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

Chapter 272 [The King of Cinder]

The ship speeding towards us had a distinctly old-fashioned style.

It looks like a warship sailing out of a previous era.

The severely damaged paint on the hull and the outdated bow structure seem to silently tell the story of the vicissitudes of time it has endured.

Above the mottled, rusted deck hangs a black flag with a flowing, black pattern.

clang!clang!clang!
The urgent alarm bells rang on the Black Swan, prompting the crew to rush onto the deck.

Joey was the first to spot the approaching, old warship and issued a warning.

During Xia En's seclusion, Joey was not idle either, and after arduous training, he successfully broke through to the fourth rank.

Now, she can even sense the mysterious energy reactions in a sea area.

That's when they first noticed the arrival of the unfamiliar ship.

"What's the background of that ship?"

Feiya climbed onto the deck, her beautiful eyes fixed on the old warship, her expression quite serious.

"Is it coming for us?"

Nowadays, the Black Swan is no longer the nameless little boat it once was.

Judging from its appearance alone, the Black Swan is already a behemoth among ships, like a giant beast crouching on the sea, ready to open its terrifying maw and launch an attack at any moment.

Those gleaming main guns and those dark, thick rams were clearly not to be trifled with.

Not to mention, as time went on, news of the uprooting of the City of Giant Trees gradually spread throughout the Sea of ​​Annihilation.

This adds another layer of mystery to the Black Swan.

It was enough to strike fear into the hearts of ordinary ships.

Not to mention being its enemy, even ships that dare to approach it are extremely rare.

Even during Shane's seclusion, Joey and the rest of the crew took the opportunity to clear out several pirate ships they encountered, thus purifying the maritime environment and maintaining maritime order.

It would be fine if this strangely shaped warship didn't recognize them.

If it recognizes the Black Swan, it will still charge forward without hesitation.

Things have become more complicated.

Joey frowned and said, "I've never heard of a ship flying this kind of flag."

"Moreover, judging from its design, it doesn't look like a federal warship."

As she gazed at the pattern that resembled flowing black fire, she murmured.

"I feel like I've seen this kind of warship somewhere before."

"It is... the symbol of a certain country's navy."

As the distance between them continued to shrink, Joey said with a hint of anxiety, "Never mind its origins."

"What should we do now? Open fire?"

To be honest, Joey was a little undecided.

If it were a pirate ship, she would definitely open fire before the enemy could get within a safe distance.

But right now, with the warship's friend or foe unclear and its intentions ambiguous, Joey didn't know what to do.

In fact, it wasn't just Joey; the other crew members all felt the same way.

Back when Shane was on the ship, they didn't have to think about these kinds of questions; they only needed to obey the captain's orders.

But when this decision-making power actually falls on their own shoulders, people realize that making decisions sometimes requires a great deal of courage and wisdom.

At times like these, the crew members couldn't help but have one thought pop into their heads—

If only Captain Shane were on board...

However, despite their hesitation, the crew was forced to make a decision as the unidentified warship approached.

After thinking for a moment, Fei Ya said, "Let's send a warning first. If they still insist on getting closer to us, then we'll start the battle!"

Joey nodded and said, "Let's do it this way."

But that's it.

"No need to bother."

A deep voice came from the cabin.

Everyone looked in the direction from which the sound came.

A tall man clad in a black robe stepped onto the deck. His appearance remained unchanged, still masculine and handsome, just as the crew knew him.

However, his temperament underwent a dramatic change.

He no longer seemed like a friendly, sunny boy next door, but suddenly became distant and majestic, carrying an indescribable supreme majesty.

It was the aura of someone in a superior position, as if they held the power of life and death.

It also resembled the kingly aura of someone who had established a new kingdom.

The overwhelming aura made almost everyone's breath catch in their throat.

Even his black robe, like a cloak or overcoat, fluttered in the sea breeze, exuding an imposing aura.

Yan Yan was still standing on the deck of the Black Swan.

But at that moment, the crew felt as if he were standing in a place extremely far away from them.

It can never be reached again.

"Yan Yan..."

