Professor Chen and his archaeological team, primarily composed of his assistants and students, ventured into the desert in search of the ruins of Jingjue. Needless to say, those who perished in the black desert are not worth mentioning, and those who stumbled out alive were barely holding on; the most tragic figure was undoubtedly Professor Chen, whose severe trauma led to a complete mental breakdown. It was a nightmare of an experience, and at that time, Shirley Yang had no idea how deeply intertwined her fate was with the dark Zagrama Holy Mountain.

After returning from the desert, Shirley Yang took Professor Chen to the United States for treatment. Not long after, both of them developed eye-shaped, red bruises on their backs; furthermore, Professor Chen’s condition was more severe, suffering from a rare form of iron deficiency for which various medical institutions were powerless. Shirley Yang learned from the Prophet’s Apocalypse within the Zagrama Holy Mountain that she might be a descendant of the Zagrama tribe, prompting her to launch an in-depth investigation into the matter. The more she understood about the destiny of the past, the clearer it became that the affair of the Bottomless Ghost Cave was far more complex than imagined; currently, their understanding of the Bottomless Ghost Cave barely scratches the surface.

The most crucial item Shirley Yang discovered was the Inscribed Dragon Bone from the Tongtian Great Buddha Temple in Black Water City. The strange script carved upon it was illegible to anyone, and the only confirmed detail was that numerous eye symbols were inscribed on the bone. That particular shape was instantly recognizable, perfectly matching the jade eyeballs broken in Xinjiang and the deep crimson marks growing on their backs.

This Inscribed Dragon Bone must contain vital records pertaining to the Muchen Orb. If the contents could be deciphered, perhaps the Muchen Orb could be located; otherwise, Shirley Yang, Pangzi, and I would inevitably suffer the torment of our blood coagulating and turning yellow upon our eventual deaths. In the case of the mentally collapsed Professor Chen, this malady had already begun to fester; heaven knows how long the old man could hold out.

Ever since returning from Shaanxi, I had been restless, unable to eat or sleep soundly, precisely because I didn't know what exactly was growing on my back. Now that it was confirmed by Shirley Yang, and it was indeed linked to that damned Bottomless Ghost Cave, my mind was somewhat at ease. It wasn't as terrifying as I had initially envisioned. Life is but a fleeting moment, like the passage of grass and trees in a single autumn; that strange illness wouldn't manifest for many years anyway. By then, I could simply immigrate to the States for refuge. But what about Professor Chen? Could we just stand by and watch the old man die like that?

Sometimes, one must believe in the irresistible pull of predestined fate. Coincidentally, I had recently learned in Gutian County that Professor Sun had managed to decipher this celestial script inscribed on the dragon bone. The contents of this celestial book were absolutely confidential, and Professor Sun refused to disclose a single word. Moreover, at this time, Professor Sun was likely the only person in the world who possessed the method to interpret the celestial script, as the research findings had not yet been made public. I recounted all these matters to Shirley Yang in detail. Although Professor Sun was unapproachable and tight-lipped, he was, after all, only human. If we pressed him hard enough, getting him to speak should not be an issue. But then what? Follow the clues to raid a major tomb and retrieve that large, eye-like Muchen Orb? That wasn't something you could accomplish with a mere utterance. Those Mountain Movers had been searching for years without success… For people like us to search would mean having no certainty of success, and the dangers within ancient tombs are manifold; we might even lose a few lives in the process, which would be a poor trade-off.

Seeing that I was lost in thought, Shirley Yang presumed I had reservations about finding the Muchen Orb and asked me, "What's wrong? Are you scared? I only need you to lead me to the location once we have a clue. I can handle the tomb raiding by myself..."

I cut her off: "What's this? Looking down on me, are you? That’s a laugh! Why don't you go ask around? When has Old Hu ever known fear? Say, you know those Vietnamese guys? So what if they’re dark and skinny, like little scrawny chickens? They were fierce enough to drive your American troops away, yet I still managed to take care of them. Back during the Sino-Vietnamese Border War, I was the vanguard of the main army; if the Central Military Commission hadn't held me back, I’d have taken Hanoi myself. Forget it, you’ll just think I’m bragging anyway. I'll prove with actions that I'm not someone who clings to life and fears death; besides, this involves you and Professor Chen, there’s no way I can stand idly by." After speaking, I took Shirley Yang’s hand and stood up from the park bench.

