Chapter 143: The Snake Immortal Looks Back, the Might of One Sword, Terrifying the Crowd!

Although everyone had many doubts, the urgent task was to separate the ancient sword and Zhidun's remains for better research, so they could only continue cleaning.

Extracting the sword took considerable effort, as it lay on the knees covered by Zhidun's finger bones; to avoid damaging the remains, they were drenched in sweat, working with extreme precision.

Time passed bit by bit; after much effort, they finally succeeded in separating the two, and fortunately Zhidun's remains were also intact.

"Whoosh—"

Professor Song let out a long sigh, as if completing an extremely solemn and dignified task.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead, carefully examined the ancient sword, confirming it was not corroded and could still be touched; he had wanted to draw the sword, but after thinking, he decided against it.

Because of environmental and conditional limitations, rashly drawing it could easily damage the blade; after all, a thousand years have passed, and although the scabbard remains, no one knows what condition the interior is in.

"This is a suburban area!"

"In crisis situations, the human body produces various stress responses, which is due to the brain's neurons."

Not far from the riverbed stands a large mountain, with blue sky and white clouds shining on the shady green trees; the scenery here is actually quite nice.

Everyone was anxious and uneasy, their nerves stretched to the limit, staring fixedly at the black bear without blinking.

Seeing the crisis resolved, everyone then cautiously gathered together.

The assistant ran over holding the box and asked, "Professor Song, what should we do with this ancient sword? Should we also put it in the car?"

Fortunately, the ancient sword was undamaged, its scabbard having come off naturally; after a brief check revealed no issues, they returned the sword to its place.

Hearing this, everyone felt surprised; they stepped forward to look, and Professor Song An examined it before saying, "These are characters from the Eastern Jin period, likely carved by Zhidun himself; details still need further study after we return."

At this moment, the black bear inexplicably felt an indescribable sense of fear!

Everyone fleeing also felt an intense gaze; for a moment they all paused, hearts filled with an extremely unfamiliar feeling—fear, dread, awe—making it impossible to tell whether it came from the black bear or that mysterious stare.

He said that, but his companions kept giving him looks, making him realize something was off; he hurriedly turned around, and upon seeing the scene behind him, his face turned just as grim, finally understanding why his companions had earlier expressed such expressions.

"Don't joke—what could scare the black bear here? We're the ones being scared by it."

"Chu!"

The people at the archaeological center were anxious, saying, "Why haven't the police arrived yet?"

Nobody noticed that a pair of black eyes had appeared in the grass, watching their every move.

When the black bear moved, everyone's faces turned pale—undoubtedly a bad sign.

While humans cannot detect this lingering scent, the black bear, being an animal as well, can faintly sense it.

Although the archaeological team had many members, they were all office workers with no combat experience, making them no match for such a massive black bear.

"Run? Can your two legs outrun its four? Doing so would only get you killed faster!"

The best course of action for the urgent task is to stay put and avoid stimulating this black bear.

"I'm so unlucky—I might not even leave a complete corpse."

Professor Song and the others aren't fools; they won't just sit around waiting for the black bear to arrive.

"Forget it, I'll just hold it in my hand; besides, it's not big, and I really don't feel safe putting it in the car."

Earlier we didn't run because we feared provoking the black bear, and with many people gathered together, there might have been a chance to scare it off.

"Swish!"

Even after lying dormant for a thousand years, the sword flashed a cold gleam the moment it appeared.

The black bear had no intention of leaving; instead, it slowly stepped forward a pace, and upon seeing this, everyone's faces slightly changed.

At the same moment, faster than words could describe, the black bear lunged to within two meters, only to see a bronze sword fall at its feet.

At the sight of the black shadow, everyone's faces showed expressions of terror.

It was chaotic, bewildered, and awe‑struck.

Hearing this, the companions nearby fell into silence.

This place once teemed with wildlife, with mountains and water, its ecological environment extremely rich.

