Chapter 27

Chapter 26. The volcano has received a blessing. (1)

The secret cave was narrower than expected.

Of course, it makes sense. If the current Huoshan had the wealth to create such a massive secret cave, it would have been known as the top martial arts sect in the world.

"...You always complained about not having money. So, you were spending it on something like this?"

A deep sense of frustration washed over him, but what could he do? He couldn't argue with the dead.

Murmuring to himself, Qingming entered and looked around.

There were various items inside the secret cave. What should he check first?

"Money!"

Qingming's eyes sparkled.

It should be here! The secret funds that Zhang Wenshi carefully saved! Shimmering gold! Glittering porcelain and other treasures...!

"There should be."

Qingming looked around, tilting his head.

What is it? Why can't I see it?

Qingming opened his eyes wide and scanned the secret cave again and again. But no matter how hard he looked, he couldn't find any treasure, not even a single shiny object.

This can't be right?

"No, no."

Even if Zhang Wenshi was frugal, as the leader of Huoshan, he must have had many expenses!

To deal with Huoshan's crises or for unforeseen situations, it would be common sense to have some wealth stored away, right?

"But why is there no money!"

A great sorrow overwhelmed him.

Ah, what a stubborn man. There were no secret funds?

Qingming rubbed his face.

If there were secret funds hidden by Zhang Wenshi, they could have been used for many good things.

To revitalize Huoshan, to visit brothels, to visit brothels, to visit brothels...

"No, no! No! I am only doing this purely to revitalize Huoshan!"

Somewhere, someone seemed to be tutting.

"Tsk."

Qingming turned his head, having given up. In fact, there was something more important than treasure.

"Is this it!"

The books neatly arranged on a bookshelf on one side of the secret cave.

Qingming swallowed and approached the bookshelf.

"This has to be it."

He pulled out a book from the middle and skimmed through its contents. As Qingming read each character, a smile gradually spread across his face.

"Right!"

It couldn't be missing!

As expected, the books on the first bookshelf were the ledgers of Huoshan, meticulously organized by Zhang Wenshi. These should have been in the finance hall, but they were kept here to organize documents that only the leader knew about and to prepare for unforeseen situations.

Not only the ledgers of Qingming's generation but also those of previous generations were there. With these, he could strike back at those scoundrels.

"They're all dead!"

Even this alone made the effort to open the secret cave worthwhile.

And on the second bookshelf...

"Oh!"

Secret manuals!

Qingming almost shouted out loud.

The lost secret manuals of Huoshan were here...

"Huh?"

Qingming tilted his head.

"These aren't the lost ones?"

Qingming's brows furrowed. The manuals were correct, but the ones here were a bit different from the martial arts he was familiar with. They were secret manuals of martial arts that were almost forgotten in Huoshan.

"Hmm."

Qingming scratched his cheek.

"What a stubborn man."

Even though they decided not to pass these martial arts to future generations, they were undoubtedly Huoshan's. It seemed that Zhang Wenshi found it awkward to completely discard and destroy these martial arts.

Worried that losing these martial arts might negatively impact Huoshan's future, he gathered them here.

If the first bookshelf proved Zhang Wenshi's duty to Huoshan, the second bookshelf contained his concerns and affection for Huoshan.

"Zhang Wenshi."

Qingming, with tears welling up in his eyes, wiped his nose.

"Don't worry. I will definitely restore Huoshan to its former glory."

No, I will make it even more prosperous than before.

Qingming smacked his lips and turned his body.

There are no secret manuals, but it's fine. After all, the important martial arts formulas are all in Qingming's head. It's just a hassle to write them down, but there's no need for secret manuals. He just needs to create them.

And finally...

The third bookshelf was empty.

There was only one tightly rolled scroll in the empty bookshelf.

"What is this?"

Qingming reached out without hesitation, unrolled the scroll, and started reading it quickly.

// Rectangle

Zhang Wenshi's personal writing.

If someone is reading this, it means the next leader of Huoshan has been decided. Sometimes a single line of text can convey more than a hundred words, so I leave my thoughts in writing.

The position of the leader of Huoshan is not to lead Huoshan.

As the next leader might already know, those who lead Huoshan are its disciples and the children growing up in Huoshan. The leader's role is simply to protect and support them in realizing their goals.

I hope you will discard the anxiety of having to lead Huoshan. Huoshan is just Huoshan. No one can lead it, and no one can control it.

Future leader.

When you feel tired from the difficulties of reality and the heavy burden on your shoulders, remember this.

The spirit of Huoshan does not wane.

Huoshan is just Huoshan. Whether its momentum wanes or it prospers in the world, Huoshan is just Huoshan. As the leader, what you must protect is the essence and spirit of Huoshan.

