Ding ding ding...
The battle reignited, and Ye Cangtian was even more surprised.
He had initially thought Nami excelled at ranged attacks, akin to a sorceress in fantasy tales, but he hadn't expected her close-combat prowess to be so formidable.
Even with his extensive combat experience, he found it difficult to withstand her.
If not for the ice crystals frozen by the Dragon Soul Blade hindering Nami's speed and burst, he would likely have already fallen by her halberd.
Meanwhile, Nami on the other side was also somewhat alarmed!
"What kind of broken blade is this?"
"It actually possesses such powerful suppressive capabilities against me..."
She felt a surge of anger. She could sense a significant gap between herself and Ye Cangtian, yet she couldn't gain any advantage.
That saber was truly uncanny, continuously generating black ice to affect her.
Moreover, every time their weapons clashed, a faint dragon's roar would resonate, unsettling her mind and preventing her from unleashing her full strength.
In reality, this was bloodline suppression. Dragons, as emperors among beasts, naturally exerted a restraint on merfolk, even those with royal bloodlines.
"I'm not fighting anymore! Not fighting!"
After a prolonged stalemate, Nami finally stopped in exasperation.
She was truly at a loss with Ye Cangtian. Continuing the fight was meaningless, merely wasting her energy.
Besides, she didn't know if Ye Cangtian had any trump cards. If he were pushed too far, and a mutual destruction occurred, it would be a huge loss.
"Heh, I think that's a good idea. Then, am I allowed to take these two people away?"
Ye Cangtian couldn't help but smile.
To be honest, after this battle, his consumption was immense; his spiritual energy was nearly depleted.
If it continued, he estimated he'd be on the defensive soon.
"Scram! All of you, scram! Don't let me see you again!"
"Also, what happens here must absolutely not be revealed!"
Nami said indignantly. Although unwilling, she had no choice.
"Uh..."
"I didn't lie to you earlier. Everyone knows about this place already. Even if we leave, others will come."
"And within the ruins, there are experts aplenty. I don't even rank among them. If you can't resist, then it will be dangerous."
Ye Cangtian hesitated for a moment before speaking slowly.
From their exchange, he could tell Nami wasn't inherently malicious. He felt it would be a pity if she were simply killed by stronger individuals.
From a modern perspective, this Nami was a rare species!
It would be best if she wasn't completely wiped out.
"Then let them come."
"This is my home. Anyone who tries to seize it will only pay with their lives!"
Nami said through gritted teeth.
She also knew that Ye Cangtian and his companions were unlikely to be the last wave of humans, but what could she do?
Danger was everywhere. Even if she avoided humans, there were other perils. Where could she hide?
"There's no need for that."
"It is said that within the entire ruin, the southern part is a sea, the true ocean."
"With your abilities, once you reach the ocean, I believe you can survive..."
Ye Cangtian pondered for a moment before speaking.
Nami fell silent at his words. Honestly, she had heard about this, but lacked the courage.
After all, reaching the ocean from here was no short journey, and the path was fraught with danger. She might easily become prey for other creatures!
Or perhaps, a hunting target for humans!
...
"How about we make a deal?"
"If you escort me to the ocean, I will give you everything here!"
After thinking for a long time, Nami's gaze fell upon Ye Cangtian, and she spoke slowly.
She felt this person would not harm her!
As for why she felt this way, Nami thought this person was somewhat different from all the humans she had met before.
"Heh heh!"
Ye Cangtian smiled helplessly and said, "Big sister, I truly want to help you, but you've seen my strength. I'm too weak. To traverse the many dangers and reach the ocean, it's likely impossible!"
He was acutely aware that in the entire ruin, the eastern region was relatively less dangerous.
Yet, he had faced near-death experiences multiple times here. With such strength, how could he possibly reach the southern sea safely?
After all, the southern sea was still an unknown territory for humans, and its danger was no less than the northern forbidden zone.
"That's alright. Your talent is quite good; you should grow quickly. I can wait..." Nami said after a slight hesitation.
"..."
Ye Cangtian let out a wry smile and said, "Big sister, the task of exploring here is becoming commonplace, with each team taking longer than the last."
"I have the ability to grow, but you may not have the ability to wait!"
Ye Cangtian's words were tactful yet simple.
In plain terms, he wasn't sure how long Nami could hold on. Perhaps the next team to arrive could defeat her.
After all, the mission brief introduced which teams had visited, their strength, and so on, with some information recorded.
Therefore, those who came here would only become stronger...
Nami clearly understood the implication in Ye Cangtian's words, and she quickly said, "I can stay by your side."
"Is that possible?"
Ye Cangtian widened his eyes and said exasperatedly, "Big sister, you are a mermaid! Staying by my side will easily attract attention. By then, before we even reach the southern sea, you might end up in a zoo."
Putting aside other things, just leaving this secret realm would be seen by others.
"I know. Look..."
Nami naturally knew the dangers of humans. She smiled and then pointed to the giant shell behind her.
The golden trident in her hand continuously emanated a halo of light.
In the next moment, the shell seemed to absorb water like a dragon. In a short period, it sucked in all the water from the secret realm.
Witnessing this scene, Ye Cangtian's mouth twitched.
The shell was indeed huge, but he truly hadn't expected it to absorb all the water from the secret realm. It was as if it contained its own universe.
"This shell is called the Qiankun Shell, a divine artifact of the merfolk. It can not only contain the water of an ocean, but aquatic creatures can also hide within it. Should be fine now, right?"
Seeing Ye Cangtian's stunned appearance, Nami giggled.
"No, no problem."
What else could Ye Cangtian say? She had even thought of a hiding place. If he refused now, it would be unreasonable.
"Heh heh, you're such a good person. From now on, we are friends!"
"If anyone bullies you, I'll help you deal with them!"
Seeing Ye Cangtian nod, Nami instantly smiled.
Then she waved her hand, and the shell instantly emitted a strange glow. In a flash, the enormous shell shrunk to the size of a fingernail.
It transformed into a bracelet with a shell pendant, looking very beautiful.
In the next moment, Nami stepped forward and put the bracelet on Ye Cangtian's wrist. Then, she vanished, having entered the shell.
Heh heh, did this girl sell herself?
Looking at the bracelet on his wrist, Ye Cangtian felt a sense of helplessness.
That was the southern sea, and no one had ever heard of anyone going there... How did he agree to it so confusedly...
"Heh heh, you scoundrel, you're truly blessed!"
"Confusedly, you've gained a free henchman!"
The voice of Jin Yèzi echoed in his mind. Ye Cangtian's expression improved slightly. It was indeed true!
At least until they reached the southern sea, he had an additional trump card.
With that thought, Ye Cangtian glanced to the side and walked towards the unconscious Yang Chen and Yuwen Chengji.
"Nami, how do I wake them up?" Ye Cangtian said to the shell on his wrist.
"They just couldn't withstand my zither music. They're fine, they'll wake up on their own shortly..."
The voice came from within the shell, and Ye Cangtian was relieved.
He sat down on the ground and began to recover.