As they left the Dragon-Seeking Abyss, Lin Yun still felt that he had perhaps been thinking about some things too simply. Both Ao Ruhai and Chi Limei seemed to be harboring enormous secrets. However, time was short, and he couldn't afford to waste too much of it on them. Otherwise, Qin Xiyan's life would be forfeit.
"Senior Brother Lin, actually, you don't have to be in such a hurry," Qin Xiyan said, worried that he was pushing himself too hard. "I know my own body. I can still…"
But Lin Yun cut her off before she could finish. "Don't worry. I won't bite off more than I can chew, but I will absolutely not let you fall into danger."
He had first met Qin Xiyan because he himself was in a certain-death situation. But now, to Lin Yun, she was one of the people he treasured most.
Seeing his resolute expression, Qin Xiyan couldn't say much more. She just hugged his neck tightly, her face full of happiness. Before, she might have been a bit embarrassed by such close contact, but now, she didn't find it so disagreeable.
Lin Yun, of course, had no idea what she was thinking. His mind was solely focused on getting to the Nether River Dragon Palace as soon as possible. Along the way, however, he also studied the item Ao Ruhai had given him. To his surprise, it was a cultivation technique for tempering one's physique. Or rather, it was less a technique and more a method of using various materials and medicines to strengthen the physical body.
The only problem was that the required materials were incredibly difficult to find.
"I don't know what kind of great master this Ao Ruhai is, to know how to use such rare treasures to forge the physical body," Lin Yun sighed. It was outrageously extravagant.
Getting to the Dragon-Seeking Abyss had been difficult, but leaving was much easier. Coupled with the fact that Lin Yun's injuries had mostly recovered, fighting a strong enemy now wouldn't be a problem.
He soon arrived back at Weiyang Lake. Standing there, his mood instantly grew heavy.
"Elder Li Hong, thank you so much for your righteous actions back then. If not for you, this junior would have truly died here," he murmured, a self-deprecating smile on his face. At the time, if Li Hong had refused him, he wouldn't have had any other options. But Li Hong knew the danger and still chose to act. Even if their own interests were involved, it was enough to prove that this elder of the Beast Taming Sect was, at his core, a good man.
Lin Yun took a moment to pay his respects. Qin Xiyan just stood quietly to the side. She didn't say anything, understanding that his emotions at this moment must be very complex.
After a while, Lin Yun stood up. "Alright, it's time we head to the Nether River Dragon Palace."
The previous entrance had been completely destroyed. Lin Yun took out the Water-Repelling Jiaoren Pearl. The two of them searched the lakebed for a long time. The devastation around them was a testament to how fierce the battle had been. Yet even under such circumstances, Lin Yun had survived.
"Senior Brother Lin must have been very scared back then," Qin Xiyan said. "To encounter a demonic flood dragon of such immense strength in a place like this…" Along the way, she had heard Lin Yun speak a great deal about the events at Weiyang Mountain. She never thought he could now recount such a dangerous event in such a calm, nonchalant manner.
Lin Yun just waved his hand casually. "The battle at the time was indeed intense. I nearly died in this place. But, my luck might just be very good. It was at that moment that Xiao Bai displayed his divine might and saved me."
Speaking of which, Lin Yun had a sudden thought. It was indeed difficult for him to find the entrance, but what about Xiao Bai?
He immediately had Xiao Bai scout ahead. At their current pace, there was no telling how long it would take them to find the Dragon Palace.
Sure enough, Xiao Bai was much more efficient. In just a few short minutes, the little creature returned, and he had brought news of a new entrance.
Following Xiao Bai, the two of them soon arrived at the legendary Nether River Dragon Palace. The scene was the same as before. Even after the great battle, the place was as tranquil as ever.
Lin Yun smiled and said, "Are you ready? We should be able to find a way to treat your physique in here. But I'm sure there will be trouble as well."
He was already prepared. He would first cure Qin Xiyan. Once her body was fine, the rest would be much simpler. Although he knew this place held many secrets, it held even more dangers. So for now, Lin Yun had no other thoughts than to leave this chaotic and complex place as soon as possible.
They cautiously approached the Nether River Dragon Palace. His mindset was different from the last time, so Lin Yun observed his surroundings more carefully. Just as he had imagined, although this place had been sealed for many years, he could still feel its former glory.
"The Dragon Clan of the past… perhaps they were once the sovereigns of this land?" Lin Yun could imagine that with the dragons' incredibly powerful physiques, there was likely no one who could have opposed them. But even such a mighty race could not escape eventual extinction.
This was the way of the world. The weak were meat for the strong. No matter how powerful one once was, they could vanish into nothingness overnight. The Dragon Clan of old probably never imagined that they would one day become extinct on this continent.
After a moment of reflection, Lin Yun cautiously placed the dragon spine on the seal.
The moment he did, a powerful energy was instantly released from the spine. As this power fully merged with the barrier, the entire seal slowly began to dissipate.
What followed was a cold and stern aura.
The Nether River Dragon Palace had appeared in the world once more.
Lin Yun felt a trace of danger. But a glance at his panel showed no changes. Am I just overthinking things?
"Chongqing Bird," he asked silently, "can you sense where the Nine Yin Profound Bone Pill is?"
Lin Yun surveyed his surroundings. Just then, his gaze fell upon a particular tall tower. "That place looks like an alchemy room." From its overall structure, he could tell it was a place used for refining pills. He could even see two furnace cauldrons outside.
Without a second thought, Lin Yun immediately led Qin Xiyan towards it.
The Chongqing Bird also replied, "I also smell the faint aroma of medicinal pills from that direction. Even if the Nine Yin Profound Bone Pill isn't there, we might be able to find its recipe or ingredients."
With their destination confirmed, Lin Yun quickly arrived at the base of the tower. As he stepped inside, the rich aroma of medicine washed over him.
As he suspected, this was a large-scale alchemy room. And here, he could see many rare and special medicinal herbs.