Chapter Thirty-Three: Pleasure Before the Storm

At this moment, Lai Jiayu finally spoke, “The ghost’s name is Feng Siben. In life, he was a coal miner. He was murdered a year ago.”

Ye Dong asked, “Murdered a year ago? Huahua also passed away a year ago. Are these two events connected?”

Liang Lingzhi muttered, “Who would have thought that the silly ghost was also a wronged soul.”

Lai Jiayu recalled, “According to him, he had several close friends, all coal miners. The coal industry has been bleak these years, so they lost their jobs. Three years ago, a man approached them, asking them to dig for something deep in the mountains.”

Xiaobao whispered, “Could it be they went to dig up someone’s ancestral graves?”

Lai Jiayu nodded. “At the time, Feng Siben had an injury on his leg, so he didn’t go. But his friends did, and after that, they were never heard from again.”

Everyone sighed, knowing that Feng Siben’s friends likely met a grim fate.

Lai Jiayu continued, “Feng Siben reported it to the police, and they opened a case. But with only the scant clues he could provide—and by then, almost two years had passed since his friends disappeared—even if there were leads, it was almost impossible to solve. So, nothing ever came of the investigation. After thinking it over, Feng Siben decided to search the mountains himself. Sadly, it cost him his life.”

Nian Xue murmured, “He was murdered?”

A flicker of anger crossed Lai Jiayu’s eyes. “Feng Siben searched day and night for over two months. At last, he found the man who had recruited his friends for that job, deep within the mountains. That's when Feng Siben was killed.”

Liang Lingzhi asked, “Did you tell the police about this?”

Lai Jiayu sneered, “The police? I don’t count on them for anything.”

Wan Tianze scolded softly, “Jiayu, mind your words.”

Lai Jiayu lowered his head with a faint smile. “Sorry, that was out of line.”

Ye Dong raised an eyebrow. “But Officer Li and his team came out from the mountains. Didn’t they alert the criminals?”

Wan Tianze shook his head. “Officer Li went west, while Jiayu chased the robbers east, climbing through wild woods. These grave robbers are cunning—they deliberately left the police with false trails.”

Nian Xue mused, “Even someone as sharp as Officer Li was led astray.”

After hearing Wan Tianze’s long account, Ye Dong and the others felt as if the fog had cleared; their thoughts became much more lucid. Ye Dong pondered aloud, “So, the issues before us are Huahua’s true identity, capturing the grave robbers, and dealing with the evil energy leaking from the ancient tomb, right?”

Nian Xue nodded. “Besides that, I really want to see Grandmaster Uncle.” She paused. “And Miaomiao as well.”

Wan Tianze asked, “Do you know when Daoist Rihui will return? If possible, could you ask him to come back soon?”

Nian Xue shook her head. “I’m not sure. Once I’m back, I’ll call him and explain everything. Thank you, Uncle Wan, for answering so many questions.”

Noticing they were ready to take their leave, Wan Tianze smiled and said, “Ye Dong, wait a moment—I have something to give you.”

Ye Dong was puzzled. “To me?”

Wan Tianze smiled slightly, turned back to his room, and returned with a redwood box engraved with ancient script, which he handed to Ye Dong.

The moment Ye Dong took the box, the clean fragrance of old wood filled his senses. He gently opened the lid, and a cold gleam met his eyes.

Inside lay a dagger about twenty centimeters long, its dragon-head hilt sheathed in a scabbard carved with dragon motifs.

At the sight of the dagger, Nian Xue’s eyes lit up. “So that’s where the dagger is!”

Wan Tianze grinned with pride. “Surprised, aren’t you?”

Ye Dong, still confused, asked quickly, “Is this dagger that special?”

Nian Xue caressed the blade reverently. “You couldn’t buy this treasure even if you were rich. It’s called Qinggang. It’s a first-rate talisman against evil spirits. Aren’t you going to thank Uncle Wan?”

Ye Dong, trusting Nian Xue’s judgment, thanked him repeatedly. “Thank you, Uncle Wan!” But he soon grasped the implication and asked, “Why are you giving me such a precious dagger?”

Wan Tianze patted Ye Dong’s shoulder. “My daughter is curious and mischievous by nature. I hope you’ll stay by her side and protect her.”

Ye Dong glanced at Zhengzheng, who stood quietly by, looking embarrassed. After a moment’s thought, he tried to return the dagger. “Zhengzheng is my friend; even without this, I’d do my utmost to protect her.”

Wan Tianze raised an eyebrow. “This blade has accompanied me through life-and-death situations more than ten times. If I offer it to you and you refuse, are you trying to slight me?”

Lai Jiayu leaned forward, as if ready for a fight at the slightest provocation.

Ye Dong was startled. “I was just being polite, pretending to hesitate a bit, but I’d accept it in the end. I really don’t understand how rich people think.”

Finding no grounds to refuse, especially with Liang Lingzhi urging, “Uncle Wan’s gift comes from the heart—just accept it, otherwise how will he save face?” and Zhengzheng adding softly, “It’s my father’s wish, Ye Dong, please accept it,” he finally took the dagger and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Uncle Wan!”

Wan Tianze patted his shoulder warmly. “Work hard, young man. I have great hopes for you. I’ll leave my daughter in your care for now.”

Ye Dong nodded, turning to Zhengzheng. “Don’t worry, Uncle Wan—I’ll risk my life to keep her safe.”

