The morning sun filtered gently through the mist-covered village, bathing the weathered rooftops in soft gold. Mo Tianzun was nowhere to be seen, and...
Longxuan, after his awkward encounter with Jiang Fenglie and the Liu Twins, had busied himself with idle walks around the docks. Fenglan was chattering non-stop as usual, while Fenglie remained quietly observant, eyes sharp as he surveyed their surroundings.
The group had gathered in the inn's courtyard when Fenglan cheerfully handed a small envelope to the Chief Village.
"Sect Leader Ruyan told us to deliver this to you personally, Chief Wuran" Fenglan said with a grin. "She said it was important."
The Village Chief opened the seal, skimming the contents. It was a letter in Ruyan's flowing calligraphy, cautioning about strange movements along the coast, subtle tremors in the spiritual array bordering All around the Sects, and a ripple in fate that surrounded the sea village.
"She's always had a sharp sense," Chief Wuran murmured.
Fenglan, now bounding toward the street, added loudly, "The seafood here is amazing! Let's buy some grilled squid!"
But before he could drag Longxuan with him again, a low voice from a passing vendor caught their attention.
"Have you heard? Another boat vanished last night. Fourth one this week."
"The Chan family's fishing crew?" another muttered. "Gone without a trace. Just like the others."
Zhenhai halted. "Missing boats?"
The vendor nodded, lowering his voice. "The sea has turned strange lately, noble sirs. No storms. No winds. But boats drift into the mist... and vanish. We've never had sea beasts before. Our waters were always peaceful."
Fenglie furrowed his brow. "Why didn't the local cultivators investigate?"
The village chief, overhearing the conversation, shuffled over. "Most of our cultivators left long ago. We're just fishermen and merchants here. If you're willing to help... we'd be grateful."
Fenglie glanced at Longxuan, who gave a short nod. "We'll look into it."
—————
They borrowed a sturdy fishing boat from the chief. The four of them—Longxuan, Jiang Fenglie, and the Liu Twins—boarded with quiet caution with some fishermans. As they passed the worn pier not too far away from the Village, Fenglan muttered, "This place really gives me the chills."
The air grew colder the farther they sailed. Clouds curled above the sea like coiling serpents. The sun vanished behind thick mist that rolled out across the water, swallowing the boat in pale grey. Their vision dimmed until even the nearest waves became shadows.
"I can't see the shore," Fenglie said, gripping the side.
Suddenly, the boat gave a hard jolt. Something had brushed against it. Something big.
Fenglan gasped. "Did you feel that?!"
Zhenhai unsheathed his blade slowly. "Something's circling us."
A low hum echoed beneath them, not quite a sound—but a vibration. The mist thickened, pressing in around the boat until they could barely see each other. The sea itself began to glow faintly beneath, runes flickering blue-green for just a moment before vanishing into the depths.
"A formation," Jiang Fenglie murmured. "This isn't natural."
Suddenly, a monstrous clang rang out from below, as if something had struck the underside of the boat. It rocked violently.
Longxuan drew his sword, divine light spiraling from the blade. "Everyone, stay sharp."
From the mist came distant whispers—like laughter, like crying—soft, inhuman.
Zhenhai narrowed his eyes. "This isn't just a beast. Something older lives here."
The boat began to list. Mist poured in over the rails, curling around their feet like cold fingers. Fenglan shivered. "Let's get back. Now."
But just as Zhenhai turned to guide the boat, the water directly ahead of them surged upward in a violent column. A figure—twisted, half-formed, with barnacle-like skin and hollow eyes—rose up from the sea, its scream silencing even the wind.
The creature lashed forward.
And the battle began.