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

Upon hearing Chen Ze's words, a barely perceptible hint of annoyance flashed in Pang Zhi's eyes.

Then he suddenly remembered something and said with a smile, "Oh right, I met a carpenter named Zhaode in the village. He mentioned that there is some kind of mysterious power hidden in the Fog Extreme Earth Vein."

"If you're interested, you can go find him; perhaps he can give you some advice."

Tian Siyao, Qin Miyue, and Chen Ze were curious about Pang Zhi's mention of Zhao De.

“We also hope you can respect this natural place and understand our choice,” Tian Siyao politely expressed her stance.

Pang Zhi smiled and nodded, then bid farewell to the three and left the hilltop.

Watching Pang Zhiyuan's departing figure, Tian Siyao, Qin Miyue, and Chen Ze all had a question in their hearts.

Why would a mining company manager be so interested in the Fog Pole Vein, and how did he know the name Zhaode?

Tian Siyao, Qin Miyue, and Chen Ze walked back along the mountain path, lost in thought the whole way.

Tian Siyao frowned and said, "Pang Zhi's attitude towards us is a bit strange. Does he have some other purpose?"

"And the fact that he even knew the name Zhaode is incredible."

Qin Miyue nodded, and said with a serious expression, "It is indeed very strange."

"The Misty Earth Vein has always been a mysterious place, desolate and sparsely populated."

"As the manager of the mining company, Pang Zhi's interests and goals are clearly at odds with environmental protection."

Chen Ze gripped the hilt of his sword and said in a deep voice, "Pang Zhi has become interested in the Mist Extreme Vein, which is very likely to attract the attention of others."

"We need to find Zhaode as soon as possible to learn more about this place and Pang Zhi's intentions."

The three continued on their way with solemn expressions, discussing how to find Zhaode before returning to Lotus Village.

According to Pang Zhi, Zhao De became mentally unstable after encountering a terrifying event at the Fog Extreme Earth Vein.

"Should we inform the villagers about Pang Zhi's plan first?" Tian Siyao asked worriedly.

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Miyue said, "We are unsure of Pang Zhi's true intentions, and informing the villagers in advance may cause unnecessary panic and chaos."

“Let’s find Zhaode first and learn more about the situation before making a decision.” Chen Ze nodded in agreement: “Indeed, staying vigilant and looking for clues is the most important thing for now.”

"Once we figure out Pang Zhi's purpose, we can then formulate the next step of the plan."

Several hours later, they finally returned to Lotus Village.

Tian Siyao, Qin Miyue, and Chen Ze quietly walked into the village.

When Guiyue saw them return, she came forward to greet them and asked, "Did you go exploring in the mountains? Did you find anything interesting?"

Tian Siyao smiled and shook her head, saying, "The mountain is a fairyland shrouded in mist, but we didn't find anything special."

"However, we met a man named Pang Zhi who was somewhat interested in the Fog Extreme Vein."

Guiyue frowned and said uneasily, "Pang Zhi is a mining company manager, and his goals may not be just simple exploration."

Chen Ze nodded and said in a deep voice, "Let's go find Zhao De. I heard that he once encountered a terrifying incident in the Fog Extreme Vein."

"Perhaps he can provide some useful clues."

“Okay.” Guiyue nodded. Tian Siyao, Qin Miyue, and Chen Ze walked on the road leading to Zhaode’s house.

Tian Siyao sighed, "I hope Zhaode can provide some clues about the Fog Extreme Earth Vein."

"We really need to find some useful information to unravel the mystery of the strange fragrance of Duoyun Temple."

“Yes,” Qin Miyue echoed, “I also hope that we can get some clues from him and solve this problem as soon as possible.”

Chen Ze nodded silently and gripped the hilt of his sword.

He sensed the subtle changes in his surroundings and became alert.

A few minutes later, they arrived at a dilapidated wooden hut.

The doorway of the house was piled with wood and tools, suggesting that it had not been maintained for a long time.

Tian Siyao knocked on the door. The door slowly opened, and an elderly woman with a full head of white hair and deep wrinkles appeared in the doorway.

The old man was disheveled and had a vacant look in his eyes.

“Mr. Zhaode, we are from Lianhua Village.”

Tian Siyao smiled and said, "We heard that you once encountered a terrifying incident in the Misty Earth Vein, and we would like to ask you to provide some relevant information."

Zhaode paused for a moment, then slowly nodded.

He took a few unsteady steps and led Tian Siyao, Qin Miyue, and Chen Ze into the house.

The room was dark and damp, with a strong smell of earth and wood.

Scattered on the bed were some odds and ends of tools and scraps of paper, which Zhaode rummaged through.

After a pause, he grabbed a piece of paper and handed it to Tian Siyao.

Tian Siyao took the piece of paper and examined it carefully.

It was covered with dense symbols and strange patterns.

She frowned and muttered, "What kind of symbol is this? I can't understand it at all."

Qin Miyue stepped forward and lightly traced a line on the paper with her finger.

Suddenly, the symbol emitted a faint glow, flashing a blurry pattern.

Chen Ze stared intently at the image, as if he could see a majestic and magnificent mountain range shrouded in vast clouds and mist within it.

“This is the Fog Extreme Earth Vein!” he exclaimed in surprise.

Zhaode looked at them warily, his expression conflicted.

Tian Siyao couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Zhaode, is this the terrifying event you encountered in the Misty Pole Vein? Why did we hear that you were delirious?"

Zhao De stared unfocused into the distance, muttering to himself, "Pang Zhi...he's here...he..."

Tian Siyao, Qin Miyue, and Chen Ze exchanged glances.

Is Pang Zhizhen really related to the Fog Pole Earth Vein?

“Mr. Zhaode, please tell us what happened,” Qin Miyue asked gently.

Zhaode paused for a moment, then slowly raised his head.

With tears streaming down his face, he said in a trembling voice, "Pang Zhi... he was the mastermind behind that terrorist incident."

“I remember one day, I was collecting wood near the Fog Pole ley lines.”

"Suddenly, a surge of energy rushed towards me. I tried my best to escape, but I couldn't get rid of it."

"I can't remember... but I vaguely recall seeing Pang Zhi's figure before the dark clouds dispersed, Pang Zhi..."

Tian Siyao, Qin Miyue, and Chen Ze looked at each other in bewilderment.

Pang Zhi is so deeply connected to the terrifying events behind the Fog Extreme Earth Vein.

"We must stop him!" Chen Ze gripped the hilt of his sword, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Zhao De shook his head and said anxiously, "Pang Zhi is very powerful... We ordinary people can't stop him at all."

Tian Siyao, Qin Miyue, and Chen Ze looked at each other.

Meanwhile, pondering Zhao De's words, did Pang Zhi deliberately lure them here to let them know that he possessed unknown powers?
Everything became even more confusing and unpredictable.

After Tian Siyao, Qin Miyue, and Chen Ze left the wooden house.

They arrived at the heart of Lotus Village, at a mysterious building called the Cloud Altar.

This shrine is a great treasure of Lotus Village; legend has it that a unique fragrance within it can grant people magical powers. (End of Chapter)