Ch 82: The Cannon Fodder Won’t Play Along Anymore [QT]

Not only Mu Xing—other clansmen also received Ying Lou’s distress signal.

After calming the little ones and promising to take them flying next time, Mu Xing went to the sacred grounds.

Many clansmen were already there—this was the merfolk’s way. Whenever something important needed discussion, they would gather here on their own.

Ordinarily, children didn’t need to attend. But Mu Xing was no ordinary child—he carried the title of clan leader now!

—Even if being clan leader didn’t actually require him to do much.

The merfolk were few in number, easygoing by nature, never stirred up trouble. The high priestess handled daily affairs; Mu Xing was basically just a figurehead.

And sure enough, everyone had gathered because of Ying Luo.

But this time, unlike before, they didn’t immediately send out all the young warriors without hesitation.

They hesitated.

Because of Ying Lou’s actions last time, scars were left in their hearts.

For the sake of a human, he had disregarded the safety of the clan. The merfolk could no longer face him with pure, unquestioning trust.

The question before them now was simple—should they rescue Ying Luo or not?

Little sheng’s parents, Mo Yu and Yan Ling, had once been close to Ying Luo. Yet they were the first to speak against it.

Yan Ling’s words were blunt: “What Ying Luo did before was already a betrayal. Even now, he has given no explanation. I will not risk our people’s lives for him—or for another human.”

“But… what if Ying Luo truly is in danger?” one merfolk asked, unwilling, “He is still one of us.”

Everyone looked toward the high priestess.

She was the wise one, surely she would know what to do.

But the priestess didn’t decide.

She only smiled gently. “Ah, I am old now. An old fish’s mind is not so sharp.”

Then she turned her eyes toward Mu Xing. “Our little clan leader—what do you think?”

The merfolk suddenly remembered: oh! We have a clan leader now!

Though Little Xing wasn’t grown yet, he was a strong fighter—stronger than the young warriors.

Strength = authority.

And he had been chosen by both the Sea God and the sacred relic.

So, all at once, every gaze turned expectantly to Mu Xing.

He was a little surprised. Glancing sideways at the priestess, he saw her warm, encouraging look.

He understood at once: she had done this on purpose, giving him the chance to establish his authority as clan leader.

Mu Xing nodded. “We must go. Ying Luo is a merfolk. Whatever misunderstandings or conflicts we had before, we cannot allow humans to bully one of our own.”

The crowd stirred, but no one spoke against him. Even Yan Ling only looked at Mu Xing with trust.

Mu Xing then added thoughtfully: “But we don’t need too many to go.”

“I, with two others, will be enough.”

Ying Lou’s actions did not warrant the whole clan risking themselves.

Besides, the merfolk were no longer what they were three years ago.

Even if most of them were still only at the Qi Refining stage, it was far beyond what ordinary humans could contend with.

In the end, Mu Xing chose calm, steady Bi Fei, and the tall, strong, handsome but impulsive Mo Yu.

Before setting out, Mu Xing had the most skillful clansmen make fine robes, then sent Mo Yu into the sea to wrestle a giant whale.

“Why do we have to ride this big oaf?” Mo Yu scratched his glossy blue curls, pointing at the sulky whale. “It’s not even as fast as me.”

Mu Xing replied, “It’s for the humans to see, of course.”

Mo Yu didn’t really understand.

But when he looked down at his glittering new clothes, his heart swelled with joy. Merfolk were beautiful and loved beauty; wearing fine robes always pleased them.

“All right. Let’s go.” Mu Xing stood with Mo Yu and Bi Fei on the whale’s back, waved to the clan, and said, “We’ll be back soon!”

---

Southern coast.

Though remote, fishermen still lived here, with scattered villages and even a bustling town.

A fisherman named Anshun lived in one of the small villages.

Every morning after breakfast, he would sail out to fish. On lucky days, he came home before lunch with a full catch.

On unlucky ones, he might return at dusk with an empty boat.

But no matter what, before nightfall, every fisherman came home—the dangers of the sea at night were not something they dared test.

That day, Anshun’s boat had an extra passenger: his fourteen-year-old nephew, Wang Cai.

Wang Cai worked as a helper in a town inn, but on his day off insisted on coming along to “see the sea.”

At his age, most boys were already helping their families earn a living. Translated on Hololo novels. And since this was a route Anshun sailed often, with no large predators and little danger, he brought him.

“Uncle, fishing is so boring,” Wang Cai muttered under his sunburned face beneath the straw hat. “I thought it would be fun.”

Anshun gave him a look. “What do you know? Boring is good—it means safe. Out here, if something exciting really happens, do you think common folk like us can handle it?”

Wang Cai suddenly opened his mouth wide.
“Uncle, behind you…”

Anshun answered casually, “Behind me, what—”

He turned his head, and the sight before him made his eyes widen in shock. His hands flew to the rudder, frantically trying to turn the boat.

But it was too late.

A wave, as if it could overturn heaven and earth, roared toward them. In an instant, the towering waters engulfed the tiny fishing boat.

In the moment he was thrown into the sea, Anshun caught sight of the enormous creature beneath the waves—an ocean behemoth!

How could such a deep-sea monster appear here?

Thinking of his nephew, who barely knew how to swim, he twisted around in panic—only to feel his body suddenly grow light.

Something had wrapped around him, lifting him easily out of the water. His nephew Wang Cai was pulled up at the same time.

It was a glowing whip, its other end fastened to the massive beast itself.

And then Anshun saw them: three figures standing upon the back of that sea monster!

When he finally took in their appearance, his breath caught in his throat.

Mu Xing had used his spiritual power to haul the two innocent fishermen out of the water, then righted the overturned boat. With a hint of exasperation, he said, “This big fellow is far too reckless.”

---

The beast sped away swiftly, leaving Anshun and his nephew soaked through, sitting in their boat in stunned silence.

They had never seen such beautiful people, clad in garments that glittered under the sunlight, riding the back of a sea monster, treading the wind and waves.

After a long while, Wang Cai asked dazedly, “Uncle… did we just… see immortals?”

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