The two villagers pointed out in surprise that the marked location was where the patriarch of Ma'an Village's ancestral tomb was located. They also said that this was a feng shui treasure spot, and it was because the patriarch's family occupied this place that they were able to prosper and accumulate great wealth. This information made Fangye's group even more excited; such a feng shui treasure spot often indicated the presence of a large tomb, and their expedition this time would surely yield significant results! "Bro, we finally found a good spot! This time, our performance will definitely be the best in the clan! When we return, we'll surely make our parents happy." "Yeah!"
The conversation between Zhang Haini and Zhang Haiker made others feel joyful too, even Zhang Nian, who had always had a sour face, showed a smile. Zhang Qiming felt a bit dejected, as his parents were already dead, and no matter how well he performed, there was no one to celebrate with him. Zhang Qiming was somewhat surprised by these thoughts, perhaps due to the integration of his predecessor's memories. At this moment, a cold voice instantly dampened the atmosphere.
"I advise you not to go."
The young man spoke coldly.
"Why? We've worked so hard to find this place."
This was undoubtedly like pouring cold water over Zhang Haiker and the others.
Zhang Haiker pointed at the map in his hand, which they had seized from bandits. It was a treasure map that the bandits cherished dearly, and the markings on it certainly represented valuable treasures.
"Because you'll die."
The young man's words instantly infuriated Zhang Nian.
"What the hell did you say? You and Zhang Qiming are both deadweights in the team. If anyone is going to die, it's going to be you two. Are you trying to claim all the treasure for yourself? Fine, I'll kill you first!"
Zhang Qiming stood beside the young man, unafraid, and retorted against Zhang Nian.
"Can't you speak normally?"
Seeing the two about to fight again, Zhang Haiker quickly intervened.
"Let's calm down! Little guy, do you know something?"
It was Zhang Haiker who remained calm and immediately grasped the key issue. Although the young guy was silent and cold, he wouldn't talk nonsense.
"The ruins beneath us, what you think is Zhang Family Fortress, actually has another name—"
"Sifang City."
"Sifang City?"
Zhang Haiker was shocked; he seemed to have heard the name before, but the elders of the clan never mentioned it and forbade him from talking about it outside the family.
"This place was once the site where the previous patriarch was assassinated. It's filled with dangers and traps, and one wrong step could lead to death. Are you sure you want to enter?"
The young man slowly explained, without lying. Whether to believe him or not was their decision.
"Don't play tricks on us!"
Zhang Jiuri stepped forward.
"Who’s afraid of death? This is our chance to stand out! If I’m going to take something, I’ll take the best! Zhang Haini was eager to try.
"That’s right. Venturing out is dangerous, but risk comes with reward. Isn’t that why Zhang people train hard?"
Zhang Haiker smiled and patted the young man on the shoulder.
"Little guy, lead the way."
Zhang Qiming stood aside, crossing his arms.
"Calling me 'little guy' all the time shows no respect. You don’t even know how dangerous this place is. If we encounter danger, won’t it be up to us to save you?"
Zhang Nian spat on the ground.
"Pah! Do I need you two losers to save me? I’d rather die than have you save me!"
Zhang Qiming jumped up.
"Alright! You said it. If you let us save you, call me grandpa from now on."
Zhang Nian slapped his chest.
"Deal! Whoever needs help is a damn grandson!"
Zhang Qiming smiled. Good kid, you’ll be calling me grandpa soon!
"Stop fooling around! It’s getting dark. The Zhang Family Fortress is right below us. Let’s find a hidden spot and go down to check it out."
Ma'an Village indeed was a feng shui treasure spot. The entire village was backed by a mountain and had a river running through it—a perfect place for wind and water to gather. Any clan settling here would surely produce a prodigy within ten years.
In a secluded area, several people wielded special tools made by the Zhang family and soon dug a hole.
"Bro, why is this place full of mud and sand?"
Zhang Haini wiped her sweat, curious.
"I heard from the elders that there was once a mudslide here, which is why the clan moved away. Zhang Haiker wasn’t very clear about it either, as the elders kept silent on the matter.
Combining the young guy’s words earlier, it might have something to do with the assassination attempt on the previous patriarch.
"Hey! Why aren’t you working?"
Zhang Nian’s hoe was smoking from the effort, but Zhang Qiming was sitting on the ground yawning, almost falling asleep.
"Me? I finished my part."
Zhang Qiming shifted slightly, revealing a circular light. Looking through the hole, it turned out to be a room made of stone bricks—he had dug through!
"You finished digging through?"
Zhang Haini held up an oil lamp, surprised.
"Damn! Why didn’t you say anything sooner? My hoe is smoking!"
Zhang Nian was quite angry.
"You didn’t ask, how was I supposed to tell you?"
Zhang Qiming looked innocent, almost making Zhang Nian spit blood.
"Fine, fine, fine. Don’t let me catch you off guard, or I’ll kill you!"
Zhang Qiming yawned.
"Alright, stop arguing. By the way, do you have any food left? I’m hungry again."
"You’re asking for it!"
Zhang Nian finally lost it, reaching for Zhang Qiming’s neck.
But Zhang Qiming moved like an arrow, disappearing several steps away.
Missing his target, Zhang Nian looked at Zhang Qiming in disbelief, furious.
"Enough! You’re embarrassing yourself!"
Zhang Jiuri scolded Zhang Nian, who was the most straightforward among them. He also thought Zhang Nian was wrong for using hidden weapons against a clansman.
"You’re siding with him too! Fine, you’re all in it together!"
In anger, Zhang Nian pushed Zhang Jiuri away and dived into the illuminated round hole, disappearing.
Zhang Haiker feared trouble and quickly called his sister.
"Come on, let’s follow them."
Zhang Jiuri and Zhang Haini followed, and the young man glanced at Zhang Qiming before walking over.
Only Zhang Qiming remained in the muddy tunnel.
Seeing Zhang Qiming unmoving, Zhang Haiker asked in surprise,
"Why aren’t you coming?"
Zhang Qiming pointed at the hole.
"Coming? The young guy said it’s dangerous inside, so why should I go?"
Zhang Haiker was puzzled.
"Don’t you want to complete the venture?"
Zhang Qiming chuckled.
"Since you said I get to pick the best treasure, why should I risk myself?"
Zhang Haiker humphed. Zhang Qiming was still the family’s black sheep. Despite his amazing agility, he was still just a lump of useless mud.
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