Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

"Later...later I thought, since this insect likes moon dew, if I give it more, won't it obediently come with me?"

Sun Wukong scratched his face, "I poured the whole bottle of Moon Dew into my palm and tried to make it climb up."

"Who knew that the insect was so timid? As soon as it saw my hand reach out, it darted back into the water."

In my panic, I reached out to grab it, and then…

"What was the result?"

"In the end, we didn't catch any bugs, but we loosened a rock on the shore."

Sun Wukong frowned.

"Under that rock, there seemed to be something pressing down, but I couldn't see clearly. Then I heard a loud rumble, and the whole cliff shook, and then..."

He swallowed hard.

Then the stream suddenly swelled and washed away half of the forest.

I dodged quickly and wasn't hurt, but the commotion attracted the patrol officers.

The senior monk is currently investigating who did it and said he will report it to the Discipline Hall…”

Li Yan's heart sank slightly.

Lingtai Fangcun Mountain is a blessed land, where every blade of grass and every tree is imbued with spiritual energy.

Unauthorized destruction of the mountain and disturbance of the earth's veins is indeed a serious offense.

He stared intently at Sun Wukong: "What exactly is under that rock?"

"I really didn't see it clearly."

Sun Wukong said urgently,

"I saw a flash of white light, and then the mountain shook."

"Senior brother, how do you think the Discipline Hall will punish me? Will they kick me off the mountain?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment.

Although the monkey was mischievous, it did not intend to cause damage.

Moreover, it is the chosen one of Heaven, and the patriarch treats it with special regard, so he will not punish it severely for this.

But while the death penalty may be avoided, punishment is inevitable.

The Discipline Hall is known for its strictness, and some form of punishment is likely inevitable.

As I pondered this, my mind stirred slightly.

[Sun Wukong accidentally touched the earth's ley line sealing stone, causing a small-scale disturbance of spiritual energy. Although this was a mistake, it also concealed an opportunity.]

[Note: The object sealed by the stone seems to be related to an ancient water palace. If handled properly, it may turn misfortune into fortune.]

Li Yan's heart stirred.

He said slowly, "Junior Brother Sun, since this has already happened, there's no use in being upset."

The most urgent task is to find out exactly what you have touched before considering a solution.

Sun Wukong's eyes lit up: "Senior brother, do you have a way?"

"Take me to see it."

"Now?" Sun Wukong scratched his ear. "The patrol officers are still there!"

"It's alright."

Li Yan took out a newly drawn Gentle Breeze Talisman and a Minor Thunder Talisman.

"We took a detour down the back cliff and used talismans to conceal our presence and movements."

Since you say that the object is related to water, perhaps you could ask Abi for help in investigating it.

"That giant python?"

Sun Wukong paused for a moment, then said, "Great idea! That guy's a good swimmer, let him dive down and take a look!"

The two had made their decision and quietly left the hospital.

Li Yan changed into the old robe he used for sweeping and cleaning, and found an inconspicuous gray jacket for Sun Wukong to wear over it, covering the indigo Taoist robe.

We followed a secluded animal trail, winding our way to the cliff face behind the mountain.

There were two sections along the way where they needed to pass through open areas. Li Yan used a combination of a Qingfeng talisman and a magic array to gather mist and conceal himself.

The micro-thunder talisman may interfere with the fluctuations in the detection array.

Sun Wukong watched in amazement, exclaiming, "Brother, when did you learn this talisman-making technique? Teach me!"

"It's just a trivial skill," Li Yan said calmly. "If you study diligently, you can master it in less than three days."

"Three days?" Sun Wukong grinned. "I'd rather carry three thousand buckets of water than sit for three days!"

In the midst of conversation and laughter, they had already reached the back cliff.

The cliffs here are steep, overlooking a deep ravine, and few people usually come here.

The two used the vines to slowly descend to the bottom of the ravine and then walked upstream along the stream.

About an incense stick's time later, the sound of rushing water, mixed with human voices, came from ahead.

Li Yan gestured for Sun Wukong to be quiet, and the two hid behind a huge rock, peering out.

A hundred feet away, the stream widened into a shallow pool, with jagged rocks along its edge, clearly indicating signs of a landslide.

Three disciples dressed in black robes from the Discipline Hall are investigating the scene.

The leader was pale and beardless, holding a compass-like ritual implement, his brows furrowed.

