Daoist Competition
Chapter 58 - 29 Yin Yang Shell King Who Will Own Xuanzhu (Part 1)

Chapter 58: Chapter 29 Yin Yang Shell King Who Will Own Xuanzhu (Part 1)

Wei Dynasty, Dingzhou; Dragon Geese Marsh.

A few days ago, Zhang Yan and Luo Xiao infiltrated this area by following a river channel known as Rong River. Zhang Yan’s mortal Inner Qi had fully transformed into Innate Essence, allowing him to hold his breath for days and nights without difficulty. They moved forward in the darkness along the lakebed, solely to avoid detection by the patrolling disciples of the Mingcang Sect overhead.

Fortunately, their meticulous caution ensured their safety, coupled with the fact that the direction they traveled was not a priority for the Mingcang Sect’s disciples, enabling them to reach a concealed waterway on the outskirts of Dragon Geese Marsh.

This waterway was surrounded by mountains on three sides. Whether traversed by land or flown across the sky, any movement would surely catch the attention of the disciples guarding the area.

Guided by Luo Xiao’s premeditated markers, she precisely located the signs she left behind previously. Tugging on Zhang Yan’s sleeve, she gestured downward.

Zhang Yan opened his eyes to look and saw a funnel-shaped cave at the bottom of the lake, where the water formed a small whirlpool.

Luo Xiao motioned for him to follow, diving headfirst into the water. Her serpentine beauty became even more striking in the aquatic depths.

Zhang Yan immediately followed close behind. As his body approached the whirlpool, he suddenly felt an intense force pulling him downward. He relaxed his body, allowing the lake water to carry him to the bottom of the cave.

Planting his feet firmly, his gaze fell upon a passage ahead, its destination unknown. Luo Xiao was nowhere to be seen.

Zhang Yan pressed his hands against the cave walls as he propelled himself deeper into the passage. After a brief distance, he suddenly felt a lifting force pushing him upward. With a loud splash, he broke through the water’s surface to find himself in a vast underground cavern.

Luo Xiao was waiting for him atop a stone platform not far away.

Emerging from the water, Zhang Yan jumped to her side, his expression shifting subtly. Turning his gaze, he noticed a pile of white bones lying on the ground not far away. By its clothing and adornments, it appeared to belong to a cultivator.

Immediately alert, Zhang Yan asked solemnly, "Could someone have been here before?"

Luo Xiao chuckled lightly, shook her head, and replied, "No. This person was killed by me in the past."

Back then, Luo Xiao had engaged in a fierce battle with a Xuan Guang Stage expert from the Mingcang Sect. Both had accidentally stumbled into this place. After a life-and-death struggle, she managed to slay him here. However, upon exiting, she discovered five Mingcang Sect disciples hastily swimming away, seemingly aware of the entrance’s hidden secrets.

In a swift decision to eliminate them, Luo Xiao pursued the disciples all the way to the borders of Cangwu Mountain, where Ning Chongxuan finally forced her retreat into Zhang Yan’s cave mansion.

The valuable items on the corpse had long been taken by Luo Xiao, so Zhang Yan paid it no further mind. Instead, he surveyed the cave, noting the writhing Spiritual Shells attached to the walls. They clung firmly to the surface, consuming the essence of Earth Veins. At a glance, there seemed to be no fewer than tens of thousands.

Luo Xiao remained indifferent toward the Spiritual Shells, saying, "Daoist Zhang, the Shell King lies in a cave a hundred zhang below. Please follow me."

The entire cavern spiraled downward. As they descended, the air grew increasingly damp and musty. The uneven, slippery ground made progress difficult, forcing them to pause intermittently. After a short while, the pathway ended, revealing a broad cave filled with a jade-colored viscous substance coating the surroundings. Yet, the space within was utterly empty.

"Strange. This is the Shell King’s lair. Why is it not here?"

Luo Xiao circled the cave several times before examining a narrow alcove where the Shell King frequently resided. From the traces of residual True Dew around the area, it was evident this was indeed the Shell King’s nest. Frowning, she murmured, "Could it be a Yang Shell?"

Zhang Yan queried, "Luo Daoist, what is a Yang Shell?"

Luo Xiao explained, "Shells are divided into Yin and Yang. Yin Shells are tranquil by nature, preferring stillness to movement. Though capable of navigating earth caves, they rarely relocate unless faced with powerful threats. Yang Shells, on the other hand, are migratory by disposition. They seldom stay in the same lair for more than a year or two before moving on. Considering only ten thousand or so Spiritual Shells outside, it seems this Shell King has resided here for quite some time."

Zhang Yan approached the cave wall and touched a semi-solid substance resembling pine resin. "Is this True Dew?" he asked.

Somewhat disheartened, Luo Xiao sighed. "Indeed, it is True Dew. But judging by its color, it was likely exuded over a day ago. It could still be used for Opening Meridians, though much Essence Qi has dissipated. The optimal True Dew is one exuded within an hour."

"Only a day ago? That means the Shell King hasn’t gone far."

As Zhang Yan spoke, he unconsciously applied pressure. With a faint tearing sound, he was startled to discover his arm penetrating through the thick layer of resinous substance on the cave wall.