The chase unfolding before them was a chaotic struggle between hunters and prey.
Lu Ao was a neutral observer. He couldn't take either side, and the sight left him at a loss.
The orcas needed to hunt. He didn't want to interrupt their meal, but he didn't want to watch the Adélie Penguins die, either. So he climbed off the orca, shifted back into Dragon Form, let Song Zhou climb onto his back, and swam out of the fray.
The orcas were fierce and powerful. The Adélie Penguins stood no chance against them, and a few unlucky ones were soon caught. Many more escaped while the orcas were occupied with their companions.
Land was close at hand.
The Adélie Penguins saw the shore but didn't jump onto it.
Their wings had become useless for flight, and they had no hands to haul themselves up. Just before reaching shore, they plunged beneath the surface. They dove desperately to a depth of several dozen meters, then kicked hard and shot upward, using buoyancy and water pressure to launch themselves out of the sea like cannonballs. They landed firmly on the shore, their paths tracing a U shape.
It was an astonishing sight.
Lu Ao took Song Zhou underwater to watch them come ashore.
The scene was so remarkable that Lu Ao and Song Zhou watched without blinking.
Every penguin seemed like a master gymnast. They moved with grace and power, landing steadily on the shore as though it were effortless.
Once on land, they were safe. The orcas couldn't follow them ashore.
Instead of fleeing, the penguins turned back to look.
The scene was so remarkable that Lu Ao and Song Zhou watched without blinking.
Eager to take a closer look, Lu Ao turned to Song Zhou. "I want to go ashore."