I Can See Through All Things' Information Chapter 1482 - 881: Gui Xu Taoist’s Whereabouts (2)

He had provoked numerous enemies, among them even some Immortals in the Transformation Realm.

Yet, by leveraging the unusual nature of the Curse Path, he consistently managed to evade capture.

Ming Feng chimed in, "I've heard of this individual. It's said his Curse Path is remarkably peculiar, capable of subtly influencing a person's fortune, leading them into misfortune without their awareness.

Those who gave chase often met with all manner of bizarre accidents, with some even perishing under mysterious circumstances."

Old Cyan Dragon continued, "However, he eventually met his match.

He foolishly incurred the wrath of an exceptionally powerful Transformation Realm Immortal. This Immortal's might far exceeded that of a typical Transformation Realm cultivator, rendering the Curse Path largely ineffective.

Relentlessly pursued by the Immortal, with nowhere to flee and no means to hide, he was ultimately forced to escape into the Dark Abyss."

"And then?" Lu Qing inquired.

Old Cyan Dragon shook its head, "And then there was nothing more.

Upon entering the Abyss, he vanished without a trace and was never seen again.

Some speculate he met his end within its depths, while others believe he was corrupted by Demonic Qi, transforming into a monstrous entity.

There are even those who claim he discovered some fortuitous opportunity inside, but the truth remains unknown.

In any event, no one has laid eyes on him since."

Lu Qing fell into contemplation.

He recalled the Demon Fire Monsters encountered within the Dark Abyss, those beings coalesced from concentrated Demonic Qi.

If the Curse Elder had indeed perished within, could he have also transformed into such a creature?

But those Demon Fire Monsters originated from the Power of Darkness within the Profound Transformation Body; it didn't quite align.

Old Cyan Dragon proceeded, "Furthermore, I haven't heard of any cultivator at the Unity Realm Stage daring to venture into the Abyss.

That place is a forbidden zone for beings like us at the Unity Realm Stage.

Even now, with the Power of Darkness in the Abyss significantly diminished, I would not enter lightly.

Who can fathom what terrifying entities might still lurk within?"

Ming Feng concurred, "Old Cyan Dragon speaks the truth. While we may never have set foot inside, the mere rumors paint a picture of extreme peril."

"Ah Qing, your ability to enter and exit safely is already quite remarkable."

Lu Qing shook his head, "I merely utilized a Divine Thought Avatar for exploration; my true form never breached its confines."

Old Cyan Dragon stated, "That is still exceptionally impressive. Based on your descriptions of those Demon Fire Monsters, they sound formidable. Your capacity to fight your way in alongside others speaks volumes of your strength, tsk tsk..."

It left the sentence unfinished, but the admiration in its eyes was palpable.

Without dwelling on the matter, Lu Qing inquired, "What of Elder Gui Xu Taoist? Did he ever venture into the Abyss in those days?"

Old Cyan Dragon remained silent for a moment before nodding.

"The master did indeed enter the Dark Abyss back then.

It paused before continuing, "However, the master dispatched only a clone, not his true form, and he emerged shortly thereafter. If my memory serves, it was merely a few days."

"A clone?" Lu Qing's eyebrows arched slightly.

"Yes," Old Cyan Dragon affirmed with a nod. "The master was always prudent, never taking unnecessary risks. Sending a clone served the dual purpose of scouting the path and mitigating potential losses should unforeseen circumstances arise."

It let out a sigh and added, "But upon returning from the Abyss, the master uttered not a single word regarding the interior.

Regardless of our inquiries, he remained tight-lipped.

He merely cautioned his disciples to steer clear of the Abyss in the future, emphasizing its profound dangers."

The Black Bull mumbled, "We were perplexed at the time. The master was uncharacteristically cautious. Given his power, even if his true form had entered, he should have been safe; why such apprehension?"

Ming Feng shot it a stern look, "The master's decisions are guided by his own wisdom; you should refrain from speaking so freely."

The Black Bull retracted its neck, silenced.

Old Cyan Dragon continued, "However, though the master never explicitly stated it, having served him for many years, I happened to overhear him mention one thing on a particular occasion."

Lu Qing's interest piqued, and he asked, "What was it?"

Old Cyan Dragon's gaze drifted, as if traversing an immeasurable expanse of time.

"It was an era long, long ago. One night, the master was drinking alone atop the Immortal Palace, and we, requiring his attention for a matter, approached him. From a distance, we discerned him speaking to himself."

It paused, as though reliving the past.

"The master was remarking that the Dark Abyss might one day become the genesis of a great calamity, but regrettably, with his capabilities, he could not avert this impending disaster."

