Evan Yang asked, "So what kind of world is this?"
"This is the Skyhollow Realm, a world humans can't set foot in. Strange, how did you get in?" the fish replied.
Evan Yang, curious after hearing this new term, asked, "I was teleported in. Also, you said humans can't enter this place—so how do you know I'm human? Have you seen humans before?"
"Because we were originally human too. But after coming here, we gradually turned into what you see now," the fish said.
"Why?" Evan Yang asked suspiciously.
"Each year, there's a heaven-change here. Every time it happens, the people in this world turn into sea creatures. In other words, all the creatures in the sea were once human," the fish explained.
"What? Was there any change recently?" Evan Yang exclaimed in shock.
"When do you mean?" the fish asked curiously. Evan Yang thought for a moment and said, "Half a month ago."
"Actually, there was a heaven-change then. Why do you ask?" the fish asked, curious.
"Damn it, no wonder I can't find her. She must've turned into some kind of creature too," Evan Yang muttered, frowning.
"You're here looking for someone? Sorry, you'll never find them. Maybe the person you're searching for has already turned into some creature in the water," the fish said.
Evan Yang frowned, "How do you break this phenomenon?"
"If it could be broken, we wouldn't still be here," the fish replied, sounding used to this life—at least carefree, just drifting around every day.
Hearing this was a heavy blow, but Evan Yang refused to give up. In this unknown world, his time was limited—he had to find Gavin White quickly and escape.
"Then tell me who knows!" Evan Yang demanded.
"Young man, just give up. There's no way," the fish sighed.
"No way. There has to be some other method," Evan Yang insisted, refusing to believe it.
The fish could only reply helplessly, "It's useless." Evan Yang was nearly losing control. He shouted loudly, and the surrounding sea turned into raging waves. The fish cried out in alarm, "Stop, stop! If you keep this up, you'll get us all killed!"
But Evan Yang, driven to the edge, refused to back down. His outburst drew out many more fish and other sea creatures. Seeing the chaos, the creatures were all dizzy with fear. Evan shouted at them, "Tell me, how do I break this curse?"
The creatures looked at each other in panic. Finally, the fish from before couldn't hold back and said, "Fine, fine, you win. I'll take you to someone—maybe he knows a way."
Hearing this, Evan Yang finally stopped. But the other creatures were left dazed and dizzy.
Evan Yang walked up to the fish and said, "Why didn't you say so earlier?"
"Because even if you meet him, he might not help you. But seeing how capable you are, you might as well try," the fish replied.
Evan Yang nodded. Led by the fish, he headed deep into the sea, and finally in a seabed cave, he saw a sleeping turtle. The fish said, "That's him. He's the oldest creature here, already a true turtle spirit. He's not a transformed human—he's a real turtle spirit. Go ask him."
Hearing this, Evan Yang said, "Got it. Thanks."
The fish quickly slipped away, as if afraid something might happen. Evan Yang approached the turtle and asked, "Sleeping?"
"What's the matter?" The turtle opened its huge eyes and muttered.
"I heard you're the oldest creature here—is that true?" Evan Yang asked.
"That's right. So what?" the turtle replied.
"I want to know how to turn the creatures here back into humans," Evan Yang said.
'Dream on, that's wishful thinking,' the turtle said. Evan Yang frowned, 'Why not?'
'If it were possible, why would these creatures still be here? So it's just a dream. You'd better stay here and accept it—this is the Skyhollow Realm,' the turtle said.
'I believe there's a way. If you won't tell me, then I'm sorry.' Evan Yang said.
'Sorry? Are you going to attack me? Human, watch out—you might break your bones, and that's not my responsibility,' the turtle laughed.
'How would you know if you don't try?' Evan Yang said.
Alright. It's been ages since any creature dared challenge me. Let's see what you've got.' With that, the turtle moved at incredible speed, rammed Evan Yang with its hard shell, and sent him flying.
Evan Yang was shocked—he hadn't expected the turtle to be so terrifying. He paused, calmed himself, and said, 'You're really something.'
Of course. Did you think I was easy to deal with? That was just a warm-up,' the turtle said, sticking out its head.
Is that so? Alright, let me show you what I've got.' Evan Yang drew his Limitless Spear, which felt like a deadly weapon in his hand.
Seeing Evan Yang's remarkable Limitless Spear, the turtle said, 'Not bad, kid. Watch this.'
