Chapter 86: Could it be a dilapidated little temple?

wondered which level would suit him nowIf he could get a green-rank technique book, that would be amazing already."Ren, why are you smiling like an idiot Come downstairs and play cards with us," Zhou...Chapter 86: Could It Be a Tiny Temple

The next day, Hao Ren woke up early and opened the window to face the sea, practicing Clarity Concentration Technique for another two hours.

In the morning mist, spiral water vapor formed thread-like spirals. Unconsciously, these entered various acupuncture points of Hao Ren's body, leaving a trace in every aperture before storing in his dantian to nourish the barely perceptible dragon pearl within him.

The second level of Clarity Concentration Technique was the realm of leading qi into the body, although it wasn't as free-flowing as the third level of circulating qi outside the body. Still, it represented significant progress compared to the first level's communication with heaven and earth.

After being refined by the energy from heaven and earth, Hao Ren’s physique became more refined, even though his muscular build didn’t change significantly; however, his strength was now several times greater than before.

Hearing noise outside, Hao Ren slowly finished his practice, opened the door, and walked out.

“So early You’re up already” Hao Zhonghua asked when he saw his son come out of his room on the corridor.

"Dad, are you going to work today" Hao Ren inquired.

"Yes, there’s still a lot left from yesterday. Your complexion looks good, so I guess you slept well last night" Hao Zhonghua asked further.

Hao Ren nodded with a smile.

Actually, the additional effect of Clarity Concentration Technique was to rapidly restore mental energy, even more effectively than sleep.

The father and son descended together. Hao Zhonghua personally prepared some simple food for them.

"Dad, could you take me into town while driving" asked Hao Ren as he ate.

"Today is Sunday; no classes then" Hao Zhonghua was a bit confused.

"I’m going to Af Zi’s house. Uncle Zhao wants to show me around somewhere today," replied Hao Ren.

“Oh, okay.” Hao Zhonghua munched on his bread without further questioning.

In a way, Hao Zhonghua was similar to Hao Ren—despite their deep bond, they were not good at expressing emotions. Of course, it was only because of Yue Yang's proactive pursuit that he managed to get Hao Zhonghua out from the depths of his research.

Seeing his father’s distracted demeanor, Hao Ren knew he hadn’t started work yet and that his mind was already filled with work-related thoughts.

After breakfast, Hao Ren left a note on the table and got into his father's car to head into town.

Hao Zhonghua's biological laboratory was located in downtown. When they were in Donghai City, he usually drove there for work while Yue Yang’s climate research institute was near the villa by the sea, within a ten-minute walk.

Seeing his father still going to work on Sunday, Hao Ren felt quite sympathetic towards him.

Hao Ren started the car and glanced at his bracelet. Suddenly he said, "Why are you wearing bracelets like a girl"

"What bracelet Just a little wristband," Hao Ren argued.

"Little Purple sent it to you, right" Hao Zhonghua asked.

Hao Ren shook his head.

Hao Zhonghua didn’t care much about this; he was just casually asking. Anyway, nowadays, it’s not uncommon for young men to wear wristbands.

But he couldn’t have imagined that these cheap items costing a few dollars from street vendors were actually something beyond his imagination.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "In two days... I might go out again."

"Where are you going" Hao Ren asked immediately.

"To Connecticut in the US. There’s an academic exchange at Yale University and I also need to visit some friends in biology circles in New York," Hao Zhonghua said.

"How long will you be gone" Hao Ren pressed.

"Hmm... about two weeks, I think," Hao Zhonghua answered.

Hao Ren fell silent, feeling somewhat unhappy. He had just returned home for a few days and now he was leaving again; it’s no wonder Grandma often grumbled.

"But this time your mom won’t go with me. She’ll stay in Donghai to take care of Grandma," Hao Zhonghua said.

Seeing his son wasn’t responding, Hao Zhonghua knew he was unhappy and said, "Take care of yourself and try to spend more time with Grandma when you’re free."

Hao Ren remained silent. He had thought that this time his father would stay longer after returning home, but who would have known that after settling the dinner with Zhao Yanzi’s family, he was heading abroad again.

The car arrived at Zhao Yanzi's house. Upon hearing the sound, Zhao Guang came out to greet them personally.

Seeing Zhao Guang coming over, Hao Zhonghua hurriedly opened the car door and got out to exchange pleasantries.

"Today I brought Ah Ren here for some fun; do you mind" The handsome-looking Zhao Guang asked in a loud voice.

"Haha, of course not. I’ve been busy with work recently. In the future when I have more time, I’ll take Ah Zi to visit us and have some fun," Hao Zhonghua replied loudly with his imposing figure and bearing.

“Good, good...” Zhao Guang exchanged pleasantries with Hao Zhonghua several times.

Hao Zhonghua then had to leave for work and drove off. Zhao Guang led Hao Ren into the house.

Pondering over the upcoming trip to what was called the "Dragon Palace," Hao Ren felt a bit uneasy.

"Ah Zi, are you awake" Upon entering the house, Zhao Guang asked loudly.

"Oh no... I still want to sleep, Allah!" In the room upstairs, Zhao Yanzi lazily whined.

Zhao Guang led Hao Ren up the stairs and opened her door.

