The stone steps led all the way down.
The flames of the ever-burning lamps swayed in the cold wind, stretching the shadows of the four figures long.
The Buddhist chanting around them grew denser and denser.
The weeping mixed into the sutra recitations became increasingly shrill.
Liu Ruyan walked beside Chen Changqing, the Imperial Dao Dragon Qi within her circulating on its own to ward off the demonic sounds that seeped in through every crack.
The old monk Huiming wore a grave expression, continuously fingering his prayer beads as he silently recited the Heart-Cleansing Mantra.
Rujie walked at the front.
The Tiger-Taming Arhat tattoo on his back still glimmered faintly, dispersing every trace of cold, sinister aura that approached.
Chen Changqing had it easiest.
The Invincible Sword Domain was drawn in within three feet around him.
The moment those chants and cries drew near, they were shredded to pieces by the razor-sharp Sword Intent.
As he walked, he studied the rock walls on either side of the steps.
The walls were carved full of ancient scriptures, but many places had been covered by dark-red stains.
They were bloodstains that had dried who knew how many years ago.
"This place doesn't look much like a sacred Buddhist site."
Chen Changqing offered the comment casually.
Huiming sighed.
"Tianyin Temple has stood for tens of thousands of years. Even the abbots of each generation might not know all of its secrets."
"The old abbot only said that the back mountain held a legacy left behind by our patriarch. He never mentioned the dangers here."
After the time it took an incense stick to burn.
The stone steps finally came to an end.
The view ahead suddenly opened up.
A massive underground cavern appeared before them.
Softly glowing crystals were embedded in the cavern