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

Chen Ze gripped the sword hilt tightly, his brows furrowed into a deep frown.

A chilling atmosphere hung over the town, devoid of any sign of human habitation or joy.

"Why is it so deserted here?" he asked, puzzled.

Tian Siyao frowned and rubbed her forehead with her fingers.

"According to Nigti, he should live near this town."

She looked around, "but there was nothing there except for emptiness and a desolate scene."

Suddenly, Qin Miyue pointed to a small house in the distance and shouted, "Come and take a look!"

The three hurried towards the hut, leaving behind a huddled desert locust at the door.

"It seems this is what caused Nigti's disappearance," Chen Ze said in a low voice. "We'd better be careful."

They continued walking and found Nigti's house a few dozen meters away.

The house was empty, and the air was thick with the smell of sand and dust.

The three began searching for clues inside and outside the house.

Tian Siyao carefully inspected the room and suddenly found a torn piece of paper on the table.

She picked it up and examined it closely. It read: "Danger in the Sandstorm Town. People of the Northern Families, think twice before you act."

“This is Nigti’s handwriting.” Tian Siyao frowned.

"He had told us that this town was a dangerous place, but we didn't expect it to be this bad."

Chen Ze's expression shifted as he recalled the body of Xiao Wang that he had seen earlier.

"Could it be... that Xiao Wang also died in the danger here?"

Qin Miyue shook her head: "Although sand locusts can hurt people, they are rarely fatal, unless..."

Her voice gradually faded away, and the three of them simultaneously thought of a possibility.

“Unless they carry some kind of toxic or mutated pathogen,” Tian Siyao said nervously.

"In any case, we should be careful." Chen Ze gripped the hilt of his sword tightly. "Nighy may have already encountered some danger."

The three decided to stay in the house temporarily and discussed setting off to explore the ruins the next morning.

The next morning, as sunlight streamed into the room through the windows, Chen Ze and the others were ready to depart.

They donned desert attire, shouldered backpacks, and prepared to embark on their journey under the scorching sun.

Sandstorms raged outside the town, and the sound of sand colliding could be heard from afar.

"We must cross this seemingly insurmountable, endless sandstorm," Chen Ze said firmly, gazing at the scene before him.

Tian Siyao gripped the amulet tightly, her eyes resolute: "Let's go together."

Qin Miyue nodded in agreement: "We must find the Ice Queen's tomb."

The three encouraged each other and took firm and powerful steps through the abandoned town.

They left behind an empty house, marking the beginning of a journey filled with unknown dangers and opportunities.

Traveling through the blowing sand, they felt physically and mentally exhausted.

But their resolve to find the Ice Queen's tomb and unravel the secrets of the Sea of ​​Despair remained unwavering.

Finally, after more than half an hour, we stopped in front of a huge and towering sandstorm barrier.

"That's the 'Death Zone' we're heading to." Chen Ze's tone turned serious as he gazed at the massive sandstorm barrier before him.

Tian Siyao gripped the amulet tightly in her hand, her eyes revealing a hint of hesitation and unease.

Qin Miyue said resolutely, "No matter what difficulties and dangers we face, we will stay together."

They exchanged a silent glance, braving the wind and sand to meet the unknown challenges head-on.

However, just as Chen Ze and the others were about to leave the town, a series of hurried footsteps approached.

Along with the sound came a gust of wind that blew the three of them off balance. "Who are you? Why are you trespassing on my filming set?" a man who looked to be about fifty years old roared.

Chen Ze and the others exchanged glances, signaling each other to remain vigilant.

Although they already knew this was not a real tomb raiding expedition, they could not ignore the dangers of being in an unfamiliar environment.

Tian Siyao resolutely walked towards the man: "We did not intentionally trespass on the filming location; we just accidentally wandered into this abandoned town."

"Are you the person in charge of this film crew?"

General Manager Bian sneered: "That sounds quite high-sounding! You dare to dress up as archaeologists and experts and come to my door? Aren't you plotting something?"

Chen Ze frowned slightly: "Sir, you've misunderstood."

“We are indeed archaeology enthusiasts, but we have no intention of stealing ancient tomb treasures.”

“We were just passing through and found that there were no real ancient tombs here.”

Mr. Bian sneered dismissively: "Hmph, what can the art of geomancy prove?"

"Perhaps you've already found the treasure, but you're just unwilling to share it with the crew."
Chen Ze calmly reminded him, "Sir, please don't wrong us."

"Based on our deduction, this is at most an ordinary burial ground for corpses, and there is no treasure here."

Bian's expression faltered slightly; clearly, he hadn't expected Chen Ze and his team to conduct such a thorough investigation.

"Or you can give me proof?" Boss Bian asked provocatively.

Chen Ze smiled calmly: "I have enough evidence to support my claim."

"Based on our conclusions from the geomancy technique we just used, there is no ancient tomb here."

"Moreover, I noticed that there was no movement or trace in the vicinity indicating that there had been any activity here."

"What do you use to make movies about tomb raiding?"

Bian's arrogance immediately subsided after being defeated.

"This...this is actually just a fictional story I wrote."

"But this abandoned town does create a very good atmosphere of terror."

Tian Siyao frowned: "Do you really think we'd be willing to be your puppets in making this kind of movie?"

Mr. Bian blushed and smiled awkwardly: "To be honest, I didn't expect any real archaeological experts to come."

"This story was only told to create better dramatic effect."

Qin Miyue said, "Whether it's fiction or reality doesn't matter."

"The important thing is that you should tell the actors the truth before you write the script, and stop deceiving them."

Mr. Bian nodded in shame: "You're right."

"Actually, I am also someone who loves archaeology and pursues legends."

"But reality is always cruel and ruthless, so I can only use movies and TV shows to satisfy my desires."

Chen Ze looked Bian up and down and said, "If you really love archaeology and legendary stories, why not go and pursue them yourself? You might be more surprised and rewarded."

"Moreover, incorporating real history and culture into the story during filming can give the film more depth and charm."

After listening to Chen Ze's words, General Manager Bian fell into deep thought.

He suddenly felt as if a ray of light had pierced through his heart, and realized that he had strayed from the source of his passion.

"You're right, I've lost my way."

He gave Chen Ze and the others a sincere smile.

"In that case, I decided to abandon this fictional story and instead seek a path of archaeological exploration."

Tian Siyao smiled and said, "This is the attitude that a true archaeologist should have. I wish you can find your own legend."

After bowing gratefully in thanks, Mr. Bian left, leaving Chen Ze and the others to continue their journey in the town to find the Ice Queen's tomb. (End of Chapter)