Based on Li Xiuman's assessment of mechanisms, the crystal wall in front of them likely had some hidden switch.
Once the switch was triggered, a hidden passage would open.
It was an intuitive design choice.
So Li Xiuman began feeling along the crystal wall.
However, the entire surface was completely smooth, offering not a single trace of a hidden mechanism.
“How can that be? Is my assumption wrong?”
“Is there some other requirement to trigger it...?”
Li Xiuman's mind raced.
Crystal cavern, underwater... water is the common denominator.
Could it require flowing water, or something associated with water, to open the hidden passage?
“Xiuman, could it be that we need a key to open the passage?” Brad spoke up.
He then pulled out that extremely abstract treasure map.
“This treasure map has extraordinary origins and points to the location of the Spirit Spring.”
“Could we use this map to open the hidden floor leading to the Spirit Spring?”
How could it be that simple? That crystal statue earlier was such a hassle, so how could the solution here be so straightforward?
There must be an important clue here that I've overlooked.
Could it be related to the surrounding layout? The key element in the crystal cavern right now is obviously the crystal statue.
If I draw auxiliary lines using the crystal statue as the center to connect to the corners of the crystal wall, and then plug in a formula...
While Li Xiuman was lost in thought, Brad had already groped his way forward and pressed the treasure map against the smooth crystal wall.
Immediately, the treasure map adhered snugly to the wall.
Crack!
The crystal wall split down the center and slid open to both sides as rapid currents gushed out through the opening.
“It opened!” Brad shouted in excitement.
Li Xiuman froze on the spot.
That was it?
Are you kidding me? It's really that simple?
Everyone detached the steel cables from their waists and tugged on them to signal to the person outside that they had safely navigated the hazard.
Then, in single file, they stepped through the passage opened by the crystal wall.
Before them was a descending stairway made entirely of crystal, winding down and down into the depth.
Still, no one dared to open their eyes, and none knew where the passage led.
“A mantis cutting steak!”
Hearing such a phrase suddenly echo through the silent space was eerily unsettling.
“I've regained control of my body!” Mia called out.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, eager to open their eyes and inspect their surroundings.
“Stop! Don't open your eyes!” Li Xiuman quickly shouted. Out of trust in Li Xiuman, everyone kept their eyes shut.
“Mia, make a mark here.”
“At the same time, describe the environment to us and keep guiding us forward.”
“Judging by that crystal statue's behavior earlier in the cavern, it possesses a rudimentary intelligence.”
“We can't rule out the possibility that it intentionally relinquished control over Mia to trick us into opening our eyes.”
Upon hearing Li Xiuman's explanation, everyone had an epiphany, their hearts swelling with admiration.
As expected of Miss Xiuman! So incredibly cautious!
Not only beautiful, but smart, prudent, reliable, and thorough... I really wish Miss Xiuman could be our permanent adventuring companion.
“We'll advance a bit farther before opening our eyes.”
“However, we must always keep one person in the party with their eyes closed.”
“Mia, start describing our surroundings.”
“And repeat a code word every minute—everyone who opens their eyes must do the same.”
“Yes, Big Sister Xiuman.”
Mia looked around at her surroundings and continued.
“The stone walls, the ceiling, and the stairs beneath our feet are all glowing crystals.”
“The stairs keep extending downward without end.”
“Also, the water here seems to have a faint blue tint.”
“That's it! This is the Spirit Stairs that leads to the Spirit Spring in 《The Crystal Hero's Dragon-Slaying Epic》!” Brad exclaimed excitedly upon hearing Mia's description.
Li Xiuman turned toward the direction of Brad's voice with a look of disgust.
How many times has this guy read that epic?
Is he the kind of guy who shut himself indoors reading epic tales from childhood to adulthood?
Tsk, shut-in otaku are so gross.
“Mia, keep descending.”
“Keep an eye out for any hidden passages or forks in the path.”
“Yes, Big Sister Xiuman.”
Can you please stop adding 'Big Sister'? Dammit.
It's all Number Zero's fault!
If I knew this would happen, I would've put a mask on Number Zero.
As the group continued descending, they felt they were far enough away to be outside the crystal statue's range of influence.
After all, if it could reach this far, the crystal statue would be absurdly overpowered.
One by one, the party members opened their eyes, leaving only a Swordsman who possessed the [Perception Lv1] skill to keep their eyes closed.
When they reached the end of the crystal passage, the narrow corridor opened up into a vast expanse.
Before them lay a massive underwater cavern constructed entirely of crystal, completely isolated from all other floors of the dungeon.
Without a doubt, this was a hidden dungeon!
Li Xiuman quickly looked upward. An intense radiance shone down from above, illuminating the entire underwater space.
“Swim up.”
“There might be an area above water. After all, the Spirit Spring shouldn't be submerged underwater.”
Even Li Xiuman was starting to believe in the existence of the Spirit Spring now.
Who would've thought it was actually real? I thought it was just a bedtime story for kids.
As they swam upward, monsters finally made their appearance.
Two giant eels—one large, one small—swam toward them.
Li Xiuman quickly cast Appraisal.
[Name] Electric Eel
[Level] Lv35
[Class] Monster
[Status] Healthy
[Skills] Electric Shock Lv4, Water Magic Lv3, Entangle Lv3, Electricity Storage Lv3, Electricity Resistance Lv3, Water Resistance Lv2, Swiftness Lv2, Water Affinity Lv2, Muscle Strengthening Lv2, Lubrication Lv2, Self-Healing Lv1, Great Strength Lv1
[Description] A rare electrified monster inhabiting special environments. It can use electricity to attack enemies, causing paralysis and area-of-effect damage underwater. Possesses formidable underwater combat power. Dangerous.
“Electric eels!”
“Xiuman, you recognize this monster?” Brad asked hurriedly. Information was crucial when encountering unfamiliar monsters.
Did I recognize them?
Li Xiuman spotted the word "rare" in the description and realized what was going on.
“Electric Eel—that's the name of this monster. It can use electric attacks underwater and can also cast Water Magic.”
Li Xiuman gave a brief summary, then raised his wand and warily eyed the two swimming eels.
“Brace for impact!”
“Everyone swim up quickly! Don't engage!”
Brad issued rapid commands to the party.
He didn't believe their party could defeat two Electric Eels and walk away unscathed.
After all, in his eyes, Li Xiuman was merely a top-tier Tier 2 Elementalist with superb magic skills.
Combined with a party composed entirely of Tier 2 classholders, they stood no chance against two Tier 3 rare electrified monsters.
Rate on N.U.
