As Xiao Tian stepped onto the shimmering pathway, a strange calm washed over him. The pressure of the water no longer bore down on his chest—he could breathe, just as naturally as if he were standing on land. It was as though he had crossed into another world, a realm beyond mortal understanding.
On both sides of the glowing stone path, fish of all colors danced through the currents—tiny silver darts, golden eels with ribbon-like fins, and even majestic seahorses the size of a man's forearm. Coral trees swayed gently, as if waving hello. Strange marine beasts peeked out from under shells and crevices, curiously observing his presence.
Before him stood an enormous gate carved from iridescent pearl, shimmering like the surface of a dream. Guarding the entrance were two sentinels—creatures with the upper bodies of men and the lower halves of fish. Their skin glistened with azure and emerald scales, and each held a trident-like spear.
Yet they showed no hostility.
One of them stepped forward, his voice calm and deep, "The City Lord is expecting you."
Xiao Tian gave a slight nod and stepped forward as the gate slowly opened before him.
Beyond the gate lay a vibrant city beneath the sea. To his surprise, it felt almost... normal.
He walked along a stone-paved street lined with glowing sea lanterns. Stalls were packed on either side, bustling with life. Shrimp-headed merchants bartered with squid-faced customers. Crabs the size of children scuttled about carrying packages. Giant clams opened and shut like cash registers. The entire scene looked like a marketplace from the human world—only entirely aquatic.
Even more astonishing, the people—if they could be called that—smiled warmly at him.
"Welcome!"
"A guest from the surface!"
"It's been so long since we had a visitor!"
Xiao Tian nodded politely. Though they seemed friendly, his heart was filled with questions.
He wandered into the marketplace, his eyes drawn to a stall filled with glowing pearls of various colors. The vendor—a jellyfish-like being with multiple tentacles—grinned.
"Ah! Young man! You have good eyes. These pearls are not just for decoration—they store light essence. Perfect for meditation."
"How much?" Xiao Tian asked curiously.
"For you? One water coin each."
"Water coin?" Xiao Tian blinked. "I'm afraid I don't have any."
The vendor laughed. "No matter! First visit is free—take one, as a gift. A blessing for the road."
Surprised, Xiao Tian accepted the pearl with a slight bow. "Thank you."
He continued down the path, stopping at a stall selling strange, spiral-shaped fruits.
"What are these?" he asked.
The vendor, a plump sea slug-like woman, beamed. "Spiral kelp fruit! Sweet and refreshing. Helps clear the mind after deep meditation."
"May I try one?"
"Of course! Here, have a slice."
He took a bite—the taste was cool and citrusy, with a tingle that danced on his tongue.
"Delicious."
The merchant grinned. "Glad you like it! If you ever stay longer, come back. We have moonfish dumplings too!"
Everywhere he went, the vendors greeted him like an old friend. He passed a group of children with crab legs chasing after a floating bubble, and even a street musician playing a harp made of coral.
The warmth of this underwater world was unexpected. Xiao Tian felt almost at ease.
Eventually, he reached a grand structure made of black coral and shimmering shell—clearly the city's center of governance.
A guard in polished armor bowed and said, "Young one, the Lord of the City is waiting inside."
Xiao Tian entered the hall. A figure sat upon a throne of gold and sea-glass, draped in flowing robes that shimmered like moonlight on water.
"I am the Keeper of the Key," said the City Lord, speaking with grace and authority. "You are the first in 10,800 years to complete the trial."
Xiao Tian nodded quietly. He already knew this, but hearing it confirmed stirred a deep awe.
"When news reached us that someone had succeeded," the City Lord continued, "the entire city rejoiced. Hope has returned."
They spoke at length about the submerged realm, the ancient gate, and its long-forgotten history. Then the City Lord gestured to a pedestal nearby, where a glowing, rune-carved key lay suspended in a bubble of light.
"This key will open the way to Tianlong Sect."
Xiao Tian stepped forward and accepted the key with both hands.
As they walked down a spiraling corridor toward the next gate, a sound rumbled through the waters—a deep, echoing roar, fierce and primal.
Xiao Tian paused, alert. "That sound… what is it?"
The City Lord's expression darkened. "That is no mere echo," he said grimly. "It is the cry of a creature imprisoned here for 10,800 years. A beast from the abyss—one that once broke into the sacred trial and attempted to steal the Fire Qilin Blade."
Xiao Tian's eyes narrowed.
"It tried to steal the sacred sword?"
"Yes. It disrupted the test and nearly escaped with the blade. The Sect Master at that time, together with the Fire Qilin, fought a fierce battle to subdue it. Using the Demon Binding Art, they sealed it beneath this city."
"But over time," the Lord added, "the old Sect Master passed on. The Fire Qilin has aged. The seal's power… is beginning to fade."
Xiao Tian felt a chill ripple through his skin.
"That roar—it felt... overwhelming," he said quietly.
The City Lord nodded. "You're not wrong. It is power ancient and wild. And if the seal breaks, it could escape."
Xiao Tian looked down at the key in his hand.
He could feel it already—
The road ahead would only grow more dangerous from here.