Chapter 28
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Li Xi was unaware of what was happening in the house as he led the other four mermaids to explore, directing them to search for clues. He roamed around the underwater kingdom, curious about the mermaids’ world he had never visited before. The kingdom resembled the human world in many ways, with various shops offering a variety of goods. Li Xi, filled with curiosity, entered a jewelry store and was immediately surrounded by the attending mermaids.
It had been over a hundred years since he had experienced such enthusiastic reception. Only back when he was an ordinary duke’s son, people would treat him warmly when he went shopping due to his status and outstanding appearance. After becoming the Demon King, everyone feared him, and no one dared to approach him closely.
Li Xi’s expression changed slightly as he tried a few jewelry items they recommended. He picked three in total – a necklace, a bracelet, and a tail chain. The store attendant placed them on the tip of his tail, and the deep red gemstones adorned the azure scales, creating a harmonious combination.
If it weren’t for the fear of being repulsive, the store attendant even thought about discreetly touching him. Truly, someone favored by the Sea God, with scales even more dazzling than theirs.
Since there was no universal currency, Li Xi exchanged several talismans for the items. His talismans were made from top-notch materials, more than enough for several beautiful accessories. The store owner even allowed him to pick two additional sets.
Dressed in a sparkling ensemble, Li Xi went to the nearby veil shop and bought a light blue veil. The fabric was said to be made from silk produced by specially bred water silkworms, impervious to human weapons, and could reduce water resistance when swimming.
Of course, the most important aspect was that it looked good.
Li Xi admired himself in the mirror. The ethereal light blue veil covered his originally bare upper body, creating a mysterious aura with its semi-concealed design. Combined with the gorgeous accessories he had just bought, he looked like he was dressed for an extravagant occasion.
He tied his hair back, revealing a smooth forehead. He smiled, softening his sharp and formidable facial features.
“Li Xi,” someone called him from outside.
Li Xi flattened his lips and turned to see the soldier from before.
“The king has summoned you to the palace,” the soldier said, finally looking up at him with an infatuated gaze.
“I’ll go in with you too.” The little octopus, who had disappeared earlier, suddenly appeared, waving its eight tentacles as it swam to his side. “This outfit suits you well.”
“I think so too.” Li Xi smiled, “Brother Duan will surely like it.”
“Rumors say that people with a seemingly restrained persona like this kind of half-concealed, half-inviting feeling, wanting to personally remove their clothes,” the little octopus said, before changing the subject. “Let’s go to the palace.”
Marine creatures didn’t really have concepts of chastity or loyalty. If Li Xi hadn’t insisted on being faithful in relationships, he wouldn’t mind causing trouble for Duan Zhen.
Getting along harmoniously in the harem with everyone together sounded good.
“I’ll inform the others,” Li Xi nodded.
He didn’t plan to bring the others along. In case the king didn’t cooperate and he needed to use force, it would be inconvenient with others present. Besides, there was a risk of them accidentally revealing something in front of Duan Zhen.
“I’ll let them know,” the soldier said. “The king is waiting for you.”
Li Xi followed the soldier into the crystal palace. Everything here was made of crystal, and standing outside, he could see the inside of the palace. He could even see the king sitting on the crystal throne, his long hair scattered, one hand supporting his head with a weary half-closed eye.
The king had a dazzling golden fish tail, and large, shining tail fins. He wore a light golden veil around his waist, and his appearance surpassed even Li Xi’s, fitting the definition of a sea deity more than him.
“You’ve arrived,” the king swam down from the throne, his voice ethereal. “I heard you want to turn your human partner into a merman?”
“Yes,” Li Xi nodded. “I hope to use the Tail Transformation Pool for that purpose.”
“No problem,” the king agreed readily, approaching him. “But the use of the Tail Transformation Pool is very dangerous. The process is extremely painful, and those with weak wills won’t endure it.”
“Painful?” Li Xi’s expression changed.
“Yes,” the king placed a hand on his shoulder. “Why not leave him as he is, living beneath the sea? They are trapped in the deep sea, unable to leave without the help of a mermaid. You can manipulate him at will.”
Li Xi’s brows moved slightly.
“People are fickle. They may pledge their love now, but it could be just to deceive you,” the king lowered his voice. “So-called loyalty is a joke, but keeping them in human form underwater, they will be completely dependent on you. You will have complete control and ownership over him.”
Li Xi stared at him expressionlessly. “I won’t betray him.”
The king chuckled softly, swimming away from him. “Don’t make such a terrifying expression. I’m just offering a suggestion.”
His gaze fell on the little octopus. “You must be Ukel, the ocean witch of this generation.”
The title of Ocean Witch was passed down through generations, and all witches would inherit the name Ukel, abandoning their original names.
The little octopus bowed slightly. “Ukel pays respects to Your Majesty.”
The king’s smile deepened.
He handed a black key to Li Xi. “This is the key to the Tail Transformation Pool. The Witch will guide you to its location. If you change your mind, feel free to find me anytime. The palace gates are always open to you, regardless of your identity.”
Li Xi showed no interest in his words. He took the key and swam out, turning to see the little octopus following him. He furrowed his brows. “Is there no way to alleviate the pain?”
“There is,” Ukel nodded. He pursed his pale lips, “It requires a certain plant. When consumed, it causes partial numbness.”
Li Xi stared at him for a moment and then smiled, “You won’t deceive me, will you?”
Ukel’s already pale face seemed to grow even whiter, and he lowered his head, mumbling an affirmative response.
He wasn’t lying. When mermaids consumed that plant, they would lose sensation in half of their body, the duration depending on their strength. As for humans, they would likely lose all sensation, eventually swallowed by the Tail Transformation Pool.
Li Xi squinted his eyes, noticing Ukel’s discomfort, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he swam towards the house, leaving Ukel trailing behind, his eyes flickering.
“Li Xi, I need to talk to you,” Ukel suddenly spoke up.
Li Xi lazily responded, “If it’s a confession, forget it.”
“That human doesn’t actually like you,” Ukel declared loudly. “Why must you choose him?”
Li Xi halted, raising his chin, “He will like me.”
“But he’s not worthy of you,” Ukel tightly pursed his lips. “He’s not worthy of the promise of a lifetime you gave him.”
“You don’t understand him, so how do you know he’s not worthy?” Li Xi gazed at him. “Duan Zhen’s soul is the most beautiful and dazzling I’ve ever seen. He possesses precious qualities.”
Swinging his tail, Li Xi swam next to Ukel, bringing his face close, almost touching.
In those eyes that shone with a deep blue in the ocean, there was ice and a hint of mockery. “At least he won’t be like you, making promises and stabbing people in the back.”
Ukel’s pupils suddenly shrank, and he urgently spoke, “I didn’t!”
Li Xi ignored his denial, turning away to leave.
“You’re just pretending to be kind and weak in front of him. What’s the use?” Ukel suddenly said, “I can feel it. We’re the same type of people. Do you plan to pretend forever?”
“The underwater world will always be survival of the fittest. The strong are respected,” Ukel said coldly. “To get what you want, you must snatch it, tightly grip it in your hands to feel secure. You like a human, but there’s no need to learn their fragile emotions.”
Li Xi no longer wanted to continue the conversation, “We have different pursuits. You can’t understand my approach, nor can you understand human emotions.”
He acknowledged that human emotions were fragile and changeable, but that wasn’t true for everyone. In the short lifespan of humans, there was always something they held onto, and there were people who possessed souls as beautiful as gemstones.
“Li Xi.” As they stood in a stalemate, they suddenly heard Duan Zhen’s voice.
Li Xi looked up, seeing Duan Zhen swimming towards them from a distance, followed by a group of people with worried expressions.
“Why did you come out?” Li Xi was taken aback and quickly swam over, pretending to check and embrace him. “Are you injured anywhere?”
In reality, he didn’t even smell the scent of blood.
Duan Zhen calmly pressed down Li Xi’s hand attempting to lift his own clothes. “None of us are injured,” he said, adding, “Not long after you left, some mermaids tried to rush into the room. It seems they followed us after seeing us, all the way from the city.”
