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

Chapter 143 The First Multi-Person Promotion Ceremony!
Not long after.

Shaun arranged a variety of potion ingredients around himself and lit a stick of incense.

This is a material called "Sea Agarwood," which helps those on the secret path to calm their minds and focus their spirits, making it easier for them to enter the advancement ritual.

Unlike the first and second-tier advancement rituals, the third-tier advancement ritual requires more than one type of potion material.

However, the uses of these potion ingredients are not as some people imagine.

—Mix them all together in a large pot to create a special potion.

In fact, some excellent alchemists and pharmacists do possess the ability to create a potion while preserving the original properties of the potion ingredients.

But such alchemists are not so easy to find.
Ordinary practitioners of the secret path, if they try to refine it themselves, will only destroy the secret power in the materials, resulting in a pile of useless waste.

Therefore, most practitioners of the secret path adopt the "spiritual essence method".

As the name suggests, it involves using the soul to extract the secret power of the potion and then fusing them together through a special ritual.

Of course, this "spiritual extraction method" also has its own drawbacks and risks.

For example, someone whose senses are too dull cannot perceive the spirituality in a potion;
For example, some magical potions are toxic, and prolonged exposure can harm those who travel the secret path...

Despite these risks, they seem insignificant compared to the allure of advancing to the third tier of the secret path.

At the very least, this was indeed a feasible and relatively convenient method of promotion, so it naturally spread widely throughout the Seven Seas.

"call……"

Xia En took a deep breath to calm her somewhat restless heart.

He then placed the Crimson Fruit in the east, the Black Stone Essence in the west, and the Celestial Star in the north.

After some questioning and research, Shane had a general understanding of the different symbolism of these three potions.

Clearly, the "Deep Red Fruit" represents flesh and blood, life and vitality.

It is a symbol of "new life".

The Black Stone Essence constantly exudes an aura of decay and decay, which is the opposite of New Life.

It is a symbol of death.

The name 【天曜海星】 is somewhat difficult to understand at first glance.

But setting aside its prefix and characteristics, it is essentially just a marine organism.

Therefore, it symbolizes the ocean.

Of course, these three potions have other mysterious properties, but their core is already very clear.

Death, Ocean, New Life

The order in which they are extracted is very important; if the order is wrong, the result may be more than just a failed ritual.

As for the other auxiliary materials, they are actually just byproducts to neutralize the medicinal properties of the three main ingredients.

Having understood this, Shane's actions naturally became firm and decisive.

He first reached out and touched the [Black Stone Essence] in the west.

The dark, semi-solid, semi-liquid secret power flowed into Xia En's body through his fingertips.

His once vibrant life force visibly withered away, and his skin even became dry, cracked, and covered with fine wrinkles, just like that of an old man.

Even her pale golden hair had a white hue.

Such an anomaly is undoubtedly extremely terrifying for ordinary secret practitioners.

But Shane wasn't alarmed, because this was a sign that the extraction of traits had been successful.

After his life force weakened to a certain extent, Xia En picked up the [Heavenly Starfish] from the due north direction and ground and squeezed it little by little.

The milky-white liquid seeped out and naturally adhered to Xia En's skin, transmitting a cool, ocean-like secret power into his body.

Due to the effects of [Blackstone Essence].

As Xia En's life force continued to wane, he became even more aware of this unique secret power.

In a daze, the faint sound of waves could be heard coming from the far distance.

"So this is the special method used to enhance perception of the Secret Sea?"

"Or rather... death before life, destruction before construction?"

A realization dawned on Xia En.

However, he did not relax.

The real test has only just begun!
The mysterious power of black and azure blue washed over Xia En's body time and time again, constantly enhancing his inspiration.

However, when they become entangled and collide, they also exhibit mutual repulsion and attrition.

The properties of different potions can sometimes conflict, and may even cause a violent reaction like water and fire colliding, which can cause considerable damage to those who are advancing on the path of cultivation.

At this point, it's time for other auxiliary drugs to come into play.

With a somewhat weak body, Xia En took several supplements in succession.

The feeling of impending explosion, like a powder keg, inside my body finally subsided.

However, the auxiliary medicine can only neutralize the secret power as much as possible and adjust it to a range that the human body can accept, but it cannot completely eliminate the negative effects of the magic potion.

Xia En could clearly feel his breath growing weaker and weaker.

It was as if all the strength he had painstakingly gained over the past few days was slipping away from him.

The feeling of losing power is undoubtedly terrifying.

Xia En naturally also deeply sensed this fear.

For a moment, he even considered interrupting the promotion process.

But he understood even more clearly that only by facing this fear head-on and overcoming it with unwavering will could he step into a completely new realm.

"It is said that the third tier is a difficult hurdle for those who follow the secret path."

"Now it seems that, apart from factors such as potions and secret power, a firm will is also a threshold that blocks many secret practitioners."

