Chapter 221: 221.Chapter 219 Tiger chopping vegetables, speaking human words

221. Chapter 219 Tiger chopping vegetables, speaking human words? The officials are dumbfounded!

This group includes old and young, male and female, but everyone bears a scholarly air, exuding a sense of knowledge.

Besides, they are dressed in professional equipment, armed to the feet, and carry many electronic instruments, obviously coming prepared.

They are precisely the professional research team dispatched by the authorities, affiliated with the Capital General Research Institute, all professors, even academicians, the pillars of Great Xia's scientific community—any one would be renowned worldwide.

Not long ago, the 749 Bureau compiled all the information it had gathered and sent it to the capital's senior leadership.

The leadership was very interested and reported this to the General Research Academy.

Furthermore, the General Institute immediately requested cooperation, hoping to work with the 749 Bureau and join the investigation of Longyuan Mountain.

Afterward, the senior leadership deliberated, issued orders, letting the relevant teams of the 749 Bureau continue investigating anomalous events everywhere, while the team formed by the General Research Academy went to Longyuan Mountain to investigate.

The reason for this order is that the 749 Bureau had previously blockaded and preliminarily investigated Longyuan Mountain with no results, so they intended to let the General Research Academy try.

With such division of labor, perhaps the investigation will progress faster; once the General Research Academy has clues, it will merge its investigation with the 749 Bureau and act together.

Regarding this, the 749 Bureau had no objection and felt this cooperation method was very effective.

Thus, we have the scene of members of the General Research Institute arriving at Longyuan Mountain.

……

At this moment, the leader is negotiating with the village head.

The officials spoke, and besides having permits, the village heads found it hard to stop them, so they could only politely dissuade.

"Why won't you listen? I've said it many times—there's a Mountain God in this mountain; if you go, you'll offend the Mountain God."

The research team members didn't take the village head's words to heart.

"Village head, hearing is false, seeing is believing; why not let us go into the mountain to see for ourselves, and also pay our respects?"

Before coming, the research team had also done related investigations; although Longyuan Mountain was rumored to be supernatural and even later ordered to be blocked, they had seen no substantive evidence, could not directly believe it, and still approached the exploration with a scientific attitude.

The leader is named Song Ze, a highly influential academician of Great Xia, enjoying countless honors, and a leading figure in the fields of geology and natural sciences.

He had previously led scientific expedition teams in several renowned projects, including the Kunlun Grand Canyon, Shennongjia, the Sahara Desert, and Mount Everest.

Moreover, everyone else in the team are all experts; the whole team can be described as a gathering of talent, showing that the capital's leadership has made a great determination.

Therefore, no matter how the village head argued until his mouth went dry, this group remained unmoved, obviously determined to enter the mountain.

Finally, the village head could only give up, watching helplessly as they went into the mountain, after all they could not openly oppose the officials.

Villagers watched the backs of the research team and couldn't help but say, "Village head, are you really letting them go in?"

The village head sighed, "What else can we do? Can we even keep them outside?"

"But what if the Mountain God gets angry—what should we do? Will these people be in danger?"

The village head glanced at the distant mountains, lush and verdant, full of indescribable mystery, "The Mountain God should understand us, and these people are not bad; I expect no danger, at most a fright."

At this moment, the research team had already entered the forest.

As far as the eye can see are towering trees that block the sky, their green canopies completely shading the sunlight; ancient vines are strong and vigorous, winding and coiling like ancient dragons, bending into various shapes.

Even the surrounding weeds didn't reach their ankles; everyone felt as if they were in an ancient sea of plants, having entered another wild world, here filled with primitive beauty yet not losing its elegance, truly awe‑inspiring.

Song Ze showed a look of surprise, scanning the surroundings; his eyes couldn't take it all in, and although he looked old, he was full of energy.

"Professor Song, you say those villagers are really strange—what era is this, still believing in a Mountain God?"

"Lately, many things have happened all over the country; it's better to believe they might exist. You should also know that many things nowadays cannot be explained by science."

Several people in the team were discussing it nonstop.

Song Ze spoke earnestly:

"Perhaps this place is too remote, so the locals tend to believe in these things; we may not understand, but we should respect the local customs of each place, just as we should respect nature and science, always holding a sense of reverence."

Upon hearing Song Ze's words, the few who had been discussing earlier immediately looked embarrassed, "Professor Song, we understand."

Song Ze carefully surveyed the surroundings, "But having said that, this place indeed differs somewhat from others."

After years of trekking south and north, Song Ze had seen many storms, yet no mountain range resembled Longyuan Mountain; here the trees grow extraordinarily tall, simply beyond reason.

"Come over and look quickly."

Only a shout came from the team, as if someone had discovered something: "This grass—I've never seen it before; Professor, do you know what plant this is?"

Everyone followed his pointed direction and saw a small green grass, its leaves serrated, its tip bearing yellow tiny flowers, swaying gently in the breeze.