Those beast eyes also examined them, seeming to ponder where to bite first; for a moment everyone felt an inexplicable chill in their hearts.

Professor Song quickly helped the assistant up from the ground, asking, "Are you alright?"

Hearing the thumping sounds behind him and then turning to see the massive creature steadily approaching, the assistant's eyes showed despair.

"Hum—"

It was a black bear over half a person's height, about two meters long, with thick black fur; faintly visible were the sharp claws and teeth hidden within, capable of easily tearing their bodies apart.

The black bear felt this most deeply, as if some extraordinary presence, gazing across the ages, weighed upon it like a heavy mountain.

These past days they had been digging here, having also invested in considerable heavy machinery; although the surrounding area was sparsely populated and they had not disturbed the residents, they had not expected to disturb this black bear.

A breeze blew over, and the grass not far away swayed continuously, as if some creature had quietly approached, a dark outline faintly visible.

Its advance was not swift; it even walked while observing, seemingly gauging whether this group could pose a threat to it.

If it were a sated beast, perhaps it would not take risks, but if it were hungry, then it's hard to say.

"How could there be such a huge bear!"

Someone suggested, "Why don't we just run?"

"Sorry, Professor, I was just too nervous and couldn't hold steady."

Besides, a relatively calm member, who had gone out on archaeological expeditions many times and had rich wilderness survival experience, reminded them:

"Everyone, don't act rashly; the black bear currently has no intention to attack, and if we accidentally disturb it, the loss would outweigh any gain."

Someone quickly agreed, but everyone knew that even if they called, the police couldn't arrive in a moment; by the time they came, at least a few would already be dead.

Moreover, the assistant who had escaped the bear's mouth was utterly incredulous, still feeling the relief of having survived; the black bear was right before his eyes, its foul breath clearly audible, yet just a little more and its gaping jaws would have clamped onto him.

"What should we do now?"

If the black bear saw them voluntarily leaving with so many people, that would naturally be best; short of absolute necessity, they also did not want to confront such a massive creature.

The crowd engaged in heated discussion, while only Professor Song looked around, not knowing what he was looking at.

Professor Song glanced at the distant mountain, his face grim, and said, "It must have run out from the deep mountains."

Obviously just a moment ago they still had the look of having opened the killing ring, but now they're striking this pose again?

What could possibly be here that would frighten a black bear?

Everyone at the Archaeological Research Center looked somewhat bewildered, with many doubts arising in their minds.

After he mentioned it, others also nodded; some said they had indeed felt it just now, but it vanished instantly; others shook their heads, saying they felt nothing, just fear.

After all, Zhi Dun is a famous eminent monk; certainly many monks wish to pay respects to his appearance.

He stammered, "If it hasn't eaten its fill, we might become its dinner."

I just called and got in touch; they said there's a bit of traffic on the road, so it might be another half hour or so...

They knelt down just like humans!

Everyone thought they were seeing things, but after steadying themselves, they saw that huge black shadow in the distance indeed kneel on the ground, then instinctively let out a whimper, actually rubbing its head against the ground as if showing submission, then getting up on all fours, using hands and feet, and disappearing in a flash from their sight.

Is it... just leaving like that?

In an instant, killing intent burst forth!

For a moment, everyone felt as if their breathing had paused half a beat, barely able to catch their breath.

This is the pressure that a fierce beast brings upon humanity.

In the black bear's memory, even when facing lions or tigers, it had never felt such a fearful aura.

Those unearthed Buddha statues and pottery must be given proper anti‑shock measures; they need to be wrapped securely, for they are priceless historical relics—if they suffer secondary damage during transport, no one can bear that responsibility.

If the black bear really charged into the group, they'd likely end up dead or maimed.

The assistant also gradually recovered, quickly picking up the ancient sword that had fallen to the ground and putting it back in its box.

The earth‑shaking roar made their hearts sink, as if a funeral bell tolled in their ears; the next moment they saw the black bear suddenly charge forward!

