Samsara Paradise: Dream Weaver of Connections.

Three days later, near Bloodclaw Fortress
Iron-gray waves, accompanied by muffled sobs, repeatedly crashed against the rusty dock pier.

A salty, damp, and cold sea breeze swept across the empty port area, ruffling the stray hairs on Lin Yi's forehead.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the dark sea where the sky met the horizon, where leaden clouds hung low. A sense of impending storm hung in the air.

On the horizon, a blurry black dot gradually becomes clear, outlining the silhouette of a giant ship with a streamlined hull—the Papal transport ship "Holy Light," flying a flag with a golden sun and the emblem of the Holy Book.

However, its current posture is far removed from the name "Holy Light".

The sails were torn in many places as if by giant claws, and one side of the hull was covered with impact dents and charred marks from magic. It was moving slowly and looked exhausted, as if it had just escaped from a life-or-death battle.

Lin Yi narrowed his eyes slightly. The efficiency of the Holy See was even higher than he had expected, but the manner of their arrival... clearly indicated that the journey would not be peaceful.

The Holy Light was sailing a day earlier.

The azure sea was originally as calm as a mirror, reflecting the dazzling sunlight.

The enormous sails of the "Holy Light" billowed, cutting through the water and leaving a trail of white wake.

The cargo hold was filled with the food, high-quality timber, iron ingots, and dozens of boxes of special stone blessed by the Holy Light, as well as a small box of holy silver ingots that shimmered with a soft silver glow. This was the first batch of key supplies that the Holy See was fulfilling its promise to deliver.

On the deck, the Papal Crusaders, clad in gleaming silver armor, stood at attention, their sharp eyes scanning the sea.

At the bow of the ship, a middle-aged woman dressed in a white robe with gold trim—Archbishop Angela—was praying with her eyes closed, surrounded by a faint, holy glow.

Suddenly, a sailor on the lookout tower sounded the alarm: "Underwater! Something! A lot of it!"

Almost simultaneously with the alarm sounding, "Plop! Plop! Plop!" Several rough but exceptionally sharp bone spears, carrying a salty, fishy smell, pierced the water's surface and embedded themselves hard into the ship's gunwales and deck.

Immediately afterwards, one after another ugly, hunched figures climbed up from both sides of the ship's side.

They have humanoid outlines, but their skin is covered with smooth, bluish-green scales, their fingers are webbed, and they have fin-like ears and snouts full of sharp teeth.

Their eyes were cloudy and filled with primal ferocity.

These are all legendary low-level marine subhumans—fish-men.

They let out hoarse, eerie cries, brandishing bone spears, stone axes, and crude fishing nets, surging wildly towards the crew and crusaders on deck like a murky tide.

"Desecrators! For the sake of the Holy Light, purify them!" the crusader captain roared, drawing his sword.

The well-trained crusaders instantly formed ranks, and a holy light shone from their armor and weapons, creating a formidable defensive line.

The sword flashed, and holy power surged, cleaving the leading mermen in two or knocking them into the sea.

The holy light seemed to have an additional burning effect on them; the hit murlocs let out painful howls, and blue smoke rose from their wounds.

The battle was very brief. Although the murlocs were numerous, their individual strength was weak. Faced with the well-equipped crusaders who were blessed with holy light, they were like a tide crashing against a reef, quickly collapsing.

The deck was soon littered with the twisted corpses of merfolk, their foul-smelling blood mingling with the seawater. Only a few of the Crusaders sustained minor injuries.

"Clear the deck! Inspect the hull for damage!" Archbishop Angie's voice was calm yet powerful. She opened her eyes, her golden pupils showing no sign of panic.

She didn't make a move; an attack of this magnitude wasn't worth her using her power.

Her brows furrowed slightly as she looked toward the deep sea where the fishmen were surging in, as if she sensed a deeper threat.

Sure enough, just as the fishmen's roars gradually subsided and the crew began to clean up the battlefield, a sound... quietly spread across the sea.

At first, it was just a faint murmur, like a lover's whisper, carrying an indescribable allure, gently scratching at everyone's eardrums.

Then, the sound gradually became clearer, like heavenly music, yet with a serene and alluring quality like that of a siren.

The song seemed to penetrate the eardrums, directly soothing the deepest desires of the soul and arousing the most primal urges and deepest longings.

