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

Tian Siyao tried to break the silence: "Respected Pavilion Master of Luofu Pavilion, may I ask if this is Cangmang Residence?"

"I've heard many rumors about mysterious powers here."

After a moment of silence, the Pavilion Master of Luofu Pavilion finally spoke: "Indeed, may I ask what your purpose is in coming here?"

Tian Siyao smiled and said, "I am a researcher who has come to search for ancient books and ancient talismans."

"I've heard that this place has unique resources for understanding the strange symbols and mechanisms of ancient civilizations."

The Pavilion Master of Luofu Pavilion nodded, his face still expressionless: "Cangmang Residence gathers many items and traditions related to ancient civilizations."

“You are free to explore the inner courtyard, but you must abide by my rules and order.”

Qin Miyue looked around warily: "May I ask, Pavilion Master, is there any danger here? We know nothing about this place."

The Pavilion Master of Luofu Pavilion replied calmly, "It is safe in the inner courtyard of Cangmang Residence, but you need to be careful of traps and pitfalls."

"Once we leave this mountain range, I will no longer be able to protect you."

Chen Ze gripped the sword hilt tightly, his face resolute: "We will be careful."

"Please tell us the specific rules and procedures."

The Pavilion Master of Luofu Pavilion remained expressionless, his tone cold: "You are absolutely forbidden from touching any of the precious collectibles without permission."

"Spells and weapons are not permitted to be used within the inner courtyard of Cangmang Residence."

"Please follow the instructions and signs. Do not go against the flow of traffic or enter restricted areas. Violators will be punished accordingly."

Tian Siyao, Qin Miyue, and Chen Ze exchanged glances and nodded in tacit agreement, indicating that they would abide by the rules.

The Pavilion Master of Luofu Pavilion watched them leave silently, his face still expressionless.

Tian Siyao and the others entered the living room of Cangmang Residence.

Various ancient artifacts and artworks are displayed all around, exuding a mysterious and ancient atmosphere.

Their eyes were involuntarily drawn to one of the cat-eye shaped artworks.

Tian Siyao stepped forward and carefully examined the cat-eye artwork: "This design is truly ingenious, it seems to come to life."

A thought flashed through her mind: "Perhaps this is related to the cat's eye curse."

Chen Ze reminded her, "Tian Siyao, when we met the Pavilion Master at Luofu Pavilion just now, he seemed a little uneasy. Could that also be related to this curse?"

Tian Siyao nodded in agreement: "Indeed."

"He might know some secrets about this curse."

"We should find an opportunity to ask him about it."

Just then, the owner of Cangmang Residence slowly walked into the living room.

He was dressed in an ancient Taoist robe, his expression indifferent.

Tian Siyao and the others immediately became interested in and curious about him.

Young Tian Siyao couldn't wait to break the silence: "Respected master of Cangmang Residence, I have come to find clues about the Cat's Eye Curse and a way to lift it."

The owner of Cangmang Residence nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on Tian Siyao: "Do you know where this curse originated?"

Qin Miyue replied meaningfully, "We've heard that this curse is related to the Pavilion Master, and you may also know some related information."

The owner of Cangmang Residence smiled slightly: "Yes, this curse is inextricably linked to the ancestors of Luofu Pavilion."

"Actually, this curse was not triggered without reason."

Tian Siyao and the others immediately tensed up.

They hoped to get more clues about the Cat's Eye Curse from the owner of Cangmang Residence.

"Back then, the ancestor of the Pavilion Master designed this Cat's Eye Curse Array to protect the precious items in the Luofu Pavilion."

"The curse will be activated as long as someone touches the guardian artifact or invades the forbidden zone," the master of Cangmang Residence explained with an air of familiarity. Tian Siyao's eyes flickered: "So, as long as we don't touch the guardian artifact or invade the forbidden zone, we can avoid the curse being activated?"

The owner of Cangmang Residence nodded: "As long as you carefully avoid dangerous areas and traps when exploring the inner courtyard, you will not trigger the curse."

The conversation between Tian Siyao and the owner of Cangmang Residence attracted everyone's attention.

They were eager to know the story of the Sharpstones.

Tian Siyao composed herself and tentatively asked, "Master of Cangmang Residence, could you tell us more about the 'Sharp Stone Sect'?"

"We believe this connection is closely related to the current crisis."

The owner of Cangmang Residence nodded slightly, his eyes revealing a trace of endless sorrow and deep affection.

"The Sharp Stone School is one of the most prestigious martial arts schools in our clan."

"In the early years, our martial arts were at their peak."

Tian Siyao asked curiously, "Then why is only the Ruishi Sect left now? Where did the other two sects—the Linxi Sect and the Tingfeng Sect—go?"

Director Cangmang sighed, "This is a sad and cruel story."

“A long time ago, a rare spirit crystal vein was discovered in that area.”

"The three major schools of thought have obtained mining rights and formed an alliance to jointly protect this mineral vein."

His gaze dimmed: "However, one night, he led a group of mercenaries into the mine and massacred the Linxi and Tingfeng factions."

Tian Siyao and the others were all shocked after hearing this story.

"What heinous crimes!" Chen Ze gritted his teeth.

Director Cangmang continued, "Except for a very few people who escaped, almost all martial arts traditions and precious cultural relics were destroyed."

"Only my clan survived by sheer luck."

"Now, our clan has declined to the point of near extinction and is scattered throughout the martial world." Tian Siyao and the others knew that they needed to unravel the secrets of the Ruishi Sect.

They must travel to "Black Iron Mountain," located near Lotus Village, which is the key to the entire storyline.

The owner of Cangmang Residence slowly stood up, his gaze firm and profound.

"Going to Black Iron Mountain is not easy. Not only is the terrain treacherous, but it was also once shrouded in a ferocious and evil force. Anyone who dares to enter will face a great test."

He looked at Tian Siyao and the others, "However, they are the last hope of our clan."

"We will never let you down."

Tian Siyao vowed, "No matter how difficult and dangerous the road ahead may be, we will persevere."

Qin Miyue stared at the owner of Cangmang Residence, "Is there anything else I should be particularly aware of regarding Black Iron Mountain?"

The owner of Cangmangju smiled slightly, "There are many traps and incantations scattered throughout Black Iron Mountain, and your ability to decipher them will play a great role."

"In addition, a crucial relic is buried in Black Iron Mountain: the long-lost 'Spiritual Heart Pattern'."

“Only by finding it can we gain a complete understanding of the Sharp Stone School.” Tian Siyao frowned. “Is the Spirit Heart Pattern really that important?” “I remember seeing something similar in my family’s storeroom.”

The owner of Cangmang Residence looked at Tian Siyao in surprise, "What did you say?! Are you sure?"

Tian Siyao nodded. "I'll go and check."

She was thrilled. "If I can find the 'Spiritual Heart Pattern,' my knowledge and insight might help us better unravel the mystery of the 'Sharp Stone School.'"

Chen Ze mustered his courage and asked, "Master of Cangmang Residence, may I ask how we should get to Black Iron Mountain?"

The owner of Cangmangju gazed at them intently. "To reach Black Iron Mountain, one must pass through Luofu Pavilion, which is the final checkpoint on the way."

Tian Siyao and the others clenched their fists silently, knowing that this would be a dangerous and arduous adventure.

However, they all harbored a strong determination to solve the puzzle and find the truth. (End of Chapter)