Chapter 235: Chapter 234: Resolving the Bizarre Frenzy on Cyan Mountain, Yet Giving the Credit Away

On the edge of Huamen City, a solitary peak named Cyan Mountain stands,

and though "Cyan" was in its name, it felt like nature’s cruel mockery of its once-vibrant past.

For the mountain had long since shed its former vibrancy and emerald hues, draped now in a deathly, gray-brown shroud.

The mountain was once a dazzling pearl on the city’s edge, evergreen through all four seasons, with lush forests whose paths echoed with joyous laughter.

It was the premier destination for countless families on weekend outings, a place to create cherished memories together.

In spring, wildflowers bloomed in abundance.

In summer, its verdant canopy offered shade from the sun.

When the autumn winds blew, the forests blazed with color.

After a winter snow, it was draped in a silver-white mantle.

However, a sudden Evil Spirit tide, like dark clouds blotting out the sun,

instantly plunged this Paradise into endless darkness and terror.

The sun shone brightly that day, yet its light could not pierce the depths of Cyan Mountain.

Evil Spirits surged forth like a tidal wave, destroying all life in their path,

and the people who had once laughed and run across this land were all devoured, leaving behind nothing but utter silence and despair.

When the tide was finally suppressed by a great power and the Evil Spirits were driven out one by one,

Cyan Mountain grew calm once more, but it could never reclaim its former beauty.

The new vegetation was no longer a vibrant green but a sickly gray-brown. The plants grew in twisted shapes—their branches were like iron and their vines serpentine, yet none could stand tall.

These plants, devoid of vitality, exuded only the desolation of death, inspiring an instinctual fear in all who saw them.

Stepping onto Cyan Mountain, even in the sweltering heat of summer, one could feel an unnatural, bone-chilling cold.

At the foot of the mountain, a cold wind brushed against the skin, a stark contrast to the high temperatures outside. It felt like entering another world entirely.

The ground on either side of the path was as hard as stone, and each step sent a chill to the heart. The sharp, uncomfortable sensation underfoot

felt like nature’s warning to intruders, a reminder that this was no longer the Paradise it once was.

All was eerily quiet, save for the occasional gust of wind echoing through the empty valley, adding to the sinister atmosphere.

Looking up, the summit was shrouded in mist, appearing and disappearing from view.

Chu He’s Primordial Spirit Power surged forth like a tidal wave,

covering the entirety of Cyan Mountain in an instant.

Chu He instantly understood. The reason the mountain had become this way

was because it was still tainted by a lingering Mysterious Power that had not been purged. This power had now fused with Cyan Mountain itself.

If this Mysterious Power were to be completely purged, the mountain would become well and truly dead,

unable to support even the twisted, gray-brown vegetation.

’The one responsible for cleansing Cyan Mountain back then must have realized this,’

’and made the decision to let the mountain remain in this grotesque state.’

Even so, not a single tourist could be seen on the mountain.

The events on Cyan Mountain had once shaken the entire Great Xia Empire, leaving the local residents with a deep, lingering trauma.

Even now that it was safe, they still dared not set foot here.

Local rumors even claimed that every night, sounds of weeping emanated from the mountain—

the voices of men and women, old and young.

They were said to be the resentful, lingering souls of those who had perished in the Evil Spirit tide, unable to find peace.

With such rumors spreading, it was no wonder no one else dared to come.

Led by Gao Liceng, they soon arrived at a cemetery.

At its main entrance,

hung a well-aged plaque. Inscribed upon it were the three words: "Cyan Mountain Cemetery."

Even before entering, they could see numerous tombstones arranged in neat order, their small burial mounds dotting the landscape.

Yet the mounds were clear of weeds,

a clear sign that someone meticulously cared for the grounds, maintaining the cemetery’s pristine appearance.

At the entrance to the cemetery stood a small wooden cabin.

A clothesline was strung up near the door, with clothes hanging on it,

a clear sign of habitation. This was undoubtedly the Tomb Guardian Gao Liceng had mentioned.

Perhaps hearing the commotion at the entrance,

the wooden door of the cabin was pushed open from the inside with a CREAK.

A middle-aged man with a well-proportioned build stepped out.

He was dressed in a black shirt, black pants, and black cloth shoes. His hair was neat, without a single strand out of place.

His features were plain and his build slightly gaunt.

"Gao Liceng?"

The middle-aged man started when he saw Gao Liceng. He clearly recognized him but hadn’t expected him to be here.

"You’ve taken over?"

The middle-aged man paused again. "I sense the old man’s aura on you."

"The old man died," Gao Liceng replied. "He passed the techniques of the Paper Makers on to me."

"I see."

The middle-aged man nodded, his expression betraying neither surprise nor the slightest ripple of emotion,

as if it were a matter of no consequence.

But it was hardly surprising. The man had guarded this cemetery for many years, with only burial mounds and tombstones for daily company.

His human emotions had long ago faded in this bizarre and desolate place.

A person with deep, vibrant emotions would find it impossible to guard Cyan Mountain Cemetery day in and day out.

"Then why have you come this time?" the middle-aged man asked.

"I came to bring them here. We’ve formed a folklore squad, and this is our leader."

As he spoke, Gao Liceng gestured toward Chu He. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"And who are you? What do you do?"

The middle-aged man hadn’t even fully grasped what Gao Liceng was saying.

"I’m Chu He," he said concisely. "I’m inviting you to join our folklore squad."

"Not interested." The middle-aged man shook his head, refusing on the spot.

"The purpose of the folklore squad is to protect the flame of the Human Race.

You must be aware that the situation outside is growing more and more dire.

When the nest is overturned, how can any egg remain unbroken?

You were the one who quelled the tide of Mysterious Power on Cyan Mountain, yet you let someone else take the credit.

That alone is proof you’re not as cold and detached as you appear.

I’m not trying to guilt-trip you.

But if the Evil Spirits destroy human civilization, then whatever you are protecting will also end up as food for them."

Chu He said, looking the middle-aged man straight in the eye.

Hearing this, Gao Liceng stared at the middle-aged man in astonishment. He never would have imagined that this man was the one who had actually quelled the tide of Mysterious Power on Cyan Mountain.

At these words, the middle-aged man’s impassive expression finally cracked.

He stared intently at Chu He, his eyes a storm of complex emotions—

including the clear intent to kill.

"You’re welcome to try," Chu He said calmly.

Then, he lifted his foot and stomped hard on the ground.

There was a soft THUD,

yet an indescribable power seemed to surge from deep beneath the earth.

A tremor ripped through the ground, as if the entirety of Cyan Mountain had been struck by a massive, violent earthquake.

"Stop!"

the middle-aged man roared, his eyes wide with fury, looking as if they might tear at the corners.

Gao Liceng froze, stunned. He had never expected Chu He to resort to force against the Tomb Guardian so directly.

’But what did Chu He mean by what he said earlier?’

’In Gao Liceng’s experience, the Tomb Guardian had always been a solitary figure, even more reclusive than the old man had been.’

’To think he actually had something he needed to protect.’