Chapter 537: Double Void Pupils Divine Transformation, The Crimson King (II)

As Chen Chu’s eyes began to evolve, something stirred in the depths of the Blue Planet’s ocean.

In the dim, thousand-meter-deep sea, a massive serpentine beast coiled. It was over 340 meters long, covered in red armor, and had sharp spikes on its back.

Before the quasi-mythical beast, over twenty smaller colossal beasts measuring around fifty or sixty meters—some exceeding a hundred meters—lay submissively, each distinct in form.

Beside them floated two level 9 colossal beasts, both over 200 meters long. They, too, showed respect toward the serpent.

The red serpent let out a low growl.

I am the Red Mane, the great general who serves the Crimson King of the Red Dragon Empire.

You are in luck. You now have the chance to join the Red Dragon Empire and become part of this world’s outer forces.

The serpent's gold and red vertical pupils observed the colossal beasts before it.

The creatures just kept lying submissively on the seabed, motionless and unsure of the serpent’s meaning.

The red serpent sighed in disappointment. It was well aware of the limited intelligence of these low-level transcendent beings; they could not even comprehend the grand ambitions of its king in forming an army of lesser creatures.

Just as the red serpent felt a tinge of disappointment, a pitch-black mutated orca among the level 7 transcendent beings raised its head and squeaked.

I want to join! I’m ready to bleed for the great Red Dragon Empire!

The black orca then turned to the other colossal beasts, urging them with more squeaks.

Why aren’t you all quickly thanking General Red Mane? Being chosen by the mighty Lord Crimson is our greatest honor!

As soon as the black orca was done, the only other orca in the group—a level 5 orca—eagerly nodded along.

We’ll join! We’ll fight to the last drop of blood for the mighty Crimson King, slaughtering any beast that stands in our way—even gods if they dare!

Only then did the level 7 and 8 colossal beasts react, letting out low roars and calls that sent sound waves surging through the murky water. A brief chaos ensued.

The red serpent blinked, its eyes glinting coldly as it looked at the two level 9 colossal beasts.

How did such a weak transcendent creature get in here? Didn’t I specify level 7 and above?

Before the two beginning-stage level 9 beasts could answer, the black orca eagerly squeaked again.

My lord, this one is my wife. When she heard that the mighty Crimson King was recruiting beasts, I brought her and my friend Baldie here to join the cause.

The black orca made the red serpent pause; this was the first time it had encountered a transcendent being clever enough to actively seek to join.

𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

But a bit of intelligence was a good thing. The red serpent gave a slight nod and let out a low, powerful growl.

Not bad. Do you have a name?

The black orca nodded enthusiastically.

Yes, my lord, I do! My name is Horn Tiger.

Oh, you already have a name.

The red serpent sighed slightly, feeling it was a pity; it had been planning to give this intelligent transcendent creature a fitting name like "Black Stone."

Black Stone had a better ring to it than Horn Tiger, after all.

But the name was a minor detail. Satisfied, the red serpent nodded approvingly.

From now on, I appoint you as the Sea Patrol Commander, responsible for leading these transcendent mutated beast troops.

The black orca’s eyes lit up, and it excitedly slapped its tail.

Thank you, General Red Mane! I swear to serve the Red Dragon Empire with all my strength, unyielding to death!

The red serpent growled in response,

No need to spill your last drop of blood. Your task is to patrol the edge of the passage’s waters and keep an eye on any activity from the newly rising colossal beast empire on the other side.

The black orca’s gaze shifted slightly and then flapped its fins respectfully.

Yes, my lord! I’ll keep a close watch on the Dragon Palace faction, gather intel, and prepare for the mighty Crimson King's invasion.

Startled, the red serpent quickly growled,

We’re not preparing for an invasion, just observation! We just have to keep an eye on their movements.

Attacking the other side would be suicidal; the king of the Dragon Palace’s Colossal Beast Empire had slain a mythical beast before.

The black orca looked somewhat disappointed.

We are not attacking?

The red serpent suddenly paused, a suspicious glint flashing in its eyes.