He furrowed his brows, seeming not in a very good mood. After all, it wasn’t easy to maintain a pleasant mood when everyone along the way was salivating.
“Where are those mermaids?” Li Xi squinted slightly.
“Knocked them out and threw them out,” Duan Zhen replied. “After all, this is the territory of the mermaids. No bloodshed.”
Li Xi wanted to suggest they should have been killed, but considering his own character, he coughed lightly and praised, “Brother Duan is amazing! Being able to fight off mermaids even in the water.”
“Fortunately, they underestimated us,” Duan Zhen shook his head. “Mermaids are much stronger than ordinary humans, and they have strong self-healing abilities. Ordinary people would probably have no chance against them… although it might be different on land.”
Li Xi clapped his hands energetically.
Duan Zhen gave him a helpless look. “So, did the king agree?”
“He did,” Li Xi nodded. “Now, we just need to find the medicinal herbs.”
Saying this, he suddenly remembered that he had dressed up today, but Duan Zhen showed no reaction at all.
Looking at the people following behind them, who were already looking amazed, Li Xi wondered why Duan Zhen didn’t seem to notice.
“Now, do I look good?” Li Xi deliberately leaned close to Duan Jing’s face, then moved away, opening his arms and turning in a circle. The chiffon veil floated with the water flow, revealing his strong waist.
The chain of droplet-shaped diamond necklaces stuck to his neck, making his fair skin even more radiant.
Duan Zhen’s throat tightened, silently reciting ‘eighteen years old, eighteen years old,’ trying to stay calm. Eventually, he nodded with composure, “Looks good.”
Li Xi felt that this wasn’t the reaction he hoped for, and he looked at Duan Zhen suspiciously, “Really?”
Approaching, he lifted his arm, and the rounded ruby bracelet slid down a bit from his wrist bone. The red color stood out prominently against his fair skin, drawing the attention of everyone present.
In front of everyone, Li Xi hugged Duan Zhen’s neck, grabbed his hand, and whispered, “I also have a tail chain. Feel which one has a better touch – the chain or my tail.”
This was nearly indistinguishable from seduction. Duan Zhen’s face stiffened, and for a moment, he seemed somewhat embarrassed. If possible, he might have torn the youth off and thrown him away.
Li Xi noticed that although his expression grew colder, his ears turned red. Knowing that his strategy was working, he went even further, sticking closer to him.
After holding back for a while, Duan Zhen, as if finding his tongue again, pushed Li Xi away while seemingly indifferent. “Though it looks good, it could affect combat performance.”
Following behind them, the eavesdroppers revealed expressions of disbelief.
Even though they were currently in reproductive isolation, the thought of a beautiful person approaching was enough for him to think about going into battle… Did all beauties prefer someone straightforward like a blockhead?!
Everyone felt a pang of heartache.
Li Xi burst into laughter, poking Duan Zhen’s earlobe with his hand. “You’re truly something, Brother Duan.”
Lowering his voice with a teasing smile, Li Xi said, “Your ears are red, huh? Looks like you’re not completely immune to my charms.”
Duan Zhen awkwardly turned his head. “You’re still young.”
That seemed to be the only line he knew how to say now.
Li Xi just chuckled without retorting.
…
When the other mermaids returned, Li Xi gathered everyone to go out and find the necessary medicinal herbs.
“We’ll go with you too,” a few humans seemed to have discussed.
Staying here, there might be numerous mermaids sneaking in for a surprise attack. With Duan Zhen, the only one capable of contending with mermaids underwater, absent, they might as well follow Li Xi’s group outside.
“That works,” Li Xi nodded. “But if you slow us down and get swallowed by a big fish, don’t blame me.”
“We’ll be careful,” the leader of the humans said.
This time, their task relied entirely on the support of the mermaid camp, so they wouldn’t dare to provoke Li Xi.
“Because there are five of you, you’ll need enough medicinal herbs for five people,” Li Xi rubbed his chin. “Collecting them might take a while.”
He really wanted to toss these people aside and let them find the herbs themselves. But with Duan Zhenwatching, he had to stay focused. He leaned closer to Duan Zhen, “Brother Duan, you take command. We’ll just lead the way.”
Duan Zhenmoved to the side, but Li Xi grabbed his arm, leaving him unable to escape.
Whether it was an illusion or not, Li Xi seemed to have become much more assertive since arriving in this world.
Although the situation was a bit awkward, Duan Zhen quickly regained his composure and said, “What clues have you gathered so far?”
“I asked around about the places where those creatures often appear,” a green-tailed mermaid said. “The giant shark is in the east, and blood can attract it, but it might also attract other hunters. The octopuses are in the abyss, hiding very well. Even mermaids can’t escape their ambush.”
“The witch should know the whereabouts of these creatures,” a black-tailed mermaid suggested. “Why not ask him?”
“It turned into a mess,” Li Xi replied nonchalantly.
“A mess?” The others were puzzled.
Considering how the witch clung to Li Xi earlier, it was hard to imagine them making a mess of things.
“He doesn’t want you to become mermaids,” Li Xi flashed a fake smile. “He wants to kill you, so it all fell apart.”
After saying that, he leaned in close to Duan Zhen’s ear and whispered, “He only wants to kill you. Be careful, Brother Duan.”
Even though the others couldn’t hear, they could vaguely guess.
The witch clearly liked Li Xi, and the reason for his change of heart was likely due to unrequited love. Blue flames were harmful wherever they went.
However, they couldn’t blame Li Xi. After all, without him, the wizard probably wouldn’t have been willing to help them in the first place.
“According to the king, the transformation from humans to mermaids is extremely painful. Be mentally prepared,” Li Xi added. He planned to find the plant that Ukel mentioned, even though the information was concealed. Still, losing consciousness seemed to be accurate.
The group exchanged glances, but none of them objected. If not becoming mermaids meant facing the entire mermaid kingdom in battle, they would rather trust their willpower to endure the pain.
“Let’s head east first,” Duan Zhen suggested. “We need at least five giant sharks.”
They needed the tails of the giant sharks.
“Take it slow,” someone advised. “We don’t even know if we can defeat the giant sharks. It’s not worth it if we end up being eaten instead.”
Duan Zhen remained silent.
When he fought against the mermaids just now, he realized that his strength had inexplicably increased. His power was greater than before, and his dynamic vision had improved. Duan Zhen was meticulous about controlling his strength, so he immediately sensed this change.
Initially, he thought it might be due to the seaweed, but when he tentatively asked the others, they hadn’t felt any change in themselves.
… Perhaps it was the blood? But that seemed like baseless speculation.
Duan Zhen pondered various thoughts but didn’t express them. He silently led everyone to the east. They were fortunate; they didn’t need to lure the sharks, as they spotted a massive figure chasing prey in the distance.
The red color and the scent of blood spread, and Li Xi wrinkled his nose in disgust, not wanting to get close to that area.
Duan Jing immediately noticed this and casually released his hand. “Li Xi, you protect them. Surround the giant shark, don’t let it escape. I’ll handle the attack.”
“Can you handle it?” the green-tailed mermaid asked. “You don’t look like you could swallow it in one go.”
“I trust Brother Duan,” Li Xi, now back to his sweet appearance, cheered from the side. “Brother Duan is very powerful.”
“Yeah, he fought against two mermaids by himself earlier, and they couldn’t even touch him,” the person behind Li Xi added.
The giant shark resembled those with the terrifying size seen in movies. Duan Zhen stood in front of it, so tiny that he couldn’t even be noticed.
A few mermaids charging forward also seemed a bit hesitant, keeping a safe distance from the giant shark. Such a massive creature could create a powerful tidal force by flicking its tail in the water. The advantage of having the identity of a mermaid allowed them to control the water easily, maintaining stability.
As a human, Duan Zhen was exceptionally agile in the water, and he quickly swam to the top of the giant shark.
A shining golden longsword appeared in Duan Zhen’s hand, emitting a radiant glow that seemed to illuminate the surrounding sea. The giant shark, accustomed to darkness, was suddenly stimulated by this bright light. It writhed in agony and charged straight at Duan Zhen.
