Yet, fate seemed determined not to let these pitiful survivors off easily. The sea, like an enraged giant, mercilessly demonstrated its might. The howling wind swept in, emitting a sharp roar that threatened to tear the dilapidated vessel apart. Wave after wave, rising like a mountain, crashed down upon the ship with the force of a tidal wave. Each impact rocked the ship violently, as if it would be swallowed by the sea at any moment. The planks groaned in pain under the heavy impact of the waves, rivets loosened, the sides cracked, and water poured into the cabin. The survivors screamed in terror, desperately using various tools to drain the water, trying to keep the ship steady. But the wind and waves were relentless, and wave after wave of assault made their efforts seem insignificant. Meanwhile, food and water supplies dwindled. The already scarce dry rations were quickly consumed by the hungry mouths. Every bite of food became incredibly precious, with everyone only getting a pitiful share, barely surviving. Fresh water was even more scarce, with the few buckets of water available being strictly controlled. People's chapped lips yearned for moisture, their throats aching from thirst. Children cried out of hunger and thirst, their voices weak and heartbreaking. The raging sea and the scarcity of supplies plunged Xiao Yi and the survivors into an unprecedented predicament. But amidst this despair, they still clung to that glimmer of hope for survival, stubbornly fighting against fate.
Even more terrifying, this seemingly boundless ocean has become a hunting ground for mutated marine creatures. Without warning, they emerge like ghosts. Sometimes, at dusk, when the last rays of light are swallowed by darkness, a massive whirlpool suddenly surges from the sea, and then a massive mutant octopus extends its terrifying tentacles, lashing wildly at the boat. The people scream in terror and grab weapons to resist, but often before they can launch an effective counterattack, their companions are swept into the sea by the powerful tentacles, instantly disappearing beneath the waves, leaving only a pool of blood on the surface. Sometimes, in the stillness of the night, when everyone has fallen into a brief sleep out of exhaustion, a violent collision shakes the boat violently. Awakening from their dreams, they find a ferocious giant shark biting at the side with its razor-sharp teeth. They rush to fight, but in the darkness, chaos and fear prevail. Each shark attack is accompanied by the desperate cries of their companions and the loss of their lives. Sometimes, it was at noon when the sun was blazing brightly, and the sunlight made the sea surface sparkle, making it difficult to open your eyes. And at this moment, a group of transparent stinging jellyfish floated over, and their stings fell like raindrops. The people who were stung fell to the ground in pain, their bodies twitching, and soon stopped breathing. Every encounter with mutated marine creatures was a bloody nightmare. The ship became more and more dilapidated, and the number of companions was constantly decreasing. Every lost face became an eternal pain in the hearts of the survivors; every life lost became a heavy burden for them to move forward. However, despite the fear and despair that followed them like a shadow, Xiao Yi and the remaining survivors still stuck together, tenaciously searching for hope of survival in this wandering journey full of death threats.
In this seemingly endless drift, time lost its meaning, and each day felt like a long, agonizing ordeal. Initial hope and courage gradually dimmed before the harsh reality. People's eyes grew hollow, their once glittering dreams and beliefs replaced by exhaustion and despair. Every day, they faced the ocean's capriciousness: fierce winds, surging waves, torrential rain, never a moment of peace. Physical exhaustion sank deep into their bones, and the wounds of their hearts lingered. Prolonged hunger left their bodies utterly weakened, their limbs limp, even simple movements a struggle. Throats burned with thirst, and every breath felt like torture. Loneliness and helplessness spread like a plague throughout their hearts. Without the familiar land, without the warmth of home, they felt abandoned by the world, stranded on this vast ocean. Those once optimistic and cheerful now hushed, staring blankly into the distance, their thoughts unseen. Even those once strong and courageous, caught in the daily torment, began to question the meaning of their persistence. Arguments and conflicts arose frequently, and people's emotions became sensitive and fragile, with the slightest friction triggering a heated exchange. Cracks now appeared in the once united team. The children's laughter faded, the innocence in their eyes swallowed by fear, having prematurely endured a burden too heavy for their lives. The elderly, even more so, wore a haggard look, as if they had endured centuries of wandering. Every sunrise and sunset was just another torment. The people's resolve, like a reef constantly washed by the waves, was gradually worn away until it shattered. Xiao Yi, his figure like a towering pine tree, remained unshaken. No matter how harsh the surroundings, no matter how arduous the road ahead, he remained steadfast in his faith, like an everlasting beacon, illuminating the way forward for everyone. Throughout those long and difficult years, setbacks followed him everywhere, and difficulties arose time and again, but Xiao Yi's gaze never wavered. With his warm and powerful voice, he constantly offered encouragement. Every word was filled with affection and strength, like a spring breeze blowing away the haze in people's hearts. When someone fell into despair and wanted to give up, Xiao Yi would always be the first to appear by their side, holding their hand tightly, and saying with a firm look: "Don't be afraid, we can do it!" His words seemed to have magical power, rekindling the spark of hope in those who were originally discouraged. With his encouragement, everyone seemed to be injected with infinite strength, their tired bodies were filled with vitality again, and their confused minds found the direction to move forward. Xiao Yi was like a spiritual pillar in everyone's hearts. With him, hope would never dissipate.
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