Cai Qingchong nodded. "Exactly! That's him. The one who defeated the Han army wasn't just him, but the monsters he commanded."

Liu Dashao had already witnessed the power of those two types of monsters. Moreover, warfare in the late Eastern Han dynasty was often strained for the imperial troops; usually, a casualty rate of just one-tenth would cause a complete rout. Driving away tens of thousands of Han soldiers with those two creatures, therefore, would have been child's play for him.

Liu Dashao grew intensely curious about this Zhang Jiao and asked, "What is the background of this Great Teacher of Virtue? How can he command those two things?"

Big Grasshopper responded, "It is rumored that the Great Teacher of Virtue Zhang Jiao's magic all stems from enlightenment gained from the three volumes of the Taiping Qingling Shu. But legends are, after all, ephemeral. The reason these insects obey his commands must be that Zhang Jiao knows some ancient art of control. Zhang Jiao himself is impossibly mysterious, and records about him are few and far between."

After listening to Big Grasshopper's explanation, Liu Dashao sucked in a sharp breath, thinking to himself, So, insect control magic truly exists in this world.

Suddenly, Fan Debiao shrieked, "Light up ahead!"

At Fan Debiao's exclamation, Liu Dashao immediately looked ahead. Not far from them, he saw a faint blending of red, green, and blue light seeping out from a mountain cave.

Liu Dashao clapped Fan Debiao on the shoulder, and Fan Debiao instantly understood what he meant. Liu Dashao and Fan Debiao grabbed their entrenching shovels and jointly rowed the boat toward the source of the light.

Upon reaching the light source, they discovered that the banks of the river channel were lined with countless red, green, and blue gemstones. The light they had seen earlier was emitted by these very stones. Liu Dashao examined the area closely: it was a straight river channel, perhaps a hundred meters long, clearly man-excavated. At the far end was a circular cave, blocked by a stone door that plunged from the cave ceiling straight into the water below. The stone door on the left side was already open, presumably leading to the bottom of the cliff. The sight of the gems made Liu Dashao dizzy; he felt instinctively that these stones were not normal. Big Grasshopper picked up a ruby and declared, "This gem is no simple thing. This is Meteorite Jade!"

Meteorite Jade is jade found within a meteorite. It's already fortunate when a meteorite survives entry to Earth without being completely incinerated; finding Meteorite Jade is even luckier. This Meteorite Jade is an inestimable treasure. Could the elixir of immortality Zhang Jiao sought be related to these gems?

Fan Debiao’s eyes glowed upon seeing the jewels. While Big Grasshopper wasn't paying attention, he secretly pocketed a few stones, rushed over to Liu Dashao, and started stuffing them into Liu Dashao's trouser pocket. However, because there was a bronze bianzhong (chime bell) in Liu Dashao's pocket, the gems wouldn't fit. Seeing that the gems were worth more than the bianzhong, Fan Debiao pulled out the bell, tossed it aside carelessly, and shoved the stones into Liu Dashao's pocket.

The bianzhong, carelessly thrown by Fan Debiao, plunged into the water. Instantly, the bronze bell emitted a spontaneous chime. The surface of the water ahead abruptly swelled, and as the risen water gradually drained away, the body of a woman appeared before them.

As the water clinging to the female corpse receded, it became clear that the corpse lay within a jade coffin. This coffin was entirely transparent, offering a perfect view of the body inside. The corpse wore white silk robes, the style suggesting the Han dynasty period, with hands crossed over its abdomen, holding a black box beneath them. Due to the jade coffin, the box was only vaguely discernible. The surrounding three-colored Meteorite Jade cast an eerie glow upon the coffin.

The jade coffin floated suspended in mid-air, unsupported by any visible mechanism, ropes, or chains. Liu Dashao could only gasp; it was utterly unbelievable that such a large jade coffin could float like that.

Big Grasshopper suddenly remembered the bianzhong and looked toward the spot on the water where it had been thrown by Fan Debiao. The bianzhong hadn't sunk; it was floating on the surface, still vibrating spontaneously, causing rhythmic ripples across the water.