The smoke from the chimneys of one's hometown, a lost lover, wealth within reach, supreme power... it weaves the sweetest illusions, enticing people to lay down their weapons and throw themselves into that seemingly gentle and azure embrace.

“Hmm…” A strong sailor who was carrying the fishman’s corpse suddenly froze, his eyes became glazed, a foolish smile appeared on his lips, and he involuntarily let go of the corpse, staggering toward the ship’s side.

“Mother…it’s Mother calling me…” a young crusader murmured, his eyes welling up with tears, his hand gripping his sword trembling.

Even the more resolute old sailors and some of the crusaders showed signs of struggle and confusion, and their movements became sluggish.

The entire "Holy Light" seemed to have sunk into an invisible, viscous swamp, and its fighting spirit quickly crumbled amidst the sweet singing.

“The whispers of the Sirens!” Archbishop Angie’s eyes flashed with a sharp light as she instantly identified the source of the song.

She stepped forward, stood at the highest point of the bow, and formed a sacred mudra with her hands in front of her chest.

She took a deep breath, her chest resonating, and a song filled with sacred power and unwavering will emanated from her lips:

"Holy one! Lord of Light, dispel all illusions!"

"My mind is clear and unperturbed by falsehood!"

"In the name of the saints, repel evil spirits!"

Her voice was like a resounding bell, or the first ray of light at dawn, carrying the power to cleanse the soul, instantly breaking through the alluring whispers.

The holy power contained in her singing transformed into visible golden ripples that spread outwards from her center.

The bewitched sailors and warriors shuddered as if doused with ice water, instantly sobering up. Their eyes regained their clarity, and their faces were filled with lingering fear and shame.

"Keep your minds focused!" the crusader captain roared, seizing the opportunity to boost morale.

Two invisible sonic forces collided fiercely at sea. The siren's song was like a lingering spider web, constantly trying to entangle and penetrate, while Archbishop Angie's hymn was like a blazing holy flame, purifying all spiritual invasions.

As the two forces clashed, an unnatural whirlpool suddenly appeared on the sea surface.

This silent battle lasted for several minutes, and Archbishop Angie's forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat. Maintaining such a large-scale and powerful chanting confrontation was also quite taxing on her.

Finally, the alluring voice seemed to let out a defiant shriek, disappearing abruptly like a string severed by a sharp blade.

The strange phenomena on the sea surface subsided, leaving only the regular surging of the waves.

Archbishop Angie slowly composed herself, and the golden light on her body gradually subsided.

She gazed in the direction where the singing had faded, the sea there seeming even darker than elsewhere: "Speed ​​up, target Bloodclaw Fortress! We're being watched by the 'Deepsea Singer'."

Bloodclaw Castle Lord's Study
Archbishop Angie sat opposite Lin Yi, her tone calm, but a trace of solemnity remained between her brows as she described in detail the events of the attack by fishmen at sea and the enchanting songs of sirens.

“Ordinary merfolk are nothing to fear, but that siren is extremely powerful. Its song covers a very wide area and has a very strong penetrating power. If I hadn’t been personally overseeing it, the Holy Light would probably have become a decoration in its lair.”

She picked up the hot tea that Old Barton had served her, took a small sip, and continued, "According to the ancient records of the Holy See, a creature that possesses such a large army of merfolk servants in the near-shore area, and whose songs have such alluring power, is no ordinary Sirens. It is very likely an ancient sea monster, which we call the 'Deepsea Singer.' It can not only lure sailors with its songs, but also distort reality to create illusions, and even briefly control the minds of lower creatures through its songs, posing a devastating threat to ports and shipping lanes."

Lin Yi leaned back in the high-backed chair, and outside the window, he could faintly hear shouts and banging sounds coming from the direction of the port.

The people are using the newly arrived blessed stone and timber to speed up the repairs of the port facilities—facilities prepared for future maritime trade.

Unfortunately, the existence of the Sirens is like a sharp blade hanging over Bloodclaw Keep's throat, threatening to sever this nascent lifeline at any moment.

