The description of the altar in "The Complete Guide to Talismans" is brief, merely mentioning that it is hidden in a place referred to as "where mountains and water meet."
However, the meaning behind this simple phrase is quite vague, leaving Su Mu feeling utterly perplexed.
What does "where mountains and water meet" really signify?
Where could it possibly point to?
Su Mu couldn't help but furrow his brow, sinking into deep contemplation.
It’s important to note that Qingyun Town itself is a small town nestled between mountains and water, making areas that fit the description of "where mountains and water meet" quite abundant.
Could it be that he needs to painstakingly search each one?
The mere thought of this gave Su Mu a splitting headache. He was acutely aware that time was of the essence; there was no room for delay. He had to find the exact location of the altar as quickly as possible.
Thus, he steeled himself and began to meticulously study "The Complete Guide to Talismans" again, hoping to uncover more clues related to the altar.
At that moment, his gaze inadvertently landed on a corner of the page.
To his surprise, there was a line of small print that was easily overlooked!
He quickly magnified the text as if it were a treasure and focused intently on deciphering it.
The small print read: "Two dragons playing with a pearl, water and moon merging."
"Double Dragons Playing with a Pearl? Water and Moon Merging?" Su Mu muttered these eight words, his brow furrowed, and a glimmer of thought shone in his eyes.
Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him like a bolt of lightning: could that mysterious place be the Double Dragon Pool?
It was said that the Double Dragon Pool was located in the northern part of Qingyun Town, where the water was crystal clear, allowing one to see the sand and fish at the bottom with a single glance.
On either side of the pool stood two towering peaks, their shapes vividly resembling two giant dragons coiling and twisting in the air, lifelike and majestic.
In the very center of the pool lay an enormous round stone, which from a distance appeared to be a dazzling pearl nestled within the dragon's mouth.
Was this not the so-called "Double Dragons Playing with a Pearl"?
As for "Water and Moon Merging," it must refer to the breathtaking scene that unfolded every night when the bright moon hung high in the sky, casting its pure light upon the tranquil surface of the pool like a mirror.
At this thought, Su Mu's heart began to race uncontrollably, an indescribable excitement swelling within him.
Could it be that the altar he had been searching for was truly at this Double Dragon Pool?
With his heart full of anticipation and exhilaration, Su Mu dared not delay for even a moment. He quickly organized his belongings and set off without hesitation on his journey to uncover the truth at the Double Dragon Pool.
As night fully enveloped the land, a bright, round moon hung in the sky, its cool, silvery light gently cascading down, draping the entire world in a veil of silver.
Carrying a simple backpack, Su Mu arrived at the edge of the Double Dragon Pool with light and silent steps.
At this moment, the Double Dragon Pool appeared particularly serene and peaceful. The only sounds breaking this tranquility were the gentle whispers of the breeze brushing over the water's surface and the occasional chirping of insects and birds.
Standing by the pond, gazing at the two majestic peaks, the shimmering water, and the large stone in the center that resembled a pearl, Su Mu took a deep breath to calm his turbulent emotions before cautiously stepping toward the heart of the pond.
At night, a bright full moon hung high in the sky, its silver light spilling over the earth and illuminating the entire valley.
In this watery moonlight, the tranquil lake resembled a vast mirror, calm and serene.
A gentle breeze brushed over the surface, creating ripples that sparkled like countless tiny silver coins scattered across the water, glimmering with enchanting brilliance.
On either side of the lake stood two towering peaks, majestic and imposing, like slumbering guardian dragons silently watching over this peaceful and harmonious body of water.
The mountains were lush with trees and dotted with peculiar rocks, giving off an air of mystery.
At this moment, a figure named Su Mu was slowly making his way along the winding path by the pond.
His steps were light and cautious, careful not to make a sound that would disrupt the tranquil atmosphere.
His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings like a hawk, missing no detail as he meticulously observed his environment, seemingly searching for something significant.
According to an ancient book titled "The Compendium of Talismans," a mysterious altar was hidden in this place, with its entrance located at the so-called "Double Dragons Playing with Pearls."
Su Mu's gaze continually swept across the area until it finally settled on the smooth, round stone in the center of the pond.
This stone stood out under the moonlight, isolated in the heart of the lake like a brilliant pearl set against a green silk ribbon.
Su Mu pondered to himself, "Could this be the legendary scene of 'Double Dragons Playing with Pearls'?"
"Is the entrance really beneath this round stone?"
With a heart full of questions and anticipation, he cautiously circled the stone, examining it from every angle.
Suddenly, he keenly noticed that the water flow at the bottom of the stone was different from elsewhere.
There, the water rushed violently, forming a small whirlpool that stirred the surrounding lake.
A surge of joy filled his heart as he unhesitatingly extended his right hand, slowly plunging it into the icy, bone-chilling water, then began to feel along the direction of the current.
After some searching, he finally found a movable stone.
When he gently touched it, an unusual force surged from his fingertips, causing him to shiver involuntarily.
Clenching his teeth, he summoned all his strength and pushed forward with all his might. The heavy stone began to move slowly.
Accompanied by the creaking sound of stone against ground, it gradually shifted from its original position until it was completely displaced, revealing a dark, bottomless opening.
At that moment, a cold and foul-smelling gust of air burst forth from the hole.
This chilling aura seemed almost alive as it quickly wrapped around him, making him tremble involuntarily and causing goosebumps to rise on his skin.
Could this be… the legendary altar entrance?
Suppressing his inner fear, he took a deep breath, striving to calm himself down.
He then took out a fire starter from his pocket and gently blew on it until it ignited, lighting the torch he held tightly in his hand.
In the flickering light, Su Mu bent down and cautiously squeezed through the narrow opening that barely allowed one person to pass.
As soon as he entered the cave, he was met with an overwhelming sense of pressure.
The stone walls pressed tightly against him, as if they could close in at any moment. The entire passage was shrouded in suffocating darkness, with only the faint glow of the torch providing a little illumination to the rugged path ahead.
Thus, Su Mu trudged forward step by step.
At that moment, time seemed to stretch infinitely; he had no idea how long he had been walking, but the road beneath his feet showed no signs of ending.
Just as he began to feel weary and desperate, suddenly, the scene before him opened up—he found himself in an enormous underground cavern!
The cave was vast and deep, with countless stalactites of various shapes hanging from the ceiling, shimmering with an eerie glow in the torchlight.
At the center of the cavern stood an ancient altar, majestic and imposing.
This altar appeared solemn and dignified, exuding an air of mysterious significance.
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