What Peter Brown saw was a large figure of a ghost sitting cross-legged atop the ancient tomb. The ghost looked as he might have appeared in life, tall and clad in a military uniform from a bygone era. The uniform was unlike any Peter had ever seen on television, and he even spotted a helmet on the ghost’s head. As it sat there, he noticed a long spear resting across its legs.
Upon closer inspection, Peter noticed that the ghost was drawing in the moonlight through its nostrils.
This thought suddenly sprang to his mind.
Only after examining his acquired inheritance did Peter understand that a Spirit Ghost was not an ordinary otherworldly entity. It was a ghost that had been nourished by Earth’s Spirit Vein for centuries and possessed a certain level of spiritual wisdom and basic Cultivation abilities.
Another advantage of such Spirit Ghosts was that, if tamed, they could assist their masters.
However, Peter wasn’t concerned with that. He had learnt that the main reason for the formation of a Spirit Ghost was the presence of a Spirit Vein. The Spirit Ghost was able to grow because it was nourished by the Spirit Vein.
News of the presence of a Spirit Vein in this area caused a surge of excitement in Peter.
Spirit Veins were not so easily found on Earth. With the gradual thinning of spiritual energy on Earth, their value was immense to cultivators. It was considered a priceless treasure. Presumably, this village remained unnoticed due to its location. Had it been elsewhere, cultivators would have flocked to it.
In Cultivation, what was most needed was spiritual energy. It was the key element for any Cultivator. If Peter could secure a place with a Spirit Vein, his speed of Cultivation wouldn’t be slow.
As for how large this Spirit Vein was, he wasn’t sure. But considering the emergence of the Spirit Ghost, it couldn’t be small.
This place must be taken no matter what!
Peter knew this ancient tomb was not an ordinary place. After seeing the Spirit Ghost here, he understood that it must have been a coveted location for some powerful figures from a past era. Unfortunately, he did not know what events had taken place here that led to its current obscure status.
In that case, Green Water Village was quite special.
Having remembered his grandfather’s warning about the troubles that would arise because of the proximity to the ancient tomb, Peter understood that it must have been the doing of the Spirit Ghost. After gaining some spiritual wisdom, it would attack anyone who came close with its cold, ghostly energy, causing disasters for ordinary people.
At that moment, Peter saw his grandfather’s uncle walking around the area with extreme caution.
Looking back at the Spirit Ghost, Peter saw that it had now stood up and its ghostly eyes were fixed on them. It had already started moving towards them.
Peter took out a Fire Talisman from his pocket. He did not intend to attack the Spirit Ghost yet. After all, he did not wish to reveal his abilities in front of his grandfather and his friends.
But Peter noticed that although the Spirit Ghost appeared to be preparing for an attack, it couldn’t leave a specific area.
There was also a formation in place!
Peter was now more curious than ever about the ancient tomb. He wondered what kind of treasures it might hold.
"Peter, you don’t need to be cautious now. This place is a bit strange. As long as we don’t get too close, it will be fine. If we do, at best we’ll fall severely ill. At worst, we might die," his uncle finally breathed a sigh of relief and broached the topic. His voice carried a deep reverence towards this place.
"So why didn’t you report this incident to the Superior?"
"Why wouldn’t we? A local leader once came here to investigate, but nothing happened. He even brought some experts with him. They went into the tomb and said it was abandoned and had been plundered a long time ago. After that, no one cared about this place anymore," Peter’s grandfather explained as they walked.
Peter chuckled. The Spirit Ghost seemed to possess great wisdom and the ability to bewitch others. Seeing so many people coming its way, it had managed to deceive them. The tomb was definitely not simple. He would definitely have to take some time to have a closer look.
As he thought about the so-called experts who had come earlier, Peter felt they were far from capable. Otherwise, they would have discovered the truth by now.
During the conversation, his grandfather pointed to the front and said, "We’re here."
In the darkness of the night, Peter could only see a vast expanse of black ahead, with no sign of the village.
His uncle spoke: "Our village is situated in a large valley, and this mountain is one of the only routes through to it. We’ve descended the mountain and entered the village now."
As they were talking, they had already entered the village.
Upon arrival, the sounds of barking dogs and noises from certain households reached their ears.
"Peter, the conditions at your grandfather’s house aren’t great, but it should be okay to stay for a while," his uncle said.
"Grandpa, don’t say that, I’m fine with it."
His grandfather’s house was located in the center of the village, within a dilapidated little courtyard. Upon opening the gate and venturing inside, under the light of the flashlight, Peter could see that the courtyard was just flat mud.
As for the house, it was hard to see clearly in the night. Still, Pete saw walls made out of wood and mud, which seemed to be in a state of decay.
Shortly afterwards, a glow appeared inside the house. It was from a small lamp, possibly filled with kerosene, emitting a strong smell.
"Peter, you’ve been travelling all night. Get some sleep first. Tomorrow morning you can take a look around the village. I’ll heat you some water for a foot bath," his grandfather offered.
"No need, no need, Grandpa. I’m fine with a bit of cold water," Peter replied.
Peter understood that his grandparents were also exhausted. He couldn’t possibly let them take care of him at this hour. As per his strong insistence, he washed his feet with cold water in the end.
"These are clean sheets. Make do with them for now."
By the time Peter had finished cleaning up, his grandfather had already laid out the sheets on the bed.
The mountain village fell quiet. After extinguishing the oil lamp, Peter sat cross-legged on the bed for a moment, and soon felt refreshed.
Being in such a place, Peter felt special. He found that when he was cultivating here, each breath he took brought in an immense amount of spiritual energy. At this rate, he realized, a single day of cultivation in this place equaled several days’ worth of cultivation in Flower Creek Village.
The natural air in this place was even better than the air in Flower Creek Village, which boasted a Gathering Spirit Array. This place’s spiritual energy was simply too abundant.
Without further thought, he quickly immersed himself in cultivation.