Eye of the Deep Sea

The pre-dawn sea surface shimmered with a steely gray light as a Merfolk speeder quietly departed the Starfall Archipelago. Ning Xiaochuan stood at the stern, gazing at the gradually collapsing islands in the distance, the Primal Star Core clutched tightly in his hand. This palm-sized blue crystal held a heart-stopping amount of energy, resonating subtly with the Sacred Source Power within him.

"We're entering human waters soon," Lan said, pointing to the faint outline of land visible in the distance. "We Merfolk can't get too close, so we can only escort you this far."

Su Linger sat by the boat's edge, her face still somewhat pale. The Sacred Spirit Dragon curled on her lap, occasionally puffing out small clouds of mist to ease her pain. The fierce battle in the Starfall Archipelago last night had severely depleted her strength, and coupled with the influence of the Primal Star Core, the Mysterious Ice Phoenix Source Soul within her had been unstable.

"Thank you for your help," Ning Xiaochuan said solemnly to Lan and the Merfolk warriors. "Without you..."

Lan waved his hand, interrupting him. "It is merely fulfilling an ancient oath." He hesitated, then lowered his voice. "But be careful. The Black Tide will not give up. Their god, the Eye of the Deep Sea, seems particularly fixated on Primal Fragments."

Ning Xiaochuan shuddered, recalling the giant eye he had seen in the Star Core's illusion. It had claimed to be sealed by the Sacred Origin Tribe and was now using the Black Tide to gather fragments in an attempt to break free.

"Where do we go next?" Su Linger asked softly.

"The Molten Mountain Range and Sky City," Ning Xiaochuan took out the Dragon Soul Jade. New star-shaped patterns had appeared on it, intertwining with the previous dragon and ice patterns to form a more complex design. "My mother's message said the last two Primal Fragments are there."

Lan handed Ning Xiaochuan a conch horn. "Blow this if you need help, and the Merfolk in the nearby waters will hear you." He then took out a small leather pouch. "This is deep-sea algae gel, it can heal most injuries."

After the speeder docked, the Merfolk quickly departed. Ning Xiaochuan helped Su Linger onto the desolate reef beach. He looked west, and it seemed they were on the edge of a large island, with smoke visible in the distance.

"Let's find a place to rest first," Ning Xiaochuan said, looking at Su Linger's exhausted expression with concern. "You need to regain your strength."

The two walked along the coastline and soon found a small path worn by fishermen. Following the path for an hour, they finally saw a small fishing village. A dozen thatched huts were scattered among coconut trees, and a few children were playing on the beach.

"Outsiders!" an old fisherman with dark skin was the first to spot them, shouting warily. "Where are you from?"

Ning Xiaochuan had already prepared his story. "We are survivors of a shipwreck, washed ashore here."

The old fisherman was skeptical, but seeing Su Linger's weak state, he softened. "Come with me. I have a spare thatched shed."

The fishing village was small, with about thirty households. The old fisherman was named A'lu, the village elder. His wife had passed away years ago, and he raised his granddaughter alone. The thatched shed was simple but offered shelter from the wind and rain. Ning Xiaochuan exchanged a few silver coins for hot food and clean clothes.

"It's been uneasy lately," A'lu said while bandaging Su Linger's wounds. "Black ships have appeared in the eastern sea, specifically to abduct fishermen. People from three villages have already gone missing."

"Black ships?" Ning Xiaochuan became alert. "What do they look like?"

"Completely black, with a strange eye painted on the sail," A'lu lowered his voice. "Some say they are ships of the Black Tide, capturing people to sacrifice to their evil god."

Ning Xiaochuan exchanged a look with Su Linger—it was indeed the Black Tide! They had already tracked them here.

"If you want to leave, there's a merchant ship going to the main island tomorrow," A'lu kindly advised. "There are Alliance guards there for protection, it's safer."

Night fell, and Ning Xiaochuan sat outside the thatched shed on watch. The Sacred Spirit Dragon lay on his shoulder, its little claws playing with the Primal Star Core. Surprisingly, the crystal became brighter in the dragon's paws, as if infused with vitality.

"Little one, can you activate it?" Ning Xiaochuan asked curiously.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon chirped and placed the Star Core on Ning Xiaochuan's forehead. Instantly, a cool energy flowed into his mind, and he saw the image of his mother, Bai Li, again!

