Chapter 256: Speculation
Chen Xingcai stayed behind temporarily to look after the unconscious Xiao Luo, while Han Yu and Jiang Che walked quickly to the tomb of Daoist Kurong.
The two squatted down. Han Yu picked up a section of dried and twisted tree root with his fingertips, his brows furrowed tightly. "Jiang Che, look at this."
Jiang Che stepped forward quickly, took the tree root, and examined it carefully. "This feeling... is indeed exactly the same as what was forced out of Xiao Luo's body!"
He pinched the tree root hard, and a few drops of black liquid seeped out from between his fingers. "Even the smell is exactly the same."
"It is as expected." Han Yu stood up and dusted off his hands. "I have probably sorted out the sequence of events. This so-called Holy Tree should be the true form of Daoist Kurong."
Jiang Che looked around at the crude grave pit. "Looking at the location and specifications of this tomb, his status in Kunlun Mountain shouldn't have been high, right?"
"Correct." Han Yu sneered. "Just a marginal pawn. But after the Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth, when Kunlun collapsed and the multitude of Immortals fell, he was left without restraint."
He kicked the empty grave pit. "He faked his death to escape and came out to swindle and bluff."
"The broken chains we saw at the entrance earlier..."
"They must have been broken by him in order to escape." Han Yu rubbed his chin. "I just don't know why he wants to control mortal villagers. Why not leave this place?"
Jiang Che frowned in thought. "It is indeed strange. If he really wanted to cause chaos, he could have just emerged into the world directly; why hide behind the scenes to control mortals?"
"Unless..." A sharp light flashed in Han Yu's eyes. "The impact of the Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth on him was far more serious than we imagined. Look at the tree roots in this grave; they are already withered and rotten, indicating that his true form was also heavily damaged."
Jiang Che came to a sudden realization. "So he needs the villagers as nutrients! Those black roots..."
"Are exactly his way of extending his life." Han Yu nodded. "However, since he has been hiding and not coming out, it shows that he is still very weak right now."
He suddenly lowered his voice. "For us, this might be an opportunity."
Jiang Che, however, still had doubts. "But an existence that could survive from the Immemorial Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth until now, even if he is weak... might not necessarily be something we can contend against."
"So we must plan carefully." Han Yu said decisively, his gaze turning to the unconscious Xiao Luo, revealing a thoughtful look.
...
The three gathered together again, and Han Yu explained his speculation regarding Daoist Kurong to Chen Xingcai in detail.
"So that's how it is..." Chen Xingcai nodded thoughtfully after listening. She then looked at Xiao Luo, who was still unconscious.
"I checked her condition just now. Those tree roots had been parasitic in her body for too long, and her meridians and internal organs are seriously damaged. However, there is a stream of spiritual power inside her body slowly repairing the injuries, only..."
She paused. "I am afraid she will not wake up before the repairs are complete."
Han Yu nodded. "In that case, we need not be anxious. Those villagers outside are likely still guarding the exit, so going out rashly would be dangerous instead."
"Then what do we do now?" Jiang Che looked around. "We can't stay in this cemetery forever, can we?"
"Let's explore this space first." Han Yu stood up. "Since we cannot get out for the time being, we might as well see what else is here."
The two left again, continuing their investigation along the periphery of the Immortal Tomb.
Soon, they discovered that this space was far more vast than imagined—besides the area where the Immortal Tomb was located, there were rolling mountain ranges, clear streams, and even dense forests in the distance.
The spiritual energy in the entire space was extremely rich, almost not inferior to the Immortal Spirit Valley.
"This is actually an excellent place for cultivation." Jiang Che took a deep breath, sensing the abundant spiritual energy. "No wonder those Immortals chose to be buried here."
Han Yu nodded in agreement. "Since it is safe for the time being, we might as well find a place to rest and recuperate. We can make plans after Xiao Luo wakes up."
The two finally found a natural cave under a mountain wall near the stream. The inside of the cave was dry and spacious, making it just right for a temporary rest.
Jiang Che simply set up a few protective restrictions, while Han Yu went to the stream and caught a few plump spiritual fish.
"Let's fill our stomachs first." Han Yu skillfully started a fire.
Subsequently, holding a sharpened wooden stick, he deftly rotated the fish skewered on it.
The fish skin gradually turned golden and crispy. Grease dripped into the fire, making sizzling sounds, and a rich aroma permeated the cave.
Chen Xingcai was originally keeping watch beside Xiao Luo, but her nose suddenly twitched. She could not help turning her head to look at the fire. "It smells so good..."
Hearing this, Han Yu's lips curled up slightly. "This is an exclusive secret recipe taught by Master."
He flipped his wrist, heating the fish body evenly to make the aroma even more tempting. "The heat control, seasoning, and even the method of turning it all require specific attention."
"Father taught you this too?" Chen Xingcai blinked, somewhat surprised.
"Yes." Han Yu's gaze softened for a moment. "He said that cultivators, while pursuing longevity, must not forget the smoke and fire of the mortal world."
The fish was done. Han Yu took off the most tender portion and handed it to Chen Xingcai. "Taste it."
She took it and gently bit into it. The fish meat was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the fresh savory taste carrying a trace of the faint scent of spiritual herbs, instantly melting on the tip of her tongue.
Her eyes lit up. "Delicious!"
Han Yu smiled, took off another piece, and handed it to Jiang Che. "Don't be in a hurry, there is more."
...
The three ate the fish in silence while recalling what had happened earlier.
"Those villagers outside..." Seeming to recall something, Chen Xingcai looked worriedly toward the cave entrance.
"Let them wait." Jiang Che waved his hand indifferently. "It seems they cannot enter for a short while, so why should we be in a hurry to leave?"
Han Yu sat by the fire, his gaze calm. "Wait for Xiao Luo to wake up; perhaps she can tell us more about Daoist Kurong. At that time, we will decide on our next step."
Under the illumination of the firelight, the shadows of the three people were cast on the cave wall, flickering unsteadily.
Outside the cave, this Immortal secret realm that had been silent for ten thousand years remained as quiet as ever, as if time had stagnated here.
...
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