The water within Hải Long Thành grew colder by the moment, as though determined to freeze every living soul. Pale green light from luminous pearls set into the stone arches cast an eerie glow upon the faces staring each other down.
Nguyễn Tinh Vân stood guard before the black stone chest, his silver hair billowing like a dragon's whiskers. His eyes were as deep and fathomless as the abyss, impossible to read.
Vân Lục Yên bit her lip so hard that drops of crimson blood diffused into the blue-green sea. Her voice trembled:
"Elder… do you desire the celestial ore as well?"
Nguyễn Tinh Vân looked at her, exhaling a long sigh:
"Young one… I've lived over sixty years in Jianghu, seen countless men perish for the sake of gold, treasures, and power. Thiên Thạch Thần Kim may forge weapons of legend—but it can also forge blades destined to slaughter all under heaven."
Bích Thủy clung tightly to Quang Minh's arm. Though still weakened, she managed to whisper:
"Senior… if the celestial ore is truly dangerous, please destroy it."
Nguyễn Tinh Vân shook his head slowly:
"Destroy it? Once I wanted to. But Hải Long Thành… is not merely about celestial ore."
A Shocking Secret
Quang Minh stared in disbelief:
"If not the ore… then what?"
Nguyễn Tinh Vân's voice grew lower, his eyes glancing toward the shadows between stone dragons:
"Beneath the central chamber of Hải Long Thành, lies a massive stone statue known as the Dragon Soul Statue. Within that statue is hidden a roll of fishskin parchment known as the Hải Long Imperial Secret Scroll—a top-secret document once commissioned by an emperor of Nam Việt."
Vân Lục Yên shivered all over:
"The secret scroll… what does it say?"
Nguyễn Tinh Vân pronounced each word carefully:
"It records the locations of treasure vaults, secret tunnels, and strategies for restoring the Kingdom of Nam Việt. Whoever possesses the scroll would not only hold the celestial ore—but could shake all Đại Việt to its core."
Quang Minh and Bích Thủy exchanged a look, fear blazing in their eyes.
Climax: A New Foe Emerges
Suddenly, a cold, cutting laugh rang out from the vaulted roof of Hải Long Palace. Water splashed violently as a figure clad in black dropped down, radiating lethal killing intent.
"Nguyễn Tinh Vân indeed lives up to his name. But old man… don't think you're the only one who knows this secret!"
All four turned sharply. The newcomer was none other than Hắc Trường Uy. Despite the wounds he'd suffered in the previous fiery battle, his gaze was still sharp as twin blades. In his hand glimmered the other half of the Tàng Long jade fragment.
Vân Lục Yên's expression shifted instantly:
"You… were following me?!"
Hắc Trường Uy sneered:
"Not only have I been following you… I've also forged an alliance with Độc Thủ Lão Tà. My poison has been cured, my wounds healed. Today, I'm here… to take everything."
He raised the jade fragment high. Its blue glow projected an intricate map onto the stone wall—a secret route descending into the deepest levels of Hải Long Thành.
Nguyễn Tinh Vân gave a weary sigh:
"Indeed… Jianghu knows no peace."
An Explosive Battle Begins
Hắc Trường Uy roared:
"Kill them all! Let no one leave Hải Long Thành alive with the secret!"
From every rooftop and corridor of stone, black-clad warriors of Hắc Y Môn surged forward, weapons drawn, charging in for the kill.
Vân Lục Yên hissed:
"You dare betray me?!"
She swept her arm, unleashing Six Leaf Flying Blossoms, six jade-green petals spinning like razor-sharp projectiles. They struck the throats of three black-robed men, spraying crimson ribbons of blood through the water.
Nguyễn Tinh Vân swung his palm, his inner power surging like a tidal wave, hurling seven or eight black-clad assailants crashing into stone pillars. Cracks split the walls of the sunken palace.
Quang Minh pulled Bích Thủy back protectively. Though pale, his eyes blazed with a fierce resolve. He gritted his teeth:
"If evil still walks this earth… the rivers of Jianghu will never run dry of blood!"
Drawing his sword, he charged straight into the ranks of Hắc Y Môn.
Hải Long Thành descended into chaos. Blood bloomed like crimson clouds against the emerald stone. Bubbles frothed up in violent torrents, swirling like storm clouds beneath the sea.
In the maelstrom, Hắc Trường Uy shouted:
"The Dragon Soul Statue will be mine! The Nam Việt Secret Scroll will belong to me!"
Nguyễn Tinh Vân's eyes darkened, muttering:
"I fear… this battle has left us with no path of return."
Bích Thủy stared at Quang Minh, tears mingling with shimmering bubbles:
"Quang Minh… even if we die… I still wish to remain by your side."
Quang Minh clasped her hand tight, his sword glinting like lightning beneath the waves.
The decisive battle beneath the depths of Bích Hải… had truly begun.