"The earth's spiritual energy forms a vortex here, causing the sealing stone to shift and the aura of the suppressing object to leak out."

Judging from the marks, this must have happened around 3 AM today.

Another person examined the soil: "There are claw marks, like those made by an animal."

The third person shook his head: "Although the claw marks are similar, the force was controlled exquisitely, only overturning the sealing stone without damaging the main body of the suppressing object below."

Ordinary wild beasts do not possess such intelligence.

It's more like...

He paused, then didn't continue.

The white-faced deacon put away the compass and said in a deep voice, "Whether it is a human or a beast, tampering with the sealing stone is a serious offense."

You two continue your investigation here. I will go and report back to the hall master to request the Mirror of Inspiration.

Let's revisit the scene here over the course of twelve hours.

Having said that, he mounted his sword and rose into the air, transforming into a streak of light as he headed towards the main peak.

The remaining two disciples began setting up warning talismans around the area.

Behind the rock, Sun Wukong frantically scratched his ears: "It's over, it's over! Once the Mirror of Light shines on me, I won't be able to hide anymore!"

Li Yan pressed down on its shoulder and whispered, "Don't panic."

Although the Mirror of Light can recall scenes, it requires a large amount of spiritual materials and can only reflect blurry outlines.

You were wearing casual clothes at the time, so your face may not be clearly visible.

"That's fine too..."

"Let me finish."

Li Yan said,

"The most urgent task is to find out what is under the sealed stone before the Light-Tracing Mirror is brought in."

If the item is valuable, you should proactively report it to atone for your crime and perhaps reduce your punishment.

Sun Wukong's eyes lit up: "That makes sense! But with those two stewards guarding the way, how are we supposed to get past?"

Li Yan took out the tortoise shell from his bosom and held it in his palm.

A faint light flickered in his mind, and a premonition surfaced.

He closed his eyes and concentrated, then opened them after a while, pointing to a clump of reeds downstream in the shallow pool:

"Dive underwater from there. There's an undercurrent at the bottom of the pool leading to the bottom of the sealing stone, avoiding view from above."

Sun Wukong scratched his head, "I'm not bad at swimming, but I can only hold my breath for half an incense stick's time..."

"It's alright."

Li Yan took out a moisturizing talisman and a cold-avoiding talisman.

"With these two talismans protecting you, you can move freely underwater and extend your breath-holding time by three times."

Sun Wukong took the talisman and exclaimed happily, "Senior brother has prepared everything so thoroughly!"

"Without further ado, let's split up and proceed."

Li Yan quickly said, "You dive underwater to investigate, and I'll go find Abi and have it meet you from the other side."

Remember, whatever you see, do not act rashly; retreat here and discuss the matter.

"Got it!"

The two acted immediately.

Li Yan retreated along the bank of the stream, circled around to the other side of the shallow pool, found a secluded bay, and called out to Abi in his mind.

Before long, the water rippled.

Abi's enormous head emerged from the water, her blue eyes filled with confusion.

Li Yan explained the situation and earnestly requested its assistance in investigating.

Upon hearing this, Abi received a telepathic message:

"...Feng Shi...knows...that below is the old cave...the door...is protected...dangerous..."

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat. "Could it be an ancient water palace?"

Abi nodded:

"...Grandpa's great-grandfather said...there are good things inside...but also trouble...the Snake Ancestor forbids touching them..."

It paused, then said:

"...The little monkey...took the seal...the restriction has loosened...going down now...maybe we can get a glimpse of it..."

Li Yan pondered, "Is it possible to do it with just a glance, without triggering the restrictions?"

Abi pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"Then I'll trouble you." Li Yan cupped his hands in greeting. "Please be careful, and if you feel anything is amiss, return immediately."

Abi swung her tail and sank into the water.

Li Yan watched it disappear, then turned back to look towards the shallow pool, calculating the time in his mind.

About half an incense stick's time had passed.

Whoosh!

Sun Wukong emerged, soaking wet, and scrambled behind a rock, his golden eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Senior brother! I see it! There really is a cave below! The stone door is half open, and it's glittering with golden light inside!"

Almost simultaneously, on the other side of the bay, Abi quietly returned, sending a thought:

"...The door opened a crack...Inside...there was a sword...a book...and a coffin..."

"A coffin?" Li Yan frowned slightly.

