Shen Muzhi had originally thought that having experienced the martial arts competition and witnessed the invasion of the ghost tribe, he wouldn't be overly troubled even if the current situation was a bit dangerous.
However, as they reached the end of the passage and Liu Buli illuminated the path ahead with his spiritual energy, revealing a stadium-sized space densely packed with ghost tribes, Shen Muzhi's expression began to falter.
Fortunately, the ghost tribes seemed to be under some form of suppression. Despite their agitated state, emitting constant roars and shouts, they could only remain in place, unable to move an inch.
Sensing Shen Muzhi's shift in mood, You Siqi couldn't help but chuckle. He reached out and poked Shen Muzhi's arm, whispering with a laugh, "Husband, you just told me you were very capable. Now that you've only seen a few ghost tribes, you mustn't chicken out!"
Shen Muzhi didn't reply.
Maintaining a slightly peculiar expression, he pondered for a moment before asking, "So, can you tell me now why there are so many ghost tribes in this place?"
You Siqi remained silent.
Instead, Liu Buli raised the lamp he had ignited with spiritual energy higher. Like a giant firework, it ascended to a certain height, illuminating the surrounding walls.
Having done this, Liu Buli smiled at Shen Muzhi and said, "Why ask him? Does he know as clearly as what's recorded on these walls?"
He gestured towards Shen Muzhi as he spoke.
Following his lead, everyone looked up in the direction he indicated. On the walls suspended in mid-air, intricate patterns were depicted, resembling historical records.
A cursory glance at the content revealed the rise and fall of a race. It had to be said that this race excelled in both carving and painting. Based on what was visible, the murals clearly depicted what had transpired before.
In the beginning, this race was prosperous and affluent. Everyone lived happily, and everything in the world seemed beautiful to them. However, after a period of such peace, ghost tribes suddenly invaded their territory.
No one knew why they attacked.
By the time they reacted, their people were already engaged in battle with the ghost tribes. Initially at a disadvantage, they gradually discovered methods of attack. Yet, even so, their numbers were too few. Even with newfound methods, they couldn't contend with the ever-increasing numbers of the ghost tribes.
They were unwilling to resign themselves to fate, nor did they wish to abandon the homeland their ancestors had inhabited for generations. Thus, the tribal chief made a decision: they built a temple, which could also be called a graveyard. A shared graveyard for them and the ghost tribes.
They used their souls as catalysts to bring mythical ferocious beasts into reality. While doing so, they devised a method to lure the ghost tribes, drawing them into this underground palace. At a critical moment, they would activate a formation, sealing all the ghost tribes within.
The murals ended here.
From the latter half onwards, it was less of a record and more of a fantasy of the final battle's outcome. After all, when the great battle concluded, the ghost tribes were successfully sealed, and all their souls had been sacrificed to the ferocious beasts. They had no means to complete the artwork.
However, judging by the result, all the ghost tribes were now here, sealed for who knows how many years. This proved that their initial intentions were not mistaken, and the trap they had set with all their souls had ultimately achieved the desired outcome.
As they gazed at the murals, the emotions of the group surged and ebbed.
After a long while, Shen Muzhi suddenly seemed to recall something. Frowning, he asked, "According to the descriptions in these murals, the ferocious beasts existed to suppress the ghost tribes. If that's the case, since we killed one of the ferocious beasts, doesn't that mean a corner of the seal has been broken? Perhaps these ghost tribes will soon break free and attack us?"
Upon his question, only Li Qingcheng's expression turned extremely grim.
Liu Buli, however, could still jest, "Alternatively, you could try reasoning with the ghost tribes. Perhaps if you appeal to their logic and emotions, they'll understand your good intentions and spare us, not rushing to attack."
Shen Muzhi gave a wry smile. "If it were any other time, I might actually be willing to try. The sheer number is overwhelming. If we were to fight, we would have no advantage. But in this situation, don't you know how long they've been hungry? Now that food has willingly walked into their mouths, and the food is asking them not to eat it. If I were a ghost tribe, I certainly wouldn't agree to such terms."
Liu Buli nodded in satisfaction. "Since Physician Shen understands this, let's stop with the meaningless chatter. You should focus on how the two of us can eliminate this entire group of ghost tribes."
He emphasized the words "the two of us" when speaking.
While seemingly addressing Shen Muzhi, his true audience was clearly Lu Wuming.
He was reminding Lu Wuming not to act rashly in Li Qingcheng's presence. When dealing with the previous monster, their directions were different, and its speed was too great, so Li Qingcheng hadn't noticed his sudden appearance of claws. However, if this continued, it was only a matter of time before he was discovered. As a precaution, Liu Buli absolutely did not want Lu Wuming to make a move.
However, Lu Wuming, having understood his meaning, was somewhat displeased.
Frowning, he said, "Master, I can help you too. I know martial arts."
"But yours is water-attribute cultivation," Liu Buli said helplessly. "You and I are both fire-attribute. If we act together, won't you extinguish us both?"