Ryūchi Cave.
This was a network of underground caverns within a mysterious space somewhere in the Shinobi World.
Enormous stalactites hung from the ceiling, giving off a faint fluorescence. The air brimmed with dense natural energy, and even breathing made one's body feel slightly warm.
Lin Ze and Tagitsuhime appeared on a stone platform.
"Master, welcome to Ryūchi Cave~"
Tagitsuhime spread her arms in a presenting gesture. "What do you think? The natural energy here is much denser than on Ascension Island, isn't it~?"
Lin Ze took a deep breath.
Indeed.
The concentration of natural energy here was at least five times that of Ascension Island!
Practicing Sage Art here would definitely increase his efficiency considerably.
"Let's go, Master. That old White Snake hag should be waiting for us in the main hall."
Tagitsuhime swayed her serpentine waist ahead of him, slithering deeper into the cavern.
Along the way, Lin Ze saw many snakes.
They came in all sizes and colors.
The two passed through a long cavern passage and finally arrived before a magnificent underground palace. The entire palace was built of white jade, and an enormous snake design was carved into its doors.
The doors slowly opened.
The White Snake Sage was already waiting there. She slithered up to Lin Ze and said:
"Ryūchi Cave Sage Art emphasizes 'shedding one's form to become a dragon.' Since you already possess the form of a true dragon, Master, your training should yield twice the results with half the effort."
"However..."
She paused, then cautioned:
"Sage Art training is fraught with danger, particularly the 'snake transformation' stage. Countless extraordinarily gifted individuals have fallen at this step. Though you are special, Master, you must still exercise caution."
"I understand."
Lin Ze's expression was serious.
He had never been a reckless person.
"Then,