Zhang Yan sat cross-legged on an isolated cliff, with a Dharma Treasure emitting a faint azure radiance floating in front of his chest. He exhaled streams of Spiritual Energy from his nose and mouth, wrapping the artifact as it rolled and flipped back and forth in the air. At intervals, he cast spell after spell, his motions growing faster, accompanied by rumbling sounds. It was evident that he had entered the critical stage of refining this Dharma Treasure.
Not far away, Mu Hongchen sat upright on a rock, with a young girl of about fifteen or sixteen years old seated behind her. The girl rested her chin on her palms, her curious gaze fixed incessantly on Zhang Yan. A section of her forearm was exposed, adorned with dozens of delicately crafted silver rings, as her feet rested in fox-fur boots. While her complexion was slightly dark, she radiated a playful charm and liveliness.
The sound of footsteps echoed. A young woman in a long purple dress, holding a Jade Flute, approached. Tilting her head slightly, she complained, "Senior Sister, just how long does Daoist Zhang intend to keep us waiting? Are we ever going to search for that Demon Storage?"
Three days prior, they had already arrived at this location. However, when Zhang Yan honored his appointnt, he suddenly sensed the Jade Token he had been refining day and night subtly pulsating. A trace of True Recognition had erged from it independently in response to him. Realizing that the ti to completely refine the artifact had finally arrived—a rare opportunity that might not co again—he imdiately communicated this to Mu Hongchen and selected a nearby spot to comnce the sacrificial refinent.
The three disciples of the Chenxiang Sect, bound by propriety, could only remain and act as his protectors. It was no wonder the girl in purple was dissatisfied.
Unexpectedly, despite the complaint, the normally hot-tempered Mu Hongchen did not join in her protests. Instead, she calmly reassured her, saying, "We’ve already waited three days; surely, a few more won’t matter? Even Junior Sister Hu can restrain herself, so there’s no reason for Junior Sister Qi to be impatient."
The girl in purple pouted but said no more.
An hour later, a sudden sharp whistle drew Mu Hongchen’s gaze.
Zhang Yan’s expression was stern as his hands moved continuously, casting dozens of spells in quick succession. The Dharma Treasure suspended before him began spinning faster and faster until, with a tremor, the Jade Token transford into a streak of white light and entered his forehead.
Feeling the faint sense of affection transmitted from the Jade Token, Zhang Yan laughed heartily and stood up, radiating energy and vitality. Descending lightly from the cliffside, he clasped his hands in greeting toward Mu Hongchen and said, "Fellow Daoist Mu, thank you for waiting."
Mu Hongchen swiftly returned the gesture and replied, "Not at all. Congratulations, Daoist, on acquiring a remarkable Dharma Treasure. May I ask what its origins are?"
Zhang Yan simply smiled without responding.
Understanding that Zhang Yan did not wish to disclose further details, Mu Hongchen refrained from probing further. Instead, she turned to call out, "You two, co and greet Daoist Zhang!"
The girl in purple unwillingly approached and greeted him, saying, "Qi Yelan greets Daoist Zhang." Her tone was indifferent, clearly indicating lingering resentnt over the delay caused by Zhang Yan.
"Oh, finally!" The dark-complexioned girl leapt down from the rock and also made an awkward greeting. However, just as she finished, she giggled to herself and darted away.
Shaking her head helplessly, Mu Hongchen explained, "Junior Sister Hu Jue hails from the Roukebu Clan and isn’t accustod to formal etiquette. Daoist Zhang, I hope you won’t take offense."
Zhang Yan chuckled and responded, "You’ve been waiting for days on my account; if anything, I should be the one apologizing."
A light chuckle emanated from behind Mu Hongchen’s veil as she gestured toward a crevice in a nearby mountain wall, saying, "Daoist Zhang, please look—what you see here is the entrance to the Nether River."
Turning his gaze, Zhang Yan observed the crevice, its jagged edges resembling a monstrous mouth. From within, viscous black water seeped out in strands—a scene resembling an unhealing wound flowing with blood. The area exuded an inexplicable air of sorrow and lancholy, confirming the truth of Mu Hongchen’s words.
Mu Hongchen hesitated a mont before taking a few steps closer to Zhang Yan, handing him a small vial she clutched in her hand. She spoke softly, "This is the agreed-upon offering for you, Daoist Zhang."
Zhang Yan accepted it with composure and opened the vial in Mu Hongchen’s presence, carefully inhaling its contents to verify its quality. Confirming it was indeed Bright Stone Milk, he flicked his wrist to put it away before nodding toward her.
With Zhang Yan’s confirmation, Mu Hongchen felt reassured and elaborated, "The Nether River is hidden deep within the Earth Veins and emanates vast amounts of turbid Netherworld Qi. This Qi is divided into nine layers, each more potent than the last. Before his passing, my master ventured into the region nurous tis, concluding that the Nether River Demon Storage likely drifts between the fifth and sixth layers. While the paths through the first four layers have already been extensively explored, any deeper exploration will require the assistance of the Zhi Ma Fruit, which I trust Daoist Zhang will provide."
Zhang Yan smiled and replied, "Naturally."
Mu Hongchen exhaled lightly before calling out, "Daoist Zhang and junior sisters, please follow ."
Taking a few steps forward, she leaped into motion, transforming into a streak of red light that darted into the mountain crevice. The murky Netherworld Qi within was dense and pervasive, emanating from the labyrinthine depths of the Earth’s acupoints in an area devoid of sunlight. Not to ntion its complex pathways, which limited visibility for even the cultivator’s heightened perception to rely seven or eight feet ahead. Falling behind would risk losing the path entirely, so Zhang Yan, along with the two junior disciples, quickly activated their tunneling light to follow closely.
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