Xia En sighed inwardly, calmed himself, and quietly waited for the critical moment to arrive.

I don't know how long this torment lasted.

At this moment, the vitality and secret power within Xia En's body had weakened to a very dangerous level.

It was as if they were about to throw themselves into the embrace of the god of death.

However, at the same time, the blood vessels and muscles in Xia En's body had turned a slightly azure color under the effects of the [Tianyao Starfish].

Even the air he exhaled seemed to carry the salty smell of the sea breeze.

Before my eyes appeared illusory waves, like a pitch-black night sky.

Without a doubt, that was the call from the [Secret Sea]!

Seeing this, Xia En no longer hesitated and reached out to the last [Crimson Fruit].

The method of using this fruit is the simplest and most direct.

One word: Eat!

The plump, deep red fruit was bitten into, and the rich juice burst instantly in Shane's mouth.

Large chunks of fruit melted like ice and snow, turning into streams of heat that flowed throughout his body.

The deliciousness of this fruit was beyond Shane's imagination.

In stark contrast to the previous torturous experience, consuming the [Crimson Fruit] felt extremely comfortable.

Especially after the previous torment, the beauty of this feeling is all the more highlighted, as if one has come from hell to heaven!
at the same time.

A pure and dazzling red secret power, like the finest ruby, rapidly spread outward from the esophagus, nourishing Shane's parched body, damaged by the potion.

An extremely vigorous life force surged and rippled along with the heat, circulating back and forth within Shane's body.

The wrinkles on his face were smoothed out, his unnaturally pale hair regained its pale golden luster, and his skin became smooth and elastic again.

Just a few seconds.

The life force lost due to the Black Stone Essence has been completely replenished, and even pushed to a new peak in the wave of cleansing!
The cheers of blood, muscles, and bones echoed in his ears!

The so-called "power of blood" continued to grow stronger, like a mighty river flowing endlessly through Xia En's veins.

In a daze, Xia En could even feel that his bloodline was undergoing some kind of strange transformation and sublimation!

But before he could fully appreciate this sublimation...

The illusory sound of the waves suddenly became incredibly real, as if it had merged into a ballad of the sea.

At the same time, an invisible yet real door slowly opened in front of him.

Immediately afterwards, the familiar dragging sensation came from the depths of my soul.

Falling, falling even further...

Xia En's consciousness gradually sank into the pitch-black depths of the sea, filled with starlight and streaks of light...

……

……

"call……"

When Xia En opened his eyes again, he was already on the [Secret Sea].

A sea breeze blew, and the seawater gently lapped against the hull on both sides. Just like his previous two promotions, he was still on the empty shell of the Black Swan.

However, after a closer look, Shane quickly realized that the Black Swan was in its enhanced form.

"Is the ship synchronized with its current state during each upgrade?"

Xia En stroked his chin and then began to observe the situation on the surrounding sea.

Unlike the last time when it was shrouded in gloom and turbulent undercurrents.

The weather during this promotion ceremony was quite nice; the bright sunshine shone on the sea, and the waves resembled bright golden scales, creating a beautiful scene.

A gentle sea breeze blew softly, causing Xia En's hair to flutter slightly.

This weather is so much more comfortable than the humid "return to spring" weather in the foggy sea.

If it weren't for the clear, black seawater all around, Xia En would have almost forgotten that he was in the midst of an ascension ritual.

What surprised Xia En even more was...

After checking his own condition, he discovered that he had brought several extraordinary items with him into the advancement ritual.

This includes the [Hui Sect Amulet], the [Giant's Bracelet], and some other miscellaneous items.

"Something's wrong. Something's very wrong..."

Instead of relaxing in the face of this situation, Xia En's expression became even more serious, and he muttered to himself with a furrowed brow.

There must be a demon in the abnormal situation.

In his understanding, promotion ceremonies should not involve carrying extraordinary items.

Why was this restriction suddenly lifted this time?
Was it because the preparations for this initiation ceremony were very thorough, or because of the unique nature of this initiation ceremony itself?
It's understandable that Xia En was making such a fuss.

The difficulty of the first two advancement rituals had left a deep impression on him, so there was no reason why the difficulty of the third-tier ritual would be reduced.

Right now, the calm and tranquility on the sea surface is more like the calm before a storm.

This secret sea will eventually tear off its gentle veil and reveal its cruel and violent side.

Suddenly, Xia En looked in one direction on the sea, his pupils slightly contracting.

He saw another ship cutting through the waves amidst the surging tides!
To be precise, there was more than one.

There are at least a dozen ships in the nearby waters!
However, due to the great distance, these ships appear very small and are easily overlooked.

"What's going on with those ships?"

Shaun stared at the nearest ship, his mind racing.

"Are they projections from the ascension ritual, or... other Pathfinders who have advanced to the third rank?"

Long ago, Xia En had heard that when the secret path reached a certain level, several people would go through a ritual to complete the advancement trial together.