“Where did this sword come from?” Li Xi was puzzled. He had been following Duan Zhen and had never seen him use a sword before – Duan Zhen’s weapons were always a spear or his own fists.
“It’s an item automatically bound when entering the world,” a person who managed to keep up behind Li Xi explained. “When entering this world, everything on your person is taken away, but everyone has a weapon, usually stored in a folded space.”
Li Xi pondered, “This doesn’t look like an ordinary weapon.”
It seemed that this world wasn’t entirely inclined toward mermaids. In this small world, these weapons could even be considered artifacts. However, at the beginning, this group of people had treated them like ordinary bows and arrows, unable to unleash their true power.
Duan Zhen was truly remarkable, using the weapon skillfully right after obtaining it.
Li Xi watched as Duan Zhen fought the giant shark, seemingly without much effort. The sword in his hand swiftly pierced into the shark’s body, and a tremendous force erupted, shattering the giant shark’s internal organs.
Unable to endure the pain, the giant shark struggled intensely, causing the water to churn. Seeing that it might drag several nearby mermaids into its turmoil, Duan Zhen leaped from the shark’s back, seemingly unaffected by the water flow. He rushed to one side and pulled a mermaid by the tail away from danger.
The next moment, the massive fish tail swept from the side. Judging by the momentum, if it had hit someone, even a mermaid, it would have undoubtedly broken several bones.
“Thank… thank you.” The mermaid saved was the black-and-white-tailed one who had been besieged by them earlier. Nearly dying at the hands of the human camp before, he was now rescued again, feeling quite complex emotions.
“Be more careful,” Duan Zhen said calmly.
He turned back to the giant shark, which, in its final struggle, tried to counterattack before gradually weakening. The colossal body sank slowly.
Thinking they would be the main force in the battle, the mermaids pushed the giant shark into the palace, where it would be a source of food for the mermaids. Giant sharks were a kind of food for mermaids, but due to their immense size, it required a team effort to hunt them down, which was troublesome. As a result, it was rare for them to actually eat giant sharks.
Li Xi sold off the other parts of the giant shark, leaving only the fish tails stored in the house.
Using this method, they hunted down four more giant sharks. The most dangerous situation occurred when the scent of blood attracted two giant sharks at once. Even Li Xi couldn’t help but want to take action. Unexpectedly, Duan Zhen used his body’s size to move between the two sharks, causing them to fight each other and ultimately killing both.
“Brother Duan, are you tired?” Li Xi directed others to cut off the fish tails, which were stacked inside the house. Feeling the surge of blood in the air, he wrinkled his nose in disgust, slammed the door shut with a clatter, and sealed the smell with the filtering enchantment on the door. Only then did he relax and approach Duan Zhen.
“I’m fine,” Duan Zhen shook his head.
Having just killed five giant sharks, the lingering killing intent on him had yet to subside. Just standing there made it seem as if one could see a sea of blood and mountains of corpses.
“This guy must have been on the battlefield before entering the game,” someone murmured. “Even a wanted criminal who killed dozens of people doesn’t exude as much murderous aura as him.”
Li Xi touched his nose, looking seemingly oblivious, and still approached with a smile, wrapping his arms around Duan Zhen’s and leaning on him. The sigh from Li Xi was heard. Beautiful people were not simple, and big shots caught the eyes of beautiful people were even more complicated. The so-called fairy tale of a beautiful person helping the poor was just a made-up story.
Li Xi ignored their opinions, hanging onto Duan Zhen’s arm. “Let me massage your arm. You’ve been working hard today; you must be tired.”
Duan Zhen felt a bit uncomfortable and tried to pull his arm away. “It’s okay, resting for a night will be enough.”
“No, it won’t work,” Li Xi pouted, dragging Duan Zhen into his room. “I bought a lot of things for humans. You’ll stay with me for these days.”
He pushed Duan Zhen into a large seashell. As the shell closed, the water inside gradually drained out, and the air became dry, even carrying a faint scent of jasmine.
Inside was a space-expanding enchantment added by Li Xi himself. Although it looked like a large seashell from the outside, the interior was as large as a room, with the centerpiece being a water bed.
Li Xi pulled Duan Zhen over, made him lie down, and sat beside him, massaging his arms.
Ah, these arm muscles were really something.
Although Li Xi maintained a serious expression on the surface, his thoughts were already wandering. Starting with an earnest massage, his hands gradually moved to other places.
Duan Zhen knew he wouldn’t be that honest and silently placed his hand to stop him.
The two locked eyes for a moment, and Li Xi cleared his throat. “To apply force, it’s essential to use your waist. Let me massage it for you; otherwise, your back will ache tomorrow.”
Duan Zhen looked at him in silence.
Blushing, Li Xi said, “I didn’t mean to say your waist is bad; it’s just… You’re tired today, and I want to help you relax a bit.”
“Sleep,” Duan Zhen replied helplessly, lightly tapping his head. “At such a young age, what are you thinking about?”
Of course, he was thinking about a beautiful body!
Li Xi’s eyes rolled around for a moment, and he tucked his head into Duan Zhen’s arms. “It’s so cold; can Brother Duan hold me while sleeping?”
While saying this, Li Xi’s big tail slapped onto Duan Zhen, putting himself in a strange posture.
Duan Zhen felt stiff.
“Can mermaids stay out of the water for such a long time?” He tried to push away the tail on his body.
“No problem,” Li Xi buried his face in Duan Zhen’s neck, rubbing against it. He swallowed, “Brother Duan, you smell so good.”
He was starting to feel hungry.
Li Xi… You keep on making me blush >///>
I will leave with you this author’s note for this chapter hehe:
Duan Zhen: Are you trying to sleep with me or eat me???
Li Xi: I can do both *blush*
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Li Xi was unaware of what was happening in the house as he led the other four mermaids to explore, directing them to search for clues. He roamed around the underwater kingdom, curious about the mermaids’ world he had never visited before. The kingdom resembled the human world in many ways, with various shops offering a variety of goods. Li Xi, filled with curiosity, entered a jewelry store and was immediately surrounded by the attending mermaids.
It had been over a hundred years since he had experienced such enthusiastic reception. Only back when he was an ordinary duke’s son, people would treat him warmly when he went shopping due to his status and outstanding appearance. After becoming the Demon King, everyone feared him, and no one dared to approach him closely.
Li Xi’s expression changed slightly as he tried a few jewelry items they recommended. He picked three in total – a necklace, a bracelet, and a tail chain. The store attendant placed them on the tip of his tail, and the deep red gemstones adorned the azure scales, creating a harmonious combination.
If it weren’t for the fear of being repulsive, the store attendant even thought about discreetly touching him. Truly, someone favored by the Sea God, with scales even more dazzling than theirs.
Since there was no universal currency, Li Xi exchanged several talismans for the items. His talismans were made from top-notch materials, more than enough for several beautiful accessories. The store owner even allowed him to pick two additional sets.
Dressed in a sparkling ensemble, Li Xi went to the nearby veil shop and bought a light blue veil. The fabric was said to be made from silk produced by specially bred water silkworms, impervious to human weapons, and could reduce water resistance when swimming.
Of course, the most important aspect was that it looked good.
Li Xi admired himself in the mirror. The ethereal light blue veil covered his originally bare upper body, creating a mysterious aura with its semi-concealed design. Combined with the gorgeous accessories he had just bought, he looked like he was dressed for an extravagant occasion.
He tied his hair back, revealing a smooth forehead. He smiled, softening his sharp and formidable facial features.
“Li Xi,” someone called him from outside.
Li Xi flattened his lips and turned to see the soldier from before.
“The king has summoned you to the palace,” the soldier said, finally looking up at him with an infatuated gaze.
“I’ll go in with you too.” The little octopus, who had disappeared earlier, suddenly appeared, waving its eight tentacles as it swam to his side. “This outfit suits you well.”
“I think so too.” Li Xi smiled, “Brother Duan will surely like it.”
