Volume One: Storms in the Small Town Chapter Seventeen: The Mystery of Dragon Abyss Burial

Zhang Heng wandered aimlessly along the road.

How should he approach the head of the family?

Zhang Qingcang was known for his upright and unyielding character; he probably despised sycophants and flatterers.

From Xiao Hong, he had learned that Zhang Qingcang never interfered in Zhang Heng’s affairs. Although this appeared indifferent on the surface, it was actually for Zhang Heng’s own good.

It was said that years ago, Zhang Heng’s father, Zhang Qingyu, was a prodigy of astonishing talent, having reached the Qi Sea stage at only twenty. He was hailed as a once-in-a-century genius in the Zhang family, unmatched throughout Liunan City. His very presence suffocated his peers, leaving them unable to compete.

Some admired him, like Murong Qingxue’s father, Murong Hai. Naturally, there were also petty men who harbored jealousy and resentment.

After Zhang Qingyu and his wife passed away, their son Zhang Heng, who was unable to cultivate, became the target of everyone’s attention. Those whom Zhang Qingyu had suppressed now found it all too easy to seek revenge on the defenseless Zhang Heng. No matter how powerful Zhang Qingcang might be, he could not guard Zhang Heng every moment of the day.

So Zhang Qingcang sent Zhang Heng to live in a remote little house and never visited him. This, too, was for Zhang Heng’s own benefit; by lowering his presence, people would eventually lose interest in him, and his safety would be assured.

If you care so much for me, then things will be simple.

At last, Zhang Heng thought of a solution.

Brother Zhang Tiedan, I’ll have to trouble you this time, Zhang Heng chuckled to himself, then headed towards the residence of the family head.

Arriving at the entrance, Zhang Heng had expected tight security, but to his surprise, there wasn’t a single guard.

Of course, as the head of the Zhang family, Zhang Qingcang’s strength spoke for itself. If anyone could threaten him, no number of guards would make a difference; it would only result in needless casualties.

Better this way—it would save a lot of trouble.

After Zhang Heng knocked on the door, a stern voice sounded from within, “Come in.”

He pushed open the door and entered.

Zhang Qingcang, dressed in nightclothes and reading a scripture, looked up in puzzlement when he saw Zhang Heng. Zhang Heng had stopped coming here three years ago.

With a hint of annoyance, Zhang Qingcang said, “Zhang Heng? What are you doing here?”

Zhang Heng took a moment to compose himself.

Suddenly, he dashed forward, threw his arms around Zhang Qingcang’s leg, and wailed as he shook it, “Uncle, someone wants to kill me! You must stand up for me! My life is so bitter, wuwuwu…”

Zhang Qingcang’s expression changed drastically at these words. He immediately set aside his book, helped Zhang Heng up, and asked anxiously, “Heng’er, are you hurt?”

Zhang Heng sneered inwardly—so this was the stoic act? Still pretending to be cold and aloof?

The ruse of self-injury—yes, that was it. He would use the recent assassination attempt to attract Zhang Qingcang’s attention and then suggest that Zhang Tiedan was behind it. Not only would this draw him closer to Zhang Qingcang, but it would also rid him of someone constantly looking to make trouble for him.

Two birds with one stone—how wonderful.

Zhang Heng stood up, his face full of grievance. “Thank you for your concern, Uncle. By a stroke of luck, I escaped unscathed.”

He had intended to bring up his grudge with Zhang Tiedan when Zhang Qingcang asked for details. But—

Upon learning Zhang Heng was unharmed, Zhang Qingcang said nothing more, turned around, and went back inside.

Zhang Heng was dumbfounded. The people in this world are so damn strange.

Shortly afterward, Zhang Qingcang returned, carrying a bundle.

He spoke sternly, “Heng’er, you can’t stay in Liunan City any longer. There are some spirit stones in here—take them and leave at once.” With that, he handed the bundle to Zhang Heng and urged him, “Go quickly—delay could bring disaster.”

Once again, Zhang Heng was bewildered. Zhang Tiedan was just a small fry—Zhang Qingcang’s reaction was out of proportion. There must be a deeper reason.

So Zhang Heng asked in confusion, “Uncle, what’s happened? Why would anyone want me dead?”

While pushing Zhang Heng out, Zhang Qingcang said, “Ask nothing. Leave Liunan City at once—the farther, the better. No matter what happens, never come back. Just remember, I would never harm you.”

Moments later, Zhang Heng stood staring at the door Zhang Qingcang had closed behind him, utterly disheartened.

After Zhang Heng left, Zhang Qingcang gazed sharply at the ceiling. “The Dragon Burial Abyss is about to open. So you can no longer restrain yourselves?”

Back in his little house, Zhang Heng stared blankly at the handful of spirit stones beside him, completely at a loss. What the hell was going on here?

Hey, system, are you there? Do you know why my uncle reacted so strongly?

Beep. I am here.

Beep. I know.

Beep. Eighteen years ago, Zhang Qingyu and Yuan Qiuling were pursued by enemies and accidentally entered the Dragon Burial Abyss. Miraculously, they survived and brought back a pendant. Three years ago, for some unknown reason, word spread that Zhang Qingyu and his wife had discovered the secrets of the Dragon Burial Abyss. Countless powerful figures from across the land wished to capture them and use them to obtain the treasures within the Abyss. That’s why the couple went into exile.

Now, with the once-in-a-century disappearance of the spatial turbulences in the Dragon Burial Abyss approaching, many powerful people will come to Liunan City, hoping to seize this chance to enter the Abyss in search of fortunes, herbs, or spirit materials. Zhang Qingcang fears someone may use you, the host, to force Zhang Qingyu and Yuan Qiuling to reveal themselves. That’s why he wants you to leave.

Beep. I’ve said so much, I’m about to crash. Beep…

Zhang Heng was speechless. That’s it? You’re about to break down just from saying a few words? What use are you, then?

Beep. It’s not that I’m useless—the system’s capabilities are directly tied to the host’s strength. If anything, it’s your own weakness that makes my functions unstable.

Zhang Heng was embarrassed. To be looked down upon by his own system—what a disgrace. He hurriedly changed the topic. System, just now you mentioned that there are spatial turbulences outside the Dragon Burial Abyss. What does that mean?

By most people’s logic, upon hearing news related to their parents, they would first ask where their parents are and whether they are safe. But this Zhang Heng was not the same as before; he felt nothing in particular for those two.

Beep. The Dragon Burial Abyss is one of the four great forbidden lands of the Immortal Cultivation Continent. It has existed since the dawn of time. Within, countless spatial and temporal turbulences swirl. Anyone entering the Abyss risks being swept into a temporal rift—if lucky, they might be transported elsewhere; if not, they could be trapped in the void forever.

Legend has it that in ancient times, a true dragon that had achieved transformation, confident in its own strength, forced its way in and was never seen again. That is why the place is called the Dragon Burial Abyss.

“So that’s how it is,” Zhang Heng murmured in amazement.

What about the disappearance of the spatial turbulences?

Beep. The Dragon Burial Abyss is always filled with spatial turbulences, so no one dares to enter lightly. However, every hundred years, the turbulences inexplicably vanish for a time. Whenever this happens, countless people gather here. Some are powerful cultivators seeking fortune, and others are bystanders hoping to profit from the chaos.