Like a small mountain, it made the ground tremble; some people's legs went weak, almost making them kneel, and the faces of those at the research center drained of all color.

The black bear seemed to notice how weak these humans were, posing no threat to it, and its dark beastly eyes grew fiercer by the moment.

Everyone felt their scalps tingle, not daring to take a breath, silently praying for the police to arrive quickly—or for the black bear to leave on its own.

Although the riverbed had dried up, its uneven surface still had many protruding stones, making it hard for trucks to enter and prone to jolting.

Although their numbers have dwindled, that doesn't mean none remain; occasionally animals still come to this area to move about, and in the mountains a series of huge paw prints stretches down toward Mountain Base, exactly opposite the riverbed's location.

Professor Song's face was grim, but he remained fairly composed, taking a deep breath to calm everyone's emotions.

Only the people left staring at each other, dumbstruck at the scene; besides the relief of having survived, they felt mostly shock and bewilderment, completely unable to react.

After finally letting their hearts settle, they were once again suspended in their throats.

But now the black bear shows no intention of retreating; instead it launches an attack, so they can only scatter and flee—each one for themselves.

So we might as well return to the Capital City to continue research; that would be safer.

The black bear still kept its gaping maw, looking terribly ferocious, yet a flicker of human‑like panic and fear crossed its beastly eyes.

Why hasn't the transport vehicle arrived yet?

That is a fear inherited from the bloodline!

It is a difference in the level of life!

Furthermore, it is a profound and ineffable aura of pressure!

"Good grief, I actually saw fear on a bear's face!"

"Hah!"

The people from the Archaeological Center moved things like ants relocating their nest, carefully carrying items to the riverside; for the heavier pieces, they could only wait for the workers to arrive.

Everyone stood dazed, not knowing why.

Obviously only a few seconds had passed in reality, but to them it felt as long as a century.

It seemed to become quiet all at once.

This trip can be said to have been abundantly fruitful; just the news of Zhi Dun Grand Master's remains seeing the light of day again is enough to shock the heart, and if it reaches the Buddhist academic world, it will surely cause a considerable stir.

This is the illusion brought about by that lingering aura!

But it's also possible that, back then, some being here inadvertently glanced at it, and like a voice echoing through time‑space, the ancient sword transmitted it to the present.

The black bear's charge was incredibly fast; he seemed to already see himself lying in a pool of blood, and Professor Song and the others never imagined the assistant would be the first to die in the bear's belly. They hurriedly shouted from the side, hoping to draw the bear's attention and shift its target, but the bear wasn't stupid either—this had no effect, and it was clearly too late to save him.

At that moment the assistant could feel the foul stench washing over him; the next second he saw the black bear open its gaping maw, preparing to pounce and make a meal of him.

It seems like… one…

How about we climb up a tree to hide?

What's going on?

"This is absurd! But no matter what, we've at least managed to save our lives."

His voice trailed off slightly; Professor Song turned to the group and asked solemnly, "Did anyone just now feel a vague sense of being watched?"

Its patience exhausted, its body lowered slightly, it raised its head and let out a long howl, baring sharp teeth, aiming at the people of the research center.

The Archaeological Center never got the transport vehicle; instead it encountered a huge black shadow—something even less welcome than seeing Zhi Dun Grand Master resurrected.

To the black bear, all humans are the same; it just happened that the assistant was closest to it.

Professor Song and the others were completely unaware of the impending danger.

Considering this is a major project, Professor Song decided to lead the main force back first, leaving only a few people to finish the remaining work.

After all, no matter how fast the black bear runs, it cannot clone itself, so it cannot chase several people at once.

Others were still guessing whether the black bear was afraid, hesitating over whether to flee or stand their ground, when they saw the bear slowly retreating—but just then it suddenly stopped again.

Normally a black bear wouldn't actively attack humans, but if it heard noise, sensed that humans posed a threat, or was hungry, an attack could not be ruled out.