Old Cyan Dragon turned its gaze to Lu Qing, its eyes shimmering with a spectrum of complex emotions.

"I was utterly astonished upon hearing that."

You must understand that the master was once counted among the most formidable Transformation Realm Immortals across the cosmos. For countless millennia, he reigned supreme, his dominance unchallenged throughout the vast expanse of the starry skies, encountering few who could measure up to his might. Even he had found the matter perplexing; one had to wonder at its true gravity.

Ming Feng chimed in, adding, "Indeed, after following our master for so many years, we've never once heard him speak with such a tone, such... helplessness, such utter impotence. It left an indelible mark on us even to this day."

The Black Bull, for a change, remained silent, merely listening intently.

Old Cyan Dragon continued, "Now, hearing you mention a corpse within the Abyss's depths that surpasses the Transformation Realm, I can finally grasp why our master uttered that sigh back then."

It cast a worried glance at Lu Qing, its eyes filled with concern.

"An existence beyond the Transformation Realm represents a height we can barely conceive. Even in death, such an entity's remains retain unfathomable power. And that power, being corrupted by darkness, continuously spews forth Demonic Qi, birthing monstrous entities..."

It trailed off, but the implication was crystal clear.

Lu Qing fell into a thoughtful silence.

He recalled the unsettling sensation he had experienced previously in the Dark Abyss. The corpse of Xuanhua seemed to be holding something back.

This gave him the distinct impression that what Gui Xu Taoist had feared initially might not have been Xuanhua's body, but something far more terrifying lurking beneath.

After a beat of quiet contemplation, Lu Qing inquired, "Elder Azure Dragon, do you have any insight into why the corpse of this Mysterious Transformation Great Power appeared in that location?"

Old Cyan Dragon shook its head. "These details are beyond our knowledge. We do not even understand the cause of his demise, let alone anything further."

It paused before adding, "However, one thing is certain: that Power of Darkness is no ordinary force. For it to corrupt a being that surpasses the Transformation Realm, the origin of this power is likely far more dreadful than we can imagine."

Lu Qing nodded.

This was a point he had also considered.

He remembered the monumental battle depicted in the Broken Jade Illusion: the shadowy black figure, the three crimson entities, and the besieged Xuanhua. The power wielded by the black figure bore an uncanny resemblance to the Power of Darkness emanating from the Dark Abyss.

Could the black figure itself be the source of this sinister power? Or was there an even more terrifying entity lurking beyond it?

Lu Qing found himself without an answer.

He mulled over the possibilities for a while before finally broaching the primary reason for his visit.

"Elder Azure Dragon, what became of Gui Xu Taoist Elder? Why did he disappear back then?"

The moment these words were spoken, Old Cyan Dragon, the Black Bull, and Ming Feng all fell silent. They exchanged glances, a swirl of complex emotions passing between them.

Old Cyan Dragon remained quiet for an extended period, so long that Lu Qing began to doubt he would receive a response. Eventually, however, a deep sigh escaped its lips, and it slowly began to speak.

"Ah Qing, this matter... it is a lengthy tale."

It paused, as if gathering its thoughts, then continued, "Before his departure, the master informed us he was venturing to an exceptionally distant location, a place from which he might never return."

Lu Qing's brow furrowed slightly. "Did he not specify the destination?"

Old Cyan Dragon shook its head. "No. He merely stated there was a task he needed to accomplish there. He did not elaborate on the specifics."

Lu Qing pondered for a moment before asking, "Do you know if the place Gui Xu Taoist Elder traveled to has any connection with the Dark Abyss?"

Old Cyan Dragon shook its head again. "We do not know that either. The master offered no such information, and we dared not press him."

It paused, then added, "However, before he left, the master repeatedly impressed upon us the importance of safeguarding the Returning Ruins Secret Realm. He instructed us to await the arrival of a destined individual, one who he believed might unravel certain mysteries or perhaps even locate him."

Lu Qing's heart quickened. Gui Xu Taoist's words clearly carried a hidden meaning.

Could it be that he had foreseen someone arriving in the future to uncover these very secrets?

He looked towards Old Cyan Dragon and posed another question. "Elder, did Gui Xu Taoist Elder leave any hints whatsoever regarding his destination or the Dark Abyss?"

Old Cyan Dragon considered the question for a moment before replying, "The master did leave something behind, but... you will need to see it for yourself."

Rising to its feet, it addressed Lu Qing. "Come with me."

Without a second's hesitation, Lu Qing followed, venturing deeper into the heart of the Immortal Palace. The Black Bull and Ming Feng trailed closely behind.