Chapter Six: Light at the End of the Tunnel – Trapped Within

"What a godforsaken place, yet hidden within it is such a fresh and elegant sanctuary. It’s truly astonishing!" Looking at the scene as beautiful as a painted scroll, Xiao Yin couldn’t help but exclaim in awe.

"This place is indeed beautiful, but it's not to be trusted. For someone to create such a peaceful haven amid these perilous and mysterious woods, he must be no ordinary soul. And since he’s deliberately lured us here, I doubt it’s simply to offer tea and company. We can't yet fathom his real intentions, so we must tread carefully." Yu Shang’s brow was tightly knit, his face solemn as he glanced around vigilantly from time to time, secretly sending a message to Xiao Yin.

"Hahaha! As expected from the heirs of those two legendary figures who shattered the void and ventured into the unknown! Such meticulous minds and profound depths—surely, you’re destined for greatness. Compared to you, the little snake at your side seems rather lackluster!" A melodious yet powerful voice, lingering like a song and ringing clear as a bell, suddenly resounded in the hearts of Yu Shang and Xiao Yin. Instantly, a chill ran down their spines, and they hastily summoned their secret weapons and leapt into the air, poised for battle.

"No need to be so anxious. I harbor no ill will—rest easy. If I truly meant you harm, I wouldn’t have revealed myself so openly, would I?" As the voice spoke, a handsome youth dressed in white as light as cicada wings, a jade fan in his hand, stepped out of the thatched cottage with a gentle smile. He presented himself with an air of harmlessness, truly charming and inviting.

"Oh my, whose lovely maiden is this? Come, give your Uncle Yin a smile!" No sooner had the teasing words left his lips than an invisible force shot from the youth’s fingertips. Dust whirled and petals scattered, then, swept up by that force, the debris spiraled in the air, slowly coalescing into a massive orb that hurtled straight toward Xiao Yin.

Sensing danger, Yu Shang immediately employed his Windless Step to rush to Xiao Yin’s side, wielding his blade toward the orb. Xiao Yin was not to be outdone; he pressed his palms together, spun half a turn, and unleashed his inner energy in a fierce strike. The orb rebounded upon contact, as though it bore no intent to harm Xiao Yin, and crashed into the ground instead. The violent impact tore the earth asunder, and as the fissure grew, countless vengeful souls wailed as they shot skyward, desperate to escape the endless abyss below.

Witnessing this chilling sight, the white-clad youth shed his earlier innocuous demeanor. His face twisted with menace, and a piercing, blinding gaze shot from his captivating eyes. Wherever his gaze fell, the tormented souls shattered to nothing. Then, with a casual wave of his hand, the ground closed seamlessly, restored as if nothing had happened.

Stunned by the abrupt turn, Xiao Yin muttered to himself, "This fellow’s cultivation is likely on par with mine at my peak. Too bad my wounds aren’t fully healed yet, or I’d teach him a lesson and see if he’d dare act so arrogantly!"

"I despise being mistaken for a woman. Don’t joke like that again—I can’t bear it!" With these words, a smile once more graced the youth’s exquisite features.

"My brother may have offended you just now. Please, forgive him and don’t take it to heart. May I ask your esteemed name, sir?" Upon hearing this, Yu Shang immediately inquired respectfully.

"No need for such formality—you make me sound ancient. My name is Leng Huaiyi; just call me by my name." The youth’s tone was light and indifferent, as though nothing in the world weighed on his mind.

Yet as he answered, Yu Shang and Xiao Yin were secretly communicating.

"You little brat! Since when am I your brother? When I was making my name, you were probably still crawling somewhere! How dare you be so impudent! If you hadn’t saved me by accident, I’d have given you a beating already!" Xiao Yin fumed at Yu Shang.

"It’s just a manner of address, no need to be so worked up! You’re being petty. More importantly, do you think he actually heard our private conversation? Who exactly is this Leng Huaiyi?" Yu Shang asked in confusion.

"Of course I can hear you! Next time, at least keep your distance if you want to converse secretly. Otherwise, you’ll always think I’m eavesdropping. As for me, I’m just a cultivator, nothing more. Don’t be so curious, or you’ll only be disappointed," the youth laughed.

"Who are you, really? How do you know so much about us? Clearly, your cultivation is impressive—stop playing the weak scholar masquerading as a tiger. If you have the guts, show us your true face!" Xiao Yin sneered.

"You really are a noisy pair. I told you, I am only Leng Huaiyi. As for you, don’t you also keep secrets from your so-called brother? We’re the same kind of people. Some things, some words, some people—when the time comes, all will become clear. There’s no need to waste breath beforehand, is there?" The youth gazed into the distance, his expression somber.

"So, another soul burdened with countless knots. Indeed, some matters are best left to time to resolve," Yu Shang thought.

"Very well, if you don’t wish to speak, I won’t press further. But at least tell me: what is this place?" After a long silence, Yu Shang asked.

"This is my usual resting place. I call it the Garden of Tranquility," the youth replied, a rare hint of contentment in his tone.

"Detached from fame and fortune, estranged from the world. What a place of no desires, far removed from the vulgar clamor. If ever I see through all things, I shall come here uninvited and dwell in seclusion."

"Good! When that time comes, let us drink and make merry together!" The two laughed heartily, their camaraderie drawing them closer.

"You two really do dream far ahead. Be practical—better to think about how we’ll reach the Nether City," Xiao Yin said helplessly, watching their laughter.

"The Nether City? Must you truly go? It’s a place fraught with peril, and an eccentric man of strange character dwells there. Is there really something worth risking your lives for?" the youth asked anxiously, reluctant to lose his newfound friends.

"I feel as though a voice there is calling to me. If I do not go, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life," Yu Shang answered softly. Though his tone was gentle, his resolve was unmistakable.

"Very well, if that is your wish, I won’t force you to stay. I only hope you live to return, so that we may meet again someday." With that, he turned and walked back into his cottage. But at that moment, a phantom doorway appeared before them. Without hesitation, Yu Shang and Xiao Yin stepped through and vanished from sight.