Rain was coming

A ship bearing the banner of the "Gongsun" Lineage slowly sailed in. In the second-floor observation cabin with two open sides, a group of chivalrous heroes from the martial arts world sat around a table, drinking and chatting happily.

Gongsun Xiu, holding a wine cup, greeted the six newly recruited talented individuals with a smile. These six were all quite skilled, with two of them even reaching the peak of the Spirit Refining Realm, enough for the Gongsun Aristocratic Clan to treat them as honored guests.

What Gongsun Xiu valued most was the old Daoist priest who called himself Qinggu Daoren.

Warriors excel at life-or-death combat, but exploring cemeteries is not their forte.

Those who understand feng shui are either Daoist priests or Warlock; the former are mostly frauds, while the latter are extremely rare.

Gongsun Xiu had already tested the waters with that Daoist Qinggu; he did indeed understand geomancy and had some knowledge of formations.

"Tonight's exploration of the Nanshan Tomb will all depend on you all."

Gongsun Xiu raised his cup with a smile.

The martial artist at the table hurriedly raised his glass, knowing that Miss Gongsun was just being polite. The Gongsun Aristocratic Clan was one of the most powerful local families in Yongzhou, with a history of over three hundred years. The current head of the family had been a martial artist at the Transformation Realm many years ago.

He's just one step away from reaching the fourth rank; once he does, he'll be a dominant force in the martial arts world.

In addition, the Gongsun Aristocratic Clan has more than two pairs of people with seventh-grade Refined Spirit and sixth-grade Copper Skin Iron Bones.

However, the person in charge of the Gongsun Aristocratic Clan in this generation is the young lady in front of us. She has a beautiful face and is wearing a wide-sleeved, front-opening moon-white dress and a loose pleated skirt.

She was beautiful and refined, like a well-educated and cultured young lady from a prominent family.

But those familiar with this young lady know that she is extremely skilled in cultivation. She just entered the Transformation Realm last year, and in the Gongsun Aristocratic Clan, only the head of the family can overpower her.

In addition, she was also successful in business. Under her management, the Gongsun Aristocratic Clan's business flourished. As a powerful force in the martial arts world, the Gongsun Aristocratic Clan valued martial prowess, and even women could hold the position of family head.

There are countless young heroes from Yongzhou willing to become sons-in-law of the Gongsun Aristocratic Clan.

After finishing their drinks, everyone continued to enjoy the food and plump crabs. Gongsun Xiu had little appetite, and glanced sideways at the lake scenery and the boats of all sizes around him.

Looking towards the approaching "Wang's Fish Shop," I saw several children, their bellies full, running out of the cabin to play on the deck.

"We'll eat ours."

Xu Qi'an said something, then looked away and continued gnawing on a crab leg.

He plans to go to the underground palace tonight to borrow fingernails, venom, and corpse energy from the mummified corpse, and try to fleece that thousand-year-old corpse.

But the actions of the Gongsun Aristocratic Clan gave him a headache. The more ostentatious they continued, the more people would die.

Those below the third rank are no different from clay chickens and earthen dogs before the remains of that mysterious Daoist.

As the ancient corpse absorbs more and more Essence Blood, it will accumulate power to break the seal and wreak havoc on the region.

"When a nation is about to perish, monsters will inevitably emerge," Xu Qi'an sighed inwardly. "Everything is proving this saying true."

A silvery laugh drifted in from outside the window. Turning my head, I saw several children, having eaten their fill of crabs, playing and chasing each other along the passageway outside the cabin.

Their clothes were quite nice, Higher Vehicle -quality fabric, suggesting they came from well-off families, though not quite wealthy.

During the chase, a chubby-faced boy, trying to cut in front of the girl, forcefully bumped into her.

The girl lost her balance and screamed as she fell towards the lake.

