Mo Lian was on the verge of reaching out to pick up the little blue snake and remove it when, as if sensing an impending crisis, the tiny creature promptly coiled itself and clung to Qiao Mu's wrist. It obediently formed a circular shape and lay as still as a lifeless body.
Qiao Mu couldn't help but find it amusing. She glanced at the little blue snake before turning her gaze to Mo Lian and Duan Yue. "We…"
"Pfft!"
"Dong, dong, dong!" A sudden sound resonated from beneath the s.h.i.+p.
Before long, Little Fatty's agile figure dashed over, shouting, "There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of saber-toothed fish gnawing at the s.h.i.+p's hull. I think they might breach it very soon."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions turned as if they'd lost their parents. It wasn't that they were overly fearful; under ordinary circ.u.mstances, they could simply sink the s.h.i.+p and take flight.
However, with the present thick storm clouds blanketing the sky over Spring River, taking to the skies was inviting certain death!
Anyone daring to recklessly ascend would be courting disaster.
Knock, knock, knock!
Knock knock!
The incessant sound of the saber-toothed fish gnawing grew louder under the wind and rain, sending everyone's nerves to a breaking point in an instant.
Holy Son Miyan, undeterred by the pouring rain, hurried onto the s.h.i.+p. With a grave expression, she addressed the group, "Prepare to conserve your spiritual energy and reinforce your defenses. Once we enter the water, you'll need protective barriers to sustain you. Who knows how long we'll have to battle underwater!"
Qi Xuanxuan rolled up her sleeves. "Let's face them head-on!"
A group of spiritual cultivators like them had no reason to fear a few hundred saber-toothed fish. It was almost laughable!
"Crack."
The boatmen cried out in panic, "There's a breach at the s.h.i.+p's hull!"
Qiao Mu turned to look at them, her brows furrowing.
This s.h.i.+p had employed over ten seasoned s.h.i.+pwrights. If they had to enter the water, there would be no hope for their survival. The saber-toothed fish's razor-sharp teeth could rend them to pieces at any moment.
Holy Son Miyan urgently directed, "Everyone, come here quickly. Follow us closely. When we enter the water, do your best to locate any planks or materials to s.h.i.+eld us!"
Crack!
Crack, crack, crack. A few saber-toothed fish sprang onto the s.h.i.+p's deck like impending disasters. The pa.s.sengers scrambled to draw their blades and fend them off.
Qiao Mu suddenly intervened, saying, "Wait!"
Achir had long held a deep dislike for her. Upon hearing her words, she sharply retorted, "Wait, wait, wait. Can't you see these saber-toothed fish are about to devour our supplies? What are you hesitating for? Kill them!"
Achir advanced with her sword and swiftly cleaved one of the saber-toothed fish in two.
Simultaneously, a jet of venom sprayed from the creature's abdomen, aiming directly for her face.
The moment Achir exclaimed, she felt herself pulled back and involuntarily stumbled. Asi swiftly tugged her out of harm's way. However, an unfortunate young woman from the Hong Estate Academy who had been standing beside Achir bore the brunt of it.
A portion of the venom landed on her face and hands. She screamed in agony, instinctively reaching to s.h.i.+eld her face as she wailed.
It was as though her flesh was being seared by flames. Soon, her skin swelled and blackened, a piece of her chin fell to the ground with a heavy thud, causing Achir to gaze in horror.
This poison was actually so terrifying!
Qiao Mu swiftly advanced, extracting a silver needle and administering a series of precise stabs to the afflicted girl. Following that, she inserted a pill into her mouth and stated with a grave demeanor, "Swallow it."
The students from the Hong Estate Academy stood agape in astonishment.