C66 Facing the Darkness

Xiao Hao gently stroked the mantis shrimp's head, and with a cough, the creature ceased its flapping of the sea fan peacock tail. As the motion stopped, the tumultuous waves began to subside, the roaring of the water softening to a gentle babble over stones. It was as though every impurity had settled, and with it, a sense of tranquility soothed the soul.

Ahead lay the pristine