〈The Dolphin Castle〉
A Fantasy Novel
by Chen Ching-Yang

Story Synopsis
“Dolphin Castle” tells a fantastical adventure and heroic legend set in the depths of the western Pacific, centered around the kingdom of dolphins. Dolphin Castle is an underwater palace constructed from coral pillars and shells, shimmering like a transparent jellyfish. Under the leadership of a wise elder dolphin, it once thrived in peace and prosperity. However, growing populations and territorial disputes gradually created internal conflicts, eventually attracting external threats. The shark army, led by the venomous octopus “Scissor Tiger,” seized the opportunity to invade. The castle fell, dolphins were enslaved or hypnotized into weapons, and the palace descended into darkness and fear.

The story revolves around a young bottlenose dolphin named Jibao, independent and fond of solitude. Intelligent and just, he often retreats to a secret base outside the castle among coral reefs. It is there that he first receives news of the disaster and encounters mysterious allies, drawing him into a mission of redemption.

On the day of the calamity, Jibao witnesses the devastation within the castle. Amid panic, he is awakened to the truth by a mysterious blue jellyfish, Merixi: the castle was controlled by Scissor Tiger, a leopard-spotted octopus long entrenched in the waters, skilled in hypnosis and neuro-ink techniques. Merixi reveals that the only solution lies in acquiring three magical artifacts: the Sun Anemone, which emits intense light; the Moonlight Sea Urchin, which can paralyze octopus claws; and the legendary magical swordfish spine, kept in the Palace of the Sea God, capable of piercing the octopus’s thick skin. The jellyfish, speaking on behalf of unseen forces (later revealed to be a mermaid princess), subtly hints that help is available. Determined, Jibao sets sail on a quest to retrieve these treasures and save his people.

Jibao’s journey embodies a classic tale of growth and trials. Traveling south to obtain the Sun Anemone, he is guided by krill and aided by squid and an old sea turtle. Using teamwork and clever tactics, he distracts the guarding electric eels and secures the anemone—demonstrating the power of intelligence and collective effort. Heading north for the Moonlight Sea Urchin, he ventures to polar waters, collaborating strategically with a blue whale to outwit a giant serpent guardian, showing his maturation and ability to turn danger into opportunity.

Next, he journeys to Hawaii to consult Dr. Seahorse, who becomes his advisor, revealing the octopus’s vital weak point—its navel—and helps devise the final strategy. Within the Sea God’s palace, Jibao undergoes trials set by generals like the lanternfish, coelacanth, and stingray—some tests of strength, some of wits, and some of humor. Through these challenges, he not only obtains essential magical items (such as an invisibility cloak and anti-poison gloves) but also earns the trust and alliance of various sea creatures, forming the later Swordfish Mixed Battalion.

During the army’s expedition, the Swordfish Battalion clashes with the octopus-shark forces. In outer combat, Jibao uses the Sun Anemone to blind enemies, gaining the upper hand. Yet the battle also reveals its harsh toll: his father dies resisting the invaders, exposing the grim realities of war and struggle. The climactic showdown in the castle sees the octopus using hypnosis to turn dolphins against each other. The Sun Anemone once again breaks the spell, awakening the clan. Using his invisibility cloak, Jibao infiltrates the city hall, opens the gates, and coordinates an inside-outside assault. The conflict shifts to close combat and strategic maneuvers. In the final duel, Jibao paralyzes the octopus’s claws with the Moonlight Sea Urchin and severs its limbs with the magical swordfish spine. But the swordfish spine carries a cost: it can only unleash its full power by sacrificing the wielder’s life. Jibao is mortally wounded, yet his blood activates the weapon, striking the octopus’s navel and causing it to explode, ending the tyranny.

Death is not the end. The mermaid princess appears, her sorrowful song and compassionate tears transform into pearls, which she places in Jibao’s mouth. A miracle occurs: Jibao is reborn as a handsome human boy, hailed as a prince. This twist reveals the deep, intertwined fate between humans, sea gods, and mermaids, hinting at a past-life connection between Jibao and the princess. The story concludes with Jibao proposing to the princess, and the two walking side by side into the ocean. Dolphin Castle is liberated, the waters restored, and Jibao’s sacrifice and rebirth become legend—a testament to courage, devotion, and love’s redemptive power.

