Azure Wave Pearls

Xiao Chong smiled faintly, turning to catch an incoming ice spike effortlessly crushing it in his hand.

"Don't worry, these guys are nothing more than a minor nuisance to me," he said before diving back into the fray.

With each swing of his sword, the shrill cries of the geckos echoed, and soon, all threats were completely eradicated.

As the battle ended, Zi Yan approached Xiao Chong and said softly

"Brother Xiao Chong, you're getting stronger and stronger."

The two exchanged a smile and continued their exploration. Just as they were about to step into a seemingly ordinary yet crucial forest clearing, a melodious song suddenly drifted through the air. The tune was beautiful and ancient, like a call from the distant past, evoking a sense of awe.

"This is..." Zi Yan expression shifted slightly, and she instinctively tightened her grip on Xiao Chong hand.

"The song?" Xiao Chong's gaze remained steady as he looked ahead into the unknown depths of the mist.

The song grew clearer, as if guiding them toward an ancient and mysterious covenant.

Following the melody, Xiao Chong and Zi Yan arrived at a lakeside.

The lake shimmered with a deep blue hue, reflecting the moonlight and stars. Its surface was calm, resembling a massive gem embedded within the dense forest.

Zi Yan and Xiao Chong walked slowly along the winding path, the strange song leading them through the final layer of mist. Suddenly, the view opened up before them.

The lake was silent, with only the song lingering in the air, growing clearer and more alluring.

"This is it," Xiao Chong murmured, his eyes filled with curiosity and caution. Zi Yan stayed close to him, her eyes sparkling with a desire for the unknown and a hint of barely concealed tension.

They stepped onto the soft grass by the lakeside, moving closer to the source of the song.

At the heart of the lake, bathed in moonlight, sat a mermaid girl with a human upper body and a fish tail. Her long, silky hair cascaded over the rippling water, and in her hands, she held a conch shell, from which the mesmerizing melody emanated.

The girl eyes reflected the figures of the two newcomers, and a flicker of panic quickly turned into wariness and defensiveness.

"Who are you? How did you get here?" The mermaid girl voice was as clear as spring water, though it carried a slight tremble, clearly surprised and uneasy about their presence.

Xiao Chong took a gentle step forward to show his goodwill. "We mean no harm. We were drawn here by your song. My name is Xiao Chong, and this is my friend Zi Yan. We are explorers, seeking the wonders and secrets of this land."

Zi Yan also stepped forward, adding softly

"Your song is truly beautiful, touching our soul. We mean no harm, please don't be afraid."

The mermaid girl relaxed slightly but still maintained her distance.

"I am Lya, the guardian of this sea. Long, long ago, my people set up a barrier here to prevent outsiders from easily approaching. But since you could hear my song and find this place, perhaps this is fate' arrangement."

"Fate?" Xiao Chong pondered for a moment, then looked at Lya and said.

"Then, Lya, could you tell us about this lake and your people? Perhaps we can help each other."

Lya hesitated for a moment before finally nodding, her voice softening.

"Beneath the sea lies an ancient secret, one that holds the balance between power and peace. In recent years, that power has begun to stir, threatening the tranquility of both our world and yours. If you are willing, perhaps you could assist us in restoring this balance."

Upon hearing this, Zi Yan eyes filled with excitement.

"Of course, we're willing to help!"

Lia looked at them, her eyes for the first time showing a glimmer of trust.

"I believe in you. But before that, I must teach you how to breathe and move underwater. This is a prerequisite for entering the world beneath the lake."

As night fell, the stars hid, leaving only a few wisps of clouds drifting across the dark sky.

The faint moonlight pierced through the clouds, barely adding a touch of light to the heavy night.

Lia led Xiao Chong and Zi Yan on this unusual night, embarking on a journey to explore the secrets of the lake bottom.

By the seaside, the three stood on the sand darkened by the night. Lia figure, illuminated by the moonlight, appeared particularly mysterious and elegant. She took out two faintly glowing pearls from her bosom and handed them to the two before her.

"These are 'Azure Wave Pearls.' They will help you breathe freely underwater. Hold them in your mouth, and they will merge with your breath, granting you the breath of life beneath the water."

Xiao Chong and Zi Yan took the pearls, their hearts filled with curiosity and excitement. Following Lia instructions, they gently placed the pearls in their mouths.

With a soft sigh, Lia stepped into the sea, her body gradually submerging beneath the clear water. Her movements were fluid, as if she had become one with the water.

Xiao Chong and Zi Yan followed closely behind. The moment they stepped into the sea, a miracle occurred—they did not feel suffocated but could breathe as freely as in the air.

The energy released by the Azure Wave Pearls formed a transparent shield around them, allowing them to move through the water as if on land.

The underwater world slowly unfolded before them like a magnificent painting. Coral reefs were vibrant with colors, seaweed swayed gently, and various sea creatures darted about, creating a scene full of life.

As they ventured deeper, a palace constructed from stones with a pearl-like luster appeared before them. It was the home of Lia people—the mermaids.

The palace doors quietly opened, welcoming them with a group of mermaids dressed in splendid scale garments. Their eyes held both surprise and friendliness.

Among them, an elder mermaid, evidently the tribe's elder, slowly swam closer. In a gentle yet authoritative voice, she said.

"Welcome, visitors from the land. I am Elsa, the guardian of our tribe. Lia has already told us of your deeds. Courage and kindness are the qualities we mermaids hold in the highest regard."

Xiao Chong looked around and couldn't help but marvel.

"This place is truly beautiful, completely different from the world we know."

Zi Yan, curious, asked Lia. "How long have you lived here? How has everything remained so harmonious and beautiful?"

Lia smiled and pointed to a wall deep within the palace, adorned with strange gemstones.

"There lies our secret, as well as the source of power that maintains the balance of these waters. But now, we must first address the imminent issue. Recently, an unknown force has begun to disturb the lakebed, threatening our survival. We must find its source and restore the balance."

"We are ready. Whatever the challenge, we will face it together," Xiao Chong responded firmly, his eyes gleaming with seriousness.

"Very well," Elder Elsa nodded with satisfaction. "At dawn tomorrow, we will hold a ritual. With the aid of the ancient codex, it will guide us to the location of that force. Until then, rest well, and may the God of the Sea grant you a peaceful night."