“Rumors say that people with a seemingly restrained persona like this kind of half-concealed, half-inviting feeling, wanting to personally remove their clothes,” the little octopus said, before changing the subject. “Let’s go to the palace.”
Marine creatures didn’t really have concepts of chastity or loyalty. If Li Xi hadn’t insisted on being faithful in relationships, he wouldn’t mind causing trouble for Duan Zhen.
Getting along harmoniously in the harem with everyone together sounded good.
“I’ll inform the others,” Li Xi nodded.
He didn’t plan to bring the others along. In case the king didn’t cooperate and he needed to use force, it would be inconvenient with others present. Besides, there was a risk of them accidentally revealing something in front of Duan Zhen.
“I’ll let them know,” the soldier said. “The king is waiting for you.”
Li Xi followed the soldier into the crystal palace. Everything here was made of crystal, and standing outside, he could see the inside of the palace. He could even see the king sitting on the crystal throne, his long hair scattered, one hand supporting his head with a weary half-closed eye.
The king had a dazzling golden fish tail, and large, shining tail fins. He wore a light golden veil around his waist, and his appearance surpassed even Li Xi’s, fitting the definition of a sea deity more than him.
“You’ve arrived,” the king swam down from the throne, his voice ethereal. “I heard you want to turn your human partner into a merman?”
“Yes,” Li Xi nodded. “I hope to use the Tail Transformation Pool for that purpose.”
“No problem,” the king agreed readily, approaching him. “But the use of the Tail Transformation Pool is very dangerous. The process is extremely painful, and those with weak wills won’t endure it.”
“Painful?” Li Xi’s expression changed.
“Yes,” the king placed a hand on his shoulder. “Why not leave him as he is, living beneath the sea? They are trapped in the deep sea, unable to leave without the help of a mermaid. You can manipulate him at will.”
Li Xi’s brows moved slightly.
“People are fickle. They may pledge their love now, but it could be just to deceive you,” the king lowered his voice. “So-called loyalty is a joke, but keeping them in human form underwater, they will be completely dependent on you. You will have complete control and ownership over him.”
Li Xi stared at him expressionlessly. “I won’t betray him.”
The king chuckled softly, swimming away from him. “Don’t make such a terrifying expression. I’m just offering a suggestion.”
His gaze fell on the little octopus. “You must be Ukel, the ocean witch of this generation.”
The title of Ocean Witch was passed down through generations, and all witches would inherit the name Ukel, abandoning their original names.
The little octopus bowed slightly. “Ukel pays respects to Your Majesty.”
The king’s smile deepened.
He handed a black key to Li Xi. “This is the key to the Tail Transformation Pool. The Witch will guide you to its location. If you change your mind, feel free to find me anytime. The palace gates are always open to you, regardless of your identity.”
Li Xi showed no interest in his words. He took the key and swam out, turning to see the little octopus following him. He furrowed his brows. “Is there no way to alleviate the pain?”
“There is,” Ukel nodded. He pursed his pale lips, “It requires a certain plant. When consumed, it causes partial numbness.”
Li Xi stared at him for a moment and then smiled, “You won’t deceive me, will you?”
Ukel’s already pale face seemed to grow even whiter, and he lowered his head, mumbling an affirmative response.
He wasn’t lying. When mermaids consumed that plant, they would lose sensation in half of their body, the duration depending on their strength. As for humans, they would likely lose all sensation, eventually swallowed by the Tail Transformation Pool.
Li Xi squinted his eyes, noticing Ukel’s discomfort, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he swam towards the house, leaving Ukel trailing behind, his eyes flickering.
“Li Xi, I need to talk to you,” Ukel suddenly spoke up.
Li Xi lazily responded, “If it’s a confession, forget it.”
“That human doesn’t actually like you,” Ukel declared loudly. “Why must you choose him?”
Li Xi halted, raising his chin, “He will like me.”
“But he’s not worthy of you,” Ukel tightly pursed his lips. “He’s not worthy of the promise of a lifetime you gave him.”
“You don’t understand him, so how do you know he’s not worthy?” Li Xi gazed at him. “Duan Zhen’s soul is the most beautiful and dazzling I’ve ever seen. He possesses precious qualities.”
Swinging his tail, Li Xi swam next to Ukel, bringing his face close, almost touching.
In those eyes that shone with a deep blue in the ocean, there was ice and a hint of mockery. “At least he won’t be like you, making promises and stabbing people in the back.”
Ukel’s pupils suddenly shrank, and he urgently spoke, “I didn’t!”
Li Xi ignored his denial, turning away to leave.
“You’re just pretending to be kind and weak in front of him. What’s the use?” Ukel suddenly said, “I can feel it. We’re the same type of people. Do you plan to pretend forever?”
“The underwater world will always be survival of the fittest. The strong are respected,” Ukel said coldly. “To get what you want, you must snatch it, tightly grip it in your hands to feel secure. You like a human, but there’s no need to learn their fragile emotions.”
Li Xi no longer wanted to continue the conversation, “We have different pursuits. You can’t understand my approach, nor can you understand human emotions.”
He acknowledged that human emotions were fragile and changeable, but that wasn’t true for everyone. In the short lifespan of humans, there was always something they held onto, and there were people who possessed souls as beautiful as gemstones.
“Li Xi.” As they stood in a stalemate, they suddenly heard Duan Zhen’s voice.
Li Xi looked up, seeing Duan Zhen swimming towards them from a distance, followed by a group of people with worried expressions.
“Why did you come out?” Li Xi was taken aback and quickly swam over, pretending to check and embrace him. “Are you injured anywhere?”
In reality, he didn’t even smell the scent of blood.
Duan Zhen calmly pressed down Li Xi’s hand attempting to lift his own clothes. “None of us are injured,” he said, adding, “Not long after you left, some mermaids tried to rush into the room. It seems they followed us after seeing us, all the way from the city.”
He furrowed his brows, seeming not in a very good mood. After all, it wasn’t easy to maintain a pleasant mood when everyone along the way was salivating.
“Where are those mermaids?” Li Xi squinted slightly.
“Knocked them out and threw them out,” Duan Zhen replied. “After all, this is the territory of the mermaids. No bloodshed.”
Li Xi wanted to suggest they should have been killed, but considering his own character, he coughed lightly and praised, “Brother Duan is amazing! Being able to fight off mermaids even in the water.”
“Fortunately, they underestimated us,” Duan Zhen shook his head. “Mermaids are much stronger than ordinary humans, and they have strong self-healing abilities. Ordinary people would probably have no chance against them… although it might be different on land.”
Li Xi clapped his hands energetically.
Duan Zhen gave him a helpless look. “So, did the king agree?”
“He did,” Li Xi nodded. “Now, we just need to find the medicinal herbs.”
Saying this, he suddenly remembered that he had dressed up today, but Duan Zhen showed no reaction at all.
Looking at the people following behind them, who were already looking amazed, Li Xi wondered why Duan Zhen didn’t seem to notice.
“Now, do I look good?” Li Xi deliberately leaned close to Duan Jing’s face, then moved away, opening his arms and turning in a circle. The chiffon veil floated with the water flow, revealing his strong waist.
The chain of droplet-shaped diamond necklaces stuck to his neck, making his fair skin even more radiant.
Duan Zhen’s throat tightened, silently reciting ‘eighteen years old, eighteen years old,’ trying to stay calm. Eventually, he nodded with composure, “Looks good.”
Li Xi felt that this wasn’t the reaction he hoped for, and he looked at Duan Zhen suspiciously, “Really?”
Approaching, he lifted his arm, and the rounded ruby bracelet slid down a bit from his wrist bone. The red color stood out prominently against his fair skin, drawing the attention of everyone present.
In front of everyone, Li Xi hugged Duan Zhen’s neck, grabbed his hand, and whispered, “I also have a tail chain. Feel which one has a better touch – the chain or my tail.”
This was nearly indistinguishable from seduction. Duan Zhen’s face stiffened, and for a moment, he seemed somewhat embarrassed. If possible, he might have torn the youth off and thrown him away.
