Amidst this maelstrom of chaos and panic, Xiao Yi frowned, his gaze fixed firmly ahead as he made a silent decision. He took a deep breath and slowly stood up, his straight back a testament to the crowd. The pain and confusion that had lingered before faded from Xiao Yi's gaze, replaced instead by a resolute determination and a sense of responsibility. He glanced around at the desperate crowd, then raised his voice and declared, "Don't panic, everyone! This chaos won't solve the problem!" His voice, though hoarse, was powerful, instantly quieting the noisy crowd. Xiao Yi walked steadily to the center of the crowd and continued, "Now that it's already happened, panicking and blaming others is pointless. I've decided to step forward and find a solution!" His words spoke with such force that they brought some peace of mind. Someone questioned, "This strange disease is so bizarre, what can you do about it?" Xiao Yi looked at the man with a determined gaze and replied, "I don't know how many difficulties lie ahead, but sitting back and waiting is a dead end. Someone has to try, to explore, and I'm willing to be that person!" He began packing his belongings, placing the necessary items into his backpack. Every movement was resolute, without a trace of hesitation. The people around him watched him silently, their hearts filled with anticipation and worry. Once ready, Xiao Yi looked at the crowd again and said, "Everyone, wait for my news. Believe me, we will overcome this!" With that, he turned and walked with firm steps towards the unknown. His lonely yet resolute figure receded from view, seeming to carry everyone's hope. In this perilous environment, his gaze remained firm, his heart filled with a sense of mission. He knew that he could not face the numerous difficulties alone, so he relied on his personal charm and unwavering determination to actively seek out companions who were still strong enough. He tirelessly traveled to every corner, speaking with sincerity and passion to each potential teammate about the heavy responsibility they would shoulder and the hope they could create. Finally, those like-minded and strong companions were moved by his sincerity and responded to his call. Thus, they gathered together to form an investigative team. Each person's eyes shone with determination and courage, as if silently proclaiming their fearless courage to face the unknown. The members of this team came from diverse backgrounds, but they all shared a common belief: to uncover the mystery, to seek the truth, and to move forward together towards a common goal.

As the dawn light barely broke through the sky, they resolutely embarked on a slightly aged but incredibly sturdy boat, driven by their unwavering pursuit of the truth. The planks trembled beneath their feet, as if hinting at the unknown journey that lay ahead. The sea breeze caressed their faces, bringing with it the uniquely salty scent of the ocean. Their eyes were determined and focused, their hearts filled with anticipation and anxiety for the unknown. As the sails slowly rose, under the captain's powerful command, the boat cut through the calm surface, heading towards the vast and unfathomable depths of the ocean. The waves gently lapped against the side, creating a rhythmic sound, as if nature had orchestrated their march. Standing at the bow, gazing at the azure blue ahead, their resolve grew stronger. Each knew that this journey would be fraught with difficulties and dangers, but the conviction to seek the truth burned like a torch, illuminating their path and giving them endless courage and strength to forge ahead, fearless of the storm.

Their journey was a thrilling one. As soon as they entered unfamiliar waters, a monstrous, mutated octopus suddenly emerged from the depths. Its countless long tentacles, like the claws of a demon, lashed frantically at the boat, attempting to capsize it. Then, a school of mutant fish, fanged and covered in spikes, swooped down like arrows, slamming into the boat with terrifying thuds. Before they could recover from the onslaught, a massive mutant seabird with wings as strong as steel swooped down from the sky, attempting to snatch the crew members away with its razor-sharp claws. Even more terrifying, from the murky waters, a mutated, transparent jellyfish, capable of emitting powerful electrical currents, suddenly appeared. They swarmed the boat, scattering the surface with an eerie blue light. The currents continuously pulsed through the vessel, paralyzing those on board. Each attack came so suddenly and so fiercely that they were caught off guard and were always on the verge of life and death.

From the depths of the deep, dark ocean, an octopus of astonishing size slowly emerged. Its massive body resembled a moving hillock, emitting a chilling aura. It brandished its numerous, spiky tentacles, each thick and powerful, like a giant python dancing wildly through the air. The spikes gleamed coldly in the dim light, sharp and deadly. Its tentacles twisted wildly, churning the surrounding water into vast whirlpools. Simultaneously, a school of bizarrely shaped fish burst forth from the shadows. Their bodies were twisted and deformed, their fins broad and sharp. The fish opened their hideous maws and violently spewed forth clouds of poisonous slime. The slime, a strange color, rapidly spread through the sea, forming thick, toxic clouds. Wherever the slime touched, the water sizzled and billowed with white smoke, as if corroded. This poisonous slime is not only highly corrosive, but also emits a pungent stench that is nauseating. It sprays continuously, trying to stop the explorers from moving forward, turning this sea area into a terrifying place full of death threats.

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