CHAPTER 3: MYSTERIOUS GRAPHICS

After hurriedly leaving the cave and returning to the small town, Li Ming and Wang Haiyun were struck by the town's tranquility. The people here seemed to have already fallen into a deep slumber, with only a few scattered lights flickering in the dim night. The drumbeats had ceased, and the screams were gone. Everything appeared ordinary, but their instincts told them that the calmness held a hidden menace, reminding them of the mysterious black-clad figures they encountered in the cave.

They walked along the familiar path towards the town's center, where the lights at the gas station continued to flash, giving the small town a touch of modernity. Surrounded by the closed doors of the buildings, they felt a sense of disappointment and loneliness, as they knew that unraveling the town's secrets was becoming increasingly difficult.

Back at their accommodation, Li Ming and Wang Haiyun didn't immediately rest. Instead, they sat together and discussed the identities and motives of the black-clad individuals. They speculated that these people might be town residents closely connected to Long Zhu. They wondered whether Long Zhu was involved in these mysterious events and pondered their next steps.

They spent most of the night in discussion and analysis, only dozing off briefly before dawn. Upon waking up, they decided to visit Una immediately, hoping to gather more clues and receive her assistance. Una's house was quiet and profound, just like the town, concealing an atmosphere of mystery and gravity. Seeing the two of them returning safely, Una visibly sighed in relief. She had heard the strange sounds in the town last night and feared they were in danger. But she couldn't help them at the time. Now that she saw they were safe, her heart finally relaxed. She invited them to sit down and prepared some light food and hot tea. Then, Wang Haiyun and Li Ming began to recount in detail what they had witnessed and heard in the cave, including their discoveries in the temple and the attack by the black-clad individuals.

After listening to their account, Una nodded quietly before revealing the town's secret. It turned out that the town had been hiding a secret all along - their faith was different from mainstream religions; they worshiped an ancient spirit known as "Gu Ling," a creature resembling a humanoid with an eagle head, human body, and eagle claws. They believed that Gu Ling would transform into a humanoid form before disasters struck to save the world. This tradition had been passed down since ancient times, and while most people didn't fully understand its true meaning, they still strictly adhered to it. It was knowledge mainly known to the local residents.

Una explained that since the Sichuan earthquake, the people of the town began hearing strange sounds. Initially, these sounds were sporadic, but they grew increasingly frequent. The town's people believed that these were the cries of the legendary Gu Ling, a premonition of impending disaster. As a result, their faith and behavior became more fervent. Simultaneously, these ideas spread like a virus to the surrounding cities, giving rise to different factions, each with distinct doctrines and missions but all mainly devoted to Gu Ling. The most potent of these factions was the "Sun Ling" organization, whose members were not all from the town; they were spread all over the country, and there were even branches in Southeast Asia. They operated very discreetly, only accepting recommendations from internal members, and required a series of tests to join. Their activities were not explicitly illegal or involved in financial transactions, which made it difficult for relevant authorities to classify them as a cult despite multiple investigations. The black-clad individuals they encountered in the cave were likely members of the Sun Ling organization.

Una's face changed slightly, and she continued, "They've been trying to get hold of the Spirit Stones, but the town's people have been stopping them. They believe that the Spirit Stones act as some sort of switch to awaken Gu Ling." She further explained, "Long Zhu is not a member of the Sun Ling organization. He guards the Spirit Stones out of instinct because many people have come here under the pretense of seeking truth, some to make sensational videos and gain popularity, others representing different organizations to seize the Spirit Stones. Many adventurers came after hearing rumors, causing chaos and frequent accidents due to the influx of outsiders. After a proposal from the local people, the management authorities arranged roadblocks outside the town and stationed people to manage and close the town independently. Occasionally, a few people still manage to get in, like the two of you, and also some Spirit Falcon members or others. Initially, the Spirit Stones were in the cave temple. Although it's on the mountain slope, this hill is clearly lower than the town. In the 1980s, there was a flash flood upstream of the Minjiang River, and the water level was about to submerge the cave. Long Zhu's father, Lang Zhu, led several young men to the cave in the pouring rain, intending to retrieve the Spirit Stones. They just managed to get them out when the water began pouring in. Everyone carried the Spirit Stones to the entrance of the cave and found that the rain had lessened, thinking that the Spirit Stones had manifested their power. They rushed to bring the stones back to the town, but about half a mile from the town at the return-word slope, Lang Zhu suddenly twisted his foot and fell off the cliff. His body was found deep in the valley the day after the rain stopped. In the end, the water didn't submerge the cave, but for safety reasons, the town rebuilt the temple in a new location, which is the one you went to and collapsed, as it had already become a dangerous structure due to the earthquake that year. Strangely, after the big earthquake, we often experience small aftershocks here, but they are irregular. What's peculiar is that every time someone takes the Spirit Stones from the back of the temple, they feel the aftershocks, but they stop as soon as the stones are put back. That's also why various organizations have never taken the Spirit Stones. You two were able to take them safely, and I think it's because you were chosen individuals."

