Six months later
All members of Shrek Academy were gathered by the coast. This time, everyone was present except for Dai Mubai.
"Since everyone is here, I'll call Xiao Bai over."
Dugu Yan, seeing that everyone had arrived, suddenly produced a white conch shell in her hand.
This conch had been given to her by Xiao Bai. As long as she was within range of the ocean, Xiao Bai could sense its sound and rush over at maximum speed.
*Wuwuwu—*
The conch's sound echoed across the coastline.
Not long after, numerous shark fins appeared near the shore, their numbers vast. The massive leading shark flicked its tail, sending a surge of water into the air as a colossal white figure rapidly approached them.
In the blink of an eye, it had already reached the shallows.
The white figure grew larger in their vision. To their astonishment, the enormous Demon Soul Great White Shark King leapt out of the water, soaring into the air.
Blinding gray-blue light radiated from its sleek, streamlined body. Strangely, its form began shrinking rapidly amidst the glow.
Within moments, it transformed into a tall girl standing before the members of Shrek Academy.
She stood nearly one hundred ninety centimeters tall—a height that would appear awkward on most girls, yet her figure was perfectly proportioned.
Clad in what appeared to be white leather attire, her curves were accentuated flawlessly. Her long gray-blue hair cascaded down her back, reaching the ground. Her eyes, also gray-blue, shimmered faintly against her pale skin, which glowed with a subtle bluish hue. Her high nose bridge and angular, chiseled features gave her an exotic, striking charm.
"Xiao Bai," Oscar called out teasingly.
Xiao Bai shot him a glare. "Only the Sea God has the right to call me that. You humans don't have that privilege."
Turning to Dugu Yan, Xiao Bai eagerly bounded forward and clung to her right arm.
"Hehe, Yan Yan, it's been so long! Are we ready to complete the fourth trial?"
The previously aloof beauty now radiated childlike enthusiasm.
"Of course, Xiao Bai. We're all set. This time, our lineup includes one Title Douluo, one quasi-Title Douluo, four Soul Douluos, and several Soul Saints.
With Rongrong's support, our combat power should effectively double. And with Ling Ling's healing abilities, your clan's casualties should be minimal."
Dugu Yan detailed the group's strengths to reassure Xiao Bai.
"That's wonderful news! However, the Evil Demon Tiger Whales aren't easy opponents. Unlike me, they're ruthless creatures of the sea.
Aside from the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, who can somewhat intimidate them, these brutes are known for wreaking havoc unchecked. You'll need to proceed with caution."
Zhu Zhuqing asked, "Just how powerful are these Evil Demon Tiger Whales? Our mission still needs to be completed. Judging from your tone, I assume your clan's relationship with them isn't exactly friendly."
"Friendly?" Xiao Bai gritted her teeth. "My younger brother was devoured by the Evil Demon Tiger Whale King. If I had the strength, I'd have obliterated that filth from the ocean long ago.
Among us sea soul beasts, there's a hierarchy. Broadly speaking, we Demon Soul Great White Sharks, the Deep Sea Demon Whales, and the Evil Demon Tiger Whales occupy the top tier of the oceanic food chain.
But in reality, there are distinctions between us. The Deep Sea Demon Whale is undoubtedly the strongest, though their numbers are extremely low. They live solitary lives.
Moreover, Deep Sea Demon Whales are incredibly lazy. They usually just open their massive mouths underwater and wait for food to come to them. Excluding the Deep Sea Demon Whales, the fiercest contenders are the Evil Demon Tiger Whales.
Though I hate to admit it, those defilers of the ocean are stronger than us."
Her eyes burned with hatred as she continued, "Evil Demon Tiger Whales are exceedingly bloodthirsty sea soul beasts. Even the Deep Sea Demon Whale King avoids provoking them.
They're pack hunters, and since they have almost no natural predators, their numbers are significant. These oceanic pests are relentless, killing indiscriminately even when not hungry. Any creature they encounter is mercilessly torn apart. All sea soul beasts despise them.
It's only due to their overwhelming strength that no one dares challenge them. About five hundred kilometers from here lies an Evil Demon Tiger Whale group—they're our sworn enemies.
Every few decades or centuries, our two clans engage in a holy war."
Seeing Xiao Bai's evident apprehension, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but ask, "You lost?"
Reluctantly, Xiao Bai nodded. "We've always been at a disadvantage. If not for their fear of approaching Sea God Island and incurring the wrath of the Sea God, our clan might have perished long ago."
Dugu Yan interjected, "Since we're going to face them, Xiao Bai, tell us more about the current state of the Evil Demon Tiger Whales."
"Mm, I've gathered some intel. Recently, a Deep Sea Titan Python clashed with the Evil Demon Tiger Whale King. The python intended to hunt the Evil Demon Tiger Whales for sustenance.
Oh, you probably don't know this—Deep Sea Titan Pythons, Sea Thunder Dragon Jiao Longs, and Sea Azure Divine Eagles are among the dominant forces of the ocean, all hundred-thousand-year soul beasts.
However, the Sea Azure Divine Eagle and the Sea Thunder Dragon Jiao Long were likely hunted down by that bastard Li Luochen. He led a team to kill them, and my clansmen witnessed it.
When the Deep Sea Titan Python returned home, it discovered the bodies of its elder brother and sister. It immediately blamed the Evil Demon Tiger Whale King, accusing it of delaying the fight. Had it not been held up, the python wouldn't have returned to find its home raided.
Enraged, the python directed its fury toward the Evil Demon Tiger Whale clan and severely wounded them recently.
The Evil Demon Tiger Whale King was gravely injured and is currently recuperating. So, we're fortunate."
Dugu Yan hadn't expected so much to have transpired during that soul-hunting expedition. Coincidentally, the left arm bone she had replaced came from a ten-thousand-year Sea Thunder Dragon Jiao Long.
She then asked, "What about the Deep Sea Titan Python? Was it defeated by the Evil Demon Tiger Whale clan?"
Xiao Bai shook her head. "No, the python was heavily wounded—perhaps even worse than the Evil Demon Tiger Whale King. After all, it fought the entire Evil Demon Tiger Whale clan alone.
Besides the hundred-thousand-year Evil Demon Tiger Whale King, their clan includes two ninety-thousand-year-level whales and dozens of others above fifty-thousand years.
Even the python's formidable defenses couldn't withstand such odds."
"Understood. Then let's get moving." Dugu Yan made up her mind. Such a golden opportunity couldn't be missed!
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