Chapter 23: The Gu Family Has Backup
On the third day at noon, Zhang Kai, well-prepared, joined the old fortune teller and got into the Mercedes-Benz business car arranged by Gu Mingyu. Inside the car, Gu Mingyu was also present, now dressed in practical mountain-climbing attire. Another girl, who appeared to be about seventeen or eighteen with twin ponytails, was holding a lollipop and listening to music on her phone. She had an innocent look about her.
When Zhang Kai saw the girl with twin ponytails, he hesitated for a moment but then pretended not to notice.
"Zhou Daozhang, Zhang Daozhang," Gu Mingyu greeted with a smile.
"No need to be so formal, please, have a seat," the old fortune teller responded.
Gu Mingyu sat down and took out a map. She continued, "Zhou Daozhang, based on the location you provided, I've planned our route. We will fly to the airport, and a convoy will be ready on the Changling side. However, the area around Snow Peak Mountain is undeveloped, with no accessible roads for vehicles. We'll need to find a place to park and then trek on foot into the mountains. Can you suggest a nearby location?"
The old fortune teller smiled and said, "There's a town called Duqiao Town on the Changling side. It's the closest to our destination. When we arrive there, don't rush; we need to acquire something that will save us a lot of trouble."
Gu Mingyu nodded in agreement.
Zhang Kai then asked, "Miss Gu, who is this young lady?"
Gu Mingyu smiled and introduced, "This is my cousin, Wang Tingting. She loves exploring mysterious places. She wanted to join us this time to gain more experience."
Zhang Kai smiled and replied, "Your cousin seems lovely."
Tingting looked up at Zhang Kai, gave a sweet smile, and then resumed listening to music, looking completely harmless.
The rest of the journey was quiet. They disembarked, changed planes, and flew to Changling. Changling was not only a mountain range but also a city named after the range. It was an ancient city that held strategic importance in the past and was now considered a second-tier city.
They arrived in the evening, where they were met by someone who would be assisting them. They were then taken to a hotel to rest for the night before heading to Duqiao Town the next day.
Gu Mingyu handled all the arrangements, while Zhang Kai and the old fortune teller relaxed in their rooms without any interruptions.
After some rest, Zhang Kai entered the old fortune teller's room.
"Old man, the Gu family doesn't seem as simple as you made them out to be, do they?" Zhang Kai got straight to the point.
The old fortune teller chuckled, "When did I ever say that the Gu family was simple? The Gu family has a long history and has been closely connected to our lineage for generations. Thanks to my senior's connections, we have built a relationship with the Gu family. However, you're right; the Gu family is not just wealthy; they also have significant influence."
"I'm talking about this mission. The young girl who came with us doesn't seem like she's just here to observe," Zhang Kai added.
The old fortune teller praised him, "Zhang, your judgment is quite sharp. You are indeed perceptive."
Zhang Kai rolled his eyes, "Come on, old man, we're on a journey of cultivation together. There's no need to be secretive. Being straightforward is more likely to earn trust."
The old fortune teller appeared innocent, "When have I not been straightforward? Regarding the Gu family's participation, it was my invitation, but I can't control who they send, can I? After all, they are responsible for all our expenses along the way. Even if we enter a restricted area, the Gu family's people will be in the forefront. They've invested so much because they want to obtain spiritual medicine. No matter who they send, as long as it doesn't conflict with our goals, it's fine. Why does it matter who they are?"
Zhang Kai was left speechless.
"But as for Duqiao Town, there's something I didn't mention before but can now. In Duqiao Town, there's a sect that has survived even though its cultivation has declined. With the resurgence of spiritual energy, they might have resumed their practices. When we arrive there, we'll need to acquire something that should pose no problem for us before entering the restricted area," the old fortune teller continued.
Zhang Kai was curious, "What do we need to acquire? Is there danger outside the restricted area too?"
The old fortune teller smiled mysteriously, "What do you think? This isn't an ordinary tomb; it's a burial site for immortals and demons, prepared for their tribulations. If there were no restrictions, what would distinguish it from a tourist attraction?"
Zhang Kai nodded, understanding the point. Immortal burial sites were undoubtedly extraordinary.
"So, what do we need to acquire?" Zhang Kai asked.
The old fortune teller grinned, "Bone incense."
Zhang Kai: ???
Meanwhile, in another room of the hotel, several people were seated, including Gu Mingyu, Tingting, and two other men—one elderly and one young. The elder was probably in his seventies, with slightly graying hair and dressed like a Daoist, complete with a goatee. He had a slender figure and sharp eyes.
The younger man was in his twenties, also dressed as a Daoist, but with average looks and a slightly crooked mouth. Currently, he seemed more interested in sneaking glances at Tingting, his eyes practically trying to burrow into her clothes.
The group was gathered around a notebook, which displayed a live feed from a camera in the old fortune teller's room, capturing their conversation with Zhang Kai.
Upon hearing the words "bone incense," the Daoist with the goatee squinted his eyes.
Gu Mingyu spoke up, "Daoist Chongming, what exactly is bone incense?"
Daoist Chongming replied, "It's an incense made from bones, and it comes in various types, each for different purposes. Based on the information we've gathered about the Snow Peak Mountain area, this bone incense should be specifically for blood-sucking insects."
"Blood-sucking insects?" Gu Mingyu asked with confusion.
Daoist Chongming explained, "Blood-sucking insects are mysterious flying insects native to Changling. They fear heat and prefer cold, hibernating in summer and being active in winter. They feed on blood, and though they don't consume much, they possess a toxin in their proboscis that can induce hallucinations and paralyze nerves. While they were originally considered spiritual-level venomous creatures, they regressed after the decline of spiritual energy. Nonetheless, they are still dangerous, especially in the mountains, where a single bite can lead to unpredictable consequences."
Gu Mingyu marveled, "The world is full of wonders. It seems that Wudang has indeed mastered several restricted areas and possesses extensive knowledge."
She then added with a determined look, "I just wonder if what we're looking for can be found here."
Back in Zhang Kai's room, he decided to change his strategy after last night's conversation. Since the old fortune teller and the Gu family were unreliable, he opted to let them take the lead, while he focused on his own goals. After all, their objectives were different, and as long as he could obtain what he sought, he didn't care about the rest.
As they gathered for breakfast, they seemed to be getting along well and enjoying each other's company.
The next morning, they set off. Zhang Kai noticed that the Gu family was indeed well-prepared. They had five off-road vehicles and over ten people in their group. Among them, Zhang Kai spotted two Daoists—one elderly and one young. The elderly Daoist emitted a true energy aura similar to the old fortune teller's, indicating that he had recently broken through. This confirmed that the Gu family had more resources than Zhang Kai had initially thought.
Not only did Zhang Kai notice this, but so did the old fortune teller. After observing the elderly Daoist for a while, he turned to Zhang Kai and said, "Mr. Zhang, how about we make a blood oath to not betray each other?"
Zhang Kai: "Hmph."