Records of Strange Tales from the Jianghu

Looking back slowly, the nights that once belonged to each other.

Red, you are still the bright sun in my heart that you gifted me.

The song began. Secretary Jin's Cantonese pronunciation was very standard, and she sang professionally, her stage presence more natural.

Unlike Little Yellow Oriole, he remembered that when she first spoke into the microphone, her Mandarin was mixed with the Nantong dialect.

But Li Zhuiyuan still felt that Little Yellow Oriole sang better.

It was Little Yellow Oriole's song that had led him down a path he had never imagined before.

Of course, if one insisted on finding a realistic reason, there was one.

For example, Little Yellow Oriole had poured her emotions into singing this song back then, while Secretary Jin just wanted to finish the day's proceedings quickly so she could go digging for graves at night.

At first, the surface of the fish pond showed no ripples.

But when Secretary Jin sang:

"Even if a thousand songs drift on my road in the future, even if a thousand stars shine brighter than tonight's moon..."

Li Zhuiyuan swayed. He felt a wave of drowsiness, and a familiar chill seemed to emanate from his shoulders, giving him the feeling that his old, arthritic legs could predict the weather.

He knew Little Yellow Oriole was listening, and she seemed on the verge of losing control.

Li Zhuiyuan took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay awake. He couldn't walk the yin path at this moment.

"Beep boop! ————"

A piercing static sound erupted from the speakers. Everyone present covered their ears, children began to scream, and the performers on stage rushed forward to adjust the equipment. It was clear they were generally familiar with it, yet also rusty.

They should have known how to operate it, but they didn't use it often.

The equipment was old, and the troupe feared losing their livelihood, so this shouldn't have happened.

Li Zhuiyuan slowly lowered his hands, making a quiet gesture.

He didn't know if Little Yellow Oriole could see him, nor if she could understand his intentions.

But any loss of control now would only make these Water Monkeys feel suspicious and prepare themselves in advance.

Just hold on.

He would deal with it properly tonight.

Soon, The electronic noise disappeared, and the equipment returned to normal.

Such incidents were common on performance stages at the time. The villagers, who had been covering their ears in discomfort, now resumed their conversations and laughter; no one left.

Secretary Jin held the microphone and apologized repeatedly to everyone. Then, the background music started again, and she resumed singing "Thousands of Songs."

Her eyes showed impatience. If she had possessed some professional integrity before, now she was simply going through the motions. She didn't sing the chorus herself, handing the microphone to the audience.

During the first chorus, some outgoing adults and boisterous children sang along in their own versions of Cantonese. But when she offered the microphone again for the second chorus, no one joined in; the atmosphere had completely died down.

"Sing, you sing."

"Hurry up and sing, sing."

Someone from below urged.

Secretary Jin maintained her professional smile, glossing over the song, completely unfazed.

When the song ended, Secretary Jin tossed the microphone to someone next to her and walked to a corner, starting a conversation with a few people.

Someone dressed in an exaggerated manner went on stage and performed a card trick.

Li Zhuiyuan followed a group of children, moving towards the side of the stage, barely able to hear Secretary Jin and the others complaining about why it wasn't over yet.

He had noticed earlier that all ten members of the troupe spoke Mandarin with the same accent.

And for this banquet, the village chief had personally invited the villagers to be the cooks and those responsible for washing vegetables, washing dishes, and serving.

This meant that the Water Monkey presence was confined to this troupe.

However, there was one more thing to consider: were there any lookouts posted outside?

As the magic show ended, Li Zhuiyuan applauded along with everyone else while stepping back, leaving the crowd.

By the roadside in front of Big Beard's house, Run Sheng was already waiting on a tricycle.

Li Zhuiyuan got on. "Brother Runsheng, follow this small path up to the village road and keep going straight. Don't stop."

"Got it!"

Run Sheng started pedaling. Tan Wenbin's voice came from behind, "Wait for me, wait for me!"

On the village road, the tricycle led the way, with a running boy behind it.

This scene was very lifelike and helped avoid arousing suspicion as much as possible.

On the power pole in the middle of the farmland west of Big Beard's house, an electrician in a gray and white work uniform was sitting.

This should have been a normal sight, but Li Zhuiyuan was working backward from the conclusion to find evidence.

He quickly realized the electrician was acting strangely. Two bags, containing food and water, hung from the rack beside the electrician.

But this wasn't a remote mountain range, nor was it a deserted place. If he wanted to eat or drink, he could easily go down to the ground. There was no need to bring them up here.

"Brother Runsheng, turn around, go in the other direction."

"Okay!"

As the tricycle turned around, Tan Wenbin finally climbed onto the vehicle. Panting, he said, "You... you guys don't leave me behind."

"Brother Binbin, we need you right now."

"Really?"

When the tricycle reached the east side of Big Beard's house, another power transmission tower appeared in the distance.

"Brother Binbin, get off and run alongside the car."

"Huh?"

"Brother, hurry up."

Seeing that Li Zhuiyuan wasn't joking, Tan Wenbin immediately jumped off the tricycle and resumed his previous act, shouting "I haven't gotten on the car yet!" while waving his arms exaggeratedly as he chased the vehicle.

The car approached the power transmission tower. There was an electrician on it too. However, perhaps because the west side was closer to the village road leading to the main highway, while this side was within the village's interior, he appeared rather lazy. He was leaning against a beam, a cigarette between his fingers.

"Brother Runsheng, head south, to Aunt Zhang's convenience store."

"Alright."

On the way south, they saw another person. However, this person had a rather poor setup. He didn't have a power transmission tower, only a utility pole. Therefore, he could only hang himself on it using his tools.

Out of caution, after passing him, Li Zhuiyuan continued south to Aunt Zhang's convenience store and bought some things.

Tan Wenbin asked for a pack of Xiao Su cigarettes.

Of course, he paid for it himself.

He tore open the packaging paper, skillfully ripped off a section, and then peeled open a corner of the cigarette pack. He tapped it into his palm, and half of several cigarettes fell out.

"Runsheng, want one?"

Runsheng glanced back, then continued to focus on riding the bike. "No thanks."

"Brother Xiaoyuan, do you want one?"

Li Zhuiyuan shook his head.

Tan Wenbin had no choice but to bite into one himself. He took out a match and shielded it with his palm to light it.

"Hiss... Whoo... Cough cough cough... Gag!"

First, he coughed continuously from the smoke, then tears streamed from his eyes, and finally, he dry-heaved.

