Chapter 27: The Mysterious Box

Zhuge Lingyun gazed at the seemingly ordinary surface of the water, his expression grave.

It was no wonder the mysterious old man had been reluctant to go down himself, but...

A thought struck him. He turned to the two elders, his voice deep and stern: "This water can drain one's lifespan. Ye Xiao’s remaining life is already short; aren't you sending him to his death?"

Ye Xiao’s expression shifted slightly. Though he had recently broken through to the Kaifu Realm and gained a small increase in lifespan, this mysterious power was something even Zhuge Lingyun could not withstand. If he were to go down, would he not...

With this thought, he looked toward the old man, hoping for an answer.

The old man remained silent for a moment before saying, "You are right. Beneath this lake lies a powerful formation that rapidly drains the vitality of anyone who enters."

"However, this boy is different."

Ye Xiao and Zhuge Lingyun were taken aback, exchanging a look of confusion.

"This boy’s bloodline is unique. To him, this formation is entirely ineffective."

Hearing this, Zhuge Lingyun scrutinized Ye Xiao with curiosity. He had always known Ye Xiao was extraordinary, but the boy’s bloodline power was hidden so deep that even he could not discern its nature.

At this moment, the Supreme Elder spoke up.

"Zhuge boy, are you planning to have him participate in the Spirit Road Trials?"

Zhuge Lingyun nodded slightly. He made no attempt to hide it, as he had already recommended many others for the trials since arriving here. None, however, had succeeded.

Yet, the talent Ye Xiao had displayed was enough to shock even him. He believed Ye Xiao had a real chance to conquer the Spirit Road and reach the end. That was why he had hesitated upon seeing the power within the lake.

The Supreme Elder smiled and said, "Rest assured. Since this old fellow says it is fine, it will be fine."

With the Supreme Elder’s reassurance, Zhuge Lingyun said nothing more, leaving the decision to Ye Xiao.

After a moment of contemplation, Ye Xiao said, "In that case, I shall go on your behalf, Senior!"

The old man nodded with satisfaction. "I will give you a lift!"

With a wave of his hand, Ye Xiao felt a gentle force envelop him, lifting him slowly toward the surface of the lake.

*Splash.*

As he broke the surface and submerged, Ye Xiao’s expression changed. He sensed a vague, ethereal energy surrounding him. As this energy entered his body, it simply dissipated.

Relieved that he was indeed unharmed, he began to swim toward the bottom.

***

He did not know how long he had been swimming when he saw a faint glimmer of light not far below. His heart stirred—this must be what the old man had sent him to find.

Sure enough, as he approached, he discovered a box the size of a brick. It was crafted from bronze, its surface etched with arcane patterns he could not understand, which were the source of the faint light.

He reached out to retrieve the bronze box, but the moment his hand touched it, the situation changed abruptly.

The floor of the lake began to shake violently.

The tremors made it impossible to maintain his balance. Watching the box drift further away, Ye Xiao gritted his teeth and channeled his Profound Energy to its limit. He drew his broken sword and thrust it deep into the silt of the lakebed, finally anchoring himself.

Relying on the blade, he painstakingly inched his way toward the box.

Above the surface, Zhuge Lingyun and the others watched as the previously calm water began to boil, churning with countless bubbles as if it were a cauldron.

"What is happening?" Zhuge Lingyun asked deeply.

The old man replied calmly, "It is merely the backlash of the formation. Once he retrieves the box, it will cease."

Though the old man appeared calm, his heart was in turmoil. He had waited for this moment for far too long.

As the lake slowly quieted, the tension mounted. Even the tavern-keeper, usually unflappable, wore an uncharacteristic look of anxiety.

Suddenly, a figure broke the surface and swam toward the shore.

The old man acted with lightning speed, reaching out to pull Ye Xiao from the water and deposit him onto the bank.

"How was it?" the old man asked.

Ye Xiao took several deep breaths, reached into his robes, and pulled out the box, handing it over.

A wave of excitement washed over the old man’s face. His hands trembled as he took the box.

"Good! Very good!" The old man laughed aloud and tucked the box away.

"Old man, I know you gave this boy a cup of wine, but this box is of immense significance to you. A single cup of wine... isn't that a bit stingy?" the Supreme Elder teased like a cunning merchant.

The old man, now in a jovial mood, did not take offense. He declared loudly, "Fair point. I suppose I was being stingy. In that case, I shall bestow a great fortune upon you!"

***

Ye Xiao was about to refuse when the old man tossed him a porcelain vial.

"Inside is a drop of essence blood from a Great Demon. You will surely find it useful. Your cultivation is a bit low for now, so it is best to refine it once you reach the peak of the Spirit Realm."

Ye Xiao, who had been about to decline, froze.

Essence blood of a Great Demon?

Anything called a "Great Demon" was at least at the Fish-Dragon Realm. The bloodline of the demon race was inherently stronger than that of ordinary spirit beasts, and for someone practicing the Blood Scripture, this was more precious than anything else.

"Then... thank you, Senior!"

He couldn't find a single reason to refuse.

"Just one drop of essence blood?" the Supreme Elder rolled his eyes.

"What do you know!" the old man retorted. He turned to Ye Xiao with a smile. "Boy, it is time for me to depart."

Ye Xiao nodded with a smile. "Thank you, Senior!"

The old man nodded and began to walk away. His pace was leisurely, yet with every step, he vanished a hundred paces further into the distance. Soon, he had disappeared from their sight.

"Supreme Elder, who exactly was that man?" Zhuge Lingyun asked, having noticed the friendly rapport between the Supreme Elder and the mysterious figure.

The Supreme Elder shook his head. "I do not know the details. However, his strength is unfathomable. He has been here several times before; he holds no ill will toward us."

Zhuge Lingyun nodded, falling silent.

The Supreme Elder then looked at Ye Xiao with a smile. "Tell me, how is that Five Elements Body Tempering Technique holding up?"

Ye Xiao’s heart skipped a beat as a realization dawned on him.

"Senior! Could it be that you..."