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

The old village chief did not answer her question, but gazed thoughtfully into the distance, as if he were lost in memories.

He then pondered for a moment, before turning his back to Chen Ze. "The information we got from Lu Dongshi was incomplete."

“I have a feeling that Lotus Village may be hiding an even bigger secret,” Tian Siyao said.

Chen Ze nodded silently, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly.

"Yes, and this village looks so peaceful and tranquil, but it is full of eeriness and danger."

"We must remain highly vigilant and wait for the best opportunity."

After pondering for a moment, Mu Wuling suggested, "In that case, we should first investigate whether there are any other people trapped in the village."

"If anyone is still trapped here, and we are able to find them, perhaps we can get more useful clues from them."

Qin Miyue nodded in agreement and looked at Guiyue.

Guiyue stood quietly to the side, her eyes revealing worry and helplessness.

"Village Chief Gui, we need your help." Qin Miyue walked to Guiyue's side and said softly.

Guiyue looked at Qin Miyue with a hint of difficulty, "I want to help you, but the history and secrets of Lianhua Village are fundamental to the lives of us villagers."

Tian Siyao stepped forward and gently took Guiyue's hand.

“We are not strangers; we are here to rescue Lu Dongshi’s family and to uncover the truth about Lianhua Village.”

"If you can tell us more information, it might help us find a breakthrough."

Guiyue sensed the truth-seeking light in Tian Siyao's eyes, hesitated for a moment amidst her inner conflict, and then nodded firmly.

"Alright, since you have already made a commitment to take action, I'm willing to tell you some things."

Everyone listened intently, completely absorbed in Guiyue's narration.

Guiyue slowly began, “Lotus Village has a long history and a vast family genealogy.”

"Many years ago, an unbelievable disaster occurred in the village."

"At that time, the village was besieged by a mysterious force, and countless villagers were slaughtered."

Only a few survived, and they inherited the family secret, which has been passed down to this day.

Qin Miyue and the others listened in stunned silence, never imagining that Lotus Village would have such a turbulent history.

"These survivors made a pact with their ancestors to abide by the corresponding rules when they were born at dusk."

Guiyue continued, "And these rules contain some kind of sacrificial ritual."

Tian Siyao couldn't help but interrupt Guiyue, "You mean a sacrificial ceremony? Do you mean human sacrifice?"

Guiyue nodded. "Yes."

“Every so often, we need to perform a sacrifice in exchange for the peace and prosperity of the village.”

"Over time, this has become an indispensable part of the traditional culture of Lianhua Village."

Mu Wuling frowned. "You mean there were still living people being used as sacrifices?"

Guiyue nodded sadly, "Yes, and the Lu Dongshi family may be the most recent chosen sacrifice."

Qin Miyue clenched her fists, her face solemn.

“We must rescue them. These are the most foolish things ever. We cannot allow any more people to become sacrifices.”

After that brief silence, Qin Miyue and the others decided to take action.

Together they will face the Lotus Village shrouded in darkness and mystery, and protect themselves and Lu Dongshi's family.

At the same time, they must also uncover the truth about this village, which has kept its secrets hidden for hundreds of years.

A resolute glint flashed in Tian Siyao's eyes.

She eagerly made a suggestion to the old village chief, Xiangwu: "Old village chief, I think we can go to the Humor Spring to explore."

"Perhaps there are some clues here about the secrets of the God and Lotus Village."

Xiangwu frowned and looked at Tian Siyao. After a moment of silence, he said, "Humor Spring is a sacred place, and only a few people know of its existence."

"Although I know some things about the God and the Fountain of Humor, this involves the curse and sacrificial rituals of Lotus Village."

Upon hearing this, Tian Siyao's heart stirred, and she developed a strong interest in the secrets of the God and Lotus Village.

She firmly believes that only by exploring the Fountain of Humor can the unsolved mystery behind Lotus Village be unraveled.

"Old village chief, please tell us about the Fountain of Humor and the God."

Tian Siyao said firmly, "We have decided to rescue Lu Dongshi's family, and your help will be invaluable."

The old village chief, Xiangwu, pondered for a moment, then looked at Tian Siyao and the others.

Finally, he sighed, "Now that you've made this decision, perhaps I should tell you something."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone turned to look at the old village chief, hoping he would reveal some information about the Fountain of Humor and the God.

"Humor Spring is the most mysterious place in Lotus Village. Legend has it that it can lift curses."

“And the God Lord is the one who controls the fate of Lotus Village,” the old village chief said hesitantly. “However, the God Lord and the Fountain of Humor are not known to ordinary people.”

"This is a secret within our family."

A hint of doubt flashed in Tian Siyao's eyes; she found it hard to believe.

"Since you can lift the curse, why not announce it to the outside world?"

The old village chief shook his head with a wry smile. “Young man, you may not understand.” “It involves costs and balances. The reason why the Fountain of Humor can lift the curse is because we have to perform a sacrificial ritual every once in a while.”

Tian Siyao gasped in shock, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

She increasingly felt that the secrets of Lotus Village and the conspiracy behind it were exceptionally complex.

Tian Siyao said firmly, "I think we should go to the Fountain of Humor to find clues and unravel the mystery."

The old village chief remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded.

"Humor Spring is located at the foot of Lotus Mountain, and we can get there through a cave."

“But there are other unimaginable dangers between the Fountain of Humor and the Divine Lord.” Chen Ze gripped the hilt of his sword tightly. “Whether it is mystery or danger, we will face it.”

Qin Miyue and Mu Wuling also expressed the same determination and courage.

Tian Siyao was filled with excitement as she and the others set off with the old village chief to explore the Humor Spring.

They hoped to find the truth about Lotus Village and save the trapped people. Tian Siyao and the others followed the old village chief Xiang Wu toward the cave leading to the Humor Spring.

They proceeded along a rugged path.

The surrounding area is filled with dense forests and clear streams.

Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

There was little conversation along the way; everyone was lost in thought.

They couldn't help but wonder why they had come to this mysterious and ancient village, to uncover the mysteries hidden behind it.

Finally, after passing through dense woods, they arrived at the entrance of the cave.

The cave was dark, deep, and mysterious.

"The Fountain of Humor is right here," the old village chief Xiangwu pointed to the cave.

“But there will be many dangers waiting for us once we go in.” Tian Siyao looked at Chen Ze, Qin Miyue, and Mu Wuling.

They didn't show any fear on their faces, but rather a look of determination.

Tian Siyao said firmly, "Whether it's dangerous or not, we must move forward."

Her words rekindled the courage within others.

They encouraged each other as they prepared to enter the cave. (End of Chapter)