Blood Memories 23

  Hai Chen's words made Feng Le Tian's face change greatly, and Liao Dongfeng also saw Feng Le Tian's embarrassment, so he immediately explained to relieve her.

  "The evil of the ghost tablet is due to the deeds of its owner, Comrade Xiao Feng is so beautiful, can she be a soul caller? Besides, can a soul caller casually take this thing out for people to see?"

  Hai Chen didn't seem too pleased with what he heard, his eyes narrowing as he said with a fake smile: "Soul Reapers can't be identified by their appearance, and these people's identities are hidden especially deep."

  Liao Dongfeng and Hai Chen exchanged blows, and before long the air was filled with gunpowder smell, and they almost came to blows. Just as they were at an impasse, Duan Lao suddenly shouted: "Shut up, listen to me."

  Hai Chen and Liao Dong immediately stopped arguing, glaring at each other fiercely. Just as Duan Lao was about to speak up, he was interrupted by Feng Le Tian.

  "Not bad, my grandfather was a soul caller, but he never harmed anyone, he's always been helping others."

  At this point, Feng Le Tian turned his head to look at Duan Lao and continued: "My grandfather and Duan Lao are old friends, and Duan Lao also deeply understands his character. In the past, they formed an invincible team, did many meaningful things, and made great contributions to the country. The superior leaders even warmly met with them. Dr. Hai, if I were really a wicked soul caller, think about it, would you still be able to stand here talking to me now?"

  "Are you threatening me?" Hai Chen's tone had a somewhat provocative flavor.

  At this time, Duan Lao finally couldn't bear it anymore and shouted loudly.

  "Alright, let's not talk about it anymore. Xiao Le Tian's grandfather was indeed a soul-snatching messenger, and when I was young, I also did some tomb raiding. Lao Yu is an expert in making tomb-raiding tools, Liao Yang is a master of mine clearance, Qi Ming and Wan Yong are masters of Feng Shui, ranking among the best in the country. Chao Wenxiu, Qin Baoguo, and Na Hai Shan are old scholars who have studied ancient culture. An Ziqing, Hua Yaozu, and your father, Hai Ming, all three of them are skilled in Taoist magic, with exceptional martial arts skills. We've all done bad things before, but we've all reformed since then. As the saying goes, 'to know one's mistakes and change is a great virtue.' What do you want to do now? Do you want to kill us all off?"

  "Teacher, I didn't mean it that way. I just..."

  "What's the point? We've formed a team, so we should trust the people around us. If we can't even"

  "If you can't do it, then leave."

  After finishing speaking, Old Duan quickly walked forward, but didn't walk a few steps before suddenly falling to the ground. The others saw this and immediately ran up to surround Old Duan in the middle.

  Liao Dongfeng's hand had just touched Duan Lao's body for a moment, and he only felt a chill. Hai Chen also discovered this situation, and after helping Duan Lao up, he hastily lifted Duan Lao's arm to take a look. After taking a look, the people around him, except for Liao Dongfeng, all leaned back and retreated far away. Hai Chen shouted while retreating: "How is it stone? How is it stone?"

  While everyone was stunned and unable to extricate themselves, Liao Dongfeng gently picked up Duan Lao's arm with his right hand, muttering to himself: "You said you didn't go to Pamir, didn't participate in that bloody battle, then why is your body like this?"

  No one present knew that Liao Dongfeng was now recalling a childhood event, specifically the painful memory of how he lost his right arm.

  All I remember is that he was only 5 years old at the time. One night, his grandfather stumbled back home, and his father was overjoyed to see him return, rushing forward to take a bundle wrapped in cloth from his grandfather's hands. At this moment, Grandfather suddenly shouted: Don't move, it's dangerous!

  Afterwards, Grandfather fell to the ground with a thud, his left hand also shattered into pieces. In the midst of Father's frantic confusion, young Liao Dongfeng also took out a wooden box from the bundle, and when it was overturned, a metal ball covered in verdigris rolled out. This metal ball was that eerie ghost-face lantern.

  It was at that moment that his right hand rapidly petrified, and just then Grandfather happened to wake up. He saw him quickly pull out a dagger and cut off Liao Dongfeng's arm, which is how he managed to save his life. As for how Grandfather helped him install the prosthetic arm later on, he didn't see it himself, and it seemed that the arm would grow along with his body as he grew up, truly unbelievable.

  As he reminisced, Duan Lao also woke up, his dim old eyes staring straight at Liao Dongfeng. Before long, he shed hot tears and said with a heavy heart: "Child, you've seen everything, so I won't hide it anymore. 12 years ago, we were all infected with this strange disease. Our bodies became increasingly stiff, and we had to use vinegar to scrub ourselves every day, or the calcification would accelerate even faster. Later on, because my infection was more severe, I couldn't follow them to Pamir, which allowed me to avoid a disaster, so I could live until now."

