Immortality begins in Goose City

Chapter 19 The Toiler

The next day, around noon.

Thirty miles west of Goose City, in a desolate mountain range.

This place is sparsely populated, with ancient trees reaching for the sky, vines entwining the ground, and the air filled with the dampness of decaying vegetation and soil.

Several carriages and more than twenty capable and efficient servants of the Huang family stopped at the edge of a relatively open woodland.

The servants were dressed in uniform dark blue outfits, carrying rifles and short knives at their waists, and looked alert.

Wu Zhichong was among them. Today, he did not let his hair down, but instead tied it into a neat bun. His eyes were sharp as he scanned the surrounding mountains and forests.

Huang Shujian told Xiu'er to stay in the carriage and got off himself.

Today he changed into a black hunting outfit more suitable for mountain operations, wearing leather boots. His face was expressionless, but his eyes were sharper than usual.

Hu Wan followed closely behind him, holding the somewhat timid Hu Laosan in his hand.

"Young Master, this is the area where the legendary tomb of Consort Dong is located," Hu Wan said, pointing to a range of rolling hills ahead.

Huang Shujian looked up.

The so-called tomb of Consort Dong has no conspicuous signs or buildings.

According to the legend circulating in Goose City, a prince from the previous dynasty who was convicted and demoted to Lingnan had a concubine surnamed Dong who fell ill and died en route.

However, there are also rumors that it was actually Consort Dong who had an affair with a guard, became pregnant, was discovered by the prince, was beaten to death, and was hastily buried here.

In any case, the location of Consort Dong's tomb is secluded and its design is simple.

Over the years, it has attracted many tomb raiders to explore, but most of them have returned empty-handed. Over time, it has become a legend that is difficult to distinguish between true and false.

"Old Hu," Huang Shujian said, looking at the gaunt tomb raider, "find the exact location of Consort Dong's tomb."

Hu Wan chimed in sternly, "If I can't find you, I'll bury you here and let you be a concubine for a day!"

Old Hu was so frightened that his face turned pale, and he kept saying, "Find it, find it! I'll find it right away!"

He dared not delay and quickly took out a bronze compass from his pocket, along with a few old copper coins.

He first closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment, muttering incantations. Then he opened his eyes, picked up the compass, and began to walk around the mountains and forests, stopping and starting, occasionally climbing to high places to observe the terrain and watercourses.

The Huang family waited patiently, with only the chirping of birds and the sound of the wind in the mountains and forests.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Hu Laosan came running back, covered in sweat, and pointed to a small hill not far away.

"Young Master Huang! In my humble opinion, if there truly is a large tomb, the most likely location is that small hill!"

Huang Shujian looked in the direction he was pointing.

The hill wasn't high, but the vegetation was extremely lush, with dense vines and creepers, making it almost impossible to see any bare rocks.

"That's it? This mountain is full of trees, how are we supposed to find it? Are we going to have to turn the whole mountain upside down?"

"Old Hu, are you trying to fool the young master?!"

Old Hu San said with a bitter face, "Master Wan, how could I dare!"

"Look at this mountain. It's surrounded by a stream in front, backed by a continuous mountain range, and flanked by low hills on the left and right. It's exactly the 'Jade Belt around the Waist, Azure Dragon and White Tiger' formation that Feng Shui refers to!"

"This is the best place in terms of feng shui around here!"

"Although that imperial concubine was demoted, she was still a member of the royal family, so her burial will certainly be conducted according to feng shui principles!"

Hu Wan interrupted impatiently, "What's the use of good feng shui? What the young master wants is a grave! An entrance! You better point me out a hole!"

Hu Laosan was even more embarrassed, rubbing his hands, cold sweat pouring down his forehead: "This...this...Master Wan, to be honest, my skills are only good enough to give a rough idea of ​​feng shui."

"But to accurately locate the life gate of a tomb, one needs the tomb raiders' skills in geomancy and feng shui calculations... I... I haven't mastered that yet!"

"You..." Hu Wan was furious upon hearing this and raised his hand to strike.

"That's enough," Huang Shujian's voice rang out calmly.

Hu Wan's hand froze in mid-air. He quickly withdrew it, bowed, and stepped back.

Huang Shujian's gaze fell once again on the lush, green hill.

His eyes showed no hesitation or confusion, only a cold determination.

"Since we can't find the exact location, then there's no need to look for it anymore."

He paused, then uttered four words with unwavering resolve:

"Cut down the mountain! Blow this mountain up!"

Upon hearing this, Hu Wan, Wu Zhichong, and the others were first taken aback, then their eyes revealed a look of realization and admiration.

Yes, the Huang family has that kind of strength and courage!

Why bother getting worked up over a vague and unreal tomb entrance?

Hu Laosan was stunned, then realized what was happening, slapped his thigh, and gave a thumbs up:

"Brilliant! Young Master Huang is truly brilliant!"

"This method...this method is exactly the style of the Unloading Ridge Warriors!"

"Forget about traps and secret doors; if they encounter explosives, they'll all turn to ashes!"

……

In the mountains and fields, shouts and chants rose and fell.

"Heave-ho! Heave-ho!"

A dozen or so strong servants, shirtless, sweat streaming down their backs, glistening in the sunlight.

They wielded heavy machetes, hacking down on trees as thick as bowls.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The dull, powerful sound of felling echoed through the mountains and forests, startling birds flying in the distance.

Trees fell one by one under the axe, wood chips flying everywhere, carrying a fresh woody scent.

The fallen tree was quickly dragged to an open space and piled up.

More servants were responsible for clearing bushes and vines to create a path leading to the foot of the mountain.

The scene was bustling with activity, and dust was flying everywhere.

A spacious and comfortable Western-style carriage was parked on a flat area a little further away, the Huang family emblem on the carriage gleaming in the sunlight.

Inside the carriage, there was a soft cashmere carpet and a small, fixed table.

Xiuer knelt on the soft cushion, carefully brewing goji berry tea with a small purple clay teapot.

As hot water is poured in, the red goji berries tumble and float in the clear tea soup, releasing a faint sweet aroma.

She poured a small cup, held it with both hands, and handed it to Huang Shujian, who was leaning against the soft couch opposite her.

"Young master, the tea is ready. Be careful, it's hot."

Huang Shujian took the warm teacup, blew on it gently, and took a sip.

The sweet taste of goji berries and the slight astringency of the tea melt in your mouth, bringing a touch of warmth.

He closed his eyes to rest, listening to the powerful chopping sounds outside the window, and pondered his next move.

Just then, Hu Wan's obsequious voice came from outside the carriage window:

"Young master, the person has been brought."

Huang Shujian opened his eyes and lifted the heavy velvet curtains.

Hu Wan was seen standing bent over outside the car window, with a sharp-eyed and upright young man half a step behind him. It was Ma Yongzhen, who had fought alongside him last night.

His face still bore the weariness of the fierce battle, but his eyes were bright, and he stood ramrod straight.

"Young Master," Hu Wan quickly introduced, "this is Ma Yongzhen."

"He was originally a secret agent that I placed in the Black Dragon Gang, thinking that if the young master suddenly had a change of heart... it would be good to have someone to look after him."

"I never expected to encounter that monster... The Black Dragon Gang has suffered heavy losses. Of the Red Sticks, only Iron Head is left, barely alive. Ma Yong is really skilled and has made contributions, so he has been promoted to the new Red Flower Double Sticks."

Ma Yongzhen immediately stepped forward, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a salute, and said in a loud and firm voice, "This humble servant is Ma Yongzhen. It was an honor to fight alongside you, young master, last night!"

"From this day forward, I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse, even unto death!"