Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
The Disguised Smugglers
A gang of opium smugglers establishes their cover by dressing as Taoist priests known for moving hopping corpses. They prepare for an unusual assignment that requires careful concealment.
Key Events
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Smuggler Gang Introduction — A gang of opium smugglers is introduced operating in the shadows.
Location: Unknown Territory
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Taoist Disguise Setup — The gang adopts the appearance of Taoist priests to conceal their identity.
Location: Preparation Site
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Hopping Corpses Lore — Their cover story involves transporting supernatural hopping corpses.
Location: Folklore Context
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Contract Negotiation — The disguised gang receives a lucrative hiring offer for a special transport.
Location: Meeting Point
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Real Corpse Acquisition — The gang secures a genuine dead body for the delivery mission.
Location: Acquisition Site
The Hired Mission
The gang accepts a contract to transport a genuine dead body. They secure the corpse and begin their journey under the protection of their ritual disguise.
Key Events
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Real Corpse Acquisition — The gang secures a genuine dead body for the delivery mission.
Location: Acquisition Site
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Journey Commences — The transport begins under the guise of a ritual procession.
Location: Mountain Path
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Disguise Maintenance — The smugglers carefully maintain their priest personas while moving.
Location: Forest Trail
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Path Obstacles — Natural and supernatural barriers test the transport team.
Location: Rugged Terrain
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Corpse Stability Check — The gang verifies the real corpse remains secure and undisturbed.
Location: Rest Stop
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Suspicion Arises — Local observers question the unusual procession and its cargo.
Location: Village Outskirts
The Journey Begins
The transport team navigates difficult terrain and supernatural folklore while maintaining their priest facade. Suspicion from locals and corpse anomalies raise the stakes.
Key Events
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Suspicion Arises — Local observers question the unusual procession and its cargo.
Location: Village Outskirts
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Smuggler Skills Tested — The gang uses their smuggling expertise to navigate tight routes.
Location: Narrow Pass
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Night Travel Risks — The journey continues through dangerous nighttime conditions.
Location: Dark Woods
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Corpse Anomalies — Unexpected movements or signs from the dead body cause tension.
Location: Cave Shelter
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Guide Assistance — A local guide provides crucial direction toward the destination.
Location: Crossroads
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Destination Approach — The final resting place comes into view as the journey nears completion.
Location: Hillside
Arrival at Resting Place
The gang reaches the designated burial site and completes the delivery. After receiving payment, they abandon their disguise and resume their smuggling activities.
Key Events
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Destination Approach — The final resting place comes into view as the journey nears completion.
Location: Hillside
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Final Resting Place — The gang arrives at the designated site for the corpse's placement.
Location: Burial Ground
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Delivery Completion — The real dead body is successfully handed over or interred.
Location: Burial Ground
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Payment Exchange — The hired gang receives their agreed compensation for the service.
Location: Transaction Point
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Disguise Removal — The smugglers shed their priest personas and return to their true roles.
Location: Exit Path
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Mission Conclusion — The transport job ends, leaving the gang to continue their smuggling operations.
Location: Open Road
