Myth Beyond Heaven



2223 Absorption

Yun Lintian watched, powerless, as the last remnants of Qing Shui's essence dissipated. Frustration gnawed at him.

The rune, its cryptic purpose fulfilled, flickered and died, leaving an unsettling silence in its wake. Yun Lintian stood alone, the weight of the revelation crushing his spirit.

"Ileh." A humorless chuckle escaped his lips. Regret coiled in his gut. The knowledge Qing Shui held could have proven invaluable. Unfortunately, deciphering the God Marks would take far longer than he could afford.

"The Primordial Gods..." he muttered, the name echoing in the cavernous silence.

What insidious plot were they weaving? Was it the machinations of a single rogue faction, or something far more sinister - a conspiracy that stretched across all ten deities? The question hung heavy in the air, a chilling reminder of the vast secrets still hidden within the Primal Chaos.

Yun Lintian inhaled deeply, forcing down his frustration. Pushing the encounter with Qing Shui aside for now, he surveyed the cavern. The residual energy confirmed Qing Shui's words - this was indeed the heart of the Azure Spring Grove.

Gazing down, Yun Lintian noticed a mesmerizing sight. The spring floor shimmered with countless azure jades, each radiating an aura of pure water element. Millions of years of accumulation had undoubtedly sculpted these treasures into their exquisite state.

A tranquil moment descended upon the cavern as Yun Lintian's thoughts settled. He realized this was an opportunity, a chance to harness the immense energy held within these jades to accelerate his cultivation.

Without hesitation, he plunged into the pool, the cool water embracing his body as he began to gather the azure jades. One by one, he absorbed the pure water essence within cach jade, feeling his cultivation surge with cach passing moment.

A week had passed as Yun Lintian immersed himself in cultivation. The Azure Spring's energy flowed into him like a river, cleansing his meridians and strengthening his foundation. His understanding of the water element deepened, granting him new insights into its mysteries. The azure jades, like tiny stars scattered across the cavern floor, dwindled as Yun Lintian absorbed their power. The pool's water, once brimming with energy, began to recede, revealing the intricate patterns carved into the cavern's walls.

On this day, as Yun Lintian sat cross-legged at the center of the pool, a blinding light engulfed him. A wave of energy surged outward, shaking the cavern and causing the water to ripple

violently.

A surge of energy crupted from Yun Lintian, shattering the barrier that confined him to the carly High God Realm. He ascended to the middle stage, his body bathed in an azure luminescence. His eyes, gleaming with newfound power, mirrored the intensity of the light. The Moon symbol etched onto his Divine Core pulsed brilliantly, greedily devouring the surrounding essence of pure water. In the past, in order to preserve Hongyue, he didn't hesitate to transfer a portion of the Moon's power to her and it remained flawed since. Now, with this surge, the Moon relic was fully restored.

Yun Lintian felt an exhilarating sense of completion as his affinity with the water element reached its zenith.

Buzz-

With a resonating buzz, the spring water surged upwards, coalescing into a magnificent water dragon. It coiled sinuously around Yun Lintian, its form shimmering with an ethereal luminescence.

A smile touched Yun Lintian's lips as he reached out to gently stroke the dragon's head. The creature responded with a gentle nudge against his hand, its colossal form coiling even tighter around him in a silent display of affection. Then, with a final, fluid motion, the water dragon dissolved back into the spring, leaving not a trace behind.

Yun Lintian emerged from the pool, his clothes clinging to his body, his long hair dripping with water. He felt invigorated, his strength and senses heightened to an unprecedented level.

With a satisfied smile, Yun Lintian gazed at the nearly empty pool. He had absorbed the vast majority of the Azure Spring's energy, leaving only a fraction of its former glory.

"It is time to leave, Yun Lintian muttered to himself, his voice echoing in the now silent cavern.

Turning away, Yun Lintian strode towards the passage that led back to the cave. After a thorough inspection, he found no trace of Qing Shui's possessions. Deciding not to dwell on it, he exited the cave.

On the shore, Yun Ling had felt a tremor the moment. Yun Lintian and Qing Shui clashed. Anxiety gnawed at her, but she remained paralyzed by fear. When a week passed without Yun Lintian's return, she decisively made her way back to the Yun Clan and informed Yun Wuhan. "First Ancestor?' Yun Wuhan eyed the lake with mounting concern.

Before Yun Tianlong could respond, he abruptly sensed Yun Lintian's aura. "Ile's here."

A thunderous boom echoed as Yun Lintian erupted from the water, landing gracefully on the shore.

"Tian'er!" Yun Wuhan released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

However, a sudden movement startled everyone. Yun Tianlong stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Yun Lintian. "Are you truly Yun Lintian?"

Yun Wuhan's heart plummeted, his face draining of color. Could the encounter with Qing Shui have somehow... replaced his son? The weight of the question hung heavy in the air.

"My apologies for the worry, Dad, First Ancestor, Little Ling," Yun Lintian offered with a reassuring smile. "Qing Shui is no more. Ile's no longer a threat."

"Let me see your soul," Yun Tianlong demanded.

Yun Wuhan opened his mouth to protest, but no words escaped his lips. It was the only way to

be certain.

"Of course!" Yun Lintian replied calmly.

Yun Tianlong pressed his hand against Yun Lintian's head, his spiritual sense plunging into the younger man's being.

The scene that unfolded within Yun Lintian's sea of consciousness left. Yun Tianlong wide-eyedn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

with dishelief Siv naire of eves helonging to mythical heacts elinted hack at him with chilling

indifference.

The White Tiger Soul let out a deafening roar, a primal sound that resonated within Yun Tianlong's very core.

"Roar!"

Yun Tianlong recoiled, his spiritual sense retreating with a jolt. His face drained of color as he gasped for breath, a tremor running through his body.

"First Ancestor!" Yun Wuhan rushed to his side, concern etched on his face. "What is it? Could

he be..."

Yun Tianlong gripped Yun Wuhan's arm, his voice trembling. "I le is Lintian, without a doubt. In fact, I doubt Qing Shui stood a chance."

Yun Wuhan and Yun Ling exchanged a bewildered look, but for now, that was a mystery to unravel later. The most important thing was that Yun Lintian had returned, safe and sound. Yun Lintian offered an apologetic smile. "Forgive me, First Ancestor. I can't control her."

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