The three protectors kept a careful eye on Jian Dan, worried that anything could go wrong.
Jian Dan gritted her teeth, determined to push through, already nourishing the tip of Niel tail, just one last step away.
Liu Chuan sighed helplessly. For the sake of the merfolk scales and those unpredictable connections, this woman really was going all out. A faint, pure essence of Wood energy slowly flowed into Jian Dan's body through the little willow leaf wrapped around her wrist, easing her discomfort just a bit.
Finally, the last scale on Niel tail shimmered into brilliant rainbow colors. The entire tail radiated a prismatic glow, and Niel parted his tiny lips, making a sound only Anthony and Fanny could hear.
The two merfolk leapt to their feet in excitement, but Jian Xu and his two companions blocked their way. Their junior sister hadn't opened her eyes yet, meaning her consciousness and power hadn't withdrawn—disturbing her now would be the most dangerous thing.
Anthony and Fanny realized this instantly, taking a couple of steps back and waiting patiently.
Fifteen minutes later, Jian Dan finally struggled to open her eyes, locking gazes with Niel emerald green ones. The little one gently wagged his tail, flashing a sweet smile.
"Senior Sister!"
Hearing her weak voice, Jian Jing jumped up immediately, rushing to her side.
"Go ahead and take him! It's over now."
Niel didn't struggle. Jian Jing scooped him up and returned him to his parents.
Jian Dan immediately gulped down a few sips of premium Spirit Spring water, then closed her eyes again, slowly nourishing her meridians while guiding Liu Chuan's gift through them, repairing the damage.
"Chuan, I feel a little shortchanged!"
"You wanted those scales, didn't you? Plus, connections across half the Immortal Realm's waters. You've got to give a little to gain a little!"
Liu Chuan reassured her, careful not to say more—after all, he had been the one to egg her on in the first place.
Jian Dan knew he was comforting her, but she still felt her decision had been impulsive. It had to be the poor environment influencing her. She let the Wood essence flow through her meridians while quietly reciting the Tranquil Heart Scripture.
Niel snuggled back into his mother's embrace, nudging Fanny with his forehead and then Anthony, flashing a little toothy grin in delight.
"By the Sea God's blessing, Niel can finally leave this place with us!"
Anthony was overjoyed, finally reaching the moment he'd longed for. After thanking the Sea God, he glanced at their benefactor, obviously still resting and recovering. He didn't rush, calmly sitting with his wife and child, waiting for the Fairy to open her eyes again.
Half an hour later, Jian Dan opened her eyes, and Jian Xu, Jian Jing, and Kuang Dao finally exhaled in relief.
"Junior Sister, how do you feel? Do you need any pills?" Jian Xu asked directly, while Jian Jing silently seemed to want to ask the same.
"I'm fine, just a little exhausted." Jian Dan smiled reassuringly. She knew her senior brothers were worried about her.
"Thank you, Fairy Lu, for your help. Here's your reward for helping Niel!" Anthony touched her earring, and a pile of sea beast carcasses lay on the ground like a small hill. There were three shells, and finally, a complete set of merfolk tail scales.
"This is a full set of tail scales. Once refined, you can temporarily become a merfolk in the sea, gaining their abilities. The Sea God will watch over you!" After explaining, Anthony tapped his hand, transforming the scales into a single water-droplet-shaped, rainbow-colored scale, which he solemnly handed to Jian Dan.
This was exactly what she had longed for, and she immediately stored it carefully.
Fanny opened each of the three shells one by one, her radiant beauty made even more lively, smiling as she explained: "This shell contains sea pearls, this one has black pearls that increase vitality for Fairy like you, and this one has some scattered scales that let the refiner move freely in the sea."
These were all the resources they had, and now, with Niel strong again, they gave everything to Jian Dan. They could finally leave safely.
Jian Dan focused on the shell with the black sea pearls. The pearls were much smaller than the one around Niel neck, likely reducing their effect, but she was satisfied and signaled Jian Jing to put everything away.
Jian Jing collected some items, filling his storage bracelet, then signaled Jian Xu, who gathered the rest.
"You're leaving now?"
"Yes. Niel can resist spatial forces now. We need to return to the sea quickly so he can truly grow."
"Congratulations to you all!" Jian Dan bowed politely.
"You helped Niel, but we don't even know your name?" Anthony asked apologetically.
"Report your continent and sect. If you want to make allies, you can't hide your identity." Liu Chuan guided her.
"I'm from the Lingyun Continent, a core disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Dao name Jian Lu."
Anthony and Fanny noted her name carefully.
"And may I ask where the three of you are from? Perhaps fate will bring us together again." Jian Dan asked politely.
Anthony and Fanny exchanged a glance before he spoke: "My partner and I are from the largest Bibo Sea in the Western Immortal Realm. Due to family conflicts, I brought pregnant Fanny here for safety. Niel body couldn't endure spatial travel, so we've been stuck here."
"So how will you return? By teleportation array?" Jian Dan asked curiously.
"This is my wife Fanny's innate talent. With her current power, she can only take one extra person safely. Any more and it becomes dangerous." Anthony explained reluctantly.
Jian Dan waved her hand. She had assumed they'd leave with other Immortals, never expected it was a natural talent. "You misunderstand, I wasn't planning on going to the Immortal Realm. Just curious."
Anthony visibly relaxed, thanked her repeatedly, and then took his family and left.
Jian Jing and Kuang Dao politely sent off the trio, then Kuang Dao swapped out with Jian Mao outside to return to the array.
Seeing Jian Dan's pale face, Jian Mao frowned in disapproval: ]"Junior Sister, I know you have an advantage in this realm, but you can't be reckless. If something went wrong, how would you recover here?"
"You're right, Senior Brother. I was too eager. Don't be mad. I'll rest for a few days and be fine." Jian Dan feigned weakness. With Liu Chuan's help, she felt better and had already recovered somewhat. She acted fragile to avoid further scolding.
"As long as you understand!" Jian Mao finally relaxed. Jian Jing then retrieved the three shells they had stored. The sea beasts had all been collected by Jian Xu.
"Senior Sister, turn the black pearls into a pair of earrings so I can wear them and recover. You can make the rest however you like. One each for us, and give five to the five from Purple Sky Sect so they recover quickly. Don't hold anyone back."
"Alright, you don't need to worry. I'll ask Su Chui to craft them."
"And the merfolk scales, give one to each senior brother and junior brother."
"You're generous. You earned all of these." Jian Jing teased.
"You're protecting me! Good stuff should be used, not left to waste."
"Fine, your call."
"These merfolk scales are precious. They're almost impossible to find on Lingyun Continent, so don't give them to Lady Di or the Purple Sky Sect members. Su Chui and Monkey Three can handle it."