Chapter 7 Emperor's Slurry
Even Professor Mo, the number one victim, felt the urge to agree immediately after hearing this proposal!
Who can resist the temptation of dating the cultural relics themselves? Just imagine how much help this would be for their excavation work. In fact, not only this tomb, but also other tombs from the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period?
However, he is also rational. For matters like this, he needs to listen to the opinions of professionals to find out whether this thing is possible.
Just from his current thinking, he feels that there is room for maneuver, after all, it is certain that someone can control the male viper.
It’s just that, although the 404 Office claims to be a full-area collaboration, it has never really assisted the archaeological community across fields - besides, how could there be so many monsters with archaeological value, who have worked for the King of Chu, have lived in isolation until now, and have been captured.
Maybe it depends on the archaeological value of the Chu King's Tomb. Is it worth it for them to do so?
Mu Fei looked at the experts' eager eyes and carefully evaluated: "To be honest, our 404 Office is a full-area joint office. We have also cooperated with non-humans in our work, but that is also cooperation within the industry. I can help you with archaeological matters... I can make a report for you, but it may not be successful.
"Also, we need to confirm first whether this male viper is really valuable."
"Yes, yes. For example, how's its memory? Can it still remember after more than two thousand years?" Professor Mo touched his heart down, and said excitedly. He was still weak, and he was really afraid that it would hurt himself if he was so surprised and happy.
"It's better to be lucky than to be early, so let's ask now." Mr. Xu slapped his thigh and said, "I can let it appear through my body, let's discuss it."
Mr. Xu did what he said. After all, the tomb was right next to him and the inner coffin had been excavated and had not yet been taken away.
They arrived at the temporary warehouse where the inner coffin was located. Mr. Xu picked up a small piece of snake skin from the tomb and held it in his hand. He held it high and looked at it. Then he did something that the onlookers did not expect. He suddenly put the snake skin in his mouth!
Everyone was shocked by this action. No one expected that he would suddenly put it in his mouth.
Tan Xiao, a spiritual master, had the most wrenching expression, with his eyes closed and a look of pain on his face.
Then, Mr. Xu pinched his hands together, closed his eyes and said, "Please, please, my disciple, I beg you to tell me the truth!"
This was originally the formula that Mr. Xu used to call upon the immortals. Now he has adapted it to call upon the male viper.
When I opened my eyes again, I saw that Mr. Xu had a pair of yellow vertical pupils!
Seeing that he was still feeling nauseous after eating the snake skin, Tan Xiao took a step forward, but his upper body couldn't help but fall back. He asked, "A male viper?"
Mr. Xu's voice changed, as if several voices were superimposed and mixed together, and his tone also had a bit of an ancient Chu accent: "It's you, Lingzi..."
His tone was "dragful" and had an indescribable sticky feeling.
During the Warring States Period, the Chu witches were called Lingzi, which also means witch.
After hearing this, Mu Fei curled her lips and said, "Why is it still a bubbling sound? Tsk."
Xionggui didn't understand. Tan Xiao almost laughed out loud. He looked at Xionggui with curiosity. This was the first time he saw such a scene of possession. "You recognized me. We want to discuss something with you."
The male snake's pupils flashed, and he lowered his head. "What do you want to tell us?"
us?
Mu Fei couldn't help but take out her notebook and started to reason, "What do you mean, the consciousness of the male viper is not single? The consciousness of each of your bodies is independent?"
The male snake looked over and said in a mixed voice: "We are independent from the beginning. We came from the mountains and swamps of Kyushu. The witch king found us and turned us into snakes. We are born strong and we will always be so."
Mu Fei's hand that was writing notes stopped, and she was shocked.
At first, she thought that the male vipers disappeared just like many other species became extinct. Later, when she saw the male vipers' morphology change, she thought it was because they could hide between yin and yang... She didn't expect that they were actually artificial products concocted by the Chu witches!
Their consciousnesses merge with each other, and their bodies can be intertwined, wandering between yin and yang, reality and illusion, forming a "viper".
It does not need to eat or practice. It has power since its birth, but this power will never change.
