Chapter 19: The Merfolk

Xu Xuan, Xiao Bai, and Xiao Qing, each holding a shell emitting a soft blue glow gifted by the sea spirit, slowly descended into the depths of the ocean. Despite Xu Xuan being a human and in the Qi Refinement stage, he could not hold his breath for too long in such a deep sea environment. Gradually, his face turned pale, and his breathing grew increasingly rapid.

Seeing this, Xiao Bai did not hesitate to take out a Water-Breathing Pearl from his bosom and handed it to Xu Xuan. “Young Master Xu Xuan, take this pearl. It will allow you to breathe freely underwater.” Xu Xuan looked at Xiao Bai gratefully, accepting the pearl. Instantly, he felt a refreshing current of air enveloping him.

Guided by the glowing shells, they navigated through the underwater world. Around them were vibrant coral reefs in a kaleidoscope of colors, and various strange fish swam gracefully nearby. Yet, they had no time to admire the beauty; their sole focus was to find Little Tiger as quickly as possible.

At last, they arrived at a vast underwater cave. A faint azure light shimmered from within, casting an aura both mysterious and perilous.

As they stepped inside, the sound of a child’s laughter echoed softly.

Xu Xuan’s heart leapt with joy. “That’s Little Tiger’s voice!”

They quickened their pace toward the source of the laughter.

In a secluded corner of the cave, a mermaid with a graceful figure and a shimmering tail bathed in the ethereal blue light was playing joyfully with Little Tiger. The child showed no signs of injury, his face radiant with innocent happiness.

Xiao Qing, misinterpreting the scene and fearing the mermaid meant harm, shouted fiercely, “You mermaid, why have you taken Little Tiger?” He immediately rushed forward.

Startled by the sudden intrusion of the three, the mermaid quickly shielded Little Tiger behind her, her tail flicking defensively. Her eyes gleamed with caution. “Who are you? Why have you trespassed into my territory?”

Xu Xuan hurried forward to explain, “Miss Mermaid, we mean no harm. This child is the son of the eldest madam of Jianye City. He has been missing for many days, and his family is deeply worried. We have come to bring him back.”

Upon hearing this, a shadow of sorrow passed through the mermaid’s eyes. “I will not let you take him away. My own child was lost to human fishing boats. I only sought a child to keep me company.”

Xiao Bai’s heart softened at her words. “Miss Mermaid, I understand your pain, but Little Tiger also has a family. His disappearance has driven them nearly mad with worry.”

Xiao Qing, however, was not convinced. “Losing your child is tragic, but that does not give you the right to abduct Little Tiger.”

Clutching Little Tiger tightly, the child looked frightened at the quarrel. Xu Xuan noticed and spoke gently, “Miss Mermaid, we know you are lonely, but Little Tiger does not belong here. Imagine how his family would suffer if they lost him as you lost yours.”

Tears welled up in the mermaid’s eyes, glistening like pearls in the water. She lowered her gaze to Little Tiger, her heart torn.

After a long pause, she spoke softly, “I know what I have done is wrong. But I truly miss my child.”

Xiao Bai stepped forward, gently placing a hand on the mermaid’s shoulder. “Miss Mermaid, if you are willing, we can help you find new companionship so you will no longer be so lonely. But Little Tiger must return to his family.”

Looking into Xiao Bai’s sincere eyes, the mermaid finally nodded. She gently pushed Little Tiger toward Xu Xuan. “Take him back. I hope his family will care for him well.”

Xu Xuan cradled Little Tiger gratefully. “Miss Mermaid, thank you for your understanding. We will find a way to ease your loneliness.”

As they turned to leave, the mermaid watched their departing figures with a heart full of reluctant sadness, yet knowing this was the right choice.

Xu Xuan, Xiao Bai, and Xiao Qing ascended to the surface, heading toward Jianye City. Little Tiger excitedly recounted his wondrous adventures in the mermaid’s cave, while the three companions pondered how to help the mermaid overcome her solitude.

This underwater journey not only reunited Little Tiger with his family but also deepened their understanding of loss and the preciousness of what we hold dear in life.