Chapter 202: Depths of Hidden Dragon Abyss
At the back of the estate, a sudden chasm stretched before them, a deep fissure in the earth that extended for miles, separating the two sides of the valley. It truly lived up to its name, “Hidden Dragon Abyss,” its depths shrouded in mist and shadow.
“I didn’t expect Hidden Dragon Abyss to be here.”
Lin Tianlu, guided by the Valley Master, looked at the chasm, his voice filled with wonder. “What a strange twist of fate.”
“Indeed, it’s quite unexpected.”
A soft murmur came from beside him.
Yu Xuanling, her arms crossed, stared at the abyss, her face filled with surprise. She hadn’t expected to find this place so easily.
Lin Tianlu glanced at her curiously. “Don’t you remember this place?”
He had brought Hua Shuya along after hearing about the abyss, and she had willingly allowed Yu Xuanling to take control of her body, eager to explore this mysterious location.
Yu Xuanling scratched her cheek and chuckled awkwardly. “My memories are hazy. I only remember that Hidden Dragon Abyss is important. But—”
She looked at the chasm again, her eyes distant. “This place feels familiar. It must be the Hidden Dragon Abyss I remember.”
“It seems I haven’t brought you to the wrong place.”
The Valley Master smiled, turning to look at Yu Xuanling, her gaze curious.
“The more I observe you, young lady, the more extraordinary you seem, harboring another soul within your body.”
Yu Xuanling smiled sweetly and bowed respectfully. “You flatter me, Valley Master. I’m just Master’s concubine.”
“Oh?”
The Valley Master’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “A concubine, you say—”
Lin Tianlu coughed awkwardly. “Don’t mind her, Valley Master. She’s still young and prone to saying strange things.”
“I find her honesty rather refreshing.”
The Valley Master chuckled. “And she’s quite good with words.”
She didn’t tease them further, but turned back to the abyss. “Shall we take a look inside?”
“If you please, Valley Master.”
“It’s no trouble at all.”
The Valley Master waved her hand, and the invisible barrier that protected the abyss shimmered and dissolved. “This place is rarely visited. Only the elders and I come here occasionally for seclusion and inspiration.”
They entered the abyss, their movements light and graceful as they leaped from tree to tree.
The surrounding light gradually dimmed, the air growing cold and still, a faint sense of unease settling upon them.
Lin Tianlu, carrying Yu Xuanling in his arms, followed closely behind the Valley Master.
As they approached the bottom of the abyss, he whispered, “Miss Xuanling, do you sense anything?”
But Yu Xuanling remained silent, lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the scene below, her lip bitten slightly.
The Valley Master glanced back at them. “I’ve been to the bottom of this abyss hundreds of times, but I’ve never found anything unusual.”
“How did you know this place was called Hidden Dragon Abyss, Valley Master?”
“It’s recorded in the ancient texts of the Moon Soul Sacred Sect. To be mentioned in such ancient records, it must have a long and significant history.”
The Valley Master paused, then said thoughtfully, “But if there’s anything unusual about this place… it would be the lake at the bottom.”
She pointed towards the bottom of the abyss.
…
A small lake, surrounded by lush vegetation and colorful flowers, appeared before them.
But the most striking thing was…
The water was a strange shade of emerald green, yet also crystal clear. It was difficult to see how deep it was.
“This water—”
Lin Tianlu put Yu Xuanling down, his expression strange.
Was it filled with microorganisms? Or was it poisonous?
“The lake might look strange, but its water has a nourishing effect, enhancing one’s cultivation.”
The Valley Master chuckled and waved her hand, scooping up a small amount of water. It formed a green orb in her palm.
Enhance cultivation?
Lin Tianlu looked closely and was surprised to see that the orb was filled with… pure spiritual energy!
The green color wasn’t caused by impurities, but by the concentration of spiritual energy?
“As you might have noticed, the hot springs in our estate are modeled after this lake. We just use medicinal liquids to achieve a similar effect.”
The Valley Master dispersed the water orb and said softly, “Although this lake is strange, we’ve examined it carefully. There are no hidden mechanisms or traps. It’s a natural formation.”
Lin Tianlu turned to Yu Xuanling, but he noticed that she was looking up at the sky above the abyss, her gaze fixed on the sliver of light visible through the chasm.
“Miss Xuanling?”
“—This is it. I knew it.”
Yu Xuanling’s eyes lit up, and she grabbed Lin Tianlu’s hand. “Master, ‘I’m’ here!”
Lin Tianlu’s eyes widened. “You mean—”
“At the bottom of this lake!”
“It seems there’s something you remember.” The Valley Master looked at her curiously, but she didn’t ask any questions. She smiled and formed a hand seal. “I’ve cast a water-repelling spell on you. If you’re interested, take a look.”
“Thank you, Valley Master.”
Without hesitation, Lin Tianlu picked up Yu Xuanling and jumped into the lake.
Splash!
They sank rapidly towards the bottom.
Until…
They reached the bottom.
There didn’t seem to be anything unusual.
Lin Tianlu was puzzled, but Yu Xuanling tapped the lakebed excitedly. “Master, do it!”
“Alright!”
He raised his left hand and struck out with his palm!
Crack—!
A loud cracking sound echoed through the water, and a powerful shockwave erupted, sending a geyser of water shooting towards the surface. Cracks spread across the lakebed and the walls of the abyss, the ground trembling violently.
“What—?!”
The Valley Master, standing by the lake, raised her hand to shield herself from the shockwave, stumbling back. Seeing the violent tremors, her eyes widened in shock.
What had happened at the bottom of the lake?!
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