Urban Divine Doctor Descends the Mountain

Chapter 2656: Chapter 2655: The Way Out

Lin Dong and Yun Ruoxian, following a few indigenous people, walked through the winding and twisting forest path, finally stopping in front of an open area.

Before them, a village built of intertwined logs and vines stood quietly. Smoke curled up into the air, creating a harmonious and mysterious scene alongside the surrounding exotic flowers and trees.

"We’ve arrived. This is our tribe. Once you enter, you won’t have to worry about the dangers brought by night time anymore." The indigenous person who brought Lin Dong here sighed in relief.

At this moment, a few indigenous people, dressed in animal skins with simple faces, approached. When they saw Lin Dong and Yun Ruoxian, the outsiders, a light of curiosity and friendliness shone in their eyes.

Then, they led Lin Dong and Yun Ruoxian, the two outsiders, into the tribe.

Walking into the village, a primitive and unpretentious atmosphere greeted them.

Children played in the open space, women busied themselves with household chores, while men either returned from hunting or gathered around the fire, discussing the day’s catch.

Lin Dong and Yun Ruoxian felt as if they had traveled through time and space to a secluded paradise untouched by the outside world.

After a short while, they were taken to the largest wooden house in the center of the tribe, where the Clan Chief resided.

Inside, the light was soft, and an elder with white hair and beard, with deep eyes, sat at the head position. He was the Clan Chief of the tribe.

He welcomed Lin Dong and Yun Ruoxian in an ancient and solemn manner, his kind smile like the warm winter sun, instantly dispelling some of the unease in their hearts.

The indigenous people who had brought Lin Dong and Yun Ruoxian into the tribe whispered a few words to the Clan Chief.

They informed the Clan Chief of everything that had happened before.

They also told the Clan Chief that Lin Dong knew Medical Arts and could neutralize the poison of the mermaid.

"I heard that among our distant friends, there is a healer capable of curing all ailments. Our tribe is eternally grateful," the Clan Chief’s voice was low and powerful, with each word expressing recognition and anticipation of Lin Dong’s abilities.

Lin Dong gave a humble smile and then engaged in a deep conversation with the Clan Chief.

He briefly introduced his and Yun Ruo’s experiences and their purpose for coming here.

When they mentioned the outsider who arrived years ago, a complex emotion crossed the Clan Chief’s eyes before he slowly nodded, indicating his willingness to assist.

Under the Clan Chief’s arrangements, Lin Dong and Yun Ruoxian passed through a dense forest within the depths of the tribe, arriving at a concealed cave entrance.

The entrance was cleverly concealed by vines, making it almost impossible for outsiders to discover without guidance.

Inside the cave, the light was dim, but a faint Sword Qi could be vaguely sensed, involuntarily inspiring awe.

As they ventured deeper, a figure gradually became clear. The person, dressed in rags, with long hair draping over their shoulders, held an ancient long sword, seated cross-legged with closed eyes, as if detached from the world.

He was the legendary Sword Obsession Hermit, a Heavenly Realm powerhouse famous in the region decades ago.

"Senior, Junior Lin Dong, along with my friend Yun Ruoxian, have come specifically to pay respects." Lin Dong respectfully saluted, his voice echoing in the spacious cave.

The Sword Obsession Hermit slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning, scanning Lin Dong and Yun Ruoxian instantly, showing some excitement: "You guys came from the Outer World as well?"

Lin Dong nodded, "Senior, may we speak alone?"

"Of course, you may." It seemed this person was also eager to gain some knowledge about the Outer World from Lin Dong.

And Lin Dong, obviously, wanted to learn from him about this strange space and how to get out.

At this moment, the Clan Chief spoke up timely: "You guys go ahead and chat. I’ll return to the tribe. Later, you can come to the tribe for a Roast evening banquet, to entertain you."

After saying this, the Clan Chief took the lead and left.

And in this place, only Lin Dong, Yun Ruoxian, and the Senior remained.

Lin Dong cupped his hands and asked him, "How should I address you, Senior?"

The person sighed deeply and said slowly, "My name is Sword Obsession Hermit!"

"Sword Obsession Hermit?" Hearing this name, Yun Ruoxian stepped forward and said softly: "Senior’s renowned name, I have heard of long ago, never did I expect to meet here again, truly a fortunate event."

This Sword Obsession Hermit was once a member of the Alliance of Heavenly Realm. However, decades ago, he vanished into thin air. It made the people of the Alliance of Heavenly Realm think he had fallen.

But unexpectedly, he was actually trapped here.

The Sword Obsession Hermit gently shook his head, with a trace of loneliness flashing in his eyes: "Decades ago, I, along with a few daoist friends of equal strength, came to this Earth Dragon Palace. We barely managed to get inside, yet, we got trapped in this second level."

"Sigh, this place is terrifying. It seems to be a self-contained space, making it impossible to use Inner Qi. Who would’ve thought, decades later, more people would come in."

"Back in the day, I was a dignified Second Heavenly Realm Martial Artist. Yet in the end, I lived here like a savage for decades. Truly lamentable..."

Upon hearing this, a strong wave of worry surged in Lin Dong’s heart.

The opponent was a Second Heavenly Realm Martial Artist back then, yet was trapped here for decades.

What about them?

Won’t they end up just like the opponent?

Lin Dong definitely didn’t want to silently grow old and die here.

"Senior, since you’ve been here for decades, you must know how to get out, right?" Lin Dong asked, "I heard from some of the indigenous people here that decades ago, several outsiders came."

"You guys thought of crossing the sea to leave this place, but in the end, only you returned empty-handed, while the others all perished."

"Senior, have you figured out the way to leave?"

Hearing this, the Sword Obsession Hermit seemed to recall something, with a flash of pain and discomfort in his eyes.

However, after pondering for a long time, the Sword Obsession Hermit still shared with Lin Dong and Yun Ruoxian the way to leave.

"Leaving is of course possible, but very difficult."

"To exit this bizarre space, the first challenge is the sea, which seems calm but hides peril," he said slowly, his gaze deep, as if every wave of that sea was engraved in his mind.

"Beyond the sea lies our unknown finish line and source of hope. Standing there is a towering mountain, not only a masterpiece of nature but also the necessary path to leave here."

Upon hearing this, Lin Dong furrowed his brow, fully aware of the tremendous challenges he would face on this journey full of unknowns and challenges given his loss of Inner Qi.

"Without Inner Qi, our strength is significantly reduced, and this sea and mountain undoubtedly pose great tests for us."

Yun Ruoxian bit her lip lightly, her eyes filled with worry: "Even so, we can’t give up. Since Senior found a way out, we will definitely be able to overcome all difficulties and regain our freedom."

The Sword Obsession Hermit nodded in approval but then bitterly smiled: "When I first came in, upon learning of the way out, I held the same attitude as you."

"However, I regret it now. If I hadn’t gone along back then, I wouldn’t be the only one still alive."

"Sigh, without Inner Qi, leaving this place is really too difficult."