The sea finally calmed, with only scattered splinters of wood bobbing on the waves. Chen Wuya stood atop the water, the floating platform beneath his feet gliding slowly toward Penglai Island. He did not look back. The red mark in his palm was still faintly warm, as though echoing something far away.
On the distant shore stood a figure in white robes. His hair and beard were both snow-white, and though he was lean, he stood ramrod straight. It was the Lord of Penglai Island.
Chen Wuya stepped onto the beach one step at a time. His soaked coarse-cloth outfit clung to his body, a blue cloth sash hanging at his waist, while his patch-covered pack still rested on his shoulder. He walked up to the island lord without saying a word.
The island lord looked at him calmly. "You destroyed their stronghold and cut off their retreat." His voice was quiet, yet every word reached Chen Wuya clearly. "But they will not stop. Beneath the South Sea, more array nodes are still operating."
Chen Wuya nodded. "I know."
"One man alone cannot hold back the coming storm." The island lord drew a jade-green token from his sleeve and held it out to him. Waves and dragon-shaped patterns were carved into it, its edges glimmering faintly.
"This is the Penglai Token."
Chen Wuya did not reach out to take it.
"It can summon the thirty-six divisions of sea beasts and command the hidden currents of seventy-two islands." The island lord did not withdraw his hand. "From this day onward, the safety of the South Sea rests in your hands."
Chen Wuya grinned, a dimple appearing in his left cheek. "So this lousy student is suddenly supposed to become the Sea Dragon King?"
The island lord did not smile. "The first