“I understand. Thank you, Archbishop, for your timely assistance and for providing such crucial intelligence. This batch of supplies is a godsend for Bloodclaw Fortress.” Lin Yi looked directly at Archbishop Angie and extended an invitation: “Your Excellency, the Sirens not only threaten the port but also attack the Holy See's transport ships, blaspheming the Holy Light and making them enemies of the Holy See. They wreak havoc in the coastal waters, devouring passing ships and causing countless tragedies, further violating the Holy See's doctrine of ‘protecting all living beings.’ I wonder if you would be willing to join forces with me to completely purify this 'Deep Sea Singer' that is plaguing the region?”

Archbishop Angie scrutinized the young lord before him, elevating the Sirens' threat to the level of the Church's duty and faith.

After a moment of contemplation, Angie realized that the Sirens were indeed a major threat. Purifying them would not only eliminate the threat to the shipping lanes, but would also be a great undertaking to spread the Holy Light and accumulate merit.

The strength Lin Yi demonstrated and the potential of his territory made her feel that cooperation was worthwhile.

“Your Excellency is absolutely right.” Archbishop Angie set down her teacup, her white robes billowing without wind, exuding a solemn aura. “Purifying such evil and protecting innocent lives is the sacred duty of the Holy See. Those who blaspheme the Holy Light will be punished. I, Angie Saint Hilarion, on behalf of the Holy See, accept your invitation. We will join hands to bring lasting peace to this sea.”

"Very well, Your Excellency the Archbishop and your soldiers, get some rest tonight. We'll set off tomorrow morning. Our target—the 'Phantom Sirens' lair."

The following morning, at the port of Bloodclaw Fortress.

The darkness before dawn had not completely faded, and only a hint of pale light appeared on the horizon.

After overnight repairs, some of the piers have been reinforced and are now moored with several selected, relatively sturdy local fishing boats and a slightly larger armed merchant ship. These boats will serve as temporary mounts for the expeditionary force.

Lin Yi wore an inconspicuous gray cloak over his black priest's robe, and Ruth Jack, who had returned from suppressing bandits, stood beside him.

Lin Yi had originally planned to let Ruth Jack rest, but after hearing that this trip was to conquer the Sirens, Ruth Jack instantly perked up.

Alex also unexpectedly appeared at the port. He had changed into a set of light leather armor, with an ornately decorated longsword at his waist. His face had a complex expression that mixed boredom and a hint of excitement, as if he regarded this dangerous mission as a thrilling "hunt".

"Is His Highness the Second Prince also going?"

"Staying in the castle will make your bones rust."

"Besides, I'm very interested in the legendary Sirens. Don't worry, I won't hold you back."

On the side of the Holy See, Archbishop Angie stood at the forefront. She had changed into a silver-white priest's robe with gold trim, which was more suitable for battle, and held a staff with a large holy crystal inlaid at the top.

Behind her stood twelve elite Crusaders, their armor gleaming, their expressions solemn, like twelve silver statues.

There were also four high-ranking combat priests, holding holy scriptures and symbols, their bodies surrounded by the power of devout prayers.

"Everyone, board the ship!" Lin Yi ordered.

The expeditionary force boarded the ships quickly and orderly. The papal personnel boarded two larger fishing boats, while Lin Yi, Ruth, Alex, and several selected guards boarded the armed merchant ship.

With sails raised and mooring lines untied, several ships, like arrows released from a bow, sailed towards the source of the Siren song that Archbishop Angie had sensed, guided by their navigators.

The sea breeze was biting, making the sails flutter loudly.

The deeper we went into the sea, the darker the sky became. Thick sea fog spread out of nowhere, and visibility dropped sharply. All that remained was the monotonous sound of waves crashing against the ship and the salty, fishy smell of the fog.

“This is the area.” Archbishop Angie stood at the bow of the ship. The holy light crystal on her staff emitted a soft yet extremely penetrating light, barely dispelling the thick fog within a radius of dozens of meters. Her voice, transmitted clearly through holy power, reached every ship.

"The Sirens' lair is most likely in a nearby underwater cave or reef. Everyone be on high alert and stay alert! Their song could come at any moment..."

Before she finished speaking, that familiar singing voice once again pierced through the thick fog, resounding in everyone's ears.

This time, the song was even more tender and poignant, filled with endless sorrow and longing, directly touching the most vulnerable parts of everyone's soul.

