A Black-faced Daoist, dark-skinned and strong-built, sat atop a jagged reef, methodically breathing Essence Qi, adjusting and calming his breath. Before him stretched an endless expanse of misty waves, furious winds whipping surging tides, turbid waves slamming into the empty sky.

Below the waters lurked countless shadowy, massive shapes. Merely from their distant roars, it was clear what immense power lay within their bodies. Yet all of them were currently bound by the Cloud Golden Lock, utterly immobilized.

The Black-faced Daoist sat for a full day. It was not until the sun began to dip westward that he suddenly opened his eyes and thundered, "Release the lock!"

A group of Powerful Warriors standing by a row of winches on the shore heeded his command without delay. They immediately gripped the handles, exerting effort with hearty grunts. As the machinery groaned, chain after chain sank steadily into the depths below.

The restrictions on the beasts loosened, and the massive black shadow seemed to awaken from slumber, letting out a booming roar that instantly stirred turmoil in the waters.

With a thunderous crash, the creature surfaced partially, revealing its true form—it was a Dragon Whale, with tortoise-like neck, carp-like tail, a head resembling a Jade Toad, whiskers hanging beneath its jaw, teeth sharp as blades, a broad back, large fins, black scales, and white underbelly. This was a Fierce Beast of the water. If it lived for ten thousand years, it could summon rain and thunder, rage against the elements, and churn the Four Seas into chaos. However, this particular Dragon Whale, measuring fifteen zhang in length, appeared to merely be several hundred years old.

The Black-faced Daoist energized his spirit, let out a hearty chuckle, and rose to his feet. He tightened his hair knot, fastened the silk belt at his waist, rolled his wide sleeves up to his elbows, and suddenly shouted. A plume of white smoke shot up from the crown of his head, plunging into the river and sea. It coiled and swirled like a woven net, opening and closing with a snap, swiftly binding the Dragon Whale tightly.

Freed from one cage, now tethered in another, the Dragon Whale immediately grew furious and thrashed about desperately. The white smoke thickened and thinned alternately, seemingly on the verge of snapping. The Black-faced Daoist furrowed his brow slightly and took a deep breath. With a pinch of his spell, mist surged upwards from his crown, causing the white smoke to swell and strengthen further.

As he circulated his Mysterious Skill, he forced the Dragon Whale back down to the watery depths. No matter how it struggled, it could not escape the grasp of the white smoke. The gales and lake waves gradually stilled. The Daoist's breath also steadied, and after a moment, he called in a deep voice, "Release another one."

The Powerful Warriors moved to another winch, loosening its chains yet again. The seawater surged with a loud splash, and another roar of a Dragon Whale reverberated from below.

The Black-faced Daoist let out a cold humph. His spell techniques shifted, and another plume of white smoke split from his crown, rushing towards the second Dragon Whale. In the blink of an eye, it suppressed the creature, forcibly pressing it underwater.

However, this time, his actions seemed less effortless than before.

Beads of sweat appeared faintly on his forehead, and veins bulged at his temples. It was apparent that he was growing increasingly fatigued, yet he still seemed unsatisfied. After several moments, his eyes flared with brilliance, and he shouted with renewed vigor, "Release another one!"

With another rumbling crash, the winches turned again, loosening their restraints. Yet another Dragon Whale broke free from the Cloud Golden Lock and began thrashing wildly within the water.

The Black-faced Daoist's face took on a visibly heavier expression as he swayed slightly. Another plume of white smoke divided itself, stretching across the Void to envelop this third Dragon Whale.

This Dragon Whale, however, proved far less docile under his suppression. It let out a thunderous howl, suddenly raising waves several zhang high. Foam sprayed like snow, flying beads scattering everywhere as surging tides slammed toward the shore.

The Daoist's face flushed bright red. Although he remained standing, he clenched his teeth tightly, his eyes bulging, and his hair knot trembled slightly atop his head. It was clear he was straining heavily under the pressure.

The third Dragon Whale struggled vehemently, causing the white smoke to weaken gradually and show signs of disintegration. Refusing to admit defeat, the Daoist continuously formed new spells with his fingers until the white smoke stabilized once more.

As he worked to subdue this third Dragon Whale, the other two beneath the surface also began to rebel, thrashing and fighting. The sudden surge of resistance pushed the Daoist to his limits, forcing him into an increasingly dire situation.

Possessing an indomitable will, the Daoist steeled his resolve. He bit through the tip of his tongue, releasing a drop of Essence Blood, which immediately nourished his Essence Qi from within. His breathing steadied, and his mana surged anew, wave after wave of force descending upon the Dragon Whales, pressing them relentlessly into the depths.

When nightfall had fully arrived, countless lamps were raised along the shore. The tiny flames—over a thousand in number—merged into a vast field of flickering light. This brilliant illumination lit up the entire stretch of muddy tidal flats. Though the oceanic winds howled ferociously, the fiery glow never extinguished.

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