The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 139 Abandoning Entry into the Buddhist Cave Time Tunnel

"Where did he go?" Su An asked anxiously.

“He’s searching for a passage to the mortal realm,” the man in black replied. “Someone told him that the Thousand Buddha Caves might hold clues. Maybe he went there, maybe he didn’t. But it’s up to you to find out for yourself.”

Upon learning of Shen Lixi's possible whereabouts, Su An did not hesitate for long. She knew that to confirm the authenticity of this information, she had to go to the Thousand Buddha Cave in person. However, before that, she still had to face a major challenge—the test of consciousness at the entrance to Hell's Twilight.

The entrance to Hell's Twilight, a mysterious and dangerous region, was permeated with an eerie and enigmatic aura. Su An stood there, feeling a powerful pressure, as if an invisible force was hindering her departure. However, she did not retreat. Instead, she took a deep breath, gathering all her cultivation to prepare for the impending test of her consciousness.

As a beam of light descended from the sky, enveloping Su An, her consciousness began to blur. She seemed to have been transported to a fantastical world filled with cultivators. They were either fighting, cultivating, or pursuing immense power, their faces varied, revealing their individual personalities and aspirations. Some cultivators were ambitious, some were devoted to a particular belief, and others appeared weary and resigned.

Su An understood that this test of consciousness required her to confront her inner fears and desires. She closed her eyes, took a few deep breaths, and calmed herself. Then, she began her journey through this fantastical world, searching for her own path.

In this process, she encountered various temptations and obstacles. Some monks promised her great power if she abandoned her faith and principles; others tried to lure her into depravity and darkness. However, Su An remained steadfast in her convictions and unmoved. She knew that only by firmly upholding her beliefs and principles could she find her own path in this world.

After a long and arduous ordeal, Su An finally found her path. She wielded her longsword, cutting through all obstacles and temptations. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself back at the entrance to Hell's Twilight—above a dry, ancient well. She felt a sense of relief and liberation, knowing that she had passed the test of her will and could leave this mysterious and dangerous place.

However, just as she was about to leave, she received a telepathic message from a cultivator of the Xuantian Sect. The message told her that someone in the Hundred Thousand Mountains urgently needed rescue. Without hesitation, Su An immediately decided to head to the Hundred Thousand Mountains. There, she single-handedly defeated the Demon King and successfully rescued the trapped cultivator.

After leaving the Ten Thousand Mountains, Su An did not immediately head to the Thousand Buddha Cave. She knew her injuries were serious and required rest and recuperation. Therefore, she returned to the Hundred Herb Garden of the Xuan Tian Sect and asked the old herb master for some pills to help her recover. The old herb master was very easy to talk to; as long as she didn't go into the garden and pick whatever pills she wanted, he would give her whatever she needed.

After three days of rest, Su An's injuries had largely healed. She gratefully bid farewell to the old medicine master and then set off for the Thousand Buddha Cave. She hoped to find Shen Lixi there and unravel all the mysteries.

Su An walked along the rugged mountain path leading to the Thousand Buddha Caves, her heart filled with anticipation and nervousness. She knew that what she was about to face was not only an adventure, but also a spiritual cleansing. The Thousand Buddha Caves, this legendary sacred place, was said to hide many secrets, and she had come precisely to explore these secrets.

Ancient trees lined both sides of the mountain path, their branches and leaves lush and verdant. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. As Su An walked among them, she felt as if she were inside a landscape painting. She felt the tranquility and harmony of nature, and a sense of peace welled up within her.

However, as she ventured deeper, the mountain path became increasingly steep. She had to use both hands and feet to climb with great difficulty. Sweat soaked her clothes, but she did not complain. Because she knew that only by enduring these hardships could she reach the sacred place in her heart.

Finally, after enduring countless hardships and dangers on her long journey, Su An arrived at the legendary Thousand Buddha Caves. Her steps were weary but determined, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and anticipation for the unknown. When she looked up, she saw a majestic grotto standing silently before her, like a silent guardian, telling tales of a thousand years of vicissitudes.

The grotto was dark and mysterious, seemingly isolated from the world. The dim light illuminated only a small area, making the space appear even more profound. Su An slowly made her way along the winding passage, each step filled with trepidation and curiosity. She didn't know what awaited her, but she walked with unwavering determination, for she held a firm belief in her heart: to find Shen Lixi's whereabouts and unravel all the mysteries.

Soon after, Su An hurried to an extremely spacious cave. The cave was vast, seemingly capable of holding countless beings. In the center of the cave stood a colossal Buddha statue, its face benevolent yet solemn, its deep eyes seemingly able to see through everything in the world, quietly watching over everyone who came here.

Su An slowly approached and stood before the enormous Buddha statue, her heart filled with awe. She gently knelt down, clasped her hands together, and prayed devoutly. She closed her eyes, silently reciting her wish, hoping that Buddha would guide her to find Shen Lixi's whereabouts and help her unravel all the mysteries.

Just then, she suddenly sensed something unusual at the feet of the Buddha statue. She lowered her head slightly to observe carefully and discovered a hidden opening at the base of the statue. This opening was cleverly concealed by a large rock; it would be very difficult to spot without careful observation. Su An's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately stepped forward and forcefully pushed aside the large rock.

After the boulder was pushed aside, the cave entrance was revealed to be pitch black and bottomless, like a passage to another mysterious world. Su An stood before the entrance, filled with hesitation and curiosity. She didn't know where the cave led, nor what dangers lay below. But what worried her most was Shen Lixi's safety.

Just then, she suddenly received a telepathic message from the sect leader. His voice rang in her ears, informing her that the Heavenly Gate of the Hundred Thousand Mountains had opened, a gateway to a new world. However, the Thousand Buddha Caves were too far from the Hundred Thousand Mountains; if she set off now, it would likely be too late.

Upon hearing this, Su An became even more anxious. She didn't know what to do. Just then, she suddenly thought of the tunnel beneath her feet. Perhaps, this tunnel was the passage to Earth? Perhaps, Shen Lixi had already entered this tunnel?

However, she wasn't sure. After hesitating for a moment, she decided to go down and check first. But just as she was about to go down, she received another telepathic message. It was from one of her fellow disciples, telling her that a person named Shen Lixi was looking for her.

Upon hearing this news, Su An was filled with excitement and joy. She knew she had to set off immediately to find Shen Lixi. So, she immediately summoned her magical artifact—a treasure capable of short-distance spatial traversal. She activated the artifact and vanished from her spot in an instant.

When Su An reappeared, she was already at the foot of the Ten Thousand Mountains. Looking up, she saw that the Heavenly Gate had opened, its mysterious light flashing continuously. Without hesitation, she rushed into the Heavenly Gate and disappeared into the mysterious light.