A Black-faced Daoist, dark-skinned and strong-built, sat atop a jagged reef, methodically breathing Essence Qi, adjusting and calming his breath. Before him stretched an endless expanse of misty waves, furious winds whipping surging tides, turbid waves slamming into the empty sky.
Below the waters lurked countless shadowy, massive shapes. Merely from their distant roars, it was clear what immense power lay within their bodies. Yet all of them were currently bound by the Cloud Golden Lock, utterly immobilized.
The Black-faced Daoist sat for a full day. It was not until the sun began to dip westward that he suddenly opened his eyes and thundered, "Release the lock!"
A group of Powerful Warriors standing by a row of winches on the shore heeded his command without delay. They immediately gripped the handles, exerting effort with hearty grunts. As the machinery groaned, chain after chain sank steadily into the depths below.
