Chapter 118: The Valley

"Then stay in the dark river. Big Rock and I are heading out; the world outside is far better than this place." Dao Sansheng walked over to Big Rock, waiting for it to finish absorbing energy so they could leave together.

"I was just joking. Forget about the million top-grade spirit stones. Master, I’ll take a step back—how about you treat me to a grand feast once we’re out? I haven't eaten at a restaurant in thirty years." Du Xuetao approached with a smile, gauging Dao Sansheng’s expression as he walked toward the duo.

Big Rock’s voice echoed in Dao Sansheng’s consciousness once more. "Master, I’ve rested enough. We can set off. I’m familiar with this place; I can lead you both out."

Big Rock stood up and headed toward the exit, stepping directly into the dark river. The fish in the water, sensing the movement, scattered far away; not a single one dared to swarm them.

"I can’t keep calling you 'Big Rock' forever. Do you have a name?" Dao Sansheng asked through his consciousness, walking behind the creature with Du Xuetao.

"Master, I heard that guy with the green gourd call me a stone in a latrine—stinking and hard. I think that sounds quite impressive. Can I call myself 'Latrine Stone'? I’ve never left this river since I was born, so Master, you decide."

Hearing this, Dao Sansheng turned and glared at Du Xuetao. What kind of name was "Latrine Stone"? This guy had clearly been a bad influence on Big Rock. However, finding it difficult to explain, Dao Sansheng simply nodded in agreement.

The two men and the large rock continued their journey. The river fish mostly scattered upon encountering Big Rock, and the trek remained uneventful for the next three hours.

"Master, we’re almost out! This is my first time traveling far, Latrine Stone. I’ll follow you from now on." Having spoken, the creature looked back at the widening river. The water grew deeper and broader, the surrounding light improved, and schools of fish became more abundant.

Looking ahead, a faint glimmer appeared at the end of the stone tunnel—the exit. The end of the dark river was in sight. Dao Sansheng remained calm, but Du Xuetao could no longer contain his excitement, stopping every few moments to gaze toward the light.

"If we make it out and you no longer wish to follow me, that’s fine. You are free to leave and go your own way; you needn't worry about me," Dao Sansheng said, noting Du Xuetao’s anxiety.

"No need. I, Du Xuetao, keep my word. I will not betray my master, so rest assured!" Du Xuetao felt a strange pang, wondering if Dao Sansheng was testing his loyalty. Having lost his parents, he had no other ties in this world.

Half an hour later, the group emerged from the tunnel. A vast canyon opened up before them, filled with a faint, wispy purple mist—though it was so sparse compared to where they had started that it posed no threat.

Beyond the canyon lay a massive river. It turned out the dark river was merely a tributary, which explained why it was always full of water and teeming with fish. They stood on the bank where the river took a sharp, turbulent turn. Looking up, the tunnel entrance was set high in a sheer cliff face; exiting had certainly been no small feat.

The river spanned over a hundred miles—the main artery of the Ziyun Mountain Range. After sending a mental message to Latrine Stone, Dao Sansheng stored him within his consciousness. Ever since discovering he could house living beings there, he had tucked the white bird inside and hadn't given it another thought.

Summoning his magical artifact, Dao Sansheng took flight, followed by Du Xuetao. They soared toward the opposite bank. While the purple miasma hanging over the water would have deterred ordinary cultivators, it was nothing compared to what Dao Sansheng and Du Xuetao had already endured.

"Look, Senior Brother! Two people are flying across the river on swords. They must be tired of living! The miasma is so thick you can’t see a hundred meters ahead. If they fall halfway, their spiritual energy will be suppressed, and they’ll become nothing more than food for the spirit beasts."

The water churned. They were less than halfway across when giant fish began leaping from the depths, snapping at the two figures overhead. The beasts bared their snowy-white fangs, a common sight for them, as they were accustomed to claiming such prey.

"Cackle..."

"Oh, I like these two men, Junior Sister! If I could have them, I would serve them well. Men with such courage are rare—far better than a pale-faced man like you, Senior Brother."

A handsome man with snow-white skin was suddenly shoved to the ground by a young woman in green gauze, her face flushed with a shy, deceptive blush.

"Junior Sister, we are of the Soul Clan! You pushed me, and look—my hand is scratched. It’s bleeding so terribly; what will I do if it doesn't stop?"

The girl turned, her pure, innocent appearance heart-wrenching. She blinked her large eyes, her long lashes fluttering, and her pink lips curled into a wicked, seductive smile.

"Senior Brother, I see your hand is perfectly fine; it’s already healed. If you’re truly so heartbroken, why not find a sweet girl to make up for your loss?"

The man reluctantly scrambled to his feet, dusting off his white robes with a look of disdain and pouting angrily at her. "Hun Qian, you’ve dirtied my robes! Look at all this river mud. Do be more careful when you push me next time."

The girl circled him, then pursed her lips, tears welling in her eyes as she whimpered, "Senior Brother, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. Please forgive me."

As the man leaned in to comfort her, she whipped out a spiritual dagger and pressed it against his throat. "Hun Jian, if you call me that again, I’ll kill you. Are you so used to deceiving girls that you think you can pull that act on me? We’re both of the Soul Clan, so I understand, but don't disgust me, 'Senior Brother'."

The last word was spoken with such sudden, honeyed tenderness that it made one’s body tingle and heart race. Hun Jian’s eyes glazed over for a moment, but a cold tap of the dagger against his cheek brought him back. The girl retracted the blade.

Hun Jian stood frozen, smoothing his robes and the hair he had just ruffled, then followed her with a satisfied look.

Dao Sansheng and Du Xuetao were nearing the far bank. The leaping fish had suddenly gone quiet. As they prepared to make a final dash, the water began to churn violently, bubbling with massive gasps of air as the fish scattered in a panic. Dao Sansheng signaled Du Xuetao to be on alert. Both of them prepared to push their remaining spiritual energy to the limit to reach the shore.