I Can See Through All Things' Information Chapter 1462 - 874: Demon Abyss Changes, Calamity Prophecy

Qiu Ruofeng rose from his seat and strode to the center of the hall, a sweeping motion of his hand conjuring a colossal map within the chamber. Countless illuminated points speckled this map, delineating the internal topography of the Dark Abyss. A prominent red marker pulsed at its heart. "Right here," Qiu Ruofeng indicated the crimson beacon, "lies the inheritance of the Mysterious Transformation Great Power we've discovered."

Lu Qing’s gaze fixed upon the red marker, a slight frown etching his features. The location was situated in the deepest reaches of the Star Map, encircled by numerous peril indicators. Its extreme danger was palpable, even at a glance. Yet, Lu Qing observed that this map only charted a fraction of the Dark Abyss; the further expanses remained cloaked in shadow, evidently uncharted by the Netherworld Palace. Nevertheless, the extent of exploration was, in itself, astounding.

He recalled the Ancient Cyan Dragon's warning: even Transformation Immortals treaded cautiously within the Dark Abyss. The Netherworld Palace's progress, even if confined to the outer fringes, was remarkable. Especially considering that Transformation Immortals had long since vanished from the current starry sky, and no such power should reside within the Netherworld Palace. Had the Ancient Cyan Dragon been mistaken, or had the Dark Abyss itself transformed over the eons?

A myriad of thoughts raced through Lu Qing’s mind, though his expression remained impassive. He turned to Qiu Ruofeng, inquiring with composed tones, "Fellow Daoist Qiu, I confess a point of confusion." Qiu Ruofeng promptly responded, "Pray, enlighten me, fellow daoist." Lu Qing continued, "It is said that even Transformation Immortals shrink from entering the Dark Abyss without extreme caution. Yet, observing your passage, it seemed you encountered minimal peril. Pray tell, why is this so?"

Qiu Ruofeng chuckled softly, seemingly anticipating the question. "Fellow Daoist, your perception is indeed keen." Stroking his white beard, he commenced his explanation, "This tale is intricate, involving many deep secrets of this Abyss. However, since you inquire, I shall endeavor to elucidate." He paused, gathering his thoughts, then proceeded, "In the Ancient Era, the Dark Abyss was truly a place of unimaginable terror. Its interior pulsed with a dark aura of terrifying purity, its intensity far beyond our comprehension. Even those in the Unity Realm and Transformation Immortals would blanch at its presence and hesitate to venture in."

"That aura possessed the power to corrode a cultivator’s physical form and divine soul, and worse, to taint their Dao Foundation. Legends speak of numerous Transformation Immortals who entered, only to perish or return with their Dao Foundation irrevocably damaged, their cultivation severely diminished. Consequently, the Dark Abyss became known as a celestial death trap, a place shunned by all." Lu Qing nodded, this account aligning perfectly with the whispers from the Ancient Cyan Dragon. It explained why the Curse Elder, cornered by a Transformation Immortal, had sought refuge in the Dark Abyss – the ultimate sanctuary for escape, akin to a death sentence for pursuers. Whether the Curse Elder had survived remained an enigma, as he had vanished from the starry sky thereafter.

As Lu Qing pondered, Qiu Ruofeng shifted the narrative. "However, a significant change began to manifest in the Dark Abyss approximately one hundred thousand years ago. The oppressive dark aura within started a gradual, continuous weakening. Though slow, the transformation became undeniably apparent over time."

"As ages passed, over the recent millennia, the dark aura in the Abyss’s periphery has diminished considerably. Even a Unity Realm cultivator could now traverse these outer regions without severe impediment, provided they avoided the core. While dangers persist, it is no longer an assured path to demise."

"A hundred thousand years ago?" Lu Qing's interest was instantly captured by the temporal marker. This period was particularly noteworthy. The Returning Ruins Secret Realm had been sealed hundreds of thousands of years prior, and the Ancient Cyan Dragon and his kin, isolated within, would be oblivious to the Dark Abyss’s subsequent transformations. It was no wonder the Ancient Cyan Dragon had described it as a place even Transformation Immortals feared; his knowledge was likely rooted in the era of its peak intensity.

"I understand," Lu Qing acknowledged, his questions momentarily subsided. Yet, the enigma surrounding the aura's weakening lingered. Was it a natural phenomenon or the result of deliberate action? If intervention was involved, what level of power would such an agent possess? These queries he chose to hold for the present, fixing Qiu Ruofeng with a scrutinizing gaze.

"Fellow Daoist Qiu, I grasp all of this, yet how does it align with your prior commitment to me?"

Qiu Ruofeng appeared somewhat surprised by the question.

Lu Qing pressed on, "I have not forgotten your promise to reveal the cause behind the disappearance of the Transformation Immortals during the Ancient Era. However, since entering this Abyss, not a single word has been uttered on the matter. Instead, you have disclosed the location of the Mysterious Transformation Great Power’s inheritance."

His voice remained composed, yet a subtle chill underscored his words.

"There is no such thing as a free meal; even a child understands that. I cannot believe, Fellow Daoist Qiu, that you would present such a magnificent opportunity to me without any underlying motive."

As Lu Qing finished speaking, a distinct tension permeated the hall.

The Black Robed Men exchanged looks, their eyes betraying a mixture of emotions, though silence remained their response. They could all perceive that despite Lu Qing's tranquil demeanor, the familiar sense of pressure had begun to reassert itself.