Chapter 113: Earth Immortal

"Sir, do I look more like a god or a demon to you?" The weasel standing before him clasped its paws together like a human, pleading for an answer.

Fang You smiled. A weasel performing the "asking for a title" ritual could only repeat this single question. One might wonder why such a creature wouldn't simply threaten a human into calling it a god. The reason lies in the nature of the ritual: it requires sincerity. If the person being asked speaks insincerely or under duress, the answer is invalid and may even increase the creature's karmic burden.

Fang You observed the weasel. Its body was filled with a white, spiritual aura; long years of cultivation had stripped away the fierce, bloodthirsty nature typical of its kind. Since helping it would be a simple act of charity, Fang You replied, "I see you as a god."

As soon as the words left his lips, the surrounding mist dissipated. The weasel’s form gradually shrank, and then it stood upright on its hind legs, taking on a human-like appearance.

"Thank you for your assistance, sir!" the transformed weasel said, pressing its palms together in a gesture of reverence, looking every bit like a celestial being.

"I have a question for you," Fang You said.

"Sir, you have helped me ascend to the rank of an Earth Immortal. If you have any questions, please, do not hesitate to ask," the Great Immortal Huang replied slowly.

"My journey here has been fraught with danger. I wish to know, what other perils are hidden in the depths of Dragon God Mountain? Or rather, what exactly lies at its heart?" Fang You asked, looking at the creature. A wild spirit living in these parts must surely know what was hidden here.

However, the Great Immortal Huang merely shook his head. "If you intend to proceed, I advise you to turn back. Never mind what lies deep within Dragon God Mountain; you won't even be able to pass the Earth-Guardian Spirit at the entrance!"

"An Earth-Guardian Spirit?" Bai Ling exclaimed in surprise.

A guardian of the land, the Earth-Guardian Spirit functioned much like the spirits that guarded burial sites in the art of Feng Shui. The difference was that while a burial-site spirit guarded a geomantically auspicious grave, an Earth-Guardian Spirit protected a treasure-laden territory. Where such a spirit existed, something of great value was invariably hidden nearby.

Realizing this, Fang You nodded. "I understand. You may go."

The Great Immortal Huang bowed again. "I depart!"

After the weasel vanished, Gao Changyi and the other four tomb raiders stood there, completely stunned.

Having spent half their lives raiding tombs, this was their first encounter with a wild creature seeking a title. It was truly an eye-opening experience. Fang You looked at his companions, knowing the road ahead would be treacherous. "Be careful from here on out," he warned. "There is definitely something blocking the path ahead. Try not to get separated."

"Of course," Gao Changyi agreed. "We will follow your lead, sir."

Fang You nodded, and the seven of them continued their march. Unbeknownst to them, a shadowy figure was watching them closely from behind.

The weather grew stiflingly hot, leaving everyone parched. After another three hours of trekking, the heat became unbearable. Gao Changyi fanned his face with his shirt. "What's wrong with this weather? It suddenly got so hot."

Fang You let out a heavy breath.

"Laizi, take a canteen and see if there’s a water source nearby," Gao Changyi said, tossing a canteen to the man.

"Got it, boss. I’ll go take a look; you all rest for a moment," Laizi replied respectfully, heading off into the distance.

The group stopped to catch their breath. Laizi wandered around until he heard the faint sound of a stream. Following the noise, he discovered a crystal-clear mountain creek.

"Lucky me!" he muttered, stepping forward and cupping the cold water in his hands to splash his face. He then reached for the canteen at his waist.

Just then, he saw a reflection in the water—a woman's face, incredibly beautiful. Before he could react, a pair of hands shot out from the depths and dragged him under.

*Glug, glug.*

Laizi swallowed mouthfuls of water, his head held firmly beneath the surface. He struggled desperately, but within moments, his movements ceased. Suddenly, a beautiful head floated to the surface.

It was only a head—exquisitely beautiful—but beneath it hung nothing but bare, white bones. The head stared at the corpse, and in the next second, it merged back into the body.

Laizi stood up again, a sinister smile playing on his lips. He filled the canteen to the brim and began the trek back to the group.

Meanwhile, by a large tree, the rest of the party was resting. Suddenly, a venomous snake slithered toward them. The man known as Scarface acted with lightning speed, drawing his blade and slicing the snake in two.

The others looked at Scarface; he was covered in scars, his face marked by a long, jagged line—a testament to the many brushes with death he had survived.

"There are many wild beasts and insects here, so be careful," Scarface warned. He then deftly peeled the meat from the snake and popped it into his mouth; he knew exactly which parts were safe to eat, a habit picked up from a lifetime of tomb raiding.

Before long, Laizi returned with the canteen. "Fresh water, everyone, drink up!"

He placed it on the ground, and Gao Changyi pulled disposable cups from his pack. "Drink, and then we continue."

Moments later, everyone had a cup filled with the clear mountain water. Just as they were about to drink, Fang You called out, "Wait! Something is wrong."

Fang You noticed wisps of black vapor rising from the water; it was tainted with an evil aura. Gao Changyi, accustomed to living in the wild, sniffed the water and sensed the distinct, foul odor of a rotting corpse.

At that exact moment, Laizi lunged at Fang You, wielding a sharp blade.

"Sir, look out!" Bai Ling finally drew her black saber, parrying the strike. Sparks flew as the blades clashed. Fang You dived and rolled, narrowly avoiding the attack.

"Laizi, have you lost your mind?" Er Goutui shouted from the side.

"Brother Laizi!" little Xiaodouzi cried out, trembling in terror.

"Everyone who tries to move forward must die!" Laizi shrieked, attacking the group like a madman.

Scarface struck quickly, landing a heavy blow that sent Laizi sprawling to the ground. But Laizi showed no sign of pain; he simply grinned foolishly and muttered, "No one can enter Dragon God Mountain."