Chapter 20: The Conch Shell

After escorting the little tiger safely back to his mother, Madam Wang, in Jianye City, Xu Xuan, Xiao Bai, and Xiao Qing were embraced by the city’s atmosphere of joy and warmth. Yet, Xu Xuan’s mind remained preoccupied with the legend of the Conch Maiden.

Xu Xuan spoke to Xiao Bai and Xiao Qing, “The Conch Maiden’s conch—when infused with spiritual energy—can carry the voices of loved ones. For the mermaid girl, it may be a solace. She has lost her child and is consumed by loneliness and sorrow.”

Xiao Bai’s eyes brightened upon hearing this. “Young Master Xu, that’s a brilliant idea. Let’s seek out the Conch Maiden and borrow her conch.”

Xiao Qing nodded in agreement. “Yes, that could ease the mermaid’s heart.”

Thus, the three set off once more in search of the Conch Maiden. After some effort, they finally found her in a mysterious bay.

Xu Xuan respectfully explained their purpose. “Conch Maiden, we know you possess a magical conch that, when infused with spiritual energy, allows one to hear the voices of their kin. We have met a mermaid girl who is grieving the loss of her child and is deeply lonely. We wish to borrow your conch to bring her some comfort.”

The Conch Maiden furrowed her brow, hesitating slightly.

Seeing this, Xu Xuan quickly added, “We promise to take great care of the conch and return it to you once we are done.”

After a moment of thought, she said, “This conch is precious to me, but seeing your kindness and your wish to help another, I will lend it to you. However, its spiritual power is limited—it can only be used ten times.”

Xu Xuan expressed his gratitude warmly. “Thank you, Conch Maiden. Ten uses will be more than enough.”

With the conch in hand, they dove back beneath the waves toward the mermaid’s cavern.

Upon their return, the mermaid was somewhat surprised.

Xu Xuan stepped forward, presenting the conch. “Mermaid maiden, we bring you this conch. By infusing it with spiritual energy, you can hear the voices of your loved ones. It can be used ten times only, but we hope it will bring you warmth.”

The mermaid accepted the conch, tears of gratitude filling her eyes. “Why… why are you so kind to me? I even took the little tiger before.”

Xiao Bai smiled gently. “We understand you acted out of grief for your lost child. We wish for you to feel the warmth of family once again.”

The mermaid tenderly caressed the conch, then closed her eyes and carefully infused it with her spiritual energy. A soft glow emanated from within, and then a faint, distant laughter floated forth—the laughter of her child in youth.

Hearing the voice, her body trembled slightly, her face awash with happiness and longing. “My child…”

Watching her bask in the joy of hearing her child’s voice once more, Xu Xuan and his companions felt a profound sense of relief.

In the days that followed, whenever the mermaid longed for her child, she would use the conch. Each time, the loneliness and pain within her heart ebbed a little.

Xu Xuan, Xiao Bai, and Xiao Qing often visited her beneath the sea. Seeing her grow more cheerful because of the conch, they were glad of their choice.

Yet, as the uses dwindled, the mermaid became aware of the limited remaining chances. But she no longer felt despair as before; within those precious uses, she had rekindled her love and yearning for her child and gained the care of friends like Xu Xuan.

When the conch was used for the ninth time, the mermaid summoned Xu Xuan and his companions to her cave.

“This conch is an invaluable treasure to me,” she said. “It has allowed me to feel the power of family once more. But now, only one use remains. Thank you all. Please take it back.”

Xu Xuan nodded in understanding. “Mermaid maiden, your decision is wise. This conch has already given you many beautiful memories.”

They then returned the conch to the Conch Maiden.

At last, the conch rested quietly in the Conch Maiden’s cavern, a symbol of hope and warmth. It bore witness to the kindness of Xu Xuan and his companions and accompanied the mermaid through a journey from loneliness and despair to one filled with hope.