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Mark asked the old man about the whereabouts of the altar and gems.

"Old man, where is the altar you mentioned? I need those gems to help my friend."

Mark's tone was urgent. He took a step forward and stared at the old man with burning eyes, as if he wanted to get a positive answer from him.

The old man did not answer directly, but slowly raised his skinny finger and pointed to a hidden passage deep in the cave. "Just follow this road and you will find it."

The old man's voice was low and hoarse, like an ancient tree whispering. There was a strange light flashing in his turbid eyes, as if hiding endless secrets. The dim firelight reflected on his wrinkled face, adding a bit of mystery.

"Thank you!" Mark bowed deeply to express his gratitude. He turned and walked in the direction pointed by the old man, with firm and fast steps, eager to find the altar and gems.

After saying goodbye to the old man, Mark walked along the passage. The passage was narrow and tortuous, and only one person could pass through. The rock walls on both sides were smooth, wet and cold, covered with thick moss, exuding a damp and corrupt smell.

Water drops dripped slowly along the rock wall, making a "tick, tick" sound, which was particularly clear in the silent passage. At the end of the passage, it was pitch black, like a huge mouth of the abyss, which was daunting. Mark took a deep breath, clenched the dagger in his hand, and continued to move forward.

At the same time, above the waterfall, Albert was waiting anxiously. The huge tree canopy shook from time to time, and the leaves rustled, as if expressing his inner uneasiness. He stretched out his branches, feeling the movement around him, trying to catch Mark's breath. The roar of the waterfall sounded like an urging drumbeat to him, making him even more anxious. The sun shone through the dense branches and leaves, casting mottled light and shadows on the ground, swaying gently with the breeze, but unable to dispel his worries. The end of the passage suddenly became clear, and a huge underground space appeared in front of Mark.

In the center of the space, an ancient altar stands tall, exuding a vicissitudes and mysterious atmosphere. The altar is made of huge stones, and the surface is carved with complex patterns and symbols. These patterns and symbols appear particularly mysterious in the dim light, as if hiding some ancient secrets. On the stone walls around the altar, there are some crystals emitting faint light, which illuminate the entire space like a dream. There is a strange fragrance in the air, which is refreshing.

On the altar, twelve gems are shining with strange light, like stars in the night sky, dazzling. The gems are of different shapes and colors, emitting different lights, reflecting each other, forming a beautiful picture. They lie there quietly, as if waiting for something.

Mark walked quickly to the altar, stretched out his hand, and gently touched the gem. A powerful energy instantly poured into his body, flowing through his body along the meridians, resonating with the energy in his body.

He felt a warm current surging in his body, as if a powerful force was awakening.

He closed his eyes and carefully felt the fluctuation of this energy, his heart was filled with shock and surprise. Around the altar, a circle of blue flowers bloomed quietly, exuding a rich fragrance.

This fragrance was exactly the same as the one he smelled by the pond before, cool and comfortable, making people feel relaxed and happy.

Mark realized that this was the source of energy that the old man said could help Albert recover.

He carefully took the twelve gems from the altar and put them into the cloth bag he carried with him. The gems were warm to the touch, as if full of vitality. After doing all this, he turned and walked towards the entrance of the cave, his steps brisk and firm. Mark returned to the entrance of the cave and saw Albert still standing above the waterfall, waiting anxiously. He quickly climbed up the waterfall and handed the gems to Albert.

"Albert, look, I found it!" Mark excitedly handed the cloth bag in his hand to Albert, his tone full of joy. Albert lowered a few branches, carefully took the bag, and put the gems into his mouth one by one to absorb.

Albert made a pleasant low hum, and the green light on the trunk became brighter. A strong vitality spread in the valley. The surrounding flowers, plants and trees seemed to feel the nourishment of this vitality and became more vibrant. The originally clear pond water now also had a faint green light, like emerald, crystal clear.

Albert's body began to change. The trunk gradually shrank, the bark fell off, revealing human skin. The originally rough bark gradually became smooth and delicate, like the skin of a newborn baby, full of elasticity. The new branches also gradually retracted and turned into human arms.

"Mark..." A familiar voice sounded, and Albert turned back to human form and stood in front of Mark. He looked at Mark with gratitude in his eyes.

"Thank you, Mark." He reached out and held Mark's hand tightly, his tone full of excitement. Mark looked at Albert who had regained his human form and smiled with relief.

"Great, Albert, you're finally back!"

"I feel much better," Albert moved his shoulders and arms, feeling the wonderful feeling of regaining his body, "I haven't felt this feeling for a long time."

He looked down at his hands, his fingers were slender and his skin was white, completely different from the rough bark before. He took a deep breath, and the fresh and moist air in the valley made him feel extremely comfortable. Several colorful butterflies flew under the waterfall and landed lightly on Albert's shoulders, as if welcoming his return.

Mark led the old man to Albert, and Albert bowed deeply to the old man: "Thank you for your help, I can regain my human form." His tone was sincere, and his eyes flashed with gratitude.

The long-term tree man form made him cherish this regained body even more.

The old man stroked his long beard and said slowly: "You're welcome. This is the duty of our clan to guard for generations." He paused and turned his eyes to the cloth bag in Mark's hand. "Young man, the gem in your hand has an extraordinary origin and powerful power. I hope you can make good use of it." The old man's voice was low and deep, with a kind of majesty unique to the elders, echoing in the empty cave. The sound of water dripping from the depths of the cave came from time to time, which was particularly clear in the silence, as if it was setting off the weight of the old man's words. Mark nodded solemnly and opened the cloth bag, revealing twelve gems shining with different lights. The gems lay quietly in the cloth bag, emitting soft light, illuminating a small area around. Tiny dust danced in the light, jumping like elves. "Old man, I want to tell you something about these gems." Mark said, picking up one of the red gems. The gem was warm to the touch, as if full of vitality. Mark explained to the old man the origin and function of the gemstone, how to merge with the holy stone, and told the story of the holy stone fighting against Elvira in the past, and also mentioned Toby and him.

After hearing this, the old man fell into deep thought. He paced slowly, and his skinny fingers gently tapped the wooden stick, making a crisp sound that echoed in the silent cave. The firelight reflected on his wrinkled face, flickering, reflecting his complex expression. The tribesmen around held their breath and waited quietly for the old man's decision. There was a tense and expectant atmosphere in the air. After a long time, the old man stopped and raised his head, his turbid eyes flashing with wisdom. "Young man," he said slowly, his tone low and firm, "we have a place that should be able to help you, follow me."