In darkness so deep they could not see their hands before their faces, Han Shuo and the others walked for half an hour. Donna, who had been leading the way, suddenly spoke. "All right, we're past the area covered by that Light Department Barrier. You can take out your lights now!"
As soon as Donna said this, the young people behind them, whom Han Shuo had made thoroughly miserable, took out gems that emitted light. Radiance flooded the darkness, making their surroundings clearly visible.
Han Shuo and Donna continued to lead. After they walked a while longer, numerous branching paths suddenly appeared ahead. Donna stopped and glanced back at Han Shuo questioningly.
This was the crucial part of the secret guarded by the Black Dragon Clan. At the sight of the branching paths, Han Shuo immediately stepped forward and explained, "From here on, there will be many intersecting paths, one after another. Take a single wrong turn, and you won't reach the third level of the Underground World. Follow me closely, and don't wander off."
Han Shuo spoke solemnly. Though the others fooled around over minor matters, none of them was careless at a critical moment, and they all agreed.
Han Shuo took over the lead again. Starting at the first fork, he made one choice after another. Countless paths, some narrow and others broad, appeared before them in succession. Guided by Gilbert's description, Han Shuo advanced in silence.
After changing direction dozens of times in the labyrinthine caves, Han Shuo finally brought them to a halt before a vast, pitch-black pit.
Ahead of them lay a pit whose bottom could not be seen, plunging straight into the depths underground.
"All right, down this way. This will take some time. Watch yourselves, and hope for the best!" Han Shuo said