“Generally speaking, it’s unnecessary to build one. The first consideration when choosing a site for a tomb is to avoid water. If water is found during excavation, the ancients would typically avoid building a tomb there.”
“Of course, changes in the earth’s crust over time, leading to rising water levels or river course changes, are another matter.”
Chloe spoke passionately about her field of expertise, seemingly sweeping away the despair of being trapped in a dire situation.
Leo and Domingo huddled together, listening to Chloe. Leo felt Domingo’s body trembling slightly against his, as if she were chilled from her wet clothes clinging to her skin after emerging from the water.
She was wearing a long, thin dress that, once soaked, clung to her as if she were wearing nothing at all. Leo dared not make any sudden movements, fearing she might misunderstand.
The sensation of cold and warmth seeping through his clothes made Leo’s mind wander.
Unaware of Leo’s thoughts, Chloe continued, “Of course, there are exceptions for tombs. If one is built near water or if the tomb’s designer anticipated future water issues, there are usually two solutions.”
“What are they?” Domingo asked casually, feeling warmer now and less cold than before as she leaned against Leo.
Chloe’s hand remained on the Diamond Wall as she explained, “One is to build a waterproof embankment, which is a massive project meant to block water; the other is to divert it by constructing a drainage canal around the tomb.”
“This underground palace was built by the river. How could they drain the water?” Leo didn’t understand the design of this underground palace and thought the designer must have been out of their mind to come up with such a plan.
Chloe pondered for a moment before saying, “Who can say? We’re not gods. We can’t predict how the terrain will change over time.”
“Generally speaking, the terrain doesn’t change much within a century or two. Although this underground palace is part of the Western Xia Treasury above, it is clearly much older.”
Chloe paused and asked, “Leo, can you see?”
From Leo’s earlier actions in finding Domingo, Chloe had deduced that he had night vision abilities.
Leo nodded but then remembered they were in complete darkness and quickly said, “I can see somewhat.”
“That’s good.” Chloe sighed in relief. Despite being trapped on this stone island, Chloe had calmed down considerably compared to earlier. “Can you help me estimate the size of this Diamond Wall?”
Leo stood up. Domingo could no longer lean against him but still stayed close to his feet like a cat seeking warmth in winter.
Leo looked around. Beyond three feet from him was pitch black. Even using his spiritual sense, he couldn’t see clearly.
However, he could hear the water flowing in the canal and feel the wind on his face. With his heightened senses, he estimated that the Diamond Wall extended at least a thousand meters on both sides.
“About a thousand meters,” Leo reported to Chloe.
Chloe traced something on the stone with her fingers, seemingly deep in thought.
Leo sat back down. This place was like a small island providing temporary shelter for the three of them.
Leo already had a plan in mind. If Chloe couldn’t find a way out, he would use the Earth Concealment Technique to take her and Domingo away from here.
Suddenly, there was a “thud,” startling all three of them.
Domingo was so scared she burrowed into Leo’s arms.
Leo patted her back to reassure her.
The sensation in his arms made him inwardly groan. If Domingo and Chloe could see him blushing while holding Domingo, anyone would know what he was thinking.
“What was that sound?” Domingo asked fearfully.
“Probably a rock,” Chloe said uncertainly.
Leo looked in the direction of the sound and heard another couple of “thuds.”
This time they all heard it clearly; it was indeed rocks falling into the canal.
Domingo relaxed slightly and moved out of Leo’s arms but still stayed close. It seemed as long as there was no light, she intended to cling to Leo.
Leo suddenly had an idea.
He fumbled on the ground for some rocks and asked Chloe, “Chloe, what’s with this Diamond Wall? Have you figured anything out?”
Chloe had been interrupted by the falling rocks but now resumed her thoughts. “This Diamond Wall must have existed before the tomb was built; it’s very costly.”
“Then how did it end up with the Western Xia Treasury? Was it built over this underground palace later? Is it just a coincidence?” Domingo asked, slipping back into her reporter role despite their situation.
“Most likely Emperor Lee discovered this underground palace by chance and claimed it for himself,” Chloe reasoned. Leo and Domingo nodded in agreement; it made sense.
“Which dynasty is this from?” Domingo pressed.
“In this darkness, how would I know? And even if I did, what difference would it make?” Chloe showed a hint of despair.
Domingo also realized their dire situation and asked tearfully, “Chloe, how long will we be trapped here? Will anyone above know we’re here?”
Chloe shook her head. “Even if they knew, how could they get down here? Given the water we saw before we passed out, most of the Western Xia Treasury is probably flooded.”
“Even sending divers wouldn’t help. This isn’t just any riverbed; it’s the complex corridors of the Western Xia Treasury with inner and outer vaults. Getting into the inner vault would be a feat.”
Chloe spoke the truth. Domingo fell silent, and they all listened to the sound of flowing water.
Suddenly, Leo threw something.
Domingo was startled and lightly slapped him. “What are you doing? You scared me!”
Leo said urgently, “Don’t talk. Listen!”
He threw another rock.
Chloe and Domingo were puzzled by Leo’s actions but Chloe soon noticed something unusual about the sound.