Volume One: Eight Coffins in the Corpse Field Chapter 43: The First Bucket of Gold

I pointed at Third Uncle and cursed, “Li Dagang, you really have no conscience. You are my Third Uncle, after all, and you disappeared inside. If I had backed out because it was too difficult, what would that have looked like? Let me ask you, when Liang Yue and I were down there and I saw you, were you clear-headed at that moment?”

Third Uncle nodded, “I used a silver needle to open my crown and then sealed the Mud Pill Palace. That kept my mind clear, but most of the time I couldn't control my actions. So I was taking a risk doing what I did. I saw you, but couldn’t greet you. I never expected you, my nephew, to be so capable—to find the center of that tomb chamber by your own effort.”

I forced a bitter smile and pointed at Ma Su, who was drinking quietly, “It’s really thanks to him.”

Wu Tianyou said, “Your abilities truly impress me. When Tianze sacrificed himself for the coffin, I was deeply saddened and lost interest in overseeing the project. It was Tianxiong who stepped up and took charge. I left him to handle the evil coffins that were unearthed and the rest of the project. I never imagined he would be so scheming. He harbored resentment toward me all along—even the inscription at Tianyou Plaza and the color of the building were the results of his plotting. Worse still, he managed to dig through the underground tombs beneath the plaza, intending to revive Tianze. Ah, his descent into such darkness is my failure as an elder brother…”

Third Uncle waved his hand, “Mr. Wu, don’t blame yourself. That cane was given to you by Wu Tianxiong, and I believe it was made from coffin wood. Carrying it every day only lets the yin energy cling to you. Your leg will only get worse.”

Wu Tianyou weighed the cane in his hand and said lightly, “I know.”

“You know? Knowing that, why do you keep using it? Throw it away as soon as possible.”

Wu Tianyou shook his head, “Forget it. Tianxiong intended for me to absorb the yin energy. Sooner or later, the company will end up in his hands. But now he’s imprisoned, so I’ll have to keep things afloat for a while longer.”

At that moment, Wu Tianyou looked desolate, as if he had aged several years in the blink of an eye. I realized the truth of the matter had hit him hard.

I continued, “So that’s the end of it?”

Wu Tianyou nodded, “Tianxiong’s situation will be handled by the authorities. As for the tomb below, I’ll wait for the master’s next instructions.”

Third Uncle said, “Mr. Wu, I’ve already told Old Xiao what needs to be done. Don’t underestimate him—he’s quite accomplished in feng shui. I believe he can handle the aftermath of the tomb.”

Wu Tianyou was surprised, “Old Xiao? He’s got those skills?”

Third Uncle smiled, “A real master never shows his hand. He just doesn’t want to get involved in your family’s disputes, nor offend Wu Tianxiong because of this. When I was trapped in the underground tomb, I was clear-headed for a short time and told him what I knew.”

Wu Tianyou nodded, “No wonder Old Xiao told me yesterday, and I managed to find that elevator. Well, then, I’ll take my leave. I need to inquire about Tianxiong.”

We got up to bid Wu Tianyou farewell.

Ma Su, full and content, suddenly remembered something, jumped up as if his feet were on fire, and chased after Wu Tianyou.

Third Uncle pointed at Ma Su’s retreating figure, “What’s wrong with that old fellow?”

I laughed, “I guess he’s thinking about those Mandorla trees in the tomb, and the bone flutes.”

“A real oddball,” Third Uncle muttered.

I nodded in agreement, “Absolutely, he’s a bona fide eccentric professor.”

After Wu Tianyou and Ma Su left, Third Uncle sat down, sweat pouring from his face, his body trembling violently.

I was startled and rushed over, “Third Uncle, what’s wrong?”

His lips were pale and he quivered, “It’s nothing. Help me back to my room.”

I hurriedly supported him back. He asked me to open all the windows and light an incense stick. Then he sat cross-legged on the floor to meditate.

He meditated for more than two hours before his expression returned to normal, though he still looked very weak.

I poured him water, and he drank three large cups, waving his hand, “Getting old, truly getting old. This ordeal really sapped my energy. It’ll take months to recover.”

I complained, “Who told you to show off? So is this matter finished?”

Third Uncle said, “What else can we do? In the end, it’s between the three brothers—alive or dead—it’s up to them. Our task ends here. Wait—no, it can’t be over…”

I was surprised, “What else?”

Third Uncle slapped his thigh, “Money! We haven’t received what we were promised. No way, I have to go find him.”

He scrambled up and was about to head out. I had no choice but to follow.

Just as he opened the door, a man carrying a suitcase appeared.

The man was dressed in a suit and asked, “Are you Mr. Li? Master Li?”

Third Uncle glanced at him, “I am Master Li. Who are you?”

The man pushed the suitcase forward, “Mr. Wu asked me to give this to you both.”

Third Uncle took the suitcase, and the man left.

I closed the door, and Third Uncle was already opening the suitcase. Inside were bundles of cash, and he grinned from ear to ear.

Wu Tianyou sent us exactly three hundred thousand, plus the two hundred thousand from before, so we’d earned five hundred thousand. More importantly, the debt we owed Wu Tianxiong was forgiven by Wu Tianyou. This was our first real windfall—altogether, we’d made eight hundred thousand.

Even I couldn’t help but stare at the money enviously.

Third Uncle fiddled with it for a while, then pulled out two bundles and slapped them into my hand, “Nephew, take this money and spend it.”

I got anxious, “Come on, Third Uncle, isn’t this too stingy? Out of five hundred thousand, you give me only twenty thousand? Aren’t you ashamed?”

He patted my shoulder, “You don’t have a girlfriend, hardly any expenses. What do you need so much money for? I’ll keep your share for you, and give it to you when you get married.”

“Bah, look who’s talking! Aren’t you still a bachelor yourself?”

Third Uncle shamelessly stuffed the rest back into the suitcase, “I’m not like you. Keeping this money might come in handy.”

I wanted to argue more, but saw him pack up the suitcase and beckon to me mysteriously, “Nephew, let me show you something. This is worth more than fifty thousand.”

He pulled something wrapped in yellow silk from his pocket.

He carefully unfolded the silk on the table, layer by layer.

Inside was something like leather, old and folded several times.

Third Uncle handled it gingerly, afraid of damaging it.

I was very curious, not knowing what he was up to this time.

(End of Chapter)