Chapter 53: Entering the Temple to Unveil Its Mysteries

What emerged from the ground was, unexpectedly, a man!

As the mud slowly solidified, it took the form of a bald man of about twenty-five or six. Though his appearance was rather ordinary, his face radiated an honest, guileless air.

“Tu Zheng, I thought you weren’t going to show up,” Zhan Bai said, clearly delighted at the newcomer’s arrival. Qin Feng, with a slight probing of his senses, had already discerned the truth: Tu Zheng was a fifth-stage cultivator of the Human Gang Realm, and, moreover, a genuine Celestial practitioner who had mastered the natural power of the earth’s mire. Among those present, save for Zhan Bai, his strength was likely the most formidable.

Of course, Qin Feng himself was an exception.

Truth be told, Qin Feng had sensed Tu Zheng’s presence underground long before he revealed himself, but he had chosen to remain silent. Thus, when Tu Zheng appeared, Qin Feng’s face betrayed little surprise.

Zhan Bai, seemingly aware of this, shot Qin Feng a meaningful glance, saying nothing.

Tu Zheng, simple and straightforward in nature, scratched his shiny bald head and offered an awkward smile, “Sorry, everyone, I’m a bit late.”

“Oh my, little Zheng Zheng, it’s good you’re here! Have you missed your big sister lately?” To everyone’s surprise, Hua Ruyan from Hundred Flowers Valley swayed forward, lifted her skirt flirtatiously, struck a provocative pose, and placed a single hand on Tu Zheng’s shoulder, teasing him playfully.

Tu Zheng hurriedly shut his eyes, silently lamenting his predicament.

Laughter erupted from the group; it was clear that Hua Ruyan often teased the honest-natured Tu Zheng. Yet, from the look of things, Tu Zheng seemed not entirely averse to Hua Ruyan’s antics.

While laughter still rang out, a deep, resonant leopard’s roar echoed from outside the temple. In the next instant, a sleek snow leopard shot in, its body a blur as it darted nimbly about before coming to a halt before the group.

“Fellow Daoist Shi has arrived as well,” Zhan Bai announced just as the snowy leopard, under the watchful eyes of all, slowly transformed. The beast’s form faded, replaced by a striking figure clad in snow-white furs, wild and beautiful, crouched gracefully on the ground.

Her flowing hair framed a sharp chin and blue, intelligent, limpid eyes.

“Damn!” Qin Feng found himself nearly overwhelmed. The wild beauty exuded by this woman was lethally alluring to any man—a fact evidenced by the expressions of every male present. Even Tu Zheng couldn’t help but sneak a few more glances, much to Hua Ruyan’s annoyance, who began twisting Tu Zheng’s ear in protest.

“Ouch, easy, easy! I’ll keep my eyes shut, alright?”

Tu Zheng’s pitiful state set off another round of hearty laughter.

The snow leopard beauty stood up, her tall, curvaceous figure and graceful lines outshining Hua Ruyan by leagues. After surveying her surroundings, her gaze finally settled on Qin Feng, who sat quietly in the corner.

With feline poise, she sauntered over to Qin Feng, leaned in, and sniffed him with her delicate nose. Her brows furrowed in confusion. “Zhan Bai, who is this fellow Daoist? His aura is most peculiar…”

At such close range, with such a stunning woman scrutinizing him, Qin Feng felt his nose flush hot.

Fortunately, Zhan Bai came to his rescue.

“All right, Shi Yuan. This is Brother Qin Feng, who came with me.”

“Shi Yuan? What a lovely name!”

For the first time, Qin Feng felt that a girl’s name could so perfectly suit her.

“Brother Qin Feng, Shi Yuan is a disciple of the Beast Mountain Sect. She can draw on the powers of her spirit beast to transform her body. She’s a third-stage Human Gang cultivator. This is Brother Qin Feng, a disciple of the Qin Clan from Luoyang Town. Please get to know each other,” Zhan Bai introduced them earnestly.

Shi Yuan, gracious and poised, extended her hand. “Hello, I’m Shi Yuan. Pleased to meet you!”

