Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 1047: Chapter 91: Where Is the Path to Immortality? (53) – Cognitive Distortion

But what peeled off wasn’t just the painted layer on the Terracotta Warriors.

When large chunks of clay flaked off these Terracotta Warriors and fell to the ground, shattering, what was exposed was clearly not something lifeless.

They… or rather, they, each had a withered face, their skin having perhaps turned to a grey-black color due to the tight adhesion with the clay over the long years.

They… were bowing their heads.

But among them, soon there were those who raised their heads… their eyes were closed, but soon, there were those who opened their eyes.

Crack, crack, plop…

The clay layers on the Terracotta Warriors finally peeled off completely, a plume of grey dust rising at their feet, filling the air with a smell of decay.

The Song Family Descendant Soldiers instinctively raised their modern weapons at this moment, pointing their Weapons towards Song Haoran and the others, while the Li Family’s old masters reacted a bit more slowly.

As for the Suzuki-kai’s henchmen, looking at their fearful expressions… it probably would take them some more time to respond.

“What… what exactly is this…”

Mr. Aqi, with decades of tomb-raiding experience, had never seen such a mysterious thing… Tomb raiding, especially that of ancient tombs, sometimes indeed involved encountering some unclean things, but the ancient tomb-robbing family of the Li Family had accumulated considerable knowledge over the years, offering solutions to Mr. Aqi and the others.

Yet… to find living ‘people’ hidden within Terracotta Warriors—this was unprecedented, not even recorded anywhere in the Li Family’s archives!

“They are moving, moving again!”

Mu Xianghua’s panicked voice rang out at this moment, his legs trembling, and his complexion pale… probably with a hint of regret, regretting why he took on this job from the Takizawa Family in the first place!

But no matter how terrified Mu Xianghua was at the moment, everyone needed to face the issue—these ‘monsters’ emerging from the Terracotta Warriors were slowly advancing towards them.

And the first one had already climbed out of the pit!

Bang—!

A sudden gunshot echoed in the tomb chamber!

The bullet precisely struck the center of the forehead of the ‘monster’ that climbed up, causing the creature’s head to jerk back from the forceful impact.

It came to a stop, but remained standing!

At this moment, the surroundings were eerily quiet, with all eyes almost fixed on this ‘monster’ that had climbed up!

Suddenly, its head, which had been thrown back, abruptly lowered!

Its eyes were filled with bloodshot veins, and deep crimson tears… blood tears flowed from them. The bullet mark on its forehead also oozed a dark red blood.

A low and oppressive roar issued from its mouth, faced with this lethal assault, not only had it not died; it seemed to have entered a frenzied state—it suddenly lunged forward!

Bam bam bam—!!!

A few Song Family Descendant Soldiers wielding submachine guns did not hesitate to pull the trigger, bullets wildly spraying onto the monster’s body.

Shell casings densely clattered to the ground!

Under this frenzied assault, the charging ‘monster’ was ultimately intercepted—its body now resembling a board riddled with holes.

It had clearly become a ‘bloody figure’!

Thud—!

It fell to the ground, but its hand still reached upward, a move that made a Song Family Descendant Soldier, already on edge, squeeze the trigger once more.

The bullet hit the ‘monster’s arm, knocking it down completely.

This ‘monster’ now made no further moves.

Its eyes had already closed, yet strangely, on that hideous face, a more bizarre smile was now emerging.

“It’s… it’s smiling?” one voice said uncertainly.

“Finally freed, it’s normal to smile.”

But the next voice was one that everyone recognized… it was Suzuki Haruxin, the Young Head of the Suzuki Family—everyone instinctively turned towards Suzuki Haruxin.

They saw ‘Haruxin Suzuki’ walk directly to the corpse of this ‘creature’, crouch down, and inspect it carefully before speaking slowly, “These people have long been dead, merely turned into living corpses. Their souls were also bound within the living corpses using Secret Techniques when they were alive.”

