Chapter 360: Luoyang Cave
Chapter 360: Luoyang Cave
After the mid-month gathering, Chen Chuan spent the following days with his aunt's family, and in his free time, he diligently practiced the new techniques he had learned, feeling confident in his skills before seeking further guidance from Instructor Wen.
Initially, his Mind Harmony could only last for three hours, but later on, it had increased to over four hours, showing a trend of gradual extension.
Even before the end of the month, he had already grasped all the techniques he needed to learn during this period, a full one-third faster than the original plan.
However, many things that came after were beyond his current capabilities, requiring a combination of Essence Blood and Eternal Spirit, a foundation he had yet to solidify.
On this day, after another Resonance transmission, Instructor Wen said, "I've taught you all the basic application techniques, but to say you've completely mastered them, there's still some distance. This has nothing to do with talent; it's because you've just entered the Third Limit, and your accumulation is insufficient. Once you've accumulated more, you'll gradually be able to apply them with ease."
He smiled, "Now, I'll teach you some special training methods. Pay attention and observe carefully..."
As they were still in Mind Harmony, he could sense the altered organisms in Instructor Wen's body being pulled and operated in a unique rhythm.
Then, he saw Instructor Wen raise his hand and lightly flick it upwards, and a thunderous roar echoed in his ears, reverberating in the air. It seemed as if a cloud had appeared on his back, but it quickly dissipated.
"This move is called Cloud Burst Palm, simple and practical. Since it requires a certain amount of preparation before striking, it's not commonly seen in actual combat. It's usually used to exercise the coordination of altered organisms throughout the body, enhancing the ability to integrate one's own altered organisms."
Instructor Wen slowly brought his hand back, saying, "On the premise of ensuring the power of this move, the shorter the time it takes to execute it, the stronger the integration ability will be. Did you see my demonstration clearly?"
Chen Chuan nodded, "I saw it clearly."
Instructor Wen said, "Then you can go back and try it yourself. My guidance ends here."
Chen Chuan said, "Thank you, Instructor Wen."
"There's no need to thank me. I'm doing this at the request of Old He." Instructor Wen smiled, "But I'm glad to meet such an outstanding junior like you. Young man, go back, and perhaps we'll meet again in the future."
Chen Chuan nodded, raised his hand, and bowed respectfully to Instructor Wen. Then, he turned and left. When he reached his car, he looked back, but Instructor Wen was no longer there. He retracted his gaze, opened the door, and drove away.
After returning home, Chen Chuan practiced the new techniques he had learned and occasionally went out with Ding Jiao and others for gatherings and entertainment. As the month drew to a close, they gathered again, and one classmate suddenly suggested, "How about we go to Luoyang Cave for some fun?"
But this suggestion met with opposition from the others.
"Are you crazy? You know how many people have gone there and never returned."
"But we have Chen Chuan! He's a fighter!"
Chen Chuan shook his head, "I don't think it's a good idea. Even with my skills, I can only ensure my own safety, not everyone's."
Luoyang Cave was quite famous in Yangzhi. It was an underground cave, and in the past, countless people had entered and never come out. Local residents warned their children against going there, but despite this, many people still went missing every year.
About twelve years ago, a foreign expedition team had entered the cave, and none of them made it out alive.
Since the victims were foreigners, the Da Shun government didn't pay much attention, but this incident had made the cave famous abroad. Often, foreign adventurers and explorers would visit, some returning safely, while others met their end within.
Because of this, the local area gradually developed lodges and other related service industries.
Ding Jiao protested, "Hey, how did you come up with such a bad idea?"
The one called 'Face Melon' replied, "A few days ago, the newspaper reported that a team of over ten explorers entered the cave and came out. They even said they'd be going back tomorrow and could take people in to explore the area near the entrance. I thought, since they've been in and out, we could follow them and take a look. It's probably not dangerous near the entrance, and we can brag about it later."
"It's too dangerous. Let's forget about it."
"Yeah, who knows what's in there?"
"My mom is saving money for my marriage, and if I disappear, it'll be like saving for my younger brother instead."
Although there was opposition, another classmate spoke up, "We can just watch from outside, no need to go in. I've never been there, and it'll be interesting to see the commotion."
Ding Jiao was tempted by this suggestion and turned to Chen Chuan, "What do you think, Chen Chuan?"
Chen Chuan considered for a moment, "If it's just watching, then it's fine. I haven't been there either." Watching was no problem; he didn't have the ability to rescue those who entered, but preventing them from going in was easy.
