Chapter 3: Zhaoyao Mountain

Thus, Li Mang, filled with anticipation, was about to turn to the second page

a kitchen knife, a watermelon knife

He has a vague premonition that the magical world of the Classic of Mountains and Seas is not only filled with opportunities but also accompanied by dangers. Opportunities and dangers often coexist, and one must not be the slightest bit careless; otherwise, if one were to lose their life here, would it not be a tragedy

At this moment, Li Mang suddenly realized that the world of the Classic of Mountains and Seas was by no means an ordinary space, but rather a realm filled with mysterious colors. If the entities recorded in the Classic of Mountains and Seas truly exist... Li Mang felt it was incredible, followed by excitement, yes, excitement.

Could it be the legendary treasures of heaven and earth? Li Mang's eyes sparkled with brilliance, yet he did not dare to be careless. He scanned his surroundings, tightly gripping the watermelon knife in his right hand

Nanshan Classic!'' Li Mang recited the name of the map on the front page

As soon as Li Mang's voice fell, the Classic of Mountains and Seas once again burrowed into the position of his heart

Li Mang felt a surge of excitement coursing through his veins.

Should we really explore slowly? Li Mang expressed his confusion, as this aimless search is not a pleasant endeavor

The map also contains inscriptions, indicating the names of mountains and streams, starting with Zhaoyao Mountain, followed by Tangting Mountain, Shanying Mountain, Liuyang Mountain, and others, all very detailed

Fortunately, the concerns that Li Mang had did not materialize; apart from the distant sounds of birds chirping and monkeys calling, this area is at least safe for the time being

As Li Mang focused intently on the Nanshan Classic map, a bizarre scene unfolded. He suddenly felt the map gradually enlarging and transforming, resembling a 3D effect, creating an immersive experience as if the map was expanding right before his eyes. However, it felt even more like the map was trying to draw him in, as he distinctly sensed an inexplicable force pulling at him.

This tree is not tall, its shape resembles that of a mulberry tree, yet it has black textures. Most astonishingly, the trunk emits a radiant glow, illuminating the surroundings, which is truly marvelous

Oh! What kind of tree is this?" Li Mang suddenly noticed a plant he had never seen before not far away and hurriedly jogged over.

Despite the inner turmoil, Li Mang did not pause for a moment. He reached out, broke off a branch from the guiding tree, and stuffed it into his pocket, discovering that its remarkable ability to discern direction still remained; as long as it was worn on his person, it would function.

This is a common ancient ink wash painting, yet it is depicted with vivid realism. Although the colors are singular, it is filled with a sense of spirit. The mountains, rivers, and streams are all clearly discernible, and even contemporary maps cannot possess this level of spirit

The same scene occurred once again; the map infinitely expanded before Li Mang's eyes. He then felt a force enveloping his entire body, causing his nerves to tense up, his face turning red, not out of fear, but due to excitement.

Li Mang's first thought was: "My goodness, these trees must be quite valuable!"

Li Mang only felt a blur before his eyes, and when he regained his composure, he found himself in a brand new world. What greeted him was a vast expanse of green, with a blue sky and white clouds overhead, stretching endlessly without a trace of the sun, moon, or stars. Furthermore, this space was filled with an overwhelming aura of spiritual energy; inhaling it felt like being enveloped in celestial essence, something that the polluted Earth of today lacked.

The weapons of Yan and Huang are indeed numerous, but as a mere clerk, he has neither the right nor the necessity to be equipped with weapons. It is already quite commendable that he was able to find this kitchen knife and watermelon knife

At the moment he touched the leaves of the strange tree, Li Mang's body trembled, and in his mind, the map of the Nanshan Classic emerged. Even more astonishing was that this time he was actually able to discern his own location.

Li Mang felt a sense of eeriness and dread, involuntarily taking a step back. However, the moment his hand left the strange tree, his sense of direction completely vanished, as if it had never existed.

However, this Classic of Mountains and Seas clearly has a thickness of nearly twenty pages, and from its appearance, it does not seem to be a prank

However, a strange occurrence took place; the second page remained completely still, and the subsequent pages were the same, seemingly fused together, making it impossible to turn them.

Strange, why can't I open it! Li Mang pondered in confusion, and could only once again direct his gaze back to the first page, on the map of the Nanshan Classic.

Li Mang transformed into a streak of light and entered the map of the Southern Mountains. Subsequently, the "Shan Hai Jing" on the bed automatically closed and gradually faded away, soon disappearing from sight, leaving one to wonder whether it had merely concealed its form or had also followed Li Mang.

Li Mang understood that where there is water and small streams, there should be greater discoveries.