The story carries multiple themes: on the surface, it is an adventure fantasy and heroic epic; beneath, it explores leadership and responsibility, personal sacrifice and collective salvation, and the tension between civilization and violence. Characters like Merixi and Dr. Seahorse highlight the importance of knowledge transfer and alliances, while the generals’ trials symbolize multicultural wisdom and cooperation. The magical items—anemone, sea urchin, and swordfish spine—serve both as tools and as symbols of cost, ethics, and the duality of power. Modern issues are subtly woven in, such as industrial pollution’s impact on the ocean, reflecting environmental fragility and ecological justice. The narrative tone shifts between suspense and warmth, ultimately achieving reconciliation through love and sacrifice, leaving behind a heroic legend and hope for the future.

1. The Dolphin Castle

In the vast southern seas of the western Pacific, beneath the crystal-clear shallow waters, stood an underwater castle shaped like a giant transparent jellyfish. Its towering pillars were formed from coral skeletons, and its walls were adorned with countless colorful shells that shimmered like starlight scattered across the ocean floor—far more dazzling than glazed crystal tiles.

This Dolphin Castle had rested beneath the sea for countless years. No one knew when it first appeared, but over time it became the home of the dolphins. Spinner dolphins, striped dolphins, bottlenose dolphins—every kind lived there together. Under the guidance of an elder dolphin, the clans once lived in harmony and peace. The dolphins were highly intelligent creatures, masters of underwater architecture, and the Dolphin Castle stood as the pinnacle of their civilization.

But as generations passed and the dolphin population grew, space within the castle became increasingly crowded. Conflicts arose among different clans, and unity slowly crumbled. This internal discord provided the perfect opportunity for the ambitious Shark Clan to make their move.

Among the dolphins was a young bottlenose dolphin named Jibao. With a slender snout, a sleek, streamlined body, and glossy black skin like polished satin, he was both intelligent and spirited. Unlike others, Jibao disliked the noisy bustle of the castle. He often swam alone beyond its boundaries, gently flicking his tail as he wandered.

Not far from the castle lay a magnificent coral reef, teeming with strange and beautiful sea creatures. Coral and sea anemones swayed with the ocean currents, and at night, glowing tropical fish illuminated the reef like a galaxy beneath the waves. Jibao loved this place. He would tumble playfully or rest quietly on the white sand, treating it as his secret sanctuary—one he shared with no one except his parents. Life was simple, peaceful, and happy.

But peace never lasts forever.

2. The Coming of Disaster

One morning, Jibao swam alone to the reef to play. After some time, feeling tired, he lay down on the soft sand for a nap. Suddenly, a piercing noise echoed through the water, followed by a powerful surge that nearly knocked him over. Startled, he swam toward the castle in panic.

Halfway there, a voice emerged from the muddy seabed.

“Little dolphin, where are you going?”

Startled, Jibao looked down—it was Uncle Flounder.

“I heard terrible noises. Something must have happened! I have to go back!” Jibao cried.

“You don’t know yet?” said the flounder anxiously. “Your castle has been taken over by a monstrous octopus and the Shark Clan. Look—the water over there has turned red. That’s dolphin blood!”

“What?!” Jibao cried. “Where are my parents?”

“A monstrous octopus appeared out of nowhere—his belly is as big as a house, with eight arms longer than surfboards. I saw him lead the sharks straight into your castle. Your parents… I fear the worst. You mustn’t go back. Run while you can!”

With that, the flounder fled in panic.

Jibao trembled, spinning in circles, torn by fear and despair. But soon he calmed himself.

“I can’t go back now,” he thought. “I’ll wait until nightfall and see if anyone survived. I must find a way to drive the octopus and the sharks out.”

He buried himself in the sand and waited. Sharks passed nearby, but he remained unseen.

Eventually, he fell asleep—and dreamed of his mother calling his name.

When he opened his eyes, a glowing blue jellyfish floated before him, luminous like a floating lantern.

“I am Mirishi,” she said gently, “an ancient celestial jellyfish, the wisest in the Western Pacific.”

She explained that the Dolphin Castle had fallen to a monstrous octopus named Scissor Tiger, a venomous leopard octopus who had trained in dark magic for over eight hundred years. With the Shark Clan under his command, he planned to conquer the entire western Pacific.

“All the dolphins are under his control now,” Mirishi said. “You alone remain free. If you wish to save your people, you must find three sacred treasures: the Sun Anemone, the Moonlight Sea Urchin, and the Spear of the Magic Swordfish.”

Only with these could Jibao defeat the monster.

3. The Sun Anemone

Jibao swam south along the warm currents. The sea grew dim and cold until a tiny glowing krill appeared, lighting the way. By dawn, the krill vanished, and Jibao pressed on alone.

At last, he saw a coral reef glowing beneath a mushroom-shaped light—the Sun Anemone. But guarding it was a massive electric eel.

When a pufferfish wandered too close, the eel struck instantly, dragging it into its lair.

