Return of the Immortal Emperor Daddy-Chapter 168: Childish
They had finally reached the Village of Closed Gates. The sky was a clear blue wash, the mountains were layered one upon the other, and the waters of the Carefree River Reservoir rippled gently.
Wu Tian and the others walked in, following a path lined with stacked stones. Red leaves dotted the landscape on both sides, and springs flowed ceaselessly. The scenery should have been pleasant, but it was far too quiet. The silence was terrifying.
"I really hate places like this," Lin Zhan said with a wry smile. As a former warrior, he would rather face a battlefield than set foot in a place like this.
A smile curled at the corner of Wu Tian’s mouth. He had come here with only two goals. First, to find that person’s whereabouts. Second, he sensed an opportunity here, one that could help him break through to the Tongxuan Realm and finally use his Divine Body’s phenomenon.
"I’m here, so don’t be afraid," Wu Tian said, noticing the little girl had been silent.
Even an adult would feel their skin crawl in such a quiet, desolate village, let alone a child. It felt as if zombies, skeletons, or even white-haired old men—their bodies rotting yet still walking—might appear at any moment. A truly chilling thought.
But after hearing Wu Tian’s words, the little girl suddenly looked up and said, "I really love places like this."
"Really?" Wu Tian asked, surprised.
"Yes," the little girl nodded. "When I grow up, I want to live in seclusion in a scary place just like this. Hmm, what should I call it? The Ancient Wilds? A Forbidden Ground? A Land of Malevolence? I just love words like that. I love them!"
Wu Tian was speechless. His daughter certainly had unusual tastes.
Zhao Mulan and Zhao Zetian led the way, occasionally looking back to check on the little girl. She was undeniably adorable, and even though they weren’t related, the two sisters couldn’t help but feel concerned for her.
The Xieling Raider and the Mount Mover, one fat and one thin, both looked on with immense envy. Zhao Zetian was a great beauty, but she was always so reserved when speaking to them. The way she looked at the little girl was full of affection, a warmth that was missing when her gaze fell upon them. At that moment, the Mount Mover and the Xieling Raider suddenly wished they were children again.
They finally reached the mountains behind the Village of Closed Gates, where they found a valley concealed by vines. Zhao Mulan stepped forward and drew her Green Light Sword. With a single slash, she parted the waterfall of dense vines, carving out an opening.
A gash revealed a pitch-black cave entrance. It looked like the maw of a ferocious beast or a gateway to hell itself, daring anyone to enter.
Wu Tian stared at the opening, noticing something peculiar about the air within. A floral scent drifted out, one that could boost a person’s confidence. While that sounded like a good thing, the fragrance would eventually inflate one’s confidence into sheer arrogance and conceit. For anyone, arrogance was a surefire path to self-destruction.
Wu Tian discreetly extended a finger and tapped the backs of Lin Zhan, Mouse Tooth, and the little girl before turning his gaze to Zhao Zetian and the others.
Suddenly, the Xieling Raider pulled some tools from his backpack. He handed a field survival rope to Lin Zhan, who took it. Then, he passed a Compass to Mouse Tooth, who accepted it and tucked it into his jacket. He was clearly treating Lin Zhan and Mouse Tooth as pack mules. After that, he produced a folded Luoyang Shovel, held it out to Wu Tian, and said, "Hold this for me."
At the same time, the Mount Mover and the Faqiu General also began handing their equipment to Lin Zhan and Mouse Tooth, treating them as laborers all the same. They then approached Wu Tian, also intending for him to carry their things.
"Can you not bother me?" Wu Tian retorted coldly, staring at the three of them acting like they were in charge, as if it were only natural for others to carry their gear.
His words stunned everyone into silence. The only exception was the little girl, who clapped her hands, thinking her father had handled that beautifully.
The Xieling Raider and his companions, however, were not pleased.
"This is for the good of the team," the Xieling Raider said, disgruntled.
"Correct," the Faqiu General nodded. "We’re a team now, and we need to cooperate and divide the labor. Since you three aren’t very skilled, you can just help carry the tools."
"That’s right," the Mount Mover added with a smile. "What’s the harm in carrying a few things?"
Their words dripped with arrogance. Of course, they believed they had every right to be arrogant. Who were they? They were the heirs to renowned Tomb Raiding sects. In their world, they were the authorities.
But Wu Tian simply sneered, "Scram."
The reply was direct and brutal, stunning the three raiders once again.
Seeing this, Zhao Mulan whispered, "That man has some backbone."
"No, sister, you’re wrong," Zhao Zetian countered, also keeping her voice low. "That was unwise. It’s fine for a man to have principles, but he has to know when to bend. We need these three for the tomb raid, but Wu Tian is putting on this tough-guy act at a time like this. Heh, he just doesn’t know how to get along with people."
Even if the Xieling Raider and his companions wouldn’t intentionally harm someone, what about in the tomb? If they chose not to warn Wu Tian about a hidden danger, wouldn’t he be doomed? Furthermore, Zhao Zetian believed that befriending more people with unique skills could only be beneficial down the line. But with an attitude like Wu Tian’s, if he ever needed help from the raiders, would they offer it? More friends meant fewer enemies. It was a simple principle that, in her eyes, Wu Tian failed to grasp. He was too naive.
"Fine, you’re so incredible," the Mount Mover muttered. Remembering how Wu Tian had just refused to become his disciple, he snorted in contempt and stepped aside.
"Heh," the Faqiu General sneered, also moving to the side.
"Once we’re in the tomb, don’t expect any help from me," the Xieling Raider said, his tone vengeful. He had clearly taken offense to Wu Tian’s attitude.
Wu Tian nodded calmly. "Then we won’t help each other."
"Heh, you think I’d ever need *your* help?" the Xieling Raider laughed as if he had just heard the world’s greatest joke. "Fine by me. Once we’re in the tomb, we won’t lift a finger to help you."
Wu Tian simply shrugged, indicating they could do as they pleased.
Witnessing the exchange, Zhao Zetian whispered to Zhao Mulan, "See? Those are the consequences of being reckless."
Zhao Mulan nodded. She knew that if Wu Tian entered the tomb now, his chances of survival were grim. Unable to stand by, she stepped forward. "Perhaps you shouldn’t go down, Mr. Wu Tian."
"Miss Zhao Mulan, you greatly underestimate Mr. Wu Tian," Lin Zhan interjected, his faith in Wu Tian stronger than his faith in himself.
What a fanatic, Zhao Mulan thought, frustrated. She looked at Wu Tian again, but his expression was placid. He clearly had no intention of listening to reason, so she had no choice but to give up.
Wu Tian was completely unfazed by all of this. A mere tomb? What is there to fear? I’ve survived countless dangers in that other world; a simple tomb raid is nothing to me.
"Alright, let’s head down," Zhao Zetian commanded. The group then entered the dark and eerie cave.