Sun Wukong lowered his voice: "Yes! I also saw a stone coffin, placed in the very center, surrounded by many treasures!"

Unfortunately, there was a light barrier blocking the entrance; I tried, but couldn't get in.

Abi added, "...The restriction...is very strong...forcing your way through...will trigger...an alarm..."

Li Yan's mind raced.

This is no ordinary opportunity; it could be a major trouble involving cause and effect.

Just as I was pondering this, a whooshing sound came from afar.

The white-faced deacon returned, followed by an old man in purple robes who held an ancient bronze mirror. The mirror's surface was hazy, as if clouds were swirling within it.

It is the Light-Tracing Mirror.

Sun Wukong's expression changed: "Oh no!"

Li Yan pressed it down and whispered:

"Stay calm. If we go out now, things will only get more complicated. Let's see how they handle it."

The two people and the python held their breath and focused intently, their eyes and ears wide open, paying close attention to the movements over there.

The old man in purple robes suspended the Mirror of Light in mid-air and cast several incantations into it.

The mirror-like surface churned with clouds, gradually reflecting the scene near the shallow pool.

The scene rewinds, from this moment back to yesterday's dusk, and then to the early hours of this morning.

Around 3 AM, a blurry figure appeared in the mirror, acting suspiciously by the pool.

Its silhouette resembles both a human and a monkey, and its movements are swift.

It crouched beside the sealed stone, took out a bottle of liquid, poured it out, and then reached out to pry open the stone...

At this point in the scene, the old man in purple robes frowned: "So someone really is up to something!"

The pale-faced deacon asked, "Master, is it possible to see his face clearly?"

The old man in purple robes channeled his magic again, and the figure in the mirror gradually became clearer, but it was still shrouded in a layer of misty blur.

All that could be seen was a monkey wearing a gray coat, its face unclear.

Sun Wukong breathed a sigh of relief and chuckled softly, "Hehe, luckily I changed my clothes!"

Li Yan, however, remained frowning.

Although the Mirror of Light did not reveal his face clearly, who else could be the monkey-like disciple in Fangcun Mountain besides Sun Wukong?

Sure enough, the purple-robed elder pondered and said:

"The shape of a monkey... Could it be the one that entered the sect a month ago? I heard that the patriarch named him Sun Wukong and he is quite favored."

The white-faced deacon nodded: "This disciple has also heard of it. If it really is it, this matter is rather troublesome."

"Even if it's difficult, we have to deal with it."

The old man in purple robes flicked his sleeves and said, "The Discipline Hall is in charge of the mountain rules. How can it be allowed to act out of favoritism because of the patriarch's affection?"

"Go and bring Sun Wukong here for questioning!"

"yes!"

The disciple in charge accepted the order and left.

Behind the rock, Sun Wukong asked anxiously, "Brother, what do we do now?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment and then slowly said:

"You can run away from it one day, but you can't hide it forever. Since you're already suspected, you might as well go and investigate."

Sun Wukong's eyes widened. "Isn't that just walking into a trap?"

"It's a confession, and also an attempt to atone for one's crimes."

Li Yan's eyes were clear.

"Since you have discovered that the sealed stone is an ancient water palace, and that the restrictions inside are not broken and the treasures are not lost."

This is a great achievement.

He paused, then continued:

"Later, go to the Discipline Hall and say that you sensed something unusual about this place while you were cultivating yesterday, so you came to investigate and accidentally triggered the sealing stone."

Upon discovering the water palace, knowing the gravity of the matter, he immediately reported it.

Thus, the fault lies unintentionally, while the merit lies in the action taken; the Discipline Hall will likely handle the matter leniently.

Sun Wukong blinked: "So... I'm not only without fault, but I've actually done something good?"

"If merits and demerits cancel each other out, one may be spared punishment."

Li Yan nodded.

"But remember, do not mention that I came with you, nor that you have explored the area thoroughly."

They only observed from the shore, and seeing the stone gate half-open, dared not enter.

"Got it!" Sun Wukong scratched his ear. "And what about you, senior brother?"

"I will testify for you."

Li Yan said, "I noticed you looked rushed, and after pressing you, you confessed what happened last night. I advised you to report it immediately."

Thus, we are both outsiders, merely offering advice from the sidelines.

"Brilliant!" Sun Wukong beamed. "My senior brother really has a way!"

The plan was decided, and the two left.

