Chapter 172: Chapter 167: Huilong Bay
Nan Cang Mountain is located in Southeastern Great Yue. Four peaks stand tall as three rivers flow side-by-side. Every spring, the snow on the summits melts, transforming into cascading waterfalls that converge into a single, rushing river.
The river originally flowed from east to west, but at the foot of the mountain lies a ridge named Yi Character Ridge. Its shape, like the character "Yi" (乙), forcibly diverts the river’s course to the south.
This change in terrain causes the river to pour down and turn sharply with thunderous momentum, like a divine dragon swinging its tail. Thus, it earned the name "Huilong Bay."
The Wuxiang Institute’s Water Mirror Department had decided to hold this year’s inspirational cultivation here.
A party of over thirty people set out from Yan Province, riding south for nearly ten days before reaching the foot of Nan Cang Mountain.
They ate in the wild and slept under the stars, traveling from dawn till dusk. The journey left many disciples complaining incessantly, but this too was part of the inspirational cultivation, and no one dared to grumble in front of Elder Water Mirror.
Zhao Lin, with his deep reserves of stamina, didn’t find it arduous. Instead, he treated the trip like a sightseeing tour, getting to experience the diverse customs and cultures from all over Great Yue.
As they traveled further, the weather gradually warmed. The mountains and plains were awash in the reds and greens of blooming flowers and fresh grass, brimming with the life of spring.
"We’ll be there in another half-day!"
Elder Water Mirror said, pointing to a snow-white peak in the distance.
"Elder, you’ve been here before, haven’t you?"
the disciple Guo Enze asked.
"I came here in my youth. It must have been decades ago."
A nostalgic look appeared on Elder Water Mirror’s face as he sighed with emotion. "Whenever I recall it, the magnificent spectacle of Huilong Bay is still as clear as day in my mind. You must all cherish this opportunity. Who knows, you might have a sudden epiphany and break through to the next realm in one fell swoop!"
Hearing this, the disciples’ fatigue vanished. They cracked their whips and spurred their horses onward.
「By afternoon, they arrived before Huilong Bay.」
Even before they got close, they could hear the roaring sound of water.
Many tourists stood on the higher ground of the mountainside, their mouths letting out waves of amazed sighs.
They saw the river plummeting from above, thundering and howling as it crashed against the canyon walls, forming a gigantic vortex. Its magnificent power was beyond description.
The disciples were all momentarily stunned by the sight.
"Potent energy is like water, and the meridians are like great rivers. This flow streams endlessly through the flesh and blood of the body. The acupoints are the confluences where rivers meet—vortexes formed by treacherous rapids."
Although the sound of the water was deafening, Elder Water Mirror’s voice entered everyone’s ears with perfect clarity.
Then, Elder Water Mirror pointed to a spot high above. "From here, you can’t see the entirety of Huilong Bay or truly appreciate its grandeur. That Tongue Rock over there is the best viewing spot."
Zhao Lin followed the elder’s finger and saw, dozens of zhang high above the valley, a massive rock jutting out, shaped just like an outstretched tongue.
Due to years of erosion from the water vapor, the cliff face below Tongue Rock was as smooth as if it were carved by a knife and hewn by an axe. It was utterly devoid of handholds or footholds, making it incredibly perilous.
Elder Water Mirror gathered his qi and leaped. His toes tapped lightly against the cliff face a few times, and like a great bird, he soared onto the rock.
A moment later, a rope was lowered from above.
One by one, the disciples grabbed the rope and climbed up onto Tongue Rock.
Looking down from this vantage point, the entirety of Huilong Bay came into view.
The river plunged straight down, crashing violently against the canyon. The vortex was like a bottomless pit, frantically sucking the water into its depths.
As Zhao Lin watched the rushing river, an indescribable shock filled his heart.
"Hm? There’s someone here," a deep, resonant voice sounded from behind.
"And quite a few of them," another voice added.
