Faced with Jin Qiaoqiao's invitation, I found myself in a dilemma. Accepting would mean juggling it with my current unfinished tasks, while declining might mean missing out on a rare opportunity. Noticing my hesitation, Jin Qiaoqiao sneered, "What? Don't tell me you're too scared to step outside now." Given the recent events surrounding me, her awareness wasn't surprising. However, such taunts didn't faze me. After all, this involved the 'Nine Yin Wealth-Gathering Tomb,' and it was the thirty-first relocation.
I turned to Huang Jiu for a quiet discussion. He remarked, "The payment is generous, but isn't there a big shot planning to boost your fortune? Why not wait for the money to come to you?" That made sense. Receiving funds passively sounded appealing. With that in mind, I was about to decline.
Before I could speak, Jin Qiaoqiao interjected seriously, "My uncle sent me. He said completing this task would aid Uncle Li and Uncle Hu." Puzzled, I asked, "My second uncle and Uncle Hu Wenhui went to Shennongjia. How does relocating a tomb here relate to them? Is the tomb in Shennongjia? If so, I can't take it on."
Jin Qiaoqiao clarified, "The tomb is within the province. As for the connection, my uncle didn't elaborate, but he instructed me to find you." This left me perplexed. Had someone else made such a claim, I'd question their sanity. But coming from Jin Youcai, a formidable figure, I had to take it seriously.
Huang Jiu whispered in my ear, "This girl might be deceiving you!" I responded, "Unlikely. Even if Jin Qiaoqiao is a bit willful, she wouldn't joke about her uncle's reputation. Besides, she's not arrogant."
Huang Jiu asked, "So, are you accepting?" I glanced at Zhan Ling and the others. Though they're currently my hired bodyguards, this task could be separate. I decided to bring them along, treating it as my own endeavor.
I inquired, "Is the task urgent?" Given that the 'Nine Yin Wealth-Gathering Tomb' requires relocation every ten years, timing is crucial. Jin Qiaoqiao replied, "We have ten days." Hearing that, I immediately agreed.
Jin Qiaoqiao stated, "We'll split the payment evenly. I'll handle the necessary tools." I nodded in agreement. She was straightforward, and so was I. Though I planned to bring more people, there was no need to inform her. After all, she approached me, and whom I bring is my prerogative.
"It's settled then. I'll come for you in ten days," she said, casting several glances at Xiaocui, which made Xiaocui unhappy, baring her little tiger teeth. Jin Qiaoqiao awkwardly smiled, greeted us, and drove away.
I turned to Zhan Ling, "Bring your team along. We'll split the earnings." Zhan Ling responded, "Li Yang, if it's the 'Nine Yin Wealth-Gathering Tomb,' you're earning through your skills. No need to share with us." I replied, "It's fine. We earn together."
One can't achieve much alone. The mystical world is vast, and I can't connect with everyone. With Xiaocui around, immersing myself entirely isn't feasible. To establish myself, I need friends. As the saying goes, 'With many friends, the road is easier.' Since I lack influential connections, I rely on benefits and friendship.
Zhan Ling's words hinted at deeper concerns. I added, "Don't worry. I won't drag you into my issues." Zhan Ling nodded, acknowledging her concerns. I understood her. Even someone like Mr. Jiang could be threatened; they're no exception. While demon hunters form a large group, teams like theirs are numerous, and not every minor issue gets attention.
That night, Huang Jiu and I left early, returning from the 'Empty House' before midnight. This marked our third visit. On our way back, we sensed no one tailing us. Huang Jiu expressed concern, "Could it be ineffective?" I was uncertain. After all, we're speculating and can't precisely predict others' thoughts.
I reassured myself, "They already harbor ulterior motives. If they discover something, they won't act hastily. They might collaborate to observe, causing delays." Huang Jiu countered, "What if they think differently?" I replied, "Then it's their luck. We'll wait."
I can endure this, but if those from the Ten Thousand Mountains are identified, I won't hold back. Even if I can't defeat them, I'll use every method I can think of to deal with them.
Huang Jiu lamented, "It's frustrating. If your wife were normal, we wouldn't have to sneak around. We could confront them directly." I shared his sentiment, but circumstances dictated otherwise. However, I don't complain. When Huang Xian'er brought Xiaocui to the city, everything was made clear. Since I chose to accept, I won't regret it later.
After about ten minutes, we returned home. Tingting and Xiaocui were asleep. Zhan Ling's five-member team was downstairs playing cards and keeping watch. I must say, the fifty thousand I spent was worth it.
I freshened up, ready to rest, but that mischievous cat occupied the master bedroom, snoring loudly. Unable to sleep, I moved to the living room.
Huang Jiu sat cross-legged on the sofa, forming the Nine-Character Seal with his hands. A faint golden light emerged, indicating he was grasping the essence. Seeing me, he released the seal and said, "I feel the power of the Nine-Character Mantra resembles that of the Buddha's relic. Do you think holding the relic would allow direct use of the mantra's essence?"
"Unlikely," I replied, feeling uneasy. I hadn't figured out how to explain that matter to him. I planned to find something comparable before revealing it, as compensation.
Huang Jiu pondered, "I thought so too. The Buddha's relic, after all, is an inanimate object, while the mantra's essence is an insight." Hearing him rationalize it eased my guilt. I changed the subject, "Brother Huang, last time you absorbed the Nine-Tailed Fox's demon soul, didn't it contain a demon artifact? How's that now?"
Huang Jiu grinned, "Secret. You'll know when the time comes." If Huang Jiu kept it as a trump card, it must be extraordinary. Of course, he might also fear exposure and subsequent attacks from other demons. Now, maintaining appearances, he might be too embarrassed to admit it.
With the topic shifted, I sat nearby and began reading Zuo Daoran's notes.