Chapter 54

The next day, everyone finally set off, bringing plenty of dry rations and water to prevent any shortage of food and drink. After all, the place they were heading to was no ordinary place. Only one dead person had ever come out of Shenluo Valley, and the dead do not speak. No one knew what the situation inside was like; it was completely in the dark.

They had to stop at the entrance guarded by the troops because the road ahead could only be walked on. No vehicles could enter, as the widest path could only accommodate two people walking side by side, and the narrower ones required one to walk sideways. So, the vehicles were definitely out of the question.

"Let me reiterate one last time: inside is fraught with danger, and there is a high possibility of disappearing or losing your life. You must be mentally prepared before you enter. This is not a joke; you are betting your life!" a responsible officer said solemnly.

No one thought the officer's words were redundant, for this was the truth. Once they went in, they might never come out.

Everyone thought of their loved ones and family, and couldn't help but hesitate.

"Those who have made up their minds, come here to sign. We will not be held responsible for any incidents. If you find any treasures, they will be yours." The officer took out a document that looked like a contract and handed it to everyone.

Shelun had nothing to say; he was the first to step forward and sign. He was a soldier, and although he had retired, he still stood up when the army needed him. His mission this time was to search for the missing people.

The second to sign was Lan Fenghuang. Perhaps because she was more straightforward, she thought less about it. Moreover, from the events of the previous night, it was clear that Lan Fenghuang was prepared to face death.

Zhang Tianyuan was the third to sign. Although he was also somewhat hesitant, his confidence in his abilities made him willing to take the risk. Just because others had met with disaster did not mean he would, as he was different from them, and his preparations were more than adequate.

Next was Professor Wang. After all, the old man had received all the honors and lived a long life. Even if he died inside, it would be for his cause, and it wouldn't be a waste.

Xu Gang and Mou Ying signed together. As they put it, they would die together if they had to, and they would live together if they made it out.

The one who hesitated the most was Liu Mengxun. In theory, she had the least reason to take this risk. As a young lady from a prominent family, she lacked neither money nor happiness. Why would she risk her life to enter Shenluo Valley?

But after making a phone call, Liu Mengxun's expression became much more determined, and the hesitation in her eyes disappeared.

Thus, everyone signed and pressed their fingerprints. The contract was now in effect. The army would not be responsible for their lives, but they also could not claim any treasures they found. This was the agreement.

...

"Actually, you don't have to take this risk with us. It's not too late to regret it. The exit is not far; you should be able to go back!" Zhang Tianyuan said to Liu Mengxun as they entered the range of Shenluo Valley.

"No, I have my own reasons and determination." Liu Mengxun shook her head, looking very determined and serious.

"Don't tell me it's for some archaeological cause; that's just a lie." Zhang Tianyuan laughed.

"Of course not. You know, my grandfather was a tomb raider. Although there is no scientific evidence that the yin energy in tombs can affect people, my grandfather was indeed tormented by it. Once, he said he needed a treasure that could suppress the yin energy to sustain his life, but the things he has now are too weak to counteract the yin energy in his body."

"Could it be that Shenluo Valley has something that can resist yin energy?" Zhang Tianyuan asked in surprise.

"Exactly, Shenluo Valley has three treasures that are extremely precious and have strong yang energy."

"Oh? What are the three treasures?"

"The first is the Three Pure Ones Statues! They are entirely made of gold, and were the national treasures of Shenluo Valley. Not only are they exquisitely crafted, but they also capture the essence of the Three Pure Ones!"

"Another Daoist thing. It seems Shenluo Valley has a close relationship with Daoism." Zhang Tianyuan scratched his head.

"You probably don't know, but the first ruler of Shenluo Valley was a Daoist! He was once a favorite of the Daoist Emperor! It is said that his wealth exceeded that of the emperor and the national treasury. A general wanted to kill him, so he fled to Yunnan and founded Shenluo Valley!"

"Such a story, did your grandfather tell you?"

"Yes, I'm not sure if it's true, but I think since there is such a legend, we should take a chance. What if we really find Shenluo Valley or its treasures?" Liu Mengxun nodded.

"What are the other two treasures?" Zhang Tianyuan asked.

"The second is the imperial seal of Shenluo Valley, consisting of twelve seals carved with the twelve Daoist immortals, all made of yellow jade. They are said to be very beautiful."

Hearing this, Zhang Tianyuan's heart began to beat wildly. He knew that the box in his bag contained eight of those seals.

"What is the third treasure?" Zhang Tianyuan didn't want to say more about the seals, fearing he might reveal something. After all, Liu Mengxun was very perceptive, and it wasn't easy to hide anything from her.

"The third is a statue of Lü Ya carved from top-quality chicken blood stone!"

"Lü Ya?"

"Yes, according to legend, Lü Ya is the incarnation of the Golden Crow! Combined with the strong yang energy of the chicken blood stone, this is the most yang of the three and the most suitable for my grandfather. This time, I want to take a chance and see if I can get it." Liu Mengxun explained.

"So, it's all for these. Aren't you afraid it's just a myth?" Zhang Tianyuan sighed.

"Even if it's just a myth, I will still try as long as there's a glimmer of hope. I called home and asked about my grandfather's condition. His health has been deteriorating, and without sunlight, he seems to be possessed, his body wasting away. He's almost gone. If we were an ordinary family, he would have passed away already. My grandfather was always the kindest to me, never showing any bias because I was a girl. So, I have a good relationship with him, and I don't want him to die so soon. I want to try."

"Don't worry, we will find it!" Zhang Tianyuan suddenly smiled.

"You don't have to comfort me like that; I know the chances are slim." Liu Mengxun smiled bitterly.

"No, I mean it. We will find it, if this is indeed the site of Shenluo Valley." Zhang Tianyuan was so confident because the eight seals he had found had already proven some things. Now, it was just a matter of luck.