Urban Divine Doctor Descends the Mountain

Chapter 2694: Chapter 2693: Leaving

After mastering the second layer of the Earth Dragon Treasure Technique, Lin Dong couldn’t dwell in the joy. He immediately started preparing to learn the third layer of the Earth Dragon Treasure Technique.

Lin Dong’s figure seemed to meld with the surrounding rocks, his determined eyes revealing an unyielding light.

He sat cross-legged on a moss-covered boulder, eyes closed in concentration, trying to capture the subtle rhythm of the third layer of the Earth Dragon Treasure Technique.

However, time seemed to stand still. Despite his efforts, the threshold of the third layer remained out of reach.

”Surely this third layer is extraordinary.” Lin Dong thought to himself, recalling how he grasped the essence of the first layer in just a few minutes.

The second layer, although taking longer, was accomplished in just a few days.

But now, this third layer was like an insurmountable mountain, filling him with an unprecedented sense of defeat.

Lin Dong slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping the surroundings. The ancient and mysterious runes shimmered faintly, as if telling the story of the Earth Dragon Clan’s glory and vicissitudes.

He understood in his heart that cultivating the third layer was not something that could be achieved overnight but required long-term accumulation and enlightenment.

Perhaps calculating in terms of months would be the most reasonable expectation.

But reality allowed no delay. The crisis upon him was like a sharp sword hanging over his head, ready to fall at any moment.

The Dead Soul Curse on him was like a ticking time bomb, forcing him to race against time.

Lin Dong took a deep breath, trying to calm his heart.

”I can’t delay here any longer. I need to leave this third Earth Dragon Treasure Vault and then leave the Earth Dragon Palace.” Lin Dong decided in his heart, his eyes firm and resolute.

Although the third layer of the Earth Dragon Treasure Technique is immensely tempting, the current situation leaves him with no room for hesitation.

The biggest goal of this journey—acquiring the Earth Dragon Treasure Technique—has been achieved. The next task is to go out and refine the antidote for the Dead Soul Curse and lift the curse on him.

As for the third layer of the Earth Dragon Treasure Technique, it would have to wait for another time to learn. Having mastered the second layer now gives him a chance to escape in front of a Junior Patriarch.

Moreover, the cultivation method for the third layer has already been branded into his mind and won’t be forgotten.

”It’s time to leave.”

Lin Dong stood up, brushed off the dust from his body, and cast one last look over the ancient and mysterious Earth Dragon Treasure Vault.

He bowed deeply to the Little Winged Dragon in gratitude for everything it had given.

”Senior, I’m leaving. Thank you for your teaching grace.”

The Little Winged Dragon flapped its wings and said, ”No need to thank me; it was all your doing. It’s a pity I won’t see how long it takes for you to master the third layer.”

”At least a few months,” Lin Dong said, ”I can’t find peace to retreat here for so long; there’s much to do in the outer world.”

”Okay, okay, you don’t need to explain to me. Go on,” the Little Winged Dragon flapped its wings lightly and said.

Lin Dong nodded, then turned and walked towards the exit of the treasure vault, each step appearing exceptionally determined.

...

Time rewinds to two days before, sunlight slants over the entrance of the ancient and mysterious Earth Dragon Treasure Vault, casting a faint golden glow over the relic that has slumbered for countless ages.

Yun Ruoxian, Tang Yun, Aidan, Tian Kong, and the Crescent Wolf Emperor were gathered at the treasure vault entrance, each with an expression that mingled anticipation and apprehension.

Just then, the divine talismans of their respective clans suddenly shone brightly, conveying urgent and solemn messages from their elders.

”You must leave the Earth Dragon Palace immediately, whether or not you have obtained the Earth Dragon Treasure Technique. Earth Dragon Venerate is about to return, we must evacuate swiftly.”

This unexpected news struck like a bolt from the blue, causing the five individuals’ expressions to turn extremely grave in an instant.

Yun Ruoxian frowned, eyes filled with worry: ”Lin Dong hasn’t come out yet. Should we leave him behind?”

Her voice carried a trace of reluctance and struggle, clearly unwilling to give up on waiting for their companion.

Upon hearing this, Aidan’s lips curled into a complex smile, seemingly trying to lighten the heavy mood with a cheerful tone: ”How can this be considered abandonment? Maybe he’s already met with misfortune in the third stage. One must have self-awareness, the saying about the greedy snake swallowing an elephant, I believe he understands.”

However, there was an imperceptible tremor in his words, clearly indicating that Lin Dong’s previous display of strength had left a deep impression on him, causing a twinge of fear when mentioning him.

Yun Ruoxian’s eyes flashed with anger, her voice unwaveringly firm: ”Aidan, don’t speak nonsense! Lin Dong will not easily give up, and he will not die in the third stage!”

Tang Yun also took Yun Ruoxian’s side, her tone bearing a hint of reproach: ”Aidan, it seems you weren’t taught well enough by Lin Dong last time.”

Aidan was momentarily speechless, rebutted by the two, his mind unwillingly recalling the humiliation of being easily defeated by Lin Dong before. That fear resurfaced, making him want to avoid the topic unconsciously.

Thus, he hastily switched the topic: ”Alright, even if Lin Dong is fine, we can’t stay here and take risks. The Junior Patriarchs have given clear instructions, we must obey them, and not cause trouble for them.”

Aidan’s words struck each of their hearts like a heavy hammer.

Though their hearts were filled with worry for Lin Dong, reason told them Aidan was right.

Waiting blindly here might not only miss the best chance for escape but also cause unnecessary trouble for their clan.

Tian Kong sighed, eyes full of helplessness and unwillingness: ”Let’s go, we have faith in Lin Dong, he can surely turn calamities into blessings.”

The Crescent Wolf Emperor nodded, his wolf-like eyes glinting with wisdom: ”Lin Dong is an extraordinary person; he won’t fall easily. Our best support for him is to retreat first.”

In the end, the five reached a consensus to first retreat from the Earth Dragon Palace.

As they turned to leave, each carried complex emotions within.

There was concern for Lin Dong, uncertainty about the future, and fear of the unknown.

But they knew this was the wisest decision they could make.

As the group gradually departed, silence once again enveloped the Earth Dragon Treasure Vault, as if nothing had happened.

When time returned to the present, after Lin Dong walked out of the third Earth Dragon Treasure Vault, he found the scene empty of Yun Ruoxian and her companions.

However, they left behind a divine talisman message for him.

”Lin Dong, you must return alive! We received a message from the Junior Patriarchs that Earth Dragon Venerate is returning soon, and we had to evacuate first. We can only leave beforehand.”

”If you come out and see this message, leave the Earth Palace Dragon quickly!”

”Finally, we hope you can join the Alliance of Heavenly Realm in the future. When that time comes, come find me. I believe this won’t be your endpoint, Lin Dong, and you will return safely.”

Lastly, a signature.

Yun Ruoxian, left!