Li Xi noticed that although his expression grew colder, his ears turned red. Knowing that his strategy was working, he went even further, sticking closer to him.
After holding back for a while, Duan Zhen, as if finding his tongue again, pushed Li Xi away while seemingly indifferent. “Though it looks good, it could affect combat performance.”
Following behind them, the eavesdroppers revealed expressions of disbelief.
Even though they were currently in reproductive isolation, the thought of a beautiful person approaching was enough for him to think about going into battle… Did all beauties prefer someone straightforward like a blockhead?!
Everyone felt a pang of heartache.
Li Xi burst into laughter, poking Duan Zhen’s earlobe with his hand. “You’re truly something, Brother Duan.”
Lowering his voice with a teasing smile, Li Xi said, “Your ears are red, huh? Looks like you’re not completely immune to my charms.”
Duan Zhen awkwardly turned his head. “You’re still young.”
That seemed to be the only line he knew how to say now.
Li Xi just chuckled without retorting.
…
When the other mermaids returned, Li Xi gathered everyone to go out and find the necessary medicinal herbs.
“We’ll go with you too,” a few humans seemed to have discussed.
Staying here, there might be numerous mermaids sneaking in for a surprise attack. With Duan Zhen, the only one capable of contending with mermaids underwater, absent, they might as well follow Li Xi’s group outside.
“That works,” Li Xi nodded. “But if you slow us down and get swallowed by a big fish, don’t blame me.”
“We’ll be careful,” the leader of the humans said.
This time, their task relied entirely on the support of the mermaid camp, so they wouldn’t dare to provoke Li Xi.
“Because there are five of you, you’ll need enough medicinal herbs for five people,” Li Xi rubbed his chin. “Collecting them might take a while.”
He really wanted to toss these people aside and let them find the herbs themselves. But with Duan Zhenwatching, he had to stay focused. He leaned closer to Duan Zhen, “Brother Duan, you take command. We’ll just lead the way.”
Duan Zhenmoved to the side, but Li Xi grabbed his arm, leaving him unable to escape.
Whether it was an illusion or not, Li Xi seemed to have become much more assertive since arriving in this world.
Although the situation was a bit awkward, Duan Zhen quickly regained his composure and said, “What clues have you gathered so far?”
“I asked around about the places where those creatures often appear,” a green-tailed mermaid said. “The giant shark is in the east, and blood can attract it, but it might also attract other hunters. The octopuses are in the abyss, hiding very well. Even mermaids can’t escape their ambush.”
“The witch should know the whereabouts of these creatures,” a black-tailed mermaid suggested. “Why not ask him?”
“It turned into a mess,” Li Xi replied nonchalantly.
“A mess?” The others were puzzled.
Considering how the witch clung to Li Xi earlier, it was hard to imagine them making a mess of things.
“He doesn’t want you to become mermaids,” Li Xi flashed a fake smile. “He wants to kill you, so it all fell apart.”
After saying that, he leaned in close to Duan Zhen’s ear and whispered, “He only wants to kill you. Be careful, Brother Duan.”
Even though the others couldn’t hear, they could vaguely guess.
The witch clearly liked Li Xi, and the reason for his change of heart was likely due to unrequited love. Blue flames were harmful wherever they went.
However, they couldn’t blame Li Xi. After all, without him, the wizard probably wouldn’t have been willing to help them in the first place.
“According to the king, the transformation from humans to mermaids is extremely painful. Be mentally prepared,” Li Xi added. He planned to find the plant that Ukel mentioned, even though the information was concealed. Still, losing consciousness seemed to be accurate.
The group exchanged glances, but none of them objected. If not becoming mermaids meant facing the entire mermaid kingdom in battle, they would rather trust their willpower to endure the pain.
“Let’s head east first,” Duan Zhen suggested. “We need at least five giant sharks.”
They needed the tails of the giant sharks.
“Take it slow,” someone advised. “We don’t even know if we can defeat the giant sharks. It’s not worth it if we end up being eaten instead.”
Duan Zhen remained silent.
When he fought against the mermaids just now, he realized that his strength had inexplicably increased. His power was greater than before, and his dynamic vision had improved. Duan Zhen was meticulous about controlling his strength, so he immediately sensed this change.
Initially, he thought it might be due to the seaweed, but when he tentatively asked the others, they hadn’t felt any change in themselves.
… Perhaps it was the blood? But that seemed like baseless speculation.
Duan Zhen pondered various thoughts but didn’t express them. He silently led everyone to the east. They were fortunate; they didn’t need to lure the sharks, as they spotted a massive figure chasing prey in the distance.
The red color and the scent of blood spread, and Li Xi wrinkled his nose in disgust, not wanting to get close to that area.
Duan Jing immediately noticed this and casually released his hand. “Li Xi, you protect them. Surround the giant shark, don’t let it escape. I’ll handle the attack.”
“Can you handle it?” the green-tailed mermaid asked. “You don’t look like you could swallow it in one go.”
“I trust Brother Duan,” Li Xi, now back to his sweet appearance, cheered from the side. “Brother Duan is very powerful.”
“Yeah, he fought against two mermaids by himself earlier, and they couldn’t even touch him,” the person behind Li Xi added.
The giant shark resembled those with the terrifying size seen in movies. Duan Zhen stood in front of it, so tiny that he couldn’t even be noticed.
A few mermaids charging forward also seemed a bit hesitant, keeping a safe distance from the giant shark. Such a massive creature could create a powerful tidal force by flicking its tail in the water. The advantage of having the identity of a mermaid allowed them to control the water easily, maintaining stability.
As a human, Duan Zhen was exceptionally agile in the water, and he quickly swam to the top of the giant shark.
A shining golden longsword appeared in Duan Zhen’s hand, emitting a radiant glow that seemed to illuminate the surrounding sea. The giant shark, accustomed to darkness, was suddenly stimulated by this bright light. It writhed in agony and charged straight at Duan Zhen.
“Where did this sword come from?” Li Xi was puzzled. He had been following Duan Zhen and had never seen him use a sword before – Duan Zhen’s weapons were always a spear or his own fists.
“It’s an item automatically bound when entering the world,” a person who managed to keep up behind Li Xi explained. “When entering this world, everything on your person is taken away, but everyone has a weapon, usually stored in a folded space.”
Li Xi pondered, “This doesn’t look like an ordinary weapon.”
It seemed that this world wasn’t entirely inclined toward mermaids. In this small world, these weapons could even be considered artifacts. However, at the beginning, this group of people had treated them like ordinary bows and arrows, unable to unleash their true power.
Duan Zhen was truly remarkable, using the weapon skillfully right after obtaining it.
Li Xi watched as Duan Zhen fought the giant shark, seemingly without much effort. The sword in his hand swiftly pierced into the shark’s body, and a tremendous force erupted, shattering the giant shark’s internal organs.
Unable to endure the pain, the giant shark struggled intensely, causing the water to churn. Seeing that it might drag several nearby mermaids into its turmoil, Duan Zhen leaped from the shark’s back, seemingly unaffected by the water flow. He rushed to one side and pulled a mermaid by the tail away from danger.
The next moment, the massive fish tail swept from the side. Judging by the momentum, if it had hit someone, even a mermaid, it would have undoubtedly broken several bones.
“Thank… thank you.” The mermaid saved was the black-and-white-tailed one who had been besieged by them earlier. Nearly dying at the hands of the human camp before, he was now rescued again, feeling quite complex emotions.
“Be more careful,” Duan Zhen said calmly.
He turned back to the giant shark, which, in its final struggle, tried to counterattack before gradually weakening. The colossal body sank slowly.
Thinking they would be the main force in the battle, the mermaids pushed the giant shark into the palace, where it would be a source of food for the mermaids. Giant sharks were a kind of food for mermaids, but due to their immense size, it required a team effort to hunt them down, which was troublesome. As a result, it was rare for them to actually eat giant sharks.
Li Xi sold off the other parts of the giant shark, leaving only the fish tails stored in the house.
