Chapter Eighteen: Master Du

The young Dragon supported his friend as they hurried back to Chang'an International Hotel. As soon as they arrived, they found Old Rooster waiting anxiously at the entrance. He hadn’t expected such trouble from a simple outing.

“What happened?” he asked.

Egg was worried Old Rooster might be alarmed, so he waved his hand dismissively. “We ran into some scammers on the road, but it’s all sorted now!”

“It wasn’t just scammers,” Dragon interjected, exposing the real story. “We got caught up in a honey trap. We barely escaped after a fight—Egg took on six men single-handedly and knocked them all out, just got a few scrapes.”

Egg’s face soured at this, replying, “If it weren’t for you, we’d have been back sooner.”

“As long as you’re alright! That’s what matters,” Old Rooster muttered, then pressed, “Did you learn anything?”

Egg nodded, swallowing hard as Dragon helped him to a bench. He pulled out a pack of cigarettes, lit one, and tossed another to Dragon.

Dragon walked to the window, cracked it open, and drew the curtains. The ancient city of Xi’an was especially cold in winter. Dragon pulled his coat tighter and sat on the edge of the bed, listening with Old Rooster as Egg recounted their adventure.

Egg wasn't actually foolish; from the moment they entered the massage parlor, he’d noticed a woman heavily perfumed, wearing flesh-toned stockings, a short skirt barely covering her thighs, and a cropped jacket baring her navel. Egg emphasized that such women were clearly seasoned at soliciting clients, but he’d stayed alert, probing for information rather than indulging himself.

He took a few drags, flicked the ash, and continued, “I asked around and finally learned a little about Chang’an. Then the woman got impatient and started undressing, but before I could react, a gang led by a blond guy barged in.”

Egg went on, boasting of his exploits, but Old Rooster cut him off, “We’re not interested in your escapades. Did anyone know about the bronze cabinet?”

Egg grinned, “Actually, yes! I heard about a man called Boss Du—nicknamed ‘Living Tomb’. He’s versed in everything from astronomy and geography to history and the world. He runs an antique shop near the southern wall of the ancient city. He trades in information too.”

“Good,” Old Rooster said, heading out and instructing Dragon to fetch some medicine for Egg’s bruises.

Once Old Rooster left, Dragon lit a cigarette and asked, “Why is Old Rooster so interested in the bronze cabinet? What’s inside it? Have you ever considered that?”

Egg was stumped by the barrage of questions, but began to ponder. “Could there be gold and jewels inside?” he exclaimed in surprise.

“Are you stupid?” Dragon retorted. “Are Old Rooster and Lord Nuo so desperate for money? At their age, they’ve made all they need. What could they still lack?”

“Are you saying they want immortality?” Egg was incredulous—such notions seemed impossible.

Dragon said nothing, gazing at the wind-blown curtain.

Late into the night, the city streets emptied and people huddled in their beds, but Dragon lay awake, troubled. Science had proven that human immortality was unattainable, so how could ancient people, with far less technology, achieve it? Yet Old Rooster and Lord Nuo believed fervently; had they discovered some secret over the years? These questions circled endlessly in Dragon's mind, but he found no answers.

Xi’an, the capital of thirteen dynasties, is history’s most enduring and influential city. During the Sui and Tang eras, it was the largest metropolis in the world. The culture of Chang’an shaped ages, and the dynasties that made their capitals here—Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, Tang—were the golden ages of ancient civilization.

With the first light of dawn slanting across the beds, Egg rubbed his bleary eyes, shivered, and burrowed under the covers cursing, “Damn it, who left the window open?” He glanced at Dragon’s bed—Dragon was gone again.

Egg picked up his phone, about to call, when the door swung open and a draft swept through, sending him back under the blanket.

“Egg, get up! It’s late. I bought some soy milk and fried dough sticks—let’s eat!” Dragon quietly closed the door behind him.

“I thought you’d disappeared, was just about to call you,” Egg said, jumping up to shut the window, grabbing the food, and wrapping himself in the blanket.

“Aren’t you going to wash up before eating?” Dragon asked.

“Flavor’s richest with dirty face and teeth,” Egg joked, flashing his smoke-yellowed grin.

“Suit yourself. I’ll take the rest to Lord Nuo and Old Rooster. Get ready, we’re going to see the Living Tomb soon.”

“Got it. First thing in the morning, and we’re off to some tomb…” Egg muttered, realizing he’d said something unlucky, spat, and repeated, “No harm meant, just words.”

Soon, the four of them packed their things and headed south. They hailed a taxi and asked for the antique shop of the Living Tomb. The driver thought for a moment and soon delivered them to a street filled with antique stores.

They got out, scanning the row of shops, uncertain which belonged to the Living Tomb. Dragon stopped a customer leaving one of the stores and asked. The man glanced at them, pointed across the street to a pink signboard with the bold black characters: “Du’s Antique Emporium”.

“Look at that sign—so flashy! Is the owner as flamboyant? Maybe she’s a woman?” Egg grinned, clearly eager to flirt.

“Come on, let’s take a look!” Old Rooster called.

As Old Rooster stepped into the shop, the automatic door chimed, “Welcome!”

“Is Boss Du here?” Egg followed, calling out.

A gentle, sweet voice came from the front desk, though no one appeared. “Hello! Are you looking for something special?”

Egg was delighted—it really was a woman! He hurried to the counter and peered over. Shoulder-length hair carried a fresh jasmine scent, but the woman remained focused on her phone game, never looking up.

“All items are clearly priced. Authenticity is at your own discernment; haggling is not allowed. Seekers only,” she said, pointing to the counter without raising her head.

Egg stepped back and saw the sign: “All items are clearly priced. Authenticity is at your own discernment; haggling is not allowed. Seekers only.”

“Is this how you do business? Does anything actually sell?” Egg complained.

“Are you Boss Du?” he asked.

“The boss isn’t here. Leave a message if you have something to discuss.”