Chapter 22: The Underwater Battle

The giant black fish broke free from its watery prison and swam deeper into the pool. To prevent Xu Xuan and his companions from pursuing, it flashed with dark light, summoning sharp water swords that shot toward them. As these razor-edged blades raced toward Xu Xuan, Zhao Jinqian, standing beside him, flicked her slender fingers and conjured a swirling vortex before them. The surrounding waters gathered, forming a massive shield of water that enveloped both her and Xu Xuan.

The water swords struck the shield with muffled thuds. The brief delay allowed the black fish to widen the distance between itself and Xu Xuan. Just as the creature believed it could escape, it was suddenly struck by a tremendous force, staggering and spinning in the water. Its eyes, large as bronze bells, burned with fury as it turned to see the red carp had appeared nearby, unnoticed. The heavy blow had come from the red carp, who, seeing the black fish attempt to flee, ignored its own injuries and rammed into it, determined to hold it back.

Within moments, Xu Xuan and Zhao Jinqian had caught up. Without a word, Xu Xuan gripped his golden mace and brought it crashing down upon the black fish with a force like splitting a mountain. This time, Xu Xuan struck with all his might, leaving no chance for escape. With a dull boom, the golden mace struck the black fish’s spine.

The creature let out a pained roar, thrashing wildly in the water, its fins flailing like limbs, spilling crimson blood. Xu Xuan pressed his advantage, channeling his spiritual power to enlarge his Scarlet Mist Sword in an instant. In the blink of an eye, it became a massive blade over ten feet long, exuding a sharp, chilling aura. The sword sang, then transformed into a streak of light, piercing the still-spasming black fish and nailing it firmly to the bottom of the pool. Blood gushed out, dyeing the waters scarlet.

The black fish writhed in agony but could not break free from the grip of the Scarlet Mist Sword. Water churned and swirled as the fish glared with hate, opening its maw wide to bite Xu Xuan, but the distance was too great—its efforts were futile. Its mouth was filled with rows of jagged teeth, terrifying to behold; a bite from them would be agonizing.

“Hmph, let’s see how arrogant you remain now, beast!”

Pinned to the pool’s floor, the black fish writhed helplessly. Xu Xuan leapt onto its head, wielding the golden mace and began pounding its skull.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Each blow echoed dully. The black fish’s head was sturdy indeed; Xu Xuan struck it over a dozen times, yet it refused to die. But after the barrage, the creature ceased struggling, left with only a faint breath. Finally recognizing its predicament, its enormous eyes showed a pleading look, hoping Xu Xuan would spare its life.

Xu Xuan showed no mercy to such a vile demon. He raised the golden mace and delivered several fierce blows to its head, smashing its skull and ending its life. Only then did Xu Xuan, gasping for breath, lower his weapon.

The golden mace was no ordinary tool; it destroyed both the black fish’s physical body and its sinister spirit, dispersing its soul completely.

“At last, it’s dead. Now there’s hope for a braised black fish feast.”

With those words, Xu Xuan dragged the dead fish ashore. He tossed it onto the bank and finally examined the creature closely. Its body was pitch black, patterned with black and white markings, densely covered in scales—a true giant catfish.

“You’ve slain the black fish, young master. Another menace has been re