Chapter 103 Exploring the Way Back Home

Since Lin Yu and Li Qiang made the vow to jointly search for a way to return home, they have plunged headlong into this long and arduous journey full of unknowns and challenges. At dawn, the sky turns a fish-belly white, a color just like egg white smudged by clear water, soft and hazy, as if a delicate ink-wash painting is slowly unfolding in the sky. The faint light of the early morning is like a layer of gentle gauze. It has not yet completely dispelled the chill of the night and, with a bit of cold water vapor, it trickles down onto the two of them. The light is like a pair of gentle hands, tenderly caressing their determined faces and meticulously outlining the contours of their persistence in returning home. Every line tells of their deep yearning for their hometown in their hearts.

Lin Yu and Li Qiang have already packed their bags. Inside the bags are their simple clothes. These clothes, worn out by the passage of time and the hardships of their journey, are already extremely shabby. The edges are frayed and the colors have faded from their original brightness, just like faded memories, yet they carry every bit of their experiences along the way. Every wrinkle records the storms they have endured in the world of cultivation; every patch bears witness to their past hardships and tenacity. There are also those magic tools used in cultivation, each with a different shape and unique characteristics. The Taichu Divine Sword has a slender blade, like a clear autumn stream, glinting with a cold and sharp light in the faint light, as if ready to cut through all obstacles on the road ahead at any moment. Its icy aura seems to be telling the stories of past battles. Li Qiang's ice-based magic treasure emits a faint blue light, like a quiet and secluded pond, with a faint chill, as if containing endless icy power that can turn into a deadly attack at a critical moment. And that burning and determined heart longing to return home has been ablaze for countless days and nights and has never dimmed even for a moment. Even in the face of the fear of the unknown and hardships and obstacles, it remains burning hot, like an eternal flame, illuminating the way forward for them.

Their figures are in a hurry, their steps are urgent. With deep yearning for their hometown and fearless courage in the face of the unknown, they embark on the journey to find clues about time-space travel and returning to Earth. Every step is taken on the road where hope and the unknown are intertwined. The sound of their footsteps is like the passionate beating of a war drum, as if it is a questioning of their belief in returning home. In the quiet morning, it echoes firmly and powerfully. They know full well that this road may be full of thorns and countless difficulties and obstacles, but in order to return to Earth and be with their family and friends, they are resolute and have no hesitation.

Every time they arrive at a cultivation sect, the tall and majestic mountain gate is like a sacred gate leading to hope, standing solemnly and majestically in front of them. The mountain gate is built with huge bluestones, and the stones fit together tightly, demonstrating ancient and exquisite craftsmanship. The marks of time have left mottled textures on the stone surface, as if silently telling of the past glories and honors. Exquisitely carved runes and patterns adorn it. The runes sparkle with a mysterious luster, as bright as stars, as if recording ancient and profound incantations and containing endless mysterious power. The patterns depict the legendary stories of ancient times. Those images are so vivid that it is as if the fantastical world of ancient times is vividly presented before their eyes. There are immortals flying on their swords, with elegant postures, shuttling through the clouds and mist, as if in control of the laws of heaven and earth. There are giant beasts roaring in the mountains and forests, their roars shaking the four directions, demonstrating unparalleled power and majesty. Under the illumination of the sunlight, the mountain gate exudes an ancient and mysterious aura. In their eyes, this mountain gate bears the hope of going home, like a lighthouse in the dark, guiding them in the direction they should go.

They approach the disciples and elders in the sect with piety and anticipation, asking for advice with humility and sincerity, as if paying the highest respect to time and wisdom. They don't miss anyone who might know a clue. Even a casual word or an obscure hint is like a precious treasure to them, and they ponder over it repeatedly, trying to dig out the hidden secrets. They ask the disciples if there are any ancient books in the sect about the mysteries of time and space. Some of the young disciples look confused, with curiosity and bewilderment about the unknown in their eyes. Some shake their heads, indicating that they don't know, with a trace of helplessness in their eyes. They then ask the elders if any senior masters have left relevant legacies. The elders stroke their beards and fall into deep thought, looking as if they are searching for ancient memories in the long river of time. However, most of the time, the elders just shake their heads helplessly, with a trace of sympathy in their eyes, as if sighing at their perseverance. Nevertheless, they are not discouraged by this. They still walk towards the next sect full of anticipation, firmly believing that hope lies around the next corner.

