Soon, in less than a few hours, Zhang Tian and others had once again arrived at the underground cave of the Tomb of the Xian King.
Looking up, they could still clearly see the palace of the Xian King.
Of course, after Zhang Tian came out of the palace, the golden light above the palace also disappeared.
This was likely because Zhang Tian had fully absorbed the aura of the Mu Chen Bead.
"It seems to be getting darker over there."
Xiao Guang looked at the palace on top of the mountain and couldn't help but say.
"It's probably due to the air circulation."
Professor Li said softly, trying to explain it scientifically.
Zhang Tian and the others did not linger, but continued along the original route.
In the familiar temple.
Zhang Tian and the others emerged from the underground passage.
"Fatty doesn't want to be a mouse anymore."
Fatty stood on the ground, stretched, and still looked somewhat dejected.
Being underground for too long would cause a strange sense of disorientation upon returning to the surface.
"Lao Hu, can you still tell which way we're going?"
Zhang Tian looked at Hu Bayi.
Hu Bayi nodded slightly, then took out his compass.
As soon as the compass was out, the needle began to spin slightly.
Following the changes in the compass needle, Hu Bayi gradually found the route they had come from.
The group followed Hu Bayi, walking through thorny bushes, crossing swamps, and traversing mountains.
Finally, Hu Bayi led Zhang Tian and the others to the foot of a large mountain.
The mountain before them stood like a natural barrier, blocking their path.
In the middle of the mountain, there was a river, which was the only way to pass through.
Without a doubt, this was where Zhang Tian and the others had been before.
Passing through the river of human figures, they could reach the outskirts of the sacred land.
Then, they would only need to pass through the misty area where the sacred land was located to reach the West Village.
Thinking of this, Zhang Tian already knew the route.
"This river is flowing against us. If we want to go upstream, it will be very difficult."
Professor Li was familiar with this river.
One of his team members had died here.
Moreover, most importantly, Professor Li was worried that his remaining people had entered this cave.
When they left before, Professor Li had thrown his backpack into the river, hoping that people outside would see it.
Whether they saw it or not, Professor Li had no idea.
"I hope they are alright."
Professor Li prayed silently, with a hint of longing in his eyes.
As Professor Li prayed, Fatty pulled a raft out of the nearby bushes.
"Boss, it's our raft from before. I didn't expect to find it here."
Fatty dragged the raft, a bright smile on his face.
Upon seeing the raft, Professor Li and Xiao Guang's expressions changed drastically.
When they had escaped, the raft had been left in the river. Now, the appearance of the raft proved that the people who were outside might have also entered.
Thinking of this, Professor Li became anxious.
After all, when he came to Nanyun this time, he had gathered all the knowledgeable academicians from the institute.
If all of them died, it would be a significant blow to their archaeological institute.
Moreover, if they all died, it would be difficult to explain to the higher authorities.
It was well known that tanks and planes were often less valuable than a pilot.
Similarly, artifacts or antiques were often less valuable than someone who could identify them and excavate them.
If all the team members who came before had died, it would be a major blow to Professor Li.
At that time, China's archaeological cause might fall into a slump.
"I hope they are fine."
Xiao Guang also clasped his hands in prayer.
However, despite their hopes, while they were praying, Fatty found something else in the bushes.
"Boss, there's a pile of bodies here, it's so disgusting."
As Fatty's voice echoed.
Zhang Tian's gaze turned towards Professor Li and the others.
From Professor Li's expression just now, it was likely that these people were all known to him.
As expected, after Fatty spoke, Professor Li and Xiao Guang rushed out immediately.
Then, upon seeing the scene before them, Professor Li's legs went weak, and he almost fell.
"Teacher Li, are you alright?"
Xiao Guang reacted quickly, supporting Professor Li, with a look of concern on his face.
"I'm fine, it's just that these bodies... they are all my students."
"My heart aches."
"It's all my fault that they died in this place."
Professor Li shook his head, his face pale.
He felt as if he couldn't breathe.
If he hadn't insisted on coming to such a place, would those team members have chosen to follow him to their deaths?
If he hadn't wanted to prove himself, would the talented people cultivated by China have been lost?
However, everyone has pride, let alone Professor Li.
If he were to continue accepting Zhang Tian's kindness and inexplicably receive cultural relics, it might be acceptable in the short term, but in the long run, it would be a disgrace.
"Teacher Li, it's not your fault. Everyone was willing to come with you."
"Have you forgotten our oath? To live our lives for the history of China and contribute to its cultural relics."
"They are all heroes. If not for them, those artifacts would not have been found, and we would not have seen the grandeur of China's history."
Xiao Guang said repeatedly.
His eyes were filled with determination.
Professor Li looked up, his gaze fixed on Xiao Guang.
"Do you truly think so?"
Professor Li trembled.
Xiao Guang nodded repeatedly.
Fatty, witnessing this scene, seemed to guess something.
"Old Li, accept my condolences. Let Boss give them a proper send-off, so they can have a good rebirth in their next life."
Fatty said, in his usual blunt manner.
After Fatty spoke, Professor Li seemed to recall something.
His gaze immediately shifted to Zhang Tian.
Zhang Tian was resourceful and had even prayed for the sarcophagus before.
Could he not also pray for his students?
Just as Fatty said, to have a good rebirth.
Although Fatty's words were crude, they held wisdom.
Zhang Tian looked at Professor Li's earnest gaze and nodded, not objecting.
Then, Zhang Tian waved his hand, and several talismans fell.
Immediately after, as Zhang Tian uttered incantations, the talismans began to burn.
The cause of death for these people was likely poisoning by insects within.
Their bodies were blackened, their eyes bulging, making them look terrifying.
However, thanks to Zhang Tian's Taoist magic, after the flames burned, the blackness on their bodies gradually faded.
Following this, streams of black smoke rose.
"Cover your noses."
"It's poisonous gas."
Zhang Tian reminded them.
Professor Li and Xiao Guang quickly covered their noses.
Then, the black smoke slowly ascended.
After a few minutes, the surrounding corpses disappeared, replaced by a pile of charred remains.
"Alas, it's all my fault."
"When we get back, I will personally apologize."
Professor Li sighed deeply.
Then, he looked at Zhang Tian again.
"Thank you, brother Zhang. I will never forget your kindness."
Professor Li thanked Zhang Tian once more.
At this moment, Fatty found something else in the bushes.
He ran over in a hurry.
"Look! A diary!"
Fatty shouted, and then, Professor Li and the others' eyes lit up.
They hastily took it, wondering what was written inside and what they had experienced.