Chapter Fifty-Three: Lake Tai

The passing of Tel and the departure of Xiao Han cast a heavy silence over those aboard the ship. For a whole day and night, scarcely a word was exchanged among them. The airship drifted onward, its destination uncertain, until deep in the night, Xiao Yang was awakened by an alert: energy reserves were running low, and an emergency landing was imperative.

With no other choice, they brought the airship to a halt nearby. When Xiao Yang scanned their surroundings, he was struck by a sense of helplessness. They now found themselves surrounded by a vast, boundless lake, having somehow drifted there without noticing.

Wu Jue and the others soon awakened as well. Surveying the endless water around them, someone asked, "What should we do? Even landing here seems impossible."

Xiao Yang frowned. "This should be Lake Tai," he said. "Looks like we won't make it to shore. We'll have to find a way to land, maybe search for an island."

As Xiao Yang searched the computer for possible locations, Wu Jue and An Yi leapt from the airship, glancing at each other before exerting their strength to stabilize the vessel.

It was only thanks to their extraordinary powers that such a feat was possible; few others could manage it. Xun Er and Huron looked down from above and said, "Xiao Yang, Wu Jue is holding the airship steady for now. I'll go out and see if there's a place to land."

They both left the airship to help search. Up ahead, Xun Er spotted a dark green object, resembling a rock, and floated towards it. "There's something here," she called, "maybe we could—"

Before she could finish, the rock moved, rising from the water to reveal the enormous body of a dark green giant turtle. It stretched its neck and let out a howl, baring its teeth at Xun Er.

Startled, Xun Er pouted angrily. "What an ugly monster! Trying to scare me? Watch how I deal with you!"

She suddenly reached out, sending a pink mist toward the turtle's head. In an instant, the creature was subdued, lying motionless atop the water.

Clapping her hands, Xun Er declared, "See? My witchcraft is powerful. I've tamed it—let's put the airship on its back."

Huron frowned. "Won't that crush it? We shouldn't commit such a sin."

Wu Jue laughed, "It's not safe to put it there. Let's look for another option."

As they spoke, the water suddenly stirred and a figure burst forth, drifting over to them. "Hey, who are you people? Why are you bullying the animals here?"

Wu Jue saw that it was a young man with dark skin, his manner arrogant as he challenged them. "Young brother, we mean no harm," Wu Jue called. "We simply arrived here and have nowhere to land. Look at this huge airship—the vast waters give us no place to anchor."

"No place to land, so you target the giant turtle?" the youth retorted. "Do you know how many years it takes for a turtle to grow this large?"

Xun Er was offended. "I didn't do anything to it! Did you not see it trying to bite us? If you'd come any later, we'd have been eaten. What do you suggest we do?"

The youth was momentarily stumped, scratching his head. He leapt onto the turtle's back, lay down, and muttered a few words, then exclaimed, "Really, Old Xuan? You were just scaring them? You're too mischievous—don't do that again."

He patted the turtle, which dove beneath the water and vanished. The young man remained, floating on the lake, and asked, "Well, let's say it was a misunderstanding. But who are you? Why are you here? Lake Tai has been restless for days. Are you allied with those zombies?"

Xiao Yang retorted, "I've visited Lake Tai many times, but I never knew you, young master, were here to watch over it. Who are you, anyway? What gives you the right to interrogate us?"

The youth chuckled. "Me? Normally, mortals wouldn't see me, but earth's troubles have brought me out. If you want someone to blame, blame your own kind for failing to protect your world—it falls to us of the sea to help. To be honest, I'm a descendant of the Sea God, Hai Ying—"

Before he could finish, a towering wave surged behind him, and a gigantic figure appeared, halting his words. "Child, you've said enough."

An elder figure appeared behind the youth, standing calmly upon the water, his presence imposing.

Wu Jue instinctively narrowed his gaze; he sensed this elder's strength far surpassed ordinary beings.

The elder stood behind the youth, placing a hand on his shoulder, and addressed the group with a gentle smile. "Honored guests from afar, forgive my child his discourtesy. He is young and inexperienced in the ways of the world."

Wu Jue replied, "No harm done. Our meeting was by chance, and misunderstandings are inevitable. I hope we haven't disturbed you."

Truthfully, Wu Jue and An Yi were growing weary from holding the airship aloft for so long.

The elder seemed to notice their fatigue and smiled kindly. "It seems you are in some trouble. Allow me to help."

With a wave of his hand, a patch of land emerged from the lake, just large enough to accommodate their airship. Wu Jue and An Yi quickly settled the vessel, finally able to rest and catch their breath.

Xiao Yang and Xun Er joined them, taking the opportunity to study the father and son closely. The elder's expression was benevolent, his hair slightly curled and tinged with white, yet his gaze was sharp and spirited. Most remarkable, both father and son could control the lake, floating serenely atop the water.

The elder, noticing their curiosity, stepped onto the shore and said, "Now that you are safe, I am at ease. There are things you should know—Lake Tai does not welcome outsiders. I ask that you organize yourselves and leave as soon as possible. Let not the disputes of the world disturb this place."

"Honored elder, have you witnessed the changes outside?" Wu Jue seized the moment to ask. "Since you possess such abilities, why not help others?"

The elder smiled faintly, but said nothing. He silently took his child and slipped beneath the water.

An Yi watched their retreating figures, murmuring, "My mother once told me that when the earth was first formed, there were not only humans on land, but also bird people in the sky and dragons dwelling beneath the sea. I think they must be descendants of dragons."

"Dragons?" Wu Jue and Xiao Yang exclaimed in disbelief. "So the legends are true."

Huron interjected, "Of course they're true. I've traveled the universe and seen many dragon-like species, though most cannot assume human form. These two must have cultivated for ten thousand years or more."

"But judging by their demeanor, they seem wary of humans, especially the elder. He was clearly hiding something. Perhaps something happened here in the past?"

They discussed this briefly, noting the strangeness of the father and son, who vanished without even revealing their names.

"Never mind," Wu Jue said, gathering his thoughts. "Let's focus on how to leave here."

He and Xiao Yang began to strategize their next steps.