First Fishing Operation

"At a depth of 2,877 meters, we've reached the seafloor," Lu Xiaoxiao said, her calm voice tinged with excitement.

"Run a full inspection," Chen Zhao said.

Everyone aboard the Merfolk sprang into action, checking all kinds of data. From the outside, one could see dim blue light continuously flashing from different parts of the Merfolk's body, each glow lasting a few seconds before fading. It meant that section had completed its self-check.

"Report, Captain! Inspection complete! Everything is normal and operating well!" Lu Xiaoxiao's voice was full of delight.

"Little Merfolk, Little Merfolk!" Lu Xiaoxiao grabbed Chen Zhao's arm and shook it back and forth. She could no longer wait.

"Stop shaking me, stop shaking me. I'm unlocking it," Chen Zhao said.

Chen Zhao pressed his entire palm against the control panel, and his palm print was scanned within a second.

Then, a blue light swept across Chen Zhao's face, lingering briefly around his eyes.

"Identity verification successful!"

"Deep-control mode is about to activate. Please confirm." Text appeared on the control panel.

"Confirm!" Chen Zhao said.

Several options immediately popped up:

"Emergency Escape," "Biological Capture," "High Aggression"

Chen Zhao reached out and selected the middle option, "Biological Capture," then entered the password.

"A total of 100 Little Merfolk are being carried this time. Please enter the number to release." A prompt appeared on the screen.

"Release them all!" Chen Zhao said decisively. "All 100!"

Lu Xiaoxiao quickly opened the external imaging display.

They could clearly see the enormous Merfolk resting on a patch of stark white sand at the bottom of the sea, like a steel whale sunk to the ocean floor.

The whale suddenly shuddered, and its belly opened!

A huge pile of round balls dropped out, stirring up clouds of murky sand. It looked as though the Merfolk