After listening to Una's explanation, Wang Haiyun and Li Ming were deeply shocked. They had never imagined that this seemingly peaceful small town could hide such a significant secret.

Next, Una gestured for them to open the ancient book and pointed to a blurry image inside. It was a circular, saw-like disc with something surrounding it, but the details were too small and fuzzy for them to make out. Wang Haiyun hadn't paid attention to this image when he previously read the book. Una explained that she had seen this pattern the first time she entered the cave as a child, and similar symbols could be found in other local temples. Recently, someone had taken the entire pattern from the cave temple, and she always felt there was something unusually significant about it, urging them to pay more attention to it. Suddenly, Li Ming said, "Oh, I think I've seen this pattern somewhere before. It looks familiar, but I can't recall where exactly."

They decided they must continue their exploration of the cave to find more clues and unveil the truth behind everything.

Una suggested bringing a local along with them to the cave. The person's name was Jia Yang, Una's nephew, a young boy who appeared mature beyond his years. He knew the cave's conditions very well and had been practicing martial arts since childhood, displaying exceptional skills. Una believed he would be a great help to them.

After some discussion, Wang Haiyun and Li Ming agreed to accept Una's suggestion.

Una called for Jia Yang, a dark-skinned boy with eyes sparkling with determination. Despite his young age, he exuded a sense of maturity beyond his years. Una explained Wang Haiyun and Li Ming's purpose to him, and Jia Yang immediately expressed his willingness to assist them.

That night, the three of them stayed up late at Una's house, planning and studying the cave map, assigning different tasks. Wang Haiyun and Li Ming would gather information and search for possible clues, while Jia Yang would ensure their safety and act as a guide, leading them deep into the cave. They prepared their equipment and went to rest, eager for the break of dawn.

The next day, just as the sky was getting light, the three set off with mixed feelings. They knew that this exploration might encounter greater dangers. As the light gradually increased, they arrived at the entrance of the cave. This time, they were not careless like before but proceeded cautiously, paying attention to everything around them while carefully documenting various murals on the walls.

As they went deeper into the cave, darkness enveloped them, and only the beam of their flashlights pierced through the blackness. They ventured further into the cave, growing increasingly nervous. They were aware that the black-clad individuals might reappear at any moment.

However, as they delved deeper into the cave, they discovered unfamiliar patterns and symbols carved on the cave walls. These symbols were not the same as the circular pattern they had seen in the ancient book but completely different. They tried to capture and record these symbols as much as possible, planning to search online or seek Una's help to decipher them.

Suddenly, they heard footsteps from a distance. They immediately turned off their flashlights and quietly hid in a corner, hoping the darkness would protect them from any danger.

The footsteps drew nearer, and their hearts pounded as they tightly gripped their equipment. In the darkness, time seemed to stretch endlessly. They listened to the approaching footsteps, trying to suppress their own breathing. Wang Haiyun and Li Ming could feel the increasing tension in their hearts.

Through the faint light, they gradually made out the figure of the person approaching; it looked like the priest from the ritual the other night. He was still wearing the same black and yellow robe but without a mask, making it impossible to see his face. His steps were steady and rhythmic, as if each one was playing a mysterious melody. He walked past Wang Haiyun and the others' hiding spot without seeming to notice their presence, which relieved all three of them.

After the priest had passed, they cautiously emerged from their hiding place. "Isn't that the priest from the other night?" Li Ming asked.

"It looks like him. Why is this person so mysterious?" Wang Haiyun replied, glancing at Jia Yang.

"I've never spoken to him, and I can't recognize him at all. I don't know when they started doing all these things," Jia Yang replied in Sichuan-accented Mandarin. He referred to the priest as "Master," a local term for a respected figure.

For their safety, they decided to leave the cave. However, just as they were about to depart, they heard a mysterious and profound call from a distance, as if awakening some ancient power.

They stopped in their tracks, filled with terror. The sound seemed to emanate from the deep underground, carrying an indescribable sense of oppression, like the roar of a wild bull, causing their hearts to tremble involuntarily.

Suddenly, a massive rumble echoed within the cave, shaking the entire cavern. The entrance was blocked by a heap of rocks, trapping them inside the cave.

They attempted to use their communication devices for help, but the signals deep within the cave were completely blocked. They couldn't establish any contact with the outside world.

"Did he set off a damn explosive? What did he blow up? Now we're trapped!" Li Ming exclaimed angrily.

"It's not the force of an explosion; it feels more like a sonic wave. The entrance is blocked, but the rest of the cave seems intact. Let's stay calm and think of a way. Turn on the lights first," Wang Haiyun pointed to their flashlights.

Jia Yang said, "There's another exit inside; let's head towards the main hall."

"Right, last time we ran out through a small door next to the main hall, but it still led us back to this big exit," Li Ming said as they walked.

The three of them decided to explore deeper into the cave, hoping to find an alternative way out. The priest's sonic wave seemed to have altered the cave's paths, causing them to get lost. They continued to grope through the darkness, facing unknown dangers and filled with unease.

After searching around, they didn't find the main hall, but they stumbled upon a narrow passageway hidden in an inconspicuous crack between rocks. The area was surrounded by solid rocks, and without specific intent, they would never have noticed its existence.

