Abyss Walker

Chapter 228 Treasure Map

As the two stepped into Zuixianlou, a warm and lively atmosphere instantly enveloped them.

The tavern's interior is decorated in a simple yet elegant style. The wooden tables and chairs exude the luster of time, and the carved window frames cast delicate shadows under the lights. Every detail reveals a classical charm, as if taking people into a nostalgic dream full of everyday life.

The air was filled with the rich aroma of wine and food. The wine was mellow and lingering, while the food had an enticing freshness that made one's mouth water.

In addition, there were people talking and laughing, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional whispers and commotion, all of which intertwined to create a pleasant yet noisy atmosphere.

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling weaved through the crowd and quickly found a corner to sit down.

They ordered the tavern's signature drinks and several signature dishes. The drinks were amber-colored, with a slight foam when poured into the glass, emitting an enticing aroma. The dishes were a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, each one making their mouths water.

They savored the fine wine and food slowly, while paying attention to the conversations around them.

Yun Muhan's ears twitched slightly, catching snippets of conversation from the next table; Dugu Jianling's eyes swept across the crowd, observing every possible detail.

Their actions were cautious and discreet, without the slightest ostentation, as if they were just ordinary drinkers, but their eyes remained constantly alert, ready to deal with any possible situation.

The Drunken Immortal Pavilion was bustling with noise, a gathering of all sorts of people.

The chivalrous swordsmen, carrying long swords and full of vigor, discussed the grudges and feuds of the martial world; while the wealthy merchants conversed in hushed tones, their eyes gleaming with shrewdness, as they discussed business dealings.

The wandering musicians, carrying their instruments, would occasionally play a tune, attracting the attention of passersby; while the mysterious monks remained silent, their eyes deep and unfathomable, seemingly concealing secrets unknown to others.

Here, there are always endless stories to tell and countless secrets to exchange; every corner may hold a legend.

Dugu Jianling whispered to Yun Muhan, "We need to be careful. There are many people and many eyes here. There might be spies from the God Realm."

Yun Muhan nodded and replied in a low voice, "I know, so we need to keep a low profile and avoid attracting unnecessary attention."

Just then, a drunken old man staggered to their table, looking at them with glazed eyes: "You two don't look like ordinary people. Come on, let me treat you to a drink."

Yun Muhan smiled slightly, gesturing for the old man to sit down, and handed him a cup of wine: "You're too kind, sir. We are just travelers passing through, and we are quite interested in the local customs and culture of Tianqi City."

The old man took the wine cup, drank it all in one gulp, and then said mysteriously, "Local customs and traditions? You want to know about the Dugu Yan Sword, right?"

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling exchanged a glance, startled, but remained outwardly calm. Yun Muhan said calmly, "Old sir, you jest. We are merely curious about the legends surrounding this place."

The old man chuckled, a sly glint in his eyes: "Legend? I know more than just legends. The Dugu Rock Sword is a family heirloom of the Dugu family, said to be hidden in a secret place in Tianqi City."

Dugu Jianling couldn't help but ask, "Old sir, do you know where that secret place is?"

The old man shook his head: "I don't know either, but I know someone who does. The antique shop owner in the east of the city has a treasure map that might help you find the Dugu Yan Sword."

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling were struck by a thought; they knew this might be the key clue to their search for the Dugu Yan Sword.

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling bid farewell to the old man and quickly left Zuixianlou. Their figures weaved through the crowd without attracting anyone's attention.

The city of Tianqi was brightly lit at night, with colorful lights and starlight intertwining on the bustling streets, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. But their minds were entirely focused on the upcoming operation, oblivious to the surrounding excitement.

The antique shop in the east of the city is not hard to find. It is located on a quiet street. The shop has a simple and rustic appearance, and a weathered wooden plaque with the three large characters "Gu Yun Xuan" (古韵轩) is hanging above the door.

This shop is unassuming, yet it possesses a unique charm that attracts discerning customers.

The shop is dimly lit, and through the windows you can see that it is filled with all kinds of antiques and cultural relics, from ancient porcelain to rusty weapons, each of which exudes a sense of historical weight.

The two pushed open the door and entered, the bell inside ringing crisply, breaking the tranquility of the shop.

The shop owner, a middle-aged man, was wiping an antique bronze artifact. Hearing the sound, he looked up at them, a flicker of wariness in his eyes. "What would you two like to order?"

The shopkeeper's voice was calm, but his eyes revealed a hint of inquiry. His gaze swept over Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling, as if trying to guess their purpose.

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling exchanged a glance. They knew that this shop owner might be more than just a simple antique dealer.

Their attitude was respectful and cautious, preparing to begin their investigation based on the clues they had previously obtained. "We heard that Gu Yun Xuan has some special collections, so we came here specifically to take a look."

Yun Muhan's voice was unhurried, and his gaze swept over the antiques in the shop, as if he were searching for something.

The shop owner smiled slightly, put down the antique bronzes in his hand, and stood up. "Special collections are certainly available, but it depends on the customer's sincerity."

His words carried a hint that he knew some secrets that were not known to outsiders and was willing to share them with the right people.

Yun Muhan smiled and said, "We heard that you have something special here, a treasure map."

The shopkeeper's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure: "Oh? I do have quite a few things here, but treasure maps aren't something you can just show to anyone."

Yun Muhan took out a piece of amethyst. "Boss, we know the rules."

The shopkeeper remained unmoved, so Dugu Jianling stepped forward and handed over another piece of amethyst.

His voice was deep: "We are not ordinary people. That treasure map is extremely important to us. Please do us your help."

The shopkeeper quickly put away the two amethyst crystals, pondered for a moment, and then nodded: "In that case, come with me."

He led the two into a secret room at the back of the shop. The room was filled with bookshelves, piled high with ancient books and scrolls.

The shopkeeper walked to a bookshelf, gently turned a statue, and the bookshelf slowly slid open, revealing a hidden compartment. He took out an antique wooden box from the compartment, carefully opened it, and inside was a yellowed parchment scroll.

He handed the scroll to Yun Muhan: "This is the treasure map you're looking for, but I must warn you that the places marked on this map are extremely dangerous, so you'd better be prepared before you go."

Yun Muhan took the treasure map and examined it carefully. The map was marked with complex routes and some strange symbols, clearly indicating that it was a very ancient map.

He nodded, put the treasure map away, and turned to leave. "Thank you."