Chapter 72

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Ryūchi Cave lay deep beneath their village, and finding it was not guaranteed.

There were many spacious caverns below the village, the largest of which could accommodate thirty to forty people walking side by side.

Ryūchi Cave had always been revered as a sacred place by them. From ancient times to the present, only a very few could enter, and even fewer could return.

Practically none, less than one percent. If it weren't for the occasional disappearance of people in the underground caves and the rare return of some, they wouldn't even be aware of the existence of such a sacred place below.

"I can't guarantee I can lead you in. Coming out of the sacred place not only cures our clan's madness but also significantly enhances one's strength. Many of our people want to enter, even if it means taking a risk," the middle-aged village chief explained as he guided Yōichi, sharing the history and other information about the sacred land.

"But it seems like the sacred place chooses who can enter. We've explored the underground caverns many times, but those who can enter the sacred place remain pitifully few. In the last decade, only one person has gone in, and he hasn't returned."

As they spoke, the village chief led Yōichi deeper into the underground caverns, descending to an unknown depth, finally stopping at a fork filled with rock caves.

Beyond this point, there were dozens of entrances, some only tall enough for one person, others seven to eight meters high.

The village chief halted, turning to Yōichi, "I can't guide you any further. I don't know the way down from here."

"You're right not to know. There's likely a barrier layer below. Although your physique is somewhat special, you don't understand chakra at all. Finding Ryūchi Cave is purely a matter of luck."

Yōichi activated his Sharingan, faintly seeing traces of chakra lingering in the cavern.

Ryūchi Cave's location does not change. That some can enter while others cannot, besides an alternate dimension, only a barrier could explain this phenomenon.

"That's far enough, village chief. You may return," Yōichi said, patting the village chief's shoulder and discreetly using his Pickpocket ability.

The next moment, a miraculous sensation coursed through him.

Yōichi suddenly felt more attuned to his surroundings, sensing the infinite natural energy in the air.

"Then, I'll head back first," the village chief shivered slightly, not understanding what had happened but left upon Yōichi's instruction.

However, the village chief felt a great weight lifted from him as he walked away.

[Ability Activated Successfully: 'Absorption of Natural Energy Physique' Acquired]

"Absorption of natural energy physique? No wonder. It seems I can absorb natural energy with each breath."

Yōichi surmised that one of the village's ancestors successfully practiced Sage Mode, inadvertently altering their bloodline, passing down their current unique physique through generations.

However, the villagers clearly inherited an incomplete version, only able to absorb until saturation and then expelling the energy through bouts of madness.

It wasn't until Jūgo voluntarily approached Orochimaru that their clan's ability was researched and developed into the Cursed Seal.

"I wonder if I'll go mad like them after acquiring this natural energy absorption physique?"

Uchiha Yōichi was somewhat concerned about this potential side effect. After pondering for a moment, he decided to set aside his worries and proceed to Ryūchi Cave, planning to seek answers there.

With his new ability to absorb natural energy, Yōichi found himself more adapted to the environment, more sensitive to the flow of natural energy. Coupled with the Sharingan's insight into chakra, he quickly found the path to Ryūchi Cave.

After walking for an hour or two, Yōichi encountered a barrier shrouded in mist. Crossing through, he sensed something amiss but continued onward.

Beyond the mist, the scenery suddenly shifted, revealing a magnificent palace.

A green-haired girl in a white robe appeared, her beauty and pale skin as white as snow.

"Welcome. Ryūchi Cave hasn't had visitors from the outside for a long time. You must be tired from your journey. Please, sit and rest, have something to eat before you continue."

Yōichi, facing the girl's courteous reception, remained calm, his Sharingan's three tomoe spinning slightly as he slowly drew out his Raijin.

"I'm here to find Shin. If you're not going to guide me, don't bother using illusions to deceive a member of the Uchiha clan."

"Uchiha? I see. So, my illusion was seen through~"

Noticing the Sharingan in Yōichi's eyes, the girl's cute demeanor vanished, her face gradually taking on a serpentine form, becoming somewhat ferocious as she continued, "No matter what you're here for, since you've come to Ryūchi Cave, you must undergo a trial!"

The next second, the girl, flew backwards, disappearing into the mist, and the palace vanished.

"What a hassle!"

Yōichi continued inward, soon finding himself in a labyrinth-like area.

"Giggle~"

Silver-bell-like laughter echoed crisply through the space.

Yōichi saw a loli girl floating in the air, appearing and disappearing in front of him, attempting to lead him into the trial cave.

Had it not been for the consideration of the three snake princesses' venerable ages and formidable strengths, Yōichi would have already placed Raijin against their necks, forcing them to guide him to Shin.

Boom!

As Yōichi entered a cave, a rock door behind him suddenly fell.

"Hehe~ Let's play a game. If you pass this game, you can move on to the next stage."

Tagitsuhime suddenly appeared, floating in the air with her slender, snow-white legs, continuing, "I'm Tagitsuhime. If you fill the door's holes with stones from the cave, you win, and I'll let you leave~"

"I don't need your permission to leave, nor will I play such a foolish game. This is a stone door, and I have Lightning Release!"

With that, Yōichi's body surged with lightning, his Raijin wrapped in dense electricity as he swiftly slashed at the stone door.

Boom! The intense explosion sound followed, and the stone wall, less than half a meter thick, was shattered by Yōichi's slash.

"You, you're cheating! I'll eat you!"

Tagitsuhime's angry face showed signs of turning into a snake the next second.

Seeing this, Yōichi's blood-red eyes with the three tomoe spinning rapidly, his hands quickly forming several hand signs, "Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique."

"Wait a moment!"

Suddenly, Tagorihime appeared between Tagitsuhime and Yōichi, halting their impending clash, and spoke to Yōichi, "You've passed the test. I'll take you to the White Snake Sage."

"What about your third test?"

Yōichi asked, "Also, I'm looking for Shin."

Tagorihime replied, "Illusions have little effect on the Sharingan, so our tests were essentially futile against you. As for Shin, once you meet the White Snake Sage, you'll be able to search for him."

"Very well, lead the way."

Following Tagorihime, Yōichi was led through the labyrinthine cave system, each step taking him deeper into the heart of Ryūchi Cave. The air grew denser with natural energy, a sign that they were approaching a place of significant power.

Eventually, they arrived at a vast chamber, at the center of which sat an ancient and imposing figure: the White Snake Sage. Its eyes, wise and penetrating, focused on Yōichi as he entered.

"Welcome, Yōichi. I have been expecting you," the Sage's voice echoed throughout the chamber, deep and resonant.

Yōichi bowed slightly, "I've come seeking knowledge and power. I wish to find Shin, and I'm told you can guide me."

The Sage nodded, "Your journey has been long and fraught with challenges. You seek power not for domination but for protection and strength. This is a noble path."

"However, before I can guide you to Shin, you must prove your worth. The path of Sage Mode is not one to be taken lightly. It requires balance, discipline, and a deep connection to nature."

Yōichi's eyes sharpened, "I understand the risks. I'm prepared to face whatever trials you deem necessary."

"Very well," the Sage replied. "The trial will not be easy. It will test your resolve, your strength, and your ability to harmonize with natural energy. Succeed, and you will gain the power you seek. Fail, and the consequences may be dire."

Yōichi nodded, ready to face whatever came next. The quest for power was never without risk, but he was determined to succeed.

As the White Snake Sage began to outline the trial, Yōichi listened intently, his mind focused on the path ahead. The road to mastering Sage Mode and finding Shin was about to begin, and he was ready to take the first step.

(End of Chapter)