Chapter 144: Another Hidden Mystery

The lake surface churned again, massive waves crashing like mountains overturning the sea. Jiangnan's eyes flashed with brilliance, his body as agile as a fish, using the surge to dive into the deep water.

Xia Yurou cried out in shock, reaching out to pull but grasped at nothing. She fell to the shore, tears pouring down like rain, her heart feeling like a knife wound.

"It's all my fault; if it weren't for saving me, Jiangnan…" Xia Yurou choked, tears blurring her eyes.

The Village Chief hurried forward to comfort: "Miss, don't worry, Mr. Jiang's martial skill is great, he will surely turn danger into safety."

Xia Yurou shook her head, sobbing: "You don't know, there's a terrifying monster at the bottom of the lake!"

Hearing this, the Village Chief was startled, his gaze turned to the lake surface, where turbulent waves roared and spray flew.

The lake's depths were dark and profound; Jiangnan held his breath, gathered his true qi to shield his body, and slowly sank.

Suddenly a Black Shadow flashed by; Jiangnan's eyes narrowed slightly, on high alert.

The massive Water Python reappeared, opening its gaping maw, lunging ferociously at Jiangnan.

Jiangnan remained calm, his form flickering like a phantom as he dodged, while secretly gathering strength.

The Water Python's attacks were fierce, Jiangnan was forced back step by step, yet never showed a flaw.

Suddenly, a cold glint flashed in Jiangnan's eyes, and a punch thundered out—its force like a thunderbolt!

The Water Python winced in pain, letting out a chilling, hissing roar, causing the lake water to quake.

Jiangnan seized the advantage, his fists and kicks fell on the Water Python like raindrops.

The Water Python thrashed wildly, its tail sweeping; Jiangnan was inadvertently struck, spitting fresh blood.

On the shore, Xia Yurou's heart felt like a knife being twisted, tears blurring her vision.

"Jiangnan, you must return safely…" she murmured, clenching both hands.

The Village Chief sighed lightly, patting Xia Yurou's shoulder: "Miss, we believe in him."

The battle at the lake's bottom grew ever more intense, Jiangnan and the Water Python exchanging blows, hard to determine a victor.

Suddenly, Jiangnan sensed an odd energy fluctuation, a chill rose within him.

In the deep lake floor, a faint glow flickered, vaguely revealing an ancient palace.

The Water Python seemed summoned, suddenly retreated, disappearing into the palace.

Jiangnan hesitated a moment, then decided to investigate. He approached the palace cautiously.

The palace was simple and aged, covered in moss, yet exuded a mysterious aura.

As soon as Jiangnan stepped inside, a powerful suction suddenly appeared, pulling him in.

The scene before him shifted, and Jiangnan realized he was standing in a strange space.

Mist swirled all around, faint outlines of mountains and lakes could be seen, like a fairyland.

The dense fog spread, Jiangnan looked around, visibility was extremely low.

"Where is this place?"

He whispered to himself, his voice echoing in the empty space.

Beneath his feet was a blue‑stone path, winding forward, disappearing into the mist.

Jiangnan walked along the path, each step taken with extra caution.

Suddenly a light breeze brushed by, the mist cleared a little.

The sight before Jiangnan's eyes made his pupils contract sharply.

Not far away, a towering mountain rose straight into the clouds.

At the mountain's foot, strange flowers and exotic herbs carpeted the ground, emitting a refreshing fragrance.

"These are…"

Jiangnan crouched, examining them closely.

"Purple spirit fungus, dragon‑saliva grass, millennium ginseng…"

His voice trembled, unable to hide his excitement.

These were rare medicinal herbs scarcely seen outside.

"It's happening, this time it's really happening!"

Jiangnan took a deep breath, calming himself.

He knew this place was not of the mortal world, it must be some Ancient Ruins.

"With so many heavenly and earthly treasures, if I could bring them all back…"

A spark of brilliance flashed in Jiangnan's eyes.