The mist seemed to amplify the song, multiplying its alluring power.

"Ugh!" Even the well-prepared Crusaders groaned and their eyes began to glaze over.

The ordinary sailors and guards of Bloodclaw Fortress were frozen in place, their faces showing a look of fascination, their movements completely halted.

Even Alex frowned, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes, as if he were resisting some primal restlessness stirred deep within his bloodline.

"Holy Light protects you!" Archbishop Angie was prepared. She raised her staff high, and the holy chant rang out again. Golden holy light burst forth from her center, forming a huge semi-transparent light shield that barely covered the ships.

The hymns and the alluring sounds of the sirens clashed fiercely in the air, causing the protective barrier to fluctuate violently, as if it might be torn apart by the invisible sound waves at any moment.

Archbishop Angie's face turned somewhat pale. Maintaining such a large area and resisting such intense mental erosion was also a great burden for her.

Lin Yi took a step forward and stood at the very front of the ship, facing the source of the thick fog and the song.

The world's blessing flowed silently around him, and the alluring song that could make ordinary people and even the strong fall into its spell fell into his ears like a gentle breeze brushing against a rock, failing to stir up even a ripple.

"Soul Suppression!"

"Tsk-!"

As Lin Yi activated his innate skill, a loud ripping sound, like cloth being forcibly torn apart, exploded on the mental level.

The thick fog covering the sea churned violently, like a pond tossed with boulders.

The omnipresent singing, like a nightingale with its neck choked, let out a piercing, mournful cry before abruptly ceasing.

As the song faded, the pressure on the holy light shield enveloping the ship decreased sharply and stabilized instantly.

Everyone on the ship who had been bewitched seemed to wake up from a dream, their backs instantly soaked with cold sweat, their faces filled with the horror of surviving a disaster.

Archbishop Angie looked at Lin Yi, her golden eyes filled with shock!
She could only protect everyone's spiritual realm with her sacred songs, but Lin Yi ruthlessly tore apart the siren's song.

The thick fog had not completely dissipated, but the area torn open by Lin Yi seemed to have created a passage.

Through the thin mist, a chilling figure could be faintly seen on the distant rocks.

It was the upper body of a woman whose beauty defied description; her skin was like the finest pearl, shimmering with a hazy luster in the dim light.

Her thick, dark green hair, like seaweed, cascaded down, partially obscuring her exquisite curves. Her face was exquisitely beautiful, possessing an ethereal and alluring quality that seemed to embody all the world's fantasies about beauty.

Unfortunately, from the waist down, there was a fish tail covered with huge scales, which was now powerfully slapping the seawater under the reef.

It is the true form of the "Phantom Sirens," and the culprit behind this area being called the Sea of ​​Death.

At this moment, its beautiful face was filled with a mixture of shock and anger.

[Comparing intelligence attributes of both sides... Comparison complete. Our intelligence attribute is 1.2 times that of the enemy. We have obtained 100% of the enemy's data (Reconnaissance Eye bonus 20%).]

Sirens

Category: Demon Lord

Health: 100%
Mana: 19000/21000
Power: 35
Agility: 78
Real physical strength: 110
True Intelligence: 102
True charm: 111
Skill 1: Demonic Body (Passive, LV.40): Max HP +3000, immune to Charm and Fear effects, and takes 30% more Holy damage.

Skill 2: Song of Desire (Passive, Lv.31): Consumes 300 mana and can apply charm to surrounding enemies. Those who fail the charm test will join the Siren faction and return to the "Confused" state after the test ends.

Skill 3: Devour (Active, Lv.18): Consumes 200 mana to spray black mist in a fan-shaped area in front, dealing (Intelligence × 0.8) damage and inflicting "Deep Sea Erosion" (losses 3% of health per turn, lasting 3 stacks).

Skill 4: Deep Sea Shelter (Passive, Lv.32): For every 10% of health lost, gain one stack of "Ethereal Shield" (can negate the damage of the next skill, stacking up to 3 times).

Skill 5: Water Element Manipulation (Passive, Lv.24): As an ocean spirit, the Sirens are naturally able to manipulate water elements.

Skill 6: Peerless Beauty (Active, Lv.11): Performs a soul judgment on a single enemy target. The loser will permanently become a Siren's servant. (End of Chapter)