Urban Divine Doctor Descends the Mountain Chapter 2680 - 2679: Stay Low-Key!

Once the challenge ended in failure, Lin Dong was automatically sent back outside.

Amid the shimmering glow, Lin Dong's form slowly took shape, and upon reopening his eyes, he realized he was now at the second Earth Dragon Treasure Vault's exit.

Right then, Yun Ruoxian, Tang Yun, Tian Kong, the Crescent Wolf Emperor, and Aidan sat nearby, their expressions brimming with eager hope and worry, almost as if they expected a wondrous miracle to emerge.

As Lin Dong's silhouette fully appeared, all five rose to their feet in unison, their gazes sparkling with utter astonishment.

The Crescent Wolf Emperor, unable to contain his surging thrill, spoke up first: "Lin Dong, you actually endured so much time facing that Fourth Heaven puppet! We all believed..."

His words quivered with elation, though the rest trailed off without completion in his throat.

Hearing this, Lin Dong felt a wry grin form inwardly.

He hadn't merely endured the Fourth Heaven puppet; that foe was unmistakably at the Fifth Heaven level!

Yet after reflection, he opted to stay modest.

He had triumphed over a Fourth Heaven puppet and even traded blows with a Fifth Heaven one for countless exchanges. Why bother revealing the full truth?

Indeed, no reason at all!

This misconception could save him endless clarification, so he held his tongue and avoided correcting them right away.

Now, the other four clustered close, their looks overflowing with awe and respect.

Yun Ruoxian's eyes gleamed with tender affection and joy, as she murmured softly, "Lin Dong, you've really astonished us all beyond measure."

Tang Yun clapped Lin Dong on the shoulder with a chuckle, "Though you didn't succeed, keep your spirits up. No need for that gloomy look. Facing a Fourth Heaven puppet, losing to it is still a badge of honor!"

Tian Kong's face remained solemn; he fully grasped the immense difficulty of Lin Dong's trial, which deepened his commendation: "Lasting that long against such an opponent shows your will and power surpass the norm."

"Us, at Second Heaven level, could barely handle three strikes from it."

Aidan's visage grew exceptionally somber, aware that without sheer fortune, he'd never outdo Lin Dong in this life.

This guy was simply defying the heavens. Against a Fourth Heaven puppet, he battled fiercely, persisting for ages!

In response to the five's amazement and accolades, Lin Dong offered only a faint smile, modestly denying it: "Truthfully, it was just fortune on my side."

Even so, beneath Lin Dong's downplayed remarks, the five sensed the underlying tenacity and assurance woven into his tone.

They realized his prolonged stand against that Fifth Heaven puppet stemmed not only from power, but from exceptional aptitude and a arsenal of hidden aces.

Such aptitude perfectly earned him the status of a once-in-ten-thousand-years legend, while those aces warned against viewing him as a mere First Heaven Realm fighter!

Just then, Lin Dong wished to divert the intense stares fixed upon him.

Thus, he steered the conversation elsewhere.

"Now comes the third trial. Legend has it that succeeding in the third grants access to the Earth Dragon Treasure Vault with the Earth Dragon Treasure Technique inside. I wonder just how tough the third will prove."

Lin Dong's statement, like a soothing wind, gently eased the hanging awe and acclaim in the atmosphere, directing their minds toward uncharted realms.

With Lin Dong's words concluded, the spotlight on him began to fade, redirecting toward the perilous and mysterious third trial.

Yun Ruoxian, Tang Yun, Tian Kong, and the Crescent Wolf Emperor all wore grave and thoughtful countenances, fully recognizing that advancing brought escalating perils and ordeals.

"The second trial was already so grueling, nearly dooming us. The third is sure to demand even more," Aidan's voice shattered the quiet, carrying a faint yet noticeable quiver, evidently still rattled by the second stage's harrowing events.

His eyes drifted over the group, as though searching for encouragement or shared feelings.

The Crescent Wolf Emperor, upon hearing him, fixed a piercing stare on Aidan, his tone laced with firm determination: "If fear grips you, stay behind! No one will judge you for it. Life comes first, after all!"

Though blunt and stern, those words arose from genuine care for his ally's well-being. He understood perfectly that in ventures of peril, bravery must balance with wisdom.

Aidan's features flickered wildly at the Crescent Wolf Emperor's remark, like waves in a storm.

Memories of the second stage's myriad perils and near-fatal brushes flooded back, especially the shame of Inner Qi loss and being herded like livestock by locals, igniting a potent dread within.

He recognized that pressing on could invite deadlier threats and losses, whereas pulling back would forfeit the prize that might reshape his destiny.

Entwined in this emotional turmoil, Aidan reached a conclusion.

He drew a steadying breath, determination sparking in his gaze: "Never mind, I'll skip the third stage—my life matters most."

His declaration came out soft but remarkably resolute.

He accepted this might squander chances, yet it secured his survival.

Everyone paused in quiet after his words.

They comprehended and honored Aidan's selection.

In a realm of enigmas and hazards, each person deserves to forge their own course.

"Aidan has opted out—what about the rest of you?" As the group's guide, Lin Dong eyed the other four in turn.

Yun Ruoxian paused briefly, then declared, "I'll take the challenge! After enduring so much to reach this point, how could I back away without even attempting the third?"

Tang Yun gave a firm nod, adding, "Exactly, surrendering without trying isn't my way!"

The Crescent Wolf Emperor stated, "We martial artists, what do we have to fear? We battle heaven itself for a shot at eternity. If even a glimmer of possibility exists, we push forward. Else, this lifetime ends empty. Forget a thousand-year legend; a mere century's glory would elude us!"

Tian Kong, staying wordless, conveyed through his stance his refusal to quit.

Witnessing this, Lin Dong nodded approvingly, "Very well, then the five of us will press on from here to tackle the third trial."

At that, he glanced back at Aidan and added, "You can stay and await our return here."

Following this, Lin Dong, Yun Ruoxian, Tang Yun, Tian Kong, and the Crescent Wolf Emperor ventured further to confront the enigmatic third trial's test.