My understanding is incredible: I gained enlightenment and immortality in the Kunlun Demon Kingdom

"Is this your magical artifact, the Five-Colored Pagoda?" Shen Jiangnan's eyes flashed, but the smile on his lips did not disappear.

“Yes, my companions, the Flame Demon and the Frost Demon, are also in this tower,” Chen Ze replied succinctly.

Unconsciously, Tian Siyao gripped the jade sword beside her tightly. A gentle breeze was released from the sword, intertwining with the aroma of tea in the room to create a unique harmony.

She gently bit her lower lip, using the Mind-Clearing Mantra to calm her nerves. Shen Jiangnan noticed this detail, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly. "Your magical artifacts are all extraordinary, especially yours, Tian Siyao. The combination of the Jade Sword and the Mind-Clearing Mantra is truly rare."

"Thank you for the compliment," Tian Siyao replied with a smile.

Chen Ze looked around at the layout of Shen Jiangnan's room. The exquisite antiques, the beautifully carved woodenware, and the calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls all revealed an extraordinary taste and cultural heritage.

He suddenly realized that Shen Jiangnan might be the most extraordinary person they had ever met.

Shen Jiangnan, observing Chen Ze and Tian Siyao's expressions, suddenly spoke up: "I know you must have many questions for me, but before that, I hope you can complete a task."

The two men had a sudden thought and nodded at the same time.

Shen Jiangnan gently patted the table, and a sheepskin map appeared naturally in front of them.

The map marks a place called "Dark Forest".

“I need to retrieve something from the Dark Forest. It contains a precious material that I need. If you are willing to go on this adventure with me, feel free to ask me any questions you may have…” Shen Jiangnan’s voice suddenly became calm and serious, as if this mission was not simple.

Chen Ze and Tian Siyao exchanged a glance, both seeing the determination in each other's eyes.

They knew this mission could be a major turning point in their lives, but they were prepared to face it regardless.

“Okay, senior, we accept this mission.” Chen Ze finally spoke, his eyes resolute.

A satisfied smile returned to Shen Jiangnan's face. He knew he hadn't misjudged these two young men.

The journey they are about to embark on is destined to be anything but smooth.

Shen Jiangnan glanced out the window, a strange light flickering in his deep-set eyes.

He turned his head and looked at Chen Ze and Tian Siyao again. The two were sitting in rocking chairs, and an ancient atmosphere filled the air.

"I can help you, but only if you help me catch the demon."

"I can tell you the secrets about the mysterious village you mentioned and the Ghostly Demon you asked about." Shen Jiangnan's voice was deep, as if it came from the abyss.

Chen Ze stared at him, a slight hesitation flashing across his eyes.

Finally, he clenched his fist and replied, "If you can help us unravel the mystery of this village, then we are willing to assist you in catching the demon."

Tian Siyao gently stroked the jade sword beside her, a wisp of cold air emanating from the blade, creating a stark contrast with the warmth of the room.

"In that case, let's act together."

Shen Jiangnan stood up and walked towards the door. "Very good, but I need to prepare first."

Before he finished speaking, Chen Ze felt a strong aura emanating from Shen Jiangnan.

This was a power he had never felt before, like some kind of mysterious power hidden beneath Shen Jiangnan's ordinary appearance.

"What do you think?" Tian Siyao asked in a low voice, her gaze as if she were exploring an unsolvable riddle.

"I don't know, but I feel like he knows more than we do." Chen Ze's multicolored tower trembled slightly, as if it too sensed an unusual aura.

Shen Jiangnan walked to the door and opened a small cabinet embedded in the wall.

He took out a delicate little box, opened it to reveal some peculiar talismans and a map. "These are what I've used for catching demons over the years; perhaps they will be helpful to you," he said, handing the box to Chen Ze.

Chen Ze took the box and felt a strange chill emanating from it. He focused his mind slightly, and the talismans and map inside the box immediately displayed extraordinary power.

"Are you ready?" Shen Jiangnan withdrew his hand, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

“Since we’ve made the decision, there’s no need to prepare anything,” Chen Ze said, glancing at Tian Siyao, who nodded slightly.

Shen Jiangnan smiled and said, "Then let's begin."

Just then, the sky outside the window suddenly darkened, as if something was approaching.

Chen Ze sensed that the Flame Demons inside the Five-Colored Tower were also becoming uneasy, and a sense of crisis welled up in his heart.

"It seems we don't have time to waste," Shen Jiangnan said calmly, breaking the tense atmosphere in the room.

They left the room and went out onto the street behind it.

Chen Ze gripped the colorful pagoda tightly in his hand, nervously glancing around at the dark alleyway.

In this mysterious city, mortals and supernatural beings are intertwined in a complex web, and they are at the very center of this web.

"The atmosphere here is so heavy, something feels off." Tian Siyao gripped the hilt of the jade sword tightly, a sense of unease rising in her heart.

"Indeed, we should be more careful."

This is not just the reality we perceive; many unknown things lurk in the shadows. Chen Ze felt the multicolored tower tremble slightly, as if warning him of the unknown he was about to face.

Shen Jiangnan held an old map marked with mysterious symbols and characters. "According to this map, the cursed abandoned building is just ahead."

"They say it contains the clues we're looking for."

Tian Siyao nodded, and with a slight wave of the jade disc, easily opened a small but sturdy wind and cloud formation, tightly surrounding the three of them inside.

Besides its defensive capabilities, this Wind and Cloud Formation can also better conceal the presence of those inside.

"Alright, let's go in." Chen Ze took out the Yin-Yang Mirror and gently shook it. It was as if the air in front of him was torn open, revealing a corner of the abandoned building.

The three slowly walked into the abandoned building. The interior was unusually gloomy, with dust and cobwebs covering the floor and traces of an unknown liquid on the walls.

Chen Ze gripped the multicolored pagoda tightly, ready to deal with any sudden danger.

"Look there!" Shen Jiangnan suddenly pointed to a half-open door, behind which seemed to be some kind of power.

Tian Siyao bit her lower lip and slowly placed the jade pendant in front of the door. The jade pendant emitted a faint white light, and the darkness behind the door seemed to be swallowed up instantly.

"It should be safer to go in now," she said softly.

Just then, the colorful tower suddenly emitted a piercing scream, and Chen Ze felt a chill run down his spine.

He turned around and saw a shapeshifting ghost approaching them.

"Watch out!" Tian Siyao quickly chanted a mind-clearing incantation, and instantly, the ghost's movements slowed down.

Upon seeing this, Chen Ze immediately released the light from the Five-Colored Pagoda, illuminating the ghost so that it had nowhere to hide.

At that moment, the Flame Demon appeared, let out a roar, and slammed into the demon, forcing it back several steps.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, the three quickly passed through the door and entered the next space. (End of Chapter)