Realizing brute force would fail, Jibao sought help. He enlisted a group of squids to release clouds of ink, and an elderly sea turtle arrived to aid him.

“I owe a great debt,” the turtle said. “This is my way of repaying it.”

As the eel attacked, the turtle endured its electric shocks while the squids filled the water with dark clouds. Jibao seized the moment, grabbed the glowing anemone, and fled.

4. The Moonlight Sea Urchin

With the Sun Anemone fastened to his chest fin, Jibao swam northward.

He felt deeply grateful to the sea turtles and squids who had helped him along the way—especially to the mysterious being who seemed to be secretly guiding every step of his journey.

The seawater gradually turned colder and bluer, but the warmth of the Sun Anemone kept Jibao’s body comfortably warm. After what felt like days and nights of swimming, he finally saw drifting ice floes ahead, with seals lazily basking under the pale sunlight.

“So this must be close to the Arctic Ocean,” Jibao thought.

He swam toward a group of seals and asked about the Moonlight Sea Urchin. The leader of the seals looked at the brave young dolphin and said kindly:

“Little one, if you plan to steal the Moonlight Sea Urchin right under the watch of the thirteen-headed sea serpent, that’s far harder than meeting the Sea God Dama himself. You’ll probably be eaten before you even touch the urchin.”

“No matter what dangers lie ahead—even if it’s a mountain of blades or a sea of fire—I must go forward,” Jibao replied firmly.

“Well then,” the seal leader sighed, “I wish you success.”

“Where can I find the sea serpent?” Jibao asked.

“That’s easy. He coils beneath the icy cap north of Greenland,” the seal replied, pointing northward. “You’d better first head to the bay in the south and consult the great blue whale there. He knows exactly where the serpent hides—you won’t waste your journey.”

Thanking the seal leader, Jibao gathered his strength and continued toward the island.

Though it looked close, the island remained far away. Not until sunset did Jibao finally reach a bay on the southern side of Greenland. Deep, echoing whale calls resonated through the water. Exhausted, Jibao followed the sound and soon found a pod of whales resting after a hunt.

He swam toward the largest of them.

“Brother Blue Whale, sorry to disturb your rest,” Jibao said politely, speaking near the whale’s ear canal.

The blue whale slowly opened his eye. “You’ve finally arrived, little one. I’ve been waiting for you.”

“You’ve been waiting for me?” Jibao asked in surprise. “How did you know I was coming?”

“Of course I knew. I received word days ago,” the whale said, stretching lazily. “It’s getting late. Let’s rest first. You’ll need your strength to face that sea serpent tomorrow.”

Jibao thought to himself, So it really was that mysterious being again… Who could command such mighty creatures?

“After all,” the whale continued, “this entire Arctic Ocean is under my watch.”

With that, he fell into a deep sleep.

At dawn, the blue whale woke Jibao, and they set off toward the ice cap north of the island.

The thirteen-headed sea serpent guarded the area in shifts. The Moonlight Sea Urchin lay on a small reef beneath them, encircled by their massive bodies.

“Little dolphin,” said the whale, “I’ll lure the serpent away. You take the urchin.”

The whale swam boldly toward the serpent.

Seeing him approach, the serpent raised its guard.
“Whale King, what brings you here today?”

“Heh,” the whale replied casually. “I’ve heard rumors you’re planning to challenge me for dominion of the Arctic Ocean. Is that true?”

“Of course not!” one of the serpent’s heads replied hastily. “We’d never dare challenge you!”

“Well, since fighting wouldn’t be fair anyway,” said the whale, “why don’t we race instead? I hear you’re quite fast.”

“Very well,” another head replied, trying to avoid conflict. “I’ll race you.”

“Let’s circle Greenland—first one back wins,” declared the whale.

“But I must guard the Moonlight Sea Urchin,” another head protested. “That’s an order from Sea God Dama.”

“Don’t be so stiff,” another head whispered. “If we anger him, there’ll be trouble.”

“I’ll arrange someone to guard it for you,” said the whale, turning toward the rocks. “Little dolphin, come out.”

Jibao timidly swam forward.

“This little fellow?” one serpent head sneered. “He looks unreliable.”

“No one has ever dared question my word,” the whale snapped angrily.

“Forgive us, Whale King,” another head said quickly. “Let’s just treat this as a friendly race.”

“Good. Little dolphin, you give the signal,” said the whale.

At the signal, the sea serpent sped southward. The whale deliberately swam slowly, allowing it to gain distance. Once both were far away, Jibao grabbed the Moonlight Sea Urchin, bowed three times toward the distant whale, and sped southward toward the Hawaiian Islands.

