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

Chapter 274 Sublimation of Secret Power, Return to the [Black Swan]!
【Rhineland Secret Realm】

Beneath a large tree with deep red leaves and lush foliage.

An invisible and intangible surge of mysterious power was flowing and surging nearby, slowly spreading outwards like a tide.

Nothing, not even flowers, trees, rocks, or stones, can stop it.

Under the influence of this mysterious power, the growth rate of the [Crimson Ancient Tree] seems to have accelerated slightly.

The deep red leaves swayed gently under the mysterious tide, looking quite mystical.

Gazing at this scene, Sha Jingjing, standing beside the altar, exclaimed in amazement.

"As expected of the Holy Son, the commotion surrounding his advancement is getting bigger and bigger."

Beside Sha Jingjing were several young men and women from the [Yongyue Clan].

They all sat around the altar, quietly experiencing this strange and mysterious power, using it for cultivation.

Sha Jingjing turned her head and said to them earnestly, "We are all fortunate to have this opportunity because of the Holy Son. We should cherish it and be grateful."

Not long after Shane entered the ascension ritual, a peculiar secret power began to emerge around the altar.

Sha Jingjing, who was in charge of guarding the place, soon discovered that this secret power was very beneficial to her body, and the previous bottleneck showed signs of loosening.

Therefore, Sha Jingjing selected a group of talented members of the [Yongyue Clan] to cultivate at this altar.

As expected, after this period of subtle influence, the strength of these clansmen has improved to varying degrees.

Some people's bodies have been strengthened.

Some people have a more refined grasp of secret power.

Upon hearing Sha Jingjing's words, a young man from the Yongyue Clan looked admiringly at Xia En's secluded hut and sighed.

"Your Highness, you are truly remarkable."

"We have benefited greatly from the aftereffects of this promotion alone."

Another girl looked worried: "But... isn't it taking too long for the Holy Son to advance?"

"Is it really okay?"

Her thoughts were simple: the Holy Son had spent so much time on this advancement, yet he hadn't eaten at all. Wouldn't his health suffer?

Upon hearing this, Sha Jingjing couldn't help but frown slightly.

To be honest, she had always had some worries in her heart.

She knew more than the average member of her clan, knowing that Xia En's advancement ceremony was quite special and extremely difficult; otherwise, she wouldn't have come to the [Rhine Secret Realm] for seclusion.

However, out of trust in Xia En, Sha Jingjing chose to believe and wait.

at this time.

Another young man from the Moon-Singing Clan exclaimed in a low voice, "Look! Under the sacred tree..."

Upon hearing his call, everyone's gaze immediately turned to the area below the Crimson Ancient Tree.

Suddenly, the previously formless and intangible tide of secret power was tinged with a faint black.

This darkness expanded outwards in an instant, quickly turning the entire tide black.

The once sunny and bright [Rhine Secret Realm] instantly became incredibly dark.

Immediately, not only the [Crimson Ancient Tree], but also the space where many Moon-Warring Clan members were located was shrouded in darkness.

At this moment, it was as if night had fallen!

Faced with such a strange phenomenon, the boys and girls were speechless, and even Sha Jingjing couldn't utter a single word.

Immediately afterwards, the pitch-black, windless area began to ripple, with tiny points of light emerging and slowly rising.

From afar, it looks like countless stars scattered across the vast night sky.

Bubbles of light, large and small, are formed and then burst in the deep darkness.

Sometimes it transforms into points of light, sometimes into streaks of light.

Everything seemed bizarre and fantastical, yet at the same time, it was filled with wondrous patterns.

Although Sha Jingjing and the others were still standing on the land of the [Rhine Secret Realm], it was as if they had crossed the barrier of the world and were able to see the true appearance of the [Secret Sea].

How could such a sight not shake one's mind and leave one utterly shocked?
In fact, witnessing such a scene in advance would greatly benefit them on their future journey to the secret route, allowing them to avoid many detours.

Promotions are made exceptionally smoother by having sensed the aura of the [Secret Sea].

However, at this moment, the people of the Yongyue Clan had no time to pay attention to such matters.

Their entire being was captivated by the extraordinary sight before them, unable to tear themselves away.

Followed by.

Waves began to surge in the darkness, one higher than the next, like the deep sea before a storm.

Suddenly, a loud roar erupted.

