"Boss Su, wasn't the original plan to only explore the ancient sites of Xihai Commandery? Why has it turned into tomb raiding?" Li Chonglou asked, feigning ignorance. "Isn't it a serious crime to enter a tomb privately without state permission?"
"With your status, you shouldn't be taking such risks."
Su Yinchuan was no ordinary person.
His status as the undisputed wealthiest man in Xihai for so many years spoke volumes.
For such a figure to personally descend into a tomb...
It was far more than just a simple matter of a few cultural relics.
He was surely hiding something from him.
This question was, in essence, probing his limits.
"Young Li, some matters were inconvenient to disclose to you earlier," Su Yinchuan replied with an unruffled expression. "The stakes are too high, and secrecy is paramount."
"In truth, my visit here is merely a cover; exploring the Xihai Commandery ancient sites is just a facade. My real objective is to find something!"
"To find a treasure that can bring the dead back to life!"
Upon hearing this, Li Chonglou's heart trembled violently.
A treasure that could revive the dead? What treasure could do that? Even Qing Yan Shi was not as miraculous as its name suggested!
Could it be...
Recalling Su Yinchuan's earlier mention of seeking Qing Yan Shi to save his daughter, only to be delayed by Ejimuk and watch his daughter die tragically, Li Chonglou understood.
This event must have left him with boundless regret.
If he was a person with deep-seated obsessions, like his master or himself, he would undoubtedly find ways to rectify it.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through Li Chonglou's mind.
Even with his powerful composure, his heart rippled.
However, he quickly suppressed the internal tremor and asked with feigned curiosity, "Is this item more miraculous than Qing Yan Shi?"
"Of course. Throughout China's five thousand years of history, there have been countless pursuits of immortality and enlightenment," Su Yinchuan said, his eyes gleaming. "And an innumerable amount of secret treasures and magical artifacts."
"Through various channels, I've learned that the tomb of this Qiang chieftain contains such a treasure."
"It's better to believe it exists than not to believe it doesn't. That's why I invited you."
"With your keen eye, you will surely be able to find that item and put it to use for me!"
Su Yinchuan made these statements without any reservation.
Since they were to cooperate, his demands were clear.
He cared nothing for wealth or relics; he was determined to obtain that treasure capable of reviving the dead.
Anyone who dared to covet this item was his enemy.
These words were tantamount to a public declaration.
The expressions on everyone's faces varied. Lan Ying's beautiful eyes lit up with a hint of relief as she leaned closer to Su Yinchuan. "Godfather, I believe we will find it."
His goddaughter was her childhood best friend, like a sister to her, who had unfortunately passed away from illness.
For that reason, she too had been despondent for a long time.
If it were possible to bring her back to life, even with the slightest chance, she would dedicate all her strength and pay any price.
Zhu Mingzhe's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of greed flashing within them before quickly disappearing.
Su Yinchuan was their benefactor.
They were opening the tomb for the treasures within, regardless of whether the legendary item existed.
Su Yinchuan would have to pay them a substantial sum for this expedition.
Putting on a fake smile, he said, "Mr. Su, the tunnel to the tomb has already been dug. We can enter anytime."
"My boss will be here in ten minutes. I'll instruct my men to prepare for departure now."
"Good, you make the arrangements," Su Yinchuan replied, his eyes shining with hope.
After years, he finally saw a glimmer of hope.
He had nearly gone bankrupt searching for Qing Yan Shi, but before he could administer it, his daughter had already passed away.
This matter had become his greatest obsession.
From then on, he had scoured ancient texts, searching for legendary methods of resuscitation.
It was Liu Zhibo, knowing his needs, who had approached him for cooperation in exploring the tomb, and he had agreed without hesitation.
For this, was it not worth risking his life!
Li Chonglou exchanged a glance with Xu Lie, a cold glint visible in both their eyes.
Liu Zhibo was the key to their presence in Xihai. He had been a friend of his master, even a cadre in a state department.
But for some unknown reason, he had fallen into degeneracy and become a tomb robber.
He had used his master's search for the Xihai Commandery ancient sites to locate this tomb.
He had also brought in Su Yinchuan, likely selling the information at a high price, making Su Yinchuan believe it wholeheartedly.
In this matter, there was no such thing as a treasure that could truly revive the dead.
Let alone Qing Yan Shi, even Shi Boqiong, which his master had sought with all his heart, did not serve to resurrect the dead.
Instead, it was about traversing time and reversing destiny.
The group waited in the cave for nearly ten minutes.
A Range Rover stopped outside the cave, and a seemingly ordinary middle-aged man in work clothes and glasses alighted.
He even walked with a slight stoop, his demeanor plain. However, only the eyes beneath his glasses emitted a faint green glow.
This was the lingering Yin energy accumulated by frequent tomb raiders.
It was impossible to hide from Li Chonglou's Fiery Golden Eyes.
Upon seeing the man, Zhu Mingzhe immediately strode forward. "Boss, everyone is here!"
Indeed, this was Liu Zhibo!
The scoundrel who had nearly killed his master.
In the eyes of Li Chonglou and Xu Lie, fierce anger blazed.
Their hands turned white from the blood draining away due to the force, their fingernails almost digging into their flesh.
But in the end, reason suppressed their impulse.
In the current situation, any move against Liu Zhibo would inevitably trigger a confrontation. The cave was narrow, and the other party had firearms.
Even if Xu Lie possessed extraordinary combat skills, he was now an ordinary person, and with Su Yinchuan and Lan Ying present, unforeseen accidents could occur.
