Chapter 1462: Big Brother
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Chapter 1460: Big Brother
Houtu City is filled with Spirit stones, yet everywhere you go, you need to spend Spirit stones.
Most cultivators appear glamorous on the surface, dressed in fine clothes, talking about transactions and deals involving hundreds of thousands or even millions of Spirit stones.
But their storage bags are almost perpetually overdrawn.
The more Spirit stones they earn, the more they spend.
This is the reality for the vast majority of cultivators in Houtu City.
When Mo Hua first arrived in Kun Province, he was deceived by the superficial prosperity of Houtu City and truly believed it was a place of immense wealth and luxury.
After living there for a while and interacting with more cultivators, he realized that appearances can be the most deceptive.
The opulence of Houtu City belongs only to the upper echelons.
No matter how wealthy the city is, that wealth may never trickle down to ordinary cultivators.
Most cultivators don’t live as well as they seem.
In fact, in terms of earning Spirit stones, Mo Hua was already more capable than ninety-nine percent of the cultivators in Houtu City.
If it were anyone else, with Mo Hua’s current abilities, saving up some Spirit stones, buying a house, marrying a beautiful wife or concubine, and living a comfortable, wealthy life would be more than enough.
Unfortunately, Mo Hua wasn’t destined for such a “comfortable” life.
Not to mention, the colossal “mountain” of four billion Spirit stones was now looming over his head.
…
Inside Fortune Pavilion.
Mo Hua was drinking tea and chatting with Manager Zhao.
Before Manager Zhao could finish his sip of tea, he widened his eyes in surprise. “You’re still short on Spirit stones?”
Mo Hua nodded. “Very short.”
Manager Zhao couldn’t help but ask, “What exactly are you trying to do? How are you still short on Spirit stones?”
He felt that Mo Hua had earned more than enough Spirit stones during this period.
Even living a “luxurious” life would be more than sufficient. How could he still be short on Spirit stones after all this?
Mo Hua sighed. “It’s a long story.”
The amount was too staggering.
He wasn’t sure if the entire Fortune Pavilion was even worth four billion.
Even if he said it out loud, Manager Zhao would probably think he was boasting.
Manager Zhao, however, was secretly wondering if this young Master Mo was secretly supporting another woman behind his senior sister’s back.
A man, a Formation Master, a young and promising Formation Master—if it wasn’t because of a woman, he likely wouldn’t be short on money.
But that didn’t seem right either… With his looks, shouldn’t women be supporting him instead?
Manager Zhao was silently speculating when he looked up and saw Mo Hua staring at him with a displeased expression.
Manager Zhao’s heart skipped a beat. He forced an awkward smile before adopting a serious and thoughtful expression.
“Young Master, as you know, there are only so many Second-Grade High-Tier orders, and you’ve already completed them all.”
“As for the rest, I’ve thought it over and over, but there really aren’t any other good business opportunities.”
Mo Hua wasn’t convinced. “With such a large Fortune Pavilion, surely there must be some big deals to be made?”
Without some major deals, such a large Fortune Pavilion would likely have gone bankrupt long ago.
Manager Zhao said, “Big deals depend on the right opportunities.”
“As the saying goes, fate, luck, and fortune—in life, aside from fate, ‘luck’ is the most important.”
“Opportunities like these rely heavily on luck.”
“When luck comes, business soars, and Spirit stones flow like water, never stopping.”
Manager Zhao looked envious, then sighed. “But without that luck, without catching the right opportunity, even heroes are constrained, left to rely on small deals just to get by.”
Mo Hua also sighed softly.
Since they had already talked about opportunities, there wasn’t much left to discuss.
Mo Hua felt that his luck had never been particularly good. Up until now in his cultivation journey, he hadn’t encountered any major opportunities or strokes of fortune.
Instead, he had been targeted by the Heavenly Dao quite often.
Even when forming his Golden Core, he had ended up with an inferior grade—truly unlucky.
After some thought, Mo Hua said, “Then let’s go with Entering the Earth.”
Manager Zhao sincerely advised, “Entering the Earth is something you should do sparingly. Do it occasionally, but not too frequently, to avoid attracting unclean things.”
Mo Hua had encountered plenty of unclean things—he had even walked through the deep abyss marsh once—so he replied, “It’s fine, I know what I’m doing.”
Manager Zhao had no choice.