Zhao Yanzi was curled up in bed, with two delicate legs sticking out. Her hair was messy, and her pajamas were disheveled, making her look like a bird that had just woken up.

She groggily opened her eyes and saw Hao Ren at the door. Suddenly she shrieked, retracting into the covers like a snail, "Dad, why did you bring him here!"

"Are you going to the Dragon Palace" Zhao Guang asked from the doorway.

"No no no..." Zhao Yanzi rolled in bed and shouted.

Zhao Guang sighed with relief and called out to the neighboring room, "Hongyu, stay home and take care of Ah Zi. I'll bring Ah Ren around the Dragon Palace."

"Sure," Zhao Hongyu cheerfully replied from next door.

Their conversation made it seem like they were going to a countryside house to fetch items, ruining all the excitement Hao Ren had built up overnight about this trip.

"Alright, Ah Zi still wants to sleep. Let's go just the two of us then. She’s preparing for exams and needs rest. I’ll let her have it," Zhao Guang said as he led Hao Ren out of Zhao Yanzi's room.

Hao Ren nodded in agreement. He knew Zhao Yanzi could be stubborn, so there was no point arguing with her.

Seeing Zhao Guang’s matter-of-fact expression, Hao Ren wondered if his expectations were too high and the Dragon Palace was just a small temple or ancestral hall, which is why they were all doing business on land instead of living in the sea. Could it be that there weren’t any precious treasures or exotic creatures

This feeling was akin to an imperial scholar stepping into the Golden Hall; no matter how composed he tried to act, it wouldn't ring true.

Zhao Guang didn’t pay attention to Hao Ren’s nervousness. He drove his black Chevrolet towards the seaside.

As they were driving, Hao Ren noticed their route getting closer and closer to their family’s vacation villa area. Soon enough, he could see their beachside villa coming into view.

Hmm… So the Dragon Palace is actually near our place... We’ve been neighbors for years but I didn’t know it… Hao Ren thought quietly to himself.

Zhao Guang turned and entered another area.

This place wasn't far from the bustling "Golden Coast," but due to the rocky terrain and rough sea, few people ventured here.

Zhao Guang parked his car beside it and led Hao Ren towards a large rock.

The shape of this rock resembled an upright shell with a deep hollow in its middle that could shelter half a person.

"Circulate your mind-concentrating technique, then hold onto this," Zhao Guang placed a pearl-like bead into Hao Ren's palm.

Hao Ren followed the instruction. Immediately he felt as if a layer of cold air enveloped him. Zhao Guang gently pushed on Hao Ren’s back; Hao Ren bumped into that rock.

He instinctively closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, he found himself at the bottom of the sea.

The seawater surrounded him but could not get within a meter. The pearl in his mouth was getting colder and colder, gradually sapping energy from his body.

So the pearl I have in my mouth is the legendary "Water Avoidance Pearl"... This must be a kind of treasure object as well...郝仁 thought to himself.

"Don't think about anything reckless. Follow me." Zhao Guang transmitted his voice and led the way ahead.

The Focus Spirit Technique was not only their dragon clan's basic practice but also the "password" required to pass through that rocky passage. Without practicing the Focus Spirit Technique, no one could enter this place. No wonder Su Han felt so anxious when she sensed my presence back then; such a fundamental skill is also key to guarding their secrets and needs strict control.

While following Zhao Guang,郝仁 continued his thoughts.

The seawater parted automatically as they moved forward; the Han person, holding the Water Avoidance Pearl, closely followed behind Zhao Guang without being affected by any residual ripples.

No one knew how long it took them to arrive there. But 郝仁 saw a gleaming golden object ahead of him when he looked past Zhao Guang's arm.

"Follow me carefully; don't miss a step." Zhao Guang suddenly transmitted another message in his mind.

Seemingly worried, Zhao Guang explained further: "There are intricate formations set up around here. If you misstep at any point, it will cause your instant annihilation."

Hearing this warning, 郝仁's attention immediately sharpened, and he no longer cast glances in other directions.

I am the son-in-law of a dragon king; if I were to meet my end at the entrance of his palace, wouldn't that be a huge joke

"Two steps left, one step forward, two steps right..." Zhao Guang's calm voice was clearly transmitted into 郝仁's mind.

Holding nothing back, 郝仁 followed Zhao Guang's instructions without hesitation, moving at an unhurried pace.

This walking style was somewhat similar to the childhood game of "Hopscotch," but with immense pressure!

Who would have thought that this calm and tranquil sea hid such a life-or-death crisis in each step taken

"Forward, then turn right!" Zhao Guang shouted.

Holding his breath, 郝仁 carefully took four steps forward—neither too big nor too small—then immediately turned to the right.

"We're here." Upon hearing Zhao Guang's words, 郝仁 breathed a huge sigh of relief.

The short ten-minute journey had made him break into a sweat and drenched his clothes completely.

Rubbing his neck, he raised his head. Before him stood an opulent, magnificent palace—The Eastern Sea Dragon Palace!!!. Then she looked over Hao Ren et al.'s review situation but felt somewhat depressed as she couldn't understand those books.At the end of the day, there was a generation gap between her and Hao Ren......