Jiang Yang had not spoken loudly, yet the Nagas prostrate on the ground still trembled in terror.
The invincible God King's awe-inspiring reputation had overshadowed the world for thousands of years. In fact, the moment someone called Jiang Yang the God King,
the last shred of courage in the Nagas' hearts had vanished.
But Otus showed no fear upon hearing Jiang Yang's words. Instead, he was filled with defiance.
He struggled to his feet, walked up before Jiang Yang, straightened his body, and raised his head high.
"Divine one, all of this evil began with me. It was all my fault! These Nagas are innocent. They are merely ignorant people whom I deceived into venturing out to sea."
As he spoke, he endured the pain, turned toward the Nagas, and cursed them loudly.
"A pack of cowards! How could you possibly have the courage to set foot on the forbidden land our ancestors warned us of, generation after generation!"
After cursing them, he turned back and spoke loudly once more.
"It was all because of me! I alone will bear this guilt that blots out the heavens!"
At this, he looked toward his elder sister, who had already become one of the Merfolk Clan, and relief seemed to enter his eyes. Then he looked at his trembling clanspeople all around, as though making some resolve.
He abruptly prostrated himself, his low voice trembling slightly.
"Divine one, please forgive these foolish clanspeople of mine. I, Otus, am willing to cut myself eight times and atone with my death!"
For his clanspeople, the immensely proud Otus was even willing to bow his lofty head, asking only that their lives be spared!
However cowardly or foolish they might be, they were still his clanspeople, sharing the same blood!
The breeze over the sea