Coffin in the Forest

The man-made asphalt road stops extending when it reaches the center of the island.

Through the car window, you can see an extremely dense primeval forest ahead.

Tall trees and soil,

Flowers, grass and flying insects

Warning signs, placed every ten meters along the edge of the woods, prohibit any visitors from entering the area without permission.

Not only could it threaten their personal safety, but if it caused ecological damage to the nature reserve, they would also be punished according to the highest standards.

As the vehicle entered a dirt path through the woods, the passengers could clearly feel the light dimming.

The main problem is that the dense foliage blocks out a large portion of the sunlight, and it is currently sunset.

Because the island is unaffected by any corners, and the forest has no lighting system, it remains in its most pristine state.

The documentary crew had already started filming, their faces pressed against the car windows.

Sitting by the window, Luo Di began to observe the primeval forest. He could indeed see many poisonous insects as far as the eye could see. Compared to the large number of insects, there seemed to be very few other animals living in the forest.

It was quite a feat to finally spot a sika deer crossing through the woods.

Just as he was trying to search for other animals, his eyes unexpectedly caught sight of something strange lying in a dimly lit spot deep in the forest.

Even though Luo Di, being a Chinese, couldn't see clearly, he immediately recognized it.

"Coffin?"

As soon as he finished speaking,

Luo Di then felt something very light climb up his body.

The Sister Eye actually crawled over from the other end along her sisters' thighs, eventually squatting on Luo Di's lap and pressing her eyes against the window.

"It's... a coffin."

Perhaps they overheard the discussion among the young people in the back row.

The Baldy sitting in front turned around and offered an explanation:

"It is said that the natives living on this island have the custom of Coffin Burial. After they turn fifty, everyone spends a long time designing their own coffin and calling on their family members to help make it."

After his death,

The villagers would then carry him and his coffin to a designated spot, fill the coffin with soil, and complete the so-called "Coffin Burial".

These coffins are not buried in the ground, but are simply left in the forest.

In their view, digging would damage the island and bring misfortune.

Cremation, on the other hand, is a desecration of one's own humanity, a voluntary relinquishment of the right to be reborn as a human being.

Hua Yuan deliberately feigned curiosity and asked the other party:

"A designated location? Was it specified by the deceased before their death?"

When the prettiest girl started asking questions, the Baldy immediately became interested.

"The little girl seems to really enjoy this kind of knowledge. We can exchange contact information later, and she can ask me anytime if she has any questions."

No, I want to know right now.

These words piqued the other party's interest. "Alright, the burial location isn't chosen by the deceased, but rather given by the gods. As long as the Coffin Burial in the corresponding location, their next life will be blessed with good weather and abundant harvests."

"Gods?"

"Indigenous peoples who are isolated from society and lack technological development, regardless of where they are in the world, have the custom of worshipping gods. The indigenous people of this island are no exception."

Before they die, they cut off a small piece of flesh from their bodies and offer it to the gods.

It is said that this will bring divine guidance, revealing the location for their burial.

Of course, I only read about it in books, and I don't know the specifics of how to offer sacrifices or how to find the exact location.

We came here to learn about the detailed worship process and to film it as a documentary.

If you little girls are interested, you can join us!

"OK."

Hua Yuan's friendly smile was irresistible to anyone, even arousing the middle-aged man's body. The other two middle-aged men in the group also looked over, their eyes filled with infatuation.

But then again, this group of people does know a lot, and the information they provide is indeed quite interesting.

As the vehicle drew closer to its destination, the number of coffins visible in the forest increased, and indeed, as the Baldy had said, these coffins were of different styles.

They may be decorated with bones, fur, or metal, or have unknown and mysterious runes engraved on their surface.

"A black... coffin..."

When Sister Eye spoke again, everyone looked in the direction she was looking, but they didn't see her.

The so-called black coffin seemed to be located deep in the forest, only her visual abilities could detect it.

Hua Yuan immediately started asking questions again, "My friend seems to have seen a black coffin, what is that?"

This left the Baldy puzzled. "That shouldn't be the case. How could you see the black coffin? Do you have special night vision binoculars? Those are coffins used by young villagers who died unnatural deaths."

Because they are young, they are not yet old enough to make coffins.

Sudden death

Or perhaps he/she has contracted a serious illness.

Or perhaps an accident occurred.

The young villagers who died would then be placed directly into black coffins.

"Does the location also have to be designated by the gods?"

"It is said that villagers will cut off a large piece of flesh from the deceased for offering. After all, it is the flesh of a dead person, so a larger amount is needed for it to be effective."

The gods will then provide a location off the main road, deep in the forest.

Burying villagers who died unnatural deaths in deeper places serves two purposes: first, it isolates the "unnatural Death Qi" from the deceased; second, it allows them to rest in a quiet place, gradually letting go of their attachment to the world and entering the cycle of reincarnation sooner.

"Oh, that's interesting."

The Baldy's expression suddenly darkened. "You absolutely mustn't run around! It's said that if any living person gets close to the black coffin, the unreincarnated corpse inside will smell the scent and turn into a zombie, especially young people like you... It could be dangerous!"

"Ah! Stop talking, it's terrifying."

Seeing that Hua Yuan was frightened, the Baldy looked satisfied. "Don't be afraid. Uncle will have a drink with you tonight to give you courage."

"OK."

Luo Di's gaze remained fixed on the view outside the window, and he paid no attention to the interactions inside the car.

However, the information provided by the Baldy was indeed interesting.

Such a bizarre "Coffin Burial" and the village behind it may indeed be related to the monster associated with the Corner Wanted Order.

The entire journey took an hour and a half due to the winding and rugged forest roads.

An ancient village, rooted in this island for who knows how long, gradually came into view in front of the windshield.

The scattered wooden houses form a series of winding village paths.

The walls are mostly made of mud and wood, and some wooden roofs are covered with straw. However, thanks to the involvement of the Mercury Group, the village has been exposed to the outside world to some extent and has experienced many of the conveniences of modern life.

Electricity has been connected to every household, and various modern lighting devices are being turned on in each home.

Some rooftops even have signal receivers installed, suggesting that they may even have some basic television equipment.

When the vehicle stopped, more than a dozen villagers immediately rushed out.

They wore clothes produced by modern industry and looked no different from ordinary people, except that they were a little old-fashioned and a little older.

Just as Luo Di and the others were about to get off the car,

The tour guide, who hadn't said a word the whole time, stepped forward and blocked the exit.

"Please wait a moment, passengers. The villagers will hold Welcome Ritual for us outside the bus. You can get off the bus after the ceremony."

This is a local custom, please follow it.

Later, when you enter the village, I will continue to explain the relevant customs and regulations. Please be sure to follow them for the rest of the day and fully experience this primitive journey.

Luo Di turned his gaze to the window.

Thirteen villagers surrounded the bus.

They made a strange hand seal in front of them, bowing three times towards the vehicle with almost perfect synchronization.

It was supposed to be a Welcome Ritual, but everyone could sense something strange about it.

"The ceremony is over, everyone come with me into the village! There's some good news to share: today is the village's monthly Worship Day, and everyone is welcome to participate."