This young master Mo appeared gentle, but he was actually a person of strong convictions. Once he made up his mind, there was no stopping him.
“But…” Manager Zhao frowned, “We don’t have a team at the moment.”
Mo Hua said, “Those three from Iron Mountain Tiger—bring them along.”
Manager Zhao hesitated, “Will they go?”
Mo Hua replied, “Ask them. They probably will.”
With Iron Mountain Tiger and his two companions, that made four people. They were still short one.
Mo Hua said, “That’s easy. Just find someone on the streets.”
“Finding a team for Entering the Earth with one person looking for four others is difficult. But with four looking for one, it’s much easier. There are plenty of people to choose from.”
Manager Zhao nodded, “That’s true.”
After all, with four waiting for one, they could “set off” as soon as someone joined. Many people would be willing to join such a group.
“There’s one last problem,” Manager Zhao asked. “Which tomb are we raiding?”
Mo Hua shook his head.
Manager Zhao was speechless. “You don’t even know where the tombs are, and you’re asking me to assemble a team? What if we gather everyone but have no idea where to go? Will the five of us just stare at each other?”
Mo Hua asked, “Don’t you have any leads?”
Manager Zhao said, “I’m just a manager.”
He wasn’t a tomb raider, nor did he personally engage in Entering the Earth. He had no knowledge of tomb-raiding techniques.
His role was limited to handling “loot,” gathering information, and organizing teams behind the scenes—he was “clean.”
After some thought, Mo Hua said, “Then why don’t you look around on the streets?”
“This…” Manager Zhao still had reservations.
Mo Hua continued, “Go and ask around. Find out where there might be tombs. A general area is enough—we can search more carefully later.”
Manager Zhao was taken aback. “Will… that work?”
Tombs were the final resting places of the deceased, and they were of great importance. People kept their tombs hidden—even digging three feet into the ground wouldn’t make them easy to find.
How could you plan to raid a tomb without even gathering proper information?
Tomb raiding wasn’t that simple, was it?
Shouldn’t there be at least some basic respect for the profession of Entering the Earth?
Manager Zhao thought this to himself but didn’t dare say it out loud.
Mo Hua said, “What does it matter? We’ll just give it a try. If we don’t find anything, it’s just a wasted trip for me. But if we find a tomb and earn some spirit stones, you’ll get your share.”
Hearing this, Manager Zhao couldn’t help but nod. “That’s true.”
After considering it, Manager Zhao said, “Alright then, I’ll go find people and spread the word to see if we can locate a tomb.”
Mo Hua nodded. “Good.”
Manager Zhao had extensive connections and many avenues of information. Having spent years in Houtu City and being a manager, he had ties in both the legitimate and underground circles. This kind of thing was his specialty.
Afterward, Mo Hua had some tea with Manager Zhao before returning to the Little Luan Mountain Blessed Land.
He continued his days of studying Soil Formations during the day, Earth-Ground Formations at night, and occasionally dabbling in other types of array formations for leisure.
Just two short days later, Manager Zhao actually sent word, saying he had found a lead.
Iron Mountain Tiger and the other two agreed very readily.
And because it was “four waiting for one,” coupled with Manager Zhao’s reputation having improved somewhat, there were quite a few people applying to join the venture.
Manager Zhao relayed the names and details of these people to Mo Hua via the Message Transmission Token, letting Mo Hua choose the person to Enter the Earth himself.
Mo Hua calculated with his fingers, somewhat surprised, and after pondering for a long time, selected a person named “Zhōu jǐn” from the list.
Coincidentally, this Zhōu jǐn also provided clues to the tomb’s location.
He was someone who brought his own tomb-raiding clues. This was also one of the reasons Mo Hua chose him.
Thus, the personnel were finalized.
Three days later, Mo Hua finished his preparations and went to bid farewell to his little senior sister.
Bai Zixi was already accustomed to it and didn’t say much, only remarking, “Go early and return early.”
Mo Hua nodded, “Yes, senior sister, don’t worry.”
After bidding farewell to his little senior sister, Mo Hua went to the Eastern District market and entered Manager Zhao’s private residence.
Inside the private residence, four people had already gathered.
Iron Mountain Tiger, at the mid Golden Core stage, burly and robust, with a Tiger-Head Great Ring Saber as his Magical Treasure.
Skinny Cicada, at the mid Golden Core stage, sharp-eyed, wielding a poison-blowing hidden weapon.
