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

Chapter 138 The Corrupted Ancient Dragon Seed, the Last Magic Potion!
laugh!
Crimson blood was spilled on the sea surface, gradually turning the seawater red.

However, the owner of the blood was not Lulu, who was seen as prey, but a strange fish that emerged from the sea!

The two siren sisters stared blankly at what lay before them.

In their eyes, just a second ago, the handsome and strong captain leaped into the air, and a greatsword made of solidified blood appeared out of thin air in his hand!
With a single sword strike, the hideous and grotesque fish was gutted and fell into the sea.

"Wow, so fast! Men can be this strong too..."

"Is Captain Shane really that powerful?"

The two sisters were both somewhat surprised.

On the Siren Islands, the few men are actually a protected but vulnerable group whose main task is to ensure the continuation of the race.

Previously, what attracted them more to Xia En was his handsome appearance and his male identity.

Only now did the siren sisters realize that, in terms of strength, this captain far surpassed all the other men in their tribe!

With a splash, Xia En also fell into the sea.

With the talent of [Seawater Manipulation/Affinity], his swimming skills are naturally quite good.

But he actually wanted to master the ability to levitate or stand on the sea surface.

It's not for any other reason than simply because—it looks cooler that way!

Falling from mid-air into the sea is bound to be a bit of a mess.

At this point, Shane suddenly missed the Platinum Knight named "Carles," as their compatibility was indeed quite good.

"Captain Shane, thank you."

The siren sisters swam silently from the sea, one in front and one behind, dragging Shane's body toward the shore.

However, judging from their restless little hands, Xia En had reason to suspect that their motives were not pure!
Before long, they arrived at the coast.

Lulu also brought over the corpse of the strange fish from earlier.

She said with lingering fear, "In recent years, there have been more and more of these mutated creatures on Ancestor Island, and even the marine life in the nearby seawater has been polluted."

“My mother said that if things continue like this, even we sirens might be affected.”

Upon hearing this, Xia En remotely controlled the Black Swan to dock while observing the mutated fish.

Just by looking at its appearance, you can tell that this fish is unusual.

Its thick scales and strange horn-like structure make it look less like a fish and more like a reptile or amphibian.

The eyes of the dead fish, wide open, were no longer round, but had become eerie vertical pupils.

Looking at its cut-open body, the shape and number of its bones are also very different from those of fish.

Below the body, there is still foot cartilage that has not yet grown.

[Slay the Dragon-like Sea Fish!]

[Loot Obtained: Corpse of the Dragon-Evil Sea Fish]

[Quality: Ordinary]

[Type: Material]

[Description: A sea fish contaminated by defiled dragon blood.]

Unable to transform into true ancient dragons and forced to endure the corruption of their bloodline, they are thus called "dragon foes."

These creatures are exceptionally ferocious and enraged, extremely aggressive, and will instinctively hunt any creature that enters their territory.

[“Secret Sea Crystal” (Special) detected within the corpse. Absorb?]

"A dragon's offspring..."

With a mix of thoughts swirling in his mind, Xia En didn't hesitate much and chose to absorb the energy directly.

[Ship Soul Experience +0.1%!]

[Unlock Talent: Dragon Physique]

Quality: Poor

[Description: You have gained a small amount of the ancient dragon's power!]

[Your physique, strength, and speed have received a slight boost, and you now exert superior pressure on weaker creatures!]

[This effect was found to overlap with "The Majesty of the Bronze Dragon," so the two have been merged!]

[If you are a dragon, that's fine too.]

The sensation was slightly different from when I absorbed the [Secret Sea Crystal] before.

The secret power flowing into Xia En's body carried a slightly scorching temperature, like a warm current, flowing and surging through his body.

[Constitution +1!]

[Strength +1!]

[Speed ​​+1!]

This enhancement is directly aimed at Shane's main body, so it does not increase the attributes of the [Black Swan].

at the same time.

An ancient, resentful roar echoed in Xia En's ears!

In a daze, he saw a vast, boundless sea, amidst raging winds and towering waves.

A giant, dark blue dragon, covered in wounds, is looking up at the clouds in the sky.

It seemed that some extremely terrifying being was lurking within those clouds, about to unleash its vast and majestic will upon this ancient dragon.

The howling wind and flashing thunder were like the wrath of the heavens!
However, faced with this terrifying majesty, the ancient dragon flapped its wings again and again, launching a desperate charge towards the being in the clouds.

Angry roars echoed through the clouds.

However, there was ultimately a significant gap in strength between Gu Long and his enemies.

With each charge, its wounds multiplied and its condition worsened.

The blood flowing from his body dripped onto the sea, staining it a scarlet color.

Finally, the azure dragon's body landed helplessly among the mountains of an island.

Blood flowed downwards from above, turning into streams of crimson that spread out like a vast net.

