The well passage was dark, winding, and long.
The sound of running water filled the surroundings, as though thousands upon thousands of streams crisscrossed above, below, and on either side.
Prince Qi knew this was no illusion. Water really did flow through here.
Days earlier, he had sent men in and out to survey the passages, draw maps, and prepare resting points along the way.
Even now, several centuries later, water from some unknown source still flowed through the intricate maze of stone conduits.
Moss grew in the cracks between the bricks and stones, making their footing slip from time to time.
Everyone had changed into layered wooden clogs, whose nail-like teeth kept them from slipping.
Why had Emperor Shizu of Great Wei built such an underground structure back then?
Would the Dragon Lord really travel by waterway?
Unfortunately, it did not lead straight into the inner palace.
Otherwise, he would have liked nothing better than to appear directly inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation and finish the whole affair.
Prince Qi's thoughts drifted aimlessly like clouds.
Deep underground, with the tireless murmur of streams filling his ears, he still could not calm his heart.
After walking for roughly a quarter of an hour, they entered a small room paved with stone slabs. A recess had been cut into one wall to form a cupboard.
Simple wooden boards were laid with hay and mats, and there were dry rations and drinking water.
They stopped here for a brief rest.
"How much farther?" Prince Qi asked.
"Your Highness, only three hundred paces to the planned exit," answered a little-known adviser in a low voice.
"I wonder where the princess consort has reached." Prince Qi nodded quietly.
He drank a little water but left the dry rations untouched. After resting for about