Tang Yan let out a long, stale breath.
This result defied reason yet fell within expectations. He was getting a little numb to it all.
"Young Master Tang, what exactly happened?"
"Have you been hit with some kind of curse?"
Everyone gathered around, asking after him with concern.
Tang Yan shook his head. "I'm not sure. The Literary Sage said I might find an answer in the Secret Realm. We'll see."
"Brother Tang, what mysteries does this place hold?" Xie Yunxuan asked humbly.
Tang Yan glanced at the mural.
It no longer depicted a whale swimming through the deep sea.
Instead, it showed an old man resting on his back atop a stone platform.
Noticing Tang Yan's gaze, the old man turned to meet his eyes and smiled in greeting.
Tang Yan recognized the old man. He was indeed the Free and Unfettered Heavenly Venerable.
However, he did not acknowledge the Free and Unfettered Heavenly Venerable, acting as though he could not see him. "The Heavenly Venerable's opportunity is indeed inside the hall.
"I'm not quite sure what it is, but it should be in the mural. Brother Xie, try to see if you can comprehend it."
"All right, I'll try." Xie Yunxuan sat on the floor and studied the mural, seeking enlightenment.
Time trickled by.
Three days passed in a flash. Xie Yunxuan entered a state of profound mystery, and at last, the mural before him ceased to be lifeless.
He saw a whale swimming swiftly through the ocean.
He felt the whale's joy and freedom.
Faintly, he caught sight of the Free and Unfettered Heavenly Venerable's phantom upon the whale. His body trembled involuntarily, and he rose to pay his respects. "This disciple, Xie Yunxuan, greets the Free and Unfettered Heavenly Venerable!"
At his words, everyone hurriedly looked