With no other options, they squeezed into the narrow passage, crouching and slowly advancing towards an unknown direction within the cave. After about a hundred meters, they saw a beam of light ahead.

"Is that the exit?" Li Ming exclaimed. They hurriedly approached the light, finding a giant fissure that resembled a mountain split open. It was about 20 meters thick and allowed light to penetrate from the outside. The fissure was just wide enough for a person to pass sideways slowly, and in the narrowest part, they had to grab the rocks above and perform a pull-up maneuver to lift their legs onto the lower rocks to pass through slowly. The three of them managed to navigate the difficult passage and successfully escaped the cave.

"How did that priest get out? Did he walk through walls?" Li Ming joked.

"Walk through walls? Maybe he can even fly," Wang Haiyun replied. "Today, we didn't gain much. This information isn't enough. Jia Yang, are there any other places with clues?"

"Actually, there's one place called the Rotten Banana Forest. Behind the mountain on the opposite side, there's an ancient tomb site that has already been looted. Many ancient structures were damaged there. Behind a statue in one of the temples, there's a hidden cave that no one knew about. During an earthquake, the statue fell, revealing a deep hole with stairs leading down. Some brave individuals went down and came back, saying there were just rocks and no treasures. A few years ago, some friends and I went there to see if there were any treasures, but after we went in a short distance, we encountered many snakes and got scared. We rushed back. However, I think I saw some paintings on the walls, similar to those circular patterns," Jia Yang recalled.

"Good, that place sounds promising," Li Ming responded, and Wang Haiyun nodded in agreement.

The three of them immediately headed towards the Rotten Banana Forest.

After walking for about an hour, they arrived at their destination, a forest full of banana trees.

"Why is it called the Rotten Banana Forest? I don't see any rotten bananas," Wang Haiyun asked Jia Yang.

"There are hardly any visitors here. Wild bananas in this Sichuan region shouldn't grow tall, but somehow, someone planted so many banana trees here. Due to the humidity and limited sunlight, a foul smell of rotten bananas permeates the area. We locals don't like to come here, and there are rumors of ghosts. My parents forbade me from coming to this haunted place when I was a child," Jia Yang explained.

As they chatted, the three of them had already ventured deep into the Rotten Banana Forest and saw the temple they were looking for, gradually approaching it.

Upon reaching the temple entrance, they found a dilapidated Han Buddhist temple that looked like it could collapse at any moment. They entered the temple; the layout was typical, with the Hall of Heavenly Kings at the entrance, and the four Heavenly Kings on either side already in ruins. Entering the inner courtyard, they saw the Main Buddha Hall, but Jia Yang led them directly to the nearby Arhat Hall. Inside, the statues were almost all collapsed and deformed, presenting a scene of apocalypse. However, the temple's structure remained strong. The three of them arrived at an unnamed Arhat statue, and they noticed a hole at the base, revealing wooden stairs leading downward. They immediately prepared their equipment, turned on their flashlights, and got ready to go down.

"Everyone, check your gear. Just in case there are snakes, I brought a few insect repellent bags that might work against them too. Here, each of you take one," Wang Haiyun said.

"Are you serious? These are probably expired. Anyway, I'm not afraid of snakes," Li Ming said, pointing at the production date on the bag.

The three of them exchanged awkward smiles and proceeded into the cave. Jia Yang led the way, followed by Wang Haiyun and Li Ming. The wooden staircase was a switchback type, with four sections, approximately less than 10 meters in depth. The three of them reached the bottom of the stairs. A damp and foul smell hit them in the face. They proceeded cautiously.

The cave was about three meters wide, with a damp floor but no water. "The Sichuan weather probably never lets this ground dry," Wang Haiyun remarked. "Both of you, be careful of this slippery floor." Jia Yang reminded them. As they continued walking, they discovered various murals appearing on the walls. Li Ming was meticulously capturing and recording them one by one.

Suddenly, a snapping sound, and Li Ming felt like he had stepped on something sticky. Looking down, he had crushed a few eggs. A pungent odor reached him, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "What the hell are these eggs? They stink like Godzilla's eggs, and they're so big." These eggs were unusually huge, about the size of four chicken eggs.

"Are you sure you didn't step on snake eggs? Snakes have strong retaliatory behavior, but their eggs shouldn't be this big. Let's not worry about it and continue on. We need to keep moving," Wang Haiyun said.

After about ten more minutes of walking, they were amazed to find multiple circular saw-like patterns on the walls, more clear and complete, with more details.

"I recognize this; it's the symbol of the Sanxingdui Civilization and the Jinsha Site! Wasn't the tail of the aircraft we saw earlier similar to this emblem?" Li Ming exclaimed.

"You're right; I didn't notice it before. Although it's not exactly the same, it's definitely a part of the same series," Wang Haiyun confirmed.

Just as they were discussing this, they heard a rustling sound behind them. A long and massive figure was slowly approaching and rising vertically from the ground, as if someone was pulling a giant pipeline upright in the darkness.