Chapter 878
Unraveling the Mystery of the Ancient Tomb
The four of them began to act in unison.
Working closely together, they used ropes and strength to slowly pull the coffin out of the deep water.
When the mysterious coffin was finally dragged ashore, the surface of the stream immediately returned to calm, as if nothing had happened.
Tian Siyao couldn't wait to reach out and gently touch the ancient wooden surface.
The coffin exuded a rich, intoxicating aroma.
“This is material from ancient times,” she exclaimed. “It’s a miracle of preservation.”
Chen Ze glanced back at the coffin that had emerged from the water, and his heart was filled with awe.
“We must be careful,” he solemnly warned his companions. “This coffin may possess great power.”
"We cannot be careless."
The four began to study and explore the mysterious coffin.
Based on her knowledge of magic and spells, Qin Miyue discovered that there were some ancient runes and patterns engraved on the surface of the coffin.
“These runes are probably used to activate some kind of mechanism or for protection,” she said, turning to the others.
"We need to find the right way."
Tian Siyao examined the runes and patterns through her glasses, lightly touching a few lines with her fingers.
"I'm more inclined to believe that these patterns are clues to hidden caves or other places than to mechanisms or protection."
The four of them were eager to meet the new challenge.
They are united, driven by a passion for struggle and exploration.
To their surprise, an elderly, playful man from the village walked towards them.
He was an old man with white hair and a face full of wrinkles, but his eyes were exceptionally sharp.
“Young people, are you curious about this dark coffin?” the old rascal asked with a smile.
The four exchanged a glance and nodded.
They wanted to know more about this mysterious coffin.
The old man took a deep breath and began to tell them the legend of the coffin.
“Long ago, a wise man lived in our village.”
"He once gave villagers advice on how to avert the disaster brought by dark coffins."
"According to his teachings, when someone opens this coffin, they will be plunged into a nightmare."
"Some villagers with strong curiosity wanted to uncover the secrets inside."
The old man said solemnly, "But not long after, these people died mysteriously."
"However, our village did not disappear."
"Instead, we chose to settle in Lotus Valley," the old man continued to explain. "We firmly believe that as long as we don't touch this coffin, no disaster will befall us."
The four listened intently, and they finally obtained some clues about the coffin.
"Then why did Lan Yu say that this coffin could lock a person's soul?" Chen Ze couldn't help but ask.
The old rascal sighed and said solemnly, "That's because in ancient times, a greedy villager was persuaded by a merchant to pry open the coffin."
"However, all they saw was a pile of scattered bones."
"Immediately afterwards, a transparent, four-limbed snake suddenly appeared and attacked the merchant."
The old man's tone became more serious. "Surprisingly, the vendor did not show any symptoms of poisoning."
Upon hearing this, all four of them felt a jolt in their hearts.
This strange snake is extraordinary.
The old man looked around and took off a pendant hanging on his chest.
“This is the talisman that the wise man gave me back then,” he explained.
Tian Siyao asked in surprise, "Could this amulet ward off the evil power of the coffin?"
The old rascal nodded. "That's right. Ah, young people, you are the ones who truly have the opportunity to unravel this mystery."
Their eyes gleamed; they had finally found some answers.
"Then what should we do?" Qin Miyue asked. "If we are to open the coffin, how can we prevent disaster from happening?"
The old man smiled and said, "As long as you approach this coffin in the right way, no disaster will occur."
Chen Ze habitually gripped the sword hilt tightly, his eyes sparkling.
“We will face the challenge of dark coffins,” he said firmly, “but we will never give up.”
Tian Siyao looked at Chen Ze with pride.
“I have complete faith in you,” she encouraged.
Qin Miyue frowned. "Wait, that's not enough. We need more information to solve this mystery."
She looked around and noticed many long-forgotten but historically significant carvings and inscriptions in Lotus Valley.
“Perhaps we can find clues in these ancient carvings and surviving inscriptions,” Qin Miyue suggested.
The four agreed and began to carefully observe their surroundings.
Qin Miyue studies ancient carvings and surviving inscriptions, while Tian Siyao focuses on deciphering the meaning of symbols.
Time passed second by second, and as the sun set, they finally found a meaningful carving.
“This depicts a scene where the stream seems to flow backwards,” Tian Siyao said excitedly, pointing to the carving.
The group exchanged glances, their hearts filled with anticipation.
Perhaps this sculpture will give them some inspiration.
Chen Ze stared at the unique carved image.
"I have an idea."
He said firmly, "Perhaps we need to guide the stream backwards."
Tian Siyao frowned slightly, "But there are no other directions with higher altitudes in Lotus Valley."
Qin Miyue suddenly had a flash of inspiration, "Perhaps we need to divert the water source from another location."
She pointed to a foothill in the carving, "That place should be a good choice."
The group clapped their hands and decided to head to that place early the next morning to find a way to redirect the stream.
That night, they set up tents on the grass to rest.
Under the starry sky, the four of them silently prayed, hoping to unravel the mystery of the dark coffin.
The next morning, they were all ready to go.
At night.
Chen Ze looked at the old rascal and made a suggestion:
"Senior, may we stay here for the night?"
“A wise person like you must have many stories and knowledge to share with us.”
The old man smiled and nodded, saying, "Young people, of course you can stay. I'd be happy to spend the night with you."
Just then, Tian Siyao pretended to look at the dishes on the table with dissatisfaction and said, "These dishes really have no flavor. Fatty Tiger, go outside and buy some takeout."
Fat Tiger immediately got up and left the room.
Tian Siyao secretly gave Qin Miyue a wink.
"Senior, please tell us more about the ancient tomb and the dark coffin," Qin Miyue deliberately requested.
The old man's eyes flashed, and he said bluntly, "Did you come here to steal treasure?"
The four of them looked at the old rascal in surprise.
"We just want to unravel the mystery of the ancient tomb and stop the spread of evil forces," Chen Ze hurriedly explained.
The old rascal smiled slightly and said, "I know you actually have other purposes."
"But you don't need to worry, I don't intend to stop you."
Qin Miyue keenly sensed the hints in the Old Rascal's fairy tale, and she speculated that the Old Rascal might have also been involved in similar activities.
Qin Miyue couldn't help but ask, "Haven't you ever participated in such an adventure yourself?"
The old man sighed and said with a complicated expression, "When I was young, I also tried to unravel the mystery of the dark coffin."
"But I discovered that only the explorer was cursed, while the merchant was unharmed."
Tian Siyao asked curiously, "What exactly happened to that merchant? Is he dead?"
The old man shook his head. "No, in fact, he later became one of the most outstanding sages in our village." (End of Chapter)