Gradually, the ancient dragon fell into a deep slumber, its form disappearing into the depths of the mountains.

However, the creatures on the island underwent a strange transformation under the influence of the dragon's blood...

……

……

"call!"

Xia En exhaled sharply, and the hallucination before his eyes quickly vanished.

"That was just now..."

"Memories preserved deep within the dragon's blood?"

Perhaps due to the effects of the [Power of Blood], Shane can sometimes glimpse past scenes through his blood.

This fierce and spectacular battle undoubtedly revealed the reason why the ancient dragon slumbered on this island.

But what intrigued Xia En was...

What exactly is the enemy battling the ancient dragon in the clouds?
Even from fragmented memories, Xia En could clearly sense the power of the ancient dragon, a power that he was completely unable to contend with at this stage.

Yet even such a powerful ancient dragon could not shake the presence in the clouds.

As his thoughts raced, Xia En came up with a bold conjecture.

"Could it be... a deity?!"

Only gods can possess such vast and mighty power.

But which deity was it?
Why did Gu Long become his enemy?

This is, after all, just a fragment of an inaccurate historical record, and Shane obviously couldn't deduce much valuable information from the limited footage.

However, he soon noticed something else.

After being severely injured and entering a dormant state, the ancient dragon did not actually die, and at that time its blood did not seem to have been contaminated or defiled.

In other words, it was someone else who desecrated the bloodline of the ancient dragons!
Moreover, the time is much later than when it goes into hibernation.

It is even possible that it was because of this act of blasphemy that Gu Long was unable to awaken from his long slumber and perished forever on this island.

"Captain Shane?"

Lulu's soft, sweet voice brought Xia En back to his senses.

She said somewhat apologetically, "The island of ancestors is too dangerous. My sister and I have almost no combat ability on the shore, so we can only bring you here."

Shane expressed his understanding: "That's enough."

"You should go back first."

"Yes, Captain Shane, please be careful!"

Soon, the figures of the siren sisters gradually disappeared into the sea.

Lily turned and looked at Shane on the shore, then asked, "Sister, do you think they can reach the ancestral land?"

After thinking for a moment, Lulu said, "If it were before, I don't think the chances are very high."

"But now, Captain Shane might actually bring us a pleasant surprise!"

"It's just a pity about last night..."

"Sigh, that's true. Who knows how many years it will be before I meet such an outstanding man again!"

……

……

Just as the Siren sisters were sighing and lamenting.

Shane has already decided on the people to go deep into the island this time.

Myself, Joey, and String Song.

It's not hard to see that even if the ship is docked at the shore, there is still a possibility that dragon-like creatures might attack the Black Swan.

Just to be on the safe side, let Fei Ya and An stay on the ship.

Incidentally, Shane didn't waste the [Evil Dragon Sea Fish] he killed earlier; he fed it directly to the steam turbine.

Known as the "Gluttonous King," it has become an indiscriminate garbage can, eating anything that comes its way.

But before the official departure.

Xia En didn't forget to spend the last of the [Filthy Crystal].

This exploration is obviously not something that can be completed in a day, so we can take this opportunity to strengthen the ship's hull, which was not reinforced before.

【Sea Crystal Wood/Ghost Gold/Mithril Hull (+)】

[Filth Crystallization - 109!]

[Estimated enhancement time: 12 days!]

The reason why Shane didn't enhance [Phantom Storm Ray Sails] is simple.

Firstly, the sails are no longer keeping up with the current attributes of the [Black Swan], and the bonus they provide is not significant.

Shaen plans to replace it after leaving the Misty Sea.

On the other hand, as one of the main components of the ship, the hull requires a relatively large amount of [Filthy Crystals].

Putting all these [filthy crystals] into it should bring about a very obvious transformation.

After doing all this, Shane led Joey and Xuange deeper into the [Ancestors' Island].

The island has very lush vegetation.

Although not as large as the trees on Giant's Island, the slightly dark red trunk and the lush, vibrant branches and leaves indicate that this is not an ordinary type of wood.

Xia En reached out and gently touched one of the tall trees.

Palm trees stained with dragon's blood

[Quality: Rare]

[Type: Material]

[Description: Trees stained with diluted dragon's blood undergo subtle changes in their wood.]

[Can be used as a low-level material to strengthen the ship's hull!]

"This is good stuff too!"

Xia En's eyes lit up.

Previously, although this type of wood had some value, it took up too much space on a ship and couldn't fetch a good price, and using it to modify ships felt too low-class.

It's like a chicken rib – tasteless to eat, but a pity to throw away. But now, with the enhancement function of the [Heart of the Ship], even low-grade wood has found its use.

Thinking of this, Xia En glanced at the panel.

Materials required for a single enhancement

[Timber holdings: 68%]

[Metal holdings: 19%]

[Proportion of Extraordinary Materials: 3% (Maximum for this enhancement: 30%)]

[Each attribute must exceed 50 before the next enhancement can be performed!]

