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墨書 Inktalez
After arranging accommodations for a few people, night had fallen in the mountains, and the only sounds were the occasional calls of birds.
After a simple dinner, Wang Er Gou brought some farm-fresh eggs for Third to help restore his strength.
Third's physical condition had deteriorated significantly this time. His face was as pale as starch washed with water.
After dinner, everyone went to bed early.
As dawn approached, the night slowly faded with the crowing of a rooster, and a hint of light appeared on the mountaintops.
Second was the first to rise, taking an early morning stroll at the village entrance. The air in the mountains was refreshing, carrying a sweet scent. Just as Second lifted his head, a large group of people entered the village, estimated to be around a hundred.
Second became more alert.
At that moment, a villager sitting next to him remarked, "I heard they’re going to seal off the mountain."
Second asked, "Why are they sealing off the mountain?"
The villager took a puff from his pipe and replied, "I heard they found treasures in the mountain—gold and jewels. The army is gearing up for another battle with North Gate. The government is taking this very seriously."
Second glanced again; the group was getting closer—fully armed! There seemed to be about a company’s worth of soldiers.
The villager continued, "It's been a long time since we've seen so many people come to our little mountain village."
Second didn’t have time to chat further; he handed a cigarette to the villager and ran off. As soon as he entered, Second shouted, "Not good! They’re going to seal off the mountain!"
Wang Er Gou was the first to respond. Hearing about the sealing made his heart sink. He asked, "Who’s sealing off the mountain?"
Second replied, "A whole company has arrived, all armed."
Seven chimed in, "What are they here for?"
Second answered, "They found treasures in the mountain—apparently lots of gold and jewels."
Seven turned with a curious look and asked, "Have you found a treasure? What kind of treasure is it?"
Second replied, "How would I know? All I know is that the mountain has been sealed off."
Wang Er Gou said, "Does that mean we have to delay our plan to go up the mountain?"
Second shot him a surprised glance and said, "It's just a few soldiers. What are we afraid of? We'll do what we need to do when the time comes."
Seven added, "We can just sneak up there in the dark."
Wang Er Gou nodded in agreement. Encountering this group of reckless and fearless individuals might actually be a stroke of luck. With that thought, Wang Er Gou felt an inexplicable sense of relief.
Third had not yet woken up, while Xin Shui Su had already gone out.
When Third finally woke up, the sun was high in the sky. His body still hadn’t fully recovered, and after taking a few steps, the others quickly supported him as it was almost mealtime.
Third said, "I'm fine; I can move on my own." After they finished eating, Xin Shui Su returned. The others eagerly asked her if she had eaten.
Xin Shui Su didn’t respond and went straight back to her room.
Nightfall was approaching quickly. Second and the others had gone out to scout in the afternoon and hadn’t returned yet.
Third sat on the threshold of the house, gazing at the bright moon hanging in the sky.
Xin Shui Su slowly sat down beside him, looking up at the moon. They sat together in silence, both watching the moon. Many times, we wish for time to stand still, to pause indefinitely. But that is merely our desire.
After all, we will grow old and eventually die; this is an outcome from which no one can escape.
Perhaps heaven has given us similar lives—some are poor while others are wealthy. The only thing fair about life is aging, illness, and death; death is our final destination.
A gentle breeze blew by, causing a strand of hair to fall across Xin Shui Su's face. She brushed it aside and cleared her eyes as if they could hold no impurities.
Suddenly, Second came running back and exclaimed, "The mountain has been sealed off! Damn it, more troops have arrived one after another. It looks like something big has happened this time."
Seven and Wang Er Gou followed behind, with Seven saying, "This time there are heavy weapons. Our plan to go up the mountain might be in jeopardy. The treasures hidden in there are probably not simple."
Wang Er Gou chimed in, "I heard they dug up a Jade Box."
There are no walls that are completely impenetrable; anything could reveal its secrets.
Jade Box, Ergou Master, where did you hear that from?
Wang Er Gou replied, "I overheard some soldiers talking on the way. They said it's worth a fortune."
Third sighed, "It seems our trip up the mountain is going to be difficult."
Second smiled and said, "No need to rush; let's focus on healing first. I ran into an acquaintance—Big Wind is also here. But for now, I haven't let him notice me."
Seven remarked, "That's a good opportunity."
Third nodded and coughed a couple of times. Just then, a girl’s voice appeared in front of them.
It was Mountain Girl, Wang Yunyun, carrying a basket that was wafting with a delicious aroma.
The group stared at Wang Yunyun's basket, swallowing their saliva. Wang Yunyun bluntly said, "What are you looking at my basket for? There's nothing for you."
"I'm here to see Brother Yu," Third said in surprise, wondering when he had become her Brother Yu.
Everyone's gaze shifted back to Third.
Feeling a bit uncomfortable under their scrutiny, Third asked, "What are you all looking at me for?" The others exchanged knowing smiles directed at him.
Wang Yunyun didn't care about any of that; she grabbed Third's hand and pulled him toward the house. "If you don't eat soon, it will get cold."
Xin Shui Su had disappeared without anyone noticing.
The three behind followed the enticing aroma and caught up.
"Wang Yunyun" said again, "You can only look, not eat." The others were left speechless and sat down on the stools.
"Third" had a somewhat unnatural expression. Turning to "Mountain Girl," he said, "I'm fine now. Thanks to you, I can take the things back!" "Wang Yunyun" replied, "Who are you trying to fool? I can see your pale face; you need to replenish your strength."
