C20 Temple in the Mountains

Jiang Fann had been ready to ridicule him, but the sight of those eerie caves wiped the smirk right off his face.

He was no stranger to high-stakes situations, with a knack for trusting his gut.

He knew better than to let his guard down when danger lurked; his life was far too precious.

Shi Chengtian, with a furrowed brow, surveyed the caves. "Why would that creature choose such a place to hole up?"

He wrinkled his nose as he spoke.

"The stench is unbearable. Maybe we should back off and regroup with your reinforcements first?"

Seeing Shi Chengtian waver, Jiang Fann quickly interjected, "Enough talk. Don't you want to capture that giant bird and settle the score? Just stay alert. Here, take this and don't hesitate to use it when the time comes."

He handed over a pill wrapped in red energy.

Shi Chengtian examined it closely, grumbling, "You're too tight-fisted. Hand over a few more!"

"Do you think these are candy? Be careful with it. It might just save your skin when it really counts."

Hearing the gravity in Jiang Fann's voice, Shi Chengtian grew more cautious. "For something this crucial, you could've at least given me a proper container. Got any spare Hundred Treasures Bags? I've run out."

Jiang Fann tossed him an unused bag.

Despite his complaints, Shi Chengtian led the way, his physical form may have been battered, but his spiritual realm soared above Jiang Fann's. It was his role to be the protector.

The injuries within him might stump other healers, but for Jiang Fann, it was merely a matter of time.

Jiang Fann took note of his every gesture, storing it away in his heart. Shi Chengtian's sincerity would not be met with stinginess.

Both men were on high alert, scanning their surroundings.

The formation around them seemed to have been thrown together in haste, a fact that kept them from relaxing their guard.

Then, out of nowhere, a crane's call pierced the air. The immortal crane burst forth from one of the caves and took off into the sky, heedless of all else.

The two men were momentarily taken aback.

Shi Chengtian pointed toward the cave, "It came from there. Could the treasure be inside?"

Jiang Fann immediately shook his head. "If this creature were truly a guardian spirit beast, why would it abandon the treasure and take off? It seems more likely it's trying to trap us."

"Are you sure you're not overthinking it?" Shi Chengtian questioned.

With a chuckle, Jiang Fann replied, "There's one way to find out."

"How's that?"

Without another word, Jiang Fann strode toward a different cave, pacing at its mouth.

Shi Chengtian trailed behind, puzzled by Jiang Fann's actions.

Jiang Fann circled the cave entrance a couple of times without entering, then moved on to another cave.

After visiting over a dozen caves with nothing to show for it, Jiang Fann's eyebrows lifted in speculation.

"Could I have been mistaken?" he mumbled to himself before heading to another cave.

Upon reaching the next cave, Jiang Fann sensed a faint energy emanating from within—something was definitely inside.

As he was about to enter, the immortal crane that had flown away earlier swooped down from the sky at breakneck speed, its presence formidable.

The crane's call seemed to be a warning to Jiang Fann.

Shi Chengtian's eyes lit up with excitement, his energy surging with the intent to capture the elusive bird.

But the crane abruptly turned and darted back into its original cave, disappearing with astonishing speed.

"It's gone back in! Let's go after it and not let it get away this time," Shi Chengtian urged, ready to pursue.

Jiang Fann grabbed him, halting his chase. "Why did it show up only when I approached this cave? It's been trying to draw us into that cave the whole time—it's definitely a trap. Stick with me; it'll show itself again."

Realization dawned on Shi Chengtian as he smacked his forehead. "You're always thinking ahead. I would've walked right into that trap if I were alone!"

Jiang Fann remained silent, his focus on the cave. The crane's protective behavior was a clear sign something was amiss.

As he stepped into the cave, a chilling breeze swept through, leaving an unsettling feeling in its wake.

The cave was spacious, but the light from outside barely penetrated its depths.

Jiang Fann sniffed the air and said, "This must lead somewhere. I'll take the lead—stay alert."

Shi Chengtian followed behind Jiang Fann, nodding in agreement.

He reached out with his senses, using the remnants of the Creation Spell of Heaven and Earth to probe their surroundings. Disappointingly, not a single herb could be found, not even the most common variety. The place felt lifeless, devoid of any vitality.

Less than five minutes into their walk, they rounded a bend, and the darkness became so thick they could barely see their hands in front of their faces.

Jiang Fann conjured his fire control technique, casting light around them. He scrutinized the cave walls and concluded that the cave seemed to have been carved by hand.

"I remember reading about a race known as the Serene Clan," Shi Chengtian remarked. "Their way of life seems to mirror what we see here!"

Jiang Fann nodded. "The Serene Clan did have these traits, and this place resembles their style. But they've been gone for thousands of years."

"Perhaps this is one of their remnants."

Before long, they came upon a statue.

It stood as tall as an average person, yet its proportions were markedly different.

Shi Chengtian, a member of the lion demon tribe, boasted a muscular physique.

But the statue's arms were twice as thick as his, its hands large enough to touch the ground when standing. It looked bizarre, yet exuded a sense of immense strength, clad in animal skins, wild in appearance.

"Does this depict the Serene Clan?" Shi Chengtian inquired.

Jiang Fann confirmed, "Indeed, it's the Serene Clan! Legends say they could cleave mountains and split rocks with their bare hands. Their upper bodies were formidable, naturally making them powerful warriors."