With that, ‘Haruxin Suzuki’ stood up and kicked the ‘creature’s’ corpse into the pit ahead, “Imprisoned for over two thousand years, never seeing the light of day, now that the soul can finally rest in peace, being happy is quite normal.”

“Young Master Suzuki, how do you know these things?” asked Song Haoran, curious.

His eyes fixed tightly on this Suzuki Young Head who seemed somewhat different.

‘Haruxin Suzuki’ turned his face slightly, glanced casually at Song Haoran, and fibbed, “Do you know Onmyojis? I understand some of their methods.”

The crowd exchanged looks, surprised yet compelled to believe Suzuki’s explanation—for living beings to emerge from a burial pit after two thousand years and not instantly die even after being shot in the head, was already enough to overturn common understanding.

“Young Master Suzuki, careful!” Mu Xianghua cried out.

Behind ‘Haruxin Suzuki’, more and more ‘creatures’ began crawling out from the pit!

They swarmed densely, like ants, now overcrowded at the edge of the pit!

This terrifying scene made those holding firearms break into a cold sweat once more, hurriedly raising their weapons again.

But ‘Haruxin Suzuki’ merely hummed slightly without much action, simply flipped open his palm. A purple gleam floated in his hand, then shot out!

In an instant, the purple light illuminated every corner of the crypt—when this light shined on each ‘creature’, they all abruptly halted.

With bloodshot eyes slowly closing, they lowered their heads, becoming utterly still.

“No need to worry, I’ve temporarily put these creatures’ souls to sleep.” ‘Haruxin Suzuki’ slipped his hand into his pocket, saying calmly, “What drives living corpses is their souls within, and when the soul is quiet, these living corpses are not fearful. Besides…”

‘Haruxin Suzuki’s’ gaze swept over the well-equipped Song Family Descendant Soldiers, suddenly sneering, “They might not necessarily win against them. After all, your human weapons do have quite a bit of destructive power.”

No one seemed to notice Young Master Suzuki’s term ‘you humans’… perhaps it registered, but the focus of their minds lay elsewhere.

Because these ‘creatures’ had now quieted down, seemingly preventing a disaster, everyone instinctively relaxed.

“Hahaha! Worthy of being Young Master Suzuki!” Mu Xianghua cheerfully scampered to ‘Haruxin Suzuki’s’ side, paying compliments.

‘Haruxin Suzuki’ paid them no mind… in fact, if not threatened by some hidden terrifying super powerful being, Yamata no Orochi couldn’t care less about the fate of these tomb raiders—or perhaps it would rather joyfully see the tomb raiders die, so it could reap numerous souls without lifting a finger.

“You saw it too.” ‘Haruxin Suzuki’ said, looking at Zhang Qingrui and Song Haoran, “This crypt isn’t as simple as you imagined. Perhaps you’ve had various tomb-raiding experiences before, but the path ahead in this tomb may not be something you can handle… I advise you, if you wish to retreat, now’s your chance.”

Mu Xianghua was stunned… wasn’t Young Master Suzuki determined to seize the treasures within the Imperial Tomb, why now does he seem intent on retreating?

It wasn’t just Mu Xianghua, even people from the Zhang Family and the Song Family showed confusion towards ‘Haruxin Suzuki’.

‘Haruxin Suzuki’ naturally understood the thought processes of everyone—but… but he was helpless, what else could he do?

The mysterious benefactor had instructed them to ensure these people’s safe exit… so for their own survival, he and Lian Zhen could only protect this group.

Yet that mysterious benefactor’s intention was very vague… what exactly did protection imply?

Does it mean safeguarding them all the way, allowing them to ultimately find the secret treasures of the Imperial Tomb, or does it permit driving them all out using force if necessary?

Of course, the latter was merely Yamata no Orochi’s speculation—that mysterious benefactor, after all, appointed him and Lian Zhen as guardians, clearly unwilling to see this group hurt—but it’s not a bad angle to ponder.

