An enormous dark shadow flashed before his eyes.
Water flooded Xue Qian's mouth and nostrils. Suffocating, he used the last of his fading awareness to look at that huge dark shape.
Suddenly, something lifted his body until he reached the air. He struggled to cough up the seawater he had swallowed, staring blankly at the enormous creature supporting him.
What on earth was this thing beneath him?
The orca carried him toward shore, but barely had it approached when the people on land pulled out whatever they had on them and hurled it into the sea, shouting, "Sea monster, stay away!"
"Stay away!"
The orca swished its tail, let out a cry, and turned away, taking Xue Qian along on its back.
It looked terribly aggrieved as it left. Yet a moment later, the orca spun around and approached the shore again. Before the crowd could react, it gave a mighty heave and flung Xue Qian off its back onto land.
Its tail cheekily swept up a huge wave of seawater, drenching most of the people on shore. They cursed and swore, spouting the foulest things they could think of.
The mischievous orca dove underwater, happily splashing them with another wave before it disappeared, as though saying, You two-legged creatures aren't nearly as fun as that one earlier.
Chu Xuanzhen's gaze settled on the orca, so sharp it seemed to become a tangible blade. He pressed his lips together slightly.
He dropped from the highest deck back onto the ship's railing. The sea lay as still as a level bowl of water, without the slightest ripple.
Rescued and brought ashore, Xue Qian was soaked through, water dripping from his hair. Seeing the people standing far away, afraid to approach him, he twitched the corner of his mouth, then searched the