However, before the verification, Li Mang still needed to make some preparations, so he searched for a long time in his own yard and finally found some self-defense weapons

Li Mang suddenly jolted awake, and when he looked at the Nanshan Classic map again, his heart was quite unsettled; there was a sense of horror, but more than that, there was surprise.

Isn't it said that there will be spirit beasts guarding treasures of heaven and earth nearby? What a ridiculous rumor! Li Mang complained, as he dared to approach the strange tree, cautiously reaching out to touch it

Thinking of this, Li Mang tightened his grip on the kitchen knife and the watermelon knife, aimed towards the eastern direction, and walked over. According to the map of Nanshan, there is a stream to the east.

Certainly, after living for more than half a year in the Yanhuang Psychiatric Hospital, Li Mang has developed a habit of remaining vigilant at all times, and even now he has not been overwhelmed by the fantastical.

The strangeness of the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" is well known; otherwise, it would not be regarded as the world's foremost strange book, the ancestor of the supernatural. It contains numerous bizarre events, magical beasts, and powerful deities. If the world of the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" were to possess these as well...

chirp

However, the compass cannot penetrate his body, nor can it be carried with him at all times

With a thought, Li Mang intended to draw the Classic of Mountains and Seas back into his body. The book complied, swiftly diving into his chest with a soft sound. This left Li Mang feeling conflicted; did this book consider his heart as its home?

The forest he is in is located in the first mountain range of the Southern Mountains, known as the Que Mountain Range. Here lies the first peak, named Zhaoyao Mountain, which is the foremost mountain on the map of the Southern Mountains.

Just now, it seemed that I saw the scene within the map of the southern and western mountains in this book. Li Mang's brows twitched, and his heart almost leaped out.

Looking at the small tree in front of him, which was not very tall, Li Mang secretly marveled and thought, "This tree can actually help people determine direction... Could this be the legendary compass tree?"

Subsequently, Li Mang found himself in a forest, surrounded by towering osmanthus trees with impressively thick trunks. Standing dozens of meters tall and measuring two to three meters in diameter, some of these trees would be difficult for even seven or eight people holding hands to encircle.

chirp

Li Mang, whose nerves were taut, did not need to think hard; if he were to truly encounter a dinosaur, how much effect could his kitchen knife combined with a twenty-inch watermelon knife have?

Holding tightly in his hand a watermelon knife measuring a full 50 centimeters in length, with a kitchen knife tucked under his armpit, Li Mang felt considerably braver. He then opened the front page of the Classic of Mountains and Seas once more, his eyes fixed intently on the map of the Southern Mountains.

"Why does this scene give me a chilling feeling?" Li Mang's lips twitched, yet he still took the "Shan Hai Jing" into his hands. It is no wonder he would think this way; anyone who saw a book emerging from their own heart would likely feel a sense of unease.

If we don't do this, what should we do if we encounter a dinosaur

However, having this object is indeed quite good, as it ensures that one will not get lost in this unfamiliar space. Since childhood, Li Mang has not had a strong sense of direction; if he were to go to an unfamiliar place, he would certainly confuse the cardinal directions unless he carried a compass with him

Is it merely a map? I wonder what the second page contains! Li Mang truly cannot comprehend the peculiarities of this map in the book. Although the craftsmanship is exquisite and the small text is clear, this is evidently not the adventure he was hoping for. In his expectations, this should at least pertain to treasures or cultivation techniques!

One can only seek peace of mind

The second idea is: "This is the world of the Classic of Mountains and Seas? The area around South Mountain? From the environment, this place seems to be an ancient space"

Among the many extraordinary books throughout history, there are numerous descriptions in this regard. Notably, in the famous "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio," there is a piece titled "The Painted Wall," which depicts a world of demons and spirits. Additionally, there are other strange tales involving celestial realms and spaces within paintings.

As for the third idea

Li Mang turned to the first page, only to make a disheartening discovery: he could not discern his exact location at all. In this Nanshan Classic map, there were dozens of mountains and rivers, indicating that the scale of the map had been significantly reduced. It was virtually impossible for him to identify his position based on the scene before him.

The watermelon knife, measuring fifty centimeters in length, was gripped tightly in my right hand, while my left hand pulled out the kitchen knife from under my armpit, also held firmly.

"Where exactly is this? I wonder if the 'Shan Hai Jing' can still be retrieved. At the very least, I can take a look at the map of the 'Nan Shan Jing' to identify the location," Li Mang thought.

Did... Li Mang sense a certain possibility, and his breathing became rapid

Migu, a type of plant from ancient legends, when worn, ensures that one does not lose their way and can even guard against illusions. Such a miraculous species, it is astonishing that it actually exists.