Secondly, his senior sister had instructed that the primary mission was to find clues about Shi Boqiong.
The Qiang chieftain's tomb was so close to the Xihai Commandery ancient sites, and Xihai Commandery was once where the Qiang people were lured by Wang Mang. No one knew what discoveries might be made inside.
Since they were here, they had to go down to resolve their doubts.
Li Chonglou did not want to miss any clue related to Shi Boqiong, especially since Su Yinchuan had just mentioned a treasure that could revive the dead below.
This made it even harder for him not to make connections.
Thus, he secretly gave Xu Lie a meaningful look.
Xu Lie took a deep breath and nodded slightly, calming himself.
Having fought in underground battles for a long time, risking his life, he knew that anger was never good, no matter the situation. Though he had a quick temper, it was merely an outward show.
In the face of true critical matters, he could remain composed.
"Mr. Su, welcome!" Liu Zhibo's eyes fell on Su Yinchuan, and he walked up to him, extending his hand with a smile.
It was as natural as eating a meal at a table.
"Professor Liu, since you're here, let's not waste time. Let's depart," Su Yinchuan said expressionlessly, but his words carried a hint of urgency.
Liu Zhibo nodded and smiled upon hearing this. "As Mr. Su commands."
He then gave Zhu Mingzhe a look. "Have everyone prepare their equipment and head down the tunnel to scout ahead. Ensure Mr. Su's safety."
"Yes, Boss," Zhu Mingzhe immediately gathered everyone.
The men had already finished their preparations and were waiting. Under his arrangement, they entered one by one through a smaller hole at the bottom of the large cave, capable of accommodating two people, each equipped with a waist rope and tools.
"And who are these two?" While waiting, Liu Zhibo's gaze fell upon Li Chonglou and Xu Lie.
"Oh, they are appraisal experts I've invited," Su Yinchuan said, deliberately not introducing Li Chonglou by name, clearly wishing to prevent Liu Zhibo from becoming too familiar with them.
A slight stiffness appeared on Liu Zhibo's face.
They were all astute individuals, always speaking with half-truths and veiled meanings.
Su Yinchuan's action was undoubtedly telling him that he did not fully trust him, hence he had brought his own people.
This was to guard against being deceived by him.
Although Liu Zhibo was displeased, Su Yinchuan was, after all, the benefactor. His actions were not unreasonable.
However, when he met Li Chonglou's gaze, his heart suddenly clenched.
"This young man's eyes are vacant and ethereal, encompassing everything. This is beyond what someone his age should possess..."
"Even I cannot see through him. This boy is not simple!"
He did not know where Su Yinchuan had found Li Chonglou, but he was already on guard.
Having been in Xihai for so many years, he was well aware of any special talents in the cultural and museum circles, yet Li Chonglou and Xu Lie were both unfamiliar faces.
He himself was a master of disguise, so naturally, he would not underestimate Li Chonglou simply because he looked frail.
"Old fox!" Li Chonglou cursed inwardly, his guard raised after their eyes met.
No wonder his master had suffered such a great loss, nearly meeting his demise.
This Liu Zhibo was indeed a ruthless individual, low-key and adept at concealment.
If not for the fact that half of his reason for being here was because of him, he might have even overlooked this person and dismissed him.
This was the most terrifying aspect.
A person who could remain inconspicuous in a crowd, perfectly hidden, must be a formidable and terrifying figure.
Conversely, those who appeared dazzling and arrogant, like the young Zhu Mingzhe, were the most ignorant and superficial.
Both harbored mutual vigilance but did not expose it.
"Please, Mr. Su," Liu Zhibo averted his gaze, a fake smile still plastered on his face.
With a gesture, he let Su Yinchuan and Lan Ying walk ahead of him.
Then came Li Chonglou and Xu Lie, while he himself remained at the very back.
One had to admit, this old fox was extremely cautious in every way. Perhaps due to the many people he had harmed, he even placed himself at the rear when walking.
Li Chonglou adjusted his mindset, burying his hatred deep in his heart for the time being.
He stepped into the cave.
The cave sloped downwards at an angle of approximately 30 degrees. It was not very steep, but one had to be careful when walking.
After all, there were many loose stones.
This was a significant undertaking, having drilled a large hole directly into the ancient tomb from the mountain rock.
It was certainly not something that could be accomplished in a few days.
It seemed Liu Zhibo had been planning this tomb for a long time, but perhaps he couldn't find its exact location. His master's arrival in Xihai at this time presented him with an opportunity. He must have received crucial clues after inviting him to survey the surrounding terrain.
Then he launched his murderous attack. Who knew that his senior sister was exceptionally powerful, not only killing his two subordinates but also protecting his severely wounded master as they escaped back to Xihai.
It was only because of this that he and Xu Lie had arrived in Xihai, something Liu Zhibo could never have anticipated.
The cause and effect unfolded in Li Chonglou's mind in mere moments.
They descended all the way down, quickly traversing the entire mountain cavity and arriving at a vast stone cave hall.
The sound of dripping water was clearly audible.
Inside the cave, it was much warmer than outside.
Zhu Mingzhe ordered the men to fix several LED torches onto the stone walls, instantly illuminating the entire cave hall.
"So many dead people!" The next moment, Lan Ying's surprised cry was heard.
After all, she was a woman. Even with her reputation in Xihai's underground circles, her inherent feminine fragility remained.
Seeing the piles of white bones, her heart pounded with terror.
Li Chonglou followed her pointing finger and could not help but feel a jolt.