Because the last enhancement prioritized the use up of all the extraordinary materials, there are not many extraordinary materials left on Shane's ship, and they urgently need to be replenished.

It now seems there should be quite a few unexpected gains on this island.

But Shane also knew that returns were often linked to risks.

Not long after the group entered the jungle, several figures covered in scales had already quietly set their sights on them.

"Gah!"

Several fierce, strange cries followed.

Several upright monsters leaped down from above the trees, heading straight for Shane and Joey's backs.

clang!
Xia En reacted incredibly quickly; the moment the shadow fell, he flicked his blood sword upwards.

To his surprise, the exceptionally sharp Blood Demon Sword failed to sever anything it touched, only producing a crisp metallic clang.

And Joey is no longer the helpless girl she once was.

After using defensive magic to block the attack from behind, a faint blue light flashed in her eyes.

A blue beam of light appeared in mid-air and pierced the attacker's eyes.

Amidst the splattering blood, Xia En was finally able to make out the appearance of his enemy.

This is a humanoid creature that is over two meters tall.

Their bodies are covered with a mixture of scales and fur, which vaguely reveals the curves of their strong muscles.

They also have hands similar to human hands, except that each finger has sharp claws, and in the palm of their hand they hold a black, dagger-like weapon.

"A half-dragon?!"

This was Shane's first impression of this monster.

But upon closer inspection of their strange posture and the not-too-thick tails behind them, he suddenly realized what was going on.

"No, this is an ape that has transformed into a dragon!"

Clearly, there was once a normal troop of monkeys on this island, but they were transformed into their current form by the influence of dragon blood.

Despite his deep thought, Xia En's actions did not falter in the slightest.

His figure swayed slightly, and his greatsword slashed forward horizontally.

A terrifying force poured out, easily tearing the monkey monster's flesh and blood apart.

After the hull and all components were upgraded again, Shane's stats soared to a terrifying level once more.

Although the physical abilities of these monkey monsters far exceed those of ordinary first-tier secret cultivators, and even approach the level of second-tier secret cultivators.

But in front of Xia En, they could only be crushed and swept away!
This is the magic of numbers!

"Roar!"

Just then, a low growl came from the nearby stringed instrument.

The voice wasn't loud; it was even somewhat low and subdued, yet it concealed an indescribable majesty and pride.

In the instant the low growl spread.

Several dragon-transformed monkey monsters trembled violently, their hair stood on end, and a mixture of fear and dread flashed in their vertical pupils as they looked at the seemingly petite Xian Ge with terror.

How could they possibly withstand the majesty of a high-ranking ancient dragon?
Only now did Xia En recall the scene when the string song hatched.

Even when facing two giant dragons, it showed no fear, but resolutely asserted its presence.

The main reason is that Xiange usually behaves so embarrassingly that Xia En forgot that it actually has this side to it.

While the monkey troop was intimidated by the dragon's might, they took advantage of the moment.

Without hesitation, Shane and Joey acted decisively.

In a short while, all the attacking monkey monsters were killed.

These monkey monsters also dropped [Secret Sea Crystals], which together only increased the Ship Soul's experience points by 2%.

Seeing this increase, Xia En's lips twitched slightly.

After the Ship Soul reaches LV4, the experience gained from low-level monsters becomes increasingly meager, barely worth mentioning.

At this moment, Xiange flew to Xia En's side, eagerly taking credit.

"Captain, I did a pretty good job just now, didn't I?"

Xia En nodded and said, "It's really not bad."

"Hmph, I am the great Bronze Dragon. Suppressing such lowly minions is a piece of cake!"

"I'm so proud of myself," Xiange said, her little tail practically wagging in the air.

Xia En's lips twitched.

Whenever he wanted to show some respect to the String Song, the little dragon would speak.

Soon, Shane's gaze fell on the weapons dropped by the dragon-transformed monkey monsters.

He felt a strange sense of familiarity with this jet-black material.

With a touch, several lines of information appear.

A crudely made black stone dagger

[Quality: Ordinary]

[Type: Weapon]

[Description: A dagger roughly crafted from raw blackstone ore, possessing only the original properties of blackstone.]

"Blackstone Dagger... Blackstone?!"

Xia En's heart skipped a beat.

He was no stranger to this material; when he first faced the pirates [Blood Wolf], he relied on a black stone short sword to complete the hunt in the sea.

For quite some time, it was a very useful weapon.

However, as Xia En's strength gradually increased, the Black Stone Short Sword could no longer keep up with his combat, and it was eventually put into disuse.

At this moment, however, Xia En was not concerned about the Black Stone Dagger itself.

