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

Chapter 423 [Black Tide]

Soon, all the believers noticed Latwen's expression and actions.

As we approached that ball of black light.

His expression was unusually respectful, as if he were welcoming someone he greatly respected and admired.

Many Radiant Believers who had just arrived in the Land of Radiance were filled with astonishment.

Who could possibly make Lady Ratwen show such an expression?
Those believers who had seen this deep, dark light couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

"It's that esteemed person who has arrived!"

Upon hearing this, many people reacted and looked in that direction with a mixture of shock and curiosity.

Unfortunately, the dark ball of light did not transform into a human form.

It merely maintained its radiant shape, enveloping Ratwen's body within it.

However, Latiwen's words still revealed the identity of the black light.

"Lord Shaen! You've arrived!"

Upon hearing this, the nearby believers couldn't help but get excited.

"Lord Shane? Is he the great hero who saved the world?"

"The sole recipient of the [Light of the North] Medal?"

"So, he's also a member of the Hui Cult?"

Upon realizing this, many believers felt a sense of pride and honor.

However, many people are curious as to why Shane did not participate in the grand award ceremony.

Is there some kind of rift with the Federation?

Or does Shane have a more important mission to accomplish?
at the same time.

Enveloped in the black light, Latiwen realized that her words had exposed Shane's identity and quickly apologized.

"I'm sorry, Lord Shaen..."

Xia En waved his hand: "It's nothing."

"Besides, the color of my soul's light is impossible to hide even if I wanted to."

"but……"

Xia En said with a hint of sarcasm, "It seems that you, Latiwen, have become a pillar of the Hui Cult now."

"So many believers follow and admire you."

Upon hearing this, Latiwen's face flushed red.

"Where's the matter?"

"That's all thanks to Lord Shane's contributions during the infiltration operation."

"If it were just me, I probably would have died in that great battle long ago."

Although Latwen is already considered a big figure among the other believers, she also displays a transcendent quality.

But by nature, he is still a kind, innocent, and easily embarrassed boy.

Latiwen felt a little embarrassed after being told that by Shaun.

Xia En was just teasing the shy boy and didn't continue the topic.

"There are too many people here; this isn't a place to chat."

"Let's talk over there."

Latiwen nodded quickly and said, "Okay."

Soon, the two arrived at a relatively secluded corner of the [Radiant Land].

Although, Shane's dark aura still attracted a lot of attention.

However, their actions also proved that they wanted their conversation to be undisturbed by outsiders.

The other believers also tacitly avoided approaching this area.

"Lord Shaen, how is your injury?"

Latiwen was the first to ask a question.

He had not forgotten how, after the great battle, Xia En's body was eroded by the [Power of Annihilation], and he was in such a miserable state that he would have shattered at the slightest touch.

Xia En smiled slightly, a hint of indifference flashing in his eyes.

"It's much better now. Although I haven't fully recovered, I'm perfectly ready for normal combat."

Latiwen breathed a sigh of relief, a relieved smile spreading across her face: "That's good."

"You are the hope of our Hui religion and a hero of the whole world."

"No, no, no, why are you saying that too?"

Xia En shook his head, saying with a hint of helplessness, "The title of hero is just something that others have forced upon me."

"I just did what I thought I should do."

"If I had to say, everyone who participated in the Far North Expeditionary Force is a hero."

"Even... my eventual victory over the [Great Sin Apostle] was largely due to the power of others."

At this point, Xia En's expression became somewhat heavy.

Don't be fooled by how simple and brutal his final act of killing the "Great Sin Apostle" may seem.

But in reality, most of that was thanks to Lyra.

Whether it's the [Power of Annihilation] from another world, or the [Great Flame], the cage prepared for the [Great Sin Apostles].

Without any one of these factors, the Great Sin Apostle cannot be truly killed.

Before that, the delaying tactics employed by powerful figures like Lord Cinder also played a significant role.

It can be said.

Lyra and the Lord of Cinder have paved the way for Shane.

In reality, he was merely an executor.

Perhaps another Pathfinder could have done the same.

Actually.

This was also one of the reasons why Shane did not attend the award ceremony.

He believes that he is not the most crucial contributor to this incident.

