoothly, it could take two or three months."

"Two or three months..."

Joey's expression changed slightly.

She could hardly imagine what life would be like without seeing the captain for two or three months.

Xia En continued, "During my seclusion, the Black Swan and Diamond Star are in your care."

"When encountering the enemy, make your own judgment on whether to fight or flee based on the situation at the time."

"If we encounter a truly insurmountable enemy, we can abandon ship and flee if necessary."

Xia En's tone was very serious: "As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn."

For him, the Black Swan was naturally an extremely important partner.

But weren't these crew members his companions as well?

It is not shameful to run away when you know you are outmatched.

"No, we will definitely protect the Black Swan!"

Joey said with a piercing gaze, "Captain, don't underestimate us."

Feiya nodded: "Captain Xia En, please rest assured."

Even the String Song roared, "The great bronze dragon, String Song Maya, will protect this ship!"

Xia En nodded: "That's good." He had a lot of confidence in his crew.

Otherwise, he wouldn't dare to go into seclusion in the [Rhine Secret Realm] like that.

Finally, Xia En looked at Yan Yan in the corner and said, "Yan Yan, come here for a moment, I have something to tell you."

Yan Yan paused for a moment, but quickly followed.

The two went into the captain's cabin.

Xia En closed the door, turned around and said, "Yan Yan, after I go into seclusion, you will be the strongest person on the [Black Swan]."

"In some cases, you need to make the final decision."

Yan Yan's eyes changed slightly, and he said in a deep voice, "Captain Xia En, you should be able to tell that I have been recalling many memories of the past during this period of time."

"Perhaps, I will become someone I don't even recognize."

"Are you sure it's alright to hand over the Black Swan to me?"

Xia En looked into Yan Yan's eyes and said softly.

"I just ask you one question."

"Do you still consider me your captain?"

Yan Yan replied without hesitation: "Of course!"

"That's enough."

Xia En said calmly, "As for your past, although I am somewhat curious, that is ultimately your private matter."

“If you are willing to share with me, I will be a listener.”

"If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine too."

After saying that, Xia En smiled and patted Yan Yan on the shoulder.

"Alright, for the next few days, you will be the acting captain of the Black Swan."

"Don't let me down."

Immediately, without any hesitation, Xia En activated the [Empty Beast Heart Seal] and opened the gate to the [Rhine Secret Realm].

……

……

As the silver light gradually faded.

The brief dizziness quickly subsided, and fresh, natural air filled my nasal cavity.

Shaun's feet sank into the solid soil, and all he could see was vibrant green.

But within this emerald green, many other colors also appear.

In fact, the scenery in the Rhine Realm is completely different from when we left the Sand Island!
After the Moonlit Clan and the Treants migrated into this secret realm, they began to build their new home in full swing.

Even in the outer areas, there are still tribal-style settlements, primitive and backward.

But in the central area, the beginnings of a city have emerged!

More than a month ago, the Moon Wanderers discovered a special gray-white stone in the [Rhine Secret Realm]. It resembled gold and iron, but it did not rust, making it very suitable as a building material.

This stone even contains a considerable amount of secret power, which can be used to draw magical patterns.

Shane compared the stones from the Seven Seas and found that none of them matched it.

So, Shane simply named it "Rhinestone".

Without Xia En giving any orders, the Moon Wanderers took the initiative to build cities using Rhinestones.

In this process, Shane provided some technical support and used the knowledge from the Seven Seas to plan the city.

The tree people who moved in later served as free labor, quarrying and transporting stones from the mines.

have to say.

After gradually recovering their strength, the tree people were indeed incredibly strong and hardworking.

This isn't a war machine, it's practically a born civil engineering marvel!
It's incredibly useful for infrastructure projects.

In addition, on the edge of the city skyline, there are farmlands that have only recently been cultivated.

Various crops are grown there, including grains and fruits.

The tender shoots had just emerged from the soil and were bursting with vitality.

Xia En still retains some of the habits of a Chinese person from his previous life, and has a great fondness for farming.

In addition, the Moonlit Clan did have a real need for food, so they opened up this production area.

In the future, he also plans to expand the scale of planting and plant some magical potions containing secret power.

In another corner of the city, there is a newly built college.

Of course, the academy was still very rough and crude, so small that it could only be described as a "school", and the number of children attending it was pitifully small.

However, Shane believed that this was the most important aspect of the [Rhine Secret Realm].

Although the Moonlit Clan is currently small in number, it will certainly continue to grow in the future, and perhaps other races will also come to the [Rhine Realm].

Education is the way to free them from ignorance.

Perhaps, in the future, powerful figures in the secret professions such as scholars and mages will emerge from the Moonlit Clan.

Xia En looked forward to that day.

That said, what surprised Shane was that after such a long period of development...

The exploration progress of 【Rhine Realm】 is only 8%!

It is easy to imagine how vast this secret realm is.

"Lord Xia En!"

Suddenly, some members of the Yongyue tribe saw Xia En's appearance and exclaimed with joy.

"Lord Shane has arrived!"

Many of the young men from the Moon-Wave Clan happily gathered around, their eyes filled with gratitude and admiration.

Every member of the Moonlit Clan knows that it was Xiaen who led them away from that desolate land, allowing them to live in this new home.

Lord Shane is both the prophesied holy son and their great benefactor!
Such kindness can only be repaid through generations of gratitude.

"Your Holiness!"

Sha Jingjing saw Xia En from afar and excitedly ran over, her face beaming with joy.

For some reason, Xia En inexplicably recalled the scene of her dog rushing up to greet her when she returned home.

"Your Holiness, you've arrived."

Sha Jingjing's tail swished like an electric fan, her ears stood up high, and she stared longingly at Xia En, as if saying, "Touch me, touch me, touch me now!"

Xia En couldn't resist reaching out and ruffling her hair.

No dog petting challenge when you get home!
It ended in failure in less than a second.

"Woooo..."

Sha Jingjing made a comfortable snoring sound from her throat, which made the Yongyue tribesmen next to her envious.

Lord Shaen's technique is so skillful, it must feel so good!
While stroking Sha Jingjing, Xia En noticed that she had some bloodstains on her body that didn't belong to her, as if she had just been in a battle.

The hunting team that had been following behind Sha Jingjing finally arrived at Xia En's side.

Some of them were carrying the corpses of strange creatures.

Clearly, this is a native creature of the [Rhine Realm].

Sha Jingjing pointed to one of them and said to Xia En, "Your Majesty, this is the prey I caught. I'll roast it for you later!"

Looking at her expression, Xia En couldn't help but feel a little ashamed.

When I first met Sha Jingjing, I thought she was quite aloof. How did she become like this now?

Despite his reflections, Xia En didn't forget the purpose of his trip and went straight to the point.

"Sha Jingjing, find me a safe place. I have something important to do."

(End of this chapter)