Phoenix Dust Pearl

"Zhegushao."

Zhegushao sized up the person before him, his gaze lingering on those blood-red eyes and the formidable firearm capable of unleashing water and fire, before he smoothed his sleeves and offered a salute.

As the leader of the Xieling, Chen Yulou was an expert who knew his trade. He recognized that exceptionally fierce kick; it was no mundane martial art, but the signature technique of the Mountain-Moving Daoists, the Kui Star Kick. Yet, these people were dressed as Bing Clan Miao, which made him wonder...

Zhegushao and Chen Yulou were old friends of many years. Seeing that Chen Yulou had not yet recognized him, he recited the underworld jargon: "To pluck the stars, one must request the Kui Star hand; moving mountains does not mean moving the Ever-Victorious Mountain; burning the Dragon-Phoenix Wish incense, drawing from the waters of the Five Lakes and Four Seas."

"High towers stand upon the Ever-Victorious Mountain, where heroes from all directions arrive; the Dragon-Phoenix Wish binds old friends, as the waters of the Five Lakes and Four Seas surge."

"So it is Brother Zhegushao."

Chen Yulou felt a bit awkward, but he followed the underworld code and recited the response.

He hadn't expected this group of fake Daoists to abandon their robes for Bing Clan Miao attire upon arriving in Western Hunan. Coupled with the urgency of the situation, Chen Yulou had failed to recognize him at first.

However, Chen Yulou cared deeply about his reputation, so he quickly found an excuse: "The moon is dark and the night is high; in the heat of the moment, I didn't look closely. Brother Zhegushao, it has truly been a long time."

Zhegushao nodded with a smile. The Mountain-Moving sect had spent a millennium searching for the Phoenix Dust Pearl, producing many talented and extraordinary individuals, yet they had always walked a solitary path.

But as a millennium passed with no news of the Phoenix Dust Pearl, Zhegushao understood that if things continued this way, the Zaclama tribe would eventually perish. He had no choice but to break the taboos of their thousand-year heritage and frequently correspond with the Xieling bandits.

As the leaders of the Mountain-Moving and Xieling factions, Chen Yulou and Zhegushao had known each other for years and were sworn brothers.

"I wonder what brings Brother Zhegushao to Western Hunan?"

Chen Yulou regained his composure and asked about the matter at hand.

"This trip to Western Hunan is for the ancient tomb of the King of Yelang. I wonder what brings Brother Chen to Old Bear Ridge?"

Chen Yulou pondered for a moment. Seeing the heavy bamboo baskets on the backs of the Mountain-Moving Daoists, he knew they must be carrying specialized excavation tools. If they could combine the strength of the Mountain-Moving and Xieling factions, this trip to Bottle Mountain would surely be a success.

But then he remembered that the medicinal pills and treasures in Bottle Mountain had already been promised to Lu Yan. It would be inappropriate to invite the Mountain-Moving Daoists now, so he said, "I am here for the Yuan Dynasty General Tomb within Bottle Mountain. Unfortunately, the medicinal pills and treasures in the tomb have already been promised to Brother Lu here, so it would be inconvenient to invite you to join us."

"That..."

Before Zhegushao could finish, Lu Yan stepped forward, looked at the heroic and extraordinary Zhegushao, and nodded. "So Brother Zhegushao is the leader of the Xieling. I have heard that the Mountain-Moving sect has been searching for the Phoenix Dust Pearl for a millennium. As it happens, I know the whereabouts of the Phoenix Dust Pearl."

As soon as these words were spoken, Zhegushao stopped Old Foreigner and Hua Ling, who were about to step forward and ask, and bowed solemnly. "I beg Brother Lu to tell us. If it is true, my Mountain-Moving lineage will be eternally grateful and is willing to pay any price."

"It is in the tomb of King Xian of the Han Dynasty."

Lu Yan waved his hand. He didn't care much for the gratitude of the Mountain-Moving sect, but he was somewhat interested in the Phoenix Dust Pearl and the Void Dimension it controlled. It was somewhat similar to his Kamui Dimension, though clearly more powerful.

"Really?"