To ensure that the will of the sages is passed down to future generations and to raise successors who will carry on our legacy, I leave this heavy burden to you.

As a sage and the twentieth-first leader of Huoshan, Qingwen.

// Rectangle

"..."

Qingming quietly looked at the words written on the scroll.

He knew.

This is not a message left for Qingming by Zhang Wenshi. But it's a coincidence. The person who should read this now is none other than Qingming.

"Really... such a nagging man."

Qingming sighed and put the scroll in his chest.

The other things should be returned to Huoshan, but this scroll cannot be given up to the leader.

"Well, then..."

Qingming smiled and turned his body.

"Although I didn't get much, this is enough."

The most important thing is that he obtained the ledgers. With these ledgers, he can reclaim all of Huoshan's business entities. This will help him get out of the debt that is currently oppressing Huoshan.

So, at this point...

Qingming, who was about to go out, stopped in his tracks.

'Wait a moment.'

Something feels a bit off.

'What's wrong?'

He couldn't pinpoint exactly what was wrong, but an uncomfortable feeling lingered.

Why do I feel this way?

"Wait."

The third bookshelf?

Qingming's head turned sharply.

Zhang Wenshi.

So, Qingwen, the twenty-first leader of Huoshan, was a slightly obsessive person. Therefore, Qingwen's room was always neatly organized.

He wasn't just clean. All the furniture and bedding were aligned, and he couldn't stand it if the symmetry on both sides was not perfect.

However.

On one side, there were two bookshelves packed with books, and on the other side, there was an empty bookshelf with just one scroll?

"No, no. That can't be."

I know Zhang Wenshi! Such a thing would never happen to us!

Qingming rushed to the empty bookshelf.

'There must be something!'

It has to be there!

That awkwardly empty bookshelf kept bothering him. Did he set up the bookshelf just to leave that letter? Qingming knew that Zhang Wenshi would never do that.

If the person who entered this place was not Qingming but a future leader, they might not have found it awkward! But the person here now is none other than Qingming.

Qingming grabbed the bookshelf and moved it aside without hesitation.

'There can't be any mechanism on the outside.'

So, there shouldn't be anything behind the bookshelf. That side is covered with perennial steel. But what about below?

It should be there. Of course, the floor would be covered with steel. But?

Qingming put his hand on the floor and began to channel his inner energy to pull it.

'If it were Zhang Wenshi, it would be here!'

If there's an awkward spot, it's a trap.

Rumble!

But nothing happened. Thinking he might not have enough strength, he pulled with all his might, but there was no change.

'Is it wrong?'

Just as he was about to give up, thinking he might have misjudged it...

Rattle.

"!"

It's there!

"Yah!"

Qingming pulled the floor with all his might, even using the strength he had as a baby.

Clunk!

Finally, something gave way, and Qingming lost his balance and tumbled to the floor.

"Ouch."

He hit the back of his head a few times, and stars danced in front of his eyes.

'No big noise, right?'

Instinctively, he turned his head toward the entrance. But there was no sign that the leader had noticed. The distance and soundproofing would prevent easy detection.

More importantly!

Qingming jumped up and ran forward.

Something must have opened.

Rushing back to the spot, Qingming saw a hole in the floor and clenched his fist.

"Of course!"

What kind of person is Zhang Wenshi!

"Such a thorough man."

To prepare for the unlikely event that someone other than the leader might open this secret cave, he created a double floor.

Those who went through all the trouble to get here would never imagine that there was another secret cave inside the secret cave. Even Qingming, if he didn't know Zhang Wenshi, would have left without noticing.

Look.

Light is pouring out from that entrance!

Light!

A gentle glow seems to be pouring out, as if to give Qingming enlightenment.

Qingming pushed his body into the hole in the floor without hesitation. The entrance was small, even for a child. Passing through it, he found himself in a low space where he could barely stand up.

There...

Qingming reached out and carefully closed the lid he had struggled to open.

"Phew. Phew!"

Now, no sound will escape, right?

So...

Qingming opened his eyes wide. His breathing quickened, and his heart pounded. Blood rushed to his face, as if it might burst at any moment.

But what does it matter?

"Ha ha ha ha ha!"

I'm so happy!

Happiness is right in front of him.

Gold ingots neatly and modestly stacked on one side.

Various precious swords aligned on the other side.

And...

"Is this a mystic stone?"

Unknown gems and secret manuals as well!

"Ha ha ha ha ha!"

Laughter kept bursting out. No matter how hard he tried to control it, a foolish laugh uncontrollably escaped.

"Ha ha ha ha ha!"

Yes, laugh! Laugh!

"I am rich now!"

The twenty-first leader of Huoshan, Qingwen, had spent a fortune to avoid a situation that ultimately came to pass.

The moment when the fate of Huoshan fell into the hands of the one person who should never have entered.