It was born to serve wizards. The King of Chu used it as a living tomb guardian. Why did he need it to practice? Did he let it practice until it grew claws and turned into a dragon and flew away?
So after more than two thousand years, the King of Chu had turned into bones, but the male viper still served as his coffin, in a state of neither life nor death.
Therefore, Chu Wu's methods still have greater control over it than others.
Tan Xiao didn't know what to say for a moment...
No wonder others suspected that he wanted to raise a viper ?
Xionggui didn't care how shocked they were. He just kept talking. Before Tan Xiao could discuss terms with him, he spoke first: "Lingzi, take us out of the coffin. We want to bathe in the moonlight... We are willing to assist you in becoming the next King of Chu."
Non-humans, especially those of Yin origin, always yearn for the moonlight, especially since the Gengshen Day that occurs once every sixty years is approaching.
Tan Xiao coughed, and waved his hands under the mocking gazes of others, saying, "I don't have such a big dream."
The mixed voices of the male snakes were particularly tempting: "With us here, it's not a dream anymore. You will become the greatest witch in Chu and the greatest king. We once helped Xiong Yu do that..."
Xiong Yu? Mr. Ji and Professor Mo's eyes lit up and they wrote it down frantically.
They had been doing research, and after a brief recollection, they confirmed the identity of the tomb owner, Xiong Yu, posthumously named King Chu An.
"Stop making empty promises. If you continue, you'll be called in for a talk. I don't think you really know Qin Shihuang!" Tan Xiao was anxious. He didn't feel moved at all after hearing what he said. He just felt that the generation gap between him and Xiong Kui was too big.
When Xionggui heard the name Qin Shihuang, he indeed looked confused.
The words that were originally very tempting and shocking no longer have the same meaning in this situation.
"You'd better listen to my drawing," Tan Xiao and Mu Fei looked at each other, and when he saw her nod, he said, "There is indeed a chance now, maybe to free you from the coffin."
——Originally, he couldn’t stay in the coffin. This place will probably be turned into a museum in the future. There is really no need for a living treasure to be the center of the museum.
"But you need to accept a job as a cultural relic consultant for the archaeological team and make some contributions." Tan Xiao looked at Mu Fei while speaking and saw her nod, confirming that there was nothing wrong with saying this.
"What is a cultural relic consultant? We'll do it..." Xionggui's bubbling voice became heavier. It sounded like he didn't mind what kind of work he had to do. Just let him go out and bask in the moonlight. "What can we do for you..."
Professor Mo couldn't help it, and raised his hand and said, "Well, Mr. Xiong Kui, I want to ask, in the tombs of the same period, the altars are all outside the tombs, but the altar of King Chu An, that is, Xiong Yu, is inside the tomb. Is this what he meant? Or was there a different custom at one time?"
When he heard that Xionggui might work for the archaeological team, he called him "Sir" all the time, which was very polite. If you don't know him, you will never know that he was badly hurt by Xionggui.
Xionggui's eyes moved, as if he recalled something that happened a thousand years ago: "Yes, and no. The burial objects were all his, but the altar was originally outside. It was only during the funeral that the prince saw the coffin moving and thought that Xiong Yu had been taken to heaven by His Majesty Yuanfeng, so he set up the altar. In fact, it's just us who are struggling."
Even though he was a concocted creature, he knew it was better for him to stay outside.
Only then did Mr. Ji and Professor Mo understand why there was an abnormal altar in the tomb.
They asked a few more questions, and Xionggui answered them one by one.
Ancient emperors would start building their own tombs as soon as they ascended the throne. Xionggui had worked for King Chuan for many years, so he knew a lot and remembered some of it.
After receiving such an answer, Mr. Ji and Professor Mo were overjoyed and even asked questions about other tombs of the same period. Even if Xionggui didn't know the answer, he could still provide a rough idea.
But after a few questions, Xionggui had already vaguely sensed the nature of the so-called "cultural relics consultant" and refused to answer. After all, he had worked for the king and had some scheming. His vertical pupils stared straight at Tan Xiao: "Lingzi, wait until you fulfill your promise, and then we'll talk..."
