Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint-Chapter 154 - 109: Water Realm

She paused, then continued, "Take Leng Qianqiu, the ’Ice Soul Fairy’ and Valley Master of Cold Jade Valley—widely recognized as the top expert in our Yunlin Prefecture. She’s a peerless figure at Astral Force Perfection, her power feared throughout the region. And what’s the source of that power? It’s the fact that she cultivates two different types of Attribute True Qi: Langyue True Qi and Profound Ice True Qi!

"The two Qis complement each other, multiplying her strength. That’s what secured her position at the head of Cold Jade Valley. Even Sect Leader Shi of the Xuanjia Sect, who just came out of seclusion, is wary of her. So you can imagine the potential of that disciple from Qixia Manor who was cultivating two Heart Methods at once. It’s no wonder he invited a fatal disaster."

Song Ming said in a deep voice, "Fusing different types of True Qi is incredibly difficult. The more attributes your True Qi has, the greater your strength—and the higher your potential."

"Besides, once you succeed, you paint a target on your back. The tree that stands out from the forest is the one the wind will surely destroy."

"After all, the other Three Sects are watching like hungry tigers, terrified of another Leng Qianqiu emerging."

Chen Qing remained silent, but his mind was in turmoil.

Song Ming and Lin Wei’s words rang like the most solemn of alarm bells in his mind.

’The fact that I possess two types of True Qi is a deadlier secret than my improved Root Bone!’

’If it ever gets out, the consequences will be unimaginable.’

’The fate of that genius from Qixia Manor is a clear cautionary tale.’

He had to hide his Geng Metal True Qi even deeper. He resolved not to use it unless it was a matter of life and death.

The boat cut through the dark, deep currents, heading toward the first key Water Eye Song Ming had marked: the Black Water Vortex.

The reeds on both banks had long since disappeared, replaced by jagged, strange rocks and gnarled, withered trees. The water’s color changed from clear to dark, finally turning into a viscous, inky black.

A nauseating, fishy stench filled the air, mingled with the foul odor of decay.

The Profound Water Snake on Lin Wei’s arm grew exceptionally agitated. Its fine scales bristled slightly as its ice-blue eyes stared fixedly into the gloomy depths, letting out a series of rapid hisses.

The atmosphere on the boat grew tense. Even Song Ming’s lips were pressed into a thin line as he focused all his attention on steering the Water-Splitting Shuttle, carefully navigating around the treacherous, hidden reefs and bizarre eddies.

"The currents here are treacherous, and the reefs are dangerously unpredictable. Hold on tight!"

Song Ming barked a low warning. Before the words had even left his mouth—

BOOM!!!

A sound like muffled thunder erupted from beneath the starboard hull.

It was as if an invisible giant hammer had viciously slammed into the boat’s keel!

The sturdy Iron Heart Wood hull instantly began to rock violently, bucking up and down.

The bow shot upward, nearly flinging Lin Wei, who was standing at the prow, from the boat.

"Something’s in the water!"

Wu Yuanhua’s reaction was lightning-fast. With a sharp SHING, the Long Sword at his waist was unsheathed, trailing a sliver of bone-chilling light.

Deep blue Gui Water True Qi instantly coiled around the blade like a tangible current. The tip of the sword quivered, pointing precisely at the churning, murky water below.

The instant the boat shuddered, Chen Qing’s feet seemed to root themselves to the deck. He sank his stance, his center of gravity becoming as immovable as a mountain.

Cyan Wood True Qi surged down the shaft of his spear, and the tip began to hum.

He scanned the surface of the water, which was now a swirling, blackish-green vortex.

Amidst the churning, murky waves, a terrifyingly long and thick shadow flashed beneath the water. It was covered in slick, glossy scales as black as ink. Its speed was astonishing, and the powerful undercurrent it generated sent the boat rocking violently once more.

"It’s an adult Black Python! Judging by the commotion, it’s a big one!"

The experienced Song Ming saw this and spoke up. "That serpent is one of the apex predators of Qianchuan Marsh—ferocious and cunning. I can’t believe it’s wandered out to the peripheral Water Eyes."

Before he could finish, the massive black shadow burst from the murky water once again.

This time, it didn’t ram the hull. Instead, it lunged for the side of the boat like a colossal black whip, its movement accompanied by a piercing shriek that tore through the air.

A gaping maw, large enough to swallow a water buffalo whole and lined with barbed, sharp teeth, lunged forward, reeking of a suffocating stench. Its target was none other than Wu Yuanhua, who stood closest to the rail.

The Black Python was over forty feet long, its body as thick as a barrel. It was covered in smooth, tough scales that gleamed with a sinister, cold light.

It had a triangular head, and its vertical pupils glinted with cold, merciless savagery.

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