The hole was about the size of a washbasin. Judging from the marks on its walls, it didn't seem to have been there originally. Rather, it looked like the Five-step Snake had dug it out itself after burrowing its way in here.
The inside of the hole was lined with a layer of dead leaves, likely brought in by the Five-step Snake from outside. On one of the earthen walls, there was another small hole about the width of a bowl. It was probably the snake's passage for entering and exiting, but there was no telling where it led.
Having learned from his previous experience, Zhao Yuan didn't use his hands to search for the treasure. Who knew what dangers might be hidden in that pile of dead leaves? So, he just used a wooden stick to poke and prod at the location of the Qi. After a few pokes, the dead leaves were pushed aside, revealing a string of prayer beads.
The Qi was emanating from this very string of prayer beads.
