Volume One: The Hidden Dragon in the Abyss Chapter 120: Making a Move

By the lakeshore, a small fire was crackling as fish roasted over the flames. The little girl, bored, picked up a stone and tossed it into the water, but suddenly, a bubble erupted.

"Ah..."

A pair of grotesque hands drifted on the surface, their pitch-black, claw-like tips flickering in and out of the water. With a sudden grab, they dragged the little girl down.

"Don't wander off!"

Xu Qing realized it too late. He shouted a warning to Han Keru and dove in without hesitation.

*Splash.*

He took a deep breath and plunged beneath the surface. It was as if some monster had grown from the bottom of the lake; seaweed-like tentacles were dragging the girl down. She was struggling frantically, caught in a state of pure panic.

"Abomination!"

Xu Qing frowned, his rage igniting. He thrust his fingers out like swords, slicing through the creature’s tentacles, then hooked his hand like a claw to snatch the girl back. With his feet kicking rhythmically, he propelled himself upward with agile, lightning-fast movements, breaking the surface.

"Take care of her."

Xu Qing tossed her toward the shore. Before she hit the ground, she seemed caught by an invisible force, landing safely in her mother's waiting arms.

He was dragged back down, the lake water rushing in—a sight that would make anyone's heart race. Underwater, Xu Qing’s movements were restricted; his feet were ensnared by a massive tangle of aquatic weeds that twisted and drifted with the current.

"Break!"

He formed a seal with his fingers and swung his arms repeatedly. The water surged like a rising dragon, churning and rushing toward his assailant. Xu Qing’s protective energy barrier expanded, keeping the surrounding water at bay, allowing him to walk as if on solid ground.

"The world is falling into chaos. Are the demons, monsters, and phantoms of the world beginning their mischief as well?"

The air in his lungs was limited, but he could hold his breath for a long time; it was of no consequence. He broke free from the restraints at his feet. With a clawing motion, he gripped the creature underwater, unleashing beams of sharp energy.

In his final moments, Xu Qing seemed to see a human face emerge, staring directly at him. The face was drained of color, pale and wide-eyed, filled with sheer terror. Its mouth was agape, frozen in the posture of a final, desperate scream, before sharp forces shredded it into countless fragments.

Xu Qing kicked off the bottom and finally returned to the surface.

*Pfft!*

He spat out water and collapsed onto the bank, gasping for breath.

"Are you alright?" Han Keru rushed to his side to attend to him.

"Brother Xu..." The little girl tugged at his sleeve.

"I'm fine, don't worry." Xu Qing sat up. Then, he heard a strange, ethereal song. The melody was as transparent as moonlight and as light and rhythmic as a leaping frog.

"Did you hear that?" Xu Qing asked urgently. He had never heard anything like it; no sound in the world could match the beauty of that melody. He listened in a trance; the lyrics were in a language he had never encountered, possessing an indescribable, bewitching power.

"No, we didn't," the two women replied. Neither had heard a thing.

"Oh. Well, let's finish eating and leave quickly. Are you two truly alright?" He checked them again; fortunately, they were unharmed. His fish was still there, ready to be eaten.

He looked back at the lake. The play of light was mesmerizing, shifting and intertwining. Suddenly, he saw a young girl sitting sideways on the surface, as if rising with the moon, the water shimmering and sparkling. Her hair, as soft as silk, cascaded down her neck and rested upon her porcelain skin. Her features were as delicate as if carved from gemstones, captivating and breathtaking. Her nose was slightly upturned, and beneath long, thick lashes, her eyes were as clear and limpid as water. Her vibrant red lips opened and closed softly, the delicate lines of her mouth shimmering as if starlight were flowing across them, making one yearn to kiss them.

Her