Zhao Lin glanced back and saw that three people had appeared on Tongue Rock.
The leader was a tall, elderly man with prominent cheekbones, white eyebrows, and hawkish eyes. He carried an air of great authority.
Behind the old man was a burly fellow with shoulder-length hair, dark skin, and a face full of whiskers.
Bringing up the rear was a young man with a rustic appearance and a wooden expression. His mid-length hair was tied back like straw, a long scar ran down his neck, and he moved like a raccoon dog.
It went without saying that for three people to appear here, they must all be skilled in the martial ways.
’Based on their appearance and dress, these three aren’t from the Central Plains. But they don’t look like the Wuzhu people I’ve seen before, either. Where did they come from?’
But his expression quickly changed—all three of them were at a higher realm than him!
’The old man and the burly man are one thing, but that youth looks to be around twenty, and he’s already cultivated to the Blood Realm!’
The river thundered, and most of the disciples only heard the voices when the three newcomers were close, turning their heads in surprise.
The white-browed elder’s eyes were like lightning, sweeping across everyone’s faces before finally resting on Elder Water Mirror. His lips moved, but no sound came out.
Zhao Lin knew the white-browed elder was using the secret voice transmission technique known only to Primordial Realm martial artists. He immediately released his ultrasound, capturing the focused line of sound in his own ears.
"Water Mirror, I didn’t expect we would meet again."
Elder Water Mirror smiled faintly and also replied via voice transmission, "Indeed. The last time was at the Martial Court Assembly twenty years ago. Brother Sa Tian, have you been well?"
’The Martial Court Assembly?’
Zhao Lin’s heart stirred. He turned his head to feign watching the river, but his Adam’s apple was vibrating at high speed, taking in not just their conversation, but even their tone and mannerisms.
"Thank you for your concern. These old bones of mine are still holding up."
The white-browed elder’s voice continued, "Are all these talented young people your disciples?"
Elder Water Mirror nodded. "I wouldn’t call them talented. You jest, Brother Sa Tian."
The corner of the white-browed elder’s mouth twitched into a smile. "Still, Brother Water Mirror is impressive. In all these years, I’ve only taken two disciples." As he spoke, he glanced at the long-haired, burly man and the wooden-faced youth.
"Disciples are about quality, not quantity..."
Water Mirror replied casually, but then his eyes narrowed and his expression changed. "Your Thunder Gang Skill... you’ve found a successor?"
Sa Tian laughed, his face filled with pride. "Since Brother Water Mirror has seen through it, I won’t hide it any longer. That’s right. After more than a decade of tireless searching, I’ve finally found a disciple worthy of inheriting my legacy."
Water Mirror was silent for a moment before saying in a strained voice, "Then, congratulations."
The white-browed elder was not modest, replying with a beaming smile, "Share in my joy."
The two exchanged a few more words, then fell silent. The white-browed elder led his two disciples to the edge of the rock to admire the scenery below.
Zhao Lin glanced at the trio, his mind filled with questions.
’What was that Martial Court Assembly they mentioned?’
’He was sure he hadn’t misheard. A martial arts tournament was understandable, but what was a ’court assembly’?’
’Also, from the sound of it, Elder Water Mirror and the white-browed elder have known each other for years, but their relationship is distant. There’s even a faint sense of animosity between them.’
Unfortunately, the two spoke no more, acting like complete strangers.
"Brother Water Mirror, we part ways today. Until we meet again."
「At sunset」, the white-browed elder clasped his hands in a farewell gesture to Elder Water Mirror. Without waiting for a reply, he and his two disciples leaped off the rock.
Watching their retreating figures, Elder Water Mirror let out a soft sigh.
That night, the group stayed at an inn. The next day, they began their journey north to Yan Province.
On the way back, Zhao Lin noticed a hidden worry in Elder Water Mirror’s eyes. The elder had lost his earlier high spirits and seemed to have something heavy on his mind.
