Treasure Hunting System： The Ocean Conquerer
Chapter 44 Praying Insect Valley

Morning sunlight had long since streamed through the window, illuminating the bedside. Alka had no choice but to pull his pillow over his face to block the light. As for getting up, it was out of the question. Right now, he just wanted to die in bed, to become one with it forever.

Last night, due to the Magic Mirror’s dream, he had a brief conversation with the soul inside. However, perhaps because he was an ordinary person, the short dream had diminished his sleep quality. Even after eventually falling into a sound sleep, he still felt somewhat fatigued upon waking. He constantly felt unrested, with an aching back and waist.

And they promised salvation. Just wait, I’ll sell you off, Alka, awake but unwilling to get up, thought indignantly. Why would Alka even consider saving something of unknown origin that was hiding inside a mirror? Whether it was good or bad, it was better for it to just stay inside obediently. He planned to find an opportunity to sell it off.

Feeling the sunlight’s warmth intensify, Alka, unable to sleep any longer, reluctantly got up. After a quick cleanup, he stuffed the map from the table into his pocket and walked out of the Haunted Villa.

He nodded to the somewhat familiar neighbors he passed. These neighbors were slightly surprised that Alka had managed to live in the Haunted Villa for several days without any apparent incidents, and they couldn’t help but act more cordially. This suggested to them that the villa, a frequent source of their worries, might no longer be haunted. They could finally feel a bit more at ease at night.

After finding a decent-looking restaurant and eating breakfast, Alka once again wandered towards the city gate, much like a tourist. On the way, he again saw the clown performing by the roadside, as well as various other street performers, which once more brought his wallet to mind. Should I also perform on the streets? he mused as he walked.

He walked all the way to the city gate. By now, the alertness at the city gate was not as high as it had been previously. Although wanted posters were still pasted nearby, the few squads of guards at the gate only casually glanced at the passing crowds from time to time. They were even too lazy to stop anyone for detailed inspections or inquiries.

Seeing this, Alka couldn’t help but feel relieved. He adjusted his collar and, holding his Civilization Staff, leisurely walked through. As Alka reached the gate, he casually glanced at the wanted posters on the side, mimicking the curious expressions of other passersby. Besides those Alka already recognized, several other minor members he hadn’t seen before were also listed on the wanted posters. Fortunately, Alka didn’t see his own face among them. Only then did he relax and slip from the guards’ line of sight.

Having finally left the city, Alka felt a sense of relief. With a lighter step, he followed the map to his destination. Bypassing the nearby garden avenue, he ventured into the countryside. Whether it was due to his current attire, most villagers he passed intentionally gave him a wide berth. Even when they had to cross paths, they did so with their heads bowed.

Seeing this, Alka could only speed up his pace. After winding his way along for some time, he finally reached his destination. It was a small valley on an island. Nestled between two modest mountain peaks was a grove of trees that seemed like a hidden paradise.

He noted the dirt path underfoot and some unfamiliar wooden stakes erected not far ahead. It was clear that people frequented this place. The white point of light indicating Treasure Vault No. 5 was located precisely here.

Alka couldn’t help but venture further in. As soon as he entered the grove, a symphony of faint insect chirps reached his ears. He carefully observed his surroundings among the trees and bushes. It was evident that the insect population here was significantly denser than outside. Occasionally, some would flit swiftly past his face.

Fortunately, Alka wasn’t overly afraid of insects. Otherwise, this place might have been Hell for him. He ducked slightly, avoiding a strand of spider silk stretching across the path, and continued along the winding trail deeper into the grove.

The further he went, the more man-made wooden stakes he noticed. Alka saw several villagers beside the stakes, apparently praying for something. These villagers looked somewhat surprised to see Alka and quickly hurried away.

Some of these stakes had small clay figures or stone sculptures placed on them; most depicted insects. Other stakes bore carvings of words and patterns. Alka briefly examined them. Most seemed to be prayers for blessings.

Based on what he had learned at the Insect Museum the previous day, the inscribed blessings and the clay figures or sculptures placed atop them corresponded to one another. For instance, a prayer for a child’s health would be accompanied by an insect figure of corresponding significance. Prayers for personal advancement were often accompanied by sculpted cocoons or butterfly chrysalises, symbolizing emergence and new life. Many of them looked quite new. It seemed many people came here to leave their good wishes; it was likely a local tradition.

Just then, Alka noticed a figure crouched near some branches in the distance. He walked closer for a better look. The figure’s back seemed somewhat familiar. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was the old man from the Insect Museum he had met the previous day.

The old man was squatting motionlessly beside a tree stump, apparently waiting for or observing something. Even though Alka had approached him from behind, the old man hadn’t noticed. Alka peered slightly ahead.

Ants?

This old man, like a child, is actually watching ants?

He saw a type of black ant with a silver stripe down its back, slightly larger than ordinary ants. These ants were moving in a line, resembling a living silver thread, and appeared to be transporting something.

AH!

The old man suddenly tilted his head to the side and caught sight of the tip of Alka’s shoe near his left. Startled, he yelped and tumbled sideways. Alka reacted quickly, catching him before he fell.

The startled old man looked up, and upon realizing it was Alka, he took a deep breath. "Oh, it’s you!" the old man exclaimed. "Why are you sneaking up behind people without saying anything? You scared me to death!"

Hearing the old man’s words, Alka could only manage an awkward smile as he gently helped him to his feet. "What is this place?" Alka asked. "I can sense there are many insects here, some quite rare."

Hearing this, the old man looked at him rather strangely. "You came in without even knowing what this place is?"

"I saw the stakes outside and was curious."

The old man nodded, then turned and continued along the trail deeper into the grove. Alka followed, and the old man said, "This is the Praying Insect Valley of the island. There are some legends about this place. Are you interested?"

Alka was certainly interested and nodded immediately.

"Legend has it that insects are Divine Envoys," the old man began. "They spread across the world, acting on behalf of the Divine, observing the good and evil deeds of humankind.

"And this, naturally, is a gathering place for Divine Envoys. People erect stakes here, carve their wishes onto them, and place corresponding insect figures, hoping these insects will carry their prayers to the Divine’s ears.

"A very simple, but very interesting legend, which gradually became a tradition for some people on the island."

After listening, Alka nodded. "Indeed, that’s very romantic. Such a traditional belief isn’t necessarily a bad thing."

The old man nodded in agreement and then stopped walking.