Using this method, they hunted down four more giant sharks. The most dangerous situation occurred when the scent of blood attracted two giant sharks at once. Even Li Xi couldn’t help but want to take action. Unexpectedly, Duan Zhen used his body’s size to move between the two sharks, causing them to fight each other and ultimately killing both.
“Brother Duan, are you tired?” Li Xi directed others to cut off the fish tails, which were stacked inside the house. Feeling the surge of blood in the air, he wrinkled his nose in disgust, slammed the door shut with a clatter, and sealed the smell with the filtering enchantment on the door. Only then did he relax and approach Duan Zhen.
“I’m fine,” Duan Zhen shook his head.
Having just killed five giant sharks, the lingering killing intent on him had yet to subside. Just standing there made it seem as if one could see a sea of blood and mountains of corpses.
“This guy must have been on the battlefield before entering the game,” someone murmured. “Even a wanted criminal who killed dozens of people doesn’t exude as much murderous aura as him.”
Li Xi touched his nose, looking seemingly oblivious, and still approached with a smile, wrapping his arms around Duan Zhen’s and leaning on him. The sigh from Li Xi was heard. Beautiful people were not simple, and big shots caught the eyes of beautiful people were even more complicated. The so-called fairy tale of a beautiful person helping the poor was just a made-up story.
Li Xi ignored their opinions, hanging onto Duan Zhen’s arm. “Let me massage your arm. You’ve been working hard today; you must be tired.”
Duan Zhen felt a bit uncomfortable and tried to pull his arm away. “It’s okay, resting for a night will be enough.”
“No, it won’t work,” Li Xi pouted, dragging Duan Zhen into his room. “I bought a lot of things for humans. You’ll stay with me for these days.”
He pushed Duan Zhen into a large seashell. As the shell closed, the water inside gradually drained out, and the air became dry, even carrying a faint scent of jasmine.
Inside was a space-expanding enchantment added by Li Xi himself. Although it looked like a large seashell from the outside, the interior was as large as a room, with the centerpiece being a water bed.
Li Xi pulled Duan Zhen over, made him lie down, and sat beside him, massaging his arms.
Ah, these arm muscles were really something.
Although Li Xi maintained a serious expression on the surface, his thoughts were already wandering. Starting with an earnest massage, his hands gradually moved to other places.
Duan Zhen knew he wouldn’t be that honest and silently placed his hand to stop him.
The two locked eyes for a moment, and Li Xi cleared his throat. “To apply force, it’s essential to use your waist. Let me massage it for you; otherwise, your back will ache tomorrow.”
Duan Zhen looked at him in silence.
Blushing, Li Xi said, “I didn’t mean to say your waist is bad; it’s just… You’re tired today, and I want to help you relax a bit.”
“Sleep,” Duan Zhen replied helplessly, lightly tapping his head. “At such a young age, what are you thinking about?”
Of course, he was thinking about a beautiful body!
Li Xi’s eyes rolled around for a moment, and he tucked his head into Duan Zhen’s arms. “It’s so cold; can Brother Duan hold me while sleeping?”
While saying this, Li Xi’s big tail slapped onto Duan Zhen, putting himself in a strange posture.
Duan Zhen felt stiff.
“Can mermaids stay out of the water for such a long time?” He tried to push away the tail on his body.
“No problem,” Li Xi buried his face in Duan Zhen’s neck, rubbing against it. He swallowed, “Brother Duan, you smell so good.”
He was starting to feel hungry.
Li Xi… You keep on making me blush >///>
I will leave with you this author’s note for this chapter hehe:
Duan Zhen: Are you trying to sleep with me or eat me???
Li Xi: I can do both *blush*
Li Xi was unaware of what was happening in the house as he led the other four mermaids to explore, directing them to search for clues. He roamed around the underwater kingdom, curious about the mermaids' world he had never visited before. The kingdom resembled the human world in many ways, with various shops offering a variety of goods. Li Xi, filled with curiosity, entered a jewelry store and was immediately surrounded by the attending mermaids.It had been over a hundred years since he had experienced such enthusiastic reception. Only back when he was an ordinary duke's son, people would treat him warmly when he went shopping due to his status and outstanding appearance. After becoming the Demon King, everyone feared him, and no one dared to approach him closely.Li Xi's expression changed slightly as he tried a few jewelry items they recommended. He picked three in total a necklace, a bracelet, and a tail chain. The store attendant placed them on the tip of his tail, and the deep red gemstones adorned the azure scales, creating a harmonious combination.If it weren't for the fear of being repulsive, the store attendant even thought about discreetly touching him. Truly, someone favored by the Sea God, with scales even more dazzling than theirs.Since there was no universal currency, Li Xi exchanged several talismans for the items. His talismans were made from top-notch materials, more than enough for several beautiful accessories. The store owner even allowed him to pick two additional sets.Dressed in a sparkling ensemble, Li Xi went to the nearby veil shop and bought a light blue veil. The fabric was said to be made from silk produced by specially bred water silkworms, impervious to human weapons, and could reduce water resistance when swimming.Of course, the most important aspect was that it looked good.Li Xi admired himself in the mirror. The ethereal light blue veil covered his originally bare upper body, creating a mysterious aura with its semi-concealed design. Combined with the gorgeous accessories he had just bought, he looked like he was dressed for an extravagant occasion.He tied his hair back, revealing a smooth forehead. He smiled, softening his sharp and formidable facial features.Li Xi, someone called him from outside.Li Xi flattened his lips and turned to see the soldier from before.The king has summoned you to the palace, the soldier said, finally looking up at him with an infatuated gaze.I'll go in with you too. The little octopus, who had disappeared earlier, suddenly appeared, waving its eight tentacles as it swam to his side. This outfit suits you well.I think so too. Li Xi smiled, Brother Duan will surely like it.Rumors say that people with a seemingly restrained persona like this kind of half-concealed, half-inviting feeling, wanting to personally remove their clothes, the little octopus said, before changing the subject. Let's go to the palace.Marine creatures didn't really have concepts of chastity or loyalty. If Li Xi hadn't insisted on being faithful in relationships, he wouldn't mind causing trouble for Duan Zhen.Getting along harmoniously in the harem with everyone together sounded good.I'll inform the others, Li Xi nodded.He didn't plan to bring the others along. In case the king didn't cooperate and he needed to use force, it would be inconvenient with others present. Besides, there was a risk of them accidentally revealing something in front of Duan Zhen.I'll let them know, the soldier said. The king is waiting for you.Li Xi followed the soldier into the crystal palace. Everything here was made of crystal, and standing outside, he could see the inside of the palace. He could even see the king sitting on the crystal throne, his long hair scattered, one hand supporting his head with a weary half-closed eye.The king had a dazzling golden fish tail, and large, shining tail fins. He wore a light golden veil around his waist, and his appearance surpassed even Li Xi's, fitting the definition of a sea deity more than him.You've arrived, the king swam down from the throne, his voice ethereal. I heard you want to turn your human partner into a merman?Yes, Li Xi nodded. I hope to use the Tail Transformation Pool for that purpose.No problem, the king agreed readily, approaching him. But the use of the Tail Transformation Pool is very dangerous. The process is extremely painful, and those with weak wills won't endure it.Painful? Li Xi's expression changed.Yes, the king placed a hand on his shoulder. Why not leave him as he is, living beneath the sea? They are trapped in the deep sea, unable to leave without the help of a mermaid. You can manipulate him at will.Li Xi's brows moved slightly.People are fickle. They may pledge their love now, but it could be just to deceive you, the king lowered his voice. So-called loyalty is a joke, but keeping them in human form underwater, they will be completely dependent on you. You will have complete control and ownership over him.Li Xi stared at him expressionlessly. I won't betray him.The king chuckled softly, swimming away from him. Don't make such a terrifying expression. I'm just offering a suggestion.His gaze fell on the little octopus. You must be Ukel, the ocean witch of this generation.The title of Ocean Witch was passed down through generations, and all witches would inherit the name Ukel, abandoning their original names.The little octopus bowed