In just a few days, the so-called treasure map of the High Ancestor from the previous dynasty had spread throughout the entire northwest. It seemed that anyone with even a bit of capability and influence had a copy. Naturally, Prince Ding's Estate was no exception, and a copy of the treasure map had also found its way into the study.
Mo Xiuyao merely glanced at the map before casually tossing it to Feng Zhiyao beside him. Just from Mo Xiuyao's attitude, Feng Zhiyao could tell that this so-called treasure map was likely worthless. However, Han Mingxi was quite intrigued. He snatched the map from Feng Zhiyao's hands and studied it carefully. Having just been swindled out of hundreds of thousands of taels of silver by Mo Xiuyao, he was nursing his wounds and desperately needed a substantial windfall to make up for it. After scrutinizing the map for a while, Han Mingxi frowned and said, "Isn't this the place where Wang Fei fell off the cliff?" Though the map was somewhat abstract, Han Mingxi, who often traveled for business, recognized the marked location after careful examination.
Neither Ye Li nor Mo Xiuyao had expected Tan Jizhi to hand over a genuine treasure map—one that pointed to the very Imperial Tomb where Doctor Lin had taken Ye Li. While it didn’t contain the Imperial Jade Seal or the High Ancestor's Treasure, it was indeed a legitimate tomb of the High Ancestor. If Tan Jizhi’s intention was merely to deceive those who were watching him, the cost seemed far too high.
Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and said, "Why bother speculating about his motives? In the northwest, what can he possibly achieve? Han Mingxi, if you're interested, you might as well join in the fun." At these words, Han Mingxi’s eyes lit up. He knew Ye Li had once entered that Imperial Tomb and immediately turned to her. Ye Li chuckled, "There are indeed many valuable things inside. It’s a decent Imperial Tomb, but as for treasure... it falls a bit short." Han Mingxi understood—this was an emperor’s mausoleum, not the legendary treasure trove. Still, that didn’t matter; an emperor’s tomb would have plenty of treasures regardless.
While Han Mingxi busied himself scheming and competing with various factions for the tomb’s treasures, Tan Jizhi—who had been relentlessly pursued both openly and covertly—showed up at their doorstep within a couple of days.
When Tan Jizhi saw Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao again, much of his former arrogance had faded. He approached them respectfully and bowed. Ye Li smiled and asked, "It’s been a while. How have you been, Young Master Tan?" Tan Jizhi gave a bitter smile and replied, "Why ask when Wang Fei already knows the answer?" Ye Li felt no sympathy for his haggard and exhausted appearance and maintained her smile. "Wang Ye and I have heard about your recent troubles. You’ve had quite the ordeal." Tan Jizhi felt a surge of frustration stuck in his chest—unable to swallow or spit it out—his face alternating between pale and flushed. After a long pause, he finally composed himself and clasped his hands in salute. "I’ve come today to fulfill our agreement and take Lin’er away from the northwest. May I ask when Wang Ye and Wang Fei intend to release her?"Ye Li smiled and said, "Anytime. Mr. Tan, you look as if we've gone back on our word. As I've said before, Princess Anxi is still in the northwest, and it would be unsafe for the Holy Maiden of the Southern Border to leave the estate rashly. Since you insist, I won't persuade you further. However, any incidents concerning the Holy Maiden's safety after leaving the estate will have nothing to do with Prince Ding's Estate." Tan Jizhi replied solemnly, "Naturally."
Hearing this, Ye Li was straightforward and waved for Qin Feng to bring Shu Manlin over. Shortly after, Shu Manlin was brought into the study. The moment she saw Tan Jizhi, she threw herself into his arms, sobbing tearfully. Tan Jizhi looked her over carefully. Though she had grown thinner, it was clear she hadn't suffered much, and Prince Ding's Estate had not mistreated her. Relieved, he took Shu Manlin's hand and prepared to leave. "Thank you, Wang Ye and Wang Fei. I shall take my leave now." Ye Li smiled faintly, merely saying softly that she wouldn't see them off, and had someone escort them out.
With many people having flocked to the Imperial Tomb area, Li Cheng was unusually quiet. Seizing the opportunity, Ye Li finally found time to leave the city and inspect the Qilin's encampment—her first trip outside the city since returning to Li Cheng. The Qilin's base was located in a hidden valley thirty li from Li Cheng, modeled similarly to the one she had built near the capital but larger in scale, with more training programs devised by Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and others.
Accompanied by Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, and the rest, Ye Li entered the valley and saw hundreds of spirited young men standing in neat formation on a wide open ground. They raised their right hands to their chests in salute and shouted in unison, "Greetings, Wang Fei!"
Ye Li scanned the crowd, her gaze immediately landing on Xu Qingfeng standing in the front row. Dressed in the same gray attire as the other Qilin members, his expression was solemn, prompting a faint smile from her.
"At ease," Ye Li said, stepping to the center of the field. She looked at the hundreds of vigorous Qilin members with satisfaction. "Today marks the end of your months of training. At the same time, the final round of assessments begins now. Do you have confidence?"