Every time they enter an ancient town, the bustling crowds in the town are in constant motion. All kinds of hawking sounds and laughter are intertwined, forming a lively and bustling scene of the marketplace. On both sides of the street are filled with dazzling booths, like the stars dotted. There are stalls selling herbal remedies, with their exotic glows and alluring scents, as if telling of their magical effects; There are booths displaying exquisite Buddhist artifacts, each of which seems to contain a unique power, in a variety of shapes and gleam. There are also stalls offering various kinds of cultivation supplies, filled with various items needed by practitioners. They shuttle through the crowds, not missing anyone who might know a clue. They ask the old people in the streets and alleys. The old people sit at the door, with the vicissitudes of life in their eyes, shaking a worn-out cattail fan in their hands. The wrinkles on the fan surface are like the lines of time. The old people patiently tell their experiences, from the rise and fall of the town to the anecdotes in the world of cultivation. They listen with great interest. However, there is still not a single word mentioned about time-space travel. They then ask the adventurers in the taverns and inns. The adventurers sit around the table, drinking strong spirits, with the pride of adventure on their faces. They tell their adventure experiences in various places. Those stories are full of thrills and excitement, such as the thrilling process of treasure hunting in mysterious ruins, where every corner may hide unknown dangers. There are also the intense scenes of fighting with powerful demon beasts, with the flash of swords and the shadow of blades, and the moment of life and death. However, the clues about going home are still like a stone sinking into the sea, without a trace. Most of the time, all they get is a shake of the head and a blank look. Their hopes are dashed again and again, but they are never discouraged. They turn around and throw themselves into the next search, always believing that the next person might bring good news. It's like looking for light in the dark, and they will never give up.

In the library pavilion, thick dust dances wildly in the beams of light that shine through the window lattice, like a group of cheerful elves, telling the vicissitudes of time. The bookshelves are tall and old, filled with layers of ancient books and classics. These books are the crystallization of the wisdom in the world of cultivation, carrying countless secrets and legacies. Lin Yu and Li Qiang shuttle between the bookshelves, moving gently and cautiously, for fear of disturbing these sleeping giants of knowledge. Their fingertips glide gently over each ancient book. Some of the papers are yellow and fragile, and they seem to crumble into powder at the slightest touch, exuding a musty smell, as if telling stories forgotten by time. Those stories might have been glorious once, but they have gradually faded away in the torrent of time. Some emit strange spiritual power fluctuations, as if telling mysterious stories of the past. Those stories are full of fantasy and adventure, making them full of anticipation, as if they have seen a glimmer of light in the dark.

They study word by word, not missing any obscure symbol or a blurred record. They carefully ponder over the legends of the ancient powerful beings and the mysterious laws of time and space, just like groping for clues to the treasure in the dark. They hope to find even the tiniest clue related to going home. That clue might be as small as a grain of sand, but it could be the key to opening the door to their hometown. Countless days and nights pass, and they are immersed in this vast ocean of knowledge. Their eyes are bloodshot and sore from reading for a long time. Often in the late night, the candle flickers, and the dim light casts their lonely shadows on the wall. They rub their tired eyes but still don't want to put down the ancient books in their hands. The ancient books seem to be the bond between them and their hometown. The dim light shines on their focused faces, and the pages turn with a rustling sound under their fingertips, as if exploring the way home together with them. However, all they get is disappointment time and time again. The long-awaited answer never appears in those yellowed pages, just like sailing in the vast ocean but never finding the direction of the other shore.