It was evident that his movements were very flashy, and he had likely practiced imitating them in his mind many times, but he didn't know how to smoke.

Tan Wenbin said somewhat sheepishly, "I was a bit nervous and wanted to relax."

Even though no one had told him what exactly he was doing, and even he himself didn't know what was happening, he could still find sufficient immersion for himself.

Heading north was simple because Li Sanjiang's house was already north of Big Beard's house.

Along the way, they passed a utility pole, and another person was hanging on it.

Li Zhuiyuan could now confirm that these four electricians were Water Monkeys in disguise.

Even for rural power facility inspections, they wouldn't deploy so many people at once, nor would they be arranged so densely. Usually, one electrician would inspect a large area alone.

However, unless one was looking for it, most people wouldn't notice anything unusual. Everyone was already accustomed to the electricians occasionally appearing on utility poles, and since they were generally not from the same village or town, few people would proactively go up to greet them.

Upon returning home and entering the workshop, Li Zhuiyuan took out paper and a pen. Using Big Beard's house as the center, he drew a rough sketch of the farmland, river, and utility poles.

Runsheng and Tan Wenbin leaned in from either side, also looking at the drawing very seriously.

In the rural plains, all four high points around them had people. This was only what was known and visible; there might be undiscovered observation posts, or they might be added at night if they weren't there during the day.

Li Zhuiyuan had originally planned to wait until nightfall for himself and Runsheng to sneak towards Big Beard's fish pond with their equipment.

Now, it seemed impossible. During the day, with more people around, they could create cover, but at night, there were basically no people on the village roads. Moreover, when they were digging the tomb, the sentries outside would definitely be more vigilant.

Li Zhuiyuan said, "There are ten people in the opera troupe, and at least four more on the periphery. Including Ding Dalin and the two currently in the hospital, the scale of this Water Monkey group is almost twenty."

"So many people?" Runsheng scratched his head. "I thought this kind of job only required one or two people."

Li Zhuiyuan smiled. The difficulty of excavating a water burial tomb was already greater, and areas with water were generally not sparsely populated. Therefore, Water Monkey groups were usually quite large, focusing on digging quickly and leaving.

"Brother Runsheng, the problem now is, how do we sneak in at night without being discovered?"

The methods they had prepared were meant to assist Little Yellow Oriole. If they couldn't observe from the side, they wouldn't be able to grasp the timing to act. It wouldn't do for Runsheng to start fighting the Water Monkeys before Little Yellow Oriole even made her appearance.

If that happened, they might as well call the police right now.

"Um, Xiaoyuan, can we go this way?"

Runsheng extended his hand and traced the river on the map.

This river was very close to Big Beard's house and the fish pond.

"Through the river?"

"Yes, Little Yuan, we can walk underwater and come ashore here to hide in the haystacks. For breathing, we can each hold a straw."

At first, Li Zhuiyuan thought the suggestion was unreliable, but upon closer consideration, it was surprisingly feasible.

Run Sheng was strong and a good swimmer, with experience fighting dead floats underwater. The twelve formation flags and the corpse-scooping gear would provide him with enough ballast to walk underwater.

At the same time, the haystack they would come ashore at was very close to the fish pond.

The only drawback was that if he went along, he'd probably have to tie himself to Run Sheng with a rope, which would be a bit awkward.

"Brother Runsheng, your suggestion is excellent. Let's finalize it like this."

With his approval, Run Sheng smiled. He knew watching movies was useful.

"Good, that's a really good plan," Tan Wenbin nodded. "So, can you tell me what exactly we're doing tonight?"

"Brother Binbin, after the banquet, I'll tell you everything."

"Brother Xiaoyuan, you won't lie to me?"

"No."

"Alright, I believe you."

The banquet started early, at five o'clock, and the dishes were served quickly.

Li Zhuiyuan led Tan Wenbin to find Li Sanjiang again, and they sat down to eat.

The blush from drinking at noon hadn't faded from Li Sanjiang's face. He rubbed his stomach, not feeling particularly hungry, and asked Ding Dalin, who was sitting next to him:

"Why did the banquet start so early?"

"Marquis Sanjiang, you know, I'm abroad, and I have jet lag."

"Oh, I see."

It was a flimsy excuse, but since the dishes were already being served, there was no point in saying anything more.

Moreover, the kitchen was also very fast at serving dishes at night, with hot dishes coming out one after another.

Li Zhuiyuan knew this was all to finish the banquet early and gain more time for digging the tomb that night.

During the meal, Secretary Jin whispered a few words to Ding Dalin.

Ding Dalin then looked at Li Sanjiang, "Marquis Sanjiang, do you have any lanterns at home?"

"Lanterns? Yes."

Li Sanjiang's family kept some basic items for weddings and funerals, convenient for renting out.

These weren't paper lanterns, but reusable ones.

"It's a special custom in our area. On the night of moving, we have to hang red and white lanterns on the roof. Unfortunately, the lanterns we ordered were delayed and can't be delivered tonight."

"What's that?" Li Sanjiang looked at Li Zhuiyuan. "Marquis Xiaoyuan, go home and ask Runsheng to bring the lanterns and help them hang them up."

"Okay, I'll go now."

"Go after you finish eating, no rush."

"I'm not hungry, Great Grandfather."

Li Zhuiyuan got up from the table, and Tan Wenbin, who had grabbed a chicken leg, quickly followed him.

He had run in the afternoon and his digestion was faster.

When Brother Liangliang told him about his experience going to Bai Family Town last time, he mentioned the two strings of lanterns hanging on the archway of Bai Family Town.

This actually had a symbolic meaning: red represented the living, and white represented the dead. Red and white lanterns hung high, signifying no connection to either the yin or yang paths.

Bai Family Town displayed them because of its uniqueness; the Bai Family Empresses were in a state between human and ghost.

The Water Monkeys doing this was also one of their traditional practices, wishing for smooth sailing, peace in the mortal world, and no disturbance in the underworld.

However, this gave Li Zhuiyuan a new idea.

When he returned home, Run Sheng had already packed the formation flags and corpse-scooping equipment in white plastic sheeting. A strap was slung diagonally across his upper body.

Li Zhuiyuan knew this was to tie himself up when they were about to go into the water.

"Brother Runsheng, the plan has changed. I've found a better way to enter."

"Ah, Xiaoyuan, what are you planning?"

"The most dangerous place is the safest place. Since there are high points watching all around, let's not think about going out and then coming back in."

