The reason these sea beasts ended up enslaved wasn't because they lacked spiritual power or cultivation.
Take the Spirit Pearl Clam clan, for example. To make them produce purer and more potent spirit pearls, the Ink Sea Dragon Palace had provided them with countless heavenly treasures, doing everything possible to strengthen their cultivation.
Many among the Spirit Pearl Clams had high cultivation levels, with even over ten reaching the Mahayana stage. But all that power was useless when their spiritual energy couldn't be turned into offense. No matter how much energy they had, it could only serve others. Their racial nature had already doomed them to a tragic fate.
The same went for the Charm Mermaids. They were born with enchanting beauty, yet that very charm couldn't be used as a weapon. Possessing stunning looks without the power to protect themselves, all they could do was sink into despair.
Both clans were high-tier races, just below the four supreme ones. If either of them had possessed a powerful offensive secret art, they never would've fallen to such a state.
The others present were all mid-tier races. Each had its own unique traits, but they all shared one fatal flaw: none of them were built for battle.
Now, Yun Jin had changed that. She'd rewritten their cultivation arts, refining and strengthening them. As long as they switched to her improved methods, it wouldn't take long for them to gain real combat strength.
She had always believed in one principle. 'Only those who possess strength can truly claim freedom.' And right now, she was giving that strength to them.
Before this, they never resisted because they had no power to fight back. But soon, they would. And when they did, the Ink Sea Dragon Palace would finally witness their fury.
"Senior, this cultivation art…" Carrie's voice trembled as she looked at Yun Jin. "Is this really for us?"
She could hardly believe it. If the Blue-Scaled Sirens ever learned of such a technique, they'd fight each other to the death for it.
Yet she had casually gifted it to them.
"Of course." Yun Jin arched an eyebrow. "You all have one month to switch over to the new technique. In two months, I'll train your combat skills. Three months later, we'll face the final battle. Do you understand?" Her voice was calm and even.
The sea beasts froze for a moment before a thunderous roar shook the entire barrier.
"Understood!!"
Before this, they'd stayed behind thinking only of dying alongside her. None of them truly believed they could defeat the Ink Sea Dragon Palace. Even now, they didn't think they'd win. But at least now, they could stand beside Yun Jin and take down some enemies with her!
"Senior, look behind you!" Hei Chi suddenly cried out, panic flashing in his eyes.
The other sea beasts tensed instantly.
Yun Jin turned her head, her expression steady.
In the distance, several legions of the Ink Sea Dragon Palace's sea beasts were rapidly approaching. They'd already noticed the barrier, but instead of attacking immediately, they began surrounding it from all directions.
A shadow of fear crossed Hei Chi's eyes. This was only the first wave of pursuers, yet there were already over a hundred thousand of them. Leading the army was a Mahayana peak-level beast. Such a force clearly showed that the Ink Sea Dragon Palace had learned of Yun Jin's power and had taken time to assemble a proper formation.
A hundred thousand sea beasts… they really were treating her as a serious threat.
At the forefront stood a massive ape clad in black armor, its aura suffocating.
It was a member of a high-tier race, the Blackwater Ape.
The Blackwater Ape stared coldly at Yun Jin. "You dared slaughter the Ink Sea Dragon Clan's kin. No matter who you are, your death's already sealed!"
"Senior," Carrie whispered, "that Blackwater Ape is one of the Ink Sea Dragon Palace's Four Great Generals. Its strength is terrifying."
Yun Jin nodded, her lips curving slightly. The last one who'd been surrounded by a hundred thousand soldiers had been a certain monkey named Sun Wukong. And now, the one leading the siege against her was... another monkey. Too bad this one lacked the Great Sage's charm.
She smiled at the Blackwater Ape. "You want my life? Come and take it yourself."
The ape let out a cold laugh. "I know you've set up a barrier here, but something made in such a hurry can't possibly be strong. I can break this kind of thing with one hand."
Confidence radiated from him, while the surrounding sea beasts looked uneasy.
Expressionless, he continued, "I came only to slay the ringleader. As for the rest of you, if you surrender now, the Ink Sea Dragon Palace will forgive all your crimes."
He raised his chin slightly. "I'll count to three. Those who strike Yun Jin after that will be considered to have repented. I'll report your loyalty to the palace, and you might even get rewarded."
Mockery flashed in his eyes as he looked at Yun Jin. No matter what words she'd used to win these sea beasts over, he was going to show her that everything she'd done was pointless.
One command from him, and the very beasts she'd saved would turn on her. He couldn't wait to see her face twist in fury and despair.
But Yun Jin only looked at him curiously, as if wondering how someone could say something so stupid.
The Blackwater Ape's face darkened. "Then I'll start the countdown."
The Ink Sea Dragon Palace had ordered him to make this woman's death miserable. And what could be crueler than being torn apart by those she believed she'd saved?
She thought she was their savior, but she'd die by their hands instead. That would be the perfect warning for anyone else daring to defy the Ink Sea Dragon Palace.
"Three!"
The Blackwater Ape's deep voice echoed across the sea.
No one moved.
"Two!"
He narrowed his eyes, a smirk tugging at his lips. Once he said the final number, these beasts would reveal their true nature and tear into their so-called benefactor without hesitation.
That was just instinct.
He'd make her see exactly how foolish she'd been.
"One!"
He shouted the last word, eager to watch the carnage unfold.
But instead...
He and the countless sea beasts inside the barrier just stared at each other.
"???"
Why weren't they moving? Were they all tired of living?
The sea beasts exchanged equally confused glances.
What the hell was that ape shouting about? Attack Senior Yun Jin? Was he insane?
The entire battlefield fell into awkward silence.
Yun Jin finally broke it with a soft smile. "Blackwater Ape, looks like the Ink Sea Dragon Palace's influence isn't as great as you think. Seems no one here's willing to lift a claw against me."
The ape's expression turned pitch black. His voice dropped coldly. "I was going to give these beasts a chance to live. Since they've chosen death, then they'll die with you!"
Without hesitation, he gave the order. "All sea beasts, concentrate your power and attack the barrier!"
Then he pulled out a long, black iron staff, and dark flames erupted around his body.