Abyss Walker

Chapter 229 The Temple of Dugu (Part 1)

As night fell, the streets of Tianqi City were adorned with dim yellow lights, resembling a flowing painting.

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling walked out of the antique shop, their figures stretching rapidly in the night, as if they were merging into the veins of this ancient city.

Their steps were light and firm, each step echoing softly on the stone pavement.

Yun Muhan clutched the yellowed treasure map tightly in his hand; it was the key to finding the Dugu Yan Sword. He knew this was just the beginning; the real challenge awaited them ahead.

The treasure map has a complex and intricate route, resembling a giant maze, where every line may conceal unknown dangers.

"The routes on this treasure map are intricate and complex; we need to study them carefully."

As Yun Muhan walked, he spoke, his gaze sweeping back and forth across the map, trying to find some clues. His fingers gently traced the edges of the map, as if he could feel the weight of history within it.

Dugu Jianling nodded, his gaze equally sharp, as if he could see through the paper and discern the secrets hidden within. "We cannot linger here any longer; we must set off as soon as possible."

His voice was deep and firm, “The people of the God Realm may also be searching for the Dugu Yan Sword. We cannot let them get there first.”

The two exchanged a glance, both understanding the urgency of the situation. They walked through several narrow streets and finally found an inconspicuous little inn.

The inn's signboard swayed gently in the night breeze, making creaking sounds, as if telling a story of bygone years.

They rented a room, which was simply furnished with only a wooden table, two chairs and a bed.

Yun Muhan casually closed the door, laid the treasure map flat on the wooden table, and the light shone on the map, revealing clear lines.

The two sat around the table and began to carefully analyze every detail on the map.

Yun Muhan's fingers slid gently along the path, his eyes focused and deep, as if one could read the trajectory of fate from them.

Dugu Jianling occasionally tapped the table lightly with his fingers, making a soft sound. His brows were slightly furrowed, as if he was thinking about something.

The room was so quiet that only breathing and the occasional rustling of paper could be heard.

Yun Muhan pointed to a mark on the map: "This marks an ancient temple, which may be an important clue."

Dugu Jianling moved closer, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "I know this temple. It is located in the mountains outside Tianqi City. Legend has it that it was built by the ancestors of the Dugu family to enshrine the family's divine artifacts."

"...Aren't you from the Dugu family?"

Dugu Jianling: "So, according to you, Yun Muhan is from the Yun family? Kun Muhan is from the Kun family? Long Muhan... that's true. Anyway, the world is full of wonders, what do they have to do with me?"

“Then, our first step is to go to this temple.” Yun Muhan suddenly felt that what Dugu Jianling said made a lot of sense. “No matter how dangerous it is there, we must go.”

The two decided to set off early the next morning, a decision filled with anticipation for the unknown and a desire for challenge.

It was late at night, but none of them were sleepy; their hearts were filled with the adventure and challenges that were about to unfold.

The lights were still on in their room, and the two men were either checking their equipment or deep in thought, making final preparations for their upcoming journey.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling left the inn and embarked on their journey to the temple. Their figures appeared exceptionally resolute in the morning light, as if they were one with the adventure that was about to begin.

As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds, Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling were already walking on the rugged path leading to the temple. Their steps were firm, and their eyes revealed an indomitable determination.

The surrounding forest was dense, and the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves accompanied their footsteps, adding a vivid background to the journey.

They knew that the road might be full of unknowns and dangers, but it was precisely these unknowns and dangers that made the journey all the more meaningful.

Their goal was to explore the temple and find the secrets and treasures that might be hidden there, a goal that filled every step they took with power and purpose.

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling were filled with a love for adventure and respect for challenges.

They know that only by bravely facing difficulties can they achieve true growth and success. Their eyes are firm, their steps are steady, and they are fearless even in the face of the unknown ahead.

In the dense forest, the two figures gradually disappeared into the distance.

"This route seems to point to a hidden valley in the mountains." Yun Muhan examined the treasure map while comparing it with the surrounding terrain. "The temple should be hidden there."

Dugu Jianling cautiously looked around, his hand lightly resting on the hilt of his sword, ready to deal with any potential dangers: "We must be careful. Since the temple is the sacred ground of the Dugu family, it must be heavily guarded and protected."

The two walked through a dense forest and came to a fork in the road. The markings on the treasure map became blurred here, forcing them to stop and carefully determine their direction.

“Look here, this symbol represents a hidden path.” Yun Muhan pointed to an inconspicuous mark on the map. “We should go this way.”

Following the path, a clear stream soon appeared before Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling.

The babbling brook flows into the deep valley, with a few fallen leaves floating on the surface, drifting with the current, giving people a sense of tranquility and profoundness.

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling followed the stream upstream, and soon an ancient stone bridge came into view. The bridge spanned the stream, its structure covered with vines and moss, giving it an ancient and mysterious appearance.

"This bridge must be the only way to the temple."

A wary glint flashed in Yun Muhan's eyes, and his hand had already quietly gripped the hilt of his sword, ready to deal with any potential danger at any moment.

Dugu Jianling nodded, and they carefully stepped onto the stone bridge.

The stone slabs on the bridge have become mottled due to the erosion of time, but they remain sturdy, and each step produces a dull echo.

As they reached the center of the bridge, a sudden, mechanical sound broke the tranquility of the valley.

The sharp and abrupt sound immediately put both of them on edge. Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling quickly stood back to back, their eyes scanning their surroundings for the source of the sound, while also preparing for a possible battle.

A tense atmosphere filled the air, as if even the sound of the flowing stream had temporarily stopped.

Yun Muhan's heart raced slightly, but no fear showed on his face.

"Watch out!" Dugu Jianling shouted, drawing his sword from its sheath.

Suddenly, volleys of arrows rained down from both sides of the bridge. Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling swiftly dodged, their reactions as agile as cheetahs, their swords flashing as they deflected each incoming arrow.

Their swordsmanship was precise and swift; each swing of their swords whistled through the air, deflecting arrows or cleaving them in two.

After a fierce exchange of evasion and counterattacks, the mechanism finally stopped working. The two men, panting heavily, looked at each other and saw the unwavering determination in each other's eyes.

This was just the beginning. They all knew that the road ahead would be even more dangerous, but for the sake of Dugu Yanjian, they had no way out.

They continued on their journey, and finally, at the end of the valley, an ancient temple appeared before them.