Pangolin, at the mid Golden Core stage, short, lean, and sturdy, using a pair of Remnant Green Claws as his Magical Treasure.
The cultivation levels of these three, along with their seasoned aura of the jianghu, made it clear they were no ordinary individuals.
There was another person, also at the mid Golden Core stage, tall and well-built, dressed plainly but with a dignified appearance.
Mo Hua glanced at him and guessed that this person was likely the “Zhōu jǐn.”
Manager Zhao was also sitting in front of the four, giving them some instructions.
When Mo Hua appeared wearing the Ghost Mask, assuming the identity of “Black-Faced Fiend,” Manager Zhao stopped speaking and nodded to Mo Hua in acknowledgment.
Iron Mountain Tiger and the other two immediately stood up, bowing respectfully to Mo Hua and saying, “Greetings, Brother Black-Faced Fiend!”
Zhōu jǐn was taken aback but followed the three in standing up, cupping his hands in salute to Mo Hua, though he felt a slight unease in his heart.
Iron Mountain Tiger and the other two had impressive cultivation levels and clearly looked like seasoned jianghu veterans, with a steady and ruthless demeanor.
This “Black-Faced Fiend,” however, didn’t seem to have particularly high cultivation—likely only around the early Golden Core stage. His posture was elegant yet frail, his vitality weak, and aside from the somewhat ugly Ghost Mask, there was nothing particularly remarkable about him.
So why would Iron Mountain Tiger and the other two, all mid Golden Core stage jianghu veterans, stand up and bow to this “Black-Faced Fiend,” even addressing him as “brother”?
Their attitude was even one of deep respect, as if they genuinely admired him and were willing to follow his lead.
Just who was this Black-Faced Fiend?
Not only was Zhōu jǐn puzzled, but even Manager Zhao furrowed his brow, finding it strange.
This time, he had personally contacted Iron Mountain Tiger and the other two for the Entering the Earth venture.
As soon as Iron Mountain Tiger and the other two heard it was “Brother Black-Faced Fiend” leading the way, they immediately agreed without hesitation, as if afraid that if they delayed, Mo Hua wouldn’t take them along.
These three were outsiders and quite powerful.
Manager Zhao wasn’t very familiar with them, but he had interacted with them before, and they didn’t seem to have this kind of personality back then.
How did they become like “followers” after just one Entering the Earth venture with Mo Hua?
Could it be that they were “brainwashed” by something unclean?
Manager Zhao shook his head, then looked at the group and said, “Everyone is here, let me introduce them.”
“Iron Mountain Tiger and his two companions are no strangers to you all.”
“This gentleman,” Manager Zhao pointed to the imposing, dignified man, “is Zhou Jin, mid-Golden Core stage, heroic and extraordinary.”
“He is also the one who provided the clues for this venture.”
After speaking, Manager Zhao pointed to Mo Hua and said, “This is…”
Manager Zhao paused briefly, suppressing his awkwardness, “This is Brother Black-Faced Fiend. He is the Grave Head for this operation and will be responsible for Entering the Earth.”
Mo Hua cupped his hands in salute toward Zhou Jin.
Zhou Jin returned the gesture.
Seeing that everyone had gathered, Manager Zhao gave some additional instructions and then said: “That’s all I have to say. Everyone, let’s set off. I wish you all good fortune and prosperity upon seeing the coffin.”
Zhou Jin was also about to depart when he suddenly felt something was missing. He glanced around and spotted the Ksitigarbha statue in the courtyard. He asked Manager Zhao: “Isn’t this against the rules? Shouldn’t we pay respects to Lord Ksitigarbha and ask for his protection?”
Manager Zhao glanced at Zhou Jin, thinking to himself that this man was indeed a professional, remembering these rules so well.
Generally speaking, one should pay respects to Ksitigarbha.
But the current situation was that King Ksitigarbha might not necessarily look after you.
It was Brother Black-Faced Fiend who determined whether you would meet your doom.
Burning incense was useless.
Of course, this was Manager Zhao’s own conclusion based on objective facts, and it wasn’t something he could easily voice.
So Manager Zhao said, “Everyone has their own fortune and misfortune; life and death are in their own hands. We shouldn’t trouble Lord Ksitigarbha with everything.”
“Moreover, thinking that lighting a few sticks of incense can buy you your life is too greedy. Where in the world is there such a good deal?”
