"Junior brother, will the snake join us on our journey? How splendid!" Lin Li clapped her hands in excitement.
Jian Yumei smiled, holding the bamboo flute without a word.
"Junior brother, hand it over to me!" Lin Li approached and took the bamboo flute. "Quite light, huh? Hehe."
Lin Li chuckled.
"Yes, quite light indeed. The snake will provide us with great assistance. There's a profound connection between them and us. When we grow tired of wandering the rivers and lakes, we shall return here, accompanying Master Nanhai!" Jian Yumei remarked.
At that moment, Jian Yumei felt the snake inside swaying back and forth, prompting a smile from him.
Lin Li also smiled, sensing the movement of the bamboo flute.
They proceeded together towards the exit. Upon reaching the mouth of the cave, Jian Yumei distinctly heard the snake communicating with him through telepathy: "On the right side of the cave entrance, covered by those green vines, there's a button. Search carefully and press it to open!"
Following the snake's instructions, Jian Yumei carefully examined the right side of the cave entrance, noticing a patch of green vines. He cautiously reached behind them and felt a recessed area. Jian Yumei sensed that this was likely the button, though it was cleverly disguised to blend with the surrounding rock walls. Without specific guidance, one wouldn't recognize it even upon touch.
Jian Yumei pressed it firmly, but there was no response.
He was puzzled.
"This requires finesse. First, channel your inner strength, then master the rhythm. One heavy, one light, repeated three times, and it will open or close!" the snake instructed him.
Jian Yumei finally understood.
Following the snake's advice, he exerted his inner strength, alternating between pressure and release. At that moment, Jian Yumei felt the button move inward slightly.
Suddenly, the wall on the other side of the cave entrance began to move, swiftly sealing the entrance. From the outside, it appeared as if there was no longer a cave, giving the impression of just a small opening.
"Incredible craftsmanship!" Jian Yumei exclaimed in admiration. He felt that Master Nanhai was truly extraordinary, further deepening his admiration for him.
Lin Li was also amazed by everything. She looked around, thoroughly impressed.
"Junior brother, I was initially concerned about Master Nanhai's safety, but now, everything seems so natural here. No one would ever suspect there's a world hidden inside!" Lin Li remarked.
"Yes, indeed! Let's proceed; safety here is assured," Jian Yumei affirmed.
"Very well, junior brother!" Lin Li felt that she would embark on a life of adventure and exploration with Jian Yumei from now on. She stole a glance at him, a different feeling blossoming within her.
They descended the cliff quickly and returned to the house. When Jian Yumei finished placing the bamboo flute in his room and returned to the hall, Master and Lin Li were already seated at the dining table.
"Come, Yumei, tonight's meal is a simple one. There aren't many dishes; I only managed to hunt some game in the mountains. We usually eat vegetarian, but today, you can enjoy these wild meats!" Master said.
Jian Yumei knew that Master usually preferred vegetarian meals, considering their health, but occasionally included some wild game to supplement their diet. However, Master also emphasized moderation in hunting, mindful of the ethics regarding the taking of life.
Tonight, Jian Yumei saw wild chicken on the table, stir-fried with chili peppers, as well as braised wild rabbit. What was most delightful was a meat from an elusive animal whose name could not be identified. Master boiled it in clear water and served it with garlic, presenting a visually appealing dish.
Additionally, there were some mountain delicacies. Jian Yumei noticed various rare ingredients from the mountains, enriching their meal.
Jian Yumei's mouth watered.
"Master, tonight's meal is truly wonderful. A feast indeed! Living in the mountains, we can't find such delicacies even in the city!" Jian Yumei remarked.
"Yes, indeed. Where in the city could one find such wilderness? Those wealthy individuals would have to expend great effort to obtain such a spread. We, on the other hand, can enjoy it at any time!" Master chuckled.
"Exactly, indeed!" Jian Yumei agreed.
"Enough chatting; let's eat. Have some food and wine. Come, father, junior brother, let me pour you some!" Lin Li intervened.
Master and Jian Yumei smiled at Lin Li.
They chatted and laughed while enjoying their meal. At that moment, Jian Yumei thought of a question.
"Master, there's something I've been meaning to ask you," he began.
"Go ahead, Yumei, what do you wish to inquire?" Master replied with a smile.
"Master, you've been cultivating for so long, and though you seldom engage in tomb raiding, you've had your share. I'm curious about your modest lifestyle despite any wealth obtained from tomb raiding. How do you manage your finances?" Jian Yumei asked.
Jian Yumei had long wanted to ask this question. He knew Master wouldn't hoard treasures, but he was genuinely curious about how Master utilized his wealth. He hoped to learn from it.
Master pondered for a moment. "I had planned to show you sometime. However, since you're leaving the mountain soon, and you wish to understand the purpose behind our actions, I'll tell you the truth. For people like us, who are indifferent to wealth, engaging in such activities serves a worthy cause. All the wealth obtained from tomb raiding is distributed to those in need!" Master explained.
"I see. How exactly do you do that, Master? I'd like to hear more. It's something I can learn from," Jian Yumei said.
"Master has long been supporting several hospitals in Xi'an. They provide essential medicines free of charge to the neediest people. Take the renowned Mercy Hospital, for instance. Are you familiar with it?" Master continued.
"I am. That hospital is well-known. My father and I passed by it once, and he told me that all the poor people in Xi'an can seek medical treatment there. The consultation and medication fees are reasonable for ordinary patients, and for those truly unable to pay, the hospital conducts assessments and provides free treatment. Hence, many consider it a guardian angel for the poor!" Jian Yumei replied.
"Yes, a significant portion of my wealth goes to those hospitals! Do you know about the Hall of Benevolence in Xi'an as well?" Master inquired.
"I'm aware of it too. The Hall of Benevolence is dedicated to aiding homeless people. They provide food and shelter to the destitute and offer porridge at their doorstep every day. The queue there is always long. I once asked my father where the funds for the porridge came from, and he said they were donations from some wealthy and compassionate individuals. I never imagined Master was the primary benefactor!" Jian Yumei exclaimed.
"Yes, only Master knows of my contributions. The staff at those hospitals and the Hall of Benevolence are unaware of the source of the funds. They assume I'm a merchant. This is what we call 'thieving
with righteousness.' Although we acquire underground wealth, the good deeds we perform—aiding the world, saving lives—are imperative in turbulent times!" Master elucidated.
"I understand, Master. I'll follow in your footsteps," Jian Yumei affirmed.
In light of this, Jian Yumei felt a renewed determination to demonstrate his skills, providing more resources to those hospitals and charitable organizations to assist the less fortunate.
Observing them, Lin Li seemed to grasp the essence of their conversation. Although not fully comprehending, she harbored no great affection for wealth. She understood its significance.