"What's wrong? Why are you making such a fuss?"
Xu Mu asked from the side.
But as soon as he spoke, he saw why—
black mist was seeping from the wine jar. Clearly, it wasn't wine inside, but gu insects.
Miao He quickly put the lid back on.
"As you can see, it's gu. You guys can't use it anyway. This one's mine. In return, I won't fight you for the rest of the treasures."
Dai Xingluo, Meng Wanyue, and Chen Xuan all turned toward Xu Mu—waiting for his decision.
If he objected, Dai Xingluo would've been the first to strike.
"Alright," Xu Mu nodded. "You've contributed plenty this time."
He then walked over to the three Profound-Grade techniques.
"Profound-level arts can be cultivated just by reading them. Once we're out, I'll take photos and send them to you all."
He turned toward the group.
Dai Xingluo's eyes glimmered, and black text appeared above her head:
[Favorability +15]
As a disciple of a sect, she understood the value of techniques.
Profound-Grade techniques were, for most sect members, the highest level they could ever reach.
Even in her Heavenly Sword Sect, most elders weren't qualified to practice Earth-Grade arts—only the top few could.
So, getting three Profound-Grade techniques was an incredible gain.
Meng Wanyue was equally moved.
[Favorability +15]
In her eyes, a Profound-Grade art was already top-tier. Without Xu Mu, she might never have come across one in her lifetime.
Chen Xuan, on the other hand, had no concept of these ranks—his master had taught him many arts, but he'd never cared about their level.
To him, even his "Five Firewood-Chopping Techniques" were already powerful enough.
Still, no one ever felt they had too many martial arts—and he'd come just to gain some experience, so this was an unexpected bonus.
Xu Mu stored away the manuals and moved toward the weapon rack.
"Come on, pick something that suits you. Weapons forged by the Jiuli Clan are all top quality."
"Now you're talking sense," Miao He commented. "Chi You was known as the God of Weapons. His craftsmanship far surpassed Yan and Huang."
Dai Xingluo, a sword expert, chose a longsword.
She gave it a few elegant swings and smiled. "This one's perfect. I'll make a sheath for it later."
Meng Wanyue picked a short sword about half a meter long.
"I'll pass," Chen Xuan said with a grin. "I'm used to my master's hatchet."
Xu Mu nodded. He, however, wasn't picky—he intended to take the rest of the weapons for himself.
After all, they'd disturbed someone's tomb; might as well make it worth the trouble.
He stored the remaining weapons in his space.
"Judging by the light up there, that should be the exit, right?" he asked Miao He.
Compared to the others, Xu Mu's gains were by far the greatest—
besides the Profound-Grade arts and the weapons, he'd also received a technique personally passed down by the Jiuli commander.
It was at least Earth-Grade, if not higher.
"That's right," Miao He nodded. "Seems you really do understand formations. But this time, I'm saving your life. If you go up now, you'll likely die."
"Why?" Xu Mu asked.
"This is a common setup in Jiuli tombs," she explained. "You think getting the treasure means you're done? Actually, that's when the danger begins.
Only when the light above fades can we safely leave."
"Didn't think there'd be so many tricks. Lucky you're here," Xu Mu said with a faint smile.
Miao He lifted her chin slightly.
[Favorability +10]
The group waited quietly—it took over an hour.
During that time, Xu Mu asked Miao He about the internal politics of the Jiuli Clan.
According to her, the Jiuli had two factions, both ancient and still active today—
the Conservatives and the War Faction.
The Conservatives sought coexistence, believing that modern Dragon Nation citizens already carried Jiuli blood, and that things should be left as they were.
The War Faction held the opposite view, insisting that the Jiuli and the descendants of Yan and Huang were eternal enemies, and that the Jiuli should reclaim dominance over the land.
"Which faction has more people now?" Chen Xuan asked, intrigued.
"Definitely the Conservatives," Miao He replied, shaking her head. "The fighting's gone on for over five thousand years. The Jiuli population's dwindled to near extinction. Most of us just want peace now."
At that moment, the light above dimmed, replaced by darkness.
Miao He smiled. "It's time. We can leave now."
Xu Mu nodded. "Let's go."
They leapt through the dark opening—but instead of rising, they suddenly dropped.
Splash!
They landed in water.
"Are we back at the starting cave?" Chen Xuan asked, looking around with a grin.
As they retraced their path, they passed others still entering the ruins—unaware that the real treasures were already gone.
Emerging from the underground river, they returned to the forest outside.
It was pitch black out.
Xu Mu checked his phone—it was 8 p.m. the next night. They hadn't been gone that long.
"Finally out," Dai Xingluo sighed in relief, clutching her stomach. "Brother, I'm starving."
"Then let's get a feast!"
Xu Mu smiled, glancing at Miao He. "You coming?"
"I'll pass. I need somewhere quiet to study this gu," she said, shaking her head.
They parted ways. Xu Mu went back to the local house to settle payment, then left with the others.
This time, Meng Wanyue drove. Xu Mu sat in the passenger seat, taking photos of the three manuals and sending them to Chen Xuan, Meng Wanyue, and Dai Xingluo.
After a moment's thought, he sent them to Miao He as well.
Miao He, already in her subordinate's minivan, blinked when she saw the message.
He'd given her the techniques even though she'd already claimed the gu.
"This fool… doesn't he know the more people learn a technique, the less valuable it becomes?" she murmured, gazing out the window.
[Favorability +30]
Xu Mu had Meng Wanyue stop in a nearby county town—street grills were still open.
They decided on late-night barbecue.
As soon as he stepped out, Xu Mu's phone buzzed.
It was Jiang Huihui.
"What's wrong?" he asked, answering.
"I thought you bailed on me! I called you this morning—why didn't you pick up?"
"I was busy. Just got my phone back," Xu Mu replied with a smile.
"My grandpa's holding a Martial Arts Tournament for Marriage in the next few days," Jiang Huihui said after a pause.
"So… are you coming or not?"