The Awakening of the Deep Sea Demon Whale.

Xiao Chong approached slowly, his gaze sharp as a blade, every inch of his muscles exuding the pride and determination of a victor.

"Strength comes from the belief within and... the trust of your companions," he said, extending his hand to help the Archangel up, but paused mid-air.

"You've lost, but your mission is far from over."

The Archangel trembling hand slowly grasped Xiao Chong outstretched one. A warm surge of energy flowed from their palms, not only healing his physical wounds but also warming his long-weathered heart.

"I... I understand now... the true source of strength..." he murmured, his eyes gradually clearing.

At that moment, Zi Yan and Hai Yuan arrived by Xiao Chong side. The three of them formed a circle, exchanging smiles filled with unspoken understanding and trust.

"You... have won."

The Archangel coughed a few times, his face pale.

Xiao Chong felt the warmth in the Archangel hand and smiled gently, as if everything was under control. "We didn't come to defeat you, Archangel. We hope you can become our ally."

The Archangel gaze shifted among the three of them, finally settling on Xiao Chong face. Slowly, he spoke.

"The Wings of Storm and Tide have been sacred artifacts guarding the seas and skies since ancient times. Today, I am willing to entrust them to you, Xiao Chong. May they aid you in protecting this world."

As soon as he finished speaking, the wings on his back shone with a dazzling light, transforming into a stream of radiance that gently landed on Xiao Chong shoulders, merging seamlessly with his aura.

At that moment, Xiao Chong presence became even more profound, as if he were a bridge between heaven and sea, both majestic and mysterious.

Just as everyone was immersed in this sacred ceremony, a deep, rumbling sound echoed from the depths of the ocean. The sea surface trembled, ripples spreading outward.

Hai Yuan expression changed, a trace of gravity flashing in his eyes.

"This is bad! That malevolent force has awakened at this very moment! We must act immediately!"

Zi Yan furrowed her brows, her hands forming a seal as she prepared to cast a spell.

"Xiao Chong, we must leave here at once. If that thing fully awakens, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Xiao Chong nodded, his gaze resolute.

"We won't flee, but we can't recklessly engage either. Hai Yuan, lead the way. We need to find a safe place to plan our counterattack."

The three of them swiftly moved, riding on the newly acquired Wings of Storm and Tide, darting across the waves like a gust of wind, heading in the direction Hai Yuan indicated.

Deep within the ocean, the long-sealed evil entity slowly opened its eyes, a sinister smile curling at the corners of its mouth.

"Finally... freedom. This world will once again witness my power!"

In the depths of the sea, the water darkened as a massive shadow loomed. A colossal whale, pitch black with ancient and mysterious patterns etched into its skin, swam slowly. Each flick of its tail stirred currents powerful enough to overturn the heavens and earth.

Hai Yuan stared at this sudden behemoth, a sense of awe he had never felt before rising in his heart. His voice trembled slightly as he said.

"This... this is the legendary Deep Sea Demon Whale!"

Xiao Chong, however, smiled faintly, his eyes showing no trace of fear.

"Legendary? Doesn't look that strong to me" he said.

As soon as the words left his mouth, the Wings of Storm and Tide on his back shimmered with light, and his speed increased dramatically as he charged straight toward the Deep Sea Demon Whale.

Ziyan leaped gracefully, closely following behind Xiao Chong, her purple hair fluttering in the wind. She chuckled softly.

"Since it's an adventure, it should be a bit thrilling, shouldn't it?" A dazzling orb of light gathered in her hand, ready to be unleashed into battle at any moment.

Haiyuan took a deep breath, dispelling the shock in his heart, and followed closely behind the two.

"No matter what it is, we can't back down."

The Abyssal Demon Whale seemed to sense their arrival, its massive body suddenly turning around. Its cold eyes seemed to pierce through the depths of their souls, and its low whale song caused the surrounding water to churn violently.

"Insignificant creatures, how dare you disturb my slumber? Today, you shall witness true fear!"

The battle was imminent. Xiao Chong moved with agility, darting around the giant whale like a sharp sword. Each swing of his blade was accompanied by the sound of slicing through wind and water, as he sought to find the invisible weak spot.

Haiyuan, on the other hand, manipulated the seawater, forming walls of water that sometimes blocked the demon whale's attacks and other times created opportunities for his companions to strike.

"Ziyan, are you ready?" Xiao Chong voice remained calm amidst the chaos of battle.

"I've been waiting for this!" Ziyan responded, her hands glowing brightly.

A series of radiant light bullets, like a meteor shower, shot towards the Abyssal Demon Whale, each strike precise and causing the seawater to boil.

The giant whale, not to be outdone, opened its massive mouth, unleashing a powerful suction force in an attempt to devour the trio.

At the critical moment, Haiyuan expression turned grave. He clenched his hands tightly, reversing the flow of the sea to form a protective barrier, barely withstanding the destructive force.

"This creature power is beyond imagination. We must find its weakness!" Xiao Chong shouted as he dodged the whale's attacks.

Just then, a faint blue light flickered at the corner of the demon whale's eye. Ziyan keenly noticed this detail.

"Look at its eyes! There might be a clue there!"

Understanding her meaning, Xiao Chong deliberately left an opening, luring the whale to attack.

As the whale was about to close its massive jaws, Xiao Chong surged forward like a bolt of lightning, aiming directly for the faint blue light.

"End this!"

With a low shout, Xiao Chong sword accurately pierced the faint glow at the corner of the whale eye. A terrifying energy wave erupted, causing the whale to roar in agony and the entire sea to tremble.

Deep in the ocean, amidst the vast expanse of blue waves, the palace of the sea folk was embedded within coral reefs, shimmering like a dream.

Lia stood on the high platform of the palace, the sea breeze gently brushing through her hair, bringing with it the salty scent of the ocean, yet it couldn't dispel the worry etched between her brows.

Her eyes seemed to penetrate the deep waters, gazing at the fierce battle that would determine the fate of the sea folk.

"Princess, look, isn't this the hope of our sea folk?"

The second elder of the sea folk, Orland, an elderly man with white hair and beard, walked slowly to Lia side. His voice was gentle yet firm, carrying the wisdom and steadiness of years gone by.

He pointed into the distance, where amidst the blue, faint glimmers of light could be seen—the traces of Xiao Chong's battle with the demon whale.

"I can feel it, that power... so astonishing, yet unsettling."

Lia responded softly, her fingertips gently caressing the aquamarine gemstone hanging around her neck—a heirloom of the sea folk, symbolizing protection and guidance.

Her eyes flickered between determination and confusion, her heart churning with complex emotions.

"Unease? Heh, Leah, that's the price of growth."

Orlando smiled faintly, the wrinkles on his weathered face deepening.

"Every crisis is an opportunity for transformation. The power displayed by young Xiao Chong is a strength we sea folk have never witnessed before. This is proof enough that the alliance between humans and our sea folk is the right choice."