Now it seems that I have encountered this situation myself.

But the problem is...

Is his relationship with these secret travelers one of enmity or friendship?
As far as Shane knew, the methods of advancement trials were varied and bizarre, and some of them even involved trial missions that would make the Secret Path seekers compete with each other.

In particular, Shane acquired a somewhat sinister hidden profession.

He probably wouldn't be surprised if a mission suddenly appeared to eliminate all other Secret Path users.

Although Shane himself is not the bloodthirsty type, he probably wouldn't mind removing any obstacles from his path if someone else stood in his way.

Besides.

Xia En still had many questions in his mind.

Since we can see ships, it means that most of these secret travelers are professionals who work on the [Captain] secret path.

But they don't seem to have the talent of "captain's authority" like I do, so how do they manage to steer the entire ship?

Moreover, even if the world is vast, are there really that many secret practitioners who happen to enter the ascension ritual at this particular time?

Xia En thought about it again and came up with a possibility.

Judging from the different time flow between the last promotion ceremony and reality, the time laws of this [Secret Sea] may also differ significantly from reality.

In other words, these esoteric practitioners may not have entered the ritual at the same time as Shane.

Instead, within a certain timeframe, all qualified practitioners of the secret path were brought into the same promotion ceremony.

This time period could be a few hours, a day, or even half a month.

Various speculations arose in my mind.

But Shane knew very well that until there was sufficient evidence, these speculations were just that—speculations.

"However, should we try to make contact with other Mystic Path practitioners now?"

Looking at the ships not far away, Xia En finally gave up the idea.

If it's a cooperative trial mission, there's no harm in getting involved.

But if they compete with each other...

It might turn into a situation where "the fight starts three seconds after meeting."

Moreover, even if it were the former, given the hellish difficulty of Xia En's trials, other secret path seekers probably wouldn't be able to offer much help.

Just as Xia En was thinking.

Rumbling--

A strange black bolt of lightning flashed across the clouds on the distant horizon.

Then, the deafening roar of thunder finally reached our ears.

"Sure enough, it's here!"

Xia En looked towards the horizon, but couldn't help but change his expression slightly, sighing, "This really is the calm before the storm..."

I saw it in that direction.

The thick, dark clouds were approaching the sea where the secret travelers were located at an almost visible speed.

Accompanying this was a sudden surge of fierce winds and towering waves!

Just as Xia En had predicted.

The once peaceful and tranquil Secret Sea suddenly became fraught with danger, as if it were deliberately toying with these advanced Secret Path practitioners.

What cannot be ignored in the field of vision is the huge waterspout that is approaching the sea surface along with the storm.

The seawater, influenced by the airflow, swirls and rises upwards, eventually forming a thick column of water that connects with the towering clouds.

Such a magnificent sight even momentarily stunned Xia En.

From the ships in the nearby waters came cries of fear and terror.

—From this perspective, it can be determined that they are not NPCs projected by the [Secret Sea], but real, living people!
That's when.

Several lines of prompts flashed before Xia En's eyes.

[Trial Mission:]

Eliminate the source of the storm and destroy it before all other trial participants perish!

[Mission failure is considered a failure if the participant dies or the ship sinks in the Secret Sea!]

[Note: Time flows at twice the speed of reality in this sea area.]

"……Um?"

"Destroy the storm...me?"

Xia En's eyelids twitched slightly as he watched the terrifying storm rapidly approaching, and he felt an urge to curse again.

Faced with the immense power of nature, the strength of an individual seems exceptionally insignificant.

Perhaps higher-level Mystic Path practitioners, or even gods, could do this, but he is only a third-level Mystic Path practitioner right now!

Is this level of difficulty really reasonable?
"So that's why they lifted the restrictions on supernatural items this time. They're giving you a sweet treat followed by a big stick, right?"

Xia En couldn't help but mutter a few words of complaint to himself.

But thinking about it carefully, this trial mission doesn't seem to be truly impossible.
Judging from the mission description, this storm has a "source," and it is the existence of this source that caused the storm to occur.

It's unrealistic to confront a storm head-on, but if we just eliminate the source of the storm, there should still be a chance, right?
Now that things have come to this, this is the only way for Xia En to comfort himself.

"However, at least it's not a mission to hunt down other Secret Path users."

To be honest, Xia En secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Dying during the ascension ritual does not result in true death, but it will cause some damage to the soul.

If they do not receive timely treatment, they may suffer lifelong health problems and may even be unable to reach higher levels of achievement.

After all, there was no enmity between them, and Xia En had no reason to ruin someone else's future or cut off the path to advancement for other Secret Path practitioners.

Of course, if they are enemies, then that's a different story.

After a moment's thought, Xia En glanced silently at the ships not far away and thought to himself.

"I hope you don't die too quickly, so you can buy me a little more time."

Immediately, he piloted the Black Swan, actively heading towards the center of the storm.

(End of this chapter)