slightly. Ukel pays respects to Your Majesty.The king's smile deepened.He handed a black key to Li Xi. This is the key to the Tail Transformation Pool. The Witch will guide you to its location. If you change your mind, feel free to find me anytime. The palace gates are always open to you, regardless of your identity.Li Xi showed no interest in his words. He took the key and swam out, turning to see the little octopus following him. He furrowed his brows. Is there no way to alleviate the pain?There is, Ukel nodded. He pursed his pale lips, It requires a certain plant. When consumed, it causes partial numbness.Li Xi stared at him for a moment and then smiled, You won't deceive me, will you?Ukel's already pale face seemed to grow even whiter, and he lowered his head, mumbling an affirmative response.He wasn't lying. When mermaids consumed that plant, they would lose sensation in half of their body, the duration depending on their strength. As for humans, they would likely lose all sensation, eventually swallowed by the Tail Transformation Pool.Li Xi squinted his eyes, noticing Ukel's discomfort, but he didn't press further. Instead, he swam towards the house, leaving Ukel trailing behind, his eyes flickering.Li Xi, I need to talk to you, Ukel suddenly spoke up.Li Xi lazily responded, If it's a confession, forget it.That human doesn't actually like you, Ukel declared loudly. Why must you choose him?Li Xi halted, raising his chin, He will like me.But he's not worthy of you, Ukel tightly pursed his lips. He's not worthy of the promise of a lifetime you gave him.You don't understand him, so how do you know he's not worthy? Li Xi gazed at him. Duan Zhen's soul is the most beautiful and dazzling I've ever seen. He possesses precious qualities.Swinging his tail, Li Xi swam next to Ukel, bringing his face close, almost touching.In those eyes that shone with a deep blue in the ocean, there was ice and a hint of mockery. At least he won't be like you, making promises and stabbing people in the back.Ukel's pupils suddenly shrank, and he urgently spoke, I didn't!Li Xi ignored his denial, turning away to leave.You're just pretending to be kind and weak in front of him. What's the use? Ukel suddenly said, I can feel it. We're the same type of people. Do you plan to pretend forever?The underwater world will always be survival of the fittest. The strong are respected, Ukel said coldly. To get what you want, you must snatch it, tightly grip it in your hands to feel secure. You like a human, but there's no need to learn their fragile emotions.Li Xi no longer wanted to continue the conversation, We have different pursuits. You can't understand my approach, nor can you understand human emotions.He acknowledged that human emotions were fragile and changeable, but that wasn't true for everyone. In the short lifespan of humans, there was always something they held onto, and there were people who possessed souls as beautiful as gemstones.Li Xi. As they stood in a stalemate, they suddenly heard Duan Zhen's voice.Li Xi looked up, seeing Duan Zhen swimming towards them from a distance, followed by a group of people with worried expressions.Why did you come out? Li Xi was taken aback and quickly swam over, pretending to check and embrace him. Are you injured anywhere?In reality, he didn't even smell the scent of blood.Duan Zhen calmly pressed down Li Xi's hand attempting to lift his own clothes. None of us are injured, he said, adding, Not long after you left, some mermaids tried to rush into the room. It seems they followed us after seeing us, all the way from the city.He furrowed his brows, seeming not in a very good mood. After all, it wasn't easy to maintain a pleasant mood when everyone along the way was salivating.Where are those mermaids? Li Xi squinted slightly.Knocked them out and threw them out, Duan Zhen replied. After all, this is the territory of the mermaids. No bloodshed.Li Xi wanted to suggest they should have been killed, but considering his own character, he coughed lightly and praised, Brother Duan is amazing! Being able to fight off mermaids even in the water.Fortunately, they underestimated us, Duan Zhen shook his head. Mermaids are much stronger than ordinary humans, and they have strong self-healing abilities. Ordinary people would probably have no chance against them although it might be different on land.Li Xi clapped his hands energetically.Duan Zhen gave him a helpless look. So, did the king agree?He did, Li Xi nodded. Now, we just need to find the medicinal herbs.Saying this, he suddenly remembered that he had dressed up today, but Duan Zhen showed no reaction at all.Looking at the people following behind them, who were already looking amazed, Li Xi wondered why Duan Zhen didn't seem to notice.Now, do I look good? Li Xi deliberately leaned close to Duan Jing's face, then moved away, opening his arms and turning in a circle. The chiffon veil floated with the water flow, revealing his strong waist.The chain of droplet-shaped diamond necklaces stuck to his neck, making his fair skin even more radiant.Duan Zhen's throat tightened, silently reciting eighteen years old, eighteen years old,' trying to stay calm. Eventually, he nodded with composure, Looks good.Li Xi felt that this wasn't the reaction he hoped for, and he looked at Duan Zhen suspiciously, Really?Approaching, he lifted his arm, and the rounded ruby bracelet slid down a bit from his wrist bone. The red color stood out prominently against his fair skin, drawing the attention of everyone present.In front of everyone, Li Xi hugged Duan Zhen's neck, grabbed his hand, and whispered, I also have a tail chain. Feel which one has a better touch the chain or my tail.This was nearly indistinguishable from seduction. Duan Zhen's face stiffened, and for a moment, he seemed somewhat embarrassed. If possible, he might have torn the youth off and thrown him away.Li Xi noticed that although his expression grew colder, his ears turned red. Knowing that his strategy was working, he went even further, sticking closer to him.After holding back for a while, Duan Zhen, as if finding his tongue again, pushed Li Xi away while seemingly indifferent. Though it looks good, it could affect combat performance.Following behind them, the eavesdroppers revealed expressions of disbelief.Even though they were currently in reproductive isolation, the thought of a beautiful person approaching was enough for him to think about going into battle Did all beauties prefer someone straightforward like a blockhead?!Everyone felt a pang of heartache.Li Xi burst into laughter, poking Duan Zhen's earlobe with his hand. You're truly something, Brother Duan.Lowering his voice with a teasing smile, Li Xi said, Your ears are red, huh? Looks like you're not completely immune to my charms.Duan Zhen awkwardly turned his head. You're still young.That seemed to be the only line he knew how to say now.Li Xi just chuckled without retorting.When the other mermaids returned, Li Xi gathered everyone to go out and find the necessary medicinal herbs.We'll go with you too, a few humans seemed to have discussed.Staying here, there might be numerous mermaids sneaking in for a surprise attack. With Duan Zhen, the only one capable of contending with mermaids underwater, absent, they might as well follow Li Xi's group outside.That works, Li Xi nodded. But if you slow us down and get swallowed by a big fish, don't blame me.We'll be careful, the leader of the humans said.This time, their task relied entirely on the support of the mermaid camp, so they wouldn't dare to provoke Li Xi.Because there are five of you, you'll need enough medicinal herbs for five people, Li Xi rubbed his chin. Collecting them might take a while.He really wanted to toss these people aside and let them find the herbs themselves. But with Duan Zhenwatching, he had to stay focused. He leaned closer to Duan Zhen, Brother Duan, you take command. We'll just lead the way.Duan Zhenmoved to the side, but Li Xi grabbed his arm, leaving him unable to escape.Whether it was an illusion or not, Li Xi seemed to have become much more assertive since arriving in this world.Although the situation was a bit awkward, Duan Zhen quickly regained his composure and said, What clues have you gathered so far?I asked around about the places where those creatures often appear, a green-tailed mermaid said. The giant shark is in the east, and blood can attract it, but it might also attract other hunters. The octopuses are in the abyss, hiding very well. Even mermaids can't escape their ambush.The witch should know the whereabouts of these creatures, a black-tailed mermaid suggested. Why not ask him?It turned into a mess, Li Xi replied nonchalantly.A mess? The others were puzzled.Considering how the witch clung to Li Xi earlier, it was hard to imagine them making a mess of things.He doesn't want you to become mermaids, Li Xi flashed a fake smile. He wants to kill you, so it all fell apart.After saying that, he leaned in close to Duan Zhen's ear and whispered, He only wants to kill you. Be careful, Brother Duan.Even though the others couldn't hear, they could vaguely guess.The witch clearly liked Li Xi, and the reason for his change of heart was likely due to unrequited love. Blue flames