Shirley Yang asked where I was going. I told her, "We’ve been chatting here all afternoon, and it’s getting late. Pangzi and the others are waiting for me at Panjiayuan. I’ll have him get organized when I get back, and tomorrow we’ll head to Shaanxi to find Professor Sun. Whether he talks or not, we have to pry the truth out of him, and then we'll do what needs to be done."

Shirley Yang sighed and said to me, "You’re just too impulsive, thinking whatever you want and acting immediately. These things aren't that simple. Why do you think Professor Sun refuses to talk? Is he afraid revealing heavenly secrets will bring danger upon himself?"

I told Shirley Yang, "Actually... how do I explain this to you, foreign girl? Some aspects of Chinese ways of dealing with people are hard to articulate. Don't mind the scare tactics and bluffs Professor Sun used on me; based on my experience in reading people, that old coffin lid—Sun—is almost certainly being controlled by his superiors."

Shirley Yang shook her head, perplexed: "Controlled? What do you mean?"

Explaining these matters clearly to Shirley Yang was genuinely difficult for me. I paused to think and then said, "Let me give you an example. Say, in China, some authoritative figure declares that 1+1=3. Later, Professor Sun verifies through research that 1+1 should equal 2. But because the person who first said 1+1=3 holds an authoritative position, even if he is wrong, no one is allowed to challenge him. Professor Sun might have uncovered some subversive content in the Dragon Bone Celestial Script that contradicts current values or worldviews, leading to a gag order from his superiors—no speaking to anyone. That’s why he’s become so eccentric now; I suspect he’s mostly become cynical from being suppressed."

My plan was to first find Professor Sun and get to the bottom of things. If the Dragon Bone Celestial Script held no clues about the Muchen Orb, so be it. But if it did, it would likely follow the pattern of the Zagrama ancestors’ divination—ultimately resting in some great tomb. I’ve always harbored a grand ambition: to raid a major tomb through my own skill, strike it rich, and then retire for good. Otherwise, possessing this aptitude for Fenshijin Dingxue (locating graves by geomancy) without application would be a complete waste, a pity to let it go to waste.

This was the perfect opportunity. Saving others would simultaneously save myself, and I could also repay the favor I owed Shirley Yang. In fact, even without owing her a favor, given the shared adversity we endured, coupled with the fact that she once saved my life, I couldn't refuse to help her and Professor Chen based on those grounds alone.

Once the Muchen Orb is found, I won't take it. That object is no common item; it's not something ordinary people can handle. But this venture isn't archaeology anymore; it’s genuine tomb raiding. I have many needs for money right now. If we encounter any other valuable artifacts during the raid, then Old Hu won't be polite—I’ll certainly pocket a couple of decent pieces.

Having made up my mind, I told Shirley Yang, "Let’s go find Pangzi and Da Jinya first; we’ll need their help with this. We can treat you to a meal—how about the Beijing Hotel? Oh, right, do you have any foreign currency? Change some for me first; RMB isn't accepted there."

When I brought Shirley Yang back to Panjiayuan, Pangzi and Da Jinya had just concluded a big deal, having successfully fenced five or six 'green-headed, judgmental-eyed' pieces (likely referring to smuggled currency or jade). Business had been excellent lately; if things kept going this way, we’d be off to Shaanxi to ‘shovel dirt’ again in a few days.

I told Pangzi and Da Jinya to get ready; we were all heading to the Jianguo Hotel. Over the meal, I explained Shirley Yang’s situation and my decision to seek the Muchen Orb with her.

Da Jinya listened and then said to me, "Hu Ye, forgive my indiscretion, but in my opinion, perhaps living a few more years is better than searching for it. Our business at Panjiayuan is booming now; there’s no need to abandon our livelihoods to go tomb raiding. There are Zongzi (walking corpses/zombies) in ancient tombs."