Back at No. 7, Bingzi Courtyard, Li Yan changed back into his registered Taoist robe, and Sun Wukong also took off his gray jacket, revealing an indigo Taoist robe.

Before long, the disciples of the Discipline Hall indeed came looking for them.

Sun Wukong followed the plan, readily admitted it, and offered to lead the way to the Water Palace.

The old man in purple robes arrived in person and led the group to the shallow pool.

Li Yan, who was aware of the situation and offered advice, was also summoned to go along.

The group arrived at the edge of the pool, where the Discipline Hall set up numerous restrictions to seal off the area.

The old man in purple robes personally went into the water to investigate, and surfaced after a while with a solemn expression:

"It is indeed an ancient water palace. Although the restrictions at the gate have loosened due to the displacement of the sealing stone, the core formation is intact."

The stone coffin... seemed to be filled with the stench of death; it was not a benevolent place.

He looked at Sun Wukong, his expression softening slightly:

"Although you did not intend to touch the sealing stone and cause the earth veins to become disordered, you took the initiative to report it afterward, which enabled the sect to deal with it in time and avoid greater disaster."

Merits and demerits cancel each other out, and no punishment will be imposed.

However, you must be punished by clearing the animal trails in the mountains for three months, as a warning to others.

Sun Wukong grinned: "This disciple accepts the punishment!"

The old man in purple robes then looked at Li Yan:

"Your timely admonition prevented your fellow disciple from concealing the truth, which is commendable. You are hereby awarded fifty merits as encouragement."

Li Yan bowed: "Thank you, Hall Master."

The turmoil has temporarily subsided.

The Discipline Hall took over the Water Palace, set up a large array to seal it off, and said that they needed to inform the Patriarch before making a decision.

The crowd dispersed.

On the way back to the hospital, Sun Wukong scratched his ear and laughed:

"Senior brother's move was truly brilliant! Not only are we unharmed, but we also gained Daoist merit for free!"

Li Yan shook his head: "This matter is not yet resolved. Since there is corpse energy in that water palace, it is probably not an auspicious place."

Before the sect takes action, neither of us should approach each other again.

"I understand, I understand."

Sun Wukong readily agreed, but his eyes darted around...

"But senior brother, what kind of treasures are those glittering gold things inside? What a pity..."

Li Yan glanced at it:

"What is destined to be yours will be yours, and what is not, you should not force. If the opportunity has not yet arrived, forcing it will only bring disaster."

"Hehe, I was just saying." Sun Wukong chuckled.

After the two parted, Li Yan returned to his courtyard and shut himself in deep thought.

The mirror of the heart reflects all that is happening today.

[Helping Sun Wukong resolve the crisis and guiding him onto the righteous path is in accordance with the duty of education. Aura of Dharma +5]

[Through indirect contact with the cause and effect of the ancient water palace, though not in-depth, I have already been touched by cause and effect.]

Listeners' sense of crisis has slightly increased.

[Current Affinity/Dharma Aura: 15/40]

[Current Fate: Listener of the Wind (Azure) → Listener of the Wind (Azure with a hint of Blue)]

Although the destiny has not yet advanced, there are already signs of transformation.

Li Yan withdrew his gaze.

The most important thing right now is to improve our own strength.

Take out the section of the Moon-Quenched Lotus Root and the Three-Leaf Vermilion Fruit Grass.

He then rummaged through his storage bag and took out several auxiliary medicines that he had exchanged for with spirit shells.

Following the second method shown in the Heart Mirror, begin making the Moon Soul Stabilizing Spirit Tablet.

First, wash the lotus root and cut it into thirty-six slices with a jade knife.

Each piece must be of uniform thickness and must not be damaged, otherwise the flow of spiritual energy will be obstructed.

Li Yan's eyes were wide open, and his hands were as steady as a rock.

After slicing all thirty-six pieces, not a single piece was wasted.

Next, prepare the medicinal solution.

Using morning dew as a base, incorporating the juice of three-leafed cinnamon herb, and adding a small amount of calming pollen, it is stirred into a light golden medicinal liquid.

Soak lotus root slices in the medicinal liquid and slowly activate them with your inner energy to allow the medicinal properties to penetrate.

This process takes three hours, during which the output of true qi must be constantly adjusted to maintain a constant temperature of the medicinal liquid.

Li Yan sat cross-legged in the quiet room, his mind calm and serene.