Xu Qi'an put down the crab leg in his hand, a dark light flashing in his eyes. His body suddenly disappeared, and the next moment, he emerged from the little girl's shadow and grabbed her by the back of her collar.

The shadows of the Dark Gu leaped.

"Wow"

The children around him looked at him with admiration.

Xu Qi'an slapped each of them on the head with his backhand, scolding, "Get back in your cabin! If you dare to cause trouble again, I'll beat you to death!"

The tone of his speech has a strong Jianghu style.

The boats of "Wang Ji Fish Shop" also serve as fishing boats. In order to make it easier to pull the fishing nets, there are no railings on the deck, which is not very safe.

The children were beaten and, not daring to talk back, slunk away.

He then returned to the cabin, and not long after he sat down, a couple came over. The woman was holding a child's hand; it was the little girl who had almost fallen into the lake earlier.

"Thank you for your help, brother."

The young man bowed in thanks; he was dressed very respectably in a fashionable long gown.

The young woman even wore a golden hairpin in her hair.

Xu Qi'an waved his hand impatiently and said, "Stop talking nonsense, you're paying for this table of crabs."

The young man was taken aback, but then breathed a sigh of relief and laughed, "Of course, of course."

He thanked them a few more times and went back with a big smile.

The little girl was being pulled away by her mother when she suddenly turned back and made a face at the grumpy, strange man.

"What's wrong with you?"

Mu Nanzhi felt that his mood was a bit strange.

Xu Qi'an said irritably, "Damn it, it's going to rain."

My mood immediately soured.

Mu Nanzhi blinked her beautiful eyes and glanced out the window. The sun was shining brightly; there was no sign of rain.

On the other side, Gongsun Xiu, who had witnessed the entire event, had a glint of surprise in his eyes and said:

"Gentlemen, does anyone see how he made his move just now?"

The rough-around-the-edges thugs frowned and looked at each other, unaware of what had just happened.

After Gongsun Xiu finished speaking, they immediately showed surprise. Even though everyone was knowledgeable and experienced, they couldn't explain why.

The old Daoist priest with a goatee pondered for a moment and said:

"Judging from the young lady's description, that should be the method of the Dark Gu Clan. I witnessed their methods when I traveled to the Southern Frontier in my younger days. They are skilled at leaping out of the shadows, appearing and disappearing unpredictably, making them impossible to defend against. Only martial artists at the Spirit Refining Realm can counter them."

Gongsun Xiu frowned and said, "Can the methods of the Gu Clan be passed on to outsiders?"

"Of course not."

"That person is not from the Southern Frontier," Gongsun Xiu said.

Old Daoist Qinggu was taken aback, then shook his head and said, "Perhaps I've guessed wrong?"

Gongsun Xiu did not hesitate and immediately stood up, smiling, "I've just encountered a master; I'd like to go and greet him. Please make yourself at ease."

She grabbed two chopsticks and flicked them away.

Two chopsticks pierced the lake's surface and then slowly floated back up. Gongsun Xiu leaped out from the second-floor cabin. She was as light as a feather, skimming across the lake. Her toes touched the two chopsticks, causing them to sink slightly and creating only minor ripples.

Using the momentum, she leaped dozens of feet and landed steadily on the deck of "Wang's Fish Shop".

Tourists, both near and far, who witnessed this scene applauded and cheered.

Xu Qi'an also noticed this scene, but he didn't realize that this beautiful woman had come to find him, and even took the time to comment:

"Not bad, not bad at all. Even among those at the fifth rank of Transformation Realm, you're considered quite formidable. Your kung fu is excellent."

The princess envied this ability to fly around.

If she had such skills, she wouldn't ride a horse, and her buttocks wouldn't be sore.

Gongsun Xiu entered the cabin, his gaze sweeping over the diners before quickly settling on Xu Qi'an's table. He approached with a smile, gracefully clasping his hands in a fist and palm salute.

"I am Gongsun Xiu, and I do not know your esteemed name, brother."

