Chapter 58: Thai Ghost

However, when Mr. Xu's great-grandfather heard this, he simply smiled and refused, saying, "I've lived most of my life through countless births and deaths, none of them worth mentioning. Even if I were granted ten more years, what would it change? If I can bring some good fortune to my descendants, at least my death will have some value!"

Upon hearing this, the spirit of the insect instantly changed its demeanor, furious. "Then don't blame me for devouring you alive, inch by inch, consuming your flesh and blood, leaving you unable to die or live!"

With that, the insect spirit gathered itself, preparing to lunge and bite.

Yet Mr. Xu's great-grandfather, a stubborn man even at the brink of death, bit through his own tongue. Within moments, he lay dead in the cave.

The insect spirit, seeing this, cursed bitterly, "Even in death you rob me of a fine cultivation ground! What bad luck! I searched for decades for this perfect place, only for a dying old man to snatch it away. How unlucky!"

The insect spirit had no choice but to abandon the land whose spiritual energy had been claimed.

From then on, every generation of Mr. Xu’s family, upon reaching the age of eighteen, would unexpectedly receive a windfall. And from the day they received it, fortune would continue to flow, right up to today, when Mr. Xu’s own skills have only increased the family’s wealth. In truth, one windfall alone would suffice for a comfortable life, but who ever complains of having too much money? Otherwise, he wouldn't have taken up the business of tomb raiding!

At this point, An Wu sighed for his employer.

"Could it be that Xu Qiang has always relied on tomb raiding for his wealth?" Fang You asked.

"Not quite," replied An Wu, "but Mr. Xu Qiang has indeed gained much land and property through unusual means and skills. Tomb raiding is only one of his ventures." As he spoke, he glanced around. "We should be nearing the main tomb, shouldn't we?"

It was then the group noticed sunlight streaming through the cave entrance behind them.

They gradually stood, and through the opening behind, found themselves standing on a plot of land planted with all manner of rare flowers and plants. Above them yawned a giant hollow, apparently a hundred meters deep from the surface.

"What a magnificent setup!" said Fang Zhong, the Mountain-Moving Daoist. "As the saying goes, 'wealthy fish in the front, a pavilion of fortune in the back.' This is a feng shui pavilion, purposefully built before the main tomb. The hollow above allows sunlight to nourish these rare flowers and plants."

"The way the hollow is constructed is truly clever—hidden from common sight, yet allowing sunlight to pour in. In ancient times, those who built pavilions before their tombs would often dig a dry well above, using the well mouth as a cover for the hollow, concealing it from others."

Thus, sometimes one hears of dry wells leading to tomb chambers; this is quite real. If a dry well connects to a tomb chamber below, it surely belongs to a grand burial, for only the wealthy had the resources to dig such a hollow.

Bai Ling looked around, and indeed, the land was remarkable. Even after a thousand years, the flowers and plants flourished. Clearly, Cao Aman’s tomb was built in a fine spot; but then, as the son of an emperor, he would be buried in a good plot, benefiting his descendants.

"So that must be the entrance to the main chamber," An Wu pointed ahead. Amidst the sea of flowers, there stood a pair of doors, half open and half closed.

"Why do these tomb doors look so fragile? Could they have simply fallen into disrepair over time?" Fang You wondered aloud, eyeing the doors that seemed ready to collapse.

"Let's have a look," Fang Zhong said, stepping to the front. Behind him, Fang You, Bai Ling, and An Wu followed closely.

Fang Zhong examined the tomb doors. The bolts had corroded and snapped, and the stone doors themselves were battered and broken.

"Even the strongest mechanisms can't withstand the wear of years," Fang Zhong said, spreading his arms and pushing the doors open.

At that moment, concealed iron wires attached to the doors snapped as he pushed.

Instantly, dozens of sharp arrows shot forth. Unable to dodge, Fang Zhong was pierced in the chest by dozens of arrows. Suddenly, a massive spear—its shaft adorned with a crimson tassel—launched forward and nailed him to the ground.

After the volley of arrows, calm returned.

"Fang Zhong!" Fang You and Bai Ling hurried over.

"I can't believe I missed it. Using broken doors as cover—such a simple trap, and I didn't notice," Fang Zhong laughed bitterly.

"I’ll save you!" Fang You hastily used a Maoshan finger technique to seal Fang Zhong’s blood flow, hoping to slow his bleeding.

"I have medicine for wounds!" Bai Ling, descendant of the Mojin clan, quickly took out a white bottle from his clothes.

"Daoist, hold on!" An Wu looked at the Mountain-Moving Daoist who had braved danger alongside him, now dying at the threshold of the main tomb.

"It's too late. This tomb is well built. The Maoshan novice has some skill, but in this tomb there’s no way to treat me. You can only prolong my life by a few hours; you can’t get me out of this dangerous place," Fang Zhong sighed, pulling a yellowed notebook from his pack.

"This 'Mountain-Moving Dao' contains all my knowledge and skills. I had hoped to leave it for my successors. If you can, please help me complete it."

As he spoke, he coughed up blood.

Fang You gripped the half-written "Mountain-Moving Dao" and said, "If I ever have the chance to learn these arts, I’ll finish your book."

"Then I have no regrets in this life. Quickly, break into the main tomb ahead—there are many dangers. Be careful..." Fang Zhong’s words faded into weak sighs; he could no longer speak.

"What should we do now?" Bai Ling asked.

"We press on." Fang You tucked the "Mountain-Moving Dao" into his coat, eyeing the entrance to the main tomb, his voice resolute. "Too many have died already. I need to see the face of the tomb’s master. If we don’t go in, all those innocents who came down—Master Qiu, Daoist Fang—they will have died for nothing. We continue!"

Fang You, seeing the tomb entrance had quieted, steadied himself and walked in, scanning the surroundings for further traps.

"Let's go!" Bai Ling followed, for the Mojin clan was not known for cowardice. Since they’d come, they wouldn’t leave empty handed; whatever the risk, they had to enter the main chamber and see it through.

Meanwhile, An Wu, trailing behind the two, quietly sent a text message: "Location sent, boss..."