Lyra and the Lord of Cinder are the true heroes.

It's simply because one of them made a deal with the "God of Blind Fools," and his true identity has vanished.

The other was severely injured and turned into a spark, which may take decades to regain its human form.

The Seven Seas Federation planned to establish Shane as a "hero" and "role model" in order to boost the morale of the common people.

At the same time, it is also to encourage the survivors of the Far North Expeditionary Force.

However, Xia En felt somewhat unworthy of the honor, so he avoided the public awarding ceremony.

However, Xia En only thought about this to himself and did not reveal it to others.

at this time.

Shaun didn't continue the topic, but instead asked, "Latwen, how is the Hui Cult doing lately?"

"I've heard that your influence in the Seven Seas world is growing."

Latiwen nodded, a hint of pride in her voice: "Yes, Lord Shane."

"The recent increase in believers is encouraging."

"And there's one more thing."

"The Radiant Cathedral on [Liuli Island] is nearing completion."

"At that time, I will become the first bishop of the cathedral."

"Lord Shaen, you can come find me there when you have time."

Xia En nodded: "I will."

However, after hearing that the number of people who believed in Hui religion was increasing day by day, his feelings were inevitably somewhat complicated.

The Radiant Cult worships the Lord of Billions of Radiance, an outer god from the Secret Sea.

As His followers continue to grow, it's hard to say whether this is a good thing or a bad thing.

But then I thought about it.

Back then, the Radiant Church even became the orthodox religion of the Seven Seas World, with its faith spreading throughout various kingdoms.

There doesn't seem to be any event where the Lord of Light invaded this world.

Perhaps, in the eyes of the Lord of Radiance, the Seven Seas World is merely a small secret realm under His rule.

No need for excessive attention. Or perhaps, for Him, simply reaping the power of faith in this steady way is enough.

And, on the other hand.

The growth of the Hui Sect is an inevitable trend.

Even with Shane's power, it cannot be stopped; for now, we can only let nature take its course.

After thinking for a moment, Shane said to Lattywen.

"The power of faith is indeed strong, but we must be careful not to let faith turn into blind worship."

"The original intention of Huijiao is to guide people toward the light, not to let them lose their way in illusory glory."

Latiwen nodded solemnly: "I understand, Lord Shane."

"We will always keep in mind the teachings of Hui religion and will never let our faith deviate from its original purpose."

Xia En smiled with satisfaction: "With a bishop like you, I am very confident about the future of the Radiant Church."

Lattiwen's face turned red again. He lowered his head and whispered.

"You flatter me, Lord Shaen. I still have much to learn from you."

Shane patted Ratwen on the shoulder and said gently, "You've done very well, Ratwen."

"I would also like to ask you about some noteworthy events that have recently occurred in the Seven Seas."

【Radiant Land】is a mysterious space connecting numerous followers of the Radiant Cult across the seven seas.

It is essentially an intelligence network that can communicate in real time.

Shaen certainly wouldn't let go of such a tool for gathering intelligence.

"Yes, Lord Shane."

After a brief moment of thought, Latiwen said, "There is indeed a major event that has garnered widespread attention in the Seven Seas recently."

"That is……"

"On the surface of the Sea of ​​Annihilation, a jet-black wave appeared out of nowhere!"

"People call it the Black Sea, the Kuroshio Current!"

Lattywen's tone became serious, and a hint of worry flashed in her eyes.

"The appearance of that [Kuroshio] was completely unexpected, as if it surged from the seabed overnight and spread rapidly."

"According to eyewitnesses, the Kuroshio Current has reached many places."

"The seawater became as thick as ink, and the sky was stained dark gray, so much so that even sunlight could not penetrate it."

"What's even more terrifying is that any creature that comes into contact with the [Black Tide], whether it's fish or sea beasts, will lose its vitality in a short period of time and turn into pitch-black skeletons."

Xia En frowned slightly and asked in a deep voice, "Has anyone tried to investigate the source of the [Black Tide]?"

Latiwen nodded: "The Seven Seas Federation has sent out several investigation teams, but so far none of them have been able to penetrate deep into the core area of ​​the [Black Tide]."