  At this point, Liao Dongfeng carefully helped Duan Lao sit up and then asked in a low voice: "Have you all touched the ghost face lantern with your hands?"

  Duan Lao nodded heavily and slowly said: "All have been encountered, all have been encountered."

  As he spoke, he took out a piece of crimson agate from his inner pocket, which was exactly the same as the one Liao Dongfeng had obtained from Da Haizi earlier. He looked at the agate and continued to say slowly: "Fortunately, we have this thing, otherwise we old guys wouldn't be able to survive until now. Although the agate can suppress the outbreak of this strange disease, it is toxic, and we are just drinking poison to quench our thirst. Previously, we all wanted to find a way to get rid of the strange disease, but until now, we haven't found one. Our bodies are getting weaker day by day, I feel that my time is running out, so I urged you to come here quickly."

  "Can we find a way to get rid of this strange illness here?" Liao Dongfeng asked doubtfully.

  "I don't know, but according to the unofficial history records, after the death of the First Emperor, eunuch Zhao Gao indeed got his hands on the so-called elixir of immortality. In order not to let others know, he fabricated a lie that Xu Fu never returned. This time I came is to take a gamble."

  Lao Du said this, Liao Dongfeng sneered and replied: "You really believe in this? Those are just ancient legends fabricated by people, how reliable can they be? Besides, if that thing really existed, wouldn't Zhao Gao still be alive now? And can you confirm that the thing can cure this disease? How interesting."

  "Or how can I say let's bet on it?"

  Hai Chen also walked forward at this time, and he heard more than half of Duan Lao's words. However, he didn't say much, as he usually had many questions. His eyes occasionally glanced at Feng Le Tian, believing that the misunderstanding between them had not been resolved yet.

  It's also true that the temporary team didn't have any cohesion, if it wasn't for Duan Lao maintaining the situation all along, I believe this temporary team would have ceased to exist long ago. The trust between each other is a big problem, so everything that happens next will be a test for everyone.

  To be honest, Duan Lao also wanted the team to have more cohesion, but he didn't have time to take care of these things. Now that they were about to enter the Millennium Ancient Tomb, wouldn't it be a fantasy to face the challenge in such a state?

  Duan Lao was also a clever person, and he could naturally see these things. After Hai Chen arrived, he suggested: "I'm afraid this old body of mine can't enter the underground palace, so from now on it will all depend on you young people. To prevent differences in opinion from causing chaos, you must choose a leader among yourselves. Everyone else must listen to the leader's words. Go discuss and see who is more suitable for being the leader."

  Just after Du Lao finished speaking, Tuzi An Yueming was the first to express his opinion: "We have a leader, Letian is our captain. If we need to elect a captain, I will vote for her."

  Qin nodded hastily and said: "Right right right, I mean the same thing."

  After finishing, Tudouzi and Qin Liao looked at Liao Dongfeng, hoping to hear his voice of agreement. Because the people on the scene were divided into four factions: Duan Lao and Li Chongliang were one faction, Hai Chen was alone, Liao Dongfeng and Peng Jianjun were another faction. At present, Duan Lao couldn't enter the underground palace, so Li Chongliang had to accompany Duan Lao outside. Therefore, if Feng Le Tian and others could win over Liao Dongfeng's joining, Hai Chen would have nothing to say.

  At this time, Liao Dongfeng had also thought deeply and knew the weight of his words at this moment. If he were to propose a dissenting opinion, Tudi Gouzi and Qin Liede would definitely turn against him. To enter the Thousand-Year Underground Palace, where life and death were uncertain, it was better to have more companions than enemies. Therefore, considering the pros and cons, Liao Dongfeng also nodded in agreement: "I agree that Comrade Feng Leitian should be our team leader."

  Hai Chen turned his head to look at Peng Jianjun, and his eyes were asking who he wanted to follow. Peng Jianjun understood, and immediately replied without hesitation: "I'll listen to Dongzi, wherever he goes, I'll go."

  Liao Dongfeng smiled slightly and nodded at Peng Jianjun, then looked at Hai Chen and asked in a mysterious tone: "Hai big brother, your legs don't seem to be very convenient either? Why don't you also go with Duan Lao outside?"

  "We don't need you to worry about us, I can guarantee that we won't delay your trip. If anything happens, it's on me. You can help if you want, otherwise, forget it." He turned his head towards Feng Le Tian and continued: "Captain, you arrange things from here!"

