Dragon's Eye Chronicles: Unveiling the Legacy( LOST TOMB FANFICTION)

Chapter 3: A Guide With Secrets

Chapter 3: A Guide With Secrets

Surprise flickered across Wu Xie's face as he stared at the wizened old man on his doorstep. The man's unexpected arrival, coupled with his seemingly clairvoyant knowledge of their mission, sent a wave of suspicion through Yuchen.

"Who are you?" Yuchen inquired, his voice firm, his hand instinctively reaching for the machete strapped to his thigh.

The old man chuckled, the sound like dry leaves rustling in the wind. "Now, now, young man, no need for such hostility. I come in peace, and with information that could benefit you greatly." He gestured towards the shop interior. "May I come in?"

Wu Xie hesitated, torn between his curiosity and Yuchen's caution. However, the promise of information about the Jade Emperor's Tomb, and perhaps even clues about his grandfather's disappearance, proved too tempting to resist.

"Alright," he conceded, stepping aside to allow the old man entrance. "But you'll explain yourself."

The old man entered the shop, his weathered face creased in a smile. He surveyed the cluttered space with a knowing gaze before turning back to Wu Xie. "My name," he announced with a flourish, "is Pan Ziwen, and I have dedicated my life to the pursuit of historical mysteries, much like your grandfather."

Wu Xie's eyes widened. "You knew my grandfather?"

"Indeed," Pan Ziwen nodded, his eyes twinkling with an unsettling glint. "We crossed paths on several occasions, both on friendly terms and otherwise. He was a remarkable man, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a touch of... shall we say, recklessness."

A pang of sadness flickered across Wu Xie's face. Pan Ziwen's words painted a picture of his grandfather that resonated deeply – a man passionate about history and unafraid of adventure.

"I believe you possess a map leading to the Jade Emperor's Tomb," Pan Ziwen continued, his voice dropping a conspiratorial notch.

Wu Xie exchanged a wary glance with Yuchen. They hadn't revealed the scroll to anyone, and it seemed this Pan Ziwen knew an awful lot about their plans.

"That's right," Wu Xie admitted cautiously. "But how did you..."

"Let's just say," Pan Ziwen interrupted, his voice laced with a hint of arrogance, "I have my ways. And I believe I can help you navigate that treacherous tomb."

Yuchen remained unconvinced. "Why should we trust you?" he challenged. "We don't know you."

Pan Ziwen chuckled again. "True, young man. But consider this – venturing into the Jade Emperor's Tomb alone is a recipe for disaster. The traps, the guardians... you'll need all the help you can get."

He reached into his satchel and produced a worn leather-bound book. Its pages were filled with faded diagrams and cryptic symbols that seemed vaguely familiar to Wu Xie.

"This," Pan Ziwen declared, placing the book on the counter, "is a partial guide to the tomb's layout and its known dangers. Knowledge gleaned from generations of tomb raiders."

Wu Xie's curiosity flared. The book seemed ancient and potentially invaluable. But the question remained – could they trust Pan Ziwen?

Yuchen, ever the pragmatist, saw a potential advantage. "Alright," he conceded reluctantly, "suppose you do know a thing or two about this tomb. What are your terms?"

Pan Ziwen's smile widened, revealing a glint of gold from a chipped tooth. "A simple proposition, young man. We share the spoils of the tomb equally. After all, knowledge isn't the only valuable thing one might find within its walls."

The prospect of riches was tempting, but Wu Xie knew the true motivation for their venture lay not in treasure, but in finding his grandfather.

"We're not just in this for riches," he countered. "We're looking for answers. My grandfather... he disappeared while searching for this tomb. We want to find him."

A flicker of surprise crossed Pan Ziwen's face, quickly replaced by a calculating glint in his eyes. "Ah, I see," he murmured. "Perhaps... finding your grandfather could also be part of the bargain."

Wu Xie exchanged another uncertain look with Yuchen. Pan Ziwen's offer was tempting – a guide, knowledge of the tomb, and potentially a clue about his grandfather. But they couldn't shake the feeling that this mysterious stranger held secrets of his own. The decision to trust him would be fraught with risk.