“Qin Feng!” Qin Feng returned the handshake, gently squeezing her soft, slender fingers.

Shi Yuan seemed to notice his subtle movement. She gave a little snort, withdrew her hand, leaving Qin Feng’s hand awkwardly hanging mid-air. He managed an embarrassed smile.

The group erupted in laughter once more.

Men, after all, are only human.

With the addition of two more, their number grew from seven to nine: five men and four women.

Yet only Qin Feng knew that among the five men, Qin Hu was an impostor, and among the four women… Qin Feng wasn’t entirely sure, as their disguises were flawless.

A demon in human skin—genuine human skin, no less.

But, a disguise cannot last forever. Eventually, the truth would out; it was only a matter of time.

While Qin Feng observed quietly, Zhan Bai’s expression turned grave, and he called for everyone’s attention.

This time, Zhan Bai’s face was somber. His serious demeanor quickly stilled the previously lively atmosphere. All present sensed that he was about to get to the heart of the matter.

“My friends,” Zhan Bai began, clearing his throat and scanning the group, “this expedition is dangerous. I cannot say exactly how dangerous, but by my estimation, it may be deadly. We may all lose our lives here in the Blood Qi Temple. I have known each of you for many years, and I do not wish for any of you to die. If anyone wishes to withdraw, now is the time. I, Zhan Bai, will have no objection. Should I survive this day, we will remain friends, regardless of your choice.”

He looked around at each in turn.

A heavy silence fell; some hesitation flickered in their eyes.

After all, this adventure might well cost them their lives. Each of these nine was a rising star in their respective sects and clans; given time, they would surely achieve great things. There was no need to throw away their futures in this forsaken place.

But all people harbor desires and aspirations—some sought knowledge, others coveted treasure. So, after glancing at each other, not a single person chose to withdraw.

Zhan Bai was heartened.

Whatever their reasons, these friends had courage, and he did not regret calling them companions. He nodded and continued, “Very well! Since none of you will leave, we will venture forth and see what earth-shattering secrets lie hidden in this mysterious Blood Qi Temple.”

“Agreed!” the group responded in unison.

Seeing their spirits rekindled, Zhan Bai pressed on, “As always, once inside, everyone must follow my commands. If things go awry, Tu Zheng and I will cover the retreat—everyone else, escape as quickly as you can. If we succeed in securing any treasures, the old rule stands: those who contribute most get first pick. Any objections?”

“No objections!”

“None at all—let’s do it!”

It was clear this was not their first expedition together; the rules were quickly agreed upon, and morale soared.

“Good. Into the temple!”

Though they were already within the grounds of the Blood Qi Temple, they were still in the outer precincts—the true temple was the decrepit building ahead.

To call it a temple was perhaps generous; the main hall was so dilapidated it looked to have been abandoned for at least a thousand years.

At Zhan Bai’s command, he and Tu Zheng led the way.

The others glanced at one another, then followed in succession. Qin Feng, being the weakest, was “looked after” by the group and brought up the rear.

The main hall’s doors were closed, but thanks to years of neglect, one door hung askew, leaving a gap just wide enough for a person to slip through.

After the others had entered, Qin Feng pursed his lips and glanced up at the sky. For some reason, the moon was shifting from bright white to a sinister crimson—a most eerie sight.

“A night of the blood moon…”

“An ominous sign! This journey will surely be fraught with peril.”

Shaking his head, Qin Feng ducked low and slipped inside the temple.

...

There’s a QQ group: 310176071. If you’ve followed the novel this far, you’re definitely a true reader. Brothers who enjoy the story, feel free to join the group for some chat.

There’s also a Tieba forum, “Undying Netherwheel.” Those who use it can check it out at: http://tieba./f?kw=%B2%BB%CB%C0%DA%A4%C2%D6&fr=index

My personal Sina Weibo: ///575511538. Please follow and support!

Finally, heartfelt thanks to all the friends, new and old, who have supported me since I started publishing this book. With your backing, I believe “Undying Netherwheel” is sure to become a hit! I will keep working hard to further improve the quality of this novel!

Hua Sheng