Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Afterward, the High Priest began preparations for his grand wedding.

Elder Lei pleaded, "Young Hero, the High Priest has imprisoned us in this sunless place, halved our food rations, and forced us to mine with ever-increasing demands. Every day, children among us starve to death."

"Please, show us mercy and save us wretched souls."

Qin Han's gaze sharpened upon hearing this.

"Mining is work for able-bodied men. Why force the elderly, weak, women, and children into it?"

"Keeping you alive is nothing but a hidden danger."

"If I were the High Priest, I would have eliminated all of you—the former island lord's family—immediately. Leaving roots unplucked only invites regrowth when the spring wind blows."

He paused, then fixed his eyes on Elder Lei.

"You haven't been honest with me."

Elder Lei's expression faltered, his words stumbling.

"Th-This... I do have my difficulties."

"But I can't tell you now."

Qin Han replied coldly, "Don't speak in riddles. If you refuse to explain, I won't involve myself in your affairs."

"Nothing in this world comes for free. If you want my help, show sincerity."

Elder Lei hesitated, torn by his predicament.

Yet, the thought of his suffering clansmen in the Ninth Mining District hardened his resolve.

Gritting his teeth, he confessed, "The High Priest tortures us here because he wants to extract the whereabouts of a precious treasure from us."

"But—"

Elder Lei locked eyes with Qin Han.

"I only hope that after learning of the treasure's location, you won't silence us by killing us all."

Qin Han scoffed, "A mere treasure isn't worth slaughtering the elderly and weak."

Elder Lei nodded.

"This treasure has been passed down through generations on our island. It is said to summon heavenly thunder capable of annihilating the world."

"My ancestors relied on it to conquer lands and establish the foundation of our Thunder Clan."

"It is a staff—carved from purple wood at the base, crowned with a purple gem at its peak."

"Fearing theft, my ancestors separated the gem from the staff and hid them apart."

"Centuries ago, a white four-legged snake infiltrated our ancestral lands and stole the gem."

"During the struggle between the serpent and our ancestors, the purple gem fell into the lake."

"In that instant, the once-ordinary waters erupted with rolling thunder, transforming into what is now known as Thunder Lake."

Qin Han's expression shifted.

For a single gem to turn an entire lake into a thunderous force—such power placed it near the level of a Unique Treasure.

"Is the gem still at the bottom of the lake?"

Elder Lei shook his head.

"No. The four-legged snake pursued it into the water."

"The lake brimmed with lightning, and none of us dared to follow. We had no choice but to abandon the matter."

"We thought that was the end of it. Yet, a decade later, the lake's surface churned violently, and the serpent reemerged—now a colossal beast spanning a thousand meters."

"It sought out our ancestors, speaking in human tongue. It named a location, declaring that if we wished to reclaim the treasure, we must seek it there. Then, it soared away on the clouds!"

"After seizing Thunder Poison Island, the High Priest also took possession of our ancestral staff. He imprisons us solely to extract the exact whereabouts of the gem."

After speaking, Elder Lei fell silent, as if waiting for Qin Han's response. Seeing this, Qin Han understood that if he wanted to uncover the secret, he would first have to help them escape their suffering. However, since saving them would inevitably mean confronting the High Priest anyway, it was a simple matter to lend a hand—why not agree?

"One additional condition," Qin Han said. "If I rescue you, aside from the secret, I may also take the staff."

Elder Lei seemed to have anticipated this and nodded in tacit agreement.

Just as Qin Han was about to discuss the island's details further, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the tunnel outside. Leading the group was the young girl they had encountered earlier, her face filled with terror.

"Elder Lei!" she cried. "The Supervisor is coming with all the guards, furious! He's already killed over a dozen of our people!"