Chapter 115: The Cave on a Rainy Night

"Jade Belt... success..."

After being struck by the light orb of Zhang Pu's Sun-Moon Technique and suffering another heavy blow to the head from him, the Black Dragon’s body began to writhe in mid-air.

"Take this!"

Zhang Pu dared not delay. He immediately recited another incantation, channeling all his remaining strength into a final strike against the Black Dragon. He knew well that if the creature were allowed to escape back into the deep pool, everyone’s previous efforts would be rendered futile.

This final blow exhausted the very essence of the Sun-Moon Technique he had cultivated during this period. Once the strike was unleashed, Zhang Pu felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. Yet, amidst the cries of shock from the others, he watched with ecstatic joy as the Black Dragon’s body began to disintegrate.

"Jade Belt..."

Zhang Pu didn't hesitate, flying forward to snatch the glimmering object before collapsing in a state of exhaustion. Liu Yingde moved to assist him, but Zhang Pu held his ground, forcing himself to land steadily. He refused to appear pathetic or disheveled in front of his subordinates or outsiders.

In truth, no one had the leisure to observe his frailty. As the Black Dragon fell, the water in the pool began to churn and overflow as if boiling. The sky, previously illuminated by the moon, suddenly darkened, and a torrential downpour began to pour from the heavens.

"Everyone, retreat! The pool water seems poisonous!"

"Run! The rain is rising and the pool is overflowing!"

Zhang Pu felt incredibly weak, but with the Black Dragon's essence now in his possession, he had no further desires. Whether it was Liu Yingde or someone else who shouted the warning, Zhang Pu sensed the abnormality of the water and the eerie, sudden storm. He knew this was no place to linger.

Eventually, he lost track of Liu Yingde in the chaos. He gritted his teeth, pushing himself forward until he was far from the Poison Dragon Pool, but his strength was rapidly failing. Seeing a cave not far ahead, he stumbled toward it, seeking shelter from the ceaseless rain.

As he moved, a sudden thought struck him: Elder Ge! How could he have forgotten such a powerful ally? Was this not the very moment he needed him most?

***

Unable to verify if the cave was safe and feeling utterly powerless, Zhang Pu utilized a unique communication method he had previously established with Elder Ge, sending out a signal exclusive to the world of cultivation. Moments later, he felt a strange presence approaching through the rain.

"Elder Ge, you are still here." Zhang Pu felt a genuine sense of relief.

It was indeed Elder Ge. The old man explained that he had been prepared to intervene during the final moments of the battle, but since Zhang Pu had already secured the victory, he had held back. Though the weather had turned violent, he had kept his focus on Zhang Pu’s location the entire time.

The two reached the cave. Zhang Pu asked Elder Ge to carefully inspect the interior. He knew he needed to rest; despite obtaining the essence, he was on the verge of collapse. He understood he was currently incapable of battle and felt fortunate to have planted a mental seed from the Undead Astral Realm within Elder Ge earlier. Without it, he could not have fully trusted anyone. If Elder Ge had chosen to turn against him now, he would have been helpless. Perhaps he had gambled correctly, as Elder Ge did not seem the type to betray him.

Soon, Elder Ge reported that the cave was safe. Zhang Pu entered, sat down in a spot illuminated by Elder Ge’s unique method, and began to practice a restorative technique to regain his strength. Elder Ge noticed the essence of the Black Dragon in Zhang Pu’s possession but remained silent as the youth entered a state of deep meditation.

Outside, the rain hammered down, but inside the cave, silence reigned.

Some time later, a flash of lightning illuminated the cavern. Zhang Pu remained with his eyes closed, and Elder Ge seemed to have vanished, his shadow-like form retreating into the depths of the cave where he would remain undetected by any intruder.

With the flare of lightning, a figure suddenly rushed into the cave. The intruder carried a miniature electric torch, the light of which fell upon the eyes of the meditating Zhang Pu. She let out a soft gasp, but Zhang Pu remained as still as a monk in deep trance, his eyes firmly shut.

He seemed to be at a critical juncture, and with Elder Ge acting as his guardian, he felt no cause for alarm. The newcomer had not yet spoken when a voice boomed from outside: "Zheng Lan, I know you are in that cave! You cannot escape today!"

The person who had just entered was Zheng Lan. Hearing the voice, she trembled but forced herself to remain calm. Alone, she was no match for the pursuer outside. She chose to remain silent.

She recognized Zhang Pu as the young student who had defeated the Black Dragon and had been filled with awe at the time. Now, seeing him motionless, she assumed that even a prodigy like him must have exhausted his life force in that terrifying battle. She had briefly entertained the thought of protecting him, as he had effectively saved her, but she was like a clay bodhisattva crossing a river—unable to save even herself. She knew that once the enemy rushed in, she would have no choice but to surrender.

Another flash of lightning.

Suddenly, another person appeared in the cave. The pursuer had broken in, knowing Zheng Lan was at her wit's end. As the new figure entered, Zhang Pu remained as he was, eyes tightly closed.

Had he opened his eyes, he would have recognized the newcomer—and the memory would have been a painful one. Upon seeing Zhang Pu, the man who had just entered also froze in surprise.