Tomb Raiders: After the Nine Gates Ancestor, they let loose and did whatever they wanted!

"Eighth Master, Ninth Master, it's such a dark and windy night, and I'm truly honored that you two could grace us with your presence!"

Thanks to Third Master, I'm in the business of being a gossip. There's nothing on this street that I don't know. Gentlemen, don't bother your ears; just ask me about minor matters.

I will definitely answer all your questions to the best of my ability!

The old man was able to gain a foothold in this chaotic, deserted street by being a smooth talker, speaking in a fawning tone, hunching over, and striking a pose, sticking his head out of the car window as Qi Tiezui, acting as a diplomat, asking questions.

"There's something I want to ask you. Have any people wearing black robes come to this deserted street recently?"

Something strange has happened?

"Or, has any piece of land been affected?"

Qi Tiezui leaned out of the window, his hand hidden behind his back inside the car. He then secretly rubbed his thumb and forefinger together lightly against Master Xie Jiu behind him.

The meaning couldn't be clearer—he didn't bring any money, so he's asking the God of Wealth for help.

(??????)

In this line of work, the usual practice is to give a reward after asking questions. Qi Tiezui is, after all, the Eighth Master of the Nine Gates; he can't break this rule, it would be too embarrassing.

Unfortunately, I left in a hurry tonight and was short of money...

?* ???? ??

Sitting in the driver's seat, Master Jie rolled his eyes inwardly, speechless, and habitually placed a handful of silver dollars in Qi Tiezui's hand, a daily way of helping his impoverished brothers.

This deserted street is teeming with all sorts of people every day; it's hard to say whether there might be a black-robed figure deliberately disguised among them. After a moment's thought, the old man frankly said:

"Gentlemen, I truly did not see the man in the black robe..."

The old man's voice was somewhat obsequious, and his hand unconsciously tightened its grip on the branch cane he held. His eyes were unfocused, tinged with fear.

Although the old man was a busybody, he didn't pay attention to these trivial matters all day long. As for the man in black robes, who else could he be but that person's man, acting so ostentatiously in broad daylight?

The old man knew perfectly well that the affairs of the bigwigs in Changsha were not something a nobody like him could afford to meddle in.

I can only tell you the truth: he really didn't see it, he'd only heard about it. It's best not to say anything more about it.

After all, some money isn't easy to earn. What if you earn it but don't live to spend it? That wouldn't be good.

?(???e???)∫?

The old man hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting left and right, observing the empty street. He seemed to muster a great deal of courage before cautiously speaking...

"Strange things... there are some!"

"Make your point quick. You go first. If you answer well, I'll pay you extra for the question you couldn't answer last time!"

With silver coins clutched in his hand, Qi Tiezui spoke with renewed confidence, thanks to the unsung hero, Master Xie Jiu, who had kept his merits hidden behind him.

"Ha~"

Behind every successful man is an even more successful man.

(￣y▽￣)~* Cover your mouth and snicker

"People often say they can see ghostly figures, like a gust of wind. Sometimes when you're walking down the street, you feel a cool breeze blow by, like a little ghost blowing!"

……

"That paper craft shop at the very back has recently received several big orders from a group of partners. They've been busy for almost half a month and they're making a fortune!"

The old man's eyes held a hint of envy as he spoke, then he turned and said to Qi Tiezui in a cryptic tone:

"However, I've lived for so many years, and I'm quite familiar with the paper craft shops around here. They all say it's the first time they've ever taken on such a strange job."

Only paper figures are needed; no other funerary items, like paper money. This doesn't seem like something for a burial!

Moreover, this paper figure is complete with men, women, young and old, tall and short, fat and thin. The only requirement is that the paper skeleton be made more solid, absolutely no missing arms or legs, and it even has the added requirement of being sturdy and healthy...

Eighth Master, you said that no matter how sturdy this paper figure is, in the end it can still be burned to ashes with a single fire.

Could the recent ghost stories be about paper figures coming to life?

The old man lowered his voice, covered his mouth with his hand, and muttered softly, his expression somewhat frightened.

Hearing this, Qi Tiezui made up his mind, and Xie Jiuye exchanged a glance, understanding each other perfectly.

(?????)

"Such a grand display could very well be the work of A-Xian."

……

Master Xie and Qi Tiezui got out of the car and, led by the old man, arrived at the abandoned house. The surrounding area was overgrown with weeds, extremely desolate and deserted, completely devoid of any human presence. However, Qi Tiezui and Master Xie were certain that the old man wouldn't lie to them.

The old man took Qi Tiezui's silver dollar, leaned on his cane, and left without stopping, probably afraid of being entangled by some unclean spirit; after all, the unknown is the most terrifying!

=???? =???? ?( ′Д`)?

Qi Tiezui held the remaining two silver dollars in his hand, tossed them around, scanned the row of empty houses, and pointed confidently in a direction, saying, "Ninth Master, this way!"

"Eighth Brother, didn't you say you didn't care about the Ghost Spirit Sect's affairs?" Knowing Qi Tiezui wouldn't speak without reason, Master Xie Jiu voiced his question.

"It wasn't calculated, it was observed. That family had a paper effigy hanging from a tree, isn't it hanging there right now?"

Now it was Qi Tiezui's turn to be puzzled. He pointed...

"There are several over there, didn't you see them?"

(???.???)????

Master Xie adjusted his glasses and coughed lightly, thinking it was...

Coming to her senses, she said irritably, "I'm nearsighted!"

Then, our returned overseas student, Master Xie, pushed up his glasses, turned around, leaving Qi Tiezui with an arrogant back view, took a long stride forward, exuding an aura of power, all to cover up the embarrassment of misjudging him.