Nathan Moore narrowed his eyes at Luna Valentine. "I always keep my word."

Luna's lips curved slightly. "A gentleman's promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold."

Nathan threw back his head and laughed. "Why do you always take their side, girl?"

Her expression turned serious. "I'm just stating facts."

"Fine, fine. You're right."

Shane Prescott studied Nathan with quiet intensity.

After a pause, he admitted frankly, "I've robbed tombs."

"I know." Nathan's sharp gaze swept over his face. "No blood on your hands?"

"None."

Nathan considered this, then released his grip. "Return what artifacts you can to the authorities. That'll help your case."

Shane's brow furrowed. "They're already sold."

The money had long been squandered by his adoptive father.

Nathan looked troubled. "Any chance of recovery?"

Shane shook his head.

Nathan's thick eyebrows drew together. "Then you'll have to atone through service. Your team admission requires careful planning—I need a convincing approach."

Sophia Laurent, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "I'll stake my life on Shane's character."

Nathan's expression softened slightly.

Sophia carried considerable weight in archaeological circles as Benjamin Laurent's granddaughter, with connections to several luminaries.

Shane shot her a grateful look.

She smiled faintly, already strategizing how to clear his past.

Luna pulled a tissue packet from her pocket. "Here."

Their fingers brushed as Shane accepted it, the brief warmth making his heart skip.

"Thanks."

Luna pressed her lips together. "Don't mention it."

He wiped away mud with the tissue, oblivious to the water droplets still clinging to his hair.

Luna's hand twitched upward instinctively before she lowered it.

Nathan extended his palm. "Your grandfather's hands are dirty too."

Luna spread her empty hands. "Only brought one pack."

Nathan huffed. "All my affection wasted on you."

She sighed. "Your assistant has everything."

The aide promptly produced a towel.

The group moved to the temporary dining area where Nathan was seated privately.

Villagers had prepared local dishes whose aromas filled the air.

Nathan fixed Shane with an intense stare. "Explain this thunder tomb detection technique."

Shane set down his chopsticks. "Abnormal thunder echoes indicate underground tombs. Ground listening pinpoints location and depth."

Nathan marveled, "I'd find it hard to believe without witnessing it."

Shane remained composed. "That's understandable."

Nathan served him more food. "They say you understand geomancy too?"

"Tracking dragon veins through mountain peaks, locating burial sites by water patterns."

Nathan nodded approvingly. "How long did you study?"

"Learned observation skills from my adoptive father since childhood. Thunder detection, acoustic positioning."

Nathan suddenly sighed. "What a waste..."

The melancholy note chilled Shane's heart.

Luna discreetly messaged for fresh clothes.

She poured hot water for everyone, filling Shane's cup to the brim with two ginger slices.

Nathan noticed and smirked.

Shane drank the ginger infusion deeply, warmth spreading from his stomach to his core.

After the meal, Luna's colleague delivered uniforms.

"Change out of those wet clothes. Remember—these are borrowed."

Shane accepted them, emotion swelling in his chest.

Someone like him couldn't handle even small kindnesses.

When he emerged changed, the group's eyes lit up.

The crisp uniform accentuated his upright posture, lending an air of integrity.

Luna's gaze lingered a moment too long.

Shane's ears burned.

She hastily looked down at her tea—the cup had been empty for a while.

With the rain cleared, Nathan led the team with Shane to survey the tomb.

Shouldering a Luoyang shovel, Shane guided them up the slope.

"Qinling Han slope—this is a Han Dynasty tomb."

Nathan's eyes gleamed.

Shane pointed to lush vegetation. "Strong energy flow indicates a major burial site."

Nathan stroked his beard. "A true professional."

Shane efficiently assembled the probe.

Planting his feet wide, back straight, he drove the shovel vertically downward.

At twelve meters, white clay emerged.

"Confirmed high-status Han burial."

Nathan was elated. "Brilliant!"

Shane calmly disassembled the tool. "Excavate quickly to prevent looting."

He remembered Silas Prescott's methods.

Nathan said meaningfully, "Years ago I recruited a master tomb raider after his release. He refused."

Shane understood why.

Tomb robbing paid well—who'd want institutional constraints?

His choice to reform was partly for family...

His peripheral vision caught Luna's delicate profile.

And partly for her.