Wait, Horn Tiger, how do you know the colossal beast empire on the other side is called the Dragon Palace?

The red serpent’s eyes narrowed warily as it recalled rumors that the Dragon Palace faction was led by a mutated orca army, commanded by an orca dragon king.

The black orca remained unfazed. Instead, its eyes brightened with sincerity.

Because my wife escaped from there.

The Dragon Palace's beasts are exceedingly vicious and bloodthirsty. They even slaughter whole schools of fish just for passing by. They also forcibly recruit orca pods everywhere. Anyone who resists is not only killed but also gets their scales stripped!

All the level 7 and 8 colossal beasts around them gasped in shock. They were all stunned by the cruelty of the Dragon Palace's beasts.

How ruthless could they be?

The black orca added,

My wife’s pod refused to be controlled, so the colossal beasts of the Dragon Palace slaughtered them. She was the only orca who managed to escape, and that’s when I met her.

My lord, rest assured, I’m an orca who grew up within the great Red Dragon Empire. I am absolutely loyal and harbor no ill intentions.

The black orca gestured to the level 7 mutated creature next to him, which resembled a sea turtle.

If you don’t believe me, ask my brother Baldie.

Brother?

The colossal turtle was a bit baffled.

Since when did I become brothers with an orca? Aren't we just traveling companions?

Before the sea turtle could process the sudden turn of events, the black orca added,

My lord, to show my loyalty, I’m willing to declare war on that vile beast faction on behalf of the Red Dragon Empire. I want to avenge my wife and defeat the Black and White Dragon King of the Dragon Palace.

That fellow is also an orca-type colossal beast, yet he leads his followers to bully his own kind. I must defeat him and become the king of all orcas in the sea!

The female orca beside him cheered him on,

Leader, you can do it! You’re the strongest!

Sensing the intense determination in the black orca’s eyes, the red serpent nodded slowly, dismissing the last of its suspicions.

However, while its doubts were put to rest, declaring war was another matter.

The red serpent growled gently,

Forget about declaring war. Our Red Dragon Empire is a peace-loving faction of colossal beasts. We promote peaceful development, and until they show hostility toward us, you must not provoke them.

You’re already at the peak of level 7. Here’s a Dragon Blood Fruit. Eat it—it’ll help you break through to level 8. Each beast only gets one chance.

The red serpent glanced at the female orca beside it and, after some thought, uncurled another, smaller divine fruit from behind it.

This one is for your wife.

The sight of the divine fruit, which radiated powerful energy, made the black orca’s eyes shine with excitement.

More delicious treats!

Thank you, my lord. I’ll fight to my last drop of blood for the great Red Dragon Empire! By the way, my lord, can I save this for when I’m ready to break through to level 9?

That divine fruit only works on level 8 transcendent creatures and below. It won’t help you reach level 9.

Ah, I see.

Trash,

the black orca thought disdainfully, though it maintained an expression of excitement and eagerness.

Thank you, my lord. Then I’ll enjoy it without hesitation.

Boom!

The black orca opened its massive mouth and devoured the fruit in one bite. Instantly, a powerful energy with traces of true dragon aura exploded within it, stirring its bloodline power.

As its abilities condensed within, the black orca fought off drowsiness. It could sense its abilities slowly forming into runes from nothingness.

It had once heard from its uncle, Thunder Fiery, that breaking through from level 7 to level 8 was a crucial checkpoint for transcendent creatures.

If one could comprehend the process of their abilities forming runes, it would make them much stronger, allowing them to tap into their bloodline power.

Seeing the black orca sink into a breakthrough slumber, the surrounding colossal beasts looked on with envy.

The sight greatly pleased the red serpent—this was exactly the effect it wanted. It let out a low growl.

No need to be envious. If you perform great deeds for the Red Dragon Empire, you’ll receive rewards as well.

Now, guard your leader. Once he awakens, patrol the territory.

The red serpent blurred and vanished into the dark depths of the sea. This world was far too barren for it to stay in a moment longer than necessary.