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Urban Great Witch
墨書 Inktalez
The Yellow River is the second longest river in China and the fifth longest in the world. It originates from the northern foothills of the Bayankala Mountains in Qinghai Province on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and flows eastward into the Bohai Sea, with a total length of approximately 5,464 kilometers. This river, which flows in a zigzag shape, is one of the main birthplaces of the Chinese Nation, and it is referred to by the Chinese as the "Mother River."
Throughout its long history of five thousand years, countless stories have unfolded along the banks of the Yellow River, filled with heroes and bones, burying innumerable joys and sorrows beneath the endless yellow sands.
In a desolate area, seven or eight tents are pitched; this is an Archaeological Team.
Night has fallen, and it is pitch black. The clouds in the sky hang very low, and there is not a breath of wind.
"Damn it, this terrible weather!"
The Ancient Sorcerer stepped out of the tent, pouring gasoline from a bottle onto a pile of firewood. With a flick of a lighter, the Campfire erupted into flames.
As soon as night fell, the Ancient Sorcerer sensed something was amiss, feeling that something was about to happen. Unable to sit still in the stifling tent, he decided to come outside.
Sitting down, the Ancient Sorcerer drew a gleaming dagger from his calf and pried open a can of luncheon meat with a clang, beginning to eat.
"It looks delicious."
A faint fragrance wafted from behind him; the Ancient Sorcerer knew that Fang Ru had arrived.
The Ancient Sorcerer had learned some information about Fang Ru. At around twenty-five or twenty-six years old, she was a history professor at Guanghai University, where he had once studied. She had an outgoing and generous personality. After graduating with her master's degree from Capital University at twenty years old, she stayed in America and obtained her doctorate from Harvard in just three years—definitely an extraordinary individual. In this Archaeological Team, she served as the deputy leader; although there was also a team leader named Jiang Tiesheng above her, she was responsible for most matters.
"Want some luncheon meat?"
As he spoke, the Ancient Sorcerer popped a slice of luncheon meat into his mouth, and under the firelight, his dagger sparkled like stars.
"Sure, I'll have a piece."
Fang Ru nodded and took out a small bottle of liquor from her pocket.
Using the tip of a knife, she skewered the sliced luncheon meat and held it over the fire for a moment, then extended it towards Fang Ru, saying, "It's better when it's hot."
Fang Ru opened her mouth and bit into the steaming luncheon meat, seemingly oblivious to the glinting knife tip.
"Ah~~~~ not bad! Quite good! Here, have a sip."
Fang Ru handed the bottle of liquor to the Ancient Sorcerer. The Ancient Sorcerer accepted it without hesitation and took a big swig.
"Wow, this liquor is strong, pure vodka."
The Ancient Sorcerer looked at Fang Ru in surprise; there weren't many women who brought alcohol, let alone a beauty like her.
Her eyebrows were like willow leaves, her eyes sparkling, her nose straight as a mountain, and the corners of her mouth slightly raised. Her face was exquisite, resembling the most beautiful porcelain in the world.
Due to work, she wore loose denim attire, yet it still accentuated her rounded curves. At 1.7 meters tall, even sitting down, she displayed remarkably long legs and a well-shaped backside. At around twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, she exuded charm. Many times, the Ancient Sorcerer wondered how a woman like Fang Ru could be out here in such desolate wilderness for archaeology.
"What's wrong? Can only you men drink and eat heartily?"
The Ancient Sorcerer smiled but said nothing. After taking a hearty gulp of liquor, he returned the bottle to Fang Ru. She didn't mind that he had drunk straight from the bottle and took a big swig herself.
"Gu Fei said you used to be a special forces soldier?"
Fang Ru could tell that the Ancient Sorcerer was not very old; he might even be one or two years younger than her. Standing around 1.85 meters tall, he had a physique as strong as a leopard:
In the flickering firelight, his bare upper body displayed well-defined muscle lines. His shoulders were broad like mountains, with large pectoral muscles above neatly arranged eight-pack abs that suddenly tapered downwards, forming a perfect inverted triangle shape. Coupled with his strong arms that bulged with noticeable biceps when he moved and his thick brows and deep-set eyes with distinct features, he radiated absolute masculine charm.
Such a man makes women feel strength and safety, and every time Fang Ru sees Ancient Sorcerer, she can't help but take a second glance.