He began to carefully pick the herbs, placing them into a prepared storage bag.

"These herbs are ancient, their potency strong; they must be preserved properly."

Jiangnan muttered to himself, moving gently, fearing to damage the herbs.

Suddenly, a tremor shook the ground, interrupting Jiangnan's actions.

"What's happening?"

He furrowed his brows, watching the surroundings warily.

The towering mountain began to move slowly!

"Is this mountain… alive?"

Jiangnan was horrified.

The mountain's speed increased, and finally it transformed into a colossal giant standing tall as the heavens!

"Who dares… to trespass… in my… domain…?"

The giant spoke, his voice rolling like thunder, deafening.

Jiangnan felt his qi and blood surge, nearly losing his balance.

"Senior, please calm your anger!"

Jiangnan clasped his fists in salute,

"I mean no offense, senior; I only entered this place by mistake."

"By mistake?"

The giant looked down at Jiangnan,

"This is my cave dwelling; it is not something you can simply claim to have entered by mistake."

"Senior, every word I said is true."

Jiangnan remained neither obsequious nor arrogant,

"I, the junior, was being chased by a Water Python, which led me to this place by mistake."

"Water Python?"

A hint of doubt flashed in the giant's eyes,

"That cursed beast dared to bring an outsider into this place?"

"Senior, do you know that Water Python?"

Jiangnan asked tentatively.

"Hmph, that cursed beast is my mount, but lately it has been disobedient."

The giant let out a cold snort,

"Very well. Since you have arrived here, you are fated to be connected with me."

"Senior, there is something I do not understand."

Jiangnan hesitated for a moment, then spoke,

"What exactly is this place?"

"This is my cave dwelling, and also an Ancient Ruins."

The giant spoke slowly,

"I am an ancient divine beast, called Mountain Spirit."

"Senior Mountain Spirit."

Jiangnan clasped his fists again,

"I, Jiangnan, have seen you, senior."

"Hmm."

Mountain Spirit gave a slight nod,

"On you, there is a scent familiar to me."

"A familiar scent?"

Jiangnan was startled,

"Senior, you mean?"

"True Qi."

A glimmer of brilliance flashed in Mountain Spirit's eyes,

"The cultivation you practice, is it truly True Qi?"

"Exactly."

Jiangnan nodded,

"Senior also cultivates True Qi?"

"My True Qi differs from yours."

Mountain Spirit spoke slowly,

"My True Qi is born of Heaven and Earth, transformed from all things."

"Born of Heaven and Earth, transformed from all things?"

Jiangnan murmured to himself, deep in thought.

"Do you know what True Qi is?"

Mountain Spirit asked suddenly.

"I, the junior, do not know."

Jiangnan shook his head,

"I humbly request your guidance, senior."

"True Qi is the essence of Heaven and Earth."

Mountain Spirit spoke slowly,

"All things possess spirit, and True Qi is the source of that spirit."

"Source of spirit..."

A flash of enlightenment passed through Jiangnan's eyes,

"Thank you for your instruction, senior."

"Since you are fated with me, I shall grant you a transformation."

Mountain Spirit said, sweeping his large hand.

The scenery around shifted, and Jiangnan found himself in a herb garden.

"These medicinal herbs, you may gather freely."

Mountain Spirit spoke,

"But remember, do not be greedy."

"Thank you, senior!"

Jiangnan was overjoyed, hurriedly began gathering herbs. But at that moment, the Mountain Spirit let out a painful shout.

At the same time, the surrounding environment began to collapse.

Jiangnan felt the surroundings were like a painting. At that moment, however, they were torn open by someone with brute force.

The surrounding scene began to warp, and Jiangnan even smelled a watery, fishy smell.

He indeed was still at the bottom of the lake!

Could it be… that everything before his eyes is merely an illusion?

Or perhaps this Ancient Ruins possesses the ability to open up space?