Zombie Bodyguard

Chapter 2072: Chapter 2069: Illusion and Reality

The stone slab in the center of the altar opened, revealing a square entrance. Lin Tian ran up, seeing that inside the hole was a downward-sloping passage.

The walls of the passage emitted a faint earth-yellow light, barely illuminating the way downward. However, at the end of the passage, there was a turn, and the situation beyond was out of sight.

"Someone is clearly guiding us, we must go down." Lin Tian turned to face the four beauties below the altar and paused before continuing, "But, to be safe, someone must stay to guard the entrance. It may be our only way back; we cannot afford to lose it."

"I’ll stay. If anything happens, I can inform you at the fastest speed," Mu Yun calmly said.

She knew Yin Yang Shuttling Technique, making her the best choice to guard the entrance. Lin Tian nodded, taking the lead into the passage and walking down the stone steps.

At the end of the turn, there was another passage descending, continuing downward, repeating like this, as if stepping into an abyss without a bottom. Lin Tian roughly estimated that the depth of this path might have reached below the sea level.

"Could it possibly lead straight to the ocean floor?" Xiao Manxuan whispered.

Even speaking softly, the voice echoed back and forth in the passage, magnified, entering the ears as if many Xiao Manxuans were speaking, very eerie, even startling the little girl.

"It’s possible," Lin Tian replied softly, his voice equally magnified.

Just as the four were wondering when they would reach the end, the passage suddenly disappeared, not blocked but opening up into a large underground space, a cavern as big as half a football field.

The cavern was not dark; at the center of the ceiling, there was a large yellow gemstone, emitting a hazy yellow glow, rendering the cavern dreamlike and fantastical.

"So, the five elements aren’t incomplete; metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—earth is right here," Zhang Lingyu exclaimed, gazing in wonder at the yellow gemstone.

Yet, Lin Tian focused on the shadow beneath the gemstone. It seemed ethereal, unreal, as if existing in another dimension.

Lin Tian was sure that when they entered the cave, this shadow was not present. At this point, the three beauties also noticed the bizarre shadow.

Shangguan Ao Yue furrowed her brows, "Looks like there’s someone?"

"You finally arrived." A haunting voice resonated in the cavern, its reflection off the rock walls making it seem like it came from all directions, indistinguishable in origin.

But the shadow moved, slowly turning around, and as it did, something strange happened—the originally vague shadow became clear.

Sure enough, it was a person, a mid-aged man wearing a bright yellow brocade robe, a jade belt around his waist, and a cloud crown on his head. Although there was a smile on his face, his eyes carried an unfathomable imperial presence, as if even a glance would make everyone submit and kneel.

What the others felt, Lin Tian wasn’t sure, but he did experience a strong urge to kneel and worship; however, he resisted it, supported by an energy that allowed him to counteract the compelling force.

Zhang Lingyu’s eyes widened, sweat appeared on her forehead, her gaze filled with shock. Shangguan Ao Yue struggled the most; a heavy pressure seemed to weigh on her, barely able to stand. With a thud, she planted her giant sword into the ground to support her body.

The most relaxed was Xiao Manxuan, blinking in curiosity; any oppressive pressure seemed nonexistent to her.

"I’ve finally sensed the familiar presence of your bloodline after so many years. Time almost wiped out my memory," the mid-aged man spoke again, his gaze fixed on Lin Tian, clouds of thoughts swirling in his eyes as if recalling something.

"Who are you?" Xiao Manxuan couldn’t help but ask.

The mid-aged man’s recollection was interrupted; he turned to Xiao Manxuan, "Who are you?"

"I’m Xiao Manxuan," she replied earnestly.

The mid-aged man shook his head, "You are not."

Lin Tian’s heart stirred, as if grasping some key point, prompting, "Senior, have you seen something?"

The mid-aged man still shook his head, not replying but turning his gaze to Zhang Lingyu, "An annoying kind of power."

The gaze continued to move, landing on Shangguan Ao Yue; the smile vanished, replaced by coldness. This intensified the pressure on Shangguan Ao Yue, her arm holding the giant sword trembling, seemingly ready to collapse at any moment.

Lin Tian’s eyes flashed; he stepped aside two paces, blocking in front of Shangguan Ao Yue, easing her pressure, her pent-up breath releasing uncontrollably, sweat breaking out as she gasped for air, as though surviving a grueling battle.

"You and she both like to meddle in others’ affairs," the mid-aged man remarked coolly.

Lin Tian frowned, seemingly understanding but also not quite clear, yet he boldly declared, "Lady Ao Yue is willing to follow me, and I have a duty to ensure her safety. Why should a senior be bothered with a junior like her?"

Shangguan Ao Yue was momentarily stunned, looking up slightly at Lin Tian’s back, which seemed like a mountain blocking frost and storms.

The mid-aged man’s eyes showed displeasure, "The little descendant of Xiu Luo, I’m simply testing her. Why are you tense?"

Lin Tian was surprised—the mid-aged man perceived everything; no secrets could be hidden. However, there seemed to be exceptions, like Xiao Manxuan; he seemed unable to see through her.

Furthermore, Lin Tian felt the mid-aged man couldn’t perceive the existence of Taiyin Xuan Qi; otherwise, he wouldn’t remain so calm. It’s known that when Nu Ba Qingyao discovered Taiyin Xuan Qi, she rejoiced greatly.

Turning over many thoughts, Lin Tian tentatively asked, "May I know how to address the senior?"

The mid-aged man looked back, observing for a while, his cold demeanor suddenly dissolved, revealing an even more amiable smile than before.

"Young man, we’ve met before. Have you forgotten me?" the mid-aged man chided.

Lin Tian stared wide-eyed in shock, "Are you the Ferryman?"

"Do I not resemble him?" the mid-aged man replied with a hint of amusement.

Lin Tian shook his head decisively, not just resembling, but entirely subverting his understanding—one in regal brocade with unmatched authority, the other in black attire and hat, akin to a ghost.

The mid-aged man flicked a finger, a Blood Pearl rose from Lin Tian’s body and returned to his hand, while in his other hand, an identical Blood Pearl rose.

Sensing the two Blood Pearls, Lin Tian basically believed, the aura identical.

"Having endured countless trials, I’ve finally found you," Lin Tian laughed.

"Earlier, I was just joking with you. This is the real me; the Ferryman was merely an identity, used to scare people," the mid-aged man laughed again, starkly contrasting his prior imperial presence.

Before Lin Tian could speak, he continued, "How do you find my place? It’s simple but decent; this gemstone is rather nice. Do you like it? If you do, I’ll gift it to you, as a token meeting the junior."

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