A thread of understanding sparked in his mind. Some meteorites carry strange magnetic fields; a prime example is the Bermuda Triangle, which blocks radio signals. Some meteorites generate magnetic fields harmful to humans, often leading to gruesome deaths for those exposed. And then there's a third type of meteorite that produces a strange levitating magnetic field.

It appeared they were currently dealing with this third type. And this levitation field seemed to require a bronze object to activate. The object suspended by this magnetic field must be the jade coffin before them.

With this thought, Big Grasshopper recounted his theory to the others. Liu Dashao clearly didn't grasp it, but Cai Qingchong nodded, saying, "This is the only explanation for this phenomenon."

Fan Debiao chimed in, "You say bronze artifacts activate this levitation field, so why didn't it activate when it was in Dashao's pocket? Why did it have to be taken out?"

Hearing this, Big Grasshopper grew puzzled again, finding the situation strange.

Cai Qingchong tugged at Liu Dashao's trousers. "Your trousers are anti-static. I suspect this levitation field can't be triggered without static electricity."

Liu Dashao was startled. Cai Qingchong was not only skilled in grave robbing but also knew a fair bit of science; he could pass for a scientist. He glanced at Cai Qingchong, whose face had flushed from pale, indicating his injuries were largely healed.

Liu Dashao touched his cotton trousers. "This explanation seems the best for now." Despite saying this, he remained deeply confused.

Big Grasshopper said, "Let's put this aside for now. Let's go see what's inside the box the female corpse is holding."

Hearing Big Grasshopper mention taking the box from the corpse, Fan Debiao pulled Liu Dashao's sleeve. "Dashao, hurry! Let's row over there."

Liu Dashao thought to himself, This Fan Debiao is blinded by greed; he must be plotting to snatch treasures off the corpse again.

Liu Dashao and Fan Debiao cooperated well with their shovels, rowing within ten meters of the jade coffin in just a few sweeps.

Big Grasshopper suddenly raised his hand, signaling Liu Dashao and Fan Debiao to stop. Liu Dashao asked in confusion, "What's wrong? Trouble?"

Big Grasshopper stared intently at the jade coffin. "I just saw the female corpse move, slightly."

Fan Debiao scoffed, "Hah, maybe your eyes are playing tricks on you? You said 'slightly.' Why don't we get closer for a better look?"

Liu Dashao whispered to Fan Debiao, "Biaozi, don't rush. Aren't you just after the treasure in that jade coffin? That treasure isn't going anywhere on its own. If that corpse really moved, rushing over there means we're done for if she takes a bite. It's better to let Big Grasshopper observe carefully."

Fan Debiao quickly replied upon hearing this, "I, Fan Debiao, am not someone who fears death, but for the sake of safety, letting him observe closely is wise!"

As soon as Fan Debiao finished speaking, Big Grasshopper suddenly yelled, "Not good!"

Liu Dashao knew something was wrong the moment he heard that, and he immediately looked toward the jade coffin.

What he saw stunned him, raising every hair on his body, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

At some point, the female corpse had turned her head toward them. Her face was indescribably pale, and her red pupils stared out menacingly. Liu Dashao stared fixedly at the corpse; the feeling was far more unpleasant than when he had stared at Zhu Youxiao's body back then.

Big Grasshopper and Cai Qingchong were hurriedly pulling items out of their packs, looking extremely tense. Soon, all three of them had retrieved something and put it on—a Mojin Fu (Gold-touching Talisman).

Liu Dashao cursed inwardly, Damn it, you old tomb robbers have your protective charms, and what do the rest of us have? That female zombie is going to come after us for garlic later.

Thinking of this, Liu Dashao's legs started shaking uncontrollably.

He turned to look, and the female corpse had already sat up by itself, its eyes glowing blood red, fixed intently on them.

Liu Dashao sucked in a breath and said to Big Grasshopper, "This is a thousand-year zombie. Should we grab some '49-year-old trotters'?"

Big Grasshopper replied, "What '49-year or '50-year'? Aren't all black donkey hooves the same?"