"Yes!" they roared in unison. Ye Li nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, my orders for this assessment are as follows: First, march 120 li westward. All must arrive at the designated location before the fifth watch tomorrow morning. Second, within a ten-li radius of the destination, apprehend all armed non-civilians of the northwest. If resisted, you may eliminate the Corpse Herding Taoists on the spot. Third, the following individuals must be captured alive without harm—a list will be provided shortly. All teams will operate in groups. If one member fails, the entire team is disqualified. Understood?""Understood!" the Qilin team members responded in unison, their eyes gleaming with excitement and fervor. After undergoing over half a year of rigorous training in this valley—training methods they had never even heard of before—they were now more eager than ever to venture out and test their newfound strength. Ye Li nodded in satisfaction and smiled, "I wish you all the best of luck." Qing Feng stepped forward, directing others to distribute the necessary equipment and weapons to the Qilin members. With a stern expression, he addressed his subordinates, "You've all heard Wang Fei's orders clearly. Additionally, as your commander, I'll add a few rules: Mistakenly capturing or injuring civilians—disqualified! Harming the mission target—disqualified! Letting the mission target escape—disqualified! Dismissed!"
"Understood!" the Qilin members shouted before swiftly dividing into over a dozen squads, each heading toward their designated destinations.
Ye Li and the others stood watching as their figures disappeared into the valley. Zhuo Jing frowned and said, "Wang Fei, according to reports from the shadow guards, there are at least a thousand people gathered near the Imperial Tomb now. Is sending only these men sufficient?" Ye Li turned to him with a smile, "Though their training isn't yet fully complete, it's already more intensive than what you all underwent back then. Don't you trust them, Zhuo Jing? Qin Feng, what do you think?" Qin Feng replied solemnly, "If they can't even handle this, then I'd rather send them all back and start over with new recruits. Rest assured, Wang Fei, I guarantee these lads won't let you down." Ye Li nodded, "Good. Then let's head over as well and see how their training has paid off."
The mountains near Hongzhou had become even livelier than Li Cheng in recent days. Despite the sudden influx of various factions, many realized something was amiss—they had likely been duped by Tan Jizhi. Yet, the allure of the Imperial Jade Seal was irresistible to most. Initially, everyone kept to themselves, avoiding conflict. But one afternoon, when one group finally discovered the entrance to the Imperial Tomb, the real chaos began.
Given their prior knowledge of the tomb, many factions had brought along skilled tomb raiders. Thus, it was no surprise that the entrance near Hongzhou was eventually found. However, this particular entrance was designed to allow exit only—forcing entry would require immense manpower and risk collapsing the entire passage or even the Underground Palace, rendering the effort futile. As a result, the factions held back, and eventually, a tacit agreement formed to collaborate on solving the entrance puzzle.
Han Mingxi didn't join the fray. Everyone knew he was from Prince Ding's Estate, and even if he tried, he wouldn't be welcomed. Instead, he stayed back with a few trusted subordinates, biding his time to seize an opportunity. After all, such a massive Imperial Tomb couldn't possibly be emptied by these people alone. Yet, one thing puzzled Han Mingxi: even though this place was some distance from Li Cheng, it was impossible that Wang Ye and Wang Fei were unaware of the situation here. To leave such a treasure trove and these people unchecked seemed entirely unlike Prince Ding's usual demeanor and temperament."Big brother, what do you think about this matter?" Han Mingxi asked Han Mingyue, who was sitting beside him, after regaining his composure.
Ever since Su Zuidie's death, Han Mingyue had been in a state of depression. Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, out of consideration for Han Mingxi, naturally didn't bother with him and simply left him in Han Mingxi's care. Whether it was out of brotherly affection and concern for Han Mingyue's life, or for the safety of the Han family, Han Mingxi would take good care of Han Mingyue to prevent him from causing trouble. During this time, Han Mingyue had been staying in Han Mingxi's residence, never stepping outside. At a glance, he now appeared pale and lifeless, like a walking corpse, completely devoid of the grace and charm of the once-renowned Young Master Mingyue. Unable to bear seeing him like this, Han Mingxi decided to bring him along on this trip to the Imperial Tomb, as it was a private matter anyway.
It was unclear whether Han Mingyue had heard Han Mingxi's question, but his eyes flickered slightly without any response. Han Mingxi no longer expected any guidance or reminders from his elder brother. He only hoped that Han Mingyue wouldn't cause trouble and would live peacefully—that would be enough to repay his brother's upbringing and the ancestors of the Han family. Thus, Han Mingyue's silence didn't anger Han Mingxi. He simply leaned casually against the tree and mused, "I have a feeling Prince Ding won't let me earn private money so easily."
Han Mingyue remained silent, his head lowered. Han Mingxi waved his hand and sighed, "Forget it, we'll find out what's going on when the time comes." He refused to believe Prince Ding would truly allow so many people to run amok in the northwest.
－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－
Well... I went out for a meal today, so the update is a bit short... I'll make up for it tomorrow. Thanks for your support, mwah!
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