The map was not a modern paper map, but rather a carrier made from the hide of some unknown animal.
Its surface appeared very smooth, yet it possessed a layer of fine fur, resembling the faux leather from the nineties.
"What is this? It looks like animal hide," I whispered to Zhang Dabiao beside me.
"Fox hide."
"Fox... fox hide?"
This struck me as rather unbelievable. I had heard of maps made from sheepskin and cowhide, but never from fox hide.
Both in ancient times and modern, it was known that foxes, along with weasels, snakes, and other creatures, were commonly venerated as household spirits. This belief was particularly strong in the Northeast, where the concept of "Jia Xian" was most emphasized within Shamanism.
While not as prevalent in the South, people there would still avoid provoking such spiritual beings, for who knew if a misjudgment might offend a powerful deity?
Furthermore, although Northeastern Shamanism did not extend beyond the region, if the "Chu Ma Xian" (those who claim to channel spirits) were to learn of this, they would likely drive not only the mapmaker but anyone possessing the map into madness. The idea of finding treasure would be a mere dream.
"How do you know?"
Zhang Dabiao's voice turned somewhat cold. "My Zhang family has made hunting fox spirits our duty for generations. What do you think?"
This reminded me of Zhang Dabiao's appearance when dealing with Sui Wan'er's reanimation.
I glanced at Zhang Dabiao, dressed in casual attire, and asked with some bewilderment, "Zhang Ge, your robe?"
"It is a sacred artifact. How can it be easily shown to others?"
Zhang Dabiao's words left me speechless, rolling my eyes. However, I made a mental note to somehow get a look at it later to see what was so special. My master had never mentioned any taboos regarding it.
Yet, it was evident that Zhang Dabiao harbored immense hatred towards foxes. When a crimson fox encountered at Wu Da's mansion had threatened future trouble for Zhang Dabiao, and when Sun Chuang was bewitched by a fox spirit, Zhang Dabiao had fought fiercely, as if they were natural enemies.
It now seemed that Li Zuoquan's insistence on keeping Zhang Dabiao there was not out of fear of him leaking information, but rather for some other purpose.
"Everyone, please look."
As soon as the map was placed on the table, Zhao Defu, like a hunting dog, leaned forward and sniffed it intently.
"This is an old map. To be preserved so completely, the secrets within must be immense."
Watching Zhao Defu, who resembled a hound, I felt a flicker of disdain. Your most capable subordinate, Wang Jun, was killed by Li Rui, yet you still have the mood to assess the map's age?
As soon as Zhao Defu finished speaking, the middle-aged man accompanying the Taoist priest Fang touched the map on the table, then carefully picked off a piece of its surface and put it into his mouth. I nearly vomited up the meal I had from yesterday.
Damn it, what kind of people are these? One sniffs like a dog, and the other is even more outrageous, tasting it directly. Will I have to eat the entire map when it's my turn to give an opinion?
"This is indeed an ancient map, at least nearly a thousand years old," the middle-aged man said with certainty, spitting out the debris.
Li Zuoquan showed no signs of annoyance at their presumptuousness, as if it were all within his expectations.
"You are both correct. This is a map passed down from the Tang Dynasty, and this is the favor I wish to ask of you."
As soon as Li Zuoquan finished speaking, the entire room fell into a deep silence, as if entering an ice age.
I inwardly grumbled, bringing out a map from the Tang Dynasty to search for secrets – wasn't that like an old man with a birthday wishing for death?
Historically, the Tang Dynasty was a period that any ruler from any dynasty would praise with a thumbs-up, calling it the most glorious era. Simultaneously, this glory brought prosperity to all trades.
In particular, tomb-robbing prevention techniques reached an unprecedented level of development. The use of琉璃天火 (Liuli Tianhuo - glazed heavenly fire) imported from the Western Regions caused countless tomb robbers of later generations to regret their actions on the spot, turning into ashes and sharing eternal bliss with the tomb occupants.
I had always assumed Li Zuoquan's objective was merely for me to steal the Five Princes' Tiger Kui Seal as a guide. Now, it seemed that, as Fifth Princess had said, Li Zuoquan intended to rob a tomb, though whether it was the Five Princes' tomb remained unknown.
"Elder Li, in the history of China, the Tang Dynasty is the most difficult era for treasure hunting and tomb raiding. It was an extremely prosperous dynasty. Even with modern technological means, entering it easily would result in death or severe injury. Are you sending us to our deaths?"
Although my words were not agreed upon by the other three, they all remained silent, looking at Li Zuoquan for a reasonable explanation.
Li Zuoquan glared at me angrily for my question.
"This is indeed a tomb, but the dangers within are unknown. However, I can guarantee one thing to everyone present: the main occupant is no longer there, meaning more than half the danger has been eliminated. If you don't believe me, you can ask Daoist Master Fang; he can assure you that this journey will not endanger your lives."
Taoist Master Fang nodded. "More than ten years ago, my Longhu Mountain, at the cost of one Heavenly Master, suppressed a zombie tomb occupant who emerged from Qingfeng Mountain to cause havoc. I presume everyone present is aware of this matter?"
Seeing the somewhat self-important Taoist Master Fang, I finally understood why Li Zuoquan was so polite to him. It turned out this Taoist priest was from Longhu Mountain.
"There's no need for Brother Fang to repeat this. In those days, Longhu Mountain paid a heavy price for upholding righteousness and fighting demons, for which we in the feng shui community are all deeply grateful."
Watching the middle-aged man flatter Taoist Master Fang, I felt a surge of contempt. What did Longhu Mountain's affairs have to do with you? You're simply ignorant.
"Although I am not part of the feng shui community, I have heard of this matter. However, from what I understand, the tomb occupant was in a deep slumber, and it was someone who deliberately awakened him, thus causing that disaster. I don't know if this is true or not?"
Zhao Defu's words instantly chilled the atmosphere, and even Taoist Master Fang looked at him with displeasure. "What do you mean by that? Are you implying that a Heavenly Master from Longhu Mountain caused trouble for no reason?"
Hearing this, I almost burst out laughing. What was this Taoist Master Fang's brain filled with? Was it all dung? Why were his perspectives always so peculiar?
Zhao Defu quickly waved his hands in denial. "This is not something I said; I merely heard it. I don't know if it's true or not. I was just speaking casually. If I said something wrong, please forgive me, Daoist Master Fang."
Taoist Master Fang remained silent, but the middle-aged man looked at me with a mocking expression.
"Kid, what are your thoughts?"