Since the monkey monsters are using black stone daggers, it means that there is a black stone vein on this island!
The last potion ingredient that Shaen needed—[Blackstone Essence]—was a material born from the Blackstone Mine.

These days.

As Shane's cleaning of the palace progressed much faster.

The sea creatures of Coral City were also very resourceful, gathering all sorts of potion ingredients, including the other main ingredient, the [Heavenly Starfish].

Including the Crimson Fruit, which can replace the Blood of the Dark Sea Clam.

The only thing Shaen is missing right now is the [Black Stone Essence]!
But right now, the black stone daggers in the hands of these monkey monsters undoubtedly gave him hope.

"After a few more dives, my job compatibility will be almost maxed out."

"Once you find the [Black Stone Essence], you can begin your ascension!"

Xia En's heart pounded, and a glimmer of anticipation flashed in her eyes.

After the hull upgrade, the Black Swan no longer has no chance of winning against the Blood Duke's fleet.

But don't forget that once a naval battle between ships is deadlocked, the captain's fighting strength will be the deciding factor!
The master of that Duke Island, Duke Nova, was none other than a third-tier Mystic!
He is on the same level as Queen of Silvermoon Island.

This time, without Carles' help, Shane can only rely on himself.

Therefore, he must break through to the third tier before leaving the Misty Sea!

Looking at the dead monkey monsters around him, Xia En felt a little regretful.

"I should have kept one or two, maybe we could ask for directions."

"However, since this is the territory of the monkey monsters, there must be more than just a few of them..."

Thinking of this, Xia En's eyes lit up, and he immediately led Joey and Faia to search the surrounding area.

The search quickly yielded results.

Using his Blood Perception ability, Shane quickly located a lone monkey monster.

This time, he didn't rely on the stringed instrument; instead, he walked up to the monkey monster himself, and a faint dragon's might emanated from him.

"Ugh!"

Upon seeing Xia En approach, the monkey monster, which had been displaying a strong desire to attack just a second ago, suddenly let out a strange cry, trembled, and crawled down, lowering its head to the ground.

This appears to be a way for the monkey monster to show submission.

"?!"

Xian Ge, standing to the side, suddenly opened her eyes wide, her gaze filled with disbelief, and she muttered to herself in astonishment.

"How can the captain possess the might of a dragon?"

"And it's so similar to mine?"

"Wait a minute... I had a feeling before that the captain's true form wasn't ordinary human. Could it be that he's actually a dragon?"

"This, this isn't right..."

Regardless of what Xiange was thinking, Xia En threw the black stone dagger in front of the monkey monster and said as briefly as possible.

"Take me to the place where these stones were dug out."

"Gawoo, gawoo!"

After repeating it two or three times and using some gestures to communicate, the dragon-monkey monster seemed to barely understand what he meant, stood up, and began to run towards a mountain on the island.

Xia En promptly followed.

A moment later, a valley nestled among the mountains came into view.

The rocks here are grayish-black with fine holes, and on the rock strata, there are several black stones directly exposed to the air.

Clearly, this is the location of the Blackstone vein.

"Gawoo..."

At this moment, the monkey monster looked in a direction not far away and let out a low cry.

The voice sounded both alert and fearful.

Following its gaze, Xia En quickly spotted a colossal black beast hidden within the greyish-black rock wall.

It is over ten meters long, with a black stone-like shell on its back, and its four legs have unusually sharp and distinct edges. It also has a drill-like horn on its head.

It resembles a giant tortoise, yet also possesses some characteristics of an ancient dragon.

This is a truly enormous creature!

Even if Shane were to transform into a giant, his size might not be comparable to this behemoth.

The only good news is that the giant tortoise is currently asleep.

Only its shell, which gleams against the surrounding black stones, proves that it is always aware of and vigilant about the outside world.

"Captain, watch out!"

A look of seriousness appeared in Xuan Ge's eyes: "This big guy might be a true ancient dragon!"

"Ancient Dragon?"

Shaun asked in a low voice, "What's the difference between it and other creatures contaminated by dragon blood?"

"The term 'Ancient Dragon' means that it is a creature born from the mating of an ancient dragon with other creatures. It naturally carries the blood of an ancient dragon, unlike those creatures that have been corrupted later in life."

Xian Ge explained, "Although this dragon turtle is not a descendant of the first generation, the concentration of dragon blood in its body is not low, so we must be careful."

"However, judging from its aura, it seems to have also been contaminated by blasphemy."

After hearing these words, Xia En immediately understood.

Simply put, it's the difference between what you're born with and what you're raised with.

This behemoth was clearly not to be trifled with, but Shane's intuition told him that the [Black Stone Essence] he needed was in the vein beneath the ancient dragon!
Therefore, the answer to whether or not to take action is now very clear.

Xia En took a deep breath and looked at the sleeping giant tortoise.

"Perfect, then I'll use you to test my improved strength!"

(End of this chapter)