"Xiaochuan, time is limited, listen to me," Bai Li spoke quickly. "The Eye of the Deep Sea is the vanguard of the World Devourers. It deceived the Black Tide followers into collecting Primal Fragments for it. In reality, the fragments are key to reinforcing the seal, not a key to unlock it."

The image shifted, showing the locations of five fragments. "When all five fragments are gathered, go to the Sacred Source Altar on the Spine of All Realms, and integrate them into the Primal Gate to permanently seal the World Devourer's passage."

Ning Xiaochuan's heart pounded—this was the complete opposite of what the Eye of the Deep Sea had told him!

"But be careful..." Bai Li's image began to blur. "The Black Tide leader, Dark Current, is... an old acquaintance of mine... he has been completely controlled by the Eye of the Deep Sea... find Sky City..."

The image suddenly cut off, and the Star Core returned to its normal brightness. Ning Xiaochuan sat stunned, the amount of information too much to process at once. If the fragments were meant to reinforce the seal, weren't they doing the right thing all along?

"Ning Xiaochuan?" Su Linger's voice came from behind him. "Are you alright?"

She walked out, dragging her weakened body, and sat beside him. In the moonlight, the lines of her profile were much softer, her long hair falling over her shoulders, still carrying the dampness from her bath.

"I just received new information from the Star Core," Ning Xiaochuan told her the truth in a low voice. "We were misled. The fragments aren't a key, but part of the seal."

Su Linger frowned. "So, the Black Tide collecting fragments is actually helping the Eye of the Deep Sea break the seal?"

"Precisely," Ning Xiaochuan nodded. "Mother also said Dark Current was an old acquaintance, but the message was interrupted before she finished."

Su Linger pondered for a moment. "Then we need to hurry even more. Should we go to the Molten Mountain Range or Sky City first?"

"The Molten Mountain Range is in Fire Tribe territory, at least a month's journey from here," Ning Xiaochuan mused. "And Sky City is said to be above the Thousand Islands Alliance, just invisible to ordinary people."

"We'll go to the main island tomorrow to gather information," Su Linger decided. "If there are any clues about Sky City, we'll deal with the nearest fragment first."

As they spoke, the Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly perked up its head, looking warily towards the sea. Ning Xiaochuan immediately became alert. "Someone's coming."

He extinguished the oil lamp and pulled Su Linger behind a coconut tree. Soon, several shadowy figures appeared on the beach, stealthily peering into each house.

"Black Tide!" Su Linger gripped her sword hilt. "How did they find this place?"

Ning Xiaochuan suddenly thought of something and took out the Primal Star Core from his embrace—the crystal was emitting a faint pulsating blue light, as if responding to something.

"It's the Star Core! They can track its energy fluctuations!"

The two quietly retreated to the thatched shed and quickly packed their belongings. A'lu was awakened by the commotion. Ning Xiaochuan briefly explained the danger.

"Go through the back mountain, there's a small path leading inland," A'lu said decisively. "My granddaughter can guide you for a bit."

Five-year-old A'zhu, rubbing sleep from her eyes, led them through the dense forest behind the village. The little girl was very clever, choosing animal trails and leaving no trace.

"The main road is up ahead," A'zhu pointed into the distance. "Follow it for a day, and you'll reach the main island's port."

Ning Xiaochuan pressed a gold coin into her hand. "Thank you, hurry back now."

A'zhu shook her head. "Grandpa says good people don't take money." She hesitated. "But... can you let me see the little dragon?"

The Sacred Spirit Dragon poked its head out from Ning Xiaochuan's collar, looking curiously at the little girl. A'zhu's eyes widened in surprise, and she cautiously reached out to touch its scales.

"It's so beautiful!" she exclaimed softly. "Much prettier than the monsters of the Black Tide!"

"Monsters from the Black Tide?" Su Linger keenly caught the keywords. "You've seen them?"

A'zhu nodded, then suddenly shivered. "A few nights ago, I saw a big black ship by the sea. There was a person wearing a black mask standing at the bow, and behind them... behind them was a monster covered in eyes!"

Ning Xiaochuan's heart tightened. "What kind of eyes?"

"Red ones, so many, so many..." A'zhu gestured with her hands. "They kept spinning around like this, it was so scary!"

This description was exactly the same as the Eye of the Deep Sea that Ning Xiaochuan had seen in his illusion! It seemed the Dark Current could already summon some of its power.

After bidding farewell to A'zhu, the two quickened their pace. The sky began to brighten, and birdsong filled the forest, temporarily dispelling the tense atmosphere.

"Strange," Su Linger suddenly stopped. "It's too quiet."

