The vast ocean stretched endlessly in a deep blue expanse. Once tranquil, the sea was now thrown into chaos by an unprecedented fleet. Nearly a thousand ships, large and small, had assembled into a mighty force, moving toward the deep sea like a torrent of steel. In the front of this grand fleet sat a massive vessel, far larger than any others—like a fortress drifting across the waves.
Its hull, crafted from a special mix of deep-sea driftwood and metal, shone a rich golden color, with smooth and powerful lines. At the bow, an angel with wings spread wide was engraved into the prow.
The most striking sight was the two immense banners flying high atop the mainmast. One bore the emblem of a six-winged golden angel, radiating holiness and majesty; the other, a font spelling "Body" edged in silver against a black background, was ancient and bold, exuding a steadfast aura.
These two banners symbolized the core factions of this expedition—the Spirit Hall and the Body Sect.
On the top deck of the grand ship, Chen Yi leaned against the rail as the sea breeze stirred his purple robe. Glancing over his shoulder at the miles-long fleet, he couldn't help but feel awe at their overwhelming presence before turning aside.
Qian Renxue had donned her closely fitted golden female battle armor, which accentuated her slender, graceful figure and made her look both valiant and tough. Her long golden hair, neatly tied into a ponytail, fluttered in the wind.
"Speaking of which," Chen Yi suddenly said, his tone tinged with a bit of teasing, "did the Grand Worship really give up his fortune back then? He says he did, but the wealth he amassed is simply astronomical."
Chen Yi gestured with surprise toward the massive fleet behind them.
"It was only after the Body Sect absorbed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's legacy that we could construct a practical deep-sea fleet. But what about Spirit Hall? Somehow, they managed to quietly mobilize not one, but three full fleets!"
"Judging by the scale and outfit of this great ship, it's clear this wasn't put together on a whim. This is the result of years of meticulous planning, construction, and training."
Qian Renxue smiled at his words, her golden armor sparkling under the sunlight as she replied, "Grandfather is, after all, a Spirit Hall's Grand Worship. Every action he takes is for Spirit Hall's benefit."
"True, he did favor Bo Saixi at the time... but one must always remain vigilant—especially at sea, where the advantages of Spirit Hall are less obvious."
Staring out at the endless ocean with deep meaning, she continued, "So after returning from Sea God Island, Grandfather spent decades and immense resources secretly building these three key naval fleets."
"First, so that Spirit Hall would never be entirely at the mercy of others in matters of maritime trade, intelligence, or unexpected threats at sea. Second, as future preparation. Should conflict arise again with Sea God Island, they wouldn't need to face endless hardship and helplessness at sea, as happened sixty years ago."
Chen Yi nodded in agreement. Except for his unimpeachable character, Qian Daoliu was nearly a flawless leader and strategist.
What could not be forgotten was that, in his youth, Qian Daoliu had been a notorious Executioner, sowing terror across the continent with his ruthless and resolute ways.
That Spirit Hall should prepare its own hidden strength and contemplate war against Sea God Island was completely in line with his character and approach.
"By the way," Chen Yi recalled another critical topic, "the elders of the Woship Hall and those in the Elder Hall are currently in seclusion, condensing soul cores. Will there be enough people on the continent? Will the elimination of the resistance be affected?"
Here, Chen Yi was inquiring about the alliance's plan—Spirit Hall and the Body Sect joining forces to unify the continent under a new order.
Previously, in anticipation of powerful threats from another dimension, Chen Yi had, after discussing with all the elders, made a major decision: the method to condense soul cores would be shared with Spirit Hall so that maximum strength could be reached before the final battle.
Among those, the most important was the Golden Crocodile Douluo, who had lingered at rank 98 for years, one step from reaching the peak—rank 99, Limit Douluo. If he could condense a soul core, his breakthrough would become much more likely. If only he were thirty years younger, it would almost be guaranteed, by experience alone.
Hearing this, Qian Renxue's expression softened. Looking deeply at Chen Yi, emotion and tenderness filled her eyes as she whispered:
"Don't worry. With the invaluable experience in soul core condensation from the Body Sect and Grand Martia Academy's elders, Grandfather and the other Worships' breakthroughs will go much smoother and faster."
"If they all break through safely, that force will be enough to quell any alliance resistance and ensure smooth progress in the unification process."
Ever since the Body Sect obtained the soul core cultivation method, several individuals—especially the Golden Crocodile, Azure Luan, Lion, and a number of elders—who had thought they would never improve further in this life, were ecstatic. To them, this new method was nothing short of salvation.
They had quickly put worldly affairs in order and eagerly shut themselves in, seeking that long-desired breakthrough to a higher dimension.
