Chapter Twenty-Three: The Cave of the Ghost King

The mountainside behind Fishhead Village had collapsed, revealing the so-called "Ghost King Cave." The torrential rain two days ago was said to have been summoned by the Ghost King in the cave, who was attempting to transcend and become immortal. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for such a downpour to occur. The attempt failed, and the Ghost King was struck dead by lightning, collapsing the mountain along with him and exposing the cave.

The story first circulated in Donghe Town, and within days, it spread like wildfire—everyone in Taoyuan County was talking about it, and the rumor continued to spread further. Fishhead Village and the Ghost King Cave became legendary, as if everyone had witnessed the events themselves.

Curious people from nearby villages came, eager to venture into the Ghost King Cave and see for themselves. Yet, they were blocked at the entrance by villagers from Fishhead Village.

"No entry? Why can't we go in?" protested those who had come following the rumors. They were treasure seekers from neighboring villages who had heard the news and rushed over. Being barred from entry by the villagers only fueled their discontent.

Liansheng stood firm, his face stern. "No entry means no entry. This is Fishhead Village's territory—why should we let you in? Off you go, move along!" He drove them down the mountain.

The village chief had long made it clear: no one was allowed into the Ghost King Cave, no matter who they were. Anyone who tried to force their way in would be dealt with harshly. Those who ignored warnings and came spoiling for a fight would be beaten without mercy.

"We insist on going in!" someone challenged.

Liansheng did not hesitate. He brandished the old hunting shotgun used by the village's hunters, the dogs yapping beside him, and shouted, "Don’t make trouble for yourselves. The chief said anyone who forces their way in will be dealt with by the village."

The sight of the shotgun deterred many, though only Liansheng and his men knew it was empty and broken—just a prop to scare people.

"Ghost King Cave?" Tang Long wondered who had named the lava cave on the mountainside with such a gaudy title. Still, the name had made its mark, and now "Ghost King Cave" was famous—so be it; at least notoriety had been achieved.

"Keeping people out like this can't go on forever. The town officials called me two days ago, and today the county leaders phoned as well, asking about the Ghost King Cave," Zhang Xiu'e said with a bitter smile.

Tang Long smiled, "The more famous the Ghost King Cave becomes, the greater our future gains!"

"That's true, but Liansheng almost got into a fight with three groups today," Zhang Xiu'e said, frowning with concern.

Everyone wanted to know what was inside, thinking there might be hidden treasures and hoping to strike it rich.

"What else can we do?" Tang Long laughed. If they let people in unchecked, who knew what might happen.

The stalactites could easily be damaged, and any destruction would be irreparable, leaving permanent scars.

"How about we sell tickets for tours? We could make some money and have villagers accompany the visitors at all times. If anyone tries to damage anything, we’ll deal with them harshly!" Zhang Xiu'e said through gritted teeth.

Wild and domineering, her suggestion was clear. Make some extra money? Zhang Xiu'e's words sparked an idea in Tang Long—selling tickets in advance wasn’t a bad plan.

At least it would satisfy some people’s curiosity.

"Shall we try it your way?" Tang Long grinned.

Zhang Xiu'e winked at him, "Let’s give it a shot. We’ll let those who are willing to pay get a taste first!"

"Alright, let’s do it!" Tang Long agreed.

Before opening the cave for tours, though, several things needed to be addressed: forming a patrol team to accompany visitors, designing a simple route.

Tang Long had been inside—the cave was deep, vast, with many branching paths, and the passageways were rough and unrefined.

Since tickets would be sold, at the very least the visitors’ safety had to be ensured.

Exploration lamps, cameras, ropes, first aid supplies, and more had to be prepared!

Tang Long called Liansheng back from the mountainside.

"What? Open for visitors?" Liansheng’s eyes widened. He knew there was no treasure inside. Tang Long’s refusal to let people in was to protect the cave's stalactites from reckless digging and destruction.

Tang Long nodded, "Ticketed tours: three hundred per ticket. Only five people at a time, maximum thirty minutes inside. You’ll accompany them. No sharp objects allowed, and no breaking or prying at the stalactites!"

Three hundred per ticket? Liansheng was startled. That was expensive—who would pay to go into a pitch-black cave where, without lighting, nothing could be seen?

"Alright, I’ll organize the team," he said. Whether anyone chose to enter was not his concern; he would follow Tang Long’s instructions.

A simple route was mapped out, ensuring safety—natural and untouched, with only a few extra lamps needed.

The next day, Tang Long and Zhang Xiu'e arrived at the mountainside themselves.

Outside the Ghost King Cave, a large sign had been erected.

"Ticketed Tour!"

"Price: 300."

"Only five visitors at a time!"

"Maximum thirty minutes inside!"

"No sharp objects allowed in the Ghost King Cave. All visitors must undergo a full body search before entering and after exiting. Anyone who objects will not be admitted."

"If you damage or break a stalactite inside, the fine is one hundred thousand. Additionally, broken stalactites must be purchased at one thousand per gram. By buying a ticket, you agree to all these terms and will sign a contract accepting legal responsibility."

Three hundred per ticket? Nearby villagers scoffed, saying Fishhead Village was crazy for money. So expensive—only fools would pay!

Whether or not anyone bought a ticket was irrelevant to the villagers. If you wanted in, you had to pay—and those were the rules. No exceptions.

After all, the Ghost King Cave was on Fishhead Village’s mountain.

A group of young adventurers, drawn by the legend, arrived from the county. They’d come just for fun.

"They sell tickets here?" asked a young woman with a ponytail, wearing a thin windbreaker and holding a hiking stick.

"We do, three hundred each," Liansheng replied, pointing to the sign behind him. She was clearly not a local—her speech and attire set her apart.

"Do you all want to go in?" she asked her friends.

"We’re already here, might as well take a look!"

Three hundred was steep, but not impossible. There were six of them—three men, three women—who had driven two off-road vehicles.

"Can the six of us go in together?" the ponytail girl asked.

Liansheng glanced at Tang Long, uncertain. Tang Long stood from his folding chair.

He smiled, "Alright, for one or two extra, we can be flexible. Any more is out of the question."

The ponytail girl looked Tang Long over curiously, "If the six of us go in, can you lower the ticket price?"

She was just testing the waters. This wasn’t a formal tourist site, just a privately set up attraction run by the locals. Usually, at such places, bargaining was possible.

"The price can’t be lowered, but once inside, I’ll make sure you have a good time," Tang Long replied with a smile.

"You’ll take us in yourself?"

"Yes, I’ll lead the way," Tang Long nodded.

"Alright, three hundred it is. Just don’t trick us—show us around inside!" she agreed.