Chapter 101 My name is Haiyuan, the guardian of the sea. As the night deepened, the palace at the bottom of the lake was immersed in silence. Xiao Chong and Zi Yan lay on the soft bed of water plants, recalling this series of incredible experiences, their hearts filled with longing and anticipation for tomorrow's adventure. On the second day, the morning light penetrated the deep sea water, illuminating the underwater world crystal clear, as if the entire kingdom was coated with a layer of dreamy blue. The swaying seaweed, the standing corals and the colorful fish swimming around add a bit of vitality and mystery to the upcoming adventure. In an open area at the bottom of the lake stands an ancient and solemn altar, built of huge stones of unknown age, with intricate ocean totems carved on its surface, and it seems that every stroke contains ancient power and wisdom. All around, the mermaids formed a circle, their singing was melodious, like the sound of nature, intertwined with the gentle hum of the waves, creating a solemn and sacred atmosphere. Elder Elsa was wearing a long robe embroidered with silver waves, which made her look particularly solemn. She stood in the center of the altar, holding tightly in her hands an old parchment scroll, which was the mermaid code handed down from generation to generation. The cover was inlaid with various pearls and shells, emitting a faint glow. As Elsa slowly recited those ancient and complex spells, the runes on the altar gradually lit up, revolving around her, releasing warm and powerful energy waves. “Eye of the Abyss, Sea of Stars, guide us in our search for the truth…” Although her voice was soft, it echoed in the sea, as if striking some ancient resonance.
Suddenly, a beam of light shot out from the codex, pointing straight into the distance, forming a brilliant light, leaving a clear trail in the sea water. All the mermaids focused their attention, with awe and hope shining in their eyes. Elsa opened her eyes, her expression solemn. "We found it. The source of that power is located in the Shadow Abyss of the Northern Territory, a place that even we dare not easily set foot in." She turned to look at Xiao Chong and Zi Yan, her eyes full of trust and expectation. "It is a forgotten area. It is said that it contains ancient secrets and endless dangers. But for the sake of our home, we must explore it and uncover the veil of that power." Xiao Chong frowned slightly when he heard this, then he straightened his chest and said, "No matter how difficult the road ahead is, we will definitely find a solution. Zi Yan, let's get ready to go." Zi Yan tapped her forehead lightly, the determination in her eyes unquestionable, "I'm ready." Just as the two were about to leave, a young mermaid swam over and respectfully handed over two pieces of glittering armor. The light of water elements flowed on them, which were obviously not ordinary items. "This is the most precious equipment of our tribe. May they protect you on your journey." Xiao Chong and Zi Yan smiled at each other, took the heavy armor and put it on. They immediately felt a warm power surging into their bodies, as if they had established some special connection with the ocean. "We will come back with hope for everyone's future," Xiao Chong promised. "Then let's set off now." Elsa's voice sounded behind them, full of blessings and strength. As the two figures gradually disappeared into the vast blue, the singing of the sea creatures became louder, as if they were singing a magnificent hymn for the two heroes' journey. The dark place was a corner that had forgotten even the sun. It was filled with thick darkness that seemed to swallow up all the light. The air was filled with a disgusting musty smell, accompanied by the strange low humming coming from afar from time to time, making the whole environment seem even more depressing and terrifying. Xiao Chong held Zi Yan's hand tightly. Their breathing was particularly clear in the dead silence. Their eyes were full of determination as they fearlessly stepped into this unknown territory. "Here is the core of the Dark Land." Xiao Chong whispered in Zi Yan's ear. The map in his hand emitted a faint light, guiding the direction forward. There was a location marked on the map in ancient sea language, which was the energy seal they were looking for. Zi Yan frowned slightly. Her senses were several times sharper than those of ordinary people. In this oppressive environment, she could sense the danger lurking around her. "Be careful, something is approaching." She warned in a low voice, and at the same time, she flicked her finger lightly, and a string of purple light dots surrounded the two of them, forming a protective barrier. Suddenly, a gust of cold wind blew by, and the surrounding shadows seemed to come alive, twisting and deforming. Shadow beasts with sharp claws and fangs appeared from the void, their eyes flashing with greedy red light, locking onto the two intruders in front of them. "Come on, now that you're here, there's nothing to be afraid of!" Xiao Chong shouted, and the power in his body surged out. The armor in his hand seemed to respond to his will, and flowing water ripples appeared on the surface, turning into an indestructible water shield, blocking the front. The battle was about to break out, and Zi Yan was not willing to be outdone. As her fingertips danced, the purple spots of light seemed to have life, transforming into sharp rays of light that accurately penetrated the shadow beasts' weaknesses. Every hit was accompanied by a shrill howl, and the creatures in the darkness fell one after another. "The seal should be nearby." Zi Yan said breathlessly during a break in the fierce battle. Her eyes scanned the surroundings, trying to capture the energy fluctuations that were deliberately hidden. "Look there!" Xiao Chong pointed to an inconspicuous rock wall. The stone texture there seemed to be different from that elsewhere, revealing an unusual light. The two men walked quickly forward and pushed a huge rock together. A faint but pure energy light shone through, which was the seal they were looking for.
Suddenly, a low and hoarse voice sounded in the surrounding space, as if it had lasted for endless years. "The seal...is finally...released..." As soon as he finished speaking, a man with disheveled hair appeared in front of Xiao Chong and Zi Yan. There was a complex light flashing in his eyes, showing relief but also a hint of confusion. Zi Yan and Xiao Chong exchanged glances in surprise. This sudden change caught them off guard. The man in front of him, with his sturdy human upper body and the elegant mermaid tail fin in his lower body, formed a strange yet harmonious picture. "Who are you?" Xiao Chong asked vigilantly, while secretly gathering the spiritual power around him just in case. The man smiled bitterly. "My name is Haiyuan. I used to be the guardian of this sea. Hundreds of years ago, in order to seal a great disaster, I voluntarily sacrificed myself and sealed myself here with the evil. Time flies, and I have forgotten what the world looks like." "A great disaster? What great disaster?" Zi Yan asked curiously, with a gleam of exploration in her eyes. Haiyuan shook his head. "That was a painful memory. Now that the seal has been broken, it means that the evil may be ready to move. You two don't look simple. Are you willing to lend me a hand and stop the disaster together?" (End of this chapter)