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

The four of them gathered in a corner of the Fountain of Humor, their expressions radiant with determination and resolve.

Qin Miyue, Tian Siyao, and Chen Ze huddled together, exchanging glances and tacitly reminding each other to be careful.

"Be very careful of your surroundings and any unusual activity," Qin Miyue reminded her.

"We can't let anyone show up suddenly."

“Yes, never underestimate the enemy,” Siyao added, “especially in such a mysterious place.”

Chen Ze nodded seriously. "Our defenses need to be even tighter than usual. This Fountain of Humor is no ordinary place."

Just as the three were on high alert, an old village chief named Xiang Wu suddenly appeared in front of them, and he set up a seemingly unsolvable encirclement around them.

Qin Miyue and the others immediately turned to face him, a hint of wariness flashing in their eyes.

"How exactly did you find this place?" Xiangwu asked coldly.

Qin Miyue took a deep breath, her resolve firm.

"We have our own purpose; we are searching for what we need at the Fountain of Humor."

Xiangwu remained silent for a moment, then revealed a mocking smile. "How laughable, you also want to obtain elemental power?"

Tian Siyao's eyes gleamed with wit. "Could it be that the village chief is also interested in elemental power?"

Xiangwu remained noncommittal, his gaze fixed intently on Qin Miyue.

He clearly knew in advance about their plan to come looking for the exotic fragrance of Duoyun Temple and was already prepared to deal with it.

"I came here to protect this village," Xiangwu suddenly said, "and also to protect Lu Dongshi's family."

"Then why don't you help them directly?" Qin Miyue asked calmly.

Xiangwu laughed, seemingly a little embarrassed. "You may not know, but there is a legendary Corpse Fragrance Pill that can prolong life if consumed. I believe this legend."

The four looked at each other, but they all knew in their hearts that what they had been searching for had probably been taken away by the old village chief.

Qin Miyue stared intently into the eyes of the old village chief, Xiangwu, her gaze filled with a mixture of anger and confusion.

She couldn't understand why an old village chief who had cared for her during her childhood would betray Lotus Village and cause so many villagers to die tragically.

"What was your purpose?" Qin Miyue questioned bluntly. "Why did you betray Lotus Village? Why did you sacrifice innocent villagers in Shanghai?"

The old village chief, Xiang Wu, gave Qin Miyue a deep look, his eyes revealing a hint of guilt.

“I did not betray Lotus Village; on the contrary, I did it to protect it.”

Tian Siyao looked up in surprise. "Protect? But you've caused so many horrific deaths."

Xiangwu explained with a wry smile, "That was all done by external forces. They have been trying to seize the power of the special elements here, and they have even resorted to all sorts of means."

Chen Ze sneered, "Since you want to protect Lotus Village, why didn't you tell us the truth? Do you think we're accomplices of those forces?"

The old village chief sighed, his voice trembling slightly, "It was only when you were holding that bag that I realized you weren't one of them."

“I know you are a descendant of the ancient ‘Thousand Machine Pavilion’.”

Tian Siyao and Chen Ze stared at Qin Miyue in surprise, never expecting that she had such a powerful background.

Tian Siyao, Chen Ze, and Qin Miyue looked at the old village chief's figure in front of them, their doubts growing even stronger.

Qin Miyue angrily brandished her sword, the tip almost touching the old village chief's throat.

Her brows were furrowed, and her eyes were filled with determination.

"What do you want? Do you think you can gain power from people's deaths?" Qin Miyue asked angrily.

The old village chief, Xiangwu, seemed completely indifferent to life and death.

“Yes, I enjoy the control I have over people’s lives; it’s an unparalleled feeling,” he said slowly.

Both Tian Siyao and Chen Ze felt despair and helplessness. Tian Siyao clenched her fists, trying to control the boiling emotions inside her.

"You betrayed the entire Lotus Village for this kind of desire? Do you know that what you're doing is a betrayal of those innocent people?" Chen Ze said angrily.

The old village chief was cornered by Qin Miyue, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips.

"Innocent? Haha, what kind of innocence do they have? They brought this upon themselves." The old village chief seemed to be mocking a group of ants under his control.

Tian Siyao's heart sank. She looked at the twisted expression on the old village chief's face, as if he had completely lost his humanity.

"Why would you risk everything for this illusory power?" Qin Miyue asked sternly. "Don't you understand that true power comes from protection and care?"

The old village chief sneered, "Girl, you're too naive."

"True power comes from control and deprivation. I am pursuing immense power; I want to achieve immortality!"

Qin Miyue angrily brandished her sword, staring mercilessly at the old village chief.

"Chen Ze, Tian Siyao, we cannot sit idly by and wait to die! This traitor must be brought to justice."

Tian Siyao and Chen Ze stared intently at the old village chief, Xiang Wu, awaiting his response.

A mocking smile remained on his face, as if he didn't care about the scene before him at all.

"Don't underestimate me," the old village chief sneered. "You think you can stop me? You pathetic creatures, you don't understand true power at all."

Qin Miyue frowned and coldly retorted, "Is true power achieved at the cost of innocent lives? Do you think that will grant you immortality?"

The old village chief answered without flinching: "Yes, I have already obtained some of the power, and my influence is unmatched in Lotus Village."

Tian Siyao gripped the dagger tightly in her hand, staring sharply at him.

"Then let's see what you call your invincible power."

Suddenly, a team dressed in black quietly appeared on the sidelines.

It turned out that the old village chief was leading a team he had recruited privately.

"Catch them!" the old village chief ordered.

Qin Miyue and Tian Siyao immediately realized something was wrong and searched everywhere for a way to escape.

Chen Ze gripped the sword hilt tightly, focusing intently on finding an opportunity to strike.

The old village chief's lips curled slightly when he saw them trying to escape. He lunged at Qin Miyue, attempting to snatch the sword from her hand. Qin Miyue nimbly dodged and retaliated without hesitation.

She brandished her sword, meeting the old village chief's attack.

Tian Siyao seized the opportunity and quickly launched an attack on one of the team's agile members.

She demonstrated her ability to interpret mechanical symbols, using a series of complex spells to confuse her opponents during the battle.

Chen Ze's long-prepared swordsmanship finally came in handy.

He wielded his sword, weaving through the crowd and using his superb swordsmanship to defeat his enemies one by one.

This chaotic and fierce battle unfolded by the spring, with various forces clashing and fighting under the moonlight.

Qin Miyue was determined to stop the old village chief from causing further harm.

She aimed at the old village chief and coldly said, "Xiangwu, your crimes end here."

The old village chief was enraged by Qin Miyue's words, and a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

He said fiercely, "Even if it costs me everything, I will obtain eternal life and invincible power!"

The two engaged in another fierce battle, sparks flying everywhere. (End of Chapter)