Since there was no mention of whether to proceed or retreat—if those proposing to leave are from the Zhang or Song Family, does that mean it doesn’t violate this mysterious benefactor’s certain boundaries?

It suggests that if he can persuade these guys to retreat, this mysterious benefactor’s task would be well fulfilled—and as a reward, he and Lian Zhen would restore after departure, albeit only seventy percent of current restoration, but it still saves him and Lian Zhen several years of effort.

Of course, the purpose of discouraging isn’t just limited to one thing.

For example, although Yamata no Orochi wouldn’t admit it, essentially, it’s a very petty entity—given that there’s such a mysterious figure behind the scenes, but they haven’t made an appearance, instead letting the Zhang Family and the Song Family struggle here like this, does it imply that this figure has some inconveniences that prevent them from showing up—such as, for some reason, this figure can’t personally enter this place—but they genuinely want to obtain the secret treasure deep within the Imperial Tomb—and the intention to obtain it isn’t very strong, which explains the current approach—letting it and Lian Zhen protect the way all along—meaning: everything is left to fate?

It’s just.

——If I can’t get it, others shouldn’t even think about obtaining it…

With such thoughts, Yamata no Orochi was quite happily engaged in the work of discouragement at this moment.

Yamata no Orochi’s idea isn’t complicated, and the ‘Suzuki Yuuichi’ beside it… Lian Zhen immediately saw through its plan, so it remained silent—it wasn’t interested in the Suihou Pearl, its interest was solely in Yamata no Orochi. Its arrival was mostly due to being bound by the symbiotic contract Yamata no Orochi formed, making it keen on leisure at this time.

But this duo of two were overlooking one thing!

That’s the bizarre terracotta army of the living dead appearing in this place, and the methods of ‘Haruxin Suzuki,’ which are far beyond scientific explanation—their existence is madly challenging everyone’s perception.

Song Haoran is someone who dares to be reckless—he enjoys being reckless… Hmm, his adventurous spirit stems from a docile heart. And this style, after he acquired the Badge of the Sun God, which granted him near-undying abilities, has developed into a sickly condition.

What else lies deep within the Imperial Tomb?

He’s really intrigued… How powerful is this so-called Yin Yang Technique of Haruxin Suzuki? He also wants to witness it!

But Mr. Aqi didn’t think the same way.

This time, in exploring the Imperial Tomb, albeit containing the Li Family’s long-cherished wish, he needs more to ensure Zhang Qingrui’s comfort—even if the ancestors of the Li Family had rules requiring their descendants to enter tombs, the old madam at home wouldn’t want to see Ms. Ren placed in such an extremely dangerous situation—after all, there are countless tombs around the world, and it’s not necessary for the Li Family to complete their descendants’ trial specifically in this Imperial Tomb.

The collision of two distinctly different opinions happened at this moment.

“I plan to explore further,” Song Haoran spoke up first at this time: “Since Young Master Suzuki is well-versed in Yin Yang Technique, I believe he can ensure our safety… wouldn’t you agree?”

He suddenly recalled what Haruxin Suzuki had said to Mr. Aqi earlier, making him even more curious about what prompted Haruxin Suzuki’s actions.

“Sorry, for this development, we, the Li Family, are withdrawing.” Mr. Aqi said in a deep voice at this moment: “Mr. Mu Xianghua, I apologize for quitting midway. Regarding this collaboration, for the deposit you’ve already paid, we will compensate you according to industry practices.”

Zhang Qingrui opened her mouth but didn’t contradict anything here.

She knows when she can be Ms. Ren and when she should listen… The sight of those terracotta warriors in the tomb had already made her think of retreating.

As the Li Family plans to exit, Song Haoran doesn’t intend to stop them.

Instead, he gathered the Song Family Descendant Soldiers and directly said, “You’ve all seen what’s happening here. Moving forward is no longer an operation of the Song Family but my personal adventure. From here, you have the choice of following me or waiting outside for me.”

“Adviser! You’re putting up this act again! Hahaha!”

