C96 Prepared to Go

Second Master Lei had the clout to personally enlist assistance, which indicated that his recruits were either exceptionally skilled or held significant clout in the martial arts community. To my surprise, the individual he brought on board possessed both qualities; he was a Taoist priest from the esteemed Dragon Gate Sect.

After my visit to Hundred Ghost Slope and the enigmatic encounter with the Ghost Gate, my curiosity about the then-sect master Shen Zhenyi was piqued, prompting me to delve into the Dragon Gate Sect online. The sect is a key branch of the Quan Zhen Sect, established by Wang Chongyang, with the Dragon Gate Sect itself founded by Qiu Chujin, one of the Seven Masters of Quan Zhen. These details are part of actual history, not fabrications from martial arts fiction.

The Dragon Gate Sect boasts a lineage spanning a hundred generations, with Taoist Master Zuo epitomizing the profound virtues of morality and serenity. The sect's teachings emphasize the eternal guardianship of truth and the cyclical return of the yang, ensuring the sect's enduring prosperity.

Shen Zhenyi was the sixth sect master, and the current leader is the eleventh, Zhong Yixuan. Taoist Master Zuo, whom Second Master Lei had the honor of inviting, is Zhong Yixuan's direct disciple, the twelfth-generation disciple Zuo Yangchuan.

I'm at a loss as to how Second Master Lei managed to persuade such a revered figure to join us. Surely, he wouldn't have divulged the secret of the tomb's promise of immortality, a secret he assured us was known only to Xiaodao and me.

Taoist Master Zuo's reasons for accompanying us were certainly not financial. What, then, was his true purpose?

Upon Taoist Master Zuo's arrival in the county, our group was finally complete. We were eight in total: Second Master Lei, myself, Deaf Zhang, Xiaodieh, Xiaodao, Taoist Master Zuo, Lin, and Xie Kui.

It's noteworthy that Xie Kui is the son of the Great General from seventeen years ago, who tragically never emerged from the mausoleum. Xie Kui joined us not just for monetary gain but also to honorably recover his father's remains.

I wasn't sure if Xie Kui's father ever mentioned to him the legend of Immortality hidden within Murong Chui's tomb.

This evening, Second Master Lei had arranged a lavish banquet for all of us and took the opportunity to brief us on the upcoming operation.

I took the time to observe Taoist Master Zuo from the Dragon Gate Sect. He appeared to be in his thirties or forties, clad in a green Taoist robe with his hair neatly tied in a bun. His complexion was healthy, and his eyes sparkled with vitality, exuding the aura of an enlightened sage.

Both his demeanor and looks gave off the impression of a man with profound knowledge and unassailable integrity.

Then there was Xie Kui, the 26-year-old General of the Qiu Dynasty, who had a rather sleazy appearance. His beady eyes kept darting towards Xiaodieh beside me, which was quite off-putting.

Lastly, there was Lin, the doctor, reportedly a friend of Second Master Lei and a former military medic. Despite being in his fifties or sixties, he was still quite agile. His collaboration with Deaf Zhang effectively replaced the Ghost Doctor's role in our group.

At one point during the banquet, I toasted Taoist Master Zuo, hoping to forge a closer relationship and learn more about the Dragon Gate Sect. I was also curious about the Ghost Gate legend.

However, Taoist Master Zuo barely acknowledged me, instead addressing Second Master Lei with a frosty demeanor, "Second Manager, I've been informed that this young man lacks any notable skills or abilities. Why then should we include him in our plans?"

"Master Zuo, you may not be aware, but Changsheng's right hand is the key to unlocking the secret passage in the main tomb. Seventeen years ago, we were stopped right at that door. Can you see why he's essential?" Second Master Lei responded with a forced smile, though I could sense his irritation.

"So, the young man is a key; that is indeed significant... However, Second Manager, please excuse my departure. I cannot bring myself to sit at the same table with one who has betrayed his master," Taoist Master Zuo stated icily, bowing slightly to Second Master Lei before making his exit.

"You..." My admiration for him vanished in an instant. I was so furious that I wanted to call him back for a confrontation, but Second Master Lei held me back.

"Changsheng, don't take it to heart. Esteemed sects like Dragon Tiger Mountain, Mao Mountain, and the Quan Zhen Sect have a deep-seated hatred for the grave sin of betraying one's master," Second Master Lei murmured to me.

I exhaled deeply. Indeed, my foster father was at fault initially, and it was only natural for him to be scorned and loathed by others. Still, I couldn't bear to listen to anyone speak ill of him.

Inwardly, I pondered, "Dad, why did you have to do this?"

But I sensed that I would soon learn the reason, as tomorrow was the day we would embark on our journey to Murong Chui's tomb.