Urban Divine Doctor Descends the Mountain Chapter 2697 - 2696

Following the wise and profound utterances of the Earth Dragon Venerate, an unseen hush blanketed the entire Earth Dragon Palace.

All the Earth Dragon Emperors sank into deep thought over the Venerate's comments about the human—Lin Dong—who would soon head to the Outer World alongside the Little Earth Dragon Venerable. Doubts and intrigue stirred within their minds.

After quite some time, an Earth Dragon Emperor covered in vivid green scales shattered the quiet. Its tone carried a mix of wariness and bewilderment:

"But Earth Dragon Venerate, is that human truly worth your attention? He is nothing but flesh and blood, and compared to us, the Earth Dragon Clan, there is a vast difference in both strength and lifespan."

Hearing this, the Earth Dragon Venerate didn't reply right away but shut its eyes, as though recalling every bit of its watch over Lin Dong.

Indeed, while Lin Dong stayed in the Earth Dragon Palace, mastering the Earth Dragon Treasure Technique, the Venerate had actually come back.

What's more, it had seen it all.

Yet, it chose not to halt Lin Dong from acquiring that Earth Dragon Treasure Technique.

On the contrary, it felt a bit hopeful!

Soon after, it gradually lifted its golden eyes, a subtle hint of praise lacing its voice: "That human is not simple. To learn the Treasure Technique of our Earth Dragon Clan with a human body, such talent and understanding are rare even within our clan."

"Besides, that person is endowed with great luck, a mysterious power even I cannot fully fathom."

Here, the Earth Dragon Venerate’s voice showed unusual gravity and hope: "Moreover, his bloodline is extraordinarily complex. Though I couldn’t fully understand it, I can sense its ancient and formidable nature. Such a bloodline might play an unexpected role in the forthcoming period of disarray."

Each phrase from the Earth Dragon Venerate struck like a rock into still water, stirring wave after wave.

The gathered Earth Dragon Emperors all felt stunned by these revelations.

They had never dreamed a mere human could earn such lofty regard from the Earth Dragon Venerate.

"Could it be that he truly is the legendary... one against heaven?" One Earth Dragon Emperor ventured uncertainly, as if recalling some old prophecy, but too cautious to declare it outright.

The Earth Dragon Venerate softly shook its head, cutting off the thought: "The matters of prophecy are too distant and vague for us to judge accurately."

"But what I can affirm is that this human and our Earth Dragon Clan may have some unknown fate. Allowing him to take the Little Earth Dragon Venerable to the Outer World for tempering is not only a test for the Little Earth Dragon Venerable but also a plan for our Earth Dragon Clan’s future."

With the Earth Dragon Venerate’s final words, the air in the Earth Dragon Palace turned oppressively thick.

Several Earth Dragon Emperors grasped that Lin Dong’s arrival could herald major shifts, for the Earth Dragon Clan or the whole Martial Arts World!

"Then, Earth Dragon Venerate, should we protect them in the dark?" An Earth Dragon Emperor proposed, its voice tinged with concern.

The Earth Dragon Venerate gave a light smile, wisdom shining in its gaze: "No need. True strength grows in adversity. Excessive protection will only rob them of the courage to face the storm. Let them venture out; only after experiencing storms can they see the rainbow."

...

The view returned to Lin Dong and the Little Earth Dragon Venerable.

As the grand Earth Dragon Palace nestled in the heart of the Earth Dragon Valley faded into the distance, Lin Dong and the Little Earth Dragon Venerable's forms blended gradually into the expansive wilderness.

Rays of sunlight pierced through thin clouds, bathing them in gentle warmth for this uncertain path ahead.

The Little Earth Dragon Venerable kept glancing backward now and then, its eyes gleaming gold with longing and hesitation toward the Earth Dragon Palace.

That was the nurturing haven of its youth, its true birthplace. Yet, as the Earth Dragon Venerate had noted, real power demands trials in hardship, demands exploring realms beyond.

So, it drew in a steady breath, turning that hesitation into drive to press on, staying right by Lin Dong’s side.

Lin Dong picked up on the Little Earth Dragon Venerable’s shifting emotions. He halted, softly stroking its back—adorned with fine scales—and murmured:

"Rest assured, we will return in the future. This place will always be your home."

The Little Earth Dragon Venerable appeared to grasp Lin Dong’s intent. It nodded in a very human way, resolve sparking in its gaze.

Then it faced forward, toward the uncharted horizon, its eyes brimming with wonder and eagerness, as if already glimpsing the wonders and immensity of the world outside.

"Are you ready? Let’s set off!" Lin Dong declared with a grin, his words brimming with motivation and hope.

The Little Earth Dragon Venerable replied with thrilled energy, striding ahead to guide Lin Dong toward the Earth Dragon Valley’s outflow.

During the trek, it displayed keen fascination with all it encountered, from towering trees to humble bushes, even passing birds catching its eye at times.

It scanned the surroundings with inquisitive eyes, sniffed the diverse aromas in the breeze with its nostrils, sensing how this realm differed.

Lin Dong trailed the Little Earth Dragon Venerable, observing its lively demeanor, a wave of happiness filling his chest.

They pushed toward the Earth Dragon Valley’s edge.

When the final hints of verdant foliage at the Earth Dragon Valley’s border vanished from sight, Lin Dong and the Little Earth Dragon Venerable at last emerged from this timeless and enigmatic realm.

Sunlight cascaded from the clear blue heavens, casting a golden sheen over their travels, while also underscoring the pressing tension etched clearly on Lin Dong’s face.

"Next, we need to find a deserted cave. I need to refine an antidote." Lin Dong’s words rang through the vacant valley, laced with unyielding resolve.

The Dead Soul Curse loomed over him like a suspended blade, forever urging the press of fleeting moments.

He understood that no instant could be wasted, and he had to hurry against the clock to secure the antidote and break free from the curse binding him.

Upon catching these words, the Little Earth Dragon Venerable halted instantly, worry flashing in its golden eyes, though trust and devotion toward Lin Dong shone stronger.

It dipped its head, delicately inhaling the nearby scents with its snout, as if hunting for the ideal shelter.

Shortly, it marched onward, directing Lin Dong rapidly in a specific path.

They wove through thick woods, forded a few murmuring streams, and reached a hidden cavern at last.

This cavern sat at the foot of a sheer rock face, hemmed in by lush foliage. Without deliberate search, spotting it would prove difficult.

The Little Earth Dragon Venerable carefully pushed aside the vines blocking the entry with its talons, opening a slim way for Lin Dong.

Lin Dong paused at the threshold, peering into the profound gloom, a rush of complex feelings rising inside him.

But right then, he detected a subtle presence, like an unseen watcher lurking in the shadows.

"Who, who is hiding in the dark?" Lin Dong scanned the area, his sharp voice challenging the vacant space around him.