5. Dr. Seahorse

After three days of travel, Jibao reached the waters of the Hawaiian Islands. He asked around about the residence of Dr. Seahorse.

Dr. Seahorse lived near Oahu, on a warm tropical coral reef. After half a day of searching, Jibao finally found the grand residence.

He rang the visitor’s bell, and a servant came to the door.

Jibao was ushered inside to a spacious, sunlit hall filled with paintings, books, and artifacts—everywhere radiated the scholarly elegance of a learned mind.

Dr. Seahorse emerged from his laboratory.

“Dr. Seahorse,” Jibao said respectfully, “my name is Jibao. I was told to seek you out—you can take me to the Sea God’s palace.”

“You wish to visit the Sea God’s palace?” Dr. Seahorse squinted through his spectacles. “Why do you seek Sea God Dama?”

“I need to borrow the Magic Swordfish’s Spear,” Jibao explained. “I must defeat the monstrous octopus who has seized my people’s home and enslaved my kin.”

“You’re certain?” the doctor asked. “That spear lies within the Sea God’s palace. Both paths leading there are extremely dangerous. One passes through lairs of ferocious sea beasts; the other through volcanic tunnels filled with molten lava. No creature has ever returned alive.”

“No matter how dangerous it is, I must go,” Jibao replied firmly. “Please guide me.”

“The Magic Swordfish’s Spear is a powerful divine weapon,” said the doctor. “The Sea God’s palace holds countless treasures. Why risk your life for only that one?”

“Only that spear can pierce the thick hide of the octopus monster,” Jibao answered. “I was told that only with the Sun Anemone, the Moonlight Sea Urchin, and the Magic Swordfish’s Spear can the monster and his shark army be defeated. I already have the first two.”

“Oh?” said the doctor thoughtfully. “Then it must have been the Celestial Jellyfish of the Western Pacific who guided you. She is the wisest of all sea beings—and the caretaker of the Mermaid Princess, daughter of the Sea God.”

“The Mermaid Princess?” Jibao exclaimed. “So she was the one helping me all along?”

He recalled the legends his grandparents once told him—of a princess who lived on Pearl Island, where pearls formed from the tears of shellfish moved by her sorrowful songs under the full moon.

“You’re well informed,” said the doctor with a smile. “But back to business. That octopus has committed countless crimes. The Sea God has sent warriors after him many times, but the creature is cunning and always escapes.”

Leading Jibao into the laboratory, the doctor activated his computer.

“Let’s take a closer look at this monster. Knowledge is the key to defeating him.”

Images flashed across the screen.

“He’s formidable,” the doctor muttered. “Over a hundred ships have fallen to his attacks. No wonder the Sea God is eager to stop him.”

Scrolling further, the doctor suddenly exclaimed, “Here it is—his weak point! Right at his navel.”

Turning to Jibao, he said gravely, “This will be extremely dangerous. His eight tentacles strike like steel whips. Only the Magic Swordfish’s Spear can defeat him.”

He paused, then added solemnly, “You may very well lose your life.”

“If sacrificing my life can save my people and reclaim our home, I will not hesitate,” Jibao said resolutely.

The doctor nodded slowly.

“Very well,” he said. “Then I will accompany you to the Sea God’s palace.”

6. General Lanternfish

The Sea God’s Palace lay deep beneath the Hawaiian Islands, nestled inside the crater of a dormant volcano. Guided by Dr. Seahorse, Jibao traveled through underwater lava tunnels and arrived at their first stop—the military outpost of General Lanternfish.

The crab warriors guarding the gate recognized the venerable Seahorse at once and hurried to announce their arrival. Soon, the old seahorse and the young dolphin were escorted into the grand reception hall.

General Lanternfish personally came forward to greet them.

“Ha! What an honor! Elder Seahorse, your visit truly brightens my humble station!”

“No need for pleasantries,” said the old seahorse calmly. “I don’t visit without reason. I’m escorting a young friend who seeks an audience with Sea God Dama. Since we’re passing through, we thought we’d greet you.”

“Your presence alone is already a great honor,” the general replied warmly, preparing to order a feast—until the old seahorse stopped him.

“There’s no time. We must continue at once.”

“Surely you can stay a little while?” Lanternfish said, then turned his sharp gaze toward Jibao. “Young one, you seek an audience with the Sea God?”

“Yes,” Jibao answered calmly.

“Then you must pass my trial,” the general said sternly. “You must defeat one of my warriors in combat. Only then may you proceed.”

“Lanternfish, don’t be ridiculous,” the old seahorse snapped. “We’re in a hurry.”