"I still don't understand," Run Sheng shook his head.

"I understand a little, but I want to hear more," Tan Wenbin said, resting his chin on his hand, his eyes thoughtful.

Li Zhuiyuan turned his head slightly towards him. Run Sheng understood this gesture and directly lifted Tan Wenbin, forcibly brought him to the workshop behind the house, and then used a rope to tie his hands and feet.

"No, no, you can't do this, Brother Xiaoyuan. You promised to tell me everything."

"Okay, I'll tell you now."

Li Zhuiyuan squatted in front of Tan Wenbin and told him everything about the Water Monkeys and the main acupoint.

After listening, Tan Wenbin's face showed an expression of extreme excitement: "This is so thrilling!"

He shifted his bound hands and feet again. "But what are you guys doing?"

"Brother Binbin, what did your grandfather do?"

"He was a police officer. My maternal grandfather was also a police officer."

"So what do you plan to do in the future?"

"Anything is fine, as long as it's not being a police officer."

"Don't say things out of spite. What you say during your rebellious phase doesn't count. You'll definitely be a police officer in the future."

"I don't want to be..."

"Shut him up."

"Mmmph mmmph mmmph!"

Run Sheng nimbly covered Tan Wenbin's mouth.

"Brother Runsheng, did you hear what Binbin just said?"

"He said he wouldn't..."

"He said that in the future, he will definitely become a police officer."

"Oh, right. Yes, that's correct."

"A family of police officers."

Li Zhuiyuan leaned forward and put his arm around Tan Wenbin. Can't go to the police station to pick up a plaque, hugging you is the same, for good luck.

After Li Zhuiyuan stood up, Run Sheng also leaned in and gave him a tight hug, making Tan Wenbin roll his eyes.

"Brother Binbin, we're doing this for your safety. Next time we have a chance to encounter a more benevolent dead float, we'll take you to see it."

"Exactly, exactly," Run Sheng chimed in. "People are much more dangerous than dead floats."

Next, Li Zhuiyuan and Run Sheng put the items into the lantern cover together, then carried them to Big Beard's house.

At this point, the first batch had finished, and the second batch was eating.

Li Sanjiang and Ding Dalin hadn't left the table and were still drinking. Seeing Run Sheng arrive, Li Sanjiang waved him over. "Hurry up and help them hang them."

"Alright, Grandpa."

Run Sheng and Li Zhuiyuan went up to the second floor. There was an opening on the second floor, with a ladder next to it, leading to the roof.

After setting up the ladder and carrying the items up, Run Sheng began to prop up the lanterns, stringing them together one by one, and then lighting them in sequence, letting them hang down.

The east side was red, and the west side was white.

After finishing, Li Zhuiyuan said, "Brother Runsheng, I'll go down and move the ladder back. You stay up there to get me."

"Little Yuan, there's no need for all that trouble."

Run Sheng jumped down, his feet hooking onto the edge just in time, and he swung down.

Then he grabbed the ladder, used his waist strength to swing, and placed the ladder back in its original position against the wall.

He exerted himself again, pulling his upper body back and grabbing the edge with his hands, pulling himself up bit by bit. Finally, he put the cover back on, completing the entire action in one go.

Li Zhuiyuan could only sigh inwardly again at Run Sheng's terrifying physical fitness. It's innate, I can't envy it. I just wonder if Uncle Qin's ability to grow gill-like structures on his body to breathe underwater is something he was born with or trained.

Lately, Li Zhuiyuan felt he had made great progress due to his consistent breathing exercises and horse stance training. However, his hard-earned, accumulated efforts might just be enough to catch up to someone else's starting line.

At this moment, a bit of rejection and dislike for geniuses welled up in the boy's heart. Why?

"Little Yuan, what if they come up to check later?"

"Brother Runsheng, there's always a 'what if' in everything."

"That's true."

The local rooftops were purely for covering the houses; they weren't meant for people to use as a space for activities. Therefore, besides leaks, no one would come up there usually.

Most of the roof was covered with large red tiles laid diagonally, surrounded by low cement walls on the sides. The walls were so short they weren't even high enough to squat behind, so Li Zhuiyuan and Run Sheng could only lie down.

Run Sheng was very close to the opening, holding the Yellow River Shovel.

His shovel had been modified by Li Zhuiyuan; it was larger, heavier, and had a longer sharpened edge.

If the Water Monkey didn't come to inspect the roof, it would be fine. But if it dared to push open the cover and poke its head out, it would be met with a slicing blow from Run Sheng.

Li Zhuiyuan gently placed his right hand over his chest, sensing his pounding heart. He was a little nervous, but more than that, he was excited. Brother Binbin, I didn't lie to you, this is indeed fun. The reason I didn't bring you is that I don't want to increase the probability of accidents. I still want to be able to play this in the future.

Occasionally, Li Zhuiyuan would gently lift his head. His position happened to face the fish pond, and the opera stage was right next to the fish pond, offering a very good view.

Gradually, the second batch also ended, and everyone began to disperse.

Li Zhuiyuan heard Li Sanjiang's voice. Li Sanjiang was drunk and kept mumbling while holding Ding Dalin's hand, "Good brother, forever!"

It was clear that Ding Dalin had been placating him, and it was only with great effort that he managed to persuade Li Sanjiang to leave.

Originally, the banquet was supposed to be for the chefs, their assistants, and helpers. However, they were all given red envelopes and allowed to take the leftovers home, so everyone happily departed.

The noisy and lively banquet soon quieted down.

The volume of the large speakers and sound systems on the stage was turned up, and they continued to play music and sing.

The members of the opera troupe had all come down. Instead of helping to clear the dishes, tables, and chairs, they began to check the courtyard and the surrounding areas.

Secretary Jin picked up a flashlight, turned it on, and raised it, sweeping it around.

Soon, six high points on the perimeter began to flash with responding lights.

One of these points was on top of a haystack by the river.

Li Zhuiyuan secretly thought how close they had come to disaster. According to the original plan, after he and Run Sheng surfaced from underwater, they would have hidden in this haystack, which would have been like a mouse willingly jumping into a mousetrap.

Footsteps could be heard from the second-floor balcony below, as someone was checking the rooms one by one.

Li Zhuiyuan turned his head to look at Run Sheng. Run Sheng had his ear pressed to the ground, with the Yellow River Shovel ready in his hand.

After a while, the footsteps moved away. Li Zhuiyuan looked through a drainage hole in the small concrete wall in front of him and saw them gathering on the courtyard.