Joey quickly realized something and asked blankly, "What do you mean by that?"

At that moment, a thunderous cheer erupted from the unidentified warship not far away!
Someone knelt on the deck and shouted out the name that had been buried in their heart for so long.

Some people burst into tears, as if the grievances of the past had finally been released.

Some people were so excited that they were almost delirious.

Their cheers eventually merged into one voice.

"Lord of Cinder! Lord of Cinder!"

Upon hearing this name, Joey and the others were equally shocked.

Joey murmured in disbelief, "Did I hear that right? They're calling... the name of the Lord of Cinder?"

"But Lord Cinder, wasn't he already..."

Suddenly, Joey realized something and turned to look at Yan Yan.

"This ship came for you?"

Yan Yan didn't speak, but his aura spoke volumes.

"Is Yan Yan the Lord of Cinder?"

Even though Feiya had become much calmer and more composed, she still found it utterly absurd: "How could such a thing happen?"

Upon hearing this, An's body trembled slightly, and his expression beneath the armor was one of utter shock.

It's no wonder the crew reacted this way.

As the last supreme ruler of the old era, the name of the Lord of Cinder has always been widely known throughout the Seven Seas.

Furthermore, with the continuous discovery of the Lord of Cinder's Treasure and various documents found in underwater ruins, the Lord of Cinder's reputation has not diminished but has instead continued to grow.

It can be said that this Lord of Cinder is a legend among legends, a king among kings!
The crew was amazed by the mere fact that Shane had come into contact with the [Treasure of the Lord of Cinder].

How could they imagine that the Lord of Cinder was not only alive, but had even lived with them on a ship for so long?
on the other hand.

Joey and the others had long since noticed Yan Yan's extraordinary abilities.

The flames that could ignite even seawater and solid ice, the seemingly endless regenerative ability, the almost immortal characteristics... all demonstrate his uniqueness.

However, Yan Yan's previous personality was simply too harmless.

Like a helpful golden retriever, kind and innocent to an excessive degree.

Therefore, everyone knew that Yan Yan's true strength was extraordinary, and even Xia En might not be his match.

But deep down, it's still hard to see him as a superior, powerful figure.

Even Xiange could occasionally bully him.

However, precisely because of Yan Yan's personality, he was practically the darling of the crew on the Black Swan. While no one said it aloud, they always took great care of him in his daily life.

Joey would save the biggest piece of fish for him when cooking.

An invited him to train with her using the Knight Breathing Technique.

When Fei Ya is repairing the steam system on the ship, she will also call Yan Yan to experience the baptism of sacred steam.

Even Xiange likes to take Yanyan hunting in the sea.

And now, suddenly someone said to the crew—

Yan Yan, whom they regarded as a companion, was actually the legendary Lord of Cinder!
The shock felt by the crew was understandable.

At this moment, Xiange finally managed to retrieve some useful information from her memory and exclaimed in surprise.

"I remember now, that ship is the [Black Flame]!"

"The Great Yan Kingdom, the Black Flame Walker's ship, it actually still exists in the Seven Seas!"

These terms were quite unfamiliar to Joey and the others, but it wasn't hard to guess that they must have some profound connection to the Lord of Cinder.

Yan Yan turned his head, glanced at Xiange, and said softly.

"It seems that you have more memories sealed in your mind than I expected."

His eyes were no longer as pure and innocent as before, but rather seemed to have become filled with many chaotic impurities.

It was as if a dark flame was burning fiercely deep within his eyes.

It was as if the flame would not be completely extinguished until he himself was burned to ashes.

Faced with Yan Yan at this moment, even the usually fearless Xian Ge felt a strange sense of fear in his heart.

Even so, Xiange opened her eyes wide and mustered up the courage to ask.

"Yan Yan, are you leaving the Black Swan?"

"Please don't go, okay? I won't steal your barbecue next time."

Upon hearing this, Yan Yan's gaze softened.

But soon, his expression hardened again, and he said earnestly, "Actually, I also want to stay on the Black Swan and fight alongside you."

