Old Friend, It's Really You!

In the deep sea, everything returned to tranquility, the inky-blue water swiftly filling the void left by the shattered Magic Formation. Above, not a single ray of light pierced through, while below, swirling deep-sea mud and sand formed the seabed.

Du Chen, relying on his Water-element battle qi, found no difficulty in breathing underwater. Yet, as his gaze swept across the surrounding vista, his heart sank, the feeling more suffocating than the inability to breathe itself.

An army! A Sea Clan army!

To his four sides and directly above, five entire phalanxes of Sea Clan warriors stood in dense, meticulous formations, their numbers immeasurable. Even beneath the churning mud, the “shh-shh” sound of gigantic crab pincers and shrimp claws occasionally emerged, hinting at countless hidden Sea Clan lurkers poised to strike!

Scattered among the formations were over a dozen colossal deep-sea Tidal Colossus Cannons, unique to the Sea Clan. Pulled by powerful Tiger Sharks, their dark, ominous muzzles were aimed squarely at Du Chen’s position. Beyond these cannons, two titanic forms patrolled in the distance—Sea Tribe Whale Warriors. Their massive bodies were entwined with seaweed vines, and strange black corals grew upon their backs. These were the Sea Clan's war-type sacred artifacts—Coral Golems—the very entities that had just quelled the deep-sea tsunami!

Du Chen was unfamiliar with military strategy, and Deboning understood even less. But Hawkins, however, burst into loud laughter! A laugh that bespoke absolute control of the situation!

An elite Sea Clan formation typically comprised three thousand warriors per phalanx, each supported by three Tidal Colossus Cannons, the Sea Clan’s unique war sacred artifacts. Additionally, three thousand lurkers would be submerged and hidden. Thus, Hawkins didn’t need to count or even estimate to know that this Sea Clan army numbered at least twenty thousand, or perhaps, it was a complete, elite Sea Clan legion!

“Weren’t there only eight thousand?” he muttered, “Why is there an entire legion!? No matter how many Sea Clan warriors there are, they are on my side! The more, the better! The situation is excellent!”

“The one who defeated me just now was indeed powerful, and Francis, who forced my nephew to his death, is also formidable. But can they withstand an entire elite legion? This is a legion, comprising Battle-Warriors, Battle Gods, and war sacred artifacts! Most importantly, an army knows how to utilize Magic Formations to converge everyone's power, thereby defeating even top-tier experts! Even if that Nine-Star Battle God could barely escape, Francis would absolutely have no chance! This is already a foregone conclusion! A dead end!”

After his laughter subsided, Hawkins addressed the supposed King of Palkin Sea, “I have been defeated, my life is inconsequential! Do not mind me; capture Francis and hand him over to my family…”

Du Chen waved, signaling Deboning to return to the Lotus Pedestal, then rubbed his nose, his mind rapidly strategizing countermeasures.

This army seemed incredibly difficult to deal with! Though Du Chen wasn't a military man, he knew one common truth: discipline determined a military force's combat effectiveness. Around him were five massive phalanxes, yet there was no discernible noise, only the gurgling of water escaping fish gills. This alone confirmed that the encircling army was the elite of the elite!

“Hawkins-sama, the King of Palkin Sea is not here!” The formation directly in front of Du Chen parted, and a shark, resembling a small whale, swam out. Standing proudly atop it was a General Tiger Shark, the very individual who had guided Hawkins moments earlier!

Hawkins was slightly taken aback. If the King of Palkin Sea wasn’t present, then who else possessed the authority to mobilize an entire legion of elite Sea Clan forces?

The General Tiger Shark offered an apologetic smile, then swiftly maneuvered his mount aside. Following him, a colossal squid, like a small mountain, emerged from the formation. Standing arrogantly at its apex was a figure clad in golden armor, a long blade strapped to his back. His head was encased in a bestial heavy helmet, revealing only a pair of eyes that glittered with chilling light, exuding an intimidating aura.

Hark! Hark!

Boom! Boom!

As the golden-armored warrior arrived at the front of the formation, the five phalanxes, tens of thousands of Sea Clan warriors, let out roars, clashing their weapons together to amplify his presence! For a moment, the seawater churned, and currents danced wildly!

“Your Highness, they were the cause of the recent disturbance!” The General Tiger Shark followed closely behind the golden-armored warrior. Despite his efforts to maintain his general’s dignity, a hint of fawning subservience flickered in his eyes.

The golden-armored Prince dismounted the squid and walked leisurely through the water, stopping about ten meters in front of the group. His eyes, peering from beneath the bestial heavy helmet, swept over Du Chen's Lotus Pedestal, then fixated on Deboning.

Hawkins spoke, “May I ask which Highness of the Sea Clan you are? I am Hawkins of the Saint Baton Family. We beastmen and the Sea Clan are natural allies, and I have, moreover, been acquainted with His Majesty Sea Emperor Thanes for many years…” Hawkins, with all his battle capabilities sealed by Deboning, was dejected and failed to notice the fleeting murderous glint in the golden-armored Prince’s eyes when he mentioned Thanes.

“I have already lost the fight, my life is inconsequential! Do not mind me; capture Francis and hand him over to my family…”

“So it’s you!” The golden-armored Prince strode forward. The General Tiger Shark attempted to block him but was waved back with a dismissive gesture.

