The next day, they didn't linger, hurrying instead toward Cao Cao's tomb. After all, Cao Cao was the foremost ambitious hero in Chinese history; what kind of deadly trap might such a formidable historical figure have set for himself? Legends claimed Cao Cao had seventy-two hidden tombs, and several suspected ones had been discovered over the years. It was ironic: having spent a lifetime openly robbing tombs, his own resting place was now being openly plundered after his death. That, he mused, was retribution.

Lost in thought, they arrived in Anyang County, Henan.

Seeing the intense, meticulous excavation already underway, the two rushed to join the activity.

On the way, Lu Zong noticed numerous smaller graves scattered around, some freshly unearthed and abandoned before their treasures could even be plundered, which caused him a pang of distress.

He pointed out the ancient tombs to Han Chong, his heart aching, saying, "Look how those treasures are just being wasted; it's a true sin."

Han Chong, completely unconcerned, replied, "Hurry up. These are minor burials; no need to check them closely. Everyone is busy tending to that old bastard Cao Cao. Besides, these small graves were long ago robbed. Even if we ignore them, basically no one will bother stealing from them now. These things originally belonged to others anyway; we don't need to worry about it."

Still, a faint ache resonated in Lu Zong's heart over the sheer waste of valuables.

When they finally reached the main excavation site, the area was entirely cordoned off by Public Security officers. Han Chong smoothly presented his work ID and pass, gaining entry easily. But Lu Zong was the problem; he had no identification. Thirty-plus years old, and he hadn't even secured a marriage certificate, let alone any official documentation. Hearing the demand for credentials made his scalp prickle and his face flush hot. He stared at the officer, wishing he could just knock the man dead with one punch. Since he knew he couldn't win a fight, he had no choice but to endure.

He politely offered a cigarette and said, "Brother, my apologies. I am an expert in ancient corpse research, here today to assess the situation. I ask for your kind cooperation in letting me through."

The officer stared blankly at Lu Zong and said, "Smoking is strictly prohibited here. Please put that away. Behave yourself."

Han Chong checked his watch and interjected, "Sir, please show him some leniency. We are short on time."

The officer ignored Han Chong completely, prompting Han Chong to roll his eyes repeatedly.

Lu Zong finally conceded with a sigh, "Han Chong, you go in first. I'll figure something out here and find you later."

Han Chong glanced at his watch; truly, there wasn't time to wait. He told Lu Zong to wait, promising to come out soon. After all, there wasn't much to see inside; he could just look up the data online later to finish his paper. Going in was mostly just a formality.

Lu Zong watched Han Chong walk away with pathetic longing, drooling slightly.

Suddenly, he spotted a familiar silhouette emerging from behind a tent. A jolt of excitement shot through him. Damn, isn't that Ma Xiong? Didn't he go back to the precinct? Why is he out here?

He quickly hailed him, "Hey, Ma Xiong, you little punk, get over here!"

Ma Xiong, hearing his name called, looked around, spotted Lu Zong standing awkwardly, and was himself startled. He walked over and said, "Hey, why are you here, kid? You came all the way from Xinjiang."

Lu Zong was distracted. "Nothing, nothing. Just taking a stroll, and accidentally ended up here. By the way, what are you doing here?"

Ma Xiong sighed heavily. "Damn it, I just got here when I got orders from above. They found Cao Cao's tomb here and insisted I guard it. So here I am, circling this grave day in and day out. It's killing me. I just got out of a tomb, and now I have to patrol around another one. Am I going crazy or what?"

Lu Zong felt a surge of pity for Ma Xiong, seeing the sadness and guilt etched on his face.

"Right, you're supposed to be guarding this tomb, aren't you? Let's discuss something?" Lu Zong said mysteriously.

"What is it?" Ma Xiong rolled his eyes, waiting for Lu Zong.

"Report, Captain: this man has no pass and wants to enter. I refused him. Please advise, Captain." The officer standing nearby relaxed his shoulders slightly, then straightened up.

"You handled that perfectly," Ma Xiong clapped the soldier on the shoulder, then glared menacingly at Lu Zong, shouting, "I've seen plenty of freeloaders like you, trying to use back doors for an advantage. I think you've picked the wrong place. Why don't you go ask around about Ma Xiong’s reputation? From birth until now, I haven't done a single dishonorable thing. I’ve received three National Merits medals back at the bureau, had two major citations, and three second-class citations. I'm practically a celebrity in the capital. Do you think I'd break protocol today just because of our brotherly bond? So, absolutely not. I’m taking you into custody. Move!" He seized Lu Zong’s arm and dragged him toward the back of the tent.

Lu Zong laughed. "Damn it, we aren't fighting the Viet Cong; you don't need such elaborate theatrics. Just let me in."

Ma Xiong grumbled under his breath, "Less talk. Today, I’m introducing you to someone." They reached the back of the tent. Ma Xiong released Lu Zong and pointed toward a large opening. "Go in. Maybe it will bring you a surprise."

Lu Zong looked at the dark hole and asked, "Does this tunnel lead to Cao Cao's tomb?"

Ma Xiong casually glanced around, then lowered his voice. "We don't know yet. But where it leads is up to you to figure out. Hurry up and go in; I have to resume my patrol soon."

Lu Zong figured Ma Xiong wouldn't pull a fast one, so he squeezed in.

He pinched a small handful of soil, brought it to his nose, and inhaled. To his surprise, it was still fresh and damp, indicating a newly dug passage.

He scrambled quickly inside, determined to see how long the tunnel ran.

But he crawled for a long time without finding an end, and Lu Zong was nearly gasping for air. First, the passage was extremely narrow, requiring him to move flat on his belly; second, the soil underneath became increasingly heavy, increasing the resistance. It was incredibly frustrating.

Just as he was about to give up, he suddenly noticed a large, wiggling backside ahead, accompanied by rhythmic, heavy breathing.

A name flashed in his mind, and he shouted, "Fatty!"

The bulky rear end twitched a few times, followed by two coughs, and a grumbling voice cursing, "Who's calling Fatty's name? Fatty... Ah, holy hell, Lu Zong, Young Madam Lu! What wind blew you into this tomb robber's shaft?"

Lu Zong saw it was indeed Fatty, and his heart trembled uncontrollably. How did these two get entangled again? Fatty must have some wicked plan brewing.

Lu Zong snapped back, "Fatty, are your palms itching again? Ready to swipe a couple of things? I knew you two were teaming up for some mischief."

Fatty let out a hearty laugh. "Don't talk like that. This time it wasn't because my hands were itching; Ma Xiong invited me. He said he was guarding an ancient tomb here, and since he was idle, and there were many small, unmanaged graves nearby, he asked me to come clean up the mess for them. But as we dug, we accidentally broke through here. Damn it! It was supposed to be a distant small grave, but it unexpectedly connected to a shaft leading to Cao Cao's tomb! Might as well tidy up this access tunnel and use it as a back door. We could even charge admission."

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