The Dragon Valley wound and twisted, stretching out like a colossal dragon crouching upon the earth. Perpetual mist shrouded the valley's interior, obscuring all visibility — even the most powerful experts who ventured inside could not see very far.
Around the perimeter of the Dragon Valley, numerous powerful members of the Dragon Phoenix Manor had once hidden themselves in concealment. But as time dragged on, those experts had gradually gone about their own affairs.
Only Manor Lord Chen Zhou and his companions remained at the valley's entrance, keeping their vigil.
At this moment, Chen Zhou gazed toward the valley floor with deep worry etched across his face and heaved a heavy sigh.
Two years ago, when a disciple named Sun Yu had unsealed the ancient prohibition that had kept the Dragon Valley locked away for so many years — bringing forth the miraculous vision of a golden dragon's head — the entire Dragon Phoenix Manor had erupted with excitement.
Every high-ranking figure in the manor had set their eyes upon this place, believing that the sect's revival was within reach. Surely before long, they would once again stand at the very peak of this continent, equal to the most formidable powers.
But two full years had now passed, and nothing had changed. Though everyone could still feel tremendous surges of energy emanating from within, the disciple called Sun Yu showed no sign of returning.
Gradually, many had begun to lose heart. No one dared voice this openly before the Manor Lord, but in private, the consensus was clear — that disciple was most likely beyond saving.
After all, he was only at the seventh layer of the Zhenyuan Realm. For him to have vanished for this long, he had surely starved to death inside the Dragon Valley. How could he possibly have survived?
Chen Zhou fixed his gaze on the faint golden glow in the distance and sighed once more.
"Manor Lord…" Yu Tingyi, his companion, stood at his side and could not help but offer some comfort. "That disciple was able to unseal the prohibition. He must be a man of extraordinary destiny. Surely heaven will watch over him."
Chen Zhou said nothing, his face clouded with worry.
Yu Tingyi sighed helplessly in turn and turned her gaze to an old man nearby.
Just as Chen Zhou had persisted here for two years waiting, so too had this old man remained at the valley entrance, his eyes worn thin from longing.
It was Elder Ling Jian — the very elder who had once mentored Sun Yu.
Elder Ling Jian possessed modest strength and held only a nominal elder title within the Dragon Phoenix Manor. He wielded no real authority and had generally been treated with indifference.
But after Sun Yu's unsealing of the prohibition two years ago, Elder Ling Jian's status had skyrocketed virtually overnight. Nearly every elder greeted him with courtesy and respect. He had flourished within the manor, riding the wave of his newfound prestige.
Now, however, that warm regard had faded, and no one treated him with the same seriousness as before.
Chen Zhou and Ling Jian stood side by side, gazing down into the valley, exchanging one long sigh after another. Both wore expressions of tangled worry.
A figure swiftly approached — another elder of the Dragon Phoenix Manor, Xiao Ling. Upon drawing near, Xiao Ling carefully studied Chen Zhou's expression and then glanced at Yu Tingyi.
She gave a slow shake of her head, her beautiful eyes brimming with helplessness and gloom.
Xiao Ling understood at once. Things at the Dragon Valley were the same as ever — no change whatsoever. He pondered for a moment, then cupped his fists and said, "Manor Lord, the elders are requesting your presence to discuss an urgent matter."
"Discuss it among yourselves. Just inform me of the result," Chen Zhou said, waving his hand with weary disinterest.
"But, Manor Lord, this matter truly requires your personal decision. We would not dare overstep," Xiao Ling said, his expression troubled.
Chen Zhou's brow furrowed, a flash of impatience crossing his face.
Seeing this, Yu Tingyi quickly spoke up. "Why don't you go? For the past two years, you haven't attended to any of the manor's affairs…"
"I am waiting here for the Dragon Emperor's return!" Before she could finish, Chen Zhou cut her off.
Yu Tingyi could only smile bitterly.
"Do you all think this time is the same as before? Hmph, ignorant and foolish. The Dragon Emperor will return — the time simply hasn't come yet!" Chen Zhou snorted coldly, his face set with unwavering conviction.
Yu Tingyi brightened and smiled. Playing along, she said, "If you say he will return, then he will. But there's no need to rush. The elders are all waiting for you — just go and come right back. Elder Ling Jian and I will keep watch here. Not a thing will slip past us."
Chen Zhou glanced at her. After a long moment, he gave a slight nod. "Then keep your eyes wide open. Stay sharp."
"Mm." Yu Tingyi nodded solemnly, though inwardly she felt utterly resigned.
Chen Zhou cast one more uneasy glance toward the valley floor, then prepared to leave with Xiao Ling.
Just then, the Dragon Valley — silent and still for two full years — suddenly erupted with a tremendous wave of energy. The gray, mist-shrouded depths seemed to be swept by a violent gale, and in an instant the haze cleared away completely.
Looking straight ahead, the valley floor lay fully exposed.
Chen Zhou's stride halted abruptly. His body trembled with excitement as he stared unblinkingly at the sight before him.
Ling Jian, whose face had been hollow with dejection, watched just as intently. In his clouded eyes, an eager light flickered to life, and his withered hands began to shake uncontrollably.
"Something's happening!" Chen Zhou could not contain a low shout.
Even Xiao Ling, who had come to summon him, froze in his tracks, staring uncertainly toward the valley floor, his heart stirred with a surge of excitement he could not quite explain.
Though the elders had long been dissatisfied with the Manor Lord's decision to neglect the manor's affairs and camp out at the valley's entrance for two years — and though they were all but certain that the disciple called Sun Yu could never have survived — when such a phenomenon appeared before their very eyes, Xiao Ling could not help but be filled with hope.