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Wen Renming looked towards Xiao Liel and said:

"It should be nearby. I sense it's within this lake. In our Wen family lore, there are tales of a lake in a secret realm housing the 'Qing Yuan Jue'. However, a fierce aquatic guardian protects this secret treasure. It's not something we can easily deal with. Everyone seems exhausted today. How about we rest and prepare to retrieve the manuscript tomorrow?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Liel nodded, turning his gaze intently to the vast lake before him. The lake was so immense that if the "Qingyuan Jue" were indeed hidden within, it would be hard to locate it solely through human effort in a short time.

However, considering that Wen Renming could effortlessly dissolve the illusion barrier outside the cave entrance, he must surely know the location of the treasure within the lake.

Chapter 17: The disfigured, blind Sect Leader (17)

Still, the presence of a water beast guarding the "Qingyuan Jue" posed a challenge. The experiences in this secret realm made Xiao Liel not to underestimate this place.

It was indeed as perilous as Wen Renming had described. Every step seemed to require caution.

Reflecting on this, Xiao Liel returned to the Piaomiao Pavilion group, instructing them to set up camp by the lake for the night and rest up. All other matters would be addressed the next day.

As Ying Zhao was the only one in the Piaomiao Pavilion with a Qiankun bag at his waist, he hadn't lost any camping essentials. With a single incantation, he set up the tent and let Wen Renming rest inside.

The members of the Piaomiao Pavilion, underestimating Wen Renming's cultivation, had no objections since they were relying on him to lead the way.

Given the importance of this secret realm expedition, Nan Zheng had provided everyone with the hunger-suppressing pill, "Bigu Dan". Thus, they could go a month without food, conveniently avoiding any hunger issues.

As night descended, everyone from the Piaomiao Pavilion soon succumbed to exhaustion and slept. It seemed the secret realm's challenges had pushed them to their limits.

In terms of vitality, perhaps only Ying Zhao and Wen Renming remained at their peak. After all, they hadn’t battled the vines in the secret realm, and with Ying Zhao's assistance, Wen Renming had overcome the domain of heart demons without being affected.

Later, when it grew even darker, Ying Zhao carefully sat up in the tent after making sure everyone was asleep.

Gently poking Wen Renming's cheek, Ying Zhao whispered in his ear:

"Wen Renming, wake up. Come with me."

Wen Renming blinked, looking slightly dazed as he sat up. Although unsure of where Ying Zhao intended to take him, he obediently followed.

Silently, Ying Zhao held Wen Renming's hand and, sniffing the air, followed a particular scent. In no time, they reached another cave not far from the lake.

Spotting a small hot spring inside the cave, Ying Zhao's eyes lit up. He had detected a faint sulfur smell from a distance. Upon having his system scan the area, indeed, a hidden hot spring was discovered.

Excitedly looking at the spring, Ying Zhao, who always enjoyed playing in the water and taking baths, thought of relaxing in the warm water after the exhausting day.

Eagerly tugging at Wen Renming's arm, he exclaimed:

"Look, Wen Ren! I found a hot spring! We can relax tonight!"

Crouching down to touch the warm spring water, Wen Renming turned his incredulous gaze to Ying Zhao.

Even with his deep knowledge of the Wen family's secret realm, he had never noticed this hidden spring. He asked Ying Zhao:

"Yun Ping, how did you know about this cave and the spring within?"

Upon hearing the question, Ying Zhao hesitated, unsure of how to explain his unusually keen sense of smell due to his spiritual beast origins.

After a moment of thought, he fibbed:

"Earlier today when you all rested, I explored the surroundings and stumbled upon this cave. I purposely didn’t tell anyone. We're all worn out, Wen Ren, let's not dwell on it. Come, let’s enjoy the hot spring!"

When Wen Renming heard Ying Zhao's words, he was momentarily stunned. But before he could nod in acknowledgment, he heard a soft rustling sound before him. Wen Renming looked up, his spiritual perception that spanned the cave vividly transmitting the scene before him to his mind. Thus, he distinctly realized that Ying Zhao was undressing piece by piece right in front of him.

Although cultivators can cleanse their clothes and bodies with a simple Dust Removal Technique, both the original host and Ying Zhao preferred the sensation of bathing in water. Ying Zhao always believed that replacing such a pleasure with a technique was truly wasteful.

Having removed all her clothes, Ying Zhao tentatively tested the temperature of the spring water with her foot. It was a tad hot, but it was refreshing nonetheless.

Unable to resist, she fully submerged herself into the hot spring, its depth just right, reaching up to her chest, allowing her to lean against the stone wall.

Ying Zhao relaxed and leaned back, letting out a contented sigh. It was only then that she felt like she was forgetting something. Turning her head, she saw Wen Renming standing frozen in place.

Only then did Ying Zhao realize that even though Wen Renming was blind, his spiritual perception allowed him to clearly see her. Suppressing her initial embarrassment, Ying Zhao smiled coyly and reached out to him.

Gently rising, she grabbed Wen Renming's fingers and with a firm pull, caused him to stumble into the hot spring alongside her.

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