Xu Qi'an scrutinized her and replied, "Xu Qian."

He changed Xu to Xu (徐) and Qi'an to "Qian" (谦).

Gongsun Xiu smiled and said, "I am overjoyed to have met Brother Xu."

"You're overjoyed too soon," Xu Qi'an retorted irritably, then, suppressing his temper, said calmly:

"Is something the matter, Miss Gongsun?"

Gongsun Xiu then said, "If you don't mind, would you please invite Brother Xu to our family's ship for a chat?"

She looked at the large ship flying the "Gongsun" flag.

Xu Qi'an's heart skipped a beat. He was worried that the Gongsun family's exploration of the underground palace would help the ancient corpse break the seal, so he immediately nodded:

"Good!"

He turned to the princess and said, "Wait for me here."

Mu Nanzhi glanced at Gongsun Xiu, noticing his unassuming appearance, then looked away and nodded with relief, "Oh."

Gongsun Xiu, who had been labeled "of plain beauty" by the most beautiful woman in the Great Feng, smiled radiantly, her beauty unparalleled, and said:

"Please!"

After the two left the cabin, Gongsun Xiu said, "I'll have someone send a small boat over right away."

After she finished speaking, she heard the plain-looking young man in blue beside her shake his head and say, "You just need to go back."

Gongsun Xiu didn't waste any words, readily nodded, and showed off his Movement Method once again. He lightly touched two chopsticks with his toes, as light as a goose feather, and darted dozens of feet, successfully returning to the deck of his own warship.

As soon as she landed, she seemed to sense something and suddenly turned around, only to see a dark figure emerge from her shadow, transforming into a young man dressed in blue.

"Are they really from the Gu Clan?" Gongsun Xiu said calmly, "Brother Xu, you have impressive skills."

Xu Qi'an nodded indifferently and, guided by Gongsun Xiu, entered the cabin and arrived at the observation hall on the second floor.

The hall was small, decorated in an antique style. Five Qi and Blood men sat around a round table, along with an old Daoist priest in a worn-out robe.

The six people glanced sideways or turned their heads to look at them, their gazes filled with scrutiny.

With a smile, Gongsun Xiu introduced Xu Qi'an to everyone.

"Brother Xu, where are you from?" a man at the Qi Refining Realm asked.

"A person from the capital," Xu Qi'an said.

The martial artists, who had initially shown little interest in him, suddenly brightened up and asked with a smile, "Have you ever seen Xu Yinluo?"

Xu Qi'an took his seat and replied, "We've met a few times."

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Xiu joined the conversation with great interest:

"I've heard that Xu Yinluo is a handsome and charming man, a rare find in this world."

She had heard too many stories and legends about Xu Yinluo, and as an unmarried woman, she was even more curious and interested in the appearance of that legendary figure.

Xu Qi'an pondered for a moment, then sighed, "He is the most handsome man I have ever seen. Every time I see him, I can't help but lament the injustice of fate."

"His appearance is the best." Gongsun Xiu's eyelashes trembled, and she murmured to herself, "What an extraordinary man."

Damn it, I still haven't shaken off my bragging habit. I can't forget the lesson of the Earth Book fragments. Xu Qi'an reflected to himself.

Next came a chorus of praise surrounding Xu Yinluo. The warriors held the renowned Xu Yinluo in the highest esteem, stating that without Xu Yinluo, there would be no Great Feng.

The news of the regicide had already reached Yongzhou, which was not far from the capital.

Gongsun Xiu, still somewhat unsatisfied, ended the conversation and got down to business, saying:

"Brother Xu, how long have you been in Yongzhou? Have you heard about the recent uproar over the great tomb? The Gongsun family is recruiting talented individuals to explore the tomb together."

"I admire Brother Xu's exceptional skills and would like to invite you to explore this great tomb together."

The warriors at the table remained silent, offering no objections. The tomb was dangerous, and it was best to have someone share the burden.

