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

Tian Siyao frowned slightly as she carefully observed the five guardians.

“It looks like a religious figure from some ancient people,” she murmured to herself.

Qin Miyue asked curiously, "Can you see any more information about them?"

Tian Siyao nodded. "I will do my best."

She carefully observed each sculpture, gently touching their surfaces with her fingers.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up.

“I understand!” Tian Siyao said excitedly, “These sculptures represent different natural elements.”

"Based on their shapes and symbols, they may have originated from the belief system of an unknown ethnic group in the southwestern border region."

She explained, "This ethnic group may be related to the mythical beast 'Qinglin'."

"They worshipped the forces of nature and embodied them in the image of guardians."

Tian Siyao looked around and her gaze settled on the last sculpture—the Guardian of the Cold Snow.

“I think there must be some secrets in this valley related to cold and ice.”

She said, "We need to explore further."

Chen Ze gripped the sword tightly, sensing an eerie aura gathering in the surrounding air.

"Be careful," he cautioned.

"We must remain vigilant if any danger arises."

Qin Miyue couldn't help but shiver. After a moment of contemplation, she said:
"Perhaps we can use Qingyun's electronic devices to help us."

Tian Siyao nodded; she knew Qin Miyue was referring to the assistant Lu Jiulin had hired.

Qingyun is skilled in using radio devices and other electronic equipment, which will greatly help them explore this unknown valley.

Fortunately, they were able to contact Qingyun.

After exchanging location information, a young man appeared in front of them shortly afterward.

"I heard you need my help," Qingyun said with a smile.

Tian Siyao exclaimed, "We are preparing to explore this valley further."

Qingyun surveyed her surroundings. "It does look rather unusual."

He said, "I did some research before I came here, and there might be some hidden passages or mechanisms."

"I'm so glad to have your help," Qin Miyue said gratefully.

Tian Siyao led everyone around the sculptures and rock walls, searching for any clues in the dense bushes.

As time went on, with Tian Siyao's keen insight and Qin Miyue's magical assistance...

They gradually approached the secret of the valley.

Finally, behind a faintly glowing rock wall, they discovered a hidden mechanism.

Tian Siyao stared at the mechanism; her insight told her that it was the key to a deeper level.

She began to decipher the symbols and incantations, slowly piecing them together.

Tian Siyao said in a low voice, "It should be based on the natural elements represented by the five guardians."

Qingyun quickly took out a chart with detailed annotations of each sculpture and the elements it symbolized.

Everyone immediately focused their attention and began operating the mechanism.

A faint tremor spread throughout the valley, followed by the rock wall slowly shifting, revealing the entrance to a secret passage.

They exchanged a glance and walked into the secret passage.

Then, Tian Siyao, Qin Miyue, and Chen Ze stepped through the dark passage paved with fiery red rocks and entered the Crimson Flame Gorge.

The scenery here was completely different from what they had seen before.

The surrounding area was filled with fiery red rocks, with flames leaping on the rock walls and radiating intense heat.

"It's a fiery red scene here," Chen Ze said, looking up at the towering cliffs.

Tian Siyao nodded: "It is said that this is the final resting place of the Qinglin chieftain."

“Perhaps these rock walls hold some secrets.” Qin Miyue looked around. “I think this place might be related to the fire phoenix, the spirit beast that the chieftain transformed into after his death to protect the tribe.”

Unfortunately, we cannot know for sure.

Just as the three were engrossed in the mystery they were about to explore.

Suddenly, a deep, resonant voice rang out, "What brings you here?"

The three turned their heads and saw an old man dressed in simple robes with flowing white hair standing quietly not far away.

"you are?"

The old man smiled slightly, "My name is Qingyu."

"Are you here in Crimson Flame Gorge looking for clues about Chief Qinglin?"

Tian Siyao and the others exchanged glances; the old man actually knew they were looking for clues about the Qinglin chieftain.

Tian Siyao stepped forward and asked, "How did you know we were looking for clues about the Qinglin chieftain?"

Qingyu smiled faintly: "There is a saying here that the whirlwind is caused by tree spirits."

"Judging from your aura, you must be from the Western Regions."

"That's right, you're very smart." Qin Miyue nodded in praise.

Qingyu continued, "There is a close connection between the Fire Phoenix, the Wood Elf, and the Azure Scale."

"If you want to find more clues about Chief Qinglin and the Fire Phoenix, you can go to the nearby Vermilion Bird Hill."

Chen Ze asked, "Where is Vermilion Bird Hill? How do we get there?"

Qingyu pointed ahead, "Go north along this path."

"There is a hidden path between the two caves, which leads to Suzaku Hill."

Tian Siyao clasped her hands in a fist salute to Qingyu, "Thank you for your guidance, Qingyu."

Qingyu waved her hand and said with a smile, "May you find the answers you seek."

The three of them walked forward, heading towards Vermilion Bird Hill.

During their long and silent journey, they occasionally passed through narrow and steep caves.

Finally, as sunlight streamed through the cave, they arrived at a wide and open place—Zhuque Hill.

Here, the mountains are high and the rivers are long, and towering trees are everywhere you look.

Countless bright red flowers, blooming like flames, hang all around.

"It seems our efforts weren't in vain," Chen Ze said calmly. "This place is indeed related to the Fire Phoenix."

Tian Siyao looked around. "We've found another clue here."

"Now we need more information about the connection between Fire Phoenix and Green Scale Chieftain."

Qin Miyue frowned. "To obtain clues, we must continue to explore further."

"However, this environment is extremely dangerous, and we need to proceed with caution."

The three nodded in unison and stepped onto the path covered with red flowers.

They walked along the path, searching among the dense red flowers for any clues.

Soon, Tian Siyao noticed that the trees on both sides of the path were covered with symbols and incantations related to the fire phoenix.

“These symbols and incantations should be clues to guide us forward,” she told her companions, pointing to the trees.

Qin Miyue couldn't help but admire her and said, "Tian Siyao, you're really amazing. You can actually decipher these complex symbols."

Tian Siyao smiled and said, "Things that interest you always make you more engaged. Come on! Let's go."

As a gentle breeze blew by, the red flowers swayed like flames.

The three followed the roadside signs and walked deeper and deeper into Suzaku Hill.

Deep within their hearts, the mysterious connection between the Fire Phoenix and the Azure Scale Chieftain became increasingly clear.

Just as they were immersed in the various possibilities, a huge red cave suddenly appeared before them.

The cave shimmered with layers of red light, exuding an aura of mystery and solemnity. (End of Chapter)