"You don't need to think so much, and you don't need to carry such a heavy burden of the past."

"But I still have a mission to complete!"

"My continued presence on the Black Swan will only drag you all into this."

"Therefore, I have a reason to leave."

Upon hearing these words, the crew members fell silent.

Since Yan Yan has already said that, is there really any point in forcing him to stay?

That's when.

The warship bearing the black flame insignia had already arrived beside the Black Swan.

Many crew members dressed in black robes knelt on one knee before Yan Yan.

"The entire crew of the Blackflame welcomes the Lord of Cinder back!"

The faces of these crew members were filled with fervor and joy.

They were once the Black Flame Walkers of the Great Yan Kingdom, who survived the great flood using some special method, and have continued to this day.

During this period, the Blackflame Walkers experienced many hardships, some of which were unimaginably painful for ordinary people.

But the moment he saw the king, all his past efforts seemed to have meaning.

Upon seeing this scene, Fei Ya and the others suddenly realized something.

Yan Yan carries not only his own past on his shoulders.

It is also the trust and perseverance of all those who support him.

This trust is both an aid and a shackle, forcing Yan Yan to continue down this path.

Yan Yan turned around, facing the crew of the Black Flame, and said calmly.

"Yes, I'm back."

"I will continue our unfinished work and let the spark ignite the seven seas."

Having said that, flames ignited on his black robe, enveloping him like flowing water, transforming him into a giant of blazing fire, confronting the entire sea.

This sight undoubtedly filled the Black Flame Walkers with ecstasy once again.

Their king has returned!

The burning flames and intense heat proved that this was not their illusion, but something that was actually happening!
Another cheer resounded across the sea.

However, the crew members of the Black Swan looked at the man in the flames with pursed lips and indifferent expressions, feeling that he was an absolute stranger.

Because that was not the Yan Yan they knew.

It is the Lord of Cinder, reborn in flames!
If they had a choice, the crew might have hoped that Yan Yan would always remain that innocent and pure person.

"Wang, what should we do with these people?"

At this moment, a Blackflame Walker looked at the people on the ship and whispered.

"They clearly didn't give you the respect you deserved, as punishment..."

"shut up."

The fire giant glanced at the man, the coldness in his eyes seeming to freeze his soul.

He said in the sternest tone, "They are my companions."

"It was true then, it is true now, and it will be true in the future."

"All Blackflame Walkers must show the same respect to this ship and its crew as they would to me."

Although people were somewhat surprised by Yan Yan's attitude, no one dared to go against his wishes.

The Black Flame Walkers responded in unison.

"Yes, my king!"

After issuing the order, Yan Yan gazed deeply at the Black Swan, as if trying to imprint the ship and its crew in his eyes.

at this time.

A semi-transparent figure suddenly floated out from a corner of the ship.

"Ugh...so sleepy..."

Vivian yawned, as if she hadn't woken up yet.

She rubbed her sleepy eyes, looked at the fire giant in front of her, and muttered to herself.

"Why did it get so big? It's kind of scary."

Upon seeing her appearance, Yan Yan's expression changed slightly.

In fact, in the days since regaining her memories, Yan Yan has been making detailed observations of the crew members on the Black Swan.

But he still couldn't quite figure out two of the crew members.

One of them is the bronze dragon string song.

Secondly, there's this ghostly lady, Vivian.

The former, being an ancient dragon extinct in the Seven Seas, harbors countless secrets.

Even Lord Cinder couldn't understand why a ghost that should have long since vanished was so unfathomable to him.
"Captain Shane had anticipated that you might leave, so he specifically instructed me to leave you a few words."

Vivian said casually, "You don't need to take it too seriously, just listen casually."

Yan Yan was slightly taken aback: "What did the captain say?"

Vivian repeated in Shane's voice, "He said that no matter if you are the Lord of Cinder or some other important person, in his eyes you will always be that big boy he met on the ice island."

"As long as you want to come back, there will always be a place for you on the Black Swan."

"The mountains are high and the roads are long, but the future is long."

"Take care, my friend!"

(End of this chapter)