Listen with your ears to the subtle boiling sound of the medicinal liquid, observe with your eyes the progress of the lotus root slices absorbing the medicinal power, and control the flow of true qi with your heart.

With the three orifices in harmony, one gradually enters a state of optimal skill.

Three hours later, the lotus root slices turned from bright white to pale gold, and their surface developed a warm luster.

Remove and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

The next step is the most crucial one.

Seal script.

Li Yan took out a talisman brush and dipped it into spirit ink specially made from spirit stone powder.

Concentrate and calm your mind, and the pen tip falls.

On the first slice of lotus root, he visualized the structure of the Heart-Clearing Rune with his eyes, and guided his true energy to flow into the brush tip.

With a steady wrist, each stroke is carefully drawn.

As the runes were formed, the lotus root slice trembled slightly, emitting a pale blue halo, which then receded.

success.

Li Yan dared not slack off and continued with the second piece, the third piece...

Creating inscriptions is extremely mentally taxing; one must take a short break to rest after completing each one.

Thirty-six slices of lotus root took a full day and night to prepare.

With the last calming talisman completed, Li Yan let out a long sigh of relief, his forehead already beaded with sweat.

He strung all the lotus root slices together with red thread and hung them under the beam in the quiet room.

It was midnight, and the moonlight was at its brightest.

The essence of moonlight drawn by the spirit-gathering array cascaded down like a silver waterfall, pouring onto the lotus root slices.

The lotus root slices simultaneously emitted a soft glow, with thirty-six points of light linked together, resembling a flowing river of stars.

A cool and calming atmosphere filled the room, making it feel as if one were in an autumn night wilderness, bringing clarity to the mind.

The mirror of the heart reflects.

[Successfully created the Moon Spirit Stabilizing Amulet (prototype)]

[Current Status: In the process of gestation (requires 49 days of absorbing the essence of the sun and moon to fully develop)]

[Current wearing effect: Clarity of mind +15%, Tranquility of spirit +20%, Resistance to low-level inner demons +10%, Efficiency in comprehending cultivation techniques +5%]

Another day has passed in the blink of an eye.

Herb garden.

Li Yan is currently studying the "Wind-Stepping Step" in "Wind and Thunder Explanation".

Suddenly, my ear twitched, catching a faint, strange sound.

From the southwest corner of the medicinal garden, among those few withered grasses transplanted from the North Stream.

There was a rustling sound; something was moving around in the soil.

Li Yan quietly approached and observed him closely.

At the base of a withered grass, the soil slightly arched up, revealing a silvery-gray tip.

It's that jade rat.

It was digging something, its little paws quickly scratching the soil, stopping from time to time to prick up its ears and listen to the sounds around it.

Li Yan did not disturb it, but stood quietly to the side and observed.

A moment later, the jade rat pulled a brown seed the size of a thumb out of the soil.

The surface of the seed is covered with spiral patterns, with a subtle, earthy yellow sheen.

The jade rat, clutching the seed with its gleaming eyes, was about to nibble on it when it suddenly looked up alertly and saw Li Yan.

"squeak!"

It was startled and picked up the seed to run away.

Li Yan's heart stirred slightly, and he sent a calm message: "Don't panic, I won't take it from you."

The jade rat stopped and looked back, its small eyes filled with hesitation.

Li Yan took out a few grains of spirit rice from his bosom and placed them on the ground.

The jade rat sniffed, slowly approached, picked up the spirit rice, then looked at Li Yan and conveyed its thoughts:

"...This...you can have it...I have some anyway..."

As it spoke, it pushed the brown seed to Li Yan's feet.

Li Yan bent down and picked it up.

The seeds feel solid to the touch, with mysterious patterns.

Reflection in the Mirror of the Heart:

[Earth-based seed (incomplete)]

[Note: This is a degenerate variant of the ancient spiritual plant, the Earth Tree, containing pure earth element essence.]

If one can find spiritual soil to cultivate it, there is a chance that it will sprout.

After sprouting, it can slowly improve soil quality and gather the earth's vital energy.

[Cultivation Notes: It requires daily watering with spiritual spring water that is over 300 years old, supplemented by a thick soil array to gather spiritual energy, for more than a month before it may sprout.]

Li Yan felt a slight tremor in his heart.

The Earth God Tree is said to be one of the sacred trees that guarded the earth in ancient times. Its branches can improve the soil and water of a region and gather spiritual energy.