In order to visit a senior who is said to know the mysteries of time and space, they climb along the winding and rugged mountain road. The mountain road is narrow and covered with moss, like a green ribbon, but it hides dangers. Every step is full of uncertainty. If they are not careful, they will slip and fall into the bottomless valley. The valley is like a dark abyss, swallowing up all hope. The wind howls in the valley, making a shrill sound, as if it wants to drag their thin bodies into the endless abyss. The sound of the wind howls in their ears, like a fierce beast roaring, making their clothes flutter loudly, as if it wants to blow away their will as well. Lin Yu tightly grasps the rock beside him. The rock is cold and hard, like a life-saving straw for them in the wind. He stabilizes his body and reaches out his hand to Li Qiang, shouting: "Be careful, stay close to me!" His voice is torn to pieces in the wind, like a withered leaf in the wind. Li Qiang can only understand his meaning by relying on his lip movements and years of tacit understanding and firmly grasps his hand.

Li Qiang pants heavily, and his clothes are soaked with sweat. When the sweat comes into contact with the mountain wind, it brings a biting chill, as if countless ice needles are stabbing his skin. Relying on their firm will and skillful air-control techniques, they move forward step by step in the face of difficulties and obstacles. Every step requires great effort, as if they are engaged in a tough tug-of-war with fate. The moss under their feet is slippery. Several times, they almost slip and fall. At that moment, fear surges up like a tide. However, relying on their firm belief in returning home and their mutual support, they turn danger into safety time and time again, like travelers looking for light in the dark, never giving up hope. Finally, they reach the senior's residence. It is a simple thatched cottage located on a flat piece of land at the mountain peak, surrounded by clouds and mist, like a fairyland. The clouds and mist float around the thatched cottage, like a dream, as if isolating the cottage from the mortal world. However, the senior just gives them a cold look. That look is like a cold blade, instantly piercing through their bodies and making their hearts turn cold. He refuses them at the door. His cold attitude is like the cold wind at the mountain peak, mercilessly extinguishing the fire of hope in their hearts. They stand in front of the thatched cottage for a long time, reluctant to leave. Their hearts are full of unwillingness, and their eyes reveal disappointment and helplessness, as if they have been ruthlessly played by fate.

In front of a mysterious ruin forgotten by time, the ancient stone gate is engraved with strange runes. Those runes are like mysterious codes, exuding a mysterious and dangerous aura. The runes flicker with a faint light, as if warning the intruders that stepping inside will face unknown dangers. The danger is like a giant beast hidden in the dark, ready to devour everything at any time. Lin Yu and Li Qiang look at each other. Although there is a trace of uneasiness in their eyes, there is more determination to explore. That determination is as firm as steel, as if nothing can stop their steps forward. They take a deep breath and slowly push open the stone gate. A musty smell rushes towards them. The smell is pungent and unpleasant, like the decay and despair precipitated by time, making them frown involuntarily, as if the dust of time has drilled into their nostrils.

Inside the ruin, it is gloomy and dim, filled with a musty smell, like a tomb forgotten by time. Occasionally, strange phosphorescent lights flicker on the walls. The phosphorescent lights are like a pair of strange eyes, peeking at them in the dark, making their spines tingle with coldness. They move forward cautiously. The ground under their feet is covered with thick dust and gravel. Every step they take makes a rustling sound, which is particularly clear in the silent ruin, as if their every move is being monitored by an unknown force in the dark. Suddenly, the ground under their feet collapses without warning, triggering a mechanism trap. In an instant, a group of huge guardian beasts with a faint glow all over their bodies emerge from all around. These guardian beasts have ferocious faces, like demons from hell. They let out low roars, and every roar makes the ground tremble slightly, as if they want to shake the whole ruin apart. The sound is like a muffled thunder, booming in their ears. Their sharp claws scratch marks on the ground, and sparks fly. A tense atmosphere pervades the air, as if a storm is about to come.