Shi Chengtian pondered, "The legends also suggest the Serene Clan was averse to conflict, preferring to dwell within the mountains. Could they have left treasures behind?"

"It's not guaranteed," Jiang Fann replied. "The Serene Clan was known for their unity and militarism; they would rise up as one if threatened. Treasures could have been won as spoils of war."

Shi Chengtian examined the statue from head to toe, then abruptly stepped back.

Jiang Fann furrowed his brow in confusion. "What's the matter?"

He gestured toward the statue. "It looks like this thing is alive!"

Drawing closer for a thorough inspection, Jiang Fann's face turned pale. The figure was indeed breathing; it was alive.

Upon closer examination, he realized that the creature was in a deep slumber, its consciousness foggy.

Jiang Fann's tension eased. "If I'm not mistaken, this member of the Serene Clan is likely one of the indigenous people of this secret realm. I never imagined I'd encounter a living member of the Serene Clan. It's quite the revelation."

Shi Chengtian was perplexed and inquired, "You're not suggesting that the immortal crane was guarding this, are you?"

Jiang Fann shook his head with conviction, his gaze shifting to the passageway beyond the Serene Clan. "There's another passage back there. The treasure must be inside. I can already sense its power."

He eagerly bypassed the Serene Clan and headed toward the passage.

A sense of anticipation stirred within Jiang Fann, as if he was being summoned by something. The sensation was incredibly peculiar.

"Could there really be a supreme treasure?" Jiang Fann was brimming with hope.

The deeper they ventured into the cave, the more the silence enveloped them.

Now, only their footsteps and breaths echoed in the stillness.

Gradually, the air grew tense, likely a result of their heightened focus.

Out of nowhere, a crane's call pierced the silence of the cave, startling Shi Chengtian so much he nearly leapt from the ground.

"That creature again! If I get my hands on that scoundrel, I swear I'll flay it alive!"

The outburst snapped Jiang Fann out of his trance. He had been lured by the mysterious call, but reflecting on it now, he wondered if he had acted too hastily.

Regaining his composure, he pressed, "Can you recall what the immortal crane brought here? It's crucial."

Shi Chengtian slumped to the ground, his brow creased in concentration as he dredged up the distant past.

But eight centuries had passed, and the years of mental anguish had eroded much of his memory. Had he not stumbled upon this mountain, the details might have vanished entirely.

After several minutes of thought, Shi Chengtian slapped his forehead in frustration. "It's no use; I can't remember. All I know is how detestable that immortal crane was!"

Jiang Fann nodded, refraining from pressing the matter further.

He surmised that there had to be more than one member of the Tranquil Rock Clan in slumber here. The fact that a treasure had once fled this mountain peak, only to be retrieved by an immortal crane, was no mere chance. Although the crane's presence wasn't overwhelming, it left an indelible impression on Jiang Fann, one he couldn't afford to overlook.

Lacking any solid leads, the pair had no choice but to press on. Yet Jiang Fann's senses were now heightened, his vigilance sharpened.

After navigating several bends, a sudden glow broke the monotony of the dark. It wasn't daylight but the warm flicker of lantern light.

They decelerated their pace. Before them stood a grand hall, seemingly carved straight from the mountain's heart. It soared twenty meters high and spanned nearly thirty meters across, with towering stone pillars that upheld the vast expanse.

The lanterns cast a dancing light upon the walls, their origin and time of lighting a mystery.

As they entered the hall, their footsteps resonated through the vast space.

At the far end of the hall, a colossal statue commanded their attention.

It was a divine crane, wings unfurled and neck proudly arched, its eyes imbued with an air of haughty disdain for all beneath its gaze.

The statue was so lifelike, it was as if it could take flight at any moment—a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Shi Chengtian blurted out in frustration, "Isn't this the..."

He was abruptly cut off by Jiang Fann. "Hold your tongue!"

Jiang Fann's gaze was fixed on the statue, sensing a faint divinity. His extensive knowledge told him this was significant—the sculpted figure was not only powerful but also very much alive.

The realization was chilling. Jiang Fann couldn't be certain if this entity was lurking somewhere within the secret realm.

Shi Chengtian's implication was clear—he believed there was a connection between the immortal crane and the statue. Jiang Fann didn't dismiss the idea.

As if on cue, a crane's call echoed once more. The immortal crane descended gracefully onto the statue's wings, its gaze piercing as it surveyed Jiang Fann and Shi Chengtian from its lofty perch.

Shi Chengtian exploded with rage, "It was you, you scoundrel!"

Jiang Fann held him back, advancing slowly toward the statue. The immortal crane was undoubtedly linked to the statue, yet its power seemed unthreatening—there was no need for undue concern.

Previously, the immortal crane had been leading them to a different cave, which suggested it harbored some wariness towards them. Therefore, its presence here actually brought a measure of comfort to Jiang Fann.

The pair edged closer, with Shi Chengtian keeping a watchful eye on the immortal crane.

As they came within ten meters of the statue, a formidable aura burst forth, intensifying the pressure they felt.

In that instant, the statue seemed to come alive. Its eyes appeared to fixate on them.

Then, out of thin air, a woman's voice echoed.

"Bold humans, you dare to interrupt my slumber? Are you seeking death?"