Song Ze thought for a long time, but found no match in his mind; he asked himself, having read extensively, even being called a walking encyclopedia by the institute's staff, knowing most plants under heaven, yet now he was stumped.

He asked the other team members, but none recognized it; someone speculated, "Could it be a new variety?"

"Come quickly and look—there's also a strange plant here."

From the team came rising and falling exclamations; more and more strange, unfamiliar plants appeared in everyone's view, the group like Grandma Liu entering the Grand View Garden, unable to take it all in.

Everyone carefully observed these plants, their faces gradually turning solemn.

"The plants here are very strange—never seen them in the outside world."

"How could there be so many unfamiliar plants? This is somewhat out of the ordinary."

If a single unknown plant could be called an accident, perhaps it is a newly emerged variety not yet discovered by people.

At this point, so many specimens appear abnormal; it's impossible for them all to be new varieties.

There is only one explanation: these plants have all undergone mutation, altering their original appearance, which is why they are unrecognizable.

For a moment, Song Ze's excited eyes shone; he carefully collected soil samples here and some plant specimens.

"If I'm not mistaken, these plants have all undergone varying degrees of mutation."

"It could be due to geological influences, or the soil containing other special elements, or environmental effects, causing these plants to mutate and change their original appearance."

Upon hearing Song Ze's analysis, everyone was somewhat surprised: "Usually mutations are minor; such large‑scale coverage is rare—what exactly causes these plants to change so dramatically here?"

Song Ze himself did not know this; after pondering a moment, he said, "We may have to wait for the test results of the samples to find out."

If they could figure out the secret therein, it would be a major breakthrough; thinking of this, the others also became excited.

Song Ze glanced into the deep gloom and said, "Let's continue forward."

He had a vague premonition that there might be new discoveries deep in the jungle.

The jungle was silent, utterly still, only the sound of the research team stepping on dry twigs and leaves could be heard.

Because the ancient trees blocked the view, the surrounding light was somewhat dim, and everyone felt waves of chill blowing toward them, unable to help shivering.

But this is normal, after all we are on a mountain with high elevation, so there will definitely be a temperature difference.

Song Ze suddenly stopped his steps; seeing this, the others thought he had made another discovery and hurriedly asked, "Professor, what's wrong?"

"Something feels off."

The others looked around, but also didn't find anything abnormal.

"Don't you feel it's too quiet here?"

The others blinked slightly, and after Song Ze said that, they really felt something was strange.

"We haven't seen any wildlife along the way, not even insect chirps or bird calls; it's really quite unusual."

"Logically, this place should be rarely visited by humans, with a diverse ecosystem and abundant species, yet even the most common birds and small creatures like squirrels haven't been seen at all, which is simply unbelievable."

"Strange, where have all these animals gone?"

"Could it be that they sensed some danger and all fled back to their nests?"

"We haven't encountered any danger along the way either, and we haven't even seen any large beasts."

"For a moment, many doubts arose in everyone's minds, and after discussing for a long time, they still had no definite answer."

Song Ze could only order to continue forward; his gaze fell on the compass, and he widened his eyes.

The compass didn't move at all, as if it had failed.

"What's going on? How did the compass suddenly break? It was fine just a moment ago."

"Not only the compass, but other instruments and electronic equipment also malfunctioned."

"Could it be that the magnetic field here is special, that we've entered some special area, causing these things to fail?"

"The originally orderly team instantly fell into chaos; from some point onward, all their handheld instruments fell into disorder."

"The camera crashed, the exploration instruments emitted a continuous buzzing electric sound, and even the phone signal showed a huge red cross."

"Just as everyone was panicking helplessly, Song Ze suddenly made a gesture, signaling everyone to quiet down."

"Wait, listen, there seems to be a sound in the distance."

"The others held their breath; a clear, ethereal sound came from the southeast, faint and intermittent, easily missed if not listened carefully."

"It really sounds like there is a sound."

"Ding—"

"Someone looked doubtful and uncertainly said, 'This sounds like wind chimes?'"

"The research team members looked astonished; how could there be wind chimes in this desolate wilderness? Moreover, judging from the villagers at the mountain base, they hold the so-called Mountain God in awe and would not go up the mountain."

"Everyone looked at each other, seeing doubt in each other's eyes."

"After hesitating a moment, Song Ze decided to head toward the source of the sound, and the others followed closely behind."

"Ding—"

"The clear bell sound echoed between the mountains and forests, sounding leisurely and mysterious."

"After who knows how long of walking, the sound of a stream gurgling came from afar, like jade stones colliding, pleasant to the ear; around them, insect chirps and bird calls rang out, and the previously silent jungle came alive again."

"It seemed the earlier eerie silence was their illusion."

"Everyone glanced at each other, pushed aside the shrubs half a person high in front of them, and cautiously walked forward."

"Yet when they clearly saw the scene ahead, they widened their eyes, showing an incredulous expression, 'What is this?!'"

"Song Ze stared, dumbfounded, his expression suddenly changing."

