Farewell in the Abyssal Realm
In the profound depths of the abyssal realm, a deep blue glow rippled like water waves, quietly flowing over every inch of the cave's rocky walls. Countless blue luminescent seaweeds adorned the serene underwater world like fallen stars, enveloping Fa and her companions' weary yet resolute faces in a hazy, soft halo.
After a full day of sleepless immersion in the inheritance and baptism of water-based magic, Fa had finally mastered this power originating from the deep sea's essence. She could feel a cool and majestic energy coursing through her body, subtly resonating with her inherent power of the star eyes. She gently sheathed her short blade, her movements solemn and fluid, as if completing an important ritual. Then, she turned to Lantis, bowing her head respectfully, her voice clear and filled with sincere gratitude: "Lantis, thank you immensely for your generous teachings. This power not only makes me personally stronger, but more importantly, it illuminates our path forward, bringing us one step closer to our goal."
Lantis's massive head nodded slowly, the ancient and mysterious runes on his shell flowing with faint golden light, as if silently responding to this thanks. His deep voice, like an undercurrent in the ocean, echoed through the vast cave, unusually carrying a hint of warmth: "No need for thanks. Protection and inheritance are my duties. Just take good care of Yuyuer. He is my disciple and an indispensable companion to you all." When his gaze, as deep as an ocean trench, turned to Yuyuer beside him, his eyes revealed an indescribable concern and reluctance, like a stern father watching a child about to embark on a journey into the world.
"Yuyuer," Lantis's voice grew even deeper, "you are about to step onto a path filled with unknowns. As your master, I ask for nothing else but your safe return." He paused slightly, his tone carrying solemn admonition, "The outside world is infinitely vast, dazzling and colorful, yet fraught with dangers and challenges everywhere. You must remain vigilant at all times, learning not only to protect yourself but also to safeguard these trustworthy companions by your side. Trust and responsibility are essential qualities for the strong."
Yuyuer gracefully swished his tail and swam forward, his clear large eyes shimmering with crystalline tears, as if reflecting an entire starry sea. "Master, I will engrave every one of your teachings deep in my heart. I will surely use the magic you've taught me to protect myself and everyone else." His voice trembled slightly with emotion, his tail unconsciously tapping the damp ground lightly, splashing fine, sparkling droplets that revealed his inner reluctance and determination.
Lantis gazed at him, a subtle trace of gratification flashing in his eyes. He slowly retrieved a gem radiating pure azure light from the crevices of his age-worn shell. Inside the gem seemed to seal a miniature ocean, with tidal sounds faintly echoing as the light flowed. He handed the gem to Yuyuer and said: "This is the 'Sea Travel Gem,' containing the ocean's blessings. It allows sea folk to maintain vitality even after leaving the water, like a fish breathing on land and moving freely. With it, you can truly explore that vast land world without restraint." The corners of his mouth lifted almost imperceptibly, a spark of anticipation in his eyes, "This is my parting gift to you. May it become a reliable aid on your adventure, accompanying you across mountains and continents."
Yuyuer carefully accepted the warm gem, joy instantly overflowing his youthful face. "Thank you, Master! This... this is truly amazing!" Before his words finished, emotions surged, and he suddenly spread his arms, hugging Lantis's pillar-like sturdy forelimb tightly, his cheek pressed against the cool, rough scales. His tail slapped the ground excitedly and rapidly, stirring up layers of water splashes, resembling a child coquettishly clinging to an elder.
Lantis's enormous body stiffened slightly, seemingly unaccustomed to such direct emotional expression, muttering lowly: "At your age, still acting so reckless and impulsive like a toddler—truly embarrassing for our sea clan." Though his tone carried habitual sternness and reproach, the slight upward curve of his mouth quietly betrayed his true feelings deep inside—not annoyance, but a touch of helpless gratification toward this pure affection.
This contrasting scene filled the cave, previously heavy with parting sorrow, with a burst of light-hearted and good-natured laughter. Tisk slapped his sturdy thigh forcefully, his thick beard shaking violently with his laughter: "Haha! See that! This kid's skill at acting cute is even more powerful than his water-based magic!" Arya gracefully covered her lips, her eyes flowing with gentle amusement, lingering between Yuyuer and Lantis, as if witnessing the purest master-disciple bond in the world. Rex habitually adjusted his goggles calmly, data streams flashing across the lenses, recording this rare emotional moment, his tense mouth unable to resist curling up slightly. Kayla grinned, baring her sharp fangs, laughing boldly, her beast ears trembling lightly with delight atop her head. Salsa's mechanical cat frame emerged from its protective bubble, her electronic eyes blinking curiously, emitting crisp, bell-like laughter.