This time, due to the archaeological expedition entering a remote wilderness, a bodyguard was hired for safety reasons—Ancient Sorcerer was introduced by Fang Ru's close friend Gu Fei, who described him in one sentence: this guy is definitely a skilled killer.
As it turned out, Gu Fei was absolutely right. Three days ago, more than a dozen people suddenly appeared and rushed towards the Archaeological Team trying to steal things, many of whom were armed with firearms. However, Ancient Sorcerer dispersed them with just a dagger.
Fang Ru still remembers how Ancient Sorcerer dodged those gunfire movements like a serpent—at such close range, the attackers couldn't hit him at all. In less than 30 seconds, Ancient Sorcerer had his dagger pressed against the neck of the leader hiding at the back!
"Well, I used to be."
Ancient Sorcerer nodded lightly, his eyes revealing a silent expression.
"What are those scars on you?"
Fang Ru didn't notice the unusual expression on Ancient Sorcerer, shook her empty bottle and tossed it to the ground with a loud crash. She noticed that Ancient Sorcerer had dozens of scars on his body, some horizontal, some vertical, some round, some flat.
"Nothing much, just some ordinary scars."
Ancient Sorcerer couldn't help but lose himself in thought. At eighteen, after being accepted into Guanghai University, he responded to the call and enlisted in the military. Having loved sports since childhood and possessing excellent physical fitness, he was selected into a special forces unit after a year of service. After two years of hellish training, he became one of the top operatives and defeated countless strong opponents in the Southeast Military Region competition. He successfully completed eighteen special missions afterward and enjoyed great glory—he even began to dream of becoming a general one day. However, half a year ago during a leave, he encountered someone harassing a girl and naturally intervened to teach the man a lesson. Unexpectedly, the person he injured turned out to be the son of a division commander in the military region.
After that incident, not only did his dreams of becoming a star officer shatter, but he was also forced to retire from the military and expelled from school, losing his student status entirely.
Ancient Sorcerer never regretted beating up that commander's son; the only thing he felt sorry for was his parents. If they knew he had been kicked out of the army, they would undoubtedly be very upset.
To prevent his parents from discovering this matter, Ancient Sorcerer became a bodyguard and worked hard to take on missions to send money back home that he had earned while still in the military.
Although the sadness in Ancient Sorcerer's eyes flashed briefly, Fang Ru still noticed it—she had always thought of him as a sunny boy who joined the military or became a bodyguard simply for an exciting life, but now it seemed far from that.
Fang Ru suddenly felt a pang in her heart, even a desire to comfort the Ancient Sorcerer in her arms—this young man before her must have gone through some very difficult experiences, yet he remained optimistic. Achieving that was not easy, and it only made her heart ache more.
Fang Ru did not press further; she could tell that the Ancient Sorcerer did not want to discuss this matter, so she changed the subject.
"This work here will be finished soon, probably in about a month."
"Professor Fang, what exactly are you looking for?"
Putting the last piece of luncheon meat into his mouth, the Ancient Sorcerer casually tossed the empty can into the campfire.
Perhaps having had a bit to drink, Fang Ru felt quite relaxed that evening. She poked at the wood in the campfire with a stick and then said, "You've heard of the saying, 'Do not say that the stone man has only one eye; it stirs up the Yellow River to rebel against the world,' right?"
"I know it. It was mentioned in history textbooks when I was studying. There was even a TV drama based on this story, which is about the Red Turban Rebellion at the end of the Yuan Dynasty."
Nodding, Fang Ru continued, "At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, natural disasters and human calamities left people in dire straits. A folk song circulated: 'Do not say that the stone man has only one eye; it stirs up the Yellow River to rebel against the world.' In 1351, the court forcibly conscripted laborers from various places to repair a breach in the Yellow River. While digging, they discovered a one-eyed stone man in the muddy water. In May of that same year, Han Shantong and Liu Futong gathered three thousand people at Yongnian Bailu (Road) and killed White Horse and Black Bull to form an alliance for rebellion, using red scarves as their symbol. This is the famous Red Turban Rebellion in history."
"That's right; that's how it happened."
The Ancient Sorcerer nodded and continued, "Han Shantong was from the White Lotus Sect. The folk song was spread by him, and he had buried that stone man beforehand."