It seemed they had finished their inspection and had overlooked the rooftop. The "blind spot under the light" tactic had indeed worked.

Ding Dalin changed into a bright yellow Taoist robe and held a Peachwood Sword.

A sacrificial table was set up in front of him, with candles and offerings placed on it.

Ding Dalin began the ritual. Unlike Li Sanjiang, Ding Dalin's movements were very rapid.

After all, Li Sanjiang was only performing the pre-excavation procedures for the Water Monkey. However, their Great Grandfather sometimes had to consider the client's feelings and perform for a longer time to make them feel like their money was well spent.

But it was undeniable that Ding Dalin's movements and demeanor were much more standard and professional than their Great Grandfather's.

It was quite similar to the difference between Secretary Jin and Little Yellow Oriole's singing during the day.

Li Zhuiyuan blinked, rubbing his forehead. What was he thinking about?

The ritual was completed. Ding Dalin did not take off his Taoist robe but swapped the Peachwood Sword for a compass and began to spin in place, observing it.

The compass was entirely purple and very large, with extremely rich carvings and inlays. Like the wall clocks in foreign hotels, it had a row of smaller circles outside the large circle, representing different time zones.

Li Zhuiyuan pursed his lips. Compared to this purple compass, his specially made one was far inferior; he had to manually calculate corrections every time he used it.

At this moment, led by Secretary Jin, a total of ten Water Monkeys knelt on one knee before Ding Dalin.

Ding Dalin stared at the compass and slowly raised his hand:

"The auspicious hour has arrived. Let's begin!"

Everyone raised one hand and chanted something in unison. After finishing, they stood up and dispersed to get to work.

The advantage of a water tomb over a traditional earth tomb is a lower probability of air pockets.

However, water tombs are more difficult to rob than earth tombs, and the risk factor is higher. Any industry like this will develop many complex rituals and etiquette, not only to pay respects to ghosts and gods but also to strengthen one's own psychological preparedness.

Many items were brought out from under the stage. Two water pumps and a diesel generator were clearly visible.

There were also things resembling nooses, and two people were methodically setting up a frame.

As times change, the Water Monkeys' tomb-robbing methods are naturally progressing.

The noise of the water pumps was masked by the speakers and sound systems. The water pipes were connected to the nearby river, and soon the water level in the fish pond began to drop at a visible rate.

Run Sheng also moved closer, as there was no longer any risk at the cover.

"Xiao Yuan, tell me when you need me to go down and plant the flags."

"It's still early."

The opportunity to plant the flags would arise when Little Yellow Oriole and the Water Monkeys clashed. Only when they were in chaos would he and Run Sheng have the chance to sneak around the perimeter and set up.

The fish pond began to empty, revealing the rotten mud at the bottom and many dead and decaying fish and crabs.

The Water Monkeys let out laughter, believing they were closer to their target.

But Li Zhuiyuan knew that if even one dead float resided in a small fish pond, none of the aquatic life within it could survive.

Therefore, this scene was not actually caused by the main tomb.

Five Water Monkeys, wearing waterproof suits, entered the fish pond. They carried extendable iron rods, which they plunged into the ground. Then, they would pull out the rods and retrieve soil from specific layered strata.

Ding Dalin sat by the edge of the fish pond, the compass already set aside. He now held a sea bowl and a wooden spoon.

The deep soil that was retrieved was brought over one by one and poured into his bowl. He picked up the wooden spoon and began to taste it.

"Oh my gosh, Xiao Yuan, look, he's actually eating dirt."

"Yeah, I see it."

Li Zhuiyuan didn't quite understand why Run Sheng was reacting so strongly. While eating dirt was strange, it seemed much more normal than eating something like a fragrant mushroom.

Although there were no relevant records in books about eating dirt, Li Zhuiyuan could still understand the intention. It was likely a method of identifying locations.

Ding Dalin tasted it, shook his head, and continued to shake his head for five consecutive times.

The Water Monkeys continued to select positions and begin their work, then kept providing new mud.

Finally, Ding Dalin tasted it and nodded, pointing to a spot with his finger.

Everyone picked up their shovels and began to dig. After excavating a dirt pit, they took out steel plates, hammered them in, and fitted them together with locks between each plate. Once in the ground, they were all connected.

After completion, ropes were tied to connect to the hinge machine, and the machine began to turn.

A large amount of earth was excavated and dragged outside the fish pond.

Using an excavator would have been too conspicuous. This device served the purpose of an excavator, and later, when they encountered the tomb, it could be used to forcibly pry open the lid.

Digging grave robbing tunnels was too time-consuming and labor-intensive, unless the housewarming banquet lasted for a whole month.

Li Zhuiyuan knew that they weren't using dynamite because they were kind; it was purely because the conditions didn't allow it.

However, even with the current method of excavation, the damage to the tomb would be immense.

They just wanted to open the tomb as soon as possible, take the most valuable items inside, and then quickly escape and sell them abroad.

With the steel plate excavation combined with manual labor, a very deep pit quickly took shape.

Fortunately, Li Zhuiyuan was on the rooftop. If he were anywhere else, he wouldn't have been able to see these construction details.

Runsheng quietly asked, "Xiao Yuan, isn't Little Yellow Oriole at home?"

Li Zhuiyuan shook his head, "She should be at home."

He had sensed Little Yellow Oriole listening to opera that afternoon.

"Xiao Yuan, do you think there's a possibility that she got scared seeing so many people at her house and just ran off?"

"This..."

Li Zhuiyuan was no longer sure, because the fact was, the Water Monkeys had progressed this far without any unusual activity.

The Records of Strange Tales from the Jianghu described that "dead floats" basically acted on instinct, but advanced "dead floats" could develop intelligence.

These Water Monkeys were numerous and very professional, so avoiding their momentum was normal.

However, Li Zhuiyuan still didn't believe that Little Yellow Oriole would just run away.

"We've hit it, we've hit it!"

"Found it, I see it!"

The Water Monkeys in the pit, wearing hard hats with lights, were cheering excitedly.

Li Zhuiyuan also saw that a rounded arch top had been excavated in the pit.

Because the silt above hadn't been cleared, its true color wasn't visible, but its shape strongly resembled the spire of a temple.

Li Zhuiyuan's heart suddenly jolted. It wasn't an ordinary water burial tomb.

There were many categories of water burials, and the most taboo and troublesome were these temple tombs.

Their existence usually meant that ancient people intended to suppress some kind of evil spirit.