Indeed, the forest, which had been lively moments ago, was now eerily silent. Ning Xiaochuan immediately became alert, Sacred Source Power flowing within him. The Sacred Spirit Dragon also raised its scales, emitting a low "grumble."

"Come out," Ning Xiaochuan said to the empty forest.

A chilling laugh echoed, and over a dozen figures in black robes emerged from behind the trees. Leading them was the Dark Current, his mask gleaming eerily in the morning light.

"Clever prey is always the most interesting," the Dark Current's voice hissed like a viper. "But no matter how clever, you can't escape the gaze of the Eye of the Deep Sea."

Ning Xiaochuan shielded Su Linger behind him. "Dark Current, you've been deceived. The Eye of the Deep Sea is using you to break its seal. Once it succeeds, the entire world will be doomed!"

"Foolish!" the Dark Current roared. "The great Eye of the Deep Sea has promised us eternal life! The Sacred Origin Tribe sealed the possibility of evolution, you are the sinners!"

He suddenly threw open his black robe, revealing his chest—embedded there was a blood-red eyeball, spinning malevolently!

"See? This is the power granted by the gods!" the Dark Current said fanatically, stroking the eyeball. "Now, hand over the Primal Star Core!"

Ning Xiaochuan felt a wave of nausea. That eyeball was clearly a clone of the Eye of the Deep Sea! It had already parasitized the Dark Current, completely controlling him.

"Not a chance!" Su Linger drew her sword. Despite her weakness, her fighting spirit remained undiminished.

The Dark Current sneered, and the eyeball on his chest suddenly shot out a beam of red light! Ning Xiaochuan hastily raised a Sacred Source shield, but the red light pierced through his defenses and struck Su Linger directly in the chest!

"Ah!" Su Linger doubled over in pain, her sword falling from her grasp. Even more terrifying, red patterns began to appear on the spot where she was hit, spreading across her body like a spiderweb!

"Ling'er!" Ning Xiaochuan moved to help her but was blocked by the Dark Current.

"Don't rush, it will be your turn soon," the eyeball on the Dark Current's chest spun excitedly. "I will offer the blood of the Son of Sacred Source as a sacrifice!"

The black-robed figures swarmed forward, and Ning Xiaochuan was caught in a fierce battle. The Sacred Spirit Dragon grew larger to protect its master, but the opponents were too numerous, and it was quickly entangled by specially made black nets.

As the situation grew critical, Ning Xiaochuan suddenly thought of a risky plan. He feigned exhaustion and collapsed, secretly pressing the Primal Star Core against the Dragon Soul Jade.

"A futile struggle," the Dark Current said, stepping on his wrist. "The Eye of the Deep Sea has already foreseen all of this."

Ning Xiaochuan suddenly smiled. "Is that so? Did it foresee this?"

He suddenly slammed both the Star Core and the Dragon Soul Jade onto the ground! The two powers merged, erupting in a blinding blue light! The ground shook violently, and a rift appeared out of nowhere, swallowing several of the black-robed figures!

"Are you insane?!" the Dark Current recoiled in horror. "This will cause spatial turbulence!"

"That's exactly the effect I want!" Ning Xiaochuan picked up the unconscious Su Linger and rushed towards the edge of the rift.

As the world spun and tilted, Ning Xiaochuan held Su Linger tightly, while the Sacred Spirit Dragon wrapped its body around them. The spatial turbulence tore at every inch of their skin, but the blue-gold light shield formed by the Primal Star Core and the Dragon Soul Jade protected them from being ripped apart.

After an unknown amount of time, the sensation of falling suddenly stopped. Ning Xiaochuan opened his eyes to find himself floating above a sea of clouds, with soft clouds beneath his feet and giant rock formations resembling islands drifting around him.

Most astonishingly, a magnificent white city floated in the distance, shimmering in the sunlight!

"Sky City..." Ning Xiaochuan murmured. "We actually stumbled upon it by accident!"

But his joy was quickly replaced by worry—Su Linger in his arms was breathing weakly, and the red patterns had already spread to her neck. The Sacred Spirit Dragon was also covered in wounds, lying listlessly beside them.

Ning Xiaochuan gritted his teeth, hoisted Su Linger onto his back, and walked towards the floating city. No matter what, he had to find a way to heal her and obtain the fourth Primal Fragment.

Behind them, the spatial rift was slowly closing. But before it completely sealed, a blood-red eyeball squeezed through, casting a cold gaze at their retreating figures