The great thieves of the Dao Zhi sect could be further categorized into many branches.
Those who would lift the tiles and bricks off a roof, create a hole, and descend on a rope were called "sky openers."
Thieves who drilled a hole through a wall and entered the cavity to steal valuables were known as "kiln openers," also called "Peach Blossom Spring openers."
Pickpocket thieves were called "lock pryers." Among them, those who operated before dawn were "dawn treaders," those who acted in broad daylight were "daylight breakers" or "daylight ghosts," and those who stole by surprise at dusk were "lantern flower runners."
Thieves who specialized in prying open doors after the owner had locked up and left, only to pick the locks and steal, were named "mouth eaters."
There were many similar underworld cant phrases. Yan Shouyi analyzed the two short individuals beside him, Ji Zhan and Ji Xiong, concluding they were likely "sky openers" or "kiln openers," as their stature gave them an advantage.
Following the two through a maze of alleys, twisting and turning until Lin Zhitong was quite disoriented, they finally stopped.
Yan Shouyi smiled. He had already charted all the routes in his mind.
Despite walking for ten minutes, they had actually been circling back to the same spot. At this very moment, if Yan Shouyi let out a loud shout, Wei Changqing, Long Feicheng, and the others would be able to hear him and come to his aid.
Ji Zhan and Ji Xiong's actions were likely a precaution against Yan Shouyi double-crossing them.
However, seeing through their intentions without revealing it, Yan Shouyi spoke up, "We'll wait here. You go and announce us."
"Alright."
Seeing Yan Shouyi's compliance, Ji Zhan considered him a fellow professional. He cupped his fist in greeting and knocked on the door in a sequence of three long and two short beats.
This was a secret signal. If the rhythm were off, the people inside might flee immediately.
Soon, a short-haired girl, also masked, opened the door. Upon seeing Ji Zhan return, she said, "Master is entertaining guests. Is there something?"
Ji Zhan pointed to Yan Shouyi behind him and said, "They want to buy the Yangling Tiger Tally."
"Please wait a moment." The girl scrutinized Yan Shouyi before closing the door to relay the message.
Since Ji Fusui was entertaining guests, Yan Shouyi had no choice but to wait patiently outside.
...
Inside the courtyard.
Ji Fusui, clad in black, sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion. Before him was a ghoul.
The ghoul spoke calmly, "Since you have business to attend to, I shall not linger. However, you must pay close attention to what I just advised you. Your rewards will be considerable once this is accomplished."
Ji Fusui smiled and nodded, rising. "Shall I escort you out?"
"No need."
The ghoul transformed into a wisp of ghostly energy and flew away on the wind.
Once the ghoul had departed, the smile on Ji Fusui's face vanished instantly.
He cursed coldly, "Yu Jinbo is dead. How dare you, Yu Jinhong, send someone to dictate to me!"
After calming himself, Ji Fusui thought: Although the Yu family is not as prominent as before, Yu Jinhong has now spent all his wealth and rallied the support of five ghost kings from Chang'an. If I can find that Yan Shouyi, I should be able to gain quite a bit.
While Ji Fusui outwardly presented himself as a righteous hero who robbed the rich to help the poor, he was, in reality, a petty, profit-driven individual.
He exploited his disciples, who were trained in the ways of Dao Zhi, to carry out raids. After exchanging the plundered treasures for money, he would deceive them into believing it was donated to the poor, when in truth, it all went into Ji Fusui's own pockets.
Now, possessing mountains of gold and silver, he still made his disciples eat steamed buns and salted vegetables daily, even partaking in the meager fare himself to avoid suspicion.
In the past, Ji Fusui would have been considered a typical stingy miser like Zhou Ba Pi.
After sending away the ghoul dispatched by Yu Jinhong, Ji Fusui called for the female disciple and beckoned Yan Shouyi and his companion inside.
A moment later, Yan Shouyi and Lin Zhitong entered.
Upon seeing the potential clients, Ji Fusui immediately put on a different demeanor, cheerfully inviting them to sit.
Yan Shouyi sized up Ji Fusui, noting his roguish appearance, which was starkly different from the benevolent great personage Ji Zhan and the others had described.
Furthermore, true benevolent individuals were usually radiant with good health; this was entirely absent in Ji Fusui.
Yan Shouyi chuckled inwardly. His suspicions were confirmed; Ji Fusui had indeed deceived Ji Zhan and the others.
What true chivalrous rogue would ever steal national treasures?
Having made his judgment about Ji Fusui, Yan Shouyi knew how to handle him.
He got straight to the point, "We are here for the Yangling Tiger Tally. Name your price."
Ji Fusui appraised Yan Shouyi and Lin Zhitong, finding their appearances ordinary but their demeanor extraordinary.
He toyed with his teapot lid and said, "I, Ji Fusui, never do business with nameless individuals. If you two are interested in the Yangling Tiger Tally, please state your names."
This was Ji Fusui's rule. Since the items he possessed were not legitimately acquired, if he encountered a formidable opponent, not only would the business fail, but his life might also be at risk.
However, once he knew the other party's background, many constraints would come into play. The other party would also consider whether taking action against Ji Fusui might affect their own sect or family.
Without hesitation, Yan Shouyi declared, "I am Yan Shouyi of the Yan family from Kunlun Mountain!"
*Pfft!*
Lin Zhitong beside him almost burst out laughing.
Since when could her man lie so effortlessly?
Yan Shouyi thought to himself: For these special circumstances, forgive me, Brother Yan.
He then pointed to Lin Zhitong and said, "This is my wife. She has no sect or affiliation, born into a small family, with nothing but money."
Lin Zhitong shot Yan Shouyi a glare.
Ji Fusui, being extremely cautious, asked mildly, "How can this be verified?"
Yan Shouyi directly produced the Yan Star Compass, a renowned treasure of the Yan family.
Ji Fusui glanced at it, astonished. It seemed that this Yan Shouyi was not only from the Yan family but also held a significant position, having obtained the Yan Star Compass.
In reality, the Yan family, being concerned about their reputation, had kept the matter of Yan Shou's deception regarding the Yan Star Compass entirely secret.
Therefore, Ji Fusui was unaware that the Yan Star Compass was no longer in the Yan family's possession.
Having verified Yan Shouyi's identity, Ji Fusui smiled and nodded. He then gestured to the female disciple and whispered a few words in her ear.
The female disciple hurried into the inner room and soon returned carrying a brocade box.
Ji Fusui opened the box and pushed it towards Yan Shouyi. "Examine the goods."
Yan Shouyi looked down. Inside the brocade box lay three identical Yangling Tiger Tallies. All three appeared completely identical in craftsmanship, material, and detail!
Lin Zhitong frowned. This was indeed as Master Qin Liu had said.
Ji Fusui sighed, "After my foolish disciple stole the Yangling Tiger Tally, he accidentally mixed the genuine Yangling Tiger Tally with the fakes we produced. Now, even I cannot distinguish the real from the fake."
Yan Shouyi rubbed his chin and asked, "Genuine or fake, I only need one pair. Name your price."