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Lin Ning shouted loudly, "Cong Rong, don't be afraid! Just follow the method everyone used to cross the pond earlier, and you will definitely succeed!" Cong Rong steadied her mind, continuously encouraging herself. Gritting her teeth, she quickly threw out her package and leaped forward to chase after it. Despite her best efforts to catch up, her speed ultimately fell short. With a loud splash, before Cong Rong's feet could firmly land on the package, it plummeted into the Corrosive Iron Liquid like a heavy stone. In an instant, the package vanished without a trace, as if it had never existed. This sudden turn of events threw Cong Rong into a state of panic; her once vibrant face turned pale as paper, filled with terror and despair. The onlookers on the opposite shore were equally horrified, their hearts nearly stopping as they stared in shock.
In this critical moment, Lin Ning had no time to think deeply. Without hesitation, he grasped the dazzling Sunlight Blade and leaped into the air like a nimble bird, rushing towards Cong Rong. Just as her feet were about to step into the terrifying Corrosive Iron Liquid, Lin Ning's left hand swiftly wrapped around her slender waist. Then, with his right hand gripping the Sunlight Blade, he drew a sharp arc in the air and struck down on the Corrosive Iron Liquid. To everyone's astonishment, that seemingly indestructible liquid did not damage the Sunlight Blade in the slightest! Moreover, as the Sunlight Blade sliced through the Corrosive Iron Liquid, it seemed to gather an immense upward force for Lin Ning. Utilizing this mysterious power, he spun gracefully while holding Cong Rong and swiftly landed on the opposite shore. The entire process was seamless and took only a few seconds; Lin Ning's movements were clean and decisive without any hesitation.
Once safely on solid ground, Cong Rong was still shaken and terrified. It wasn't until Cong Jiang held her close and comforted her that she finally regained her composure and burst into tears in his embrace. The others recalled the earlier scene with lingering fear.
After a while, everyone’s emotions settled down. Yuan Yueming asked, "Senior Brother, why did the Sunlight Blade not sustain any damage when it entered the Corrosive Iron Liquid?" Everyone turned to look at Lin Ning's Sunlight Blade; it appeared even more radiant than an ordinary steel blade, but no one knew what made it different. Lin Ning replied, "Master mentioned in The Art of Sun and Moon that the Sunlight Blade and Moonlight Sword are not made of ordinary steel; their main component is Black Gold Steel Jade mixed with precious stones like Shoushan Stone, Qingtian Stone, Chicken Blood Stone, and Jadeite." Yuan Yueming exclaimed with delight, "I never expected that the Sunlight Blade and Moonlight Sword left by my parents would be such treasures! Senior Brother, why didn't you think of using the Sunlight Blade to cross the pond when we were on the other side?" Lin Ning explained, "I didn't forget about the Sunlight Blade; I was just worried that if it contained any steel components, such a precious item would be ruined. I only used it in desperation to save Cong Rong. Now that I think about it, I'm truly scared; thankfully Master’s Wife is watching over us from above so that the blade remains intact. Otherwise, if it were damaged, I would feel terrible for wasting Master’s and Master’s Wife's lifelong efforts." Yuan Yueming smiled and said, "As long as you know that; at least you have a conscience." She glanced at Cong Rong's pretty face and suddenly added with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "Senior Brother, if I were about to fall into the Corrosive Iron Liquid instead of Cong Rong just now, would you save me like you did her?" Lin Ning paused for a moment before responding earnestly, "Both of you are my junior sisters; you are both dear to me. If either of you is in danger, I will do everything I can to save you!"
Yuan Yueming looked at Lin Ning with affectionate eyes and nodded slowly.
Having safely crossed the pond without incident, they walked less than a hundred meters before being blocked by a stone wall. Just like their encounter in Qian Cave yesterday, there was a stone door carved into this wall as well. However, instead of crows being depicted on this door, there was a running wolf whose head was slightly raised and ears perked up as if attentively listening to its surroundings. Its mouth was slightly open revealing sharp fangs; its deep-set eyes seemed to pierce through time itself as they locked onto each person staring at it—sending chills down their spines! Each hair on the wolf was carved so vividly that its ruggedness and wildness were showcased perfectly! Lin Ning knew that the Jurchens revered wolves highly; they symbolized ferocity and resilience for them. He guessed that if nothing unexpected happened, there must be a mechanism to open this door related to this Wolf Rising Image.
