Windsor saw one of the Black-Striped Red-Eyed Fish attacking her but ignored it, instead casting a Light Shield over Molly and the other three to block the electric net. The fish targeting Windsor was suddenly bound by a red flame rope—though it would break free soon, the delay was enough.
Taking advantage, Windsor first cast Confusion on the fish attacking Molly's group, then fired a Light Arrow at the one struggling to escape, killing it instantly. Meanwhile, Huohuo (Flame) used Flame Bind again on the confused fish and launched a head-sized Fireball. By then, Windsor had turned her focus and finished it off with another Light Arrow.
Their first collaboration was as seamless as if they'd practiced for ages. The two sea beasts were eliminated without serious harm. Gu Ning had worried for Molly's group during the attack, but Windsor and Huohuo's swift resolve put his mind at ease. He stroked Huohuo's tiny head and praised, "Huohuo, you're amazing!"
Huohuo raised its head, squinting proudly at the compliment. Gu Ning smiled and handed Huohuo to Windsor—their teamwork had clearly bonded them.
Gu Ning sold one fish, and the other dropped a blueprint:
Solar Salt Works Construction Blueprint (Blue): Converts seawater into salt. Essential for sustaining life!
Requirements: Stones ×50
He stowed it away, satisfied. With only a few people now, buying salt from the market sufficed, but if he built a territory later, feeding soldiers and countless civilians would require vast salt supplies. This blueprint ensured early-stage stability.
As Windsor and Huohuo recovered mana, Gu Ning, Molly, and Xiao Lan (Little Blue) resumed hunting. Suddenly, Gu Ning spotted an undersea mountain—he'd missed one while chasing the Polar Ice Bear last time, and now fate had led him here again.
The mountain was pockmarked with holes, covered in colorful marine plants. Sea beasts darted in and out, often clashing. To his shock, Gu Ning saw kelp-like plants suddenly entangle a passing beast, excreting green sap that corroded it. So plants here can evolve too. A crucial reminder to never let his guard down around flora.
Despite the risks, Gu Ning steered toward the mountain. Danger was omnipresent; caution, not fear, was key. Wealth lies in risk. He believed it deeply.
Reaching the mountain, Gu Ning eyed a fruit tree bearing bright yellow fruits, reminiscent of yesterday's Yuan Apples. He advanced carefully but triggered an accident while navigating a coral patch. Though he'd attacked a coral (gaining no experience, assuming it was inert), choosing a sparse route hadn't saved them.
Suddenly, surrounding corals moved, trapping the boat and secreting a transparent liquid that slowly "glassified" the wood.
Glass Coral (White)
Level: 6
Strength: 20
Agility: 15
Defense: 20
Skills: Movement, Glassification, Camouflage
Camouflage explained why they'd been unseen. The Glassification panicked Gu Ning—if the boat turned to glass, it would sink once diving time ended. He ordered everyone except Windsor to attack. Xiao Lan charged into the coral swarm, Molly's arrows flew, Huohuo launched Fireballs, and Gu Ning froze corals with Ice Freeze.
Thankfully, their low level and quality made them manageable. They broke free quickly, though Gu Ning left all dropped items behind in their rush. This incident taught two lessons: never blindly trust detection skills like Spirit Vision, and never underestimate low-level creatures—survivors always have hidden tricks.
Cautious now, Gu Ning finally reached the fruit tree, but his attention locked onto a creature beside it:
Water Shadow Leopard (Blue)
Level: 10
Strength: 54
Agility: 56
Defense: 54
Skills: Dark Beam, Extreme Speed, Slam
56 Agility? Even with buffs, Windsor's agility was only 50—hitting this beast would be tough. She met his worried gaze firmly. "I'll handle it, Lord. Please take Molly and the others inside. Leave Huohuo to assist me."
Knowing they'd only hinder her, Gu Ning led the group to the cabin, urging her to stay safe. Windsor turned to face the Leopard pacing before the boat, focus sharpening.