Boom!

As two figures leaped out from the dry well, the ground rumbled, and a large amount of dust and rubble sprayed out.

"The Earth Dragon is turning!"

Guo Huai, the constable waiting outside, was startled and quickly crouched down on the ground.

Ling Qiushui, who was being held in someone's arms, hastily broke free, her face blushing, lowering her head, not daring to look at Zhang Kui.

Seeing the two junior sisters on the ground staring wide-eyed at her, she immediately shot them a fierce glance.

As the top disciple of the Celestial Water Palace, she prided herself on her extraordinary swordsmanship and Taoist skills, always aloof, looking down on ordinary men.

But in her desperation, Zhang Kui appeared like a divine soldier descending from the heavens. Having never been held by a man before, she felt weak all over, her heart pounding.

How could he be so audacious?

In an urgent situation, flexibility is necessary, an unavoidable decision...

Couldn't he have said something?

For a moment, her mind was a whirl of thoughts.

Zhang Kui, of course, had no idea what thoughts were swirling in the woman's mind; he was frowning as he stared at the ground.

As he activated the Cave Abyss Skill, the dense spirit veins underground appeared to scatter and disappear instantly, returning to normalcy.

This Ancient Secret Realm's origin should be related to the spirit veins. Could it be that ancient experts created these grotto heavens?

"Taoist Friend Zhang, what are you looking at?"

Ling Qiushui, having calmed down, couldn't resist asking.

"Oh, nothing..."

Zhang Kui shook his head, an inexplicable thought rising in his mind.

Could it be that his Cave Abyss Skill could also be used to locate Ancient Secret Realms?

...

"We discovered a vine demon making a last retreat, tracking it to its demon nest..."

In the great hall of the Celestial Water Palace, Ling Qiushui recounted the events in detail with her head lowered, the two elders looking grim.

With over ten disciples dead, the Celestial Water Palace had suffered serious damage, though it was fortunate that the most promising top disciple was saved.

Seeing them begin to discuss the aftermath, Zhang Kui gave a look to Zhu Sheng, and they both exited the hall together.

Once outside, Zhang Kui asked immediately:

"Did you find anything?"

Zhu Sheng furrowed his brows, shaking his head,

"I searched everywhere without finding anything unusual."

Zhang Kui scratched his head,

"Strange, could it be that it only appears at night?"

Not finding the hidden evil spirit, Zhang Kui didn't dwell on it and returned to the Lakeside Cottage.

Elder Huayan had mentioned that the celestial tribulation usually doesn't last more than three days. As long as they waited for Gu Ziqing True Man to emerge, they could proceed on their journey.

A cultivator at the Celestial Tribulation Realm was more than enough to protect the Celestial Water Palace.

Zhu Sheng, willing to accompany him to the southwest at the risk of his life, of course, Zhang Kui was happy to help a friend.

By now, the sun had set. After dinner, Zhang Kui took out the Ancient Black Umbrella under the candlelight.

He had held back from looking during the day, but now the umbrella had changed its appearance.

The once black and old umbrella surface was now etched with many green veins, with tree roots and withered vines winding down the handle, covering up the burnt end and forming a delicate handle.

This thing...

Zhang Kui frowned, as black fog instantly filled the room, with green vines occasionally twisting out of it.

In the Black Fog Space, although it remained dim and shrouded in mist, Zhang Kui knew it had become more dangerous.

With a single thought, countless vine-like tendrils appeared from all directions like giant twisting snakes, full of shadows, fierce and terrifying.

Within the vines, a woman loomed faintly.

Gazing at that enchanting and coy figure, Zhang Kui felt conflicted inside.

This was the strongest demon he had eradicated to date, yet he hadn't earned a single skill point.

But this demon seemed different; after her divine soul was extinguished, her spiritual wisdom was completely lost, and she merged with the Ancient Black Umbrella.

Not only did it give the Black Fog Space attack power, but it also repaired the previous damage.

A gain with a loss, not entirely regrettable.

After putting away the Ancient Black Umbrella, Zhang Kui turned his gaze to the river, where spots of firelight appeared.

Zhang Kui furrowed his brow and stepped outside.

