Return of the Immortal Emperor Daddy novel Chapter 168

Chapter 168: Chapter 168: Childish

They had finally reached the Village of Closed Gates. The sky was a clear blue wash, the mountains were layered one upon the other, and the waters of the Carefree River Reservoir rippled gently.

Wu Tian and the others walked in, following a path lined with stacked stones. Red leaves dotted the landscape on both sides, and springs flowed ceaselessly. The scenery should have been pleasant, but it was far too quiet. The silence was terrifying.

"I really hate places like this," Lin Zhan said with a wry smile. As a former warrior, he would rather face a battlefield than set foot in a place like this.

A smile curled at the corner of Wu Tian’s mouth. He had come here with only two goals. First, to find that person’s whereabouts. Second, he sensed an opportunity here, one that could help him break through to the Tongxuan Realm and finally use his Divine Body’s phenomenon.

"I’m here, so don’t be afraid," Wu Tian said, noticing the little girl had been silent.

Even an adult would feel their skin crawl in such a quiet, desolate village, let alone a child. It felt as if zombies, skeletons, or even white-haired old men—their bodies rotting yet still walking—might appear at any moment. A truly chilling thought.

But after hearing Wu Tian’s words, the little girl suddenly looked up and said, "I really love places like this."

"Really?" Wu Tian asked, surprised.

"Yes," the little girl nodded. "When I grow up, I want to live in seclusion in a scary place just like this. Hmm, what should I call it? The Ancient Wilds? A Forbidden Ground? A Land of Malevolence? I just love words like that. I love them!"

Wu Tian was speechless. His daughter certainly had unusual tastes.

Zhao Mulan and Zhao Zetian led the way, occasionally looking back to check on the little girl. She was undeniably adorable, and even though they weren’t related, the two sisters couldn’t help but feel concerned for her.

The Xieling Raider and the Mount Mover, one fat and one thin, both looked on with immense envy. Zhao Zetian was a great beauty, but she was always so reserved when speaking to them. The way she looked at the little girl was full of affection, a warmth that was missing when her gaze fell upon them. At that moment, the Mount Mover and the Xieling Raider suddenly wished they were children again.

They finally reached the mountains behind the Village of Closed Gates, where they found a valley concealed by vines. Zhao Mulan stepped forward and drew her Green Light Sword. With a single slash, she parted the waterfall of dense vines, carving out an opening.

A gash revealed a pitch-black cave entrance. It looked like the maw of a ferocious beast or a gateway to hell itself, daring anyone to enter.

Wu Tian stared at the opening, noticing something peculiar about the air within. A floral scent drifted out, one that could boost a person’s confidence. While that sounded like a good thing, the fragrance would eventually inflate one’s confidence into sheer arrogance and conceit. For anyone, arrogance was a surefire path to self-destruction.

Wu Tian discreetly extended a finger and tapped the backs of Lin Zhan, Mouse Tooth, and the little girl before turning his gaze to Zhao Zetian and the others.

Suddenly, the Xieling Raider pulled some tools from his backpack. He handed a field survival rope to Lin Zhan, who took it. Then, he passed a Compass to Mouse Tooth, who accepted it and tucked it into his jacket. He was clearly treating Lin Zhan and Mouse Tooth as pack mules. After that, he produced a folded Luoyang Shovel, held it out to Wu Tian, and said, "Hold this for me."

At the same time, the Mount Mover and the Faqiu General also began handing their equipment to Lin Zhan and Mouse Tooth, treating them as laborers all the same. They then approached Wu Tian, also intending for him to carry their things.

"Can you not bother me?" Wu Tian retorted coldly, staring at the three of them acting like they were in charge, as if it were only natural for others to carry their gear.

His words stunned everyone into silence. The only exception was the little girl, who clapped her hands, thinking her father had handled that beautifully.

The Xieling Raider and his companions, however, were not pleased.

"Once we’re in the tomb, don’t expect any help from me," the Xieling Raider said, his tone vengeful. He had clearly taken offense to Wu Tian’s attitude.

Wu Tian nodded calmly. "Then we won’t help each other."

"Heh, you think I’d ever need *your* help?" the Xieling Raider laughed as if he had just heard the world’s greatest joke. "Fine by me. Once we’re in the tomb, we won’t lift a finger to help you."

Wu Tian simply shrugged, indicating they could do as they pleased.

Witnessing the exchange, Zhao Zetian whispered to Zhao Mulan, "See? Those are the consequences of being reckless."

Zhao Mulan nodded. She knew that if Wu Tian entered the tomb now, his chances of survival were grim. Unable to stand by, she stepped forward. "Perhaps you shouldn’t go down, Mr. Wu Tian."

"Miss Zhao Mulan, you greatly underestimate Mr. Wu Tian," Lin Zhan interjected, his faith in Wu Tian stronger than his faith in himself.

What a fanatic, Zhao Mulan thought, frustrated. She looked at Wu Tian again, but his expression was placid. He clearly had no intention of listening to reason, so she had no choice but to give up.

Wu Tian was completely unfazed by all of this. A mere tomb? What is there to fear? I’ve survived countless dangers in that other world; a simple tomb raid is nothing to me.

"Alright, let’s head down," Zhao Zetian commanded. The group then entered the dark and eerie cave.