This was no time for philosophical debate. Liu Dashao grabbed his pack, pulled out a black donkey hoof, and gripped it tightly, waiting for Big Grasshopper's command.

Liu Dashao noticed Big Grasshopper's legs were also trembling. At that moment, Fan Debiao swung his entrenching shovel and roared, "Damn it, let's charge over and fight it!" Saying this, he slashed the shovel left and right, quickly reaching the side of the jade coffin.

The female zombie seemed to know Fan Debiao was coming for her, leaping fiercely out of the jade coffin. She landed on the boat, directly in front of Liu Dashao, her pair of blood-red eyes locking onto his. This sight almost made him faint from shock. Liu Dashao stared blankly into those blood-red eyes; the pupils were terrifyingly hollow.

At this point, there was nothing more to discuss. Liu Dashao gritted his teeth, grabbed the black donkey hoof, and wildly smashed it toward the female zombie. He didn't know if the hoof would even work.

"Stuff it in her mouth!" Big Grasshopper roared from the side.

Liu Dashao glanced over and saw Big Grasshopper inside the jade coffin, clutching the box and watching him nervously.

He hadn't quite understood Big Grasshopper's command at first, pausing before realizing what he meant. Just as Liu Dashao raised the black donkey hoof to shove it into the female zombie's mouth, the zombie suddenly lashed out and struck him, sending him flying. A feeling of wanting to vomit blood surged through him instantly. As he was about to spew it out, he landed in the water, swallowing the blood back down toward his throat.

Seeing Liu Dashao knocked away, Big Grasshopper seized the entrenching shovel and hacked forcefully at the female zombie's leg. No matter how tough the zombie's leg was, Big Grasshopper's strike forced her to kneel down on the boat.

Cai Qingchong saw the female zombie kneel and quickly used one hand to clamp down on her neck while using the other to pin her skull. This made it difficult for the zombie to stand up again.

Big Grasshopper saw his chance and stuffed the black donkey hoof into the female zombie's mouth. However, it had no effect. The zombie reached out a hand and stabbed Big Grasshopper's thigh, and a stream of bright red blood immediately flowed down his trousers. Big Grasshopper cried out in pain, instantly dropping to one knee on the boat.

Cai Qingchong frowned and yelled at Liu Dashao, "Put the bianzhong away!"

Liu Dashao was stunned for a moment, then looked to his side. The bronze bianzhong was right next to him, vibrating incessantly. Aghast, he quickly reached out, grabbed the bell, and shoved it back into his trouser pocket.

The moment the bianzhong was pocketed, they heard Fan Debiao cry out "Aoooh!" The jade coffin where he had been sitting suddenly dropped into the water, and the female zombie shuddered once and then went still. Seeing this, Cai Qingchong twisted the hand pressing on the zombie's skull by a full 180 degrees. When he released his grip, the female zombie dropped down stiffly.

Big Grasshopper, seeing the female zombie neutralized, seemed relieved of a great burden and slumped weakly onto the boat.

After she went limp, the female corpse instantly shriveled up, as if a balloon had been punctured, becoming a true dried-out mummy.

Suddenly, a chill washed over Liu Dashao, making his whole body tremble. He hadn't noticed the change in temperature when he fell into the water because he was too panicked. Now that things had calmed down, he realized the river water was bone-chillingly cold.

He thought to himself, This river water is damn cold. If I stayed in much longer, I'd definitely be frozen stiff. I have to get back on the boat quickly. Saying this, he shivered again, another wave of cold running through him.

Liu Dashao stretched his arms out and swam with freestyle strokes rapidly to the side of the boat. He grabbed the gunwale with both hands and jumped onto the boat with a surge of effort. Immediately upon reaching the deck, a wave of warmth washed over him. Liu Dashao thought the temperature difference between the water and the air was immense—it was like the South Pole versus Africa!

With a thud, the black box that Big Grasshopper had handed to Fan Debiao jumped out of the water and onto the boat.

