At this call, over a hundred people flocked to the scene, creating a lively atmosphere. Everyone pitched in, some carrying buckets, others shovels, setting up drainage ditches and working with great enthusiasm. In half a day, thanks to everyone's concerted efforts, the pond's water level gradually decreased. It truly was a case of "great effort makes a miracle," and that many hands make light work!
The water had mostly drained, revealing a half-foot-thick layer of silt at the bottom. The silt was dark and sticky. The group continued clearing, and soon a layer of sealed soil was revealed. This sealed soil was no ordinary soil; it was mixed with glutinous rice juice and bamboo leaves, like a layer of sturdy, waterproof armor. With great effort, the group opened the half-meter-thick layer of sealed soil, revealing a huge stone coffin. The stone coffin looked incredibly heavy, but with everyone working together, they pushed open the hundreds-of-pounds-weight coffin lid.
The sight inside the coffin sent a collective gasp through everyone. A dozen or so wooden crates were neatly arranged. Opening the crates, a dazzling light shone forth, revealing the coveted gold and silver jewels. The gold, a brilliant yellow, amounted to over a thousand taels; the silver was piled high, exceeding ten thousand taels; and the jewels and jade were all crystal clear and incredibly valuable.
Deputy Commander Yu was so excited that his face lit up. He shouted to the crowd, "Everyone has worked hard today! Tonight we'll slaughter pigs and sheep and have a good meal. Everyone will get ten silver dollars when we get back!" As soon as he said this, a cheer erupted from the crowd. The sound was so loud that the birds in the trees fluttered away.
After everyone had dinner at the Jiangkou Town base camp, the old Taoist priest quietly left the camp alone, walking more than ten miles to the riverbank. He pondered to himself that this river was undoubtedly the Min River. Seeing the ceaseless flow of the river, perhaps a vast amount of treasure was indeed hidden within. The old Taoist activated his senses and slowly walked several miles along the riverbank. On a riverbed half a meter deep, under a rock, he discovered a silver ingot weighing about two taels. Over the next hour or so, he found several more pieces of silver along the riverbank. Exhausted from continuously using his powers to probe, the old Taoist returned to town. These pieces of silver, when exchanged, amounted to more than ten silver dollars.
On the return journey, the old Taoist was filled with thoughts. He was now in his sixties, with only a few days left. He feared he wouldn't be able to break through this cultivation technique in the next few years. If he were twenty years younger, perhaps he could perfect the initial stage, and then wealth and glory would be as easy as taking candy from a baby. He might even have a chance to find the treasure left behind by the Great Western Emperor. Thinking of this, the old Taoist couldn't help but sigh, lamenting that time was not on his side.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
