Chapter 114: The Undercurrent (Part I)

A group of people followed Zi Chenyu and the robed figure openly, making no attempt to conceal their presence. Before long, they arrived at an inn called the Ziyun Inn, a well-known establishment in the area.

The innkeeper came out to greet them, a smile plastered on his face as he bowed with his hands clasped.

"Young Master Zi, you have traveled a long way. Please forgive my lack of a proper welcome. Pray, come inside and rest; I shall prepare a few fine dishes to host you. How does that sound?"

Zi Chenyu did not answer. Instead, he grabbed Guo Meng, pulled out a dagger, and stabbed him in the thigh. He then turned his gaze to everyone present.

"I am well aware of the atmosphere in Ziyun Town, but this is the consequence of offending me. You have surely heard of me, Zi Chenyu. I have come here to search for a man named Dao Sansheng."

Steward Liu produced a portrait. It depicted a plain-looking young man—somewhat handsome, though lacking the refined air of maturity; he appeared to be a clean, sunny youth.

"This is the man in the drawing, Dao Sansheng. He arrived at the Ziyun Mountains over a month ago. We are here to find him. Whoever can provide us with a lead will be rewarded with a commission that will surely satisfy you."

Steward Liu shook the pouch in his hand and held the portrait higher so those in the back could see it more clearly.

Upon seeing the portrait, someone in the crowd recognized him and stepped forward.

"While I was searching for Maple Leaf Grass in the Ziyun Mountains, I saw someone flying toward the range from a distance. I laughed at him at the time, thinking him a fool for flying straight in, unaware of the miasma that plagues those peaks." The man gestured as he spoke, pointing to the exact spot where Dao Sansheng had fallen.

"Once I verify this, I will reward you. Wait here; we are going to eat. If you have any leads, tell the innkeeper. If we confirm the information is true, we will grant you one reasonable request."

With that, Zi Chenyu walked into the inn. Having lived on nothing but energy-replenishment pills during the flight, he was famished. The pampered young master had been eager for a real meal since entering the town.

***

Dao Sansheng and Du Xuetao arrived at the edge of the pool. They stared quietly at the water for a moment before Du Xuetao jumped in, followed closely by Dao Sansheng.

"Master, do not worry. I, Du Haitao, will lead the way. If there is any danger, I shall bear it. Even if it means death, I will die before you; you need not take any risks."

Du Haitao observed his surroundings cautiously. This was not his first time here, yet every previous attempt to explore had ended in failure; he had never managed to pass the bend at the fork in the underground river.

Dao Sansheng found the man somewhat amusing, but he felt prepared for this journey. He was certain they would make it through the underground river this time.

The black bird followed them into the water. The dark stains on its body were slowly washed away by the pool water, revealing its original, beautiful, glowing white feathers. A vacuum formed around its body, parting the water and creating a dry space.

"I hate water most of all, but I will endure it this time," the fat bird chirped while swimming.

"Why isn't the Single-Horned Dust Rat down here? I don't see it."

Dao Sansheng called out to Du Xuetao, who was observing their path with intense focus. The sudden shout startled Du Xuetao, who immediately pressed a finger to his lips, signaling Dao Sansheng to keep his voice down.

"I put it in the spirit beast pouch. Do you need one? It makes traveling much easier."

The fat bird swam to Dao Sansheng’s side, hid inside his clothes, and poked its head out to transmit a telepathic message. "I don't want one. I don't want one; I'll stay just like this."

The fat bird was something of a friend to Dao Sansheng, so he let it be. However, he had little time to pay it any mind, as he was currently communicating with the Soul Butterfly.

Within his sea of consciousness, on a blue planet, the Soul Butterfly was resting on a patch of illuminated grass. Since morning, Dao Sansheng had told it that he would need its help to mask their presence and scent from the creatures in the water—a skill the Soul Butterfly had offered him.

"Master, you've arrived! I am all prepared!" The Soul Butterfly crossed its legs, fluttered its wings, and spoke to Dao Sansheng in a spoiled tone.

"Good. Begin the technique. I do not know how long this underground river is, but I hope you can help us cross safely. I will reward you when we are through."

Hearing the promise of a reward, the Soul Butterfly’s face lit up. It leaned toward Dao Sansheng and brushed its hair with its hand.

*Children are so easy to trick,* Dao Sansheng thought, reaching out to ruffle the Soul Butterfly’s hair. "I must go now. Otherwise, that fat bird might stir up trouble. I noticed it has run off somewhere ahead."

Dao Sansheng withdrew from his consciousness and looked at the fat bird nearby. It was following a fish, then suddenly darted forward, pecking at it and swallowing the fish whole.

As the fish was gulped down, all the other fish in the underground river suddenly grew aggressive and swarmed toward the bird. The bird’s water-repelling shield flickered, failing under the assault, and it flew straight back toward Dao Sansheng.

Dao Sansheng watched as the bird, having caused a disaster, fled back toward him with a school of fish in pursuit. He didn't know how long they could hold out against such a swarm. The bird looked quite pleased with itself as it neared him.

"I don't know you. Which bird are you, trying to hide in my clothes?"

Dao Sansheng dodged, pretending not to recognize it, and backed away.

Du Xuetao stepped forward, blocking the path of the fish, and turned to speak to Dao Sansheng. "Master, go quickly! I will join you in a moment."

Just then, the Soul Butterfly’s voice echoed in Dao Sansheng’s mind. "Master, I am ready. I am beginning the spell now. Soon, those fish will not be able to see you. Just wait a moment."

The fish remained frenzied, and the fat bird was nearly at Dao Sansheng’s side. Looking at the scene, Dao Sansheng wondered why the Soul Butterfly—usually so reliable—hadn't started the spell yet. He considered retreating.

Suddenly, all the fish seemed to lose their target and began circling aimlessly. Dao Sansheng watched the miraculous sight and patted the bewildered Du Xuetao on the shoulder.

"We can go now."

Dao Sansheng continued forward. The fat bird poked its head out of his clothes again, but Dao Sansheng immediately pushed it back down; the little creature was clearly still looking for trouble.

"Let me go! I want to go out! I want to eat more fish!" the bird’s voice rang in his mind.

Dao Sansheng had no patience for the bird. He plucked one of its feathers, and the creature immediately went quiet, tucking its head back into his clothing.

The journey proceeded smoothly. When they reached the bend—the very place where Dao Sansheng had narrowly escaped last time—they turned the corner. The piranhas inside didn't react at all; they continued hunting normally, as if the two men were invisible.

Dao Sansheng pressed down on the head poking out of his clothes and unceremoniously tossed the bird into his sea of consciousness.

As Dao Sansheng gripped it, the bird vanished, reappearing in the starry expanse of his mind. It tumbled onto the green grass of the blue planet, landing right next to the Soul Butterfly, which was still in the middle of casting its spell.