Pangzi retorted to Da Jinya, "Old Jin, this raid has to happen. We need to secure a few irreplaceable antique treasures for our inventory. That gives us more credibility when dealing with clients, preventing those big patrons from looking down on us. Don’t you worry, Old Jin, you’re too frail to handle the stress, so you won’t be going into the tomb. But don't worry about us either; if there really are any Zongzi, I, representing the people, will execute them myself."

I mimicked Chairman Deng’s Sichuan accent and said to Da Jinya, "Yes, Old Jin, don't be afraid of breaking these jars and pots, and don't fret over minor gains or losses of territory. The reason we abandon this place today is precisely so we can preserve this place for the long run."

Hearing this, Da Jinya grinned, flashing his shiny gold teeth, and said to us, "Alright, I yield to you two gentlemen. You know when to take and when to let go, valuing friendship over life and death—true men. Actually, it’s not just me; mention your names in Panjiayuan now, and everyone gives a thumbs-up. They know you two are the famous hardliners of Panjiayuan: selling ‘fragrant oil’ (smuggled goods), never paying taxes, allowed in but never allowed out—men of principle."

Pangzi was eating while rubbing his feet, nodding repeatedly as Da Jinya praised us. After a while, he sensed something was off and asked, "Old Jin, are you praising us or cursing us? It doesn’t sound right to me."

Da Jinya quickly said to Pangzi, "Your humble brother didn't mean it that way..."

Seeing Shirley Yang sitting silently beside me, her face etched with worry and looking haggard, I knew she was concerned about Professor Chen’s safety. She probably felt that with Pangzi and Da Jinya around, we wouldn't discuss serious matters and kept veering off topic. I quickly turned to Pangzi and Da Jinya and said, "Alright, alright, we need to discuss serious business now. I’ll assign our future tasks. Comrade Wang Kaixuan, this is a high-class establishment; please mind your manners while dining. Stop picking your feet while eating—what kind of decorum is that?"

Pangzi replied nonchalantly, "Rubbing my feet feels comfortable. Besides, my father always liked to eat, smoke, and rub his feet at the same time—it’s a glorious revolutionary tradition. Now that we have reform and opening up, we should carry it forward and let the feet achieve complete liberation."

I told Pangzi, "Can’t you see we have an American guest present? This is a diplomatic occasion. I really don’t have the energy to deal with you; you’re just the kind who can’t make it to a formal event."

Shirley Yang saw that I had been talking for a long time without getting to the point, frowned slightly, and kicked me under the table. Only then did I realize I had strayed again. I quickly told Pangzi and Da Jinya to quiet down and meticulously discussed with Shirley Yang how to locate the real Muchen Orb.

Even though Pangzi usually acts like a carefree rogue who doesn’t care about anything, when it comes to finding treasures and raiding relics, he’s more enthusiastic than I am now. This is understandable; seeing that real money is involved, and assuming that raiding a tomb—whether the Muchen Orb is found or not—will yield priceless funerary objects, Pangzi is taking this seriously now.

Da Jinya is even more enthusiastic. He doesn't have to go tomb raiding, but since he's involved, he'll get a share of the artifacts. The reason I brought Da Jinya into the fold is that he has the widest network of connections and unparalleled access to the black market; almost nothing is unobtainable for him. The necessary tools and equipment for tomb raiding will all depend on him to procure.

The four of us discussed things for the better part of the day, finally deciding that to find the Muchen Orb, we must first start with the Inscribed Dragon Bone covered in celestial script. We would take the rubbings to Professor Sun in Shaanxi and insist on extracting what the inscription on the Dragon Bone actually records, then combine that information with what we already possess. Following these clues, once we have a definite target, it will be time to act.

We need to get to Gutian, Shaanxi, as soon as possible. Shirley Yang and I will go together, starting tomorrow morning, to investigate this Inscribed Dragon Bone from the Tongtian Great Buddha Temple in Black Water City thoroughly. Since Pangzi suffers from acrophobia and cannot fly, he will stay behind with Da Jinya to purchase all the necessary equipment.