He saw Ling Qiushui, now dressed in a light silk gown, leading a group of female disciples from the Celestial Water Palace. They were lowering lotus lanterns by the riverside, letting them float gently along the lake.

Floating lanterns on the water, a bright moon hung high, dreamlike and ethereal.

Seemingly catching his gaze, Ling Qiushui nodded in acknowledgement, then hurriedly lowered her head.

The sound of wind whispered past, as Zhu Sheng landed beside him with a soft sigh: "This is the Celestial Water Palace commemorating their fallen disciples."

"Though the Celestial Water Palace seems famous, most of its disciples are lonesome girls dispersed by demonic havoc. Our master always said it's not easy for them; we should help if we can. I fear I'm imposing on Brother Zhang."

"Such words are too distant!"

Zhang Kui chuckled, then his expression turned serious, "Stay vigilant at night!"

Zhu Sheng's expression grew solemn, "I understand."

After observing for a while, Zhu Sheng departed, while Zhang Kui returned to his room and lay down on the bed.

He pretended to sleep, activating the Life Light skill occasionally, guarding against any malicious spirits from watching.

Night deepened gradually.

In the darkness, Zhang Kui's eyes suddenly snapped open.

There wasn't the slightest trace of demon ghost energy in the room, yet he faintly sensed something watching him.

Zhang Kui turned swiftly, his eyes widening in disbelief.

On the floor, unknown to him, mold patches had appeared and vanished in an instant once he noticed.

What is that?!

Activating the Cave Abyss Skill, he immediately saw a dark water vapor flash away underground.

"Hmph, want to escape?"

Zhang Kui snorted coldly, flipping over onto the rooftop, scanning all directions, his pupils glowing dimly.

Soon he saw the water vapor darting swiftly under pavilions and terraces, ghostly in its movement.

No wonder, it carried no ghostly aura and was incredibly fast. Unless someone possessed skills like his Cave Abyss Skill, it would be impossible to detect.

Zhang Kui didn't alarm the snake in the grass.

He wanted to know exactly what this thing was and where it originated.

After circling around, the dark water vapor seemed to sense something amiss, leading it to enter the lake along the riverbank.

In the lake...

Without a second thought, Zhang Kui used the Forbidden Water Skill, becoming invisible and holding his breath as he dove into the lake.

The dark water vapor transformed into a black mist upon entering the lake, spiraling downward toward the lake's bottom.

Zhang Kui secretly followed behind.

The dammed lake was deep, and upon reaching the bottom, Zhang Kui discovered that the small island in the center was, in fact, a single massive rock, out of place with its surroundings.

It was as if,

Someone had cleaved off a mountain peak and thrown it into the lake...

Dispelling distracting thoughts, Zhang Kui continued his dive.

In between the hills, the black mist flashed, and following it, Zhang Kui discovered a stone cave entrance, adorned with algae-covered stone carvings.

Zhang Kui's eyes narrowed slightly as he ventured inside.

The water-filled cave was deep, winding upward, leading to a massive space filled with air.

As Zhang Kui surfaced slowly, he was taken aback.

In the clearing lay a massive stone coffin, next to which stood a stone tablet that read:

Tomb of Langya Pavilion's Master Lian Chengzi.

Lian Chengzi?

After stepping ashore, Zhang Kui's expression tightened.

So this is where Lian Chengzi rested, and it seems the relic the Celestial Water Palace's founder discovered is Langya Pavilion.

What about the woman beneath Pingkang County?

Surveying the surroundings, the water vapor had vanished, its whereabouts unknown.

"Hmph!"

Zhang Kui scoffed, splitting the coffin lid with a single strike.

Whatever evil entity you are, I'll root out your lair.

Buzz!

A stench of decay rushed forth, and Zhang Kui quickly shielded his nose and retreated.

Looking up, he saw a layer of black mud inside, half-submerging a dried skeleton, covered in thick mold.

Zhang Kui couldn't help frowning,

What on earth is going on here?

Suddenly, he looked up abruptly.

On the cave ceiling, layers of mold had formed the shape of a human face, grinning at him eerily...

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