The weapon quivered as it struggled to break through. The King's grip tautened, but no matter how much force he applied, it would not budge.
For a long moment, two opposing forces—one born of fury, the other of composed restraint—clashed in an impasse. The pressure thickened, spreading an aura across the chamber. The once-roaring currents, stirred by his wrath, settled. Every droplet, ripple, hung frozen, bound by a presence beyond comprehension.
He girded his weapon, his instincts screaming a single truth—this creature was not to be trifled with.
The eel did not retreat. It did not even flinch. No merman or sea beast could surpass his strength in his domain. Unless…
A golden light erupted from the eel. It expanded outward, illuminating the chamber with celestial rays and shattering the illusion of fragility. The water trembled under its presence.
Then, the transformation began.
The eel grew, scales gleaming like polished obsidian as it transformed. Another regal aura filled the chamber.
With renewed caution, the monarch adjusted his stance and gripped the trident - the ocean no longer answered him.
Long Fei opened his eyes. The chamber steeped in stunned silence. He did not speak immediately. He did not need to. With a subtle wave of his hand behind his back, he released his hold over the ambiance and waited for the monarch's next move.
The sovereign exhaled, forcibly easing the tension in his muscles. This being was no ordinary adversary.He had to be an elder.
The ruler's fury simmered. He would not show weakness—not in front of his daughter. Pride demanded he reclaim his authority.
"Your Majesty, you have raised an honorable lady with a kind heart," said the immortal.
"She was willing to help me in my most humble form."
The ruler puffed his chest at the praise but wasted no time pulling his daughter behind him, shielding her from this enigmatic visitor. He was still uncertain whether this guest was a friend or foe.
"Honored one, my apologies for not recognizing you sooner," the sovereign said, voice steady but guarded. "This is not the proper place for such discussions."
He stepped aside, opening the shattered door for the immortal to leave.
***
Long Fei floated away, allowing them privacy. As he passed the palace gardens, he recalled Shui Yi's earlier antics, her futile attempts to deceive. A smile flickered on his lips.
He already knew where his next destination was. His Majesty would find him when ready.
***
The King turned to his daughter and let out a heavy sigh. "You are grounded, Shui Yi. Your actions, however well-intended, could jeopardize the kingdom."
"But—"
"My decision is final." His voice softened. "You do not understand who you have brought here."
Shui Yi clamped her mouth shut, lowering her head in acceptance. Exhaustion overtook her, and she slumped forward, unconscious.
He tucked her into bed before instructing the servants to tend to her.
***
With a flick of his wrist, the ruler sent his trident searching for the mysterious guest.
The weapon streaked through the kingdom, past bustling Merfolk towns, weaving through trenches, darting past schools of fish and playful dolphins before diving into a chasm.
There, hidden in the depths, an ancient cave lay.
Inside, bathed in the eerie glow of bioluminescent jellyfish, Long Fei stood before a mural—one depicting a dragon presenting a gift to an ancestor monarch.
"You are not of the sea, are you?"
The immortal remained silent for a moment.
"No."
"You're him, aren't you?" The monarch motioned toward the ancient artwork.
"Yes," he admitted. "That was me… millennia ago."
The sovereign clasped his trident. "You controlled the air in the water back there. Didn't you?"
"A necessity," he answered. "The sea is not my domain, but the air is." He took a deep breath. "Your Majesty, I had no wish to disturb your kingdom, but this is the only place where I can find sanctuary. Few can rival me, but they cannot enter your kingdom."
He allowed the words to settle. Then, with gravity, he continued.
"My brother and the Phoenix Empress have fire affinity. The Ocean Realm is the only place where I can cultivate in peace."
The monarch processed this in silence.
"You knew this all along, didn't you?" His voice dropped, his realization sinking in.
Their gaze met, both steadfast. "Yes. Your ancestors and I had an understanding. And while it remains in your kingdom, your people may benefit from it."
The sovereign closed his eyes, absorbing the implications.
Then he asked. "Elder… please, spare my daughter. Let her keep the Sacred Pearl a little longer."
His eyes softened.
"You know as well as I do that the Sacred Pearl is her lifeline," the ruler added, his voice betraying a crack of fear.
"Without it, she won't survive long. The pressure... the ocean itself could tear her apart." His grip tightened around the trident.
"Use your authority to ask the Sacred Pearl to come out of me. I will not resist," Long Fei put his hands behind his back.
The sovereign lifted his palm and commanded the relic to return to him. A soft glow emanated from his gut and slowly migrated towards his mouth. Then it stopped. The ruler fortified his power but to no avail.
"As you can see, it will not leave me until I have recovered."
"Then what about my daughter?"
"The Mortal Realm. It is the only place where the pressure of the ocean will no longer harm her."
The King flinched, anguish flickering across his face. "But the human world—"
"I will accompany her," the immortal calmly said. "I will honor our agreement. This cave will be my sanctuary. And while I cultivate, a fragment of my soul will journey with her to complete its trial."
Silence stretched between them, drenched with unspoken emotions.
The monarch exhaled, his voice barely above a whisper. "I had hoped never to part from her… not like this."
The King tightened his grip around his trident. "You were always going to come for it, weren't you?" His voice cracked, a whisper carried by the currents.
The immortal nodded solemnly. "The Sacred Pearl was never yours, your Majesty. It will always prioritize its true owner."
A deep sorrow settled in the King. For centuries, he had told himself the Sacred Pearl belonged to them—that it was a blessing to the Merfolks. But deep down, he had always known the truth. He just hadn't wanted to face it. His grip loosened on the trident.
"I should have protected her."
The life of his daughter pressed against his heart, but fate cared not for a father's sorrow.