Phoenix Dust Pearl

"Zhegushao."

Zhegushao studied the man in front of him for a while, pausing to examine his blood-red eyes and the powerful gun that could unleash fire and water. He also smoothed his sleeve and returned the salute.

As the leader of Xieling, Chen Yulou was a connoisseur who knew what he was looking at. He recognized that exceptionally fierce kick as no ordinary martial art, but the Mountain Movers' signature technique, Kui Star Kick. Yet these people were dressed like Miao tribesmen from the Bing Clan. Could it be...

Zhegushao and Chen Yulou had been friends for years. Seeing that Chen Yulou still hadn't recognized him, Zhegushao used the secret language of the greenwood: "To pluck the stars, one must ask for the Kui Star's hand; Mountain Movers don't move Ever-Victorious Mountain. We burn Dragon and Phoenix Incense to summon waters from the four corners of the world."

"On Ever-Victorious Mountain stands a tall tower, where heroes from every direction gather. Dragon and Phoenix Incense binds old friends, while waters from the four corners of the world flow on and on."

"So it's you, Brother Zhegushao."

Chen Yulou felt a little awkward, but still followed the greenwood's rules and answered with the proper countersign.

He hadn't expected this group of fake Daoists to arrive in Western Hunan without wearing Daoist robes, instead disguising themselves as Miao tribesmen from the Bing Clan. And with things so hectic just now, he hadn't recognized them at first.

But Chen Yulou cared too much about his pride to let that pass. He hurriedly made an excuse for himself. "It was dark, and I was in a hurry, so I didn't look closely. Brother Zhegushao, it's been a long time."

Zhegushao smiled and nodded. The Mountain Movers had spent a thousand years searching for the Phoenix Dust Pearl. Their ranks had produced many people of great talent, but they had always gone their own way.

Even after a thousand years, however, the Phoenix Dust Pearl remained nowhere to be found. Zhegushao understood that if things went on like this, the people of the Zaclama Mountains would eventually perish. He had no choice but to break the taboo of their thousand-year tradition and frequently exchange information with Xieling's bandits.

As the leaders of the Mountain Movers and Xieling, Chen Yulou and Zhegushao had known each other for years. They had sworn brotherhood and become close friends.

"Brother Zhegushao, what brings you to Western Hunan?"

Chen Yulou came to his senses and asked about business.

"We came to Western Hunan for the ancient tomb of the King of Yelang. What brings you to Old Bear Ridge, Brother Chen?"

Chen Yulou thought for a moment. The bamboo baskets on the backs of the Mountain Movers looked heavy; they must have brought digging tools. If Xieling and the Mountain Movers joined forces, their trip to Bottle Mountain was sure to succeed.

But then he remembered that he had already promised the elixirs and medicines in Bottle Mountain to Lu Yan. It wouldn't be right to invite the Mountain Movers along now, so he said, "I'm here for the Yuan Dynasty General Tomb in Bottle Mountain. Unfortunately, I've already promised the elixirs and medicines in the tomb to Brother Lu, so I can't very well invite you to join us."

"But..."

Before Zhegushao could finish, Lu Yan stepped forward and looked at the impressive, heroic man. He nodded. "So you're Brother Zhegushao, the leader of the Mountain Movers. I've heard that your sect has spent a thousand years searching for the Phoenix Dust Pearl. As it happens, I know where it is."

At that, Zhegushao stopped Old Foreigner and Hua Ling from stepping forward to press him for details. He cupped his hands solemnly. "Please tell me, Brother Lu. If this is true, my people and I will be eternally grateful. We're willing to pay any price."

"It's in the Han Dynasty tomb of King Xian."

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

"Is that true?"

Zhegushao's voice came out hoarse, and his body trembled faintly. One hand gripped Old Foreigner's shoulder as he stared into Lu Yan's eyes. His face showed both the thrill of finding hope and the fear that it might slip away.

"It's true. King Xian was obsessed with immortality. After obtaining the Phoenix Dust Pearl, he tried to unravel its secrets, but failed before he died. He had it placed in his mouth as a burial item, and it went with him into his tomb."

Lu Yan could understand how Zhegushao felt, so he explained patiently.

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

Chen Yulou naturally didn't want to be left out, and asked in confusion from the side.

"That one was fake. King Xian had already taken the real one with him to cultivate immortality."

Lu Yan rolled his eyes and continued explaining.

Zhegushao stood there in a daze for a long while. Countless places and historical records flashed through his mind like thunder. Since the official histories said that King Xian had presented the Phoenix Dust Pearl to Emperor Wu, neither his predecessors nor he had ever considered that it might be in King Xian's tomb.

"If... if I make it back alive this time, I, Zhegushao, will serve at Young Master Lu's command."

Zhegushao dropped to his knees and bowed deeply.

"We will too. We'll serve at Young Master Lu's command."

Old Foreigner and Hua Ling knelt as well, tears even glistening at the corners of their eyes.

"There's no need for that."

Lu Yan shook his head, then stepped forward and helped Zhegushao and the others up. Inwardly, though, he was delighted. All three had good talent. This was a bargain.

"Young Master Lu, the Phoenix Dust Pearl is vital to my people. We must leave at once for King Xian's tomb in Yunnan. Once we find the pearl and lift the curse on our people, we'll return and serve at your side."

Zhegushao bowed deeply to Lu Yan once more. Then he turned and started to leave.

"Wait. King Xian's tomb is full of dangers. Let me give you a few things that might help."

Lu Yan furrowed his brow and thought for a moment. He didn't want these three future subordinates to meet an untimely end, so he took some items from his Kamui Dimension and handed them to Zhegushao.

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

"These are Vajra Talismans and Godly Travel Talismans. You should know what they do."

"These are Antidote Pills. They can protect against and cure poison."

"There are enough for all three of you. Take them."

Zhegushao turned around, bent slightly at the waist, and accepted the items with both hands. He looked up and said solemnly,

"I can never repay this kindness. Please take good care of yourself, Young Master."

Lu Yan watched the three Mountain Movers disappear into the distance, lost in thought. It was as if he could see the resolute figures of generations of Mountain Movers, traveling thousands of miles in their search for the Phoenix Dust Pearl.

"Brother Lu, I've always heard that King Xian's tomb in Yunnan is exceptionally dangerous. Why not have Zhegushao and the others wait a few days, then go together once we've finished at Bottle Mountain?"

Standing beside Lu Yan, Chen Yulou watched the three retreating figures for a while before turning to ask him.

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

Lu Yan sighed and patted Chen Yulou on the shoulder. Then he turned and said, "Let's go."

After hurrying along the whole way, they reached the entrance to Justice Manor just as the sky began to lighten.

Chen Yulou deliberately tidied himself up outside before carrying the two civet-cat corpses in and pushing open the door.

"Chief Chen, Mr. Lu, you're finally back."

Hua Maguai and the others had waited anxiously all night. When they finally saw Chen Yulou and Lu Yan return, they hurried to their feet to greet them.

"Hua Maguai, the bones of these two spirit civets are valuable. Take care of them right away."

Chen Yulou tossed the bundle onto the ground, sat down in a chair, and drank a few gulps of strong liquor. He spoke with great confidence.

"Always saving face."

Lu Yan shook his head, speechless, but didn't call Chen Yulou out on his boasting.

"That stench! Chief, weren't you going to catch cats? How'd you end up with two civets?"

Luo Laowai walked over to the civet corpses, prodded one with his foot, and asked, tilting his head.

"That's a long story. Just imagine, there I was, traveling a thousand miles..."