Lin Yu quickly draws out the Taichu Divine Sword. The blade shines brightly, and the sword qi spreads out in all directions, like a dazzling lightning bolt, trying to block the attack of the guardian beasts. Every time a sword qi passes through, it leaves a white mark in the air, like a lightning bolt tearing through the night sky. The sword qi is with a fierce momentum, as if it wants to cut to pieces all the enemies that stand in their way. Li Qiang is not to be outdone either. He quickly forms seals with his hands and mutters incantations, summoning a powerful spiritual power shield. The shield shines with a blue light, like a tranquil ocean, enveloping the two of them, like an impregnable fortress, resisting the attack of the guardian beasts. At the same time, he casts an ice-based spell. Streaks of ice spikes shoot towards the guardian beasts. The ice spikes whistle through the air, with a biting chill. Wherever they go, the air seems to be frozen. The ice spikes are like sharp fangs, pouncing towards the guardian beasts. However, the guardian beasts are not afraid at all. Relying on their powerful strength and agile movements, they break through their defenses again and again. One guardian beast suddenly pounces towards Lin Yu at an extremely fast speed, like a black lightning bolt. Lin Yu dodges to the side, and with a swing of the Taichu Divine Sword in his hand, he slashes at the guardian beast. Sparks fly, but it only leaves a shallow wound on its body, as if the skin of the guardian beast is as hard as steel.

The battle is extremely fierce. Lin Yu and Li Qiang gradually run out of strength, and they have several wounds on their bodies. Blood stains their clothes and drips onto the ground along the corners of their clothes. The blood is like blooming red plums, blooming poignant and heroic flowers on the ground. But they do not retreat at all. They cooperate with each other, seize the gap in the attack of the guardian beasts, and use all their skills, as if they are engaged in a life-and-death battle with fate. Finally, they find a flaw and fight their way out of the ruin with all their might. They escape from the ruin in a sorry state and collapse on the ground. Looking at each other's bruised and battered bodies, they smile at each other. That smile is full of relief and pride. Because they know that they have overcome the difficulty again. Although they have paid a heavy price, their belief is even more firm. Despite the pain of their wounds and the exhaustion of their strength, their eyes reveal determination and pride, as if declaring to the world that they will not be defeated by difficulties.

Later, they hear that there is a peerless powerful being in the deep mountains who might know the secret of time-space travel. They go to visit with great anticipation after a long journey. Along the way, they pass through the dense forest. The thorns in the forest are like the claws of a demon, scratching their skin and leaving streaks of blood. The blood drips onto the soil and is instantly absorbed by the earth, as if the earth is greedily devouring their pain. They wade through the turbulent river. The icy river water almost freezes their legs. Every step is extremely difficult, as if they have stepped into an ice cellar. The river water is bone-chilling, like countless ice needles stabbing their skin, making it difficult for them to move forward. When they finally find this powerful being after going through countless hardships, the other party frowns, with full of vigilance and repulsion in his eyes, as if they are enemies from another world. The powerful being says coldly: "Time-space travel goes against the will of heaven. It will surely disrupt the order of heaven and earth and bring unpredictable disasters. I will not reveal a single bit of it." After saying that, he uses his powerful spiritual power to drive them out. That powerful spiritual power is like an invisible force, like a surging tide, pushing them out several zhang away. They fall to the ground, raising a cloud of dust, as if the dust is the ashes of their shattered dreams.

Time and time again, they encounter setbacks. The pain in their bodies and the exhaustion in their hearts accompany them like shadows, but Lin Yu and Li Qiang have never had the slightest thought of giving up. In the quiet night, they lie on the grass and look at the starry sky. Those stars are like the eyes of their hometown, watching them from the distant sky. They recall the bits and pieces of the earth, those warm time and family sitting around the table, the aroma of mother's cooking seems to still linger in the nose tip, the aroma is the taste of home, is a warm harbor; Laughing and friends in the street scene, the laughter of friends seems to still reverberate in the ears, the laughter is the melody of youth, is a happy memory. It's all running through their minds. Those good memories became the motivation for them to persevere, supporting them to continue on this difficult road of exploration. They believe that as long as this faith persists, they will find their way home, to their friends and family again, to a place full of warmth and love, like a traveler lost in the darkness, always convinced that the dawn will come.