“Yeah, we should check it out, too. It’s on the way,” said the Village Elder. He wiped his sweat.  

Although the Village Elder didn’t want to go, he steeled himself and took me there. When we reached a small outcrop, he told me it was up there. 

I asked him to stay and wait with Li Mazi. I would go there alone. 

Soon, I saw the plot of land. It looked exactly as described. It was barren, and there wasn’t a single blade of grass. There were holes of various sizes. I thought that Tang Xianzu and his friends had done that. Dust and soil blew with the wind, which gave the place a forlorn and eerie feeling. 

“Cough, cough…” Suddenly, a chill ran up my spine. I had to jump a few times to warm up. When I felt warmer, I walked toward the biggest hole. 

I seemed to see faint dark air filling and rising from the hole. Strangely, the dark air swirled around me as if it had recognized my presence. 

“Is this a provocation or what?” I mumbled to myself. Then, I smeared ox tears over my eyes. Afterward, I scanned...