C84 Reincarnation

My gaze was locked onto the woods across from me when, just seconds before, a grimy girl with unkempt hair had appeared beneath a tree.

A chill ran through me, a fear more intense than encountering a ghost. Xiaodieh's eyes, once clear, now held an icy stare.

She watched me intently, her lips slowly curving into a sinister, mysterious smile.

Terrified, I stumbled backward, my voice quivering, "Xia... Xiaodieh, are you... are you human or a ghost? Have you really come back from the dead?"

Xiaodieh remained silent, approaching us with an expressionless face. Second Master Lei quickly shielded me, warning, "Be careful, she's surrounded by a malevolent aura."

Yet, Second Master Lei made no move. As Xiaodieh advanced barefoot, she soon stood right before us.

I scrutinized her and noticed her shadow on the ground, a hint of color on her pale face, though a chilling aura enveloped her.

"Xiaodieh, you're alive? But you had stopped breathing earlier," I asked, bewildered.

"I employed the Thief Sect's breath-holding technique because there were spirits last night. I had to feign death to avoid their wrath. Changsheng, I'm exhausted and need to rest..." Xiaodieh murmured, swaying as if about to collapse.

I rushed to support her, but upon touching her, I shivered; her body was as cold as ice.

Glancing at Second Master Lei, I saw his furrowed brow, signaling his skepticism about Xiaodieh's miraculous return to life.

"Xiaodieh, let's get you back to rest. Maybe that will help," I suggested gently. She nodded faintly in agreement.

We made our way back to the county, where Second Master Lei's men escorted Xiaodieh to an inn, securing a room for her to recuperate.

Next door, Second Master Lei and I settled in. He inquired about Xiaodieh's past, and I shared all I knew.

After listening, Second Master Lei, toying with a pair of agate walnuts, reflected, "Her foster father brings to mind an old acquaintance of mine, a renowned Grave Robber, infamous for indulging in every vice imaginable."

"Grave Robber..."

"Changsheng, you still haven't given me your answer. Are you willing to join us in exploring the ancient tomb?" Second Master Lei inquired.

"Second Uncle Lei, may I ask you something first?"

"What's on your mind?"

"Why are you so set on bringing me along, a lad who knows nothing? I haven't learned even the basics of my father's extraordinary skills," I asked, genuinely perplexed. It had always baffled me why they would want a novice like me to join. I'd surely be of no help and likely just a hindrance.

Second Master Lei gave a slight smile and, grasping my right hand, said, "It's because of the black rune on your hand."

"You've seen the rune on my hand?" I exclaimed, surprised.

"Have you forgotten? If I hadn't pulled you back, you would have nearly killed Old Wu. It was then that I noticed the rune in your palm..." Second Master Lei said, his gaze fixed on my hand.

"Second Uncle Lei, do you know where this black rune comes from?" I asked, my curiosity piqued, but Second Master Lei seemed lost in thought, the agate walnut he was twirling in his hand coming to a halt.

"Second Uncle Lei?" I called out gently, bringing him back to the moment, though his expression turned enigmatic. He mused, "There's a hidden door with a black rune identical to the one on your hand..."

A thought struck me. Could Second Uncle Lei be referring to the stone door inside the Yin Spirit Mountain cave? I pressed on, "A hidden door? Which one? Where did you see it?"

Second Master Lei's eyes sparkled as he looked me in the eyes and declared, "In the very tomb we're planning to visit. Seventeen years ago, all seven of us fell victim to a curse there. If it hadn't been for your father figuring out the way of life, we would have perished!"

I shuddered, exclaiming in astonishment, "My father has been to that tomb? Could it be that..."

With a piercing gaze, Second Master Lei nodded and announced emphatically, "Exactly. Seventeen years ago, shortly after we emerged from the ancient tomb, rumors spread that your father had been stripped of his powers for stealing the sacred treasure of the Heaven Connecting Palace and fleeing from his order!"

"Second Uncle Lei, you..." I began, ready to delve into a detailed inquiry, but at that moment, a sudden knock at our room door interrupted us.