The Swarm of Man-Eating Fish

Dustin landed lightly back on the shattered deck, the golden glow on his longsword gradually fading. Across the sea’s surface, dark green blood floated in thick patches, slowly dispersing in the rain.

Far in the distance, the typhoon had vanished without warning. A gap opened in the clouds, allowing sunlight to break through at last, casting warm rays onto the ravaged Wavebreaker.

Margaret steadied herself against the swaying rail, gazing out at the now-calm sea, a long sigh of relief escaping her lips.

That octopus demon just now had the power of an Ultimate Grandmaster --- its enormous body and terrifying regenerative abilities made it nearly invincible.

Even most Ultimate Grandmasters wouldn’t stand a chance against such a monster.

Thankfully, they had Dustin. If he hadn't been there, who knows how many lives would have been lost?

At last, the sea had calmed, and the storm was receding. The Wavebreaker floated gently atop the waves. The deck was in ruins, littered with blood and shattered planks. Exhausted soldiers slumped against railings, panting heavily, fear still etched on their faces.

"Are you alright?" Margaret walked up to Dustin and asked.

"I'm fine," Dustin shook his head. "That sea demon was strong, but not strong enough to hurt me."

"Still," he added, frowning slightly, "we’ve only just entered the East Sea, and we’ve already run into something of that caliber. That’s… unusual."

"The East Sea is vast and shrouded in mystery," Margaret replied, her face solemn. "There are vast regions where no one has ever ventured—especially the deep sea. Who knows how many monsters are hidden in its depths? This journey won’t be peaceful."

Before setting sail, she had mentally prepared herself. But even so, she had underestimated just how dangerous the East Sea truly was.

Only three days into their voyage, and they had already encountered such a terrifying beast. Who knew what else awaited them?

But now, they had no choice but to take it one step at a time.

Sunlight pierced the clouds and sparkled across the waves.

The Wavebreaker sailed slowly across the sea, heading toward the unknown.

Though everyone aboard was weary in both body and spirit, their eyes held firm resolve.

They knew that even greater challenges lay ahead --- but no matter what came, they would not retreat.

On deck, the soldiers began clearing the battlefield and repairing the ship.

The medics hurried about, tending to the wounded. Though conditions were rough, everyone did their part with unwavering effort.

Margaret and Dustin stood at the bow, staring into the distance, their expressions mixed.

They didn’t know where the legendary island of Penglai was, nor what awaited them there --- but they believed that as long as they persevered, they would one day reach their goal.

A gentle sea breeze blew past, carrying with it a hint of hope.

The Wavebreaker continued its journey across the vast ocean, forging ahead toward the mythical Penglai Island.

---

As dusk fell, Li Wenxing’s Sea-Dragon Vanguard vessel was leading a fleet across the East Sea’s choppy waters.

The copper lanterns on deck had just been lit when suddenly a watchman on the west side let out a bloodcurdling scream: “Underwater! There are shadows --- lots of them!”

Even before the words had faded, the ship shook violently. A horrible creaking noise echoed from below, as if countless sharp teeth were gnawing at the hull.

Li Wenxing gripped the ornate railing and looked down to see the sea foam churn violently. Countless silver-gray shadows thrashed among the waves --- half the size of a grown man.

They were man-eating fish --- broad, flat-headed creatures with two rows of saw-like teeth. Their dorsal fins glinted like blades as they relentlessly slammed into the ship.

“Deep-sea razor piranhas!” someone cried in horror, collapsing to the deck. “Ordinary ones are only palm-sized --- these things… these things have evolved!”

Even as he spoke, a loud crack rang out from the stern --- part of the hull had been chewed through.

Dozens of piranhas shot up onto the deck with the rising seawater.

A soldier barely had time to draw his blade before one clamped down on his calf. The fish twisted violently, and in seconds, his leg was stripped to the bone. His screams abruptly stopped, leaving behind only a bloody mess on the deck.

One officer swung his sword and released a wave of energy, cleaving the piranhas in half. But even the severed halves continued to flop and snap on the planks, their teeth still clicking.

More fish surged in through the cracks in the hull. Their scales were as tough as iron --- ordinary weapons left only shallow marks. Meanwhile, the soldiers’ flesh was torn open with terrifying ease. Blood ran freely through the deck’s crevices, spilling into the sea --- and drawing even more predators.

Suddenly, a massive wave rose up as a giant piranha, three zhang (10 meters) long, burst from the depths.

Its entire body was jet-black, with bony spines along its dorsal fin. Its head was larger than a barrel, with twin rows of glowing blue venomous fangs --- it was the Piranha King.

With its jaws wide open, it bit clean through the side rail of one ship. Several soldiers failed to dodge in time and were swallowed whole. The sound of their bones grinding echoed through the night like a chilling dirge.

"Open fire!" a commander bellowed, slashing through a wave of incoming fish.

Cannons thundered, their blasts like heavy rain hammering the sea.

Dead piranhas floated to the surface, their bellies up, blood turning the water crimson.

But before the smoke had even cleared, the Piranha King led an even larger swarm in a vicious counterattack. With one powerful lunge, it slammed into one of Li Wenxing’s escort ships --- splitting it in two.

Water surged through the ruined vessel, carrying the fish inside.

The soldiers, waist-deep in seawater, thrashed and fought back --- but were quickly overwhelmed. The sea turned into a frenzy of blood, bubbles, and bone fragments.

Watching the scene unfold, the remaining crew aboard the other escort ships felt a chill run down their spines. Their scalps went numb with dread. - Ton