Volume Two – The General’s Tomb Chapter Sixteen – Where Does the Flowing Heart Point?

Hearing this, I was momentarily taken aback. The Daoist of Ghost Lantern said, "He’s right; if you refuse, he’ll die here tonight."

Upon these words, I frowned and glanced at those around me. Most of them now wore expressions of schadenfreude, yet they all shared a certain trait: each held something in their hands. Some gripped short knives, others daggers, and a burly man brandished a Green Dragon Crescent Blade, eyeing the stall owner in front of me with predatory intent.

It was clear that should I refuse, these people would surge forward and hack the old man to death.

Seeing this, a chill ran down my spine, and I hurriedly replied, "Very well, I’ll accept this jade hairpin from you."

The old man immediately rose, bowing deeply at ninety degrees, and presented the jade hairpin with both hands.

I took the hairpin from him, and he finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, young master, for your kindness," he said.

He nodded to the Daoist of Ghost Lantern by my side, paid no heed to his stall, and walked away toward the back.

After he spoke, I looked at the Daoist in confusion, wondering what the old man’s words truly meant.

The Daoist seemed to understand my question and explained, "This old man is now the next Guardian of Ghosts."

Li Kun and I exchanged puzzled glances. I asked, "Guardian of Ghosts? What does that mean?"

The Daoist replied, "He is my successor. In thirty years, when my time comes, he will take my place until the next young master of Ghost Market arrives."

At this, understanding dawned upon me; so there was such significance behind these proceedings.

The Daoist continued, "The Guardian of Ghosts is the protector of this Ghost Market."

I nodded. At this moment, Li Kun stepped forward and said, "Senior, I’m the brother of the young master of Ghost Market. Could I perhaps find a position here as well?"

The Daoist nodded and smiled, "If you wish, you can be the Guardian of the Bell in Ghost Market."

Li Kun protested, "Guardian of the Bell? That’s an unlucky title—guarding the bell, and then passing away! Never mind, I’d rather stick with Old Liu."

We all laughed, and the Daoist said, "Alright, you youngsters should hurry out. If you linger, you’ll have to wait until the market opens again tomorrow to leave."

I nodded and replied, "Very well, senior, I’ll take my leave now."

"Go on, go on. We’ll meet again," he replied.

Walking along the road, Gao Feng beside me said, "I’m never going back to that Ghost Market. It scared me to death."

Seeing his frightened face, I felt a pang of sympathy. I hadn’t expected so many unforeseen events during this trip.

I said, "Don’t worry. You’ve got that wooden token from the Thousand-Poison Daoist. Next time, nobody will dare bully you."

As I spoke, I handed the jade hairpin to Gao Feng. "This jade hairpin is yours."

He looked up at me, tears shimmering in his eyes.

Seeing him like this, I panicked—how could giving a gift make a girl cry?

I stammered, "Why are you crying? Please don’t, I..."

Gao Feng couldn’t help but laugh at my flustered state. "Oh, I’m not crying," he said with a chuckle.

He lifted his head and said, "This is the first gift I’ve ever received. Thank you, Liu Jie."

Relieved, I replied, "It’s nothing. As long as you like it."

I turned to look at Li Kun and Tian Tian, who walked behind us, chatting and laughing.

I smiled to myself. Li Kun and Miss Tian Tian made quite a pair—a rugged man and a capable woman, truly a match made in heaven.

Looking from Gao Feng beside me to Li Kun and Tian Tian behind, I wondered how long this peaceful, harmonious life could last. What exactly was that Flowing Heart place the Daoist mentioned? What did those cryptic words mean? And what was the golden bell in my pocket?

So many mysteries weighed on my mind, bringing an indescribable discomfort. When would I unravel them all?

After seeing Gao Feng and Tian Tian home, Li Kun and I headed straight back.

Li Kun lay on the bed and asked, "Old Liu, what do you think Flowing Heart is? Could it be some ancient tomb?"

I shook my head. "I haven’t a clue. Who knows what Flowing Heart really is? Let’s ask Xu Tian tomorrow—maybe he knows."

The lights in our room were still on when, just as I finished speaking, the old man's voice came from outside: "What are you two talking about? Flowing Heart?"

Li Kun and I instantly tensed. We exchanged glances, silently hoping the old man hadn’t overheard our talk of ancient tombs.

The old man pushed open the wooden door and saw us lying on the kang bed. "Why aren’t you asleep so late?" he asked.

"We were just chatting," I replied.

He continued, "What’s this Flowing Heart you mentioned?"

Li Kun and I exchanged another glance. I said, "Dad, do you know any place with the name Flowing Heart?"

He sat down beside me, smiling. "And you call yourself a local, yet you don’t know that place?"

Hearing this, Li Kun and I both sat up. I asked, "Dad, you know it?"

He nodded. "Flowing Heart Ravine—it’s just over thirty kilometers from our home."

At this, I could barely contain my excitement. "Dad, is there anything special about the place?"

He nodded. "Flowing Heart Ravine is indeed unique. I heard your grandfather mention it once, though only in passing. Apparently, there used to be a grand tomb there, but I don’t know much beyond that. Son, why are you asking?"

I felt a pang of anxiety and replied, "Li Kun and I were just chatting idly and happened to bring it up."

The old man nodded. "Alright, you two should get some sleep. It’s late. I’ll head to bed myself. Tomorrow, get up early and I’ll make something good for you."

I nodded, and Li Kun, rather excited, said, "Good night, Uncle!" The old man nodded and left.

Once he returned to his room, Li Kun exclaimed, "Old Liu, Flowing Heart Ravine! Flowing Heart Ravine!"

I nodded. "I never imagined it would be so easy to find. Truly, searching high and low only to stumble upon it by chance."

Li Kun was delighted. "This is fantastic! There’s really a grand tomb at Flowing Heart Ravine. Ha! I must make a fortune this time."

I nodded as well. "Indeed. This time, we’ll definitely bring back something worthwhile."