After listening to Old Yu's explanation, I nodded in a way that suggested I understood, but I was still somewhat confused.
In the following days, I learned the techniques and experiences of Body Retrieval under Old Yu's guidance.
With his instruction, I quickly mastered the skills of Body Retrieval and became a proficient Grave Robber.
Moreover, I had paid off my debts ahead of schedule.
Just when I thought life would continue peacefully, someone shattered that calm.
It was my ex-girlfriend—Liang Lili.
We had broken up since the outbreak of the pandemic.
During that time, my salary was halted, and I became listless.
Liang Lili found me lacking ambition and decided to end our relationship.
It had already been a year since I last saw Liang Lili.
That day, she came to my house and was surprised to see me wearing a diving suit.
She asked in astonishment, "He Jiong, what are you doing for work now?"
"I'm a Grave Robber," I replied.
"Grave Robber?" Liang Lili exclaimed in shock.
"Yes," I nodded.
Then I added, "I've paid off my debts now."
After saying this, I quietly observed Liang Lili's expression.
I wanted to see her reaction.
After all, she broke up with me because of my unemployment and debts.
Now that I've cleared my debts, I was curious about Liang Lili's response.
Sure enough, a hint of embarrassment appeared on Liang Lili's face.
But she quickly composed herself and asked, "So how much do you earn in a month now?"
I replied, "I can earn over ten thousand a month."
"Just over ten thousand?" Liang Lili sounded somewhat disappointed.
But I quickly added, "That's just what my master gives me; actually, one Body Retrieval can earn over a hundred thousand!"
"Really that much?" Liang Lili was taken aback.
I nodded, "Yes, because Body Retrieval is very dangerous."
Liang Lili nodded thoughtfully.
Then she asked, "Where is your master?"
"He’s sleeping in the back room," I replied.
Liang Lili glanced toward the back room and said, "Could you please ask your master to help me retrieve Uncle's body?"
"What's wrong?" I asked, puzzled.
Liang Lili sighed, "It's like this. A few days ago, Uncle was out at Poyang Lake when his boat capsized and sank. His body hasn't been found yet."
"Our family believes in burying the dead properly, so we would like your help to recover Uncle's body."
Hearing this, I was taken aback!
Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the Yangtze River system, with a complex and ever-changing underwater terrain. It is known as China's largest reservoir.
Among its waters, the Master's Temple area is particularly treacherous, with at least a hundred tourists drowning here every year.
I had heard my master say before that grave robbers share a common understanding: it’s better to cross the Yellow River ten times than to venture into Poyang Lake even once!
Although the Yellow River flows swiftly, its riverbed is relatively flat, and the current is quite straightforward.
However, Poyang Lake is different; the terrain within the lake is complex and ever-changing, filled with aquatic plants and hidden currents, making it very easy for someone to drown.
Thinking about this made me hesitate a bit.
At that moment, Liang Lili added, "Don't worry about the payment. As long as you can retrieve Uncle's body, I'll give you two hundred thousand!"
Hearing this made me somewhat tempted.
Two hundred thousand is no small amount!
So I tentatively asked Old Yu, "Master, can you take on this task?"
Old Yu furrowed his brow. "The water conditions in Poyang Lake are complex and unpredictable; it's much more dangerous than the Yellow River. I can't guarantee success."
Hearing this made me anxious. "Master, if it's so dangerous, then why did you say you would teach me Body Retrieval techniques?"
Old Yu replied solemnly, "He Jiong, Body Retrieval is no joke. You can't gamble with your own life!"
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