Translator: CinderTL
"Many thanks for your intervention, Senior. I am deeply grateful," Kong Guan said, cupping his fist as he approached Song Wen and Ying Wu.
"No need for formalities, little friend. This is no place for conversation. Come with us out of the Abyss of Extinction," Song Wen replied casually.
"Yes, Senior," Kong Guan answered.
As they moved further from the core area, the density and power of the falling lightning gradually diminished. Even the dark, oppressive clouds overhead thinned somewhat.
When the lightning no longer posed a threat to the trio, Song Wen halted his escape light and turned to Kong Guan. "Little friend, why did you venture so deep into the Abyss of Extinction?"
"To search for Thunder-Patterned Profound Crystals, Senior," Kong Guan replied.
"Aren't Thunder-Patterned Profound Crystals found at the bottom of the Abyss? Then why were you being chased by Profound Lightning Eagles in mid-air?" Song Wen asked.
The waters beneath the Abyss of Extinction also harbored thunder-attribute demon beasts and rare thunder-attribute spiritual materials. Thunder-Patterned Profound Crystals were a type of spirit mine ore found at the bottom, transformed over eons by the constant bombardment of lightning.
Kong Guan said, "Junior was originally searching underwater in the outer regions of the Abyss of Extinction, but after days of searching, I couldn't find a single Thunder-Patterned Profound Crystal. With no other choice, I had to venture deeper into the Abyss to a place where an elder from my clan had once discovered such crystals, hoping to try my luck. But before I could reach it, I was targeted by several Flat-Feathered Beasts. If not for Senior's rescue, I fear I would have already become their prey."
"Fate brings us together. It was nothing more than a small favor, Little Friend. Don't give it another thought," Song Wen said with a smile.
Though the words were polite, Kong Guan knew he wasn't truly safe yet. The two had initially shown no intention of saving him; only after he revealed his clan's name did they decide to intervene. This made it clear they must have their own agenda. Only by fulfilling their demands would they likely allow him to leave.
As he expected, after some brief pleasantries, Song Wen got straight to the point. "Little Friend, you and your clansmen often venture into the Abyss of Extinction. Have you ever encountered a Zhenhou?"
"Senior, while the Zhenhou isn't a divine beast, its rarity is comparable to that of one. How could someone of my meager cultivation have the fortune to witness such a creature?" Kong Guan asked with a fawning smile.
Hearing this, Song Wen's expression darkened instantly.
Kong Guan felt a sudden, bone-chilling cold descend upon him, as if he had been plunged into an icy abyss.
In a flash, he seemed to recall something and hastily changed his story.
"Senior, I remember now! About sixty years ago, an elder in my clan saw a Zhenhou."
"Oh?" Song Wen raised an eyebrow. "Where was it found?"
"I... I don't know. That elder only mentioned seeing a Zhenhou and didn't specify the location. However, I can return and question him. Then, I will report back to you in person." Kong Guan's Adam's apple bobbed, his voice tightening.
Song Wen's expression darkened again.
Rescuing this worthless fellow was a complete waste of time.
Fearing Song Wen might kill him on the spot, Kong Guan added, "Senior, while searching for Thunder-Patterned Profound Crystals at the bottom of the water a few days ago, I discovered something strange. Perhaps it would interest you."
"Tell me about it," Song Wen said.
Kong Guan replied, "I was secretly observing the edge of the Abyss of Extinction one day and saw several Azure Flame Sect Divine Transformation Stage cultivators capturing a large number of mortals. They then transported them into a stone cave at the bottom of the water. Moreover, I overheard them mention that they had been doing this for some time."
"They were probably just cultivating some demonic secret art. What's so strange about that?" Song Wen said dismissively.
Kong Guan continued, "Senior, you've overlooked something. The Azure Flame Sect doesn't forbid its disciples from cultivating demonic arts. Yet these cultivators traveled thousands of miles to the Abyss of Extinction. There must be something peculiar going on."
Song Wen's expression remained indifferent, showing no interest.
There were countless bizarre demonic cultivation techniques in the world; he couldn't possibly investigate each one.
However, Ying Wu's interest was piqued.
"Little friend Kong Guan, would you be so kind as to lead us to the place?"
"Yes! Two seniors, please follow me."
Kong Guan's spirits lifted, and the anxiety in his heart eased somewhat.
With that, he transformed into a streak of light and sped away.
"Fellow Daoist Yingwu, they're just a few youngsters dabbling in evil arts. Why waste our time?" Song Wen asked, following behind Kong Guan, his voice carrying a telepathic query to Yingwu beside him.
"This is the Abyss of Extinction, where lightning power permeates the air. Wouldn't you be curious about those cultivating evil arts under such overwhelming heavenly might?" Yingwu replied telepathically.
"Since Fellow Daoist Yingwu wishes to investigate further, I shall accompany you," Song Wen said.
Under Kong Guan's guidance, the trio arrived at a body of water less than three thousand li from the edge of the Abyss of Extinction after about half an hour.
The thunderclouds overhead had thinned, and the occasional lightning strikes were no thicker than a bowl. Even a golden core stage cultivator could easily defend against them with a simple spiritual power shield.
"Seniors, the underwater stone cave those individuals entered is right there," Kong Guan said, pointing to the water surface several li ahead.
Upon hearing this, Song Wen and Yingwu swept their divine sense toward the depths of the water and quickly detected something amiss.
There was indeed a cave at the bottom of the water, and it was massive, spanning a thousand zhang. However, their divine sense couldn't penetrate its depths.
An invisible force within the cave interfered with their divine sense perception.
"Little Friend Kong Guan," Ying Wu asked, "when you were here before, you happened to witness them transporting mortals. Did you sense anything deep within the cave when they entered?"
"My divine sense couldn't penetrate," Kong Guan replied. At this, he suddenly realized, his pupils constricting slightly. "Could it be that neither of you seniors can sense what's inside the cave?"
At that moment, Kong Guan realized that bringing Song Wen and Ying Wu here might not have been a wise move. The secrets hidden within this underwater cave were far greater than he had imagined.
And he had already offended the master of this place.
(End of the Chapter)
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