It could be said that other tombs had a low probability of causing trouble, whereas for these tombs, a low probability of not causing trouble was more accurate.

It was like the statue of the Bai Family Empress unearthed during the river conservancy project a while ago; its original purpose was also suppression, but as soon as the chains were broken, strange events occurred that very night.

And the small temple containing the single statue of the Bai Family Empress was incomparable to the rounded arch top now revealed.

This truly seemed to be a tower, and the structure of a tower typically narrows at the top, so how large was its overall scale?

Li Zhuiyuan was certainly not the only one surprised. Ding Dalin, as the person in charge on-site, looked extremely grim.

He didn't care about his age and entered the pit, taking out a flashlight to wipe away the silt and observe the details.

Then, he seemed to discover something, his body trembled, and he glanced at the other Water Monkeys around him, waving his hand.

Secretary Jin also jumped down and asked, "What's wrong?"

"This is a temple tomb. We can't open it."

"Why?"

"I've encountered temple tombs several times, and none of them ended peacefully. Once these tombs are opened, evil will inevitably follow."

"Will there be good things inside this kind of tomb?"

"I said we can't open it."

"We've come this far, and you're saying we shouldn't open it? This operation has cost so much, we lost two brothers, and now we have police watching us from the hospital."

"Listen to me. You all agreed to listen to me. I'm the boss!"

Secretary Jin reached out, grabbed Ding Dalin by the neck, and said coldly:

"Old man, this tomb has to be opened today. The police have already noticed us, so we have to finish this job and get out to lay low. Without money, what are we hiding for?"

"You... you're risking your life for money..."

"Without money, what's the point of this life?"

Secretary Jin pulled out a dagger and rubbed it against Ding Dalin's old face, "Old man, I'll give you one more chance."

"I'll open it... I'll open it..."

"Very well, what's next?"

Secretary Jin released her grip, and Ding Dalin, clutching his neck, gasped for breath as he replied:

"Small temple tombs focus on containment, while large temple tombs prioritize being sealed. Both are designed to keep whatever is suppressed inside permanently trapped. To open this kind of tomb, there's no other way but to use brute force. First, we cut a gap along the bottom edge, then we pull with external force.

But I advise you to reconsider, really."

"Heh, if you're scared, go find a place to hide up there. Don't get in the way."

"Good advice is hard to take..." Ding Dalin cast one last look at the pit before climbing out. He then crawled out of the fish pond and onto dry land.

He picked up his compass again, holding it close, his head bowed as he muttered incessantly, as if in prayer.

"Little Yuan, that old man wasn't the boss before?"

"When he can lead everyone to make money, he's the boss. If he hinders everyone from making money, then he's not."

Li Zhuiyuan could tell that old man Ding had recognized the temple tomb, but it was clear his words held no authority anymore.

Hooks were being fixed in place, and after a signal was given on this side, the machinery on the other side started up.

However, even with the ropes pulled taut, they still couldn't pry the top off. It only managed to tilt the circular roof from its position.

In other words, the tower had tilted.

"Go down and pry it open!" Secretary Jin had now taken over command from Ding Dalin.

A group of Water Monkeys began using tools to pry and smash. They were all sweating profusely, and time was ticking by.

"Little Yuan, why can't they open it yet?" Run Sheng yawned, feeling quite sleepy.

Li Zhuiyuan also felt a bit bored. By rough estimation, the Water Monkeys had been working for nearly two hours.

During this time, some had collapsed from exhaustion and left, with new people coming to continue the work. It seemed they were rotating shifts with the observation post.

"Crack..."

Hearing this sound, Li Zhuiyuan and Run Sheng immediately perked up. It seemed there was finally some progress.

A gap had appeared, making it easier to break through the wall. As the winch ropes creaked and groaned, the ropes suddenly retracted, and the circular roof was completely lifted off, revealing what was inside.

At the moment, it was unclear whether it was the tower's roof or the tomb's passageway.

The Water Monkeys, being experienced, all retreated. No one was foolish enough to rush inside at this point.

After a while, seeing no movement from within, Secretary Jin threw several signal flares inside. However, it seemed to be very deep, as the light quickly disappeared after being thrown in.

A Water Monkey brought a long pole with a rooster tied to the end and extended it into the opening. After a moment, the pole was retracted, and the rooster was still alive.

"It's safe below."

The pole was then thrown far away.

Secretary Jin nodded, "Go down and scout."

After tying ropes around themselves, two Water Monkeys officially entered the tomb.

"Little Yuan, what do we do? That dead float still hasn't come out. Don't let them successfully steal it."

Li Zhuiyuan sighed and said, "Then we..."

Just then, Li Zhuiyuan saw Ding Dalin walking towards the rooster still tied to the pole. He squatted down and reached out his hand.

The rooster violently broke free from its restraints and pecked fiercely at his palm.

Li Zhuiyuan, watching from above, saw this clearly, but he couldn't even react to how the rooster had done it.

Because the pole still had the rooster's feathers and even its skin attached; it had practically jumped out of its own body to peck him.

Furthermore, after pecking him, it seemed even more excited, cackling madly in place.

The scene was incredibly unsettling. Although he ate chicken often, this was the first time Li Zhuiyuan had seen a chicken that was bloody and still moving.

Ding Dalin, ignoring the bloody gash on his palm, turned and shouted at Secretary Jin and her group, "It's out, it's out, it's out!"

"Old man, shut your mouth!" Secretary Jin cursed.

At this time, the Water Monkeys were gathered around the fish pond opening, waiting for a response from inside. Due to the line of sight, they couldn't see the rooster.

Secretary Jin pointed to one person, "Go up and see what's wrong with that old man."

"Okay."

Before the person could go up, there was a tugging sensation on two ropes. This was a signal from the two who had gone inside; they intended to come out.

Everyone outside breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed it was safe inside. After the two who went in came out to explain the situation, they could all go in together to move things.

Secretary Jin commanded, "Reel in the ropes."

The people outside began to reel in the ropes, not to pull them out, but to slowly lift the ropes, indicating that the two who had gone inside were steadily walking outwards.

Not long after, they emerged.

"There are good things inside, so many good things!"

"There's too much stuff, but it's too heavy for just two of us to carry. There's also a coffin, black, bound with chains, very noble. There must be treasures inside!"

The faces of everyone present lit up with excitement, and some people came forward to untie the ropes binding the two individuals.

But just then, the two men untied the ropes themselves.