Although this seed is a degenerate variant and incomplete, if it can be successfully cultivated, it will be of great benefit to the medicinal herb garden.

However, the cultivation conditions are demanding and cannot be accomplished overnight.

He looked at the jade rat and conveyed his thoughts: "Where did you obtain this?"

The jade rat blinked.

"...Back of the mountain...a very deep cave...full of these stone seeds inside...but they're all a bit damaged...I picked the brightest one..."

It paused, then said, "...You like it? I can go find more...but..."

"But what?"

"...There's a big guy guarding the cave...we almost got discovered last time..."

The jade rat shrank its neck. "...It's a pangolin...so big...and has a bad temper..."

Li Yan seemed to be deep in thought.

The demon beast that can protect the Earth Spirit Seed must be an Earth-elemental spirit, and its strength must be considerable.

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Thank you for telling me. I'll accept this seed in exchange..."

He took out the fragment of the Moon-Quenching Lotus Leaf, tore off a third of it, and handed it to the Jade Rat.

The little jade mouse's eyes lit up immediately. It squeaked happily, took the lotus leaf scraps, and hid them in its cheeks.

"...You're a good person! Much better than those humans who are always trying to catch me!"

"...I'll come back to you to trade for anything good I find in the future!"

Having said that, he darted into the bushes and disappeared.

Li Yan held the Earth Essence Seed in his hand, pondering deeply.

Deep in the mountains behind, there is a cave guarded by a pangolin, which contains the essence of the Earth element...

This presents another opportunity, but it also comes with risks.

Given our current limited strength, it is not advisable to conduct any rash exploration.

He put the seeds into his storage bag, preparing to try cultivating them again when he found suitable spiritual soil.

I composed myself and continued tending to the herb garden.

As the sun set, Li Yan returned to the courtyard.

The Moon Soul Stabilizing Tablet hanging under the beam has absorbed the essence of the sun and moon, making its luster even more warm and lustrous.

He took off a lotus root pendant and wore it on his chest.

A cool and calming aura enveloped my body, instantly clearing my mind.

Take out "Feng Lei Xiao Jie" and study it with the help of lotus root ornaments.

What was once difficult has now become clear.

In less than an hour, he had grasped most of the essence of wind and thunder and the method of transformation.

Reflection in the Mirror of the Heart:

With the assistance of the Moon Soul Stabilizing Tablet, the efficiency of comprehending the "Wind and Thunder Minor Explanation" is greatly increased, and the comprehension level increases by 20.

[Current comprehension level of "Feng Lei Xiao Jie": 45/100]

[The mind resonates with the Daoist principles of wind and thunder, increasing stability by 3.]

[Current mental state: 30/100]

Li Yan was overjoyed.

With the help of this card, the speed of cultivation will increase by more than double.

He struck while the iron was hot and tried to practice the Wind-Stepping Technique.

Following the methods in the book, one can sense the flowing wind spirit between heaven and earth through the mind and walk on the wind.

Initially, things went sluggishly, and we repeatedly made mistakes.

But under the calming effect of the lotus root tea, with no distracting thoughts, he constantly adjusted his breathing rhythm and footwork.

Gradually, the wind seemed to blow under my feet.

With one step, one can glide three feet and land silently.

Although it is still far from truly riding the wind, it has already taken shape.

Li Yan finished his cultivation late at night and adjusted his breathing.

My ears caught the soft rustling of plum branches outside the courtyard.

He quietly got up and looked around.

Under the moonlight, a snow-white bird stood on a plum branch.

It held a piece of emerald green scale in its beak.

These are the scales of the Azure Water Python, Abi.

When the bird saw Li Yan, it placed a scale on a branch, pecked at it three times, and then flapped its wings and flew away.

Li Yan removed the scales.

On the scales, a few lines of small characters were condensed by water vapor.

"At midnight tonight, the moonlight will be at its brightest, and the Moon Lotus will open."

The seal at the bottom of the pool may have cracked due to the impact of moonlight. Now is the time to retrieve the lotus.

The writing gradually blurred and eventually dissipated into water vapor.

Li Yan gripped the scales tightly and gazed towards the cold pool.

The Lotus of the Moonlit Night Blooms...

The opportunity is present, but the Discipline Hall has sealed off the Water Palace, so going there now would be extremely risky.