Chapter 1048: Cooperation Reached
Editor: Henyee Translations

Around them, layers of clothing lay scattered, still intact despite the passage of time, though their colors had faded. The quality of the fabric was impressive.

Jiang Zhaoyong approached, his brows furrowed slightly as he used a dagger to scrape through the clothes, uncovering a piece of valuable yellow cloth.

Shang Zixing, now cautious about touching anything, looked on, “What is that?”

Jiang Zhaoyong handed the cloth to Chu Tang, “Take a look.”

Chu Tang unfolded the cloth and examined the patterns on it. He was overjoyed, “This appears to be a map of the Nalan family estate.”

He scrutinized the map further, confirming it was indeed a layout of the Nalan family property, matching the areas he had already explored.

Jiang Zhaoyong was excited, “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely,” Chu Tang affirmed, “We can use this map to head directly to the possible location of the treasure vault.”

Jiang Zhaoyong nodded, “Let’s do it.”

Examining the map and the skeletons nearby, they guessed that one of the skeletons might have belonged to the head of the Nalan family, who had lived a glorious life only to end up unburied after death. Shaking off these thoughts, they focused on the map and proceeded towards the left.

Suddenly, a pungent odor filled the air, causing Chu Tang to halt.

Duan Ting pointed at the wall, his body trembling with fear, “Look at the wall!”

Everyone raised their torches, illuminating a large area. The sight was unsettling: the walls were covered with black moths, each the size of a thumb, resting quietly, covering the walls from top to bottom and extending into the darkness.

Jiang Zhaoyong shivered, “What are those?”

Chu Tang explained, “These are black moths, highly poisonous. When disturbed, they release a toxic mist that can cause instant death.”

He formed a seal with his hand, conjuring a flame out of thin air, which he used to burn the moths. Instantly, numerous moths fell to the ground. The high temperature caused the moths to scatter in chaos, like a battle among moths in mid-air.

Chu Tang repeated the process, and a large swath of the moths was incinerated.

Jiang Zhaoyong and the others retreated, covering their mouths and noses with their sleeves, filled with admiration for Chu Qingzhi’s abilities. She could conjure fire out of nowhere, a rare skill.

After several rounds of flames, the black moths were either dead or had fled.

“It’s safe to proceed,” Chu Tang led them onward.

Su Liangwei and Duan Ting exchanged glances, amazed at their master’s versatile talents.

They navigated a corridor, turned two corners, and arrived at another study. Typically, secret passages and rooms are often hidden in studies, so they prioritized searching here.

Entering the study, they were awestruck. It was more of a library, with rows upon rows of shelves filled with neatly arranged books. Chu Tang walked around, estimating at least fifty thousand volumes.

Jiang Zhaoyong picked up a book, “Zixing, look, a rare edition.”

Shang Zixing was equally surprised, “This one too.”

Each book was priceless, making the library a treasure trove comparable to the gold they had seen earlier.

Chu Tang selected a book at random, discovering it was a rare medical text. It seemed the Nalan family had collected the best books on every subject, a remarkable feat.

After a thorough search, they found that the library was purely for book storage, with no hidden passages or rooms. “Let’s move on,” Chu Tang said.

The group had stood by the doorway, wary of any hidden dangers. Following Chu Tang’s lead, they continued their search of the Nalan estate.

After a long and fruitless search, they encountered Fifth Master Xuan and Xuan Dong Wu in a corridor, both sides eyeing each other warily.

Fifth Master Xuan had been worried, but seeing their dejected expressions, he relaxed, knowing they hadn’t found anything valuable. “Didn’t expect to see anyone here!”

Chu Tang, with a half-smile, responded, “We didn’t expect to meet the famous Fifth Master Xuan here either.”

Fifth Master Xuan was taken aback, “You know me?”

“Your reputation precedes you,” Chu Tang replied, thinking how Fifth Master Xuan would react if he knew Chu Tang was the one who had turned the Xuan residence upside down.

Fifth Master Xuan scrutinized Chu Tang, unsure who he was dealing with. “What are you looking for here?”

Chu Tang maintained a mysterious air, “No need for pretense, Fifth Master Xuan. Since I know you, I also know your purpose here.”

Fifth Master Xuan was uncertain but had no better option. “In that case, why don’t we cooperate?”

Surprised, Chu Tang asked, “Are you sure?”

Fifth Master Xuan, cautious about being discovered by his family, couldn’t afford not to cooperate. “This place is full of traps. We stand a better chance together.”

Chu Tang studied him for a moment before smiling, “You make a good point.”

Xuan Dong Wu whispered to Fifth Master Xuan, “Uncle, these people are strangers and outnumber us. We might be at a disadvantage if we cooperate.”

Fifth Master Xuan replied quietly, “Let them take the lead and handle the dangers. We’ll benefit from their efforts.”

Xuan Dong Wu grinned slyly, “Good thinking, Uncle.”

Chu Tang heard their exchange clearly, smirking inwardly. “If we’re to cooperate, Fifth Master Xuan, you should share some information.”

Fifth Master Xuan, knowing the Nalan estate well, might know the location of the treasure vault.

“The vault is likely beneath a three-story pavilion. Have you seen it?” Fifth Master Xuan mentioned, though he and Xuan Dong Wu had not found such a pavilion.

Chu Tang pulled out the map. They hadn’t noticed a pavilion earlier, but now, in a corner, there was indeed a three-story pavilion marked. “Let’s go.”

“You have a map of the Nalan estate?” Fifth Master Xuan was startled, realizing he might have made a mistake in cooperating.

But there was no turning back. Chu Tang led the way, Jiang Zhaoyong and the others following closely.

Fifth Master Xuan and Xuan Dong Wu exchanged looks, Xuan Dong Wu gesturing a throat-slitting motion. Fifth Master Xuan nodded, their plans set.

Chu Tang noticed their gestures out of the corner of his eye, smiling slightly.