After saying this, Mr. Xu trembled violently, spat out the snake skin, and when he opened his eyes again, the vertical pupil had disappeared.
He smacked his lips, feeling a bit fishy, and asked, "How is it?"
Mr. Ji nodded vigorously at him.
Mr. Xu smiled and said to Mu Fei: "Then let's write a report."
Mu Fei nodded and said, "If it works, we have to find a way to make it easier for the male snake to communicate."
Otherwise, they can't let the male viper possess Mr. Xu all the time.
Tan Xiao raised his hand uncertainly: "Maybe I can find a way...?"
…
A week later, after research and decision by the 404 Office, it was agreed that Xiong Gui, the main suspect in Case No. 202x No. 4032 of the 404 Office of Chu Province (i.e. the excavation of the Tomb of the King of Chu), would serve as an archaeological consultant. The shackles would not be removed for the time being, and after the procedures were completed, he would be allowed to live on the land.
"Borrowing land" is actually a term used by the Heavenly Masters, which is similar to the term "boundary" used by some sects. It originally meant borrowing a piece of land to perform a ritual, and first drawing the boundaries. When applied to the male snake, it means restricting it to a certain area and supervising it.
And because the matter was unusual and highly confidential, Tan Xiao also signed a confidentiality agreement.
At the same time, Tan Xiao also helped them restore and make a "spiritual garment".
——When Tan Xiao helped them look at the witch figurines, one of the figurines was wearing a distinctive robe with red and black checkered patterns. This was actually unique to the ancient Chu witches when they performed rituals. It is said that its function is to help the wizards transcend yin and yang. But in modern times, it has long been replaced by a variety of colorful robes.
Tan Xiao was also inspired by the witch figurine. The shape of the male snake was between yin and yang, neither a demon nor a ghost. If he used spiritual clothes, he might be able to communicate with it.
The reason I said maybe, of course, is because Tan Xiao only has theoretical knowledge and doesn’t know whether it will be successful in practice.
After it was completed, Tan Xiao performed a consecration ceremony for it, and then sent it to the excavation site. This time, only Mu Fei was present at the scene, and Mr. Xu was not seen.
"Tan Xiao is here, wait for me to finish writing this paragraph." Mu Fei was working on a tablet. Although Xiong Kui's case was almost done, she hadn't completed the process yet, and she hadn't left Nanchu. But she was already doing other official business remotely.
Tan Xiao knew that Mu Fei was a civilian, so he stood by and took a look. It seemed to be the manuscript to be used in their unit's evaluation for excellence.
【First, innovative development, using information platforms as a starting point, innovatively improving the application of new-era non-natural case handling methods, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for all ethnic groups to coexist; second, coordinated linkage, striving to promote regional integration, urging the responsible units of various sects to work closely together, quickly handling non-human management issues, and realizing a work pattern from fighting alone to joint management; third, comprehensive development, consolidating the business foundation of law, skills, and tools. Carry out urban non-natural case supervision work around the clock, establish a long-term mechanism; regularly organize training and learning, and cultivate business elites who can subdue demons, subdue monsters, and transcend...】
Tan Xiao couldn't help but ask, "What is the new-age processing method? Have you invented an automatic spell-casting machine?" As a student, he didn't know much about the documents and procedures of these units.
Mu Fei: "Well, I just use the WeChat group to call people to fight monsters."
Tan Xiao: "..."
Okay.
Mu Fei put away the tablet and said, "Let's start and see how well your spiritual clothing is made."
In fact, their 404 office also has various magical instruments, and you can find ones that can be used if you look for them.
However, previous experience told Mu Fei that it might be best to use the tools of the Chu witch. After all, this male viper was a powerful weapon concocted by the King of Chu. The tools of the Chu witch could often achieve twice the result with half the effort when used against him.
Tan Xiao then shook out the spiritual robe and let himself try it out first. After putting it on, he talked to Xiong Gui.
