The Northern Song Dynasty returned south, seeking the truth of the Dao.

"That's right, that's exactly what I was thinking." Wang Huanzhen nodded in agreement. Ao Shuang's words were exactly what he had been thinking. What kind of important item could make Chen Shanren, a mere mortal, go down into his cave again and again to obtain it?

After Wang Zhenhuan finished speaking with Ao Shuang, he stood there, staring at the dark cave entrance in silence for a long time. The cave entrance seemed like an abyss, staring back at Wang Zhenhuan, making him increasingly uneasy.

Normally, Wang Zhen would definitely not have continued. After all, since entering the Dao, his senses had become much sharper. If there was danger, he would definitely give a warning.

But whether it was because he had been drinking or because he had a companion standing next to him, Wang Zhen didn't hesitate this time. He patted Ao Shuang on the shoulder and said to him, "Let's go, we're already here."

Whatever it is, we have to go down and see. If Chen Shanren, a mere mortal, can go down, why can't we?

"That's true. I just don't know if that old man Chen actually got his hands on it. Big brother, go ahead. Be careful and follow closely. If you find anything, tell me immediately." Ao Shuang patted him and then took the lead.

Wang Zhen felt a warmth in his heart, nodded, and followed. He jumped down from the cave entrance. After they both went down, a white figure appeared on the roof.

She looked around to make sure no one was watching, then landed lightly in the courtyard. The white figure came to the cave entrance, looked around for a moment, and then jumped in.

Wang Huanzhen stepped onto the edge of the passage, glanced around, and then walked deeper into the cave with Ao Shuang. Thanks to Chen Shanren, the cave was incredibly spacious, easily accommodating two people walking side by side.

Although it was darker inside the cave than outside, both of them possessed spiritual energy, allowing them to see in the dark. Therefore, they were unaffected and continued forward along the path Chen Shanren had dug.

After walking for about fifteen minutes, Wang Zhenhuan began to feel something was amiss. The passage seemed to be leading them downwards, and after turning a corner, they could even smell some moisture.

"Brother, it seems we're going downhill the whole time. Was it the same when you came last time?" Wang Zhen asked, puzzled.

"Indeed, I've noticed it too. If I'm not mistaken, we should be below the bottom of the Huai River now, otherwise this place wouldn't be so damp," Ao Shuang agreed.

"How could this be?" Wang Zhenhuan frowned.

"I don't know either. The last time I came here was three years ago. Back then, that old man Chen only dug a small path. Who knew that in three years, he would turn it into this?" Ao Shuang explained.

"It seems that Mr. Chen has indeed obtained the treasure. Otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to such lengths to widen the passage so much. Look, there's still room for the two of us to walk side by side." Wang Zhenhuan gestured with his hand.

"Not necessarily. He died suddenly a few days ago, which might be related to this. I guess he got it, but didn't take it out. Look, the soil here is still damp."

It's obvious that this was just dug in the last few days. It's damp here, and every time he widens it, he has to use wooden frames for support, which is no easy task." Ao Shuang stopped and patted the wooden frame next to her.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhenhuan stepped forward and examined the frame. The entire supporting frame was assembled using mortise and tenon joints, fitting together perfectly. It was clearly custom-made.

"Was Chen Shanren a carpenter before?" Wang Zhenhuan asked.

"He's a complete idiot, a bookworm who's weak and frail, and he's slower than everyone else at farming. If it weren't for my tortoise treasure lending him the tools, he would never have made a fortune in his life!" Ao Shuang said disdainfully.

"It seems this shelf was specially commissioned by Chen Shanren. Chen Shanren is quite a meticulous person." Wang Huanzhen nodded, then waved for Ao Shuang to continue forward.

The two of them continued walking, turning and stopping frequently. After walking for about fifteen minutes, they suddenly noticed a faint light coming from the depths of the cave ahead.

"I've got it!" Ao Shuang exclaimed, pointing ahead. Wang Huanzhen hurried forward and indeed saw a glimmer of light. The two exchanged a glance and quickened their pace in unison.

As they drew closer, the surroundings gradually became brighter. When they reached the end, they discovered that the passage led to a smooth stone wall.

In the center of this stone wall, there is a circular opening more than three feet wide. A wooden door covers it. The light shines through the cracks in this wooden door.

Wang Zhenhuan and Ao Shuang exchanged a glance, then slowly placed their hands on the wooden doorknob, sensing no danger. His forehead also showed no abnormalities, indicating that the area behind the door was likely safe.

He nodded to Ao Shuang, then yanked the door open. A blinding light shot in from behind the door, and Wang Zhenhuan instinctively shielded his eyes. Once his vision adjusted, he discovered that Ao Shuang had already gone inside.

Seeing that Ao Shuang remained silent for a long time, Wang Zhenhuan grew worried and asked loudly, "How is it, brother? Is it the same inside as when you came in?"

"It is... but it's different from the last time I came, no, it should be... oh well, come down and see for yourself. It's safe inside." Ao Shuang was so excited that she was almost incoherent.

Filled with doubt and curiosity, Wang Zhenhuan crouched down and crawled into the hole. The moment he landed, the scene before him stunned him, leaving him frozen in place.

He was currently in the middle of a plaza. The entire plaza was paved with white marble, and in the very center of the plaza stood a huge luminous pearl, taller than a person!

The entire square was illuminated as if it were daytime. Above the square was a transparent barrier, as clear as water, and above this barrier was the bottom of the Huai River!

Under the illumination of that luminous pearl, even the fish and aquatic plants at the bottom of the river could be seen clearly. Nine enormous white jade pillars, carved with coiled dragons, stood in the square.

At the end of those nine stone pillars stood a gradually rising, grand Taoist temple. The temple's main gate had a single-layered hipped roof, with iron horse-shaped ornaments hanging from the corners and owl-shaped roof ornaments perched on its shoulders. Above it hung a horizontal plaque that read: Jiuyang Dongxuan Temple!

Wang Zhenhuan stared at the dreamlike scene, standing there like a statue for a long time. Ao Shuang didn't wake him, because she had felt the same way when she saw the scene earlier.

Nine is the ultimate number in Taoism. This cave dwelling not only has nine pillars in front of its entrance, but it is also named after the Nine Yang. Its original owner must have been an extraordinary person.

Wang Zhenzhen suspected that the master of this cave, after ascending to godhood, might be a deity or even a celestial being!