With that, the turtle tucked its head in, and its shell spun rapidly in the water, forming a huge whirlpool. Evan Yang was shocked and quickly flew out of the water. He muttered, 'A turtle like this actually has such power.'
At that moment, the turtle surfaced and popped its head out. 'Give up. You can't beat me,' it said.
'I don't believe it,' Evan Yang said, and activated his Limitless Spear, charging at the water's surface. Wherever the spear touched, ice formed instantly.
Seeing the ice forming around him, the turtle said, 'Not bad, kid. But I can break it just the same.'
With that, the turtle tucked its head in again, then sprang up and smashed down hard on the ice, instantly shattering it into pieces.
Evan Yang was shocked. 'That strength is incredible,' he said.
'Give up yet, kid?' the turtle asked Evan Yang.
'Not giving up. Let's go again.' Evan Yang unleashed lightning, trying to paralyze the turtle, but its shell was tougher than a Heavenly Dao artifact, and couldn't be restrained.
The turtle laughed, 'You even have that element? Not bad, not bad.'
That's not all I can do. Looks like I'll have to use my real skills today,' Evan Yang said.
Stop bragging. I'm waiting for you,' the turtle laughed. Evan Yang drew his Soul-Devouring Divine Sword and struck the turtle's shell with force.
The turtle's shell shook but wasn't damaged. The turtle said, 'You're using such a powerful artifact.'
Otherwise, how could I deal with you?' Evan Yang said.
The turtle laughed, 'Not bad, kid. Come at me again.'
Evan Yang's whole body turned green. 'I'm about to show you my skills,' he said.
The turtle saw Evan Yang change color and asked suspiciously, 'What's this? You're neither human nor ghost now.'
Whatever. Just try it and see its power.' With that, Evan Yang struck the turtle's shell with his sword.
The turtle inside the shell shook again, now angry. 'You're serious, kid? Then I won't hold back.'
Suddenly, the sky changed, clouds gathered, and the turtle flew into the air, growing larger. Its body transformed, with a snake-like form appearing on the turtle's back.
'Xuanwu!' Evan Yang exclaimed, shocked to see the divine beast Xuanwu.
It was Evan Yang's first time seeing the divine beast Xuanwu, and he was stunned. The Xuanwu laughed, 'Kid, don't think you're the only one who can transform. I can too!'
'You're Xuanwu?' Evan Yang asked.
That's right. That's what everyone calls me. What, are you scared?' the Xuanwu laughed.
'How did you end up here?' Evan Yang was curious how a divine beast like Xuanwu could be in such a place.
Beat me and I'll tell you. Otherwise, prepare for my wrath,' Xuanwu laughed.
With that, Xuanwu's tail lashed out with great force. Evan Yang blocked with both hands but was sent flying far away.
When Evan Yang finally got up, his hands were numb. He muttered, 'If this keeps up, I can't win.'
There was a gap between him and Xuanwu. Evan Yang muttered to himself, realizing he couldn't win by force; after all, Xuanwu's greatest strength was defense—the strongest in the divine beast world.
Seeing Evan Yang staring at him, Xuanwu laughed, 'What, regretting it?'
No regrets. I'm just curious how a Xuanwu ended up here,' Evan Yang said with a smile.
Nothing to be curious about. If you beat me, I'll tell you,' Xuanwu laughed.
With that, Xuanwu opened its mouth and unleashed a torrent of water, blasting Evan Yang to the shore. He crashed hard, suffering multiple injuries and bleeding, with several broken bones.
Damn it,' Evan Yang cursed, now badly injured and much weaker. It was nearly impossible to defeat Xuanwu.
Xuanwu floated in the air and laughed, 'Still want to fight?'
'Yes,' Evan Yang struggled to stand and faced Xuanwu. Seeing this, Xuanwu laughed, 'You've got guts. Take another hit.' With that, Xuanwu shrank, then its giant shell slammed down on Evan Yang, pinning him like a stake.
Heh, how is it? Feels good, right? It's been a while since I basked in the sun. I'll just lie here. You'd better hope I wake up soon; if I oversleep for tens of thousands of years, you'll be stuck underneath for that long,' Xuanwu laughed, then closed its eyes to sleep.
Evan Yang felt a strange power binding him, making it impossible to escape.
Divine beast Xuanwu—truly remarkable,' Evan Yang muttered. Just then, something unexpected happened: a creature crawled out from his artifact.
Seeing the creature, Evan Yang exclaimed, 'You're awake?'
Long time no see. You've gotten so much stronger, boss,' the creature said with a smile.