Sludge suction system

Sang Xuan sat in the main seat of the study, his brows slightly furrowed, his fingers lightly tapping the table. He looked at Tan Ge with a serious expression: "Ge'er, the security of the Blood Jade is of paramount importance at this treasure appraisal event. How are your preparations going?"

Tan Ge stepped forward, his posture upright, and replied confidently, "Father, rest assured, I have gone to great lengths to protect the Blood Jade. I went to the black market and hired a group of top experts at great expense. These people have been through many years in the martial arts world, are highly skilled, and value money very much. Once they receive our payment, they will definitely do their best. With them, we can ensure that the Blood Jade will be safe and sound during the appraisal event."

Sang Xuan nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes: "The black market is a mixed bag, and finding a reliable expert is not easy. Your ability to handle this matter well shows your dedication. However, even with so many experts gathered here, we cannot be careless and still need to make thorough preparations."

Tan Ge nodded solemnly: "I will keep your teachings in mind, Father. I have not only arranged for expert bodyguards, but also set up sentries inside and outside the treasure appraisal event venue. No movement will escape our notice. In addition, I have made detailed plans for the whereabouts and task assignments of these experts to ensure that they perform their duties and work together."

Tan Ge bowed slightly, his eyes full of curiosity, and asked, "Father, I have always heard that this Blood Jade is extraordinary. There are rumors that it can bring the dead back to life. Is this true? I am very curious. May I see this family heirloom with my own eyes?"

Upon hearing this, Sang Xuan's expression instantly became somewhat unnatural, his eyes darting around. After clearing his throat, he did not respond directly, but instead changed the subject: "Ge'er, let's talk about this later. The most important thing right now is to prepare for the treasure appraisal event. Don't let other things distract you."

Seeing this, Tan Ge couldn't help but feel a surge of doubt. His adoptive father had always trusted him implicitly, answering all his questions, but today, when the topic of the Blood Jade came up, he was so evasive—it was truly unusual. However, he couldn't press the matter further, so he suppressed his curiosity and replied, "What adoptive father says is absolutely right, I understand." Yet, even after he left the study, the doubtful expression remained on his face, his mind constantly pondering the reasons behind Sang Xuan's unusual attitude.

Once Tan Ge's footsteps had completely disappeared at the end of the corridor, Sang Xuan slowly stood up and walked to the seemingly ordinary bookshelf in the study. He reached out and gently turned an inconspicuous carved ornament on the bookshelf. After a slight creak, the bookshelf slowly moved to one side, revealing a deep, dark passage.

Sang Xuan entered the secret passage. The luminous pearls embedded in the walls emitted a soft light, illuminating the path ahead. Before long, he arrived at a secret room, pushed open the door, and a faint smell of blood filled the room.

In the center of the secret chamber, a woman with a haggard face but still undeniably alluring sat on a couch; she was Xia Menglian, Sang Xuan's wife. Her face was as pale as paper, devoid of any color, and her slender wrists were covered with countless needle marks—the scars left by long-term bloodletting.

Hearing the noise, Xia Menglian slowly raised her head and forced a smile: "You've come." Her voice was as weak as a candle flickering in the wind.

Sang Xuan quickly walked to her side, took her hand, and looked at her with heartache: "Meng Lian, you've worked so hard."

Xia Menglian gently shook her head: "For the Sang family, for our daughter, this is nothing. But, is this Blood Jade... really worth it?"

Sang Xuan looked at a sandalwood box in the corner of the secret room. The box was carved with intricate patterns and faintly emitted an eerie red light. The Blood Jade was placed inside. "This Blood Jade is the culmination of generations of the Sang family's efforts. It is not only related to the honor of the Sang family, but also has special effects. Only by nourishing it with your pure Yin blood can it maintain its power."

Xia Menglian sighed softly, "With my pure Yin body, I was born destined to endure all of this. But I worry that if this continues, I may not be able to hold on for long."

Sang Xuan gently embraced her: "No, I will definitely find another way to both protect the Blood Jade and keep you safe." However, a trace of confusion and helplessness flashed in his eyes. Clearly, he himself did not know when such a solution would appear.

In late spring, a warm breeze was blowing, and the Qian family mansion was bustling with activity as everyone made final preparations for the upcoming treasure appraisal event. With only one day left until the grand event on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, Qian Wanguan had been extremely busy these past few days, coordinating various affairs and dealing with guests from all sides.

Just as he returned from inspecting the meeting and was about to rest in his study, the steward rushed in to report: "Master, Master Wan Fugui requests an audience." Qian Wanguan frowned slightly, thinking to himself: Wan Fugui's arrival is quite timely, but it's good, it's a good opportunity to clarify things with him.

"Please invite him in." Qian Wanguan straightened his clothes and sat down behind the desk.

A moment later, Wan Fugui strode into the study, a fake smile on his face: "Brother Qian, long time no see. The mansion looks bustling with activity. I suppose the treasure appraisal event is almost ready?"

Qian Wanguan stood up to greet him and said, "Thanks to Master Wan, everything is proceeding according to plan."

After the two men took their seats as host and guest, Wan Fugui didn't beat around the bush and asked directly, "Brother Qian, what I'm most concerned about is the Blood Jade matter. How's it going? And what about the profit sharing we discussed before? What have you thought about it?"

Qian Wanguan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said unhurriedly, "Don't worry, Master Wan, everything is arranged for the Blood Jade. The Sang family has agreed to display the Blood Jade on the eighth day of the fifth lunar month, and we will proceed according to plan then. As for the profit sharing..." Qian Wanguan paused slightly, looked up at Wan Fugui, and said, "I feel that my share was a bit too small in the previous proposal. After all, I have invested a lot of manpower and resources in this treasure appraisal event, and I have also taken on many risks."

Wan Fugui's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his smile: "Brother Qian, you can't say that. If it weren't for my help, would you have been able to get the Blood Jade to participate in the exhibition? You and I both know the ins and outs of this."

Wan Fugui's face darkened. He leaned forward, getting close to Qian Wanguan, and lowered his voice, his tone full of threat: "Brother Qian, I advise you not to try anything funny at this time. If this matter is messed up, you know the consequences. The people behind me are not to be trifled with." After saying that, he stared straight at Qian Wanguan, his ruthlessness undisguised.

Qian Wanguan's heart skipped a beat, but his face was all smiles as he hurriedly nodded: "Master Wan, please don't be angry. It was my oversight. Let's do it as we agreed before. I will fully cooperate and there will be no ambiguity."

Wan Fugui leaned back in his chair with satisfaction and sneered, "That's right, a wise man submits to circumstances. As long as things go well, you'll get your share of the benefits."

The two exchanged a few more perfunctory words before Wan Fugui got up to take his leave. Qian Wanguan suppressed his anger and saw him to the door. Once Wan Fugui's figure disappeared from sight, the smile on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a gloomy and hateful expression.

Back in his study, Qian Wanguan slammed his fist on the desk, gritting his teeth as he said, "Wan Fugui, you bastard, how dare you threaten me! Once this is over, I'll show you what I'm made of!" He secretly vowed to find a chance to make Wan Fugui pay for what he had done today.