Chapter Fifty-Three: Crimson Solitude [Second Update]

"Who are you?" Shu Mingyuan lowered his voice, speaking in a tone so quiet even he could barely hear it, yet he was certain the other’s observation skills were keen enough to catch every word.

"Me?" The criminal, reduced to nothing but skin and bones, sneered. "Baroric Redfield. Kid, I bet you’ve never heard of me."

At that name, Shu Mingyuan’s whole body trembled, disbelief flashing in his eyes.

It was him!

The Crimson Solitude, Baroric Redfield, a Zoan-type mythical beast, Bat Fruit: Vampire Form, one of the legendary pirates! He was known as the fourth great legendary pirate alongside Whitebeard, Roger, and Golden Lion. As long as he could drink blood, he would remain forever young and powerful. He never took followers, always a lone wolf, yet he alone could stand shoulder to shoulder with the other three legends.

Shu Mingyuan swallowed hard. He’d expected someone less renowned, not this unfathomable legendary pirate.

"Heh heh heh, judging by your expression, I guess you’ve heard of me. But I’m curious—my existence should have been erased by the World Government, so how do you know? When I ruled the seas, you weren’t even born yet, kid. Has the World Government's intelligence grown so feeble?"

"It appears so. Even a weak brat like you can make it through the five hells to reach here without being discovered. The World Government is failing after all."

He seemed to mutter to himself, yet it was clear he intended his words for Shu Mingyuan, and he was quite satisfied with the young man’s reaction.

No matter what, his infamy still lingered in the world! He had not been forgotten.

"Shiki was lucky back then, hid his sword on himself and managed to sever his own legs to escape. Yet he was indeed a remarkable figure—ruthless to others, ruthless to himself, deserving to rival me."

He grinned, his fangs sharper than any mortal’s, reminiscent of a bat's teeth.

Shu Mingyuan simply watched him in silence. Facing such an enemy, anyone—even Sengoku—would tread carefully.

A man's reputation is like the shadow of a tree!

The only man in history to have defeated the Fleet Admiral Steelbone Kong, ultimately imprisoned by Garp in the infinite hell of Impel Down's sixth underground level due to his exhaustion.

Seeing Shu Mingyuan ignore him, Redfield grew bored and then said, "Heh heh heh, kid, how about we strike a deal? Since you’ve made it here, you’re no ordinary weakling. Help me remove these Sea Prism shackles, and I’ll lead you out of Impel Down!"

"The taste of blood... It’s been so long since I felt it, how I miss it." His voice was dry and disparaging. He spoke not of escaping, but of fighting his way out. This place, hailed as an impregnable fortress by the world, was nothing but rubbish in his eyes.

Such an offer would tempt any criminal here; freedom is worth risking one's life for, especially with the Crimson Solitude, Baroric Redfield, at their side.

But Shu Mingyuan was different—a monster who had entered Impel Down willingly. His will was impenetrable; no one could sway him.

He could already imagine: if the shackles were undone, true darkness would sweep through the hell in an instant. Not only would he himself perish, but every jailer beast, pirate, and living thing in the infinite hell would lose all their blood in a heartbeat.

This man would be reborn in a sea of blood!

With his power at its peak, no one alive could match him. The Four Emperors, the Admirals—all would be mere scraps.

Recovering from his shock, Shu Mingyuan’s eyes lost their terror, replaced by a cold indifference.

He replied calmly, "If I let you out, even I might die in an instant."

Baroric Redfield’s face revealed a hint of surprise. "Kid, it seems you’re no simple figure outside either. Not only do you know of me, you understand my abilities perfectly."

"But rest assured, if I promise not to kill you, I won’t. As for Impel Down, this damned place has no reason to exist."

Shu Mingyuan’s pupils contracted. This man's murderous intent was overwhelming; releasing him might not only doom Impel Down, but the entire world.

A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes. His fingers flicked rapidly, sending dozens of air bullets shooting at Redfield. Yet, what could easily pierce the bodies of pirates on the fifth underground floor could not even scratch his skin.

The difficulty was far beyond expectation. In the darkness, Shu Mingyuan dared not use his lightning technique, lest the sensitive jailer beasts detect him.

A mocking smile grew on Redfield’s face. "These feeble air bullets can only tickle me. Compared to Steelbone Kong’s fists, they’re pathetically weak."

Shu Mingyuan’s face twitched. Every name Redfield casually uttered was enough to shake the world.

His voice suddenly sharpened. "Kid, while I’m in a good mood, save me now and I’ll spare you the penalty for attacking me. Otherwise, once I break free, I’ll tear you to pieces!"

"Then you’d best stay here, until you die!" Shu Mingyuan replied unyieldingly, his attacks unrelenting. Countless air bullets struck the Crimson Solitude’s body, but to little effect.

"Kid, I told you—your attacks are useless!"

He let out a low growl, clenching his hands. Power surged through his body; despite his frail appearance, his form suddenly swelled, causing the Sea Prism shackles to clatter noisily.

Shu Mingyuan was aghast—such strength! Even Sea Prism handcuffs could not fully suppress his abilities.

Redfield’s gaze grew sharper. His struggle intensified, and the shackles groaned under the strain. Fortunately, after a few seconds, his body returned to its skeletal state.

Luckily, the frame binding him was made entirely of Sea Prism stone. Had it been ordinary steel, it would have long since been destroyed.

But Shu Mingyuan, hidden in the shadows, saw everything clearly. In that instant, he felt Redfield’s aura soar to its peak. If not for the prison walls between them, he would have been effortlessly slaughtered.

Even the famously sturdy Sea Prism stone revealed a faint, imperceptible crack under his struggle!

If he repeated such efforts a few more times, he could escape with his own strength.

Who then could ever subdue him?

Crimson Solitude—so powerful!

ps: [Momo came to QQ Book City today with a recommendation. Sorry for the late update, but Momo really doesn’t have time to write during work. Right after getting off, didn’t even eat dinner, hurried to write a chapter for everyone to enjoy! Thank you so much for your recommendation votes! Please support with rewards, collections, and votes! Momo bows in thanks! There will be another chapter later tonight!]