Chapter 1142

This isn't carving; it's more like a natural imprint left by some power seeping through!

"Map?" Han Wuxian raised his brow slightly. These lines twisted and winding, pointing toward a direction; one symbol vaguely resembled a toppled tower or stele, another looked like... shattered stars?

More importantly, when his gaze fell upon the "shattered star" symbol, the lamp imprint on his brow, which had always pointed toward a certain direction, suddenly felt a surge of warmth, as if confirming this direction!

"This stone chest... this star torch stone... is not only a key, but also... a guide?" Han Wuxian instantly realized. The clues left by the Star Torch Master link together one after another! The bronze fragment guided him to Stone Forest Village and the stone chest; the star torch stone inside can ease his injuries and harmonize his power, and the light of the star torch stone can unlock the hidden map within the chest pointing to the next location!

The next location likely holds the other parts of the bronze lamp, or... something even more important!

He carefully recorded the lines and symbols on the inner wall. The map points to the northwest, seemingly deep within a continuous mountain range. The location of the "shattered star" symbol is likely the final destination.

"Village Chief Zhao," Han Wuxian put away the stone chest and star torch stone, looking at the weary yet resolute old man before him, "This item is of utmost importance to me, thank you. The siege on Stone Forest Village is temporarily lifted, but I have many enemies; staying here would bring disaster upon you. I must leave at once."

Upon hearing this, Village Chief Zhao's face flashed with disappointment, yet not surprised; he gave a deep bow: "Benefactor, you have granted my Stone Forest Village a rebirth! Such great kindness cannot be repaid! Where does the benefactor wish to go? Though our village is poor, we can still prepare some dry rations and travel funds for you, and draw a rough map of the surrounding terrain."

"'Northwest.'" Han Wuxian uttered the two words.

Village Chief Zhao's body shuddered, the color draining from his face as extreme fear filled his eyes: "West... northwest?! Benefactor! You must not go! Absolutely not!"

"'Why?' Han Wuxian's eyes narrowed slightly."

"That mountain range... we locals call it 'Buried Star Ridge'!" Village Chief Zhao's voice trembled, as if mentioning an extreme taboo: "Elders say that long ago, a huge fragment of a star fell there, carving out a terrifying heavenly pit! The pit is bottomless, filled year-round with seven-colored toxic miasma; any living thing that approaches will have its flesh melt away, turning to dry bones! Even more terrifying... legend says that within that pit lies an immortal ancient demon sleeping, occasionally awakening to devour the sun, moon, and starlight, bringing great calamity!"

He took a breath, his fear intensifying: "Moreover, near Buried Star Ridge lies the territory of the Heavenly Slaughter Sect! It is a demonic path sect a hundred times more terrifying than Blackwind Stronghold! Rumor has it their Sect Master is already a Golden Core old devil, his disciples all practice evil arts, killing and refining souls, often capturing living people to sacrifice to some evil god at the edge of Buried Star Ridge! That place is truly a land of death, a dead end, benefactor!"

Buried Star Ridge? Heavenly pit? Seven-colored toxic miasma? Immortal demon? Heavenly Slaughter Sect?

Han Wuxian's eyes flickered. The terrifying scene described by Village Chief Zhao did not frighten him; instead, it made him more certain—the "shattered star" symbol indicated by the star torch stone very likely marks the site where that star fragment fell! And the so-called "immortal demon" and "devouring starlight" might be related to that bronze lamp or its guardian! The existence of the Heavenly Slaughter Sect further proves this place is extraordinary, surely holding a great treasure or secret that would draw the covetous gaze of demonic sects.

Dangerous, yet also an opportunity. Only by seeking survival amidst peril can he swiftly restore his power, find the lamp, and fulfill the Star Torch Master's legacy.

"'My mind is made up.' Han Wuxian spoke in a calm tone, yet with unshakable resolve."

Seeing his expression, Village Chief Zhao knew persuasion was useless and sighed deeply: "If so... benefactor, you must be extremely careful!" He said no more, hurried out to prepare.

Moments later, Village Chief Zhao returned with a bulging coarse cloth satchel containing dried jerky, flatbread, and a bag of water, plus a roughly drawn animal-skin map marking the main mountains and rivers. On the map, the Buried Star Ridge area in the northwest was painted with a huge skull in crimson pigment, beside which were scrawled bloody characters in a shaky hand: "Ten deaths, no life."

"'Benefactor, please accept these supplies. Behind the village there is a little-known path that can bypass several perilous spots and lead straight to the outskirts of Buried Star Ridge, saving much trouble and avoiding some Heavenly Slaughter Sect patrols.' Village Chief Zhao pointed the map at Han Wuxian, explaining the route in detail."

Han Wuxian took the satchel and map, nodded: "Thank you. Do not speak of this matter to outsiders."

"'Benefactor, rest assured! Everyone in Stone Forest Village will never forget your kindness and betray it!' Village Chief Zhao said solemnly."

Han Wuxian said no more, shouldering the satchel and carefully stowing the star torch stone and bronze fragment. He pushed open the wooden door; the morning cold wind poured in, carrying the damp scent of the mountains. Without looking back, his figure became a faint gray shadow, silently merging into the forest behind the village, following the "Ten deaths, no life" trail toward the northwest Buried Star Ridge, he hurried onward.

Shortly after Han Wuxian left, about the time it takes to burn an incense stick.

Above Stone Forest Village, in the extremely high clouds, the air rippled like water. A strange flying shuttle, entirely forged from some kind of pale bone, only palm-sized yet carved with countless anguished ghost faces, appeared silently.

Upon the shuttle sat a cultivator cloaked in black robes, his face hidden in shadow. His aura was yin-cold and murky, far surpassing that of the previous Blackwind Elder! He lowered his head, his icy gaze sweeping over the seemingly tranquil Stone Forest Village below, then toward the northwest, the path where Han Wuxian had vanished.

He extended his withered finger, a wisp of extremely faint, almost imperceptible gray-white qi curling around his fingertip. This was precisely the trace of Silence Extinction left behind after Han Wuxian had employed the Returning to Void Power!

"The taste of Returning to Void... and also... the pulsation of the Star Pivot..." The black-robed cultivator emitted a low, metallic scraping laugh, full of greed and eeriness: "After waiting so many years... the fish has finally taken the bait... follow him, find the 'Starfall Core'... the Sect Master will surely reward handsomely!"

The bone shuttle gave a slight tremor, silently vanishing back into the clouds like the most patient hunter, stealthily pursuing its prey.

Beneath Stone Forest Village's brief calm, a greater storm had already been quietly brewing. Han Wuxian's northwest journey was destined to be fraught with killing intent at every step.