The violent secret power that was spreading out from the surroundings seemed to begin to collapse after expanding to its limit!
At the center of the secret power, a massive vortex appeared, its core unfathomably deep.

Endless secret power surged toward the center of the vortex, pouring down like a waterfall, enough to burst an ordinary fifth-tier secret cultivator to death.

Among them, the closest [Crimson Ancient Tree] also received a portion of the secret power.

The tree had visibly grown taller, and its canopy had become even denser and more lush.

Seeing this, Sha Jingjing suddenly realized something and shouted, "Quickly absorb this secret power, absorb as much as you can!"

After saying that, Sha Jingjing sat down first and tried her best to absorb the secret power around her.

The total amount of this secret power is simply too enormous.

Even during the absorption process, a considerable portion of it will dissipate.

And this secret power is the opportunity for the people of Yongyue!
Inside the cabin, Xia En's eyes were closed, his chest heaving rapidly, and a faint pulse like that of an ancient war drum could be heard.

The mysterious power pouring down from all around him penetrated his body and flowed into his chest.

There, an invisible vortex is spinning.

At the center of this vortex lies the deepest darkness, seemingly capable of swallowing everything.

As the vortex spun, the secret power within Xia En's entire body underwent a miraculous transformation.

This is a higher level of refinement.

It transformed from ordinary secret power into a kind of secret power that is closer to the depths of the [Secret Sea], purer, and more fundamental.

When the deep darkness receded like the tide and the violent surge of secret power subsided.

Shaen slowly opened his eyes and found that the small house beside him was gone, leaving only a pile of powder.

Clearly, the hut had been overwhelmed by the violent surge of secret energy and was crushed into dust.

Xia En's clothes were also torn to shreds.

He calmly took out clothes from his spatial ring and began to put them on.

But this movement made Xia En feel very uncomfortable.

After sleeping for many days, his body was like a rusty machine, even the simplest movements were somewhat clumsy.

However, with the slightest movement, Shane immediately discovered that every cell in his body harbored a volcanic power that would erupt at the slightest thought.

He used a little more force and tore the clothes apart.

Left with no other choice, Xia En carefully took out another garment and slowly put it on.

After getting dressed with considerable difficulty, Xia En examined himself and discovered that his body had become even more perfect after advancing in rank.

The streamlined muscle lines, the upright and straight back, and even the facial features have undergone subtle adjustments, making them more attractive.

The entire body is flawless, like a work of art.

In addition, what surprised Xia En even more was the change in the secret power within his body.

His secret power, both in terms of total amount and purity, is several times greater than before.

It's very simple.

The more refined the secret power, the greater its power when using the same secret technique. Moreover, during the long process of breaking through the [Void] barrier, Shane continuously adjusted the state of his secret power, gradually changing its nature.

After the ascension ceremony was completed, his secret power was completely sublimated, achieving a transformation.

In fact, each secret practitioner's secret power has its own unique characteristics.

For example, the secret power of the [Warrior]'s secret path is difficult to use for casting spells.

Fire-attribute secret power is unlikely to generate ice-attribute attacks.

However, at this moment, it seems that Xia En's secret power can evolve into any kind of secret power, adapting to different kinds of secret techniques!
It can be said that this secret power is close to the origin of secret power!

Its level is so high that it is extremely rare even in the Seven Seas.

Because it is pure, it is powerful.

"It seems that this is the biggest benefit of advancing to the fifth rank."

Xia En's eyes lit up, and a smile appeared on his lips.

Although the hidden class [Secret Sea Walker] is obtained, it does not directly grant any skills for combat.

But this enhancement of secret power alone has raised his combat strength to a whole new level.

If Xia En were to unleash the Great Dark Heaven now, he himself could hardly imagine how powerful it would be.

have to say.

This promotion ceremony was arguably the most dangerous of all of Shane's promotions.

While the other promotions were exceptionally difficult compared to those of other Secret Path users, Xia En had a way to deal with them given his strength at the time.

But this time, Xia En's physical attributes and combat prowess, which he had always relied on, were almost useless.

We can only rely on trial and error, little by little.

His long, unwavering perseverance in the endless darkness gradually eroded his will.

At the most dangerous moment, Shane almost lost himself in that "nothingness".