Zhegushao's voice was hoarse, his body trembling slightly. One hand pressed firmly onto Old Foreigner's shoulder as he stared intently into Lu Yan's eyes, his face showing both the excitement of finding hope and the fear of that hope being dashed.

"Really. King Xian was obsessed with immortality. After obtaining the Phoenix Dust Pearl, he spent his life trying to unravel its mysteries, but he failed until his death. After he died, he took the Phoenix Dust Pearl into his tomb as a burial object, holding it in his mouth."

Lu Yan could understand Zhegushao's feelings and explained patiently.

"But I heard the Phoenix Dust Pearl was presented by King Xian to Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che?"

Chen Yulou, naturally unwilling to be left out, asked with confusion.

"That was a fake. King Xian had long since taken the real one to cultivate immortality."

Lu Yan rolled his eyes and continued to explain.

Zhegushao stood stunned for a long time, a multitude of locations and historical records flashing through his mind like lightning. Because official history recorded that King Xian had presented the Phoenix Dust Pearl to Emperor Wu, neither he nor his many predecessors had ever considered that the pearl might be in King Xian's tomb.

"If—if I can return alive from this, I, Zhegushao, will be at the beck and call of Young Master Lu."

Zhegushao knelt directly on the ground and performed a deep bow.

"We are the same, at the beck and call of Young Master Lu."

Old Foreigner and Hua Ling also knelt, their eyes brimming with tears.

"There is no need for this."

Lu Yan shook his head, stepped forward, and helped Zhegushao and the others up, though he felt a secret joy in his heart. These three had excellent potential; he had made a good profit this time.

"Young Master Lu, the Phoenix Dust Pearl is truly vital to our tribe. We must set off immediately for the tomb of King Xian in Yunnan. Once we find the Phoenix Dust Pearl and lift the curse on our people, we will return to serve by your side."

Zhegushao bowed deeply to Lu Yan once more, then turned and left.

"Wait. The tomb of King Xian is fraught with danger. I will give you some items that might be of help."

Lu Yan frowned in thought. He didn't want these three prospective subordinates to meet their end, so he took some items out of his Kamui Dimension and handed them to Zhegushao.

"This is Healing Liquid; use it if your life is in danger."

"The Vajra Talisman and Godly Travel Talisman—you should know their uses."

"The Antidote Pill can prevent and cure poisons."

"These are three sets, a gift for you all."

Zhegushao turned back, bowed slightly, accepted them with both hands, and looked up solemnly.

"Great kindness needs no thanks. Please take care, Young Master."

Lu Yan watched the retreating backs of the three Mountain-Moving practitioners, lost in thought, as if he could see the resolute figures who had spent centuries searching for the Phoenix Dust Pearl, traveling thousands of miles.

"Brother Lu, I have always heard that the tomb of King Xian in Yunnan is exceptionally dangerous. Why not let Zhegushao and the others wait a few days, and we can all go together after we finish our business at Bottle Mountain?"

Chen Yulou stood beside Lu Yan, watching the three figures retreat for a long moment before turning to ask Lu Yan a question.

"They can't wait, and I don't have much time left either."

Lu Yan sighed, patted Chen Yulou on the shoulder, and turned around, saying, "Let's go."

They hurried along the entire way, and by the time they reached the entrance of the Justice Manor, the sky was already beginning to brighten.

Chen Yulou took a moment to tidy his appearance outside the door before carrying the two civet carcasses and pushing the door open to walk inside.

"Chief Chen, Mr. Lu, you've finally returned."

Hua Maguai and the others had been waiting all night, anxious and restless; seeing the two men finally return, they hurriedly stood up to greet them.

"Hua Maguai, the bones of these two spirit-civet are excellent materials, get them processed quickly."

Chen Yulou tossed the bundle onto the floor, sat in a chair, and took several gulps of strong liquor, speaking with high spirits.

Stubbornly saving face.

Lu Yan shook his head, speechless, but he didn't bother to puncture Chen Yulou's boast.

"With this stench, Chief, didn't you go to catch cats? How did you end up with two civets?"

Luo Laowai walked over to the civet carcasses, poked them with his foot, and tilted his head to ask.

"That's a long story; just think, I traveled a thousand miles..."