The black bear suddenly gave up its attack, and then went on to perform such a strange maneuver that it was utterly bewildering.

?

Whooo——

Hurry up and call the nearby police.

The ancient sword fell to the ground, emitting a dull tremor, like a dragon's roar, but vanished instantly.

The assistant shook their pale head, saying they were fine, but their legs kept trembling, their body went limp, obviously not yet recovered.

Professor Song shook his head, his expression uncertain and doubtful, and replied confusedly, "I wasn't looking at this."

Even if they saw it, they would only think it was just the wind blowing past.

Several people from the archaeological center were chatting idly when suddenly one of them widened his eyes, staring at his companion's back, his face turning deathly pale.

However, what intrigued Professor Song the most was still that strange ancient sword.

The black bear stared fixedly at the ancient sword on the ground, its original roar instantly turning into a whimper.

"There was no one else at the scene; perhaps it was just an illusion caused by excessive tension?"

"Only by facing it directly can one feel that oppressive pressure; it is absolutely not as easy as watching a video online."

"Run!"

"His companion, still unaware of what had happened, teased, 'What's wrong with you? You look like you've seen a ghost—don't tell me Master Zhi Dun has come back to life.'"

"I thought archaeology posed no mortal danger, never expecting today I'd end up in the bear's belly."

"In a daze, a faint green serpent's pupil slowly opened, crossing the distance of time and space, gazing upon this place with an inadvertent glance."

"Could it be that the black bear is about to launch another attack?"

"This isn't a game with them!"

"We're not really going to die here today, are we?"

"Could it already be…?"

"But the approach of the massive black shadow imposed great psychological pressure on everyone; seeing its sharp claws and fangs, all felt a chill in their hearts."

"However, as the river dried up and water resources dwindled, many of these animals migrated, their habitats shifting toward another mountain."

"Professor Song gave detailed instructions to everyone, lest they miss anything; the archaeological center staff proceeded in an orderly manner, packing all the unearthed artifacts, waiting only for the transport vehicle to arrive before setting off."

"What on earth is going on with this black bear?"

"Many people turned back to look, wanting to see what was happening."

"Characters? What characters?"

"At the same time, the archaeological team also noticed the abnormality behind them—there were no screams, no roars."

"It, it moved!"

"Most importantly, some areas still had mud; walking through it posed no problem for people, but if a vehicle's tires got stuck, it would be a real hassle."

"Everyone carefully gathered the ancient sword and Master Zhi Dun's remains, but at that moment someone exclaimed, 'Professor, there are characters engraved on the sword scabbard as well.'"

"Just what is going on with this black bear?"

"It slowly lowered its head, looking puzzled at the sword beside its feet."

"Roar!"

"As the archaeological work continued to advance, the relatively well-preserved Buddha statues inside the ruins were excavated; unfortunately, some parts had been destroyed by the flood, becoming fragments that require later restoration."

"His companion beside him gave him a strange glance, seemingly puzzled why he would say that: 'We might not live to see tomorrow, and you're still worrying about whether the bear is full.'"

"I felt it too—there's definitely a sense of being watched; it's not fake!"

"The bear probably came down the mountain only after it had eaten its fill."

"The ancient sword was placed in a special box lined with shock-absorbent padding; even so, Professor Song still felt uneasy."

"The police will need time to arrive here; during this period, they constantly face the death threat from the black bear."

"Everyone chattered in confusion; although they didn't know the cause, they didn't dwell on it, for at least the crisis had been lifted—people felt as if a great weight had been removed, gasping heavily, as if they had just walked out of the gates of hell."

"Seeing that the packing was nearly done, Professor Song directed everyone to carry some lightweight items up to the shore."

"Others also considered this issue, unsure whether it was an illusion, but they continually felt that the black bear not far away had eyes glowing green."

"Especially its final kneeling gesture—such behavior is far too abnormal."

"Unfortunately, heaven did not hear their prayers."

