Chapter 357: Entering the Mountain

Kun Long's words thundered like a flash of lightning, exploding in Jiang Feng's mind.

He immediately summoned the scant true Qi within his body, his eyes slowly gathering a faint Golden Light, and looked in the direction Kun Long had indicated.

Sure enough, in the distance the continuous Great Green Mountain was shrouded in an extremely thin layer of Golden Light.

The Golden Light was hidden within the swirling clouds; without deliberate concentration it could not be detected at all.

Even more astonishing, the Great Green Mountain at this moment resembled a continuously flowing Spirit Spring, spewing out pure Spiritual Energy.

These Spiritual Energies, like fine rain threads, gently nourished the entire Taoyuan Village.

No wonder the village's scenery is exceptionally beautiful; it is all thanks to this Spiritual Energy's nourishment.

"How's that, didn't I deceive you?"

Kun Long's voice rang in his mind, carrying a hint of certainty.

"This is no ordinary Formation Technique; it is an Ancient Guardian Great Formation! Moreover, this formation even contains a trace of Boundary Force... From this, it's clear that Taoyuan Village is far from an ordinary mountain village; it is unmistakably a Small-scale Secret Realm!"

Small-scale Secret Realm?

Jiang Feng's pupils snapped shut, and a storm of turmoil rose within his heart.

The entire Taoyuan Village is a Secret Realm?

This is no simple handiwork.

"Jiang Feng, what's wrong?"

Xi Er, seeing Jiang Feng standing still, curiously tugged at his arm.

"Are you tired from walking? Want to find a place to rest?"

Jiang Feng only then came to his senses, quickly composed his mind, and smiled at Xi Er.

"It's nothing, I just think the scenery here is so beautiful that I was momentarily stunned."

Upon hearing that, Xi Er instantly smiled, her eyes curving into crescents, her face full of pride.

"Indeed, the scenery of our Taoyuan Village has always been this good! Stay longer and you'll see..."

Speaking of Jiang Feng staying longer, the girl's face bore a hint of pink.

Jiang Feng nodded, suddenly thought of something, and then shifted the conversation.

"By the way, Miss Xi Er, have you lived in the village all your life and never gone Outside?"

Xi Er tilted her head, looking at him with a puzzled expression.

"No, I've grown this big and never left Taoyuan Village. But the village has everything; why go Outside?"

She paused briefly, then added.

"My older brother does go Outside often, but every time he returns he says there's nothing fun Outside, and the village is quieter, so I'm too lazy to go out."

Jiang Feng listened and silently nodded in his heart.

No wonder Xi Er is so innocent and carefree; she has never contacted the outside world.

The two continued along the village path forward, when an elder walked toward them.

The elder's hair was white and speckled, yet neatly combed, dressed in a clean teal coarse‑cloth robe, his face flushed with a rosy glow, appearing in excellent spirits.

When Xi Er saw the elder, she immediately hurried forward, greeting him with a voice full of laughter.

"Village Chief, Grandpa, where are you headed?"

The Village Chief stopped, his face showing a kindly smile, and reached out to pat Xi Er on the top of her head.

"It's little Xi Er! I'm going to the east side of the village to check the Water Channel; the weather has been a bit dry, fearing the crops lack water."

Then his gaze quickly fell on Jiang Feng, his smile fading slightly, his eyes gaining a scrutinizing edge.

"Is this the outsider you picked up on the Mountain Road earlier?"

"Yes, Village Chief!"

Xi Er quickly pulled Jiang Feng over, introducing him enthusiastically.

"His name is Jiang Feng; he had an accident on the mountain and was seriously injured. My brother and I rescued him. Yao Lao said he needs to recuperate in the village for a while, so lately he's staying at our home."

The Village Chief's gaze was like a torch, staring straight at Jiang Feng, his eyes so sharp they seemed able to see through a craftsman.

Jiang Feng felt a chill in his heart and instinctively straightened his posture.

He could clearly feel an invisible pressure emanating from the Village Chief; though not as terrifying as Yao Lao's, it was certainly not the aura of an ordinary elder.

Obviously he was also a cultivator, and his cultivation level was not low.

The two stared at each other for a long while before the Village Chief slowly spoke, coughing twice.

"Cough cough... Guests are always welcome. Since Yao Lao has agreed, you may rest peacefully in the village. While staying here, follow the rules and cause no trouble. If you need any help, find me at any time."

"Thank you for your concern, Village Chief."

Jiang Feng quickly clasped his fists in a bow.

"Junior Jiang Feng, I apologize for troubling everyone; I will certainly not cause trouble for the village."

The Village Chief nodded, saying nothing more.

He only gave Jiang Feng a deep look, then turned and hurried away, seemingly unwilling to linger.

Jiang Feng watched the Village Chief's back, sinking into contemplation.

This Village Chief is certainly not as simple as he appears; perhaps he is a hidden master.

A seemingly ordinary mountain village, yet it has a mysterious powerhouse like Yao Lao, a capable Village Chief, and an ancient guardian great formation; how many unknown secrets does Taoyuan Village truly conceal?

"Jiang Feng, what are you thinking?"

Xi Er, seeing Jiang Feng zoning out again, couldn't help but reach out and touch his arm.

"Nothing."

Jiang Feng came back to himself and smiled at Xi Er.

"I just think the Village Chief looks very imposing."

"Haha, then you've got it wrong; the Village Chief, the old man, is really a good person!"

"Xi Er laughed, their face full of respect."

"The Village Chief just looks a bit serious, but actually cares for every person in our village."

"Jiang Feng nodded, saying nothing more."

"Some matters are better left unknown to Pure Xi Er, lest they unnecessarily add worry."

"By the way, Jiang Feng, let me take you to play on Da Qing Shan!"

"At this moment, Xi Er's eyes suddenly lit up, and she grabbed Jiang Feng's hand, saying."

"Da Qing Shan may not be tall, but Standing on the mountain top, one can see the entire Taoyuan Village scenery, which is beautiful! If we go now, we can just catch the afternoon sun!"

"Jiang Feng heard that and his heart instantly stirred."

"Da Qing Shan is precisely where that great formation's Core lies, and he is also curious about the formation's reality and illusion."

"\"Alright, then I'll trouble Miss Xi Er to lead the way. \""

"Jiang Feng gladly agreed."

"\"No trouble! \""

"Xi Er smiled happily, grabbed Jiang Feng's hand, and quickened her Foot."

"The two walked along the village Path continuously forward, and soon reached the Edge of the village."

"Further ahead is the foot of Da Qing Shan."

"From a distance, the Wood on Da Qing Shan is thick and verdant."

"Even the Spiritual Energy at the foot is a few points richer than in the village, and Jiang Feng can clearly feel that the Core energy of the ancient guardian formation is continuously emanating from deep within Da Qing Shan."

"Jiang Feng walked while observing the surrounding environment with the corner of his eye."

"However, this great formation is arranged extremely exquisitely, as if formed naturally."

"Even with Jiang Feng's eyesight, no flaw can be seen in this great formation; it is simply incomprehensible."

"Just as the two were about to reach the foot of the Mountain, a tall figure suddenly emerged from the nearby forest and blocked them."

"The hulking man was over eight chi tall, broad-shouldered, wearing a short black coarse cloth outfit, exuding an aura that warned strangers to stay away."

"The man's gaze fell directly on Jiang Feng, and without waiting for Jiang Feng or Xi Er to speak, he coldly said in a voice as loud as thunder."

"\"Standing! Da Qing Shan is our Taoyuan Village's Forbidden Ground; outsiders are prohibited from entering! \""