After physical attacks failed to harm the lobster monster, Bai Qi decisively used the magic of the Monkey Talisman, shrinking it into a palm-sized crayfish.
Originally, Bai Qi had no need to destroy the giant lobster that merely scraped mud at the seabed. He only needed to ensure it didn't impede his path.
However, before Bai Qi could relax, a flash of light, and the shrunken lobster monster reverted to its original colossal form. Clearly angered by Bai Qi, it unleashed a powerful laser beam from its massive maw.
Bai Qi couldn't dodge in time and was instantly engulfed by the laser.
Even Bai Qi found the intensely destructive laser difficult to endure. His flesh and skin visibly decayed at an alarming rate, only to be rapidly repaired by the Dog Talisman's magic, and then destroyed again by the laser.
With the Dog Talisman and the black qi-wielding mother, Bai Qi was undoubtedly immortal, but the pain was all too real.
Bai Qi had considered fighting back, but his dragon breath was almost powerless in the deep sea, and his laser eyes couldn't possibly contend with the lobster monster's beam. After being bombarded for over two minutes, Bai Qi was forced to use his telekinesis to forcefully extract himself from the laser's coverage.
Having escaped the laser's range and fully recovered from his injuries, Bai Qi looked up at the towering lobster monster and roared, "You bastard, I'm truly angry this time."
With his strength recovered, Bai Qi, empowered by both the Rabbit and Rooster Talismans, instantly ascended hundreds of meters above the lobster monster's head. He then plunged downwards, striking the monster's head like a missile.
As the saying goes, strike at its seven-inch weak point. Bai Qi's target was precise: the lobster monster's eye, perhaps its only vulnerable spot.
However, the lobster monster's eye was supported by a type of stone, inscribed with strange patterns. Though Bai Qi's suicidal charge managed to dislodge the right eye, his own body was severely deformed by the immense impact.
If not for the immortality granted by the Dog Talisman, that single collision would have been enough to kill Bai Qi countless times over.
Pain was inevitable, but it was worth it.
With this impact, Bai Qi successfully embedded his head within the lobster monster.
A large volume of seawater gushed into the lobster monster through the breached right eye. Bai Qi, having recovered his senses, quickly used his telekinesis to form a wall, sealing the breach.
Having done this, Bai Qi stood up, surveyed his surroundings, and a slight smile curved his lips.
"I never imagined there would be a world within here."
Bai Qi had entered through the lobster monster's right eye, meaning he should now be within its head.
Upon entering, Bai Qi finally understood why the lobster monster's shell was so hard, why its movements were mechanical, and why it could fire laser beams. The fundamental reason was that this lobster monster was not a living creature but a colossal war machine.
Bai Qi was fortunate. By entering through the right eye, he had arrived at what was precisely the lobster monster's control center.
Bai Qi had stumbled upon the lobster monster's control center by chance, but a new problem arose. The entire room was like a secluded paradise. At first glance, it didn't resemble a control center at all; it was a garden.
Standing here, Bai Qi could smell the scent of earth. Above, a clear blue sky drifted with a few white clouds, and a bright sun hung high, with one or two small birds occasionally flying past.
Bai Qi crouched down and touched the plants under his feet, marveling to find that both the soil and the flora were real, not virtual projections.
Bai Qi picked a small flower and brought it close, sniffing it gently. Both its texture and fragrance were no different from a normal flower.
If not for the wall of telekinesis behind him, blocking the seawater, Bai Qi would have truly believed he had time-traveled.
Following a pebble path, Bai Qi arrived at a pavilion made of marble. Its architectural style exuded a strong European flair. More importantly, this pavilion was the only building in this garden.
In the center of the pavilion floated a cube. At first glance, it appeared to be made of some kind of stone. The four faces of the cube were engraved with different patterns, and it hovered in the pavilion without any external support.
Bai Qi looked around for a long time, but he couldn't figure out how to use this object. However, he was certain that it must be the core that controlled the lobster monster.
It didn't matter that Bai Qi didn't know how to use it. If he didn't, others might. Doctor Octopus, Extreme Man, even Luthor – their intelligence far surpassed Bai Qi's.
Even if they couldn't figure it out, it wouldn't matter. He held a Tarot card. Although Bai Qi had only entered the cottage once through the Tarot card, that single visit had left a deep impression.
If all else failed, he would go to the cottage again and bring this object there. Bai Qi didn't believe he still wouldn't understand a mere stone.
As for now.
Bai Qi extended his "sinful" hands and snatched the stone.
With the core removed, the entire garden seemed to hit a pause button. The wind stopped blowing, the birds stopped chirping, and everything fell silent.
Bai Qi, holding the core, retraced his steps. Just as he was about to leave, Bai Qi was cautious and buried the core in the soil beneath his feet, choosing not to take it out.
After all, Bai Qi couldn't guarantee the object's durability. If he carelessly damaged it, he'd have no one to cry to.
For safety's sake, it was best to leave the core here.
After dealing with the core, Bai Qi dispelled the telekinetic wall and quickly exited through the lobster monster's right eye.
Looking back after leaving, the lobster monster had indeed ceased functioning, lying motionless in place.
Bai Qi first used his telekinesis to envelop the entire lobster monster. Then, he once again employed the Monkey Talisman's magic, shrinking the lobster monster into a small snail, which made it much easier to carry.
Having resolved the issue with the lobster monster, Bai Qi entered the Great Rift and accelerated towards the submarine.
He had to admit that Savage and the others were truly fast. When Bai Qi caught up, he only saw the empty submarine stuck at the exit.
The submarine was too large, and the exit too small. Savage and the others had no choice but to abandon the main submarine and use smaller ones and combat vehicles, load them with supplies, and quickly pass through the exit.
Bai Qi didn't overthink it. He quickly swam in. After passing through a U-shaped tunnel, Bai Qi surfaced.
On the shore, Bai Qi still didn't see Savage and the others, only the tents they had left behind during their rest.