C98 The Well

"What's the plan? Speak up quickly. I'll double your reward later, and you can pick any treasure from this tomb!" Second Master Lei seemed to glimpse a glimmer of hope in the darkness as he eagerly pressed for an answer.

Xie Kui bowed slightly to Second Master Lei and Taoist Master Zuo, grinning as he said, "Second Master Lei, Taoist Master Zuo, and everyone, you've probably all heard that ancient tomb builders were often executed to prevent them from revealing the entrances to the underground palaces, which could attract thieves like us to come and plunder the treasures."

Before Xie Kui could finish, Second Master Lei interrupted with excitement, "I get it! Are you suggesting that there might be another entrance to this tomb? One that the craftsmen secretly made as an escape route?"

"Exactly, that's what I'm saying. The only question is where this secret escape route might be, and if it still exists. Hey, Changsheng, you're from around here, right? Have you ever come across such a passage?" Xie Kui inquired.

Upon hearing Xie Kui's words, I immediately thought of a place—the abandoned well in our village. It's said that ancient people dug it to hide from wars, and it's been preserved until now because of its historical significance.

But that well is quite eerie. There are stories of people accidentally falling into it, or eerie cries and howls heard from its depths at night. Just recently, Grandma Lee's granddaughter, Xiao Chun, nearly tumbled in, but luckily, I managed to rescue her in time.

Now, I'm torn about whether to share this information. If it truly is the entrance to the tomb that my foster father destroyed, he surely wouldn't want anyone else venturing into the ancient grave...

As I wavered, Second Master Lei gently tapped my shoulder and whispered, "Changsheng, if you think of anything, you must tell us. Remember why you're here. You're not only here to uncover the secrets left by Half Immortal Zhao but also to break the curse on your right hand!"

Second Master Lei's words completely eliminated my doubts. I mentioned to him, "I recall there's a dried-up well in the village. Could the secret passage be there...?"

Upon our arrival in the village, I noticed something odd: there were fewer villagers, and it seemed as though every household was in mourning.

At the village entrance, we happened upon a funeral procession with mourners in sackcloth, scattering paper money, and carrying coffins—people I knew all too well.

I had intended to greet them and inquire about the situation, but the sight of the portraits they were holding brought me to a grim realization.

After the procession had passed, I quickly called Ms. Xiaofeng to confirm my suspicions. Indeed, she informed me that those who had refused my help in the past few days had succumbed one by one.

Hanging up the phone, I sighed deeply. Despite my efforts, the Evil Taoist had succeeded. Yet, facing those coffins, I found it difficult to maintain that they had brought this upon themselves.

We ventured further into the village and located the derelict well on the eastern farmland. Eager to impress Second Master Lei, Xie Kui volunteered to inspect the well first, but Zuo Yangchuan intervened.

"Wait," he cautioned, "there's a strong sense of resentment emanating from this well, and it could be perilous. I've heard that the esteemed General of Qigong traditionally carries a copper seal inscribed with 'Heavenly Official Blessings, No Restrictions.' Do you have it with you?"

Xie Kui let out a sigh, "Unfortunately, that seal is with my father..."

Zuo Yangchuan nodded understandingly and produced a blue Talisman, handing it to Xie Kui. "Carry this Five Thunders Protection Talisman—it will shield you from spirits. But should you encounter a malevolent ghost, don't try to be a hero; flee immediately!"

"Thank you, Taoist Master Zuo," Xie Kui said, securing the Talisman. He then hooked the edge of the well with his Flying Tiger Claw and began his descent. When the chain ceased to sway, we knew he had reached the bottom.

Time had passed, and there was still no sign of Xie Kui even after a considerable wait. Second Master Lei grew increasingly anxious and considered sending Deaf Zhang, who had a knack for handling ghosts, to check on him several times.

Just then, the iron chain attached to the Flying Tiger Claw began to tremble. Soon after, Xie Kui emerged, looking utterly disheveled. He was panting heavily and cried out in astonishment, "It's incredibly sinister down there! Not only are there numerous vengeful spirits, but there's also a green zombie blocking the path! I... I nearly had my head twisted off by it!"