The sea chase had reached a stalemate. The Black-Wing Guards of Shadow Serpent Pavilion had learned their lesson. They no longer approached easily, only circling in the high sky like annoying vultures, continuously casting various interfering curses to delay the Wave-Breaker's speed, and commanding the demonicized sea beasts like tireless battering rams, continuously impacting the hull.
Although Xiao Qi had used his powerful water-controlling ability to resolve crisis after crisis, the Wave-Breaker itself was severely damaged. Speed could not be increased, and they simply could not completely shake off the pursuers. If this continued, once Xiao Qi's spiritual energy was overly consumed, or Elder Youquan arrived, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Dammit, these bloody sticky plasters. Sea Uncle, while desperately controlling the wheel to shuttle through the increasingly dense reef zone, cursed through gritted teeth. His forehead was covered in sweat. He had to dodge underwater deadly reefs while also dealing with attacks from sky and sea. His nerves were highly tense.
Xiao Qi stood at the stern, his gaze sweeping across the surrounding environment. The sky remained gloomy. Residual storm energy filled the air with restless electrical charges. The seawater had become extremely turbid in the reef zone. Currents were swift and chaotic. He calculated rapidly in his mind.
Forceful confrontation was not the solution. He must use the environment.
His gaze fell on a sea area ahead with especially complex terrain. There were dense reefs standing like an underwater forest. Moreover, according to the nautical chart, there was an abyss-like trench below. Ocean currents converged there, creating many dangerous whirlpools.
Sea Uncle. Charge into that chaotic reef zone. Get as close as possible to the biggest reef. Xiao Qi shouted toward the helm direction.
Sea Uncle did not understand Xiao Qi's specific plan, but after the ruins expedition and the just battle, he had complete faith in this young employer's judgment. Without hesitation, he spun the wheel hard. The Wave-Breaker emitted a teeth-gritting groan, narrowly dodging several underwater reefs, charging into that chaotic reef zone that stood like monster fangs above the sea surface.
Old Fish Eagle, report pursuer positions and sea beast movements.
The black-winged ones are still following in the sky. Those stinking fish are biting close behind, about thirty zhang.
Scarred Liu, take the brothers and prepare the harpoon crossbows and remaining Explosion Talismans. Await my command.
Understood.
Xiao Qi issued rapid commands. At the same time, he took a deep breath. His hands slowly rose. The Dragon Soul Crystal power in his body fused with his own spiritual energy. He fully sensed and guided the vast water elemental energy around him and the residual storm energy in the sky.
He was going to set an absolutely lethal trap for the pursuers in that chaotic reef zone.
The Wave-Breaker was like a nimble fish, diving into the chaotic reef zone. Massive black reefs covered with barnacles and seaweed stood like a maze around them. The ship shuttled between them, speed necessarily decreasing again.
The demonicized sea beasts behind and the Black-Wing Guards in the sky also followed closely, entering this dangerous water area.
Now.
Xiao Qi's eyes flashed with sharp light. His hands pressed down violently.
Summon Lightning. Stir the Sea.
In that instant, the residual storm electrical charges in the sky that Xiao Qi had guided with Dragon power were instantly activated. Several blinding lightning bolts like silver serpents tore through the gloomy sky. They did not directly strike the pursuers but precisely struck several huge reefs ahead of and to the side of the pursuers.
Boom. Crack.
The reefs struck by thunder instantly exploded. Countless rock fragments scattered like cannonballs. Not only did this block the pursuers' vision and route, but one Black-Wing Guard who failed to dodge in time was struck by rock fragments. He let out a miserable cry and fell into the sea.
At the same time, below in the sea, the vast water elemental force Xiao Qi had summoned erupted. The seawater around the demonicized sea beasts instantly became violent. Countless invisible currents like invisible giant hands tore and squeezed their bodies. Giant whirlpools formed around them, firmly trapping them, disrupting their formation and attack rhythm.
Now. Fire. Xiao Qi shouted sharply.
Scarred Liu and the others, who had long been prepared, immediately aimed the few remaining harpoon crossbows at those demonicized sea beasts struggling in the whirlpools. Special crossbow bolts carved with armor-piercing talismans shot out with mournful whistles. At the same time, several precious Explosion Talismans were activated, turning into several balls of blazing fire, slamming into those trapped sea beasts.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
Explosions rang out one after another. Fire and seawater interwove. One demonicized sea beast had its head pierced by a harpoon bolt. Another was blown open by an Explosion Talisman, letting out pained wails. The remaining sea beasts were all wounded. Their ferocity remained, but their attacks stalled.
And at this moment, Liu Yun, who had been unconscious all along, woke up somehow. She struggled to come onto the deck. Her face was still pale, but her eyes were exceptionally determined. She saw the situation before her without any hesitation. She forced a breath of true qi. The Autumn Water Sword pointed at the Black-Wing Guards in the sky, who were slightly flustered from the reef explosions and lightning.
Ice Lotus Sword Qi.
Her voice was weak, but her sword intent was unprecedentedly concentrated. Several subtle yet extremely condensed azure-blue sword qis, like cold meteors streaking across the night sky, silently shot toward the Black-Wing Guards in the sky.
These Black-Wing Guards' attention had been attracted by the explosions below and chaotic sea conditions. They had never expected to suffer such precise and strange sword qi ambush.
Puff. Puff.
Two Black-Wing Guards were caught off guard. Their protective demonic energy was easily pierced. Sword qi passed through their bodies, bringing sprays of black blood. The two fell like cut puppets.
The remaining two Black-Wing Guards were terrified out of their wits. They abandoned their mission, desperately flapping their fleshy wings, fleeing in panic toward the direction they came.
Sea Uncle seized this fleeting opportunity. He turned the wheel hard. The Wave-Breaker erupted with its final strength, bursting out of the chaotic reef zone into relatively open waters, leaving the chaotic mess of pursuers far behind.
The ship was silent, then erupted with triumphant shouts of survival.
Success. We shook them off.
Green Wood Daoist Friend. Miss Liu. You two are incredible.
The crew looked at Xiao Qi and Liu Yun, their eyes filled with sincere respect and gratitude. This time, had it not been for these two joining forces, relying on powerful strength and precise tactics, they would never have escaped Shadow Serpent Pavilion's frenzied pursuit.
After Liu Yun finished that strike, she could no longer hold on. Her body swayed and softened. She was quickly caught by Xiao Qi, who had quick reflexes.
Senior Sister. Xiao Qi looked at her with concern.
I am fine. Just a bit tired. Liu Yun leaned against him, smiling weakly. Did we win.
Temporarily won. Xiao Qi looked at her pale face. His heart ached. He carefully carried her back to the cabin. You rest well. The matters ahead are left to me.
He walked out of the cabin, looking at the chaotic reef zone gradually disappearing behind. His heart held little joy.
He knew this was merely temporarily repelling the pursuers. Elder Youquan had not appeared. The threat from Shadow Serpent Pavilion was far from over. Moreover, Liu Yun's injuries required finding a safe place for quiet recuperation as soon as possible.
Sea Uncle, full speed ahead. We need to reach shore quickly, find a hidden place. Xiao Qi said heavily.
Understood. Sea Uncle nodded heavily.
The Wave-Breaker swelled its sails, carrying fatigue, wounds, and a brief victory, continuing forward toward the unknown shore. And deep beneath the sea, shadows were still gathering.