"This underground river might flow through Lucia's territory and into the Arctic Ocean," Ding Ling said, striking Chen Jinzhao's heart like a heavy blow.
Thousands of miles away, humans could not possibly survive without food.
Moreover, Chen Yangfu was injured.
Chen Jinzhao knew his father was likely beyond saving.
According to these people, Chen Yangfu had left the celestial prison months ago. If he were still alive, he would have surely entered the Arctic Ocean through the underground river! Once out of the river, Chen Yangfu would undoubtedly learn Chen Jinzhao was alive through the war in the East, and would try to contact him.
But—
There was nothing!
Chen Jinzhao circled the vicinity of the underground river, noticing that only this area was spacious enough. Beyond this point, the space would be too narrow for an adult to stand upright, deepening Chen Jinzhao's melancholy.
Ding Ling, sensing Chen Jinzhao's somber mood, stood silently nearby.
After an unknown period, Chen Jinzhao let out a faint sigh.
He turned to Ding Ling and said, "I will hold your Xuan Tian Guan responsible for this debt."
Ding Ling's eyelids twitched wildly.
He knew Chen Jinzhao was not joking. Even if Chen Jinzhao didn't act now, he would find a way to collect the debt from Xuan Tian Guan in the future.
"I strongly advise you not to, or Xuan Tian Guan will not let you go. You might not fear Xuan Tian Guan, but what about those around you?" Ding Ling's rare meaningful expression made Chen Jinzhao frown and ask, "Are you threatening me?"
Ding Ling shook his head, "No, I am advising you."
"We are kindred spirits. Sometimes I feel very lonely because I can't find anyone to talk to."
Chen Jinzhao remained silent for a moment.
Ding Ling walked ahead, speaking as he went, "Do you want to know what's in the last room of the celestial prison?"
Without waiting for Chen Jinzhao's reply, Ding Ling answered his own question, "Another Wu Enchu lives in there."
Chen Jinzhao's expression flickered, clearly not comprehending.
How could there be two Wu Enchus in the world?
Was Ding Ling joking?
"I know you're bewildered, and might even think I'm deceiving you. However, I can guarantee with my life that not a single word I've said is false. The person living in the last room of the celestial prison is a youthful Wu Enchu, a clone created by the Divine Kingdom Pharmaceutical using Wu Enchu's genes. In reality, if mature, Wu Enchu would transfer his brain and heart into another life form, achieving immortality!"
"I have seen that young life form. His strength far surpasses mine! Just a fleeting glimpse made me feel immense pressure."
Chen Jinzhao had stopped not far away.
When Ding Ling realized this, he smiled and turned back to Chen Jinzhao, who stood in the dim light. "Are you scared? My master is such a madman, wanting to grasp the elusive concept of eternity. I even believe he is infinitely close to this grand goal."
"The reason he doesn't want to break ties with you now is that he fears you will disrupt his plan and cause him to fail."
Chen Jinzhao walked forward, "The old man is too crazy."
"But I have a question. That life form cloned from Wu Enchu's genes should have its own thoughts. How could it be willing to be a stepping stone for Wu Enchu? Moreover, as you said, he is outrageously powerful!"
Ding Ling gave a bitter smile, "Otherwise, why do you think he is imprisoned at the very end of the celestial prison?"
Chen Jinzhao was speechless.
"Why are you telling me this? Aren't you afraid Wu Enchu will become suspicious of you?" he asked.
A cold laugh echoed from the dimness, "It's nothing. I just want someone to talk to. If I say I have no ulterior motives, will you believe me?"
Chen Jinzhao nodded, "I believe you. You are a killing machine without personal emotions."
"Wu Enchu conducted many experiments with numerous people. For instance, he tried to implant memories into another life form's brain, only to find it merely added a piece of memory, not the original person. He also experimented with rejuvenation elixirs, but time is irreversible. Forcing it would turn people into monsters. Therefore, he ultimately chose the brain and heart transplant option," Ding Ling said with some emotion.
As he spoke, Chen Jinzhao listened silently.
Regarding the strength of Xuan Tian Guan, Ding Ling revealed that there were two other individuals as strong as him within Xuan Tian Guan. One perpetually guarded Wu Enchu, while the other was constantly out on missions.
This didn't even include the incredibly powerful life form imprisoned at the end of the celestial prison.
"Earlier, I mentioned that besides Xuan Tian Guan, there are twelve other extraordinary forces in China, collectively known as the Five Clans and Eight Sects! The five great aristocratic families have flourished on this land for a thousand years. Some families you consider influential might actually be proxies supported by the five great aristocratic families in the secular world."
"As for the eight major sects, I won't elaborate one by one. They are usually located in remote, sparsely populated areas. For example, the far north, the northwestern desert, the glaciers of the northern frontier, and the highlands of the southwest..."
Hearing the distribution of these forces, Chen Jinzhao felt suffocated.
These forces were too transcendent. Even the changing of secular dynasties could not affect their existence. During times of chaos, they would emerge to sow discord, all to seize talented youngsters from the secular world to continue their lineage.
As for the five great aristocratic families, they were more focused on seizing young, talented women from the human realm to merge with their superior genes.
This was the meaning of "dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes."
At this point, Chen Jinzhao's expression changed. He suddenly remembered that Tao Qiyue might have already been taken by an aristocratic family!
Crack!
Chen Jinzhao clenched his fists, and a more surging anger emanated from him.
This made Ding Ling surprised, "What did you realize?"
Chen Jinzhao looked up, and Ding Ling saw eyes filled with fiery rage, like those of a fierce dragon!
Even this peerless expert felt a hint of pressure.
"I want to ask you, are there any aristocratic families in Lingnan?" Chen Jinzhao asked, his voice icy. Ding Ling nodded without hesitation, "Yes, the Wu family in Lingnan is one of them. However, you might not be able to find the Wu family through public information."
"Do you know where the Wu family is in Lingnan? If you can tell me, I owe you a favor!" Chen Jinzhao's breathing quickened. If Tao Qiyue had truly been captured by the Wu family, then even if it meant facing a sea of swords and a mountain of fire, he would go.
He would rescue Tao Qiyue!