Having learned that this place was a hidden underground palace, Lin Yun knew it must hold many secrets. But when he witnessed it all with his own eyes, he was still completely stunned.
The high tower was like a giant colosseum. Platforms circled the vast space, stacked one on top of the other for a total of six floors. And in the very center, four Coiling Dragon Jade Pillars rose to the very top. Countless chains snaked out from the dragons' jade claws, crisscrossing in the air.
Suspended in the middle of the four pillars, pierced through by the chains, hung a handsome young man dressed in white robes.
Lin Yun glanced around. The area was filled with strange containers and various specimens. With the experience of his past life, he could tell what this place was. The ancient Dragon Clan had been in the process of creating some kind of powerful humanoid weapon.
And it seemed they had been close to succeeding.
No wonder such a great war had broken out in the world above. The ancient human race had likely realized this threat and had thus brought the flames of war to the Nether River Dragon Palace.
"I never would have thought the Blood Fiend Dragon Clan possessed such methods," Lin Yun remarked quietly. He hadn't imagined that the Dragon Clan of the past had reached such a terrifying level of power.
Seeing Lin Yun's amazement, Wang Chengqian let out a contemptuous laugh. "The formidable methods of the Blood Fiend Dragon Clan are far beyond what you can imagine. This is the vessel I need. What you all must do is help me sever these chains. Hehe, with your power, boy, you should be more than capable of accomplishing this."
Wang Chengqian said it casually, but Lin Yun was no fool. A single glance at the chains told him this was not a task an ordinary person could accomplish.
What kind of joke is this?
Even though his strength and cultivation had improved significantly, this was something passed down from an ancient era. It wasn't something just anyone could handle.
"Senior speaks so lightly. You know how complex this is. If it could really be broken with just a few words, that would be wonderful," Lin Yun grumbled, annoyed.
Wang Chengqian said flatly, "I have no other choice. This Nether River Dragon Palace has existed for so many years, yet almost no one has ever been able to reach this place. I believe that with you here, it can definitely be done."
Where on earth did Wang Chengqian's confidence come from? Lin Yun truly didn't understand. While Lin Yun was confident in himself, he was still somewhat wary of these ancient artifacts. But what he understood least was Wang Chengqian himself. From the very beginning, the man had shown a bizarre, inexplicable confidence in him.
Lin Yun glanced at Wang Chengqian and thought to himself, Well, I'll be damned. Even I'm not sure about this. Do you know me better than I know myself? If it weren't impossible, Lin Yun would have even suspected that Wang Chengqian could also see his panel.
Lin Yun sat on the ground and took a deep breath. "I can give it a try, but I can't guarantee success. After all, this is no laughing matter."
After a moment, he slowly rose to his feet.
Gripping his sword in one hand, Lin Yun squinted and looked up into the distance. The entire tower was a giant laboratory. What the Blood Fiend Dragon Clan had done here was likely a secret only Wang Chengqian knew.
"Ezu, if you know any inside information, you'd best speak up now," Lin Yun said quietly in his mind. "Lest I ruin your plans later." He knew that he still needed to listen to Ezu's advice on this matter. Although the creature was usually silent, this affair was most likely deeply connected to him.
"Hmph. You're as clever as ever, boy," Ezu replied, annoyed. It wasn't surprising that Lin Yun could see through his thoughts, but Ezu truly did not want to cooperate with him. This boy was far more difficult to deal with than he had imagined. If anything went wrong, it wouldn't be a situation just anyone could handle.
"But you've guessed wrong this time. I have no particular plans regarding this matter."
Lin Yun knew this creature was almost certainly lying. He was making it sound nice now, but if you actually believed him, you'd be in for big trouble later.
"Hmph. Since you won't speak, don't blame me if something goes wrong later because I didn't consult you beforehand!"
Seeing that Ezu had no intention of cooperating, Lin Yun didn't get angry. Others might worry, but he had no such thoughts. Gripping the Firmament Sword, he began to channel all the power in his body. He looked up at the still-slumbering youth. As he had thought before, there had to be a reason he was trapped here. What they needed to do now was to find that reason, and then find a way to resolve this entire problem.
Hearing Lin Yun's thoughts, Ezu still did not respond.
The Chongqing Bird, however, spoke up. "Relax. That creature is securely imprisoned in your spiritual consciousness. With me here, just let him try to stir up any great winds and giant waves." The Chongqing Bird was very confident. Others might not be able to handle it, but it was different.
Lin Yun nodded, naturally believing that the Chongqing Bird truly had this ability.
Wang Chengqian, growing impatient, urged him on. "We're almost out of time! Stop wasting it, boy! Whether you can do it or not, you'll know as soon as you try."
Time was still flowing by rapidly, and Wang Chengqian seemed to be getting anxious. This abnormal change only strengthened Lin Yun's conviction. This was not Wang Chengqian's original body at all, but merely a powerful vessel created by the Blood Fiend Dragon Clan.
Hmph. This old goat wants to use this vessel to raise his power to the next level? He probably knew about this long ago, which is why he schemed to stay alive for so many years.
Lin Yun sneered inwardly. Wang Chengqian was truly inspirational in his own way. To achieve this goal, he had spent an immense amount of time just on this one matter. In any case, Lin Yun truly had to admire the man's drive.
Beside him, Qin Xiyan asked in a low voice, "Senior Brother Lin, do you need my help? With the two of us, our chances of success should be higher. Once we sever the chains, we can leave this place."
Wang Chengqian was fickle, and Qin Xiyan was very worried. If they were strong enough, they wouldn't have to worry. But the pressure Wang Chengqian was putting on them was not small.
But after she spoke, she only saw Lin Yun calmly smile and shake his head.
"Don't worry. A thing like this is nothing to me. You stay here and watch Wang Chengqian. Leave the rest to me."