C25 Sixfingered Person

"Let go, you're hurting me!"

Qin Sisi wrenched her wrist away from Lin Hao's grasp, rubbing it as she glared at him, visibly upset.

"Are you dense? I'm trying to save you!" Lin Hao rolled his eyes. "Archaeology demands precision and attention to detail, yet Ouyang Derong opts to excavate tombs at night. Doesn't that strike you as odd?"

"Maybe he's just superstitious and looking for an auspicious time to dig," Qin Sisi retorted.

"Or, perhaps there's some danger lurking within, making a nighttime excavation the safer bet," Lin Hao countered with a wry smile. "Danger is a given, but I have a hunch there's more to it than meets the eye."

"Then spell it out for me—what's the actual danger?" Qin Sisi pressed, her anxiety mounting.

Lin Hao's patience was wearing thin. "If I knew, I would've told you already. Why would we be speculating otherwise?"

"Just do as I say. It's not as straightforward as it seems. Once we're down there, don't stray from my side. Stick with me, got it?"

Qin Sisi hesitated, her mouth opening to object, but eventually, she just shook her head in resignation. "Fine, I'll follow your lead."

Despite their constant bickering, she recognized that Lin Hao had her best interests at heart.

"Come on, let's head inside."

Lin Hao gestured dismissively, and Qin Sisi took the lead into the private room. Lin Hao made to follow but was suddenly sidetracked by several figures in the distance.

"What's the holdup? Let's go!" Qin Sisi called out.

Lin Hao furrowed his brow. "You go ahead, I... I need to use the restroom."

He paused, adding, "And about what I just told you—keep it between us. It's enough that we're aware."

Qin Sisi nodded and turned to enter the private room.

Lin Hao, intrigued by the group of people entering a nearby room, followed them discreetly. His interest had been piqued when the phrase "dangerous individuals" flashed on his monitor.

Lin Hao wasn't exactly a saint, but since acquiring the extraordinary Omnipotent Monitor, his demeanor had shifted. It seemed the greater his power, the heavier his sense of responsibility.

He approached the private room occupied by the group, noting its design reminiscent of ancient chambers, with doors and windows fashioned from oiled paper. A touch of saliva on his fingertip was all it took to gently poke a small hole through the window.

"Boss Liu, I'm worried this isn't as straightforward as we thought. I have a bad feeling about just heading into the tomb. Rumor has it something's been unearthed down there!"

"Cough, how many battles have I been through, huh? If not a hundred, then at least eighty. What kind of danger haven't I seen? And here I am, safe and sound, aren't I?"

"Exactly! Boss Liu, don't mind the kid's scaremongering. They say there's a 'zongzi' in the pit, but who's ever seen such a thing? At worst, it's just a mummy, nothing terrifying!"

"True, but let's set aside the 'zongzi' issue for now. There's a bunch of those green-clad folks gathered around the Big Dipper. If we're serious about going in, we've got to be ready to take some risks. Maybe it's time for a little magic?"

"..."

Lin Hao overheard their conversation and involuntarily inhaled sharply, his nerves on edge.

He hesitated briefly, about to pull out his phone to call the police, when a hand suddenly restrained his movement.

Turning around, Lin Hao found Ouyang Derong had appeared beside him. Shaking his head, Ouyang whispered, "Calling the police is futile. It'll just spook them."

"But..."

Lin Hao tried to protest, but Ouyang cut him off with a wave of his hand.

"Come with me, over here."

Following Ouyang Derong to a secluded corner, Lin Hao listened as Ouyang cautiously began, "I know what you're thinking. They're all gravediggers. The ringleader goes by 'Six-Finger' and he's got a bit of a reputation in their circles."

"Senior Ouyang, if you know they're gravediggers, why didn't you..."

"Why didn't I call the cops, right?"

Ouyang Derong chuckled, "First off, we have no proof. The whole world could suspect them, but without solid evidence, what can we do?"

"Moreover, they're all part of a team, each with significant influence and resources. Even if we dug up some evidence, without enough clout, they've got a myriad of ways to slip through the cracks!"

"Calling the police means you've crossed them, and there's no need to back yourself into a corner over it!"

Lin Hao realized just how murky the waters of this business were after hearing Ouyang Derong's words. The staggering value of the antiques could drive most people to desperate measures.

"Alright then," Lin Hao said, his voice tinged with dejection.

Justice and personal power often don't align.

"Come on, what you need to focus on now is building your reputation. We'll deal with the rest later," Ouyang Derong advised, clapping Lin Hao on the shoulder.

They returned to their private room together.

Despite the spread of exquisite dishes before him, Lin Hao's appetite was absent; his mind lingered on the Earth Elementalists, feeling compelled to act.

Upon departure, Qin Sisi noticed Lin Hao's troubled expression but remained silent, as Ouyang Derong and the others were in tow, with a captain leading the drive.

"Professor Ouyang, everything you requested is in the tent. Please have a look and let me know if you need anything else. I'll be right outside," said the captain as they pulled up to the tents.

Lin Hao observed the extraordinary security; armed guards stood watch at each tent, and without the proper credentials, entry was impossible.

"Come on in, everyone!" Ouyang Derong called out, rousing the group.

They all fell silent, the gravity of their surroundings sobering their moods.

Inside the tent, a large makeshift table was laden with various items, among them several yellow talismans that caught Lin Hao's attention.

Noticing Lin Hao's surprise, Ouyang Derong chuckled and held up a talisman, "These are the traditions of our ancestors. Whether they're real or not, it's comforting to carry one."

"These were crafted by the esteemed monks of the Three Pagoda Temple. Would any of you like one?" Ouyang Derong offered.

The offer was met with stubborn pride from the elders.

"I've lived my life without guilt, and I'm not startled by a midnight knock. I have no need for such things!"

"Heh, I'm grateful for the offer, Mr. President, but I'm not one for superstitions."

"Nor do I need it. Should there be any malevolent presence, I've got my family's heirloom to protect me!"

"…"

Listening to their responses, Ouyang Derong decided not to press the matter further.

As he turned his attention to Lin Hao, Lin Hao preempted him with a smile, "One won't cut it. If it's not too much trouble... I'd like to ask for two from you, Senior Ouyang. An extra layer of protection always helps put the mind at ease."