Nian Xue murmured, “Junior Brother Ye has found a powerful backer. Don’t forget your senior sister when you’re rich and successful!”

Ye Dong replied quietly, “Nian Xue, take this dagger instead. This responsibility is just too much.”

Nian Xue grinned mischievously. “I wouldn’t dare. You’re on your own.”

Zhengzheng gently hugged her father’s arm, acting spoiled. “Dad, I used to be so rude to you. Are you angry with me?”

Wan Tianze laughed heartily. “If you come chat with me more often, we’ll leave the past behind. Otherwise…”

Everyone, seeing Zhengzheng’s flushed face, burst out laughing. Nian Xue said, “Uncle Wan, we’ll head back now. We’ll probably need you to introduce us to my Grandmaster Uncle soon.”

Wan Tianze agreed readily. “No problem, I’d be happy to. Go on, and be careful! Jiayu, you stay—I have something to discuss with you.”

Lai Jiayu agreed, then whispered to Zhengzheng, “Don’t be so playful anymore. Time to grow up, understand?”

Zhengzheng was touched. “I know. Thank you.”

After leaving the headquarters, Zhou Zhixing drove them back to the paper effigy shop. It had to be said—after weathering the ordeal of the 714 case, they had all matured. Their state of mind was calmer, with less anxiety and more composure.

On the way, Ye Dong, temporarily setting aside his worries, happily caressed the Qinggang dagger. The thought of soon meeting Officer Li—and the cool, beautiful Wang Huiyan—filled him with delight. He couldn’t suppress a gleeful laugh, drawing jealous looks from Liang Lingzhi and the others. “Ye Dong, let me see Qinggang, will you?”

Ye Dong shook his head disdainfully. “No way. You’re all full of wicked energy and lechery. I won’t have you sully my precious blade.”

Da Chun cursed under his breath, “Just now you pretended not to want it, and now you’re acting all superior.”

Xiaobao chimed in, “Exactly.” He mimicked Ye Dong’s voice, “‘Even if you don’t give me this dagger, I’d still protect her.’ I can’t believe you actually said something so corny.”

Zhengzheng giggled. “Ye Dong’s just teasing you. He told me he’d mess with you to see your reactions.”

Liang Lingzhi shook his head. “Putting romance above friendship—using your brothers as a joke to impress girls. Shameful!”

Xiaobao echoed, “Shameful!”

Da Chun joined in, “Utterly shameless!”

Ye Dong burst out laughing, “Here, here, here!” He handed Qinggang over.

Liang Lingzhi caught it, surprised. “Who’d have thought such a small dagger could weigh so much?”

Nian Xue explained, “Legend has it that Qinggang was forged under the guidance of a Daoist from the Wei state who specialized in subduing demons. It’s a powerful weapon against evil.”

Hearing this, the others grew even more envious. “Ye Dong has a beauty in front and a treasure at his back—he’s really struck gold!”

The younger ones chimed in, “Struck it rich!”

Zhengzheng asked curiously, “What does ‘struck gold’ mean?”

“Gold is just another word for poop!” the three replied in unison.

Ye Dong, hearing this, felt even prouder. “It’s all thanks to Zhengzheng’s good fortune!”

Zhengzheng said shyly, “Thank you all for taking care of me these past few days.”

Everyone smiled. “Come on, we’re friends, aren’t we, Ye Dong?”

With Ye Dong’s affirmation, Zhengzheng’s heart filled with happiness. “What an interesting group of friends.”

By the time the car arrived at the Compassion Paper Effigy Shop, night had fallen. Getting out, they noticed the door was slightly ajar.

Xiaobao was startled. “Has someone broken in?”

Zhou Zhixing, hearing this, instinctively shielded Zhengzheng.

Ye Dong scanned the surroundings, grabbing Xiaobao, who was about to rush in. “Wait—don’t be hasty. It’s Officer Li and his team.”

He pointed to a private car parked dozens of meters away. “That’s Officer Li’s car. Let’s go in.”

Nian Xue praised him, “Sharp eyes! Officer Li messaged me earlier saying he’d come by to talk. I told him we were on our way and suggested he climb over the wall and wait inside.”

With her confirmation, anticipation surged in Ye Dong’s chest. “I wonder if Wang Huiyan is here too!”

Da Chun chuckled. “Officer Li breaking and entering? Is there a reward for reporting him?”

Nian Xue cut him off, “Enough nonsense. Let’s go.”

As soon as they entered the main hall, the aroma of food drifted out. Ye Dong smacked his lips. “Who would have guessed Officer Li can cook?”

Xiao Wang emerged, holding a pot of soup, beaming. “Perfect timing. Go wash up and get ready to eat.”

Liang Lingzhi feigned modesty. “Oh, we couldn’t possibly impose!”

Nian Xue scoffed, “As if you’d feel embarrassed!”

Officer Li came out carrying a plate of greens. Spotting Zhengzheng, he joked, “Can the daughter of a tycoon stomach a commoner’s meal?”

Zhengzheng looked a bit embarrassed. “I’m just an ordinary person. I’ll eat whatever you’re having.”

Officer Li pulled out his phone, dialed a number, and handed it to Zhengzheng. “Call your father and tell him to call off those bodyguards.”

Faced with this sudden gesture, Zhengzheng was at a loss, not knowing whether to take the phone or not...