Actually, there was no need for the Maiden of the Sea to remind them; not only Wang Junze, but Yang Hong and Pei Haoran could also feel the danger of this Water Barrier.

However, in this situation, the two naturally wouldn't speak up.

Earlier, the Maiden of the Sea mentioned that she would share the benefits of the Water Mansion equally with Wang Junze, which was somewhat surprising to both of them.

After all, the Maiden of the Sea and Wang Junze didn't have any previous connection, and they had only temporarily teamed up due to their competition for the Other Shore Flower. In this situation, it made no sense for the Maiden of the Sea to give such a significant benefit to Wang Junze.

But now, standing before the Water Mansion, they finally understood.

The Water Barrier served as a test; if Wang Junze couldn't break through it, even if the Maiden of the Sea eventually joined forces with others to open the Water Mansion, the previously promised benefits naturally wouldn't be counted.

Ignoring the others, Wang Junze stepped up to the Water Barrier, closed his eyes slightly, and slowly released the Water Sword Intent, cautiously sensing the power within it.

After almost a quarter of an hour, just as the others began to grow impatient, Wang Junze suddenly unleashed his sword.

The Water Sword Intent erupted violently, and even in the depths of the sea, it seemed to instantly stir up a terrifying undercurrent, which moved with the Sword Edge, fiercely striking the Water Barrier.

Boom!

In an instant, the Water Barrier suddenly emitted a brilliant light, as if it had stirred up a terrifying wave, surging back towards Wang Junze.

As the Maiden of the Sea had said, once the Water Barrier was touched, its counterattack was far fiercer than Wang Junze's initial attack.

The Maiden of the Sea, with her experience, had deliberately moved aside before Wang Junze struck. However, Yang Hong and Pei Haoran didn't react as quickly, and when they felt the wave surging back, it was too late for them.

Their faces changed drastically, and with almost no hesitation, they shot towards the surface of the sea.

Yet even so, it was already too late. The wave that surged back instantly formed a terrifying whirlpool, sweeping the two into it.

In this life-and-death moment, they were forced to unleash their ultimate skills, fiercely attacking the whirlpool ahead, doing everything they could to prevent themselves from being swept away.

Leaving aside their reaction, on the other side, it seemed Wang Junze had anticipated all of this. As the wave surged back, he seemed to effortlessly merge into the water current, continuing to attack the Water Barrier in reverse.

Even more strangely, although Wang Junze was at the forefront of the wave, he seemed utterly unaffected, easily passing through the Water Barrier!

No one knew how much time had passed before the seabed returned to calm once more.

Yang Hong and Pei Haoran were in an extremely sorry state after being churned by the terrifying whirlpool, but they managed to hold on due to their immense strength, although they were clearly exhausted.

When they finally settled down, they were shocked to discover that Wang Junze had already crossed the Water Barrier at some point!

For a moment, they were both left dumbfounded!

"Maiden of the Sea, what's going on?"

Yang Hong couldn't help but ask through their communication link.

The Maiden of the Sea had already retreated to a safer distance and, with her excellent swimming skills, had easily avoided the wave. However, she couldn't achieve what Wang Junze had done, passing through the Water Barrier against the wave's impact, and her expression was similarly complex.

If Wang Junze wished, he could abandon them and enter the Water Mansion alone.

Though no one knew what treasures lay within the Water Mansion, the opportunity to explore it alone would be enticing to anyone.

Yet, to the surprise of the three, Wang Junze didn't enter the Water Mansion alone; instead, he waited for the seabed to calm down before crossing the Water Barrier once more and coming out.

It was obvious that while the Water Barrier blocked others from entering, exiting it was quite simple.

Underwater, Wang Junze couldn't speak, but with gestures alone, he conveyed his meaning to the three.

Wang Junze wanted the three to stand with him, so he could lead them through the Water Barrier together.

Recalling the terrifying whirlpool, Yang Hong and Pei Haoran still felt a lingering fear. Nonetheless, after some hesitation, they chose to trust Wang Junze, quickly moving over to stand with him.

Following the same method.

Wang Junze swung his sword again, and the terrifying wave surged forth once more.

This time, however, with a gentle sway of his sword, Wang Junze swept up a stream of water, enveloping the three of them and carrying them through the Water Barrier against the wave.

"Is this Water Barrier isolating the seawater?"

Upon crossing, the three immediately noticed that there was not a drop of water here, and they could breathe freely, as if they were on regular land instead of the seabed.

"Indeed, this Water Barrier is meant to isolate the Water Mansion; otherwise, over the years, it would be difficult for the Water Mansion to remain so intact in the seawater."

Nodding, Wang Junze spoke softly.

"Thank you!"

After a brief silence, the Maiden of the Sea slightly bowed in thanks.

"No need for thanks; without you, I wouldn't have found this Water Mansion either." Shaking his head, Wang Junze explained, "Moreover, we haven't truly entered the Water Mansion yet, and we don't know what other dangers might await inside. It's better if we're all together to support each other."

Pausing, Wang Junze continued, "I've just arrived at the Nether Sea with no background or roots. Having some acquaintances like you all as friends is better than making enemies everywhere."

For Wang Junze, whatever benefits lay within the Water Mansion were secondary to his true goal—defeating Dugu Feng.

Although he couldn't reveal this yet, if he could gain the help of these three when the time came, the chances of success would increase significantly.

On this alone, he wouldn't attempt to claim all the Water Mansion's treasures for himself.

Moreover, whatever he gained inside, he'd eventually have to come out. If he abandoned the three to explore alone, he'd be facing their deadly wrath when he emerged!

For Wang Junze, the disadvantages far outweighed the benefits.

"In the Nether Sea, having friends is especially valuable!"

After a moment of silence, the Maiden of the Sea solemnly replied, "No matter the outcome of this journey, I consider you a friend."

"As long as you help me break through to Divine Travel, I consider you a friend as well."

Yang Hong also quickly echoed.

Neither Yang Hong nor the Maiden of the Sea had trusted anyone before, but now, they recognized Wang Junze a bit more.

While they couldn't claim absolute trust, they were certainly less guarded.

As for Pei Haoran, there's no need to mention him; if this isn't close friendship, what is?

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