Lin Ning handed his torch to Yuan Yueming beside him and placed both hands on the Wolf Rising Image. He carefully felt every inch of its surface without missing any corner or detail out of fear of overlooking something important. However, after feeling from top to bottom and left to right with no unusual sensations at all! Lin Ning poked around its eyes, mouth, nose, ears and limbs but still found no reaction from the stone door. Seeing this situation unfold before them prompted everyone else to step forward too—examining every inch of the stone door—but still no signs of it opening appeared.
Doubts arose among them: Could it be that there was no mechanism on this Wolf Rising Image? Yuan Yueming suggested dismissively: "Forget about where the switch might be! Senior Brother, why don’t you just use your Black Gold Dagger to cut a hole in this stone door?" Lin Ning agreed: "Alright then! I'll give it a try!" He took out his Black Gold Dagger but found that despite its extreme sharpness only left scratches on the stone door—it couldn’t penetrate at all! Clearly this door wasn’t made from ordinary stone but rather some incredibly hard diamond-like material.
Disappointed murmurs filled their group; evidently opening this door required finding its switch first.
They gathered their torches in front of the stone door so they could concentrate their light more effectively—hoping to see every detail clearly—but still found nothing useful. Just when everyone felt hopelessly stuck again, Lin Ning suddenly thought: since Jurchens revered wolf imagery perhaps it had something to do with sacrificial rituals? He recalled hearing that during Jurchen ceremonies they would pour wine as offerings. So he unfastened his water flask from his waist and began pouring wine over Wolf Rising Image.
A miraculous thing happened: when wine splashed onto where its claws were depicted—the area actually dented slightly inward! Lin Ning felt elated and pressed down hard on that spot. With a low rumbling sound echoing through the cave—the stone door slowly opened! As it creaked ajar they saw embedded within its opposite wall—a massive luminous pearl! This pearl radiated soft yet brilliant light resembling that of a full moon—illuminating everything inside like daylight! Wherever its glow reached—each person's face became distinctly visible while shimmering softly—as if their skin had been graced by some mysterious aura from this magical light—leaving them all astonished.
Filled with anticipation they stepped inside only to find treasures beyond imagination laid out just like those in Qian Cave! These artifacts sparkled brilliantly—each seemingly infused with boundless mysterious powers or legendary tales waiting to be told! Some items were adorned with dazzling gemstones flashing myriad colors; others crafted from precious metals engraved with exquisite patterns radiating an ancient solemnity. A few treasures displayed bizarre shapes or unique materials—leaving one marveling at nature's artistry alongside human craftsmanship.
Even more excitingly—they discovered piles upon piles of weapons forged from fine iron—all exceptionally crafted! These weapons looked incredibly valuable while remaining well-preserved too! Lin Ning remarked: “If these weapons were utilized by an army—they would significantly enhance combat capabilities.” Everyone nodded in agreement—imagining how these jewels and arms could be effectively employed against Later Jin brought smiles of satisfaction mixed with pride across their faces.
Next they transported these jewels and weapons back near Corrosive Iron Liquid pond. Just after moving out one last dazzling box filled with jewels—Yuan Yueming didn’t immediately turn away but instead fixed her sharp gaze upon that glowing pearl embedded within stone wall above them—squinting slightly as if trying hard to see through its surface sheen into whatever mysterious power lay hidden inside!
After some moments she finally turned back towards Lin Ning saying: “Senior Brother—I believe we should also take this luminous pearl along—it would be too wasteful leaving such precious treasure behind!” Before Lin Ning could respond—Yuan Yueming suddenly sprang forward like an arrow released from its bow! As soon as her hand touched that luminous pearl—it began trembling violently while causing tremors throughout entire cave—the stone door began closing slowly!
Realizing how dire things had become—Lin Ning shouted urgently: “Yue Ming! Don’t touch that pearl anymore—quickly get out of here!” The stone door had already closed halfway but Yuan Yueming remained transfixed by its allure; without hesitation he grabbed her hand pulling them both sideways just in time as they escaped through just before closure!
Once outside—Yuan Yueming finally regained composure stammering: “Thank you Senior Brother—that was… really terrifying!” Lin Ning looked seriously at her saying: “One mustn’t be too greedy in life—we barely escaped this time but next time we may not be so lucky; don’t let greed cloud your judgment again.” Feeling ashamed—Yuan Yueming lowered her head full of regret.
