Chapter 28: The Creature Beneath the Bell

Strong electromagnetic waves can destroy circuit signals and alter magnetic fields; affecting the brainwaves of these aquatic beings is all the more effortless. The shrill sound faded, and one by one, the aquatic creatures collapsed weakly to the ground.

“From this day forward, I am your lord and the master of this city.”

At that moment, Lin Qiu exuded an aura of unassailable dominance. The combination of the resounding bell’s subjugation and the soundwave laced with electromagnetic force had already inspired awe among the aquatic denizens. They gazed up at the young man atop the great bell, fear evident in their eyes.

“A bunch of bullies who cower before strength,” Lin Qiu scoffed inwardly, exceedingly satisfied with his own performance.

“Who are you?!”

Just as Lin Qiu believed all was settled, a trembling, ancient voice fraught with displeasure echoed through the space.

“How bothersome!” The elderly voice spoke in fits and starts, “All this shouting and roaring, disturbing an old man’s sleep!”

“Who?!”

Startled, Lin Qiu searched his surroundings, his gaze sweeping over every aquatic being—finding only wary expressions, but no other anomalies.

“Who exactly are you?” Lin Qiu’s voice rose several octaves, his body tense, wariness flaring in his eyes. The ancient voice sounded harmless, yet it sent chills down his spine.

“Hmph, and who do you think I am?” the voice grumbled, laden with discontent. “Disturbing my sleep and then bellowing about—how truly ill-mannered. Someone needs to teach you a lesson!”

With a thunderous boom, the great bell shook as though lightning had struck. The entire ancient city trembled thrice. Lin Qiu himself was thrown from the bell by an invisible force.

With a heavy thud, he landed awkwardly beneath the bell, but before he could even process the pain, his face paled as he sucked in a breath of cold air.

“What exactly are yo—”

“You’re the thing here!” the voice snapped back before Lin Qiu could finish, still brimming with annoyance.

A shiver ran through Lin Qiu. He looked up and met a pair of eyes as large as oranges, every detail of those eyes clear, and within them, he saw his own shocked and disheveled reflection.

A rumbling echoed out as the great bell swayed from side to side, metallic scraping sounds ringing as the bell’s body shuddered.

Splat! “Ouch!” A heavy object hit the ground with a crash, accompanied by a voice full of embarrassment, drawing countless aquatic eyes.

At the base of the bell, a turtle about a meter in size had fallen, now sprawled on its back with its four legs flailing helplessly. From time to time, it drew its head into its shell, desperately trying to right itself, but to no avail.

Seeing the turtle that had tumbled out from within the bell, Lin Qiu’s spirits lifted. He slapped his hands against the ground, using the rebound to launch himself like an arrow, landing squarely atop the old turtle.

He stretched out his hands, holding it down beneath him. “I don’t care who or what you are. You’re under my control now, so behave yourself. Otherwise, I’ll braise your skirts, boil your eggs, and strip you down to make soup,” Lin Qiu threatened fiercely. The turtle beneath him immediately stopped struggling.

“What an utterly heartless little fellow you are, treating an old man like this—your conscience must be rotten through!” the old turtle’s voice sounded, tinged with a hint of panic.

“Save the chatter and be quiet!” Lin Qiu snapped, still sitting atop the turtle. “Don’t make me eat you.”

At that, the turtle’s limbs and head instantly retracted into its shell, and it fell silent and still.

“Wouldn’t it have been easier to be this sensible from the start?” Lin Qiu said with a satisfied smile, clapping his hands as he rose and sat atop the shell.

“From this day forward, according to the ancient city’s laws, no more internal strife. Use your wisdom and labor to live well in this place.”

He swept his gaze around, voice ringing out loudly.

“My dear child, could you get off me? This old man is uncomfortable!” the turtle called out.

“You…” Lin Qiu’s face darkened. He’d only just begun his speech, intending to indoctrinate these creatures, yet the old turtle had interrupted.

His face thunderous, he slapped the turtle shell, producing a ringing clang. “You old thing, quiet down! If you keep this up, I’ll throw you out of the city.”

“My, such a temper for such a little one—riding atop an old man and not letting him speak,” came the turtle’s retort.

“You stubborn old thing!” Lin Qiu flared. He jumped down, seized the turtle in his arms, and, with a roar, “Out you go!” muscles bulging and energy flooding his limbs, he spun and hurled the turtle with all his might.

With a whistle, the old turtle soared from his grasp, flying swiftly toward the sky above the ancient city.

“Oh dear, oh dear!” the old turtle’s voice sounded, now frantic as its head and limbs poked out, flailing in panic.

Below, countless aquatic beings watched as the turtle’s body sailed ten meters above, until a soft ‘pop’ was heard—the turtle struck the protective shield, then passed through and vanished into the waters above the city.

“At last, silence!” Lin Qiu clapped his hands, a mocking smile on his lips. “Now, from this moment—”

A thunderous rumble cut him off. The waters above the city began to shake, the luminescent orbs shining like full moons quivering in response.

Countless sharp intakes of breath rang out.

“What manner of monster is this?!”

Lin Qiu too drew a sharp breath. The waters above the city, as vast as the blue sky, suddenly grew dim. A creature of unimaginable size appeared overhead, its eyes, each hundreds of square meters across, reflecting the forms of every being in the city below.

“My little one, this ancient city is my home. And you, such a young thing, have driven an old man like me out—I am heartbroken, so very hurt.” The slow, ancient, booming voice reverberated through the city.

“Good heavens… the old turtle?!” Lin Qiu gasped, incredulity flooding his features. He had never imagined the boundless behemoth above was the very same old turtle he had cast out.

In an instant, cold sweat burst from every pore, soaking his clothes. Great beads of sweat slid down his cheeks, splattering the ground with droplets.

The aquatic denizens of the city grew restless. The old turtle’s massive form blotted out the sky and moon, pressing upon their hearts with a crushing weight.