"According to captains who have been to the Black Tide, some strange creatures they have never seen before have emerged from the Black Tide."

"This is simply... not from this world!"

"They will attack all ships that enter the [Black Tide] indiscriminately, and their strength is quite formidable."

Lattywen paused for a moment, then continued.

"Currently, the Seven Seas Federation has designated most of the [Silent Sea] as a restricted area, prohibiting any ships from approaching."

"[Black Tide]...[Sea of ​​Annihilation]..."

Xia En touched his chin thoughtfully.

He once went to the Sea of ​​Annihilation and fought a battle there against the Giant Wood God, who was suspected to be an avatar of the Filthy Fate.

Therefore, we know the exceptionally unique marine environment within the [Sea of ​​Annihilation].

Although Xia En immediately thought of the "Black Disaster" in the "Secret Sea".

But then I thought about it again, and the scale of that disaster must have been much larger than just encroaching on a small area of ​​the sea.

In other words, this is another existence for an unknown reason.

And regarding the phenomenon described by Lattywen.

The Black Tide appears to be a disaster caused by the fusion of another Secret Realm and the Seven Seas World.

The issue is.

What kind of "secret realm" is it that is filled with the "black tide" that corrodes living beings, as well as strange and ferocious monsters?
"Wait, [Sea of ​​Annihilation]... [Annihilation]?"

A sudden inspiration struck Xia En.

He had always thought that the name "Sea of ​​Annihilation" was simply due to the special nature of that sea area.

The fact that it shares the same name as "The Witch of Annihilation" and "The Power of Annihilation" is merely a coincidence.

But what if...

Isn't this a coincidence?

Since the [Witch of Annihilation] and the [Eternal Coffin] could teleport from another destroyed [Seven Seas World] to Shain's presence.

Doesn't this mean that the destroyed Seven Seas World also exists within the Secret Sea?
In other words.

Connected to the [Sea of ​​Annihilation] is the [Seven Seas World] that was destroyed by the [Foul Fate]!?

Thinking of this, Xia En's heart skipped a beat.

This conjecture sounds incredible at first glance.

But it's not impossible.

Although the Great Sin Apostle is dead, the Filthy Fate and the other Filthy Apostles will clearly not let the Seven Seas World off so easily.

And the destroyed Seven Seas World is filled with their remaining filthy secret power.

If the Black Tide were to flow back into the Seven Seas World through the Sea of ​​Annihilation, it would be another extremely terrifying disaster.

of course.

This idea is currently just Xia En's speculation, and there is no substantial proof.

even so.

Xia En still told Latiwen about this guess.

After hearing this, Latiwen's expression changed drastically.

"Lord Shaen, do you mean... the [Black Tide] might be another world, a harbinger of an invasion of our world?"

"This possibility cannot be ruled out."

Shane nodded: "Although it's not entirely certain yet, we must prepare for the worst."

Latiwen took a deep breath, a determined glint in her eyes.

"I understand, Lord Shane."

"I will immediately notify the higher-ups of the Hui Sect to strengthen the investigation and prevention of the [Black Tide]."

"At the same time, I will also inform General Moritz of this news."

"If it were him, he would definitely understand the seriousness of the situation."

Xia En nodded, feeling slightly relieved.

With the assistance of Latwen, the cult, and the Federation, at least... they won't face a potential disaster unprepared.

Xia En patted Latiwen on the shoulder, his tone tinged with a hint of relief.

"Thank you for your hard work, Latiwen."

"I feel very at ease having a partner like you."

Latiwen said earnestly, "It's what I should do."

Subsequently, Latiwen informed Shane of some information about the Seven Seas.

Xia En listened attentively.

He also unexpectedly learned some news—

"You mean, the location of the [Dragon's Nest Secret Realm] is near the [Sea of ​​Annihilation]?"

Xia En asked with a strange expression.

"Yes."

Latiwen nodded emphatically: "Actually, the reason many people know about the [Black Tide] is because..."

"They want to explore the [Dragon's Nest Secret Realm]."

"The roar of dragons often echoes over the Sea of ​​Annihilation."

"After all, that's an ancient dragon that's been lost for thousands of years, so it's normal for people to be curious."

(End of this chapter)