“We’ve been through life and death together, and this is what you always do at the critical moment, isn’t it dull?”

One of them directly raised his submachine gun, sneered, and said, “Didn’t Young Master Suzuki mention? Our weapons are lethal, so what’s there to be afraid of?”

Indeed, a bunch of lunatics…

Mr. Aqi looked coldly at this bloodthirsty group from the Song Family, shook his head… silently telling himself that dealing with the Song Family shouldn’t get too involved.

Song Haoran, with a charmingly wicked smile, said, “Alright, suit yourselves. But you must spare me a few to take Luo Qiu out.”

As he spoke, Song Haoran turned around, “From now on, this is not an ordinary adventure game anymore, and for you, it’s still too…”

Only, Song Haoran’s words trailed off without being completed… because Luo Qiu was gone.

“Where is the person…” Song Haoran frowned, subconsciously glancing around, “Did any of you see him?”

“Adviser, who do you mean?” a Song family descendant asked curiously.

Song Haoran was stunned, frowned, “That is… wasn’t there someone who was supposed to come in with us?”

“Adviser, there’s no one else. I remember it clearly.”

“Is that so…”

Song Haoran lowered his head, lost in thought.

“Uncle Qi, I also feel like there’s someone missing…” Zhang Qingrui looked puzzledly at Mr. Aqi beside her, whispering.

Mr. Aqi said oddly, “Missing who?”

Zhang Qingrui shook her head, hesitated, “It feels like someone important, someone who just spoke to us moments ago, but… I can’t recall.”

Mr. Aqi said, “We’re all here. As for the Song Family, let them worry about themselves. If they’re truly missing someone, they will panic… Anyway, Ms. Ren, we shouldn’t stay long here, let me escort you out first.”

Zhang Qingrui nodded… gradually the feeling of something missing, something disjointed was faintly dissipating.

Just before leaving, Zhang Qingrui instructed someone to pack up some ceramic fragments that had flaked off those terracotta warriors.

Chinese purple, Chinese blue…

She didn’t know why, but she cared a little.

…

Not long after, the Li Family assembled all their personnel and began withdrawing.

Although Yamata no Orochi wasn’t entirely satisfied with such a result, it was also relieved to have fewer people from the Li Family around, making its and Lian Zhen’s job relatively easier.

Song Haoran walked up to a motionless ‘freak,’ pinching the muscle on the freak’s arm, marveling, “This muscle is really solid, like steel… but these guys, don’t seem like soldiers when they were alive?”

“Maybe they are craftsmen buried here after the Imperial Tomb was completed.” ‘Haruxin Suzuki’ said blandly, “Young Master Song, since you’ve decided to proceed, there’s no point wasting time here.”

Song Haoran gestured invitingly.

‘Haruxin Suzuki’ remained silent, directly heading forward.

At this moment, ‘Suzuki Yuuichi’ came over, speaking softly, “Aren’t you interested in the souls within these living dead?”

‘Haruxin Suzuki’ shook his head, “The souls trapped in these living dead have long been consumed. It’s just in the body of the living dead that they can still be maintained. Once freed, they dissipate directly, worthless… speaking of which, did you ever get the feeling that someone is really missing?”

‘Suzuki Yuuichi’ pondered, “It seems so, yet it seems not… could it be?”

“I’m afraid our perceptions have been distorted.” ‘Haruxin Suzuki’ said darkly, full of gloom, “Truly, that figure is dangerous…”

…

…

The tomb chamber quickly became empty… apart from those immobilized living dead.

Whether moving forward or having left, all footsteps faded into the distance, until there was silence.

Luo Qiu slowly walked past the numerous living dead.

“You have nothing left to be used for a deal.”

His voice was soft.

“But I do love listening to stories.”

Luo Qiu walked in front of a living dead, gently tapping its forehead with his finger.

Its body disintegrated at this point, leaving only a faint glow that drifted into Luo Qiu’s palm.

He brought this glow close to his ear, closing his eyes, and started to listen.