After stepping into the Celestial Purity Daoist Temple, Shen Bai saw several figures swiftly approaching.

The one in the lead was a Daoist with long eyebrows that reached his shoulders. The other seven Daoists each had their own distinct appearances.

"Greetings, Master Brother. Greetings, Lord Shen." The Chang Mei Daoist clasped his hands in a salute.

Shen Bai found it perfectly normal that the Chang Mei Daoist recognized him. After all, Daoist Chongling had just gone to see him, so it was only natural they would know who he was.

Shen Bai returned the salute. "Greetings, everyone."

Daoist Chongling stepped forward and said, "Let’s skip the pleasantries. We’ll head directly to the back mountain."

"The back mountain?"

The Chang Mei Daoist looked slightly puzzled. "Master Brother, aren’t we here to deal with the matter of the Copper Mirror? Why are we going to the back mountain?"

Daoist Chongling briefly explained what had happened.

Realization dawned on the Chang Mei Daoist’s face. "I see. Lord Shen, please, this way."

He was anxious, and he quickly gestured for them to follow.

Shen Bai didn’t stand on ceremony and followed the Chang Mei Daoist toward the back mountain.

The mountain was massive, and the Celestial Purity Daoist Temple was built right into its side. Even at their pace, it took them a full hour to reach the back mountain.

When Shen Bai arrived at the back mountain, he finally saw the lake.

Amidst the picturesque landscape of water and mountains, a tranquil and beautiful lake came into view.

The water was so clear you could see the bottom, like a piece of jade crafted by nature itself. Its surface glittered, reflecting the dazzling light.

Lush green grass grew along the shore, dotted with colorful wildflowers. Butterflies danced among the blossoms, and bees busily gathered nectar.

In the distance, majestic peaks towered into the sky, with a dense forest at their base.

The trees were tall and straight, their leaves lush and green, creating a serene and mysterious atmosphere.

Shen Bai observed the scene for a moment and said, "This is truly a wonderful place."

He figured if any of the die-hard fishermen from his previous life had stumbled upon this place, they would have stayed to fish for a full day and night, even if it meant facing the wrath of their wives back home.

"Lord Shen, let’s get a closer look," Daoist Chongling said.

The other Daoists also watched Shen Bai with looks of anticipation.

The Celestial Purity Daoist Temple had been dormant for far too long. Now that it finally had a chance to see the light of day again, they were all thrilled.

Shen Bai was here to solve a problem, so he didn’t waste time with unnecessary words. He walked toward the lake, stopping a short distance from the shore.

Observing from here, Shen Bai could only see that the water was clear, yet bottomless.

Fish seemed to be swimming within it, and every now and then, one would poke its head above the surface.

Shen Bai considered for a moment, set Amber aside, and then raised his right hand.

Qi swirled continuously around his hand.

Water Control Technique!

Shen Bai activated the Water Control Technique. The next moment, guided by his Qi, the lake’s surface formed a massive whirlpool.

As the whirlpool appeared, the fish in the lake seemed to have been disturbed and scattered in all directions.

Shen Bai lowered his right hand and watched as the lake’s surface gradually returned to calm. "Just looking at it like this reveals nothing."

Although the Water Control Technique was Level 3, the lake was simply too large and wide. Using the technique from the shore didn’t seem very effective.

Daoist Chongling asked, "What do you plan to do then, Lord Shen?"

Shen Bai smiled. "If I can’t do anything from the surface, then I’ll go down to the bottom."

Daoist Chongling was momentarily stunned before it dawned on him. "Lord Shen, your skill with water is indeed well-suited for this."

Without another word, Shen Bai walked to the shore. "I’ll leave things on the bank to you, Daoists. I’m going to the bottom to check things out."

Daoist Chongling agreed, "Rest assured, Lord Shen. We will wait patiently and remain vigilant."

With everything said, Shen Bai didn’t elaborate further.

He leaped into the air and dove from the bank into the lake.

Then, with a churn of the water, Shen Bai’s figure quickly vanished beneath the surface.

"MEOW!"

Amber cried out from the shore but didn’t follow Shen Bai.

It was a proper Deceitful Beast and knew not to cause trouble for its master at a time like this.

On the shore, the group began to wait patiently.

...

The moment Shen Bai plunged into the lake, he felt a massive amount of water rushing toward him.

Water Control Technique!

His internal Qi circulated, and without hesitation, Shen Bai activated the Water Control Technique.

As the Water Control Technique took effect, Shen Bai experienced a strange new sensation.

He discovered that the surrounding water had developed a strong affinity for him.

It was a bizarre feeling, as if he were standing on dry land.

Even stranger, Shen Bai found that he could breathe freely in the water.

’This must be related to the Water Attribute,’ Shen Bai thought.

Each breath consumed some Qi, but to Shen Bai, the drain from a Third-level Divine Power was utterly insignificant.

Normally, even for someone who is a strong swimmer, their vision would be somewhat obstructed underwater. But Shen Bai was different.

Even submerged in the water, Shen Bai’s vision remained as clear as it was on land.

It wouldn’t matter even if the water became murky.

Shen Bai narrowed his eyes and casually threw a test punch.

Feeling the speed of his fist, Shen Bai got a good sense of his capabilities.

’It’s no different from being on shore. In fact, while others would have their strength diminished in the water, mine is enhanced by comparison,’ Shen Bai thought to himself.

With such a miraculous ability at his disposal, Shen Bai put aside all other thoughts and focused on searching his surroundings.

Relying on his vision, which was just as clear as it was on land, Shen Bai soon found a strange spot in the vast lake.

’The moss over there seems much thicker,’ Shen Bai thought.

The bottom of the lake was covered in a thin layer of moss, but in a corner to the left, the moss was extremely thick.