C82 The past Is like Smoke

My anger had already subsided. Boss Wu might have been hateful, but his actions were somewhat justifiable. Destroying the Stifling Treasure Man's signature moves would have ruined his entire life.

Unable to stand it, I quickly intervened, pleading with Second Master Lei, "Second Uncle Lei, let's reconsider this. Boss Wu hasn't committed any grave error. I've only suffered a bit, and Xiaodie's death isn't entirely his fault."

Yet, Second Master Lei remained unyielding, addressing Boss Wu coldly, "What are you waiting for? Get on with it. Do you intend to disrupt the traditions of Lei's Brand?"

"Second Uncle Lei…" My protest came too late as I watched the blade slice through one of his eyes, a sight that was painfully unbearable.

As Boss Wu was about to harm his other eye, Second Master Lei abruptly halted him, declaring, "Enough, one eye will suffice. Considering you've dedicated half your life to serving the Lei family, you'll be demoted to an assistant in the branch store. Demonstrate good performance, and you might reclaim your position as shopkeeper."

Second Master Lei's harsh discipline was followed by a glimmer of mercy, prompting Boss Wu to fall to his knees in gratitude. However, Second Master Lei's response was icy, "Save your thanks for the grave of the girl who passed away."

Boss Wu nodded and rose to his feet. Second Master Lei then said, "Old Wu, Xiaodao, step outside for a moment. I need to speak with Changsheng privately."

Boss Wu complied, his face ashen and beaded with sweat from the pain, yet he remained silent before Second Master Lei.

Once they had left the room, Second Master Lei turned to me and inquired, "Changsheng, has your father truly passed away?"

I nodded, and Second Master Lei gazed out the window, sighing deeply. "If not for Half Immortal Zhao's prophecy, Lei's Brand wouldn't have flourished so rapidly in these past years. It's hard to believe that someone with such foresight has left us so soon. Indeed, no one can escape their destiny."

As Second Master Lei reflected, I was struck by a memory. My adoptive father had once mentioned that sixteen years ago, he had cast a fortune for a very influential individual. By inadvertently revealing heavenly secrets, he faced divine retribution and was told he would die within three years. Yet, after guidance from a mysterious figure, he adopted me, which extended his life by another fifteen years.

Could the highly influential person my foster father mentioned be the Great Manager of Lei's Brand?

I couldn't resist sharing my suspicions with Second Master Lei. He seemed taken aback upon hearing them, then explained to me, "The divination from back then wasn't about revealing heavenly secrets. At that time, my brother and I simply sought Half Immortal Zhao's insight into the risks of a significant business deal."

I realized he was right. My foster father had referred to someone with considerable clout, and while Lei's Brand was renowned nationwide, the Stifling Treasure Man was not considered mainstream.

Second Master Lei went on, "Half Immortal Zhao and our Lei family share a deep connection. We've known each other for 23 years. Together, we've explored renowned mountains and rivers and wandered through the wilderness. Your father excelled at divination, and we brothers were adept at treasure hunting. The fortune of Lei's Brand was gradually built up from those days. In fact, we even plundered a few ancient tombs and engaged in some deeds best left unspoken... Ah, the past is like a wisp of smoke, elusive and hard to revisit."

I was utterly captivated by Second Master Lei's stories of my foster father's younger days, and I found myself longing for a life filled with adventure and the exhilarating dangers of the world.

After recounting their adventures, Second Master Lei looked at me with a smile and inquired, "Changsheng, your father was a master of divination, Feng Shui, and Mystic Escape Armor. How much of that have you managed to learn?"

I gave a rueful smile and shook my head, "I haven't mastered any of it. My father never really taught me those arts, just some basic Feng Shui and paper charm techniques."

"That's a real shame," Second Master Lei sighed. "I suspect your father didn't pass on those skills because he feared you might end up following in his footsteps."

Though I was no diviner, I could read the concern etched on Second Master Lei's face and ventured, "Second Uncle Lei, is something troubling you?"

"Changsheng, you're practically family, so I'll be straightforward with you. I'm planning to visit an ancient tomb soon, but it's fraught with danger. Without the guidance of a sage, I fear I might repeat past mistakes," Second Master Lei confided.

"I really can't be of any help with this, I'm afraid. I didn't inherit any of my father's skills," I explained to him. Truth be told, even if I had my father's abilities, I wouldn't have the time to assist. My current priority is to make haste to Wuling Mountain and locate my foster uncle, Zhao Guizhen.

Second Master Lei shook his head with a tinge of disappointment. He retrieved a backpack from a cabinet and handed it to me, saying, "Changsheng, this is your pack. Everything inside is as you left it. I'll have the finance department issue you some additional funds shortly."

I accepted the backpack and quickly checked its contents. Sure enough, the peculiar pen, the scroll, and most importantly, the eye-shaped blood jade were all accounted for.

I was about to express my gratitude to Second Master Lei when he interjected with a serious tone, "Changsheng, you must keep that blood jade hidden from others, particularly those from the Heaven Connecting Palace. If they see it, it could cost you your life!"

His warning sent a chill down my spine; it echoed the last advice my foster father had given me, only Second Master Lei stressed the danger of the Heaven Connecting Palace even more...

Yet, that was precisely where I was headed next.