"The formerly dark forest vanished, replaced by a vast expanse of land, the view before them suddenly opening up."

"Mountain spring water trickled by, playing a pleasant melody; faintly visible were plump fish happily swimming in the stream."

"Birds circled in midair, singing loudly; the branches bore plump, mature fruit, and a few rays of sunlight fell, gilding the scene with a light golden glow."

"A gentle breeze brushed their faces, bringing fruit fragrance and an unknown scent; they felt extremely warm, refreshed and invigorated, as if their spirits had been purified."

"Everyone involuntarily took a deep breath, unsure if it was an illusion, but they felt the fatigue of the long journey completely vanish."

"Looking at the scenery before them, the research team members were completely dumbfounded; how could there be fields and fruit trees deep in these mountains?"

"Moreover, from the traces, these were not naturally grown but showed signs of human cultivation; even the soil seemed to have just been tilled."

"What's going on here?"

"According to the data they gathered, no one lives deep in Longyuan Mountain; could their information be wrong?"

"The other members of the research team surveyed the surroundings, unable to help muttering, 'It feels like this place is the utopia described in books.'"

"No one expected that in such a remote place, there would actually be residents; everyone couldn't help but wonder what kind of people live here."

"But at this moment, they hadn't seen any signs of habitation."

"Let's go deeper; maybe there really are inhabitants in the mountains?"

"The research team continued forward and finally saw several wooden cabins at the end of the road."

"These wooden cabins were built beneath ancient trees, full of primal natural beauty."

"Vines twined above, blooming with unknown flowers; countless butterflies fluttered back and forth, weaving a dreamlike scene that almost blended with the surrounding environment."

"Everyone's eyes lit up, and they unconsciously quickened their steps, 'These cabins are really beautiful.'"

"To be able to live here, they must be recluses."

"If I retire someday, I'd also want to live here; the environment is simply superb."

"Everyone chatted away, and soon they arrived near the cabins."

"It's not good for so many of us to go; it would be impolite—please wait here first."

"Song Ze instructed the other members of the research team, then led a few members to approach the cabin, faintly hearing the rhythmic sound of a chopping board from inside, obviously someone was cooking."

"Dong dong dong—"

"Hello, is anyone there?"

"Folks, we are a research team sent by the authorities to conduct a survey on Longyuan Mountain; we want to learn about some of the situation here."

As the words fell, the sound of the chopping board inside the room stopped, but shortly thereafter footsteps were heard, drawing nearer to the door.

Song Songze and several other team members looked with some anticipation and curiosity, wanting to see what kind of person lived in this secluded utopia.

Accompanied by a 'creak'.

The heavy wooden door was slowly pushed open,

However, upon seeing clearly who the 'person' opening the door was……

In the next second, the anticipation in their eyes turned into shock and deep terror!

Senior Academician Song Ze widened his eyes, the expression on his face replaced by panic and fear, extremely doubtful whether he had brought the wrong reading glasses?

Because what stood before them was absolutely not a 'person'!

But rather a…… huge Hanging-Forehead White-Eyed Tiger!

Its fur was sleek and shiny, every strand distinct, the king-like mark on its forehead daring not to be gazed upon, its tiger eyes bright and spirited, exuding immense pressure and intimidation.

But!

It stood upright on its hind legs like a human, wearing an apron, its furry beastly paws gripping a kitchen knife, with a few green leaves stuck to the blade.

"This this this……"

Song Ze and the others felt their knees go weak, almost kneeling, their bodies completely stiffened in place, their minds utterly blank, even forgetting to flee.

What on earth is going on?!

The one who opened the door was not a person, but a tiger!

Moreover, looking at its attire, it seems that the one who was chopping vegetables in the wooden house just now was also it?

Before they could come to their senses, a voice suddenly came from inside the house: "Huzi, who is it? What fellow villager?"

Upon hearing this voice, everyone couldn't help but look toward the sound, yet they were again stunned speechless.

Only then did they see that there was another figure in the house—a gray wolf standing upright, holding a kitchen knife, wildly swinging its arm to chop vegetables on the chopping board with a "dong dong dong" sound; the speed was so fast it left an afterimage, vegetable leaves flying everywhere, the chopping board shaking violently.

It didn't look like they were chopping vegetables, but rather like they were chopping people……

And at that moment, the tiger before them actually began to speak human words: "You just said where you came from? What are you here for? Tiger Master just chopped vegetables and didn't hear clearly……"

The tiger before them actually spoke as well, its words carrying a distinct Northeastern accent.

If the creature before them were not a tiger but a person, everything would be perfectly normal.

But it just so happens to be a tiger!

Song Ze and a few teammates exchanged glances, feeling that the situation before them was too fantastical and absurd, even thinking they were experiencing auditory hallucinations; for a moment they stood dumbfounded in place, their gazes horrified.

A tiger and a wolf, chopping vegetables?

Moreover, they even speak human language??? (End of chapter)