Yet, the General Tiger Shark dared not be negligent. He secretly signaled the army, and in an instant, the Sea Clan army drew their blades, raised their spears, and the Tidal Colossus Cannons were charged, aimed at Du Chen and Deboning!

Should they show the slightest hint of hostility, no one doubted that fifteen Tidal Colossus Cannons would blast them into dust on the spot!

The golden-armored Prince’s exclamation, “So it’s you!” caused Hawkins to nod in delight. “Indeed, it is I, Hawkins! Your Highness recognizes me?”

“I didn’t recognize you earlier, but now, I remember!” The golden-armored Prince drew closer. Du Chen subtly exchanged glances with Deboning, thinking, *This Prince is certainly confident, approaching an enemy so closely. In that case, I won’t hold back. Time for another 'capture the leader first' move!*

Hawkins chuckled, “Since we are old friends, Your Highness, please do me one last favor before I die…”

Suddenly, the golden-armored Prince abruptly accelerated, his powerful body cutting through the water like lightning, arriving directly before Du Chen.

Hawkins laughed loudly, “To die for my ancestors, I die where I belong! Your Highness, do it! Do not mind me, capture… Argh!?”

Upon reaching Du Chen, the golden-armored Prince completely ignored Hawkins. Instead, he enthusiastically extended both hands towards Du Chen. “Haha, old friend, it’s you! Long time no see! I’ve missed you terribly!”

So he had been talking to Du Chen all along!

The newcomer harbored not an ounce of hostility. Du Chen, utterly bewildered, shook his hand. A glance at Deboning revealed his brow furrowed in thought, as if something had just dawned on him.

“Your Highness recognizes me?” Du Chen asked.

“Haha, my friend, you truly are forgetful!” The golden-armored Prince removed his heavy helmet, laughing, “Do you remember Gode? When I ambushed Crown Prince Arthur of Reno, you and your friend captured me! You even handed me over to Roland, and my father eventually traded a pearl chessboard to get me back…” As he spoke, he turned to grasp Deboning’s hand, but Deboning’s killing intent flashed then receded. The Prince wisely retracted his hand. Gode chuckled awkwardly, “Hey, don’t be angry, I know I was rash! The moment I saw this Lotus Sacred Artifact, I knew it was you! You're the Titled Battle God who defeated me with a single move that day, there's no mistaking it!”

Du Chen suddenly remembered. Gode was the Prince of the Grand Delta Sea, and even the King of Palkin Sea was his vassal. No wonder he could mobilize such a vast elite army! However, this guy seemed to be… a super crazy fan!

Indeed, after greeting Du Chen, Gode latched onto Deboning. “Esteemed Eminence, shall we continue our previous discussion?” He extended a finger covered in fish scales. “Ten thousand pearls, just for you to accept me as your student! Teaching me a few Secret Techniques would suffice!”

“Hmph, how can my Secret Techniques be measured by gold and silver?” Deboning felt greatly displeased. Yet, with twenty thousand soldiers surrounding them, he merely snorted, casting an inquiring glance at Du Chen.

Du Chen chuckled, “So it’s Prince Gode! Let’s discuss the apprenticeship later, alright? You see…” He gestured towards the Sea Clan army.

Gode’s eyes darted. He laughed, “We are friends. These people following me are really their own business. As long as Eminence is willing to casually teach me a few moves, I’ll listen to anything you say…”

“Pah, why does that sound so awkward?” Du Chen felt a bead of sweat trickle down his brow!

Deboning's eyes flashed with cold light, but Du Chen waved his hand. He glanced at the dumbfounded Hawkins and the dying Leihaite. “We’ll talk about your request later. But since the Sea Clan and beastmen are friends, and Little Prince here holds no animosity towards us, correct? Then, please provide me with a quiet place. I need to treat Leihaite! Although he greatly insulted me, seeing a friend blinded by rage, I am still willing to help him!”

Hawkins was stunned. Just as he was about to question, Du Chen had already smiled, “Hawkins-sama, I have told you many times, you truly misunderstand me. I never intended to blaspheme the Supreme Father God Orbach, let alone act upon it! However, this matter is very complex to explain. With the battles constantly unfolding, I never found an opportunity to clarify…”

“You really didn’t steal it?” Hawkins asked, utterly astonished.

Gode glanced at Leihaite, knowing he was truly on the verge of collapse. He waved his hand, “First, Third, and Fourth Legions, continue your duties. Third Legion, set up camp here… Hey, um, Eminence, can we discuss something? Could you perhaps give me a few pointers first?” Deboning’s eyes flashed with cold light again. The Prince quickly added, “I understand, we’ll talk later, I’ll listen to whatever you say!”

Du Chen and Deboning simultaneously felt a bead of sweat trickle down their brows! What a persistent fellow!

The Sea Clan army's method of setting up camp differed greatly from humans. They didn’t need tents or to start fires for cooking. All they required was to establish a perimeter of water barriers nearby and post guards.

Inside a secluded underwater cave, Du Chen held up the combined Lotus Azureveil Shield. A cerulean radiance illuminated Leihaite for approximately fifteen minutes. The young lion-beastman’s aura gradually stabilized, and he fell into a deep sleep.

A life had been saved by Du Chen’s hand.

Gode watched Du Chen’s “miracle” in stunned silence. Recalling Deboning’s earlier respect for Du Chen, he mused inwardly, *Could it be… this one is the true Eminence?*