Not with their hands, but their entire bodies, emerging from their clothes—no, from the very crowns of their heads.

"There's something good inside, lots of good things!"

"Hurry and get it, hurry and get it!"

The two bloody figures danced with joy in place, continuing to urge their companions to hurry into the tomb.

This bizarre and terrifying scene stunned all the Water Monkeys present.

They were all veterans in this line of work, having explored many tombs and experienced a few incidents, but none of them could compare to what was before them!

After opening the tomb, there was no mist, no poison, and no sign of dead floats. They had just been sharing their joy, and this horrifying scene appeared so abruptly.

"Tie them up!"

Secretary Jin issued the order, then immediately flipped away from the edge of the cave, jumped over the fish pond, and went to find Ding Dalin.

"Something's happened, boss!"

Secretary Jin saw Ding Dalin leaning against a pile of earth with his head shrunk, his voice hoarse but still mumbling, "It's out... it's out..."

"Something's happened, boss, you need to come take a look."

Ding Dalin ignored Secretary Jin's words and continued to repeat his earlier statement.

"I'm telling you something's happened!"

Secretary Jin kicked Ding Dalin in the back.

"Screech..."

A crisp tearing sound of flesh. Ding Dalin's Taoist robe and the human skin beneath it remained in place, with greyish-white hair still on his scalp. A bloody figure was kicked out and rolled on the ground, embedding dirt and small stones into its flesh.

Even so, the bloody figure continued to crouch on the ground, mumbling:

"It's out... it's out..."

Secretary Jin took two steps back, looking at all this in disbelief. She knew Ding Dalin had been outside the fish pond the entire time. If even he had succumbed, then what about the others...

Secretary Jin turned her head back to the pit within the fish pond. There, bloody figures were crawling out, running in circles in the drained fish pond.

Her face was filled with terror. She raised her hand and touched her face.

The moment she touched it, her skin split open.

Like taking off clothes, her skin and clothes all fell to the ground.

The evening breeze was like a knife, cutting into her exposed blood vessels. She crouched down and began to scream.

All of this had actually happened in less than a minute.

Li Zhuiyuan and Run Sheng stared with wide eyes, turning their heads to slowly meet each other's gaze.

Run Sheng based his thoughts on movie plots, while Li Zhuiyuan deduced from his own mind. In any case, they had imagined various developments for the night's events, but they had never expected it to reach this point.

Little Yellow Oriole hadn't appeared, but the scene below was now infinitely more terrifying than if she had.

Even if they were Water Monkeys, and even if they deserved their fate, they were still living people. To have come out so cleanly, like peeling shrimp, completely naked?

Which of the dead floats they had encountered before could have caused such a scene as this?

At this moment, the bloody Secretary Jin stopped screaming. She staggered to her feet, took a flashlight from her clothes, turned it on, and raised it above her head, rotating it left and right.

She was signaling with the light.

Soon, responding lights came from the six high points on the perimeter, and as they responded, the lights began to descend.

Li Zhuiyuan suddenly realized she was deliberately signaling, calling her accomplices from outside.

And the result of calling them over was...

Why would she do that?

Li Zhuiyuan suddenly thought of a possibility: this thing wanted everyone who knew about this place to keep it a secret forever.

Was his current position still safe?

"Little Yuan, what on earth happened to them? I didn't see who did it..."

Below, Secretary Jin, who had been facing away from the house, lowered her arm and began to turn her body.

Li Zhuiyuan: "Run!"

Run Sheng was stunned for a moment, then immediately went to the cover of the opening, preparing to lift it. Li Zhuiyuan slapped his back a few times:

"Brother, there's no time. Just jump down. There's a woodpile behind the house."

"Okay!"

Run Sheng didn't hesitate, got up, and rushed over, leaping down.

There was indeed a woodpile below, but it wasn't very high. The drop from the roof was still significant. After landing, Run Sheng didn't regain his footing and fell sideways, his skin getting scratched in several places by the branches.

But he didn't even grunt. He immediately forced himself to stand up, facing upwards. At that moment, Li Zhuiyuan also jumped down.

Run Sheng raised his arms and hugged Li Zhuiyuan.

Even so, Li Zhuiyuan still felt a tightness in his chest, his ribs in agony, and his nose brushed against Run Sheng's arm, warm liquid now flowing down.

It was impossible to force their way downstairs so abruptly without paying a price.

"Xiao Yuan, are you okay?"

"Run..."

Li Zhuiyuan pointed forward, Run Sheng nodded, immediately picked up the boy, jumped off the pile of firewood, quickly crossed the village path, and then disappeared into the farmland ahead.

At this point, there was no need to worry about being seen by the sentries on the perimeter. Firstly, they had already left the high ground, and secondly, they were running towards Big Beard's fish pond.

Run Sheng carried the boy through the rice fields, the ears of rice hitting his face painfully, feeling like they were tearing at his skin.

This sensation was terrifying at the moment because he couldn't be sure if it was the rice ears causing it, or if his own skin was also breaking.

Li Zhuiyuan was bleeding. He wanted to lift his neck to stop the bleeding, but he couldn't because of Run Sheng running beneath him.

Run Sheng was also bleeding, and he was terrified, not daring to stop at all.

Ever since he could remember, when he accompanied his grandfather to retrieve bodies, he had never seen such a horrifying scene.

Finally, Run Sheng ran out of the farmland and onto the road, then followed this road all the way to their home's courtyard.

In the workshop, Tan Wenbin had already fallen asleep.

Suddenly, the door was pushed open, and he saw the two of them covered in blood enter, which scared him so much his face turned pale.

Li Zhuiyuan looked up, found some paper, folded it into a ball, and stuffed it into his nostrils.

Finally, the nosebleed stopped. He rubbed his chest again. His ribs still hurt, but it wasn't a big problem anymore.

Run Sheng picked up a pair of tweezers and began to pull out the splinters embedded in his flesh, one by one.

After dealing with themselves, the two sat facing each other, panting continuously.

Run Sheng's eyes were filled with helplessness; he was terrified.

Li Zhuiyuan's eyes were filled with confusion; this problem was beyond the scope of his knowledge.

The commotion caused by the Bai Family Empress and her group last time was far less terrifying and bizarre than tonight.

After all, the methods of the Bai Family Empress were understandable, and there were ways to find solutions. But the situation at Big Beard's fish pond just now was completely baffling.

Even now, Li Zhuiyuan still felt a deep sense of unreality. Why would something like this be buried in Siyuan Village?

