Chapter 1 Mist Magnetic Lake
Mist Magnetic Lake is situated between East County Divine Land and the Desert Domain, fraught with danger yet also abundant in Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. Many cultivators enter Mist Magnetic Lake in search of these treasures.
However, traversing Mist Magnetic Lake is no easy feat.
Many fierce beasts occupy the lake.
As such, many people form groups to enter Mist Magnetic Lake, as smaller groups are more likely to be attacked by the fierce beasts within.
The fierce beasts within Mist Magnetic Lake, many of which possess spiritual intelligence, tend to attack smaller groups of cultivators.
…
Lin Feng and Ziyuan arrived at a small town close to Mist Magnetic Lake.
The town was more than a hundred miles from Mist Magnetic Lake. Because the fierce beasts of the lake often rush up to the shore to attack cultivators, there are no towns around Mist Magnetic Lake.
Most of the cultivators resting in the town plan to venture into Mist Magnetic Lake.
While eating at a restaurant, Ziyuan said, "Young master, Mist Magnetic Lake seems very dangerous. Look, many people are gathering cultivators to enter together."
Lin Feng nodded and said, "There are many fierce beasts in Mist Magnetic Lake and it is extremely perilous. Moreover, it is said that above Mist Magnetic Lake lies a No-fly Zone, with powerful restrictions trapping the Void World above, making it difficult to fly. If cultivators cannot fly, it becomes even more dangerous. Therefore, many cultivators team up to explore Mist Magnetic Lake at this time."
"Are you young fellows also planning to enter Mist Magnetic Lake?"
At that moment, a middle-aged cultivator at a neighboring table smiled and greeted them.
Lin Feng subtly nodded and replied, "Yes, my cousin and I also plan to enter Mist Magnetic Lake, but we are not going there for an adventure, instead intending to cross Mist Magnetic Lake to reach the Desert Domain."
"Crossing Mist Magnetic Lake? What a coincidence, we also plan to cross. Would you care to join us?"
The middle-aged cultivator said with a smile.
Lin Feng slightly raised an eyebrow and glanced at these people. The group consisted of five people: two middle-aged cultivators, a middle-aged woman, an elderly woman, a gaunt old man, and a young cultivator with a somber face.
He was also trying to figure out their identities.
The middle-aged cultivator said cheerfully, "Don't worry, young fellow. We are also a team temporarily formed just for this journey. Along the way, we can look out for each other, which is safer. Moreover, crossing Mist Magnetic Lake is quite challenging. Usually, only those with ample experience can lead everyone across, and luckily, the Taoist who formed this team has traveled back and forth through Mist Magnetic Lake several times and is very experienced. Following this Taoist, we will surely be able to successfully cross Mist Magnetic Lake."
Lin Feng asked, "Is this Taoist present here?"
"That Taoist went out to take care of some things; we are waiting for him here. It is said that this Taoist is from Dragon Tiger Mountain." The middle-aged cultivator replied.
"Dragon Tiger Mountain? Taoist?" Lin Feng was surprised.
Taoism was very mysterious, and Dragon Tiger Mountain was one of its foundations.
Wuliang Taoist was the first Taoist Lin Feng had encountered; though he sometimes seemed unreliable, Wuliang Taoist was actually very capable.
"That's right, a Daoist," the middle-aged cultivator said.
"Alright, then our cousins will join everyone," Lin Feng greeted with a bow.
"Given the young brother's notable abilities, with his addition, our team's strength will be greatly enhanced. My name is Sun Buping, and this fellow here is called Lei Ming."
The cultivator gestured toward another burly cultivator as he began the introductions.
Following the introductions, Lin Feng learned that the burly middle-aged cultivator was named Lei Ming, the middle-aged woman was called Han Yan, the elderly woman was referred to as "Grandma Tianji," the gaunt elderly man was Zhao Zhonglun, and the young cultivator was Fan Lingfeng.
Lin Feng briefly introduced himself and Ziyuan. He did not reveal that Ziyuan was his maid but rather his cousin, and explained that they were cultivators from Qingyang Sect in East County Divine Land. They were returning to visit their family, hence needed to cross Mist Magnetic Lake. The others had no suspicions.
Not long after, the Taoist whom Sun Buping had mentioned returned. This Taoist was thin and had a grim look, exuding a cold aura. He wore a Taoist robe and held a horsetail whisk in his hand.
Sun Buping had previously introduced this Taoist to Lin Feng, whom Lin Feng learned was called "Daoist Xuan Cheng."
"Daoist Xuan Cheng, this is Lin Feng, Brother Lin, and this is his cousin, Ziyuan. Brother Lin is quite skilled. Do you think it's possible for them to join our group to cross Mist Magnetic Lake?"
Daoist Xuan Cheng glanced at Lin Feng, nodded, and said, "Since Brother Sun recommended you, you may join us. However, you need to pay two hundred spirit stones as a guide fee."
Lin Feng nodded, took out two hundred spirit stones, and handed them to Daoist Xuan Cheng. Xuan Cheng weighed them for a moment, accepted the stones, and then said, "All right, everyone, rest at the inn for two hours, and then we'll take a griffin to Mist Magnetic Lake. Once there, we'll switch to a boat to cross the lake."
Everyone left the tavern, and Lin Feng, along with Ziyuan followed the group to the inn where they had been resting earlier.
"My lord, that man gives Ziyuan an uncomfortable feeling," Ziyuan whispered while they were resting in their room.
Lin Feng nodded; he felt the same way. However, as long as the other party could help them cross Mist Magnetic Lake, it was enough.
Lin Feng said, "Don't call me 'my lord' now. Call me 'cousin,' and don't blow our cover."
"Understood," Ziyuan responded with a slight stick out of her tongue.
After resting for two hours, Sun Buping came to gather everyone to depart.
The group rode a griffin beast to Mist Magnetic Lake, which was not very far, just over a hundred li. It took them only half an hour aboard the griffin beast to sight Mist Magnetic Lake.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at Mist Magnetic Lake."
The owner of the griffin beast announced as they stopped outside Mist Magnetic Lake.
"Let's get down," said Daoist Xuan Cheng, being the first to jump off.
Following him, the others also jumped down.
The griffin beast soared into the sky and quickly disappeared from view.
And Lin Feng and the rest headed toward Mist Magnetic Lake.
In the distance, some cultivators entered Mist Magnetic Lake by boat, including several experts among them. However, as the little boat sailed around a hundred meters, suddenly, a gigantic vortex appeared in Mist Magnetic Lake, drawing the small boat into it.
"What's happened?" many people exclaimed.
In the next moment, a colossal creature burst from the vortex, opened its massive jaws, and lunged at the small boat.
"Oh my God, what is that?" Everyone's faces turned pale as they watched the terrifying creature.