"That is indeed what history books say, but I believe that the true situation of this rebellion is not so simple. I think this uprising was orchestrated by sorcerers; in a sense, it was an attempt by sorcerers to seize political power. Han Shantong was someone who mastered sorcery, and that stone man was a cursed artifact he used to curse the Yuan Dynasty and entice others to rebel with him."
"How is that possible?"
The Ancient Sorcerer suddenly looked at Fang Ru; this idea was simply too unbelievable.
"To understand this issue, let's first look at how the White Lotus Sect came to be. It originated from a branch of Buddhism during the Southern Song Dynasty, worshiping Maitreya Buddha. According to legend, it was founded by Mao Ziyuan in the third year of the reign of Song Gaozong in Shaoxing. Because its followers adhered to a strict vegetarian diet and abstained from killing and drinking alcohol, it was also called the White Lotus Sect. Over time, it gradually evolved into a folk community organization known as the White Lotus Sect, which is one of the most mysterious religions in history."
"If you study history, you will find that whenever a certain sect rises up, its leaders often create prophetic ballads to incite the passions of the lower classes or use witchcraft as a means to attract followers. Spells and incantations are tools used to maintain organization, and the White Lotus Sect is no exception. Therefore, most of the famous leaders of the White Lotus Sect throughout history were sorcerers. For example, in Volume Six of Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio, it mentions that Xu Hongru, a leader of the White Lotus Sect, obtained a book of left-hand path techniques and could command spirits. In Volume Eight, someone named Yang learned left-hand path techniques from the White Lotus Sect and could fly on wooden kites. Volume Three of Night Tales Collection describes a White Lotus Daoist who could ascend into clouds and mist, summon rain and wind, and command spirits; these are all forms of witchcraft."
"Han Shantong's grandfather was a member of the White Lotus Sect who set up altars for preaching and used talismans for healing. He once resided in Zhaozhou Luancheng but was exiled to Guangping Yongnian County due to misleading people with incense offerings. These details can be verified with historical records. How could Han Shantong, born into such a family of sorcerers, not be a sorcerer himself?"
Fang Ru became increasingly excited; the alcohol she had just consumed was beginning to take effect, causing a slight flush on her charming face that made her eyes sparkle, leaving the Ancient Sorcerer momentarily captivated.
"So... are you saying that the downfall of the Yuan Dynasty was cursed by Han Shantong's witchcraft?"
Fang Ru's allure at that moment was truly astonishing; the Ancient Sorcerer struggled to pull his gaze away. However, he still found it hard to believe—wasn't witchcraft just feudal superstition? Could it really possess such immense power? Could it even curse a dynasty to its end?
"There isn't such great power; after all, Han Shantong ultimately failed. But why did a one-eyed stone figure drive countless people mad? Traditional historical research attributes this to severe social conflicts, but I don't think so. I believe that this uprising at the end of the Yuan Dynasty is related to witchcraft. The sorcerer Han Shantong used witchcraft to incite commoners and ultimately led an uprising; witchcraft played a crucial role in this uprising. I want to use this research to unveil the mysteries of witchcraft."
The Ancient Sorcerer was taken aback and blurted out, "Huh? Are you saying we came here to find that one-eyed stone figure?"
"Yes, I am here to find that stone figure—it is key to the entire uprising and serves as a magical tool for witchcraft. Therefore, we must find it, and I know it's nearby!"
"Nearby?"
The Ancient Sorcerer couldn't help but glance around; beyond the firelight was utter darkness, making it impossible to see anything.
"Yes, it's right nearby!"
Fang Ru waved her hand emphatically as if to emphasize her correctness.
"It sounds like you can communicate with spirits; are you a sorceress?"
Fang Ru smiled and said, "Of course I'm not a wizard; I have my reasons for saying this."
"Han Shantong was captured and killed after the uprising. He had a son named Han Lin'er, who escaped with his mother to Wuan. Later, Liu Futong brought Han Lin'er to Bozhou and established him as emperor, calling him Xiaoming Wang, with the state name Song Dynasty. Eventually, the capital was moved to Anfeng. During this time, although Han Lin'er was the emperor, real power was held by Liu Futong. Anfeng was besieged by Zhang Shicheng's general Lu Zhen, and Han Lin'er was rescued by Zhu Yuanzhang, who nominally belonged to the Song Dynasty regime. He was then settled in Chuzhou, where he became a pawn of Zhu Yuanzhang. In the end, Zhu Yuanzhang sent Liao Yongzhong to bring Han Lin'er to Yingtian, which is now Jiangsu Nanjing. On the way through Guabu, in Jiangsu Liuhe County's Nanguabu, he was drowned in the river."