“My rules stand,” the general replied firmly. “You may pass freely, Elder, but outsiders must earn it.”

“I accept,” said Jibao, unwilling to cause conflict.

The old seahorse looked worried but said nothing.

They moved outside to a flat sandy seabed. The general declared the duel would be unarmed.

Jibao’s opponent was a massive swordfish named Wula. His long, blade-like snout was sharp enough to pierce a full-grown shark.

Wula was swift and powerful, capable of surging forward at incredible speed.

Despite facing such a fearsome opponent, Jibao showed no fear. Relying on his agility, he dodged each thrust and countered with precise strikes from his snout. The two exchanged blows again and again. Wula failed to land a decisive hit, while Jibao knocked him aside several times.

Enraged, Wula attacked more fiercely. The crowd roared.

After half an hour, Wula bore several bruises and wounds. Seizing an opening, Jibao spun and struck the swordfish’s head with his tail, knocking him unconscious.

“Excellent! Truly outstanding!” General Lanternfish exclaimed, stepping forward and clasping Jibao’s fin.

The old seahorse finally relaxed. Seeing the young dolphin’s courage and agility, he began to believe that even the octopus demon might one day fall before him.

7. General Coelacanth

Their next stop was the station of General Coelacanth.

Known as a “living fossil,” the coelacanth had existed for over 350 million years and belonged to an ancient lineage thought extinct for 65 million years. With limb-like fins, it represented a crucial link between fish and land animals.

Unlike Lanternfish, General Coelacanth was gentle and scholarly. He allowed visitors to choose between a contest of strength or a contest of intellect.

Exhausted from the earlier battle, Jibao chose wisdom.

The coelacanth, renowned for his vast knowledge, was considered second only to the Sea God himself in wisdom. No one besides the old seahorse had ever bested him in intellect.

Jibao pondered briefly, then asked:

“General, sea anemones are not plants and do not perform photosynthesis—so why are they called ‘anemones’? And sea urchins do not produce bile—so why are they named after bile?”

The coelacanth froze.

The old seahorse stroked his beard thoughtfully.

While the general pondered, Jibao explored the hall. The collection was legendary—pearls, agates, diamonds, rare weapons—yet what fascinated him most was a cloak of invisibility.

After half an hour, the coelacanth sighed.

“I admit defeat. I cannot answer either question. Tell me—what is the answer?”

Jibao smiled.
“Both names are based on appearance, not function. Naming is merely a convention humans create—it doesn’t define essence.”

The coelacanth laughed heartily.
“Well said! You are only the second visitor in centuries to outwit me.”

Jibao hesitated, then asked respectfully, “Might I borrow your cloak of invisibility?”

The general smiled. “You have a discerning eye. Very well—consider it yours.”

8. General Stingray

Their third stop was the post of General Stingray, whose kind first appeared during the Jurassic period. Stingrays possessed venomous barbs capable of killing predators.

The general was eccentric—he loved jokes but never laughed. His challenge: make him laugh, or fight him. And fighting was never wise.

Confident, Jibao told an old joke his grandfather once shared:

A monk who loved eating fish became an abbot. He often bought fish under the excuse of making offerings. One day, a cat stole the fish from the altar. Fearing punishment, a novice replaced it with a wooden fish used for chanting. When the abbot lifted the lid, he gasped.

“What kind of fish is this?” he asked.

The novice replied, “The fire was too strong—it dried up.”

The stingray burst into laughter.

“Well done, boy! That was terrible—and brilliant!”

Knowing the general was a master of poisons, Jibao asked for protective gloves to handle the Moonlight Sea Urchin.

“You came to the right place,” said the stingray. “Take these as my gift.”

And thus, they passed with ease.

9. The Sea God’s Palace

The Sea God’s Palace shimmered with golden brilliance beneath the ocean.

Sea God Dama ruled all marine life with wisdom and strength. Yet in recent decades, pollution from the human world—waste, oil spills, toxins—had overwhelmed the seas, burdening him greatly. Fortunately, his daughter, the Mermaid Princess, helped govern wisely.

When Jibao and his companions arrived, the Sea God was away handling an oil spill in the northern seas. They were received by the Lobster Chancellor.

“The Sea God knew you were coming,” the lobster said slowly. “He asked me to receive you.”

The old seahorse explained their mission.

“To defeat the Octopus Lord is just,” said the chancellor. “Once, the Sea God hoped to redeem him. But now his evil spreads unchecked. He must be destroyed.”

He continued, “The Sea God agrees to lend the Magic Swordfish Spear and will dispatch an elite force of swordfish and sailfish under your command.”

