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

A strange look flashed in the eyes of the old village chief, Xiangwu.

Although he had accepted bribes from Pang Zhi Mining, he began to rethink his motives after talking with these young people.

“Young people, I know you have come here for a reason.”

The old village chief said in a deep voice, "Although I admit that I was wrong before, everything was for the future of our Lotus Village."

He went on to explain his initial motivations for pursuing wealth and developing the mining industry.

He hoped the village could become wealthier and escape poverty and danger.

Upon hearing this, Tian Siyao and the others were shocked and began to understand the difficulties behind the old village chief Xiangwu's story.

They knew that not everyone could act with integrity and lofty ideals.

"Old village chief, please trust us."

Chen Ze put down the hilt of his sword and walked to the old village chief's side. "We came here not only to solve the mystery, but also to help you."

Qin Miyue and Mu Wuling expressed the same idea.

The old village chief, Xiangwu, nodded.

"Young people, I am so fortunate to have partners like you."

He took a deep breath. "Then, please follow me into the cave."

Tian Siyao and the others nodded in unison and followed the old village chief Xiangwu into the dark cave.

Upon entering the cave, a chilling aura immediately enveloped us.

The walls were covered with thick moss, and the ground was covered with messy branches and oddly shaped rocks.

They moved forward cautiously, searching for a way forward in the dim light.

Tian Siyao gripped the searchlight tightly, using its faint light to illuminate the path ahead.

The deeper you go, the lower the temperature gets.

Their breathing became rapid, and they felt a strong sense of unease.

Chen Ze's gaze swept across the ground in the dim light, and suddenly stopped on a black object.

He bent down and looked closely at the shackles left on the ground, which were engraved with several unfamiliar symbols.

"What is this?" Chen Ze couldn't help but curiously reach out and pick up the shackles, noticing a small tag attached to the chain.

He carefully peeled off the label, which read: "Smell the fragrance".

“Scent Chains?” Tian Siyao walked over, her eyes fixed on the shackles. “I’ve heard of this term in ancient books. It’s said to be related to Duoyun, the ancestor of Lianhu Village.”

The crowd surged forward, showing great interest in the peculiar shackles.

"Perhaps it can help us learn more about the facts about Duoyun God and the Humor Spring."

Qin Miyue suggested, "We can take it back and study it."

Everyone nodded in agreement and began discussing how to further explore the secrets of the Fountain of Humor.

"Perhaps we can find some clues by investigating the history and meaning of the scent chain."

After thinking for a moment, Chen Ze said.

Tian Siyao picked up the searchlight and shone its light into the depths of the cave.

“We need more clues and information,” she said. “What we know now is just the tip of the iceberg.”

"Perhaps we can consult with Village Chief Guiyue."

Qin Miyue suggested, "She should know more about the history of Lianhu Village."

Everyone nodded in agreement and decided to return to Lotus Village to seek help from Village Chief Guiyue.

Qin Miyue, Tian Siyao, Chen Ze, and Mu Wuling sat around the camp near the Humor Spring, carefully examining the abandoned shackles—the "Scent Chains."

They worked together, using a magnifying glass to examine the patterns on the chain, trying to find any useful clues.

Qin Miyue began to sense that something was wrong.

A flicker of doubt crossed her eyes as she secretly pondered the connection between the shackles and the old village chief, Xiangwu. Recalling his previous kindness and trust in them, she began to feel even more uneasy.

"What we know now is only the tip of the iceberg."

Tian Siyao frowned. "We should consider how to further explore the Fountain of Humor."

Chen Ze stared intently at the unfamiliar symbols engraved on the shackles. "Perhaps we can ask Mu Wuling to explain the meaning of these symbols to us."

Mu Wuling raised his head, smiled, and nodded in agreement.

"That's right, I do have some knowledge of interpreting symbols on artifacts unearthed from ancient tombs."

"If you need help, I will do my best." There seemed to be a hidden secret in his eyes.

Qin Miyue suddenly felt a strong sense of unease.

She began to suspect that the shackles were somehow connected to the old village chief, Xiangwu, and that his apparent trust might not be out of goodwill.

"Wait a minute." She couldn't help but interrupt the discussion. "Perhaps we should be wary of the old village chief, Xiangwu."

“He trusted us too much, and I began to suspect that there was some kind of conspiracy.”

Tian Siyao and Chen Ze were both stunned, looking at Qin Miyue with puzzled eyes.

"What are you talking about?" Tian Siyao asked. "The old village chief has always been kind and helpful to us."

“I understand that, but these shackles are related to the history of Lianhu Village and the ancestral tablets.”

Qin Miyue gripped the fragrance chain tightly. "Perhaps Elder Xiangwu is hiding some important information and trying to use us to uncover the mystery of the Humor Spring."

Looking into Qin Miyue's earnest and determined eyes, Chen Ze suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

"You mean the old village chief might be a traitor?" His words were filled with disbelief and shock.

"We cannot rule out this possibility."

Qin Miyue said in a deep voice, "We must proceed with caution and look for more clues to confirm this hypothesis."

Tian Siyao and Chen Ze exchanged a glance, and they began to understand Qin Miyue's worries.

They decided to investigate the whereabouts and background of the old village chief Xiangwu before further exploring the Humor Spring.

The four of them tacitly passed through the entrance to the Fountain of Humor and cautiously explored this mysterious place.

Before entering, they agreed on a code word to communicate within the Fountain of Humor and avoid being detected by potential enemies.

The Fountain of Humor was completely dark, with only a faint ray of light shining through the opening.

The four of them moved forward relying on the map in their memory and the blurry outlines in front of them, afraid of triggering any dangerous mechanisms.

“The Rainbow Nation,” Chen Ze said softly.

These are pre-agreed coded words used to indicate the direction of travel.

“Oh, I understand,” Tian Siyao replied softly.

"Just go in this direction."

They followed the path they had drawn in their memory, their footsteps making a soft but rhythmic sound.

Whenever a fork in the road appears, they carefully choose the correct path.

An ancient and mysterious atmosphere permeated the hall.

The walls were covered with runes and incantations, emitting a faint glow.

Humor Spring seems to be a magical place, arousing people's longing and curiosity.

Anyone who sets foot here will almost always be captivated by its mysterious allure and develop a wild desire.

Since the Fountain of Humor possesses an irresistible magic, they undoubtedly face immense danger.

Their anxiety grew.

Every step was taken with utmost caution, for fear of inadvertently violating taboos and bringing misfortune upon oneself. (End of Chapter)