Just opening the tomb lid had led to such a fate for a whole group of people. How terrifying must the existence inside be?

Li Zhuiyuan now had to wonder if Aunt Liu could still hold things together.

Seeing them like this, Tan Wenbin knew something big must have happened. He was very curious and wanted to know, but the two of them seemed to have forgotten that he was still tied up and gagged. Therefore, he could only attract their attention by constantly wriggling, moving like a happy maggot.

Finally, their gazes fell on him, and surprise appeared in their eyes.

Tan Wenbin paused, then wriggled even more vigorously. No, what kind of look is that? You actually forgot about me!

Run Sheng untied Tan Wenbin. Tan Wenbin wanted to ask something but immediately crossed his legs and ran out of the workshop to the toilet.

"Xiao Yuan, I feel a bit itchy all over, but I don't dare to scratch."

Li Zhuiyuan looked up and saw Run Sheng's skin was a dark red.

He immediately looked down at himself; he seemed a bit red too.

"Xiao Yuan, we're not going to end up like that, are we?"

"No, if we were going to, it would have happened already."

"I'm going to rinse myself with well water." Run Sheng walked out of the workshop.

Tan Wenbin, now freed, walked back in. He wasn't angry; instead, he eagerly leaned in again and asked curiously, "Tell me, what exactly happened?"

"Brother Binbin, wait for Brother Run Sheng to tell you."

"Still shaken?"

Li Zhuiyuan nodded.

"That serious?" Tan Wenbin hesitated, then asked, "How about we call the police now?"

"No, absolutely not. We can't go near that place now."

Run Sheng, dripping wet and wearing only his underwear, walked back barefoot. "Xiao Yuan, rinsing with well water really helped. My skin isn't red anymore. Come here, I'll rinse you too."

Although he couldn't understand the principle behind it, Li Zhuiyuan still went. Several buckets of well water were poured over his head, and his body involuntarily began to shiver.

But indeed, the red color that had appeared on his body subsided.

"Xiao Yuan, it seems our problem isn't too serious."

"Yeah, maybe it's because we were farther away."

"Also, we ran fast. It's good you reminded me to jump directly from the building. Otherwise, if we had waited to go down the stairs, we might have been cooked too."

Hearing this, Li Zhuiyuan's mind couldn't help but conjure up an image of a large bloody-headed figure carrying a small bloody-headed figure through the rice fields.

"Oh no!" Run Sheng's expression changed.

"What's wrong?"

"The formation flags are still on the rooftop, and my corpse-scooping tools, they're all still there!"

Seeing Run Sheng's regretful and pained expression, Li Zhuiyuan could only comfort him, "It's okay, Brother Run Sheng, we can make another set of tools."

Next, to prevent Run Sheng from doing anything foolish, Li Zhuiyuan warned him, "Brother, without my permission, you are not allowed to sneak back to get your things yourself."

Run Sheng quickly waved his hands, "How dare I? I wouldn't dare. I'm truly scared this time."

"Let's go to sleep, get some rest first."

Li Zhuiyuan went upstairs. When he reached his room door, he turned around and looked in the direction of Big Beard's house. After hesitating for a long time, he still pushed the door open and went inside.

That night, Li Zhuiyuan had a dream. It wasn't about walking the yin path, but a simple nightmare.

In his dream, he was still lying on the rooftop, looking at the two rows of Water Monkeys kneeling below.

They repeatedly crawled out of their own skins, transforming into blood monkeys;

And then repeatedly crawled back into their skins, as if putting on clothes they had just taken off.

Throughout the process, his ears were filled with their shrill screams.

And their gazes, from beginning to end, were fixed on him on the rooftop.

He didn't know if it was a nightmare he had before waking up or if this nightmare repeated itself several times. In any case, when Li Zhuiyuan, unable to bear it any longer, turned and jumped off the building, he woke up as soon as he fell.

He urgently turned his head. By the doorway, A Li was sitting on a chair, holding a bowl.

Li Zhuiyuan closed his eyes and lay back down.

Seeing that he was awake, A Li brought the bowl over. This time, there was a small soup spoon in the bowl.

The girl didn't want to accidentally pour the medicine on the boy's head again while feeding him.

Li Zhuiyuan sat up and accepted the medicine from the girl. The spoon was quite large, and he finished it quickly, spoonful by spoonful.

His nose had bled quite a bit again last night, and he really needed some nourishment.

The girl put down the bowl, then tilted her head and looked at him, seemingly sensing that the boy was distracted and looking at him with confusion.

"A Li, last night, I witnessed something very terrifying."

The girl took the boy's hand.

Li Zhuiyuan placed the girl's hand on his chest. Feeling the softness and warmth, he closed his eyes again and dozed off for a bit longer.

Li Sanjiang came downstairs, yawning. He had drunk too much yesterday, and his head was still a bit foggy after waking up.

However, upon seeing the two of them sleeping on the same table, holding each other, He couldn't help but raise his voice and curse:

"You scoundrels, what kind of sleeping posture is this!"

Tan Wenbin was woken up by the shout. He tried to break free from Run Sheng's arm but was powerless. He could only look helplessly at Li Sanjiang.

Unexpectedly, Li Sanjiang just cleared his throat and walked to the courtyard to stretch.

"Breakfast is ready!"

Hearing Aunt Liu's voice, Run Sheng woke up, ready to eat.

Little Yuanhou was scared, and he was scared too. It's just that Little Yuanhou had A Li, while he only had Ah Bin by his side.

Li Zhuiyuan also came down with A Li, and everyone took their seats.

Tan Wenbin changed his seat this time and sat with Li Sanjiang.

Liu Yumei looked curiously at Li Zhuiyuan and Run Sheng. These two children probably didn't get much rest last night.

"Little Yuan, come here for a moment and try Grandma's pastries."

Li Zhuiyuan stood up and walked over.

Liu Yumei handed him a piece of pastry, "Did you have fun last night?"

Li Zhuiyuan didn't know how to answer.

Liu Yumei continued to ask, "Did you see blood?"

"Yes, a lot of blood."

"Did you cause it?"

"We didn't do anything."

Liu Yumei took a bite of the crisp pastry with some surprise, "Then Grandma really misjudged. It's truly picking the best among the short ones."

"No, you didn't misjudge. There really was a king in the mountains."

"What do you mean?"

"He was peeled in one bite."

"Peeled?" Liu Yumei found the word a bit difficult to understand. "Swallowed in one bite" would have been easier to comprehend.