The old seahorse smiled in relief.

“But be warned,” the lobster said gravely. “This weapon is deadly—even to its wielder.”

“I understand,” Jibao replied calmly. “Without it, my people will remain enslaved. A life without purpose is no life at all.”

After confirming his resolve, the lobster ordered the spear and command banner to be brought forth and commanded General Lanternfish to lead the elite forces into battle.

Chapter 10 — The Expedition of the Tenth Legion

News of the expedition soon reached the ears of the Octopus Lord’s spies. When the old monster heard the report, he burst into laughter upon his throne.

“I’ve been waiting for them to come to me,” he sneered. “In the past, I had to flee alone from their pursuit. But now I command the mightiest shark legion in the entire ocean—and I control the dolphin clan as well. Even if Dama himself were to lead the attack, I would not fear him.”

Despite his bravado, the old monster wasted no time in mobilizing his forces and preparing for the decisive battle. He knew well that if he could crush the Swordfish Legion, no power in the seas would dare challenge him again. Without the Swordfish Legion, Sea God Dama would be nothing more than a toothless tiger. Then, with victory secured, he could seize the throne of the Ocean Realm for himself.

The Swordfish Legion was led by the valiant General Lanternfish, with the wise old Seahorse serving as chief strategist. During their march, the swordfish warrior Wula—once defeated by Jibao—unexpectedly became his close companion, proving the old saying: no fight, no friendship.

Jibao carried his rapier at his side, its crystal sheath gleaming coldly. His spirit was high, his eyes burning with resolve. He longed to confront the Octopus Lord in a final duel.

Chapter 11 — The Outer Battle

As the Swordfish Legion approached the southern waters, the Shark Legion had already taken up battle formations.

The sharks charged first, stirring the seabed into a storm of sand and silt. At that moment, Jibao hurled the Sun Anemone into the fray. A blinding light exploded through the water, instantly robbing the sharks of their sight. General Lanternfish seized the opportunity and ordered a full assault.

Jibao and Wula charged side by side into the enemy ranks. Jibao’s rapier flashed like lightning, cutting through the enemy as if through water itself. The Swordfish soldiers followed close behind. Blinded and terrified, the sharks quickly fell into chaos. Within half an hour, their formation collapsed entirely.

The Swordfish Legion won a decisive victory. Only a few soldiers suffered minor wounds. The Octopus Lord, however, lost more than two-thirds of his forces. Survivors reported that the enemy had unleashed a terrifying secret weapon that blinded all who faced it. Furious, the old monster smashed objects throughout his hall.

The Swordfish Legion advanced toward Dolphin Castle. Seeing defeat inevitable, many sharks fled. Only a small guard force remained behind. The Octopus Lord, in desperation, used hypnotic magic to force the enslaved dolphins to fight against the advancing army.

Jibao and the old Seahorse immediately recognized the spell. The Sun Anemone was deployed again, breaking the hypnosis. The dolphins awakened in confusion, shocked to find themselves on the battlefield.

Jibao rushed to find his parents. He found his mother—but his father was gone.

Through tears, she told him the truth: when the sharks attacked, his father had led a group of young dolphins in resistance. They were all killed, their bodies torn apart.

Jibao collapsed in grief. Even the seasoned old Seahorse could not hold back his tears. The generals comforted Jibao, urging him to turn sorrow into strength.

Chapter 12 — The Battle Within the Castle

All the dolphins had now regained their senses. Jibao had no more burdens holding him back.

The Octopus Lord, realizing his hypnosis had failed, fell into despair. He paced anxiously through the hall, knowing escape was no longer possible.

Jibao donned his invisibility cloak. Following the old Seahorse’s plan, he slipped toward the castle alone to open the gates from within.

Mimicking the sounds of a shark, he lured the guards repeatedly until they grew confused and careless. Using the swirling silt as cover, he slipped inside unnoticed.

Within the city hall, he hid behind pillars, observing the Octopus Lord. Despite his caution, the monster sensed something amiss and ordered a search. Jibao retreated silently and waited for the guards to rotate.

When the moment came, he struck. Four guards fell without ever seeing their attacker. Their blood masked Jibao’s scent. He opened the gate.

The Swordfish Legion stormed in.

Alarms blared. Street battles erupted. The elite shark guards rushed to respond but were thrown into panic when the Sun Anemone flashed again. The defenders fled in terror.

Inside the hall, the Octopus Lord prepared for a final stand.

“Report!” cried a shaken captain. “The enemy has breached the city! Their weapon is unstoppable!”

“You cowards!” the Octopus roared, though dread gnawed at his heart.