——The male viper is now placed in a painting and hung on the wall. It can be used as a pattern on a coffin, and of course it can also be hung in a painting.
"Hello?" Tan Xiao tried to talk to Xionggui.
As expected, the male viper's voice rang out: "Lingzi..."
Tan Xiaochao looked at Professor Mo and Mr. Ji expectantly and nodded, indicating that the signal was fine.
Since the signal is connected, that's fine. Tan Xiao was about to take off the clothes for Ji Lao to try, but Xiong Kui called him again: "Haha, I just found out that the Chu State has perished."
Tan Xiao looked at him and asked, "Are you happy or unhappy?"
"I just want to tell you that you can come to us anytime. Even if Chu State has become Chu Province, it won't hinder anything." Xionggui's nine voices overlapped together, "You can be our new master, and we will help you control Chu..."
Xionggui's mentality is a bit strange. He doesn't want to be trapped in the coffin and has a certain yearning for freedom. But as a product of Chu Wu's concoction, he seems to have an impulse to recognize a master in his bones.
"What did he say?" Mr. Ji asked curiously.
"I haven't even taken the college entrance exam yet, but they're already telling me to pursue my dream of becoming a governor." Tan Xiao took the time to explain to everyone what's going on with this Xionggui. What era is this? He complained, "Is this any different from saying he's Qin Shi Huang and asking me to V him when he's fifty?"
Several people at the scene couldn't help laughing.
Tan Xiao said to Xiong Kui speechlessly: "Okay, stop thinking about who is the master and who is not. Don't just read history. If you have time, learn about the social structure."
After saying that, he took off his spiritual clothes.
…
The 18th, Gengshen Day.
Nanchu No.1 Middle School, Class 2 (3)
Tan Xiao was concentrating on writing his English test paper when he felt his deskmate nudged him with his elbow. He tilted his head to look over.
"Brother Xiao, look what this is?" His deskmate Lin Yang took out his cell phone to show him.
Tan Xiao glanced at it and then looked away, "Evidence of you being absent from work? Why didn't you hand in your phone? You were either reading novels or surfing the Internet."
"Don't be like that. This is called learning and entertainment at the same time." Lin Yang enlarged the picture displayed on the screen. "I plan to get a new haircut. What do you think?"
"Why do you want to get a new hairstyle? Isn't this one good enough?" Tan Xiao strongly objected. He relied a lot on seating and hairstyle to recognize people, especially at school. If Lin Yang changed his hairstyle, he would have to guess who my deskmate was when he came to school tomorrow.
"Do you think I'm handsome now?" Lin Yang touched his hair. It was rare that Tan Xiao was willing to discuss this kind of thing with him. "But it's too short. I need to get it trimmed. This hairstyle is popular. Everyone is getting it cut recently."
"Ah..." Tan Xiao sighed. He was even more annoyed because everyone was getting their hair cut. There were the same people everywhere on the street.
At this moment, a classmate shouted: "Look at the moon, it is indeed a supermoon!"
Everyone looked out the window.
"Oh my god, is it my imagination? It's big enough to see with the naked eye."
"Tonight's observations are exceptionally clear. It seems that Nanchu is the best observation point."
Even the teacher who was in charge of the evening self-study did not stop everyone from taking a look at this astronomical phenomenon during their spare time. Of course, this may have been related to the fact that he was a geography teacher.
Tan Xiao also looked up. There were no clouds blocking the boundless sky. The moon was particularly full today, emitting light that was more beautiful and mysterious than usual. Its reflection was in the school's artificial lake, sparkling as if illuminating the entire lake.
According to Mu Fei, the moonlight tonight is filled with the Emperor's Flowing Liquid, which is far superior to the essence of the sun and the moon at ordinary times, but humans cannot see it. Even somewhere in Nanchu, Xionggui, a new member of the archaeological team, should also be absorbing the Emperor's Flowing Liquid under supervision.
As I watched, I felt that the silver light was so bright that it was even a little dazzling...
Tan Xiao rubbed his eyes. Perhaps it was not the moon that was so dazzling, but the fact that he had been writing the test paper for too long.