If one is strong enough, then it is only right to get a share of the spoils; if one is weak enough, then dying in the tomb is no one's fault but one's own.

Xu Qi'an did not immediately agree, but pondered for a moment and asked:

How much do you know about underground tombs?

Gongsun Xiu recounted in detail:

"The first to discover the large tomb was a hunter in the mountains. He accidentally fell into a collapsed cave and found a tomb inside the mountain. Then the news spread to Yongzhou City."

"In fact, before the Gongsun family sealed off Nanshan, many martial arts practitioners had already gone down into the tomb to explore, but none of them returned. After receiving the news, the Gongsun family organized people to go down into the tomb, but they also lost contact and are probably in grave danger."

"However, we discovered that the tomb was built of high-quality Qinggang stone, and it must contain great treasures."

"I've already taken the greatest treasure there; all that's left is a thousand-year-old corpse," Xu Qi'an said.

"This tomb is extremely inauspicious. A martial artist who is ignorant of geomancy and formations would be more likely to meet with disaster if he rashly enters. Miss, please think carefully."

Gongsun Xiu smiled but didn't speak. Instead, he looked at the old Daoist Qinggu.

The old Daoist priest stroked his beard and smiled, "According to my observation, this tomb has undergone an extremely terrible collapse due to its great age. Even if there were any formations inside, they were mostly destroyed. Perhaps some dangers still remain, and the previous groups of people should have died from those few remaining dangers."

"Therefore, the Gongsun Aristocratic Clan took the lead in organizing us to go down into the tomb this time, so that everyone can also get a share of the spoils."

Xu Qi'an looked at the beautiful eldest daughter of the Gongsun family and said:

When do you plan to go down into the tomb to explore?

Gongsun Xiu said, "Tonight."

Tonight, we can use this group of people to scout ahead, check the condition of the ancient corpse, and see how much of its strength it has recovered. Xu Qi'an knew that a few words from him alone could not dispel the group of martial artists' longing for the tomb.

He held the wine glass, feigning hesitation, and said helplessly:

"I am of limited knowledge and will refrain from joining in the fun. Thank you for your hospitality, young lady. However, I would like to offer you all a word of advice: this tomb is dangerous. If you encounter an insurmountable crisis, be sure to loudly proclaim: 'Have you forgotten your promise to that person?'"

Everyone was taken aback.

He then looked at Gongsun Xiu and said, "I'd like to trouble you to escort me back, Miss."

Gongsun Xiu could not hide his disappointment and arranged for someone to prepare a small boat to take him back to "Wang's Fish Shop".

Xu Qi'an rose from his seat, walked to the top of the stairs, turned back, and smiled:

"It's about to rain; the autumn rain is incessant. Remember to bring rain gear when we explore the tomb tonight. Farewell, everyone."

He descended the stairs, and amidst the clatter of his footsteps, a Qi Refining Realm artist at the Qi Refining stage sneered, "The young lady has made a mistake this time, hiring a coward."

"It's not just cowardice, it's all pretense and mystery. All that talk of an agreement and rain is just an excuse to save face."

The warriors all shook their heads, their comments filled with sarcasm and ridicule.

Fear is one thing, but this person is not only cowardly, but also, for the sake of saving face, resorts to making up pretentious statements to deceive others.

Gongsun Xiu shook his head, raised his cup, and said, "Let's drink."

She was also filled with disappointment; the man's speech and demeanor were different from those of ordinary people in the martial arts world.

The group put the incident behind them and continued their conversation and drinking. After some time, they suddenly heard a series of sharp, cracking sounds. The warriors, including Gongsun Xiu, looked up at the lake in astonishment.

Dense ripples spread across the lake's surface as a heavy rain poured down, bringing a chill to the air.

Gongsun Xiu's eyes widened in surprise.

The hall fell silent instantly.

P. S.: I took a nap.