Chapter 13 — The Final Confrontation

Trapped and desperate, the Octopus Lord prepared for a final fight.

The Swordfish Legion surrounded the hall. The old Seahorse calmly explained his plan: Jibao had already infiltrated the chamber.

Inside, Jibao eliminated the guards silently and opened the doors. The Lanternfish general charged in, smashing enemies aside. The hall descended into chaos.

The Octopus Lord emerged, spewing thick black ink that filled the chamber.

“Jibao! Use the Sun Anemone!” cried the Seahorse.

The brilliant light burned away the darkness, revealing the Octopus Lord at the center of the hall.

The Swordfish soldiers spread out, hunting down the remaining guards. Only the Octopus Lord, Jibao, the Seahorse, and Wula remained.

“Come out, little dolphin,” the monster snarled. “Hiding is no act of heroism.”

Jibao remained silent, waiting for the right moment. He prepared the Moon Urchin.

Suddenly, Wula charged forward.

“Wula, no!” the Seahorse cried.

The news of the legion’s expedition quickly reached the ears of the old octopus monster’s spies. Upon hearing the news, the old monster laughed heartily on his throne:
“I was just worrying that they wouldn’t come for me. Back then, I had to fend for myself, hiding from their pursuit everywhere. Now, I command the ocean’s mightiest force—the Shark Legion—and control the dolphin clan here. Even if Dama personally led his army against me, I wouldn’t take him seriously.”

Though he spoke confidently, the old monster still deployed his troops carefully, meticulously planning for this century-defining battle, not daring to take any chances. He knew that once the Swordfish Legion was defeated, no force in the sea could threaten his dominance. Without the Swordfish Legion, Sea God Dama would become toothless, and the rest of his shrimp and crab soldiers would be harmless. Victory could even allow him to advance and seize Dama’s position, claiming the title of ruler of the ocean.

The Swordfish Legion was led by the brave and battle-hardened Lanternfish General, with the clever old Seahorse as their strategist. During the journey, Swordfish Warrior Wula—once a defeated subordinate of Jibao—unexpectedly became a close ally of Jibao, proving the saying, “Enemies in battle can become friends.”

Jibao’s stiletto hung beneath his pectoral fin, the crystal scabbard emitting a cold gleam. His spirit was high, and his gaze fierce. Impatient to face the old octopus monster, Jibao longed for the decisive battle.

11. Skirmish on the Outskirts

As the Swordfish Legion approached the South Sea, the Shark Legion was already fully prepared.

Both sides took formation. The sharks charged first, stirring up swirling mud and sand in the water. Timely, Jibao threw out the Sun Anemone, its intense light temporarily blinding the shark soldiers, leaving them relying only on their sense of smell. Seizing the opportunity, Lanternfish General commanded a full-scale charge.

Jibao brandished his stiletto and, alongside Swordfish Wula, plunged into the enemy ranks. The stiletto struck with precision, cutting through enemies as if they were nothing. The Swordfish soldiers followed, and the sharks, blinded and terrified, had their formation shattered. Within half an hour, the Shark Legion was in complete disarray, fleeing in panic, leaving corpses and abandoned armor behind.

The Swordfish Legion achieved a resounding victory, with only minor injuries. The old octopus monster lost two-thirds of his forces. His soldiers reported that the enemy had unleashed a terrifying secret weapon, blinding his troops in battle, leading to their crushing defeat. Enraged, he smashed objects and stomped around the hall.

The Swordfish Legion pressed toward the Dolphin Castle, aiming to annihilate the octopus and remaining sharks. Seeing the dire situation, some sharks fled to save their lives. Only the palace guards and a few soldiers remained, exemplifying the saying: “When soldiers are defeated, it collapses like a mountain.”

In desperation, the old octopus monster cast a hypnosis spell on the dolphins who had lost their will, forcing them to fight outside the castle against the Swordfish Legion.

Jibao and the old Seahorse quickly realized the attackers were hypnotized dolphins. The old Seahorse ordered the young dolphins to deploy the Sun Anemone again and instructed the Lanternfish General to halt the legion temporarily. The powerful light broke the hypnosis, and the dolphins regained their senses, bewildered at why they had been drawn outside the castle.

Jibao reunited with his mother but could not find his father. Through tears, his mother explained:
“When the sharks invaded the castle, your father led a group of young dolphins in brave resistance. They all died heroically. Their bodies were torn apart. Since then, I have never seen your father again.”

Jibao, overwhelmed by grief, cried out loud. The old Seahorse, too, had tears in his eyes. Lanternfish General and Swordfish Wula comforted him, urging him to transform grief into strength.