Zhou Jin pondered for a moment, then showed a slightly surprised expression and nodded: “The manager speaks wisely. Indeed, expecting a few sticks of incense to protect one’s life is far too greedy and disrespectful to Lord Ksitigarbha.”
Manager Zhao was taken aback, thinking to himself, “This Zhou Jin is quite perceptive?”
Zhou Jin cupped his hands toward Manager Zhao and said, “Farewell.”
Manager Zhao also saluted and said, “Travel safely, may you encounter earth and turn it to fortune.”
Zhou Jin replied, “May we encounter earth and turn it to fortune.”
The carriage traveled southward from Houtu City.
Inside the carriage, it was quite quiet.
Iron Mountain Tiger and his companions wanted to chat with their “big brother” Mo Hua to express their gratitude, but with Zhou Jin, an outsider, present, they couldn’t talk too freely.
Thus, for most of the journey, silence prevailed.
Zhou Jin frowned, lost in thought, and didn’t speak either.
After traveling for most of the day, the carriage left Houtu City, entered the farmlands south of the city, and gradually moved farther away. Finally, at dusk the next day, it stopped in front of a village at the foot of a desolate mountain.
The village was also abandoned, with broken walls and collapsed roofs everywhere, covered in spiderwebs and dust.
The desolate mountain in the distance was dark, dilapidated, and devoid of any signs of life.
Mo Hua got off the carriage, looked up, and sighed softly.
Times change, and this was yet another village that had “died.”
Iron Mountain Tiger and his companions also got off the carriage, looking around with varied expressions.
Zhou Jin then said, “This is the place. According to the information I gathered, there was a wealthy family who, after their death, was buried somewhere nearby—either in the desolate mountain or around this abandoned village.”
“Unfortunately,” Zhou Jin sighed helplessly, “my skills are lacking. I searched for a long time but couldn’t find the entrance to the tomb.”
He had no choice but to share this information and call others to help search.
Mo Hua nodded.
Such things were quite normal. Last time, when he couldn’t open Elder Tian’s tomb, he had done the same.
Mo Hua glanced around and asked Zhōu jǐn, “What is this place called?”
Zhōu jǐn shook his head. “This was originally a remote little village, long abandoned and weathered. I don’t know its name either.”
Mo Hua nodded, placed his fingers inside his sleeve, and performed a brief calculation. Then he raised his head, released his Divine-Sense, and “scanned” the entire village thoroughly. With a slight stir in his heart, he walked toward a corner of the desolate village.
Iron Mountain Tiger and the others exchanged glances, unsure of what Mo Hua intended to do, but they followed silently.
Mo Hua walked straight to a collapsed house at the village corner, pointed to an unremarkable spot, and said to Pangolin: “Dig here.”
Pangolin was momentarily stunned, but since Big Brother Mo Hua had spoken, he didn’t hesitate. Without another word, his hands transformed into sharp claws, and he began digging downward at the spot Mo Hua indicated.
After digging for a while, he suddenly unearthed a wooden signpost.
Zhōu jǐn’s expression changed slightly.
However, the signpost seemed to have been soaked in water and soil for years, nearly rotted away, with its characters blurred and faded.
Mo Hua pondered briefly, sprinkled some Spirit Ink onto the signpost, and then activated his Divine-Sense Thought to trace the cause and effect.
The tracing of cause and effect occurred within the intangible Divine Sense Thought, invisible to others.
But the result of the tracing manifested anew on the signpost through the Spirit Ink.
This transformation was incredibly profound.
Iron Mountain Tiger and the other two didn’t understand the principles of cause and effect at play here, but they all felt an indescribable sense of awe and astonishment.
As the Spirit Ink took form, characters reappeared on the signpost.
Mo Hua glanced at it and softly read aloud: “Little Zhōu Village?”
Mo Hua turned to Zhōu jǐn, whose face had turned pale, and asked, “This ‘Zhōu’… wouldn’t happen to be your Zhōu, would it?”
“Are you… from this abandoned village?”
As if his secret had been exposed, Zhōu jǐn’s expression shifted sharply, his gaze turning fierce, and his aura surged violently.
Seeing this, Iron Mountain Tiger and the other two immediately drew their Magical Treasures, positioning themselves protectively in front of Mo Hua, their expressions dark and their eyes fixed menacingly on Zhōu jǐn.