Continuing upstream along the river, after traveling nearly a thousand meters, Uchiha Shin saw a small thatched hut ahead.
This surprised Uchiha Shin somewhat. He had not expected anyone to be living deep in these mountains.
After pausing for a moment, Uchiha Shin walked toward the small thatched hut.
"Is anyone there?" Uchiha Shin called.
"Young monk, how did you end up here?"
An aged voice sounded behind Uchiha Shin. Turning around, he saw an elderly monk standing behind him, smiling at him.
The monk looked especially kind and approachable, making anyone who saw him feel cheerful without realizing it.
Uchiha Shin was somewhat surprised. Though he could not discern the monk's strength, he knew this monk was no ordinary person. He was likely a reclusive eminent monk of the Buddhist Sect.
"Greetings, Master." Uchiha Shin bowed respectfully.
The old monk smiled, looked Uchiha Shin up and down, then glanced in the direction of Thunderclap Monastery.
"Young man, you barged into Spirit Mountain so casually. It is no wonder they tried to capture you." The old monk sat down on a stone stool nearby.
Uchiha Shin froze for a moment. This old monk truly was formidable—he had recognized his identity at a glance.
"Master, I had no choice but to enter Spirit Mountain. I came to save my friend. There is a treasure here on Spirit Mountain that can save my friend's life, but the people of Spirit Mountain have grievances against me and certainly would not help. I cannot defeat them either, so I could only sneak in and try to steal it.
"But I do not intend to keep it permanently. I only want to use it to heal my friend, then return the treasure. Though I bear a grudge against Spirit Mountain, I would not casually take