Shui Linglong

As they drew ever closer to Lihuo Hall, the mountain path changed from bluestone slabs to sturdy wooden planks, followed by covered corridors built along the mountainside.

Exquisite pictures had been carved into those corridors—not only flowers, birds, fish, and insects, but also many tales of people. Even more numerous were inscrutable patterns etched into the walls. At first glance, those patterns seemed to follow no order at all, like random graffiti. Yet upon closer inspection, there appeared to be some hidden regularity within them; but once one truly focused on them, nothing could be made out again!

As Zhang Xiaohua walked through the corridor, he had already swept it with his divine sense. The patterns there somewhat resembled those on the Xiubei Stele from before, yet they were not quite the same. They seemed to be restrictions, but there were no fluctuations of vital energy. They were likely things used by Immortal Dao practitioners in years long gone, now abandoned and fit only to serve as a corridor!

Once they entered the corridor, they encountered many more disciples, both male and female. All of them stared curiously at Zhang Xiaohua and Four Unlike, making Zhang Ping'er flush crimson all over. The disciples were all courteous and asked no questions, but even if Zhang Ping'er wished to explain, she could find no excuse. She was awkward beyond measure.

Alas, why put yourself through this? Zhang Xiaohua saw it all clearly from behind. Though he too felt somewhat uncomfortable, he maintained an easy expression and merely sighed inwardly.

After walking for a while, Zhang Ping'er suddenly seemed to recall something. Turning back, she cautioned, "Senior Brother, I know your martial arts are formidable, but... but on Yi Xiang Peak, martial arts do not count for much. No matter how skilled the