Chapter 33: The One Who Walks Against the Current

"Someone's fallen into the water!"

Passengers who witnessed Lian Ye dive into the sea cried out in alarm, believing she had accidentally fallen overboard.

But Lian Ye had not fallen; she dove into the deep with purpose, heading straight for the massive megalodon.

Beneath the waves, the turbulence created by the megalodon did not hinder her in the slightest. With her extraordinary swimming skills and the power of divine arts, she silently approached the giant beast.

The megalodon was wholly focused on attacking the Whalefin, oblivious to the tiny human drawing near.

Taking advantage of this, Lian Ye glided beneath the megalodon's belly—the very spot her father had once told her was its weakness.

Gathering all her strength, Lian Ye pressed her fingers together and drove her hand like a blade into the megalodon's soft underbelly.

Her strength defied belief. The megalodon's stomach was torn open with shocking ease, and in an instant, the seawater was awash with a crimson cloud.

Howling in agony, the megalodon thrashed and rolled, abandoning its attack on the Whalefin and flailing wildly in the water.

The ship's violent rocking gradually lessened. Passengers gripped the rails tightly, witnessing an unbelievable scene unfold before their eyes.

Lian Ye did not relent. Like a flash of lightning, she burst from the water, soaring twenty meters into the air before diving down at astonishing speed.

Now, the passengers finally saw her face clearly. She bore no weapon—her hands alone, dripping with the blood of the beast, were her only tools.

Those hands, as sharp and deadly as divine blades, struck with precision into the creature's vitals.

The megalodon's struggles grew weaker, the surface of the sea roiling with waves of blood.

With each relentless strike, Lian Ye sapped the last of the beast's strength until, at last, it floated lifeless atop the water.

She stood upon its back, composed and unshaken, knowing that the battle was over.

Once she had confirmed the megalodon showed no sign of life, she leapt lightly and landed effortlessly back on the deck of the Whalefin.

The passengers, who had witnessed it all, were left speechless, awed by Lian Ye’s strength and courage.

A sea breeze stirred her long hair, sending it streaming behind her.

Sunlight spilled across her exquisite features, casting a golden halo around her.

In that moment, Lian Ye was like a goddess bathed in holy light, too radiant to meet with a direct gaze.

At last, recognition sparked in someone’s eyes. “Isn’t she the passenger from the tent cabins? The one who just jumped into the sea?”

Those who shared the tent cabins were even more astounded.

They found it impossible to reconcile the ethereal beauty before them with the ragged, barefoot girl they had seen earlier.

The difference between the two was worlds apart.

The tourists and crew poured out onto the deck, all eyes turning to Lian Ye.

Their gazes were filled with both wonder and awe.

Yet Lian Ye’s expression remained as calm as still water, as if all of this were perfectly commonplace.

With her hair soaked from the sea, she casually gathered it behind her head and walked unhurriedly toward her tent.

Her steps were light and graceful, and as she passed, passengers instinctively stepped aside, keeping a respectful distance.

In their minds, Lian Ye was now more awe-inspiring than the megalodon itself.

A hush fell over the Whalefin—no one dared make a sound.

After a long silence, Captain Liu He finally stepped onto the deck and bowed deeply to Lian Ye, expressing his profound respect.

“I am Liu He, captain of the Whalefin,” he said, his voice tinged with nervousness but mostly gratitude. “On behalf of all crew and passengers, I thank you for saving our lives! May I ask, how should we address you?”

Lian Ye paused, turned, and faced the captain.

Her gentle gaze softened, and she answered softly, “My name is Lian Ye.”

At her reply, the very air on deck seemed to freeze, then burst into a flurry of hushed exclamations.

“Lian Ye!”

“Isn’t she the student chosen by the High Priest?”

The fog of confusion instantly cleared. The High Priest’s legacy of divine arts had clearly granted Lian Ye power beyond ordinary mortals—enough to defeat the megalodon.

Now that her identity was known, her presence on board was seen as their greatest assurance of safety.

The eyes once filled with fear now brimmed with fervent admiration. Passengers whispered prayers of gratitude, “Father of the Stars above, thank you for your protection!”

Captain Liu He’s wary expression gave way to relief and joy.

He bowed again, voice brimming with sincere emotion. “We are truly blessed to have you with us, Divine Attendant Lian Ye. You not only saved us, but showed us a miracle.”

Lian Ye showed no trace of pride. Humbly, she replied, “As my teacher’s student, it is my duty and mission to protect humanity. I have only done what is right.”

“Thank you for the High Priest’s protection!” Liu He’s gratitude was heartfelt, and only now did everyone onboard truly understand the significance of the High Priest accepting students.

“So the High Priest foresaw all of this long ago. Accepting students was to safeguard humanity.”

The old man who had once recounted tales of the High Priest was now trembling with excitement, whispering to those around him, “See? I told you—the High Priest took students for the sake of our future!”

“Priest Shen is our guardian deity. With Priest Shen’s protection, we are truly fortunate!” His words overflowed with pride and gratitude.

They resonated with those nearby, who echoed in unison with sincere praise, “Thank you, Priest Shen, for your mercy.”

Lian Ye stood quietly as her image grew ever more revered in the hearts of all.

She was not just Shen Xing’s student—she was a heroine of humanity, the executor of the Star Father’s will, the one who ran toward danger in their darkest hour.

The Church of the Firmament and its High Priest commanded the highest reverence and influence on Sky Vault Star.

Captain Liu He, remembering that Lian Ye had been staying in the deck’s tent cabins, was overcome with guilt and unease.

He realized he may have neglected this most honored of guests, the High Priest’s prized disciple.

With reverence and remorse, he nervously invited her, “Divine Attendant Lian Ye, we have first-class cabins aboard, far more comfortable. Please allow us to offer you a proper place to rest.”

Lian Ye shook her head gently, her gaze clear and sincere as she replied, “That won’t be necessary, Captain.”

“This journey is a pilgrimage, a trial as my teacher instructed. To seek comfort would betray the spirit of ascetic practice and shame my teacher’s guidance.”

Seeing her resolve, and understanding her words stemmed from deep respect for the High Priest, Liu He dared not insist and only nodded respectfully.

He then pointed to the massive carcass in the sea, asking cautiously, “Divine Attendant Lian Ye, what should we do with the megalodon’s body?”

Lian Ye replied coolly, “This megalodon was your predicament, and now that it is resolved, you may dispose of it as you see fit.”

At this, gratitude lit up Liu He’s face. He bowed once more. “Your generosity and kindness, Divine Attendant, we will never forget. Thank you for your compassion!”

The megalodon’s carcass was an immense fortune for those aboard.

Its hide, flesh, bones, and every part held tremendous value—especially as one of the rare rulers of the seas, its worth was beyond question.

After Lian Ye returned to her resting place, the crew and tent-cabin passengers worked together to quickly set up a temporary hoist, using the ship’s mechanical arms to haul the gigantic body onto the Whalefin for distribution.

Knowing Lian Ye was present, everyone was restrained and courteous, no one fighting or quarreling, and all received their fair share.

Once the ship set off again, all were filled with gratitude toward Lian Ye.

Yet none dared raise their voices near her, for fear of disturbing her meditation and quiet cultivation.