"Third" was momentarily at a loss for words when "Mountain Girl" had already prepared a bowl and handed it to him. After receiving it, he noticed the rich aroma wafting from it. " Second " mumbled, "What exactly is this stew made of? It smells so good."
"Seven" swallowed and said, "It's Yam; I can smell it."
In the end, "Third" awkwardly finished a bowl while the other three shared a taste. "Mountain Girl" fussed around for a bit more and said, "I'll prepare something delicious for you tomorrow."
Before "Third" could respond, she bounced away cheerfully. On her way, she happened to run into "Xin Shui Su," calling out sweetly, "Sister Su!" before smiling and running off.
"Third" let out a satisfied burp while the other three were still savoring the moment, looking at him with expressions that seemed to ask, "When did this happen?"
Without explaining, just then, "Xin Shui Su" walked in.
The three glanced at her again; she remained silent.
The night passed just like that. The moon had already set behind the mountains, and the sun rose from another peak as if they would never meet again.
Early the next day, "Mountain Girl" came over with food. After the three followed "Third" to have breakfast together, he felt almost fully recovered. Tonight, he could go up the mountain; " Second " accidentally let that slip.
With keen ears, "Mountain Girl" asked, "What are you going up the mountain for? Isn't there someone up there?" " Second " stammered, unsure of what to say.
"Seven" was about to speak when "Mountain Girl" added, "I know! You must have found some treasure in the mountain and need to check it out."
"Seven" quickly nodded in agreement.
"Mountain Girl" laughed happily: "I knew it! I guessed right." After delivering the food, she left but turned back to say, "I'll come back tonight."
Third's face, which had just regained its rosy color, turned pale again for a moment, but it quickly returned to normal.
"Are we going up the mountain tonight?" Wang Er Gou asked. Second replied, "It's about time; we can't delay any longer. I promised you something, and I need to follow through."
Hearing this, Wang Er Gou felt a bit moved.
Second continued, "I'll go find Zhou Li and see if he can help us out." However, it seemed we weren't close enough to him for that.
"I'll go instead, Second," Third said. Second had a somewhat reckless personality, and there was a chance he might get into a fight with the guards.
"I want to go with you," Second insisted. With no other choice, Third agreed.
Third and Wang Er Gou stayed behind to wait for news. As they were leaving, Second said, "Regardless of whether we can get through or not, we must go up the mountain tonight."
All the paths leading up the mountain had been blocked off, and there were already over a thousand people stationed here.
At every entrance to the mountain path, there were about ten people guarding it.
In a flat area at the village entrance, tents were set up, and soldiers were on guard.
The two approached directly, but the soldiers pointed their guns at them, preventing them from advancing.
Calmly, Third said, "Could you please inform your commander that an acquaintance is looking for him?"
The soldier appeared indifferent, and Second almost lost his temper but was stopped by Third.
Taking two silver coins from his pocket, Third handed them to the soldier. The soldier weighed them in his hand and said, "Wait here; I'll go report this."
After a while, someone shouted, "Who are those people outside?"
When he lifted the tent flap and saw Second, he became furious and quickly walked over, saying, "What are you doing here?"
Without holding back, Second replied, "Since when do I need to report to you about where I'm going?"
"After not seeing you for a few days, it seems you're getting restless again. How about we practice a bit?"
Second replied, "I'm here on business this time, no time to waste with you."
Dafeng was momentarily taken aback by this response, unsure how to retort. Just then, Zhou Li emerged, as elegant and refined as ever.
Standing at the entrance, he said lightly, "If there's something to discuss, come inside."
Dafeng remained silent and led the two into the tent. Before Zhou Li could speak, Dafeng asked, "What are you doing here? This isn't a place for you."
Before Second could respond, Third spoke up, "We're going up the mountain."
Zhou Li glanced at him and asked, "You want to go up the mountain?"
Third nodded. Dafeng rejected the idea outright. "You can't just go up whenever you want. There's a strict order in place; not even a fly is allowed up there."
Second interjected, "Rules are dead; people are alive."
Dafeng shot back, "So what if I won't let you go up? Damn it, do you think you can order me around?"
Zhou Li then asked, "Why do you want to go up the mountain?"
Third replied, "There's been a major Tomb incident up there; you know about it, right?" Zhou Li nodded.
Third continued, "Don't worry; we won't disturb any treasures inside the Tomb." "Then what is your purpose?" Zhou Li inquired.
Third fell silent for a moment before Zhou Li said, "Since it's something that can't be made public, it probably isn't good news. I can't allow you to go up the mountain."
Second became anxious upon hearing this and exclaimed, "Damn it," letting out two words of frustration. Third interrupted him, saying, "Then we'll take our leave for now."
They had barely taken a few steps when Zhou Li called them back.
Second asked, "Is there anything else?"
Zhou Li said, "I agree to your terms."
Third asked, "Are there any conditions?" Zhou Li replied straightforwardly, "I want the Jade Box."
Third's pupils dilated slightly as he responded, "Deal. We will head up the mountain tonight."
Zhou Li replied, "That works."
After that, the two of them left. Da Feng, who remained in the tent, asked, "Why did you agree to them?"
Zhou Li explained, "We must get our hands on that item."
Da Feng countered, "We could obtain it ourselves."
Zhou Li continued, "Sometimes having an extra person can be helpful, especially since they are not ordinary individuals."
Da Feng wanted to say more, but Zhou Li made a gesture for silence, leaving Da Feng no choice but to remain quiet.
After a few minutes, Zhou Li stated, "Tonight, we act."
Although Da Feng was surprised internally, he still responded, saying, "I'll go prepare."
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