Chapter 125: Where Is the "Seal"?

The "Soul-Locking Ring" shimmered with golden light, expanding in the wind until, in the blink of an eye, it became an enormous hoop—fitting precisely around the neck of the Sea Soul Beast as it lunged forward.

The Sea Soul Beast immediately realized it had been trapped. It shook its head violently, attempting to cast off the ring, but to no avail. As soon as the Soul-Locking Ring tightened around its neck, it began to contract rapidly, plunging the beast into immediate distress.

"Awoo!" The Sea Soul Beast let out a cry of intense agony, struggling desperately to break free, but its soul power had been firmly suppressed by the ring, rendering it unable to manifest any strength. Consequently, the pitch-black horn on its head ceased its discharge of lightning.

"Awoo..."

The Sea Soul Beast let out a feeble, whimpering growl. Deprived of its soul power, its massive body plummeted from the air, crashing into the sea with a loud splash that sent waves soaring into the sky. It collapsed there, motionless, save for the weak, mournful whimpers escaping its throat.

True Person Qingxu, Yan Chixia, and She Meier had been watching the battle with bated breath. Seeing the Sea Soul Beast subdued by the immortal’s artifact, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

Seeing Fairy Jiuxiao land on a reef beside the beast to inspect it, True Person Qingxu said to She Meier, "She Meier, let us go down and take a look as well."

She Meier agreed and immediately guided the "Ruyi Divine Boat" to descend.

Standing on the reef, Fairy Jiuxiao examined the Sea Soul Beast. It lay motionless in the water, its large, protruding eyes—once radiating brilliant light—now dull and fixed upon her with an expression of utter despair.

Fairy Jiuxiao let out a cold snort. "Sea Soul Beast, there is no need to look at me with such despair. I will not take your life. However, you must suffer this grievance for a while—I shall not withdraw the Soul-Locking Ring until we leave the Mysterious Island."

Before she could finish, True Person Qingxu, Yan Chixia, and She Meier arrived at her side.

"Master, you are truly magnificent!" She Meier said, looking at the whimpering beast. "This Sea Soul Beast, whose cultivation was a realm higher than yours, was so arrogant just a moment ago, yet in the blink of an eye, it has fallen before you and become a prisoner!"

"Indeed!" Yan Chixia remarked, staring at the ring tightly encircling the beast's neck with immense wonder. "Immortal Jiuxiao, this artifact of yours is truly formidable to be able to subdue a Level Nine Sea Soul Beast!"

"Hehe..." Fairy Jiuxiao chuckled softly. "Yan Chixia, this artifact is called the 'Soul-Locking Ring,' designed specifically to deal with various demonic beasts. I had originally thought we might need it upon entering the ancient ruins... I did not expect to use it on a Sea Soul Beast."

"Oh!" Yan Chixia nodded, then asked, "Immortal, I have heard you say that the 'Sea Soul Cloak,' essential for refining various magical instruments, is the outer skin of the Sea Soul Beast. Now that you have subdued it, do you intend to harvest its skin?"

"No," Fairy Jiuxiao said, waving her hand gently. "You are mistaken. While the 'Sea Soul Cloak' is a precious material for refining, it must be the skin that the beast sheds naturally. If one were to forcibly peel it, it would lose its utility. Thus, I am using the ring only to restrain it temporarily. Once we leave, I will withdraw the artifact and restore its freedom."

"Hee hee..." She Meier laughed happily. "Master is always compassionate and never kills the innocent!"

"Correct," Fairy Jiuxiao said with righteous gravity. "All sentient beings are equal. Meier, always remember: this world does not belong solely to humanity; it belongs to thousands of other creatures as well. No one has the right to slaughter the innocent at will! We cultivate the Tao, not crooked paths, but the righteous path of the world!"

"Yes! Master, I will remember your earnest teachings!" She Meier replied loudly.

Yan Chixia added with emotion, "What the Immortal says is perfectly true; my own master has always taught me the same!"

As Yan Chixia and She Meier chatted excitedly with Fairy Jiuxiao, True Person Qingxu stood to the side in silence, quietly observing the shimmering Soul-Locking Ring.

The Sea Soul Beast had originally fallen into the water, but as the tide continued to recede, its massive body was soon exposed. It seemed the beast was ill-suited to being out of the water, and as it lay exposed, it whimpered, trying to move its body back into the sea. Yet, because its soul power remained locked by the ring, it could only emit weak cries, its body unable to budge.

Seeing this, Fairy Jiuxiao waved her hand, casting an "Umbrella-Shaped Barrier" over the beast. Feeling a sense of security, the beast ceased its noise, lying quietly with a surprisingly content expression. Observing her benevolence, True Person Qingxu grew even more respectful of her.

Night fell, and the tide continued to recede. When the full moon of the fifteenth rose, the entire Mysterious Island was finally revealed in its entirety.

True Person Qingxu, Fairy Jiuxiao, Yan Chixia, and She Meier stood at the island's highest point. Gazing down at the rugged, craggy island, She Meier cheered, "Ah, the Mysterious Island has finally emerged! Master, what should we do now?"

"Need you ask?" Yan Chixia said, his spirit soaring. "We must attack the 'Seal' of the ancient ruins."

"Indeed," Fairy Jiuxiao said solemnly. "Opportunity knocks but once. Qingxu, Yan Chixia, Meier, let us go at once to the location of the ancient seal."

With that, she took She Meier’s hand and descended toward the lowest part of the island. True Person Qingxu followed suit, taking Yan Chixia’s hand as they leaped down.

In an instant, their robes fluttering, they landed on a patch of parched, scattered reefs at the base of the island. As their feet touched the ground, both Yan Chixia and She Meier felt a strange, oppressive pressure wash over them. They quickly channeled their inner energy to steady themselves.

She Meier scanned her surroundings with her beautiful eyes, but seeing nothing, she asked impatiently, "Master, where is the 'Seal' of the ancient ruins?"