Underwater, Xiya had to pull Qiao Xixi along to dodge the attacks.

As they dodged the Shark Beasts’ attacks, the tiger cub in Qiao Xixi’s arms was jostled around.

The tiger cub opened its eyes, its gilded pupils emitting a cold, faint glow in the darkness.

When the Shark Beasts attacked again, the tiger cub let out a little "AOWU!" that made Qiao Xixi’s chest tremble.

"AOWU!"

The attacking Shark Beasts seemed to hit an invisible barrier, suddenly crashing into each other in pairs.

Xiya seized the opportunity and pulled Qiao Xixi away.

Qiao Xixi didn’t let out a breath until she felt they were far away from the Shark Beasts. She hugged the tiger cub tightly and planted a kiss on it.

"My little cub, you’re pretty amazing!"

The tiger cub had been drowsy, and its mother’s kiss woke it right back up. ’But Mother smells so good. I like Mother’s kisses.’

’But this cub is sleepy. This cub just wants to go sleep-sleep now.’

"Mother, we’re here."

Xiya led Qiao Xixi as they broke the surface. The sky was already dark. They reached the massive reef they’d seen before and took shelter there.

"Xiya, wait for me in the water. I’ll be back soon."

"I want to go with you to find Father."

Qiao Xixi had considered taking her, but it was far more dangerous on land than in the sea.

"Xiya, it’s very dangerous up there. I’m afraid I won’t be able to protect you."

Qiao Xixi unwrapped the tiger cub from her body and handed her to Xiya. "Wait here with your little sister for me."

Xiya hugged the tiger cub tightly, biting her lip. She was worried she would just be a burden to Qiao Xixi.

"Okay. We’ll wait for you and Father to come back." 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"Okay. If you run into danger, run. Understand?"

"Mhm."

Qiao Xixi ushered them into a crevice in the reef. To be safe, she gathered a handful of seaweed and used it to conceal the opening. Only after making sure it was nearly impossible to spot anything unusual from the outside did she climb onto the shore and jump up onto the reef.

The salt fields were silent in the night. By the faint moonlight, she could only make out a few male beastmen on patrol.

Qiao Xixi took out a pale blue fish scale. Xiya had given it to her, saying it could lead her to Xijing.

The moment she took out the scale, a long red line appeared on its surface. The scale spun once in her palm before the red line settled, pointing in the direction behind her.

When she turned around, the scale changed direction again, now pointing straight ahead.

Qiao Xixi followed the scale’s guidance.

She hadn’t been gone long when a vast shadow fell from the sky. Snow-white wings folded, and a figure landed swiftly on a large rock, transforming into a human.

The moment she landed, a male Phoenix Beast touched down behind her, his eyes filled with an adoration so thick it was tangible.

"Mistress, you could have let us handle this. There was no need for you to come yourself. Is it... because you still can’t forget that merman?"

Huang Ying shot a cold glance over her shoulder with her beautiful, almond-shaped eyes. "Fenglin, you’re overstepping."

Fenglin’s expression faltered, and he quickly lowered his head. "I’m sorry, Mistress. I was just worried about you."

Huang Ying stared out at the sea, her slender brows knitting together. She ignored Fenglin completely.

’Are you sure Xijing has been captured by the beastmen from Tiger Beast City?’

"Host, according to the plot, Xijing is here right now. You must act quickly."

’Got it.’

Huang Ying pulled back from her thoughts. Just as she was about to turn and leave, she detected a familiar aura coming from below the reef. She froze, her gaze dropping to the sea at her feet.

Fenglin, seeing her reaction, asked in confusion, "Mistress, what is it?"

"I sense something is wrong down there. Go and see if you find anything."

Fenglin frowned at the dark expanse of water. As a member of the Wing Clan, he feared the water, but his Mistress had given an order, and he would not disobey.

"Yes."

Meanwhile, hidden in the reef crevice, Xiya was desperately trying to fend off the Fat Ding Fish Beasts that were swarming her.

The Fat Ding Fish Beasts were only about the size of her palm, but they were pack creatures. High waves often washed them under the reefs near the shore.

Now, entire schools of Fat Ding Fish Beasts were being swept in. Their sharp beaks jabbed at Xiya’s skin, causing sharp pangs of pain. Still, she kept her back turned to shield the tiger cub, determined not to let it come to any harm.

What she didn’t realize was that the swarming Fat Ding Fish Beasts had scattered the seaweed Qiao Xixi had placed over the crevice opening.

The stinging became unbearable. Xiya decided she had to find another spot and come back after the tide receded.

She never expected, however, that the moment she emerged from the reef, she would see a massive Phoenix Beast flying straight toward her.

Xiya froze in shock. She wanted to dive deeper to escape, but it was too late.

The Fire Phoenix Beast’s sharp talons seized her shoulders, yanking her out of the water.

"AHH!"

Tears streamed from Xiya’s eyes as pain flared through her shoulders. Even so, she held the tiger cub clutched tightly to her chest.

The sudden lurch upward startled the tiger cub awake, and she began to squirm uncomfortably in Xiya’s embrace.

"Don’t be afraid, little sister. I’m... I’m here."

Huang Ying spotted Xiya immediately, and her slender eyes narrowed.

"Ah, Xiya. My dear little cub. It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?"

Fenglin beat his wings, intending to carry Xiya to the shore.

The tiger cub’s squirming grew more frantic. A dark golden light flashed in its gilded pupils. Suddenly, it broke free from Xiya’s grasp, planted its feet on her chest, and slowly raised a chubby little paw, swatting at Fenglin’s talons.

Fenglin went rigid. He felt a powerful current surge through his entire body, and his talons involuntarily released their grip. Xiya and the tiger cub plummeted back into the sea.

Huang Ying’s face fell. She dove toward the sea, instantly shifting into her beast form to snatch Xiya and the cub. But they fell too fast. By the time she reached the spot, the surface of the water was empty.

Huang Ying glanced over and saw that something was wrong with Fenglin. He was about to plunge into the sea himself. Annoyed, she flew over, grabbed him, and dragged him back to the reef.

Fenglin collapsed weakly onto the rock, his face pale and drawn.

"What is wrong with you? You couldn’t even hold on to a single mermaid cub?"

Fenglin, pale-faced, said, "I don’t know what happened. My body just suddenly seized up, and I couldn’t move."

Huang Ying raised an eyebrow. ’These villain cubs are impressive, indeed. Fenglin is a powerful eight-star beast soul warrior, yet she escaped from him. It seems taking Xijing is no longer optional; I must have him.’

"Go find the beastmen in charge of the salt fields immediately. Ask them where Xijing is being held. I’m taking him with me."

Fenglin pushed himself to his feet and replied resignedly, "Yes. But the mermaid cub..."

Huang Ying said with a sneer, "Despicable little villains don’t die that easily."

The instant she hit the water, Xiya swam frantically toward the tiger cub, grabbing her and holding her tight as they sank. But a sudden undercurrent caught them, dragging them further and further away...