Li Zhuiyuan really wanted to tell Grandma Liu everything that happened last night, but in this house, he had to speak in riddles.

"Alright, I'm done eating," Li Sanjiang said, putting down his bowl and standing up.

Aunt Liu said, "There's still more in the pot."

"I ate and drank too much yesterday, so I don't have much of an appetite now. Tomorrow, the West Village is holding a vegetarian feast. Runsheng Hou, you'll come with me to Big Beard's... oh no, to Old Man Ding's house, to collect the tables, chairs, bowls, and chopsticks. We'll send them to that household in the West Village this afternoon. Oh, and yesterday we also sent over a pair of lanterns, don't forget to grab them."

Runsheng, hugging a large basin of porridge, was huddled in a corner, pretending not to hear.

"Hey, Runsheng Hou, I'm talking to you, did you hear me?"

"Grandpa, I'm not feeling well today."

"Fine, not feeling well, huh? Then I'll go myself. I'm not so old that I can't walk."

With that, Li Sanjiang went to push out the flatbed cart.

Li Zhuiyuan and Runsheng immediately forgot about breakfast and rushed over.

"Great Grandfather, Runsheng ge and I will collect them this afternoon. You don't need to go."

Runsheng also chimed in, "Mhm, I'll go this afternoon."

Li Sanjiang looked at Runsheng and reached out to feel his forehead. "You don't have a fever. What's wrong?"

"It's just a little something, it's not serious."

"Heh." Li Sanjiang let out a cold laugh, reached into his pocket, took out money, and handed it to Runsheng. "After breakfast, go see Zheng Datong properly. Get your shots, take your medicine."

Runsheng felt embarrassed to take the money; he was faking illness.

Li Zhuiyuan reached out, took the money, and put it into Runsheng's trouser pocket.

"Great Grandfather, I'll accompany Runsheng ge later. After we go to Zheng Datong's, we'll go collect the bowls, chopsticks, and lanterns."

"If there are no problems, then go collect them. If there are problems, call me, Great Grandfather."

Li Sanjiang put down the cart handle, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it. As usual, this meant he was going for his post-meal stroll.

"Great Grandfather, I'll accompany you for a walk."

"You haven't finished your breakfast yet."

"I'm the same as you. I ate too much yesterday, so I'm a bit indigestion today and can't eat."

"You didn't eat that much yesterday. On the other hand, that strong fellow, Zhuang Zhuang, ate so much."

Tan Wenbin, who was shoveling porridge, looked up with some confusion. "Grandpa, my name is Binbin."

"Let's go, Great Grandfather, I'll walk with you."

"Mhm."

Li Sanjiang still preferred to stroll with Little Yuanhou.

Li Zhuiyuan, on the other hand, was worried that Li Sanjiang would wander off towards Big Beard's house during their walk, so to be safe, he kept a close eye on him.

Sure enough, as soon as they stepped onto the village road, Li Sanjiang's steps veered towards Big Beard's house.

"Great Grandfather, let's go to the small shop."

"Why go to the small shop so early? It's not open yet. I'll accompany you to buy things later."

"Then let's go see Grandma Liu?"

"Liu the Blind and I don't have much to talk about usually."

"Then let's walk over there. The scenery is nice over there."

"When did the scenery in this village ever have good or bad points? Come on, Little Yuanhou, let's go take a look at your future home."

"My future home..."

"Once Old Man Ding kicks the bucket, won't it be your home? Come on, let's go see if he's kicked the bucket yet, hehe."

"Great Grandfather, the person just moved in. It's not appropriate to disturb them so early, is it?"

"What's not appropriate about it? Moving in isn't getting married."

After walking a few more steps, Li Sanjiang stopped himself and mused, "That's true, I guess. That secretary of his, who knows what she's there for. I bet she's still sleeping in the same bed and hasn't gotten up yet."

"Exactly."

Li Sanjiang's face broke into a smile, and he quickened his pace. "Ha, then I definitely have to go take a look!"

Seeing that he couldn't dissuade Great Grandfather, Li Zhuiyuan had no choice but to step forward, grab Li Sanjiang's arm, and tell him the truth. "Great Grandfather, something happened at Big Beard's house last night. The entire opera troupe, including Uncle Ding, was skinned alive. They died horribly."

"Little Yuanhou, why are you spouting nonsense this early in the morning?"

"Great Grandfather, I'm telling the truth."

"It couldn't be more fake, hehe."

Li Zhuiyuan felt a bit helpless. It was always like this; at crucial moments, Great Grandfather never believed him.

"Little Yuanhou, look, that group of skinned people is coming."

Li Zhuiyuan looked up in confusion. A truck full of sound equipment was driving towards them. There were four people in the driver's cabin and several more standing in the back.

They were all people from the opera troupe yesterday, and they all looked perfectly fine.

The driver honked the horn when he saw Li Sanjiang.

The people in the back of the truck waved and greeted them:

"Grandpa Li, up so early?"

"Yeah, just out for a walk. You performed all night yesterday, and you're up so early today too?"

"We have to catch the next job. We can only sleep in the truck."

"That's really tough."

"See you later, Grandpa Li."

"See you."

Li Sanjiang waved goodbye to the opera troupe members on the truck, and the truck soon disappeared from view.

"Little Yuanhou, next time you make up a story, make it more believable. That's how you write a good composition."

Li Zhuiyuan stared at the truck as it gradually faded, his hands and feet growing cold.

It was impossible. Last night, he was sure it wasn't a dream, not an illusion, and definitely not him walking the yin path. He had indeed seen the group of Water Monkeys skinned with his own eyes!

But then what was going on with the living people on the truck just now?

"Runsheng Hou, good morning!"

"Morning, Lin Hou, you're out for a walk too?"

"Yes, I'm getting old, I don't sleep much. By the way, I've had your tables, chairs, bowls, chopsticks, and lanterns tidied up. When can you come to pick them up?"

"This afternoon, perhaps. My mule isn't feeling well, so I'm taking him to the vet first."

"Oh, I see. Oh, isn't this Little Yuanhou? What a good child, out for a walk with his Great Grandfather so early?"

"Yes, my Little Yuanhou is the best, the most filial. Come on, Little Yuanhou, say hello to Uncle Ding."

In fact, Li Zhuiyuan's body had stiffened when he heard the voice earlier.

At this moment, he turned around with some difficulty, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Because, Secretary Jin, supporting Ding Dalin, was standing right in front of him.