Wizard: Starting from the Skill Tree-Chapter 543: Treasure Hunt

Duke, through the magic of Water Flow Shadow, glimpsed the situation within the abyss.

This was a series of images calculated and deduced from the information carried within the water flow, finally appearing in Duke’s mind.

It seemed to be a small cave entrance buried for countless years, now sealed by collapsed rocks and the dust of time.

Deep within the cave, a warm, pure blue light faintly glimmered.

This light was not static but gently pulsating like the heart of the deep sea, with each pulse emitting a subtle yet uniquely rhythmic water element fluctuation.

This fluctuation was remarkably harmonious with the surrounding seawater, yet carried an ancient and primal will, leaving a unique and mysterious imprint in the flow of water over the years.

In the images, some lush, glowing algae, nourished by this energy over a long period, could be seen. They twined around the ruins at the cave entrance like loyal guardians, forming a small ecosystem that was distinct and mysterious from the surrounding environment.

There were even a few massive skeletons of unknown creatures, long devoid of life, half-buried nearby. Over the ages, their bones seemed to have been imbued with the blue light, taking on a lustrous sheen reminiscent of deep-sea pearls.

"This is..." Duke’s heart involuntarily skipped a few beats.

This pure and profound water element fluctuation, capable of integrating so perfectly with the deep-sea environment while possessing an independent will, was definitely not something that ordinary elemental crystals or magic items could possess.

To Duke, it felt more like a living, ancient creation closely tied to the ocean’s origin.

"A powerful water attribute treasure? Or some ocean-specific resource?" Various possibilities flashed through Duke’s mind, and he could feel that whatever was inside, it was not simple.

He forcefully suppressed the urge to explore immediately, carefully evaluating the risks.

The imprint’s age suggested the place might have been forgotten, implying relatively low danger.

But in the deep sea, any location containing treasures might be accompanied by unknown protective mechanisms or curses.

He quickly noted the precise coordinates of that area, detailing the characteristics of the energy imprint and the reconstructed vague images.

"In any case, it’s worth exploring," Duke’s eyes reflected a trace of caution. "But utmost caution is necessary, as such ancient things often have far-reaching connections."

Fortunately, he had some spare time during this period, allowing Duke the opportunity to go on an adventure.

The water flow shadow magic was exceptionally suitable for treasure hunting in underwater environments, allowing one to gather extensive information from the data the water carries.

The treasures hidden within the sea are countless; since the birth of the Wizard Plane, who knows how many treasures lie hidden in some unremarkable corner of the ocean.

Duke planned to make preparations before venturing to investigate.

...

A few days later, Duke was ready and left Blade Ridge Camp.

Before leaving, he made sure to inform Lauren, saying he was just going for a stroll.

Lauren, naturally, had no objections. Before the next mission, they were free to move about, without much restriction.

The only thing to heed was not to stray too far, lest something occur and they cannot return promptly.

Utilizing the Water Flow Shadow for precise interpretation of water flow and calculating coordinates, he navigated like a seasoned pilot, precisely diving towards that unknown canyon region in the dim, high-pressure depths.

The initial journey was relatively stable, following a familiar seabed slope downward. Occasionally, patrolling Sea Race teams or traces of luminescent fish shoals were visible.

But as the depth increased, light gradually faded, plunging the surroundings into a near-eternal darkness.

Only the faint lighting technique he cast and the self-luminous moss and fungi on the rock walls provided limited illumination.

The pressure became terrifying. Were he not a Level 1 Crystalized Mage, with a body and spiritual power fortified multiple times, he would’ve long been crushed by the deep-sea pressure.

This depth was no place an ordinary person could reach, with far fewer signs of biological activity visible.

Duke activated the Water Flow Shadow again, this time for risk avoidance rather than treasure hunting.

His spiritual power probed into the surrounding icy seawater, reading the recent information recorded within the currents.

He saw a deep abyss eel, over twenty meters in length, with razor-sharp teeth, swimming past hours ago. Its ferocity left a clear imprint within the water.

This was a Level 1 Peak-Class demon, evidently powerful.

Duke also sensed an area in the water ahead filled with intense acidic corrosive energy imprints, suggesting it might harbor unknown acid-spraying creatures or a natural poison spring.

He immediately adjusted his route, taking a wide detour.

At the bottleneck of a seabed rift, he detected periodic energy turbulence recorded in the water flow through his magic.

Patiently waiting, he passed swiftly through during a relatively calm interval, avoiding trouble from the turbulence.

In this complex seabed environment, Water Flow Shadow became his indispensable early-warning radar.

Relying on it, Duke successfully navigated several potential threats and mishaps, allowing the journey to proceed smoothly.

As he drew closer to the target coordinates, the surrounding environment grew increasingly eerie and desolate.

Massive, twisted deep-sea corals loomed like a ghostly forest. In the darkness, cold, emotionless eyes occasionally glowed; these were abyssal creatures adapted to extreme conditions, silently watching.

Most harbored hostility toward the uninvited Duke, but upon sensing the powerful aura he emitted, they mostly chose to stealthily retreat.

Duke grew more cautious, suppressing all unnecessary auras, assimilating his life fluctuations and energy aura as much as possible with the surrounding cold seawater, drifting like a ghost among rugged rocks and towering kelp forests.

After hours of stealthy navigation, he finally reached the edge of the underwater canyon area shown by the Water Flow Shadow.

Standing at the canyon’s top, looking down, he saw a bottomless darkness below, resembling the maw of a colossal beast.

Chilly seawater formed undercurrents here, producing mournful sounds.

The canyon walls were steep and lined with slimy sediments and perilous sharp rocks.

Reaching this point, the distinctive blue energy fluctuation with an ancient will sensed by the Water Flow Shadow became slightly clearer, still faint, yet like a beacon in the darkness, guiding him toward his ultimate destination.