127: Longyuan Mountains

Two days passed quickly, and in a blink of an eye, it was the day Lin Feng and the Professional Association had agreed to go to the Secluded Valley Abyss.

At Lin Feng's strong insistence, Qin Yuyan ultimately stayed at the Professional Association. Wang Yin had originally planned to accompany Lin Feng to the Secluded Valley Abyss, but he reluctantly gave up when he learned that only Silver-level professionals and below could enter the Secluded Valley Abyss.

After cautioning Lin Feng to be careful, the two watched Lin Feng and Zhao Tieying leave the Professional Association headquarters.

Zhao Tieying drove a specially modified off-road vehicle, discreetly and swiftly heading towards their destination—the Dragon Origin Mountains.

As the off-road vehicle left Dragon Capital and entered a vast and ancient mountain range, a wild, primal, and oppressive aura immediately assailed them.

Looking out, the entire mountain range stretched endlessly, like the spine of a sleeping giant dragon, with the highest peaks piercing the clouds, their summits completely out of sight.

Towering ancient trees in the mountains blotted out the sky, their canopies layered to form a deep green ocean, with sunlight only managing to filter through the gaps, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

The air was filled with a mixed scent of earth, humus, and the pungent smell left by some powerful creature.

This was a paradise for magical beasts, and a forbidden zone for humans.

Even in the outer regions, powerful energy fluctuations could often be felt.

Zhao Tieying's expression was solemn as he drove, introducing things in a low voice.

“See that valley in the distance, shrouded in purple miasma? A ‘Purple Crystal Poison Scorpion King’ resides there, an existence at least of Transcendent-level initial stage, with an extremely strong territorial sense.”

“And that perpetually thundercloud-shrouded cliff to the north, legends say ‘Thunderwing Griffins’ nest there, also Transcendent-level.”

He pointed to the scenery flashing past the car window.

“The association’s exploration teams only dare to operate in the ‘safe zones’ of the outer regions; venturing slightly deeper, the casualty rate skyrockets.”

“As for the core area of the mountain range… that is a true forbidden zone of life, with chaotic space and violent energy. Legends say there are even terrifying existences close to epic-grade slumbering within.”

“According to the association’s records, only three to five people seem to have ever entered the depths of the Dragon Origin Mountains, but without exception, those people never came out again! So, in recent years, the association has long explicitly forbidden any professional from exploring the deep regions of the Dragon Origin Mountains.”

The off-road vehicle bounced along the rugged mountain road, and Lin Feng could clearly sense countless gazes—greedy, wary, or full of killing intent—projecting from deep within the dense forest.

The auras of Silver-level and Gold-level magical beasts surged like an undercurrent.

Several times, some magical beasts, unaware of the danger, were already preparing to ambush Zhao Tieying and Lin Feng, forcing Zhao Tieying to release his Transcendent-level aura to drive away the overly close predators.

“In this mountain range, try not to release your aura, because many magical beasts are very sensitive to the aura of human professionals. Upon detecting a human professional’s aura, they will even run out of their territories specifically to hunt human professionals.”

Zhao Tieying drove the jeep deep into the mountains until they reached a valley.

“The entrance to the Secluded Valley Abyss is in that hidden hollow ahead.”

Zhao Tieying parked the car in a spot cleverly concealed by massive vines and rocks, signaling Lin Feng to get out.

He vigilantly scanned their surroundings, speaking in a low voice.

“The opening of the Secluded Valley Abyss entrance has a specific cycle and pattern, which the association only managed to figure out after paying a considerable price.”

“Before and after each opening, the association secretly dispatches elite teams to guard this place. One reason is to prevent the entrance from being discovered and occupied by powerful magical beasts or hostile forces; the second is to monitor for any abnormal energy fluctuations spilling out. However, they will not show themselves; they will only ensure the basic safety of the entrance area from the shadows.”

Lin Feng nodded, his mental power extending like invisible tendrils in all directions. Sure enough, he sensed several well-concealed yet well-trained auras at a few extremely hidden vantage points and rock crevices.

The association’s preparations were indeed watertight.

