The Lantis Republic. The Heigui Enclave. Turtle Hall.

The Lantis Republic was an agglomeration of eight unique clans of water. Each one of them possesses their own distinct cultures and different way of life. And that applied to the way the clans built their homes. The Longyu Clan, for instance, loved to build palaces on lakes, creating floating fortresses that were impregnable from the sides and the bottom. The Meijing Clan stayed in icy castles, made with some of the most ancient of arctic ice and was protected by the natural, unforgiving weather of the south.

The Heigui Clan was drastically different from the others as well. Instead of staying on standard lands, they found their homes on the Xuanwus that guarded the Heigui Enclave. Many of the Heigui Clan’s top executives had their own respective Xuanwu, which were usually Tier 8 Spirit Beasts that could live for over ten thousand years.

All of the Xuanwus were cultivated with loving care by the Heigui Clan. They were willing to serve the Heiguis as their ‘floating islands’ giving an added layer of security for the Heigui Clan’s descendants. Additionally, the Heigui Clan’s headquarters, the Heigui Enclave, was a huge haven where all Xuanwus could beach to rest and further increase their cultivations.

All in all, the Heigui Clan’s protection was near impossible to breach, especially since their speciality laid in defence. Hence, when the Lantis Republic heard about the attempt on the Heigui Clan from Shin, they weren’t all too concerned about it.

“As per our plan, the Heigui Xuanwus will all gather on the enclave for two weeks.” Jingyu Shenxian, the Chancellor of the Lantis Republic, slammed her palms on the salt table while staring deep into her other member’s eyes.

“We’ll need at least one Spirit Venerate on each Xuanwu. I’ve called up the Guardian Beasts of each Clan to protect their homes while we divert our resources to the enclave. Of course, if something were to happen, I’ll be the first one to rush back.” The jaded woman proceeded to explain her plan comprehensively.

“That sounds good,” an aged voice replied to the Chancellor. Turning her back, Jingyu Shenxian could clearly see the image of an old, wizened man, who had long past his prime years, staring back at her. His wrinkles were so defined that it looked like the topography of a map. Just gazing into those twinkling eyes made the Chancellor feel completely inferior. How many wars had been seen through those eyes? How many battles had the elderly man fought in? Those were all questions that Jingyu Shenxian had. Though, she would never mouth out any of them.

“Saint Heigui, please rest assured. We will do our utmost to protect the Heigui Clan.” The Chancellor bowed.

“Mmmm… Where’s Han, Zemin and Tian?” The Spirit Saint asked.

“Saint Longyu Tian is rushing back from the neutral lands as we speak. The Prince is flying back with her as well. Saint Shenshe Zemin says that she will protect the northern islands while our own Saint Han will care for the southern ones, in addition to the Celestial Island itself.” Jingyu Shenxian faithfully replied. “We have cleared the area for you, Saint Heigui, to stay with your clan in this tumultuous period. You can rest assured and single-mindedly protect Heigui Enclave without worrying about the rest of the Lantis Republic.”

“That’s good...” The Spirit Saint grabbed his hands behind his back and smiled. “The Xuanwus will be arriving at any moment now. I will be the one arranging their beaching.”

“Haha, though I don’t know how the Black Masks are thinking about ruining the Heigui Clan, there’s no way that they’ll be able to defeat us if you’re in charge.” The Chancellor chuckled.

However, instead of giving the woman a straight answer, Heigui Zhengkang sighed and narrowed his eyes. He looked at the single obsidian shell hanging overhead, the icon of the Heigui Clan’s strength, with sentimental eyes as he said: “Yes… Yes, I think so too...”

❖❖❖

A hundred kilometres west of the Heigui Enclave.

Bubbles rose to the surface of the choppy oceans while the chilling winds brought even more high waves to the table. Two shadows rose from the bottom of the effervescence as if two artificial islands were being created in the middle of the ocean. Naturally, that was further from the truth. The first shadow emerged from the waters like a blue whale coming up for air. It revealed its crimson red exterior with an emerald snake’s tail. Mane as bloody as a vampire’s breakfast, the creature looked like a manifestation of a natural disaster.

“Rarara, we’re finally here!” Akai, the Lion Chimaera, chortled in bliss.

As he surfaced, the other shadow quickly made its entrance. An oval platform filled to the brim with wood and trees, the creature within was genuinely making an island in the middle of the ocean. Midori, the Gargantuan Treant, deliberately flattened his body to elude detection by the Lantis Republic.

“Yes… We’re here… After five-long days...”

“Rarara! Why must we attack this stupid water country?! I fucking hate swimming!”

“Don’t insult… Kuro’s plans...”

“Rarara! That’s the problem with you, Midori! You don’t stand up for yourself! That’s why we’ve been pushed around so often!” The Lion Chimaera hollered.

“You… Talking… Futile...” Midori couldn’t find the strength to argue with his partner anymore and turned his attention towards their target. Heigui Enclave was now surrounded with a hefty amount of battleships with thousands of smaller ships patrolling around. Though he didn’t have the best eyesight, Midori was fairly certain that there was aerial and underwater support as well.

On the other hand, the Black Masks only had a handful of submarines and Umbras on their side. Yes, they had two elite Tier 9 Spirit Beasts leading the charge, but it was wholly useless against the combined might of the Lantis Republic’s Spirit Saints. The moment Akai and Midori moved, the entire Lantis Republic would be informed, and a bloodbath would ensue. Just… It would be the Black Masks’ blood that would flow, given the current circumstances. Thus, Midori could only look for their one ray of hope in this raid.

“Hey… Has our… contact… called?”

“Rarara! Not yet!” Akai roared. “Rarara! So what if he calls or not?! Let’s just raid the place! We have the firepower to destroy the enclave in a matter of seconds!”

“Fool...” If the Gargantuan Treant had a human face, it would certainly be turning red with rage and embarrassment by now. “We… wait for… signal...”

“Rarara, you’re no fun!” Akai cursed. However, he didn’t raise a single paw to charge forward. In all operations, he was the muscle, while Midori was the brain. If Akai didn’t follow Midori’s orders, Kuro would be the first one in line to mete out his punishment.

“Let’s... take our positions... and wait...” Midori had to repeat himself to ensure that Akai got the memo. They couldn’t risk losing their positions until their contact had finished their necessary preparations.

“Rarara, fine!” Rolling his eyes, Akai sunk back into the water and the next time he resurfaced…

The Heigui Enclave would be engulfed in an ocean of flames.