Mountain Venerable and Sea Immortal

Deep within the Shadow Bamboo Forest of the Spirit Herb Garden, the turbid air had not yet dissipated. The purified Bone-Eating Lizard collapsed to the ground, its body turning into a pool of foul-smelling black water at a visible speed, seeping into the soil, leaving only a few dark, filthy crystals lying quietly in place.

Nourished by the water-based spiritual energy continuously channeled into it by Yi Azhu, the Golden-crowned Snowbird's wings trembled slightly, and its originally dull golden crown gradually regained some of its luster. It flapped its uninjured right wing and gently landed on Azhu's shoulder, letting out a clear and melodious cry, seemingly warning the entire herb garden, or perhaps expressing gratitude for the girl's life-saving grace. Its bright eyes showed less fear and more gentleness.

Lin Yan stared at the bottomless crevice in the ground, his brows furrowed. The ancient tremors emanating from within grew clearer, like a ferocious beast that had slumbered for millennia about to break free. A chilling sense of oppression permeated the air, making one uneasy even through layers of earth and stone, and causing a subtle stagnation in one's spiritual energy.

"Brother, is it... scary down there?" Yi Azhu hugged the snow sparrow on her shoulder, her small hand gently clutching Lin Yan's sleeve, and asked softly.

"It's far more dangerous than we've seen," Lin Yan said in a deep voice, his tone firm. "The outer mountains of Laoshan are heavily fortified, and ordinary evil spirits can't get close at all. This fissure must be connected to an ancient, dilapidated forbidden area. Once the fissure widens and the turbid air spreads, the consequences will be unimaginable. This matter must be reported to True Person Danxuan immediately."

Yunxi sheathed her sword, her eyes still showing a hint of solemnity, and said in a cold voice, "The restrictions here have been damaged. It was only revealed when the Nether Lizard broke through them. If we don't seal them off in time, the outer disciples will definitely be in danger."

Without further hesitation, the three hurried towards the outer gate's steward's hall.

Along the way, many outer disciples noticed the three's solemn expressions and hurried pace, and they all glanced at them and whispered amongst themselves, unaware of the perilous events that had just transpired deep within the Spirit Herb Garden. Before long, the three arrived outside the Hall of Affairs. Upon hearing of the gravity of the matter, the disciples guarding the hall dared not delay and immediately informed the others.

Master Danxuan happened to be handling outer sect affairs when he heard that Lin Yan was requesting an audience, and that it concerned the safety of the Spirit Herb Garden, so he immediately ordered him to be summoned.

Upon entering the hall, Lin Yan bowed respectfully and reported in a calm tone: "Disciple Lin Yan, along with companions Yun Xi and Yi A Zhu, pays our respects to the True Immortal. Today, while on duty at the Spirit Herb Garden, we discovered a hidden fissure deep within the Shadow Bamboo Forest. The fissure was filled with turbid air, and bone-eating lizards emerged and attacked people. The Golden-Crowned Snow Sparrow guarding the Spirit Herb Garden was also injured by the evil spirits and nearly lost its life."

Upon hearing this, Master Danxuan's expression changed drastically, his previously peaceful demeanor instantly turning serious.

"The Bone-Eating Nether Lizard?" The Master abruptly stood up, his tone tinged with surprise and solemnity. "This kind of evil creature lives in turbid and desolate places, feeding on the impure energy of spiritual veins. The spiritual veins of Laoshan are pure and vast, there is absolutely no possibility of it breeding here!"

"This disciple dares not speak presumptuously," Lin Yan continued, his tone resolute. "Beneath that crevice, there seems to be a broken ancient restriction, its aura ancient and fierce, as if an even more terrifying being lurks within. Once the seal is broken, the outer mountain will surely face a great calamity, and countless lives will be lost."

After saying that, Lin Yan took out the remaining filthy crystal from the lizard's body, held it in both hands, and handed it over.

With a flick of his finger, Master Danxuan sent a wisp of warm spiritual energy into the impure crystal. After a moment, he withdrew it, his expression growing increasingly grave. He spoke in a deep voice, "It is indeed formed from the turbid energy of the forbidden area. This rift is likely connected to the long-lost Netherworld Locked Forbidden Domain of the outer mountains of Laoshan. Tens of thousands of years ago, this domain was sealed by our ancestors with great divine power. I never expected that after the erosion of time, a crack would appear here. We were truly careless."

He pondered for a moment, his gaze falling on Lin Yan, his eyes filled with clear approval and entrustment, and slowly said, "You are calm and composed, and you don't panic in the face of trouble. You are able to kill the Nether Lizard and report it in time, which is truly rare. Fortunately, you possess pure water spiritual power, which is just right to suppress the turbid energy of the forbidden area, making you the best candidate to handle this matter."

Lin Yan felt a chill run down his spine, bowed his head, and quietly awaited orders.

"I hereby order you to lead Yunxi and Yi'azhu to the crevice in the Shadow Bamboo Forest immediately to investigate the depth of the restriction cracks and record the leakage of the forbidden area's turbid energy."

