Chapter One, The Desert Wasteland (Part Two)

The eight brothers of the Mo Bei Ba Dao are destined to rise to prominence. The secret treasure map they obtained is indeed genuine. This desolate mountain conceals the remnants of wealth left behind during the retreat of the Great Yuan Dynasty, when the army could not carry away certain valuables. Such locations are not uncommon during dynastic changes. The unfortunate merchant they robbed was a wealthy trader from the interior of the Ming Dynasty. By chance, he acquired this treasure map and, unable to contain his excitement, set out on a journey to seek it. Little did he know that he would not find the treasure, but instead fall victim to the ruthless bandits roaming the desert.

The leader Mo Sha searched around but found not a single murder weapon, feeling quite disappointed. He took the strange small box and examined it under the dim firelight, where he saw a dark mass that was tightly sealed, appearing as one piece. In the center of the box was a round disk, on which were engraved tiny characters. Although he recognized the characters, he could not decipher their meaning.

However, Mo Lao Er did not mention the names of the brothers, which was tolerable, but at this moment, when he brought it up, it awakened Lao Qi. Mo Shi suddenly realized: "If you, Second Brother, do not mention our family's name, I would have forgotten. We obtained this secret treasure map a long time ago. As for Mo Sha, the eldest brother, he only knows how to kill and enjoy the pleasures of maps and books, showing no interest whatsoever in the business of digging graves. However, when you and Sixth Brother saw this treasure map, it was as if your eyes turned green with envy, urging the eldest brother to talk endlessly about the magical weapons and treasures that might be found. It was only after being persuaded by you that the eldest brother led us away from Ju Ting Hai to this Yi Bu La Mountain to dig some kind of bird hole. Yet, it has only brought hardship to us brothers. I will not argue with you about this; I will go find Third Brother and Fifth Brother. You must know that while you are digging for gold and silver weapons in this bird hole, you cannot unearth women and wine."

At this moment, it is unknown why these eight brothers have come to this desolate mountain to excavate a cave.

Lao Ba Mo Chen was particularly impatient. He rushed over to the box and tried to pry it open with force, but it wouldn't budge. In a fit of rage, this reckless man tossed the iron box aside, drew out his ghost-headed broadsword, and struck down on the box. The remaining brothers could not stop him in time. With a loud crack, the high-quality steel sword, weighing over ten pounds, broke just like that. When they looked at the box again, there wasn't even a scratch on it. It was then that the brothers realized they had stumbled upon a rare treasure.

Only eight brothers commit evil deeds in Taihe, and all merchants and travelers passing by are bound to be robbed and killed. Moreover, no old, weak, women, or children are spared. Such brutal methods and serious offenses have led to the early issuance of maritime capture orders within the Ming Dynasty. Even in the territory of the Tatars, there are few places for them to take refuge. Thus, they can only frequently hide in the desolate areas along the southern coast of Juting, where the Ming Dynasty and the Tatar state meet, to plunder passing merchants.

The Mo brothers, though fierce and cunning, were not lacking in their ways. However, having early on thrown themselves into the wilderness, they were each devoid of any connection to elegance and refinement. They only picked up those valuable antiques and artworks that were made of gold and jade, discarding the rest. The eight of them carried that chest of jewels and gold and silver, clutching that dark iron box, and made their way straight back to Jutinghai. Thereafter, they spent a little silver to gather thousands of strong men and established the Huangsha Stronghold, with the eight brothers serving as the eight leaders. In no time, both large and small bandits came to join them, further strengthening their power. Even the local authorities were reluctant to provoke them lightly, allowing them to plunder passing merchants with increasing audacity.

Yet it has never been seen, but one can always find it in this cave.

Not long after obtaining the treasure map, the eight brothers followed the clues at https://www.hetushu.com and began their search in this desolate mountain, having already spent over a month on this endeavor.

These eight brothers truly embody the vices of killing, theft, lust, deceit, drunkenness, greed, gluttony, and anger. Later, by a twist of fate, the eight brothers established their own faction, gathering some vagrants and local ruffians, engaging in robbery and causing harm to the region. Each of them wielded a formidable ghostly steel knife, and they managed to carve out a reputation for themselves in this desolate and wicked wilderness, known as the Eight Knives of the Northern Desert

On that day, the eight brothers finally cleared away all the soil and stones that had filled the entrance to the treasure cave, revealing the portal to the underground chamber. Each of the eight brothers was filled with joy, and they hurriedly lit torches and oil lamps to rush inside. However, this underground chamber was not a natural cave; it was hastily excavated by the Yuan soldiers during their retreat years ago. Inside the small cavern, there were scattered calligraphy and paintings, as well as some antiques, but the true gold, silver, and precious jewels amounted to only one chest.

Mo Dao said: "Since your Fifth Brother arrived here, he seems to have had all the bones in his body pulled out, spending his days listlessly soaking in a vat of wine. Just now, he downed another jar of liquor, and at this moment, he would probably not even recognize his elder brother if he saw him."

Having said that, Mo Shi was about to return to the cave to look for his other brothers, but unexpectedly, Mo Dao grabbed him and said: "Seventh Brother, do not be anxious. We have been digging in this cave for quite a while today; have you seen our Third Brother?"

The brothers searched carefully for a long time, and Mo Dao found a peculiar box about the size of a fist. It felt unusually cold and hard to the touch, yet its material remained unknown.

The most straightforward words sent a chill down Mo Shi's spine

Mo Dao advised: "Among the eight of us brothers, only you, the seventh, eat the most and have the greatest strength. The actions of the third and fifth brothers have already angered Mo Sha, who sharpens his knife all day. Do you wish to test the methods of the elder brother at this moment?"

Mo Dao laughed and said, "You seem to have lost your mind from eating something bad. Why would you need to search for such a large cave? Let me inform you in secret, your third brother sneaked away yesterday to the cave to seek flowers and fragrance."

Mo Shi was taken aback by the words and hurriedly said: "That Fifth Brother is always here"

Mo Dao continued leisurely, saying: "Seventh brother, do you not feel that digging here is beneath you? When we find that hidden treasure in the future, all of us brothers will surely benefit. You have been cooped up in this desolate place for so long, what exquisite delicacies do you know? The rare delicacies of the Han family in the southern Ming Dynasty cannot be compared to this bitter and cold land. If we brothers manage to find a vast amount of gold and silver, as your elder brother, would I not share some silver with you for enjoyment?"

Then, Mo Dao continued to narrate a plethora of famous delicacies from the Southern Dynasties in a rapid-fire manner, causing the gluttonous Mo Shi to drool and his eyes to shine with excitement. It is worth noting that he later exerted all his strength in digging a hole.

Mo Shi, upon hearing Er Ge's words, immediately ceased to argue and could only respond indignantly: "Every one of you brothers is shirking your duties; do you think I won't stand up for myself?"

For many years, the Eight Blades of the Northern Desert have roamed the wasteland, engaging in the perilous trade of profitless ventures. Their skills in surveying the terrain are incomparable to those of wealthy merchants who enjoy a life of luxury and ease, untroubled by the hardships of the north and south.

During the tumultuous times of the Great Yuan Dynasty, the soldiers were fierce and ruthless. Whenever they captured a city or town, the commanding generals would often unleash their troops to plunder. Anything deemed useful or even slightly valuable would be seized and taken back. As a result, the Yuan soldiers acquired many items of unknown origin and purpose from various places. This box, made of exceptionally sturdy material, was recognized as a treasure by anyone with discerning eyes. However, its purpose remained unknown, and ultimately, it was buried here by the Yuan army rather than carelessly discarded.