Shirley Yang gave me the Mojin Talisman left by Elder Mo Chen, and I was overjoyed; now I felt much more confident about the upcoming raid. Moreover, the three of us each possess an authentic Mojin Talisman. It seems heaven has ordained that the three of us must join hearts and guts to raid tombs together.

Shirley Yang also brought along some of the equipment used by her maternal grandfather, a Mojin Xiaowei (Grave Robber Captain), including the Steel Umbrella, Corpse Binding Rope, Yin Probing Claw, Whirlwind Shovel, Dragon Seeking Smoke, Wind and Cloud Wrap, Soft Corpse Incense, Corpse Touching Gloves, Northern Dark Pearl, Yin-Yang Mirror, Ink Line, Peach Wood Nails, Black Folder, Fire and Water Shoes, and so on and so forth—along with the formulas for various secret medicines made by the Mojin Xiaowei.

These implements, crafted over centuries by the Mojin Xiaowei through experience and skill, are treasures beyond measure to us; many are things I’ve only heard of but never seen firsthand. With these traditional tools, coupled with the gear Pangzi and Da Jinya will procure for us—entrenching shovels, wolf-eye flashlights, tactical compasses, paratrooper knives, dive watches, gas masks, waterproof matches, climbing helmets, headlamps, cold flares, illumination signal flares, solid fuel, sleeping bags, water filtration canteens, binoculars, thermometers, barometers, first-aid kits, various ropes and safety anchors... it should be sufficient for most environments. If the environment is special, requiring unique gear, we can supplement further.

It would be best if we could buy the entrenching shovels of the type we initially used, those issued to German mountain troops in WWII; if not available, the standard US Army issue will suffice.

For the paratrooper knives, we should only buy Soviet ones; we are accustomed to the Russian design. Because the performance and styling of various paratrooper knives differ, for cutting or close-quarters self-defense, the Soviet 106th Guards Airborne Division paratrooper knife is the most comfortable to use.

With this equipment that serves as both tool and weapon, firearms aren't strictly necessary. However, past lessons have taught us that our failures often stem from underestimating the enemy—in the trade of tomb raiding, experience is far more important than equipment. Without sufficient experience and daring, even being armed to the teeth won't prevent you from losing your life. From the Wild Man Ditch at Black Wind Pass, to the mysterious city of Jingjue in the desert, and then to the tomb-within-a-tomb in Longling—although the tomb in Wild Man Ditch housed only a fallen general, the expedition to Jingjue Ancient City was accompanied by an archaeological team, so it doesn't strictly count as tomb raiding, and the one in Longling turned out to be an empty grave—these three experiences of deep penetration into ancient tombs are invaluable lessons.

However, large ancient tombs are often the final resting places for ancient privileged classes, holding immense significance for the people of that time. Ancient tombs often contain not only bronze coffins and iron sarcophagi but also reservoirs for water and accumulated sand, riddled with mechanisms and countless unexpected dangers. Therefore, preparation beforehand must be meticulous, considering every conceivable scenario.

With the plan settled, everyone retired to rest, agreeing to split up the next morning. Shirley Yang and I rushed to Xi'an and then, with mounting urgency, took transport to Gutian County, where Professor Sun’s archaeological team was stationed. Unexpectedly, we ran into trouble again in Gutian County—Professor Sun had already left the Gutian County Guesthouse.

Professor Sun was stationed in Gutian year-round, responsible for recovering all unearthed cultural relics related to ancient writing. If he wasn't in the county seat, he must have gone to work in the countryside; finding him then would be extremely difficult. The very first step of our plan had gone awry.

Just as I was at a loss, I ran into Old Liu Tou, a familiar face from the guesthouse cafeteria. He told me that something extraordinary had been discovered in a coffin shop near Shiqiaodian, a location near Gutian County town, and the news had spread throughout Gutian County within half a day. Professor Sun and his team were already at the scene, and I could find him there. As for what was so extraordinary about the coffin shop, I would know upon seeing it myself.