"This..."
Murong Xue saw what she had spat out and realized the seriousness of the situation.
Fortunately, Li Yang had helped her clear it out in time, otherwise, the consequences would have been endless.
She turned to look at the sorcerer again, now feeling that he deserved to have his tongue ripped out.
"Someone, bring this tongue-severed ghost back. Even if he can't speak, I'll make him reveal his accomplices."
Murong Xue ordered furiously.
As soon as she finished speaking, her subordinates immediately stepped forward to apprehend him.
Li Yang did not step forward to stop them. He could roughly guess the man's identity. Although he knew evil arts, he was, at best, a tomb robber.
Even if his accomplices were found, they would only be a bunch of treasure hunters with no special identity or background.
However, by capturing him, his accomplices would know the risks of robbing treasures here, and they would not dare to act rashly again.
After the man was captured, Li Yang felt that there was no point in staying here. This ancient tomb only needed to be handed over to the archaeological team for investigation.
Li Yang turned to Qi Tongwei and asked, "Old Qi, there's nothing more for us here. How about we go down the mountain and find a place to sit?"
"Certainly, Mr. Li's invitation, how could I dare to refuse?"
Qi Tongwei felt honored to work with Li Yang. After agreeing, he left with Li Yang.
Before leaving, Li Yang deliberately teased Murong Xue. He walked up to her and smiled, saying, "Beautiful Murong, do you want to come along? There will be no more danger here, and the culprit has fallen into your hands. You should be fine now, right?"
"I still need to investigate other clues. You go down the mountain first. I'll contact you after I'm done."
"Alright, then I'll be going. I'll be waiting for your invitation anytime, beautiful Murong."
After speaking, Li Yang decisively went down the mountain with Qi Tongwei.
After descending, they went to a teahouse, ordered a pot of tea and some snacks, and chatted while drinking.
"Mr. Li, why did you call me down the mountain alone? And in such a mysterious way," Qi Tongwei asked curiously, unaware of Li Yang's purpose.
"Old Qi, have you heard about what's been happening in Jiangcheng recently? Not only have many appraisers and experts from Sakura Country arrived, but many appraisers from other regions have also come," Li Yang hinted.
"I have indeed heard about that. I also know that they seem to be here for a treasure map. I've lived in Jiangcheng for so many years, and I've never heard of any treasure map in Jiangcheng. I can't believe these foreigners have come here to seek treasure. It's ridiculous!"
Qi Tongwei couldn't help but shake his head and mock. However, after he finished speaking, he immediately realized and looked at Li Yang in surprise, asking, "Mr. Li, why are you suddenly asking about this? You don't actually believe the treasure map is real, do you?"
"The treasure map is indeed real, and I actually know where it is," Li Yang said decisively.
"What? The treasure map is real?"
Qi Tongwei's eyes almost popped out. He asked in astonishment, "Where is that thing?"
"If I tell you the location, you'll be shocked," Li Yang said calmly.
"Haha, Mr. Li underestimates me too much. I've always regarded wealth as dirt. Even if the treasure map were in my home, I wouldn't be shocked," Qi Tongwei said with a laugh.
Over the years, he had collected countless treasures in his museum, but not for profit, but to protect these rare national treasures and prevent them from being taken abroad.
He couldn't guarantee how much he had contributed to the antique world, but he had certainly collected many treasures for China.
Upon hearing his words, Li Yang said directly, "You guessed correctly. The treasure map is not elsewhere, but with you. Its true location is within your museum."
"What?"
Qi Tongwei's previously calm expression froze at that moment.
It was as if time had stopped. He sat there dumbfounded, even his teacup remaining motionless.
After a long while, he gradually came back to his senses and chuckled awkwardly, "Mr. Li, you must be joking, right? How could there be a treasure map in my museum? I know every item inside very well. I can guarantee that the treasure map is not there."
"The location of the treasure map is certainly not visible to your naked eye. It is hidden within other antiques. Can you guarantee that you know all the antiques in your museum? Are you sure there are no hidden compartments among all the antiques?" Li Yang retorted.
"This..."
Qi Tongwei fell silent again.
He felt that Li Yang was not joking and asked curiously, "Mr. Li, is the treasure map really in my museum? What kind of antique is it hidden in?"
"You old Qi, didn't you just say you regarded wealth as dirt? Why are you asking before I've even spoken?" Li Yang pointed at his nose and asked with a smile, "Tell me honestly, are you also coveting this treasure map?"
"How is that possible!"
Qi Tongwei's eyes darted around, and he quickly shook his head, saying, "I'm just curious. If the treasure map is really with me, then it's over. I've heard that those seeking the treasure map are all martial arts experts."
"If they find out that the treasure map is with me, won't they all come to my place to look for it? Then, most of the antiques I've collected will be stolen."
"It seems you have some sense. I'll tell you the truth: you've guessed correctly again. Now all the treasure hunters know that the treasure map's location is with you, and the leader from Sakura Country, the old thief Kuteng, has even sent the master thief Wang to steal from you," Li Yang said, patting his shoulder.
"What? Is that true?"
Qi Tongwei instantly felt like he was sitting on pins and needles and was eager to return to the museum.
Before he could get up to leave, Li Yang suddenly comforted him, "You don't need to be too anxious. I've already stopped that master thief. The plan failed long ago, and I've also deployed a new plan to ensure that no one can find your place."
"What plan?" Qi Tongwei regained his composure and asked curiously.
"I've already sent people to start digging a tunnel from a hotel directly into your museum. Once it's dug through, you'll cooperate with my people to transfer the antique containing the treasure map through the tunnel."
"After I get the treasure map, I'll fabricate a new location for it, leading those treasure seekers into my trap. Then, the public security can round them all up," Li Yang said seriously.
"This, can this work?"
Qi Tongwei looked worried. He had no idea that Li Yang had already started digging a tunnel underground towards his museum behind his back.
It seemed that installing surveillance alone would not be enough in the future. They would have to cordon off several kilometers around the museum, even the underground, and build an underground palace to prevent others from stealing treasures by digging tunnels!