"Regarding the black bear just now, everyone remained frightened yet also full of doubts."

"Bystanders still thought he was worried the bear might return, so they comforted him: 'Professor Song, rest assured—the bear probably won't come back.'"

"Plop!"

"Unexpectedly, the black bear's hind legs suddenly bent, and it forcefully knelt on the ground."

"The assistant shuddered all over, his face turning deathly pale; in his nervousness the sword case in his hand clanged and fell, striking a nearby stone, causing the scabbard to pop open and the ancient sword to slide out."

"Although they could not outrun the black bear, if the group scattered it could distract the bear, perhaps leaving a chance of survival."

"Oh my god, that just scared the living daylights out of me."

"He wasn't the only one feeling that way; the others felt the same."

"We're doomed!"

"Since this place is still some distance from the riverbed, and everyone was busy with their own tasks, they didn't notice the abnormality here."

"It found this utterly unfamiliar; nothing in its mind matched it, yet it could sense that this creature completely outclassed it, an existence it could not possibly oppose."

"Unlike the Buddha statues, holding the ancient sword in hand is not a hindrance."

"It's also strange—why did the black bear suddenly run off just now, as if frightened by something?"

"Professor Song's forehead beaded with fine sweat, his back already soaked; the others were much the same, like frightened quails, trembling incessantly."

"Because it is the king of beasts!"

"There was no thought of resistance; the only thought was to submit!"

"What, what's happening?"

"In an instant, a wind from a thousand years ago blew across today's clouds; time overlapped for a moment, then quickly dissipated."

The people from the research center turned deathly pale; they hadn't expected to be ready to go back, yet such a crisis appeared. A young man in the team, not knowing what he had thought of, suddenly lowered his voice.

The black bear looked down on them, let out a roar, and was about to raise its paw again to swat the human before it, but at that moment it suddenly sensed something, as if hit with a pause button, and froze in place with its paw raised.

Unfortunately, the assistant holding the wooden box was that unlucky guy.

"What should we do now? This black bear won't be easy to handle."

"Damn! How is it a bear!"

"You're on a riverbed—where would the trees come from around here, and bears can climb trees anyway."

The difference in strength between the two sides is huge; facing it offers no advantage at all.

It's just that someone is destined to be unlucky, but there's nothing we can do; everything is left to fate.

A special aura seemed to linger on the ancient sword, spreading out as it reappeared in the world.

"Okay, it seems there is?!"

Looking at the enormous black bear not far away, its shadow like that of the Grim Reaper loomed over everyone's heads; the archaeology center staff panicked instantly, like ants on a hot pan, throwing out ideas wildly.

The black bear stared at them tiger‑like, its dark beast eyes full of ferocity and coldness, almost making one's blood run cold.

He faintly felt a premonition that the object, which even an enlightened high monk would value so highly, must have an extraordinary origin; behind it surely lay an unknown historical story waiting for them to uncover.

An ancient aura surged forth; even after lying dormant for ages, its reappearance in the world could still stir up considerable trouble.

Who would have thought? The black bear, which moments ago had been fierce and menacing, now behaved like a timid black cat, carefully retreating while whimpering, as if something terrifying lay ahead.

???

In other words, no matter which aspect, human physical fitness is not enough to catch the black bear's eye.

The moment the words landed, everyone scattered like birds and beasts.

The black bear runs at 48 kilometers per hour—twice human speed—and its bite force can reach up to 800 kilograms; one bite would likely be the end of them.

Professor Song came back from his earlier astonishment, saw the assistant on the verge of tears, and did not blame him; it was understandable.

Hearing everyone's discussion, but with no result, the assistant, looking as if he wanted to speak but held back, finally raised the sword case in his hand nervously and said, "Maybe, it's because of this!"

Everyone fell silent at once, giving him a doubtful look, but seeing the assistant gulp hard, his face terrified, he exclaimed in astonishment, "This sword… has a pressure!"