  Hearing Hai Chen put down his prejudices, Feng Le Tian also stopped arguing and listened to her say: "Alright, I can lead the team, but let's get the ugly words out of the way first. There may be things in the underground palace that I don't know about, but I do know that this trip will definitely be fraught with danger. So, I require you all not to have differing opinions from now on and follow my command. If there really is a dispute, we'll put it to a vote, and the minority will obey the majority. No objections, Hai?"

  "No objection, no objection."

  Feng Le Tian looked at Liao Dong Feng, seeking his opinion. Liao Dong Feng nodded in understanding and then suggested: "Since we've already chosen our captain, let's introduce ourselves next! After all, we haven't known each other for long, and nobody is quite clear about what everyone's specialties are. When problems arise, it's easy to lose track of things. What do you think, Captain?"

  "Dongzi is right, we all have our own strengths and weaknesses. Everyone's skills are different. If we encounter a problem that requires professional expertise later on, we'll be better prepared to deal with it. Let me introduce myself first. I'm quite familiar with the structure of ancient tombs, so finding a way out won't be a problem. Just follow me after we enter the underground palace. Tudouzi, you're second."

  "I've personally practiced some kung fu, and I'm most skilled at breaching walls and taking risks. I can escort and protect comrades."

  Tuzi finished speaking, and Qin followed up by saying: "I personally have some research on ancient characters, so the deciphering task is on me."

  "After he finished speaking, Hai Chen hastily said: "I'm a forensic doctor. As long as you're not seriously injured, I can guarantee that your lives won't be in danger after being hurt. Additionally, I can make preliminary judgments about whether the water and plants we encounter on the way are dangerous or not, to ensure your safety."

  He turned to Peng Jianjun, who was also afraid of losing face, so he introduced himself in a slightly unconventional way: "I've been with Dongzi to catch big rats in the underground cave, and I've also fought against the Zombie King. I can shoot guns, have rich combat experience, have plenty of strength, and can help carry some supplies and equipment. I'm willing to protect our beloved captain up close."

  His introduction brought a cold laugh from Liao Dongfeng, and Peng Jianjun also quickly gave him a cold look. Seeing that he was not pleased, Liao Dongfeng hastily changed the subject and introduced himself: "I've learned many things from my grandfather, and I'm best at detecting hidden mechanisms and traps. Also, if we were to encounter some strange and unusual events, I can help out too. In short, I know quite a few things, but let's talk about it when the time comes."

  Upon hearing the introductions, Old Man Duan smiled with relief and said: "Alright alright, this is good. Seeing that you can put aside your differences makes me feel more at ease too. Letian, you all can set off now."

  Feng Le Tian nodded and began to fiddle with the compass in her hand, soon pointing in a direction saying: "Go this way."

  To be honest, the excavation of the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang was not as thorough back then, and the underground palace only revealed a large stone gate, nothing more. So, they either had to enter from the stone gate or find another way. Feng Le Tian pointed in a direction that deviated far from the stone gate, and after walking for about 20 minutes, they stopped beside a warm spring. At this time, Liao Dongfeng looked back at their route, carefully calculating the distance, and couldn't help but sigh: "Indeed a mastermind, precise, too precise."

  At this time, everyone else started to prepare, only Liao Dongfeng was still staring at the spring water. Hai Chen walked over with some equipment for extracting water samples and saw Liao Dongfeng standing still, so he asked: "What are you looking at?"

  "There's nothing, I just figured out that this spring water is man-made. According to historical records, when the First Emperor built the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, he diverted the Wei River and changed its course. Logically speaking, there shouldn't be any living water here, but who knows? Maybe after thousands of years, the Wei River has quietly left behind some remnants of its past existence. I'll step aside, you quickly analyze the water sample to see if it's safe."

  Liao Dongfeng was about to leave when he suddenly stopped and continued, "Hai Fa Yi, I'll say it again. Your legs aren't convenient, if we really need to get in from here, personally, I suggest you stay outside. By the way, how did your leg end up like that? Is it convenient for you to reveal?"

  "It's inconvenient." Hai Chen's reply was sharp and concise, making Liao Dongfeng a bit angry and resentful. Just as he was about to storm off in anger, Hai Chen suddenly spoke up again: "Wait, I can tell you, but you have to keep it a secret for me."

  "No problem."

  "Come with me."

  Hai Chen finished speaking, took out a water sample, and then led Liao Dongfeng to a quiet place on the side.

  After making sure no one was following, Hai Chen lifted his pant leg to let Liao Dongfeng see. It didn't look serious at first glance, but after taking a closer look, Liao Dongfeng's expression became even more shocked. Because Hai Chen's leg injury was almost identical to Duan Lao's strange illness. What was going on?