Ding Jiao said, "Alright, let's go then. But we agreed not to enter the cave, just watch from outside."
The next day, Chen Chuan drove with five classmates, while Ding Jiao and four others rode two-wheeled vehicles towards the Jia Mountain area on the western side.
Jia Mountain is one of the legendary Three Mountains, and Luoyang Cave is located on its western foothills. This secluded area remained undeveloped during the Great Expansion era, with only a garrison point established, which was later abandoned. However, frequent visits from foreign expedition teams over the past decade gradually transformed the area into a bustling marketplace.
Despite its remote location and sparse population, this place rarely experienced strange occurrences or legends. Even if something did happen, it wouldn't affect the outside world.
When the group arrived at Luoyang Cave, they were surprised to find that it wasn't as deep, narrow, and foreboding as they had imagined. Instead, it was a vast opening, over twenty meters wide and more than ten meters high.
The cave entrance was bustling with people and stalls, and individuals were constantly entering and exiting the cave.
Chen Chuan carefully observed the cave and noticed signs of artificial excavation along its edges, suggesting that it might not be entirely natural. However, no one had studied this before.
Coincidentally, their arrival coincided with an expedition team preparing to enter the cave, surrounded by a large crowd pointing and discussing, likely drawn by the excitement.
The team members were equipped with professional gear, wearing protective helmets and headlamps, with hooks and ropes attached to their waists, and bulky backpacks on their backs. They appeared to be foreigners, numbering around twelve, a sizable group.
Listening to the surrounding chatter, Chen Chuan learned that these individuals were hired by a wealthy merchant.
This seemed promising, as one team member was surrounded by their companions, receiving repeated reminders and instructions, while two fighters stood guard beside them for security.
After preparing for over half a day and checking their equipment, the team entered the cave amidst the spectators, with some people spontaneously following them inside.
One of the students, eager to explore, suggested, "Should we just watch? Why don't we follow them in for a quick look and then come out?"
Chen Chuan noticed that there was always someone guiding people in and out, indicating that those areas were safe. He went to check for himself, confirming the absence of danger. He ventured only a short distance, less than a hundred meters from the entrance, before turning back, as even the guides seemed reluctant to go further.
Nonetheless, the students were satisfied and eager to boast about their adventure.
After exiting the cave, they decided to climb the mountain since they were already there.
The southeast side of Jia Mountain was ideal for hiking, and an ancient temple perched atop offered a picturesque view of the nearby Little Green Mountain and a lake. The temple grounds were filled with peach trees, and the fruit was ripe for picking with a small payment, on the condition of not wasting it. The students indulged in the sweet peaches, descending the mountain in the afternoon to return home.
Back from the trip, Chen Chuan put it out of his mind and continued with his plans to return to Central City, with only five days left of the vacation.
However, on this day, Ren Su unexpectedly called.
"Mr. Chen, we received a request from the Government Hall regarding a situation that seems like a legend, but we can't confirm it. We'd like to seek your advice."
Confident in their abilities, they usually declined unclear requests, but this one came directly from the Government Hall, and as Chen Chuan was conveniently in the area, they decided to consult him for a solution.
Chen Chuan replied, "Mr. Ren, please elaborate on the situation."
"Okay, a few days ago, an expedition team..."
Chen Chuan's heart skipped a beat, and he asked, "You mean Luoyang Cave?"
"Mr. Chen knows about it too? Yes, that's the one. The team conducted two expeditions. The first one went smoothly, but the second one encountered problems, and only three people emerged from the cave."
"That's not unusual for that place," Chen Chuan added.
Ren Su continued, "But then something strange happened..."
He paused for a moment, "Twelve years ago, a foreign expedition team went missing in that cave. Have you heard about it, Mr. Chen?"
"I'm aware of that incident," Chen Chuan replied. "Although I was young back then, it was a widely discussed topic. I might not remember all the details, though."
Ren Su said, "These two incidents are connected. Someone discovered that the three people who returned were not from the team that entered a few days ago but... from the team that went in twelve years ago."
"From twelve years ago?" Chen Chuan's interest was piqued.
"Yes! These three individuals were part of the group that went missing twelve years ago. When questioned, they had no idea that twelve years had passed outside; they only remembered being inside for three days."
Chen Chuan probed further, "And?" He sensed there was more to the story.
Ren Su continued, "Upon learning of the situation, the three individuals were shocked. They even mentioned finding their families, but that very night, they all died. Their flesh was gone, leaving only bones, and even their belongings were in tatters, covered in rust."
After a moment's thought, Chen Chuan said, "I'll go and take a look."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