12. Final Battle in the Castle

With the dolphins fully awake, Jibao had no concerns for their safety.

The old octopus monster, infuriated, never expected his hypnotic magic to be so easily countered by the enemy’s artifact—and by a young dolphin, no less. Realizing he had miscalculated, he worried constantly, pacing the hall. Trapped, he could only hope to hold the castle.

Jibao donned his invisibility cloak. The old Seahorse instructed him to sneak into the castle and open the gates from the inside, coordinating an attack from within and without.

Jibao approached quietly, mimicking the sound of a shark to avoid detection. Time and again, the shark guards failed to find him. Confused and frustrated, they roared and stirred up sand, clouding the water—allowing Jibao to slip through the gates unnoticed.

Inside the castle, Jibao scouted the hall to locate the old octopus monster, hiding behind columns. The monster, sensing a dolphin nearby, commanded his guards to search thoroughly.

Jibao waited patiently for the right moment. When the guards changed shifts, he stealthily eliminated four of them and opened the gate. Outside, the Swordfish Legion waited in ambush among coral reefs, ready to rush in and crush the remaining shark soldiers.

The ensuing battle was chaotic: the Swordfish used the Sun Anemone’s blinding light, forcing the Shark guards into panic. Lanternfish General and Swordfish Wula led the charge, pursuing fleeing sharks. Many guards fled to other city gates, while the elite shark guards retreated to the municipal hall.

The Shark captain reported frantically to the old octopus monster:
“The enemy has breached the city. We are surrounded, powerless against their dreadful artifact!”

Feigning calm, the octopus said:
“Don’t worry, with me here, they won’t dare to enter.”

Yet deep down, he feared the overwhelming power of the Swordfish Legion and the artifact.

The Octopus Monster’s Last Stand

Cornered like a trapped beast, the old octopus prepared to fight to the death. The old Seahorse advised patience, having already sent Jibao to infiltrate the hall.

Jibao, wearing the invisibility cloak, followed the retreating guards and snuck into the hall, hiding in the shadows. He carefully eliminated the four door guards, letting the Lanternfish Legion enter and engage the shark guards.

The old octopus monster unleashed his black ink in a wide cloud, but the Sun Anemone’s light turned it to white smoke, revealing him fully. Jibao, wielding his stiletto, circled the monster, striking at openings. The monster’s claws were hacked off one by one, like trimming the branches of a twisted tree.

13. The Final Strike

With only two claws left, one wrapped around his navel and the other swinging wildly, the monster writhed under the Moonlight Sea Urchin’s poison. The purple venom spread through the remaining limbs, paralyzing and inflicting pain.

Jibao seized the moment, aiming for the navel from above in a diving attack, intending to pierce the claw through the navel.

The blinded octopus sensed the movement, retracting its claws to protect its head, catching Jibao. The monster squeezed the dolphin tightly, nearly suffocating him. The old Seahorse re-entered and witnessed the horrific scene.

Jibao’s body was torn into three sections, blood pouring from the gaping wounds. The magical Swordfish blade fell before him. Miraculously, it absorbed Jibao’s blood, flying like a meteor and striking the monster’s navel precisely. The octopus screamed in agony, its thick body bursting open, and it died instantly.

The old Seahorse realized the sword’s hidden power required the user’s life as the catalyst, explaining why Dama’s steward had warned the young dolphin of the deadly risk.

14. The Mermaid Princess

The hall was filled with Swordfish soldiers and dolphins, surrounding Jibao’s body. His mother held the torn remains, sobbing. Injured Swordfish Wula knelt beside him, crying, while the old Seahorse and Lanternfish General also shed tears.

Suddenly, a beautiful song echoed—the Mermaid Princess arrived with her attendants. She gently lifted Jibao’s head and torso, removed her hairpin and golden strands, and stitched the wounds. Her tears crystallized into pearls.

She fed the pearls into Jibao’s mouth, and a miracle occurred: Jibao’s fish skin fell away, revealing a handsome boy. Everyone was stunned.

Opening his eyes, he saw the Mermaid Princess.
“Prince, you’ve awakened. Do you remember me?” she asked.

He nodded.
“You wronged me in a past life. Before dying, you promised to marry me in the next life and live together in the ocean. Do you remember?” she asked with loving eyes.

“I remember my vow,” he replied. “I have saved all the dolphins and fulfilled my promise to Sea God Dama. Today, before all our friends and family, I formally propose to you, Princess. I vow to spend our lives together, never parting.”

With that, the prince lifted the Mermaid Princess, and amidst cheers from the gathered sea creatures, they walked toward the deep blue ocean together.