The laughter gradually subsided, restoring tranquility to the cave. Lantis lifted his massive head, surveying everyone present, his voice returning to its usual dignity and steadiness: "Well then, after this farewell, where do you plan to head next?"
Fa was about to respond when Yuyuer, unable to contain his excitement, jumped in first, his eyes sparkling like the gem: "Master, we're going to Salto Island! Not only does it hold clues to the crucial silver key and the Shadow Abyss Gate, but... but Zhamisi is waiting for me there too!" His tail quickened its swishing, as if every scale conveyed his eager anticipation.
Upon hearing "Zhamisi," a flash of understanding and faint teasing crossed Lantis's profound eyes: "Zhamisi... the snake girl you often mention and can't forget?" He deliberately slowed his speech, the playful tone causing Yuyuer's cheeks to flush vividly, spreading to his ear fins.
"Ma—ster—!" Yuyuer dragged out the word in embarrassment, his tail awkwardly slapping the water surface. This adorable reaction immediately sparked a new round of even more enthusiastic and good-natured laughter from everyone, even the usually cool Fa couldn't help but smile.
Lantis let out a low, pleased chuckle and said no more. He raised his forelimb imbued with vast magical power, the water elements in the surrounding air instantly surging like boiling water. He chanted ancient and obscure incantations in a low voice, resonating with the cave as if from antiquity. In an instant, the seawater throughout the cave boiled and swirled! A pure azure beam of light burst from his massive claw tip, gently yet irresistibly enveloping everyone present.
They felt their vision filled with endless blue light, their bodies wrapped and pulled by a warm and powerful force. In a blink, space shifted, and a solid yet flowing sensation came underfoot. When they opened their eyes again, what met their gaze was no longer the dim deep-sea cave, but an immensely vast, endless sea horizon!
The long-missed, dazzling golden sunlight poured down like a waterfall, dispelling the deep-sea chill ingrained in their bones and bringing a refreshing warmth that invigorated their entire beings. Above was a pure, flawless blue sky like a massive sapphire, with a few white clouds drifting leisurely. The slightly salty sea breeze gently brushed everyone's cheeks, lifting hair strands and revitalizing spirits, as if washing away days of fatigue. To their surprise, they found themselves standing steadily on the sea surface, the water below flowing like the smoothest mirror, stably supporting their bodies, as if treading an boundless, soft yet resilient blue carpet.
"Wow! Finally seeing the light of day again! This sunlight! This wind! This is what it feels like to be alive!" Tisk shouted excitedly, spreading his burly arms as if to embrace the entire sky and sun, the water droplets on his beard sparkling like diamonds in the light.
Arya gently closed her eyes, deeply inhaling the air laced with ocean scent, a gentle and serene curve on her lips: "The wind is full of freedom and life's breath, calming the mind involuntarily." She subconsciously stroked the Storm Bow on her back, the five elemental crystals embedded in it flowing with rainbow-like brilliance under the bright daylight, illuminating her tranquil and elegant profile.
Salsa's mechanical cat frame floated in mid-air, reflecting the vast skylight and cloud shadows, sighing softly: "The world under sunlight is indeed the polar opposite of the deep sea's quiet depths, brimming with vitality and energy." Her electronic eyes scanned around curiously, emitting faint humming sounds as she recorded the new environmental data.
Rex calmly pushed his multifunctional goggles, his mechanical eyes swiftly scanning the surroundings, analyzing in his usual steady tone: "According to real-time scan data, our current position is 0.3 meters above sea level. The seawater below is unusually stable, likely maintained by a persistent magical field. The deep-sea area beneath has a depth of approximately 3,000 meters with immense water pressure." Cold data streams raced across his lenses like a starry river, performing complex environmental parameter comparisons.
Kayla swung her signature thunder claws, blue-white arcs crackling at the tips, her beast ears standing straight with excitement as she laughed heartily: "Finally back in this vast world! The air under the sun carries the scent of battle! New adventures await—I'm already boiling with energy!"