"I have collected some information indicating that the stone figure from the uprising has always been kept with Han Lin'er. Our archaeological work over these past few months has actually followed the route he traveled back then, and we are almost at Nanguabu now. That's why I said we will soon find that stone figure."
She poked at the Campfire, and with a loud "pop," flames shot up into the sky, sending sparks flying. Fang Ru declared, "I must find it!"
"Oh, alright."
Regarding Fang Ru's statement, the Ancient Sorcerer was somewhat dismissive. Regardless of whether her viewpoint was correct, searching for an 800-year-old stone figure on this vast land was no easy task.
"By the way, what's that thing hanging around your neck? I've never seen you wear it before."
Around Fang Ru's neck hung a piece that looked neither like stone nor wood. Despite seeing her every day for months, the Ancient Sorcerer had never noticed her wearing this item.
"You mean this? I dug it up during the day while doing archaeology. It shouldn't be anything ancient; I just thought it looked nice, so I put it on."
Fang Ru had long noticed that the Ancient Sorcerer occasionally glanced at her chest. She initially thought it was because he was attracted to her impressive figure but didn't realize it was about this item instead. She felt conflicted: on one hand, she was pleased that the Ancient Sorcerer wasn't lecherous; on the other hand, she felt indignant that her figure might not be as appealing as a plain black piece.
"Um, can I take a look at it?"
For some reason, ever since seeing this piece, the Ancient Sorcerer felt it was special.
"Sure... you..."
Fang Ru was startled; she hadn't even finished her sentence when the Ancient Sorcerer's hand reached out directly.
Ancient Sorcerer was also stunned. When he reached out, he only thought about grabbing the sign, but he didn't realize that the sign was hanging on Fang Ru's chest. As his hand grasped the sign, it also pressed against Fang Ru's chest.
Soft yet firm, filled with astonishing elasticity.
"Get your hand off!"
Fang Ru's pretty face turned crimson, as if it were about to bleed.
"Oh... I... I didn't mean to..."
Ancient Sorcerer finally came to his senses, quickly retracting his hand, which inadvertently pulled the sign down.
Neither of them expected such a thing to happen. In their embarrassment, they didn't know what to say and fell into silence. Only Campfire crackled softly until footsteps approached.
"Fang Ru, there you are."
Looking up, Fang Ru saw Li Zhu. Her brows furrowed slightly, and her previously good mood soured instantly. The Li Zhu in front of her graduated from the prestigious Guanghai Medical College, looked decent, had excellent academic performance, and came from a wealthy family. He was arrogant and self-righteous. After encountering her at a gathering, he had been persistently pursuing her, and this time he insisted on following her on the archaeological trip.
"It's late; I need to rest."
Fang Ru stood up and walked toward the tent without responding to Li Zhu.
"Fang Ru, I..."
Li Zhu opened his mouth, but before he could finish his sentence, Fang Ru had already hurried into the tent.
Seeing that Fang Ru left as soon as he arrived, Li Zhu was extremely annoyed. He turned around and glared fiercely at Ancient Sorcerer, roaring:
"Kid, I warn you, if you get close to Fang Ru again, I'll break your dog legs..."
Before the words were finished, Li Zhu suddenly felt a flash of cold light in front of him. Instinctively looking down, he discovered a dagger embedded in the ground less than a centimeter from his feet, still trembling.
"Ah!"
His back shrank, cold sweat instantly pouring out. Li Zhu took a few steps back and fell to the ground, repeatedly saying, "What... what do you want to do!"
"You better remember one thing—you are not my Boss, so stop whining here."
The Ancient Sorcerer stood up, walked over to pull out the dagger, and casually put the tag he had ripped from Fang Ru's neck into his pocket. He then turned and walked into the darkness with a flashlight in hand. Why would he care about someone like that? If they didn't provoke him, he would treat them like air; if they did provoke him, he would definitely not be polite.
"Bang!"
Li Zhu's face flushed red and then pale as he slammed his fist into the ground, gasping for breath. He said, "Damn it, Ancient Sorcerer, I will never let you go!"
In the silent night, Li Zhu's voice was loud and echoed far away, but no one paid him any attention.
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