“Yes, initially we just found a small room in the inner vault, but when we opened it, it turned out to be a passage leading deep underground.”
“After Chloe and the team ruled out the possibility of traps, they went inside and finally discovered the real Western Xia Treasury.”
“So what’s the problem now?” Leo knew Old Xavier wouldn’t have called him over just to show him this.
“The problem is, we can’t open it.”
“Can’t open it? What can’t you open?”
“The door won’t open,” Old Xavier said, sounding like a housewife who had locked herself out and was explaining it to a locksmith.
“How can it not open?” Leo was puzzled.
Chloe was an expert in ancient tomb locks; how could she not know how to open it? And the Langstel Museum had sent so many experts.
Old Xavier understood what Leo meant and said helplessly, “We’ve all tried.”
“Tried everything?”
Old Xavier nodded one by one.
“What about blasting it open? If nothing else works, can’t you use controlled explosives to make a few holes?”
Old Xavier shook his head. “If it weren’t for the structure of this inner vault, they would have tried that already. But the Sky Treasure Dragonfire Top’s kerosene hasn’t been completely removed yet. In fact, it can’t be removed. Who knows what kind of vibrations violent demolition would cause? If that kerosene spills out…”
Old Xavier didn’t finish his sentence. The thought of the kerosene flooding the entire Western Xia Treasury and burning everyone and everything inside sent chills down his spine.
“So you came to me?” Leo pointed at himself.
Old Xavier looked at Leo expectantly.
“What can I do?” Leo could only judge from a video; he didn’t dare give reckless advice like last time.
“But that Iron Gate…” Leo stared at the still image on the video screen, moving closer to take a better look.
Hope rose in Old Xavier’s heart.
This video was specially recorded by Chloe and her expedition team and sent to the museum, specifically for Leo to see.
If Leo couldn’t offer any substantial advice, Old Xavier feared Chloe would be disappointed.
“What’s with this Iron Gate?” Old Xavier perked up and leaned closer to the screen.
“Nothing much, just that the patterns on it are quite beautiful,” Leo pointed at the designs on the Iron Gate.
Old Xavier straightened up in disappointment.
“Really, you didn’t see anything?” he asked, still unwilling to give up.
“Old Xavier, don’t worry. These things have been there for hundreds of years; they’re not going to grow legs and run away,” Leo patted Old Xavier’s shoulder to comfort him.
Old Xavier was momentarily stunned; he knew this logic well.
Just like the Qin Emperor’s tomb, when current technology couldn’t ensure safe access, the standard practice in archaeology was to leave it sealed until future technology or conditions allowed for safe exploration.
This approach maximized the protection of the artifacts within the tomb.
The older the tomb, the more this applied.
“You’re right. Alright then, I’ll tell Chloe not to rush opening that door and to focus on cataloging the outer artifacts first.”
“When is Chloe coming back?” Leo suddenly asked, regretting it immediately-no, very much regretting it.
Because he saw Old Xavier’s wrinkled face smooth out as if ironed. “What? Missing Chloe?”
Unable to withstand Old Xavier’s teasing smile, Leo turned and left.
Old Xavier muttered behind him, “Kid, what’s there to be shy about!”
Leaving the museum, Leo drove to Henley’s Corp.
The next day was a competition between Atrarian traditional medicine and Korean Medicine. Under Shiloh and others’ strong insistence and eagerness to observe, Leo decided to close Nameless Clinic for a day.
Today, not only did Sophia take a day off to accompany Leo to the competition, but Martin and Jessica also dressed in their best clothes to support him.
As they were about to leave, Leo’s phone suddenly rang. It was Shiloh calling.
Leo answered, “Shiloh, have you guys left yet?”
“Leo, can you come to the clinic right now?” Shiloh sounded urgent.
“What’s going on? What happened?” Leo was taken aback.
Shiloh quickly explained the situation.
This morning, as Shiloh was about to drive to the International Convention Center, he received a call from a patient’s family member. The caller urgently asked for help, saying his mother was in critical condition and he was carrying her outside Nameless Clinic.
Given the life-or-death situation, Shiloh drove to the clinic. Upon arrival, he examined the man’s mother and found she was suffering from heart failure. Despite routine treatment, her condition worsened. Helpless and anxious, Shiloh called Leo.
“Shiloh, don’t panic. Try to stabilize her condition; I’m on my way!”
After hanging up, Leo explained the situation to Sophia.
Sophia supported Leo going to save lives. Jessica disagreed, reminding him of the importance of the competition and suggesting they go after it was over.
Leo’s face darkened. “The patient can’t wait that long. As a doctor, ignoring a patient’s life means nothing even if we win against Korean Medicine!”
Without further hesitation, Leo asked Sophia to take Jessica and Martin to the convention center while he headed to the clinic. He promised to rush to the convention center after saving the patient.
By nine o’clock, Langstel International Convention Center was packed with people. Among them were locals and people from other regions who had heard about the event, as well as media reporters and spectators from around the world.
Only those with considerable influence could attend since today’s tickets were not for sale. Without a ticket, entry was impossible.
Media personnel set up cameras while reporters began pre-competition broadcasts. On the main stage sat Prince George and the Queen from the Royal House of Albion, along with other royal members. Representatives from Atrarian traditional medicine research and Goryeo Medical Research Association also took their seats. Only Brennen’s seat remained empty.
Brennen paced anxiously outside the convention center entrance, frequently checking his watch. “Why isn’t Leo here yet? His phone is unreachable. Could something have happened?” he muttered to himself.