Yuyuer stood on tiptoe, straining to gaze at the distant horizon where water met sky, his eyes filled with boundless longing and anticipation, murmuring: "Salto Island... Zhamisi... I'm coming!" He gripped the warm Sea Travel Gem tightly, as if already seeing the vague outline of that mysterious island through the distance, along with the longed-for silhouette waiting there.
Fa stood quietly among her companions, like the steady foundation of the team. She gazed at the endless blue ocean before her, a resolute light flashing in her profound star eyes. She spoke softly, her voice light yet clearly reaching every companion's ears: "The sunlight is so warm, the sea breeze so gentle, as if the whole world is blessing our journey. This time, no matter what hardships lie ahead, we will find more answers about the truth and draw closer to our ultimate goal." Deep in her right eye, an imperceptible starlight subtly flowed, foretelling the mysterious power within her, offering clear perception and strong confidence for the future.
Lantis, ever hovering nearby, looked at this group of vibrant and determined young people with a satisfied smile in his eyes, speaking again, his voice like a resounding bell rippling fine waves across the sea: "Since I've brought you this far, to help you reach your destination sooner, I'll assist you one last time."
Without waiting for a response, he waved his forelimb, imbued with mountain-moving, sea-overturning power. In an instant, a tsunami-like surge of magic erupted from his body, like an invisible giant hand reaching toward the vast ocean ahead! An astonishing scene unfolded—the seawater for miles around parted with a roar, rolling back to both sides, revealing a wide, straight, bottomless underwater passage! The water walls on either side towered into the clouds, incredibly thick yet as clear and transparent as the purest crystal. Bright sunlight pierced through the layers of waves, refracting thousands of dazzling rainbows inside the walls, ever-changing and breathtaking. Below the passage, the scenery once hidden in the thousand-meter depths was fully visible: vibrant coral jungles like underwater forests, schools of variously shaped fish leisurely weaving through, bizarre deep-sea creatures emitting faint glows, forming a flowing, colorful underwater panorama. This miraculous path, forged by divine power, extended straight to the horizon's end, like a grand bridge leading to dreams and the future.
Faced with this myth-like magnificent sight, even the well-traveled adventurers were stunned, deeply shocked by this power beyond reason, momentarily speechless.
"This is... the legendary sea-parting power? Lantis's true strength?" Fa whispered in awe, her right star eye involuntarily flickering as it attempted to analyze the rules and mysteries behind this grand magic, yet feeling only a profundity and vastness like gazing at the starry sky.
Yuyuer puffed out his chest proudly, his face beaming with shared glory: "See! I told you, Master has heaven-piercing, earth-shaking abilities! Parting the sea is effortless for him! One day, I'll train hard to reach a realm like Master's!" His eyes burned with fervent ambition and admiration.
Faced with the crowd's awe, Lantis merely smiled faintly, as if this world-shaking feat was truly insignificant: "Just a minor trick relying on terrain and some accumulated years—not worth mentioning. Hurry and set off; with this path, Salto Island is not far." Though his tone was casual and light, his eyes, deep as the sea, held profound meaning, seemingly filled with complex expectations and subtle worries for these young people's future.
The group finally snapped out of their extreme shock, turning to Lantis one by one with the most solemn thanks. Fa, as the representative, stepped forward, her tone sincere and firm: "Lantis, we will forever remember the guidance and help you've given us today. We will not betray this kindness and will make good use of this power to fulfill our mission."
Lantis nodded slightly, his gaze finally returning to Yuyuer, filled with silent admonitions and concern: "Remember my words, child. Protect yourself and your companions. That's more important than any power."
Yuyuer nodded vigorously, as if etching the words into his heart: "Master, rest assured! I'll definitely do it! Take care of yourself too!"
The farewell words dissipated with the wind. Then, with excitement and reverence, the group stepped onto this god-forged maritime passage, advancing firmly toward the faintly visible Salto Island in the distance. The golden sunlight draped each of them in glorious battle attire, the gentle sea breeze like tender hands pushing them forward with silent blessings. The water walls on either side overflowed with flowing colors, constantly shifting rainbows, clearly reflecting their figures—resolute, curious, or excited—as if foretelling a brand-new legendary chapter filled with challenges and wonders, now unfolding. Every step they took was on the boundary between dream and reality; every advance brought them one point closer to the ultimate truth. And in the distance, the unique outline of Salto Island, covered in lush green, grew increasingly clear on the horizon.