In Douluo Continent, my summoning of Naxi Da was exposed by the heavens.

Upon arriving at the Abyss of Layered Rocks, they learned from Old Dai that four young and strong miners had gone missing.

We've searched the entire area, but we haven't found any trace of them.

This is also why Old Dai entrusted the Adventurers' Association with this matter.

Zhongli and the traveler discovered that the four missing people had likely been captured, as they hadn't even brought any luggage, only their mining tools.

Meanwhile, Kunjun saw what had actually happened through the ore.

The ability to see past scenes through minerals is truly amazing.

This further highlights the extraordinary nature of Kunjun.

What Kunjun saw was four miners leaving the mining area with a little girl.

Children are not usually seen in mining areas, which makes this all the stranger.

Those who are watching the celestial display know that the main subject of the current celestial image is the Naga King Ratna.

But the Dragon King Ruotu has already been sealed away. Now, who is related to the Dragon King Ruotu: Kunjun with strange abilities, or the strange little girl who took away the miners?

Everyone has their own guesses, whether they are right or wrong, we'll have to wait for the heavens to reveal the answer.

The images on the sky continued, and the investigation continued even after the traveler reported the investigation procedures to Lao Dai.

They then met up with Kunjun and learned that Kunjun was looking for a mineral called Zhenlong Stone.

"Dragon-suppressing stones are generally used in the forging industry. What do you need them for?"

Zhongli asked, but Kunjun said he didn't know.

"I'm sorry, I can't explain why. I've been in a daze these days. I can't remember anything except my name and my home address."

To be honest, I've been very anxious. It's like there's something I haven't done yet, but I've already forgotten about it and can't remember it. It's really upsetting.

While I was wandering around, I heard someone mention the "Dragon-Suppressing Stone." The words sounded very familiar, and I thought that if I could find one and hold it in my hand, I might remember something.

"I see. If it's convenient during my journey, I'll help you find this kind of stone."

"Really? Mr. Zhongli, you're so kind."

"It was just a small favor, nothing to mention."

They then continued their investigation at Lingju Pass.

As the investigation continued, all the clues pointed to the South Heavenly Gate, where the Dragon-Subduing Tree was located, which was also the place where the Dragon King Ruotu was sealed.

Upon arriving at the South Heavenly Gate, they found a miner unconscious; he had collapsed from exhaustion.

Finding someone means they're on the right track.

We first set this person aside, but there are still many strange things about this matter that remain unanswered.

However, at this moment, Kunjun suddenly gave the crystal to the traveler and Zhongli.

Zhongli looked at the crystal that Kunjun had presented, and his expression was clearly somewhat different.

"What's wrong? Does Mr. Zhongli not like it?"

"No, no, it's just a bit of a surprise to receive a gift at this time. I'll cherish it."

"Yes, thank you for accepting this. A good gift is only meaningful when given to someone who appreciates it. I'll go and look around for more stones."

"You really do like stones."

"Minerals are the crystallization of the earth and the sedimentation of time. I feel at peace when I'm with them."

After Kunjun left, Zhongli's expression turned serious.

"Traveler, I have something to say to you."

"What's wrong?"

Do you remember the Dragon-Suppressing Stone?

"no."

"Is there anything special about the Dragon-Suppressing Stone?"

Paimon asked curiously as well.

"Zhenlong Stone is a rare forging ore. Ordinary crystals are naturally formed under high temperature conditions, but Zhenlong Stone is a crystallized product caused by elemental reactions."

Can elemental reactions produce physical substances?

"Yes, but only a very small portion can be preserved in the long term."

The Dragon-Suppressing Stone was born from a great battle thousands of years ago. The intense collision of elemental forces produced elemental crystals, and after the battle, this stone miraculously remained.

It is clear that the great battle Zhongli mentioned refers to the great battle in which he sealed the Dragon King Ruotu.

The elemental crystals produced in that great battle could be used as ores for human mining, which shows how grand the battle was.

"After all, the Zhenlong Stone is a crystallized material, and its quantity is not large, nor is its reputation high. More importantly, the Zhenlong Stone was exhausted hundreds of years ago."

It's questionable why the people of Liyue would be searching for ores that no longer exist.

"Yes, since he knows about the Dragon Suppressing Stone, he should also know that all of them have been mined out."

Kunjun's unusual behavior is indeed suspicious, but the more important thing now is to find the missing miners.

Zhong Li said this to remind travelers to be more careful going forward.

Afterwards, the group arrived at the foot of the Fulong Tree. Kunjun touched the stone tablet under the Fulong Tree and something was clearly wrong.

Before the traveler could even ask, Zhongli summoned him.

Zhong Li found a newly dug tunnel behind him and went in. Sure enough, he found three other miners digging frantically.

Paimon also discovered a glowing door, or more accurately, a sealing array.

By this point, Zhongli understood everything, but could only sigh in her heart.

The three miners spotted Zhong Li and his group, grabbed their pickaxes, and charged at them.

Zhongli then released a barrier to keep them out, but he was quite obvious in his actions, as the top and bottom of the shield were not sealed off.

A wisp of black energy entered the shield from below, transforming into the shape of a little girl. Just as she launched her attack, a white light erupted from Kunjun's body, blocking the attack.

Finally, the sealing formation broke, and everyone was sucked into the seal.

"This Rock King Emperor is quite the actor, isn't he? Or is he feeling guilty towards his old friend whom he personally sealed away? Even a god as high and mighty as him has a vulnerable side, huh?"

Nefer said this while petting the cat.

"Boss, is it really okay for you to dump all the work on me?"

"I'm not happy about it," Yakoda said.

"Oh, you've grown wings, haven't you? Want to switch jobs? How much is Dolly paying you?"

"No, that's not it. It's just that you seem to have become a lot lazier since you came here. You'll gain weight if you keep this up."

Upon hearing Yakoda's words, a tic-tac-toe mark appeared on Nefer's forehead.

"Yakoda, come here, I need to tell you something."

Yakoda had no suspicions, but as soon as she got close, Nefer grabbed her and started rubbing her face.

"You dare call me fat? I think you want your salary docked."

"Boss, stop!"

Asheru licked his fur, looking helpless; it was clear that Thu had possessed him again.

Looking again at the sky, the true form of the Dragon King Ruoduo appeared, letting out a roar, and shattered all the rock pillars that sealed him.

Paimon was clearly frightened.

"Ah! What kind of monster is this?!"

Then, the Dragon King Ratna let out a series of laughs.