Several days later, in Blackwater River.
In a place where muddy water pooled like a marsh.
Faint azure light flickered within the turbid black water.
A nine-foot-long azure fish, nearly ten feet in length, was locked in fierce battle with a black-skinned, white-bellied, plump catfish.
This Fat Catfish was only six feet long, but its body was exceptionally broad and fat, like a huge water vat laid on its side. Rows of sharp spikes lined its mouth, like rasp files—the catfish's distinctive teeth.
Though its body was fat, its movements were not at all clumsy. On the contrary, it was exceedingly nimble, churning violently through the muddy water.
But its opponent was even more extraordinary. Clad in scales and armor, shining with azure light, its nine-foot body seemed to possess the power of a flood dragon, able to overturn rivers and seas. Whether in strength or speed, it surpassed this Fat Catfish.
After a fierce exchange, the catfish was already covered in wounds. Its black skin and white belly bore all manner of injuries left by bites, tail strikes, headbutts, and collisions.
The azure fish, meanwhile, remained spirited and vigorous. Its Azure Jade Scales were as smooth and gleaming as new, without the slightest sign of damage.
"Gulu Gulu!"
Though it had reached the end of the road, it was still a carnivorous fish and ferocious by nature. The Fat Catfish lunged again, its bloody maw biting toward its opponent's tail spine.
But the azure fish twisted its body like a dragon. Its tail lashed out with crushing force, sending the several-thousand-pound Fat Catfish flying, dazed and spinning, unable to control itself.
Then it wasted no more time. With a flick of its body and tail, it shot forward headfirst. Its nine-foot body became an arrow loosed from the bow,