For some reason, Li Ya seemed to sense a peculiar feeling from Lin Xiao's voice, causing her to unconsciously lower her guard.
It was precisely because of this same feeling back then that, the first time she met Lin Xiao at the bottom of the sea, she completely let down her defenses and brought him to the Sea Princess's residence.
Hearing the change in Lin Xiao's voice now, a trace of vigilance rose in her heart once again, yet her body still relaxed slightly as she gave a gentle nod.
"She has no killing intent. Na Na has merely fainted. Take her back first and let her rest properly. I'll return very soon."
Lin Xiao turned back to give a few instructions, then took the lead and flew swiftly away from the outer area of the Netherworld Sect.
The snow in the extreme north never seemed to stop, to the point that even in the marginal regions where the Netherworld Sect was located, the sun was often nowhere to be seen.
Lin Xiao glanced back from time to time. Li Ya, behind him, seemed quite accustomed to this weather; only occasionally, when she looked toward him, would she suddenly remember something and reveal a hint of vigilance.
"You don't need to be so wary. As you just saw, I can break through the influence of your spiritual power. If I truly wanted to do anything, subduing you would only take that brief instant."
"If it's because of what happened before... though there were various reasons, I can only say I'm sorry."
Li Ya's ears twitched slightly, clearly having heard Lin Xiao's words, but she kept her head lowered and showed no intention of replying.
It wasn't until the snowfield ahead gradually disappeared and was replaced by an endless ocean.
Numerous icebergs that never melted year-round floated on the sea surface. Lin Xiao descended from the air, unsure whether the ground beneath his feet was snow-covered land or sea frozen solid into ice.
Li Ya did not descend together with Lin Xiao. Instead, she flew a short distance ahead and plunged into the sea with a "plop."
Lin Xiao took two steps forward. Looking around, he could not spot Li Ya's figure anywhere beneath the sea surface.
At that moment, waves surged violently from the sea. Lin Xiao furrowed his brows slightly as soul power already stirred within his body.
But in the next instant, he completely withdrew his soul power.
"Crash—"
The waves rising from beneath the sea sent cold seawater spraying high into the air toward Lin Xiao's body, only to naturally part and fall to his sides as they drew near.
There was no attack mixed in with the seawater; it was like nothing more than a simple prank.
Once the waves fell, a figure stood atop the sea surface, gazing at Lin Xiao from afar.
Li Ya had already shed her disguise, revealing her original appearance. Her fish tail swayed gently in the seawater, stirring ripples.
"Go back. You should have already experienced the dangers of the land. This time, you were lucky to find me. In the future, you won't be so fortunate."
Li Ya's beautiful eyes blinked lightly. After hearing Lin Xiao's words, she shook her head.
"I didn't find you by luck. After coming to the land, I met many people. The reason I approached the person by your side was that I sensed an aura on him somewhat similar to the one on you."
Perhaps returning to the sea had put her much more at ease, as she was finally willing to speak openly with Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao was slightly surprised to hear that Li Ya could sense an aura similar to his own on the Abomination, but upon careful thought, on this continent, whether soul masters or soul beasts, each had their own unique traits. Even Lin Xiao could not possibly know them all.
However, this did explain why the Myriad Souls Douluo and the Abomination had encountered Li Ya back then and why they had mistaken her for a shape-shifting soul beast and hunted her.
Even after escaping danger, she had sought out the Abomination once more.
Speaking of this, Lin Xiao grew somewhat curious and asked, "Are you the only one from your clan who came out to search for the Heart of the Ocean? I don't seem to have seen any other members of your clan anywhere else."
"I... I ran away on my own." Li Ya shook her head. "After Mother returned, she sent many clansmen to search for the whereabouts of the Heart of the Ocean, but there was never any news."
"The Heart of the Ocean was lost because of me. Although Mother and Big Sister both comforted me, I still decided to come out and search for it, even if it meant paying a great price."
Lin Xiao frowned slightly upon hearing this. When he first met Li Ya, she still seemed rather naive. He hadn't expected her to make such a decision. Even if her mother, the Sea Princess, discovered Li Ya was missing, she likely never imagined that she would come alone to the land.
Just that...
Lin Xiao pondered as he lowered his head to look at the object in Li Ya's arms. "I'm very sorry for damaging your clan's supreme treasure."
"No, it isn't broken; it has only exhausted its power." Li Ya also lowered her head to look at the hexagonal crystal in her arms, the corners of her mouth curving slightly upward as if she were smiling.
"It is the Heart of the Ocean. Only in the ocean can it display its power, and only in the ocean can it replenish its energy. Even if damaged, as long as it is in the great sea, it can slowly repair itself."
"Although this will take a very long time, as long as it can return, that's enough."
Lin Xiao paused upon hearing this, then smiled and shook his head as well. He had possessed the Heart of the Ocean for so long, yet had never thought to return it to the sea to try.
Perhaps because he was human and rarely had opportunities to fight in the sea, he had overlooked such a simple matter.
"Since that's the case, I feel much more at ease. Go back now. In the future, whether it's you or the rest of your clan, it's best to stay far away from the land."
Li Ya gave a gentle nod, hugged the Heart of the Ocean in her arms even tighter, turned, and dove into the sea, disappearing.
Lin Xiao watched the gradually calming sea surface and also turned to leave. However, he had only taken two steps when the sound of waves rose behind him once more.
Turning back, he saw that Li Ya, who had just left, had reappeared on the sea surface.
"Why haven't you left yet?"
"Thank you."
Lin Xiao raised an eyebrow slightly upon hearing this. "Thank me for what? I was merely returning what belongs to you."
"It's not the same." Li Ya shook her head repeatedly. "My original plan was to find traces of you and learn the whereabouts of the Heart of the Ocean from your mouth."
"But I never expected that the Heart of the Ocean would actually be in your hands. Not only did you return it to me, but you also helped us eliminate the traitor of our mermaid clan. So, giving thanks is only right."
Lin Xiao looked at the sincere Li Ya and, for a moment, couldn't tell whether she was still as naive as before or simply overly kind. It seemed she had completely forgotten how he had once entered the mermaid territory and helped the Great Elder take the Heart of the Ocean.
"I will remember you. And also..." As Li Ya spoke, water currents rose around her, carrying a round, lustrous pearl to float before Lin Xiao's eyes.
His gaze fell upon it, and he immediately felt a surge of pure spiritual power emanating from within.
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Here are the chapters for today (づ￣3￣)づ╭～
"Don't forget there are chapters available on Patreon."
"From Douluo to Godhood by Defy 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo: Far North Invincibledo 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Peerless: Living as an Evil Soul Master 40 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Dalu 2:Peerless Tang Sect Dawn of Sun and Moon 40 Advance chapters."
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