Exploring the Ruins, Tracing the Origin of the Longevity Dao Rhyme

At the eastern end of Thoroughfare Dao lay a sparsely populated dense forest known as Secluded Forest Valley. Ancient trees towered within the valley, vines coiled everywhere, and a faint mist lingered year-round. Ordinary people did not dare venture inside lightly. After visiting Qingfeng Posthouse, Shen Hao heard that an ancient ruin lay hidden in the valley, perhaps concealing the secret origin of the Longevity Dao Rhyme. He therefore decided to bring Zi Xuan and ten elite disciples deep into Secluded Forest Valley to investigate.

Just as dawn broke, the group set out fully prepared. Shen Hao wore a light azure cloth daoist robe, with the Longevity Lotus wood shortsword at his waist. The Dao Rhyme swirling around him formed a faint barrier of light, keeping out the chill and miasma of the forest. Zi Xuan wore a light green fitted outfit, a pack filled with pills and provisions on her back, and held a jade sword in her hand. Her pretty face brimmed with excitement and curiosity—this was her first time exploring an ancient ruin with Shen Hao.

"Brother Hao, why does the mist in Secluded Forest Valley never seem to disperse?" Zi Xuan asked softly as she pushed aside the vines blocking their path and looked at the vast white fog ahead.

Shen Hao turned his head, rubbed Zi Xuan's hair, and said gently, "This mist is not ordinary vapor. It is Origin Power released by the ancient ruin, mingled with the spiritual energy of the valley's plants. Do not worry. Stay close to me, and the mist will not harm you."

With that, he stepped into the dense fog first. Wherever the Dao Rhyme barrier passed, the mist retreated to either side like the tide, revealing a clear path. The ten disciples formed a line and followed