This was what truly moved Qian Renxue. For the Body Sect, soul core technique was as significant as the legendary "Second Awakening"—perhaps even more so. It was the foundation for systematically raising their combat power and creating an everlasting dynasty.
And yet, weighing the bigger picture, the Body Sect had chosen—without hesitation—to share this technique with Spirit Hall.
That trust touched Qian Renxue deeply.
Chen Yi, seeing the feelings flickering in her eyes, smiled gently. "You don't need to take it so heavily. The soul core technique is precious, yes, but ultimately it's just a tool."
"If you ascend to godhood, perhaps you'll develop an even stronger method one day. Right now, this is merely the best tool we have to address a common threat."
"As I've said before, so long as a mighty enemy stands before us, unity and boosting Douluo Continent's power must take first priority."
Qian Renxue continued to look at him in silence, warmth blooming quietly in her heart.
At just that moment, an elder's calm voice came to their ears.
"It's time."
The instant they heard it, Chen Yi and Qian Renxue's expressions became utterly grave, the earlier leisure vanished without a trace. They both turned, their gazes slicing through the thick sea mist and waves like lightning, locking unerringly onto their distant target.
"All units, battle stations!" Qian Renxue drew a deep breath, her eyes flashing like blades. She drew her golden sword from her waist and held it high overhead.
"Prepare for war!"
"Battle stations!!!"
The order was relayed through every rank, sending a chilling force rippling through the entire fleet.
On deck, soul masters rushed to their posts.
The huge armada instantly bared its fangs and claws, like a primeval beast awakening from long slumber.
...
Meanwhile, in the Demon Whale Sea.
This was an absolute forbidden zone, striking terror into the hearts of all sea spirit beasts and soul masters.
For the ruler here was none other than the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King—the undisputed overlord of the ocean.
In the bottom-most trench, eternal darkness and silence prevailed.
Suddenly, a gigantic eye, over three meters in diameter, flashed brilliantly without warning. Its light pierced the thick seawater, illuminating the jagged seabed rocks.
A deep, pondering voice echoed through the abyss:
"What could drive the land dwellers to organize such a massive fleet, venturing into the deep sea?"
Then, a calm and steady female voice responded beside him,
"Could it be... that they're about to clash again with Sea God's followers, as they did sixty years ago?"
"But didn't they suffer a crushing defeat then?" A powerful, contemptuous voice rumbled—incredulous.
"Trying again? Are humans' memories on land really that short?"
Though the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King loathed Sea God Island, he was even more baffled by the humans' willingness to undertake such a pointless expedition.
Right at that moment, another bright female voice joined this family council:
"It may not be what you think, Father, Mother."
"Oh?" The huge singular eye slowly shifted, focusing on a much smaller deep sea whale nearby.
"Our little princess seems to have a secret," the older female's voice tinged with affection and curiosity.
The little whale flicked her broad tail and replied, almost proudly,
"It's not exactly insider information, but a few days ago, I slipped out to play near the human continent, and overheard some sea spirits in passing..."
"They whispered that a tremendously powerful sea spirit ruler was killed on land by a human overlord! I heard her death was quite tragic."
"So what?" the older female whale said coolly. "There are many powerful sea spirit masters. If one fell on the mainland, perhaps he provoked the wrong hive. What's so shocking?"
"No."
The Demonic Whale King's gravely voice interrupted his mate. His single eye gleamed with a faint blue light, as if recalling something.
"Only recently... after Bo Saixi's attendant was left behind on land and then left the sea, I sensed her aura fading away. I caught the trembling of the golden trident in her wake."
"So..." The older female's voice turned suddenly serious. "...the one who died on land was Sea God Island's High Priestess herself? And... she actually took the Sea God's Trident?"
"How could this have happened?!" The little whale cried out in disbelief. "Are there monsters so powerful on land now—capable of killing even the highest priestess, wielder of the sacred weapon?!"
The Demonic Whale King's enormous eye suddenly blazed with a deeper purple-blue, lighting up the trench and clearly illuminating his smaller partner and lively daughter.
"You two stay here. Don't go anywhere." His voice was laced with caution.
"I'm going to check on Sea God Island. No matter who did this, or what their reason..."
A surge of expectation and hate burst in the Demonic Whale King's mind.
"If this king decides to attack Sea God Island..."
With one swing of his mountainous tail, a churning vortex swept through the seabed, flinging up clouds of mud and sand.
"This king... must go lend a hand!"
Before his words had even faded, his vast form had blurred into a black shadow, speeding toward Sea God Island, churning the sea in his wake.
Only his wife and daughter remained, gazing at each other in the whirling currents.
…