Taming

After entering the valley, Li Yang followed its winding depths forward, exploring as he went, and suddenly discovered a hidden valley in one place.

He walked into the valley and carefully investigated, discovering a cave that resembled the earth silently opening its enormous mouth to devour endless secrets. Dense vines and shrubs concealed the entrance; without searching carefully, it would have been impossible to notice. The vegetation was like a group of loyal guards, cutting the cave off from the outside world's clamor and protecting the quiet and mystery within.

Upon entering the cave, a cool, damp breath rushed toward him. At first, the passage was narrow, barely wide enough for one person. The cave walls were covered in the marks of time's erosion. Moist rocks glimmered faintly in the weak light, like tiny diamonds embedded in the walls. The farther he went, the wider the space became, and the ceiling gradually rose until it formed a vast natural stone chamber. Looking up, stalactites hung down from the ceiling in all kinds of shapes. Some resembled sharp swords, ready to pierce the void at any moment; some looked like soaring flood dragons, winding across the ceiling; others were like blooming flowers, layered upon one another, exquisite and beautiful. Over the long ages, these stalactites had been carved drop by drop by water. Every texture and every protrusion recorded the vicissitudes of time.

The cave floor was uneven, covered with rocks and stone pillars of various sizes. The stalagmites thrust upward from the ground, complementing the stalactites above, as though earth and sky were engaged in a silent conversation within the cave. In some corners, underground springs trickled forth and gathered into little pools. The water was crystal clear and bone-chillingly cold. Occasionally, several transparent shrimp could be seen swimming through