were harmful wherever they went.However, they couldn't blame Li Xi. After all, without him, the wizard probably wouldn't have been willing to help them in the first place.According to the king, the transformation from humans to mermaids is extremely painful. Be mentally prepared, Li Xi added. He planned to find the plant that Ukel mentioned, even though the information was concealed. Still, losing consciousness seemed to be accurate.The group exchanged glances, but none of them objected. If not becoming mermaids meant facing the entire mermaid kingdom in battle, they would rather trust their willpower to endure the pain.Let's head east first, Duan Zhen suggested. We need at least five giant sharks.They needed the tails of the giant sharks.Take it slow, someone advised. We don't even know if we can defeat the giant sharks. It's not worth it if we end up being eaten instead.Duan Zhen remained silent.When he fought against the mermaids just now, he realized that his strength had inexplicably increased. His power was greater than before, and his dynamic vision had improved. Duan Zhen was meticulous about controlling his strength, so he immediately sensed this change.Initially, he thought it might be due to the seaweed, but when he tentatively asked the others, they hadn't felt any change in themselves. Perhaps it was the blood? But that seemed like baseless speculation.Duan Zhen pondered various thoughts but didn't express them. He silently led everyone to the east. They were fortunate; they didn't need to lure the sharks, as they spotted a massive figure chasing prey in the distance.The red color and the scent of blood spread, and Li Xi wrinkled his nose in disgust, not wanting to get close to that area.Duan Jing immediately noticed this and casually released his hand. Li Xi, you protect them. Surround the giant shark, don't let it escape. I'll handle the attack.Can you handle it? the green-tailed mermaid asked. You don't look like you could swallow it in one go.I trust Brother Duan, Li Xi, now back to his sweet appearance, cheered from the side. Brother Duan is very powerful.Yeah, he fought against two mermaids by himself earlier, and they couldn't even touch him, the person behind Li Xi added.The giant shark resembled those with the terrifying size seen in movies. Duan Zhen stood in front of it, so tiny that he couldn't even be noticed.A few mermaids charging forward also seemed a bit hesitant, keeping a safe distance from the giant shark. Such a massive creature could create a powerful tidal force by flicking its tail in the water. The advantage of having the identity of a mermaid allowed them to control the water easily, maintaining stability.As a human, Duan Zhen was exceptionally agile in the water, and he quickly swam to the top of the giant shark.A shining golden longsword appeared in Duan Zhen's hand, emitting a radiant glow that seemed to illuminate the surrounding sea. The giant shark, accustomed to darkness, was suddenly stimulated by this bright light. It writhed in agony and charged straight at Duan Zhen.Where did this sword come from? Li Xi was puzzled. He had been following Duan Zhen and had never seen him use a sword before Duan Zhen's weapons were always a spear or his own fists.It's an item automatically bound when entering the world, a person who managed to keep up behind Li Xi explained. When entering this world, everything on your person is taken away, but everyone has a weapon, usually stored in a folded space.Li Xi pondered, This doesn't look like an ordinary weapon.It seemed that this world wasn't entirely inclined toward mermaids. In this small world, these weapons could even be considered artifacts. However, at the beginning, this group of people had treated them like ordinary bows and arrows, unable to unleash their true power.Duan Zhen was truly remarkable, using the weapon skillfully right after obtaining it.Li Xi watched as Duan Zhen fought the giant shark, seemingly without much effort. The sword in his hand swiftly pierced into the shark's body, and a tremendous force erupted, shattering the giant shark's internal organs.Unable to endure the pain, the giant shark struggled intensely, causing the water to churn. Seeing that it might drag several nearby mermaids into its turmoil, Duan Zhen leaped from the shark's back, seemingly unaffected by the water flow. He rushed to one side and pulled a mermaid by the tail away from danger.The next moment, the massive fish tail swept from the side. Judging by the momentum, if it had hit someone, even a mermaid, it would have undoubtedly broken several bones.Thank thank you. The mermaid saved was the black-and-white-tailed one who had been besieged by them earlier. Nearly dying at the hands of the human camp before, he was now rescued again, feeling quite complex emotions.Be more careful, Duan Zhen said calmly.He turned back to the giant shark, which, in its final struggle, tried to counterattack before gradually weakening. The colossal body sank slowly.Thinking they would be the main force in the battle, the mermaids pushed the giant shark into the palace, where it would be a source of food for the mermaids. Giant sharks were a kind of food for mermaids, but due to their immense size, it required a team effort to hunt them down, which was troublesome. As a result, it was rare for them to actually eat giant sharks.Li Xi sold off the other parts of the giant shark, leaving only the fish tails stored in the house.Using this method, they hunted down four more giant sharks. The most dangerous situation occurred when the scent of blood attracted two giant sharks at once. Even Li Xi couldn't help but want to take action. Unexpectedly, Duan Zhen used his body's size to move between the two sharks, causing them to fight each other and ultimately killing both.Brother Duan, are you tired? Li Xi directed others to cut off the fish tails, which were stacked inside the house. Feeling the surge of blood in the air, he wrinkled his nose in disgust, slammed the door shut with a clatter, and sealed the smell with the filtering enchantment on the door. Only then did he relax and approach Duan Zhen.I'm fine, Duan Zhen shook his head.Having just killed five giant sharks, the lingering killing intent on him had yet to subside. Just standing there made it seem as if one could see a sea of blood and mountains of corpses.This guy must have been on the battlefield before entering the game, someone murmured. Even a wanted criminal who killed dozens of people doesn't exude as much murderous aura as him.Li Xi touched his nose, looking seemingly oblivious, and still approached with a smile, wrapping his arms around Duan Zhen's and leaning on him. The sigh from Li Xi was heard. Beautiful people were not simple, and big shots caught the eyes of beautiful people were even more complicated. The so-called fairy tale of a beautiful person helping the poor was just a made-up story.Li Xi ignored their opinions, hanging onto Duan Zhen's arm. Let me massage your arm. You've been working hard today; you must be tired.Duan Zhen felt a bit uncomfortable and tried to pull his arm away. It's okay, resting for a night will be enough.No, it won't work, Li Xi pouted, dragging Duan Zhen into his room. I bought a lot of things for humans. You'll stay with me for these days.He pushed Duan Zhen into a large seashell. As the shell closed, the water inside gradually drained out, and the air became dry, even carrying a faint scent of jasmine.Inside was a space-expanding enchantment added by Li Xi himself. Although it looked like a large seashell from the outside, the interior was as large as a room, with the centerpiece being a water bed.Li Xi pulled Duan Zhen over, made him lie down, and sat beside him, massaging his arms.Ah, these arm muscles were really something.Although Li Xi maintained a serious expression on the surface, his thoughts were already wandering. Starting with an earnest massage, his hands gradually moved to other places.Duan Zhen knew he wouldn't be that honest and silently placed his hand to stop him.The two locked eyes for a moment, and Li Xi cleared his throat. To apply force, it's essential to use your waist. Let me massage it for you; otherwise, your back will ache tomorrow.Duan Zhen looked at him in silence.Blushing, Li Xi said, I didn't mean to say your waist is bad; it's just You're tired today, and I want to help you relax a bit.Sleep, Duan Zhen replied helplessly, lightly tapping his head. At such a young age, what are you thinking about?Of course, he was thinking about a beautiful body!Li Xi's eyes rolled around for a moment, and he tucked his head into Duan Zhen's arms. It's so cold; can Brother Duan hold me while sleeping?While saying this, Li Xi's big tail slapped onto Duan Zhen, putting himself in a strange posture.Duan Zhen felt stiff.Can mermaids stay out of the water for such a long time? He tried to push away the tail on his body.No problem, Li Xi buried his face in Duan Zhen's neck, rubbing against it. He swallowed, Brother Duan, you smell so good.He was starting to feel hungry.Li Xi You keep on making me blush ///I will leave with you this author's note for this chapter hehe:Duan Zhen: Are you trying to sleep with me or eat me???Li Xi: I can do both *blush*
