Night fell, the moon hidden and the stars sunk from sight.
Thick sea mist hung over the water, and waves crashed ceaselessly against the reefs.
Xu Xuan slipped into the underwater cave like a phantom, without a sound.
Seaweed concealed the entrance.
At first, the passage was narrow, admitting only one person, but after several dozen feet, the space suddenly opened up.
It was actually a dry grotto beneath the sea.
A faint light shone within; clearly, a Water-Repelling Art had been used.
The scent of medicinal herbs and minerals mingled with the stench of blood inside the grotto.
In one corner, a young woman wreathed in dim watery light sat cross-legged, regulating her breathing. Her face was deathly pale, and the blood at her lips had yet to dry.
She was none other than Shui Yunrou, who possessed the Soft Water Spirit Physique.
Her aura fluctuated, and her injuries were severe.
Yet her water spirit power remained pure and gentle, showing just how extraordinary her foundation was.
At the other end of the grotto, a withered old man with snow-white hair and beard sat propped against the wall.
A charred wound on his chest was shocking to behold, and his breath was already as faint as a gossamer thread.
He was her master, Liu Hong, who had reached the half-step Purple Mansion realm.
Now, his eyes were clouded as he gazed at his disciple, filled with regret.
"Cough-Yun'er-it was I-who let demons cloud my judgment-"
Liu Hong's voice was hoarse and halting.
Shui Yunrou opened her eyes, her gaze icy. "What use is saying that now?"
"When you tried to seize my Dao foundation, did you spare even half a thought for our bond as master and disciple?"
"My-lifespan was nearly spent-the Great Dao was closed to me-"
"So