"Alright then, for the sake of our cultural relics, I'm willing to sacrifice my innocence to cooperate." Village Chief Qin appeared righteous and awe-inspiring, but in reality, he had no other choice.

Luo Yunhang was amused by his acting skills.

Xiang Tianhong silently nudged his arm, trying to get him to behave.

"Then I'm sorry." After saying that, Dean Duan personally led a few young men from the research institute inside to search, while Master Li and Luo Yunhang waited outside.

Luo Yunhang and Xiang Tianhong were not from the research institute; they were just outsiders who came to learn, so it wasn't appropriate for them to rush in and help.

The onlookers all came over to comfort Village Chief Qin.

"Old Qin, don't worry. Everything needs to be based on evidence. With us here, they won't dare to wrong you."

"Yes, something like this definitely needs to be investigated."

"Old Qin, you really didn't go up the night before last?"

"I wonder which damned person went through all that trouble to steal a bunch of stones."

"Exactly, it's just a pile of broken stones; no matter how much you guard them, they'll never turn into food or drink."

…

Luo Yunhang couldn't listen anymore.

"Fellow villagers, these are not just a pile of broken stones. What you are protecting is the world's largest and best-preserved treasure trove of grotto art, a pearl of Eastern art."

It was first built in 366 AD and has been created over more than a dozen centuries. To this day, it preserves murals, painted sculptures and ancient buildings from the Sixteen Kingdoms period to the Ming and Qing dynasties.

These murals are extremely precious cultural heritages, covering Buddhist stories, historical scenes, biographies, decorative patterns, and other aspects, showcasing the lifestyle, values, religious beliefs, and aesthetic tastes of ancient Chinese society.

Each painted sculpture embodies the hard work and wisdom of ancient craftsmen and is a treasure of ancient Chinese clay sculpture art.

The ancient architecture of Mogao Grottoes is also a cultural heritage of great research value. Most of these caves, Buddhist halls, scripture halls, monks' quarters, etc., have preserved their original architectural structures and decorative elements, reflecting the style and characteristics of ancient Chinese architecture.

Protecting and preserving the Mogao Grottoes culture is of great significance for future generations to understand and appreciate ancient Chinese culture and art, as well as to inherit and promote Chinese culture.

Luo Yunhang's words left the crowd stunned.

They thought, "Wow, this young man is really good at talking! With such official language, those boulders have become treasures, and the work they do every day has become high-class."

"Young man, you're just saying all these things are art, treasures, right? What real benefit do they bring us? We can't eat or drink them," an old man jeered.

Other villagers chimed in, saying, "That's right! We've been watching it every day, but it hasn't produced any food or money for us. What's the use?"

…

Luo Yunhang raised his hand, signaling them to be quiet.

Having lived a lifetime, he knew the future of Mogao Caves better than anyone.

As people's lives improve and their spiritual needs increase, the development of tourism will bring immense wealth to the local people.

"Listen to me, everyone. Our Mogao Caves were just listed as a World Cultural Heritage site last year. Do you know what that means? It means that it is recognized by all countries and people in the world."

Becoming a world-class tourist attraction allows one to receive assistance from the World Heritage Fund, gaining global attention and protection, increasing its visibility, and consequently generating substantial economic benefits.

Perhaps in the near future, the Mogao Caves will become a place that people all over the world want to visit. At that time, all of you will benefit from the economic benefits generated, including your descendants and grandchildren.

Why did the state establish the research institute to protect and study it?

Why would someone steal and take away these Buddha statues and murals?

Because it is a priceless treasure.

People may not see its value yet, but that doesn't mean it has no value.

We shouldn't just focus on immediate gains; we need to take a long-term view.

Leaving aside the distant past, just looking at the present, the government is paying more and more attention to its protection, and the state is also allocating substantial funds to support it.

Do the cave keepers in each of your households receive wages? And are they getting more each year? And even more in the future?

Even if we don't think about ourselves, we should think about future generations. If we let thieves run rampant, do you want to leave behind a pile of fake things for future generations to despise? You can't even protect the things right in front of your own house!

Luo Yunhang's passionate speech silenced the clamoring crowd.

“This young man is right. We can’t let these things that our ancestors have protected for hundreds or thousands of years be destroyed in our generation,” an older man said, stepping forward.

"Yes, we live off the land and the water. Our ancestors have relied on this grotto for generations, and we must not let anyone destroy it."

"That damned thief, seize him and shoot him."

…

Seeing that everyone realized the seriousness of protecting the Mogao Grottoes, Luo Yunhang said no more.

Master Li gave him a thumbs up and whispered, "Yunhang, you're even more suited to be a teacher than I am. In ancient times, you would definitely be a master who educates the people."

Xiang Tianhong smiled and said, "That's right."

Luo Yunhang scratched his head awkwardly.

He just got flustered because he heard everyone say something too outrageous.

Village Chief Qin squatted on the ground, silent, lost in thought, seemingly pondering something.

Qin Village Chief's wife, Shufen, was accompanying Dean Duan and his team to search the house.

The search was almost complete, and the group walked out, with Dean Duan and the others looking dejected.

Aunt Shufen was quite happy, saying, "I've told you all before, my husband Qin is absolutely innocent. You didn't believe me, but now you do, right?"

"Dean Duan, don't forget what you just said. If you can't find the information, you'll have to apologize to my husband, Lao Qin, in front of everyone."

"Don't worry, I mean what I say," Dean Duan said.

Seeing this, Luo Yunhang quickly reminded him, "Dean Duan, the courtyard hasn't been checked yet, has it?"

The group looked at him, completely bewildered: "The yard is spotless, just a tree, a few chairs, nothing else. What are you checking?"

"Village Chief Qin, it seems there's a cellar in your yard, isn't there?" Luo Yunhang turned to look at Village Chief Qin.

Village Chief Qin looked up and met his eagle-like gaze. He knew something was wrong; sure enough, this kid had discovered something. He clenched his fists.

Aunt Shufen quickly said, "There is a cellar, it was dug many years ago, but it hasn't been used much, I've forgotten about it." Then she pointed to an iron lump in the corner and said, "This is it, just pull it open, there's nothing inside."

Dean Duan saw a glimmer of hope again and had someone pull open the cellar lid that was hidden under the mud.

A dark cellar appeared before them.