The group transported jewels and weapons back towards water’s edge—with Sunlight Blade now available—they no longer needed packages filled with stones for stepping stones across pond; using Sunlight Blade first Lin Ning helped each person cross safely then repeatedly went back forth until all treasures had been successfully transported across!
Lin Ning suggested: “Let’s leave these treasures here for now—we should return first then plan how best transport these supplies towards Ningyuan’s Ming army camp!” By time they exited Kun Cave night had fallen deeply around them.
Back at inn—the group gathered together discussing transportation matters ahead; Lin Ning stated: “Given sheer volume involved transporting openly will surely attract Later Jin soldiers’ attention.” Cong Jiang stroked his beard thoughtfully before proposing: “We could disguise ourselves as merchants transporting goods in batches.” Everyone nodded approvingly but Lin Ning countered: “Disguising ourselves as merchants might not work well given current tensions between Later Jin & court—they’re increasingly vigilant regarding personnel & goods entering/exiting territories especially valuable items like our jewels & fine weapons.”
Hearing this everyone fell silent until Yuan Yueming spoke up: “What if we take water routes via Bohai Bay around Andong (present-day Dandong City) instead?” Luo Xin queried: “But how do we get these jewels there from Hetuala?” After pondering briefly—Lin Ning replied: “Sister’s idea is excellent—we can seek local muleteers for assistance—they know terrain well & excel at long-distance transport.”
He continued explaining how Later Jin soldiers would focus heavily inspecting routes leading towards Borderlands while being less strict regarding those heading towards Andong area making passage easier for us!
Cong Jiang voiced concerns over safety stating: “Muleteers might work but having so many jewels & weapons could attract unwanted attention.” With a smile—Lin Ning suggested: “We can modify our carts disguising contents appearing merely ordinary cargo while secretly concealing jewels & arms within.” Everyone agreed this plan seemed feasible thus preparations commenced immediately!
They found reputable muleteer leader who despised Later Jin upon hearing support for Ming army readily agreed helping them load concealed supplies onto carts cleverly hidden away during transport preparations!
On day set forth—the group mingled among muleteer convoy setting off together smoothly initially until nearing Andong when suddenly ambushed by bandits who spotted convoy realizing easy prey surrounding them loudly demanding tribute!
Lin Ning exchanged glances signaling others quietly grasping weapons readying themselves; stepping forward boldly he addressed bandit leader saying: “Brothers—we’re merely small-time traders seeking passage please allow us safe passage.” Bandit chief laughed heartily replying: “Less talk—no cash means no way out today!”
At this point muleteer leader joined alongside him preparing for battle—a fierce confrontation loomed ahead! Although outnumbered over hundred bandits—Lin Ning recognized most weren’t organized making defeating them feasible yet wary due risks involved given territory belonged Later Jin potentially drawing unwanted attention!
Calculating strategy quickly he suddenly called out boldly addressing bandit chief directly saying: “Big brother—we may lack riches but know location leading towards treasure trove filled with gold far exceeding what robbing us could yield!” Bandit chief raised eyebrows intrigued yet skeptical replying: “Don’t try fooling me!”
Lin Ning maintained sincere demeanor insisting: “How could we dare deceive? We intended seeking treasure ourselves yet lack strength—if big brother agrees—we’ll lead way!”
Bandits murmured amongst themselves many showing interest; after deliberation chief waved hand decisively declaring: “Fine—you lead ahead—but dare pull tricks—I’ll snap your neck!”
Leading bandits down narrow valley path—Lin Ning subtly signaled companions spreading out strategically along route; halfway through journey he suddenly shouted commandingly: “Attack!”
Responding swiftly comrades charged forward launching surprise assault catching bandits off guard due narrow confines disrupting their ranks entirely!
Wielding Sunlight Blade fiercely charging toward bandit leader swiftly subduing him within moments causing remaining foes panic dropping weapons surrendering immediately thereafter!
Lin Ning addressed defeated bandits firmly stating: “Today I spare your lives—but cease all wrongdoing henceforth!” Bandits nodded repeatedly fleeing hastily away!
With crisis resolved—the group continued onward arriving safely at Andong shortly thereafter whereupon purchasing ship docked along coast using one tael gold securing vessel transporting jewels & arms aboard swiftly departing harbor setting sail towards Ningyuan direction filled anticipation meeting Yuan Chonghuan soon ahead!
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