Master Danxuan waved his hand, and a protective jade talisman, glowing with a faint blue light and engraved with intricate restriction patterns, fell into Lin Yan's hand. "This talisman can temporarily suppress the turbid energy of the forbidden area, protect your souls from being corrupted by evil spirits, and also resist attacks from low-level evil creatures. Remember, only explore the outer perimeter and do not venture deep into the forbidden area. Safety should always come first, and do not be reckless."

"Disciple obeys!" Lin Yan accepted the jade talisman with both hands, solemnly agreed, and put the jade talisman away.

"In addition," Master Danxuan turned his gaze slightly to the golden-crowned snow sparrow on Yi Azhu's shoulder, his tone becoming more peaceful, "this sparrow is the guardian spirit bird of the Spirit Herb Garden. It is born with the ability to identify evil spirits and sense changes in the forbidden area. It will accompany you on this trip to guide you, avoid danger, and warn of crises, which can be considered a helpful assistance."

Yi Azhu gently stroked the snow sparrow's wings and whispered, "Don't worry, Master, we will definitely protect it."

After giving their instructions, the three of them did not linger. They bowed and bid farewell to Master Danxuan, then turned and walked quickly out of the Hall of Affairs, hurrying back to the Spirit Herb Garden.

Just as they reached the edge of the Spirit Herb Garden, near the Fallen Blossom Plain, a slender and upright figure slowly emerged from behind a cypress tree by the roadside, blocking their path.

The newcomer was dressed in a faded blue cloth top and a simple wooden plaque at his waist. He was Ye Qing, whom Lin Yan had met briefly in Qingfeng Town, where they had helped resolve the Su family's difficulties. He held the ancient wooden sword in his hand, his eyes still carrying a hint of arrogance, but without a trace of malice. Seeing the three turn to look at him, he first bowed, his voice clear and steady, showing no sign of abruptness in his appearance.

"Brother Lin Yan, please wait a moment."

Lin Yan and his two companions paused, their expressions relaxing slightly upon recognizing the newcomer. Lin Yan returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his tone calm: "Brother Ye Qing, what brings you here?"

"I just passed by this place and saw that you all were in a hurry. I also noticed that there was a foul atmosphere in the direction of the Spirit Herb Garden, which is not a normal sight." Ye Qing's gaze swept over the three of them, and his tone was sincere. "Regarding the matter of Qingfeng Town, I am grateful for Brother Lin Yan's righteous words, and I have always kept them in mind. This time, the foul atmosphere of the forbidden area has leaked out, which must be extremely dangerous. I cultivate wood-type spiritual power and can also sense the aura of evil spirits. Perhaps I can be of some help. I hope you will allow me to go with you, as a way of repaying the favor I did for you before."

He acted frankly and explained his reasons directly, clarifying both their previous interactions and his purpose. He was neither humble nor arrogant, which was entirely in line with his calm, upright, and loyal nature.

Lin Yan pondered for a moment, knowing that the forbidden area was fraught with danger and unpredictable. More people would be more helpful. Ye Qing had a solid foundation and upright character, and was definitely not a wicked person. He immediately nodded and agreed: "Since Brother Ye Qing is willing, then let's go together. However, the forbidden area is full of dangers, so we must be careful in everything we do."

"Thank you, Brother Lin Yan." Ye Qing nodded slightly, gripped the wooden sword in his hand, stood to one side, and walked alongside the three of them.

The four of them continued deeper into the Shadow Bamboo Forest. Lin Yan held the protective jade talisman in his hand, a gentle spiritual energy flowing through it, instantly cleansing away the lingering turbid air and leaving him feeling refreshed. The Golden-Crowned Snow Sparrow seemed to sense the talisman's aura, its spirits lifted, and it flew from A Zhu's shoulder, chirping softly as it led the way, heading straight for the crevice in the bamboo forest.

As they approached the crevice, the chilling, fishy smell grew stronger and more pungent, and the surrounding vegetation withered and lifeless.

Lin Yan held the protective jade talisman in front of him. A faint blue light rippled and instantly spread out a light blue light shield, protecting the four people and the spirit bird within it and isolating them from the foul air and cold aura of the outside world.

"I'll lead the way, Yunxi will protect Azhu's flanks, Brother Ye Qing will bring up the rear, and Xueque will be responsible for aerial surveillance. If there's any unusual activity, alert us immediately," Lin Yan instructed in a low voice, clearly defining the division of labor.

Yunxi, Yi Azhu, and Ye Qing nodded in unison, each becoming alert and on guard.

With a clear cry, the Golden-crowned Snowbird took the lead and flew into the sky above the crevice, circling back and forth, cautiously probing the movements below.

Lin Yan took a deep breath, gripped the storage bag at his waist, and took the lead, slowly probing into the dark and deep forbidden rift that concealed ancient dangers, step by step along the steep cracks in the soil and rocks.

Ye Qing followed closely behind, his wooden sword held horizontally in front of him, his wood-elemental spiritual energy slowly circulating as he remained vigilant for any danger lurking in the shadows. Yun Xi protected Yi Azhu as they walked in the middle, her sword intent restrained, ready to draw her sword at any moment.

The gates of the forbidden land were slowly opening before them. In the darkness deep within the rift, the ancient tremors grew ever clearer.