Pushing aside the thick vines, a dim cave entrance, just wide enough for two people to walk abreast and emitting faint spatial fluctuations, appeared before them.

The rocks at the edge of the cave entrance displayed strange twisted patterns, as if kneaded by an unseen force.

“This is it,” Zhao Tieying said solemnly.

“Lin Feng, remember the association’s warning: the internal environment of the Secluded Valley Abyss is special. The outer area is relatively safe, but the core region remains unknown.”

Lin Feng took a deep breath, no longer hesitating, and stepped into the dim cave entrance.

A slight dizzying sensation came over him, as if passing through a layer of cold water film.

The next moment, his vision suddenly cleared.

Even with Lin Feng’s firm resolve, he was slightly awestruck by the fairyland-like scene before him.

Just as the President had said, everything here was breathtakingly beautiful, as if it could cleanse the dust from the depths of one’s soul.

He found himself in a vast valley gently embraced by mountains.

All around were verdant, towering cliffs, standing like a thousand-foot wall, smooth as a mirror, covered with peculiar vines that emitted a soft glow.

Above the valley floor, instead of a sky, there was a flowing, dreamlike canopy of iridescent light, like an inverted glazed dome.

Pure white clouds, like a light veil, swirled between the mountain slopes and the valley floor, slowly drifting, making the distant scenery appear indistinct, adding a touch of mystery and ethereal beauty.

Underfoot was thick, soft grassland emitting a faint fragrance, feeling as if he were treading on clouds.

Countless nameless exotic flowers and plants dotted the landscape, vibrant in color and varied in form.

Some flowers were as large as washbasins, their petals crystal clear, scattering specks of starlight as they swayed in the wind.

Others were small and delicate, blooming in clusters, forming flowing streams of flowers.

The air was filled with life energy so rich it was almost liquefied. With every breath, he felt a warm, clear spring gushing into his lungs, instantly reaching his limbs and bones, not only nourishing his body but also seemingly cleansing his spirit, making one involuntarily let go of all defenses, struggles, and distracting thoughts, leaving the mind clear and peaceful.

In the distance, spiritual springs gurgled from the crevices of the mountain walls, converging into crystal-clear streams that meandered across the valley floor.

The streams crashed against rocks, and the splashing water refracted into tiny rainbows under the glowing canopy.

Moreover, several waterfalls cascaded from extremely high cliff tops, like silver dragons plunging into an abyss. Their roaring sounds echoed through the valley, yet strangely, they weren't noisy; instead, they were like a natural symphony, further enhancing the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the place.

Lin Feng saw several spirit beasts, pure white in color, resembling small deer but with crystal antlers, leisurely drinking by the stream. They were gentle in nature, merely glancing at Lin Feng with curiosity before continuing their activities.

In the sky, birds with long, colorful tail feathers and calls as clear as clashing jade stones flew lightly by.

In some particularly energy-rich areas, he even discovered ancient spiritual plants, long extinct in the outside world and only recorded in ancient texts, exuding radiant light and teeming with vitality.

This place was simply an Eden forgotten by the world, a uniquely blessed cultivation sanctuary and a treasure trove of resources!

Lin Feng could even feel that cultivating here would definitely be several times more efficient than in the outside world!

He slowly walked along a well-trodden path leading deeper into the valley, his body and mind immersed in this rare tranquility and abundant life energy.

Although his mental detection was naturally suppressed by the rich energy here, significantly reducing its range, the feedback he received was full of vibrant life, without any ominous signs of danger.

Everything was completely consistent with the information provided by the association.

However, just as Lin Feng’s spirit completely relaxed, immersed in this peace, and he prepared to explore deeper—a sudden change occurred!

Without any warning, an indescribably terrifying aura, like a ferocious beast that had slumbered for eons suddenly awakening, burst forth from the deepest part of the secret realm!

The sheer power of this aura far surpassed any opponent Lin Feng had encountered before, even more terrifying than the power of rules he had felt from the Professional Association President!

It was not a simple energy pressure, but rather carried a… will that seemed to command heaven and earth and twist reality!

“This aura?!”

Lin Feng’s pupils suddenly contracted to pinpricks, and his heart felt as if it were being fiercely clutched by an invisible giant hand!