Columns of water shot up toward the clouds, monstrous waves blotting out the sun as they surged toward Belle, closing the gap between her and the whale with terrifying speed.
A hundred li away, Elder Gale and Master Sage Subhuti appeared soundlessly, one before and one behind, suspended in midair.
"That tenth junior brother is truly reckless—he acts without a care!" Elder Gale exclaimed angrily, sweeping aside his sleeve as spiritual energy gathered in his palm.
Just as he was about to strike, Master Sage Subhuti reached out and gripped his wrist.
"Master, what are you—?"
"Don't rush. Let's observe and see what unfolds." Master Sage Subhuti gently stroked his long beard, gazing calmly in Belle's direction.
...
Floating in the pitch-black seawater, Lord Lao's brows slowly furrowed into a grave expression.
...
Deep in the raging currents, Monkey's feet were buried, his teeth clenched tight. Each strand of fur shimmered with dark golden light, lightning dancing across his body.
Stones swept up by the sea currents scraped past his body, instantly torn to dust by the nearly uncontrollable spiritual force.
Summoning every ounce of strength, his six hands moved in turn, step by step, inch by inch, raising the entire Golden Staff!
Tina Ao shielded her face against the fierce currents, staring in awe at the astonishing scene unfolding before her eyes.
The Ocean Pillar Rod's other name is the Golden Staff. 'Ruyi' means not just size, but also weight.
Apart from Lord Lao, almost no one knows this secret.
At this moment, the Golden Staff in its sky-supporting pillar form weighs more than a hundred times its usual mass!
Yet, he simply lifted it, through sheer force of will...
"Indeed, the Traveler's Path at the peak of Celestial Sage." Tina Ao sighed softly.
A cultivator who has reached this realm is a true war machine. If left unchecked, even Heaven itself would be powerless to stop him.
In the deep pit where the Ocean Pillar Rod once stood, the Eastern Sea Spring Eye now glowed faint red, fully liberated.