Liu Dashao saw that Fan Debiao's lips were tinged blue from the cold. Fan Debiao cursed, "This water is frigid! Good thing I’m agile, or I’d have ended up lost here."

After speaking, Fan Debiao looked at Big Grasshopper and noticed his leg injury. With an "Aiya," he quickly pulled out his first-aid kit from his bag and began bandaging Big Grasshopper's wound.

Everyone except Fan Debiao had sustained some level of injury on this journey, and Fan Debiao had bandaged them all. It seemed that despite his simple nature, this fellow was quite suited for emergency aid.

Liu Dashao was still quite worried about Big Grasshopper's injury, having seen how badly the female zombie hurt him earlier. He turned his attention to Big Grasshopper.

Fan Debiao had finished bandaging Big Grasshopper, who was now calmly lighting and smoking a cigarette, looking as if his injury wasn't too serious.

Ever since reading the Tianshi Bi Lu left by Zhang Enpu, Liu Dashao had been puzzled by the mention of the 'black donkey hoof' and never expected to see its efficacy proven today; it truly could counteract zombies.

Liu Dashao asked Big Grasshopper, "Big Grasshopper, how can this black donkey hoof subdue a zombie? Logically, a white donkey hoof has a similar composition, so why must it specifically be from a black donkey?"

Big Grasshopper explained, "I don't actually know the specific reason. That the black donkey hoof can repel demons and ward off evil is something passed down by our ancestors; we juniors just follow the formula. However, in my view, the black donkey hoof must contain some medium that reacts with the zombie's magnetic field, blocking the transmission of some substance within the zombie, which is what stops its movement."

After hearing Big Grasshopper’s explanation, Liu Dashao nodded, thinking that Big Grasshopper's reasoning was probably correct. Earlier, the bronze bianzhong had triggered the levitation magnetic field; when he put the bianzhong away, that field disappeared, and the black donkey hoof's effect resumed.

Liu Dashao looked at the dazzling Meteorite Jade. This jade could both create a levitation field and interfere with other magnetic fields. If this stuff got out, it would certainly cause trouble. Liu Dashao suddenly remembered that Fan Debiao had stuffed a bag full of Meteorite Jade into his pocket. He absolutely couldn't take this out. So, he emptied all the Meteorite Jade from his trouser pocket.

At that moment, Liu Dashao noticed the dried corpse on the boat. This old woman looked even more terrifying as a female dried mummy. Just looking at her made Liu Dashao’s hair stand on end. Damn it, this old hag couldn't just lie there on the boat; it was both terrifying and unlucky.

Thinking this, Liu Dashao tried to kick the dried corpse into the river with his foot. But his strength wasn't enough; he only managed to flip the corpse over.

Seeing Liu Dashao fail with one kick, Fan Debiao picked up his entrenching shovel and brought it down on the corpse's back, intending to shovel it into the river.

As Fan Debiao lifted the shovel and angled the corpse, a flash of light momentarily appeared. Liu Dashao’s sharp eyes caught it and realized the light came from the female corpse's chest. He quickly called out to Fan Debiao, telling him to wait.

Fan Debiao stopped his action, looking at Liu Dashao with suspicion. "What's wrong, Dashao? Did you take a liking to this dried corpse? Planning to take her home for a wife?"

Liu Dashao retorted, "Damn you, stop joking around. No matter how low my taste is, I wouldn't marry a dried corpse! I saw something glowing on her chest." He pointed his hand forward.

Upon hearing there was something glowing on the corpse's chest, Fan Debiao paused for a beat, lowered his shovel, and started fussing with the corpse. He must have assumed there was treasure on the body.

After a while, Fan Debiao retrieved a jade pendant from the corpse's chest and began dangling it rapidly in front of Liu Dashao's eyes. The light from the Meteorite Jade mingled with the light from the pendant, and a swarm of light shot directly into Liu Dashao's eyes. As Liu Dashao stared at the pendant, his eyelids felt heavy, and sleepiness overwhelmed him. He snatched the pendant away from Fan Debiao. "Don't swing it around randomly! You're making me dizzy!"