Xia En had reason to suspect that other Secret Path practitioners who failed to advance might have another chance.

If he fails, all that awaits him is utter death.

However, despite the high level of difficulty in the promotion process, the rewards are exceptionally generous.

"This secret power is similar to the [nothingness] barrier we encountered before, but it hasn't truly reached that level."

"Let's call it... [Void Secret Power]."

Xia En casually gave this secret power a name, and quickly got into position, performing the [Knight Body Tempering Technique] on the open ground to adapt to his advanced body as soon as possible.

After performing four or five sets of movements, Xia En felt he had a general grasp of the body. He then conjured the Blood Greatsword and practiced the basic sword techniques repeatedly.

It took him almost an hour to fully adjust.

Not far away, Sha Jingjing waited patiently until Xia En stopped moving before respectfully stepping forward.

"Your Holiness..."

Xia En turned his head and looked at Sha Jingjing, whose ears were perked up and whose tail was wagging. He felt as if he had been transported to another world.

However, for some reason, the moment she saw him, Sha Jingjing tucked her tail between her legs and her body trembled slightly.

Xia En asked curiously, "Hmm? Sha Jingjing, what's wrong?"

Sha Jingjing shuddered and honestly said, "N-nothing."

"The current Holy Son is a bit scary..."

In her eyes, Xia En exuded a powerful sense of oppression, like a giant beast from the deep sea, making her instinctively uneasy.

It's like how a wild animal reacts when it encounters a more powerful predator.

Especially looking into those dark, deep eyes, it gave her the feeling of staring into an abyss.

Clearly, this is because Xia En has just broken through and his aura has not yet been fully contained.

Xia En tried to control the aura around him and asked.

How long have I been in this position?

Sha Jingjing replied, "It's been almost a month."

"It's been a month already?"

Xia En frowned, feeling somewhat uneasy.

This timeframe was actually about what he had anticipated, but a lot could happen in that month.

Perhaps something unexpected happened on the Black Swan.

Without further hesitation, Xia En bid farewell to Sha Jingjing and activated the [Empty Beast Heart Seal] to open the silver light gate.

After the light faded.

Shane then returned to the Black Swan.

Looking at the familiar layout of the captain's cabin, Xia En suddenly felt a sense of peace, as if he had returned home.

In fact, isn't the Black Swan already his home?
Beep—

Immediately afterwards, a long, drawn-out whistle sounded on its own.

Everyone on board felt the ship vibrate and rejoice, like the cheers of hundreds of people, or as if the entire ship had awakened and become active and vibrant.

That's the Black Swan welcoming its captain!
With a "bang," the door to the captain's cabin was pushed open.

Joey rushed in first and threw herself at Shane.

"Captain, you're finally back!"

The girl's eyes were filled with tears of joy.

Xia En usually stays on the ship, so she hasn't really noticed anything.

But it was only during Xia En's seclusion and breakthrough that Joey realized the irreplaceable importance of the captain.

Even though it had only been a month, it felt like an eternity to her.

Xia En ruffled Joey's hair and was somewhat surprised to find—

Joey seems to have grown up a bit.

It wasn't just the increase in height; even a certain part of the body underwent some changes.

It seems that the xiaolongbao (soup dumpling) has evolved from a southern style to... a northern style?
This was a judgment Xia En subconsciously made during the hug; it was purely accidental.

But think about it.

Based on the timeline of the siren's bloodline transformation, Joey is clearly still in his developmental stage, and it is only natural that he continues to grow.

"Wow, it's the captain!"

Xian Ge's excited voice rang out from outside the door: "Hiss... why does Captain Xia En seem to have gotten so much stronger!"

"This aura is just like the [Secret Sea]."

Phia grabbed Xiange by the back of the neck, like pinching a big cat, to prevent it from rushing into the captain's cabin.

"Can you just shut up already? Can't you see Joey and the captain getting intimate?"

"Hmm? Intimately?"

Xiange asked, bewildered, "What does that mean?"

Hearing this, Joey blushed and stood up, saying to the door, "Come in, all of you."

Before long, all the crew members came to Xia En's side, and even the lazy, languid Vivian floated in.

Seeing that they were safe and sound, Xia En couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

But soon, Shane noticed that one of the crew members was missing. He frowned and asked.

"Where is Yan Yan?"

(End of this chapter)