Morning light filtered through the curtains as Shane Prescott's phone rang.

Professor Moore's weary voice came through. "Shane, I tried your method, but the dark spots on my face are still spreading. The itching kept me up all night."

Shane sat up, brow furrowing. "Did you verify the purity of the virgin boy's urine?"

"Well..." The professor hesitated. "I had my assistant handle it."

"I'll send you an updated prescription. But remember—the urine must come from a boy under seven, freshly collected to be effective."

After hanging up, Shane quickly typed out a message:

15g licorice root

15g honeysuckle

15g skullcap root

15g achyranthes root

15g golden thread

15g fleeceflower stem

15g thistle root

15g angelica root

10g gentian root

10g soapberry thorn

12g gromwell root

12g burdock seed

30g trichosanthes root

Boil five bowls down to one

Externally:

60g alum

60g borax

Boil in water for washing

After sending the prescription, Shane freshened up and headed downstairs.

In the dining room, Ethan Sullivan was peeling an egg for Sophia Laurent.

"How much longer until you're done here?" he asked quietly.

Sophia smiled. "Almost finished. We found some damaged artifacts yesterday. I'll need to assist with restoration when we return."

Ethan tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You academics are different. We businessmen only care about profits."

She blinked playfully. "I chase fame, you chase fortune—different paths, same destination."

Iris Evans dropped her chopsticks with a clatter.

As she bent to pick them up, she caught sight of their intertwined fingers under the table.

"Seriously, you two? Even on a work trip?" She dramatically covered her eyes.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Any progress with Zane?"

Iris's smile froze. "His father won't budge."

"That old fox Zachary," Ethan muttered. "Don't worry. When Zane sets his mind to something, nothing can stop him."

Iris's eyes lit up. "Ethan, just for that, I'm sticking with Sophia for life!"

Sophia stifled a laugh.

After seeing Ethan off, the archaeological team welcomed their new leader.

Luna Valentine kept her voice low. "This is Professor Nathan Moore. Everyone, mind your manners."

Shane lingered at the back.

Last night's dreams had been filled with Luna running through his subconscious. Seeing her now sent his pulse racing inexplicably.

In the main burial chamber, Professor Moore studied the group with hands clasped behind his back.

"This is Shane Prescott. Yesterday, he—" Sophia began introducing him.

"I know who he is," the professor interrupted meaningfully.

Shane frowned, then suddenly lunged toward the coffin.

"The cadaveric toxin has worsened!" he barked. "This must be burned and buried immediately!"

The professor's expression sharpened. "You've encountered this before?"

"Those exposed either died or were left disabled," Shane said grimly.

The meeting room erupted in debate.

Finally, Professor Moore made the call. "Seal and transport it back first. We'll await further instructions."

At noon, thunder rumbled across the sky.

"Wait!" Shane suddenly threw himself into the muddy ground.

After three thunderclaps, he stood up drenched. "150 meters northwest—there's another marquis's tomb!"

The professor's hands trembled with excitement. "Young man, join our team!"

Luna chuckled softly. "Grandfather, you'll keep your word?"

Under the rain, Shane and Luna shared a black umbrella.

Water streamed down the fabric like the heartbeat pounding in his chest.